Malinga bowlss Indiansns to their fourth IPL title PAGE 16

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2019 MANCHESTER CITY RETAIN PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE This was by far the hardest one. It was the most draining. Every week, we knew we had to win. We defeated one of the all-time greatest teams in English history. I’m proud of that. Manchester City Vincent Kompany

Liverpool win to end up with 97 points but finish second having lost only one game all season

DPA “It was the most draining. EPL 2018-19 FINAL STANDINGS (Top 6) more to come.” Mane’s dou- LONDON Every week, we knew we had ble also gave him 22 league to win. TEAM PLAYED WON DRAWN LOST GF GA GD PTS goals for the season, tied at MANCHESTER CITY clinched “We defeated one of the MANCHESTER CITY 38 32 2 4 95 23 +72 98 the top for the Golden Boot their second consecutive Pre- all-time greatest teams in Eng- LIVERPOOL 38 30 7 1 89 22 +67 97 with team-mate Salah and mier League title after they lish history. CHELSEA 38 21 9 8 63 39 +24 72 Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Au- won 4-1 at Brighton & Hove I’m proud of that.” And TOTTENHAM 38 23 2 13 67 39 +28 71 bameyang, who scored twice Albion on Sunday. they now have the chance to in his side’s 3-1 win at Burnley. ARSENAL 38 21 7 10 73 51 +22 70 Glenn Murray put Bright- complete the domestic treble Chelsea finished third after on in front but Sergio Ague- by winning the FA Cup next MAN UNITED 38 19 9 10 65 54 +11 66 a 0-0 draw at Leicester while ro, Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Saturday having previously Tottenham ended up fourth, Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan lifted the League Cup. dogan curled in a superb free “We only lost one game one point ahead of Arsenal, after ensured that City finished “We’ll celebrate tonight kick to put the icing on the cake. all season,” Mohamed Salah Christian Eriksen equalized in a one point ahead of Liverpool, but after that it will be all about As news of City’s equaliser said. “We gave everything. We 2-2 draw at home to Everton. who beat Wolves 2-0 with two Watford,” Kompany added. and second goal came in, An- got 97 points. We will fight Michy Batshuayi scored goals from Sadio Mane. Liverpool, who lost just field fell a little flat but Liver- next season for the title.” Klopp twice as Crystal Palace beat City, who won their last 14 once all season, will take sol- Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah walks around the pitch alongside his wife, pool ensured they did all they hailed his Liverpool team. Bournemouth 5-3, while West games, are the first side since ace in a record-points tally of Magi Salah, after the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at could with another victory. “Our season was good, an Ham finished 10th after a 4-1 Manchester United in 2009 97 and will now turn their at- Anfield, Liverpool.(REUTERS) Wolves had a number of incredible season, and unbe- win at FA Cup finalists Watford, to win back-to-back Premier tention to next month’s Cham- chances to equalize but Mane lievable season,” he said. “Re- with Mark Noble scoring twice. League titles. pions League final. minutes but Aguero equalised their fans dreaming of their headed a second goal in the ally exceptional. Newcastle signed off with “This was by far the hard- With the title race going to one minute later. first league title since 1990. second half to seal victory and “We have to be very, very a 4-0 win at relegated Fulham est one,” City captain Vincent the final day, Pep Guardiola’s And for 20 minutes, with But Laporte headed City in leave Liverpool so close, but close to perfection to win the while Southampton drew 1-1 Kompany said, referring to his City had a shock when Murray Mane scoring early at Anfield, front before half-time, Mahrez with no league trophy to show Premier League. We made ex- with bottom side Huddersfield fourth league title. headed Brighton in front on 27 Juergen Klopp’s side were top, smashed in a third and Gun- for an oustanding season. traordinary steps and I expect in the day’s other match. Guardiola says triumph ‘toughest title’ of his career Solskjaer says ‘work starts AFP of the Champions League. now’ for United after BRIGHTON “It’s incredible. Normally if you get 100 points the tenden- PEP Guardiola said Manches- cy is to go down but Liverpool dismal end to season ter City’s 2018/19 Premier helped us to be consistent. League success was the tough- “This was the toughest title AFP but we concede easy goals and est title triumph of his illustri- in all my career.” MANCHESTER not score at the other. ous managerial career. But Guardiola said next “That is not where our City came from behind to season could be even more OLE Gunnar Solskjaer said challenge lies – we have a long win 4-1 away to Brighton on competitive. Manchester United will “take and hard way to be where we Sunday’s final day of the sea- “It will be tougher but we some time” to close the gap want to be.” son – a result that meant the will be stronger too,” he said. to Manchester City and Liver- The Norwegian, who initial- reigning champions finished “When you can win two pool after they finished their ly oversaw a dramatic upturn in just a point in front of second- in a row I have the feeling season with a dismal 2-0 de- form after he took over from placed Liverpool, who won 2-0 that next season we will come feat at home by already-rele- Jose Mourinho in December, at home to Wolves. back and try to be who we are gated Cardiff. said: “It will take some time to In most seasons, Liver- right now.” United finished in sixth close in on the top. We finished pool’s tally of 97 points would Sunday’s result meant Liv- place in the Premier League, five or six points behind third, have seen them crowned erpool’s wait for a maiden Pre- 32 points behind champions fourth, fifth and that has to be champions. mier League title – their last City, who edged out Liverpool our aim. Guardiola, celebrating his domestic championship was in by a single point. “The top two teams have eighth domestic champion- 1990 – goes on, although they They were five points be- set a standard higher than be- ship in 10 seasons that have could yet win the Champions hind fourth-placed Tottenham fore and we have to take up the featured La Liga and Bun- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and co-assistant coach Brian Kidd celebrate with the trophy at the League if they beat Tottenham Hotspur. next challenge.” desliga titles with Barcelona American Express Community Stadium in Brighton on Sunday. (REUTERS) Hotspur when the English ri- “Today was not the prob- The former United striker and Bayern Munich, was in vals meet in a Madrid final on lem,” said United manager added: “The work starts now. no doubt about Liverpool’s “To compete against this and Liverpool have helped us to overall tally was lower. June 1. Solskjaer, who previously had Everyone has the summer off quality. team pushed us to do what we be there all the time.” “To win the title we had to Liverpool forward Mo- a brief spell in charge of Car- but we have to come back with “We worked a lot,” he said. have done. It’s incredible, 198 Guardiola’s side secured win 14 games in a row,” he ex- hamed Salah, whose 22 diff, after away fans at Old a different mentality and dif- “I have to say congratulations points in two seasons.” exactly 100 points in winning plained. goals this season made him a Trafford on Sunday had chant- ferent attitude of being a Man to Liverpool of course. Thank “I think last season Man- the title last season but the “For two to three months joint-winner of the Premier ed he would be “sacked in the United team. you so much. They helped to chester City made the stand- manager was arguably even we cannot lose one point and League’s golden boot award, morning”. “The ones who played, push us and to increase our ards,” Guardiola added. “That is more impressed by their ef- we did it all playing in all com- said the Anfield club would “You can have all the pos- did well but it was not good standards from last season.” the level in the Premier League forts this term, even if the petitions until the semi-finals challenge again next term. session and chances you want enough.” 16 Monday, May 13, 2019 Sports SHOW NERVES OF STEEL TO CLINCH 4TH IPL TITLE

