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Tuesday, April 20, 2021 FOOTBALL Ramadan 8, 1442 AH No room for error GULF TIMES for Al Sadd as they take on Al Wehdat SPORT Page 2 SPOTLIGHT UEFA blasts ‘disgraceful’ Super League, could ban players from World Cup Europe’s soccer governing body in battle for control JP Morgan confirms it will finance the project with $4.2bn grant

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin addresses media representatives during a press conference in Montreux yesterday.

standing tradition in European lan join the trio from Italy along football, the founding clubs argue with Juventus. Qatari-owned it will create a more sustainable Paris St-Germain and Europe- fi nancial model. an champions Bayern Munich, “The formation of the Super which is majority-owned by the League comes at a time when the fans, have not signed up, mean- global pandemic has accelerated ing France and Germany are not This combination of file pictures shows the logos of the European football clubs which are part of the breakaway Super League launched yesterday. the instability in the existing Eu- represented. ropean football economic model,” The Super League said they Reuters competitions,” he added. cians across Europe who say it en- (soccer’s world governing body) CHAMPIONS LEAGUE the clubs said. In the past, breaka- aimed to have 15 founding mem- Manchester The US investment bank JP trenches the wealth and power of FIFA and the six (continental) The UEFA meeting was origi- way threats have led to compro- bers and a 20-team league with Morgan is fi nancing the new a small elite of clubs. federations, the players... in teams nally scheduled to confi rm plans mises between UEFA and the big fi ve other clubs qualifying each league, which includes clubs such The breakaway clubs – six from that might play in the closed to expand the Champions League clubs in the Champions League, season and would start playing as uropean soccer’s govern- as Real Madrid and Manchester the English Premier League plus league will be banned from play- from 32 to 36 teams and create over the format and revenue dis- “soon as is practicable”. ing body UEFA yester- United and is a rival to UEFA’s es- three each from Spain and Italy ing in the World Cup and Euros.... more group stage games before tribution. Fans of clubs involved have day said clubs and play- tablished Champions League, Eu- – will be guaranteed places in “We’re still assessing with our the knockout rounds – a move This is the fi rst time the united in condemnation as have ers joining a proposed rope’s elite club competition. the new competition in contrast legal team but we will take all the designed to appease the top clubs. wealthiest clubs have gone be- major European domestic leagues breakawayE Super League could JP Morgan is providing a 3.5bn to the Champions League, which sanctions that we can.” Ceferin said the new format would yond threats and taken the step of and football federations. French be banned from all of its compe- euro ($4.21bn) grant to the found- requires teams to qualify via their FIFA had warned in January start from the 2024/25 season but creating a new league. President Emmanuel Macron, titions and the World Cup as it ing clubs to spend on infrastruc- domestic leagues. that any breakaway league would it has been overshadowed by the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned a “disgraceful and ture and recovery from the impact UEFA chief Ceferin said the Su- not be recognised by them and Super League announcement. He FOUNDING MEMBERS and Italian Prime Minister Mario self-serving proposal”. of the Covid-19 pandemic. per League went against the core that players taking part could be also stressed that UEFA distrib- As well as Manchester United, Draghi have also voiced concerns. Addressing an emergency The bitter battle for control of of the European football pyramid banned from the World Cup. utes close to 90% of its revenues owned by the American Glaz- “We are going to look at eve- meeting the day after 12 of Eu- the game in Europe and its multi- in which all clubs can dream to FIFA issued a statement on back to all levels of the game. er family, US-owned Premier rything that we can do with the rope’s top clubs announced the billion dollar revenues entered a play in the Champions League. Sunday noting its “disapproval” “So whoever thinks Super League clubs Liverpool and Arse- football authorities to make sure breakaway, UEFA president Ale- new phase with a letter sent by “UEFA and the football world of a “closed European breakaway League is about money and UEFA nal, Abu-Dhabi backed Manches- that this doesn’t go ahead in the ksander Ceferin upped the ante, the 12 clubs to UEFA yesterday in stand united against the disgrace- league”. Bans or other sanctions is about money as well is not right. ter City, Russian-owned Chelsea, way that it’s currently being pro- describing the Super League plan which they said they would take ful and self-serving proposal we could open the way for compli- Super League is only about mon- and Tottenham Hotspur, who posed,” Johnson said in a pooled as a “spit in the face” of all football legal steps in unnamed courts to have seen in the last 24 hours cated legal battles. ey, money of the dozen, I don’t sacked their manager Jose Mour- interview. lovers. protect their interests as they set for a select few clubs in Europe The Super League letter urged want to call them dirty dozen, but inho yesterday, have signed up to British broadcaster BT Sport, “My opinion is that as soon as up the league. motivated by greed. We are all FIFA and UEFA to agree to talks UEFA is about developing foot- the plans. which pays hundreds of mil- possible they (the clubs) have to The breakaway has been criti- united against this nonsense of a and said they wanted the breaka- ball.” Barcelona and Atletico Madrid lions of pounds a year to show the be banned from all our competi- cised by soccer authorities, fan project,” he added. way league to exist alongside cur- While guaranteed spots in the join Real Madrid from Spain, Champions League, said the game tions and the players from all our organisations and several politi- “As previously announced by rent European club competitions. Super League go against long- while AC Milan and Inter Mi- needed to be protected.

BOTTOMLINE UK minister says will act to stop Super League Reuters clubs including both Manchester nisms that allow football to take does not strike me that the gov- all lashed out against the move, Spanish clubs including the small proposed by 12 European soccer London United and City, Chelsea, Liv- place. Put simply, we will be re- ernment should be providing part of a battle for control of the ones: “We don’t want it to aff ect clubs, saying he shared fans con- erpool, Arsenal and Tottenham viewing everything the govern- that support in the face of this game its multi-billion dollar rev- (Spanish soccer), and if it does, cerns about the idea. Hotspur. ment does to support these clubs proposal,” he said. enues. we want it to aff ect (it) in a good “Now, more than ever, we ritain will do everything Prime Minister Boris Johnson to play... We will do what ever Other measures could include “The Spanish government way.” Spain’s football league, La must protect the entire football possible to block a Super was quick to object to the plans it takes to protect our national reviewing policing support for does not support the initiative Liga, and a host of its other clubs community – from the top level League proposed by 12 on Sunday evening and Dowden game.” games and visas for players. to create a soccer Super League have added their name to a long to the grassroots – and the val- BEuropean soccer clubs, said the government would act to Asked whether the govern- Meanwhile, The Spanish gov- promoted by various European list of institutions rejecting the ues of competition and fairness sports minister Oliver Dowden block the project even if football ment measures under consid- ernment yesterday came out clubs, including the Spanish idea of a European Super League. at its core,” the prince, Queen said yesterday, adding he would authorities could not. eration included a windfall tax on against the formation of a break- ones,” the government said in a Spanish media company Elizabeth’s grandson, wrote on review government support for “Be in no doubt, if they can’t breakaway clubs, Dowden said he away Super League by 12 clubs statement after Sports Minister Mediapro said they would not Twitter. clubs and would not rule out act, we will,” he told parliament. was looking at all options. including its own Real Madrid Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes break their UEFA broadcasting “I share the concerns of fans windfall taxes. “We will put everything on the “In essence we’re looking at and Barcelona, and its sports held talks with UEFA and other contracts running until 2024 to about the proposed Super League Dowden said he had met with table to prevent this from hap- ‘what does the government do minister said any changes to associations, as well as the rebel broadcast the breakaway games. and the damage it risks caus- the Premier League, the Foot- pening. to facilitate matches and facili- soccer organisations can only be clubs. Britain’s Prince William, ing to the game we love,” added ball Association (FA) and the “We are examining every op- tate those clubs?’ and looking at made by agreement. Uribes said any league changes President of the English Football the tweet which was signed “W”, president of UEFA, to discuss tion from governance reform to whether we should continue to European soccer’s governing must benefi t the Spanish league, Association, also criticised the meaning it had come from the the plans that involve six English competition law and mecha- provide that support, because it body UEFA, politicians and fans the Spanish national squad and planned breakaway Super League prince himself. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, April 20, 2021 FOOTBALL

