SPORT Friday 19 April 2019 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Spurs ‘still Pakistan leave in a dream’ Amir out of after win: preliminary Pochettino World Cup squad Djokovic, Nadal cruise into Monte Carlo quarters

AFP He next faces Guido Pella, who MONTE CARLO ATP MONTE CARLO defeated Italy’s Marco Cecchinato MASTERS RESULTS 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Top seed Novak Djokovic and Third seed Alexander Zverev 11-time champion Rafael Nadal Third Round suffered another early exit as he showed no mercy in dominating lost 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 to 2013 semi- wins to power into the Monte Carlo Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) finalist Fabio Fognini, while Masters quarter-finals yesterday. bt Taylor Fritz (USA) 6-3, 6-0 French Open runner-up Djokovic extended his winning Daniil Medvedev (RUS Dominic Thiem was streak against US players with a x10) bt Stefanos Tsitsipas blown away by 6-3, 6-0 defeat of Taylor Fritz. (GRE x6) 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 Dusan Lajovic. The two-time tournament Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt The Serb reeled 20 as a result after champion has now won nine in a Dominic Thiem (AUT x4) 6-3, off five straight he beat Tsitsipas row over Americans since losing 6-3 games to complete for the fourth time in at Wimbledon in 2016 to Sam Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) bt a 6-3, 6-3 win over as many attempts. Querrey. Cameron Norrie (GBR) 6-2, 7-5 Indian Wells champion “This was a great “It was very challenging to play Borna Coric (CRO x9) bt Thiem, who had beaten achievement for me,” Medvedev in these (windy) conditions,” Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) Lajovic on six previous occasions. said. “Everything was perfect Djokovic said. “Taylor just flattens 6-4, 6-2 World number one Djokovic today.” the ball. Fabio Fognini (ITA x13) bt will be playing his ninth quarter- Ranked a career-high 14th, “We had five, six close games Alexander Zverev (GER x3) 7-6 final here from 13 appearances at Medvedev credits his rising form in the first set, I just managed to (8/6), 6-1 his home event. to a renewed dedication to the break his resistance midway Guido Pella (ARG) bt Djokovic turned in a steady sport. through. After that, things went Marco Cecchinato (ITA x11) performance while his opponent “I’ve been working hard for the on my side and I felt more com- 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 committed nearly 30 unforced past 18 months - since before the fortable. This was one of these Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt errors in 68 minutes. start of 2018. I’ve dedicated my days where you just have to hang Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 6-4, 6-1 Sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas life to tennis, which I did not do in there and try to put an extra ball earlier lost 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 as Daniil before,” he said. back in the court - that was Medvedev continued his run of “I had my best season last year enough.” champion started his clay season form. The Russian will next line up - hopefully this year will be better.” Nadal repeated last year’s this week after missing a month against Djokovic after losing to him The Russian reached his first semi-final win over Grigor Dimitrov, with another knee problem and in January in the Australian Open quarter-final at the Masters 1000 beating the Bulgarian for the 12th has title-holder points to defend fourth round. level after winning his second time, 6-4, 6-1. here plus Barcelona, Rome and Tsitsipas was caught on the match against a Top 10 opponent. “I’m very, very happy, this is Roland Garros. back foot facing three match Tsitsipas, runner-up last an important victory for me,” the The king of clay is bidding for points as he trailed 0-40 on his season to Nadal in Toronto, suf- second seed said after winning his a 12th trophy in the principality. serve late in the third set. fered his eighth defeat of the 23rd consecutive set at the His record at the event is a stag- After saving the first two, the season against 18 wins and will try tournament. gering 70-4. Greek botched the third to seal his and lift his game next week on the “Grigor is a super talent and is Nadal spent almost an hour in exit after an hour and clay of Barcelona. very dangerous. It was a positive securing the first set but picked up three-quarters. Italian qualifier Lorenzo Serbia’s Novak Djokovic plays a backhand return during the match for me. the pace in the second as he ran Medvedev increased his leading Sonego defeated Britain’s Cameron Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series tournament in Monaco, Spain’s 17-time Grand Slam out the winner. total of ATP season match wins to Norrie 6-2, 7-5. yesterday.

FIBA 3x3 World Tour: Novi Sad extend Mumbai Indians unbeaten run with big wins in Doha thrash Delhi CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA Doha’s Moustafa Essam Fouda (right) dribbles during Capitals by 40 runs the Pool B game against Serbian powerhouse Novi Sad Tokyo, on the opening extended their unbeaten run AGENCIES dangerous Colin Munro (3) day of the FIBA 3x3 World from last year with two more NEW DELHI as Delhi were never really Tour – Doha 2019 at Katara wins on the opening day of the in the chase on a low and Amphitheatre, yesterday. FIBA 3x3 World Tour – Doha Rishabh Pant had started slow Kotla wicket. 2019 being held at Katara Delhi Capitals’ journey in Earlier, Hardik Pandya Amphitheatre, yesterday. the 12th edition of the Indian (32 off 15 balls) and Krunal Novi Sad outplayed Doha Premier League by (37*) provided the late order 22-6 to record their first win smashing Mumbai Indians flourish as Mumbai Indians yesterday. pacer Jasprit Bumrah all scored 168/5 in their 20 Doha, who were given a over the park in their overs. wildcard due to Qatar’s host- opening encounter in Having bowled a disci- status in the opening round of the Mumbai. But Bumrah got his plined line and length Tour, had the services of Elhadj revenge at the Feroz Shah through the innings, the DC Seydou, Moustafa Essam Fouda, Kotla yesterday as he sent bowlers lost the plot in the Nedim Muslic and Ousseynou Pant’s off-stump for a walk last five overs as the MI Ndiaye. in the park. batsmen picked 64 runs. Novi Sad later followed up With that ended DC’s While Krunal was the with another impressive show hope as they finished on anchor during the 54-run which saw them defeating Tokyo 128/9, losing the game by 40 partnership, Hardik once 22-7 in Pool B. runs. again showed why he is Top seeds Liman, who won Chasing 169, DC made a such a dangerous batsman three Masters last year, defeated mess of the target after in the death overs as he used Qatar’s Katara 21-11 in the both of their Group C games The semi-finals will begin OPENING DAY'S RESULTS Shikhar Dhawan was dis- the long handle to excellent opening game of the two-day yesterday. at 6.55pm, followed by the final missed for 35 in the 7th over effect to dig out the low full event. They beat Riga 19-17 in a which tips off at 8.20pm. Liman beat Katara 22 - 11 of the innings by Rahul tosses and attempted Katara team consists of Bobo thrilling match before owerpow- The FIBA 3x3 World Tour is Novi Sad beat Doha 22 - 6 Chahar. yorkers and sent them over Magassa, Aaron Randolph ering Moscow with a same the pinnacle event of an ‘open’ Balanga beat Riga 19-17 After a quality start of the ropes till Kagiso Rabada Mitchell, Abdulrahman Mohamed margin. network of FIBA-endorsed 3x3 48/0 in the first six overs, dismissed him off the third Piran beat Mount-Royal 22 - 13 Saad and Fadi Abilmona. Moscow lost their next game tournaments. Dhawan’s wicket opened ball of the 20th over. Despite the convincing win to Riga 12-17 as they lost the The 2019 season consists of Pasig beat Katara 21-14 the floodgates as Chahar against the hosts, the defending opportunity to advance. 11 Masters tournaments which Tokyo beat Doha 19-13 kept picking wickets and Brief Scores: champions, Liman went down Today, Pasig meet Riga in the will culminate with the FIBA 3x3 Balanga beat Moscow 20-19 finished with figures of 3/19 to Pasig Chooks from The Phil- first quarter-final at 4.45pm at World Tour Final on November Ljubljana beat Mount-Royal 17-12 from his four overs. Mumbai Indians: 168/5 ippines, 16-19 in Pool A. the same venue. Balanga, Liman, 2-3 in Utsunomiya, Japan. Pasig beat Liman 19-16 While Chahar sent back in 20 overs (Krunal Pandya Balanga, also from the Phil- Tokyo and yesterday’s heroes The tour now moves to Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw (20) 37n.o.; Rabada 2/38) Novi Sad beat Tokyo 22-7 liphines, booked their place in Novi Sad have also made it to the Chengdu, in China’s Sichuan and skipper Shreyas Iyer (3), Delhi Capitals: 128/9 today’s quarter-finals by winning last-eight stage. province for the second leg. Riga beat Moscow 17-12 Krunal Pandya sent back the (Axar 26; Chahar 3/19) FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2019 SPORT 17

Sheikh Joaan participates in Olympic Refuge Foundation Executive Office meeting

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani speaks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Dr Thomas Bach on the sidelines of the third meeting of the Olympic Refuge Foundation Executive Office, which was held in Lausanne, Switzerland . The meeting was chaired by Dr Thomas Bach, who is also the Chairperson of the Olympic Refuge Foundation. The meeting was attended by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, who is also Vice-Chairperson of the Foundation. heT meeting was also attended by Honorary Member of the Foundation, Dr Jacques Rogge, member of the Foundation and President of World Taekwondo Dr Chungwon Choue, member of the first Refugee Olympic Team at the Olympic Games Rio 2016, Yiech Pur Biel and other members of the Executive Office. RIGHT: H E Sheikh Joaan poses for a group photo with other officials.

