SPORT Monday 12 March 2018

PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 34 PAGE | 35 Defiant Mourinho Rain halts Federer’s NBA: Westbrook hhailsai United after win Indian Wells opening and Thunder topp over Liverpool match Spurs

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES All Times in GMT Today Al eye knockout Lokomotivs vs Al Duhail (1200) Al Wahda vs Zob Ahan (1500) vs (1515) Esteghlal vs Al Ain (1530) Tomorrow Melbourne Vsictory vs Kawasaki Fron- stage with away victory tale (0830) Kashima Antlers vs Sydney (1000) AFC CHAMPIONS Al Duhail are determined to stretch Ulsan vs Shanghai SIPG (1000) LEAGUE their winning streak. Shanghai Shenhua vs Suwon Bluew- Al Duhail will become the ings (1200) first team to qualify for Tractor Sazi vs Al Jazira (1230) the knockout stages of Al Wasl vs Persepolis (1515) the AFC Champions vs Nasaf (1515)

League if the Qatari side Al Ahli vs Al Gharafa (1715) defeat Uzbekistan’s PFC Lokomotiv in Group B at Lokomotiv Stadium today. Barca agree After win in their first pre-contract match, Lokomotiv went on to lose their next two away deal with games and slipped from first to third in the Arthur standings. REUTERS RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA BARCELONA: Barcelona have reached a deal with : QNB Stars League (QSL) Brazilian side Gremio to sign champions Al Duhail will be midfielder Arthur for a poten- looking to replicate their home tial 39m euros ($47.99m), the winning form today when they Spanish league leaders said take on Uzbek giants Lokomo- yesterday. tiv Tashkent in an AFC The Catalans can choose Champions League clash, coach to activate the deal for the Djamel Belmadi said yesterday. 21-year-old playmaker in July Also today, Qatari giants Al 2018 if they wish to follow Rayyan host Saudi Arabia club through with the signing. Al Hilal with hopes of producing yesterday. “It is a great feeling to side at home,” the Algerian that my players have a strong “In the event that the club their first Group B win in a sep- know we have won the added. desire to get a win on home soil,” finally exercises the option arate AFC Champions League league title. That is an honour for “I think fans will see an excit- the popular Dane added. signed, the price of the trans- clash at Jassim Bin Hamad us. It was a fierce competition ing game for sure,” he added. “Last week Al Rayyan fer is set at 30m euros plus Stadium. and winning the title gives us “In our first game in Doha, This time we intend to showed fighting spirit on the 9m euros in variable “We have arrived in motivation to do well in Asia we got the win with a bit of dif- avoid the mistakes we pitch and I want the same again,” amounts,” Barcelona said in Tashkent seeking a win,” Bel- also,” Belmadi added. ficulty despite the fact that we he said. “I have confidence in my a statement. madi, coach of Al Duhail, said at “We know it will be a tough had a great start,” Belmadi said made last week. We boys to deliver,” he said. Arthur, who is known for a pre-match press conference game as Lokomotiv are a good of the first leg in which Al Duhail showed our scoring Laudrup noted that Al Hilal his passing ability, shone in had raced to a 3-0 score in the ways and that’s what ‘play a balanced game in attack the Libertadores Cup as he first 25 minutes. we want. We want to and defense’ adding that he helped Gremio to lift the “But in the second half, expected the game ‘to be a close South American trophy for fatigue caught up with the play- get three points so we one’. the third time in November. ers and we allowed two goals,” go to the next round: Rodrigo Tabata, captain of Meanwhile, Lionel Messi Belmadi added. Coach Belmadi Al Rayyan, said: “We played a announced that he and his “This time we intend to avoid really game last week. The play- wife Antonella Roccuzzo had the mistakes we made last week. ers want to do even better and become parents for a third We showed our scoring ways willing, we will work to achieve give their best in this match.” time on Saturday. and that’s what we want. We victory tomorrow,” he said. He added: “We had many “Welcome Ciro!!! Thank want to get three points so we “We know our rivals are chances to score and we missed God, everything went per- go to the next round,” he said. strong at home and we respect those chances. I am confident fectly. He and his mummy are Al Duhail’s young mifielder them but we are ready,” he that when we get such chances doing very well. We are super Abdulla Al Ahraq said: “This will added. tomorrow, we will turn those happy!!!” wrote Messi on his be our fourth match of the AFC Meanwhile Al Rayyan coach those opportunities into goals. Instagram account, accom- Champions League. And we feel Michael Laudrup said his team My team is capable of getting the panying the post with a photo ready. This is an important game is expecting a tough clash today. win we seek.” of the baby’s hand. for us in Tashkent. We can con- “It will be a difficult match. Tabata said: “We finished Ciro is a brother to five- firm qualifying to the next round We played them six days ago in third in the league at home so year-old Thiago and Mateo, with a win.” Riyadh. This group is the tough- now our target is to go as far as who is two. Messi had pulled Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi congratulating his player after his “We believe that this is a est,” Laudrup said yesterday. possible in the AFC Champions out of Barcelona’s squad for team secured QSL title last week. strong incentive for us and God “Having said that, I know League.” Saturday’s La Liga match. Fiorentina honour Astori with Benevento win REUTERS warmed up in shirts bearing the standing in front of it and 31-year-old’s number 13, and the saluting. FLORENCE: Defender Vitor teams and officials gathered in Fiorentina could have added Hugo’s thumping header gave the centre circle for a minute’s a second in stoppage time at the Fiorentina a 1-0 win over Bene- silence which was only broken end of the second half as Milan vento in an emotional Serie A by the whirr of photographers’ Badelj hammered a shot from encounter at the Artemio Franchi cameras. distance off the post, and Marco stadium in Florence, the home As tears flowed down the Benassi somehow blazed the side’s first game since the sudden cheeks of fans in the stands, bal- rebound over the bar. death of their captain Davide loons in violet and white were Despite some good chances, Astori a week ago. released into the air, and in the Benevento struggled again in The funeral for Astori, who 13th minute the ball was put out front of goal and the result leaves was said by authorities in Udine of play as Fiorentina fans raised them rooted to the bottom of the to have died of a cardiac arrest flags and engaged in a minute of table with just 10 points from ahead of last Sunday’s scheduled applause. their 27 games, 11 behind Cro- game against Udinese, was held Brazilian Hugo celebrated tone in 19th spot. in the city on Thursday amid a the 25th-minute goal, his first for The victory moves Fioren- huge outpouring of grief from Fiorentina, by holding up a tina up into ninth on 38 points Players and supporters pay tributes to late Fiorentina’s captain Davide Astori yesterday. fans, players and coaches. t-shirt bearing an image of fel- ahead of the rest of yesterday’s Before kickoff, the players low defender Astori before matches. 30 SPORT MONDAY 12 MARCH 2018

West Ham owner hit by EPL: Wenger gets boost as coin in crowd trouble Arsenal end losing streak AFP LONDON: West Ham co-owner David Sullivan was AFP EPL RESULTS hit by a coin amid ugly protests as angry fans ran riot

