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Saturday, February 23, 2019 FO0TBALL Jumada II 18, 1440 AH Barca, Real wrestle GULF TIMES fatigue and form ahead of Clasico double-header SPORT Page 3 MANATEQ QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY ‘For a short stage, to have a lead of 3min 05sec is very good. Tomorrow will be a long Al-Attiyah edges into stage. I am quite happy. It was a little bit tricky today with the navigation but we did slender lead in Qatar not have any mistakes’

Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah in action in the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally yesterday. Picture on right shows his brother, Mohamed, who topped the T3 category.

By Sports Reporter to be able to follow Nasser tomorrow section of 77.15km returns teams to the Lusail into the longer stage and try to push a service park in the early afternoon. little bit.” Przygonski said: “It was tricky. It 2019 Manateq Qatar Cross-Country ocal star Nasser Saleh al-Atti- was the fi rst time together, but we Rally – positions after SS1 (unoff icial yah edged into a lead of 3min made no mistakes. There is good co- @ 15.40hrs) 05sec at the Manateq Qa- operation between us. We are trying to 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- tar Cross-Country Rally af- fi nd the same language and are work- thieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Lter the short opening loop section of ing together in English. We are starting Overdrive 52min 40sec 109.76km through the central Qatar further behind tomorrow, so it will be 2. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD)/Tom deserts yesterday. easier with the lines.” Colsoul (BEL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive The short opened didn’t feature any Mohammed al-Attiyah and Uru- 55min 45sec passage controls or decidedly tricky guayan navigator Sergio Lafuente 3. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU)/Dirk von navigation and the fi ve-time event topped the times in the T3 category in Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux Overdrive winner was comfortable at the wheel of their Can-Am Maverick X3. The Qatari 56min 40sec his Toyota Hilux on the way to the fast- fi nished just under a minute in front of 4. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo est time of 52min 40sec. the Brazilian Monster Energy Can-Am Gottschalk (DEU) MINI John Cooper Al-Attiyah said: “For a short stage, to duo of Reinaldo Varela and Gustavo Works Rally 57min 11sec have a lead of 3min 05sec is very good. Gugelmin. 5. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin Tomorrow will be a long stage. I am Qatar’s Adel Abdulla drove his T3 Zhiltsov (RUS) BMW X3 CC 57min 21sec quite happy. It was a little bit tricky to- Can-Am Maverick 3 for the fi rst time 6. Eugenio Amos (ITA)/Sebastien De- day with the navigation but we did not with new Spanish navigator Marc Serra launay (FRA) Ford 2WD Buggy 59min have any mistakes.” and held third in T3. He said: “It was 49sec Poland’s Jakub Przygonski opened complicated today. My start position 7. Yasir Seaidan (SAU)/Laurent Lich- the day’s proceedings on the short loop was not perfect. When the drivers in tleuchter (FRA) MINI John Cooper with new navigator Timo Gottschalk T1s behind catch you, you are always Works Rally 1hr 06min 49sec in the fi rst of two MINI John Cooper looking in the mirror and not pushing. 8. Mohamed al-Attiyah (QAT)/Sergio Works Rally derivatives on a timed test Then they pass and you need to slow Lafuente (URY) Can-Am Maverick T3 that started 66.34km from the Lusail down. So two cars pass and you lose, 1hr 11min 37sec Sports Arena at the village of Al Khar- maybe two minutes, and you are in the 9. Mohamed al-Meer (QAT)/Alexey saah. The Pole continued to run fi rst on dust. The communication between us Kuzmich (RUS) Toyota Land Cruiser T2 the road, although al-Attiyah overtook was okay. You are outside completely 1hr 12min 13sec Russia’s Vladimir Vasilyev (fi fth over- in the T3 and the nose of the car is very 10. Reinaldo Varela (BRA)/Gustavo all) and began to close in on the MINI as short.” Gugelmin (BRA) Can-Am Maverick T3 the stage progressed, before overtaking Qatar’s Khalid al-Mohannadi and 1hr 12min 28sec the Pole near the end of the special that Mubarak al-Khelaifi stopped early in 11. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek also fi nished close to Al Kharsaah. the stage with mechanical issues, with Sykora (SVK) Ford F150 Evo 1hr 13min Przygonski overcame the disadvan- the former losing over 30 minutes and 18sec tage of opening the road to card the the latter over an hour. Ibrahim al-Mu- 12. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Marc Serra fourth fastest time with al-Attiyah’s hanna gave his Mercedes Unimog truck (ESP) Can-Am Maverick T3 1hr 15min teammates Bernhard Ten Brinke and its Qatar debut and held the T4 advan- 11sec Yazeed al-Rajhi completing an Over- tage and 16th overall. 13. Abdullah al-Zubair (OMN)/Nasser drive Racing 1-2-3 for Toyota. Seventh- The day’s short stage also acted as al-Kuwari (QAT) Can-Am Maverick T3 placed Yasir Seaidan lost over nine the fi rst of three rounds of the Qatar 1hr 16min 24sec minutes with navigational issues and a Manateq Baja held in conjunction with 14. Michele Cinotto (ITA)/Maurizio fl at tyre and that delay opened the door the FIA event and acting as the fourth Dominella (ITA) Polaris RZR 1000 T T3 for Italian Eugenio Amos to snatch of six rounds of the championship. No 1hr 21min 46sec sixth place in his Ford 2WD Buggy. less than 22 drivers were registered to 15. Mohamed al-Harqan (QAT)/Vili Oslaj “It was a very good start” said Ten score points. Mohamed al-Attiyah led (SLO) Nissan Patrol T2 1hr 23min 19sec Brinke. “It was not an easy stage. Tom the way from Mohamed al-Meer (T2 (Colsoul) did a good job and we had a leader) and Adel Abdullah, all three of 2019 Qatar Manateq Baja – round 1 good rhythm and the Toyota was good. whom are also tackling the FIA event. (unoff icial @ 15.40hrs) Still, it is the fi rst day. The navigation 1. Mohamed al-Attiyah (QAT)/Sergio had a couple of diffi cult points and we TODAY’S ACTION Lafuente (URY) Can-Am Maverick T3 drive for around 30km in the dust and Crews tackle a punishing 323.58km 1hr 11min 37sec lost a little bit of time.” selective section across some of the 2. Mohamed al-Meer (QAT)/Alexey Al-Rajhi added: “I am quite happy most remote areas of the country today. Kuzmich (RUS) Toyota Land Cruiser T2 with third place today. It is the fi rst The stage gets underway at 08.45hrs 1hr 12min 13sec time in a new car with a new co-driver after a road liaison of 69.14km from 3. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Marc Serra (ESP) and a lot of experience. Our target was Lusail Sports Arena. A second road Can-Am Maverick T3 1hr 15min 11sec Gulf Times 2 Saturday, February 23, 2019 SPORT

EQUESTRIAN Al-Qahtani wins Big Tour class on day two of Amir’s Sword Day one winner Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi this time had to settle for runner-up place with his champion horse Vivaldi K

By Sports Reporter Doha Awad al-Qahtani and 16-year-old grey stud Cassander Van Het Bremhof clinched the Big wad al-Qahtani threw down Tour title on day two of the HH The Amir’s the gauntlet ahead of today’s Sword Equestrian competition yesterday. feature event of the HH The Amir’s Sword equestrian championship,A after he claimed the Big Tour victory yesterday. On the penultimate day of the Cham- pionship at the outdoor arena of Qatar Equestrian Federation, al-Qahtani was in fi ne form with his 16-year-old grey stud Cassander Van Het Bremhof to win the 140/150cm class. Day one winner Mubarak Yousuf al- Rumaihi this time had to settle for run- ner-up place with his champion horse Vivaldi K, with the pair coming home in 68.18secs, four seconds behind al- Qahtani and Cassander Van Het Brem- hof. In third place was Faleh Suwead al-Ajami astride Carport, as the duo completed their round in 68.38secs. Today, the Big Tour Class will be the one to watch out for as the rider’s battle it out for the prestigious Amir Sword. The winner will also walk away with a brand new car. Today’s action will however begin with two dressage competitions at 10am before the action switches to the marquee event, Big Tour 140/150cm, one round against the clock Cyrine Cherif astride Gerlin VD Waterkant won the Medium Tour class at the for HH The Amir Sword at 2:30pm. The outdoor arena of Qatar Equestrian Federation yesterday. Small Tour will start at 4pm while the Medium Tour will kick off at 6pm. Earlier yesterday, French rider Cyrine Cherif was in sizzling form with her fa- vourite mount the 12-year-old bay stud Gerlin VD Waterkant to win the Medi- um Tour class. Cherif, a regular at the Hathab national series, marshalled her RESULTS horse superbly to top the 18-rider fi eld in 66.65secs. Big Tour: Table A, One round against Small Tour: Table A, One round Future Riders: Table A, One round Sultan Rashid al-Marri on Le Premier the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1, 140/150cm, against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1, against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1, K came second in a time of 76.99secs, Prize-Money QR30,000 110/120cm, Prize-Money QR10,000 70/85cm followed by Mohamed Khalifa al-Baker 1. Awad al-Qahtani; Horse: Cassander 1. Abdulaziz Ghanim al-Nuaimi; 1. Fahad Abdulkarim Abed; Horse: astride Arselina in 77.86secs. Van Het Bremhof; 0; 64.18; QR8,250 Horse: Jalieny Diamant Z; Faults: 0; Kashmir; 0; 29.37secs The Small Tour honours were shared 2. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi; Vivaldi Time:52.20secs; Prize: QR2,250 2. Abdulhadi Salah Alyafei; Friedrich- by Abdulaziz Ghanim al-Nuaimi, who K; 0; 68.18; QR6,750 1. Abdulla Rashid al-Amri; What A Lady shof Dark Dream Lyafei; 0; 31.95 rode Jalieny Diamant Z, and Abdulla Van de Smis; 0; 52.20; QR2,250 Rashid al-Amri on What A Lady Van de 3. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami; Carport; 0; 3. Hamad Adel al-Saegh; Ballymacar Smis both emerged fl awless clocking 68.38; QR5,250 3. Abdulla Rashid al-Amri; Cinderella B; Custard; 0; 32.75 exact 52.20secs. Al-Amri also claimed 0; 53.62secs; QR1,500 the third spot riding Cinderella and Medium Tour: Table A, One round TODAY’S SCHEDULE clocking 53.62secs. Omar bin Khalid al-Mannai, Vice-Chairman of the Joint Higher Committee, poses against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1, Future Riders: Table A, One round 10am: Dressage Test, Level 1 Future Riders competitions were also 125/135cm, Prize-Money QR20,000 against the clock FEI Art. 238.2.1, with the Small Tour winners. held yesterday, with Saoud Abdulla al- 85/100cm 11am: Dressage Test, Level 2 Kubaisi and Fahad Abdulkarim Abed 1. Cyrine Cherif; Horse: Gerlin VD Waterkant; 0; 66.65; QR5,000 1. Saoud abdulla al-Kubaisi; Horse: 2:30pm: Big Tour Table A, One round winning the 85/100cm and 70/85cm against the clock 140/150cm class respectively. Al-Kubaisi rode Se- 2. Sultan Rashid al-Marri; Le Premier K; Selest; 0; 37.96secs 4pm: Small Tour Table A, One round lest to victory, while Abed on his mount 0; 76.99; QR4,000 2. Mohamed Ibrahim al-Hor; Geale; 0; against the clock 110/120cm; Kashmir was also faultless to win with 3. Mohamed Khalifa al-Baker; Arselina; 41.07 ease. 0; 77.86; QR3,000 3. Sofia Di Sette; Natif Du Pepin Ette; 6pm: Medium Tour Table A, One round Meanwhile, Badr al-Darwish, the 0; 42.23 against the clock 125/135cm. Secretary-General of QEF was delight- ed with the quality of the competition at HH The Amir Sword champion- Al-Darwish also praised the joint Yousef al-Rumaihi. ympic Games in Tokyo. ship. “The large participation of rid- eff ort between QEF and Al Shaqab to “We have worked for two years in “It is not an easy task, but we are very ers includes 95 percent of Qataris and conduct the equestrian champion- the complementary phase as one team confi dent in making the grade through the other from Qatar residents. There ships. He thanked Hamad bin Ab- which has led to a remarkable develop- the qualifying championship in Moroc- has been a remarkable development in dulrahman al-Attiyah, Chairman of ment in the achievements of the fed- co in October with the participation of technical levels of all participants and the Joint Committee and the Execu- eration’s programmes in most Asian our top 24 riders,” he said. in accordance with the strategic plan tive Director of Al Shaqab, Khalifa bin countries,” said Darwish. Darwish also informed that the QEF prepared by the federation with the Mohammed al-Attiyah and Omar bin He pointed out that the fi rst big task is also looking forward to organising an support of the Qatar Olympic Commit- Khalid al-Mannai, Vice-Chairman of this year was to see Qatar riders suc- Asian Under-21 championship in Doha tee,” he said the Joint Higher Committee and Ali bin ceeding in qualifying for the 2020 Ol- with the best riders from 13 countries. Future Class riders pose with their trophies.