Kieron Pollard holds Lasith Malimnga aloft as Mumbai Indians players celebrate after winning the 2019 (IPL) final against at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.(AFP) Malinga keeps cool, Chennai Super Kings lose plot under pressure; Watson’s 80 in vain in a chase of 150 AFP HYDERABAD

LASITH Malinga kept his nerve with the final ball as Mumbai Indians beat Chen- nai Super Kings by one run to clinch a record fourth Indian Premier League title on Sunday. After hit a blistering 80, Chennai needed two runs off the last ball to overtake Mumbai’s 149-8 but the Sri Lankan veteran bowled lbw to claim the landmark win. Malinga gave away 49 runs in his four overs but the last two overs by the Sri Lan- Mumbai Indians team owner Nita Ambani celebrates with captain kan and fellow pace bowler soon after the final.(AFP) who took 2-14, were decisive. SCOREBOARD West Indies batsman Kier- on Pollard smashed an unbeat- MUMBAI INDIANS MS Dhoni Run Out 2 en 41 off 25 balls to set up the c MS Dhoni b Shardul Thakur 29 c Quinton de Kock b Bumrah 15 Rohit Sharma c Dhoni b 15 5 Mumbai total after they elected b 15 Shardul Thakur lbw Lasith Malinga 2 to bat first. Ishan Kishan c b Tahir 23 Extras: (5b, lb, 4w): 9 “The team that panics less c&b Thakur 7 TOTAL: (20 overs) 148-7 Not Out 41 Fall of : 1-33 du Plessis, 2-70 Raina, 3-73 does better. It was a team per- lbw Deepak Chahar 16 formance,” said Pollard as the Rayudu, 4-82 Dhoni, 5-133 Bravo, 6-146 Watson, c b Chahar 0 7-148 Thakur. Mitchell McClenaghan Run Out 0 Mumbai players celebrated on : Mitchell McClenaghan 4-0-24-0 (2w), Krunal Extras: (lb, 3w) 3 the pitch. Pandya 3-0-39-1, Malinga 4-0-49-1 (1w), Bumrah TOTAL: (20.0 overs) 149-8 Mumbai Indians players celebrate their record fourth Indian Premier League title triumph with the trophy. (AFP) 4-0-14-2, Rahul Chahar 4-0-14-1, Hardik Pandya 1-0- Watson batted through the Fall of Wickets: 1-45 de Kock, 2-45 Sharma, 3-82 Chennai innings until he was Yadav, 4-89 Pandya, 5-101 Kishan, 6-140 Pandya, 3-0 (1w). run out in the final over going at 82-4. Dhoni made just two. Deepak Chahar took three , an advisor poor over was also crucial. 7-140 Chahar, 8-141 McClenaghan. for a reckless second run. He Earlier Chennai leg-spin- wickets while fellow quick Shar- to the Mumbai team, nervously “And the last over, I thought Bowling: Deepak Chahar 4-1-26-3 (1w), Shardul Thakur 4-0-37-2, 4-0-27-0 (1w), smashed four sixes and eight ner Imran Tahir took 2-23 to dul Thakur took two. watched the finale, frequently Malinga finished the game out Dwayne Bravo 3-0-24-0 (1w), Imran Tahir 3-0-23-2, fours in his 59-ball knock. surpass fellow South African South African captain burying his head in his hands. beautifully.” Ravindra Jadeja 2-0-12-0. Ishan Kishan sent Chennai Kagiso Rabada as the top IPL Faf du Plessis then came all “The key moment was Dho- Mumbai won the IPL in CHENNAI SUPER KINGS dangerman M.S. Dhoni back to bowlers chart this year with guns blazing to give Chennai ni’s run-out,” he said. 2013 and 2015 -- both against Faf du Plessis st Quinton de Kock b Krunal Pandya 26 Shane Watson Run Out Krunal Pandya 80 the dugout with a direct throw 26 wickets. Tahir was also the a brisk start with his 26 off 13 “But also in patches when Chennai -- and again in 2017 Suresh Raina lbw Rahul Chahar 8 at the bowlers’ end to put the first 40-year-old to appear in deliveries. Bumrah bowled those critical when they beat Rising Pune Su- c de Kock b Jasprit Bumrah 1 Shane Watson defending champions in trouble an IPL final. Indian legend balls to even out Malinga’s one pergiant by one run. Pakistan the latest left wondering how to stop Buttler