LONDON: Arsene Wenger Arsenal bt Watford 3-0 during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat received a welcome boost as Tottenham bt Bournemouth 4-1 to Burnley at the London Arsenal eased a little of the pres- Stadium. sure on their beleaguered boss Sullivan and fellow co- with a 3-0 win over Watford past Karnezis. Watford weren’t owner David Gold were yesterday. fazed and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s forced to flee their seats in the After a wretched run left low strike deflected off Mustafi directors’ box as fans Wenger fighting to save his job, to force a good save from Cech. crowded around them with a 2-0 win at AC Milan in the Cech alertly kept out Rich- thrown missiles mixed with Europa League on Thursday arlison’s dipping free-kick, but chants of “sack the board” offered the Frenchman tempo- Roberto Pereyra should have and “you killed our club”. rary respite from the torrent of done better than blaze the Former West Ham striker abuse he has endured this rebound over. and manager Trevor Brook- season. Ozil was equally profligate ing cut a lonely figure as he Maintaining the momentum when he weaved through on sat in the directors’ box alone from that last-16 victory in the goal, only to clip his shot too for the final stages of the San Siro, Wenger’s side ended a close to Karnezis. match that saw West Ham slip run of three successive Premier There was less assurance to 16th in the Premier League, League defeats with a solid dis- about Arsenal towards the end just three points above the play at the Emirates Stadium. of the half and Cech had to relegation zone. Shkodran Mustafi’s early plunge to his left to save Richar- And Brooking confirmed opener and a cool finish from lison’s header. Sullivan had been struck. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put But Watford couldn’t take “I think a coin did hit them in control. advantage and Granit Xhaka’s David Sullivan, his glasses,” In a moment of sweet vindi- 20-yard blast after the interval Brooking told BBC 5 Live. cation, Watford captain Troy almost deceived Karnezis before “I didn’t see it myself but Deeney, who had questioned Arsenal’s players celebrate a goal against Watford during their EPL match in London yesterday. he grabbed the ball just before it I did have that confirmed.” Arsenal’s spirit earlier this sea- crossed the line. West Ham said an emer- son, had a second-half penalty Wenger rested Aaron Ramsey “cojones” after Watford beat free-kick towards the far post, Mkhitaryan was the catalyst, gency meeting had been saved by Petr Cech. and Laurent Koscielny and left Wenger’s men in October. Mustafi punished slack marking slipping a pass to Aubameyang, called with all London Sta- Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s strike Jack Wilshere on the bench. Fuelled by that jibe, Arsenal by Jose Holebas and Adrian Mar- who beat the Watford offside dium stakeholders, which wrapped up the points, but there Aubameyang was one of the took the lead in the eighth iappa as the German defender trap and rounded Karnezis includes Gold and Sullivan, was concern for Wenger as Mus- established stars who started for minute. When Ozil swung a deep powered a close-range header before slotting in his third goal whose decision to uproot the tafi limped off in the closing Arsenal and the Gabon striker since his club-record move club from Upton Park to the stages. should have opened the scoring from Borussia Dortmund in site that hosted London’s 2012 Arsenal, who had lost eight when he raced onto Mesut Ozil’s January. Olympic Games has caused of their previous 14 matches in pass and shot straight at Watford There was more cause for resentment. Saturday’s events all competitions, remain in sixth goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis. Wenger to wear a rare smile a are being investigated by the place and trail fourth-placed For the second successive few minutes later. Football Association and the Tottenham by 10 points. home game, a significant amount Ainsley Maitland-Niles con- Premier League as several Winning the Europa League of seats were empty as fans ceded a penalty with a foul on West Ham supporters also guarantees qualification for next stayed away in protest at Pereyra, but when Deeney invaded the pitch. season’s Champions League and, Wenger’s woes. stepped up to take the spot-kick, West Ham captain Mark with Arsenal’s hopes of achiev- The subdued atmosphere Cech made a fine save that pre- Noble grappled one fan to the ing that goal via a top-four finish lent an ‘end of an era’ feel to the served his 200th clean sheet in floor and team-mate James looking bleak, it was no surprise match, but it didn’t bother Arse- the Premier League. Collins marched two others Wenger prioritised the continen- nal, who had a point to prove to Mkhitaryan bagged his sec- away, whilst Burnley players tal competition. Watford captain Deeney. Arsenal’s coach Arsene Wenger looks ond goal in successive matches and staff allowed frightened With the second leg against Deeney had infuriated Arse- on during the match. with a low strike that crept under young supporters take shel- Milan looming on Thursday, nal by accusing them of a lack of Karnezis in the 77th minute. ter on their bench. Dybala double sends 10-man Celtic bounce Juve top of Serie A

REUTERS matches were postponed fol- lowing his passing and this back to beat Rangers TURIN: Paulo Dybala scored in week’s games began with both each half to give Juventus a 2-0 silence and applause as the home win over Udinese and put 31-year-old Italian interna- AFP Celtic’s captain Scott Rangers quickly reestab- them top of Serie A yesterday. tional was remembered. Brown celebrates after lished their lead thanks to more Dybala curled home a In the day’s early kickoff, GLASGOW: Celtic captain Scott poor Celtic defending. superb free kick from the edge Vitor Hugo scored the only goal the match. Brown dismissed talk of Rang- Declan John’s low cross of the area in the 20th minute as Fiorentina beat Benevento ers challenging for the Scottish evaded a host of bodies and fell to put Juventus ahead, and he 1-0 at the Artemio Franchi sta- title after his side twice trailed for Candeias to fire home at the was pulled down for a penalty dium in a game filled with and played more than 30 far post. Again Celtic responded later in the first half only for fel- emotional tributes to Astori, minutes a man short yet won 3-2 brightly and Wes Fotheringham low Argentinian Gonzalo who was buried on at Ibrox yesterday. was forced into brilliant saves to Higuain to miss the spot kick. Thursday. Substitute Odsonne deny Dembele and Callum Dybala added his second Lazio’s Ciro Immobile Edouard’s winner for the 10 McGregor. four minutes after halftime, scored both goals, including a men, 21 minutes from time The visitor’s pressure paid Higuain expertly holding up the superb backheel deep into stop- opened up a nine-point lead off in first-half stoppage time ball before playing it into the page time, to give his side a over Rangers. Celtic also have a when Dembele rounded off a path of the 24-year-old, who share of the spoils as they drew game in hand at the top of the frantic half by lobbing Fother- slotted it home right-footed. 2-2 away to Cagliari. table as they close in on a sev- ingham for his sixth goal in eight The win put Juventus on 71 The brace puts Serie A top enth straight Premiership title. games against Rangers. points, two ahead of Napoli scorer Immobile on 24 goals “We’ve come here four times After a brief lull after the with both sides having played from 24 games this season, six and won four games, so we break, Rangers seemed to have 27 games. ahead of Inter’s Mauro Icardi believe we can win here all the been handed the upper hand Napoli, though, will regain who has 18 in 22. time now,” said Brown, afer once more when Simunovic was the lead if they can beat Inter Newcomers SPAL slipped Celtic ended a Rangers six-game shown a straight red card for Milan in Sunday’s late kickoff into the bottom three following winning run that had sparked what the referee’s assistant at the San Siro. a 1-1 draw with fellow strug- suggestions of an unlikely title deemed to be an elbow on The sudden death last week glers Sassuolo while Dutch challenge. Morelos. of Fiorentina captain Davide midfielder Marten de Roon net- “They did a lot of talking However, despite their Astori cast a pall over Sunday’s ted the winner seven minutes beforehand - we stayed quiet. numerical advantage, Rangers proceedings in Serie A. from time to give Atalanta a 1-0 We usually do our talking on the were caught cold by a clinical Many of last weekend’s victory at Bologna. park.” Rangers’ wait for a first Celtic counter-attack. league win over Celtic since 2012 “We were punished by not doing see the intensity in the stadium Edouard had only been on continues, but they looked set to the basics very well.” - ‘Immense today. It was an incredible the field two minutes before he Juventus’ forward stretch their recent fine run performance’ - Celtic manager football match to be involved collected Dembele’s layoff and from Argentina when they twice went in front Brendan Rodgers were forced in.” Bain’s first involvement then cut inside to curl high into Paulo Dybala through Josh Windass and Dan- to hand a debut to goalkeeper was to pick the ball out of his the far corner. celebrates after iel Candeias in the first-half. Scott Bain due to a late injury net after a terrible error by In contrast to their defend- scoring a goal Rangers failed to hold either picked up by Dorus de Vries, and Dedryck Boyata, who gifted ing earlier in the game, Celtic’s yesterday. lead for long as first Tom Rogic the replacement played a big possession to Windass. The 10 men largely soaked up Rang- and then Moussa Dembele part in helping the champions Rangers winger strode forward ers’ pressure trouble free. equalised. The hosts failed to seal a record fourth straight win before blasting his 17th goal of But they were enjoyed a exploit Jozo Simunovic’s red card at Ibrox. the season. huge let off two minutes from just before the hour mark before “It feels great,” Rodgers Rangers’ early joy lasted just time when Bain saved Windass’s Edouard came off the bench to said after the victory. “It was eight minutes as Rogic replied low effort and Morelos somehow score the winner. an immense performance con- in spectacular fashion, curling turned the rebound onto the post “It’s incredibly tough,” said sidering we went behind very into the top corner from 25 with the goal gaping from point- Rangers manager Graeme Murty. early in the game.” “You can yards. blank range. MONDAY 12 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31 Zhendong is champion in Doha as China take home four trophies

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Title favourite China’s Fan Zhendong yesterday crushed Brazil’s Hugo Calderano to win the men’s crown at the 2018 ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open. Top seed Zhendong justified his exalted position to win the Men’s Singles title in straight sets as China claimed all four titles on offer on the closing day of the tournament at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. Zhendong beat the 13th seed to seal the title (13-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-7). “Hugo has a very strong backhand, I had to change the Qatar Table placement of the ball a great the Women’s Doubles final in confidence. Also we would have Tennis Association deal. In the first two games I was Doha. Chen Ke and Wang Manyu been in a very dangerous situa- too cautious, too passive; after won 8-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-4. tion; who knows what might President Khalil Al winning the second game I “After our loss in Hungary, have happened if there had been Mohannadi hands played in a more positive man- we changed our tactics, basically a fifth game.” Xu Xin said after over the prizes to ner,” Zhendong said after the the placement of the ball in the the final. the winners on the final. first three attacks. In the third In the women’s singles final, final day of the It was Zhendong’s 10th ITTF game when we were down 1-4 Liu Shiwen beat Wang Manyu 2018 ITTF World World Tour Men’s Singles title in we tried to keep our self-belief after an exciting battle. Tour Platinum Qatar what is now his 15th and final and follow the tactics of the pre- Shiwen won 4 - 2 (11-8, 11-10, Open held at the appearance. It was his first title vious game.” Chen Ke said after 11-9, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6. Ali Bin Hamad Al in Qatar. the final. Runner up at last year’s con- Attiyah Arena in In 2016 and 2017, he was the China also won the Men’s test in Doha, Wang Manyu Doha yesterday. The runner-up beaten by colleague Doubles final after Fan Zhendong looked on course for a better overall prize money Ma Long. and Xu Xin proved too strong for outcome in the 2018 final, secur- at the popular event Furthermore, when the Jun Mizutani and Yuya Oshima. ing the opening two games to was $235,000. Men’s World Ranking list is Zhendong and Xu Xin won claim the early momentum. The winners in the issued for April 2018, for the first 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 13-11. But Liu Shiwen, who was singles and doubles time in his career he will head “We did not make any required to compete in the two- events each got the list. changes to our tactics at the end day qualification tournament $28,000. The first title of the day went of the fourth game; we just ahead of the event, kept a cool to Chen Ke and Wang Manyu, focused on every point. We head, claiming the next four the ITTF World Tour and her in order to win this tournament; Qatar; this is a magnificent who beat Chen Xingtong and Sun thought it was crucial to win this games in a row to win her 12th third in Qatar. I am very happy to win here. I venue. I’ll be back next year.” Liu Yingsha with a strong display in game because it could affect our Women’s Singles gold medal on “I have played seven matches must express my gratitude to Shiwen said after the final.

