Duhail Aim for Unprecedented Domestic Treble ‘Rayyan Are a Diff Icult Opposition

Home , 2019 Dakar Rally, Avesh Khan, Darren Moore

NNBABA | Page 5 GGOLFOLF | Page 7 Warriors’ Curry Leishman fi res says ‘no panic’ career-low 61 aft er big loss to to lead Byron Rockets Nelson

Saturday, May 19, 2018 FOOTBALL Ramadan 3, 1439 AH FA Cup fi nal won’t GULF TIMES defi ne United’s season: Mourinho SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL / AMIR CUP Duhail aim for unprecedented domestic treble ‘Rayyan are a diff icult opposition. They have not won anything this season... This will give them a huge motivation’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

l Duhail will be gunning for an unprecedented domestic treble when they face Al Rayyan in the AAmir Cup fi nal, which will kick- off at 10:15pm tonight. Duhail have been unstoppable this season, having won the QNB Stars League and Qatar Cup title, and they will be heavy favourites to clinch their third trophy as curtains come down on Qatar’s domestic football season at the Khalifa International Stadium. There is a touch of invincibility in the way Duhail have gone about their busi- ness so far. They have been unbeaten in the season, having not lost a match in any of the tournaments they have played. Djamel Belmadi’s side are also in line to win the AFC Champions League after Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup (left) and Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi address a they cruised into the quarter-fi nals on press conference on the eve of the Amir Cup final yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma Tuesday. They have showed their prow- ess in the continental championship too when they became only the second team to open their campaign with seven suc- cessive wins. On Tuesday, they overpowered Al Ain at home to make it eight wins in a row, with an 8-3 aggregate win over UAE Champions surely making them a strong contender for the Asian title. At home, Duhail have raised the bar and much of that credit goes to Belmadi, who has marshalled his team effi ciently. So it wasn’t surprising to see the Algerian being voted as the best coach at the Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) awards ceremony on Thursday night. The 42-year-old is a shrewd tactician, who has consistently been producing excellent results. His method has been keeping it simple and not complicat- ing things, with Duhail’s game revolv- ing around one-two touches and playing with speed. Belmadi made it big when he led Qa- Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata (left) leads his teammates during a training session on the tar to the Gulf Cup triumph in 2014 and eve of the Amir Cup final against Al Duhail at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. has not looked back since then. He also enjoyed as much success with Lekhwiya, season against their arch-rivals and into out in the second phase as they stuttered whom he led to four league titles before the Amir Cup fi nal. to a third-place fi nish. They also suff ered it was merged with El Jaish last year and Belmadi, while acknowledging that his a heartbreaking 4-6 loss on penalties to Duhail was created. team is having a special season, called on Al Sadd in the Qatar Cup semi-fi nal. His players too have responded to him his high-fl ying players to focus on the fi - Laudrup wants his players to put the by playing some spectacular football, nal and take Rayyan seriously. “Rayyan setbacks of the season behind and pro- and were duly rewarded as Duhail players are a diffi cult opposition. They have not duce performance worthy of a fi nal. swept the QFA awards. won anything this season and will have “We have prepared well for the fi nal. Captain Youssef Msakni won the Player opportunity to so tomorrow. This will It’s the last game of the season and it’s of the Year Award, while Qatar’s talented give them a huge motivation,” Belmadi a fi nal, so we want to give out all. There youngsters Almoez Ali was named the said yesterday are no matches next week or week after, Best U-23 Player. Their teammate Youssef He singled out Rayyan’s attacking mid- so we want to fi nish on a high. We did not El Arabi had his hand on top scorer trophy fi elder Rodrigo Tabata’s as a major threat, concede any goals in the Amir Cup so far after he amassed 26 goals in the season. but showed confi dence in his players. and that augurs well for us,” Laudrup said Tonight, Al Rayyan will have a diffi cult “We will try to be well organised and have yesterday. task on their hand as they look to stop the a good balance in the team. We know they Rayyan have been in impressive in the formidable Duhail strike force. Msakni have good players like Tabata who can Amir Cup though. Tabata’s brace pow- will sit out of the Amir Cup fi nal, with the score goals,” he said. ered them to a 3-0 win over Al Gharafa in attacking midfi elder recuperating from “But until now we have played good the semis, after they had won with a simi- cruciate ligament knee surgery he un- teams with good players and have done lar scoreline in a dominating performance derwent in the USA last week, which also well so far. For example, Al Ain scored against Al Arabi in the quarter-fi nals. ruled the Tunisian out of the World Cup lots of goals at home and also in the AFC Tabata has been at the heart of Rayy- next month. Champions League, but we beat then an’s performance so far, and they will But they have enough quality in their easily. We will take Rayyan very seriously. depend heavily on the midfi elder again. line-up to trouble Al Rayyan defence. But we are confi dent and will go into the His partnership with Sebastian Soria will Apart from Almoez and El Arabi, Duhail game with focus,” he added. hold to key fortunes. have South Korean playmaker Nam Tae- For last year’s fi nalist Rayyan, tonight’s Last year’s loss to Al Sadd is still fresh Hee, which has been outstanding so far title clash will be an opportunity to fi nish in Tabata’s mind and he wants to end the in the midfi eld. He has been instrumental the otherwise disappointing season on a season on a happy note. “It was disap- in Duhail success, creating goals for his high. Michael Laudrup’s men went down pointing to lose in the fi nal last season. teammates. to Al Sadd in the fi nal last year, and face an- We hope for a better result tomorrow. In the Amir Cup semi-fi nal against Al other daunting challenge against Duhail. We have worked very hard in the last few Sadd, Tae-Hee was the man of the match After a promising start to their QNB weeks and that gives us confi dence that as he guided Duhail to fourth win of the Stars League campaign, Rayyan fi zzled we can win the title,” said Tabata. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 19, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT WORLD CUP All in the FA Cup fi nal won’t defi ne mind: Pogba to France United’s season: Mourinho teammates United have one last chance to finish AFP the campaign with silverware when London they face Chelsea in a heavyweight rench midfi elder Paul Pogba says he and his Wembley showdown today France teammates must approach the World Mourinho has been slammed for CupF fi nals in June with the AFP Watford, United Kingdom adopting overly cautious tactics in right mindset as that counts several big games as United were often more than technical ability. The made to look ponderous in comparison 25-year-old Manchester United ose Mourinho insists he won’t to stylish City’s commitment to attack. star — capped 51 times and a regard Manchester United’s sea- Some fear Mourinho — aiming to win pivotal member of the side that son as a failure even if they lose the Cup for the fi rst time since Chelsea reached the Euro 2016 fi nal only against Chelsea in today’s FA beat United in a dull 2007 fi nal — will to lose to Portugal in extra-time CupJ fi nal. Mourinho’s side have one last adopt a conservative approach at Wem- — said that France had the tech- chance to fi nish the campaign with sil- bley again rather than go on the off en- nical ability to do well in Russia. verware when they face their manager’s sive. Asked if he felt a duty to ensure the “I’m confi dent with the former club in a heavyweight Wembley Cup fi nal was a memorable aff air for the Manchester United’s French squad, with the players showdown. watching world, the 55-year-old admit- Portugese manager that we have,” said Pogba. “I’m United fi nished second in the Premier ted he had a diff erent view than many Jose Mourinho. (AFP) sure we can do something in League, trailing 19 points behind cham- on what can be considered an enter- this World Cup but I don’t want pions Manchester City, and suff ered taining match. to be over-confi dent. We have a embarrassing exits from the Champions “I don’t understand these words, do nice team but the World Cup is in League and League Cup against Sevilla you think 6-0 is entertaining? I don’t your head too, it’s not just tech- and Bristol City. think so,” Mourinho said. “I think en- nique. It’s team spirit, it’s more After winning the Europa League tertaining is emotion until the end, mental than technique. We have and League Cup last term — when they the game open, everyone on the edge to be careful with this.” fi nished sixth in the Premier League — of their seats, both dug-outs nervous The French — World Cup win- critics claim United have failed to make and tense with the result in doubt. For ners in 1998 and fi nalists in 2006 enough progress this season. Losing to a football lover that is entertaining for — are in Group C with Denmark, Chelsea would be a big blow to Mour- me. I think it will be entertaining to- Australia and Peru and kick off inho, but he has no intention of letting morrow.” their campaign in Kazan against the result defi ne United’s season. Mourinho has won 12 of his 14 cup the Australians on June 16. Away “You can analyse the way you want fi nals with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Mi- from the World Cup, and despite and I can analyse the way I want,” lan, Real Madrid and United. His only speculation over his future at Mourinho told reporters at United’s ho- defeats came in the Portuguese Cup Manchester United, Pogba is de- tel yesterday. “Of course it makes a dif- against Benfi ca and the Copa del Rey termined to lift the Champions ference, but making a diff erence isn’t to against Atletico Madrid. League with them in what is his consider whether the season is good or In contrast, Chelsea boss Antonio second spell there. bad from one match. Conte has yet to win a domestic cup Pogba has since his move from “When I analyse the work I do, the ef- after losing last season’s FA Cup fi nal Italian giants Juventus in 2016 — fort I put, and everything we did in the against Arsenal. United paid a club-record fee of club, I’m not going to analyse the play- But Mourinho doesn’t believe that £89mn ($119mn) — won Europa ers because of one, of course very im- will be a factor this weekend. “The win- and League Cup medals and to- portant, match. I know what my play- ning mentality doesn’t have to do with against 11.” diac arrest last month. “It will be a very much he was loved at Chelsea, I know day could add an FA Cup one ers did. I know the eff ort they gave. The record or history in fi nals,” he said. The FA Cup will be presented to the emotional moment for Mrs Wilkins, for how much he is loved at Manchester if they beat Chelsea. “It would positive things, the negative things. I’m “Honestly, I think what we did in the winning captain by the wife of former all the family,” Mourinho added. United. I think it would be a moment be nice to win the Champions not going to change my opinion on one past has nothing to do with tomorrow. Chelsea and United star Ray Wilkins, “I believe that Ray will be looking at that would unite the stadium, the fans League and the Premier League. match, not at all.” The records don’t play tomorrow. It’s 11 who died aged 61 after suff ering a car- it and will be enjoying it. I know how of both colours, a beautiful moment.” Very nice,” said Pogba. Mourinho hatchet buried as Conte FOCUS seeks to save Chelsea’s season Germany boss Loew fi res

London: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insisted the bad blood between he and back at Wagner’s criticism Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is a thing of the past as they prepare to AFP square off in the FA Cup final today. Conte Berlin and Mourinho’s feud had bubbled since the Italian’s arrival at Mourinho’s former club just under two years ago and ex- ermany head coach ploded in a series of jibes last December. Joachim Loew yes- However, the two reconciled after terday fi red back at United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea and Febru- criticism from Sandro GWagner, who retired from inter- ary, and Conte claimed their relationship shouldn’t overshadow events on the pitch national duty in mid-week after at Wembley. “What is important is that being left out of the extended there is an ordinary relationship between World Cup squad. “I took it as him and me,” Conte said yesterday. “I will a criticism of his fellow players shake his hand tomorrow, for sure. And and he portrays some, who have then we will think about the game.” played for us for an eternity and Many believe today’s showpiece will be are senior players, as if they were Germany’s coach Joachim Loew (left) with Sandro Wagner. (AFP) Conte’s final game in charge of Chelsea complete idiots,” said Loew at an after a fifth-placed finish in the Premier event in Berlin. Tuesday. “For me, it is clear that I rejects. “I can understand a little League saw last season’s champions fail “He makes out that they are do not seem to fi t with the coach- bit that he is disappointed, that’s to even qualify for the Champions League. only with us (in the national ing team in the way I am always clear,” said Germany’s World “I can tell you for sure this will be my last squad) because they don’t speak open, honest and address things Cup-winning coach. match in this season,” said Conte with a their minds. He says that others directly,” fumed Wagner, who has “But I fi nd his reaction a bit wry smile. However, Conte fiercely defend- don’t open their mouths. What made eight appearances for Ger- over the top. Everyone who ed his record this season, claiming to have Chelsea manager Antonio Conte laughs during a press conference yesterday in London, should the likes of Jerome (Boat- many. The burly forward, who is knows us knows how we always “worked harder” throughout the campaign ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester United. (Reuters) eng) and Mats (Hummels) think? Robert Lewandowski’s back-up encourage players to voice their than in lifting the title last season. