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Friday, April 7, 2017 CRICKET Rajab 10, 1438 AH Pakistan captain GULF TIMES Misbah to retire aft er Windies series SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL/ QATAR STARS LEAGUE Lekhwiya champions aft er QSL STANDINGS

Teams P W D L F A Gd Pts Lekhwiya 25 19 5 1 77 31 46 62 Al Sadd 25 17 7 1 75 22 53 58 Al Rayyan 25 14 6 5 49 26 23 48 Nam strikes winner Al Jaish 25 13 6 6 44 38 6 45 Al Gharafa 25 12 4 9 42 41 1 40 Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi: The victory was a culmination of our hard work and dedication. Umm Salal 24 8 9 7 28 32 -4 33 Al Kharaitiat 24 8 4 12 23 32 -9 28 We were confident when the season started and we remained confident throughout’ Al Sailiya 25 7 7 11 29 44 -15 28 Al Arabi 25 8 4 13 38 54 -16 28 he was attempting to claim in the air. Al Ahli 25 7 6 12 33 41 -8 27 By Sports Reporter Al Khor 24 6 6 12 23 33 -10 24 Doha The ball fell perfectly for the South Ko- rean who made no mistake and drilled Al Shahaniya 24 3 11 10 27 50 -23 20 it into the back of the next to give Le- Muaither 24 4 5 15 19 44 -25 17 oach Djamel Belmadi khwiya the lead, and along with it, the Al Wakra 24 2 8 14 26 45 -19 14 slumped to the ground in title. prayer after guiding Lekhwi- Cya to their fi fth Qatar Stars League title, and the third under his Sadd miss out QSL title with Al Sailiya draw charge, following a dramatic 2-1 win over Al Ahli at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. Lekhwiya led Al Sadd by just two points and needed a win against Al Ahli yesterday at the same time hoping Al Sadd somehow slipped up. And that proved to be the case as Al Sadd were held to a shocking 2-2 draw by Al Saili- ya, a result that meant that Lekhwiya will fi nish top of the table no matter what happens in the last round of the tournament a few days from now. There was plenty of drama as the match appeared headed for a 1-1 draw, but with six minutes of stoppage time added, Korean Nam Tae-hee scored a last-gasp 95th minute winner to help Lekhwiya clinch the title. It was a just reward for Lekhwiya who lost only two matches in the QSL campaign and had been the most con- sistent team over the past few years, having earned the rare distinction of Al Sadd missed out on the chance though Nigerian winger Imoh Ezekiel. winning the title in their very fi rst year to lift their first QSL title in four years, Al Rayyan took the lead on the stroke in Qatar’s top fl ight in the 2010-11 sea- after drawing 2-2 with Al Sailya on of half-time through Qatar interna- son. Their other wins came in 2011-12, yesterday evening. With the Wolves tional striker Sebastian Soria. Winger 2013-14 and 2014-15 before the sealed dropping points, Lekhwiya grabbed a Abdurahman al-Harazi pushed their fi fth title yesterday. injury time winner to secure their fifth forward on the left wing and found “The victory was a culmination of our ever QSL crown. Soria who planted the ball past Arabi hard work and dedication,” said coach Al Sailiya took the early emphasis in keeper Rajab Hamza. Belmadi. “We were confi dent when the the tie, creating the first chance of Al Arabi pushed hard for an equaliser season started and we remained confi - note when Uzbeki forward Temurkhu- and both Paulinho and Luis Jiminez dent throughout,” he added. ja Abdukholiqov picked up a rebound had two golden chances to find a Al Ahli started the game well and off the feet of Al Sadd defender way back into the game. Eventually were gifted a chance with just four min- Mohamed Kasola before firing a fierce Al Arabi’s pressure tolled on the 52nd utes on the clock when Lekhwiya’s Kha- shot from the edge of the box. minute when defender Yousef Ram- lid Radwan played a shocking back pass In the 15th minute, Al Sadd captain adan whipped in a fine cross which to the goalkeeper. Al Ahli’s Ali Ferey- Xavi curled in a fine free-kick which fell to the feet of Nigerian striker Imoh doun pounced on the ball and smashed had Sailiya keeper Gregory Gomis Ezekiel who made no mistake from into the back of the net to give The Brig- well beaten, to give his side the lead. close range. adiers an early 1-0 lead. It was Xavi’s 10th goal of the season. The tie often boiled over at times and Lekhwiya soon settled after the early Barely a minute later, Al Sailiya scored the referee did well to control the shock and began dominating the cen- the equaliser after midfielder Sanjar players, who weren’t shy in putting in tre of the park. In the 31st minute, the Lekwhiya’s South Korean star Nam Tae-hee is congratulated by teammates after he scored the winning goal against Al Ahli Shaakhmedov found the back of the the heavy tackles. pressure paid off when they equalised yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil net. thanks to a stunning goal from Ismail Al Sadd sprung back into the life after Gharafa defeat El Jaish 2-1 Mohamed, his fourth this season. Spot- halfway line and latched onto the end of the goalkeeper and able to easily slot it chances. In the 61st minute, Al Ahli the equaliser and looked to take the In another match, Al Gharafa came ting a large gap in between Ahli’s centre a perfectly weighted 30 yard through- home to make it 1-1. were lucky not to concede a goal and lead as the first half came to an end. from behind and scored a stoppage backs, Mohamed made dash from the ball, which left him one-on-one with Lekhwiya continued to press for a their defenders were forced to make a Two minutes from the first-half, Sadd time winner to defeat El Jaish 2-1 in a second for the remainder of the fi rst half number of clearances off the line. defender Ibrahim Majid managed a thrilling encounter yesterday. but were unable to fi nd the back of the The Red Knights didn’t let their frus- snap-header that just flew over the Al After a goalless first half, hosts Al net again and it fi nished 1-1 at half time. tration get the better of them though Sailiya crossbar. Gharafa relied on goals from Othman Lekhwiya came out in the second and continued to press deep into in- Jesaldo Ferriera’s side came out in the al-Yahri and Almahdi Ali as the Leop- half with a lot more life in their legs and jury time. Then, on the 95th minute second half with renewed vigour, and ards picked up all three points. pressed from the whistle. But despite Nam Tae-Hee was gifted the ball in the pushed hard to take the lead again. All the action came in the second dominating possession, Lekhwiya were 18-yard box when Al Ahli’s goalkeeper Unfortunately Algerian striker Bagdad half when Othman al-Yahri opened struggling to carve out any clear-cut came off his line and dropped a corner Bounedjah saw his headed eff ort go the scoring for Al Gharafa in the 72nd just wide of the Al Sailiya goal. minute. Slick build-up play and a Against the run of play, Al Sailiya neat pass from Slovakian midfielder took a shock lead through Romanian Vladimir Weiss found al-Yahri who midfielder Valentin Lazăr. The January drilled a powerful shot into the back signing made a fine solo run before of the net from inside the penalty smashing the ball into the back of the area. net, for his sides second goal of the However, El Jaish regrouped quickly game. to produce the equaliser as Abdulqa- Al Sadd pushed hard to get back into dir Ilyas found the net barely a minute the match, and leading scorer Bagdad later. Ilyas hoodwinked his marker Bounjah duly found an equaliser on before firing a powerful shot from the 83rd minute. The Wolves rushed inside the box for his side’s first and to find a winner to keep their title only goal. hopes alive but time ran out on their Former champions Al Gharafa championship bid. pushed for a winner and duly scored a late goal in injury time through the Rayyan-Arabi draw head of defender Almahdi Ali who Meanwhile, Al Rayyan and Al Arabi had plenty of time and space to nod shared the spoils in a tame derby the ball into the back of the net from encounter at Al Sadd stadium. The a Vladimir Weiss corner. The win for Lions opened the scoring towards Al Gharafa gives the Cheetahs a tally the end of the second half, before Al of 40 points from 25 QSL games this Arabi fought back in the second half season. Coach Djamel Belmadi celebrates Lekhwiya’s winning goal and (R) off ers his thanks to God after the QSL title was confirmed. Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 7, 2017 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA ITALIAN CUP Hitman Higuain Morata helps Madrid to Napoli owner: ‘It’s your fault’ keep Barca in check ly at De Laurentiis and mouth- AFP Milan ing: “E colpa tua”. Although Napoli captain As well as their slender lead, Real also have a game in hand over Barcelona Marek Hamsik levelled for Na- onzalo Higuain defi - poli, Higuain blasted a superb AFP antly drew a line under second from Juan Cuadrado’s Madrid his controversial move cross just fi ve minutes later. De to Juventus with a brace Laurentiis lifted his eyes to the Gagainst Napoli, picking out the sky in resignation, a gesture not lvaro Morata scored twice as president of his former club and missed by Higuain’s brother and Real Madrid maintained a two- mouthing: “It’s your fault”. agent Nicola. “How I love to see point lead over Barcelona at the With a 3-1 lead from the fi rst the face of Aurelio every time top of La Liga by making light of leg of their Italian Cup semi-fi - my brother scores,” he wrote CristianoA Ronaldo and Gareth Bale’s ab- nal, Juventus travelled to Naples on Twitter. “See you next time sence in a 4-2 win at Leganes. on Wednesday night expected president. Hahaha!!!” Earlier, on Wednesday, Lionel Messi’s to secure their third consecutive Although substitute Dries double on his return from suspension fi nal appearance. And they did, Mertens levelled for the hosts and Luis Suarez’s stunning overhead kick but not before suff ering a scare, and Lorenzo Insigne added a late helped Barcelona sweep aside Sevilla 3-0. going down 3-2 at an emotion- winner, there was little for Napoli Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane gambled on ally charged San Paolo to creep to celebrate on Higuain’s second the strength of his squad ahead of a mam- through 5-4 on aggregate and visit to the stadium this season. moth 18 days which sees the European maintain their hopes of a treble He has now hit four goals against champions welcome Atletico Madrid and of trophies. As well as ending his former club this term, three Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu and Napoli’s hopes of silverware, Hi- in the cup and one in the league, also meet old foes Bayern Munich in the guain’s double left president Au- to keep Juventus on course for a Champions League quarter-fi nals. relio De Laurentiis looking ever third consecutive league and cup However, the Frenchman was rewarded more the culprit in a spat that double. as the likes of Marco Asensio, James Ro- began hours after the striker’s The gloves are now fi rmly off driguez and Morata took their chance to shock move to the Serie A cham- between Higuain and Napoli’s shine. As well as their slender lead, Real pions last summer. fi lm-producing owner and the also have a game in hand over Barcelona. Despite pocketing a healthy forward has launched proceed- “It is not taking a risk, I have a great profi t when he sold Higuain to ings claiming De Laurentiis owes squad,” said Zidane. “I am always asked Juve for an Italian record trans- him 600,000 euros. Higuain says about the reserves and the starters, but fer fee of 90mn euros De Lau- that De Laurentiis held back dues we are all in the same boat. We are doing rentiis said the Argentine had from image rights sales and has great things together, but we still have a “betrayed” Napoli. Higuain, 29, taken his case to the league. “I’ve long way to go and we will need every who hit a Serie A record 36 goals got nothing to say,” De Laurentiis player.” in his fi nal season with Napoli, responded curtly post-match Asensio’s storming run set up the had refused to respond to De when asked to give his opinion opener for Rodriguez on 15 minutes as Laurentiis’s provocation. Until on Higuain. he weaved past three Leganes defenders Wednesday night. before squaring for the Colombian to tap Whistled and jeered through- RESULTS ITALIAN CUP home his sixth goal of the season. Mora- out a 1-1 Serie A draw at the same SEMI-FINAL ta’s looping header and then calm fi nish San Paolo ground last weekend, Napoli 3 (Hamsik 53, Mertens 61, into the top corner from Mateo Kovacic’s Higuain overcame a similarly Insigne 67) Juventus 2 (Higuain 32, pass looked to have put Madrid out of hostile reception to give Juve a 58) Juventus win 5-4 on aggregate sight inside 23 minutes. 32nd-minute lead with a superb Played Tuesday: Roma 3 (El Yet, on Real’s fi rst ever La Liga visit strike from outside the area. He Shaarawy 43, Salah 66, 90) Lazio 2 to Butarque, the hosts had something made a beeline for the executive (Milinkovic-Savic 37, Immobile 56) to celebrate before half-time as Gabriel boxes, pointing his fi nger direct- Lazio win 4-3 on aggregate POINTS TABLE (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Real Madrid 29 22 5 2 78 30 71 Barcelona 30 21 6 3 88 26 69 A Madrid 30 18 7 5 55 23 61 Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata (right) and Leganes’ Martin Mantovani vie for the ball during the La Liga match at the Butarque Sevilla 30 17 7 6 52 37 58 Stadium in Leganes, Spain on Wednesday night. (Reuters) Villarreal 30 15 9 6 42 23 51 A Bilbao 30 15 5 10 39 33 50 Pires and Luciano Neves took advantage bar from outside the area after just three Sergio Rico. Messi doubled his tally for R Sociedad 30 15 4 11 43 41 49 of some slack Madrid defending to cut minutes. the night six minutes later when he vol- Eibar 29 12 8 9 47 41 44 the defi cit to 3-2 before half-time. The Sevilla had two glorious chances to leyed home a loose ball inside the Sevilla Espanyol 30 11 10 9 42 42 43 visitors quickly restored their two-goal open the scoring as Steven N’Zonzi fi red area. “The fi rst half we played at a top Celta Vigo 28 12 5 11 43 46 41 cushion just three minutes into the sec- too close to Marc-Andre ter Stegen when level,” said Enrique. “We arguably even Alaves 29 10 10 9 29 36 40 ond-half, though, when Leganes captain clean through before Vitolo headed over deserved to have a bigger lead.” Las Palmas 29 9 8 12 45 48 35 Martin Mantovani contrived to punch the when unmarked inside the area. “Barca Sevilla’s misery was complete when Valencia 29 9 6 14 41 51 33 ball into his own net. don’t need many chances to score. We Spanish international Vitolo was sent off Real Betis 30 8 7 15 32 47 31 At the Camp Nou, Messi looked rested had two one-on-ones and we couldn’t in stoppage time for a second yellow card Malaga 30 8 8 14 34 47 30 rather than rusty after being banned for take them,” said a frustrated Sampaoli. after chopping down Neymar. D La Coruna 30 6 10 14 31 46 28 his last two outings for club and country Suarez made no such mistake as he Leganes 30 7 8 15 25 46 27 as he took his tally for the season to 43 caught Messi’s defl ected cross fl ush with RESULTS Sporting Gijon 30 5 7 18 31 58 22 goals in 41 games. Sevilla’s visit off ered an overhead kick to break the deadlock Barcelona 3 (Suarez 25, Messi 27, 33) Sevilla Granada 30 4 8 18 26 62 20 boss Jorge Sampaoli a fi nal chance to with his 31st goal of the season. “The 0; Deportivo La Coruna 0 Granada 0; Alaves Osasuna 30 2 8 20 30 69 14 make his case for the Barca job at the end way the ball fell I had no other option. As 0 Osasuna 1 (Berenguer 88); Sporting Gijon Note: of the season. a striker you have a notion of where the 0 Malaga 1 (Sandro 40); Leganes 2 (Pires 1st-3rd: Automatic Champions League But defeat continues Sevilla’s slump goal is and it managed to help the team 32, Neves 35) Real Madrid 4 (Rodriguez 15, qualification and a sixth straight game without a win win,” Suarez said. Morata 18, 23, Mantovani 48-og) 4th: Champions League qualifying round sees them remain three points behind Barca’s star front three were all in- Played Tuesday: Athletic Bilbao 2 (Aduriz 16, 5th & 6th: Europa League qualification Atletico Madrid in the battle for third volved for their second on the counter- 37) Espanyol 0; Atletico Madrid 1 (Filipe Luis 18th-20th: Relegated place. Messi fi red an early warning as he attack as Suarez turned Neymar’s cross 28) Real Sociedad 0; Real Betis 0 Villarreal 1 Juventus’ Gonzalo Higuain (second left) celebrates with teammates blasted a shot off the underside of the back into Messi’s path to slot low past (Adrian Lopez 47) after scoring against Napoli during the Italian Cup semi-final. (AFP)

FRENCH CUP Survival at stake as Al Khor face Ben Arfa double puts PSG in semis Al Shahania in must-win tie Doha: Two relegation threatened sides will face against Al Arabi to keep their survival hopes AFP off in the Qatar Stars League today. Al Khor host alive. The Oryxes are now just behind Al Khor in Paris Al Shahania knowing that a loss means their twelfth place with twenty points from twenty- chances of survival will take a major blow with four games. Heading into the penultimate game just two matches left to play in the season. Both of the season, Shahania are in desperate need of ecalled Hatem Ben Arfa scored sides are coming into this game on the back of wins to ensure survival and will see this game as twice as holders Paris Saint-Ger- important wins in the last round. a must win because a loss will confirm their rel- main eventually saw off third-tier Jean Fernandez’s side are eleventh in the table egation. Igor Stimac will look to Fahad Khalfan Avranches 4-0 to ease into the with twenty-four points from twenty-four games. for the much-needed goals. The in-form Qatari FrenchR Cup semi-fi nals on Wednesday. It The Knights ensured Al Wakrah’s relegation forward has scored six goals so far this season keeps alive PSG’s hopes of a third consecutive when they defeated them 2-0. Al Khor will be and he is the top scorer in the Al Shahania ranks. clean sweep of domestic honours and they looking for the three points against Shahania He will be high on confidence after scoring last join Ligue 1 title rivals Monaco and Guingamp and they will hope that they don’t face the same week against Al Arabi. and Angers in the last four. fate as Wakrah. Meanwhile, Wakrah will be looking for a moral But the Parisians were made to work for Al Khor’s key to success will be their Brazilian boosting result when they take on Umm Salal, the victory by the lowest-placed team left in star Madson, who played a vital role in their win who are one of the form sides in the QSL and are the competition and there was little in it in against Al Wakrah last week. The midfielder on seven-game undefeated streak in the league. the fi rst half in front of 19,000 fans in Caen. scored a superb goal to open the scoring for In another match, already-relegated Muaither Attacking midfi elder Ben Arfa has endured his side and to raise his goal tally to seven this meet Al Kharaitiyat, who assured their survival a frustrating time at PSG since moving from season. The playmaker also provided the assist for another season with a 2-0 win over Al Ahli in Nice in the summer and been a peripheral for the second goal scored by Mouhcine Iajour the last match. The Thunders are in good form, fi gure. He was an unused substitute in Sat- As for Shahania, they registered a massive win picking up four wins from their last five games. urday’s 4-1 mauling of Ligue 1 table-toppers Monaco in the fi nal of the League Cup, but was a central fi gure against Avranches in a much-changed PSG line-up. Top scorer Edinson Cavani was only on the bench and winger Angel Di Maria did not feature at all. It left PSG struggling for rhythm in the fi rst half but they took the lead on 35 minutes Paris Saint-Germain’s Hatem Ben Arfa (left) gets past Avranches’ Pierre Lavenant during the when Lucas Moura nudged the ball to Ben French Cup semi-final in Caen on Wednesday night. (AFP) Arfa from a free-kick and he rifl ed the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box his second on 54 minutes. Moura was again FRENCH CUP via a small defl ection. the unselfi sh provider and the Brazilian then QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS It was a timely reminder to PSG coach Unai got in on the act two minutes later for 3-0. Avranches 0 Paris Saint-Germain 4 (Ben Arfa 35, Emery of the 30-year-old’s quality. Avranch- Javier Pastore sealed victory late on for 4-0. 54, Lucas 56, Pastore 82); Angers 2 (Berigaud 8, es failed to take a couple of decent chances Earlier, Cheikh Ndoye scored the winner in Ndoye 67) Bordeaux 1 (Sankhare 18) at the start of the second half and Ben Arfa, the second half as Angers saw off fellow Ligue Played Tuesday: Monaco 2 (Germain 35, 45) Lille whose career has been a series of brilliant 1 side Bordeaux 2-1 in the other quarter-fi nal 1 (El Ghazi 90+3); Frejus Saint-Raphael 0 Guin- Al Khor ensured Al Wakrah’s relegation when they defeated them 2-0 in the last match. highs and petulant lows, punished them with on the night. gamp 1 (Mendy 50) Gulf Times Friday, April 7, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE IN BRIEF Shaw Hazard fi res Chelsea title vows to fi ght for his place charge, Spurs still in hunt Manchester United full back Luke Shaw has said that man- ager Jose Mourinho’s criticism was “hard to take” but has Chelsea remain seven points clear of second placed Tottenham with eight games to play promised to fi ght his way back into the starting lineup at the AFP club. Shaw played a key role to London help United secure a 1-1 draw Manchester City’s Fabian Delph (left) challenges against Everton in the Premier Chelsea’s Eden Hazard during the English League on Tuesday but was later den Hazard fi red Premier League leaders Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in told to develop a football brain Chelsea to a crucial 2-1 win over Manches- London on Wednesday night. (AFP) by Mourinho. The Portuguese ter City, but Tottenham are hot on their boss also questioned Shaw’s heels after a sensational fi ghtback in their commitment and ambition at 3-1E victory at Swansea on Wednesday night. United last weekend. “With the Chelsea remain seven points clear of second stuff that has been going on it is placed Tottenham with eight games to play, yet hard for me to take because deep with just minutes left on a dramatic evening it down that is not me as a person,” seemed the Blues would have a much greater the 21-year-old said. “He (Jose) lead. Rocked by Saturday’s shock 2-1 home defeat wants to see me fi ghting — and against Crystal Palace, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea I will fi ght to the last second side took only 10 minutes to take the lead through because I want to be here for Hazard’s 12th goal of the season. the club. I want to play for the Hazard’s eff ort defl ected off Vincent Kompany manager and I want to help this and beat Willy Caballero, whose weak attempted team get back to the top.” save drew a frustrated look from City boss Pep Shaw suff ered a broken leg Guardiola as he contemplated the latest in a grow- last season and has started ing list of gaff es from his goalkeepers this season. only seven league games under Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois was guilty of Mourinho during the cur- an even worse blunder, spilling David Silva’s shot rent campaign. “I am working to Sergio Aguero, who tapped in City’s 26th minute really hard at the moment, espe- equaliser. Conte’s team were back in front after 35 cially now more than ever,” the minutes when Fernandinho conceded a penalty England international added. with a foul on Pedro. “I am going through a phase Hazard’s spot-kick was saved by Caballero, but where everything sort of is going the Belgian recovered quickly to fi nish off the re- against me, but I want this so bound. Kompany, back in the line-up for the fi rst badly, I want to prove everyone time since November, hit the crossbar with a sec- wrong.” ond half header, but fourth placed City crashed to their fi rst defeat in nine games, while Chelsea are MAN CITY CONFIRM DEAL still in pole position for the title. TO BUY URUGUAYAN CLUB “Another step, a big step, against a great team,” Manchester City’s owners have Conte said. “We must think that Tottenham could confi rmed their purchase of win all their games. We are playing a great season Uruguayan club Atletico Torque but to win the title there is a long way to go.” Guar- as the Abu Dhabi-based inves- diola added: “We created enough to score goals. It’s tors add to their growing port- our problem. In the boxes we are not good enough.” folio. City’s parent company, At the Liberty Stadium, Tottenham fell behind City Football Group (CFG), in the 11th minute when Wayne Routledge turned announced second tier Atletico in Jordan Ayew’s cross for Swansea. But Tottenham will become part of their global staged an incredible fi nale as England midfi elder network of clubs. Dele Alli equalised with an 88th minute tap-in. They already own Major League Soccer’s New York City, Melbourne City in Australia and POINTS TABLE Japan’s Yokohama F Marinos. As well as Montevideo-based (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals Atletico, CFG, have entered into against, points): a “collaboration agreement” Chelsea 30 23 3 4 62 24 72 with Atletico Venezuela of the Tottenham 30 19 8 3 60 22 65 Venezuelan Primera Division. Liverpool 31 17 9 5 66 39 60 The two deals will give CFG Man City 30 17 7 6 57 34 58 A minute into stoppage-time, South Korea for- 68th minute and Olivier Giroud’s superb strike tion leaves Jurgen Klopp’s third placed side six a foothold in South America Arsenal 29 16 6 7 61 36 54 ward Son Heung-Min bagged his 16th goal of the in the 83rd minute ensured his side moved above points above fi fth place in the race for the Cham- that will help it develop players, Man Utd 29 14 12 3 43 24 54 season with a clinical fi nish and there was still Manchester United into fi fth place, four points be- pions League. Hull climbed out of the relegation while the scouting presence Everton 31 14 9 8 53 34 51 time for Christian Eriksen’s strike to put the seal hind Manchester City with a game in hand. zone with a priceless 4-2 win over relegation ri- available to the Premier League West Brom 31 12 8 11 39 40 44 on Tottenham’s fi fth successive win. “It is crazy “We come out of a diffi cult period and our vals Middlesbrough at the KCOM Stadium. The club in that continent will be Southampton 29 10 7 12 36 37 37 how the goals came in the last few minutes but we confi dence goes quickly and comes back slowly,” Tigers move two points above the bottom three, doubled. Watford 30 10 7 13 36 48 37 pushed and we created chances to win. This season Wenger said. West Ham’s fi fth successive defeat while second bottom Middlesbrough are seven Leicester 30 10 6 14 37 47 36 we are fi ghting again,” Spurs boss Mauricio Po- leaves them just three points above the relegation points from safety. Southampton defender Maya REF AXED FROM MATCH Stoke 31 9 9 13 33 45 36 chettino said. zone.Liverpool were hit by a late sucker punch as Yoshida’s fi rst Premier League goal for 14 months AFTER PENALTY BLUNDER Bournemouth 31 9 8 14 44 56 35 Arsenal eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger Bournemouth snatched a 2-2 draw at Anfi eld. Be- inspired a 3-1 win over struggling Crystal Palace. Referee Keith Stroud has been Burnley 31 10 5 16 32 44 35 and climbed back into the race for Champions nik Afobe struck for Bournemouth in the seventh removed from his scheduled West Ham 31 9 6 16 41 57 33 League qualifi cation with a 3-0 win over West minute, but Philippe Coutinho bagged Liverpool’s RESULTS fi xture this weekend after a Crystal Palace 30 9 4 17 39 50 31 Ham. Wenger had endured repeated calls for his equaliser with a typically cool 40th minute fi nish. Arsenal 3 (Ozil 58, Walcott 68, Giroud 83) West Ham bizarre penalty blunder at Hull 31 8 6 17 32 61 30 resignation from frustrated fans in recent weeks, That made Coutinho the joint highest Brazil- 0; Southampton 3 (Redmond 45, Yoshida 84, Ward- Newcastle United. Stroud will Swansea 31 8 4 19 37 66 28 but the protests at the Emirates Stadium were ian scorer in Premier League history, alongside Prowse 85) Crystal Palace 1 (C Benteke 31); Swansea 1 not offi ciate Gillingham’s third Middlesbrough 30 4 11 15 22 37 23 more muted for once as Arsenal ended a three- former Middlesbrough playmaker Juninho, with (Routledge 11) Tottenham 3 (Alli 88, Son 90+2, Erikssen tier clash with Millwall tomor- Sunderland 30 5 5 20 24 53 20 match winless run with only their second victory 29 goals. Divock Origi put Liverpool in front in the 90+4); Hull 4 (Markovic 14, Niasse 27, Hernandez 33, row while the Professional Note: Top four qualify for Champions League; in their last seven league games. 59th minute, but Josh King blasted his eighth goal Maguire 70) Middlesbrough 2 (Negredo 5, de Roon Game Match Offi cials Limited teams finishing fifth to seventh qualify for Europa Mesut Ozil broke the deadlock in the 58th minute in eight appearances to rescue Bournemouth in the 45+1); Liverpool 2 (Coutinho 40, Origi 58) Bourne- (PGMOL) review Wednesday’s League; bottom three relegated to Championship with a curling eff ort from the edge of the penalty 87th minute. mouth 2 (Afobe 7, King 87); Chelsea 2 (Hazard 10, farcical penalty incident during area. Theo Walcott bagged Arsenal’s second in the Liverpool’s latest slip against lowly opposi- 35-pen) Manchester City 1 (Aguero 26) a Championship game. The 47-year-old disal- lowed Matt Ritchie’s successful SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP fi rst-half penalty for Newcastle against Burton and awarded the Brazil top FIFA rankings for fi rst time since 2010 visitors an indirect free-kick rather than ruling the spot-kick Thistle prove thorn as Zurich: Brazil surged to the top of the FIFA be retaken after Newcastle’s world rankings for the first time in seven Dwight Gayle encroached. years on yesterday, made all the sweeter Game rules indicated New- Celtic party falls fl at as they usurped great rivals Argentina. castle should have been allowed It caps a terrific week for Neymar and a second chance from 12 yards AFP few eyebrows were raised at Brazil — last week they became the first and the PGMOL confi rmed Glasgow Archibald’s decision to make fi ve country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup Stroud had made an error. It changes to a side that had gone in Russia, their latest step on the road to is not yet clear how long the six games unbeaten. redemption after the embarrassment and review will take or when Stroud ewly-crowned cham- The changes did little to heartache of their World Cup failure on will next offi ciate. The PGMOL pions Celtic dropped dampen the mood of the Celtic home soil in 2014. statement said the referee points for only the fans packed into Parkhead who Tite’s side won 4-1 in Uruguay and 3-0 had apologised for his mis- third time this season were in a celebratory mood, but at home to Paraguay to secure their place take. Newcastle won the game Nas they were held to a 1-1 draw by despite strolling through the through a second half goal from in Russia — they have won their last eight Partick Thistle at Parkhead. The game the Hoops did little to get qualifiers, scoring 24 goals in the process, Ritchie to move them top of the much-changed Glasgow giants, the party going in the initial and their last nine games including friend- Championship. who claimed their sixth Scottish stages. lies. Brazil were dumped off top spot after Premiership in a row with a 5-0 Eboue Kouassi looked keen to their elimination from the 2010 World Cup CHINA’S HISENSE TO hammering of Hearts on Sunday, impress on his fi rst start since in South Africa in the quarter-finals. SPONSOR 2018 WORLD CUP took a 50th minute lead through joining the Hoops in January. The five-time World Cup winners domi- Consumer electronics giant Sunday’s hat-trick hero Scott However, the 19-year-old was nated the world rankings throughout the It caps a terrific week for Neymar and Brazil — last week they became the first Hisense has become an offi cial Sinclair. Thistle then stunned the wildly off -target with a strike last two decades but slumped to a record country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. sponsor of the 2018 World Cup, home support when Ade Azeez from distance after he broke low of 22nd in 2013. Their new surge is becoming the second Chinese grabbed a 64th minute equaliser. forward from the half-way line. in contrast to Argentina and Neymar’s anmar in their third round opener of the took over the Indian team for the second company to join hands with Sinclair missed a chance to win Thistle, who packed their de- Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, whose 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers to record time in February 2015 and slipped further FIFA as it looks for new sponsors it when his penalty was saved as fence, frustrated Celtic with the country are in danger of missing out on their sixth consecutive victory. to 173 in March 2015 in the FIFA ladder after the scandals of the Sepp Thistle held on for a result which champions’ best eff ort of the next year’s World Cup. They will not be India’s highest FIFA ranking so far has even before Constantine could have his Blatter era. Hisense, a television tightens their grip on sixth spot half coming just before the break able to call on their star man for three of been 94, which was attained in Febru- first game in charge against Nepal, which and white goods manufacturer, and extends their unbeaten run when Tomas Cerny was forced their four remaining qualification matches ary 1996 while India were ranked 99 in India eventually won 2-0 on aggregate. follows Chinese conglomerate to seven games. to palm away a fi zzing shot from because of suspension. Third in the November 1993 and 100 in October 1993, Post achieving the new ranking, India Wanda in becoming a sponsor of Thistle manager Alan Nir Bitton. rankings are world champions Germany, December 1993 and April 1996. India accu- will play Lebanon in their first interna- football’s world governing body. Archibald was delighted after his Celtic needed some inspira- followed by Chile and Colombia in a South mulated a total of 331 points. Last month’s tional friendly at home on June 7 before Hisense advertising will appear side took their fi rst point at Celt- tion and it came from Patrick American-dominated top five. Switzerland total saw them net 233 points. taking on Kyrgyzstan at home on June 13 pitchside and on screens at the ic Park since 1994. “It looked a Roberts — the architect of two of enter the top 10, up to ninth, with former The near historic rise in rankings has in their next AFC Asian Cup qualifier. 2018 tournament in Russia, long way away in the fi rst half. It Sinclair’s strikes in the thrashing number ones Spain clinging on in 10th. seen Sunil Chhetri and company leapfrog while its televisions will be the was probably our worst perform- of Hearts. North Korea, Thailand, Latvia, Jordan and TOP 15 offi cial TVs for the competition. ance here in terms of ball reten- The on-loan Manchester City INDIA RISES TO 101 former Asia champions Iraq to name a 1. Brazil (+1); 2. Argentina (-1); 3. Germany; 4. Hisense will also be associat- tion,” Archibald said. winger turned provider again as Meanwhile, India jumped 31 places to be few. India are tied on points with Estonia, Chile; 5. Colombia (+2); 6. France; 7. Belgium ed with the Confederations Cup After clinching the champi- he rolled a pass into Sinclair’s at the 101st spot, their best in a couple of Lithuania and Nicaragua. The ranking of (-2); 8. Portugal; 9. Switzerland (+2); 10. Spain; in Russia this summer, FIFA said onship, it was no surprise that path that the former Aston Villa decades. From 132, Stephen Constantine’s 101 elevated India to 11th in Asia. 11. Poland (+1); 12. Italy (+3); 13. Wales (-1); 14. in its announcement, which did Rodgers rested fi ve key play- player dinked it over Cerny for boys rode their narrow 1-0 win against My- India were ranked 171 when Constantine England; 15. Uruguay (-6) not reveal the sums of money ers for the match. However, a his 22nd goal of the season. involved. Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 7, 2017 CRICKET

IPL SPOTLIGHT Pakistan captain Smith, Rahane propel Misbah to retire Supergiant to victory aft er West Indies Test series Smith and Rahane added 58 runs to lay the foundation for a successful run chase AFP lier announcement that he would Lahore quit, which he said was triggered IANS English teammate and IPL-10’s by frustration. Rising Pune Supergiant captain Steven Pune, India costliest buy Ben Stokes (Rs 14.5 The Pakistan Cricket Board Smith made an unbeaten 84 against crore) for two consecutive sixes akistan’s most success- paid tribute to the ageing cap- Mumbai Indians in Pune. (AFP) and then dispatching rookie Rajas- ful skipper Misbah- tain, with chairman Shaharyar ising Pune Supergiant than medium-pacer Deepak Cha- ul-Haq will retire after Khan saying they would honour rode on superb batting by har for a four and a six off back-to- the upcoming Test se- him when he retires. “He has giv- captain Steven Smith and back deliveries. His 19-ball knock Pries against the West Indies, he en a lot to Pakistan cricket,” Khan Ajinkya Rahane to defeat was laced with three hits to the announced yesterday, ending said, echoing a fl ood of accolades MumbaiR Indians by seven wickets fence and as many maximums. months of speculation over his on social media. in the Indian Premier League at the After the strategic time-out, future. “The series against the Legendary paceman Wasim Maharashtra Cricket Association Pune skipper Smith introduced West Indies is my last series,” Akram said it would be “tough Stadium yesterday. veteran all-rounder Rajat Bhatia, the 42-year-old told reporters at to fi ll the void. A cricketing mind Chasing a target of 185, Pune who responded well by taking a the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, like him comes rarely,” he said. “I crossed the line with just one ball simple return catch to pack Ambati adding that he had been under have good memories of Misbah, to spare. The hosts had started Rayudu (10) before dismissing Kru- no pressure to retire. “I am satis- he has brought positive things in their chase on a strong note, scor- nal Pandya (3) cheaply. Australian fi ed,” he said. Pakistan cricket as a leader in the ing at more than 10 runs an over leggie Adam Zampa then added to Since taking over the captain- last seven years.” in the initial stages before Mayank the misery for the visitors by pick- cy in the wake of an international Misbah gave himself little time Agarwal was dismissed by Mitchell ing the crucial wicket of Rana (34), spot-fi xing scandal in 2010, Mis- to dwell over the announcement McClenaghan. comfortably caught by Bhatia at bah — who is currently the oldest Thursday before turning his fo- Smith then joined Rahane in the deep midwicket. Rana looked good international cricketer — has led cus on to the West Indies series. middle and the duo added 58 runs for his 28-ball knock, consisting a Pakistan in 53 Tests, winning 24, “My cricket journey was very in the space of seven overs to lay four and two sixes, but it was the losing 18 and drawing 11. good,” he said briefl y, though the foundation of a successful run 30-run fourth-wicket stand with He also briefl y led his team to he said he wished he could have chase. Rahane scored 60 runs off Rayudu and 18 runs with Pollard world number one Test rank- played a series against arch-ri- 34 balls with six boundaries and (27) that mattered more. ings last year, despite play- vals India. three hits into the stands. He was Pollard, who was dropped by MS ing no matches at home due to “There were many hardships fi nally dismissed when Nitish Rana Dhoni on 22, struggled to get the concerns over security. The feat in my career but for now I am fo- pulled off an excellent catch at big shots before falling to a stun- earned him widespread acclaim cusing on the present situation. deep square leg off the bowling of ning running catch by Mayank throughout the cricketing world. The series against West Indies is Tim Southee. Agarwal at the long-on boundary Earlier this year, coach Mickey a good opportunity to bring the Smith, however, continued in off Stokes. The West Indian struck Arthur described Misbah as “in- team back on the winning track. the same vein and remained un- three boundaries and a six in his tegral” to the Pakistan side. But The last six Test matches do not beaten on 84 runs off a mere 54 de- 17-ball innings as he added 21 runs the veteran has long been ex- refl ect the abilities of our team.” liveries. His innings included seven for the seventh wicket with Pan- pected to call time on his illustri- Misbah will lead Pakistan in boundaries and three sixes. dya. Pandya then added 37 runs for ous career, with former Pakistan the Tests, the fi rst of which starts Fittingly, it was he only who the eighth wicket with New Zea- cricket heavyweights demanding in Jamaica on April 21, the sec- brought up the winning runs with lander Southee (7) to put Mumbai he step down in January after a ond in Barbados on April 30 and two consecutive sixes off Kieron in a commanding position. 3-0 rout in Australia. the third in Dominica on May 10. Pollard in the fi nal over. For Mum- It was Pakistan’s fourth con- The series has also seen selectors bai, Southee, Hardik Pandya and SCOREBOARD secutive 3-0 whitewash in Aus- introduce fresh blood in the form McClenaghan bagged a wicket MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS tralia since 1999, and their 12th of young leg-spinner Shadab each. Earlier, Pandya’s last-over P Patel b Tahir 19 straight defeat. Khan, 18, who rose to promi- heroics helped Mumbai recover J Buttler lbw Tahir 38 After the loss, Misbah said he nence in the second edition of from a mediocre position to post a R Sharma b Tahir 3 would take his time to decide on the Pakistan Super League in healthy 184/8. N Rana c Bhatia b Zampa 34 the future — reversing an ear- February-March. Bengal medium pacer Ashoke A Rayudu c&b Bhatia 10 Dinda was the culprit for the home K Pandya c Dhoni b Bhatia 3 side conceding 30 runs in the fi - K Pollard c Agarwal b Stokes 27 nal over when Pandya (35 not out) H Pandya not out 35 hammered the right-armer for T Southee run out 7 four sixes (including three con- M McClenaghan not out 0 secutive) and a four to change the Extras (b1, lb1, w6) 8 course of the game. Total (for 8 wickets; 20 overs) 184 Earlier, South African leg-spin- Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Patel, 4.2 ov), ner Imran Tahir, who went unsold 2-61 (Sharma, 6.3 ov), 3-62 (Buttler, in the auctions and was a late addi- 6.5 ov), 4-92 (Rayudu, 11.1 ov), 5-107 tion to the Pune squad, brought the (KH Pandya, 13.2 ov), 6-125 (Rana, hosts back into the game with three 15.3 ov), 7-146 (Pollard, 18.2 ov), 8-183 quick wickets after the Mumbai (Southee, 19.5 ov) opening duo of Jos Buttler (38) and Bowling: A Dinda 4-0-57-0, D Chahar Parthiv Patel (19) added 45 runs for 2-0-21-0, B Stokes 4-0-36-1, Imran the opening wicket. Tahir 4-0-28-3, A Zampa 3-0-26-1, R Introduced in the fi fth over, Ta- Bhatia 3-0-14-2 hir struck in his second ball when he bowled Patel round his legs be- RISING PUNE SUPERGIANT INNINGS fore packing Mumbai skipper Rohit A Rahane c Rana b Southee 60 Sharma (3) and Buttler in his next M Agarwal c Sharma b McClenaghan 6 over to reduce Mumbai to 62/3. S Smith not out 84 Sharma, who has been out of ac- B Stokes c Southee b H Pandya 21 tion for almost fi ve months, was MS Dhoni not out 12 slow on his feet and it was enough Extras (lb1, w3) 4 for Tahir to break through his de- Total (for 3 wickets; 19.5 overs) 187 fence. One ball later, Tahir trapped Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Agarwal, 3.1 ov), the dangerous Buttler in front al- 2-93 (Rahane, 10.1 ov), 3-143 (Stokes, though television replays later 15.2 ov) showed that the Englishman had Bowling: T Southee 4-0-34-1, H got a thick inside edge. Pandya 4-0-36-1, M McClenaghan 4-0- Before his dismissal, Buttler 36-1, J Bumrah 4-0-29-0, K Pandya Pakistani Test cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq arrives at the Gaddafi lived up to his billing, milking his 2-0-21-0, K Pollard 1.5-0-30-0 Cricket Stadium in Lahore yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Shakib and Mustafi zur star in Mashrafe T20 swansong AFP Thisara Perera, who made 27, put 58 Tharanga. Imrul and Soumya surpassed Total (nine wickets; 20 overs) 176 Colombo runs for the sixth wicket, helping Sri Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque’s 63 Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Soumya) 2-78 (Imrul), Lanka recover from a precarious 40-4 runs against Nepal in an ICC World 3-124 (Sabbir), 4-139 (Shakib), 5-152 (Mosad- but Bangladesh kept their composure Twenty20 in 2014, which was Bangla- dek), 6-169 (Mushfiqur), 7-169 (Mashrafe), ustafi zur Rahman and to stop them from causing any signifi - desh’s best start until this game. Sou- 8-169 (Mehedi), 9-176 Shakib Al Hasan shared cant damage. mya made 34 off 17 balls before he was Bowling: Malinga 4-0-34-3 (w1), Kulaseka- seven wickets between Shakib, who took two wickets in his caught and bowled by Asela Gunaratne ra 4-0-30-0, Munaweera 2-0-22-0 (w3), them as Bangladesh gave fi rst two overs, returned in his sec- while Imrul, who replaced injured Sanjaya 3-0-32-1 (w1), Gunaratne 2-0-15-1, Mtheir retiring captain Mashrafe Mortaza ond spell to remove Perera and break Tamim Iqbal in the starting line-up, Prasanna 2-0-17-0, T. Perera 3-0-24-1 a perfect send-off with a 45-run win the stand before Mashrafe bowled was run out after making 36 off 25 balls. over Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 Seekkuge Prasanna (11) to dent Sri Lan- Shakib and Sabbir Rahman shared SRI LANKA INNINGS international in Colombo yesterday. ka’s hopes in his fi nal game. Mustafi zur another 46 runs for the third wicket K. Perera b Shakib 4 Mustafi zur picked up 4-21 while dismissed Kapugedara and Malinga in before Vikum Sanjaya bowled the latter D. Munaweera c Mahmudullah b Shakib 4 Shakib added 3-24 as the visitors in the next over to take Bangladesh close for 19 runs. Nuwan Kulasekara bowled U. Tharanga c Mehedi b Mahmudullah 23 Mashrafe’s fi nal Twenty20 match dis- before rookie pace bowler Mohammad Shakib to end his prolifi c 31-ball in- C. Kapugedara c Mehedi b Mustafizur 50 missed Sri Lanka for 131 runs in 18 overs Saifuddin completed the team’s second nings of 38, the highest for Bangladesh, A. Gunaratne c Mosaddek b Mustafizur 0 after scoring 176-9. The win, which ever win against Sri Lanka. before Malinga’s magical fi nal over M. Siriwardana c Soumya b Mustafizur 0 ended Bangladesh’s eight-match losing Malinga was the star of the show stunned the visitors. The preceding T. Perera c Mushfiqur b Shakib 27 streak in this format, also helped the earlier in Bangladesh’s innings when Test and one-day international series S. Prasanna b Mashrafe 11 side secure a draw in the two-match he became only the fi fth bowler in the involving the teams also ended in 1-1 N. Kulasekara not out 2 series after they lost the opening game history of Twenty20 internationals to draw. L. Malinga b Mustafizur 0 by six wickets on Tuesday. claim a hat-trick. V. Sanjaya c Mahmudullah b Saifuddin 6 “I am feeling proud to have played In the penultimate over of the in- SCOREBOARD Extras (lb 2, w2) 4 with these boys and the support staff . nings, Malinga bowled Mushfi qur Ra- BANGLADESH INNINGS Total ( all out; 18 overs) 131 Big thanks to my cricket board and my him and Mashrafe and trapped debutant Imrul Kayes run out 36 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (K. Perera), 2-19 family,” Mashrafe said in choked voice. Mehedi Hasan lbw to halt Bangladesh Soumya Sarkar c & b Gunaratne 34 (Munaweera), 3-40 (Tharanga), 4-40 It spoiled Lasith Malinga’s hat-trick as from piling up a massive total. Sabbir Rahman b Sanjaya 19 (Gunaratne), 5-40 (Siriwardana), 6-98 (T. the veteran fast bowler with a sling ac- His feat, the second Sri Lankan to Shakib Al Hasan b Kulasekara 38 Perera), 7-119 (Prasanna), 8-123 (Kapug- tion fi nished with 3-34, stopping Bang- achieve the mark after team-mate Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza (left) celebrates with his teammates after Mosaddek Hossain b Perera 17 edara), 9-124 (Malinga), 10-131 (Sanjaya) ladesh’s scoring spree and providing Sri Thisara Perera, spoiled a good start by dismissing Sri Lanka's Seekkuge Prasanna during the second T20 match at the R Mahmudullah not out 4 Bowling: Shakib 4-0-24-3 (w1), Mashrafe Lanka a chance for their third succes- Bangladesh, who at one stage looked Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday. (AFP) Mushfiqur Rahim b Malinga 15 4-0-30-1, Mehedi 2-0-15-0, Mahmudullah sive series win. well set to score 200 runs after a rol- Mashrafe Mortaza b Malinga 0 2-0-15-1, Mustafizur 3-0-21-4 (w1), Saifuddin Chamara Kapugedara off ered some licking start. ship to set the platform for a big total ing. We did not get a good start and un- Mehedi Hasan lbw b Malinga 0 3-0-24-1 resistance with the bat for the hosts, Imrul Kayes and Soumya Sarkar add- after skipper Mashrafe won the toss fortunately lost fi ve wickets in the fi rst Mohammad Saifuddin run out 6 Result: Bangladesh won by 45 runs hitting 50 off 35 balls. Kapugedara and ed 70 runs in a record opening partner- and opted to bat fi rst. “It is disappoint- six overs,” said Sri Lanka captain Upul Extras (lb2, w5) 7 Series result: two-match series drawn 1-1 Gulf Times Friday, April 7, 2017 5 SPORT

NHL Rangers lose to Capitals as Vigneault rests 6 regulars

By Steve Zipay from the replacements and some made 23 saves, needs to be perhaps Newsday timely saves, Lundqvist had held the 110 percent for the Rangers to ad- Capitals scoreless until late in second vance past the fi rst round. He knows when, guess who, Ovechkin had the the landscape and the past. He can- ust before warmups on time and space to beat him. not do it alone. Wednesday, Henrik Lundqvist With 20 seconds left on a power “It’s a big week for us,” Lun- and Alex Ovechkin exchanged play for the team with the third best dqvist had said, “to work on every- some pleasantries. Lundqvist man-advantage stats in the NHL, thing that’s been helping us so far wasJ stretching on the Rangers bench. it was Ovechkin, waiting and wait- throughout the year. A lot of detail in Ovechkin was on the ice, wearing a ing with the puck before snapping a our own end, and personally, the way hoodie. Maybe the two world-class wrist shot past Kevin Klein and Lun- you read the game. It’s a pretty tough players were bemoaning the NHL’s dqvist for his 34th goal of season and test for us, the best team in the league decision to participate in the Olym- a 1-0 lead at 14:49. It was his league- and you try to get some points. You pics. Maybe they were wishing each leading 18th power-play goal. play better when you’re confi dent; other luck in the playoff s. Evgeny Kuznetsov split the de- to get there, if you can get a sixty- The Capitals were on their way to a fense and backhanded a shot past minute solid performance, you can second consecutive President’s Cup. Lundqvist at 5:42 of the third, ending get the feeling that we need. Take it Lundqvist, who had missed eight any suspense. period by period here. I can feel the games with a hip muscle strain, sim- After all, it was extremely doubt- improvement each game.” ply needed the work in his fi fth start ful that the Blueshirts, without Rick Said Lundqvist: “We set a goal go- since. Nash, Ryan McDonagh, Mats Zuc- ing into this year, to make the play- In his last four games, he had al- carello, Brady Skjei, Jesper Fast and off s, we all believe we can win the lowed 16 goals. On Wednesday, just Nick Holden, were going to score prize; we have the parts and the skill two in a 2-0 loss at Verizon Centre. much at Verizon Center. But Lun- and now it’s about making every- As it turned out, backing up a dqvist made two more critical stops thing work at the same time, we need team with six regulars resting due in the next few minutes. 20 guys to play their absolute best.” to “bumps and bruises,” according “If our situation was where On a night when almost a third of to coach Alain Vigneault, in order to we needed the points, those (six) the team was missing, No. 30 did his give them a little extra time to heal, guys would be playing right now,” best. Lundqvist responded. Vigneault said. “Nothing’s going to He didn’t win his 32nd game of the change for us, so you can give a little RESULTS season, he didn’t earn a shutout or more ice time to some guys to make Capitals 2 Rangers 0 make 40 saves. sure that those guys are 100 percent.” Sabres 2 Canadiens 1 New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey (R) and Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner exchange punches in the second But along with a scrappy eff ort Without a doubt, Lundqvist, who Buff alo 2 Montreal 1 period at Verizon Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NBA MLB Puig homers in Dodgers’ 3-1 victory Royal beating for against Padres

By Andy McCullough bats of players such as Corey Los Angeles Times Seager, Justin Turner, Joc Ped- erson and Yasmani Grandal. As the Dodgers ponder how he fl ight of the base- their off ense might improve in Celtics as James ball, arcing in a pa- 2017, Puig represents an as- rabola against the inky set capable of achieving an sky, aff orded Yasiel upgrade. One swing will not TPuig the luxury of admiration. change his trajectory. But it He took seven steps to mar- cannot hurt. vel at his fi rst home run of the On Wednesday, the off ense 2017 season before starting supplied enough support to his trot around the bases af- hand Rich Hill a victory. Hill leads Cavs’ romp ter swatting a solo shot in the struck out fi ve and allowed fourth inning of a 3-1 victory one run on two hits in fi ve in- Wednesday over San Diego. nings. He departed after only ‘We played Cavs basketball tonight. When we do that, we’re a pretty good team’ As Puig circled the diamond, 75 pitches, in deference to his Dodger Stadium reverberated truncated outings last month with admiration. at Camelback Ranch. AFP Inside the plans of the Los Hill often sputters through Los Angeles Angeles Dodgers (2-1), Puig spring training, and his fi rst occupies a secondary role. preseason as a Dodger un- He bats eighth in the lineup. folded in erratic fashion. At eBron James scored 36 The organisation attempted times, he looked transcendent. points as the Cleveland to trade him last summer. His At times, he looked incapable Cavaliers pounded rivals performance will dictate his of taming his curveball. Hill Boston to regain control playing time this summer. uses only two pitches, his fast- Lof the Eastern Conference on Yet inside this ballpark, in ball and his curve, bending the Wednesday as Russell West- the eyes of the patrons who pay shape and toggling the speed brook’s bid for NBA history was much to watch this team per- of the latter to deceive hitters. delayed. form, Puig still shimmers like When he throws the pitch for The titanic battle between a star. He can still re-create the strikes, opponents struggle to Cleveland and Boston — neck frenzy of 2013 and 2014, when make contact. and neck at the top of the con- his bat and his arm and his legs “If he can command that ference — never materialised as a transfi xed the entire sport. He breaking ball, it’s going to be fi red-up Cavs roared to a 114-91 can still allow people to dream. a good night for us,” man- rout against a shellshocked Celt- The dreamers saw all they ager Dave Roberts said earlier ics. needed in Wednesday’s fourth Wednesday. The win completed a 3-1 sea- inning. Puig teetered off bal- The pitch bent to his de- son series for Cleveland over the ance as he swung at a change- mand on Wednesday. Hill did Celtics, meaning the Cavs would up thrown by Padres pitcher not allow a hit until the fourth win the head-to-head tiebreaker Trevor Cahill. inning. By then, the off ense in the event of the two teams fi n- The lower half of Puig had already handed him a two- ishing regular season level. scarcely moved. His arms run advantage. The victory also gives the Cavs generated enough strength to a useful psychological edge over punish Cahill, anyway. RESULTS the Celtics as the two teams gear Puig added an infi eld single Indians 9 Rangers 6 up for the postseason. in the sixth inning. He spent Dodgers 3 Padres 1 “We played Cavs basketball time this spring focusing on Diamondbacks 8 Giants 6 tonight. When we do that, we’re elevating the baseball, rath- Angels 5 Athletics 0 a pretty good team,” said James, er than battering it into the Red Sox 3 Pirates 0 who fi nished just four assists shy ground. His homer demon- (12 innings) of what would have been a third strated his potential when he Twins 9 Royals 1 straight triple-double. hits the ball in the air. Nationals 6 Marlins 4 All of Cleveland’s heavy hit- In 2016, Puig provided 11 Orioles 3 Blue Jays 1 ters delivered performances to home runs, the same number Reds 2 Phillies 0 silence the home crowd in Bos- he had produced in 79 games Rays 4 Yankees 1 ton. Kevin Love fi nished with in 2015. He ranked eighth on Braves 3 Mets 1 (12 innings) 15 points and 16 rebounds while the team in homers. The re- Astros 5 Mariners 3 Kyrie Irving chipped in with 19 sponsibility for runs shifted (13 innings) points. from Puig to the more reliable Brewers 6 Rockies 1 “Obviously, we’d like to fi n- ish fi rst in the East and have home court,” Love said. “I think tonight we put together a good string of basketball for just about 48 minutes. I felt like it had been a while since we put together a game like that.” Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James (R) drives the ball against Boston Celtics Avery Bradley in the first quarter. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports A second half points spree proved to be the foundation of In Memphis, Russell West- is regarded as a barometer of all- year where he has been close to clinched home advantage the Cavs success, with 38 points brook inspired the Oklahoma round versatility. Westbrook’s (a triple-double),” added Dono- through the playoff s with a com- helping ensure a 15-point cush- City Thunder to a 103-100 pursuit of Robertson’s mark has van, insisting that the Thunder prehensive 120-111 win over the ion at halftime. Another one- win over the Grizzlies with a captivated fans around the NBA locker-room was not fi xated on Phoenix Suns. San Antonio (60- sided quarter in the third saw 45-point display, but was left this season, and catapulted him helping Westbrook achieve the 18) meanwhile suff ered a sur- Cleveland race away to lead 90- just one rebound short of setting to the forefront of the race for record. prise reverse against the lowly 66 with the Celtics powerless to a new single-season triple-dou- MVP honours. “No one really talks about Los Angeles Lakers (23-55), los- halt the slide. ble record. Westbrook, who had Westbrook came within a that stuff ... but you guys want to ing 102-95. equaled Oscar Robertson’s 1961- whisker of the rebound that talk about it because it’s a story,” ‘Really tough on us’ 62 season record of 41 triple- would have set the record in the Donovan said. “But we are just RESULTS Isaiah Thomas led Boston’s doubles on Monday, fi nished the closing seconds, only to see the wanting to do what we need to Cavaliers 114 Celtics 91 scorers with 26 points. night with 45 points, 10 assists ball plucked away by Grizzlies play well.” Warriors 120 Suns 111 “You name it, they were bet- and nine rebounds. guard Andrew Harrison. Westbrook now has four more Thunder 103 Grizzlies 100 ter in every category and made it A triple-double is the achieve- “It would have been nice if games to achieve the mark, with Rockets 110 Nuggets 104 really tough on us,” Boston coach ment of double-digit totals in he could have grabbed the ball,” the Thunder due to face Phoenix Heat 112 Hornets 99 Brad Stevens said. “They played three of the fi ve key statistical Thunder coach Billy Donovan on Friday in their next game. Raptors 105 Pistons 102 with more purpose, more pace. categories — points, assists, re- said. “It bounced off his hands. Elsewhere in the West- Lakers 102 Spurs 95 Again, you name it, they won it.” bounds, blocks and steals — and I think that’s happened a lot this ern Conference, Golden State Clippers 112 Mavericks 101 Los Angeles Dodgers Yasiel Puig. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 7, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Venus crashes out in Charleston Aces wild as Kyrgios AFP same set as Williams forced Miami a third set. Siegemund then recovered twice from breaks in the decider and saved two enus Williams was match points of her own as sent crashing out of Williams served for the match the WTA Charleston at 5-4. clay court event on Siegemund broke however draws Isner in Davis VWednesday, losing a grueling to level it at 5-5 and then held three-set second round battle and broke Williams to clinch to Germany’s Laura Siegemund. victory. Williams admitted she The veteran third seed had been unable to shake off bowed out in her opening Siegemund. “I tried my best match of the tournament, los- to think this could be the best ing 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 7-5 to the match she’ll ever play in her 29-year-old world number 37. life, honestly,” Williams said. Cup quarter-fi nal It was Siegemund’s second “I basically won but still lost. three-setter of the tournament, “I really played the best and the German admitted she game I could. I pretty much hit ‘I’m looking forward to getting back here and having some home support’ was as surprised as anyone fol- winners, but she hit winners lowing the win over the former back on me, and I just didn’t world number one which saw have any answers for that. Reuters her save two match points. “I don’t know much more Sydney “I have no idea!” Siegemund that I could do. I mean, there told an interviewer on court were some errors I made in when asked to explain her the beginning, but when push barrage of aces can be victory. “It was a really good came to shove, I feel like I did expected in the second match; it was going up and the right things, but somehow rubber of Australia’s down. I just tried to believe in inexplicably came up empty.” Davis Cup quarter- my game, and if I was down, I Williams, 36, had arrived fiA nal against the United States in told myself I was going to get in Charleston fresh from Brisbane today after Nick Kyr- more chances.” strong performances at Indian gios was drawn to play John Isner Siegemund squandered a Wells, where she reached the in singles. match point in the second set quarter-fi nals, and the Miami Australian Kyrgios, who has and was then broken as she Open, where she advanced to beaten Novak Djokovic twice served for the match in the the last four. and taken Roger Federer close over the last month on the back of some brilliant serving, is BOXING tied for third place with the tall American on the ATP leader- board with 218 aces this season. The clash between world Promoters refuse to number 16 Kyrgios and the 23rd ranked Isner will follow Jack Sock’s fi rst meeting with confi rm Pacquiao’s 22-year-old Australian Jordan Thompson on the hardcourt of the Pat Rafter Arena. fi ght with Horn “I’m looking forward to get- ting back here and having some AFP until the deal fell through. home support,” said Kyrgios, Sydney Despite Duco’s caution, who had to deal with a hostile Pacquiao’s camp said Thursday crowd when he lost to Federer it was keen for a quick win over in Miami last week. “I feel com- romoters refused to Horn to set up a higher-profi le fortable playing second. I’ll be declare Manny Pac- title fi ght with Khan. out there for some of Thommo’s quiao’s fi ght with Aus- “We’re not able to fi ght Amir match and I think it’s a good tralia’s Jeff Horn of- Khan because of Ramadan, so match up with him against Sock.” Pfi cial yesterday, saying “there we decided to take this fi ght Another Australian big server, is no event to be announced” in the interim,” Pacquiao’s ad- Sam Groth, will team up with until all contracts had been viser Michael Koncz told Fox John Peers to take on Sam Quer- signed. Sports