North brace against Italy helps lift Wales to second

REUTERS

CARDIFF: Wales climbed to second in the Six Nations Champi- onship as George North led the way with two tries in an entertaining and comfortable 38-14 victory over Italy in Cardiff yesterday. Despite making 10 changes to the side defeated by Ireland in Dublin, Wales looked slick and cohesive in the open- ing stages and ended up going over for five tries. Hadleigh Parkes and North scored within the first seven minutes but the early Welsh onslaught was checked by a smart finish from Matteo Minozzi, one of the few bright sparks in another disappointing Italian campaign. With the visitors beginning to grow into the contest, Wales did not help themselves with Liam Williams sin-binned at the end of the first half and Gareth Davies early in the second. In between, Cory Hill added the hosts’ third try before North forced his way over for his second in the 66th minute. Justin Tipuric added a fifth and Mattia Bellini went over for a Launch of Qatar Champions League 2018 late consolation in the closing stages. A late yellow card for Tom- maso Benvenuti helped Wales seal a victory that lifts them above Yousuf Jeham Al Kuwari, President Qatar Association (QCA), holding the Qatar Champions League trophy, Gul Mohammad Khan England, France and Scotland into second with one round of matches Jadoon, Head of Domestic and Tournament Director, Girish Baria, General Manager Cricket Academy, and other officials are to play. Defeat, though, only extended Italy’s winless run to 16 Six seen at the launch of Qatar Champions League 2018, in Doha yesterday. The eight-team event starts on March 14. Nations games. A game featuring the two lowest-scoring sides in PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA this year’s championship saw a remarkable start with three tries coming within a breathless, end-to-end opening 10 minutes. Stage set for second edition of the Doha Triathlon

THE PENINSULA and facilities that are perfect for receive more visitors for differ- regional, continental triathlon in terms of access to the ent purposes. We hope the event and world cup level in DOHA: The stage is set for the bay, Corniche and park. Regis- will be well supported by fami- the next five years,” Al second edition of the Doha Tria- tration for Doha Triathlon is lies and wish all the luck in the Mohannadi said thlon 2018 on March 16 at MIA open until the 10th of March 2018 new super sprint category for Interested athletes, Park, organisers said yesterday. on the official website www. junior competitors”. local and international, After the big success Qatar dohatriathlon.com. Prof Dr Nasser Al Mohan- are welcome to regis- witnessed last year, when Doha There are three race dis- nadi, Board Member of Qatar ter and are encouraged Triathlon 2017 event attracted tances: Sprint (750m swim, 20km Cycling and Triathlon Federa- to book as soon as pos- more than 400 amateur and pro- bike, 5k run), Olympic (1500m tion (QCTF), responsible of sible before the end of fessional athletes, this week’s swim, 40km bike, 10k run) for triathlon sport and founding the deadline since the edition will make this event great 16+ and adults, and the new Jun- President of QTRI club, said: places are limited. for families. ior Super Sprint distance (375m “Triathlon is one challenging Prof Dr. Nasser “The participants and spec- swim, 10km bike, 2.5k run) for sport including nonstop swim- added: “This race is tators while taking part in the children aged between 12 to 15 ming, cycling and running. It is part of the local league event will have the chance to years old. one of the fastest growing sport for the first time in the enjoy the beautiful sky- Qatar Cycling and Triathlon in the world and is an Olympic history of this country line view from the iconic spot at Federation President Dr Moham- sport since Sydney 2000 Sum- and we want to focus MIA park and its surrounding med Al Kuwari said: “This is a mer Games.” as well on kids and areas,” a member of the organ- good occasion to share the Participants can sign up as Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation President Dr Mohammed Al Kuwari juniors who are the ising committee said yesterday. beauty surrounding the Museum individuals or as teams to take future of the sport. Last (right) and Prof Dr Nasser Al Mohannadi, Board Member of QCTF, are seen Triathlon is an exciting sport of Islamic Art. We hope Doha part in the competition, organ- but not least, we would during a press conference in Doha. that combines swimming, Triathlon will become one of the isers said. There are different like to thank HE cycling, and running and is con- most popular events in the region categories by age (junior 12-13, Sheikh Joan bin sidered a challenging test for to attract tourists to Qatar. Our 14-15, open and veteran) and “We are very happy to host the direction of the President of Hamad, President of Qatar athletes. country has a growing number gender (male/female) as well as this exciting race in the most the Federation, Dr Mohammed Olympic Committee (QOC) for The event will be held in MIA of architectural and cultural special classification for Qatari beautiful spot in the country, at Al Kuwari, we are aiming to his interest and great support to park because of its great features attractions and we expect to nationals. the Museum of Islamic Art. Under upgrade this race from local to this event.” 32 SPORT MONDAY 12 MARCH 2018 MONDAY 12 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33 Defiant Mourinho QSL braces for thrilling end as hails United after win over Liverpool

AFP turn their anger on the directors. LONDON: Jose Mourinho Burnley’s coaching staff battle hots up for 4th position (pictured) slammed criticism of allowed children caught up in the Manchester United’s cautious chaos to shelter in their dug-out approach in their 2-1 win over and Hammers boss David Moyes, THE PENINSULA bitter rivals Liverpool on Satur- whose side are only three points day, while West Ham fans clear of the relegation zone, DOHA: Excitement aplenty and action rebelled in ugly scenes during admitted he could understand galore. The thrill continues unabated. That their 3-0 defeat against Burnley. why tensions boiled over. sums up the 2017-18 QNB Stars League Marcus Rashford scored “The players understand. We season, where 20 rounds of matches have twice in the first 25 minutes at want to do well, just like the fans players celebrate a goal against Al Ahli during their QSL game on been completed. Old Trafford as United held off a do,” Moyes said. Saturday at Al Ahli Stadium. PICTURE: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA Even though Al Duhail emerged as the Liverpool fightback to move five “We want the supporters champions with 54 points last week, it is a points clear of their visitors in behind us. They can’t cross the foregone conclusion that the remaining two second place in the Premier line and come onto the pitch. I rounds of games will be fought keenly. League. haven’t seen that before in my De Souza and El Neel Al Duhail, formed this season by merg- United also closed to within time in football.” West Ham ing Lekhwiya and El Jaish clubs, won the 13 points of Manchester City, but vowed to take “decisive and championship with an unbeaten record, the barring a late-season collapse by appropriate action” after com- only team to do so. They took an unassail- the runaway league leaders, that pleting a “full and thorough power Al Markhiya to able eight-point lead over second-placed gap looks unbridgeable. investigation”, while the Football Al Sadd. Liverpool were left to rue a Association “strongly con- Besides the title, the second and third slow start as Rashford twice fin- demned” the disturbances. places were also decided after Week 20 ished impressively after Romelu Chelsea got back on track 2-0 victory over Al Ahli action. Al Rayyan are certain to finish third. Lukaku had outmuscled Dejan with a 2-1 victory over Crystal They have 39 points now, seven ahead of Lovren. Jurgen Klopp’s side dom- Palace at Stamford Bridge. fourth-placed Al Gharafa. inated possession as United sat Beaten in their previous two THE PENINSULA QSL: WEEK 20 STARS The battle for the fourth spot has hotted back for long periods and Eric matches, Chelsea took the lead up after Al Gharafa and both reg- Bailly’s 66th-minute own goal set through Willian’s deflected effort DOHA: Bottom-ranked Al Markhiya Almoez Ali (Al Duhail) istered wins last week. Only one point up a tense finish. in the 25th minute. produced a feisty performance to beat Almoez Ali is one of the most distinguished stars of separates the teams and either of them will “If people don’t think we Martin Kelly’s own goal seven Al Ahli 2-0, with the second goal coming newly-crowned champions Al Duhail this season. It end up fourth and thereby qualify for the deserved it, I don’t care,” Mour- minutes later doubled Chelsea’s deep into injury time, in Week 20 of the was no different last week in their 5-0 victory over Qatar Cup as Al Sailiya are further behind inho said. lead and Patrick van Aanholt’s QNB Stars League on Saturday. Al Kharaitiyat. The young striker did not score a goal, in the sixth position with 25 points. Al Duhail secured title “I am a bit tired, we have a 90th-minute goal came too late Leonardo de Souza opened the scor- but made four assists. Almoez has time and again Performance-wise, some teams made last week with thrashing match on Tuesday. I don’t care to rescue third-bottom Palace. ing in the 44th minute while Mohammed proved his worth for Al Duhail, the only unbeaten significant improvement, while some oth- over Al Kharaitiyat. what people say. The boys are Antonio Conte’s fifth-placed El Neel converted a penalty with the final side this season. ers went on the decline. happy, I’m happy.” Just a second side closed to within two points kick of the game (90+9) at the Al Ahli Qassim Burhan (Al Gharafa) Al Duhail have always maintained con- defeat in 21 Premier League of Tottenham in the race to qual- Stadium. Al Gharafa goalkeeper Qassim Burhan contributed sistency and their unbeaten streak is proof Al Sadd’s shock loss games leaves Liverpool still third, ify for next season’s Champions Eric de Oliveira, Al Markhiya’s Bra- greatly to their 3-0 victory over Al Sailiya even of that. They registered the most number of to Umm Salal help Al but they could drop to fourth if League. zilian attacking midfielder, underlined though star Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder and victories too (17). Al Sadd have 15 and Al Duhail to seal title Tottenham win at Bournemouth “We deserved to win,” Conte his intentions from the onset, slipping into Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi scored their goals. Qas- Rayyan 12. early. on Sunday. said. “For sure when you have so the Al Ahli box before unleashing a low Interestingly, Al Duhail and Al Sadd “Second half we had to con- many chances it is important to sim excelled below the bar with many brilliant saves ball that missed the far goalpost in just shared the honours for conceding the least tinue chasing the game, then we be clinical, but we must be the sixth minute. and the victory helped The Cheetahs stay in the number of goals (23) even though Al Duhail scored the goal and should have pleased with the performance In the 16th minute, referee booked fourth position. had netted 77 times compared to Al Sadd’s been a penalty around Fellaini and prepare for Barcelona.” Al Ahli’s Benson for bringing down Salah Oussama Darragi (Umm Salal) 59. situation on Sadio,” Klopp as both teams split ball possession stats Tunisian professional Oussama Darragi led the Al Duhail have a goal difference of +54 lamented. at 49-51 in favour of Al Markhiya. charge as Umm Salal grabbed three precious points as against Al Sadd’s +36. scorers’ chart as well. The second spot after the second phase of the competition Al Gharafa reaped the most rewards At the London Stadium, West Ten minutes later, Nassir Al Nasr of by defeating Al Sadd by a 2-1 margin. Syrian Mah- Al Duhail players Youssef El Arabi (24) changed hands between Al Sadd and Al started. after the arrival of Dutch star Wesley Sne- Ham could face a heavy fine or Al Markhiya dabbled at a long cross from moud Mawas netted their other goal as The Orange and Youssef Msakni (23) are on top of the Rayyan, but Al Sadd occupied it regularly The battle in the middle is sure to get ijder, Iranian ace Mehdi Taremi and Asim possibly even a temporary the flank, but his shot from the edge of Fortress kept pace with Al Gharafa for the fourth intensified between Al Sailiya, Al Ahli, Qatar Madbo. ground closure as a result of their the box was well pounced by Al Ahli place on 31 points, just one point separating the SC and Al Arabi. The last two teams moved Even though Al Duhail emerged as the champions with 54 Qatar SC changed three professionals fans’ shameful behaviour. keeper Naim Hussain. clear of the danger zone with their victories and brought in players such as Luis Jimenez Ashley Barnes blasted teams. Al Gharafa powered by Dutch star points last week, it is a foregone conclusion that the remaining Exactly at the half-hour mark, Al Mohamed Salah El Neel (Al Markhiya) in Week 20. It was Al Arabi’s hat-trick of (from Al Gharafa), Syrian striker Osama Burnley in front from 18 yards in Wesley Sneijder will be gunning for two rounds of games will be fought keenly as the battle for the Markhiya’s tireless midfielder Salah The spotlight was on Mohamed Salah El Neel when coveted fourth spot in the final rounds. wins too. Omari and Brazilian forward Patrick the 66th minute, prompting an unloaded a left-footed drive from the bottom-placed Al Markhiya beat Al Ahli 2-0. Leonar- The same will be the case at the bottom. fourth spot has hotted up after Al Gharafa and Umm Salal both Fabiano. angry West Ham supporter to run edge of the box, but the ball was palmed do de Souza had opened the scoring for The Oryxes are better off with 18 points than Al registered wins last week. . Goalkeeper Amin Lecomte returned to onto the pitch, where he was away by a diving Hussain. Five minutes Kharaitiyat (13) and Al Markhiya (12). Al Duhail after his loan move to Al Khor. tackled to the ground by Ham- in the first half, but it was El Neel’s penalty conver- before the first-half whistle, Al Markhi- Al Markhiya would have been off the Those who joined Al Sadd were mers star Mark Noble. ya’s Salah produced another long-range sion at the death that sealed the issue in Al Markhi- relegation zone had they not been docked Abdulkarim Hassan, Hamed Ismail, Ali Fari- The mood among the home missile that was once again saved by ya’s favour. Overall, he had a good game. six points for administrative mistakes Al Gharafa started doing extremely well Tunisian Ahmed Al Ajlani with the club’s doun, Akram Afif and Sami Sabit. Al Rayyan fans turned even more toxic keeper Hussain. In a major miss by the Diego Jardel (Al Arabi) regarding fielding of players. The Oryxes’ ever since Turk Bulent Uygun took over from youth coach Yasser Sibaei. recruited Hossam Kamal, Ahmed Yasser and when Burnley’s Chris Wood dou- hosts, Al Ahli’s Mohsin Al Yazidi, with an Brazilian midfielder Diego Jardel scored two goals victory against Al Sadd in the very first week Frenchman Jean Fernandez before the start Al Ahli also changed coach when Span- Abdulrahman Al Harazi, while Al Sailiya took bled the visitors’ lead in the 70th open target to shoot at, slapped the ball and set up the other netted by Ghanaian striker of QNB Stars League was overturned as they of second phase. iard Joaquin Caparros quit due to personal on board Alaa Al Saasi. minute. above the Al Markhiya crossbar with the Kwame Karikari in Al Arab’s 3-1 win over formidable fielded an ineligible player. Similarly, Al Arabi’s fortunes changed reasons. They handed the reins to his com- Umm Salal roped in Oussama Darragi Meanwhile, supporters goalkeeper completely beaten. Al Rayyan. Jardel has been having a good season. He Then, in Week 18, they beat Al Gharafa after Croat Luka Bonacic replaced Tunisian patriot George Jorge. and Mohammed Barois, Al Ahli recruited flocked towards the directors box A minute before the half-time whis- stands out in their ranks with his ability to go on the but met with the same fate for fielding six Qais Yaakoubi towards the end of first phase. Only Al Duhail (Djamel Belmadi), Al Sadd Mohammed Fuad, Hamza Younes, Fahd chanting “sack the board” at co- tle, De Souza flicked one home from close offensive. He has scored six goals this season. resident players which was a clear violation Umm Salal fired Egyptian Mahmoud (Jesualdo Ferreira), Al Rayyan (Michael Shnein, Al Arabi had Hamad Al Harbi, Ivan owners David Sullivan and David range after the Al Ahli goalkeeper blocked Luis Jimenez (Qatar SC) of the rule. The number of resident players Jaber and in came Moroccan Talal El Kark- Laudrup) and Al Sailiya (Sami Trabelsi) did Fuchster, Kwame Karikari, Ali Alob and Gold, while another ran onto the the shot of De Oliveira. Midfielder Luis Jimenez played a major role in Qatar to be included in the start list in the QNB ouri. And The Orange Fortress’ performance not change coaches and they benefited from Ahmad Al Nahawi. field to grab the corner flag. In the 70th, Al Markhiya’s Under-23 SC’s 2-0 win over Al Khor. Their first goal, scored by Stars League fixtures should not exceed five. graph is on the rise since then. that to a great extent. The other movers were Ali Al Mohan- Wood added insult to injury in player Ibrahim unleashed a long-range Brazilian medio Bruno Gallo from the penalty spot, The bottom team will directly go down, Qatar SC replaced Argentinian Gabriel Al Sailiya did very well in the first phase nadi, Abdullah Al Batat, Yousef Ahmed, the 81st minute when he tapped shot from the edge of the Al Ahli box, but resulted from a foul on Jimenez. The moves of the while the 11-placed side go into a play-off Calderon and The Kings, who once were and were fourth for long, but could not sus- Khalifa Abubaker, Mowaffaq Awad, Ahmed in after a mistake by Hammers his swinging shot was well pouched by with Second Division runners-up. rooted to the bottom, are now eighth with tain the momentum in the second half of Al Hifi, Mishal Al Shammari and the like. goalkeeper Joe Hart. keeper Hussain. In the 80th, Mohammed Chilean, who moved to Qatar SC from Al Gharafa in On the technical front, eight clubs 22 points. the season. Al Kharaitiyat have suffered the most Gold and Sullivan were asked

Muntari produced what would have been the second phase, created troubles for the rivals. It changed coaches, the latest being Tunisian Al Khor dismissed Frenchman Laurent The winter transfer window was another defeats (13) so far. Next come Al Khor and to leave the stadium for their own

was The King’s sixth win of the season. a late equaliser, but his tap from close Adel Sellimi replacing Yousef Adam at Al Banide and appointed Tunisian Nassif Al opportunity for clubs to strengthen their Al Markhiya (12). Al Kharaitiyat also con- safety before the final whistle as range was ruled off-side. Markhiya. Bayawi, while Al Kharaitiyat replaced ranks and many teams gained from it. ceded the most number of goals (51). the West Ham fans continued to Barca stroll past Malaga without Messi Hostile West Ham fans must stay away