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW Victory only option for Rayyan, Wahda No room for error AFC against Al Rayyan, however, will Margao, India put Al Wahda’s AFC Champions League campaign back on track and ten Cate has urged his team nited Arab Emirates’ Al to be fully focused. Wahda and Al Rayyan “It has been really frustrating of Qatar will both be for us after two games,” lamented searching for their fi rst the 66-year-old Dutch tactician. for Xavi’s Al Sadd winU when they meet in Group E “Like I mentioned before it’s of the AFC Champions League in hard on the players to perform Margao, India, today. their duties properly if they are Al Wahda will fancy their fasting during the tournament chances, having defeated Al “Al Rayyan are a good side Rayyan in four out of their fi ve and the same thing can be said previous meetings in the AFC about us. It is going to be the two Champions League. Both teams, clubs fi ghting for second place against Al Wehdat however, have not enjoyed the in the standings. If you want to best of starts to their 2021 cam- win games you must play on the paign and with just a point to off ensive and I hope against Al Both teams have just one point to their names after two matches show after two matches, neither Rayyan, we can achieve that.” can aff ord anything less than a win today. FC GOA RELISHING Al Rayyan, who faced FC Goa PERSEPOLIS CLASH in their Group E opener, were Meanwhile, India’s FC Goa will also left frustrated by the hosts in be aiming to push the bounda- a 0-0 draw but worse was to fol- ries once again when they face low against Persepolis on Satur- Group E leaders Persepolis today. day. The Qatar Stars League side The two teams have never met took the lead against Persepolis before in the CAF Champions in the fi rst period but a second League. Persepolis are top of the half collapse saw them conced- table with six points after notch- ing three times. Laurent Blanc’s ing consecutive victories, while side are now in a desperate po- second placed FC Goa have kept sition but the Frenchman has two clean sheets in back-to-back promised an improved perform- goalless draws. ance against Al Wahda. FC Goa impressed when they “We defi nitely played poorly in held Qatar’s Al Rayyan and the second half against Persepo- the Indian Super League outfi t lis and now we have to improve continued their resilient form against Al Wahda,” said Blanc. against UAE’s Al Wahda. Despite “Tomorrow is another game and the lack of goals to show, FC Goa I hope my team play with inten- boast the best defensive record sity because we need to win, it is in Group E with none conceded important to us and we’re ready with goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh to do that.” making a total of nine saves “Matchday Three is the half- across two matches. way point of the group stage and However, head coach Juan it’s very important for all the Ferrando’s side can expect their teams. If you perform well, you’ll toughest test yet against 2018 be on your way but if you don’t and 2020 fi nalists Persepolis. then it will cause problems fur- “It is important to score goals,” ther down the road. My plan is said Ferrando. “But at the same always the same. It doesn’t mat- time it is diffi cult. We are go- ter who we play, Goa, Persepolis ing to face a very tough team in or Al Wahda, the most important Persepolis. We are taking things thing is to score goals and that is one step and one game at a time. our target. If we score one goal, “Every game we’ve played in we have to defend that lead so it the AFC Champions League is is best to score more than one.” important. For now, the most Al Sadd’s Santi Cazorla (left) and Baghdad Bounedjah train ahead of their AFC Champions League match against Al Wehdat. Al Wahda started their 2021 important game for me is tomor- campaign on a losing note af- row against Persepolis. The only AFC than the fi rst two matches in order to get “The match against Al Sadd will be players were among several members ter a lapse in concentration saw way for us to improve as FC Goa Riyadh the three points. We didn’t play badly in very diffi cult, specially when the two of the squad to have tested positive for them lose 1-0 to Iran’s Persepo- is to play in this competition the fi rst two matches, but we were not teams are in a similar situation, with one Covid-19. lis. Henk ten Cate’s men showed and face these tough opponents perfect, and the results were not in our point after the fi rst two matches,” said The two teams are tied on four points promise against FC Goa in the like Persepolis, Al Wahda and Al atar’s Al Sadd SC and Al Weh- favour, so we will have to play better and Abu Zema. “But the pressure will be more with Al Nassr leading on goal diff erence early stages of their Matchday Rayyan. dat of Jordan will be vying for attack more. We must also stay focused, on Al Sadd, who are not only favourites but with only the group winners assured Two encounter but the Indian “The exposure we get will help their fi rst win in Group D of the as making mistakes at this level means to qualify from the group, but also to win of advancing to the Round of 16, neither Premier League side stood fi rm us develop further and Indian AFC Champions League when you will concede and lose.” the title. Al Sadd are a big team and they will give an inch at the King Saud Univer- to force a goalless draw. A win football as well.” theyQ clash at the King Fahd International “We’ve analysed Al Wehdat and we’ve are capable of going through any pres- sity Stadium. Stadium today. Both teams have just one seen that they are good in defence and sure, but we are also a very good team and Al Nassr dominated against Jordan’s Al point to their names after two matches, transition well into attack. They are or- we can stop Al Sadd.” Wehdat but had to settle for a 0-0 draw. and victory is a must in their bid to ad- ganised and it is diffi cult to score against “I trust my players, they have the They, however, displayed the form that vance to the Round of 16, with only the them, but we have to be ready for the abilities and the experience, with many took them to the semi-fi nals last year in group winners assured of a place. match and create chances to score. There of them playing in the national team, the 3-1 win over Al Sadd on Saturday. Al Sadd came into the AFC Champi- is nothing guaranteed in the group, and and they can deliver what we want from Head coach Mano Menezes, who took ons League having won the Qatar Stars we can’t predict who will qualify, as all them. Football is not only about defence charge of the team for the fi rst time in the League unbeaten but have struggled in four teams still have a chance to qualify, or attack, it’s about both, we have a very win against Al Sadd, now has the task of Group D, having had to claw back to sal- so we will only focus on our next match good defensive structure, but we need motivating his players to deliver despite vage a 1-1 draw with Foolad Khouzestan, against Al Wehdat.” to make better use of our chances. We the Covid-19 outbreak with the Brazil- before suff ering a 3-1 defeat to Al Nassr Al Wehdat, in their maiden AFC Cham- are an attacking team, but we changed ian saying he would have to reshuffl e his on Saturday. pions League group stage campaign, have our style a week before we came here, team. While Al Sadd have proven that they opted for a defensive approach thus far so we need some time to adapt and per- Foolad, who are making their fi rst ap- have no issues in creating goal oppor- and it worked against Al Nassr, with the fect our attacking formation. You need pearance in the AFC Champions League tunities, head coach Xavi will remind Jordanian side walking away with a 0-0 to be realistic when playing in the AFC since 2015, were denied a famous win over his players they have to be more clinical draw. Had it not been for Chimba con- Champions League, which depends on Al Sadd in their group opener after the upfront and resolute in defence, with Al verting a penalty for Foolad Khouzestan small details.” 2011 champions salvaged a last gasp 1-1 Nassr having punished them with speedy FC on Saturday, Al Wehdat may have well draw, but the Iran side made no mistakes counter-attacks when the score was 1-1. earned another point. TOP SPOT AT STAKE FOR FOOLAD in their 1-0 win over Al Wehdat. “Now we have a chance to get the fi rst However, Al Wehdat need goals if they KHOUZESTAN, AL NASSR They will be asked to prove their worth win and get three points, but we will be are to enjoy a prolonged stay in the AFC The battle for top spot in Group D is set to once more against Al Nassr next but Fool- facing a diffi cult team, who are strong Champions League and a defensive ap- take a key turn when Foolad Khouzestan ad will be up to the task as three points in defence and have good physical abili- proach may no longer work at this stage of FC and Al Nassr lock horns today. Saudi will place head coach Jesus Javier Noble’s ties,” said Xavi. “We have to score in this the tournament and head coach Abdullah Arabia’s Al Nassr will be a weakened side men in pole position in the race to fi nish match, we must attack and defend better Abu Zema may have to rethink his plans. after it was confi rmed yesterday that fi ve as the group winners. Al Rayyan players train in Margao, India, yesterday.

beIN Sports to broadcast ‘Welcome to Qatar’ exclusive FOCUS series as it prepares for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Al Duhail’s head coach Lamouchi Doha: As an organisation with a strong and very proud footprint in the Middle East and a passion disappointed with Al Ahli draw to provide its millions of viewers with the best content in sports and AFC entertainment – beIN Media Group, Jeddah the global sports and entertainment ing the Al Bayt stadium, Al Thumama tionalities will take viewers on tours broadcaster and its flagship sports stadium and the 2022 FIFA World Cup every month and showcase Qatar’s channel beIN Sports will broadcast Qatar final stadium in Lusail. FIFA World Cup stadiums, venues and ead coach Sabri Lamouchi an exclusive monthly series called Commenting on beIN Sports’ activities including the importance was disappointed with Al ‘Welcome to Qatar’ as the global exclusive series and the 2022 FIFA of the legacy and the crucial role that Duhail SC’s late 1-1 draw with broadcaster prepares to host the World Cup Qatar, Acting Director of women played in preparing for the Al Ahli Saudi FC in their 2021 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. Programs for beIN MENA Duncan tournament. AFCH Champions League Group C tie on As the off icial broadcaster and the Walkinshaw said: “As the off icial To watch all the major tourna- Sunday. Michael Olunga gave the Qa- home of the FIFA World Cup across broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup, ments and competitions, the beIN tar side the lead before the break but the Middle East and North Africa beIN Sports is proud to broadcast summer early bird promotion off ers Al Ahli striker Omar al-Soma scored a (MENA), beIN Sports’ series ‘Wel- exclusive content of the host country subscribers the chance to watch the stoppage time equaliser to salvage his come to Qatar’ will take viewers and for our viewers across the region. Our best exclusive sports tournaments side a point. subscribers on an incredible journey main focus is to continue to provide on air including the UEFA Euro 2020, The result meant Al Duhail – who across the country as Qatar prepares our millions of subscribers with an Copa America 2021, Total Africa Cup had opened their campaign with a 2-0 to host one of the biggest sporting exceptional World Cup experience. of Nations, Cameroon 2021 and FIFA win over Al Shorta of Iraq – trail group advantage of your chances and score, “I’m happy with this result because we competitions in the world. With a strong and proud footprint in World Cup Qatar 2022 and save 6 leaders Esteghlal FC of Iran by two then you must concede. We changed faced very diffi cult circumstances.” In the first episode of the series, the Middle East, we are tremendously months on your ULTIMATE package points heading into their clash tomor- some positions on the pitch but we “I was sad to see that we were un- Qatar and Al Duhail’s Almoez Ali and excited and can’t wait for the 2022 subscription. For more information row. Frenchman Lamouchi said his failed to win the match at the end. der pressure but the team worked hard Ismail Mohamed will take viewers FIFA World Cup to kick off right here on beIN’s off ers, visit www.bein.com/ side missed out on a deserved win due Omar was Al Ahli’s best player but they as a group to get a positive result. “I on an exclusive tour around Qatar in Qatar”. summer2021. beIN entertains and op- to bad luck as they had been the better didn’t create many scoring chances,” will work very hard with the players in as they go to fascinating landmarks The ‘Welcome to Qatar’ series will erates in 43 countries globally, includ- side. “I’m truly disappointed for what lamented Lamouchi. order to get positive results. We per- in the country including the desert be broadcast on the 21st of every ing 24 countries across the MENA happened at the end,” said Lamouchi. Al Ahli Saudi head coach Laurentiu formed well in the fi rst match but lost. of Sealine, the Mangroves, Qatar month starting from tomorrow, April region. With broadcast on satellite in “We unfortunately lost two points al- Reghecampf paid tribute to the fi ghting Tonight, however, we managed to get a National Museum, The Pearl and so 21 at 21:00 Qatar Time (GMT +3). The 4K and Full HD, the beIN experience though we created more than 29 shots spirit of his players but said they have point.” much more. The two players will also series will be shown on the beIN is also available on mobile, tablet, on target and we should assess what to work on limiting chances for oppos- Having suff ered a 5-2 defeat to Es- take viewers on a tour to four incred- Sports 1 Premium channel in Arabic computer and other home devices happened.” ing teams. “I want to congratulate the teghlal in their opener, Al Ahli Saudi ible FIFA World Cup stadiums includ- as diff erent players from diff erent na- through beIN Connect. “It is true that we created many players who showed great determina- will aim for their fi rst win of the cam- chances but in football if you don’t take tion, especially in defence,” he said. paign against Al Shorta tomorrow. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 20, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

REACTION ‘Ultimate betrayal’ Super League has divided the football world even as fans across club lines have united in condemnation