in Australia. rey, who is no slouch in the serv- The Philippine world boxing Koncz said Pacquiao’s fans, ice department, and Steve John- champion’s camp announced when polled by the eight- son in Saturday’s doubles before in Manila on Wednesday that division world champion on the reverse singles on Sunday. Pacquiao would challenge un- Twitter, preferred him to fi ght The two countries have 60 defeated Horn in Brisbane in Khan, with that prospect now Davis Cup titles between them July. But the consortium back- on the table for October or No- but Australia have not won since ing the fi ght, including the vember. they bagged their 28th crown in Queensland state government, “We signed it, so yeah, we’re 2003, while the US snared their and promoters Duco Events excited about it. But again, my 32nd a decade ago. Isner has a and Top Rank Boxing, were preference was to fi ght Amir 2-1 record against Kyrgios after not ready to make a formal an- Khan,” Koncz said. beating the 21-year-old in their nouncement. “That didn’t work out. We fi rst two meetings at the Cana- “Until (the) process is com- had this on the table so we de- dian and Madrid Masters tour- pleted, where all parties are cided to take it. naments in 2015 before losing in contractually bound, there is “Manny will train and do two tight sets in Atlanta last year. Kyrgios will lead Australia against the US in the Davis Cup quarter-finals. no event to be announced,” the best he can and hopefully “Right now, a lot of people Duco said in a statement. we get the fi ght over with very could argue he’s playing maybe for a second time in the absence Djokovic up first for Serbia focusing on his preparations for The event will be contested on “Media speculation has seen quickly, we get out of there, the best tennis he’s ever played,” of Bernard Tomic, who declined in Spain clash the start of the clay-court sea- indoor clay courts, the preferred a lot of expectations created, we say hi to the Australian fans Isner said of Kyrgios. “If our to play the tie. Australia captain Novak Djokovic will come up son. Viktor Troicki and Pablo surface for the French team. The and then dashed in months and media and come home,” match does go to fi ve sets I think Lleyton Hewitt was confi dent the against Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Carreno-Busta will clash in the two sides are deprived of their gone by with this event.” he added. “Frankly and hon- it would make for a pretty cool world number 79 would be able to the opening singles rubber of the other singles rubber today. biggest stars, with Jo-Wilfried The Filipino’s advisor told estly, and nothing against Jeff atmosphere out there at the very cope after winning both his sin- Davis Cup quarter-fi nal between France’s world number 17 Lu- Tsonga, Gaël Monfi ls and Rich- AFP in Manila on Wednesday Horn — I’ve never met the kid, least.” gles matches in the fi rst round tie Serbia and Spain today in Bel- cas Pouille will face Great Brit- ard Gasquet all absent for the the world champion, 38, would I don’t know him personally — In-form Sock, the highest against the Czech Republic. grade. The world number two is ain’s 47th-ranked Kyle Edmund hosts while Andy Murray misses face Horn, 29, in on July 2. but the name recognition is I ranked player in the tie at world “The positive is that Jordan making his return from an elbow in the opening singles rubber out for Britain. It is the second time the bout guess why the fans picked Amir number 15, will be going into has been in this situation be- injury and is looking for a boost quarter-fi nals in the Normandy Murray has been ruled out be- has been touted, after Pacquiao Khan.” the unknown all weekend as he fore,” captain Lleyton Hewitt after a poor start to the season. city of Rouen. Yesterday’s draw cause of an elbow injury, compro- earlier this year instead decid- Koncz said Pacquiao would has never previously faced Kyr- said. “It’s going to be two tough Spain are without Rafa Nad- also saw Jeremy Chardy, ranked mising Britain’s prospects of re- ed to pursue a big money fi ght be staking his World Boxing gios either. Thompson gets his matches tomorrow but we’ll be al, who opted to miss a tie to be 68th, paired against Britain’s peating their 2015 triumph in the with British boxer Amir Khan Organization welterweight chance to represent his country up for the challenge.” played on hardcourt in favour of Daniel Evans, who is 44th. competition. in the United Arab Emirates crown against the Australian.

INDIA-UZBEKISTAN DAVIS CUP TIE Paes dropped from squad, 27-year run halted

Agencies against Uzbekistan, dropping is by no means the end of the road. Bengaluru Paes and his doubles partner Bo- His being in the team is invalu- panna to the reserves. able, the experience, the energy he Justifying his decision to pick brings to Davis Cup …,” he said. eteran tennis ace Lean- Bopanna over Paes, Bhupathi Bhupathi said he is not a big der Paes was yesterday said the Bengaluru lad is serving believer of having doubles spe- dropped from the In- and seeing the ball well and also cialists in the Davis Cup team dian squad for the Asia/ had a good start to the year. unless they are among the top VOceania Davis Cup tie against Uz- “Yeah, like I said the condi- fi ve in the world. Asked whether bekistan, which starts here today tions obviously are very quick Denis Istomin’s absence would Instead of Paes, Davis Cup here. Rohan is serving well… be advantageous for India, non-playing skipper Mahesh That was the basis of the deci- Bhupathi said it is a big blow for Bhupathi gave Rohan Bopanna a sion,” Bhupathi said. Uzbekistan. chance to pair with Sriram Balaji Paes, who made his Davis Cup “For them losing Denis is a for the doubles match against debut against Japan in 1990 at bigger blow than we losing Yuki Uzbekistan. Bopanna and Balaji Jaipur, has been dropped from because we have got good depth will face Farrukh Dustov and the Davis Cup team on form – or in our team, and we had asked Sanjar Fayziev in the men’s dou- the lack of it – for the fi rst time for conditions which would suite bles category. Ramkumar Ram- in nearly three decades. the serving ability of our team,” anathan will now spearhead In- Over the last couple of Davis he said. Bhupathi said every cap- dia’s singles challenge in place of Cup ties involving India, the fo- tain has his own style and wants Yuki Bhambri, who is suff ering cus has had been centred around to run the team the way he thinks from a knee injury. Paes going past Nicola Pietran- The Indian (R) and Uzbek Davis Cup players pose in front of the Vidhana Sabha building in Bangalore yesterday. India will play Uzbekistan in it should be. Ramanathan will face Temur geli’s record of 42 doubles rub- the Davis Cup Asia Oceania group one tie between April 7-9 at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) in Bangalore. (AFP) About India’s chances of Ismailov in the fi rst singles rub- bers’ wins. Bhupathi said it was getting into the world group, ber today while Prajnesh Gun- a tough decision to drop his one- have never played under Davis think these boys have been here raining. So, there wasn’t Davis time probably to make a dedi- Bhupathi said, “I don’t know. neswaran, who replaced Bham- time doubles partner. Cup stress situation, so going since Sunday, and we were able Cup doubles highest stress situ- cated decision.” This is my fi rst tie, so give me a bri, will then take on Fayziev in “It was tough and that is why in with two (doubles) special- to play a lot of sets with Rohan ations,” he said. Asked if Paes When asked if it was end of few days and see how the boys the second singles rubber. the last-minute decision. I was ists was going to be a high-risk and Bala. They played three sets stood a chance had he joined the road for Paes, Bhupathi re- play. Obviously, it all depends on Earlier on March 28, Bhupathi clear from the start that I wanted situation,” he said. Bhupathi everyday. Leander, unfortunate- earlier, Bhupathi said, “If I had sponded in the negative. “Not at the draw. We are taking on Ar- selected four singles players in to go with three singles options said the other players in the team ly, came only yesterday and he the full team by Sunday and all, I made it clear to everyone in- gentina in Argentina. So it is go- the squad for the Davis Cup tie only because the couple of boys had practised more than Paes. “I played three games and it started Monday, I would have had more volved, including Leander, that this ing to take a little longer,” he said. Gulf Times Friday, April 7, 2017 7 SPORT

GOLF/ US MASTERS SPOTLIGHT Arnie’s Army salutes Palmer one last time Johnson pulls out, Reuters Augusta, Georgia

rnie’s Army was out in force one more time yesterday, storming the fi rst Fowler and Spieth teeA at the US Masters in a fi nal salute to Arnold Palmer, their fallen leader. There have been many trib- utes since the man known as “The King” passed away at the age of 87 last September but none could match the emo- among leaders tional connection Palmer had with Augusta National and the Chairman of Augusta National Masters — a tournament the Golf Club William Porter ‘Billy’ Belgian Thomas Pieters suff ers at Amen Corner after strong start swashbuckling golfer made Payne stands next to a Green important and won four times. Jacket on a chair in honour of The year’s fi rst major got Arnold Palmer during the first off to a sombre and poignant tee ceremony prior yesterday. start as thousands of golf fans (Getty Images/AFP) wearing commemorative but- tons confi rming their mem- the Golden Bear looked to the bership in Arnie’s Army stood heavens and waved his cap into at attention during a moment the leaden skies in a clear sa- of silence broken only by the lute to Palmer, whose Masters sound of a chilly wind rustling Green Jacket was draped over a through the trees. white lawn chair to the side of Augusta National chairman the fi rst tee. After Player, who Billy Payne addressed the mas- played in a record 52 Masters, sive gallery, telling them it was sent his tee shot right Nicklaus a morning of unbearable sad- stepped up and crushed his ness. Golf icons Jack Nicklaus straight down the heart of the and Gary Player then struck fairway, drawing a huge cheer the opening ceremonial tee signalling the 81st Masters was shots without their long time offi cially under way. friend and rival at their side. Later, Nicklaus and Palmer, “Welcome to the 2017 Mas- both wearing Arnie’s Army ters. It is a wonderful but, in badges on the lapels of their one respect, a diffi cult day,” Green Jackets, held court and said Payne. “For the fi rst time paid homage to Palmer, a gen- in many many decades some- tleman, fi erce competitor and one is obviously missing from friend who made the Masters the fi rst tee. “The almost un- into one of sports great events. bearable sadness that we all “So Arnold came along (and) feel by the passing of Arnold television was getting started. Palmer is only surpassed by the It was a time that the popu- love and aff ection for him.” larity of the game was really Before Nicklaus, a six-time stimulated by Arnold,” said Masters champion, hit his shot Nicklaus.