AFP me the circumstances surrounding Leo. pull the deficit back to eight points with themselves.” Real move four points “We already more or less knew when a win over Celta Vigo on Sunday. behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, during final games, says Brooking MADRID: Lionel Messi was away attend- it might happen. It wasn’t very difficult Malaga, meanwhile, remain rooted while Eibar stay eighth. ing the birth of his son but Barcelona still to replace him because I had a clear idea to the bottom of the table. Gareth Bale started up front along- had more than enough to beat 10-man of how the game would go.” Messi is Ronaldo ‘from another galaxy’ - Ear- side the Portuguese, while Luka Modric REUTERS in the last five (home) games otherwise the Malaga 2-0 on Saturday and move 11 expected back against Chelsea at the lier on Saturday, Zinedine Zidane and Toni Kroos, fit enough only to come club is in serious trouble and the players points clear at the top of La Liga. Camp Nou, where the score is 1-1 from labelled Cristiano Ronaldo as “from off the bench in midweek, returned. LONDON: West Ham United fans that won’t be able to deliver. Messi was watching the game on a the first leg, but Valverde will have been another galaxy” after the striker’s dou- Modric was excellent throughout, the contributed to the toxic atmosphere at the “All I would say... is ‘anyone who has got television in hospital as Luis Suarez and delighted with how his attackers filled ble dragged Real Madrid to a 2-1 win over Croatian providing a sublime pass with London Stadium during Saturday’s 3-0 There is no way the team that aggressive frustration just don’t come Philippe Coutinho put his team two up the void, as Suarez, Coutinho and Ous- Eibar. Ronaldo headed in an 84th-minute the outside of his foot for Ronaldo’s Premier League defeat by Burnley should is going to play and get the to the five home games that are left’ because inside half an hour at La Rosaleda, before mane Dembele all delivered excellent winner at Ipurua, having earlier put Real opener. stay away from the London outfit’s remain- points to stay up under that we need everyone... all working together to Samuel Garcia was sent off in the 30th displays. in front with an emphatic near-post fin- “It’s true that after 15, almost 20 days, ing home matches, the hosts’ former striker try to get sufficient results.” Brooking also minute for a dangerous tackle on Jordi In particular, Dembele’s brilliant turn ish. Eibar’s Ivan Ramis had equalised in Luka came in and played a great game,” Trevor Brooking said. sort of atmosphere. It is said that co-owner Sullivan was struck in Alba. and pass was bettered only by Coutin- between to give the home side hope. Zidane said. West Ham’s defeat at the London Sta- impossible: Trevor Brooking the face by a coin after Burnley’s third goal Down a man and without a win in 12 ho’s flicked finish for what was a superb But Ronaldo’s two goals mean he has “He is an important player for us and dium was marred by several pitch invasions, led to West Ham supporters directing their matches, Malaga might have feared a second goal. now scored in seven consecutive games what he did, he did very well.” Valencia scuffles in the stands and fans taunting own- anger towards the directors’ box. rout but Barca settled for a straightfor- “He has that ability,” Valverde said and boasts a remarkable 13 goals over- remain a point behind Real and all but ers David Sullivan and David Gold, both of games left in the campaign. “Before the final whistle, two of the direc- ward victory, perhaps with one eye on of Dembele. all in that period. ended Sevilla’s hopes of finishing in the whom were escorted away from the direc- “Just don’t come to the games at the tors went upstairs - were asked by the Wednesday’s Champions League last- “Today I think had more success than The 33-year-old’s tally for club and top four by beating Vincenzo Montella’s tors’ box for safety reasons. moment until you try to allow the players to security people to do so,” Brooking added. 16 clash against Chelsea. at other times, but the good thing is that country this season stands at 35 goals in men 2-0. Club legend Brooking was left almost get the points to stay up,” Brooking told BBC “I think a coin did hit David Sullivan on his On Messi’s withdrawal, Barcelona he always goes at the opponent, always 37 appearances. Sevilla trailed Valencia by eight alone in the directors’ box as West Ham Radio 5. “There is no way the team is going glasses. I didn’t see it but I did have that con- coach Ernesto Valverde said: “I found challenges them, always tries to dribble, “For me he’s from another galaxy,” points before kick-off but that gap was slumped to their fourth league defeat in five to play and get the points to stay up under firmed, which was part of the reason why they out this (Saturday) morning, before leav- and we need people like that.” The win Real coach Zidane said. “He knows that stretched to 11 after two goals from Rod- Malaga’s Spanish defender Ignasi Miquel vies with Barcelona’s Uruguayan matches, leaving them three points above that sort of atmosphere. It is impossible. thought people in the directors’ box should go ing home, I had already been called by means Barca extend their advantage over he will score. He is a different, special rigo Moreno sealed a comfortable forward Luis Suarez (right) on Saturday. the relegation zone in 16th position with eight “That atmosphere must never come back inside to save any more problems like that.” the delegate of the club and he had told second-placed Atletico Madrid, who can player. The statistics speak for victory. 34 SPORT MONDAY 12 MARCH 2018