Qatar 12th edition of SOP concludes with Manateq pulsating finals at Aspire Academy Baja round four begins THE PENINSULA DOHA today The players and officials of Ibn Taymiyyah Independent Ibn Taymiyyah Independent Secondary School celebrate with the trophy as officials QNA Secondary School grabbed top applaud them after the final at Aspire Dome, yesterday. DOHA honours as the 12th edition of the School Olympic Program (SOP) The fourth round of the concluded with thrilling finals at local championship Qatar Aspire Dome yesterday. Manateq Baja Rally will Top officials including kick off today, with the Jassem Al Buainain, Secretary- championship set to General of the Qatar Olympic witness the participation Committee (QOC), Dr Ibrahim of local drivers as well as Bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, Undersec- drivers from Kuwait, retary of the Ministry of Edu- Oman and Russia. cation, and Qatar national The event will start football team’s stars Akram Afif, with the technical Salem Al Hajri and Tariq Sulaiman inspection of the partici- were among the high number of pating cars and the spectators, who watched five announcement of the final thrilling finals among the list of the participating schoolboys. teams, which are yet up to The title-deciding matches 15 contestants. The rally’s played yesterday included finals organisers will meet with of football, basketball, volleyball, drivers and their assistants gymnastics and tennis to give them guidance on tournaments. the rally and the paths. Ibn Taymiyyah secured the Program. We are always keen to edition will be the best,” he “We are pleased with this team and the participation of Qatar Manateq Baja coveted football title after edging distinguish the School Olympic concluded. special day and with the great students in this celebration espe- Rally will be held in the out Palestine School 1-0 fol- Program, which started in 2007 Secretary-General of QSF, Ali attendance of all officials and the cially as they represent role southern desert of Sealine lowing an interesting battle. as one of the projects that is the Al Hitmi praised young athletes various schools in the five finals,” models for these young players with 124 km long and Expressing his delight on the legacy of the Asian Games 2006. and thanked all the top officials said Al Hitmi. and such attendance has a good includes two repeated success of latest edition, Al The program is supported by the who made the finals a “It was also a special day in and distinctive reaction of stu- phases, the first at 9:30am Buainain praised the level of leadership of the Qatar Olympic resounding success. the presence of the stars of our dents,” he added. and 62 km, and the second competition and motivation Committee,” said the top QOC at 12.00. The fourth round among young competitors during official. is expected to witness the finals. “School sports are among the strong competition from 15 “It was great to see these priorities of the Qatar Olympic teams to win the T1, T2 and youngsters competing with such Committee. We strive to achieve T3 categories. a passion. All the hard work by the program’s strategic objectives, A number of leading School Olympic Program has achieve future sports excellence The School Olympic drivers, led by Sheikh started paying dividend,” Al and spread sports in various Program is part Hamad bin Eid Al Thani, Buainain said on the sidelines of fields in Qatar,” he added. Mohammed Al Meer, the finals. Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Al of Qatar National Mohammed Al Attiyah, “The School Olympic Muftah, Executive Director of Vision 2030 and I Rashid Al Mohannadi, Program is part of Qatar National Qatar Sports Federation (QSF), am very happy that Jamal Fakhro, Abdullah Al Vision 2030 and I am very happy said the organisers achieved it is progressing Rabban, Ahmed Alloh, that it is progressing well. This their target with another suc- Mohammed Al Hargan and edition turned out to be a huge cessful edition of SOP. well. This edition Omani Abdulaziz Al Bashir success,” he added. “We are pleased with what turned out to be are participating. The QOC Secretary-General has been achieved not only on a huge success: The fourth round is also thanked Ministry of Edu- the final day, but in the program Jassem Al Buainain cation and Higher Education, and in general. It is a great success expected to witness Aspire for their cooperation. which will continue to give pos- strong competition “We are delighted to partner itive results in the future,” said QOC Secretary-General Jassem Al from 15 teams to win with the Ministry of Education Al Muftah. Buainain (front, left) arrives for finals the T1, T2 and T3 and Higher Education. We also “This success brings us more categories. thank Aspire for hosting the responsibility to deliver the best along with other officials. finals of the School Olympic in the next stage and the next Joshua-Miller fight off after New York denies licence

