CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 3 MMOTORSPORTOTORSPORT | Page 5 Italian Bettiol Al-Attiyah and wins stage 18 al-Thefi ri aim of Giro; Bernal to defend retains pink series leads

Friday, May 28, 2021 TENNIS Shawwal 16, 1442 AH ‘No one invincible’, GULF TIMES Nadal says ahead of French Open SPORT Page 2 ATHLETICS Barshim, Samba & Co. all set to light up Doha Diamond League High jump world champion faces off with Drouin after four years  Samba up against Benjamin in 400m hurdles

By Mikhil Bhat line again and have great memo- Doha ries of competing in Doha, espe- cially winning gold at the 2019 World Championships,” he had t’s been 10 years since Mutaz said earlier. Essa Barshim made his Dia- World champion Yulimar Ro- mond League debut in Doha jas will be looking to build on in 2011. her world-leading 15.43m at IThe Qatari high jumper has the World Athletics Continen- come a long way since that third tal Tour meeting in Andujar last place, 2.31m eff ort. He has won week. Her leap is the same dis- two Olympic medals, won his tance as her world indoor record fi rst world title in 2017, endured and just seven centimetres away a career-threatening injury while from the long-standing world attempting a world record 2.46m record. jump, and then returned to be- The last time Rojas was in come the only high jumper to re- Doha, she won the world title tain his world title, when he won with 15.37m. The Venezuelan in front of a packed Khalifa Inter- will be reunited with the top fi ve national Stadium with His High- fi nishers from that occasion, ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin including Olympic champion Hamad al-Thani in presence. Caterine Ibarguen, world sil- Barshim and Javier Sotomay- ver medallist Shanieka Ricketts, or’s 28-year-old 2.45m world Commonwealth champion Kim- record are frequently mentioned berly Williams, and 2011 world in the same breath, and while the champion Olga Saladukha. USA’s 29-year-old has always main- Keturah Orji and Dominica’s tained that it is a matter of when Thea LaFond, both of whom have and not if, he does prioritise his set national records this year, are health and competition goals Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim and 400m hurdler Abderrahman Samba (right) address a press conference yesterday on the eve of the Doha Diamond League yesterday. also in the line-up. higher. The women’s steeplechase “To be honest, I don’t know Ivanyuk, who cleared a world- Samba, who was the fi rst per- wonderful outing on Friday. I am also features the top fi ve fi nishers but I hope so,” said Barshim at a Tokyo is going to be leading 2.37m last weekend, son after world record holder in better shape than in 2019, and It is always great to from the World Championships, press conference yesterday on the target. The only also competes, as does Euro- Kevin Young (46.78 in 1992) to I believe things are looking good. compete here in Doha, led by a world champion and the eve of Doha Diamond League thing I now know is that pean indoor champion Maksim dip under 47 seconds when he My training is going on well, and and I hope to have a world record-holder. Doha when asked if 2021 will be you can’t put a time to Nedasekau and 2018 Diamond ran a 46.98 in Paris in 2018, will it is so far so good.” wonderful outing on Beatrice Chepkoech hasn’t the year of the record. “Again, ‘it, you just have to do it. League winner Brandon Starc. be up against American Rai Ben- Kyron McMaster of the Brit- ‘Friday. I am in better shape contested a steeplechase so far Tokyo is going to be the target. Major target for me is to stay Barshim will have the company jamin, who matched Samba’s ish Virgin Islands and Alison Dos than in 2019, and I believe this year, but the Kenyan has The only thing I now know is that healthy, because I know if I of compatriot Hamdi Alamine in time in Zurich the next year. Santos of Brazil, who recorded things are looking good. shown great form on fl at events, you can’t put a time to it, you just am healthy and fi t, I can do the competition too. While Samba is yet to compete national records of 47.50 and — Abderrahman Samba, clocking a world 5km record of have to do it. Major target for me good stuff . “It has been two years, and I in a 400m hurdles this season, 47.68 respectively when fi nishing Qatari 400m hurdler 14:43 in February, followed three is to stay healthy, because I know — Mutaz Barshim, am happy and excited to be back. Benjamin ran a world lead 47.13 at behind Benjamin at Mt SAC, are days later by an indoor 3000m PB if I am healthy and fi t, I can do Qatari high jumper on breaking Defi nitely home, and so there is USATF Golden Games earlier this also in the line-up. of 8:31.72. good stuff .” the world record that extra motivation. Two years month in California. Qatar’s Adam Ali Musab will year in Doha, will be joined by All-round sprinters Michael Later during the press confer- for me, of course it is a long time, “When I was doing my best in once again line up in the men’s compatriots Hamza Driouch, Norman and Fred Kerley will face ence when the moderator asks but I know how to manage that. 2018, the competition wasn’t as 1500m alongside the likes of former world junior champion, off at their specialist distance him if 2.45m is possible, his cool age to stay healthy.” I believe in my coach, and my heated as it’s now. So this com- Stewart McSweyn, the Aus- and Mohamed al-Garni, the two- over 400m. and calm reply was, “I think Today when Barshim takes to team. Coach always gets me in petitive spirit is defi nitely go- tralian national record holder, time Asian champion. Norman, the world leader in 2.47m is possible.” For theat- the Qatar Sports Club’s Suheim good shape,” Barshim said. ing to push the numbers quite after grabbing a valuable point However, world 1500m cham- 2019 and 2018, is undefeated at ricality, compatriot and men’s Bin Hamad Stadium, he will be Today, the Doha Diamond high in the coming days,” Samba, in the Diamond League series pion Timothy Cheruiyot is sure 400m this year. World bronze 400m hurdles contender Abder- joined by Olympic champion League is going to be a hotbed of who won bronze behind Karsten competition in the opener at to have a say in the matters. medallist Kerley, meanwhile, has rahman Samba, audibly oohs in Derek Drouin for the fi rst time track and fi eld performance with Warholm and Benjamin at the Gateshead in England earlier While the Kenyan has never impressed with an indoor 400m anticipation. in four years. The Canadian, also 32 Doha 2019 Worlds medallists, Doha Worlds after a injury prone this month. won at the Doha meeting, he did best of 45.03. And Barshim, whose seasonal part of the 2.40m club, has been including 12 champions, with al- comeback, said yesterday. Musab, who qualifi ed for the win his world title two years ago The competition starts at best is a 2.30m in Tokyo earlier out of action since 2017. most 200 athletes taking to the “It is always great to compete Tokyo Olympics with the world across the town at Khalifa stadi- 5:58pm today with the women’s this month, added, “If you man- World bronze medallist Ilya Doha venue. here in Doha, and I hope to have a lead time of 3:32.41 earlier this um. “I can’t wait to be on a start pole vault.

FOCUS Need for speed: veteran Fraser-Pryce eyes Doha springboard to Tokyo

AFP bronze in Rio in 2016. in 2019, after previous successes Anzhelika Sidorova, American Doha “That’s what the Diamond in Berlin (2009), Moscow (2013) Sandi Morris and Greece’s Kat- League is about as well. When and Beijing (2015). erina Stefanidi, the reigning Ol- you’re at a Diamond League you Giving birth to son Zyon was ympic champion. amaican sprint star Shel- know the fi eld is going to be good nothing but positive, she insist- Arguably the highest-quality ly-Ann Fraser-Pryce takes and it’s going to be solid. ed. “Motherhood has defi nitely fi eld of the night will be in the another step in her quest “The bigger the fi eld is, the enhanced everything about who women’s triple jump, which has to become the fi rst female better I perform. When you’re in I am. the top three from the 2016 Rio Jathlete to win three Olympic a race and you’re the sole com- “It defi nitely requires a lot Olympics and 2019 Doha worlds 100m golds when she takes to the petitor that is doing well, the more sacrifi ce and commitment.” in the fi eld. track for another loaded race in pressure’s not there.” Fraser-Pryce, who will head to Reigning Olympic champion today’s Diamond League meet in The fi eld in the Qatari capital is the postponed Tokyo Olympics Caterine Ibarguen of Colombia Doha. not quite as loaded as Gateshead, as one of the favourites and has is a former world champion and Fresh from fi nishing fourth with Richardson opting out af- said she will now retire after the multiple world medallist, includ- in the opening elite meeting in ter suff ering cramps in northern 2022 world champs in Eugene, ing bronze in 2019. She will open a wet, wind-swept Gateshead England and reigning double Ol- joked that being a mother had her summer campaign in Doha. last week behind world 200m ympic champion Elaine Thomp- made her “a lot more mellow in In-form Venezuelan Yulimar champion Dina Asher-Smith, US son-Herah of Jamaica also skip- terms of going to practice and Rojas was Olympic silver med- sprint sensation Sha’Carri Rich- ping the meet. looking forward to going home”. allist in Rio but took the world ardson and Ivory Coast’s Marie- Ta Lou and Nigerian Blessing “My priority is my son, track titles in Doha and in London in Josee Ta Lou, Fraser-Pryce in- Okagbare will be present, how- and fi eld is also a priority. Trying 2017. She jumped a personal best sisted that the stronger the fi eld, ever, along with an American trio to combine both is such a huge of 15.43m in Spain last week — the better. of Javianne Oliver, Hannah Cun- responsibility.” the furthest jump in the world “The harder the competitions liff e and Kiara Parker. Fraser-Pryce is one of 12 reign- this year to date and the second are, the better I am at perform- “I love the opportunity to (From left) Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Sha’Carri Richardson of the US and Marie-Josée Ta Lou ing world champions who will furthest of all time — and with- ing. I like a challenge, I like it rise... and that’s what you get of Ivory Coast in action during the women’s 100m heat at the Diamond League meeting in Gateshead, compete at the Qatar Sports out doubt starts as favourite. when competition is hard,” said when the fi eld is stacked,” said England, on Sunday. (AFP) Club. The men’s line-up sees Ameri- the 34-year-old, a double Olym- Fraser-Pryce, who has a personal Stand-out events include the can Justin Gatlin racing in the pic 100m gold medallist (2008, best of 10.70 seconds. below 10.7. That’s defi nitely a big ENHANCING MOTHERHOOD missed the world championships women’s pole vault which reu- 200m, while world champion 2012), who also won 200m silver “I’m really looking forward to dream and something I’m work- The Jamaican bounced back from in London — to win a remark- nites the world championships Timothy Cheruiyot of Kenya at the London Games and 100m be on the podium... and running ing hard towards.” motherhood in 2017 — when she able fourth world gold in Doha podium trio of neutral athlete goes in the 1,500m. Gulf Times 2 Friday, May 28, 2021 TENNIS