Woodward Rain halts Federer’s Indian Wells says defeat means Jones’ ‘honeymoon’ opener as Dimitrov goes out early is finally over AFP yet to be completed and 26-year-old Bulgarian No. 1 ATP/WTA Indian Wells results AFP another didn’t even make it on has never made it past the INDIAN WELLS: Defending court, and those two were also third round in seven Indian Wells: Results on the fourth day of the ATP and WTA Indian Wells tournament: LONDON: World Cup- champ Roger Federer’s open- to be completed on Sunday. appearances. winning coach Clive ing match was put on hold Federer and Delbonis will Dimitrov reached the final Men - Second round Woodward said Eddie Jones’ Saturday when play at the be the third match on stadium earlier this year in Rotterdam, “honeymoon” was over after Roger Federer (SUI x1) leads Federico Delbonis (ARG) 6-3, 2-2 Indian Wells ATP Masters was court after 10th seeded Novak where he lost to Federer. That a 22-16 defeat by France in match suspended due to rain suspended after heavy rain Djokovic plays his opener came after a breakthrough 2017 Paris on Saturday ended swept through the California against Japan’s Taro Daniel. which saw him win four titles, Filip Krajinovic (SRB x25) bt Mitchell Krueger (USA) 6-2, 6-2 England’s bid for a third desert. Federer is seeking to extend including Sofia, Cincinnati, Bris- Adrian Mannarino (FRA x20) bt Peter Polansky (CAN) 6-1, 6-4 successive Six Nations title The 36-year-old Federer his perfect record this season bane and the ATP Finals. Jeremy Chardy (FRA) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA x16) 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 under the Australian. had taken a set from Federico to 13-0 as he hopes to make his- Verdasco, 34, is making his Chung Hyeon (KOR x23) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 6-7 (9/11), 6-3, 6-3 Saturday’s reverse in Delbonis 6-3 with the second tory and capture his sixth title. 15th straight appearance in Tomas Berdych (CZE x12) bt Maximilian Marterer (GER) 6-1, 6-4 Paris came immediately after tied at 2-2 when rain stopped The age-defying Swiss Indian Wells and trying to Pablo Cuevas (URU x30) bt Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 England’s 25-13 defeat by play. maestro has already won two improve on his 2009 quarter- Dominic Thiem (AUT x5) bt Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 Scotland and meant they had The start of the match had titles in 2018, claiming his 20th final run. Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x3) 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3 lost back-to-back matches been delayed several minutes Grand Slam crown at the Aus- “It is an amazing feeling Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS x27) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) under Jones for the first time by light rain in a precursor of tralian Open in January. when you come to a tourna- Borna Coric (CRO) bt Albert Ramos (ESP x19) 6-0, 6-3 since he took charge after the worse weather to come. In men’s play earlier, world ment like this and in a stadium Roberto Bautista (ESP x13) bt Jared Donaldson (USA) 6-4, 6-2 team’s first-round exit at the With the showers expected number four Grigor Dimitrov with a good atmosphere against P Carreno-Busta (ESP x11) bt Horacio Zeballos (ARG) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) 2015 World Cup. to continue, organizers even- slumped to a shock 7-6 (7/4), one of the top players in the Daniil Medvedev (RUS) bt Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 6-7 (6/8), 7-5, 6-4 This was also the first Six tually suspended play for the 4-6, 6-3 defeat to Spain’s Fern- world,” Verdasco said. “You Nations since 2010 where Nicolás Kicker (ARG) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH x26) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 night, with the match to resume ando Verdasco. know you’re able to do your job England have lost two games. Kevin Anderson (RSA x7) bt Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) 7-5, 6-4 today. Dimitrov continues to and have a good day and win England now just have a One women’s match had struggle in Indian Wells. The the match,” Verdasco added. week to regroup before try- Women - Second round ing to stop, in Woodward’s Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) leads Angelique Kerber (GER x10) 6-3 match words, a “rampant Ireland”, suspended due to rain crowned Six Nations cham- Venus Williams (USA x8) bt Sorana Cirstea (ROM) 6-3, 6-4 pions on Saturday, Serena Williams (USA) bt Kiki Bertens (NED x29) 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 completing a Grand Slam at Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x21) bt Mónica Puig (PUR) 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 Twickenham on March 17. Julia Gorges (GER x12) bt Natalia Vikhlyantseva (RUS) 6-4, 6-1 “Eddie Jones’ honeymoon Danielle Collins (USA) bt Madison Keys (USA x15) 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) is finally over, he is about to Sofya Zhuk (RUS) bt Magdaléna Rybarikova (SVK x18) 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 experience the other side of Carla Suarez (ESP x27) bt Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 being the England coach,” Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) bt Mona Barthel (GER) 6-4, 6-3 wrote Woodward in his col- Mail on Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Anett Kontaveit (EST x28) 6-2, 6-4 umn for Britain’s Sunday newspaper. Caroline Garcia (FRA x7) bt Jennifer Brady (USA) 6-4, 6-4 Woodward was clear Daria Gavrilova (AUS x26) bt Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 over England’s greatest fail- Elena Vesnina (RUS x24) bt Catherine Bellis (USA) 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 ing at the Stade de France, Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) bt Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) 6-4, 6-1 where the French scored a D Kasatkina (RUS x20) bt K Siniakova (CZE) 6-2, 5-2 abandoned penalty try and five penalty goals. “The biggest problem of “So it was a really good feel- all was the huge penalty ing. I am super happy to win count against England: 16 in Roger Federer of and come through this tough total,” insisted Woodward, Switzerland waits for opponent and this tough round. who guided England to 2003 the rain to clear during “I am just going to enjoy the World Cup final glory against his match against victory and try to keep it going an Australia side coached by Federico Delbonis of in the next round and make it Jones. Argentina at the BNP as far as possible.” “You are not going to beat Paribas Open at the Fifth seeded Dominic Thiem any top-10 team in the world Indian Wells Tennis defeated teenager Stefanos with a statistic like that, espe- Garden in Indian Wells, Tsitsipas 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a sec- cially away from home.” California. ond round match. It was a point echoed by Thiem moved through to a one of Woodward’s former third round meeting with 30th England captains, Lawrence seed Pablo Cuevas, of Uruguay, Dallaglio. who beat Canadian Denis “Discipline was awful,” Shapovalov 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. wrote Dallaglio in his Sunday Thiem, 24, is hoping to Times column, the ex No 8 improve on last year’s quarter- adding that 16 penalties con- final finish at Indian Wells, one ceded was an “absurd of the biggest events on the ten- number”. nis calendar outside of the four “Yet again, it was the Grand Slams. Catherine ‘Cici’ Bellis same problem: players going Other men’s winners on cools down between to ground too easily, getting Saturday included American isolated and holding on.” games while playing Taylor Fritz, Czech Tomas Ber- Dallaglio, referring to the Elena Vesnina of dych and South Korea’s Chung Oscar-winning movie Char- Russia. Hyeon. iots of Fire, added: “France were not very good yester- day. They dragged England down to their own level of drudgery. Nearly a century Williams sisters win to set up clash after Harold Abrahams’ Olympics heroics in Paris, this AP best.” was chariots of dire.” Roger Federer led Federico England kicked-off on INDIAN WELLS: Serena Williams Delbonis of Argentina 6-3, 2-2 Saturday knowing they and sister Venus won at the BNP when their match was delayed needed to beat France and Paribas Open to set up a third- by a heavy drizzle 56 minutes score at least four tries into round clash in the desert after it began. the bargain for a bonus point tournament. Wild card Danielle Collins to keep their title hopes alive Serena got by No. 29 seed Kiki defeated US Open finalist Madi- following Ireland’s earlier Bertens of the Netherlands 7-6 son Keys 6-3, 7-6 (1) to continue 28-8 victory over Scotland. (5), 7-5 in the second round on a string of upsets. Yet it was not until six Saturday in her return from a Keys hasn’t made it past the minutes from time that wing 14-month absence after giving fourth round at Indian Wells in Jonny May crossed the French birth to her first child. eight tries. The No. 15 seed was try-line. Venus preceded her younger mistake-prone throughout the Woodward, a free-run- sister on the stadium court and second-round match, commit- ning and try-scoring England beat Sorana Cirstea of Romania ting five unforced errors in the centre in his playing days, 6-3, 6-4. tiebreaker. was among those concerned The sisters will resume their Collins, ranked 116th and by the lack of attacking threat longtime rivalry today. Serena making her first appearance in -- an issue for a team with leads Venus 17-11 all-time and has the main draw, is just starting her ambitions of winning next won eight of their last nine meet- second year on the WTA Tour. Chris Evert (with hands on chin) watches Catherine ‘Cici’ Bellis play Elena Vesnina of Russia during year’s World Cup in Japan -- ings, most recently the Australian She joined American upset the BNP Paribas Open. Evert, 63, won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and three doubles crowns in her and, in particular, the form of Open final last year. winners Sachia Vickery, who beat illustrious career. fly-half George Ford. It will be their earliest meet- No. 3 seed Garbine Muguruza; “England’s backs again ing since the sisters’ first match 16-year-old wild card Amanda Vesnina eliminated American (3), 6-2. Chardy 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4. scarcely looked like scoring in the series, a straight-sets vic- Anisimova, who beat No. 23 seed CiCi Bellis 2-6, 6-1, 6-1; No. 4 seed Two seeded players lost: No. Fifth-seeded Dominic Thiem a try, which is a major worry,” tory by Venus in the second round Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova; and Elina Svitolina beat Mona Barthel 18 Magdalena Rybarikova and No. fired 10 aces to beat Stefanos Tsit- he wrote. “The form and of the 1998 Australian Open. wild-card teenager Caroline 6-4, 6-3; No. 12 Julia Goerges 28 Anett Kontaveit. sipas of Greece 6-2, 3-6, 6-3; No. approach of George Ford is “Obviously, I wish it was any- Dolehide, a three-set winner over defeated Natalia Vikhlyantseva On the men’s side, No. 3 7 Kevin Anderson defeated Evg- the biggest worry of all and body else in the draw, literally No. 30 Dominika Cibulkova on 6-4, 6-1; No. 27 Carla Suarez Nav- Grigor Dimitrov was upset by eny Donskoy 7-5, 6-4; and No. 12 for the second game in a row anybody, but that’s OK,” Serena Friday. arro beat Su-Wei Hsieh 6-4, 2-6, Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (4), 4-6, Tomas Berdych rolled past Ger- he was substituted off and said. “Just have to go out there In other matches Saturday, 6-3; and No. 26 Daria Gavrilova 6-3 and No. 16 Fabio Fognini man Maximilian Marterer 6-1, 6-4 Owen moved to No 10. That and see how I am and do my defending champion Elena dismissed Yanina Wickmayer 7-6 went down against Jeremy in just over an hour. shouldn’t be happening.” MONDAY 12 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35

Cheers as N NHL round-up: Gutsy Panthers Korea rookies finish last in Paralympics earn 8th straight home victory debut