Reuters idea,idea, to tthehe sstoriestories oonn ttheirheir InInsta-nssta- ChChampionsampions LeLeague,ea but not in on Twitter. Madrid, gramgram aaccounts.cccounts. ththee ririchch stestealingaling what the people Schweinsteiger, who Spain FernandesFFernandes addedadded ththee cocommentommm ent crcreated,eated, wwhichhhich is nothing other won the Champions League in “dreams“dreams cacan’tan’n t bbe bbought”ought” wwithith ththanan tthehee mmostost bbeautiful sport on 2013 with Bayern — one of the “I still believe we can solve this applauseapplause aandnd hhearteart eemojis,mojis, wwhilehile ththee planet.”pllaanett.”” major European clubs not in- unpleasant situation.” number of high-profi le CanceloCancncelelo wrotwrwroteote “m“myy guy” aandnd ac- volved in the new league — and players from across companiedcompanied ththee ststoryory wiwithith aann apap- NOT SUPER also played for Manchester Unit- GREED IS NOT THE FUTURE Europe, including plausepl emoji, before later delet- Ex-Real Madrid, Barcelona and ed, said the proposals threatened The Super League clubs also an- Manchester United ing the post. Inter Milan midfi elder Figo — to kill off the game domestically. nounced their intention to create Amidfi elder Bruno Fernandes and whose former clubs have all “If the Super League will be a parallel women’s competition, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ander DREAM KILLERS signed up to the Super League — realised, it will destroy football but Olympique Lyonnais’s fi ve- Herrera, have joined in criticism Herrera, whose French club are was equally scathing. with its national leagues as we time Champions League win- of the plans. not among the 12 founding mem- “This so called ‘Superleague’ is know it,” he said. ner Ada Hegerberg slammed the The duo, alongside others in- bers, said the project would kill the anything but ‘Super’,” the Portu- Zenit Saint-Petersburg’s plans as greedy. cluding Mesut Ozil, Dejan Lovren dreams of fans across the globe. guese said. former Liverpool defender “I grew up loving the Cham- and Ada Hegerberg, as well as “If this European Super League “This greedy and callous Lovren and Fenerbahce’s ex- pions League, then I got to play former players Luis Figo and Bas- Leeds United’s Ian Poveda (centre) wears a T-shirt with a slogan against advances, those dreams are over, move would spell disaster for Arsenal and Germany midfi elder in the Women’s Champions tian Schweinsteiger have reiter- a proposed new European Super League during the warm up for the the illusions of the fans of the our grassroots, for women’s Ozil also criticised the idea. League,” she said. ated criticism of the proposals. Premier League match against Liverpool yesterday. (AFP) teams that are not giants of being football, and the wider football “Football will be in the near “Then I got to win fi ve of them Late on Sunday 12 teams, in- able to win on the fi eld compet- community only to serve self- future on a brink of complete and become the all-time lead- cluding six from England, an- incredulity of fans and leagues Joao Cancelo added a post from ing in the best competitions will interested owners, who stopped collapse. Nobody is thinking ing goalscorer. It’s legacy. It’s the nounced that they intended to across the continent. Portugal teammate and Wolver- end,” the ex-Manchester United caring about their fans long about the bigger picture, only the past, present, and future, so is create and govern their own Eu- Both Manchester United’s hampton Wanderers striker Dan- player tweeted. ago, and complete disregard for fi nancial side,” the Croatia de- meritocracy in sports. Greed is ropean competition, much to the Fernandes and Manchester City’s iel Podence, who criticised the “I believe in an improved sporting merit. Tragic,” he wrote fender wrote on Twitter. not the future.”

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Breakaway Super League calls Juve, Man Utd Angry broadcasters condemn for talks with FIFA and UEFA Reuters UEFA’s existing club com- shares jump on Manchester, England petitions rather than be an breakaway Super League plan unsanctioned league. “We do not seek to replace league plans Reuters casters, seeking to secure deals with owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik’s he 12 clubs behind the the UEFA’s Champions League London, England the likes of Amazon, Facebook, Dis- Access Industries, also poured cold breakaway European or the Europa League but to hares in Juventus and Manchester United jumped ney and Comcast-owned Sky that water on it. TSuper League have compete with and exist along- yesterday after the clubs announced a breakaway would raise annual revenues of 4bn DAZN last month secured the called on UEFA and FIFA side those tournaments,” the European Super League with another 10 of foot- roadcasters who have spent euros ($4.8bn). rights to screen all Serie A Italian to open talks with them on letter read. ball’s most powerful teams. billions of dollars to screen Facebook and a source familiar top-fl ight league matches over the their new competition. “We also seek your coopera- SThe Italian club’s shares rose by nearly 18% to 0.91 Champions League soccer with the situation at Amazon said next three seasons with a bid of In a letter to FIFA presi- tion and support on how the euros on the Milan stock market, after weeks of having have condemned the plan yesterday they were not in talks 2.5bn euros ($3bn), beating pay-TV dent Gianni Infantino and competition can be brought slid since it was eliminated from the Champions League Bby top European clubs to form a about broadcast rights. player Sky. UEFA president Aleksander within the football ecosys- in March. breakaway Super League as a threat BT, which owns the right to show “Neither DAZN nor Mr. Blavatnik Ceferin, seen by Reuters, the tem and work with us to Manchester United, which is listed on the New York to the future of the game that will UEFA’s Champions League midweek are in any way involved or interested “European Super League achieve that objective.” Stock Exchange, was up 8.3% about an hour into US not succeed. club competition in Britain, Spain’s in entering into discussions regard- Company S.L.” inform the UEFA and FIFA have both trading. Overnight, the two clubs confi rmed their par- News that 12 clubs including Real Mediapro and streaming service ing the establishment of a Super two organisations that they opposed the move to create ticipation in the new venture alongside other clubs from Madrid, Juventus and Manchester DAZN either condemned the move, League and no conversations have are taking legal steps to a rival competition to UEFA’s Italy, England and Spain. United have joined forces to set up a or distanced themselves from it. taken place,” DAZN said. protect their organisation Champions League and Inter Milan, AC Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, new competition risks undermining “BT recognises the concerns Were the Super League to go but also call for talks. threatened to sanction clubs Manchester City, Tottenham, Barcelona, Real Madrid and the existing media contracts that raised by many of football’s lead- ahead it would threaten not only the “We invite you to attend on and players who take part. Atletico Madrid have also signed up to the plan, which has help fund the game. ing voices and fans, and believes viability of the Champions League an urgent basis discussion “Your formal statement does, sparked outrage from football authorities, fans and pundits. Were the new league to go ahead, the formation of a European Super but also the appeal of domestic with us regarding the details however, compel us to take “The fi nancial incentive for the clubs is plain to see, media groups that risk watching the League could have a damaging eff ect leagues after offi cials warned that of the competition and protective steps to secure with a multi-billion dollar package at the heart of the value of their existing rights disap- to the long term health of football in any clubs or players taking part in how it can best be accom- ourselves against such an scheme, albeit it would forever break the integrity of pear will have to decide whether this country,” the company said. it could be banned from all other modated within the football adverse reaction, which the club game,” said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at they want to battle for the new Spanish media company Medi- competitions. ecosystem,” the letter would not only jeopardise Markets.com. matches, potentially against rivals apro told Reuters yesterday that Analysts said Amazon or Dis- concludes. the funding commitment “The sort of additional revenues the ESL will deliver such as Amazon or Disney’s ESPN. broadcasters would not tear up their ney’s ESPN could be in pole position The invitation indicates that under the (JP Morgan finan- would need to be off set by a potential material decline or The Financial Times reported existing contracts and predicted the to buy the rights to show the new the breakaway project is cial) grant but, significantly, total loss of existing earnings from media deals through that Super League organisers had plan would fail. league as they have fewer ties to the looking to work alongside would be unlawful,” it said. national leagues and UEFA,” he said. (AFP) held early discussions with broad- Sports streaming service DAZN, sport’s governing bodies. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, April 20, 2021 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Final decision on three Euros host cities to be taken on April 23

Zurich: UEFA will take a final Spurs sack Mourinho call on the status of Munich, Bilbao and Dublin as host cities for the 2020 European Championship on Friday after the venues could not guar- antee spectator attendance, European football’s govern- aft er 17 months in charge ing body said yesterday. Each of the 12 host cities were asked to submit their Academy coach Ryan Mason is set to pick the team for tomorrow’s clash with Southampton plans for allowing fans inside stadiums by early April and AFP been with us through some of our most the nine other venues had London challenging times as a club. Jose is a true promised filling stadiums to professional who showed enormous re- capacities ranging from 25% silience during the pandemic. On a per- to full capacity. ose Mourinho was sacked by Tot- sonal level I have enjoyed working with However, Dublin and Bilbao tenham yesterday just six days him and regret that things have not were unable to commit to at before they play Manchester worked out as we both had envisaged.” least some fans being able to City in the League Cup fi nal as Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann is the attend games while Munich’s theJ Portuguese boss paid the price for bookmakers’ favourite to replace Mour- mayor could not rule out a turbulent campaign. Mourinho, 58, inho, while Leicester manager Brendan blocking fans from attending was dismissed after only 17 months in Rodgers is also a contender. games due to the infection charge, even though he could have led Nagelsmann has also been linked rate and protection orders in the club to their fi rst silverware since with Bayern Munich, who are set to lose the Bavarian capital. 2008. Tottenham have been struggling boss Hansi Flick in a move that could Euro 2020 was postponed in their bid to qualify for the Champi- have persuaded Tottenham to act on by a year due to the Covid-19 ons League via a top-four fi nish in the Mourinho now rather than wait until pandemic and will run from Premier League. the end of the season. June 11-July 11. A final decision Spurs are currently seventh, fi ve Mourinho’s abrupt exit is the latest on whether the three cities points behind fourth-placed West Ham, setback in a once-glittering managerial remain hosts was meant to and suff ered a shock Europa League career that now appears on the decline. be made at UEFA’s executive last-16 exit against Dinamo Zagreb. The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, committee meeting earlier “The club can today announce that Real Madrid and Manchester United yesterday where a new for- Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff boss was appointed by Tottenham in mat for club competitions to have been relieved of their duties,” a November 2019, less than 12 hours af- be introduced from the 2024- Tottenham statement said. The bomb- ter Mauricio Pochettino had been dis- 25 season was announced. shell news came less than 24 hours after missed. But the agenda was domi- Tottenham announced they were one of But unlike Pochettino, who led Tot- nated by the Super League, 12 clubs planning to launch a breakaway tenham to the 2019 Champions League the new breakaway tourna- European Super League. fi nal and regularly fi nished in the top ment announced by 12 of Tottenham’s academy coach Ryan four, Mourinho was unable to spark a Europe’s top clubs on Sunday, Mason, a former player at the club, will response from his squad. Tottenham as UEFA threatened the clubs take fi rst-team training this week and is fi nished sixth last season and went out and their players with bans set to pick the team for tomorrow’s Pre- of the Champions League in the last 16. from all its competitions. mier League clash with Southampton Amid reports of player discontent and the League Cup fi nal at Wembley. with Mourinho’s conservative tactics CITY WAIT NERVOUSLY Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and boring training sessions, the Por- ON DE BRUYNE INJURY said: “Jose and his coaching staff have tuguese coach had been losing his grip DIAGNOSIS Manchester City said yes- terday they do not know the “full extent” of the injury suf- fered by Kevin De Bruyne, but the Belgium midfielder will definitely miss the Premier League leaders’ game at Aston Villa tomorrow. on the job for several weeks. He had a South Korea forward paid tribute to One’ after winning the 2004 Champi- De Bruyne limped off in public spat with on-loan Real Madrid him. “I have no words to describe how ons League with Porto, Mourinho won the second half of Saturday’s star Gareth Bale about his fi tness for an I’m feeling, it’s been a pleasure to work the Premier League title three times in 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat FA Cup defeat at Everton and claimed with you,” Son wrote on Instagram. two spells with Chelsea. by Chelsea, The 29-year- Toby Alderweireld was absent from the “I’m sorry things didn’t work out and He also led Inter Milan to Champions old’s injury is badly timed squad due to a late return from the in- truly grateful for the time we’ve had to- League glory in 2010 and won La Liga for City as they try to retain ternational break when the Belgian was gether. Good luck and all the best for the with Real Madrid. But his second spell an eight-point lead over actually pictured at the training ground. future.” at Chelsea ended in acrimony in 2015 second-placed Manchester With Tottenham unlikely to qualify Only during his spell at Portuguese when he was sacked after losing the United, while looking to win for the Champions League, there are club Leiria has Mourinho posted a lower support of key players. the Champions League and also fears star striker Harry Kane will win ratio in all competitions (45%) in A two-year spell in charge at Man- League Cup. ask to leave in the close-season. Eng- his managerial career than he did with chester United brought Europa League City travel to Villa, then land captain Kane responded to Mour- Tottenham (51%).Tottenham dropped and League Cup trophies, but again play Tottenham in the League inho’s exit by tweeting: “Thank you 20 points from winning positions and Mourinho’s failure to keep his stars Cup final on Sunday before for everything Boss. A pleasure to have blew a 2-0 fi rst-leg lead against Dinamo happy led to his sacking in 2018. Mour- the first leg of their Champi- worked together. I wish you all the best in the Europa League. inho’s last game with Tottenham was a ons League semi-final against for your next chapter.” For the fi rst time, Mourinho suff ered 2-2 draw at Everton on Friday that ex- French giants Paris Saint Manager Jose Mourinho arrives at his home in London after being sacked by Son Heung-min was one of the play- 10 league defeats in a single season. tended the team’s winless run to three Germain on April 28. Tottenham Hotspur yesterday. (AFP) ers to thrive under Mourinho and the Having branded himself the ‘Special matches and prompted the axe to fall.

