SPORT Wednesday 12 April 2017

PAGE | 28 PAGE | 29 PAGE | 31 Garcia no favourite US, Mexico and Canadada Bolt inspired me to for US Open, despite in joint bid for break world record, Masters triumph 2026 World Cup says Van Niekerk

Qatar Cross-Country Rally 2017 Al Attiyah, Quintanilla to lead star Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) announces the strongest ever entry list for the event. The entry cast at Qatar's Cross Country Rally list includes 33 cars, 14 motorcycles and six quads. The Peninsula lead at last week’s Abu Dhabi Rashid Al Muhannadi, Khalid efforts of staff at the QMMF have Desert Challenge, faces fierce Faraj Al Mohannadi, Abdulla Al been rewarded by such a quality atar's multi-talented competition from a fleet of four Rabban, Jamal Fakhroo and international entry for this year’s racing star, defending X-raid-built Minis, driven by Rus- Mohammed Al Meer. Qatar Cross-Country Rally,” said FIA World Cup cham- sian Vladimir Vasilyev, Saudi Eight of the world’s leading QMMF President Abdulrahman Al pion and two-time Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi, Poland’s off-road riders, who dominated Mannai. QDakar winner Nasser Jakub Przygonski and fellow last week’s Abu Dhabi Desert “We have strength in depth Saleh Al Attiyah will be looking to Qatari driver Mohammed Abu Challenge, will also be present in across all three categories and impress on home soil when the Issa. Qatar. The Red Bull KTM Factory some of the world’s top stars in Qatar Cross Country Rally will be Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, the Team fields Dakar winner and the sport will take part in the rally held from April 17 to 22. comfortable leader of this year’s FIM series leader Sam Sunder- for the first time.” The Qatar Motor and Motor- FIA World Cup - after becoming land, Austria’s Matthias Walkner The QMMF is also running a cycle Federation (QMMF) on the first Emirati since 1992 to win and Frenchman Antoine Meo. National Baja behind the inter- Monday announced the strongest the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Pablo Quintanilla and Pierre national event, in which the ever entry list received for the - will make his first appearance Alexandre Renet ride the two competitors will tackle a new event. at the event. His entry also marks Rockstar Energy Husqvarnas and 5.54km super special stage in The rally is also the fourth the first time a factory-specifica- Paulo Gonçalves and Kevin Bena- the Losail area next on April 18. round of FIA World Cup for Cross tion Peugeot has competed in vides are entered by the Monster The purpose-built track has been Country Rallies and round two of Qatar. Energy Honda team. Emirati designed within the confines of the FIM Cross Country Rallies Adding spice to a truly qual- Mohammed Al Balooshi and local the Losail motocross premises World Championship. ity field of drivers are the likes of rider Ahmed Al Kuwari represent and offers free access to The entry list outlined a qual- the experienced Czech Miroslav the GCC region. spectators. ity field of 33 cars, 14 motorcycles Zapletal, fellow countryman Mar- Poland’s Rafal Sonik endured The action on the first of four Qatar’s Nasser bin Saleh and six quads, with competitors tin Prokop, former FIA World Cup a disappointing ride in Abu Dhabi selective sections (334.08km) Al Attiyah is seen in from a staggering 26 nations and leader Aron Domzala, South Afri- last week, but the Pole head a through the desert gets under- action during the final many of the world’s leading stars ca’s Leeroy Poulter and Dutchman quad entry that includes Peru’s way on April 19 and will be day of Baja Spain Aragon taking part, with 10 of the car Erik van Loon. Alexis Hernandez Ponce, Gua- followed by three further stages entrants being Priority 1 drivers. Qatar will also be represented tamala’s Rodolfo Schippers and on the next three days. They will in Northern Spain in this Al Attiyah, who crashed out by Adel Abdulla, Mohammed Al Argentina’s Lucas Innocente. run for 353.02km, 337.76km and July 2016 file photo. after maintaining a comfortable Mannai, Mohammed Al Harqan, “We are delighted that all the 343.32km, respectively.

Delhi Daredevils' batsman Sanju Samson pulls the ball during the 2017 (IPL) match against Rising Pune Supergiant at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune yesterday. Samson scored 102 off 63 deliveries to lift Delhi's total to 205 for 4 at the end of 20 overs. All-round Delhi thrash Pune