TENNIS GOLF Bencic stuns Svitolina to reach Dubai fi nal McIlroy seizes one-shot AFP will (return),” Judy was quoted as saying lead at WGC-Mexico Dubai by Sky Sports at the Rio Open. “(But) I think he’s aware that it might not be pos- AFP did, hitting 17 of 18 greens in sible. He’s a smart guy, he has a lot of in- Mexico City regulation and 10 of 14 fairways. elinda Bencic made another late terest in diff erent things, he has a lot of He ranks third in the fi eld in winning charge over a Top 10 op- options in life after tennis. But the most strokes-gained putting through ponent yesterday to set up a Du- important thing is that he’s free from the ory McIlroy fi red seven one round. Johnson had seven bai Championships fi nal against pain he’s had for 20 months. birdies and one sen- birdies without a bogey in his 64 BPetra Kvitova. The 45th-ranked Swiss, “He has a young family, you have to sational eagle on the and was two shots clear of Justin Belinda Bencic of Switzerland who once stood seventh in the rankings is ecstatic after beating Elina think about the quality of life for the rest Rway to an eight-under Thomas and Matt Kuchar. Tiger before a run of back and wrist injuries, Svitolina of Ukraine in the semis of your life. ctually, that’s the most im- par 63 and a one-shot lead over Woods received a rapturous wel- came from 5-3 down in the fi nal set to end in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) portant thing.” The two-time Olympic Dustin Johnson the WGC-Mex- come from fans on the fi rst tee, the 12-match Dubai win streak of defend- champion has said surgery was the only ico Championship on Thurs- where he was introduced for his ing two-time champion Elina Svitolina option if he wanted to extend his career. day. Former world number one fi rst competitive start in Mexico 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3). McIlroy, now ranked eighth in as “Tiger! Tiger! Tiger Woods.” Bencic lost to Kvitova in the Australian DEL POTRO REACHES DELRAY the world as he seeks his fi rst “He said my name three times, Open third round in January — her third BEACH QUARTER-FINALS win since the Arnold Palmer In- right?” Woods said. “That was defeat in three meetings with the Czech Top-seeded Juan Martin del Potro vitational last March, belted a diff erent.” Woods then promptly — but said she has great respect for her reached the quarter-fi nals of the ATP 2-iron 307 yards at Club de Golf hit his tee shot out-of-bounds opponent. “I was supporting her after I Delray Beach Open Thursday with a 6-4, Chapultepec’s par-four fi rst — on the way to an opening dou- lost, she really deserved it,” Bencic said of 6-4 victory over American Reilly Opelka. his 10th hole of the day. ble bogey. He bounced back the eventual fi nalist in Melbourne. Luxembourg. Svitolina, the sixth seed, of her own in the second set, with Hsieh Del Potro, playing his fi rst tournament It hit the front of the green with three straight birdies at the It has been a remarkable week for was broken while serving for victory saving a set point in the penultimate since breaking his right kneecap at the and threatened the hole, McIlroy fourth, fi fth and sixth on the way Bencic who beat number eight Aryna leading 5-4 in the fi nal set on Friday. game before the contest was levelled at a Shanghai Masters in October, withstood eventually making a six-footer to an even-par 71. “I was trying Sabalenka in the third round, where she After holding for 6-5, Bencic was then set apiece. 18 aces from the 21-year-old American, for eagle. His only miscue on the to cut it and I pulled it across and saved six match points, and then world unable to convert on three match points who was coming off his fi rst ATP Tour ti- day was a bogey at the sixth, but hit it dead off the toe,” he said of number two Simona Halep in the quar- a game later. The tiebreaker was marked MURRAY COULD MAKE RETURN tle at the New York Open on Sunday. he rebounded with a 20-foot putt his opening tee shot. ter-fi nals. Second seed Kvitova booked by furious shots of the ground from AFTER SURGERY, SAYS MOTHER JUDY Del Potro, the 2011 champion and for birdie at his penultimate hole, He did the same when he hit her third fi nal in two months winning a both players, with Bencic connecting on Andy Murray could return to competitive world No. 4 next faces American Mac- the eighth, to lead 2017 champi- the second one. “It’s just not marathon over Hsieh Su-wei 3-6, 6-2, down-the-line winners. She clinched tennis after undergoing hip resurfacing kenzie McDonald, who defeated Spain’s on Johnson by one stroke. Like all going to cut when you hit it off 6-4. The double Wimbledon winner al- victory with a lob after almost two hours surgery last month but the former world Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-5, 6-4. the players in the elite World Golf the toe. Didn’t cut.” He fi nished ready owns a title from Sydney last month on her fourth winning chance. number one also knows his career might Fourth-seeded American Steve Johnson Championships event, McIlroy is with four birdies and two bogeys and lost to Naomi Osaka in the Australian Kvitova earned her fourth victory in already be over, his mother Judy has said. advanced with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over Ital- adjusting to playing on a course along with that double. Things Open fi nal. four meetings over Hsieh snatched the Three-times Grand Slam champion ian Paolo Lorenzi. He’ll take on Moldova’s situated 7,800 feet above sea were much worse for defending Kvitova won in Dubai in 2013 and is opening set on a pair of breaks, with the Murray said before his fi rst round exit at Radu Albot, who survived a mid-match level, where he said some shots champion Phil Mickelson. One playing the event for the fi rst time in Czech forced into a fi ghtback in the sec- the Australian Open last month that the surge from Nick Kyrgios to advance 6-2, could go 100 yards further than year after edging Thomas in a three years while 21-year-old Bencic has ond. The world fourth-ranked Czech, tournament could be his last as a profes- 3-6, 6-3 in a match marred by the Aus- he would normally expect. playoff he opened with an eight- reached her fi rst fi nal since October in with 26 career titles, earned two breaks sional due to severe hip pain. “I think he tralian’s outbursts at a fan and linesman. The Northern Ireland star over par 79. Gulf Times Saturday, February 23, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Kharaitiyat beat Sadd and Rayyan Umm Salal, Al Khor overcome Qatar SC set to thrill fans in Qatar Clasico today Defending champions Al Duhail face Al Gharafa in a heavyweight clash