FOCUS COMMENT Serena needs to ‘No one invincible’, be more creative, add variety to Nadal says ahead game: Wilander Reuters changes something a little bit, Berhampore, India becomes a little more creative, I don’t think Serena can overpow- er all these women these days erena Williams needs to because they serve well, they be creative and add va- hit the ball hard. She’s kind of riety to her game if the competing with the same game of French Open 39-year-old American against the women today. wantsS to tame the current pow- “She needs to tell other people er-hitters on clay, seven-time that ‘listen I’ve been playing this ‘This year I lost (early) in Monte Carlo and Madrid... What I can do is fight’ Grand Slam singles winner Mats game for 22 years, I got 23 majors. Wilander told Reuters ahead of I need to change something and this week’s French Open. this is what I’m going to do’.” Nadal, Djokovic and Federer in The French Open, which starts Wilander did not believe Wil- on May 30, has been the least liams had a chance to end her same half of French Open draw rewarding of the four majors for quest for a record-equalling 24th Williams, who won the last of major at Roland Garros. AFP Fellow veteran Marin Cilic, a her 23 Grand Slam singles titles “I think Serena is in the same Paris, France former US Open winner, is a at the Australian Open in 2017. boat as Federer. Which is ‘let’s go possible second round rival. Williams reached four Grand to the French Open and let’s hope Djokovic has lost three finals Slam fi nals in 2018 and 2019 but that we can win a match or two or afael Nadal, Novak to Nadal at the French Open in has failed to get past the last 16 three’,” Wilander said. Djokovic and Roger 2012, 2014 and then last year at Roland Garros in her last three “And then that will be an un- RFederer, the three most where the Spaniard swept to appearances. believable bonus in her confi - successful men in Grand Slam victory 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. Wilander, who won three titles dence, in the experience of play- tennis history, were yesterday Russia’s second seed Daniil on the red clay in Paris, said the ing matches in a big stadium all drawn in the same half of Medvedev, who has lost all American needed to take a leaf court with hopefully some peo- the French Open. four times he has played out of Roger Federer’s book and ple in the crowd. Having slipped to number at the French Open, starts make changes to her game like “And then she can take that three in the world, it was against Alexander Bublik of the Swiss did four years ago be- fresh experience to Wimbledon always likely that Nadal, the Kazakhstan. fore going on to win three more and then carry it through to the 13-time champion, would face Two-time runner-up Dominic majors. US Open. top-ranked Djokovic before Thiem, seeded four, begins “I don’t see Serena’s game de- “Can she beat Iga Swiatek? the final. against Spanish veteran Pablo veloping in the last few years,” Of course, we know Serena can The two great rivals could Andujar. Eurosport pundit Wilander said. beat anyone, pretty much on any now meet in the semi-finals It was Andujar who defeated “It’s kind of the same Serena that given day. But can she do it seven this year. Federer in Geneva last week we’ve seen over the years. matches in a row on clay? Highly Djokovic, the 2016 champion, in the Swiss great’s only ap- “And at her age, unless she doubtful.” is top seed and could possibly pearance on clay this season. face 2009 winner Federer in In the women’s draw, world In this October 11, 2020, picture, Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (not the quarter-finals. number one Ashleigh Barty, pictured) during the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France. (AFP) All three men are chasing his- the 2019 champion, tackles tory at the French Open which Bernarda Pera of the United AFP my career would last so long,” Apart from Djokovic and Sod- starts on Sunday. States first up. Paris, France added the Spaniard, whose ca- erling, only injury has defeated Nadal and Federer are locked Second seed Naomi Osaka, a reer has been plagued by a series Nadal in Paris when a wrist on 20 Grand Slams each four-time major winner who of knee injuries. problem forced him to withdraw while Djokovic, who has 18, has never got past the third afael Nadal said “no- Nadal will start this year’s after the second round in 2016. can become the first man in round in Paris, begins against one is invincible” in French Open as the overwhelm- over half a century to win all Romania’s 63rd-ranked Patri- an interview with AFP ing favourite once again, boost- ‘CATHEDRAL OF CLAY’ four majors on more than one cia Maria Tig. yesterday as he targets ed by his recent win over world That helped pave the way for occasion. Serena Williams, a three-time aR 14th French Open title and number one Novak Djokovic in Djokovic’s lone title at the tour- Nadal, who has a 100-2 record French Open winner and still record-setting 21st Grand Slam the Rome Masters fi nal. nament. at the tournament, starts his seeking an elusive record- crown. “Roland Garros is a very spe- bid for a 14th French Open title equalling 24th Grand Slam “No-one is invincible, any- 62 CLAY COURT TITLES cial place for me,” said Nadal. against Alexei Popyrin of Aus- title, faces Irina-Camelia Begu where,” said Nadal whose career Of Nadal’s 88 career titles, 62 “But favourite or not, that is tralia, the world number 62. of Romania. record at Roland Garros stands have come on clay. not the question. What matters His most likely quarter-final Defending champion Iga at 100 victories against just two He has won at least 10 times is to play well, and the one who opponent is Russia’s Andrey Swiatek plays close friend US Serena Williams needs one more Grand Slam title to match losses since his title-winning each at Roland Garros, Monte plays the best will be whoever Rublev who defeated him at Kaja Juvan of Slovenia in her Australian great Margaret Court’s record of 24 major trophies. (AFP) Paris debut in 2005. Carlo, Rome and Barcelona. has the most chances of winning the Monte Carlo Masters last opener. “This year I lost (early) in Between 2005 and 2007, he the tournament. month. If the seedings pan out, Barty Monte Carlo and Madrid. I hope went on an 81-win streak on “My goal is to be the one who Djokovic tackles 66th-ranked and Swiatek will face each COMMENT not to lose here at Roland Gar- clay. plays the best.” Tennys Sandgren of the other in the semi-finals. ros. What I can do is fi ght.” In his great rivalry with Djok- Nadal describes Roland Garros United States in his first round Williams is in the other half Victory in the fi nal in Paris on ovic, which stands at 29-28 in as “the cathedral of clay” but he match while Federer, play- of the draw where Osaka is June 13 will take Nadal past the the Serb’s favour, Nadal holds admitted to AFP that other clay ing the tournament for the seeded to face Madrid cham- Delaying French record of 20 majors he currently the upper hand on clay. court events were a more natural first time since 2019, begins pion Aryna Sabalenka in the shares with Roger Federer. He has a 19-7 record on fi t at the start of his career. against a qualifier. last four. Despite his remarkable history the surface against the world “At the beginning, I think I Open saves ‘tens of in Paris, Nadal, who turns 35 on number one and is 9-4 in fi nals. played better in Monte Carlo or June 3, admits he remains stunned Three of those championship in Rome, to be honest,” he said. resonance in my career”. While thankful for the gesture at his longevity in a sport where match wins came at Roland Gar- “It is more diffi cult to have a However, he has no hesitation of the French Tennis Federation, millions of euros’ he has been an ever-present in the ros in 2012, 2014 and then last good feeling at Roland Garros, in pinpointing the low points. such very public recognition is world top 10 since 2005. year where Nadal swept to vic- the court is very big and there “My worst memories are hard to square with the decid- AFP “Our little bet was a winner,” When asked if he could have tory 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. are diff erent sensations. without a doubt 2009 and the edly unstarry Nadal. Paris, France French Tennis Federation (FFT) imagined still playing in his mid- However, he will still be wary “I never had bad feelings here, loss to Soderling, but also 2016, “It’s true that what I accom- director general Amelie Oudaa- 30s, Nadal said: “Ten years ago, of Djokovic, the 2016 champion but it is also true that I had very when I had to give up due to a plished in Paris, even if I don’t Castera said. “Having to post- no. But if you had asked me the in Paris. good feelings in other tourna- wrist injury.” like to say it, it’s something very, he decision to delay Ro- pone for a week is really a win- question two years ago, maybe I The Serb handed Nadal one ments on this surface.” This year at the “cathedral” very special. land Garros for a second ning choice, a beautiful tens of would have answered yes. of his two losses at the French Nadal said it is impossible to of clay court tennis in Paris’ “I am grateful and I under- successive year has saved millions of euros saved.” “Ten years ago, I had so many Open, in 2015, six years after pick out which of his 13 titles in leafy western suburbs, a statue stand the gesture: I accom- “tens of millions of eu- In total, just over 5,000 spec- physical problems that it was Robin Soderling had been the Paris is the most memorable as of Nadal has been erected in the plished something that was very Tros”, the head of the French Ten- tators will be admitted at the Ro- diffi cult for me to imagine that fi rst man to achieve the feat. “each one has had a particular grounds. diffi cult to imagine,” he said. nis Federation told AFP. land Garros site until June 8. The 2021 edition of the clay That fi gure will go up to more court Grand Slam gets underway than 13,000 a day later thanks in Paris on Sunday, just seven to the government’s decision to Cincinnati Masters incinnati Masters organisers before last year’s US Open due to the excitement to our event, and we months after the end of the 2020 raise fan numbers to a 65 percent said yesterday that they plan to Covid-19 pandemic. “In keeping with dearly missed them last year. We look tournament, which was pushed limit of actual capacity. to welcome Coperate the August tournament in the guidance from local government forward to returning to Cincinnati back from May/June to Septem- The main setback for organis- the city and at full capacity for fans. off icials, we are eager to welcome fans and welcoming our fans at this year’s ber/October. ers this year is that nine of their back fans at The Cincinnati Masters was held back to the Western & Southern Open,” tournament.” Organisers said tickets This year’s event is also start- scheduled 10 evening sessions – full capacity: without fans in a bio-secure bubble the tournament’s Chief Operating Off icer for the tournament, which runs from ing a week later than normal in an an innovation for 2021 – will be after organisers were forced to move Katie Haas said in a statement. August 14-22, are set to go on sale on eff ort to capitalise on the French played behind closed doors. organisers the tournament to Flushing Meadows “The fans bring so much energy and June 3. government’s phased easing of A government curfew of 9pm Covid-19 restrictions. will not be lifted until June 9.

BOTTOMLINE Osaka fi nds support aft er decision to skip press at French Open

Reuters “I’m writing this to say I’m not told Reuters yesterday. without the fans. World governing body Inter- Paris, France going to do any press during Ro- “It’s tough emotionally to cope Paire, a former top-20 player, national Tennis Federation and land Garros,” the Japanese world with it; it is one of the challenges said he did not even train be- the WTA Tour did not imme- number two, who lives in the that tennis brings. It’s sometimes tween tournaments anymore. diately respond to requests for aomi Osaka received United States, wrote on Twitter overwhelming.” Osaka, 23, made headlines this comment. support from Iga on Wednesday. week when sports business web- The French tennis federation Swiatek’s sports psy- “I’ve often felt that people MENTAL HEALTH site Sportico reported she had FFT, which organises the major, chologist yesterday have no regard for athletes’ men- The last thing Abramowicz wants earned $55.2mn over the past 12 told Reuters it would make “no Nafter the four-time major win- tal health, and this rings true to let Swiatek do when she loses months, a record haul for a fe- comment for now”. ner said she will not attend press whenever I see a press conference a match is to face the media im- male athlete. Former world number one conferences at this year’s French or partake in one. mediately after. She has in the past used her Osaka said the decision was Open as the nature of the ques- “We’re often sat there and Mental health problems have platform and considerable press “nothing personal” against the tions puts an undue burden on asked questions that we’ve been been a point of discussion since attention to highlight issues of tournament and noted she had a players’ mental health. asked multiple times before or the start of the Covid-19 pan- police violence and racial in- friendly relationship with many According to the Grand Slam asked questions that bring doubt demic in 2020 when the tours equality. of the tour’s journalists. She rule book, players can be fi ned up into our minds, and I’m just not started operating in front of The claycourt Grand Slam, hoped tournaments would re- to $20,000 for skipping a media going to subject myself to people empty stands after a fi ve-month which runs from Sunday to consider their approach. conference but Osaka was ready that doubt me.” Abramowicz, who works with “I absolutely understand the shutdown. June 13, has never been a happy She later tweeted a video of to accept any sanction. Expecting players to answer French Open winner Swiatek and decision in terms of when a play- Earlier this year, Frenchman hunting ground for Osaka, who former Seattle Seahawks running Osaka hoped the “considerable questions after losses amounted travels with the teenaged Pole’s er loses a match, and tennis is Benoit Paire said he was “men- skipped the event last year amid back Marshawn Lynch famously amount” that she expected to to “kicking a person while they’re team, said she appreciated Osa- such a specifi c sport because at tally exhausted” by life on the the Covid-19 pandemic. She has repeating the line “I’m just here so forfeit would go towards a mental down”, Osaka added. ka’s concern about facing ques- the end of the tournament only tour amid the Covid-19 restric- not gone past the third round in I won’t get fi ned”, at a pre-Super health charity. Sports psychologist Daria tions after a defeat. one person does not lose,” she tions and found no joy in playing her four appearances. Bowl news conference in 2015. Gulf Times Friday, May 28, 2021 3 SPORT