FOCUS LA LIGA Eriksen earns Serie A leaders Exhausted Real Madrid lose momentum Inter Milan point at Napoli in title race with draw at Getafe Reuters Reuters Milan Madrid

hristian Eriksen’s fi rst heavily depleted Real Madrid side league goal of the sea- scraped a 0-0 draw at struggling son earned Inter Milan Getafe on Sunday, falling three a 1-1 draw at Napoli on points behind leaders Atletico Sunday,C moving the league lead- MadridA in the La Liga title race. Real beat ers nine points clear at the top of Barcelona 2-1 last week and overcame Liv- the Serie A standings. In a thrill- erpool in midweek to reach the Champions ing fi rst half, Inter hit the wood- League semi-fi nals but were crippled by the work twice but found themselves absence of nine players due to either injury, behind as goalkeeper Samir suspension or Covid-19 positives. Handanovic diverted what ap- Forward Mariano had an early goal ruled peared to be a comfortable low out for off side after a VAR review but Getafe cross into his own net nine min- had far more and far better opportuni- utes before the break. ties, hitting the woodwork in the fi rst half Inter, chasing a 12th successive and being thwarted by two fi ne saves from league win, stepped it up a gear in Thibaut Courtois in the second. the second half, with Dane Erik- The draw interrupted a run of four sen arrowing a fi ne strike into the straight league wins for Zinedine Zidane’s net in the 55th minute. side and left them second on 67 points after Napoli hit the crossbar and 31 games, three behind leaders Atletico who Getafe’s Mauro Arambarri (right) in action with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during the thought they had won a late thrashed Eibar 5-0 earlier in the day. Getafe La Liga match in Getafe, Spain, on Sunday. (Reuters) penalty only for VAR to over- are 15th on 31 points, three above the rel- turn the decision, as Inter hung egation zone. “I don’t see this as two points keeper Courtois. The Belgian fl ew towards Fernando created the danger for the equal- on to move on to 75 points from dropped, it’s always diffi cult to come here,” the top corner to beat away a shot from An- iser and then pounced on a poor clearance 31 games, nine clear of second- said Real defender Marcelo. “We knew what gel Rodriguez and then reacted quickly to from Robin Le Normand to score. placed AC Milan. it would be like here, the pitch was very dry tip a long range eff ort from Nemanja Maksi- En-Nesyri also showed good anticipation “On other occasions we would Inter Milan’s Christian Eriksen (left) vies for the ball with Napoli’s and we couldn’t get the ball moving quickly. movic over the bar after it took a defl ection when he put his side in front moments later, have lost the game, we would Victor Osimhen during the Serie A match in Naples, Italy. (Reuters) We have hardly any time to rest but we have off Chust. following up a defl ected shot which came off have fallen after that goal we to keep on giving everything, that’s what Getafe had two penalty appeals waved the post to steer the ball into the unguarded conceded,” Inter coach Antonio earning a narrow 2-1 win over Lorenzo Insigne’s cross squirm football is like right now.” away for incidents involving Real centre net. Sevilla comfortably defended their lead Conte said. Genoa earlier on Sunday, Inter’s from his hands and back into his Despite the many absences, Zidane chose back Eder Militao, who brought down Enes in the second half to record a fi fth win in six “Instead the team reacted, lead at the top had been cut to own goal. to start without top scorer Karim Benzema Unal in the fi rst half and then collided with league games which included a 1-0 victory they are there, they know their eight points as they faced a real After Eriksen had arrived right and left Toni Kroos on the bench, handing Angel just as the forward was getting his at home to Atletico this month. means and never lose their way. test against a Napoli side who on cue to break his Serie A season a fi rst start to defender Victor Chust and a shot away. Sevilla are fourth in the standings on 64 We faced a complete Napoli, a had won fi ve of their last six duck, Inter settled in for a point, debut for 20-year-old midfi elder Antonio Sevilla came from behind to win 2-1 at points after 31 games, six behind leaders team that I considered among the league games. knowing every one earned would Blanco from the bench. Getafe could have Real Sociedad on Sunday and stay in con- Atletico Madrid. Sevilla have not won the best equipped to win the Scu- Conte’s team had chances to take them a step closer to a fi rst scored three times in the opening 10 min- tention for an unlikely La Liga title bid. The Spanish title since 1946 and have not fi n- detto. Today we gave Milan two take the lead in the opening pe- Scudetto in 11 years. utes and then striker Jaime Mata struck the visitors, who won a dramatic match at Celta ished in the top two since 1957 but En-Ne- points in their chase, but I think riod, but Romelu Lukaku could But they rode their luck as Di- post with a header. Real’s Mariano saw a Vigo 4-3 in their last fi xture, fell behind in syri dared to dream. “We’ll go all out to win we can allow for this as it was a only divert the ball onto the ego Demme thundered a strike shot cleared off the line from David Timor, the fi fth minute to a goal from their former the seven games we have left and try to win hard-earned draw.” crossbar from close range, before onto the underside of the cross- adding to his frustration after his goal was forward Carlos Fernandez. La Liga. We’re going to fi ght for the title,” he Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli Eriksen’s defl ected freekick came bar, before the referee elected to chalked off for a fractional off side. But they responded with two quick-fi re told reporters. stayed fi fth, but closed to within out off the upright. Napoli then change his original decision to The home side continued to dictate the strikes by midfi elder Fernando and striker Sevilla visit Levante tomorrow before two points of champions Juven- edged in front, and it was a real penalise Stefan de Vrij for a foul play after the interval as Real grew ever Youssef En-Nesyri in the 22nd and 24th home games against Granada and Athletic tus in fourth. With AC Milan mess from Handanovic, as he let in the penalty area. more tired but Getafe could not get past Real minutes to move into the lead. Brazilian Bilbao. They travel to Real Madrid on May 9. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 20, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Bieber strikes out 13 as Indians beat Reds Adebayo hits Reuters However, Luplow hit Cleveland’s Boston third two-out homer of the day in the seventh off Sal Romano, also to center fi eld, for a 6-2 ad- hane Bieber tossed eight vantage. Naquin ended Bieber’s innings and became the string of fi ve straight strikeouts fi rst pitcher in modern with his solo homer in the eighth. baseball history to strike After Emmanuel Clase blew a buzzer-beater as outS at least 10 batters in his fi rst save chance in Cleveland’s 3-2, four starts of a season as the 10-inning loss on Saturday, he Cleveland Indians snapped the rebounded to earn his fourth of Cincinnati Reds’ seven-game the season. home winning streak with a 6-3 Meanwhile Aaron Nola tossed ‘He’s sore, but we don’t victory on Sunday. a two-hit shutout, Bryce Harper Looking to help the Indians homered and the host Philadel- know how severe it is’ avoid being swept and coming phia Phillies defeated the St. Heat top Nets off a nine-inning eff ort at the Louis Cardinals 2-0 on Sunday. Chicago White Sox on Tues- Harper reached base safely AFP day, Bieber (2-1, 2.45 ERA) al- all four times and also doubled, Los Angeles lowed three runs, six hits and singled and walked. Jean Segura fanned a season-high 13 while added a pair of hits and extended walking two. According to the his hitting streak to nine in a row. am Adebayo hit a thrilling game Elias Sports Bureau, Bieber is Nola (1-1) struck out 10 and winner at the buzzer on Sunday the fi rst major leaguer since the walked none. It was Nola’s to lift the Miami Heat to a 109- mound was placed at its current 17th career game with at least 107 victory over the Brooklyn distance in 1893 to strike out at 10 strikeouts. Nola threw 109 Nets,B who lost superstar Kevin Durant to least 10 in his fi rst four starts. pitches for his fi rst career nine- another injury. He’s posted 48 total in 2021, ty- inning complete game. His only American Adebayo nailed a step-back ing Nolan Ryan (1978) for 14-footer from the baseline as the Heat the most through the fi rst RESULTS snapped a three-game losing skid. four starts of the season, Both teams were short-handed, with according to the Indians’ Indians 6-3 Reds the Heat playing without Jimmy But- television broadcast. Phillies 2-0 Cardinals ler (sprained ankle) and the Nets already On Sunday, Bieber was Braves 13-4 Cubs without James Harden, who has a ham- aided by a three-run hom- string injury. er from Roberto Perez, Giants 1-0 Marlins Durant scored Brooklyn’s fi rst eight Jordan Luplow’s two-run Rays 4-2 Yankees points before exiting the game with just shot and a solo blast via Padres 5-2 Dodgers under eight minutes remaining in the fi rst Jose Ramirez. Yu Chang D’Backs 5-2 Nationals quarter. also had two hits as Cleve- The 11-time all-star was driving to the land capped a 3-4 road White Sox 3-2 Red Sox basket when he clashed knees with Heat trip. Joey Votto had three White Sox 5-1 Red Sox forward Trevor Ariza. Durant suff ered a hits with two RBIs and Mets 2-1 Rockies left thigh contusion. ex-Indian Tyler Naquin Mariners 7-2 Astros Durant returned to the Nets’ lineup clubbed his sixth homer Athletics 3-2 Tigers April 7 after a 23-game absence because for the Reds, who fell to of a hamstring injury. He has averaged 7-2 at home. Rangers 1-0 Orioles 23.8 points while playing in four of the Three batters into the Royals 2-0 Blue Jays Nets’ last fi ve games. game, Ramirez tagged Pirates 6-5 Brewers Cincinnati’s Wade Miley with his fi rst run allowed in 2021, other complete game shutout RESULTS putting the Indians up 1-0 with covered seven innings as part of Clippers 124-105 Minnesota his fourth homer of the season. a doubleheader last Sept. 11. Perez delivered the game’s big- The Phillies won the series by Charlotte 109-101 Portland gest blow three innings later that taking two of three. Houston 114-110 Orlando capped a string of three con- Cardinals starter John Gant secutive two-out hits to make it (0-2) lasted fi ve innings and al- Sacramento 121-17 Dallas 4-0. Miley (2-1, 2.25), who won lowed fi ve hits and two runs. Miami 109-107 Brooklyn his fi rst two starts of the season, Gant’s control was spotty with left after yielding four runs on fi ve strikeouts and fi ve walks. Atlanta 129-117 Indiana fi ve hits and a walk, striking out The Phillies jumped out to a New York 122-112 New Orleans fi ve, over fi ve innings. 1-0 lead in the fi rst inning when The Reds cut the lead in half Harper launched a 425-foot on Votto’s second double of the home run to the second deck in ‘‘He’s sore, but we don’t know how day that drove in two in the fi fth. right fi eld. severe it is,’’ Brooklyn coach Steve Nash said. Adebayo fi nished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and fi ve assists, and Slovenia’s Goran Dragic fi nished with 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Adebayo drove left, pulled up and launched a 14-footer as time expired. Adebayo knows his role with the team but still likes to get the green light sometimes from the bench during key moments in the game. “He handled it the right way,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “He looked over to the bench, and at Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo dunks over Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris during the second half at American Airlines Arena. that point we just made eye contact. My (USA TODAY Sports) hands were up, and it was like, ‘OK, it just better be the last shot.’” York Knicks withstood a 34-point per- who had 15, contributed off ensively be- cans, who lost in overtime for the second Landry Shamet scored a career-high formance from Zion Williamson by beat- fore fouling out. ‘’I haven’t had this feel- consecutive game. Randle nailed two free 30 points and made seven-of-12 from ing the New Orleans Pelicans 122-112 ing in a long time, let alone be on a win- throws with just over two minutes to go in beyond the arc, and Kyrie Irving chipped in overtime. Derrick Rose came off the ning streak,’’ Rose said. ‘’So I’m grateful overtime to give the Knicks a 112-105 lead, in with 20 points and nine assists for the bench to score a season-high 23 points, to be in this situation.’’ and New York cruised from there. Nets. and RJ Barrett tallied 18 as the Knicks beat Williamson also had nine rebounds and ‘‘We didn’t play great in the second Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Indians pitches in the first inning In New York, Julius Randle fi nished the Pelicans for the second time in three fi ve assists, Eric Bledsoe scored 22 and half, but we found a way to win the game,’’ against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, with 33 points and 10 assists as the New games. Both Barrett and Reggie Bullock, Brandon Ingram added 19 for the Peli- Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. Ohio. (Getty Images/AFP)