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Rayyan and Al Sadd will face- off in the QNB Stars League second leg’s high-profi le ‘Qatar Clasico’ today at the Al Sadd Stadium.A Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira called the fi xture as the biggest in Qatar, and said his players were motivated to give their best. Al Sadd continue to lead Umm Salal (in white) and Al Kharaitiyat players vie for the ball during the table with 41 points with Al Rayyan the QNB Stars League match at the Al Duhail Stadium yesterday. in third position with 30 points. But the match bears signifi cance due to the his- By Sports Reporter Goals from Thiago Bezerra tory between both the sides. Doha (40th minute), Wagner Dos San- Al Sadd is the leader among Qatari tos (52nd) and Musaab Abdulma- clubs in terms of titles won and achieve- jid (90+4) were enough to secure ments made at the national, regional and ottom-of-the-league three points for Al Khor. Samuel continental levels, while Al Rayyan have Al Kharaitiyat secured a Eto’o got the visitors’ consola- been a major force on Qatar’s football vital 1-0 victory against tion goal in the 70th minute. scene. The Qatar Clasico is not only im- Umm Salal in the QNB An entertaining encounter saw portant for these two clubs, but also for BStars League at the Al Duhail an end-to-end display before Al the Qatar Stars League, which is putting Stadium yesterday. Firmly root- Khor benefi ted from a VAR re- in every eff ort towards making it a grand ed to the bottom of the table, view late in the fi rst half. Qatar success. Both teams are on a high after Al Kharaitiyat gave themselves SC’s Mohammed al-Jabri was, on winning in the last round, Al Sadd defeat- a lifeline with Valentin Lazar’s review, adjudged to have handled ing Al Ahli 6-2 and Al Rayyan beating Al 17th-minute goal. a shot in the penalty area which Arabi 3-1. “It’s the biggest fi xture in Qatar With early pressing by the left Thiago with the task of tak- and we are very motivated. I have noth- home team, Al Kharaitiyat took ing the penalty and he duly con- ing else to say other than that the fans the lead thanks again to the as- verted into the top right hand will have a big role to play in this match. sistance of VAR. Ilias Hassani corner. I hope they all will support us strongly,” was brought down on the edge Early in the second half and Ferreira said yesterday. of the area by Abdulla Kamal Al Khor turned up the pressure “I think the pressure will be on our ri- and Valentin placed his penalty a notch as they sought a second vals more than Al Sadd. We are the lead- straight down the middle of the goal, and breathing space. Their ers and the diff erence of two points with Al Rayyan are on a high after qualifying for the AFC Champions League group stage, with a win over Iran’s Saipa on Monday. goal to open the scoring. eff orts were rewarded when Thi- Al Duhail does not mean much in foot- The Umm Salal response was ago became provider as his cross ball, but we are determined to win all The Venezuelan striker has already nian side Saipa, which they won to qual- Barri and Daniel Goumou. However, we inevitable and Lawrence Quaye from the right byline was met by remaining matches in our bid to win the scored four goals in two matches for ify for the group stage. “Our players are have substitute players who can make up nearly equalised when his header Wagner Dos Santos at the back title,” the Portuguese manager added. Rayyan and Ferreira was impressed by suff ering from exhaustion after our AFC for their absences,” said Bulent. was parried by Ahmed Abonora. post who coolly volleyed home. Al Sadd may be without injured Xavi what he has seen so far, but at the same Champions League play-off win. Al Sadd In the day’s fi rst match today, defend- Yannick Sagbo later saw his free- Not long after, Al Khor had a goal Hernandez and Boualem Khoukhi, but time wasn’t too worried about what his are a strong team with many prominent ing champions Al Duhail will take on Al kick drift marginally wide of the disallowed after Thiago pushed they have the likes of Baghdad Bounedjah, team could face today. players, The game will be strong and ex- Gharafa in a heavyweight clash at the Al upright before Ismail Mardanli Sandro Ferreira on his way to Akram Afi f, Pedro, Hassan al-Haydos, “Rivas is proving productive. But are citing, and I hope both teams will off er a Gharafa Stadium. saw his last-gasp eff ort saved to converting a cross. Hamed Ismail, Abdulkarim Hassan, not concerned about a particular player. good level,” he said. Al Gharafa will look to put behind the mark a frustrating night for the Eto’o pulled one back for the Tareq Salman and Salem al-Hajri. Our goal is winning the league title. Al “There are a lot of star players in Al disappointment of losing 1-2 to Umm home team. visitors after Mohammed Bu- Al Rayyan will miss suspended cap- Rayyan are a great team that likes to play Sadd. But we will play to win. The main Salal in the last round, while Al Duhail Al Kharaitiyat, with their sec- qshan conceded a penalty. The tain Rodrigo Tabata. However, they will an open game and we are ready to play thing is it is a big clasico between the two cannot aff ord any slip-up if they are ond victory, moved to six points, Cameroonian stepped up to have the services of Venezuelan Gelmin with all strength,” said Ferreira. teams. We started preparing for the Al to remain in title contention. The Red while Umm Salal stayed on 20 calmly beat the keeper and bring Rivas, Brazilian Luka, South Korean Koh Al Rayyan coach Bulent Uygun said Sadd match soon after our victory over Knights are second with 39 points, two points. Al Kharaitiyat, who had his side back into the game. Myong-Jin and Sebastian Soria. Rivas has fatigue could be a factor for his players Saipa in the AFC Champions League. I less than leaders Al Sadd. Al Gharafa, beaten Al Gharafa in the fi rst leg, Al Khor sealed the points deep been sensational since his switch to Qatar after his players were involved in AFC think Al Sadd can be defeated. We will coached by Frenchman Christian Gour- are still facing the danger of get- into stoppage time on the coun- in the last month’s transfer window. Champions League play-off against Ira- miss the services of players Tabata, Omar cuff , are eighth. ting relegated as 11th-placed Al ter when Wagner fed Thiago Khor are now on 12 points fol- down the left and his squared lowing their 3-1 victory over Qa- pass was immaculately fi nished tar SC in the day’s early kick-off . by substitute Musaab. Arsenal face Rennes in Europa League last 16, Chelsea draw Dynamo Paris: Arsenal will face French side Meanwhile, Rennes reached the last League. After beating Sweden’s Malmo while Valencia’s reward for knocking out Rennes in the last 16 of the Europa 16 for the first time in their history with 5-1 on aggregate, they might find the Celtic is a tie against FC Krasnodar of League, while Chelsea were paired with a fine 3-1 win away to Real Betis in Spain, going tougher against Ukrainian giants Russia. That is one of two ties between Dynamo Kiev in yesterday’s draw. Both a result that gave them a 6-4 aggregate Dynamo though. The clubs met in the Russian and Spanish sides, with Zenit Premier League clubs were initially triumph. The Brittany club finished fifth group stage of the Champions League Saint Petersburg drawn against Villar- drawn to be at home in the first leg on in Ligue 1 last season and are currently in 2015-16, drawing 0-0 in Kiev before real. The final of this season’s Europa Thursday, March 7. However, in order to in mid-table, but have impressed since Chelsea won 2-1 at home. League will be played in Baku, the capi- avoid two games in London on the same the 38-year-old Julien Stephan was ap- Elsewhere, Sevilla, who have won the tal of Azerbaijan, on May 29. night, Arsenal will now travel to France pointed as coach in December. trophy five times including twice in its for the first leg, before hosting Rennes Arsenal manager Unai Emery — who former guise as the UEFA Cup, will face EUROPA LEAGUE LAST 16 DRAW at the Emirates Stadium on March 14. won the Europa League three years Slavia Prague. Widely-fancied Napoli will Chelsea (ENG) v Dynamo Kiev (UKR); Arsenal’s draw means that their veteran running as coach of Sevilla — is familiar take on the Austrian champions Salz- Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) v Inter Milan goalkeeper Petr Cech will return to face with Rennes from his two seasons in burg, who reached the semi-finals last (ITA); Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Benfica the club he represented for two seasons charge of PSG. London rivals Chelsea, season. Former European Cup finalists (POR); Napoli (ITA) v Salzburg (AUT); before joining Chelsea in 2004. The the other Premier League club still in the and UEFA Cup winners Eintracht Frank- Valencia (ESP) v FC Krasnodar (RUS); Se- Gunners overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit competition, might also view winning furt were drawn against Inter Milan, villa (ESP) v Slavia Prague (CZE); Rennes to qualify for the last 16 by beating BATE the Europa League as their most likely who won the UEFA Cup three times in (FRA) v Arsenal (ENG); Zenit Saint Peters- Borisov of Belarus 3-0 on Thursday. route into next season’s Champions the 1990s. Benfica face Dinamo Zagreb, burg (RUS) v Villarreal (ESP) Al Khor beat Qatar SC 3-1 for a crucial victory.

LA LIGA Barca, Real wrestle fatigue and form ahead of Clasico double-header AFP period but scored twice in the second, doing little to restore confi dence after Madrid, fresh from their 2-0 triumph Madrid both goals coming in the fi nal 25 min- three consecutive draws. over Juventus at a bouncing Wanda utes, to end what had begun to look A stalemate away to Lyon in the Metropolitano on Wednesday. Diego like a serious Real resurgence in the Champions League on Tuesday should Costa was busy on his fi rst start in al- eal Madrid and Barcelona face title race. Instead, Barcelona now own not prove too damaging to their most three months but Alvaro Morata two Clasicos in four days next a nine-pont cushion over Real, seven chances of progress but Barca have impressed off the bench. week but La Liga’s greatest ri- over Atletico, and even if that lead is now scored only twice in four matches. A front three with Antoine Griez- vals are not so much revving dented this weekend, there remains Luis Suarez has lost form and Lionel mann could compromise the French- upR for the double-header but crawling room for error ahead of the league Messi appears yet to have regained full man’s attacking freedom, which reluctantly towards it. This weekend, game at the Santiago Bernabeu. fi tness. “I would worry if we did not leaves Diego Simeone with his own Barca travel to fourth-placed Sevilla By then, the two clubs will already create any chances,” coach Ernesto selection problem ahead of today’s today and Madrid to Levante tomor- have squared off in the second leg of Valverde said in France. “Football is all game at home to Villarreal. Sevilla row, when priorities, rest and rotation the Copa del Rey semi-fi nal, in the about results. But I get more nervous have managed only one win in their will all be high on the agenda again. same stadium, where Madrid’s mo- if the opposition are missing chances.” last eight league games and could drop Santiago Solari pointed to exhaus- tivation might be greater given Barca Valverde has more wiggle room out of the top four if they are beaten by tion following his team’s latest loss at have won the cup four times in a row. than Solari, both in the league, due to Barcelona. home to Girona, four days after they The dilemma for Solari is that pre- his team’s healthy advantage, and the came from behind to beat Ajax, eight serving key players against Levante cup, which comes a distant third this FIXTURES (TIMES GMT) after defeating Atletico Madrid and risks another slip which, combined season in the club’s list of priorities. Today: Getafe v Rayo Vallecano 11 after holding Barca to a draw at the with Barca winning at Sevilla, would Messi could even sit out any, or all, (1200), Sevilla v Barcelona (1515), Camp Nou. “The fatigue is not only surely spell the end of any fading ti- of the next three games in a bid to be Alaves v Celta Vigo (1730), Athletic physical, it is mental, it aff ects our tle hopes. “We will continue fi ghting sharp for the business end of calendar. Bilbao v Eibar (1945) concentration,” Solari said. “Obvi- on all three fronts that we have open,” But momentum is on the line too. ously we have come from an important Solari said. “We have to keep trying to Defeat to Sevilla would swell the sense Tomorrow: Leganes v Valencia (1100), period, with a lot of hard games. We reduce the gap.” of a dip while succumbing to Real, in Atletico Madrid v Villarreal (1515), Real have to overcome it because it might The most disappointing aspect of either match, let alone both, could Valladolid v Real Betis (1730), Levante be that our energy levels dipped in the their defeat to Girona was that Barce- knock morale just as much as it might v Real Madrid (1945) Leaders Barcelona, who own a nine-pont cushion over Real Madrid and seven over second half.” lona have been stumbling themselves, boost their opponents’. On Monday: Girona v Real Sociedad Atletico Madrid, face Sevilla today. (Reuters) Girona were outplayed in the fi rst a stodgy 1-0 win over Real Valladolid Perhaps most buoyant are Atletico (2000) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, February 23, 2019 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA Chelsea placed under transfer ban for two windows Bayern urged to bring London: Premier League club Chelsea have been banned from signing new players in the next two transfer windows as punishment for breaking rules on registering under-age players, FIFA said yesterday. It means the club — who imme- Champions League diately said they would appeal the decision — will be unable to make signings until the end of January next year. “The disciplinary commit- tee sanctioned Chelsea with a ban on registering new players at both national and mindset to title race international level for the next two complete and consecutive registration periods,” FIFA said in a statement. In addition, A win today will put Bayern level on points with Dortmund, who play tomorrow against Leverkusen Chelsea were fined 600,000 Swiss francs ($600,000, AFP 530,000 euros) and given a Berlin Bayern Munich’s defender David Alaba (left), period of 90 days to regular- goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (centre) and midfielder ise the situation of the minor Joshua Kimmich gesture to supporters after their players concerned. The ban iko Kovac wants his Bayern Champions League round of 16 match against does not prevent players be- Munich side to show the same Liverpool last Tuesday. (AFP) ing released by the club and defensive discipline that saw it does not apply to Chelsea’s them shut out Liverpool in the women’s and futsal teams. NBundesliga title race as they set their Chelsea have been given sights on stuttering leaders Borussia three days to appeal against Dortmund. Bayern conceded sloppy FIFA’s decision, which could goals — including a Bundesliga record prove highly damaging, for fastest own goal after just 13 seconds example preventing the club — in last Friday’s 3-2 win at Augsburg, from signing a replacement which put the reigning champions for Eden Hazard if the star three points behind Dortmund thanks player leaves the club. to them drawing 0-0 at Nuremberg on “Chelsea FC categorically Monday night. refutes the findings of the FIFA Kovac’s team followed that up with disciplinary committee and a far more disciplined goalless draw at will therefore be appealing the Anfi eld that has put them in a decent decision,” said a statement on position against Liverpool ahead of the the club’s website. deciding leg of their last-16 Cham- The move follows a FIFA pions League tie at the Allianz Arena probe into Chelsea’s signing on March 12. “I expect the same con- of foreign under-18 players, centration and absolute discipline in including the club’s former defence,” he said ahead of their home forward Bertrand Traore, a league clash with Hertha Berlin today. Burkina Faso international Hertha beat second-placed Bayern in who now plays for French the capital 2-0 in September, the fi rst of Ligue 1 club Lyon. Traore the four defeats this season. “The Bun- signed professional forms for desliga is important, but a few players Chelsea in 2013 at the age of rate the Champions League higher and 18 but was not registered until put more into it,” he added. January the following year. A win in Munich would put Bayern French website Mediapart, level on points with Dortmund for at quoting documents from least 24 hours before Dortmund play Football Leaks, reported that tomorrow at home to Bayer Leverkusen FIFA found evidence that — who have surged up to fi fth under Chelsea had supplied mislead- new coach Peter Bosz — while a seven- ing information about Traore’s goal swing in Bayern’s favour over both signing and that he had made fi xtures could put the Bavarians top on more than 20 appearances for goal diff erence. the club at diff erent age levels Croat Kovac wants to make it “hard what was once a nine-point lead has Werder Bremen earlier this month, and after barely half a year in charge, has FIXTURES (ALL TIMES 1430 GMT despite not being registered to score goals against Bayern Munich — been slashed after drawing their last key defender Manuel Akanji, sidelined turned Leverkusen’s fortunes around UNLESS STATED) by the Football Association. it’s all in the mind” after too many loose three league matches, while Bayern since December with a hip injury. since replacing Heiko Herrlich late last Today: Borussia Moenchengladbach v FIFA said it was also fining the defensive displays. have bounced back from a rocky No- The timing could not be better year. He has given Germany starlets Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich v Hertha Berlin, Football Association 510,000 Centre-back Mats Hummels is vember by winning nine of their last 10. against a Leverkusen team challenging Julian Brandt, 22, and Kai Havertz, 19, Freiburg v Augsburg, Mainz v Schalke 04, Swiss francs for breaking the doubtful to face Hertha with a cold Dortmund are also focused on ridding for a Champions League place. Thirteen more freedom and the pair have obliged Fortuna Duesseldorf v Nuremberg (1730) rules on signing minors. The and set to be replaced by Jerome Boat- themselves of defensive frailties after goals in four consecutive Bundesliga with six goals and three assists in the world governing body gave eng, who missed the draw at Liverpool leaking 10 goals in their last fi ve games. wins, including a shock 3-1 victory over last four games. Tomorrow: Hanover 96 v Eintracht the FA a period of six months with an upset stomach. Midfi elder Leon Dortmund are set to welcome back Bayern, has hauled Leverkusen up into They were deadly as Brandt scored Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer to update its processes con- Goretzka could also return after shaking Marco Reus, whose infl uence has been fi fth. twice and set up two more, including Leverkusen (1700) cerning international transfers off an Achilles tendon knock. badly missed since he picked up a thigh Their head coach Bosz, who was one for Havertz, in the 5-1 battering of On Monday: RB Leipzig v Hoff enheim and the registration of minors. Dortmund desperately need a win as injury in the German Cup defeat by sacked by Dortmund in December 2017 Mainz a fortnight ago. (1930)