FIVB BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOUR: WINNING START FOR YOUNOUSSE AND TIJAN IN SOCHI

The fourth-seeded Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan of Qatar got off to a winning start in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour’s 4-star tournament in Sochi yesterday. The Qatari pair defeated Norway’s Hendrik Nikolai Mol and Mathias Berntsen 2-0 (21-17, 21-15) in their Pool D match. Cherif and Tijan will take on the 13th-seeded Italians Paolo Nicolai and Daniele Lupo in their second match today. (FIVB)

CYCLING GOLF PGA Championship not enough to nail Italian Bettiol wins down Ryder Cup berth: Mickelson

AFP stage 18 of Giro Los Angeles hil Mickelson says his ‘It was really warm finally, because it’s been a really tough and a really cold Giro’ historic PGA Champi- onship triumph isn’t enough to earn a Ryder PCup berth, and he’ll need to do AFP Stradella, Italy more to warrant selection for the US team to take on Europe in September. lberto Bettiol of EF Education “If I’m the captain, I’m not won the 18th stage of the Giro going to want a guy that plays d’Italia, the longest of the race well one week in an entire year,” at 231 kilometres, yesterday in Mickelson said Wednesday as he cially, all these things. Stradella.A prepared to tee it up on the US “But there’s no reason why we Bettiol hunted down Frenchman Remi PGA Tour in the Charles Schwab can’t be our best later on in life.” Cavagna of Deceuninck who had escaped Challenge at Colonial Country That said, Mickelson ac- from a big breakaway group with 26 Club in Fort Worth, Texas. knowledged he didn’t know if his kilometres to go and fi nished 15 seconds “And so just because I played victory at Kiawah was a harbin- ahead of fellow Italian Simone Consonni. really well last week and won a ger of things to come, or a glori- “It was a really emotional stage, it was big championship, that does not ous swansong. a really hard stage,” said Bettiol after his warrant a spot on the team by “One of two things are going fi rst career victory in Italy. any means. to happen: Either that’s going “It was really warm fi nally, because it’s “But I know at least I have an to be my last win and I’m going been a really tough and a really cold Giro. opportunity over the course of to have one of the most cher- Finally the sun comes out.” the next three months to play ished victories of my career to The main peloton, including the overall at a high level consistently and look back on and cherish for a leader, Colombian Egan Bernal of Ineos, maybe be in a position to add long time, or I also may have fi nished 23 minutes and 30 seconds after something to the team.” kind of found a little something Bettiol. The breakaway of 23 riders took Mickelson has been on every that helps me stay a little bit shape in the fi rst hour of the race on a US Ryder Cup squad since mak- more present and helps me fo- large fl at stage from Rovareta to Stradella ing his debut in the team tourna- cus throughout round a little bit which gave the main contenders a chance ment in 1995. longer and maybe I can execute to recover before the Giro heads back into On Sunday, the 50-year-old and play golf at the highest level the mountains. Mickelson became the oldest for a nice extended period of Cavagna, a time trial specialist, burst man to win a major golf champi- time now,” Mickelson said. clear with 26 kilometres to go. onship with his PGA triumph at “I don’t know which one it’s But Bettiol chased the Frenchman Kiawah Island, South Carolina. going to be, but either way, they down through the vineyards of Oltrepo, Team EF Education rider Italy’s Alberto Bettiol celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 18th stage of the Giro d’Italia 2021 He captured his sixth career are both positive.” and Cavagna cracked on fi nal short climb. cycling race, 231km between Rovereto and Stradella, yesterday. (AFP) major and was hailed as an inspi- Mickelson acknowledged vic- “I was really scared of Cavagna because ration by a bevy of young golfers tories this year for mature golf- he is such a strong guy,” Bettiol said. supporting Hugh Carthy. Our goal is still record of eight days in pink set by Nairo 14min 44sec, 2. Simone Consonni (ITA/ as well as those of more mature ers – Stewart Cink in the RBC “But on the last climb when I saw him with him to try to put him in the podium.” Quintana who won the Giro in 2014. COF) at 17 sec, 3. Nicolas Roche (IRL/ years. Heritage for one and on the Eu- in front of me, I caught him and I imme- “From tomorrow, for the last two stag- “It’s something special, but the most DSM) s.t., 4. Nikias Arndt (GER/DSM) s.t., “There’s no reason why peo- ropean Tour Richard Bland, who diately attack. I tried to beat him men- es I am back with him, but today I enjoyed important is to arrive in the maglia in the 5. Diego Ulissi (ITA/UAE) s.t., 6. Samuele ple can’t be their best at an older at 48 became the oldest fi rst- tally.” the day.” fi nal stage,” Bernal said before refusing to Battistella (ITA/AST) s.t., 7. Filippo Zana age,” Mickelson said. time winner on the European Bettiol rode the last seven kilometres Like Carthy, Bernal struggled at the say he was confi dent of victory. (ITA/BAR) s.t., 8. Natnael Tesfatsion (ERY/ “After many years of doing Tour at the British Masters. alone for the third victory of his career end of Wednesday’s climb, though he still “We saw yesterday that with one bad AND) s.t., 9. Remi Cavagna (FRA/DEC) 24, something, you have a lot of ex- But he said playing with and his team’s fi rst in this year’s Giro. leads second-place Damiano Caruso by day you can lose everything. I need to be 10. Jacopo Mosca (ITA/TRE) 1min 12sec. perience. young players, including Xander He said at the end that his focus was 2min 21sec. focussed and do my best.” “You have a lot of knowl- Schauff ele and Charley Hoff - working for the team. Bettiol has been He said Thursday’s long largely fl at On Friday, the 166km 19th stage from Overall edge and getting that out is the man had helped him sharpen his working as a wingman for EF team leader stage did not prove he had recuperated. Abbiategrasso fi nishes with a tough climb 1. Egan Bernal (COL/Ineos) 77hrs 10min challenge. It might take a little game. Hugh Carthy in the mountains and led “It’s diffi cult to know because it was up Alpe Merra but has been rerouted to 18sec, 2. Damiano Caruso (ITA/BAH) at bit more work like you might And if he isn’t on a 13th Ryder the Englishman across the fi nish line on really fast but I was in the wheels so it was avoid the climb of the Mount Mottarone, 2min 21sec, 3. Simon Yates (GBR/BIK) have to work a bit harder for me Cup team at Whistling Straits Wednesday after a tough climbing stage. a bit easier,” the Colombian said. out of respect for the victims of the cable 3:23, 4. Aleksandr Vlasov (RUS/AST) physically or you might have to in September he believes the US Bettiol said that he was pleasantly sur- “I felt much better than yesterday on car accident there last Sunday. 6:03, 5. Hugh Carthy (GBR/EF1) 6:09, 6. be more disciplined off the golf squad will be well-stocked with prised by his form on Thursday. the bike. I hope tomorrow will be another Romain Bardet (FRA/DSM) 6:31, 7. Daniel course or practice more espe- talent. “The fi nal 40k were very hard,” he good day.” RESULTS Martinez (COL/INE) 7:17, 8. Joao Almeida said. “Fortunately I still had good legs, Bernal kept the maglia rosa for a ninth Stage (POR/DEC) 8:45, 9. Tobias Foss (NOR/ yesterday was really, really tough for me straight day, eclipsing the Colombian 1. Alberto Bettiol (ITA/EF Education), 5hr JUM) 9:18, 10. Dan Martin (IRL/ISR) 13:37 Woods says rehab from car crash ‘painful’, focuses on walking on his own

European track cycling championships in Minsk scrapped aft er Belarus plane diversion Tiger Woods described his recovery from a car crash that left him with career-threatening injuries as more painful than anything he The European track cycling champion- alternative solution to enable the riders In his first public statement since the federation (BDR) in a statement. The has experienced and said his focus is on being able to walk on his ships, scheduled to be held in Minsk next from our 50 National Federations to com- Ryanair flight was diverted and Prota- BDR added that they had urged the UEC own again. Woods, speaking in a Golf Digest interview published month, were cancelled yesterday amid pete in this season’s continental event.” sevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega to come up with “an alternative solution” yesterday, is no stranger to rehabilitation procedures after having political fall-out from Belarus’ forced The decision follows a furious reaction were arrested, Lukashenko dismissed the amid growing calls for the tournament to several back and knee surgeries but admitted his latest recovery landing of an airliner to arrest regime op- from the European Union after a Ryanair international outcry. be moved. The Dutch federation (KNWU) was unlike any he has undergone before. “This has been an entirely ponents. “In light of the current interna- flight from Athens to the Lithuanian The criticism was nothing more than said that “the safety of riders and staff diff erent animal,” Woods, 45, said in the interview published. “I un- tional situation, the Management Board capital Vilnius was intercepted by a another attempt by his opponents to un- cannot be guaranteed”. derstand more of the rehab processes because of my past injuries, has decided to cancel the 2021 Elite Track Belarusian fighter jet and forced to land dermine his rule, he said, accusing them Belarus, whose leaders are already under but this was more painful than anything I have ever experienced.” European Championships scheduled in Minsk on Sunday so that authorities of waging a “modern, hybrid war” against a series of Western sanctions over a Woods was driving above the speed limit in February when he lost in Minsk (Belarus) from 23 to 27 June could arrest opposition journalist Roman Belarus and of crossing “boundaries of brutal crackdown of protesters after last control of his vehicle, which crossed through oncoming lanes of 2021,” the European cycling union (UEC) Protasevich. common sense and human morality”. year’s disputed elections, has also faced traff ic before slamming into trees off the side of a road outside Los announced. The EU banned Belarusian planes from The UEC’s decision to scrap the cham- growing scrutiny in sports in recent Angeles. The 15-times major champion, whose accident resulted in UEC president Enrico Della Casa added: the bloc’s airspace and urged EU airlines pionships was pre-empted by the with- months. a three-week hospital stay, posted a photo on Instagram last month “We have recently been monitoring the to avoid flying over the ex-Soviet country drawal of the German and Dutch cycling In January, the International Ice Hockey that showed him smiling, on crutches and in a walking boot. When situation with the Belarus Cycling Federa- ruled for nearly 27 years by Alexander federations on Wednesday. Federation, under pressure from its asked about his hopes of playing golf again, Woods said he was tion which has now developed into an in- Lukashenko, often dubbed “Europe’s last “After the events of last weekend, we sponsors, stripped Belarus of its role as focused on rehabilitation at his South Florida home. ternational debate and today during the dictator”. have made contact with the European co-host of the world championships. “My physical therapy has been keeping me busy,” said Woods, the Management Board meeting, we have But a defiant Lukashenko said he had Cycling Union (UEC) and made clear that They began on May 21 in Latvia, where all most successful golfer of his generation. “I do my routines every decided to cancel the event in Minsk. “acted lawfully to protect our people”, in our participation is not possible under the games will be played. day and am focused on my No. 1 goal right now: walking on my “We are already working on finding an an address to parliament on Wednesday. these circumstances,” said the German (Reuters) own. Taking it one step at a time.” (Reuters) Gulf Times 4 Friday, May 28, 2021 SPORT