AFP of his positive doping case. However on Tuesday it the California State Athletic was scrambling to find an alter- LOS ANGELES “The New York State Athletic emerged Miller had tested pos- Commission after testing positive native opponent. Commission has denied Jarrell itive for a banned substance fol- for methylhexaneamine when “I am on the search for a new Jarrell Miller was denied a Miller’s professional boxing lowing a test conducted by the kickboxing in 2014. opponent,” Hearn said. licence to box by the New York license application for a violation Voluntary Anti-Doping Associ- During their promotional “Literally anyone can get it. State Athletic Commission relating to the use of a prohibited ation (VADA) on March 20. tour for the fight, Miller revealed There are some names that (NYSAC) over a failed drug test, substance. We have no further “We have been informed by that both fighters had agreed to would appeal to our partners -- scuppering his planned June 1 comment at this time,” the com- VADA that there has been an between 10 and 12 weeks of drug DAZN, Sky Sports and Madison bout with world heavyweight mission said. adverse finding in Jarrell Miller’s testing in the build-up to the bout. Square Garden -- more than champion Anthony Joshua. Miller, who is undefeated in sample collected on March 20th, ESPN reported that Joshua others and it’s our job to get the In a statement quoted by US his 24 professional fights, was due 2019,” Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s still planned to make his US ones that appeal most. I’ve media outlets, the NYSAC said to take on the Briton at Madison promoter, tweeted. debut as planned in June for spoken to 16 heavyweights in the Miller was barred from fighting Square Garden for the WBA, IBF Miller previously served a what will be his seventh title last 24 hours, 10 of which are not Anthony Joshua in the state following the news and WBO titles on June 1. nine-month ban from defence. Promoter Hearn said he suitable.” 18 SPORT FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2019

Not much CL failures excitement haunt as Juve set Guardiola to clinch as City fall another title short again

REUTERS AFP MILAN MANCHESTER

Juventus should finally wrap up Another season will pass without an eighth successive Serie A title Champions League glory for Pep tomorrow but it will be little Guardiola’s Manchester City, but few more than a consolation prize will forget the manner in which the to the Turin side following their quest for a historic quadruple was Champions League exit. Tottenham Hotspur’s Spanish striker ended by a combination of At the same time, opponents Fernando Llorente (foreground) celebrates Tottenham Hotspur and VAR. Fiorentina, without a win for after scoring his team’s third goal during Spurs survived a seven-goal two months, will have their the UEFA Champions League quarter-final thriller on Wednesday night at the minds elsewhere as they con- second leg match against Manchester City Etihad, losing the battle 4-3 but centrate on their Coppa Italia on Wednesday. winning the war on away goals campaign which offers the thanks to their 1-0 victory in the first chance to win their first sil- leg a titanic quarter-final tie. verware since 2001. A match that saw City lead 1-0, Juve need a point tomorrow Spurs ‘still in a dream’ trail 2-1, then forge ahead 4-2 to lead to clinch the title with five the tie for the first time before matches to spare. Even if they Fernando Llorente’s controversial lose, they will have another decisive goal was allowed to stand chance on Monday, when after a VAR check for handball, second-placed Napoli, who are after win: Pochettino brought one final twist in stoppage 17 points behind, would still time. need to beat Atalanta to prolong REUTERS In their first European Cup Guardiola scampered down the the contest. LONDON semi-final appearance since touchline in celebration when The lack of anticipation 1961-62, Tottenham will face Raheem Sterling thought he had around tomorrow’s match sums Tottenham Hotspur manager Ajax Amsterdam, with the first completed his hat-trick with the goal up a strange Serie A season in Mauricio Pochettino says his It means a lot to reach the semi-finals. leg scheduled in London at their to take City into the semi-finals for which Juventus, spearheaded by players are ‘still in a dream’ We still haven’t realised because we are new 62,000-capacity stadium just the second time. Cristiano Ronaldo, have been after reaching the Champions still in a dream. We’re still in a bubble. on April 30. Seconds later, delirium turned to utterly dominant without League semi-finals in dramatic “We need to be humble. No disbelief, as Guardiola sank to his playing particularly well. fashion but expects his side to We can feel the happiness of our fans, one expected us to beat City. It knees in the realisation that VAR had Their signing of the five- be ready for tomorrow’s crucial also through the messages of family and can give massive belief but if revealed an offside earlier in the times World Player of the Year Premier League clash against friends: Mauricio Pochettino you are not clever enough to move. in July was initially seen as a Manchester City. manage it, that victory can Guardiola described the exit as boost for Serie A which has been Spurs lost 4-3 in a classic make you weaker,” said “cruel.” struggling to attract the world’s encounter against City in realised because we are still in top-four for a fourth consec- Pochettino. Winning the Champions League biggest players. Wednesday’s quarter-final a dream. We’re still in a bubble. utive season. “It’s so important to respect