LEAGUE CUP PREMIER LEAGUE Guardiola relishes Man City Man United manager Solskjaer summons stability as Chelsea struggle spirit of Ferguson for Liverpool clash AFP for a long time, not just a short period.” AFP pool game have been helped with Manchester, United Kingdom City are strong favourites at Wembley, espe- Manchester, United Kingdom the news that Pogba’s compatriot cially after hitting Chelsea for six a few weeks Anthony Martial and England at- ago, but Guardiola claims that result could actu- tacking midfi elder Jesse Lingard ep Guardiola has admitted he is sur- ally work against his team. “I don’t like to play in a le Gunnar Solskjaer are making good recoveries from prised by Chelsea’s revolving-door short period of time when you’ve beaten them so has joked that he might minor injuries — groin and ham- policy with managers as he prepares for much,” he said. invite Alex Ferguson string, respectively. tomorrow’s League Cup fi nal, the match “They are incredible professional players, they to deliver Manchester The trip to Old Traff ord is ef- thatP could seal the fate of the London club’s cur- are proud, they will do extra. When we lost 2-0 in United’sO team talk before their fectively Jurgen Klopp’s team’s rent boss Maurizio Sarri. Stamford Bridge, we could not accept a defeat at eagerly awaited Premier League game in hand as they bid to open There has been mounting speculation over the home, but it is what it is. We are going to play the meeting with Liverpool. up a three-point lead over Man- Italian Sarri’s future in recent weeks after a spec- fi nal, try to improve, play the type of game you The legendary former United chester City, who play Chelsea in tacular mid-season slump best exemplifi ed by play in a fi nal and try to win.” manager has acted as Solskjaer’s the League Cup fi nal on the same a 6-0 humiliation in their league visit to City’s Guardiola has injury concerns over Gabriel Je- mentor since the Norwegian took day. Etihad Stadium earlier this month, but Guardiola sus, John Stones and Fabian Delph, who all missed over as the club’s interim boss in If Spurs beat Burnley and Liv- believes Chelsea should adopt the same sort of the victory over Schalke, while he said he is yet to December. Solskjaer’s impressive erpool slip up, Mauricio Pochet- long-term view City took when they employed decide whether goalkeeper Aro Muric, who has success in the role has made the tino’s men will be just two points him in 2016. played throughout the League Cup run, will retain visit of bitter rivals Liverpool to behind City and Liverpool, with Comparisons have been drawn with Guardio- his place ahead of Ederson for the fi nal. Old Traff ord tomorrow an even all three clubs having played 27 la’s fi rst season in England, when City struggled Both clubs will be looking for their sixth League bigger confrontation than might matches. to adapt to his demanding style of play, although Cup titles tomorrow – a total only bettered by have been expected earlier in the Golden oldie Hodgson is the Catalan was keen to downplay the similari- Liverpool. season when United were strug- record-breaker Roy Hodgson ties. “The situation is diff erent. In my first year gling to fi nd their form. Manchester United’s resurgence under caretaker manager Ole will become the oldest manager never the club doubted me,” he said. “It was never The former United striker be- Gunnar Solskjaer — 11 wins and a draw from 12 domestic games — has in Premier League history when in the media that I’d be sacked if they lose this lieves his club is rebuilding their featured a dramatic return to form from midfielder Paul Pogba. (AFP) Crystal Palace take on Leices- game. When (Antonio) Conte won the title, peo- reputation in the game and, given ter. The former Liverpool and ple were saying he’d be sacked when they lost one the rivalry that used to exist be- form at home as well.” “He’s a World Cup winner, a England boss will break Bobby or two games the next season. But he had won tween Ferguson and Liverpool, United’s stunning form under leader in dressing room, wants Robson’s record for the Premier the Premier League two or three months before. Solskjaer said he would summon Solskjaer — 11 wins and a draw the ball all the time. My idea was League era, which has stood since I said the same after we lost there (to Chelsea in the spirit of his old leader before from 12 domestic games — has to get him playing to the best of Robson’s fi nal game at Newcas- December) and won here, my opinion of him is kick-off . “He would be welcome featured a dramatic return to his abilities as an attacking mid- tle in August 2004. He will be 71 the same.” to have his talk to the players if he form from French international fi elder. PSG man-marked him, years and 199 days old today. The Guardiola was linked to Chelsea during his wanted to,” said Solskjaer. midfi elder Paul Pogba. Last time other teams will. If Liverpool do, pair are among four managers to spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, al- “Because we know how much United played Liverpool, in a 3-1 he will have experienced that. take charge of a Premier League though he insists that a move to Stamford Bridge it meant for him to overtake Liv- defeat at Anfi eld in Jose Mourin- PSG stopped Paul and created game in their 70s, with former was never a realistic possibility. And given the lack erpool. For them, it’s a big game, ho’s fi nal game as manager, Pog- space for others. United boss Ferguson and Car- of patience shown by the Blues’ billionaire owner for us, it’s a big game. We want to ba was an unused substitute — an “There are diff erent types diff ’s Neil Warnock also part of Roman Abramovich, Guardiola appeared hap- be in the top four and we know indication of how far he had fall- of midfi elders but in his mould the exclusive club. pier to be working for City’s director of football how big this game is for Man- en under Solskjaer’s predecessor. there’s no-one near with his Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano — both chester United, for the staff , for Now, having been revital- physical presence, his great close Fixtures technique — his diving header former Barcelona directors and personal friends. the supporters. We’re looking ised under the interim manager, (1500 GMT unless stated) “I never was a potential option for Chelsea, I forward to another challenge for Solskjaer believes Pogba is the against Chelsea, he did the same was in Barcelona and Bayern,” he said. “I decided this team because we want to best midfi elder in the world of against Bournemouth when he Today: Burnley v Spurs (1230), to go to Munich and came here with Ferran and build this team into one worthy his type. “If you build your team ran from the halfway line. He can Bournemouth v Wolves, Txiki, they trust me and I trust them. In the fi rst of Manchester United’s history. around Paul Pogba, I said a cou- also spray passes when he is sit- Newcastle v Huddersfield, season when it was diffi cult, I said we needed time It’s another big step if we can do ple of years back before I thought ting in midfi eld, though I don’t Leicester v Crystal Palace (1730) and they supported me, the players knew who that at home. Tottenham, Ar- I would be manager, he’s a top, think that’s his best position. But Tomorrow: Arsenal v Southamp- was the manager and who would be the manager, senal, Chelsea were all fantastic top player I’ve always liked,” said he can do that as well.” ton (1405), Manchester United it was stable. That’s the best way to do something wins away; now we have to per- Solskjaer. United’s plans for the Liver- v Liverpool (1405) Gulf Times Saturday, February 23, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Galchenyuk’s Harden extends OT winner streak, Rockets lose sends Coyotes past Canucks Reuters Chychrun put the Coyotes on New York the scoreboard midway through cool in loss to Lakers the third period as his shot de- fl ected off the stick of Vancouver lex Galchenyuk scored center Jay Beagle. The goal, Chy- Rockets slam the officiating of Scott Foster, saying he has a personal grudge 1:54 into overtime to chrun’s fi rst in 19 games, came lead the visiting Ari- while defenseman Derrick Pou- AFP zona Coyotes past liot was off for hooking former theA Vancouver Canucks 3-2 on Canuck Brad Richardson. Los Angeles Thursday. The goal was a reward for Galchenyuk scored on a fake Arizona’s hard work after com- ames Harden passed Wilt Cham- wraparound as he went one way ing out strong and dominating berlain for the second longest behind the net and backtracked the fi rst 10 minutes of the fi nal 30-point-plus streak in NBA his- and tucked the puck in. He also frame. tory, but the Houston star fouled had an assist as the Coyotes Crouse gave the Coyotes a 2-1 outJ in the fourth quarter and the Los An- posted their fi fth win in the past lead as he put in a Josh Archibald geles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets seven games. pass from behind the net at 15:45, 111-106 on Thursday. Galchenyuk capped Arizona’s but Gaudette evened the score Harden has now scored 30 points or comeback from a 1-0 defi cit that again at 16:57 as he wired a shot more in 32 consecutive games but his had extended from the midway over Kuemper’s glove. early exit was followed moments later mark of the fi rst period to the The Coyotes outshot the Ca- by Chris Paul’s sixth foul of the game as same point in the third. nucks 20-5 in the third period. the Rockets imploded down the stretch to The Canucks lost for the Forward Ryan Spooner made hand the Lakers the win. fourth time in their past fi ve out- his debut for the Canucks af- Chamberlain previously had the sec- ings. ter being acquired in a weekend ond longest streak at 31 games and also Jakob Chychrun and Lawson trade from Edmonton for for- holds the outright record with a streak of Crouse also scored for the Coyo- ward Sam Gagner, who had spent 65 30-point-plus games. tes, who moved a point ahead of most of the season on loan with LeBron James scored 29 points, Bran- Vancouver in the Western Con- Toronto’s AHL affi liate but is don Ingram added 27 as Los Angeles ference wild-card race. Arizona now with the Oilers. rallied from a 19-point defi cit midway trails the Minnesota Wild by one Defenseman Ashton Sautner through the third quarter in front of a point for the conference’s fi nal made his NHL season debut for crowd of 18,900 at Staples Center. playoff position. Vancouver after being called up The Lakers trailed for most of the game Bo Horvat and Adam Gaudette from Utica of the AHL. and were down 95-88 with 7:49 remain- tallied for the Canucks. Antoine ing when they went on a 17-4 run over a Roussel assisted on both goals. RESULTS six-minute span. Arizona goaltender Darcy Kuemper saved 30 of 32 shots for Carolina 4-3 Florida the win. Vancouver netminder New Jersey 4-0 Ottawa RESULTS Jacob Markstrom stopped 35 of Minnesota 4-1 NY Rangers Cleveland 111-98 Phoenix 38. Both teams were battling sev- San Jose 4-0 Pittsburgh Philadelphia 106-102 Miami eral injuries, and as a result, goals Montreal 5-1 Philadelphia Portland 113-99 Brooklyn were hard to come by until the Tampa Bay 2-1 Buff alo Milwaukee 98-91 Boston third period. Horvat opened the scoring at Nashville 2-1 Los Angeles Golden State 125-123 Sacramento 9:47 of the fi rst period as he put Dallas 5-2 St. Louis LA Lakers 111-106 Houston in a short backhand pass from Edmonton 4-3 NY Islanders Roussel. Markus Granlund start- ed the play by making a nifty pass Washington 3-2 Toronto The Rockets lead the league in three- through his legs to Roussel while Arizona 3-2 Vancouver point attempts and live and die by the James Harden (second from left) of the Houston Rockets scores on a layup during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at pressed against the side boards. long ball. They struggled mightily to in Los Angeles on Thursday. (AFP) make a three pointer in the fourth and then — to lose their two top off ensive weapons down the stretch — was just too Nike in damage control after basketball star’s shoe shreds much to overcome. Houston also lost their cool. At one AFP was trying to figure out what point both Paul and coach Mike D’Antoni New York had happened. were slapped with technical fouls and “We are obviously con- by the time the Lakers fi nished shooting cerned and want to wish their free throws they had stretched the ike was in damage Zion a speedy recovery,” the lead to 109-101 in the fi nal minute. control mode on sports apparel giant said in a It was Los Angeles’ sixth comeback NThursday after US statement. “The quality and victory this season when trailing by 15 or college basketball star Zion performance of our products more at any point. Williamson suff ered a knee are of utmost importance. “We did a heck of a job rebounding and injury when his shoe shred- “While this is an isolated oc- that allowed us to win the game even with ded during a marquee game currence, we are working to the turnovers we had,” said coach Luke attended among others by identify the issue,” Nike said. Walton of the Lakers, who had 18 turno- Barack Obama and Spike vers compared to 14 for Houston. Lee. The dynamic freshman be out.” ‘HOPE YOUNG FELLA IS Harden led Houston with 30 points, 10 The Duke University forward, dropped to the floor grimac- Duke, which was the top- OK!’ rebounds and nine assists before fouling expected to be the top ing in pain and holding his ranked team in college Among those sending their out with 1:24 remaining. Paul added 23 player taken in June’s NBA right knee. He limped off basketball going into the best wishes to Williamson points before fouling out. draft, was injured just 36 sec- the court and was removed game, ended up losing 88- was NBA superstar LeBron Harden is in the running to win the onds into Wednesday night’s from the game, which was 72 to eighth-ranked North James, a Nike client, and NBA’s Most Valuable Player award for a rivalry game against the being broadcast nationally Carolina. Obama, who was among second straight season. University of North Carolina. on ESPN. The 6ft 7in (2.01m) Wil- the celebrities attending the The Rockets slammed the offi ciating of The 18-year-old Williamson, There was initial concern liamson has been the most sold-out game between the Scott Foster after the game, saying he has who has been averaging 22.4 that Williamson may have sensational player of this Blue Devils and Tar Heels. a personal grudge against them. points per game, was drib- suff ered a serious knee year’s NCAA season, thrilling “Hope young fella is ok!” “I don’t know what else to do. I’ve met bling near the free throw line injury but Duke Coach Mike fans with thunderous dunks James tweeted. “Literally with the league with him before. I don’t on his team’s first possession Krzyzewski said after the and displaying incredible blew thru his (shoe).” know what else to do,” Paul said. when he planted his left foot game that it was a “mild agility and leaping ability “Zion Williamson seems like Harden went further and said Foster and his sneaker blew apart. knee sprain.” for a player who weighs 285 an outstanding young man should not be working their games any- The blue sole of his Nike “I’ve seen guys bust through pounds (129 kilograms). as well as an outstanding more. “For sure it’s personal, for sure,” hightops tore away and Wil- shoes but not sprain their Nike, whose shares fell 1.06% basketball player,” Obama Harden added. “I don’t think he should liamson’s foot poked out the knee,” Krzyzewski said. “We on Thursday to close at said later in a tweet. “Wish- be able to even offi ciate our games any- bottom of the shoe. don’t know how long he’ll $83.94 in New York, said it ing him a speedy recovery.” more, honestly.”