NHL Golden Knights rout Ducks, tie for 1st place

Reuters season, but Vegas answered near the end of the Tampa period with a power-play goal by Stone, who RESULTS took a stretch pass from Shea Theodore and broke in on a breakaway and deked Gibson for Knights 5-2 Ducks ark Stone, Max Pacioretty and his 15th goal of the season. Islanders 1-0 Flyers Nicolas Roy each had a goal and Tuch fi nished the scoring with an empty-net Bruins 6-3 Capitals an assist and Marc-Andre Fleury goal, his 16th of the season, with 1:27 left. stopped 33 shots to go along with Canucks 3-2 Maple Leafs Mhis fi rst assist of the season as the visiting Vegas SOROKIN, ISLANDERS EARN 1-0 Rangers 5-3 Devils Golden Knights moved into a tie for fi rst place OT SHUTOUT OVER FLYERS Sabres 4-2 Penguins in the West Division with a 5-2 victory over the Defenseman Nick Leddy scored 2:23 into over- Anaheim Ducks on Sunday afternoon. time and Ilya Sorokin made 30 saves to lift the Cancer” night to Lindblom, who is now cancer- Alex Pietrangelo and Alex Tuch also scored visiting New York Islanders to a 1-0 victory over free after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma goals and Alec Martinez added two assists the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. in December 2019. for Vegas which extended its win streak to six Leddy scored after his shot defl ected off the The Flyers held a 23-13 edge in shots on goal games, matching its season high accomplished stick of Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim and over the fi rst two periods before the Islanders Feb. 22-March 6. The Golden Knights tied idle into the net. Leddy’s goal was his second of benefi ted from a pair of power-play opportuni- Colorado for the top spot in the West with a the season and snapped the Islanders’ scoring ties to hold a 13-6 advantage in the third. Elliott league-high 64 points but the Avalanche, whose drought of 159 minutes, 27 seconds dating back stopped Casey Cizikas on the doorstep as well season is on pause until Thursday due to Cov- to Travis Zajac’s tally 2:56 into the second period as defenseman Andy Greene’s blast from the id-19 protocol, still have a game in hand. of Thursday’s 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. point to keep New York off the scoreboard. New Fleury improved to 20-10-0 for the season, Seven of the eight games of the season series York nearly opened the scoring early in the sec- the 13th time in his career that he hit the 20-win between the Islanders and Flyers were decided ond period as Cizikas exited the penalty box and mark in a season. His assist on Stone’s second- by one goal, with six of the contests extending quickly ignited a 2-on-1 rush. Cizikas elected to period goal was the 18th of his career and fourth beyond regulation. Four of New York’s fi ve wins keep the puck, however his shot was denied by with the Golden Knights. came after regulation, while Philadelphia se- the right pad of Elliott. Sorokin kept the game Max Comtois and Danton Heinen scored goals cured two of its three victories in overtime. scoreless after denying Sean Couturier on a for Anaheim which lost its seventh straight Sorokin’s shutout was his third of his rookie breakaway 7 1/2 minutes into the third period. home game. John Gibson fi nished with 24 saves. season for the Islanders, who snapped a four- Menahwile Brad Marchand reached the Vegas, which started the front end of the Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (right) is congratulated by right wing Mark game road losing skid. He improved to 5-0-1 700-point mark for his career by collecting back-to-back with a dominating 51-shot, 4-0 Stone (centre) and defenseman Alec Martinez after scoring a goal in the first period of the game against the Flyers this season. Brian Elliott two goals and two assists to lead the host Bos- blanking of the Ducks on Friday night, took a against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (USA TODAY Sports) turned aside 27 shots for Philadelphia, which ton Bruins to a 6-3 victory over the Washington 1-0 lead at the 3:25 mark of the fi rst period on has lost 12 of its last 17 games (5-8-4). Capitals on Sunday afternoon. Pacioretty’s 22nd goal of the season, a defl ection 13th goal of the season and fi fth in seven games over Gibson’s right arm. Roy extended the lead Prior to the game, Flyers forward Oskar Lind- Captain Patrice Bergeron scored twice in a of Martinez’s long shot from inside the blue line against the Golden Knights. to 3-1 early in the second period when he beat blom skated a lap by himself before the rest of three-point performance and David Krejci also that went over Gibson’s shoulder. Pietrangelo put Vegas back in front for good Gibson with a wrist shot from the right faceoff his teammates joined him on the ice wearing netted two goals for the Bruins, who received a Anaheim tied it at 1 three minutes later when later in the period with his fourth goal of the dot for his fi fth goal of the season. Anaheim cut his No. 23 purple and black warmup jersey. The 30-save performance from goaltender Tuukka Comtois fi nished a 4-on-1 break to score his season, fi ring a wrist shot from the left circle the defi cit to one on Heinen’s sixth goal of the move was a touching tribute on “Hockey Fights Rask to run their winning streak to four games. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, April 20, 2021 SPORT

CRICKET / INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE INTENT South Africa’s De Villiers to discuss Moeen stars for CSK T20 World Cup return with Boucher