AFP rate of 119.88 – a figure bettered of present-day run-getters. he bats he’s going to do some SOUTHAMPTON only by the West Indies’ Andre Buttler’s success is also a serious damage.” Russell (130.45) and ’s matter of attitude as well as captain Eoin HOW do you stop Jos But- Glenn Maxwell (121.95). talent -- as evidence by the Morgan had arguably the best tler? It was a question that was Russell, however, has only words “fuck it” he has written view in the ground while mak- being asked again after the scored 998 runs in 52 ODIs, Unstoppable? on the top of his bat handle ing a far from sluggish 71 not talented batsman’s latest one- with Maxwell making 2,700 in to remind him of his best ap- out while sharing an unbroken day international hundred saw 100 matches. This was Buttler’s eighth proach to batting. stand of 162 with Buttler that England to a 12-run win over Alterations in field and century in 129 matches at took the hosts to 373 for three Pakistan in the second one- bouncer restrictions, a reduc- this level, with the England ‘No answer’ in their 50 overs. day international on Saturday. tion in the number of overs ODI -keeper now Pakistan coach Mickey “He’s very good. He really With a home World Cup in an ODI, generally shorter having scored 3,497 runs at Arthur admitted he was at a is,” left-hander Morgan told just weeks away, Buttler’s 110 boundaries and the change to a an average of 42. loss about the best way to stop Sky Sports. “I was in prime po- not out, which saw him reach ball from each end as opposed Buttler following the 28-year- sition to see the whole innings three figures off just 50 balls, to just one for a full duration of old’s batting fireworks in and his freakish knocks seem was another reminder of his an innings, make comparisons a brilliant, match-winning 138 Southampton. to be getting closer and closer match-winning ability in across the generations argu- not out in the 1979 World Cup “Oh, I don’t know, I’ve just together, so that’s a good sign white-ball . ably even harder than they final against England at Lord’s asked the bowlers actually. for us moving forward. This was Buttler’s eighth would be in . – with a strike-rate of 90.20. They didn’t give me an answer “But he seems to have a century in 129 matches at this For many observers that But just as Richards revo- either,” Arthur said after Paki- gear that not many of us have. level, with the England ODI means Vivian Richards re- lutionised ODI batting with stan fell 1-0 behind in this five- I certainly don’t have it, but wicket-keeper now having mains the most destructive extraordinary ‘inside out’ match series. it’s great to watch. He always scored 3,497 runs at an aver- one-day batsmen they’ve seen. drives to the boundary off “We’ll sit down and analyse seem to time his run really age of 42. The West Indies great bowlers as fast as Australia’s that and try to work out a plan. well, regardless of what time Pakistan players come over to congratulate England’s Jos Buttler But what makes Buttler a scored 6,721 runs in 187 ODIs Jeff Thomson, so are Buttler’s “I don’t think we’re going he comes in, he always seems (right) after his Innings of 110 not out during the second One Day particularly devastating bats- including 11 hundreds at an av- range of scoops and flicks to stop him, we’ve got to find a to have enough balls to go on International at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. (AFP) man in this format is a strike- erage of 47, – a tally including helping expand the repertoire way to get him out. The longer and bang a 50-ball hundred.” Sports Monday, May 13, 2019 17 Al Sadd through to Amir Cup final in Xavi’s last home game