Coyotes’ Alex Galchenyuk (top) scores against Canucks’ Jacob MLB Markstrom during overtime on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) Padres make Machado’s $300mn deal offi cial NFL wants Rams’ info on Gurley’s injury: source Reuters to a sputtering start when the as free agents. New York fi rst game of Cactus League ac- According to MLB Network, A revelation from running After the Rams went through tion was rained out. Clippard can earn $1.75mn if he back CJ Anderson that Todd their final on-field workout The Seattle Mariners led the makes the Indians’ roster, with Gurley’s knee injury was more yesterday, two days before the he San Diego Padres host Oakland Athletics 5-0 af- another $1mn available in in- severe than the Los Angeles Super Bowl, McVay labelled made their 10-year ter 1 1/2 innings in Mesa, Ariz., centives. Rams thought — and disclosed Gurley “100 percent”. commitment to in- before play was halted and the — triggered an NFL request A league source told FLM that Tfi elder Manny Mach- result wiped out. GIANTS REACH MINOR for more information from the NFL off ice routinely seeks ado offi cial yesterday, revealing It was unclear if the game LEAGUE DEAL WITH ABAD the team, a league source told more information from teams that the $300mn contract has an would be rescheduled. The same The San Francisco Giants Field Level Media. in situations such as Gurley’s. opt-out clause in fi ve years. two teams are due to meet again reached a minor league deal with Gurley was not on the Super Rams spokesman Artis Tyman The contract, which runs Friday at Peoria, Ariz. veteran relief pitcher Fernando Bowl injury report. He largely did not confirm or deny a through the 2028 season, would Abad, MLB Network’s Jon Hey- gave way to Anderson in the request for information was be the most lucrative in major CLIPPARD SIGNS MINOR man reported. postseason, but the company made regarding Gurley’s injury league history if it plays out to LEAGUE DEAL Abad, 33, does not have an line from the Rams centered since Anderson’s comments its completion. The opt-out is Veteran pitcher Tyler Clippard invitation to spring training around head coach Sean and directed queries on the available after the 2023 season. reached a minor league deal with with the big-league club. How- McVay taking the blame for not matter to the NFL. “Manny Machado is a genera- the Cleveland Indians, making ever, he would earn $800,000 getting Gurley more involved. In 2017, the NFL ruled the tional talent, and we’re ecstatic the right-hander a candidate to plus incentives if he makes it Gurley missed the final two Seattle Seahawks misinter- that he’s chosen to spend his work out of the club’s revamped to the majors, according to the regular-season games, deal- preted the rules when failing prime years in a San Diego Pa- bullpen. report. ing with an undisclosed knee to disclose cornerback Richard dres uniform,” executive chair- Clippard, 34, has 12 years Abad was hit with an 80- problem, after rushing for 1,251 Sherman’s sprained knee. man Ron Fowler and general Preller was reported a late ar- order force to be a cornerstone of major league experience, game suspension by MLB last yards and 17 touchdowns in Seattle was let off with only a partner Peter Seidler said in a rival to the Machado free agent for a perennial contender. pitching in 698 career games, June after testing positive for 14 games. He also caught 59 warning, but reportedly faced joint statement. sweepstakes, but he made the and could play a role for the In- Stanozolol. The suspension was passes for 580 yards and four potential discipline including a Padres executive vice presi- deal come to fruition and now CACTUS TIE RAINED OUT dians, who saw relievers Cody retroactive to the beginning of scores. fine or loss of a draft pick. dent and general manager A.J. considers his middle-of-the- Baseball spring training got off Allen and Andrew Miller leave his appeals. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, February 23, 2019 RUGBY

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT ‘Bigger than Beckham’ Jones urges England to — Canadian league club targets Sonny Bill