Pune their second defeat in their innings with a 69-run second IANS three matches so far. stand. Earlier, the 22-year-old Samson raised another half elhi Daredevils rode on Samson took the Pune bowl- century stand, this time with an all-round effort to ers to the cleaners from the Rishabh Pant (31) adding 53 Dthrash Rising Pune word go, before converting his runs for the third wicket. Supergiant by 97 runs in an first T20 half century to a Pune leaked as many as 45 Indian Premier League (IPL) match-winning hundred. runs in the final two overs as 2017 match at the Maharash- Samson, who got to his Morris went on with his natu- tra Cricket Association Stadium century with a straight six off ral game from the very first yesterday. Australian leg-spinner Adam ball. While Kerala youngster Zampa, clobbered five sixes He slammed Zampa for Sanju Samson's maiden T20 and eight fours in his 63-ball two fours and a six in the 19th hundred set things on fire in 103. over before clobbering Stokes the first innings as Delhi posted South African all-rounder for two more boundaries and a mammoth 204/5, captain Chris Morris then added the as many maximums in the final led from the front late order fireworks in the final over to take Delhi to the mas- with three to bundle two overs, with a 9-ball sive total. the hosts out for a paltry 108 unbeaten 38, that included Brief Scores: in 16.1 overs. three sixes and four bounda- Delhi Daredevils: 205 for Zaheer (3/20) was compli- ries, to raise Delhi's 200. 4 (Sanju Samson 102, Chris mented well by leg-spinner Put in to bat, Delhi were Morris 38, Sam billings 24) Amit Mishra, who returned once again off to a poor start Rising Pune Supergiant: with figures of 3/11 and Aus- losing opener for 108 ( 20; Amit tralian pacer Pat Cummins nought but Sam Billings (24) Mishra 3 for 11, Zaheer Khan 3 (2/24) as Pune succumbed to andSamson resurrected the for 20) SPORT WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL 2017 27 Kings dump Heat down Cavs to stay alive; Sutter and Lombardi in Jazz halt streaking Warriors shake-up New York Reuters Miami and Jimmy Butler and Jerian AFP Grant had 17 apiece to pace the he Los Angeles Kings Bulls. Nikola Mirotic added 16 made huge changes to he Miami Heat kept points and veteran Dwyane T their front office on their NBA play-off Wade chipped in 13 as Chicago Monday as they fired coach hopes alive on Mon- won by their biggest margin of Darryl Sutter and general day with a 124-121 the season. manager Dean Lombardi, overtime victory over Heat coach Erik Spoelstra who helped guide the team TCleveland that dropped the said he didn't try to keep track to its two NHL Stanley Cup reigning NBA champion Cava- of what the Bulls and Pacers titles. liers to second in the Eastern were doing on Monday. Luc Robitaille was named Conference. "Our game was enough," he club president, and fellow The Cavs, locked in a duel said. "I don't need the ancillary former Kings standout and with the Boston Celtics for the stress." Hockey Hall of Famer Rob top seed in the East, neverthe- In Oakland, Golden State Blake was selected as vice less rested stars LeBron James starts Stephen Curry and Kevin president and general and Kyrie Irving in Miami. Durant were watching from the manager. "The most important thing is bench in the fourth quarter as The Kings won the for us to give those guys a rest," the injury depleted Utah Jazz Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014 Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said. completed a 105-99 victory that but missed the play-offs for "They have carried the load all ended the Warriors' 14-game the second time in three years season." winning streak. this season. Cleveland suffered their sec- Warriors coach Steve Kerr Dan Beckerman, presi- ond overtime defeat in as many opted to play safe with his key dent and CEO of AEG, the days, having squandered a players, resting Curry, Durant Kings' parent company, said 26-point fourth-quarter lead in and Draymond Green late while in a statement the moves a stunning loss to the Atlanta Klay Thompson sat out were made with a view to the Hawks on Sunday. altogether. team's future. Against the Heat, they took The Warriors are already "This was an extremely a 91-80 lead into the fourth, but Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (right) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman assured of top seed in the West difficult decision and was Miami stormed back to force Shumpert during the first half of their NBA game at American Airlines Arena in Miami on and home court advantage made with an enormous overtime and claim the win. Monday. throughout the playoffs. amount of consideration for Tyler Johnson had 24 points For the Jazz, however, the what we have accomplished and Hassan Whiteside added 23 win kept them level for fourth in our past,” said and 18 rebounds as the Heat Cleveland with 35 points. Kevin really good team," Korver said regular season concludes on place in the West with the Los Beckerman. snapped a three-game home los- Love added 25 with 10 rebounds of the Cavs, despite a ragged end Wednesday. Angeles Clippers, who thumped "But the present and ing streak. before he fouled out with 34 sec- to the regular season. The Pacers, with 27 points the Houston Rockets 125-96 for future of our organization is Deron Williams, starting at onds left in overtime. The Celtics, however, are from Paul George, defeated the a sixth-straight win. the highest priority." point guard in place of Irving, led With the Celtics beating the eager to go into the post-season Philadelphia 76ers 120-111 on Chris Paul scored 19 points Sutter was hired in Brooklyn Nets 114-105, the defeat as the top team in the East. Monday and lie second in the and handed out nine assists and December 2011 and led the NBA RESULTS dropped the Cavs one game "Trying to finish the season Eastern Conference. Blake Griffin added 18 points for team to a memorable title run behind Boston for first place in with the number one seed, that The Bulls crushed the the Clippers. as the eighth seed in the LA Clippers 125 Houston 96 the conference. means a lot to me, personally, so Orlando Magic 122-75 and at The Portland Trail Blazers, Western Conference. Utah 105 Golden State 99 James has said he isn't con- hopefully we can get that," said 40-41 have the same record as headed to a first-round playoff He also guided the Kings Portland 99 San Antonio 98 cerned about the top seed, and Isaiah Thomas, who scored 27 Miami with one game remain- series against the Warriors, to the Western Conference Chicago 122 Orlando 75 team-mate Kyle Korver said points against the Nets. ing for each. But Chicago own stunned the San Antonio Spurs Final in 2013. Milwaukee 89 Charlotte 79 Monday that the Cavs just want For the Heat, the victory the tiebreaker, so if they finish 99-98 on Noah Vonleh's layup Sutter and Lombardi, Washington 105 Detroit 101 to get the post-season means they will be fighting with with the same record as the Heat, as time expired. All five starters hired in 2006, depart after Boston 114 Brooklyn 105

Miami 124 Cleveland 121 underway. the Indiana Pacers and Chicago the Bulls will claim the eighth scored in double figures for Port- recording the most wins for Indiana 120 Philadelphia 111 "I think we've shown that Bulls for the last two playoff and final play-off spot. land, starting with Shabazz a Kings coach and general when we're focused we're a spots in the East when the Robin Lopez scored 18 points Napier's career-high 32. manager. Nationals rout Cardinals as Myers shines in victory for San Diego Fabio Aru

New York Agencies

tephen Drew had three hits and drove in four runs, SBryce Harper had four hits and two walks, and Adam Eaton had three hits and three RBIs as Injured Astana rider Washington came from behind three times to claim 14-6 victory Aru out of Giro d'Italia over Cardinals. Ryan Zimmerman had three hits and Jayson Werth and Matt Milan On April 20 he will undergo fur- Wieters each added two for the AFP ther examination to assess the Nationals, who had 19 hits to evolution of the situation. overcome an ugly four-error talian Fabio Aru has been "Given the circumstances, night. forced out of next month's Astana Pro Team has decided Stephen Piscotty had two IGiro d'Italia, which starts on to announce that, unfortu- hits and two RBIs for the Cardi- his native island of Sardinia as nately, Fabio Aru will not nals, and Yadier Molina and Matt part of celebrations for the participate to the Giro d'Italia Carpenter added two hits. 100th edition, his Astana team 2017." Meanwhile, Wil Myers hit for said on Monday. The loss of Aru is a major the second cycle in San Diego Aru, who was set to chal- blow to race organisers RCS, history and the first of his career lenge defending champion who were hedging on an Ital- on Monday as the Padres beat Vincenzo Nibali for the pink jer- ian dual between him and Washington Nationals relief pitcher Shawn Kelley (left) celebrates with catcher Matt Wieters the Colorado Rockies 5-3. sey, crashed and hurt his knee fellow islander Nibali, who hails Myers singled in the first, after recording the final out against the St Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park in Washington while training in Spain last from Sicily, over an epic three doubled home a run in the third, on Monday. The Nationals won 14-6. week. weeks. homered in a three-run sixth He was diagnosed with an Aru, the 2015 Tour of Spain and tripled in the eighth. The past four games. The Rockies sixth career walk-off RBI. The BASEBALL RESULTS injury which "causes pain when champion who finished third other Padres cycle was also have lost two straight. win capped a banner night as the he pedals", according to a state- in the 2014 edition of the Giro accomplished at Coors Field, by Cubs 3, Dodgers 2 Cubs raised their 2016 World San Diego 5 Colorado 3 ment by Astana and had left and second in 2015, said: "I'm Matt Kemp on Aug. 14, 2015. Anthony Rizzo lined a Series flag and National League Chicago Cubs 3 LA Dodgers 2 him with little chance of fully so sorry and disappointed for Myers' cycle was the eighth game-winning RBI single to left pennant in pre-game ceremo- Cincinnati 7 Pittsburgh 1 recovering in time for the May what's happened: I was dream- by a Rockies' opponent at Coors with two outs in the ninth nies in front of an appreciative NY Mets 4 Philadelphia 3 5 start. ing of starting the Giro in Field and the 15th there inning, giving Chicago a victory crowd of 41,166. Washington 14 St Louis 6 "As a consequence of his fall Sardinia, we've been preparing overall. over Los Angeles in a rain- Yankees 8, Rays 1 Seattle 6 Houston 0 happened 8 days ago while the race for months. Hunter Renfroe hit a two- delayed game. Michael Pineda retired the San Francisco 4 Arizona 1 training in Spain... Fabio Aru "Unfortunately, the acci- run homer for the Padres, who Rizzo hit a 1-1 pitch from first 20 hitters and struck out 11 was examined this afternoon dent happened and it means I Oakland 2 Kansas City 0 got a superb spot start by Jarred Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen in 7 2/3 electrifying innings, and in Milan by Professor Franco can't be at the start in sufficient

Cosart followed by fine relief to score Jon Jay from third and New York hit three home runs Detroit 2 Boston 1 Combi," said the statement. condition. Albeit with great

NY Yankees 8 Tampa Bay 1 work as they evened their record send the Dodgers to their third in a victory over Tampa Bay "Aru will have to respect 10 regret, we are forced to give at 4-4 with their third win in the loss in four games. It was Rizzo's Rays. days of total rest and therapy. up." 28 SPORT WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL 2017 PCB charges Jamshed IPL: Mumbai aim to deny in spot-fixing case

Karachi (PSL) in February-March was Sunrisers hat-trick of wins AFP hailed as a step towards restor- ing international cricket in akistan cricket charged Pakistan. Mumbai former Test batsman But on February 10 Sharjeel IANS PNasir Jamshed yesterday and Khalid were suspended for with obstructing and failing to allegedly meeting a man linked olstered by the thrill- cooperate in an investigation to an international betting players celebrate ing last over win over into a spot-fixing case which syndicate. the dismissal of the Kolkata Knight rocked their Twenty20 league. Sharjeel was charged with Riders (KKR), Mumbai Kings XI Punjab Jamshed, 27, is the fifth accepting a fixing offer and not Indians will aim to batsman Shaun player charged in the scandal reporting it to the PCB's anti- Bdeny a hat-trick of wins to Marsh during which saw a one-year ban – six corruption unit while Khalid's defending champions Sunrisers their IPL T20 months suspended – and a fine alleged violation was to lure Hyderabad (SRH), when the two match at the meted out to fast bowler other players into fixing. Hasan sides clash in an Indian Premier Punjab Cricket Mohammad Irfan last month. was also charged with getting League 2017 match at the Association Three other players – Shar- players into fixing. Wankhede Stadium here today. Stadium in jeel Khan, Khalid Latif and Jamshed was allegedly a It is still early days in the Mohali, in this Shahzaib Hasan – will fight the link between the bookies and tournament, with Mumbai hav- last April's file allegations before a three- players. He denies the charges. ing lost one and winning one photo. member tribunal headed by a Jamshed was seen as a tal- while the Hyderabad side seems retired judge. ented opener whose career was to have carried on from where Pakistan Cricket Board lifted with back-to-back hun- they left last season, winning (PCB) said Jamshed, who was dreds against India in 2012 but both their matches arrested in Britain in February was discarded after the 2015 handsomely. and bailed until this month in World Cup due to lack of form Going into today's tie, both the same case, was charged on and fitness. sides can boast of a good mix of two counts. Sharjeel and Khalid young blood and seasoned "Jamshed has been charged appeared before the tribunal campaigners. for violation of articles 2.4.6 last month and have until May While the hosts have the (not cooperating with investi- 5 to respond to the charges. likes of batsman Nitish Rana, gation) and 2.4.7 (obstructing The tribunal is set to start Krunal and along of heart from the fact that the final over. Mumbai will now their lead on top of the stand- and delaying investigation) of day-to-day proceedings from side Sri Lankan slinger Lasith win against KKR was a collec- hope their senior pros – skipper ings. The visitors aren't expected the PCB Anti-Corruption Code," May 19. Malinga; the visitors can be tive effort from the young guns. , West Indian to make any major changes to said a PCB statement issued Irfan confessed to "not proud of the performances of If slowed down power-hitter Keiron Pollard and the winning combination. Skip- yesterday. reporting a fixing offer" and teenaged Afghan leg-spinner the onslaught from the Kolkata off-spinner – per 's return to The Pakistan Super League opted for "agreed sanction". and all-rounder batsmen with three quick wick- to compliment the youngsters if form in the previous match Moises Henriques. ets, Rana and Hardik's blitzkrieg they are to make a match against against the , fur- Nasir Jamshed Mumbai can also take a lot helped them romp home in the a formidable opposition like the ther strengthens their top order. Sunrisers. Opener Shikhar Dhawan and TEAMS With Malinga and Jasprit have been amongst Bumrah around to bowl into the the runs in the opening game Mumbai Indians block-hole, Mumbai's death while Henriques has almost Rohit Sharma (Captain), , Jos Buttler, , Krishnappa Gowtham, Asela looks sorted for now. cemented the No.3 slot after Gunaratne, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell Johnson, Kulwant Khejroliya, Siddhesh Lad, Mitchell McClena- However, the one change blasting consecutive fifties. ghan, Lasith Malinga, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, (WK), , Nicholas Mumbai could make is to bring In the bowling department, Pooran, Deepak Punia, Nitish Rana, Ambati Rayudu, Jitesh Sharma, Karn Sharma, Lendl Simmons, Tim in Tim Southee for his New Zea- all eyes will be on the 18-year- Southee, Jagadeesha Suchith, and R . land compatriot Mitchell old Afghani, who already has McClenaghan, who leaked five wickets from two outings. David Warner (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Moises Henriques, Yuvraj Singh, Deepak Hooda, Ben Cutting, plenty of runs against KKR. Pacers Ashish Nehra, Bhuv- Naman Ojha (WK), Bipul Sharma, Rashid Khan, , Ashish Nehra, Tanmay Agarwal, On the other hand, back neshwar Kumar and Henriques

Ricky Bhui, Eklavya Dwivedi, Chris Jordan, , Siddharth Kaul, Ben Laughlin, Abhimanyu from two comprehensive wins, have complimented each other Mithun, Mohammed Nabi, Mohammed Siraj, Vijay Shankar, and Pravin Tambe. the visitors will be eager to get well and will surely test the those two points and consolidate Mumbai batsmen.

Scotland's Japan thanks Brown to retire Golf: Garcia no favourite for US retiring figure at the end of skater Asada this season Open, despite Masters triumph Tokyo London AFP AFP New York the live television commentary Reuters on Sky Sports. apan yesterday expressed ormer Scotland rugby “It was kind of difficult,” national thanks to former captain Kelly Brown is McGinley said on Golf Channel Jworld champion figure Fto hang up his boots at ergio Garcia’s victory at the on Monday. “To be honest I had skater Mao Asada, a day after the end of the season but stay US Masters on Sunday was a big lump in my throat. she shocked the country by on at English Premiership and Sreceived with delight “I was so happy for him I announcing her retirement European champions Sara- throughout the golf world, but it can’t tell you how happy. I’ve from competition. cens with a role in their seems unlikely to lead to a sub- been through so much with him. The 26-year-old Asada, Academy. sequent flood of major titles for I felt his pain (after previous who won three world titles in The 34-year-old – who the Spaniard. near-misses). He’s an emotional 2008, 2010 and 2014, said on captained the national side in That is not to say 37-year- person. I know how much it her official blog late Monday 14 of the 64 Test matches he old Garcia will fail to add to his hurts him.” that she was hanging up her played – said he was looking first major win, but the best It seemed as though most of skates, sparking TV stations forward to sharing his expe- players are too evenly matched the gallery at Augusta felt the to flash the news on screen. rience and love of the game in the post-Tiger Woods era to same way, as the Garcia who All major newspapers and with the young players. realistically expect him to sud- made a rude hand gesture to a sports tabloids reported the "I have played for four denly run up his major tally in spectator who heckled him at announcement on their front clubs who I care deeply about his late 30s. the 2002 US Open was trans- pages, while the sports dai- and to have been able to cap- The top 20 or so players are formed into an almost beloved lies ran inside headlines tain my country is an honour all eminently capable of winning figure who seemed to feed off expressing emotions such as that I'll always cherish," said when in top form. Woods may the crowd’s affection. "Thank you, Mao" and "Thank Brown. have been capable of winning Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia visits the Empire State Building "Sergio often feels like he's you, beloved Mao". "I've been lucky to have with his "B" game, but no-one not supported the way he would The central government a day after winning the 81st Masters tournament on Monday been able to live my dream else is, not even current number like to be here in America," said weighed in with top spokes- in New York City. for 13 years and now I'm priv- one Dustin Johnson. the vanquished Rose. man Yoshihide Suga ileged to be able to help Since Rory McIlroy and Jor- "It was encouraging to see expressing his admiration at others do the same." dan Spieth combined to win four in the past seven majors, much Open. Indeed, Garcia’s victory the crowd get behind him. I think a regular morning briefing. Brown, who overcame a consecutive majors at the end of as it used to be before Woods. hardly elevated him to the top they realised that he paid his "She performed bril- serious stammer to lead his 2014 and start of 2015, seven Garcia and Masters runner- echelon of favourites in betting dues, he's been close so many liantly," said Suga, the chief country, enjoyed a highly suc- players have shared the spoils up Justin Rose were ranked 11th for the next major, the US Open times and they probably were cabinet secretary and right- cessful seven year spell at and 14th respectively in the at Erin Hills in Wisconsin in June. pulling for him to pull through hand man to Prime Minister Saracens, winning three Pre- WORLD RANKINGS (TOP 10) world last week, but it was Betting website Centrebet on on this occasion." Shinzo Abe. miership titles and last hardly a surprise they ended up Monday had Dustin Johnson a McGinley, meanwhile, season's European Champi- 1. (1) Dustin Johnson (US) 12.79 separating themselves from the 7/1 favourite, followed at 8/1 by admitted that he was starting to ons Cup. 2. (2) Rory McIlroy (Britain) 8.86 field, especially in the absence McIlroy and Jason Day, with Jor- wonder whether Garcia would "Kelly has made an enor- 3. (3) Jason Day (Australia) 8.38 of Johnson, who pulled out at the dan Spieth at 9/1. ever close the deal. mous contribution in his 4. (4) Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) 8.18 last minute with a back injury. Garcia was 33/1, similar to “I think his career deserved seven years with us," said 5. (6) Jordan Spieth (US) 7.60 A little luck is often required his pre-Masters odds. But he will a major and we were all worried Saracens director of rugby 6. (5) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 7.45 to win, and if Rose’s seven-foot not care as he celebrates an his career wasn’t going to end Mark McCall. birdie putt at the 72nd hole had occasion that he thought might with one,” the Irishman said. "Off the field, he is one of 7. (11) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 7.23 toppled in instead of grazing the never come. “And to see it be done on the most selfless people you'll 8. (14) Justin Rose (Britain) 5.61 cup, the Englishman probably He was not the only one. such a grand stage, in such an

ever meet, always putting the 9. (8) Rickie Fowler (US) 5.55 would be celebrating getting Former European Ryder Cup impressive way, anyone who team first," added McCall in halfway to the career grand captain Paul McGinley struggled knows Sergio would have felt the 10. (7) Justin Thomas (US) 5.52 Mao Asada a statement. slam, after winning the 2013 US to retain his composure during same.” WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL 2017 SPORT 29

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Oscar penalty English Premier League result on Monday: Crystal Palace 3 (Townsend 17, Cabaye 63, Bayern out to be Real's Milivojevic 68-pen) Arsenal 0 miss as Silva Played on Sunday Everton 4 (Davies 1, Lukaku 23, 57, Jagielka bullet sinks 41) Leicester 2 (Slimani 4, Albrighton 10) Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 (Ibrahi- movic 30, Mkhitaryan 46, Rashford 89) SIPG in ACL Madrid 'bete noire' again Played on Saturday Bournemouth 1 (King 42) Chelsea 3 (Smith 17-og, Hazard 20, Alonso 68) Saitama, Japan Munich, Germany Manchester City 3 (Elmohamady 31-og, AFP AFP Aguero 48, Delph 64) Hull 1 (Ranocchia 85) Middlesbrough 0 Burnley 0 ig-money midfielder ayern Munich host Stoke 1 (Walters 44) Liverpool 2 (Coutinho Oscar missed a second- Real Madrid in today's 70, Firmino 72) half penalty as Andre Tottenham 4 (Alli 33, Dier 39, Son 44, 55) B mouthwatering Watford 0 Villas-Boas' Shanghai SIPG Champions League West Brom 0 Southampton 1 (Clasie 25) lost 1-0 to Urawa Red Dia-

quarter-final, first- West Ham 1 (Kouyate 44) Swansea 0 monds in their first defeat of

leg, with Carlo Ancelotti's this year's AFC Champions B Bavarians looking once again to League yesterday. be the Spaniards' 'bete noire'. After SIPG went behind to And the subplots to the Alli- AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Rafael Silva's 44th-minute anz Arena clash are strike, 60-million-euro sign- AFC Champions League results fascinating. yesterday: ing Oscar looked set to Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti Group A maintain SIPG's unbeaten coached Real to the 2014 Cham- Lokomotiv Tashkent (UZB) 1 (Bikmaev 13) Es- record in Group F when he pions League crown and is up teghlal (IRI) 1 (Rezaei 87) won a penalty in the 64th against his former assistant from Group F minute. that triumph, Madrid's current Western Sydney Wanderers (AUS) 2 (Antonis But the Brazil interna- head coach Zinedine Zidane. 77, Scott 90+2) FC Seoul (KOR) 3 (Lee Seok- tional, after a stutter run-up, Hyun 4, Damjanovic 42, 71) World Cup 2010 winner Xabi Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 1 (Silva 44) saw his spot-kick palmed Alonso, who also won the 2014 Shanghai SIPG (CHN) 0 onto the bar by Urawa goal- Champions League before join- Group H keeper Shusaku Nishikawa, ing Bayern, will face his ex-club Jeju United (KOR) 1 (Magno Cruz 8) Adelaide prompting loud celebrations for the last time before retiring United (AUS) 3 (Kim Jae-Sung 7, McGowan 49, by the home fans. in June. Bayern Munich players Arturo Vidal and Arjen Robben (right) attend a press conference on McGree 65) The result means the Jap-

And Real's Germany mid- the eve of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final match in Munich, southern Germany, Jiangsu Suning (CHN) 3 (Teixeira 3, Ramires 7, anese side replace SIPG at the Hong Jeong-Ho 43) Gamba Osaka (JPN) 0 fielder Toni Kroos is another to yesterday. top of Group F on away goals be coming up against his former scored in fixtures between the employers. in Saturday's 4-1 hammering of Guardiola was thrashed 4-0 in Hummels faces a race two sides, after SIPG's 3-2 win Ancelotti says "little things Borussia Dortmund, but expects Munich, crashing out 5-0 on against time to be back for the in Shanghai last month. will make the difference" to be "100 percent" fit. aggregate as Ronaldo and Ser- return at the Santiago Berna- Alex Teixeira, another between the star-studded Bayern are on a Champions gio Ramos netted twice each. beu on April 18, while Real expensive Brazilian import to squads that will see two goal- League record of 16 straight That defeat remains Bayern's have defenders Pepe and Rap- China, fared much better as scoring giants go European wins at the Allianz record home European loss, yet hael Varane ruled out of both he scored one and set up two head-to-head. Arena and that's a record Dutch there is no talk of revenge ahead legs. more in Jiangsu Suning's 3-0 Bayern's top-scorer Robert winger Arjen Robben is keen to of today's clash. Pepe suffered a double rib victory over Japan's Gamba Lewandowski, with 38 goals in maintain. "This is the quarter-finals, fracture in Saturday's 1-1 draw Osaka. Teixeira slammed a all competitions this season, is "We have to up the ante, we but it sounds like a final," said with Atletico Madrid, while Var- sumptuous opener after just up against Portuguese superstar have to signal (to Real) from the Bayern captain Philipp Lahm. ane is out for a month with a three minutes when he Cristiano Ronaldo, with 26 goals first minute that there is noth- "We're playing against an hamstring injury. robbed veteran Japan inter- from 36 games. ing to take in Munich and we absolute top team, who have top Right-back Daniel Carva- national Yasuhito Endo and That may be modest by his want to win the game," he said. players in every position. We will jal trained on his own on surged forward before hitting standards, but Ronaldo has tor- Bayern are looking to have to play to our potential." Monday and is struggling with a powerful finish past Masa- mented Bayern in the past with recover their 'bete noire' nick- Both sides are missing key a knock. aki Higashiguchi. Real Madrid forward Cristiano four goals in as many games and name, given to them by Real fans defenders, though. Bayern received a boost on He teed up his Brazilian the Bavarians will be wary, espe- after Munich won eight of 14 Germany's Mats Hummels Monday with Germany goal- Ronaldo arrives at the team compatriot, Ramires, four cially with backup from Wales matches against Real between was ruled out after damaging keeper Manuel Neuer back in hotel in Munich, southern minutes later with a danger- star Gareth Bale and France's 2000 and 2012. ankle ligaments on Sunday so training following a minor foot Germany, on the eve of the ous ball into the box which Karim Benzema. All that changed in the 2014 Jerome Boateng and Javi Mar- operation 10 days ago, while UEFA Champions League the ex-Chelsea man steered Lewandowski suffered a Champions League's semi-final tinez will form the centre-back Thomas Mueller is also fit after quarter-final match against past Higashiguchi. bruised shoulder in scoring twice when the team coached by Pep partnership. an ankle injury. FC Bayern Munich. And Teixeira completed the masterclass just before half-time with a pinpoint free kick onto the head of defender Hong Jeong-Ho, who made it 3-0 as Jiangsu Leicester ready for hardened Atletico stayed top of Group H with a maximum 12 points from four games. Below them in the Madrid turn Madrid's 'other' team into perennially formi- same group, Adelaide United Reuters dable opponents in his five-year tenure, taking resurrected their hopes of them to two Champions League finals in the last reaching the last 16 with a 3-1 eicester City have shown a remarkable abil- three years and four successive quarter-finals. away win over Jeju United to ity to defy the odds but face their sternest Atletico have also hit form just at the right climb off the bottom of the Ltest yet in the Champions League quarter- time as they aim to land a first European Cup standings. And in Group F, FC final against Atletico Madrid, the team they have after losing in three finals (to Real in 2014 and Seoul kept their campaign replaced as European football's most fashionable 2016 and to Bayern Munich in 1974), winning just alive with a 3-2 victory underdogs. five of their last seven games and conceding over 2014 champions West- Before Leicester enchanted the sporting world just two goals. ern Sydney Wanderers, last year with their miraculous Premier League They held La Liga leaders Real to a 1-1 draw courtesy of a double from title win, Atletico had worked similar wonders in at the Bernabeu on Saturday. Dejan Damjanovic. 2014 by breaking the strangehold of Real Madrid "The Champions League is the best competi- "I'm really happy and and Barcelona in La Liga. tion in the world and it always motivates you," finally we won," said the Now the two sides who have punched delight- Atletico defender Filipe Luis told reporters on Montenegrin striker, as he fully above their weight meet in the first leg in Monday. celebrated the first win of the Madrid on Wednesday -- but it is Leicester who "You can really feel the good atmosphere in campaign for last year's remain the European novices while Atletico have the team at the moment and we're feeling very semi-finalists. grown into true continental heavyweights under confident after what we have done in our last few Of reports linking him to Diego Simeone. games. It's going to be difficult, but we're in our the Wanderers for next sea- Unlike Leicester, who after their barely believ- best form." son, Damjanovic added: "I am able title win experienced an emphatic downturn Yet Leicester are on a similarly hot streak 36 soon and I came to Korea Atletico Madrid's forward Fernando Torres (left) and team- in results which ultimately cost coach Claudio under Craig Shakespeare, who became the only to finish my football, but you mate Koke attend a training session at the Wanda Sport City Ranieri his job in February, there was no difficult manager alongside Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ance- never know and my contract in Majadahonda on the eve of their Champions League match follow-up campaign for Atletico. lotti to win his first five games in the Premier finishes in November but my against Leicester. Charismatic coach Simeone has gone on to League after succeeding Ranieri. first option is Seoul." Wenger faces new quit calls after Palace loss

London Wenger's side have lost four boiled over as fans refused to Arsenal's shocking surrender they are extremely frustrated, if he will sign an extension to the AFP successive away league games give the ball back to Gunners leaves them in sixth place, lag- like we all are," Wenger said. contract which runs out at the for the first time in his 21-year right-back Hector Bellerin when ging seven points behind fourth "We came with the desire to end of the season. rsene Wenger faces reign as manager. it went into the away section in placed Manchester City. win the game, but in the decisive The uncertainty over his renewed calls to resign Goals from Andros the second half. With Wenger's record of moments of the game Palace future has been a major distrac- Aafter Arsenal's miserable Townsend, Yohan Cabaye and Instead, they berated Bellerin leading Arsenal into the Cham- were sharper. tion for a team lacking the season spiralled out of control Luka Milivojevic gave Palace and his team-mates with chants pions League for 19 consecutive "To see us lose in that way is fighting spirit required to cope with furious fans turning on his their first home win over Arse- of "you're not fit to wear the years in severe danger, the disappointing. It's part of my job with adversity. flops during their humiliating nal since 1979 and left Wenger shirt", with the Spaniard having beleaguered Frenchman to build the confidence. We have Wenger conceded Arsenal's 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. in turmoil after his team's fifth to be consoled by Alex Oxlade- acknowledged he has to find a a week to do it. it's our job. we chances of making the Champi- Wenger's side hit a new low defeat in their last eight league Chamberlain when he was jeered way to avoid the mutinous will try to do it." ons League via a top-four finish on a chastening evening in south games. again at the final whistle. mood wrecking what may yet Faced with the prospect of look bleak, but he refused to be London as struggling Palace con- With many Arsenal support- Wenger and his squad were prove to be his final season in missing out on the Champions drawn on whether or not he will demned the shambolic Gunners ers again demanding Wenger targeted for more abuse when charge. League for the first time since stay. to their heaviest Premier League resign, the toxic atmosphere they made their way from the "I want the fans to support 1997, Wenger has hardly helped "I think it will be very diffi- defeat of the season. around the north Londoners dressing room to the team bus. the team, but I can understand his cause by refusing to confirm cult certainly," he said. 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL 2017

Neymar banned for Clasico US, Mexico and Canada in against Madrid

Madrid joint bid for 2026 World Cup AFP arcelona's Brazilian superstar Neymar will New York Inevitable Bmiss a huge La Liga AFP clash at Real Madrid on April A bid from the North 23 after being handed a he United States, Mex- America region for three-game suspension, the ico and Canada on 2026 had long been Spanish federation said Monday announced a regarded as yesterday. joint bid to stage the inevitable, since last The 25-year-old forward 2026 World Cup, aim- year, when FIFA's was shown the first red card Ting to become the first three-way of his Barcelona career for council ruled that co-hosts in the history of FIFA's neither Europe nor two bookable offences as showpiece tournament. Barca's title defence suffered Asia would be eligible US Soccer Federation chief a big blow in a 2-0 defeat at Sunil Gulati, who announced the to run for the 2026 Malaga on Saturday. bid in New York with his Cana- tournament. However, he was handed dian and Mexican counterparts, an extra two-match suspen- insisted they had the full back- sion on top of the automatic ing of President Donald Trump, finals, has never hosted the one-game ban for sarcasti- despite the US leader's rocky tournament. cally applauding the officials relations with Mexico. However Canada earned as he left the pitch. Gulati said 60 of the tourna- plaudits for its staging of the Barcelona are expected to ment's matches would be staged Womens' World Cup in 2015, appeal the decision. in the United States, with Can- which was won by the United As well as missing a ada and Mexico hosting 10 games States in the final in potential La Liga title decider each. The United States would Vancouver. at the Bernabeu, Neymar will host all knockout games from the Under FIFA plans for its be absent for home games quarter-finals onwards, he expanded 48-team World Cup, against Real Sociedad and added. Sunil Gulati, (centre) President of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), Canadian CONCACAF is awarded six Osasuna. He played down the possi- CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani (left) and Mexican Football Federation President berths. Gulati indicated that offi- Madrid lead Barca by bility that politics could hamper Decio De Maria hold up a signed unified bid for the 2026 football World Cup in New York cials expected all three host three points at the top of the the bid, emphasising that Trump City on Monday. nations to be granted places. table but also have a game in was "especially pleased" with "There has never been a hand as they close on a first Mexico's involvement. World Cup where the host coun- league title in five years. "The president of the US is been regarded as inevitable by Qatar in the battle for the 2022 The United States first hosted tries have not been qualified," Neymar was booked in fully supportive... We are not at FIFA watchers. tournament at a corruption-tar- the World Cup in 1994, staging a Gulati said. the first half at La Rosaleda all concerned at some of the con- That sense of certainty hard- nished vote in Zurich in 2010. commercially successful A tournament in North for delaying a Malaga free- cerns that some people may ened last year, when FIFA's However the prospect of a 24-team tournament that played America is also likely to be kick by tying his shoelaces in raise," Gulati said. council ruled that neither Europe fresh American bid gathered out to packed stadia. attractive to FIFA for solid pub- front of the ball and then Trump was elected last year nor Asia would be eligible to run momentum in 2014 after the The 1994 tournament lic relations reasons. charged into Roberto Rosales after a campaign marked by for the 2026 tournament on the World Cup in Brazil. remains the most attended With dozens of modern, 25 minutes from time to see rhetoric against Mexico, vowing grounds that the regions are That campaign captured the World Cup in history, with just tournament-ready venues to his second yellow card. to build a wall to keep out ille- hosting the next two World Cups. imagination of US sports fans, over 3.5 million fans flocking to choose from, there is little risk "I think the interpretation gal immigrants he branded Russia is hosting the 2018 finals, with huge crowds attending pub- its 52 games, an average of of stadiums being left to rot as of the yellow cards is special," "criminals" and "rapists." followed by Qatar in 2022. lic screenings of games at cities 68,991 per match. white elephants following the said Barcelona boss Luis The joint bid will start as the With Europe and Asia ineli- across the country. Mexico has hosted the World event, a problem which has Enrique after the game. heavy early favorite in the race, gible, CONCACAF could in theory The country's club game is Cup twice before -- the 1970 embroiled grounds used at the "We have to be very care- despite United States prosecu- face potential competition from also booming, with record num- finals won by a Pele-inspired 2010 and 2014 World Cups. ful in some games because tors leading the probe into the Africa, South America and bers attending Major League Brazil and the 1986 tournament "We have the luxury of hav- there were some ugly chal- football corruption which rocked Oceania regional Soccer games in 2016. won by an Argentina team led ing stadiums that already exist," lenges from behind that went the sport in 2015 and led to the confederations. The United States also bur- by Diego Maradona. Gulati stated. "The thought of unpunished and tying boots downfall of former FIFA US soccer officials had been nished its credentials as a major Canada, who have only building sports facilities that was." It is not the first time in supremo Sepp Blatter. publicly coy about the possibil- tournament host with last year's made one World Cup appear- don't have a long-term use is not recent weeks Neymar's atten- A bid from the North Amer- ity of a future World Cup bid 16-team Copa America ance when they were eliminated particularly inviting for tion to detail with his boots ica region for 2026 had long since the country lost out to Centenario. in the first round of the 1986 anyone." caught the eye. Argentina fire coach Bauza