Al Sadd fans unveil a banner which reads “Thank You Xavi” in the sixth minute of their Amir Cup match against Al Rayyan at the Al Sadd Stadium on Saturday. Al Sadd players celebrate Xavi after the game.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK wanted to work for the team,” in a country with good infra- when Bounedjah was fouled “We are really happy that DOHA Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Fer- structure that is unmatched in by Dame Traore. However, we have achieved this victory, reira said. the world. I wish him and Al Fahd saved the shot taken just days after defeating Al AL Sadd continued thier dom- The Barcelona and Spain Sadd all the best and I am sure by the Algerian striker him- Ahli in the AFC Champions inance over rival Al Rayyan legend joined Al Sadd in 2015 that success will continue to self, who was the QNB Stars League. So I want to con- with a 2-0 victory to clinch a and has won four trophies follow Al-Sadd, because of the League’s top scorer with 39 gratulate the players and also spot in the final of the 2019 with the club, but his impact way Xavi deals with Al Sadd, goals. the fans who supported us. I Amir Cup. Goals from Ali has been felt both more an the fans and Qatari sport in Bounedjah then got the se- would have been delighted to Asad and Baghdad Bounedjah doff the field. The 39-year-old general,” Ferreira said of Xavi. curity goal in the 84th minute reach the final, even if the re- kept the Wolves on track for a has also been highly touted to Al Sadd were always fa- after taking on the Al Rayyan sult was 1-0. I am happy that domestic double in what was take over as Al Sadd coach af- vourites heading into the defence before firing past the we will play the final at the Al Xavi Hernandez’s last match ter his retirement and with the match, having won their most hapless Fahd in goal. Wakrah Stadium, which will at the Al Sadd Stadium on imminent departure of Fer- recent matches in the league “Al Sadd dominated attract the attention of the Saturday. reira, that looks more likely in against Al Rayyan who were throughout the 90 minutes. world. Our players will never “Throughout my time the coming weeks. mainly let down again by poor We were keen to avoid mis- forget those historic moments. working with Xavi, he was “Xavi will be in the most finishing in the final third. takes and conceding goals. We The fans need to be with us on always at a high level. I want suitable position in his sport- Al Sadd opened scoring could have scored more but that occasion. Today you saw to salute Xavi, because he fo- ing career. He knows Qatar in the first half through Asad we played with defensive cau- the intense desire of the play- cused on the young players. well and he knows Al Sadd who was on hand to slot in tion. We also missed a penalty ers to reach the final and get He did not give importance and the players here. He will Akram Afif’s cross. and were not lucky in front of the title,” Ferreira said of the to his status or fame; he just be fortunate that he will be Al Sadd then got a penalty goal. match. From playing for Al Wakrah to planning the stadium, meet Abdulaziz al Ishaq SC.QA

ROM a career as a player at Al Wakrah Sports Club in the 1970s, a university scholarshipF in North Ameri- ca before a return to his home nation to help play a key part in delivering Al Wakrah Sta- dium – Abdulaziz al Ishaq has been on a fascinating journey. He spoke to sc.qa about his 40-year affiliation with the club, the city and his pride in being a part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

How proud are you to be part of this project, espe- cially considering your affiliation with the city of Al Wakrah? Firstly, I am so proud to be part of this landmark in the Abdulaziz Al Ishaq (left) and the Al Wakrah Stadium,which will open on May 16, with the Amir Cup final and will later host someof FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches. Qatar. I believe I have now been able to do something for asked me if I could stay a little are certain activities that each reasons. Firstly, the contrac- lots of shops, a mall, schools; moment. When he is here to my nation; a nation which has bit longer because the nation- one of us knows how to han- tor, the designers and every- thousands of people now live open the new stadium, it will done so much for me. al team was interested in se- dle given the certain respon- one involved in this project here. People used to come be a very special moment for I started playing for Al Wak- lecting me, but I said I needed sibilities and experiences that is the best of the best. They to Al Wakrah for the beach us all. rah when I was 13 years old. to go and study. we have – so we work very are all highly experienced in and for one of the best fish- I played for the youth teams well together as a team. Special this field and are specialists ing spots in Qatar, but having Can you believe that in at first and did well, so I even- When did you come back in what they do because they a landmark like this for the three-and-a-half years’ tually got the chance to join to Qatar, and how keen What makes Al Wakrah Moment have worked on so many sta- people here is something that time, Al Wakrah will be the first team. At the begin- were you to be involved Stadium so special? I’ve played twice in the Amir diums around the world. is greatly appreciated. hosting FIFA World Cup ning, I was often a substitute, in the FIFA World Cup You cannot compare this sta- Cup final and been honoured The second advantage is that matches? but after three years I got when Qatar won the dium to any other. You can most of the materials we use How do you think you People here are waiting for my chance and started most rights to host? only compare it to an artist to get to the stage and shake for the stadiums are local ma- will you feel on May 16th, this moment. They are re- games. I started as a centre It was around 1987 that I re- sitting down with a paint- hands with His Highness The terials, and therefore we get when His Highness The ally waiting and counting the back; then they pushed me to turned to Qatar and yes, abso- brush and creating some- Amir. This moment for a great support. Amir cuts the ribbon at days. I assure you Wakrah the right side and I became a lutely, I was very determined thing. It’s not something you football player, it means a lot. Thirdly, the blockade. This the stadium? will be one of the most attrac- wing-back. to be part of this World Cup. can create automatically on a Especially if you are a Qatari was also an advantage for us This is the most important tive places for all these fans This was in the 1970s, and by I applied to the SC and they computer. It is a piece of art. national – that he knows who because we got people mov- moment that we are all look- to visit. ’78 and ’79 I reached the peak asked for an interview. They We were fortunate to have you are and where you come ing even more materials ing forward to. I’ve played We have Souq Wakrah, we of my performance. I was liked my age and experience, worked with Zaha Hadid, from, with people all around through local markets – so twice in the Amir Cup final have the beach, we have lucky enough to represent and said it would be helpful such a well-known and pio- watching you, it is a special things have been able to move and been honoured to get to some old restaurants and Wakrah in the Amir Cup fi- for me to be part of the team. neering architect around the moment. When he is here to very quickly. the stage and shake hands everything is very close to nal for two years running. We world – and she gave us a open the new stadium, it will with His Highness. each other. People can walk didn’t win unfortunately but What is your job here… really interesting and unique What does this stadium This moment for a football around and enjoy everything it was a huge honour to play I am part of the team which stadium. We are proud to be a very special moment mean to the people and player, it means a lot. Espe- very easily. in front of His Highness and manages the stadium pro- have it here. for us all. city of Al Wakrah? cially if you are a Qatari na- Most of the Wakrah people represent Wakrah. ject. I share responsibilities It will become a landmark of tional – that he knows who are Qataris, and Qataris are Later, I got a university schol- with the project manager and The progress at Al Wak- Al Wakrah. Wakrah is an old you are and where you come very welcoming and generous arship to study engineering project executive director. We rah Stadium has been put this success down to? town that has now become from, with people all around – and love to welcome people in North America. The club are all engineers and there astounding. What do you We are fortunate for three very much open. We have watching you, it is a special from all around the world. 18 Monday, May 13, 2019 Sports ‘Inspirational’ Djokovic wins third Madrid title AFP MADRID