AFP co-owner David Argyle, an Aus- keep cool in Welsh ‘rip Sydney tralian, told the broadcaster. “Having someone of his talent join the Wolfpack would greatly anadian club Toronto raise the profi le of the club, but Wolfpack has set its also help move the game forward sights on All Blacks globally. Csuperstar Sonny Bill “Sonny is a phenomenal ath- off heads’ cauldron Williams and is ready to table a lete,” he added. “He is rugby’s big off er to lure him back to rugby LeBron James and we see his re- league, a report said yesterday. cruitment as bigger than when Jones has won all four of his matches against Wales since taking over in 2015 Williams, who has been ham- David Beckham joined LA Gal- pered by injuries in recent sea- axy. He is box offi ce and puts AFP sons, hinted this month that bums on seats.” London 2019 could be his last year with Fox said the club, under the the Auckland Blues and possibly guidance of former Leeds Rhi- the New Zealand national team. nos coach Brian McDermott, was ales and England His contract with New Zea- prepared pay around Aus$5mn will both put their land Rugby and his rugby union (US$3.5mn) to entice Williams, Grand Slam ambi- club expires after the World Cup 33, back to league, which he Wtions on the line in Japan, and Fox Sports Aus- played for seven seasons. when they meet for a sold-out tralia said he was gravitating to- Williams’ manager Khoder Six Nations clash at Cardiff ’s wards a move to Canada and back Nasser would not confi rm or Principality Stadium today. to league. deny the approach. Both sides, the only unbeaten The ambitious Wolfpack, who “I don’t think it’s appropriate teams in the tournament, have play in England’s second-tier to distract Sonny from what is a won their opening two matches Betfred Championship and are monumental season for him,” he of this Six Nations. aiming for promotion to the Su- told Fox. Yet for Wales, whatever Eng- per League, said they were hope- “My priority is to make sure land’s form, the fi xture has long ful of bringing him to Canada on Sonny is focused on this year been a chance to gain a measure a one-year deal. with the Blues and making the of revenge for all the many po- “We are working towards All Blacks squad. What is to litical, cultural and economic making Sonny Bill Williams a come afterwards will take care of wrongs they feel have been done Wolfpack player for 2020,” club itself.” to them by their border rivals. It was a sentiment summed up in a speech by Wales captain Phil Bennett shortly before the 1977 edition in Cardiff where the outstanding fl y-half concluded by telling his side: “We’ve been exploited, raped, controlled and punished by the English — and that’s who you are playing this afternoon.” Wales won that match 14-9. This week the Welsh squad have watched a play about the life of the fi ercely patri- otic Wales centre Ray Gravell, a teammate of Bennett’s. England’s Owen Farrell in action during training ahead of the Six Nations clash against Wales in Bagshot, England, yesterday. (Reuters) What eff ect it had on a side where wing George North and centre Jonathan Davies were born in England, while fellow England make light of Tuilagi French link backs Gareth Anscombe and AFP refusal to select overseas- ily situation they have got to Hadleigh Parkes hail from New Bagshot, England based players. look after and I want them to Zealand — as does coach Warren But with Leicester unlikely to look after their families.” Gatland — remains to be seen. be able to match the wages on The former Australia and anu Tuilagi has found off er from Racing, the dynamic Japan coach insisted: “He is in ‘READY TO RIP OFF HEADS’ himself on the receiv- Tuilagi — in England’s side for our family at the moment and But Eddie Jones, an Australian Ming end of jokes about their crunch Six Nations clash we want him to play well for A LOOK BACK in charge of an England team baguettes and croissants from away to Wales today — could us — that is our only concern featuring Samoa-born centre England coach Eddie Jones make sure of his financial fu- right now. Manu Tuilagi and the Sydney- amid reports the Leicester ture by playing in the Top 14. “He’s got to make a decision born but Wales-raised son of centre is set to pursue a club “We just have fun about and what decision he makes ‘Last year was long’ — a former Tonga captain in No England coach Eddie Jones. career in France. it,” said Jones. “Give him will be up to him. He’s a mas- 8 Billy Vunipola, had no doubt British media have said the baguettes, croissants, wear sively important part of our about Wales’ mood. win required to break their all- powerhouse Leicester centre berets. Good fun. team. The guys like playing fi t-again Coles reveals “They (Wales) have been say- time record set from 1907-1910. has been holding talks with “As long as he doesn’t get on with him, they love him.” ing they’re ready to rip off heads. Jones, however, has won all four Racing 92 about a move to the Eurostar between now and England captain Owen Farrell “They watched a play about of his matches against Wales since the Paris-based side after the Saturday I’ve got no comment underlined Tuilagi’s worth to injury struggles Ray Gravell — I remember taking over as England coach after World Cup in Japan later this on it because all I’m worried the side by saying: “Manu’s watching him play — a really the 2015 World Cup. year. about is Saturday.” someone you look at before AFP jured himself in an international good player. Wing Jack Nowell and prop Playing in France’s Top 14 On a more serious note, the you go out for a game and see Wellington against France. “So they’re full of emotions Ben Moon replace the injured could spell the end of the Australian added: “I don’t that big massive smile on his “It (a comeback) probably did and they’ll bring that to the fi eld Chris Ashton and prop Mako 27-year-old Tuilagi’s interna- decide what he does for his face knowing he’s going to be seem a bit far away last year. I had and we know Wales teams at Vunipola respectively in the tional career given England’s family. Every player has a fam- unbelievably physical.” ll Blacks hooker Dane to pinch myself even last week, home want to come out hard.” only two changes to the Eng- Coles revealed his being amongst the boys and But former Australia and Ja- land starting side that thrashed struggles during his putting that jersey on,” he said. pan coach Jones, however, was France 44-8 last time out. rell, who led a brilliant tactical before he stands down after this leg for English club Northamp- long injury absence “All the stuff I went through in confi dent in how England would England have scored tries in- kicking display that repeatedly year’s World Cup in Japan. ton last weekend, is viewed as yesterdayA as he prepared to make the last couple of years, it makes approach the game. side the fi rst three minutes of caused problems for a callow Never reluctant to make big the superior defensive stand-off his fi rst start for the Hurricanes it all worth the eff ort to nallyfi get “Just be calm but at the same their last fi ve Tests, with wing France side at Twickenham. decisions, Gatland has opted and goalkicker. in 18 months. that number two on my back and time tough and have a real steel Jonny May grabbing 12 in his last “It’s a massive challenge play- for Anscobme over the benched But if Anscombe, who once Coles said being out of the put that shirt on again. about us. That’s what I want to 12 internationals. ing against an England team that Dan Biggar at fl y-half. said he felt “crucifi ed” by Wales team and spending long hours “I’m very happy. I’ve got a job see. And I know we’re going to But Wales, led again by vet- is playing really well and with a Anscombe, the son of a Car- fans unhappy at his quick pro- alone in the gym had made for a to do now. Hopefully I can go out get it, I can see it in the players’ eran second row Alun Wyn lot of confi dence and we’ve got diff -born mother, is seen as the motion to Test rugby following tough year as he recovered from and lead the boys and set an ex- eyes now.” Jones, will back their defence to to make it diffi cult for them,” more attacking player, while his arrival from New Zealand, rupturing knee ligaments in No- ample tomorrow night.” Wales are on an 11-match un- put more pressure on England said Gatland, in his fi nal Six Na- Biggar, passed fi t despite going guides Wales to victory on Sat- vember 2017. Coles said his immediate pri- beaten run, with just one more captain and fl y-half Owen Far- tions campaign as Wales coach off early with a heavily strapped urday he can expect hero status. The 32-year-old, who has 60 ority was to resume playing All Blacks caps, will now hope to regularly as selection looms for stay injury-free as the clock ticks the Rugby Championship and BOTTOMLINE down to the World Cup in Japan, the World Cup, where New Zea- which starts in September. land are the two-time defending “Last year was long — you’re champions. on the team but you’re not con- “I just want to play a lot of France to show diff erent face against injury-hit Scotland tributing, you’re in the gym by footy, week in, week out for the yourself. It does take its toll,” Hurricanes. That’s my only goal AFP strategy following the heavy loss their opening match, but then Coles told media in New Zealand, for the moment,” he said. Paris France coach to England at Twickenham. succumbed 22-13 to Ireland, ahead of today’s Super Rugby “If I can do that it (All Blacks Jacques Brunel “It’s a sporting choice, it has and Townsend said his side were game against the Crusaders. selection) will take care of itself nothing to do with what was prepped for a fi re-up France team. “It defi nitely felt like a really and hopefully the selectors will nder-fi re France said,” Brunel said. “At home, France have played long year.” see that and give me another op- might never have a Wenceslas Lauret comes in really well in the past two Coles, who will captain the portunity for the All Blacks. better opportunity to for Yacouba Camara at blindside Championships,” the former Hurricanes, hasn’t started a Su- “I’m just enjoying my time... Uget their Six Nations fl anker, Gael Fickou moves from fl y-half said. per Rugby game since the Wel- I’m going to cherish every mo- back up and running as they the wing to the centre as Geof- “They were 16-0 up at half- lington side’s semi-fi nal defeat ment that I get to play with my host a Scotland side consider- frey Doumayrou drops out of the time against Wales, and their to the Lions in July 2017. He in- teammates.” ably shorn of its sparkle today. matchday squad, and Thomas previous Six Nations games be- The French have lost 10 of Ramos makes his fi rst Test start fore included a win over England their last 13 games, having fallen at full-back with Yoann Huget and a last-minute defeat to the to Wales in their opening Six shifting to the wing. eventual Irish team that went on Nations before being hammered Brunel’s Scottish counter- to win the Grand Slam.” 44-8 by England, their heaviest part, Gregor Townsend, has had Townsend added: “They are loss to the ‘Rosbifs’ since 1911. to do some personnel juggling of a very dangerous opponent, Since Jacques Brunel took his own, in the knowledge that combining power, ambition and charge in December 2017, his of it,” said prop Jeff erson Poirot. want to show a diff erent face and Scotland’s last victory on French skill. Their individual talent is side have conceded an average Put simply, France need to fi nally win.” soil came on their way to win- outstanding and, when they get of 34 points per game and have start winning, with less than ning the last-ever Five Nations things right — which has pre- only scored more than 30 them- seven months from the start of ‘SPORTING CHOICE’ title in 1999 — a match in which dominantly been in the Six Na- selves on one occasion. the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo. Brunel has rung the changes for Townsend played. tions at home — they’ve played A fi rst-ever defeat by Fiji in The stereotypically fi ckle French today’s match, dropping experi- Among a host of players ruled with a real collective spirit and November further increased the fans have been quick to turn on enced half-backs Morgan Parra out through injury are dynamic fed off the emotion of the crowd. pressure on Brunel, who as Italy Les Bleus, who will nevertheless and Camille Lopez in favour of full-back Stuart Hogg, free- “They will certainly be fi red coach between 2012-16 oversaw welcome the Scots to a sold-out the green Toulouse duo Antoine running centre Huw Jones and up following their loss at Twick- just 11 wins in 50 games. Stade de France today. Dupont, 22, and Romain Ntama- infl uential fl y-half Finn Russell, enham. “There’s no magic recipe, “There is anger, a desire to re- ck, 19, who have only started who ironically picked up a head “Like France, we too are com- there’s no ‘it’s the players’ fault, act, there is a lot of rage in eve- three Tests between them. knock after turning out for his ing off the back of a defeat and it’s the coaches’ fault’. If we start ryone,” insisted France lock Felix Brunel said the decision club Racing 92 in the French Top want to show a better picture of looking at things on a personal Lambey. had no relation with Parra and 14 last weekend. ourselves and play closer to our level we will not manage to get out “Everyone is really hurt. We Lopez’s criticism of the team’s Scotland beat Italy 33-20 in potential.” Gulf Times Saturday, February 23, 2019 7 SPORT

CRICKET/SECOND TEST FOCUS IOC urges India isolation aft er Sri Lanka in with Pakistani athletes denied visas

Reuters to enter India in time to com- New Delhi pete,” the IOC statement said. chance to make “As a result, the IOC Execu- tive Board also decided to sus- he International Ol- pend all discussions with the ympic Committee Indian NOC and government have suspended all regarding the potential ap- Indian applications to plications for hosting future Thost future events and urged sports and Olympic-related international sports federa- events in India,” it said. history against SA tions not to stage competi- The body also urged all in- tions in the country after two ternational sports federations Pakistanis were denied visas not to hold events in India, Needing 197 runs for a victory, Sri Lanka were 60 for two at close of play on day two to compete in New Delhi. or grant hosting rights to the The denial of entry visas country for future competi- for two shooters due to take tions, until the government part in a World Cup event this had provided “clear written weekend followed last week’s guarantees” to ensure access attack by a Pakistan-based for all athletes. militant group in the disput- The Indian Olympic Asso- ed region of Kashmir, which ciation (IOA) last year laid out killed at least 40 paramili- an ambitious roadmap to host tary police. India has accused the Youth Olympics in 2026, its neighbour of not doing the Asian Games in 2030 and enough to control the militant the Summer Olympics for the groups responsible for the fi rst time in 2032. Kashmir attacks. Pakistan has “It’s a big setback for sports denied any involvement. in the country,” IOA secretary The IOC said the refusal of general Rajeev Mehta told Re- visas for competitors went uters. against the principles of the “We’ve been in constant Olympic charter relating to touch with the government, discrimination and politi- trying to explain to them and cal interference from the host convince them to grant visas country. to the Pakistani shooters. This “Since becoming aware of is really unfortunate.” the issue, and in spite of in- Last year, a boxer from Ko- tense last-minute... eff orts... sovo, which India does not and discussions with the In- recognise as an independent dian government authorities, state, was denied visa for the no solution has been found to women’s world champion- allow the Pakistani delegation ships in New Delhi.