Buenos Aires meeting with Bauza at the asso- swearing at an assistant referee the AFA's management a AFP ciation's headquarters. in a game against Chile. "mafia." He did not say who Bauza's Bauza vowed after the Argentina's President Mau- rgentina's football asso- replacement would be, but said Bolivia defeat that his squad had ricio Macri too complained of ciation fired Edgardo more details would be given at the strength to fight on. But "the poor organization of Argen- ABauza as coach of the cri- a news conference for Tuesday Argentina have won only one of tine football." He urged reform sis-hit national team as it at 2230 GMT at the AFA. eight World Cup 2018 qualifiers to "a system full of bad habits struggles to qualify for next The world number two- played without Barcelona super- and corruption." year's World Cup, the head of the ranked football nation risks star Messi, compared to five out FIFA and the Argentine body said on Monday. failing to qualify for the World of six won with him on the pitch. courts have probed the AFA's It was the first big move by Cup for the first time since 1970. "The national team is play- affairs. the Argentine Football Associa- Star striker Lionel Messi is to ing badly and everyone knows Tapia acknowledged last Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) Events Manager Abdullah tion (AFA) since it last month miss the country's three remain- it," Tapia said last week. week that firing Bauza would be picked new executives tasked ing qualifying matches due to Argentina's World Cup hero problematic given the associa- Al Khater speaking during the launch of the 12th Player with ending three years of tur- suspension. Diego Maradona said he was tion's financial difficulties, Tournament for Football Fan Associations in Doha on moil in the Argentine game. After a defeat to Bolivia last ready to lead an appeal to FIFA though on Monday he appeared Monday. Right: Qatari football legend, Mansour Muftah. "We have reached a verbal month, Argentina dropped to against Messi's ban. But it is rare to have found a solution. agreement. We have told fifth place in the regional table for the sport's governing world "We have a coach who has Edgardo Bauza that he is no -- out of the top-four automatic body to repeal a suspension. a cancellation clause. These con- longer the coach of Argentina," qualifying positions. Messi threatened to quit the tracts are not cheap," he said last Aspire Zone unveils the AFA's new president Clau- FIFA hit Messi with a four- national team last year after they week. dio Tapia told reporters after match ban last month for lost on penalties to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final. tourney for football That crisis prompted then- coach Gerardo Martino to quit and be replaced by Bauza, who fan associations left Brazilian club Sao Paulo to take up the post. Various other The Peninsula donating a car as part of the possible replacements such as tournament’s grand prize draw. Mauricio Pochettino of Totten- spire Zone Foundation “We announce the launch ham Hotspur and Diego Simeone (AZF) on Monday of ‘The 12th Player’ tournament of Atletico Madrid reportedly Alaunched the 12th Player that will take place from April turned down the job. Tournament for Football Fan 15-26 here in Doha. We’re Bauza is the shortest-serv- Associations in Doha. thrilled to add another event to ing Argentina coach since 1974. The new competition will AZF’s community sporting cal- During eight months with feature 16 teams from local, endar that’s geared towards him in charge, Argentina won regional and international fan celebrating local and interna- three matches and lost three, associations in Doha as well as tional football fan associations with two draws. an appearance from one of in recognition of their passion The team has been under- This file photo taken on Qatar’s greatest football leg- for the sport, Al Khater said” mined by a broader crisis March 23, 2017 shows ends, Mansour Muftah. Each team will consist of afflicting the Argentina game, Argentina's coach Edgardo AZF Events Manager Abdul- seven players and a goalkeeper tangled up with politics. Bauza before the start of lah Al Khater announced the in addition to six substitutes. A power struggle broke out their 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament’s partners, which Quarter-finals that will be AFA President Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia leaves the AFA premises after the death of former AFA qualifier match against Chile include Doha Bank as the played on April 22, while the president Julio Grondona in Golden Partner and Saleh Al semi-final matches will take after meeting with Argentina's coach Edgardo Bauza's at the Monumental Stadium 2014. Hamad Al Mana (Nissan) as the place on April 24, before the representative, in Buenos Aires, on Monday. in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Maradona last year branded Silver Partner. The latter will be final on April 26. WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL 2017 SPORT 31 Seven Russians receive Bolt inspired me to break world record, green light for Worlds says Van Niekerk London under the 43sec mark. Paris Sergey Maria AFP "I got to realise we are AFP Shubenkov Kuchina all human beings and that raining with Jamaican what's possible for him (Bolt) orld champion hurdler athletics legend Usain is possible for me," said Van Sergey Shubenkov TBolt gave Wayde van Niekerk referring to the Wand high-jumper Niekerk the self-belief he three weeks he spent train- Maria Kuchina are among seven could break Michael John- ing with Bolt last year. Russian athletes granted permis- son's 400 metres world "His environment is no sion to compete as neutrals record, he told The Times different to ours. That was a while the Russian track and field yesterday. massive confidence-booster. team is banned for doping, the The 24-year-old South "A window opened. Why IAAF said yesterday. African duly delivered in not achieve what they can? "I wish to thank the Doping perhaps the performance of When the clock stopped at Review Board for their contin- last year's athletics at the 43.03 I had no choice but to ued dedication and diligence in Olympics in Rio posting a think of going under 43. assessing these applications," time of 43.03 in the final to "To dream of 43.02 said IAAF president Sebastian Russia's athletics team was team to the world championships champion Shubenkov was smash Johnson's 17 year old would make no sense." Coe, clearing the seven to take barred wholesale from the Rio this summer -- Russia has been damning then of the IAAF's pro- mark of 43.18. Van Niekerk, though, is part in international competi- Olympics last summer because barred from international track longed ban on the Russian team. Van Niekerk conceded hoping he can emulate John- tion, including the world of widespread doping that the and field competition since "They said we have a chance with Bolt due to bow out son's feat at the 1995 World championships in London in World Anti-Doping Agency November 2015. to compete as neutrals but for after the World Athletics Championships in Gothen- August. (WADA) says was After the IAAF move in Feb- some reason we still do not com- Championships in London in burg and achieve the The other Russians deemed state-sponsored. ruary, Russian Deputy Prime pete," he said in February. August he is not the man to 200m/400m double in to be drug-free and named Moscow has repeatedly Minister Vitaly Mutko said that The three other Russian ath- replace him as the poster London. Tuesday to run under a neutral denied allegations it was Russian athletics coaches "don't letes given the green light to boy or showman of the sport. However, he has to hope flag are: Illia Mudrov (pole involved, but WADA has said the understand how to work with- compete internationally by the "A lot of people say, the International Association vault); Sergey Shirobokov (race cheating extended to multiple out doping". IAAF earlier this year were pole 'Wayde, you need to be more of Athletics Federations walks); Daniil Tsyplakov (high Olympic sports from the Sum- The IAAF said then that Rus- vaulter Anzhelika Sidorova, of an entertainer'," said the (IAAF) agree to his request jump); Olga Mullina (pole vault); mer and Winter Games over sian progress over doping was sprinter Kristina Sivkova and athlete coached by 74-year- at their Council meeting on and Yana Smerdova (race several years. mixed, pointing to "unhelpful hammer thrower Aleksei old grandmother Anna Wednesday and Thursday in walks). In total this year 10 applica- public comments recently made Sokirskii. Botha. London to amend the The Doping Review Board tions from Russian athletes have by some Russian sporting offi- They too all met the "excep- "I am not that type but I schedule. of the IAAF (International Asso- been approved and 17 have been cials" -- a possible reference to tional eligibility criteria". see qualities I share with "I am a 100, 200 and 400 ciation of Athletics Federations) declined, as the IAAF attempts the outspoken Mutko, who is Coe had said previously that Usain Bolt, and that brings a athlete so will dream for every "unanimously accepted" the to clean up athletics. close to Russian President the Russian team could not be form of comfort even if it record there is," said Van applications of the seven, the In February the IAAF Vladimir Putin. reintegrated into the sport won't sell T-shirts." Niekerk, who revealed he IAAF said in a statement. extended the ban on Russia's Reigning 110m hurdles world before November. However, he acknowl- took his mind off a painful edges the role the hamstring prior to the 400m 30-year-old30-year-old sprinter played final by watching his beloved in instilling the belief in him Liverpool beat he could threaten JoJJohnson'shnson's ArArsenalsenal in tthehe worldworld recordrecordd andand onceonce hehe PremierP r emm ier End of the road for 50km Olympic walk? hadhad donedone thatthaat toto taketakke itt League.LLeaguee.