NOVAK Djokovic joined Ra- I was not playing my best fael Nadal as a 33-time Mas- after winning the Australia ters champion on Sunday when he swept to a 6-3, 6-4 Open but I started this win over Stefanos Tsitsipas week well, not dropping a to claim a third Madrid Open set all through. I’ve played title. some of my best tennis The world number one dominated a clearly exhaust- here. Serena looking to ed opponent less than 24 Novak Djokovic hours after the 20-year-old Greek had stunned five-time turn back the clock champion Nadal in a semi-fi- the corner. nal which ended around mid- Tsitsipas hailed Djokovic night on Saturday. who will hold all four Slam in Rome before Djokovic and Nadal will titles if he goes on to claim now attempt to claim a 34th a second French Open next Masters title in Rome this month. Roland Garros bid week in a key indicator ahead “It’s inspiring what you of Roland Garros which gets do, simply amazing. You de- Naomi Osaka. under way on May 26. serve it,” the Greek told the Rome will be More drama followed Djokovic never let Tsit- Serb. Williams’s fourth in the quarter-finals of this sipas get into gear in a final “You had a great week. It year’s Australian Open, which lasted just over 90 min- was also a great one for me, event of the season when she suffered a spectac- utes with good memories and good and the first since ular collapse in a three-sets “This is a very important crowd support.” defeat by Karolina Pliskova. win for me, especially for my Djokovic said he was like- being forced to Williams led 5-1 in the confidence,” 15-time Grand ly facing an opponent lacking withdraw from the decider before failing to con- Slam winner Djokovic said. a few physical reserves after a vert four match points and “I was not playing my best long semi-final struggle with Miami Open in April losing six games in a row. after winning the Australia Nadal. She has admitted that it Open but I started this week “I needed to step up, Ste- AFP has been tougher than ex- well, not dropping a set all fanos is very talented. But he ROME pected to get back winning through. I’ve played some of finished around midnight -- after her maternity leave. my best tennis here.” he had a very late night and a SERENA Williams returns “From day one, I expect Tsitsipas, who beat Djoko- very long match. from injury in Rome next to go out and, quite frankly, vic in their previous meet- “This was a big week for week looking to get back to to win. That hasn’t hap- ing last summer in Canada, me and I’m looking forward to winning ways as she pre- pened. But I do like my at- was broken once in each set, continuing like this in Rome. pares her bid to match Mar- titude,” she said. enough of a margin for the top “The Masters 1000s are garet Court’s record of major “I like that I don’t want seed to take the trophy, his the biggest ATP events, right singles titles at the French to go out there and say: ‘I second of the season after the alongside the Grand Slams. Open later this month. expect to lose because I had Australian Open. This is about as important Rome will be Williams’s a year off. I’ve been playing The Serb still needed and good as it gets.” fourth tournament of the for 10 months. I’m not sup- four match points to get the Tsitsipas was playing his season and the first since be- posed to win.’ I don’t have job done with Tsitsipas fi- second Masters 1000 final af- ing forced to withdraw from that attitude.” Serbia’s Novak Djokovic kisses his trophy after winning the ATP Madrid Open final against Greece’s nally beaten when Djokovic ter losing to Nadal in Toronto the Miami Open in April due Rome is a special place Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Caja Magica in Madrid on Sunday. (AFP) sent a winning volley into last August. to a knee injury. for Williams who met her The 37-year-old Ameri- husband Alexis Ohanian can – now ranked 11th – has in the Eternal City in May completed just seven match- 2015, a year when she with- es this year, also withdraw- drew from the tournament Hamilton rules in Spain to seize championship lead ing from Indian Wells in with an elbow injury. March with illness. A four-time Rome win- AFP Haas, home hero Carlos Sainz This left Bottas to respond, There are now doubts ner, Williams last won at the BARCELONA of McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of but he had to defend against that the veteran can add to Foro Italico in 2016 defeat- Toro Rosso and Romain Gros- an attack on his left from Vettel her tally of 23 Grand Slams, ing her compatriot Madison LEWIS Hamilton beat Valtteri jean in the second Haas. down the third-longest straight something which has so far Keys in a straight-set final. Bottas in the Spanish Grand It was the 16th time that on the F1 calendar. Hamilton’s proved beyond her since re- She also won the Rome Prix on Sunday to replace his Hamilton won a Grand Prix af- surge gave him the inside line turning last year after taking title in 2002, 2013 and 2014. team-mate as world champi- ter leading every lap of the race. while Vettel locked up as he time out following the birth This year she is in the top onship leader as Mercedes’ ex- Hamilton’s triumph hoisted attempted to pass Bottas and of her first child. half of the draw along with tended their record start to the him back to the top of the stand- swerved left to avoid a collision. Her last Grand Slam sin- world number one Naomi season with a fifth 1-2 finish. ings with 112 points, including Almost invisibly, Hamilton gles title was won at the Aus- Osaka, Kiki Bertens, and Si- The defending five-time one for fastest lap, ahead of Bot- then began to pull clear. From tralian Open in 2017, where mona Halep. world champion seized the ini- tas on 105. 1.7 seconds after three, his lead she was pregnant, breaking Three of the four semi-fi- tiative at the start in Barcelona “I have to put it down to this was 2.2 in six and three sec- a tie with Steffi Graf for the nalists from Madrid are in the and led from lights to flag with a incredible team,” said Hamil- onds by lap 10. Bottas could not most in the professional era. top half, along with winner consummate demonstration of ton. “This is history in the mak- match his thrust through traffic Her win in Melbourne Kiki Bertens and runner-up his speed and race-craft at the ing to have five 1-2’s. I am very and by lap 20, when Vettel pit- moved her one behind Aus- Simona Halep. Circuit de Catalunya. proud of that! ted, the champion was clear by tralian Court’s record of 24 Williams will open against It was his third win this “It’s definitely been a bit of seven seconds. major singles titles. After a qualifier and could face year, the 76th of his career a hard first four races. Naturally In that time, on lap 12, Fer- giving birth to her daughter older sister Venus Williams and his fourth in Spain follow- we have a great car, but we don’t rari told Vettel to let Lerclerc Olimpia in September 2017, in the second round. Should ing victories in 2014, 2017 and always get along. I’m grateful in pass him for fourth, the Mone- Serena made her return to Serena and Venus meet in 2018. Responding to being out- the race that we managed to set- gasque moving up to third when Grand Slam tennis at last Rome, it will be their first paced by Bottas in qualifying, tle our differences.” Verstappen pitted on lap 23. By year’s French Open, where meeting on European clay Hamilton came home 4.074 Bottas said: “I lost it there, the time Hamilton had been in she reached the fourth round. in nearly 17 years. Their last seconds ahead of the Finn who at the start. The clutch was and out after lap 27, the order She reached the finals meeting on red clay came at was second ahead of Max Ver- strange - bite and release, bite resumed: Hamilton ahead of of Wimbledon and the US the 2002 Roland Garros final. stappen of Red Bull, four-time and release. I’ve never had that Bottas by eight seconds with Open, suffering a meltdown Two-time defending champion Sebastian Vettel and before.” Verstappen, Leclerc and Vettel in Flushing Meadows, as champion Elina Svitolina his Ferrari team-mate Charles Hamilton made a near- chasing. she smashed her racquet comes in short on form after Leclerc. perfect start to draw level with Notably, both Ferrari stops and called the umpire a a knee injury but could have Pierre Gasly was a solid pole-man Bottas and seize the took 4.4 seconds while the Mer- First-placed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton on the podium with the Span- “thief” and a “liar” in a tem- an opportunity as she plays in sixth in the second Red Bull initiative as they began the long cedes men were stationary for ish Grand Prix trophy at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barce- per tantrum after losing to the bottom half of the draw. ahead of Kevin Magnussen of run to Turn One. 2.8 and 2.6 respectively. lona on Sunday. (REUTERS)