Reuters already,” De Villiers told report- Bengaluru, India ers after scoring 76 for Royal in Dhoni’s 200th Challengers Bangalore in Sun- day’s 38-run win over Kolkata outh African batsman Knight Riders. AB de Villiers said he is “Last year, he (Boucher) open to a return to inter- asked me if I would be inter- national cricket at this ested. I said, ‘absolutely’. And year’sS Twenty20 World Cup in come the end of the IPL, we’ll game as captain India and will discuss his fu- have a look at where we’re at ture with national coach Mark with regards to my form and my Boucher during the Indian Pre- fitness. England all-rounder scores 20-ball 26 before taking 3 wickets for 7 against Rajasthan mier League (IPL). “Also, the situation with his The 37-year-old retired from team — he’s got to look at his AFP international cricket in 2018 but guys who have been performing Mumbai, India said in April last year he would well... If there’s no space for me consider a comeback at the T20 so be it. If I can slot in there, it’ll World Cup if it was delayed by a be fantastic if all those things fall oeen Ali starred with year to 2021 due to the Covid-19 in place.” bat and ball in MS pandemic. De Villiers has played 78 T20 Dhoni’s 200th game “We’re lined up to have a chat games for South Africa scoring as captain of Chen- sometime during the IPL. But 1,672 runs at an average of 26.12 Mnai Super Kings who thrashed yes, we’ve been talking about it and strike rate of 135.16. Rajasthan Royals by 45 runs in the Indian Premier League yes- terday. The England all rounder scored a 20-ball 26 in Chennai’s 188 for nine and then claimed three wickets to restrict Rajas- than to 143-9 in Mumbai. Moeen, who was bought for $950,000 in February’s auction, returned fi gures of 3-7 from his three overs of off spin. It was Chennai’s second suc- cessive win of this season of the Twenty20 tournament after they lost their fi rst game. “It is important to have that sixth bowler,” Dhoni, who com- pleted another landmark after his 200th appearance for the three-time IPL winners in their previous win, said of his wreck- er-in-chief. “It was good to have him. It (the pitch) was turning a bit and stopping a bit.” Coming in to bat at number three, Moeen took the attack to the opposition bowlers as he hit two sixes and a boundary. Moeen Ali of Chennai Super Kings plays a shot during the Indian Premier League match against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in “My job here is to try and Mumbai, India, yesterday. (IPL) score as many runs for the team and get a good start,” said man of cluding opener Jos Buttler for The Sanju Samson-led Ra- rica’s Faf du Plessis top-scored pions Mumbai Indians in Chen- the match Moeen. 49. He also took four catches. jasthan, champions in the inau- with 33 before a late-order blitz nai today. Royal Challengers Bangalore’s AB de Villiers in action during the On his bowling part for Chen- England’s Sam Curran re- gural season in 2008, collapsed by Dwayne Bravo, who smashed ongoing Indian Premier League. (IPL) nai, Moeen said: “I have a rough turned impressive fi gures of from 87-2 to 95-7. 20 off eight balls, boosted Chen- BRIEF SCORES: Chennai Super idea (when Dhoni is going to 2-24 with his left-arm pace. “Congratulations on winning nai’s total. Kings 188 for 9 (Faf du Plessis give me the ball). Once the left- But it was Moeen’s crucial on your 200th game as @Chen- Ambati Rayudu, hitting 27 off 33, Moeen Ali 26; Chetan Saka- FOCUS hander came in, I thought I’d be strikes off David Miller, for naiIPL captain,” Rajasthan said 17 balls, and Suresh Raina, who riya 3-36, Chris Morris 2-33) beat bowling. I’m always ready.” two, and then two in three balls of the legendary wicketkeeper- made 18, contributed with a 45- Rajasthan Royals 143 for 9 (Jos Left-arm spinner Ravindra including Chris Morris, for batsman on their offi cial Twitter run fourth-wicket partnership Buttler 49, Jaydev Unadkat 24; Jadeja also played a key role with nought, that fl attened Rajas- page. between them. Moeen Ali 3-7, Sam Curran 2-24, ICC confi dent India can his two wickets in one over in- than’s chase. Put into bat fi rst, South Af- Delhi Capitals take on cham- Ravindra Jadeja 2-28) by 45 runs tour England despite SPOTLIGHT being on Covid ‘red list’ Reuters impact of countries being on the Bengaluru, India ‘red list’,” the ICC said in a state- Zimbabwe must be ‘almost fl awless’ to ment. “The ECB (England & Wales he International Cricket Cricket Board) and other mem- Council (ICC) is confi - bers have demonstrated how we rattle Pakistan, says Mawoyo dent the Indian team will can stage international cricket be allowed to travel to safely in the middle of a pandem- Ervine are set to return to the bwean soil after a pandemic- TEngland this summer despite the ic and we are confi dent that we Reuters Perth, Australia lineup, bolstering a batting unit induced 15-month hiatus is a country’s addition to Britain’s can continue to do that and that which is heavily reliant on all- corruption scandal involving ‘red list’ of locations from which the World Test Championship rounder Sean Williams. former head coach Heath Streak. most travel is banned due to a Final will go ahead as planned in hallenges abound on “I think it’ll defi nitely bring Streak, who was handed an high number of Covid-19 cases. June in the UK.” and off the fi eld for Zim- the stability that we lacked, the eight-year ban, admitted to fi ve British health minister Matt Pakistan, which is also on UK’s babwe ahead of their experience, and I think it’ll just breaches of the International Hancock said yesterday most red list, are also scheduled to home series against Pa- lift the spirit of the lads as well,” Cricket Council anti-corruption people who have travelled to tour England to play one-day in- kistan,C but former Test opener Mawoyo told Reuters. code, including the disclosure of India in the last 10 days will be ternational and Twenty20 series Tino Mawoyo believes the return A mountain confronts the inside information for betting banned from entering the UK starting July. of several batting stalwarts will hosts, however, if they are to purposes and accepting a cor- from Friday. England were able to fulfi l their lift the hosts’ spirits. threaten a Pakistan side brimming rupt payment. British or Irish residents, entire home schedule in 2020, Bruised by four heavy losses with confi dence after dominating “(It is) not ideal to have such or those with residency rights hosting matches against West In- to Afghanistan across two for- South Africa at home and away. news going into such a big se- within the UK, will be allowed in dies, Pakistan, Ireland and Aus- mats in Abu Dhabi last month, “(Zimbabwe) will have to be Brendan Taylor is set to return to the line-up. (AFP) ries, however the lads are pro- but must quarantine in a hotel at tralia as all players followed strict Zimbabwe are expected to ring almost fl awless in all three de- fessional. Some of them I know their own cost for 10 days. bio-secure protocols, including in the changes when they meet partments... they cannot aff ord to at you early... however, if they ball upset against Pakistan. have personal relationships with India are scheduled to play in extended quarantine periods. Pakistan on Wednesday in the lapse at all and allow Pakistan to don’t get early wickets and stuff “I know it’s a very long time him (Streak), but I think they the World Test Championship “By working collaboratively, fi rst of three Twenty20 matches take control,” said Mawoyo, who doesn’t quite go their way, they ago, but the last time Zimbabwe just need to focus on the job at fi nal against New Zealand in June we demonstrated how we can at Harare Sports Club. carried his bat for 163 against the do tend to fl atten out a little bit.” took on Pakistan in a Test match hand,” Mawoyo said. and a fi ve-test series against stage international cricket safely Two Test matches will follow Asian side in a 2011 Test. One example of that came in Harare, they won,” he said. “The boys are professional England starting in August. in the middle of a pandemic and at the same venue. “(Pakistan) will come hard in 2013, when Mawoyo and his Overshadowing the return of enough to know what they need “We are currently discussing hope to be able to do so again this Brendan Taylor and Craig at you, and they’ll come hard team mates engineered a red- international cricket to Zimba- to be focusing on.” with the UK Government the year,” an ECB spokesperson said.

Sri Lanka great Muralitharan Former SL player Lokuhettige All Blacks hooker Coles signs on England’s Tuilagi signs new Ex-Wales scrum-half Peel back undergoes angioplasty gets eight-year ban for another Rugby World Cup two-year deal at Sale Sharks to Scarlets as coach

Muttiah Muralitharan has Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Dilhara Lokuhet- New Zealand hooker Dane England centre Manu Tuilagi has signed a new Former Wales and British and Irish Lions undergone a scheduled tige has been banned from cricket for eight Coles signed a contract two-year contract to remain at Sale Sharks until scrum-half Dwayne Peel is to return to the angioplasty at a hospital in years due to corruption, the International extension yesterday to the end of the 2022-23 season, the Premiership Scarlets as head coach, it was announced yes- Chennai and has respond- Cricket Council said yesterday. Lokuhettige, keep playing for the three- club announced yesterday. The 29-year-old, terday. The 39-year-old Peel, who started his ed well to the procedure, a who played nine one-dayers and two Twenty20 time world champions who has 43 England caps, joined Sale on a playing career with the Llanelli-based region, spokesman for the former internationals for Sri Lanka, was charged with until the 2023 Rugby short-term deal after being sacked by Leicester will leave Irish province Ulster, where he has Sri Lanka spinner’s Indian three counts of breaching the anti-corruption World Cup in France. Coles Tigers following his decision not to sign a been an assistant coach. Peel, capped 76 times Premier League (IPL) side code of world governing body. The ICC was part of the All Blacks new contract on reduced terms in line with by Wales, had signed a three-year contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad Anti-Corruption Tribunal found the bowling side to lift the Webb Ellis the league’s revised salary cap rules. “I feel Scarlets’ Welsh and Pro14 rivals Cardiff Blues to said yesterday. The 49-year-old, who is part of all-rounder guilty on all charges relating to a trophy in 2015 and the incredibly grateful to have the chance to stay become their assistant coach. The Blues, how- Hyderabad’s coaching staff for the tournament, 10-over league in the United Arab Emirates. 34-year-old said he wanted add to his 74 Test here for another two years. I’ve really enjoyed ever, have now released him from that deal, said he would shortly rejoin the team in Chen- “Having represented Sri Lanka in international caps. “It’s a huge honour to play for that team it and my family have enjoyed living in the which was meant to start in July. Peel’s return nai after quarantining as per IPL protocols, he cricket, Dilhara had attended a number of and I never take my opportunities in the black North West. My little boy is a proper northerner ahead of the 2021/22 season will see current added. Muralitharan is the leading wicket-taker anti-corruption education sessions and would jersey for granted,” he said. Coach Ian Foster now,” Tuilagi said in a statement. “The boys at head coach Glenn Delaney become the Scar- in international cricket with 1,347 victims, have known his actions were a breach of the said retaining the front-rower was “fantastic Sale are fantastic and the environment that the lets’ director of rugby. The Blues, meanwhile, including 800 in tests. He played for Sri Lanka Code,” said Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager news” for his team. “He’s such an influential coaches and staff have created is so good for have announced Matt Sherratt will rejoin them in 133 tests, 350 ODIs and 12 Twenty20 Inter- — Integrity Unit. “The severity of the sanction player in our team: he’s a world-class player, an me both on and off the field. We’re going in the as an assistant coach from English Premiership nationals. “Wishing Sri Lanka legend Muttiah reflects the seriousness of his off ences and inspiration to his teammates and we love his right direction and it’s a really exciting time to club Worcester Warriors. Blues chief executive Muralitharan, who was recently hospitalised for his continued refusal to cooperate and should straightforward honesty,” he said. Coles will be involved with the club.” Tuilagi is currently Richard Holland told the side’s website the cardiac treatment, a speedy recovery,” cricket’s serve as a deterrent for anyone considering also remain with his Super Rugby franchise the approaching full fitness after a serious Achilles return of Sherratt had brought about “a perfect governing body ICC said in a tweet. getting involved in corruption of any kind.” Wellington Hurricanes. injury sustained in November. solution to a situation that was far from ideal”. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 20, 2021 7 SPORT

TENNIS Tsitsipas happy to follow mother onto Monte Carlo honour roll “I didn’t think about it in the Reuters Shock win over Nadal leaves Monaco beginning of the tournament, but it came to my mind when I Rublev with little time to rest was playing the semi-fi nals. I tefanos Tsitsipas said he was thinking that would be re- Andrey Rublev said he had ac- six times at the clay court tour- had a little extra moti- ally cool to be in this together, cepted a wild card for Barce- nament, an event he has won 11 vation to win his maiden like mother like son. lona this week in the belief that times. Rublev, 23, climbed to a ATP Masters 1000 title “That’s where the whole pur- his participation in the Monte career-high ranking of seventh againstS Andrey Rublev on Sun- pose came from. I feel like there Carlo Masters would come to yesterday, having registered the day as he was keen to join his was an enormous amount of a halt against Rafa Nadal in most wins (21) on the ATP Tour mother on the honour roll at the willingness to want to do more in the quarter-finals on Friday. season in 2021. Greek Tsitsipas, Monte-Carlo Country Club. order to be there with my mom.” But the exhausted Russian has 21, edged ahead with a 4-3 lead Tsitsipas had lost both his Top seed Novak Djokovic and now been left with a very quick in their head-to-head rivalry with previous Masters fi nals but de- 11-time Monte Carlo winner turnaround after he beat the Sunday’s win. “If we talk deeply, feated Russian Rublev 6-3 6-3 to Rafa Nadal fell early in Monte Spaniard and then went on to of course, I mean, I feel tired win the title without dropping a Carlo, opening the door to a new reach Sunday’s final of the ATP after all the matches that I play, set at the clay court tournament. Masters champion. Masters 1000 event, where exhausted,” Rublev said. “But The 22-year-old told report- “I stepped up my game, he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas. this is not (an) excuse. He was ers he was six when he came to brought this good game, good “When I confirmed to play just better than me, and that’s it.” the club for the fi rst time with tennis. I didn’t see no reason for Barcelona, it was right before Following the ATP 500 event his mother, Julia Salnikova, who me to leave from here without the match with Rafa,” Rublev in Barcelona, Rublev will take a won a junior title at the same the trophy. I felt like I deserved told reporters with a smile after week off to rest before he gets venue in 1981. it,” he said. his 6-3, 6-3 loss to Tsitsipas in back on Tour at the back-to- His mother also played in the “I’ve put so much eff ort and so Sunday’s final. back Masters 1000 events on Fed Cup for the Soviet Union and much concentration into it. Def- “I was thinking in my head that clay at Madrid and Rome next reached a career-high ranking of initely something that I deserve. Friday probably I will be already month. “I think I can play on 130. More opportunities like this is in Barcelona.” Wednesday, so I have like two “She showed me that name going to show up and come up in Nadal, who counts 13 of his 20 days off , which is more than up there. I was... stunned. I was the future, so I need to be ready Grand Slam titles on the red dirt enough,” he said. (AFP) like, ‘Wow, that is really cool. to show my consistency and pre- Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas (centre) celebrates with his parents and family members after winning the of Roland Garros, has lost only How cool is that?’ vail with that.” Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series in Monaco. (AFP)