REUTERS visiting Winnipeg. Goaltender late in the second period, and AFP Petr Mrazek stopped 27 shots for Lars Eller added another goal NEW YORK: Frank Vatrano the Flyers, who halted a five- late in the third while goalie PYEONGCHANG: Two North scored in his Florida Panthers game losing streak (0-4-1). Philipp Grubauer made 24 saves Korean rookie skiers finished debut, leading his new team to Patrik Laine scored his 40th as Washington shut out host San last as they made their coun- a franchise-record, eighth goal of the season for the Jets, Jose. try’s Winter Paralympics straight home victory, a 4-3 who had been red hot with four The contest ended a three- debut in the South Sunday, shootout decision over the New consecutive victories. game Western swing in which but a flag-waving crowd York Rangers on Saturday in The 19-year-old has scored Washington simply could not cheered enthusiastically at Sunrise, Fla. at least one goal in 10 of the last find a lot of offense. The Capitals the latest sign of an Olympics- Aleksander Barkov and Vin- 11 games and five games in a row. fell at Anaheim on Tuesday (4-0) fuelled rapprochement. cent Trocheck scored in the Winnipeg goaltender Connor and then lost to the Kings (3-1) With spectators packing shootout for Florida. The Rang- Hellebuyck had 33 saves in the on Thursday night. Martin Jones out the stands and waving the ers had just one shootout score, loss. made 24 saves for the Sharks. blue-and-white Korean uni- from Mats Zuccarello. Bruins 7, Blackhawks 4 Blues 7, Kings 2 fication flag, teenager Kim Vatrano had been out due to David Pastrnak, Brian Jake Allen made 38 saves Jong Hyon and Ma Yu Chol -- an ankle injury since being Gionta, Rick Nash and Sean and seven different players who both only started skiing acquired from the Boston Bru- Kuraly all lit the lamp in the third scored as the St Louis offence three months ago -- were the ins on Feb. 22. However, his goal period to help Boston rally from broke out of a month-long slump first over the start line in the helped the Panthers improve to a goal down to beat Chicago in in routing host Los Angeles. cross-country race. 15-3-1 overall since Jan. 30, mak- Boston. The Blues led 2-0 after one But they were no match ing them the hottest team in the The win was the Bruins’ sixth period and 4-1 after two before for their more experienced NHL during that span. in a row during a dominant adding two more goals in the rivals in the men’s 15km sit Jonathan Huberdeau and homestand in which they out- first minute of the third period ski category, and rolled in Jamie McGinn had goals for Flor- scored opponents 30-19. Boston to put the finishing touches on a 26th and 27th, with Ma com- ida, and goalie Roberto Luongo became only the seventh team brutal day for Kings goalies pleting the course in 1hr 4min made 34 saves. Zuccarello, Mika in NHL history to win all six Jonathan Quick and Jack Camp- 57.3 sec, and Kim finishing in Zibanejad and Kevin Hayes games on a homestand. The Bru- bell. Then St Louis added another 1hr 12min 49.9sec. scored for the Rangers, and ins also got two goals from David goal for good measure. The Blues The gold medal winner, goalie Henrik Lundqvist made Krejci. snapped a two-game losing Ukraine’s Maksym Yarovyi, 32 saves, but New York lost its Pastrnak tied the game 4-4 streak and won for just the sec- finished in around 41 third game in a row. just 6:23 into the final period ond time in a month, using an minutes. Maple Leafs 5, Penguins 2 before Gionta made it 5-4 at the early advantage to bury the There was a silver lining Nazem Kadri lit the lamp 8:02 mark and Nash provided Kings. to their less than triumphant twice and Frederik Andersen some insurance 9:18 into the Avalanche 5, Coyotes 2 debut -- while they finished made 38 saves as host Toronto period. An empty-netter for Mikko Rantanen collected a last, a Georgian and a Bela- snapped a four-game losing Kuraly with just over 21 seconds goal and two assists while Tyson rusian failed to complete the streak with a win over left sealed the result. Barrie, Blake Comeau and Carl course at all, meaning they Pittsburgh. Golden Knights 2, Sabres 1 Soderberg each netted one goal did worse than the North Patrick Marleau, Mitchell Erik Haula scored the deci- and one assist as Colorado Koreans. Marner and Kasperi Kapanen sive goal in the fifth round of the cruised past Arizona in Denver. Still, the North Koreans’ also scored for Toronto, which shootout as Vegas edged host Avalanche goalie Jonathan participation was not so much had been outscored 17-10 dur- Buffalo. Bernier made 22 saves to earn about winning and more ing its 0-2-2 skid. Haula gave Vegas its 44th Edmonton Oilers’ forward Leon Draisaitl (29) the win, although he left early in about extending a rapid rap- Sidney Crosby and Patric win when he lifted a wrist shot celebrates his third-period goal against the the third period and was prochement between Seoul Hornqvist scored for the Pen- over Buffalo goaltender Robin Minnesota Wild at Rogers Place. replaced by Semyon Varlamov and Pyongyang that began guins while Tristan Jarry allowed Lehner’s glove side. David Per- the rest of the way as Colorado with last month’s Winter four goals on 16 shots as Pitts- ron also scored in the opening the 13th goaltender with 400 Lightning, registering 27 saves snapped a streak of three straight Olympics. burgh had its three-game round of the shootout for the career wins. and stopping Artturi Lehkonen overtime losses. The Olympics-driven winning streak halted. Casey Golden Knights, who won for the Lightning 3, Canadiens 2 on Montreal’s last shootout Comeau (1:45), Barrie (2:41) detente has triggered a flurry DeSmith replaced Jarry and third time beyond overtime. Brayden Point and Nikita attempt. Tampa Bay won its fifth and Soderberg (4:22) all scored of diplomatic activity, which made nine saves. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped Kucherov scored shootout goals straight game and for the ninth for Colorado in the game’s first culminated in the shock Flyers 2, Jets 1 Sam Reinhart and Jason Pomin- against Antti Niemi to lift Tampa time in 10 games, while Montreal five minutes, with a goal from announcement last week that Claude Giroux and Andrew ville in the shootout. Fleury made Bay past visiting Montreal. lost its fourth straight. the Coyotes’ Christian Dvorak US President Donald Trump MacDonald each scored a goal 31 saves in the first 65 minutes Louis Domingue won his Capitals 2, Sharks 0 (2:14) sandwiched in the same had agreed to meet the to lift Philadelphia to a win over to move within one of becoming third straight start for the Nicklas Backstrom scored time span. North’s leader Kim Jong Un. It is a turnaround from last year, when tensions Washington Wizards’ forward Markieff Morris (5) applies soared as the North fired mis- pressure to Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the siles that could reach the US Westbrook second half of their NBA game at American Airlines Arena. mainland and tested what it said was an H-bomb. In the stands of the Alpen- sia Biathlon Centre, and Thunder spectators watching the North’s first Winter Paralym- pians welcomed their presence as a sign of improv- top Spurs ing ties, and said they hoped the rapprochement would last. Yun Mi-hyun, who was REUTERS Lou Williams’ game-high 25 clutching the reunification points helped Los Angeles stay flag that shows an undivided NEW YORK: Russell Westbrook in the eighth and final Western Korean peninsula, said that recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds Conference playoff spot by beat- the easing of tensions with the and 10 assists for his 98th career ing visiting Orlando. North “warms my heart”. triple-double to help the Okla- Tobias Harris added 21 for “We have been separated homa City Thunder cruise to a the Clippers, who sit a half-game by war and politics, but we 104-94 victory over the visiting ahead of the Denver Nuggets and are still the same people,” the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. the Utah Jazz with a game in 38-year-old property agent Jerami Grant scored 15 points hand. Reserves Milos Teodosic said. on 5-of-5 shooting and Corey and Montrezl Harrell scored 15 Ahn Sun-yong, 48, added: Brewer added 12 points as the and 13 points, respectively. Jona- Noel (both inactive), won con- Miami took control of a close scored 29 to help Charlotte snap “We were one country before, Thunder won for the fifth time thon Simmons paced the Magic secutive games for the first time game in the second quarter and a five-game losing streak with a and we want reunification in seven games. with 24 points and seven assists, since Jan. 9-10. Since then, the handily defeated visiting Wash- win against visiting Phoenix. some day.” Paul George had 11 points while D J Augustin netted 19. Mavericks are 6-17. ington. James Johnson led a Batum also grabbed 12 Still there is much scepti- and 10 rebounds, Alex Abrines Nikola Vucevic added 17 points Memphis has lost 17 consec- balanced Miami scoring attack boards and dished out seven cism about the upcoming tallied 11 points and Patrick Pat- and 10 rebounds but made just utive games, the most for the with 20 points while Wayne assists. Frank Kaminsky and meeting between Trump and terson had 10. 8 of 20 shots from the floor. team since it moved from Van- Ellington scored 17 off the bench. Marvin Williams each added 16 Kim, which is pencilled in for Davis Bertans and Rudy Gay Mavericks 114, Grizzlies 80 couver after the 2000-01 season The Heat have won six of their points and Kemba Walker fin- the end of May. The North has scored 14 points apiece to lead Harrison Barnes scored 25 and the third-longest losing past eight games. Jodie Meeks ished with 11 points and seven before dangled the prospect the sinking Spurs, who lost for points, and J.J. Barea and Doug streak in franchise history. scored 23 points for Washing- assists for the Hornets. of halting its weapons pro- the eighth time in the past 10 McDermott added 20 apiece as It is the longest losing streak ton, and Bradley Beal had 14. Troy Daniels had 17 points to gramme before the US, only games. LaMarcus Aldridge had host Dallas dumped hapless by any NBA team this season. Hornets 122, Suns 115 pace the Suns, who lost their fifth to backtrack later. 11 points on 5-of-16 shooting, Memphis. Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies Dwight Howard piled up 30 straight and fell for the 15th time The background of the and Bryn Forbes added 10 points. Dallas, which played with- with 17 points. points, 12 rebounds and four in 16 games. Dragan Bender and North’s athletes suggests their Clippers 113, Magic 105 out Dennis Smith Jr and Nerlens Heat 129, Wizards 102 blocks, and Nicolas Batum Davon Reed each scored 16. presence is part of Pyongyang’s political mane- ouvring -- the pair, both students, only started skiing in December, having previ- Moustakas rejoins Kansas City Royals ously played disabled table tennis, according to Games AP after testing positive for a per- manager Ned Yost said. The becoming a free agent last fall. The Royals signed Mousta- organisers. Ma is 27 and Kim formance-enhancing 24-year-old Bonifacio made his Moustakas set a Royals record kas to a one-year $6.5m contract is 17, and both suffered seri- NEW YORK: On the day the substance. major league debut last season, with 38 home runs last season, with a mutual option for 2019. ous leg injuries in car Kansas City Royals welcomed The outfielder was banned hitting.255 with 17 home runs then rejected a $17.4m offer from He can make another $2.2m in accidents. Pyongyang sent 22 back Mike Moustakas, they found after a positive test for Bolde- and 40 RBIs in 113 games. the team. But the third baseman incentives this year based on athletes to last month’s Olym- out Jorge Bonifacio will miss half none. The ban will begin on Bonifacio’s suspension never received the multiyear, plate appearances. pics, and teams from the the season. opening day. cleared a roster spot for Mous- mega-million dollar contract he “It feels like I never left,” he North and South marched Bonifacio was suspended 80 “It really kind of made me takas, who re-signed with the and his agent Scott Boras said. “It feels great to be back together under a unified flag games by Major League Baseball sick to my stomach,” Royals Royals this week after anticipated. home. I’m excited to be back.” at the opening ceremony. MONDAY 12 MARCH 2018 36