Ackermann claims second stage of Giro d’Italia Valencia take control of Champions League race DPA BARCELONA

VALENCIA took control of the race for fourth place in La Liga on Sunday with a 3-1 win over Alaves at Mestalla, while Getafe fell to a 2-0 defeat at Barcelona. Marcelino’s Valencia are level on 58 points with Getafe with one match remaining next weekend, but have the better head-to-head record. Valencia go to Real Valladolid next Saturday. Ximo Navarro put Alaves ahead but strikes from Carlos Valencia’s players celebrate at the end of the Spanish League match against Alaves at the Mestalla Stadium Soler, Santi Mina and Kevin in Valencia on Sunday. (AFP) Gameiro turned the game around for Los Che. and Lionel Messi stopped Jose League place. At the other end home against relegated Rayo Champions Barcelona Bordalas’s side in their tracks. of the table Levante beat 18th- Vallecano and to bridge a goal edged Getafe in a drab en- Sevilla, sixth, are still in placed Girona 2-1 away to virtu- difference gap of six to survive. counter at Camp Nou, with the with a slim chance of Champi- ally ensure the Catalans will be Zinedine Zidane’s Real Ma- German champion Pascal Ackermann won a high speed bunch sprint to claim victory on stage two Catalans still stinging from their ons League qualification after relegated next week. drid, third, suffered another of the Giro d’Italia on Sunday, edging home favourite Elia Viviani at the line. Slovenian Primoz Roglic shock Champions League semi- a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid, Girona are three points from disappointing defeat at Real retains the overall lead as the peloton finished together after a 205km run from Bologna to Fuceccio, final elimination by Liverpool but they are two points behind safety, with Celta Vigo, 17th, los- Sociedad, tumbling 3-1 in the with Ackermann, of the Bora-hansgrohe team, crossing the line in 4hrs 44mins and 43sec. earlier in the week. Getafe and Valencia and may ing 3-1 at Athletic Bilbao. Basque Country, the third loss Goals from Arturo Vidal have to settle for a Europa They need Celta to lose at since the Frenchman returned. Sports Monday, May 13, 2019 19 Cherif, Ahmed kings of Asia again