GOLF FOCUS Aussie Sharma topples Jabeur for Veteran Cink rolls fi rst WTA title

AFP projected to rise to 120th on the Miami strength of the victory in her second career singles fi nal. Jabeur, who has climbed to a ustralian Astra Shar- career-high ranking since be- to four-shot win ma, ranked 165th in coming the fi rst Arab woman to the world, rallied to reach a Grand Slam quarter-fi nal beat 27th-ranked Ons at the 2020 Australian Open, JabeurA 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 on Sunday to used her wide array of weapons win her fi rst WTA title at Char- to dominate the fi rst set, mixing leston, South Carolina. deep ground strokes with lobs Sharma, who beat a top-30 and angled passing shots to build player for the fi rst time in three a 5-1 lead and pocketing the set in RBC Heritage attempts, broke Tunisian top without facing a break point. seed Jabeur three times in the But Sharma gained the fi rst third set to give herself a chance break of the second set for a 3-1 ‘It was just so great to have the whole family here. It means so much to me.’ to serve out the match, which lead. Jabeur immediately broke she did in style with a love game. back and they went with serve The Singapore-born Austral- to the 12th game in which Jabeur AFP ian, who reached the 2019 Aus- led 40-15 before the Aussie four Washington tralian Open mixed doubles fi nal straight points to take the set – with compatriot John-Patrick sealing it when she raced forward Smith, became the sixth fi rst- to reach a drop shot and scooped S veteran Stewart Cink polished time singles winner on the WTA the ball back past Jabeur. off a four-shot victory in the tour this year. After they traded breaks early RBC Heritage on Sunday, fi ring Sharma, who has been ranked in the third, Sharma won the fi - a one-under par 70 in the fi nal as high as 85th in the world, is nal four games to triumph. Uround as his second win of the US PGA Tour season became a family aff air. Cink, 47, came into the fi nal round with a fi ve-stroke lead and his two birdies and one bogey – for a 19-under total of 265 at Harbour Town Golf Links in South Caro- lina – were more than enough. Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo and Amer- ican Harold Varner shared second on 269, Grillo carding a 68 and Varner climbing the leaderboard with a fi ve-under par 66. Cink had ended an 11-year title drought with his win in the Safeway Open in Sep- tember – a dry spell that stretched back to his 2009 British Open triumph. As in his victory last autumn, Cink had son, Rea- gan, as his caddie, but he said the pres- ence of wife, Lisa, and his son Connor made Sunday’s victory even more special. “It just keeps getting better,” said Cink, who set 36-hole and 54-hole tournament scoring records on the way to his third ca- reer title at Harbour Town. The fi rst two came back in 2000 and 2004. “Winning with Reagan caddying back in the fall was amazing, but Connor Australia’s Astra Sharma. (AFP) couldn’t be there,” Cink said. “Today he just fl ew in, changed his fl ight from Wyo- ming to be here just for this, and there’s Catlin wins third European Tour no way I was going to not win with him Stewart Cink and his family pose with the trophy after winning the 2021 RBC Heritage golf tournament. (USA TODAY Sports) coming all the way down here. title in dramatic play-off “It was just so great to have the whole come away with a little bit of a cushion on one-over for the day, dropping into a tie Conners (CAN) 67-64-72-68, Matt Fitz- family here. It means so much to me. It’s the last few holes, which is such a pleas- for seventh. “Obviously shooting one- patrick (ENG) 71-64-68-68 American John Catlin claimed The pair finished tied on 14-un- just a really – a blast this week. I just can’t ure to experience. over in the fi nal round is not going to do 272-Chris Kirk 70-67-68-67, Collin Mori- his third European Tour title der-par for the tournament, explain it.” “It doesn’t happen to many people that it,” said Morikawa, who was born in 1997 kawa 65-68-67-72 since September with a thrilling with Kieff er carding a final- Cink had seized control of the tourna- many times in their career, but to walk – the year Cink won the fi rst of his eight 273-Cameron Smith (AUS) 62-71-74-66, play-off victory over German round 66 and Catlin managing ment with back-to-back rounds of eight- down that fairway with a big lead and see US PGA Tour titles. The 24-year-old en- Shane Lowry (IRL) 70-65-72-66, Russell Maximilian Kieff er at the Aus- one shot better. Overnight under par 63 on Thursday and Friday. that ball come up on dry land here on the joyed his front row view of Cink’s latest Henley 69-70-67-67, Webb Simpson 71- trian Open on Sunday. leaders Martin Kaymer and There were no fi reworks on Sunday, but 18th fringe with Reagan on the bag, and I triumph. “To see how much he loves the 68-64-70 The world number 124, who Alejandro Canizares could not Cink didn’t need them. knew Connor and Lisa were out there, it’s game still and to see him and his son Rea- 274-Dustin Johnson 70-67-71-66, Denny won the Andalucia Masters and keep pace. Two-time major win- He stayed patient over a front nine that almost beyond words.” gan just enjoy it together, that’s what’s re- McCarthy 73-67-67-67, Brian Harman 67- Irish Open last year but has not ner Kaymer finished third alone included just one birdie at the fi fth, and Collin Morikawa, gearing up for the de- ally cool,” Morikawa said. 70-67-70, Daniel Berger 67-71-66-70, Im finished in the top 20 of a tour- on 11-under. after his lone bogey of the day at 12 he fense of his PGA Championship title next Sung-jae (KOR) 68-65-69-72 nament since, edged Kieff er on Leading fourth-round scores rolled in a seven-footer for birdie at 17 to month, played in the last group with Cink LEADING FINAL-ROUND SCORES 275-Charles Howell 66-70-74-65, Brian a fifth sudden-death hole. (par 72/GBR & IRL unless keep his cushion nice and comfortable. but couldn’t apply much pressure. (USA unless noted, par-71) Stuard 70-68-68-69, Danny Willett (ENG) Kieff er hit three balls in the stated) “I knew if I played solid today that it After a birdie at the fi rst, Morikawa 265-Stewart Cink 63-63-69-70 68-71-67-69, Abraham Ancer (MEX) water on the fifth extra trip to 274-John Catlin (USA) 68-70- would be really hard to get a lot closer,” bogeyed the second and fourth – where 269-Harold Varner 66-68-69-66, Emiliano 69-66-70-70, Matt Kuchar 70-68-67-70, the par-three 18th and had to 71-65, Maximilian Kieff er (GER) Cink said. “And I did, I played really solid. he three-putted – and dropped a shot Grillo (ARG) 68-64-69-68 Charley Hoff man 68-69-67-71, Matt Wal- settle for second place. Catlin’s 72-68-68-66 - Catlin wins on “I did the job that I needed to do today to at 14 before a birdie at 15 saw him fi nish 271-Maverick McNealy 71-67-66-67, Corey lace (ENG) 65-72-65-73 victory could take him into the fifth play-off hole world’s top 80 as he bids to 277-Martin Kaymer (GER) 68- secure a first major champion- 70-69-70 ship appearance this year. 280-Marcus Armitage 73-69- Japan’s Sapporo downsizes running event as virus cases rise “I’d love to crack that top 50 in 70-68, Wil Besseling (NED) The Japanese city of Sapporo, island of Hokkaido. Japan is performances from the coun- shoulder problems and can now some good performances, some the world,” he told european- 72-71-70-67, Garrick Higgo (RSA) host of marathon and race walk seeing rising infection numbers try’s major medal threats in the look forward to building further encouraging performances, tour.com. “Just get a chance 72-71-69-68 events at the delayed Tokyo in major urban centres driven leadup to the Tokyo Olympics. at Olympic trials in June. “To and there are some ones where to play in some major cham- 281-Austin Bautista (AUS) 74-67- 2020 Olympics, has downsized by mutant strains, complicat- Kyle Chalmers, the Olympic see them getting confidence, you talk to the coach, (and ask) pionships – I’ve actually never 71-69, Alejandro Canizares (ESP) a test running event due to be ing eff orts to deliver the Games 100m freestyle champion, that comes from competing what do they think?” There are played in a major. I’m thinking 67-70-70-74, Nicolai Hojgaard held early next month as corona- amid public concern over their added the 50m freestyle crown and wanting to win. Those are some question marks over Mack this gives me a very good (DEN) 70-72-72-67, Jacques virus cases rise. A 10 kilometre potential health impact. to his 100-200 double, while Ari- the ones that win against the Horton, however. The Olympic chance to play in the US PGA Kruyswijk (RSA) 68-72-70-71, run for 2,500 participants has arne Titmus won the women’s best, we know that,” Swimming 400m freestyle champion was Championship, that was kind Matthias Schwab (AUT) 71-75- been cancelled, organisers said Australia ‘pretty confident’ 800 freestyle after winning the Australia head coach Rohan 35th in the 200m, finished of my goal. “Hopefully it’s good 66-69 in a statement yesterday, adding for Tokyo 200 and 400 titles in the week- Taylor said. “I have an equal nearly 30 seconds behind the enough and to get into those 282-Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN) that planned races for elite run- Australian swimming emerged long meeting, which wrapped feeling at the moment, I’m teenage winner Thomas Neill in events and to have the chance 71-75-69-67, Joost Luiten (NED) ners will still be held in the city, from its national championships up on Sunday. Both swimmers pretty confident that people are the 800 final and did not swim to win a major, that’s been my 71-70-69-72, Renato Paratore which is located on the northern with a string of encouraging are on the comeback trail after on the right track. “There were in the 400. (Reuters) goal since I was a kid.” (ITA) 78-66-71-67. (AFP)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS I’m only human, says Hamilton aft er Prospect of ‘titanic rare race mistake

Reuters ding off at Tosa and nudging the London tyre wall. “There was only one dry line and I guess I was in a bit too much ewis Hamilton said he of a hurry to get by everyone.” battle’ for title was only human after For what seemed an age he sat making a rare mistake in a in the car, struggling to engage rollercoaster of an Emilia reverse before he gingerly guid- LRomagna Grand Prix at Imola on ed the car backwards across the Sunday. gravel and back onto the track The error left the seven-times with a damaged front wing. world champion staring at a rare “I remember just sitting there, retirement before recovering to looking at the barrier and I re- excites Formula 1 fi ght back and fi nish second. fused to think that the race was In a race that resembled a over. I refused to believe that the high-speed game of snakes and race was done,” he said. Red Bull have made their best start since 2013, their last year of dominance ladders, the Mercedes driver “I could have obviously just went from pole to second to a turned the car off and got out but standstill, staring at the barri- I’m grateful that I didn’t... It’s ers and fearing his race was over, an amazing lesson to be sent and then ninth and a lap down and (to) experience.” back onto the podium. As sparks fl ew off the front of It was, he said, like an after- the car, Hamilton returned to the noon from his youth when he pits. would fi ght his way back through Red fl ags after a collision be- the fi eld with “a dodgy old go- tween Finnish team mate Valt- kart”. teri Bottas and Williams’ George In the end, the Briton also set Russell, also a Mercedes con- the fastest lap and took a pre- tracted driver, levelled every- cious bonus point that kept him thing up and gave him a platform in the championship lead despite to charge back up when the race losing out to Red Bull rival and restarted. race winner Max Verstappen. “I’m just grateful I could get “We’re only human, so just going again and get back into the that bit of a mistake was one to race,” said Hamilton. “It’s not learn from,” he said after skid- how you fall. It’s how you get up.”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (C) celebrates after finishing first on the podium, with second placed Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and third placed,Lando Norris of McLaren.