CRICKET Nafi az excels in Doha Falcons win

By Sports Reporter tari Diar achieved the target in Doha 33.3 overs with Faraz cracking a six and 12 boundaries in his fi ne 101-ball 95. oha Falcons regis- Dustin Johnson of the United States talks to the media announcing his withdrawal during the first round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, tered a eight-wicket Brief scores Georgia, yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP) victory over Regal Doha Falcons beat Regal Strikers in the Qatar Strikers by eight wickets played in a major championship. to level par. – but reigning champion Danny television. AirwaysD Division ‘A’ Cricket AFP Regal Strikers: 134 for nine in Augusta, United States The only other top-ranked Most players found scoring Willett is living proof that there “Although Augusta is rela- Tournament. 20 overs (Jithesh 31, Adnan player to miss the Masters was diffi cult in the swirling winds are still millions to be made. tively free from branding dur- Batting fi rst at the West Bay 2/13) Tiger Woods, who did not play in and England’s Danny Willett The Englishman’s sponsors ing the tournament, the Mas- Grounds, Regal Strikers posted Doha Falcons: 137 for two in in orld number one 2014 after back surgery. made an ugly start to the de- picked up $7.7 million (7.25 mil- ters still generates signifi cant 134 for nine in 20 overs. Jithesh 16.1 overs (Nafiaz 98 not out) Dustin Johnson Americans Russell Henley and fence of his title, sending a wild lion euros) of free advertising value for sponsors,” said Glenn scored 31 with the help of four Man of the Match: Nafiaz of pulled out of the Kevin Chappell shared the early tee shot into the trees on the way during his four-day onslaught Lovett, Nielsen Sports global boundaries and a six during his Doha Falcons US Masters due to clubhouse lead at one-under 71, to a double-bogey six at the fi rst to pick up the Masters’ green managing director Nielsen said 23-ball knock. Adnan grabbed Doha Warriors beat Bangld- Wa back injury as windy condi- while others on the course at hole. jacket last year, according to the because the Masters is “rela- two wickets for the Falcons. esh Club by two wickets tions made scoring diffi cult and one-under included Americans Two former Masters cham- Nielsen Sports data fi rm. tively free from sponsorship” In reply, Nafi az starred Bangladesh Club: 136 for nine ensured a congested fi rst-round Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, pions endured days to forget, That was more than 70 per- brands that do get their name with the bat for Doha Falcons, in 20 overs (Sagar 33, Aslam leaderboard yesterday. and Englishman Justin Rose. South African Trevor Immelman cent of the advertising value of seen or mentioned get a huge bludgeoning 98 off 57 balls. 2/16) Johnson, the American fa- Belgian Thomas Pieters made carding an error-strewn round $10.9 million that Willett gen- advantage. He slammed four sixes and a12 Doha Warriors: 137 for eight vourite to win the title after vic- a sparkling start on his Mas- of 79 and American Zach John- erated over the season for his The Masters is “a tournament fours boundaries during his (Budhi 35, Teji 29, Rifath 4/24) tories in his last three tourna- ters debut with fi ve birdies in 10 son slumping to a 77. backers. which still manages to deliver knock and sealed the victory in Man of the Match: Teji of ments, sustained a back injury in holes to move three shots clear of Earlier, former Masters cham- A study by Nielsen even huge successes for sponsoring 16.1 overs. Doha Warriors (29 runs and a freak accident on Wednesday the fi eld. pions Jack Nicklaus and Gary pinned down which parts of his brands which do appear, in most In another T20 match, Doha two catches) but he looked comfortable on the But he came to grief at Amen Player struck the ceremonial equipment produced most ad- cases enjoying a greater media Warriors registered a victory Qatari Diar beat CBQ Club by driving range and arrived at the Corner, dropping a shot at the opening tee shots to get the 81st vertising benefi t. value thanks to the lack of com- against Bangladesh Club with two wickets (45 overs a side fi rst tee in the fi nal group out. 11th and sending his tee shot edition of the year’s fi rst major It said 55% of the value came petition on screen, due to the Budhi hitting fi ve fours dur- match) As compatriots Bubba Watson into the Rae’s Creek tributary en off to a sombre start as they hon- from Willett’s shirt, 38% by his lack of sponsorship signage.” ing his 35 run innings, Teji also CBQ Club: 201 all out in 40.2 and Jimmy Walker prepared to route to a double-bogey on 12. oured Arnold Palmer, who died hat, 4% from his equipment bag Brand name space on balls, contributed 29, which con- overs (Dharmang 40, Basharat tee off , however, Johnson sud- Three-times Masters cham- in September at the age of 87. while 2% came from his eye- clubs, trousers and eye-wear are tained four hits to the fence. 40, Omran 3/34). denly walked back to the Augus- pion Phil Mickelson eagled the wear. all avidly fought for. R Amir Faraz’s brilliant 95 Qatari Diar: 202 for eight in ta National clubhouse. second hole to huge cheers and Willett shows ads The $10.9 million fi gure is the “If it rains in the 2017 tourna- set up a fi ghting two-wicket 33.3 overs (R Amir Faraz 95, Not since Rory McIlroy picked up another early birdie still pay at Masters estimated amount that Willett’s ment branded umbrellas could win for Qatari Diar against Amir 2/22). withdrew from the 2015 British but the American left-hander The Masters is one of the most sponsors would have had to pay well play a critical role for savvy CBQ Club in a 45-over-a-side Man of the Match: R Amir Open has a world number one not dropped three shots to slip back advertising-free zones in sport to get equivalent advertising on brands,” said Nielsen. clash. Chasing 202 to win, Qa- Faraz of Qatari Diar.

FOCUS Qatar cricket team to take part in Thailand tourney

By Sports Reporter Eisa Ali Ghanem, Chief Ex- tice matches – against Thailand Doha ecutive Offi cer of the Qatar and Bhutan – prior to the start of Cricket Association, is the head the tournament. of the Qatari delegation. Man- “An encouraging performance he Qatar Cricket As- zoor Ahmad, operations man- by the Qatar national team may sociation (QCA) will be ager, will also accompany the improve its ranking and we’re sending a team to Thai- national squad. Ghanem said the quite optimistic about that,” said land to take part in the Qatar national team has played operations manager Ahmad. TICC 2017 World Cricket League a number of practice matches to Other countries that will be par- Division 1 tournament. fi ne-tune its preparations for the ticipating in the prestigious event The move is part of the QCA’s upcoming event. are: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bah- eff orts to put together a strong “The players are quite fi t and rain, Thailand, China and Bhutan. national team. look primed to put in their best “It is a moment of pride for us in the forthcoming tournament. The team members are: that Qatar has been invited by We hope to do well and win the Inam ul Haq (Captain), Mo- the International Cricket Coun- tournament,” said Ghanem. hamed Rizlan (Vice-Captain), cil (ICC) to participate in the The fi nal practice match for Awais Malik, Ch Iqbal Hussain, tournament to be held in Chi- the Qatar National Team is Khurram Shehzad, Mohamed ang Mai from April 20 to May 2,” scheduled at the Asian Town Nadeem, Kamran Khan, Taimoor QCA president Yousuf Jeham al- Cricket Stadium, Industrial Sajjad, Zaheeruddeen Ibrahim, Kuwari said. Area, on April 9. The match is a Mohamed Tanveer, Noman “There’s lot of talent in Qatar 50-over-a-side contest and will Sarwar, Dharmang Hasmukh and we are confi dent that given start at 5pm. and Mohamed Khadeer. Head the right direction they will do The Qatar team will fl y out on coach: Abdul Rahman. Asst well in the future,” he added. April 16 and will play two prac- coach: Shams. A group picture of Qatar cricket team players.

Friday, April 7, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Gazwan takes Gold Sword to give Smart third Gr1 win Rashid al-Jehani-trained Courtofversailles takes Qatar Gold Trophy, the Thoroughbred feature