remains the grail for the club’s Abu But Ronaldo’s ability to second leg, but went through We can feel the happiness of “In 10 days to play three Ajax. Beating Real Madrid and Dhabi owners after a decade of conjure goals out of nothing has on away goals after the tie fin- our fans, also through the mes- games... everybody thinks we Juventus means they are more pouring money into the club, but no often allowed to Juventus to win ished 4-4 on aggregate. sages of family and friends. know each other better now favourites than us -- that is a one can say they were not matches without really exerting It was a gripping spectacle “But because we are so but there is not much time to reality.” entertained. themselves and, in others, right until the final few minutes focused and busy preparing for train or prepare,” Pochettino The Champions League For the much-lauded Catalan snatch wins they have not really when City had a stoppage-time Saturday, you do not allow added. final takes place on June 1 in coach, though, the elimination con- deserved. goal from Raheem Sterling, yourself to live your reality. Our “We need to assess some Madrid and Pochettino has not tinues a pattern of Champions Fiorentina, meanwhile, are which would have sent them job is to be focused and con- players, we need to assess ruled out the chance of striker League anguish since he won the title one of several exasperating Serie through, ruled out for offside centrated and use all the tools some players that cannot be Harry Kane recovering from an for a second time with his great Bar- A outfits who threaten to offer a after a VAR review. to be ready for Saturday possible to play. ankle injury to play in it, should celona team in 2011. challenge to the bigger teams “We are all tired after an (tomorrow).” “That is the most they beat Ajax. Guardiola’s Barca reign ended in before slumping into amazing, crazy and unbe- Spurs, currently third in important... to try to take the “We are going to assess semi-final defeat to Chelsea in 2012 mediocrity. lievable night,” Pochettino told the league, return to the best decision and to provide him day by day. We are not and there were last four exits in each They boast plenty of talented a news conference yesterday. Etihad Stadium tomorrow as the team with energy to be optimistic but you know Harry of his three seasons at Bayern young players such as forward “It means a lot to reach the they hope to boost their possible to fight and challenge Kane - with Harry Kane, all is Munich. Giovanni Simeone -- the son of semi-finals. We still haven’t chances of finishing in the for the three points.” possible,” he added. The upturn in City’s standards Atletico Madrid coach Diego -- since he arrived in 2016 is unques- and Federico Chiesa. tionable, and they could still com- Yet they have struggled to plete an unprecedented treble of turn dominance of matches into Premier League, FA Cup and League wins, and their record of 16 Cup in England. draws in 32 league matches, plus Klopp focuses on Cardiff as However, it is for Champions their position in the table -- 10th League success that Guardiola was out of 20 -- sums up a mediocre pursued so long by City, and in three season. attempts he has failed to even reach Their frustration came to a Messi looms for Liverpool the semi-finals. head two weeks ago when, after Guardiola has consistently played a home defeat to lowly AFP unbelievably strong teams.” incredible Champions League down City’s potential as a European Frosinone, the club issued a PORTO It is six years since Barca defeat against Tottenham powerhouse in his three years in statement criticising the team lost at home in the Champions Hotspur when they play the charge, contrasting their lack of his- and coach Stefano Pioli resigned Jurgen Klopp (pictured) might League, but Liverpool need to London club again tomorrow. toric success to Barca, Bayern and in protest, saying his “human be steeling himself for some We play again in ensure they remain in the tie Despite the games coming Real Madrid. and professional” qualities had sleepless nights as he tries to three days, so we fly before the return at Anfield on thick and fast, Liverpool But it is Monaco, Liverpool and been questioned. work out how to stop Lionel tomorrow and make May 7. emerged from their trip to the now a Spurs side 16 points adrift of In his place, Vincenzo Mon- Messi, but for now the German ourselves ready “It is our dream. Every Estadio do Dragao in great City in the Premier League, that have tella has returned for a second can be delighted at seeing his single player wants to play this shape. sent his expensively assembled squad stint, having led Fiorentina to Liverpool side extend their for another intense kind of game in their lives,” Klopp rotated his squad, packing in the Champions League. three successive fourth-placed outstanding record in football game: admitted Mane, yet Klopp will with Divock Origi making a A common theme has been City’s finishes during his previous European ties under his Jurgen Klopp have to come up with a plan rare start while Roberto poor defensive record. Monaco spell. management. to deal with the brilliant Messi. Firmino and Jordan Hend- scored three times in both legs in the The bright spot has been Having won 2-0 at home the Europa League in 2016 “Thank