NHL Lightning eliminate Panthers with 4-0 triumph Reuters in his second consecutive start. ing David Savard and they took from a 3-1 defi cit in the best- Tampa, Florida Knight, who turned 20 on April advantage to move ahead 2-0 at of-seven series with its second 19, gave up a goal on the fi rst shot 13:27 of the second period. straight victory. Game 7 is Friday he faced for the second straight Nikita Kucherov fed Victor night in Las Vegas with the win- ndrei Vasilevskiy game. Hedman in the high slot and he ner facing No. 1 seed Colorado in made 29 saves and the Unlike in Monday’s 4-1 win quickly passed to Stamkos in the second round. Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5, when Knight made the left circle for the one-timer Marc-Andre Fleury fi nished eliminated the visit- 36 consecutive saves to help the that beat Knight before he could with 21 saves for the Golden ingA Florida Panthers with a 4-0 Panthers stay alive, he wasn’t completely slide over. Kucherov Knights. Vegas, which fi nished win in Game 6 of their Stanley able to slam the door the rest and Erik Cernak had two assists with 40 shots on goal, including Cup fi rst-round playoff series on of the way. Mikhail Sergachev each for Tampa Bay. Point zigza- 21 in the second period, in a 4-2 Wednesday night. dumped the puck into the cor- gged through the slot and scored loss on Monday, managed just It was the second shutout in ner and it stayed along the wall from in close with 5:24 left for a 13 total shots over the fi rst two 59 postseason starts for Vasi- behind the Florida net. Tyler 3-0 lead. Killorn scored into an tight-checking periods which levskiy. The other came on Sept. Johnson beat Anton Stralman to empty net with 1:42 left to make ended tied, 0-0. 28 in the clinching 2-0 victory the puck and backhanded it back it 4-0. Hartman gave Minnesota a against the Dallas Stars in Game out front. 1-0 lead at the 4:21 mark of the 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. The puck hit the blade of Pan- WILD FORCE GAME 7 WITH third period, taking a crossing Steven Stamkos had a goal thers forward MacKenzie Wee- SHUTOUT WIN pass from Fiala at the end of an and an assist, and Pat Maroon, gar and lifted in the air, just as OVER KNIGHTS odd-man rush and then fi ring a Brayden Point and Alex Kil- Maroon skated by and slapped it Kevin Fiala had a goal and an wrist shot over a sliding Fleury lorn also scored for the Light- past Knight for a 1-0 lead at 6:16 assist and Cam Talbot made 23 from the bottom of the right ning, who are trying to become of the fi rst period. saves for his sixth career playoff circle for his second goal of the the fi rst team to win consecu- Maroon won a Stanley Cup shutout as the Minnesota Wild series. tive Stanley Cup titles since the title with the Lightning last sea- forced a Game 7 in their West Di- Vegas appeared to tie it mid- Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 son and with the St. Louis Blues vision fi rst-round playoff series way through the period when and 2017. Next, the Lightning in 2019, becoming the fi rst play- with a 3-0 victory over the Vegas Chandler Stephenson fi red a will face the winner of the fi rst- er since Cory Stillman in 2006 to Golden Knights on Wednesday shot from the right point that round series between the Caro- win back-to-back Stanley Cups night in St. Paul, Minn. beat Talbot on his stick side. But lina Hurricanes and Nashville with diff erent teams. Ryan Hartman and Nick Bjug- the goal was quickly disallowed Predators. The Lightning went on their stad also scored goals and Jared for goaltender interference as Florida rookie goaltender second power play when Sam Spurgeon added two assists for Alex Tuch was ruled to have hit Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save during Game Six of the First Round of the Spencer Knight made 20 saves Bennett was called for rough- Minnesota, which has rallied Talbot in the blue paint. 2021 Stanley Cup Playoff s against the Florida Panthers at Amalie Arena in Tampa. (Getty Images/AFP)

NBA SPOTLIGHT Sixers ban popcorn fan, apologise to 76ers rout Wizards, Westbrook

Reuters “We apologise to Russell New York Westbrook and the Washington Wizards for being subjected to this type of unacceptable and fan who poured pop- disrespectful behaviour. There Jazz bounce back corn on Washington is no place for it in our sport or Wizards guard Russell arena.” Westbrook as he exited Westbrook was frustrated af- theA court Wednesday at Wells ter the Washington loss and said Fargo Center in Philadelphia fan behaviour is part of the prob- lost his season tickets for 76ers lem. “To be completely honest, games and is not allowed in the this s*** is getting out of hand, arena. especially for me,” Westbrook against Grizzlies Westbrook was being helped said. “The amount of disrespect, to the locker room area with an the amount of fans just doing ankle injury when popcorn was whatever the f*** they want to ROSE AND RANDLE HELP KNICKS EVEN SERIES WITH HAWKS rained on his head by a fan who do – it’s just out of pocket.” was clearly captured in the act by The NBA issued the following television cameras. statement yesterday: Wells Fargo Center investi- “The return of more NBA gated the incident and released fans to our arenas has brought its fi ndings yesterday. great excitement and energy to “After an investigation into the start of the playoff s, but it is the incident that occurred at critical that we all show respect last night’s game, we have deter- for players, offi cials and our fel- mined that the person involved low fans,” the statement read. will have his season ticket mem- “An enhanced fan code of bership revoked, eff ectively im- conduct will be vigorously en- mediately. In addition, he will be forced in order to ensure a safe banned from all events at Wells and respectful environment for Fargo Center indefi nitely. all involved.”

FOCUS Colts kicker Vinatieri retires from NFL

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks over Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards during Game Two of the Eastern Conference first round series at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Getty Images/AFP)

AFP to do my job to win,” Simmons of the fan who, was escorted Mitchell made his much-an- of-seven series at 1-1. Los Angeles said. The top-seeded 76ers now out by security. “Philadelphia ticipated return from a sprained Reggie Bullock scored 15 have a fi rm lead in the best-of- is better than that... hopefully ankle to drain fi ve threes in 26 points and RJ Barrett collected seven East series with game that fan is banned from games. minutes of playing time. Rudy 13 points and eight rebounds for en Simmons silenced three scheduled for Saturday in They wouldn’t do that down the Gobert had 21 points, 13 re- New York. AFP fore 14 seasons with the Colts. the critics with a 22 Washington. street.” bounds and four blocks for the Trae Young, who scored 20 of Los Angeles Vinatieri won three Super point, nine rebound, “I told him, ‘You’ve got all Bradley Beal scored a top-seeded Jazz, which re- his 30 points in the fi rst half, was Bowls with the Patriots in the eight assist perform- the space and all the time in the team-high 33 points and Rui bounded after losing game one serenaded with boos every time 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons as anceB as the Philadelphia 76ers world. Just attack,’” said Embiid Hachimura chipped in 11 points to eighth-seeded Memphis. he touched the ball. The Madi- eteran kicker Adam the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady routed the Washington Wizards of Simmons. “He’s physical and for the Wizards, who have been Mike Conley had 20 points son Square Garden faithful’s Vinatieri announced era in New England took off . 120-95 to grab a 2-0 playoff se- he’s athletic and he can make unable to slow down the 76ers’ and a career-high 15 assists, response was a result of Young his retirement from His career total of 29 game- ries lead on Wednesday. plays.” high-powered off ence that and Bojan Bogdanovic added 18 putting his fi ngers to his lips to the NFL on Wednes- winning kicks included decisive Joel Embiid also scored 22 The Wizards weaved their way boasts plenty of playoff expe- points in the win. silence the crowd following At- Vday, calling time on a 24-season kicks in the Patriots’ Super Bowl points and grabbed seven re- into the postseason by grabbing rience. .Westbrook scored 10 Morant broke the Grizzlies’ lanta’s 107-105 victory in the se- career that included four Super wins over the St Louis Rams in bounds as the heavily-favoured the eighth and fi nal seed, but it points and handed out 11 assists. franchise playoff scoring record ries opener on Sunday. Bowl victories and a record 2,673 2002 and the Carolina Panthers Sixers got contributions from hasn’t been an easy road. But the all-star point guard which was held by Conley. He De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan points. two years later. He also won a a number of players including Their frustrations mounted struggled Wednesday, shooting now has 71 points in his fi rst Bogdanovic each scored 18 The 48-year-old NFL all-time Super Bowl with the Colts in starting power forward Tobias on Wednesday when Russell just two-of-10 from the fl oor two career playoff games. Dillon points for the Hawks. points leader confi rmed his re- his fi rst season with the team in Harris, who had 19 points and Westbrook left the game with and missing all three of his at- Brooks ran into foul trouble but Game three is on Friday in tirement during an interview on 2006. nine rebounds. an injury and then had a run-in tempts from beyond the arc. still managed to score 23 points Atlanta. “The Pat McAfee Show.” One of his most famous game- Simmons scored 12 of his 22 with a Philadelphia fan as he was “They were attacking in high in the loss. “By Friday, if paperwork goes winners came in the 2001 AFC in the fi rst quarter, delivering a walking down the tunnel. effi ciency shots and we couldn’t In New York, Derrick Rose RESULTS in, you heard it here fi rst,” Vina- playoff s, when he drained a breakout playoff performance Less than two minutes into make a bucket,” said Brooks. scored 26 points off the bench (all series best-of-seven) tieri told his former Indianapolis 43-yarder in a blizzard against after being criticised for scoring the fourth, Westbrook appeared Elsewhere, Donovan Mitch- to lift the Knicks to a 101-92 vic- Eastern Conference Colts team-mate McAfee. the Oakland Raiders. just six points in Sunday’s game to injure his right ankle and ell returned from an injury to tory over the Atlanta Hawks in Philadelphia 120 Washington 95 Colts kicker Vinatieri did not Former Colts teammate Reg- one of the series. headed to the locker room. A score 25 points as the Utah Jazz game two of their fi rst-round (Philadelphia lead series 2-0) play last season after undergoing gie Wayne was among those “I’m here to win and I’m do- Philadelphia fan dropped pop- withstood a 47-point perform- series. Western Conference knee surgery in late 2019. paying tribute to Vinatieri on ing what I need to do to help my corn on Westbrook, who then ance from Ja Morant to beat the Julius Randle recorded 13 of Utah 141 Memphis 129 His decision to retire comes Wednesday, writing on Twit- team win, whatever it is. I’m not had to be restrained. Memphis Grizzlies 141-129 and his 15 points in the third quarter (Series tied 1-1) after a career that included 10 ter: “It was a pleasure to sit back trying to prove anybody wrong “It is very disrespectful,” said level their series at one game and added 12 rebounds for the New York 101 Atlanta 92 seasons with the New England and watch #greatness for many or anything like that. I’m trying Wizards coach Scott Brooks apiece. Knicks, who levelled the best- (Series tied 1-1) Patriots from 1996 to 2006 be- years.” Gulf Times Friday, May 28, 2021 5 SPORT