The Qatari pair creates a unique record, defend the Asian Beach Volleyball Championship title without dropping a set

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK after beating Australians Cole Du- DOHA rant and Damien Schumann 2-0 (21-19 21-16). QATAR’S star players Cherif You- QVA President Ali bin Ghanem nousse and Ahmed Tijan main- al Kuwari hailed the achievement by tained their stranglehold on the Younousse and Tijan as historic and continental beach volleyball as dedicated it to the wise leadership they defended the Asian Cham- of the Emir His Highness Sheikh pionship crown with an emphatic Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and the 2-0 victory over top seeds Chinese support from Qatar Olympic Com- Gao Peng and Li Yang in Maom- mittee President His Excellency ing, China on Sunday. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani. The young and surging Qataris He also added: “The Asian title used aggression to rattle the rivals will inspire both Younousse and despite a massive home support to Tijan to perform well in the upcom- the Chinese players and then they ing World Beach Volleyball Cham- controlled the proceedings, taking pionship in Hamburg, Germany. 33 minutes to wrap up a 21-13, 21- The team is making an incredible 18 victory. progress in the rankings, which will This was the fourth successive help them qualify for the 2020 To- title for sixth world-ranked You- kyo Olympics straight.” nousse and Tijan and fifth out of six Mohammed Salem al Kuwari, events on the AVC Tour. Another Vice-Chairman of the Beach Com- striking feature of the dominant dis- mittee Commission, expressed his play by the Qatari team is that they Younousse and Tijan with the prize money cheque on the podium after winning delight at the successful defence of have not dropped a set in two Asian the final against the Chinese team in Maoming on Sunday. the Asian title by the Qatar team. Championships so far. It was their “I congratulate the team and the 14th consecutive straight-set victory us piled pressure on the opponents higher,” added Tijan. support staff on this wonderful starting after their 2-1 quarter-final and win the second back-to-back Initially, China had set its sights performance. Their hard work and win over Iranians Bahman Salemi- Asian title,” Younousse added. on landing the men’s title at the Asian dedication are keys to this achieve- injehboroun and Arash Vikili in the Tijan said: “God has been very Senior Beach Volleyball Champion- ment. Now the next target for our Asian Games in Palembang, Indo- kind to us….We’re so proud of our ships for the first time in nine years. team is to get an entry to the Tokyo nesia last year. performance over the past few Wu Penggen and Xu Linyin handed Olympic Games in 2020. The team A pleased Younousse comment- weeks. We were first in Xiamen for China the last gold medal in the is currently playing very well on the ed after the prize distribution cer- the World Tour Four-Star event. 2010 Asian meet at home in Haikou, World Tour and the QVA Beach Vol- emony, “We’re very delighted and Many of the top teams were present but since then no Chinese team cap- leyball Commission will make every proud to bring the Asian title home there and we managed the third tured the men’s title. possible effort to help them make to once again. We want the thank our place, which meant a lot. Gao and Li also performed well the Olympics.” family, friends and the association, Cherif Younousse (standing left) and Ahmed Tijan (Standing right) with coach “Coming back to the Asian in their career, winning back-to- especially the President Ali Ghanim Mariano Baracetti (sitting left) celebrate after winning the Asian Beach Volleyball Championship, it is a second time in back Asian Tour Samila Open in RESULTS al Kuwari, Secretary-General Yousef Championship in Maoming, China on Sunday. a row that we won the title. We’re in Songkhla, Thailand (2018 and 2019) Gold medal Kano and QVA beach volleyball fact delighted that we created a his- and claimed gold medal at the 2018 Cherif/Ahmed (QAT) beat P. Gao/Y. Li (CHN) 2-0 vice-chairman Mohammed Salem raise our level higher than our rivals for more than two weeks. The final tory for winning two crowns with- FIVB World Tour 2-star in Singa- (21-13, 21-18) 0:33 al Kuwari, who really supported us could reach. Still I would say it was particularly was challenging as the out losing a set! We’re playing great pore aside from the ninth place at right from the first day. not an easy tournament for us espe- Chinese players had a huge local beach volleyball. We’ve just started the Xiamen Open last month. Bronze medal “We wanted to do something cially after the bronze medal in the backing. But our experience on the the season and till now, it has been In the third-place playoff, Chi- just as the national football team Four-Star Xiamen Open recently. World Tour, which is certainly much a strong beginning for us. We’ll try nese third seeds Wu Jiaxin and Wu Jiaxin/Ha Likejiang (CHN) beat Durant/ did in the UAE. That motivated us to “We have been out on the Tour tougher than the Asian one, helped to improve and raise our bar even Ha Likejiang restored their pride Schumann (AUS) 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) 0:37 Police overcome Al Ahli, enter Amir Cup volleyball final