God I don’t have erson were only used as last 16 in 2017, Liverpool thrice in 31 Fiorentina’s Coppa Italia cam- in the first leg, Liverpool and Real Madrid in last sea- to think about that tonight,” substitutes. minutes to take a decisive lead in last paign which has taken them to always knew that an early son’s Champions League. Klopp joked on Wednesday. In addition, Joe Gomez season’s quarter-final and, even the semi-finals. They visit Ata- away goal in the second leg of “I know people like to be “I have a few more nights came off the bench for his first shorn of Harry Kane, Tottenham lanta for the second leg next their quarter-final against FC disrespectful to a team like to think about that. Everybody top-team appearance since became just the second visiting side Thursday following a 3-3 draw Porto at the Estadio do Dragao Porto, but we knew how dif- tried it so far and nobody can suffering a leg fracture in this season to score three at the in the first. would effectively kill the tie. ficult it is and we won 2-0 at do it. December. Etihad. Montella said on his arrival So it proved, as after sur- home, it was deserved, and “We still will try it. We are “In the last third of the Guardiola will contend that is that he sensed the air of dis- viving a barrage of early here anything could have hap- looking forward to it but we season you see the finish line why his approach for the first leg was content among the club’s fans. pressure in northern Portugal pened,” Klopp said. have so many jobs to do already but you need a little more conservative, but the lack of “In Florence, we need on Wednesday, Sadio Mane’s “We dealt really well with before we meet Barcelona. bit of luck with injuries,” an away goal ultimately cost him. synergy between the fans, media 26th-minute strike broke it. In the Let’s first playpy these ggames admitted Klopp. and the team,” he said. Porto heartsarts and set Liverpool qquarter-uarter- andand then let’s prepareprepare “We play again in three “I ask them to trust in my on their wayway to a 4-1 win on finfinalsa l s Barcelona.”Barcelona.” days, so we fly tomorrow and enthusiasm and to only protest the night.. therethere The focusfocus nownow revertsreverts make ourselves ready for if we deserve it.” Havingng won 3-1 at BaBayernyern area r e backback to tthehe PremPremierier another intense football “There is always a sense of Munich inn thethe lastlast round,round, herehere onlonlyy League,League, with Liverpool game.” disappointment after a change was anotherher statement awaawayy twotwo points clear of MaMan-n- Cardiff boosted their sur- of coach especially for players victory foror thethe AnfieldAnfield clubclub chesterchester City at thethe summit vival hopes with a 2-0 win at who got on so well with Pioli. after theyey lost all three havinghaving playedplayed a game more. Brighton and Hove Albion on However, in football you need matches onon thethe roadroad in tthehe Klopp’sKlopp’s squad stastayedyed in Por-Por- Tuesday. to turn over a new leaf quickly group stage.age. tugaltugal on WeWednesdaydnesday nightnight “Cardiff is completely and the lads want to turn around Kloppp reremainsmains unbeaten beforebefore returningreturning home to back in the race with that this negative trend.” after 10 two-leggedwo-legged European start preparations forfor Sun-Sun- result so they will fight for it.” ties as Liverpooliverpool manager,manager, day’sday’s visit to relegationrelegation bat-bat- However, after this latest Juve need a point with twoo comincomingg againstagainst tlerstlers Cardiff CitCity.y. victory -- their eighth in a row tomorrow to clinch the Porto. By tthenhen ttheyhey coucouldld -- Liverpool have the title with five matches He hhasas onlonlyy be behind PepPep Guar-Guar- momentum as they dream of been stoppedpped diola’sdiola’s City side,side, winning the league and the to spare. in finals,als, who wiwillll look European Cup in the same Pep Guardiola againstt toto avengeavenge season, something they last Sevilla inn theirtetheir achieved back in 1984. FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2019 SPORT 19 World Cup: Pakistan leave Proteas recall off-form Amla

Amir out of preliminary squad REUTERS CAPE TOWN

AFP expected of him,” said squad subject to fully recov-- South Africa have included off-form opening LAHORE Inzamam, who was part of ering from a fractured thumbb PAKISTANPAKISTA SQUAD batsman Hashim Amla in their squad for the Pakistan’s World Cup winning injury he sustained duringg Cricket World Cup in England and Wales starting Pakistan selectors yesterday team in 1992. the Pakistan Super Leaguee Sarfraz AhmeAhmedd (captain) next month, but there is no place for all-rounder left out pace spearhead Amir is included in the (PSL) in February this year. MohammadMohamma Hafeez Chris Morris. Mohammad Amir (pictured) 17-man squad for the five- There was a surprisee (subject(subject tot fitness) Amla’s selection has been the topic of hot from the preliminary 15-man match one-day series against World Cup call-up forr debate. He has been a stalwart at the top of the squad foror next monthmonth’s s World England from May 55-19,-19, andand 19-year-old19-year-old rookiero e FakharFakh Zaman order for the last decade, but his form in all Cup to bebe heldheld in England.England. can regainregain