Paris Despite the event's endangered sta- AFP tus three-time European gold medallist Yohann Diniz spoke out in its defence. thletics' governing body will meet "The audience it pulls in is very good, in London today and tomorrow it works better even than the marathon. Ato assess Russia's progress in The 50km walk throws up so many twists stamping out doping and whether the and turns, improbable scenarios. 50km walk has come to the end of the "And it's an event which truly repre- Olympic road. sents the Olympic spirit in all its Also at the meeting, the IAAF wants splendour, not the business that the to discuss ending the practice of African Olympics has turned into," the French- athletes switching allegiances. man said. The stamina-sapping walking event The 1980 Moscow Games 50km walk has been on the Games menu since Los champion Maurizio Damilano, president Angeles in 1932 but is suffering from of the event's body, hopes a compromise dwindling viewer interest and allega- can be found for 2020. tions of doping, especially among And it has a friend in the Japanese, Russian competitors, leaving the disci- according to a source close to the Tokyo pline vulnerable for the 2020 Tokyo Games organising committee, which Games. intends to fight to retain the discipline. The 2016 Rio 50km walk winner, Irrespective of its fate the 20km men Russia's Sergey Kirdyapkin, was stripped and women races will figure in Tokyo, of his gold after he was found guilty of but in the guise of 21.097km half mara- doping. thon walks.

Tennis for charity Age no barrier as Haas downs Opelka in Houston

Los Angeles Tommy Haas AFP

Experience trumped youth on Monday as 39-year-old Tommy Haas defeated 19-year- old Reilly Opelka 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3 in the first round of the ATP clay court tournament in Hou- ston, Texas. "It's nice to win these matches, especially against the young guys who are going to be around for a long time," said Ger- many's Haas, a former world number two who is now semi- The ATP said the age dispar- as tournament director at Indian retired from the tour. ity between Haas and Opelka Wells, Haas said he's not on a "The nerves when you're try- was one of the biggest in a tour nostalgia tour. ing to win a match are something match in recent years. He'll be aiming to upset top- Swiss tennis superstar Roger Federer (second left) and world number one Britain's Andy you can't practice. You can run In 2011, an 18-year-old seeded American Jack Sock in the Murray (centre) celebrate at the end of a charity match "The Match for Africa 3", played in all day on the treadmill, be in the Dominic Thiem beat 44-year-old second round. AyZurich on Monday. "The Match for Africa 3", is the third charity tennis event for the Roger gym a lot, but you can't substi- Thomas Muster in Vienna. "I don't know any other way, AyFederer Foundation, that provides funding to children living in poverty to help them realise tute that for match play," he Although he's competing in to be honest," Haas said. "If I'm Ay.their Pic: potentials Qassim / The and Peninsula also supports educational projects in seven countries→ See also in southern page 26 Africa added.. his final season on the ATP tour, not trying to win the match and as well as Switzerland. "Hopefully I can recover well and has already turned his atten- play to the best of my ability, then and be ready for Wednesday." tion to pursuits such as serving I don't see the point."