SPOTLIGHT India demands ‘robust’ security at cricket World Cup

AFP after consulting the govern- New Delhi ment. South African players celebrate the dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne (C) during the second day of the second Test match in Port Elizabeth yesterday. “The BCCI trusts... the most robust security is pro- AFP PORT ELIZABETH SCORECARD Karunaratne and Lahiru Thir- ndia yesterday demanded vided to players, match offi- Port Elizabeth, South Africa imanne put on 32 for the fi rst “robust” security for its cials and fans of Indian crick- South Africa, first innings, 222 Mulder 3-2-6-1, Maharaj 2-0-9-1 wicket at the start of their chase players and fans at this et for the upcoming World Sri Lanka, first innings Sri Lanka, second innings but both were dismissed in the year’s cricket World Cup Cup,” the letter said. outh Africa and Sri Lanka (overnight 60-3) South Africa, second innings D. Karunaratne c De Kock b Olivier ....19 space of six balls. inI England, but pulled back While Pakistan has denied were locked in a tense, Karunaratne c De Kock b Rabada ...17 Markram c O. Fernando b Rajitha ...... 18 L. Thirimanne c De Kock b Rabada ...10 Thirimanne was caught behind from a boycott of its match any role in the Kashmir at- low-scoring battle at the L. Thirimanne c and b Olivier ...... 29 D. Elgar c Dickwella b V. Fernando .....2 O. Fernando not out ...... 17 off Kagiso Rabada for the second against Pakistan despite es- tack, the BCCI said it “urges Send of the second day of O. Fernando b Olivier ...... 0 H. Amla c Mendis b De Silva ...... 32 K. Mendis not out ...... 10 time in the day after making ten calating tensions. the cricketing community to the second Test at St George’s K. Mendis c De Kock b Olivier...... 16 T. Bavuma c Dickwella b Rajitha ...... 6 Extras (lb4) 4 to be followed in the next over by Calls have been made in sever ties with countries from Park yesterday. K. Rajitha b Rabada ...... 1 F. du Plessis not out ...... 50 Total (2 wkts, 16 overs) 60 Karunaratne for 19, caught behind India for the country to pull which terrorism emanates”. Needing 197 runs to achieve an K. Perera c De Kock b Rabada ...... 20 Q. de Kock c and b Lakmal ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Thirimanne), off Duanne Olivier’s fi rst ball of out of their June 16 World Senior cricket figures historic series win, Sri Lanka were D. de Silva c De Kock b Mulder ...... 19 W. Mulder c Mendis b De Silva ...... 5 2-34 (Karunaratne) the innings. Cup match against Pakistan such as former India captain 60 for two at the close. N. Dickwella c Elgar b Rabada ...... 42 K. Maharaj lbw b Lakmal ...... 6 Bowling: Steyn 5-0-20-0, Rabada Oshada Fernando and Kusal to protest the suicide bomb Sourav Ganguly and spin star It was an extraordinary day’s S. Lakmal lbw b Maharaj ...... 7 K. Rabada c Mendis b Lakmal ...... 0 6-1-18-1, Olivier 3-1-10-1, Mulder 1-1-0-0, Mendis saw out the day, with attack in Kashmir last week Harbhajan Singh have called play during which 18 wickets fell V. Fernando not out ...... 0 D. Steyn c Thirimanne b De Silva ...... 0 Maharaj 1-0-8-0 Fernando striking two boundaries which killed 40 paramilitary for the country to boycott the and 282 runs were scored, leaving L. Embuldeniya absent injured D. Olivier lbw b Lakmal ...... 6 Match situation: Sri Lanka need in the last over, bowled by left- troops. game. both teams with a chance of vic- Extras (lb1, nb2) 3 Extras (lb1, nb1) 2 137 runs to win with eight wickets arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. The attack was claimed by But Sunil Gavaskar and tory. Total (37.4 overs) 154 Total (44.3 overs) 128 Fall of wickets: remaining In a frenetic start to the day, Sri the Pakistan-based Jaish- Sachin Tendulkar said a boy- Sri Lanka, who won the fi rst Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Karunaratne), 1-10 (Elgar), 2-31 (Markram), 3-51 Toss: South Africa Lanka scored 94 runs but lost six e-Mohamed militant group, cott would be like a defeat to Test in Durban by one wicket, 2-34 (O. Fernando), 3-59 (Mendis), 4-64 (Bavuma), 4-90 (Amla), 5-91 (De Kock), Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), Ian Gould wickets in 17.4 overs. which India says operates as a Pakistan. will become the fi rst team from (Thirimanne), 5-66 (Rajitha), 6-97 (Per- 6-100 (Mulder), 7-113 (Maharaj), 8-115 (ENG) Overnight batsmen Thir- proxy for Islamabad, a charge “India has always come up Asia to win a Test series in South era), 7-128 (De Silva), 8-154 (Lakmal), (Rabada), 9-116 (Steyn) TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough imanne and nightwatchman Pakistan denies. trumps against Pakistan in Africa if they can score 137 more 9-154 (Dickwella) Bowling: Lakmal 16.3-3-39-4, V. Fern- (ENG) Kasun Rajitha were dismissed in Vinod Rai, a senior offi- the World Cup. Time to beat runs, while South Africa will earn Bowling: Steyn 10-2-39-0, Rabada ando 10-1-32-1, Rajitha 7-1-20-2, De Silva Match referee: Richie Richardson the fi rst four overs of the morn- cial of the Board of Control them once again. Would per- a face-saving share of the series 12.4-3-38-4, Olivier 10-1-61-3 (2nb), 11-1-36-3 (1nb) (WIS) ing after Sri Lanka resumed on for Cricket in India (BCCI), sonally hate to give them two by taking the remaining eight 60 for three. They were followed told reporters they had sent points and help them in the wickets. by a succession of batsmen who a letter to the International tournament,” Tendulkar said South Africa seemed set to take islanders. arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya charged down the wicket and was played extravagant shots before Cricket Council demanding on Twitter. control when Sri Lanka collapsed Suranga Lakmal, Sri Lanka’s suff ered a badly dislocated left stumped with the total on 117 for perishing. tough security at the World Interest in the India-Paki- in a fl urry of strokes to be bowled most experienced bowler, took thumb, an injury which required nine. But a check by the umpires Kusal Perera, the hero of Sri Cup and for the world body to stan game in Manchester is so out for 154 before lunch, giving four for 39, while part-time off - surgery and prevented him from revealed it had been a no-ball and Lanka’s surprise win in the fi rst sever ties with nations linked high that demand for tickets South Africa a fi rst innings lead of spinner Dhananjaya de Silva took batting or taking the fi eld yester- 11 more runs were added before Test in Durban, thrashed two to terrorism. has outstripped that for the 68 runs. a Test-best three for 36. day. Lakmal trapped last batsman Du- fours and an audacious six over But he said a decision on World Cup final, according to But Sri Lanka’s bowlers hit With only 10 wickets in 24 pre- De Silva seemed to have anne Olivier leg before wicket. extra cover in one over from Ra- boycotting the one-day in- ICC officials. back, bowling out the hosts for a vious Tests, De Silva had match claimed a fourth wicket and Du Plessis was left unbeaten on bada before being caught behind ternational would only be The World Cup begins on paltry 128 — by 40 runs their low- fi gures of fi ve for 51. He was forced wrapped up the South Afri- 50. in the fast bowler’s next over. He made nearer the date — and May 30. est total in a home Test against the into a front-line role when left- can innings when Faf du Plessis Sri Lankan captain Dimuth made 20 off 15 balls.

PSL England eye one coach for all formats: Giles

London: England are almost cation is really important.” certain to have one coach in Giles, who took over from charge of their Test, one-day in- former test captain Andrew De Villiers shines in Lahore win ternational and Twenty20 teams Strauss in December, did not Agencies conceded just six off the first fi ve balls Karachi to 109-9 in 20 overs. after Trevor Bayliss completes rule out the possibility of a Sharjah as tension mounted. But Wiese kept his Peshawar’s spearhead Hasan once his stint later this year, director home-grown coach replacing nerves to hit the winning sixer off the -fi again got a wicket off the very first ball, of cricket Ashley Giles has said. Australian Bayliss. nal ball. De Villiers fi nished with 29-ball like he did against Islamabad United with Bayliss, who has been in charge Peter Moores was the last Eng- aster blaster AB de Villiers 52 not out with three sixes and as many Luke Ronchi’s scalp, as he dismissed of England since 2015, will lishman to coach the national announced his arrival, as he boundaries, while Wiese scored a more Liam Livingstone, trapping him leg be- step down following the home team in all three formats, from in company of former South aggressive undefeated 20-ball 45 with fore with a sharp incoming delivery. Ashes series against Australia 2007 to 2009 and a second stint African team-mate David fi ve sixes. The duo added 98 runs for the in August and September, and from 2014 to 2015. M BRIEF SCORES: Wiese annihilated Multan Sultans in the unbroken fi fth wicket stand. Giles said he was not in favour of “We’ve had one lead English last fi ve overs to help Lahore Qalandars On Thursday, former champions Pe- Multan Sultans 200-6 (J. Vince 84, Umar Siddiq splitting coaching duties going coach in 20 years, and he’s done clinch a thrilling win in the HBL PSL in shawar Zalmi upstaged a sloppy Karachi 53; S. Lamichanne 3-46) forward. it twice. It’s a pretty sorry state of Lahore Qalandars204-4 (Fakhar Zaman 63, AB Sharjah yesterday. Kings by 44 runs, riding on a maiden PSL de Villiers 52 no out, D. Wiese 45 not out; Junaid “I’m about 99.9% sure that I want aff airs for our coach develop- While De Villiers brought Lahore half-century from opener Imam-ul-Haq Khan 3-39) one man to do that job in the ment department,” added Giles, within nine runs of victory in the fi - and Hasan Ali’s four wickets in Sharjah. future,” the former England spin- who coached England’s limited- nal over, it was the lanky Wiese who Imam-ul-Haq top-scored for Pesha- RESULT: Lahore Qalandars beat Multan Sul- ner told BBC’s Test Match Special overs sides between 2012 and smashed Dan Christian over long-off war in their 153-8 after 20 overs with a tans by six wickets podcast. 2014. on the fi nal delivery for a six – with four 43-ball 56 with fi ve boundaries and a six “The last thing we want is a England, who host the 50-overs needed – to seal the victory. Qalandars’ AB de Villiers plays an while Liam Dawson made a 33-ball 43 Peshawar Zalmi 153-8 in 20 overs (Imam-ul-Haq football-style mentality where a World Cup starting in May, are 56, L. Dawson 43) Lahore, chasing a daunting 201-run innovative shot yesterday in Sharjah. with a six and four boundaries after they Karachi Kings 109-9 (Mohamed Rizwan 32 not guy comes in, brings his whole on tour of the West Indies where target, needed 70 off the last fi ve overs as were sent into bat by Karachi Kings cap- out; Hasan Ali 4-15) backroom staff with him, and the they lost the three-match test De Villiers, fi red up by vociferous chants off West Indian Andre Russell in the pe- tain Imad Wasim. whole structure falls apart. series 2-1 before winning the first of “AB, AB”, took charge. nultimate over to bring down the target Hasan’s 4-15 in four overs, including RESULT: Peshawar Zalmi beat Karachi Kings “I think consistency of communi- of five ODIs. De Villiers and Wiese hit a six each to just nine off six balls but Christian three wickets in the 19th over, wrecked by 44 runs

Saturday, February 23, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HH THE AMIR SWORD RACING FESTIVAL Marianafoot wins feature; triples for Ghazali, De Mieulle ‘We knew it was going to be a pacy race, and so the plan was to use his turn of foot. And it has worked well’