hhisis WorWorldld Cup fastfast bbowlero r Imam-ul-HaqIma formats has been called into question in the past Thee 27-27-year-oldyear-old hashas beenbeen placeplace iiff hehe performsperforms wewell.ll. MohammadMohamm d ShadabSha Khan year. in wretchedetched formform sincesince “We“We havehave includedincluded Hasnain,Hasnain, whoo In One-Day International cricket he has guidingg PakistanPakistan to win over Amir for the England bowledbowled at 150kph15 h ImadIm Wasim managed a single century in his previous 16 India in the Champions series with a hope that he in tthehe PPSLSL eearlierr BabarBa Azam innings, dating back to the start of 2018, at an trophy finalfinal in June 2017, with regainsregains his rhythm and thisthis year. ShoaibSho Malik average of 35.26. just fourur wickets in 14 wwicket-takingicket-taking ababilityility in the “Hasnain“Hasn He was given the opportunity to find form matches.es. series,”series,” said Inzamam. is excitingexcit HarisHa Sohail in domestic cricket over the last few weeks, but Butt the Allrounder and can beb a Hasan Ali has a top-score of 32 in six innings, failing to left-arma rm MohammadMohammad HaHafeezfeez surprises urpr Abid Ali reach double-figures in three of those. fastt waswas includedincluded in the packagepackage oof thee Morris’s exclusion as an all-rounder is a bowler, WorldWorld CuCupp WorldWorld CCup,”” JunaidJun Khan surprise given his form in the Indian Premier who said InzamamInza m FaheemFahee Ashraf League and his death-bowling ability, but the missed ofof the pacpaceman,e n, ShaheenShaheen ShahSh Afridi selectors have instead opted for Dwaine Pre- the who plplayedd torius and Andile Phehlukwayo, with only MohammadMohamma Hasnain 2011 ththreeree onone-daye y one of those ever likely to play at any given and internationalsinternatio s time. 2015 againstagainst AustralAustralia last Fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje Worldd month,month, tatakingking two Opener Abid Ali, 31, also one-day matches against were both injury doubts, but have been selected, Cup duee to wickets.wickets. earned a call-up after scoring county teams before taking with the former especially crucial to the side a five-yearyear ban SarfrazSarfraz AhmedAh a debut hundred against on England in the five-match given his wicket-taking ability and economy in on matchatch fixing wwillill lead botbothh the Australia. ODI series from May 5. the opening overs. imposeded in 2010, has a squads. The squad is largely com- They will play two Rassie van der Dussen, who only made his lifelinee as teateamsms cacann be AnotherAnother left- prised of young players, with warm-up World Cup games debut for the side in January but averages 88.25 changeded until May 23 -- arm pacer,pa only a handful of veterans -- against Afghanistan on May from his eight ODI innings, was chosen ahead seven daysdays before the ten- 29-year-old29-year Sarfraz and Haris Sohail, who 24 and Bangladesh on May 26, of Reeza Hendricks, while test opener Aiden team eventvent starts.starts. Junaid Khan,K played in 2015, as well as before taking on the West Markram also gets the nod on the back of some Chiefief selectorselector waswas pre- Shoaib Malik, who played in Indies in their first World Cup excellent domestic form. Inzamam-ul-Haqam-ul-Haq said ferredferred over 2007, and Mohammad match in Nottingham on May Faf du Plessis will captain the side, with Amir’ss foformrm waswas Amir.Amir. Hafeez, who took part in the 31. All 10 teams will play each experienced batsman JP Duminy and fast bowler concerning.ning. 2007 and 2011 tournaments. other in the first stage, with Dale Steyn also included. “Amirmir had not per-per- Pakistan will leave for the the top four playing the Imran Tahir will be the starting leg-spinner, formedd as wewellll as was UK on Tuesday and play three semi-finals. with the guile of Tabraiz Shamsi another option in that department. South Africa have opted not to select a spe- cialist wicketkeeper as back-up to Quinton de Sri Lankan selectors ignore Chandimal and Tharanga Kock, but instead will rely on part-timer David Miller, who wore the gloves for some of the AFP Opening batsman Kasun Rajitha in favour of recent 5-0 series sweep of Sri Lanka. COLOMBO Avishka Fernando and SRISRI LLANKAANKA Pradeep and Suranga South Africa, seeking a first World Cup paceman Nuwan Pradeep SQUADSQUAD Lakmal. trophy win, open their campaign against England Sri Lanka yesterday dumped were also included in the Although not in the at The Oval on May 30. established stars including squad for the tournament 15-man squad, Rajitha has former captain Dinesh Chan- which starts in England and DimuthDimuth KarunaratneKarunaratne (captain)( been named as one of four dimal from their one-day Wales on May 30. LLasithasith MMalingaalinga AAngelongelo MMathews standby players, alongside SOUTHTH AFRICAAFRICA team in a mass clear-out for The 1996 champions ThisaraTThisara PPereraerera KKusalusa Mendis allrounder Wanindu the World Cup. kick off their campaign Hasaranga and batsmen SQUADUAD One day after announcing against New Zealand in IsuruIsuru UdanaUdana KusalKusa Perera Oshada Fernando and that Test skipper Dimuth Kar- Cardiff on June 1. AvishkaAvishka FeFernando Angelo Perera. Faf du Plessiss (captain(captain)) unaratne would be World Cup Karunaratne and the De Mel