JORDAN RALLY Al-Attiyah and al-Thefi ri aim to defend series leads ‘I lost a bit of concentration while testing tyres. I just ran a bit wide went into a small ditch’ LIST OF STARTERS 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah Championship – standings (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) after round 1 Volkswagen Pole GTI 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) 2. Abdullah al-Ruwahi (OMN)/ 40pts Ata al-Hmoud (JOR) Ford Fiesta 2. Abdulaziz al-Kuwari (QAT) 3. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT)/ 32pts Nasser al-Kuwari (QAT) Mit- 3. Khalid al-Suwaidi (QAT) 27pts subishi Lancer Evo X 4. Nasser Khalifa al-Atya (QAT) 4. Henry Kahy (LEB)/Carlos 23pts Hanna (LBN) Skoda Fabia 1.6 5. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT) 19pts 5. Nasser Khalifa al-Atya (QAT)/ 6. Saleh al-Saif (SAU) 15pts Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA) 7. Rashid al-Mohannadi (QAT) Ford Fiesta 13pts 7. Shadi Sheban (JOR)/Emad 8. Zakariya al-Ofi (OMN) 11pts Juma (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer 9. Ahmad Khaled (LBN) 9pts Evo IX 10. Zakariya al-Amri (OMN) 7pts 8. Ihab al-Shourafa (JOR)/ 2021 FIA Middle East MERC Yousef Juma (JOR) Mitsubishi 2 Championship – standings Lancer Evo IX after round 1 9. Alex El-Feghali (LBN)/Georg- 1. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT) es Deaibess (LBN) Mitsubishi 40pts Lancer Evo X 2. Rashid al-Mohannadi (QAT) 10. Asem Aref (JOR)/Ahmed 31pts Jankhot (JOR) Renault Clio 3. Zakariya al-Ofi (OMN) 11. Ahmad Khaled (LBN)/Musa 28pts Djiyerian (JOR) Mitsubishi 4. Ahmad Khaled (LBN) Lancer Evo X 23pts 12. Shadi El-Fakih (LBN)/Samer 5. Zakariya al-Amri (OMN) Sfeir (LBN) Mitsubishi Lancer 18pts Evo IX 6. Shadi El-Fakih (LBN) 14. Saleh al-Saif (SAU)/Feisal 1pt al-Suwayh (SAU) Can-Am Mav- 2021 FIA Middle East MERC 3 erick X3 Championship – standings 2021 FIA Middle East Rally after round 1 1. Henry Kahy (LEB) 40pts

Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah at the start of 2021 Jordan Rally.

Agencies wari and Khalid al-Suwaidi, who of concentration while testing in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X a T4 Can-Am Maverick X3. Sup- Dead Sea, Jordan pushed him hard at the open- tyres. I just ran a bit wide out of and the Kuwaiti takes a nine- port for the event comes from ing round in Qatar at the end of a corner and went into a small point advantage in the second- Zain Jordan, Guarantee Travel January. ditch. ary ‘showroom’ category into the Group and NestleWaters Jordan. he 2021 Jordan Rally got On this occasion the 13-time The car went end-over-end opening stages today. Today’s crews tackle two loops underway on the shores winner of the Jordan Rally faces about fi ve times. Ilka (Minor) and His two closest rivals, Rashid of three special stages, starting of the Dead Sea yester- competition from former QMMF I are both okay. The car proved al-Mohannadi and Zakariya al- with a run through the 9.8km of day afternoon. Twelve president Nasser Khalifa al-Atya its strength. I was so happy to be Ofi , have not made the trip to the Syagha from 09.19hrs. Tcars and competitors from eight and Oman Rally Team driver Ab- here and back in rallying. Hashemite Kingdom but local The brand new challenge of nations will now tackle 10 de- dullah al-Rawahi. “We will be in Rally Lebanon, drivers Shabi Shaban and Ihab Adasiyah (34.70km) follows at manding gravel stages today Hamed al-Wahaibi had been for sure. Thanks to the organis- al-Shourafa and the Lebanese trio 09.58hrs and the loop is com- and tomorrow in the Dead Sea, relishing his return to the inter- ers for all their support. The wel- of Alex El Feghali, Ahmed Khaled pleted with a blast through the Mount Nebo and Jordan River ar- national arena after a nine-year come has been great, fans, com- and Shadi El Fakih will be hoping 11.34km of the Baptism Site spe- eas close to the lowest geographi- absence, but the Omani suff ered petitors and my friend Nasser to push him all the way. cial from 11.17hrs. cal point on earth. a shock crash while testing tyres (al-Attiyah) was so supportive. Lebanon’s defending cham- After a return to the Dead Sea Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah will be on Thursday morning and was Now I wish my teammate Abdul- pion Henry Kahy faces local Service Park for a mid-leg re- hoping his extend his eight-point not able to make the ceremonial lah al-Rawahi all the best for the driver Asem Aref in the MERC3 group and chance to refettle the lead in the FIA Middle East Rally start after damaging his Skoda coming two days.” section for two-wheel drive cars cars, the loop of three speed tests Championship in the absence of Fabia. Meshari al-Thefi ri has won the and Saudi Arabia’s Saleh al-Saif are repeated at 12.58hrs, 13.37hrs closest rivals, Abdulaziz al-Ku- Al-Wahaibi said: “I lost a bit last three MERC2 championships rounds off the starting line-up in and 14.56hrs, respectively. Oman’s Hamed al-Wahaibi sidelined after shakedown crash yesterday.

MLB NFL Jaguars quarterback Lawrence Sano powers Twins to praises new teammate Tebow

Reuters room, and he’s in great shape. He and just his character. That’s just New York looks great, he’s been out there a guy you want on your team, for series sweep of Orioles practising with us.” one, and a guy you want to be AFP Tebow has not played in the around.” Minnesota revor Lawrence has NFL since 2012, when he ap- As for Lawrence, the ad- something in common peared in 12 games and started justment to the NFL has been with the newest tight two for the New York Jets. He is smooth so far. “There’s a lot of iguel Sano belted a three-run end on the Jacksonville not promised a spot on the Jag- diff erences, (but) it’s still foot- homer and Michael Pineda Jaguars.T Both players were fi rst- uars’ 53-man roster, but Law- ball,” Lawrence said. “It’s been a tossed six strong innings as the round draft quarterbacks. rence likes what he has seen lot of fun to get out there with all Minnesota Twins completed a Lawrence praised Tim Tebow from the veteran. the new guys, new teammates, Mthree-game sweep of the visiting Baltimore on Wednesday during an inter- “He’s running around well, and kind of get used to everyone. Orioles with a 3-2 victory on Wednesday af- view with NFL Network. The No. picking it up quick,” Lawrence That’s been fun, but it’s just dif- ternoon in Minneapolis. 1 overall pick out of Clemson be- said. “I think mentally, he’s in ferent. Pineda (3-2) gave up only one run on three lieves that he can work well with a great spot. Being a quarter- “I’m a pro now, and just the way hits with two walks and eight strikeouts as the 33-year-old Tebow, who is back and playing in the NFL for a people handle their business, the the Twins extended their winning streak to back in the league with Jaguars number of years, he kind of gets the expectations, all those things, in a season-high four games. fi rst-year coach Urban Meyer. NFL off ense – personnel, off ense, a good way. You’re just expected Hansel Robles recorded his third save af- “I’ve had a few good con- systems – he picks them up easily. to be prepared and play at a high ter allowing a run in the ninth when Maikel versations with him. I’m really “He’s coming along great and level because this is our job now. Franco’s two-out double scored Trey Man- excited to play with him,” Law- I think just everyone’s excited It’s been a cool adjustment for me, cini, who doubled to begin the inning. rence said about Tebow. “I don’t to have him in the locker room, and being able to treat this as, this know if you’re going to fi nd a seeing what he’s been able to is my job. This is all I have to do. It’s RESULTS better guy to have in your locker do, the ultimate competitor he is not like I’m in school anymore.” Twins 3-2 Orioles Cardinals 4-0 White Sox Cuban baseball star defects on arrival in US Angels 9-8 Rangers Athletics 6-3 Mariners Cuban baseball talent Cesar Prieto abandoned Livan Hernandez and Jose Contreras are among his team several hours after arriving in the United the players who left Cuba. All went on to the Major Marlins 4-2 Phillies States for an Olympic qualifier, sports off icials in Leagues and were named to All-Star teams. Cubs 4-1 Pirates Havana said, in the latest defection to hit the com- In 2008, seven footballers deserted Cuba’s un- Tigers 1-0 Indians Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against munist island. Prieto, who turned 22 this month, der-23 team at a qualifying tournament in Florida Rays 2-1 Royals the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth inning of the game at Target Field in Minneapolis, vanished just hours after arriving in Florida, where in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics. Striker Minnesota. (Getty Images/AFP) Cuba is to play for a spot in the Tokyo Olympic Maykel Galindo defected a year earlier. Padres 2-1 Brewers games. Baseball is Cuba’s national sport and the Major League Baseball and the Cuban baseball Astros 5-2 Dodgers to second on Jorge Polanco’s groundout. but Pineda promptly retired the next three team is now weakened by the loss of one of its top federation had reached a deal in late 2018 that Giants 5-4 D’Backs Nelson Cruz then walked and the runners batters in order. Tyler Duff ey and Caleb players, an infielder and powerful hitter. would have allowed Cubans to play in the United Red Sox 9-5 Braves advanced to second and third on Alex Ki- Thielbar each pitched a scoreless inning of The 41-member Cuban delegation had gone States without having to first defect, but former rilloff ’s groundout to fi rst. relief for the Twins, who have won seven of through a long and complicated process to obtain president Donald Trump quickly scrapped it. Lopez then surrendered Sano’s 426-foot their last 10 games. visas for the United States, which maintains sanc- Since then, there have been several cases of Baltimore has lost nine straight and 16 home run, giving him seven homers and 17 Orioles designated hitter Anthony tions against Havana. Cuba’s baseball federation Cuban players abandoning their teams in order to of their last 18. Mancini gave the Orioles an RBIs in his last 13 games. Santander went 1-for-4 with a double and said in a statement that Prieto’s disappearance had play in the United States. In its statement, the Base- early lead with a two-out solo blast in the Lopez allowed three runs on four hits over is now 10-for-26 with fi ve doubles, a home generated “repudiation” among his teammates, ball Federation of Cuba said it was the “victim of fi rst off Pineda. Mancini leads Baltimore a season-high six innings for the Orioles, run and three RBIs in six games since re- and that it had been the victim of “traff ickers”. the actions of merchants and traff ickers favoured with 11 homers and 42 RBIs. who have lost 15 consecutive games against turning from the injury list. Baltimore, Prieto, who is likely to be courted by Major League by the decision of the government of the United Jorge Lopez (1-6) allowed just two hits the Twins, dating back to March 31, 2018. which went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring teams, is by no means the first Cuban athlete States to disable the agreement aimed at normalis- and two walks through fi ve innings before Baltimore appeared primed for a big in- position, placed outfi elder Austin Hays on to take flight during a sporting event. Baseball ing the insertion of our players in the circuits of running into trouble in the sixth. Max Ke- ning in the third when Chance Sisco and Ce- the injured list with a hamstring injury prior players Aroldis Chapman, Yasiel Puig, Jose Abreu, the MLB.” (AFP) pler singled to begin the inning and moved dric Mullins each walked to begin the frame, to the contest. Gulf Times 6 Friday, May 28, 2021 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Tokyo Games could lead to Olympic Weightlift er Diaz coronavirus variant – Japanese doctor