Reuters in a column on the www.formula1.com weekend, while in Italy Hamilton made “We are still having a defi cit with the London website. a rare mistake that could have punished car. We ended up on pole but if Max puts It would normally be no surprise for him hard. in a clean lap we’re probably two and a Hamilton, the most successful driver of Hamilton was ninth and a lap down half tenths behind, maybe three,” said wo races into the Formula One all time and hitting new heights at 36, when the race was stopped halfway Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff . season and only a fastest lap sep- and Mercedes to be top of the standings through, due to a high-speed collision “That is simply what the pecking order arates Red Bull’s Max Verstap- at this stage but it is. between team mate Valtteri Bottas and is at the moment... according to the data pen from seven-times champion Red Bull have made their best start Mercedes protege George Russell in the we are still not having a car and power TLewis Hamilton. since 2013, their last year of dominance, Williams. unit that can match the Red Bull Honda.” Ross Brawn, F1’s motorsport managing but they could have done better. The restart cancelled out the defi - Despite Mercedes playing up Red director, was one of many excited to see “We should have taken a lot more cit and put him in a position to launch a Bull’s speed, Horner observed that the what lies ahead after seven years of Mer- points out of Mercedes today,” said Red strong recovery drive on a drying track champions were still very quick and also cedes domination. Bull boss Christian Horner, who had after a wet start. gentler on the tyres. “It has all the hallmarks of a titanic Mexican Sergio Perez fail to score despite “I think, without doubt, getting back They have also set the fastest lap in OPINION battle, not least because I don’t think starting on the front row at Imola. to second and getting these points will both races, with Bottas quickest in Bah- teams will be able to throw a lot of re- Hamilton was surprised to win round be very valuable through the season. If rain. sources at this year’s car with the 2022 one in Bahrain, with Verstappen on pole I’d lost 25 points today, that would have “You’ve only got to look at the end of car in the works,” he said after Sunday’s but fi nishing second. On Sunday, Ham- been hard to recover,” he told reporters. the stints on the intermediate and their Collision could Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. ilton was on pole — his record-extending Had Verstappen not made a mistake pace at the end of the race. Lewis got “There is so much focus on 2022, as the 99th — and fi nished runner-up with a in the fi nal phase of qualifying at Imola, the fastest lap by a decent margin,” said regulations are changing so dramatically, bonus point for fastest lap. and Hamilton not put in a near-perfect Horner. aff ect Mercedes that I think what we see now is what we The bare fi gures mask the fact that eff ort, the 23-year-old Dutchman would “Their pace is very, very strong and will get all season. Bahrain was a missed opportunity for have been on pole for the third race in a we’re going to have to go some to keep “This could be a golden year,” he wrote Verstappen, whose car was faster all row. them under pressure.” upgrade plans

Reuters champions Mercedes, one of the London biggest teams, have had to cut costs signifi cantly although the Norris has made a step up, says McLaren boss cap does not include driver sala- he collision between ries. London: McLaren’s Lando Norris gaming activities. last season with his engineering team in Instead he started seventh but made Valtteri Bottas and Russell, 23, stood in for Lewis celebrated the second podium of his Team boss Andreas Seidl said the driver, the right way. sure he got that third place in the end, George Russell in Sun- Hamilton in Bahrain last year Formula One career at the Emilia Ro- now in his third full season in Formula “It’s normal also that these young guys running second until his tyres wore day’s Emilia Romagna when Mercedes’ seven-times magna Grand Prix on Sunday, with team One and up against experienced Austral- make steps, in the first years they have down and seven-times world champion TGrand Prix could aff ect Mer- world champion tested positive boss Andreas Seidl in no doubt that the ian Daniel Ricciardo as his new team to make it or they will never make it to Lewis Hamilton passed him with two cedes’ plans for developing their for COVID-19, and the rising youngster had raised his game. mate, had moved up to another level. the top but it’s just great how he’s pulling laps to go. Formula One car this season, ac- star is seen as a future Mercedes Told he had been voted driver of the “Lando is flying at the moment, he’s it off ,” added Seidl. Max Verstappen won the race for Red cording to team boss Toto Wolff . driver. His situation, and the day by fans, the 21-year-old Briton still definitely made the next step as a driver “He has the confidence to put the laps in Bull. “It’s nice to be fighting these guys. The high-speed crash at Italy’s possibility he could one day join feigned surprise. also,” Seidl told Sky Sports television af- and what he did today was great.” It’s nice to be there on merit and there Imola circuit wrecked both Bot- or replace Bottas in the champi- “They did? I didn’t think I had any fans. ter the second race of the year at Italy’s Norris had beaten himself up on Satur- on pure pace, and hopefully we can have tas’s Mercedes and Russell’s Wil- ons’ line-up, added piquancy to But thank you very much,” he said. Imola circuit. day after a marginal slip in qualifying some more in the future,” said Norris, liams, though both drivers were the Imola incident. Norris has plenty of support, with 2.8 mn “Already in Bahrain (the season-opener) meant his fastest lap was deleted, a time who in Austria last July became the not injured. Stewards declared it Wolff made clear he felt the followers on Instagram and 981,000 on you could see that he definitely made that would have been good enough for youngest British driver to stand on the a racing incident. youngster should have been Twitter and big audiences for his online the next step, as a person. He digested third on the grid. podium. “The whole situation is abso- more careful as he tried to pass lutely not amusing for us, to be the Finn for ninth place on a dry- honest,” Wolff told reporters. ing track with damp patches at “It’s quite a big shunt. Our car the margins. BOTTOMLINE is a write-off in a cost cap envi- “The whole situation should ronment; that is certainly not have never happened. Valt- what we needed. And probably teri had a bad fi rst 30 laps and it’s going to limit upgrades that shouldn’t have been there. we are able to do. But George should have never “We are very stretched on cost launched into this manoeuvre, cap, and what we always feared is considering that the track was Miami joins F1 calendar in 2022 a total write-off of a car. This one drying up,” he said. is not going to be a total write- “It meant taking risks, and the off , but almost, and that is not other car is a Mercedes in front something we really wanted.” of him. In any driver’s develop- Wolff said he would speak to ment, for a young driver, you in push for US fan share Russell and make his point. must never lose this global per- AFP couraged by our growing reach Controlled since 2017 by the “America is such a big place of course enjoy the race,” he said Formula One introduced a spective. So, lots to learn for him Paris in the US which will be further American group Liberty Me- that it always felt like we needed in a Red Bull statement. $145mn cap this season and I guess.” supported by this exciting sec- dia, F1 was planning on having at least two races there to inte- His Mexican teammate Ser- ond race.” a Miami GP in 2019 but hit a grate with the audience,” the gio Perez commented: “I think he Miami Grand Prix He added it would be staged “in roadblock with local authori- Mercedes driver said. Miami is a great location for will join the Formula the second quarter of next year”. ties. “The race can bring 4,000 Formula One, it’s a very fun city Spain’s Palou celebrates fi rst IndyCar victory One calendar from the F1 said the track will be Initial plans to include a cir- jobs to communities in Miami. and there’s lots of energy in that 2022 season, organisers 5.41km long with high-speed cuit that crossed a bridge over Montreal has always been my fa- place. Los Angeles: Spain’s Alex Palou win the first one. We did it, it’s Tsaid on Sunday, in a 10-year deal straights which should allow top the city’s bay were shelved after vourite to go to but Miami I think “The Latino community is claimed his first IndyCar Series amazing. Chip, all the team did that adds a second American speeds of 320 km/h and “multi- objections. that’s going to be the favourite pretty big there so I’m defi nite- win in his Chip Ganassi debut, an amazing job. We had the best race to the championship after ple overtaking opportunities”. Garfi nkel commented: “The spot to go to,” added Hamilton, ly looking forward going there fending off a late challenge cars. It’s amazing to be part of the United States GP in Austin. The Hard Rock Stadium is the fi rst priority was to create a ahead of starting on pole for the soon. I think Miami and F1 is the from Will Power to capture the the winning drivers and starting In a statement F1 said that home of the team Miami Dol- great race track, and with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at perfect combination.” IndyCar Grand Prix of Alabama strong. the race will take place at a new phins and also hosted the recent Hard Rock site we have a blank Imola later Sunday. Miami joins Austin, which has on Sunday. “It was one of those days when track round the Hard Rock Sta- Miami Open tennis tournament. sheet of paper to put together a Red Bull driver Max Verstap- hosted Formula One Grand Prix The 24-year-old Palou won in everything went well. We got dium in Miami Gardens north of Miami Dolphins chairman race track that is demanding in pen, who fi nished second to since 2012, with this year’s race his 15th career IndyCar start. He good fuel mileage, good tire the Florida city. Tom Garfi nkel, the manag- a lot of ways and to put on great Hamilton in the 2021 season’s in Texas scheduled for October drove last year for Dale Coyne management and good pace.” “We are thrilled to announce ing partner of the Miami Grand experiences that are uniquely opening race in Bahrain, said he 24. Racing. “We knew we had the Australia’s Power tried his best that Formula 1 will be racing in Prix, said they had worked with refl ective of the diversity of Mi- was “excited” about the new GP. Miami’s arrival will give F1 a best team, the best car,” Palou to catch Palou but could only Miami beginning in 2022,” said specialist designers “to create ami. “I’m sure if they build a good potent boost in its bid to com- said. “Yeah, it was possible. get within two seconds of the F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. a racetrack that we, Formula 1 - ‘Latino community’ -Sev- track, we can have a lot of fun out pete with the more popular In- Ricky, my chief engineer, told me winner in the closing laps in “The US is a key growth mar- and the FIA believe will provide en-time world champion Lewis there and hopefully we’ll bring a dycar and NASCAR circuits in we cannot win them all, but let’s Birmingham, Alabama. ket for us, and we are greatly en- great racing”. Hamilton backed the move. lot of excitement so the fans can the United States.