The disappointing thing SPORT was too many soft 3:00PM 6.15PM dismissals through that Kane Williamson FOOTBALL FOOTBALL New Zealand cricket captain Lokomotiv Tashkent Al Rayyan vs middle order. There were wishes his One-Day outfit Live on errors on our part. had scored more runs. vs Al Duhail Al Hilal TUBE Live on beIN HD 1 Live on beIN HD 2

SCOREBOARD Australia (I ) ...... 243 South Africa (I innings) Rabada gets in Warner’s face D Elgar c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 57 A Markram lbw b Cummins ...... 11 K Rabada b Cummins ...... 29 H Amla b Starc ...... 56 A de Villiers ...... 126 F du Plessis lbw b M Marsh ...... 9 as SA take control of Test T de Bruyn lbw b M Marsh ...... 1 Q de Kock b Lyon ...... 9 V Philander c Bancroft b Cummins ...... 36 AP K Maharaj b Hazlewood ...... 30 L Ngidi run out (Smith) ...... 5 PORT ELIZABETH: David Extras (B9, LB2, W2) ...... 13 Total (118.4 overs) ...... 382 Warner was in the midst of the Fall of : 1-22, 2-67, 3-155, 4-155, 5-179, 6-183, action once again, this time on 7-227, 8-311, 9-369 the receiving end of another : Starc 33.4-5-110-1, Hazlewood 30-5-98-2, Cum- over-the-top celebration from mins 24-6-79-3 (1w), Lyon 22-5-58-1, M Marsh 9-1-26-2 fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, as Australia (II innings) Australia fought to stay in the C Bancroft b Ngidi ...... 24 second Test in South Africa D Warner b Rabada ...... 13 U Khawaja lbw b Rabada ...... 75 yesterday. S Smith c De Kock b Maharaj ...... 11 Speedster Rabada bowled S Marsh c De Kock b Rabada ...... 1 Warner for 13 for the first break- M Marsh () ...... 39 through, then let loose a scream T Paine (batting) ...... 5 right in the face of the high-pro- Extras (LB10, W2) ...... 12 file Australia batsman, as South Total (5 wkts, 63 overs) ...... 180 Africa started to take a strangle- Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-62, 3-77, 4-86 Bowling: Philander 14-5-38-0, Rabada 16-7-38-3 (1w), hold on the match on Day 3 in Maharaj 20-2-70-1, Ngidi 10-4-21-1, Markram 3-1-3-0 Port Elizabeth. Rabada took two more wickets, including a crucial late Chandimal breakthrough to get Usman Kha- waja out for 75 seven minutes receives before the end of the day. That left Australia 180-5 at two-match stumps and with a small lead of South Africa bowler Kagiso Rabada (fourth from right) celebrates with team-mates after Australia batsman Usman 41 runs with just five wickets left suspension for Khawaja is dismissed during day three of the second Test at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth yesterday. in the second innings. Fellow pacer Lungi Ngidi and slow over-rate spinner Keshav Maharaj chipped series so far, and the second time bowler has come under scrutiny wickets. Warner was at the South Africa’s best batsman in with a each. this Test that the 22-year-old fast for the way he celebrates his center of an aggressive fielding set up the winning position. The four-Test series is at a display by the Australians in the The 34-year-old de Villiers, REUTERS key point, with Australia 1-0 up South Africa’s Keshav first Test in Durban, where his one of the best players of his but facing a South African fight- Maharaj celebrates as on-field verbal battle with South generation, is nearing the end of COLOMBO: Sri Lanka captain back at St George’s Park. Australia’s Steve Smith is Africa’s Quinton de Kock boiled his Test career and there’s spec- Dinesh Chandimal will miss the Khawaja led Australia’s dismissed at St George’s over with an ugly confrontation ulation that this might even be team’s next two inter- resistance and nearly saw out the Park, Port Elizabeth, between the players on a stair- his last series. nationals after being found day, while Mitchell Marsh also South Africa. case near the dressing rooms of He hit 20 fours and a six in guilty of a serious over-rate fought bravely to make 39 not the two teams. his century, going to 100 with a offence during Saturday’s out while still recovering from a Three players - Warner, boundary down to third man. victory over Bangladesh, the stomach bug he had on the first teammate Nathan Lyon and de He reached his 100 off just International Cricket Council day of the game. Kock - were charged with mis- 117 balls, a free-flowing innings (ICC) said yesterday. Yesterday began with AB de conduct and sanctioned for their that made batting look much Sri Lanka were four overs Villiers making a 22nd Test cen- misbehavior in the first game. easier than it really was, espe- short of their target within the tury, with his 126 not out helping Rabada, crucial to South cially with the ball reverse allocated time, leading to the South Africa to 382 all out and a Africa’s cause in this Test, could swinging on Day 2. players being fined 60 percent 139-run first-innings lead. be suspended for the rest of the De Villiers also passed 8,500 of their match fees while Chan- De Villiers’ century, set up on series. Test runs during the innings, the dimal received two suspension Day 2 and completed on Day 3, He is already facing a disci- fourth South African after points, in accordance with ICC took South Africa to a position plinary hearing at this game for Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith regulations. of control. bumping into Australia captain and Hashim Amla to do that. “Chris Broad of the Emirates He was the anchor in late Smith after dismissing him in the This was de Villiers’ first Test Elite Panel of ICC Match Refe- partnerships of 44 with Quinton first innings. century since January 2015 rees imposed the fine after de Kock, 84 with Vernon Phi- Rabada faces a two-Test ban having taken nearly two years Chandimal’s side was ruled to lander (36) and 58 off just 43 if he is found guilty on making out of in an effort to be four overs short of their target balls with Maharaj (30) to keep contact with Smith intentionally. prolong his career. when time allowances were South Africa going. He says it wasn’t intentional. He returned to Tests late last taken into consideration,” the Rabada followed up South Rabada, recently ranked the year. ICC said in a statement. Africa’s success with the bat to No. 1 bowler in Test cricket, has Dean Elgar and Amla made “Chandimal pleaded not take 3-38 and improve his match also previously been disciplined half-centuries on the second day guilty to the offence, and, as haul to eight wickets. three times for his actions after to contribute to South Africa’s such, Mr Broad announced his But his excessive send-off of dismissing batsmen and served total. decision following a hearing that Warner was another contentious a one-Test ban in England last Pat Cummins was Austral- took place on Sunday moment in an ill-tempered year. ia’s best bowler with 3-79. afternoon...” NZ suffer batting headache as World Cup looms AFP all out at Hagley Oval in Colin Munro was 12 off 13 deliv- to look at. “Throughout this Christchurch was easily over- eries in the third ODI. By com- series, there were some very CHRISTCHURCH: New hauled by England with seven parison, England progressively good one-off performances, but Zealand’s one-day batting frail- wickets remaining and 104 balls improved their opening partner- it probably overshadowed a bat- ties have been brutally exposed to spare. ships from 10 to 15, 25, 77 and ting line-up that hasn’t quite by England 15 months out from “Our top order hasn’t set the then 155 in the decider. fired.” the next World Cup, causing deep platform, that’s pretty clear,” In all five ODI innings against Hesson said the players in concern for coach Mike Hesson. Hesson acknowledged yesterday England, New Zealand had to the New Zealand squad deserved Three years on from being as he reviewed the ruthless way rely on a handful of individual to be there “based on previous finalists in the 2015 World Cup, the tourists wrapped up the performances to get them performances” but did not fire where they lost to Australia in series. through with two centuries by when it mattered. Melbourne, New Zealand are New Zealand, sent into bat, Taylor, one from Kane Wil- “We went in with a batting- now struggling to get an innings stumbled to 93 for six as the top liamson and an impressive total heavy line-up and it’d be fair to underway as they build towards order fell with an all-too-familiar of 216 runs by number eight say we never got ourselves in a the next showpiece in May 2019. regularity before Henry Nicholls batsman Santner. position to utilise that,” he said. New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson (right) congratulates England’s 3-2 victory in the and Mitch Santner put some steel “I think, certainly, as a bat- New Zealand now turn their England’s skipper Eoin Morgan on their series win at Hagley Oval just-completed ODI series in in the innings with an 84-run ting unit we didn’t really fire in attention to two Tests against in Christchurch on Saturday. New Zealand may suggest a close stand. In the fourth ODI, New terms of the balance we wanted England, starting on March 22. fought battle, but two of Eng- Zealand were two for two before to put out there,” Hesson said. They do not play another land’s wins were by runaway Ross Taylor saved the day with “We didn’t allow ourselves ODI until Pakistan late in the Captain Williamson said New was too many soft dismissals margins including Saturday’s his unbeaten 181. to use the power we have at the year, with Hesson noting there Zealand suffered because of through that middle order,” he series decider. The best and longest stand back end, so that’s certainly was “plenty of thinking to be overall batting failure on a good said. “There were definite deci- New Zealand’s meagre 223 by openers Martin Guptill and something we’re going to have done” before then. surface. “The disappointing thing sion-making errors on our part.”