again justified Quinton de Kockock captain in place of Lasith 35-year-old Mendis last Nuwan Pradeep JeevanJeevan Mendis the decision to make Karu- Malinga, selectors also axed played a 50-over interna- LahiruLahiru ThirimanneThir naratne as captain in place Rassie van derer Dussen wicketkeeper-batsman tional at the previous World Jeffrey aVandersayV of pace spearhead Lasith Andile Phehlukwayoukwayo Niroshan Dickwella, off- Cup in 2015. Malinga. Dwaine Pretoriusorius spinner Akila Dananjaya, and Chief selector Ashantha SurangaSuranga Lakmal Karunaratne led Sri openers Danushka Gunath- de Mel said players like Siri- DhananDhananjayajaya de Silva Lanka to their first Test Aiden Markramam ilaka and Upul Tharanga from wardena, who last played an series triumph in South MMilindailinda SSiriwardanairiw Hashim Amla the 15-man squad. ODI in 2016, were chosen to Africa after sweeping the Sri Lanka have been riven provide stability. two matches in February. David Miller with personality clashes and “To balance the side, the “We saw in South Africa JP Duminy disciplinary problems in batsman coming in at number how Dimuth was able to recent years that have seen six has to be able to bowl,” de axed after their poor picked up just two wickets unite the team, and have Dale Steyn their world standing slump. Mel said of Siriwardana, a showing in the recent tour from four games in Sri everyone playing together. Lungi Ngidi Batsman Lahiru Thir- left-handed batsman and of South Africa. Lanka’s 5-0 drubbing in the That was what was Anrich Nortjee imanne, leg-spinner Jeffrey bowler. “We went with Kusal Janith Perera will one-day series in South important to us at this time,” Vandersay and all-rounders someone who has a bit of be wicketkeeper and could Africa. he said. Kagiso Rabadada Milinda Siriwardana and experience in that role.” also be used an opener. On the pace front, Sri Sri Lanka will play two Imran Tahir Jeevan Mendis got places Dananjaya, a mystery De Mel said Dhananjaya Lanka again opted for expe- warmup games against despite not playing an ODI for spinner who has played 34 de Silva is a better spin rience, omitting Dush- Scotland in May before the Tabraiz Shamsimsi more than a year. ODIs, and Dickwella were option than Dananjaya who mantha Chameera and World Cup. QDC win thrilling final to lift KEF Engineers Corporate Cup

THE PENINSULA were never going to be easy sponsors Dr. Hassan Kunhi DOHA while chasing in a final but (Chairman Ideal Indian School) Raneesh steadied the ship and and a sturdy team of KEF Man- Qatar Design Consortium (QDC) played some great shots. Few aging Committee members beat Galfar Al Misnad by three valuable contributions from the including Chairman Sajeet runs in a thrilling final to win the tail-enders meant that they George, Gen. Secretary Kishore KEF Engineers Corporate Cup needed 6 runs from the last over. Nair, Treasurer Prakash Nair, 2019 at the Ideal Oval in Al Hilal, Finally QDC won by three runs Cultural Secretary Sudheesh Doha. with a nail biting finish. Gopalakrishnan, Event coor- Manu Vijayan scored an Manu was declared Man-of- dinator Sreenivas T S and unbeaten 62 off 42 balls in the the-Match and also the Player- Rahul Rajan, Vice Chairman QDC innings to become the star of-the-Tournament for his all- Antony Thomas, Shabeer of the show. round performance. Vishnu Ahamed, Dayan Antony, Abh- After winning the Toss, Chandran from Galfar was ijith Elakkat, Sinto George, Galfar decided to bowl first. declared Best Batsman and his Alex Johnson Varghese, Bipin QDC recovered from a bad team mate Ghanshyam Verma Kandoth, Mithun M C, Jiji start which saw them losing five from Galfar as the best bowler Arvind, Kunhikoya Thannieth, wickets for 40 at one stage. Then, of the tournament which was Jashmeer Kasargod; their star batsman Manu took the organised by Keralite Engineers Azharudheen PN, KEF advisory game away from Galfar and Forum (KEF). committee members Mibu Jose, single handedly pulled up the Gulf Warehousing Company NV Raghavan Menon and Jacob score to 131 in 20 overs. (GWC) were placed third in the Thomas. The Galfar chase started tournament which also saw KEF Chairman Sajeet George Players and officials of Qatar Design Consortium celebrate with the KEF Engineers Corporate Cup 2019 slowly and steadily but they also teams from L&T, Powerman thanked all team captains for after defeating Galfar Al Misnad in the final played at the Ideal Oval in Al Hilal, Doha. kept losing wickets at regular International, Mannai Corpo- their interest and commitment intervals. At the end of 10 overs, ration, Castle Constructions, to take part in this Cricket Cham- they were 50/5. All the hopes Omega Engineering, Global Auto The Prize distribution cer- namely Azim Abbas, President Balakrishnan, Gen. Secretary of pionship, which has already were on Gulfar captain Raneesh Parts, Coastal Qatar, Almoyyed emony was attended by digni- of the IBPC Managing Com- EF, highly ranked executives attracted substantial interest as he showed to be in good nick. Air-conditioning and Tech- taries from various associations mittee; Nilangshu Dey, Pres- from the participating corporate from several Cricket teams in Scoring 80 runs in last 10 overs nosteel taking part. affiliated to Indian Embassy, ident of the ISC, Dileep teams, representatives from the Qatar.