QREC Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi with the winners of the Gulf Cup after Umm Qarn’s Aahil won the mile-long race yesterday. by: 1 1/4, 2, 1/2. Time: 1:11.65. Owner: de Mieulle, completed a hat- of times later in the card, cham- trainer Alban de Mieulle. Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: trick with two of his local-bred pion trainer Ghazali had already His Highness Sheikh Mo- Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. wards picking up fine wins, in- notched a hat-trick, taking his hamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Al Race 5: 1. Wayside Flower (Harry cluding the USD100,000 Gulf total wins from the weekend to Wannah topped the Local Pure- Bentley), 2. Mualah (JP Guillambert), Cup, yesterday, and Bin General 5. bred Arabian Novice Plate event 3. Festive (Oisin Murphy), 4. Umm shedding his maiden status ear- First up yesterday was Kha- for fillies and mares, as the Ju- Swayya (Gerald Avranche). Won by: lier in the day. lifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s In- lian Smart ward registered her ¼, ¾, 1 ¾. Time: 1:37.18. Owner: Injaaz Full brothers Aahil and Barra, dian Horseman that topped the second straight victory. Stud. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed from Munjiz out of Daniah, won six-furlong Thoroughbred Plate Ghazali. two straight races on the day – event for three-year-olds under RESULTS Race 6: 1. Mosayter (Harry Bentley), Gulf Cup and Purebred Arabian champion jockey Harry Bentley. Race 1: 1. Evolution Du Croate (Yousef 2. Saar (Gerald Avranche), 3. Nahaab Sprint Cup – respectively. The Ghazali-Bentley team al-Hajri), 2. Razad (Rashid Ali al-Marri), (Jimmy Quinn), 4. Muraqabah (Theo Umm Qarn’s Aahil, under Ro- had two more winners – Injaaz 3. Ibn Al Ameed (Faleh Bughanaim), Bachelot). Won by: 1 ¼, Hd, 2. Time: Irish ambassador Aidan Cronin (right) presents the owner’s trophy to Jean-Claude Seroul after nan Thomas, held off a troika Stud’s Wayside Flower in the 4. Jalal (Meteb Ali al-Marri). Won by: 1:25.08. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Marianafoot won the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (Group 2) at the Qatar Racing and of Jassim Mohamed Ghazali Class 2 Thoroughbreds event 2 1/2, 3/4, Nk. Time: 2:13.56. Owner: al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim wards, beating Molheb Al Naif and al-Kuwari’s Mosayter in the Osama Omer al-Dafea. Trainer: Ghazali. at the post by a nose in the pe- Local Thoroughbred Trophy. Osama Omer al-Dafea. Race 7: 1. Barra (Ronan Thomas), 2. By Mikhil Bhat yesterday. anafoot by a nose at the post, nultimate race. Wayside Flower led a Ghazali Race 2: 1. Al Wannah (Ryan Curatolo), Daloob (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Melk Doha A listed winner from Deau- while Top Face completed the Thomas also helmed Barra to sweep of the top three spots, 2. AJS Rayah (Tomas Lukasek), 3. Ro- (Oisin Murphy), 4. Kasser (Stephan ville, Marianafoot stayed mid- top three. lead a one-two for the trainer with Festive finishing third, and dina (Harry Bentley), 4. Sarmad (Jean Ladjadj). Won by: 1 ¾, Shd, Hd. Time: field for the bulk of the mile- “We knew it was going to be a with Al Shaqab Racing’s Da- with Ghazali junior, Mohamed, Baptiste Hamel). Won by: 3/4, Hd, 1/2. 1:18.36. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: oung trainer Jerome long USD200,000 feature, even pacy race, and so the plan was to loob, helmed by Qatari rider saddling the runner-up Mualah. Time: 1:47.95. Owner: His Highness Alban de Mieulle. Reynier rejoiced in his as Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani- use his turn of foot. And it has Faleh Bughanaim, in the six- Earlier in the day, Qatari Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Race 8: 1. Aahil (Ronan Thomas), 2. second Group 2 win- saddled Top Face set the pace up worked well. We were lucky to furlong sprint. jockey Yousef Ali al-Hajri rode Trainer: Julian Smart. Molheb Al Naif (Harry Bentley), 3. ner when French raider front under Tomas Lukasek. get the room and it was a bril- “I am very pleased for (His a winner when he guided Osama Race 3: 1. Bin General (Ronan Tho- Rassan (Oisin Murphy), 4. Istibdad MarianafootY put his turn of foot As the field turned, Pierre liant ride from Pierre-Charles. Highness) Sheikh Abdullah Omer al-Dafea’s Evolution Du mas), 2. Taish (Ali Khalid al-Mosallam), (Gerald Avranche). Won by: No, ¾, 1 to good use to make the Irish Charles Boudot had Mariana- We are just very happy,” Reynier (bin Khalifa al-Thani) given the Croate to the colt’s first career 3. Maxr (Theo Bachelot), 4. Mehdi ¼. Time: 1:44.28. Owner: Umm Qarn. Thoroughbred Marketing Cup foot move up steadily on the said after the win. horses we breed. Of course, to- victory in 12 outings. The other (Damien Morin). Won by: 1, 1/4, 1 1/2. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. (Group 2) his own, edging out outside and, along with Harry “He travelled well, and these morrow will be another day, it Purebred Arabian to shed his Time: 2:15.00. Owner: Umm Qarn. Race 9: 1. Marianafoot (Pierre-Charles local hopes on the second day Bentley-helmed Black Granite, days with the logistics and all will be a big challenge but to win maiden status was Umm Qarn’s Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Boudot), 2. Black Granite (Oisin Mur- of the His Highness The Amir challenged the leader. In the so good, he settled well, and I this race was very important Bin General, who showed a Race 4: 1. Indian Horseman (Harry phy), 3. Top Face (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Sword Racing Festival at the final few metres, the two chal- would really like to thank the for the breeding operation,” De glimpse of an exciting future, Bentley), 2. Life Of Riley (Cristian De- Diplomat (Eddy Hardouin). Won by: Qatar Racing and Equestrian lengers turned it into a brief organisers here in Qatar.” Mieulle told Gulf Times. winning over 2000m on his de- muro), 3. Courageux (Carlo Fiocchi), ¼, 1, Nk. Time: 1:35.53. Owner: Trainer: Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park duel, one that was won by Mari- Another Frenchman, Alban Before he missed out a couple but under Ronan Thomas for 4. High Horse (Oisin Murphy). Won Jerome Reynier.

SPOTLIGHT Reynier breaking new ground, a win at a time By Mikhil Bhat a great experience, but now I Doha want to try out things with my own horses,” he says. And so he is here in Qatar, his rench trainer Jerome fi rst outside mainland Europe as Reynier wanted to run a trainer. one of his promising “I am taking it as it comes. wards, Royal Julius, in We have nothing to lose, and theF Irish Thoroughbred Mar- we are here to get the possible Al Emadi Enterprises CEO Mohamed Abdulkarim al-Emadi (left) poses with Qatar Racing and Equestrian keting Cup (Group 2) at the His performances out of the horses Club (QREC) CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi after Al Hazm signed up as the sponsor for today’s His Highness Highness The Amir Sword Fes- here. If we are unlucky, that’s The Amir Sword (Group 1 PA) race, part of the His Highness The Amir Sword Festival. The Purebred Ara- tival weekend last year. part of racing. And if we are bian feature will be run at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park today and has a total prize purse of USD1mn. PICTURE: “The mile,” he tells Gulf lucky, we will have some nice Juhaim Times, “would have been nice results,” he says. because he was a little bit keen Unlike many other train- then.” ers, who are generally based Social & Sport Fund pleased with QREC partnership While he couldn’t make the out of more popular training trip last year, this year, he not centres like Chantilly, Reynier only entered Royal Julius for has chosen to stay closer home today’s million-dollar Thor- near Marseille, in the south of oughbred feature, HH The Amir France. Trophy (Group 1), he saddled “I love my region, and we the winner in the USD200,000 Trainer Jerome Reynier (right) is all smiles as Marianafoot enters the have great facilities, great Irish Thoroughbred Marketing winner’s circle after Pierre-Charles Boudot (left) rode him to victory training centre there. We have Cup yesterday. in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (Group 2) yesterday. around 25 trainers with around Pierre-Charles Boudot rode 600 horses there, and with Marianafoot in the colours of too much. So we have been able new things, he says, is a chal- every passing year we are doing Jean-Claude Seroul in the mile- to stretch him up to a mile and a lenge. better and better.” long race at the Al Rayyan Park quarter,” he says. “I guess to convince people Reynier’s father was an archi- yesterday, and the 33-year-old “He has a few good things go- (about opportunities) is pretty tect who was passionate about Social & Sport Contribution Fund CEO Abdulrahman Abdulatif al-Mannai (left) and QREC CEO Nasser trainer from Marseille was un- ing for him, even the draw. He is hard,” he says. “I didn’t talk to horses, and he has happened to Sherida al-Kaabi at a press conference yesterday. derstandably ecstatic at the re- drawn in eight and that’s in the Mr. Seroul until I was sure that pass that passion down to his sult. middle. He can have a pretty we were going to be invited. I son. Doha: Social & Sport Contribu- culture, and it is part commercial projects, and horse racing, and The Footstepsinthesand colt good run behind some good told him about the opportunity, “I used to be on the breed- tion Fund (Daam) expressed hap- as well. So for us, it ticks all the the horse show, etc, are part of is Reynier’s second Group 2 horses, like The Blue Eye, if he so he said, ‘okay, let’s try it out’. ing side in the beginning. I have piness with their three-year-old boxes. And we are excited about Qatari culture. We support the winner, after Royal Julius won can follow them up and we are It’s a great experience interna- done the Irish National Stud partnership with the Qatar Racing it, and we are hoping to see it continuation of that through our one in Italy last year. hoping to get him placed, but tionally. Course and then the Darley Fly- and Equestrian Club (QREC) as develop even further,” Social & support of their activities.” “Maybe I will only win Group we never know in the straights.” “We were at Royal Ascot last ing Start, but I really like the one of the main sponsors of the Sport Contribution Fund CEO QREC CEO Nasser Sherida al- races abroad,” he says with a There are a few things about year, and we were in Italy, run- touch of the horse,” he says. His Highness The Amir Sword Abdulrahman Abdulatif al-Mannai Kaabi added: “We are very glad smile. Royal Julius, who will Reynier that intrigue. He is ning some good races. I am Giving perhaps the only in- Festival. said at a press conference at the to see Daam as the main sponsor be helmed by Gerald Mosse in one of the youngest trainers in looking for diff erent environ- dication of his youth, he adds, “We are happy with this partner- QREC yesterday. for the event. We thank them for the mile-and-a-half run to- France, who started working ments.” “You can get some quick results ship with the club because all the He added: “Our fund is designed their investment. And I think they day, Reynier says, has come a on his own six years ago. How- Reynier did the Darley Flying when you are training horses, un- activities they organise are at a to support any activity that is have invested in the right field, long way from the keen horse ever, he is not short on results. Start, a training programme for like breeding where you have to high professional level. We believe sustainable, and also benefits in- especially because it is invest- he was last year. “He has had a Last season in France, he had 57 young professionals in racing wait many years until something that this sport really represents dividuals in Qatar and the whole ing in the new generation, with busy campaign last year, learn- wins, for instance. and breeding, and began train- comes out and you are lucky.” the Qataris. It is part tradition, part society. It is a mix of activities and upcoming jockeys and horses.” ing how to race without pulling Convincing people to try out ing on his own in 2013. “It was And results he has got.