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK may even go on to claim their DOHA maiden Amir Cup, considering the strength and rhythm they FOUR-TIME runners-up Po- are displaying. lice took two matches to punch Willner Rivas and Evandro their ticket to the final of the Guerra collected 16 points each prestigious Amir Cup Volley- for Police. Osman (11), Na- ball Championship with a 3-1 dir Abubakr (10) and captain victory over last year’s Al Ahli John Chigbo (8) maintained Club at the QVA Indoor Hall the pressure on the opponents. on Saturday. Brazilian Rafael Araujo Police had a flying start as came up with a match-high they bagged the opening set contribution of 23 points for Al but Al Ahli, who won the 1987- Ahli, including seven blocks. 88 title in four finals, tied the Bartlomiej Lipinski (Poland) scores as they clinched the had eight points with six off second set. Police however QVA Board Member Mohammed Salem al Kuwari presents the man of the blocks. Other players failed used their all-round abilities to the match award to Bobby of Police in Doha on Friday. to offer any substantial contri- carve out a 25-14, 21-25, 25-22, bution. 25-18 victory in one hour and Rayyan Club in 2013-14. Besides taking home the Police had beaten Al Ahli 38 minutes to advance to the Police have been consistent National Volleyball Cup, they Club in the opening match of final. this season in terms of winning grabbed the bronze medal in their best-of-three series 25- The QVA League winners accolades. Though they lost the Arab Club Championship 22, 26-24, 25-19. Police had been shut out of the the Super Cup to Al Rayyan at in Tunis as well. They followed Amir Cup title clash for four the beginning, they reigned su- it with the runners-up finish RESULTS seasons. They lost three finals preme in the League in which to Al Rayyan in the Qatar Cup Police beat Al Ahli 25-14, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18 in Nadir Abubakr of Police jumps to beat the Al Ahli players during the second semi-final playoff of the Amir to Al Arabi, the 21-time cham- they did not drop a match and but they are expected to pose a 98 minutes Cup Volleyball Championship at the QVA Hall in Doha on Friday. pions and the last one to Al posted 18 triumphs in a row. tough challenge in the final and (Police win series 2-0 and advance to the final) American big-shots bruised but victorious at World Relays

Asian record of 1:32.76 with The Americans clocked Brazil claim a historic Men’s 4x100m Jamaica salvaging bronze af- 43.27 as Hobbs edged out Jon- ter their American rivals suf- ielle Smith by two hundredths gold medal after shocking US fered another disqualification. with Rebekka Haase securing “We were nervous about bronze for the 2017 winners. AFP upset win in three minutes, facing such big, big teams,” But the US were unable to YOKOHAMA (JAPAN) 27.49 seconds. admitted Pare. close with a hat-trick of wins The Americans came up “But even though we after Brazil swept to a historic THE United States’ track ath- just short, the hot favourites were running against Elaine victory in the men’s 4x100m, letes were left with bloody settling for silver in 3:27.65 Thompson and Shelly-Ann firing a further warning to noses at the World Relays with Italy taking bronze. Fraser-Pryce, the magic hap- Team USA before the world on Sunday but ultimately “We can’t believe it,” said pened!” championships in Doha later emerged victorious after a Patrycja Wyciszkiewicz. “It Jamaica failed to win this year. bruising two days of competi- was such an amazing feeling to a single event, their male Paulo Andre Camilo de Ol- tion in Yokohama. actually hit the line first.” sprinters coming up woe- iveira held off American Noah American joy at finishing Lightning struck again in fully short in the 4x100 and Lyles in the tightest of finishes top of the medals table with the men’s 4x400m final when 4x200m as they continue to clock a world-leading 38.05 five golds will be tempered by Machel Cedenio produced an to struggle without retired with world champs Britain the disappointment of losing astonishing last 100 metres to sprint king Usain Bolt. taking bronze. their proud unbeaten record give world champions Trini- The United States made A botched handover by in the 4x400 metres after elec- dad and Tobago gold in a pho- (From left) Jorge Vides, Rodrigo do Nascimento, Paulo Andre Camilo de Oliveira and Derick Silva of Brazil no mistake in the men’s American world champion trifying performances from to finish with Paul Dedewo. celebrate after winning the Men’s 4x100m Relay Final at the IAAF World Relays 2019 in Yokohama, Japan 4x200m as Remontay Mc- Justin Gatlin left Isiah Young Poland and Trinidad and To- Cedenio ran a 44.41 split on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) Clain romped home in 1:20.12 with too much work to do on bago. to give his team victory in a with clear daylight between the third leg. Team USA had dominated world-leading 3:00.81 seconds mixed 4x400m, Jasmine ada with Kenya taking bronze. the French to gold from lane him and South Africa’s Akani After securing Brazil’s the event at the three previ- -- three hundredths ahead of Blocker building a huge lead to France then pulled off a nine in 1:32.16 after butter- Simbine. first-ever World Relays gold, ous editions of the World Re- the Americans, who were later give anchor Dontavius Wright shock victory in the women’s fingered exchanges from Aleia Hobbs then hung on de Oliveira was mobbed by his lays but they were stunned by disqualified, bumping Jamai- the freedom of Yokohama and 4x200m after two fumbled Olympic champions Elaine to give the Olympic champions teammates as they celebrated Poland’s women as Justyna ca up to the silver medal spot he brought it home for a runa- handovers by a star-studded Thompson and Shelly-Ann a fifth gold medal in the wom- wildly in the stadium where Swiety-Ersetic anchored the and Belgium to third. way gold medal in 3:16.43, al- Jamaican team. Fraser-Pryce. en’s 4x100m ahead of fast-fin- their country’s footballers lift- European champions to an The US hit back in the most two seconds clear of Can- Maroussia Pare anchored China grabbed silver in an ishing Jamaica and Germany. ed the World Cup in 2002.