By Mikhil Bhat of AJS Gannas, while Ghazali-trained Doha Melk was third under Bentley. Earlier in the day, in the two maiden races, Zuhair Mohsen-trained Al Wa- H Sheikh Mohamed bin Kha- tan and Hadi al-Ramzani-schooled lifa al-Thani and trainer Ju- Djahab registered their fi rst career lian Smart registered their wins. third Group 1 win in as many While Saleem Golam helmed Al Wa- Hmonths to give a massive boost to a tan to a close victory in the Local Thor- campaign that had looked far from im- oughbred Maiden Plate event, Al Jeryan pressive early on in the season. Stud’s Djahab made a smashing start to Gazwan, who had fi nished runner- her career, winning by 11 lengths on de- up in the race last year, went one better but, under Tomas Lukasek. in the 2000m Qatar Gold Sword (Gr1 PA) at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian RESULTS Club yesterday. Smart wards Ebraz and Reda had won the Emir’s Sword in Feb- Race 1: 1. Al Watan (Saleem Golam), ruary and the Kahayla Classic in Dubai 2. Mister Lal (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. last month. Jalmoud (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. Deen Rashid al-Jehani’s Courtofversailles, (Marco Monteriso). Won by: 3/4, 1, Nk. owned by Khalid Rashid al-Mohanadi, Time: 1:12.865. Owner:Ali Thamer al- took the victory under Stephan Ladjadj Mehshadi. Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen. in the Qatar Gold Trophy (Gr1) yester- Race 2: 1. Djahab (Tomas Lukasek), 2. day. Qaswarah (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Qahir In the fi nale, Ba’sil set the pace up Al Sahra (Saleem Golam), 4. Samhan Al front yet again, and Gazwan took the Shajaa (Andrea Fele). Won by: 11, 2 1/2, advantage coming on to the home 8. Time: 1:16.410. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. straight with Umm Qarn’s Tayf on his Trainer: Hadi al-Ramzani. heels. Richard Mullen’s mount held Race 3: 1. Samborn (Pier Convertino), on at the post to win by a neck, while HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani with the winners of the Qatar Gold Sword (Gr1 PA) after Richard Mullen rode HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa 2. AJS Gannas (Alberto Sanna), 3. Melk Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohamed bin Khal- al-Thani-owned Gazwan, trained by Julian Smart, to victory in the 2000m race at the QREC yesterday. (Harry Bentley), 4. MJ Lattam (Adrie de ifa al-Thani’s Mahess Du Soleil fi nished Vries). Won by: 1 1/4, 2, 3. Time: 2:02.832. third under Adrie de Vries. Owner: Alanoud bint Sheail al-Kuwari. “To go from what was considered to Trainer: Mubarak al-Khayarin. be a poor season to win Emir’s Sword Race 4: 1. Al Hareth (Harry Bentley), 2. (Gr1 PA), Kahalya Classic (Gr1 PA) and Salman Bu Thaila (Alberto Sanna), 3. Gold Sword (Gr1 PA), I think that any- Footprintinthesand (Faleh Bughanaim), body who said anything about Shaha- 4. Asaaf (Eduardo Pedroza). Won by: 1 ¼, nia in the beginning, where are they 1 ¼, 3 ½. Time: 1:52.644. Owner: Mishal now?” a thrilled Smart, with his hands bin Ali al-Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. to his ears, told Gulf Times yesterday. Race 5: 1. Izzthatright (Harry Bentley), Talking about yesterday’s race, he 2. Risk Adjusted (Gerald Avranche), 3. said, “Gazwan is Gazwan. He is a true Beach Samba (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. champion. When Tayf came to him, he Dutch Masterpiece (Brett Doyle). Won fought him off . A lot of horses would by: 3, ¾, Shd. Time: 1:08.239. Owner: have probably just given up. Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. “You have to feel sorry for Ba’sil, but Race 6: 1. Pazeer (Eduardo Pedroza), unfortunately that (setting the pace) is 2. Pleaseletmewin (Harry Bentley), his job. You have to have a Group qual- 3. Notalot (Gerald Avranche), 4. High ity horse leading Group horses. He was Commander (Tadgh O’Shea). Won by: 6, a good sprinter in his own right, but we ½, Shd. Time: 1:33.158. Owner: Abdula- have had to sacrifi ce him to do this job.” tif Hussain al-Emadi. Trainer: Ibrahim Asked about Ebraz, Smart said, “He Jockey Stephan Ladjadj (right) rides Courtofversailles to victory in the Qatar Gold Trophy (Gr1) at the QREC yesterday. At right, action from the Al Sabiq final. al-Malki. is having a nice holiday ahead of the PICTURES: Juhaim Race 7: 1. Molheb Al Naif (Gerald European summer.” Avranche), 2. Farooq (Jean Baptiste Earlier, in the penultimate race of fell short of victory by a neck. stop Ibrahim al-Malki’s ward, who A versatile Al Hareth had little diffi - followed up this win with another, Hamel), 3. Rassan (Harry Bentley), 4. the day, al-Jehani saddled Courtofver- Qatar Derby winner Molheb Al Naif picked up his third win in Qatar and culty winning the Local Thoroughbreds thanks to Injaaz Stud-owned Izzt- She’ris (Alberto Sanna). Won by: 3 ½, ¾, 3 sailles held on from a fast-closing Hall followed up his Purebred Arabian second over a mile, in the Al Wajba Tro- event for trainer Ghazali. hatright. ½. Time: 1:41.822. Owner: Al Naif Racing. of Mirrors, trained by Ahmed Kobeissi Sprinter Cup win last month with a phy for three-year-old Class 1 Thor- The Mishal bin Ali al-Attiyah- The fi ve-year-old won the Sealine Trainer: Yousef Bentaher. and ridden by Adnan Hawa, to win the victory in the mile-long Qatar Silver oughbreds, owned by local individual owned six-year-old had already won a Sprint Trophy for Class 1 Thorough- Race 8: 1. Courtofversailles (Stephan 2200m Thoroughbred feature. Trophy yesterday for four-year-old or Qataris. six furlong sprint, over seven furlongs breds that are three-year-old or older. Ladjadj), 2. Hall of Mirrors (Adnan Ladjadj had kept his mount in the older local Purebred Arabians. Eduardo Pedroza held his mount and a mile this season, coming into Izzthatright fi nished three lengths Hawa), 3. Roman Legend (Harry Bent- front half early on, before making his Gerald Avranche had the Yousef steady behind early leaders, including yesterday’s race. The bay horse only ahead of Risk Adjusted, trained by ley), 4. Proposed (Brett Doyle). Won by: way on the outside coming off the nalfi Bentaher-trained colt stay on the heels stablemate Perfect Storm, before mak- improved his strike rate when Harry Mohamed Hussain, while Ibrahim al- Nk, Nk, ¾. Time: 2:12.972. Owner: Khalid bend. Early leader, Proposed, trained in of Umm Qarn’s Farooq, helmed by Jean ing the move coming on to the home Bentley’s ride saw him register his 19th Malki’s ward, Beach Samba, was third. Rashid al-Mohanadi. Trainer: Rashid Bahrain by Jaber Ramadhan, weakened Baptiste Hamel, for the bulk of the run. straight. With a willing partner in the career win, this time over 1850m. Mubarak al-Khayarin-trained al-Jehani. and soon found Courtofversailles and A furlong out, the fi ve-year-old three -year-old colt, the duo was up Stefano Ibido-saddled Salman Samborn won the 1850m Qatar Silver Race 9: 1. Gazwan (Richard Mullen), Jassim Ghazali’s Roman Legend all over surged forward to take the lead, even- and away, eventually winning by an im- Bu Thaila was second under Alber- Sword event for four-year-old Pure- 2. Tayf (Olivier Peslier), 3. Mahess Du him. tually winning three and a half lengths pressive six lengths. to Sanna, while Qatari jockey Faleh bred Arabians, owned by local indi- Soleil (Adrie de Vries), 4. Shabih Alreeh Courtofversailles took a slight ad- ahead of Alban de Mieulle-trained Fa- Umm Al Afai Cup winner Pleaselet- Bughanaim guided Kobeissi’s Foot- vidual Qataris. (Alberto Sanna). Won by: Nk, 1 ¼, 1 ¼. vantage in the fi nal 50m but perhaps rooq. Jassim Ghazali’s Rassan was third. mewin was second for trainer Jassim printinthesand to the six-year-old’s Pier Convertino guided the Alanoud Time: 2:09.464. Owner: HH Sheikh Hawa left it for too late as the late surge Once Pazeer got going on the home Ghazali, while Ahmed Kobeissi’s Nota- 11th straight top three fi nish. bint Sheail al-Kuwari-owned horse to Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: by Hall of Mirrors meant that the latter straight there was nothing that could lot rounded up the top three. Ghazali and Bentley immediately victory, a length and a quarter ahead Julian Smart.

RALLYING Al-Qassimi snatches win as Nasser crashes out

By Our Correspondent Abu Dhabi RESULTS CHECK Cars Rally Factory 2hr 40min 20sec bu Dhabi Racing’s Sheikh 1. Khalid al-Qassimi (ARE)/Khaled al- 2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) Husqvarna Khalid al-Qassimi, Dubai- Kendi (ARE) Peugeot 3008 DKR 2hr 450 Rally 2hr 46min 19sec based Briton Sam Sunder- 46min 23sec 3. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Aland and Kuwait’s Fahad 2. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Jan Tomanek Rally Factory 2hr 49min 18sec al-Musallam secured overall vic- (CZE) Ford F-150 Evo 2hr 53min 44sec 4. Paulo Gonçalves (PRT) Honda 450 tories after the fi nal dramatic Abu 3. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek CRF Rally 2hr 52min 46sec Dhabi Aviation-sponsored stage of Sykora (SLO) Hummer H3 Evo III 2hr 5. Pierre Alexander Renet (FRA) Husq- 219.76km at the Abu Dhabi Desert 57min 02sec varna 450 Rally 2hr 55min 16sec Challenge yesterday. The UAE’s Sheikh Khalid 4. Eugenio Amos (ITA)/Rafael Tornabell Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah al-Qassimi in action on way (ESP) Buggy 2WD 3hr 01min 50sec Quads appeared to be cruising to victory in to victory in the Abu Dhabi 5. Yayha al-Helai (ARE)/Nasser 1. Kees Koolen (NED) Barren Racer the cars until he rolled his Overdrive Desert Challenge yesterday. al-Kuwari (QAT) Nissan Pick-Up 3hr One 690 3hr 14min 53sec Racing Toyota Hilux heavily before 14min 18sec 2. Alexis Hernande Ponce (PER) Yama- the opening passage control. Despite ing any risks to win the car category premacy in the motorcycle and quad many positives from his debut in the ha Raptor 700 R 3hr 18min 02sec continuing for a short while after a for the third time and give Toyota a categories. Honda’s Paulo Gonçalves Abu Dhabi Racing Peugeot 3008 DKR. Bikes 3. Rafal Sonik (POL) Honda TRX 700 long delay, he retired the damaged car second win. But the Qatari got caught began the last stage with a lead of 33.8 Delays on day four aside, al-Qassimi 1. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 3hr 20min 40sec at PC1. out on a fast section of track before the seconds, but starting order is crucial has adapted well to cross-country Al-Attiyah just needed to avoid tak- fi rst passage control and launched the in this form of cross-country rally- rallying in a short space of time and Toyota into a heavy roll. The crew fran- ing and Dakar champion Sam Sun- his victory throws the FIA World tically tried to make repairs and began derland delivered a stunning ride on Cup wide open. His winning margin had a good eff ort. We had a lot of prob- win from al-Shegawi and Mansoor to crawl through the stage to the fi rst his Red Bull KTM 450 Rally to seal the was 41min 26sec and he became the lems. al-Helai. Adel Hussein battled on checkpoint, but it was to no avail and stage win and earn his fi rst Abu Dhabi fi rst Emirati to win the event since Czech driver Martin Prokop deliv- bravely after minor delays and a time it opened the door for al-Qassimi to Desert Challenge victory. Mohamed Mattar won the two non- ered a career-best performance in this loss when he stopped to help a rival snatch a sensational victory. Starting eighth on the road was an championship races way back in 1991 discipline of rallying to snatch second competitor. The Qatari, who runs Al-Qassimi and navigator Khalid obvious advantage and the Dubai- and 1992. place in his Ford F-150. Mohamed Abu his Nissan Patrol with support from al-Kendi had put their previous day’s based rider’s strategy paid off hand- Al-Qassimi said: “I think this is the Issa has enjoyed a successful transition Saleh Al-Hamad Al-Mana Co. Oore- troubles behind them and were push- somely. Chile’s Pablo Quintanilla fi rst win on an FIA World Cup round from racing on a quad to being com- doo, QMMF and Nissan Middle East, ing hard to the fi nish and keeping the bounced back from recent career set- for an Emirati in 27 years. This event petitive in a car and the Qatari fi nished fi nished fourth and maintains the de- pressure on their rivals. Their de- backs to claim second place on his has been in the series for 25 years and third overall in his Mini All4 Racing. fence of his world title in style before termination was duly rewarded with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna – 6min this is also a fi rst for an Emirati. I don’t T2 became a battle ground between his home event in two weeks. a superb victory that gives the Abu 13.7sec behind the winner – and Aus- want to be so greedy. I am still learn- Ahmed al-Shegawi and Yasir Saiedan It also meant that al-Qassimi leapt Dhabi driver a 33-point lead in the trian Matthias Walkner won the bat- ing and for me every day is a learning after earlier delays for Abu Dhabi’s to the top of the unoffi cial champion- FIA World Cup for Cross-Country tle with Paulo Gonçalves for third curve. This is only my fourth or fi fth Emil Khneisser and Qatar’s Adel Ab- ship standings before the next round Rallies after three rounds. place. cross-country. I am pushing myself to dulla. Al-Shegawi was delayed on the of the FIA World Cup for Cross- Unlucky: Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah A fascinating tussle ensued for su- A delighted al-Qassimi will take a good level. The team itself, all of us, last stage and Saiedan claimed the Country Rallies in Qatar.