Reuters Tokyo vaccination campaign in Japan, targets fi rst gold played down dangers specifi c to the Games. “Mutation takes he head of a Japanese place when virus stays in im- doctors’ union said munocompromised or partially yesterday that holding immunised people for a long the Olympic Games in period of time,” Shibuya said. TokyoT this summer, with tens “So the current situation in of thousands of people from Japan is more dangerous than for Philippines around the world, could lead to (during) the Tokyo Games, in the emergence of an “Olympic” my opinion.” coronavirus strain. The Asahi Shimbun, an of- ‘I’m ready. I can’t say at what percent, but I’m there – my mind is there’ Japan has pledged to hold a fi cial partner of the Tokyo Ol- “safe and secure” 2020 Olym- ympics, carried an editorial pics in Tokyo after a year-long yesterday urging the Games be postponement but is struggling cancelled, but former IOC vice to contain a fourth wave of in- president Dick Pound later said fections and preparing to extend they should and would go ahead. a state of emergency in much of Japanese public broadcaster the country. NHK reported late yesterday Japanese offi cials, Olympics that the government was look- organisers and the International ing to extend a state of emer- Olympic Committee (IOC) have gency across much of Japan by said the Games will go ahead three weeks to June 20 as the under strict virus-prevention pandemic shows no signs of measures. Foreign spectators easing. The Games are set to have been banned and a decision open on July 23. on domestic ones is expected IOC member John Coates has next month. said the Olympics could be held But even with those steps, even under a state of emergency, worries remain about the infl ux an opinion Ueyama said was in- of athletes and offi cials into Ja- furiating. pan, where a vaccination drive “In regards to these state- remains slow, with just over 5% ments, the people of Japan are of the population having had indeed holding great anger a shot.People from more than towards this, and this is even 200 nations and territories are more the case for healthcare set to arrive and the Games, due and medical professionals,” to begin in eight weeks, pose Ueyama said. The United States a danger, said Naoto Ueyama, has advised against travel to head of the Japan Doctors Un- Japan, but Olympics organis- ion. ers have said this will not aff ect “All of the diff erent mutant the Games. The White House strains of the virus which exist said on Wednesday it had been in diff erent places will be con- assured by Japan’s government centrated and gathering here in that it would keep in close con- Tokyo. We cannot deny the pos- tact about concerns over the Ol- sibility of even a new strain of ympics. Australia’s major sports the virus potentially emerging,” leagues and Olympic hopefuls he told a news conference. were left scrambling to make “If such a situation were to contingency plans after author- arise, it could even mean a To- ities announced a seven-day This picture taken on May 21, 2021 shows Olympic weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines during a training session in the Malaysian city of Malacca. Diaz, who took silver kyo Olympic strain of the virus lockdown in the southern state at Rio 2016, has been stuck in Malaysia since February last year because of the coronavirus pandemic but has remained determined to realise her dream of becoming the first being named in this way, which of Victoria to contain a COV- Olympic gold medal winner from the Philippines. would be a huge tragedy and ID-19 outbreak in Melbourne. something which would be the Chiba prefecture, which bor- AFP ing icon Manny Pacquiao, as the since December 2019. money through online train- quarantine on her return, six target of criticism, even for 100 ders Tokyo, announced yester- Jasin, Malaysia only woman from the sprawl- “I have to sacrifi ce time with ing sessions to distribute food confi ned to a hotel room with years.” Kenji Shibuya, director day it was cancelling its stretch ing archipelago ever to win an my family, sacrifi ce time with packages to poor families back the fi nal four back at the house, of the Institute of Population of the Olympic torch relay out of Olympic medal – her surprise my friends, sacrifi ce time with home who were suff ering during using an exercise bike, dumb- Health at King’s College, Lon- safety concerns, becoming the ilipina weightlifter Hidi- silver in Rio breaking a 20-year studying... my work at the Phil- coronavirus lockdowns. bells and rubber power bands don, who has been helping the latest area to scale back events. lyn Diaz grunts with the medal drought for the Philip- ippines Air Force.” In October, Diaz and her team to maintain her fi tness and eff ort of hoisting a bar- pines. She initially went to train in relocated to a rural area in the strength. bell over her head in an Her stature grew two years Malaysia in February 2020 be- southern coastal state of Malac- She is fi ercely determined to outdoorF makeshift gym ringed later when she struck gold at the cause her Chinese coach, Gao ca where they have been living be in the best shape for the Ol- EU, Japan throw support behind Olympics by banana and rambutan trees Asian Games in Indonesia and Kaiwen, thought it would be in the house owned by a Malay- ympics, which open in under as trucks thunder past – an un- repeated the feat at the South better for her as she focused on sian weightlifting offi cial. two months on July 23. Brussels/Tokyo: The Europe- European Commission presi- likely training base for a shot at East Asian Games on home soil qualifying for Tokyo. She began using a nearby gym “The pressure is high because an Union and Japan yesterday dent Ursula von der Leyen Olympic gold in Tokyo. in December 2019. But within weeks came Cov- but restrictions were tightened of course... everyone’s expect- backed Tokyo’s hosting of the said the European Union Diaz, 30, who took silver at Rio Diaz had then been fi rmly id-19 restrictions leaving Diaz again forcing her to work out in ing me to win the gold medal in Olympic Games this year, with had authorised the export to 2016, has been stuck in Malaysia on course to take her chance to battle gym closures, lack of the house’s car port, sweating Tokyo,” she said. EU-produced vaccines helping Japan of more than 100 mn since February last year because at Olympic glory just a few access to weightlifting equip- profusely in the tropical heat. “I have embraced it. I just tell Japan in its battle against a vaccine doses, enough to of the coronavirus pandemic but months later, but the corona- ment and the grinding uncer- “Whenever there’s a lock- myself to focus on the technique, fourth wave of infections. inoculate about 40% of the has remained determined to re- virus changed everything as tainty of whether the Games down our world really stops and focus on the work ahead. “We support the holding of population. alise her dream of becoming the the Games were postponed by would be held at all. you don’t know what to do and “I don’t want to promise to the Olympic and Paralympic “We have of course said we fi rst Olympic gold medal winner a year. “At fi rst there was a lot of you’re shocked,” she said. win gold, I just want to do it.” Games Tokyo 2020 in a safe are looking forward to the from the Philippines. “It’s diffi cult to have a goal anxiety, fears, worries because “If I didn’t have Team HD, Training alongside a busy and secure manner this sum- Olympics Games,” she told a “I’m ready. I can’t say at what and have it extended by how we’re in Malaysia – we didn’t I admit I wouldn’t be here, I road, Diaz is often joined by local mer as a symbol of global uni- news conference, adding that percent, but I’m there – my many months and at the same know where to stay, we didn’t would have gone home to the children eager to learn how to lift ty in defeating COVID-19,” the the vaccine shipments were a mind is there, my heart is there, time you know you have plans know where to train,” said Diaz. Philippines.” weights. EU and Japan said in a joint strong sign of EU support for physically it’s there,” Diaz told after the Olympics,” said Diaz, For months Diaz and her The disruption has aff ected “I’m happy when children join statement after a summit. preparations of a safe event. AFP during a break from her long who serves in the Philippines coaches – “Team HD” – were Diaz, who was only fourth at weightlifting and they get curi- Japan’s vaccination drive has The Olympic Games run for hours of fi nal preparation in en- Air Force and will compete in stuck in an apartment block in the Asian Championships in ous because that’s how I started,” been glacially slow, with just just over two weeks from July ergy-sapping heat and humidity the 55kg class in Tokyo. the capital Kuala Lumpur where Tashkent last month, her fi rst said Diaz, who began by carting over 5% of the population 23, with the Paralympics due for her fourth, and probably last, The daughter of a tricycle they had to be careful not to competition for more than a fi ve-gallon (18 litre) jugs of water having had a shot, and several to start on Aug. 24. Foreign Olympics. driver in a poor village near crack the tiled fl oor while train- year. It was enough to secure her for her family as a child. polls have shown the majority spectators have been banned Diaz is already assured a place the port of Zamboanga on the ing with weights. Olympic berth, but far from her “They say I’m not smiling,” of the Japanese public are op- and a decision on domestic in her country’s sporting folk- southern island of Mindanao, But the tireless Diaz still best, she admitted. she said. “But I need to focus. We posed to holding the Games. ones is expected next month. lore, alongside the likes of box- Diaz has not seen her family managed to fi nd time to raise Diaz endured 10 more days need to train.”

BOTTOMLINE Shooting for glory – a refugee’s Olympic goal

Reuters athletes who are Olympic hopefuls, iel, 31, is also on the shortlist, hop- Lausanne supported by the International Ol- ing to compete in the 10 km event. ympic Committee (IOC) to form a In the safety of his training facility team to participate in this summer’s in Switzerland, he feels liberated to hen Eritrean refugee Games. be ambitious. Luna Solomon lifts The IOC unveiled its fi rst refugee “Here in Switzerland, I had her rifl e at a Lausanne team at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Ol- chances I did not have in my coun- shooting range, she is ympics in an eff ort to raise aware- try,” said Amaniel, who undertook a Waiming at a specifi c target: a spot at ness of asylum issues. That year, dangerous journey through Sudan the Tokyo Olympics in July. more than a million refugees en- and Libya before making it to Italy Back in her home country, which tered Europe after fl eeing wars in and eventually Switzerland. has one of the worst human rights the Middle East, Africa and central “Here I can do whatever I want, records in the world and has en- Asia. and how I want. No one is telling me dured lengthy wars, the presence The 10 members, from Syria, ‘you cannot do that, you have to do of a rifl e would have meant life- Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan, that’.” threatening danger. competed in athletics, swimming His coach, Cyrille Gindre, at- “In my country, if you’re shoot- and judo. tributes Amaniel’s focus and dedi- ing, it’s to kill someone,” Solomon The sight of the refugees taking cation to the hardships he has en- told Reuters during a break in train- part in the traditional athletes’ pa- dured. ing for her event, the 10m air rifl e. rade was one of the most moving “He left without money, he had Luna Solomon of Eritrea, “We don’t use rifl es for sport.” moments of the opening ceremony, nothing, he had to cross the desert, hoping to make the Refugee Solomon, 27, fl ed Eritrea and ar- and their progress at the Games be- he had no water. (He had to work Olympic Team in the 10m air rived in Switzerland in 2015. She came a global feel-good story. This out) how to cross the sea,” Gindre rifle competition, pauses took up the sport after meeting year, some 55 refugee athletes from said. during a training session in Niccolo Campriani, an Italian Ol- 13 countries, including Solomon, “I think this is why he has so Lausanne, Switzerland. ympic gold medallist and former have been identifi ed in a pre-selec- much willpower. Like a lot of people world champion, who is now her tion for the Tokyo Games, with the who lived in those places, every- coach. fi nal squad to be announced in June. thing looks brighter and this is what She is one of a few dozen refugee Eritrean runner Habtom Aman- we see in his journey.” Gulf Times Friday, May 28, 2021 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Swiss bank Julius Baer to pay $79.7mn in FIFA corruption Villarreal edge Man settlement he Swiss bank Julius Baer has agreed to pay $79.7mn in a settlement with the US Department Tof Justice after being implicated in a sprawling corruption probe United in epic shootout surrounding FIFA, the world’s football governing body. Julius Baer has entered a three-year deferred prosecution agreement to resolve accusa- tions it engaged in a money laundering conspiracy. The agreement includes a $43.3mn to win Europa League criminal fi ne and a $36.4mn forfeiture. It was accepted by US District Judge Pamela Chen at a hearing Victory also gives Unai Emery's men a place in next season’s Champions League in Brooklyn, New York. Switzer- land’s third-largest private bank has said it has co-operated with the Justice Department since 2015. It has also said it has up- graded its compliance controls and dismissed some clients. The Justice Department unveiled the FIFA probe in April 2015. More than 40 defendants, including soccer and marketing executives, were charged, and at least 30 have pleaded guilty. In June 2017, former Julius Baer banker Jorge Arzuaga pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for helping an Argentine sports marketing executive pay bribes to the president of Ar- gentina’s soccer federation, who was a FIFA vice president. Arzuaga was sentenced last November to probation. Swiss fi nancial regulator FINMA has also imposed penalties for Julius Baer’s anti-money laundering shortfalls, ordering the bank to improve its controls and appoint an auditor, and reprimanding two former chief executives. FINMA lifted a ban on Julius Baer making large acquisitions in March

KUDELA TO TAKE UEFA RACISM BAN TO CAS Czech defender Ondrej Kudela, banned for 10 matches for rac- ism, will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after UEFA rejected his appeal, his lawyer Rene Cienciala said Villarreal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Europa League at the Polsat Plus Arena in Gdansk, Poland on Wednesday night. (Reuters) yesterday. The Slavia Prague centre-back was suspended by AFP feeling and make sure we don’t get it bench. An early collision between Juan But it also sparked a reaction from in his past four matches, and one that European football’s govern- Gdansk, Poland again. We didn’t turn up. We didn’t play Foyth and Pogba left the former Totten- United, as a battling Scott McTominay handed United the momentum. Bruno ing body for racially abusing as well as we know we can.” ham defender bloodied but both sides watched his shot defl ected over before Fernandes drilled wide as Cavani tried Rangers player Glen Kamara in a Villarreal midfi elder Francis Coque- were slow to click into gear on a damp Mason Greenwood burst into the area in vain to readjust with the ball fl ashing Europa League match on March illarreal defeated Manchester lin was delighted that the victory also and chilly night on the Baltic coast. and sent in a fi zzing cross that Raul Al- by, and the striker then headed straight 18. The ban means Kudela will United 11-10 on penalties to led to a place in next season’s Champi- Carlos Bacca’s clever rabona cross cre- biol nearly diverted into his own net. at Torres from Shaw’s miscued shot. miss Euro 2020. win their fi rst major trophy ons League. “It feels really good. To play ated an opportunity for Pau Torres, Another Parejo set-piece caused United continued to dominate pos- Czech Republic coach Jaroslav after a 1-1 draw in the Europa against a very good side like Manches- the centre-back linked with a summer panic in the United box right after half- session as Villarreal soaked up the Silhavy left a spot open for VLeague fi nal as goalkeeper David de ter United, we knew it would be tough,” move to United, while Marcus Rashford time, Manu Trigueros crossing back pressure, but the Spaniards remained a Kudela when he named his Euro Gea missed the decisive spot-kick in Coquelin said. “We didn’t manage to tested Geronimo Rulli with a dipping towards goal before the ball was scram- threat as Torres curled over at the end of 2020 squad on Tuesday, but a remarkable shootout on Wednesday get to the Champions League through eff ort from distance. bled clear with Moreno and Carlos Bac- normal time. after the payer lost his appeal on night. Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal the the league so to get it through the Eu- Yeremy Pino, who at 18 years and 218 ca lurking dangerously. Alberto Moreno slashed wide as Wednesday will have to name lead 29 minutes into the Spanish club’s ropa League is something special – and days broke Iker Casillas’ record as the Alfonso Pedraza was perhaps fortu- United began to tire, prompting Solsk- someone else. fi rst European fi nal, but Edinson Cavani a fi rst title for the club as well – some- youngest Spanish player to start a ma- nate no further action was taken when jaer to make his fi rst change after 100 The 34-year-old allegedly equalised early in the second half before thing amazing.” jor European fi nal, scuff ed wide on the he appeared to catch Greenwood in the minutes as Fred replaced Greenwood. uttered a racist insult towards Unai Emery’s team prevailed on spot- Eric Bailly replaced the injured Harry counter, but Villarreal were soon ahead. Villarreal area, although United ben- Weariness and a raft of substitutions Kamara during a stormy last-16 kicks, extending United’s four-year tro- Maguire in central defence, with the Dani Parejo swung in a free-kick from efi ted from a slice of luck to level. A slowed the tempo in the closing stages tie, won by Slavia. phy drought. United captain surprisingly named the left and Moreno peeled away from headed clearance at a corner dropped as the rain intensifi ed with penalties Kamara a Finnish interna- “It’s a disappointed dressing room. among the substitutes despite suff ering Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof, steering to Rashford, whose dragged volley rico- almost inevitable. The fi rst 21 penal- tional of Sierra Leonese origin That’s football for you. Sometimes it’s ankle ligament damage two weeks ago. beyond De Gea as the Swede desperately cheted into the path of Cavani to stab ties were successfully converted before was given a three-game ban for decided on one kick – and that’s the dif- De Gea started ahead of Dean Hender- tugged at his shirt. Moreno’s 82nd goal home with Rulli unable to recover after De Gea had his attempt palmed away assaulting Kudela in the tunnel ference between winning and losing,” son in goal, while Paul Pogba took up a for Villarreal equalled the club record anticipating the initial shot. by Rulli as United lost for the sixth time after the match. The incident said United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. more orthodox midfi eld role as Fred was of former Manchester United forward It was the Uruguayan’s sixth goal of in seven shootouts, handing Emery a caused uproar in the Czech “We have to learn from it, taste this only deemed fi t enough for a spot on the Giuseppe Rossi. the competition this season, all coming record fourth Europa League crown. Republic.

ANALYSIS FOCUS Solskjaer’s rebuild mission laid bare by Europa agony Rashford racially abused online London: Marcus Rashford says he was racially abused on social me- AFP dia following Manchester United’s defeat in the Europa League fi nal. Gdansk, Poland The 23-year-old, who has previously been a victim of online attacks, said he had received “at least 70 racial slurs” following United’s pen- alty shootout loss to Villarreal in Gdansk on Wednesday. anchester United’s gut- “At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far,” Rash- wrenching defeat on penal- ford wrote on Twitter. “For those working to make me feel any worse ties by Villarreal in the Europa than I already do, good luck trying. I’m more outraged that one of the League fi nal re-emphasised abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths Mthe magnitude of the rebuilding task for teacher with an open profi le. He teaches children!! And knows that he coach and club hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can freely racially abuse without consequence...” at Old Traff ord. Exactly 22 years to the day since the Norwegian struck his famous winner for United in the Champions League fi nal North Korea's qualifying matches against Bayern Munich, he was made to swallow a bitter pill after watching his declared null and void: AFC side lose a match they largely controlled while, crucially, lacking bite. Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Foot- a balanced final comparison be- David de Gea bowed his head after ball Confederation (AFC) said tween all group runners-up, and missing the decisive spot-kick, having Manchester United players during the penalty shootout in the Europa League final against Villarreal. (Reuters) it has noted the decision of the therefore, alleviating any pos- seen the fi rst 21 successfully converted, Bureau for the FIFA World Cup sible imbalance between the but Solskjaer’s refusal to make a change Manchester City next season still appears determination and desire of the players. as a player and a manager,” said Solsk- Qualifiers on the final standings seven qualifying groups caused until the 100th minute suggested little a distant prospect. “It’s not a successful We’ve probably done as well as anyone jaer. “You can either go on holiday and do of the Asian Qualifiers for the by the sudden reduction of faith in a bench that included his injured season and those are the fi ne margins in could imagine but we need to do better,” nothing about it, or go home and come FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Group H to only four teams. captain Harry Maguire. football. Sometimes one kick can defi ne he said. back and do better, come back hungrier.” the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, Once this levelling has been After steering United to successive a season as successful or a good one, and “Two or three players to strengthen the Marcus Rashford, one of three players following the withdrawal of achieved, the four best runners- top-three fi nishes in the Premier League it can defi ne it as not one,” said Solskjaer. starting XI and squad altogether is im- who started United’s 2017 Europa League North Korea on May 16, 2021. up would be determined in the for the fi rst time since Alex Ferguson re- “Trophies matter and that’s what matters portant for us to go further and improve.” fi nal win over Ajax, vowed the pain of de- As part of eff orts to ensure following order: tired as champion in 2013, Solskjaer had at this club.” Solskjaer overcame the disappoint- feat would drive the team on even more fairness for all participating 1. Greatest number of points earmarked the fi nal in Gdansk as the The 11-10 loss on penalties came after a ment of a Champions League group next season. “Second doesn’t count for teams, it was decided that obtained from the group “stepping stone for something better to 1-1 draw following extra time and extend- exit to lead United to the top of the ta- nothing,” an impassioned Rashford said. the results of all North Korea matches. 2. Goal diff erence in come”. Despite clearing the semi-fi nal ed United’s four-year run without a tro- ble in January, despite having overseen “I don’t want to hear ‘they were so matches will be declared null the group matches. 3. Greater hurdle at the fi fth attempt with a high- phy – the club’s longest since the 1980s the club’s worst home start in 48 years. close’ because it means nothing. One and void, AFC said in a state- number of goals scored in the scoring win over Roma, Solskjaer’s side in the early days of the Ferguson era. United became just the fourth team to go winner, one loser. Today we lost. We ment. Consequently, after the group matches. 4. Fair play mustered just two attempts on target Solskjaer, who took the job with limited through an English top-fl ight campaign have to fi nd out why and make sure next conclusion of all the matches in points system: fewer number against Villarreal, organised superbly by top-level management experience, has undefeated away from home, indicating time we don’t lose. We have to get rid of the Asian Qualifiers, the results of points calculated according Europa League maestro Unai Emery. been forced to drown out the critics and the progress that is being made under his the disappointment and look back at the of the matches between the to the number of yellow and While United have move forward each naysayers while reconstructing a team guidance. game and see what we did wrong. The second-placed and the fifth- red cards received by the team year under Solskjaer, at least in terms of that hasn’t properly challenged for the “We need to use that disappointment. team will not give up – no chance. The placed teams in Groups A to G in the group phase. 5. Drawing league position, since his appointment in title in almost a decade. It is the worst feeling, these are the mo- manager won’t allow us to give up. We would not be counted to ensure of lots December 2018, catching Pep Guardiola’s “I’ve been delighted with the eff ort, ments you remember most in your career will come next season with bigger desire.” Friday, May 28, 2021 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Ahly favourites against Berkane in CAF Super Cup The match between African Champions League and Confederation Cup winners’ will take place at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium

Agencies Doha

tar goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy will captain Egyptian giants Al Ahly today when they attempt to reverse the recent trendS of underdogs winning the annual CAF Super Cup match. African Champions League title- holders Ahly are favoured to lift the trophy at the expense of Confederation Cup winners Renaissance Berkane of Morocco in Doha. Qatar, who next year will become the fi rst Middle East country to stage the World Cup, signed a three-year con- tract to host the Super Cup match from 2019. The match will take place at Jas- sim Bin Hamad Stadium with kick-off at 7pm. In line with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) measures, the stadium’s capacity will be limited to 30% to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Only fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Cov- id-19 in the last nine months will be permitted to attend the match. The clubs had to arrive in Doha 72 hours be- Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane (left) and captain Mohamed El Shenawy at a press conference in Doha yesterday. RS Berkane players train on the eve of the final. fore the match and were placed in bio- bubbles – the fi rst time CAF have taken team stacked with stars, including El “For us, we want to win, and we must (three) the next most successful sides. rubber fi nal group game contained only in the game. “This is a fi nal between this step since the coronavirus pan- Shenawy, Moroccan centre-back Badr work well to achieve that. During the Ahly are much further ahead when it fi ve survivors from the 2020 Confed- two big teams. We know Al Ahly very demic spread to Africa early last year. Banoun, midfi elder Mohamed ‘Afsha’ past weeks we had many tough games comes to all CAF competitions, win- eration Cup fi nal in which they edged well and they are one of the biggest Changing the venue from the ground Magdy and forward Mohamed Sherif, in the league and in the CAF Champi- ning 20 titles, nine more than Zamalek Pyramids of Egypt 1-0 in Rabat. teams in Africa. But this is a football of Champions League winners to Doha failed to lift the trophy. ons League, in addition to many travels. and Mazembe. There has also been change of coach- game that will be played on the pitch led to successive victories for the win- Ahly’s South African coach Pitso We will make sure to be well prepared. They travelled to Doha after quali- es with Moroccan Tarik Sektioui being and we are waiting for it,” he said. ners of the second-tier Confedera- Mosimane called it a ‘50-50 game’ with Maybe we are physically tired, but we fying for the 2021 Champions League replaced by Spaniard Juan Pedro Be- “In football there are no surprises. tion Cup, the African equivalent of the both teams having ‘equal chance’ of are mentally ready. Every match comes semi-fi nals last weekend with a 3-1 nali, who joined Berkane after guiding We will play a game of 90 minutes and UEFA Europa League. victory. “We know RS Berkane is a very with its pressure. Al Ahly is always ex- aggregate victory over Mamelodi Sun- three other clubs in the north African possibly penalties and let’s see who Champions Esperance of Tunisia lost strong team and they have a good new pected to win, and we want to do that downs of South Africa. Berkane were kingdom. Berkane rely heavily on Mo- wins afterwards. If we thought that our to Zamalek of Egypt in 2019 and to Raja coach and talented players. They are and make our supporters at home hap- shock casualties in the 2021 Confedera- roccans with two Burkina Faso stars, win was a surprise we would not have Casablanca of Morocco in 2020 – a dra- always doing well on the international py,” Mosimane added. tion Cup group phase, failing to qualify defender Issoufou Dayo and forward come here. We respect Al Ahly much, matic change after winners of the mar- scene and we respect them very much. The Cairo Red Devils have won the for the quarter-fi nals after coming Djibril Ouattara, adding an interna- but there is no place for fear. This is a quee competition had triumphed in 21 This is a fi nal so it’s a 50-50 game and Super Cup a record six times with third behind JS Kabylie of Algeria and tional fl avour. football game, and we have our chances of the previous 23 games. both sides have an equal chance to win Zamalek (four titles) and TP Mazembe Coton Sport of Cameroon in Group B. Benali said his side did not fear Ahly too. We will be prepared for every- But it would be a shock if an Ahly the cup,” he said yesterday. of the Democratic Republic of Congo The side that beat Coton in a dead- and said Berkane will have chances too thing,” the Spaniard added.

LA LIGA LIGUE 1 Zidane resigns as Real Madrid Pochettino looking to bright future with coach for second time PSG amid Tottenham Hotspur links

AFP Reuters Madrid Paris

inedine Zidane has re- aris St Germain manager Mauricio signed as Real Madrid Pochettino said he has not achieved manager for the second all the goals he set himself when he time with immediate ef- joined but has laid good founda- Zfect, the Spanish club said yes- Ptions at the Ligue 1 club, even as he is linked terday just days after they were with a move back to Tottenham Hotspur. beaten to the La Liga title by British media reported yesterday that Atletico Madrid. Spurs are in talks to re-sign Pochettino, The Frenchman’s departure who was sacked by the club in November comes at the end of a disappoint- 2019, after which he joined PSG in January ing campaign for the 13-time on a contract until June 2022. PSG ended European champions, who also the season with only one major trophy, the lost to Chelsea in the Champions French Cup, after losing the Ligue 1 title by League semi-fi nals, as they failed one point to Lille and crashing out in the to win a trophy for the fi rst time Champions League semi-fi nals and Po- in 11 seasons. chettino said he wished he had more time to “We must now respect his de- work with the squad. cision and express our gratitude “We achieved certain goals. We didn’t for his professionalism, dedica- manage to achieve all of them, but I think tion and passion over the years we laid a good foundation,” Pochettino told and what he means to Real Ma- PSG website. “I’m happy with the way the drid,” a club statement said. “Zi- players adapted to the changes. There are strong bond with the players at PSG in the Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham six dane is one of Real Madrid’s great a lot of things that couldn’t be changed or past fi ve months. “In a short time you can months after leading them to the Champi- icons and his legacy extends be- couldn’t be developed because of lack of create a very strong connection. It’s clear ons League fi nal the previous season. yond what he has achieved as a Zinedine Zidane’s departure comes at the end of a disappointing time. But I think that with this way of work- that we, as a coaching team, came in and re- The north London club ended this season coach and player at our club,” it campaign for Real Madrid as they failed to win a trophy for the first ing and with the desire to be able to develop ceived aff ection from everyone,” he added. in seventh place and with interim manager said, adding the Frenchman “will time in 11 seasons. (AFP) other kinds of ideas on the pitch, it will be “We were accepted and through our way of Ryan Mason in charge after Jose Mourinho always have a home” at the club. possible to do great things in the future.” being, spontaneous and natural relation- was sacked in April, days before the League Zidane’s contract expires in stars such as Eder Militao, Luka ment from international football Pochettino said he had also formed a ships were created.” Cup fi nal. 2022 but he had repeatedly re- Jovic and Ferland Mendy. in 2004 before coming back for fused to confi rm he will still be But Hazard has been injured the 2006 World Cup, after which at the club next season. Only 10 for the majority of the season and he retired for good following his SERIE A days ago he denied press specu- most of the other new recruits infamous headbutt on Italy’s lation he had already told his disappointed, with Zidane forced Marco Materazzi as France lost in players he would be leaving at the to rely on veteran players such as the fi nal. end of the season, saying he was Sergio Ramos and Raphael Var- He may now take another Conte says he departs Inter back where they belong “focused on this season”. The ane in defence and Karim Ben- break from football although Reuters to where it deserves to be for its history and announcement marks the end of zema in attack. there has been talk of him either Rome tradition. Thank you to those who made all Zidane’s second spell in charge of The squad was also plagued taking charge of the French na- this possible! Players, staff , president, di- the Spanish giants. with injuries and eight cases of tional team or taking the helm rectors and everyone who helped us and The 1998 World Cup win- Covid-19, all of which led to a at Juventus, where he spent fi ve ntonio Conte has spoken out for supported us over these two years.” ner fi rst took the helm in Janu- rollercoaster performance this years as a player. Juventus though the fi rst time since terminating Conte said Inter had succeeded during a ary 2016 and guided Real to the year. The news of Zidane’s de- have suff ered fi nancial pain as a his Inter Milan contract, thank- “very diffi cult period” due to the pandemic 2017 La Liga title and an unprec- parture dominated headlines in result of the Covid-19 pandemic Aing players, staff and fans for their and they had always felt the support and en- edented hat-trick of Champions Spain and was greeted by sur- and might not be in a position to eff orts in bringing the club back to where it thusiasm of the fans. League titles before abruptly prise and sadness by Real fans. entice him. belongs by winning the Serie A title. “The image of the Scudetto trophy being quitting on May 31, 2018, say- “It is such a pity,” Miriam And Didier Deschamps is likely Conte led Inter to their fi rst league raised from the highest tier of San Siro with ing the club needed “a diff erent Galeano, 31, said outside of the to remain France coach until the crown in 11 years this season, but mutually all of you celebrating, I will carry that with voice”. Less than a year later he team’s offi cial store on the Span- 2022 World Cup in Qatar, barring agreed to end his contract one year early on me forever,” he added. returned after Julen Lopetegui ish capital’s main Gran Via thor- a disastrous performance at the Wednesday amid reports that he was un- Inter had fi nished no higher than fourth and Santiago Solari were sacked oughfare. “I think he has been a European Championship that happy with plans to cut costs and sell play- for eight years when Conte was appointed as managers in quick succession. really good coach, he knew how kicks off next month. ers due to the Covid-19 pandemic. in 2019, but the former Chelsea manager led During his second stint as Real to take the best from each player, As to who will fi ll Zidane’s “What a journey these last two years! the Nerazzurri to second place in his fi rst coach, Zidane’s task was to re- especially Benzema.” boots at Real Madrid, several Every day we became stronger, more deter- season before going one better in 2020-21. build the club after Portuguese In a tweet, Benzema said he names have emerged: former mined, with more will and sacrifi ce, manag- However, the 51-year-old’s ambitions star striker Cristiano Ronaldo was “proud and honoured to have Juventus coach Massimiliano ing to break the mediocrity that we are often to improve his squad were at odds with the moved to Juventus. Real Ma- been able to advance and grow” Allegri, ex-Madrid striker Raul surrounded by,” Conte wrote on Instagram. club’s fi nancial situation due to pandemic, drid president Florentino Perez with Zidane at Real. Zidane has Gonzalez and Joachim Loew, who “No excuses, no alibis, but just work, work with Inter’s Chinese owners reportedly opened the coff ers, signing play- a history of making surprise an- steps down as Germany coach at and work, along with respect and education. looking to slash the wage bill by 15-20% and maker Eden Hazard from Chel- nouncements: as a player, he the end of this summer’s Euro- We brought the Scudetto back to Inter after make 70-100mn euros from player sales be- sea as well as several other rising initially announced his retire- pean Championships. 11 years, but above all we brought Inter back fore next season.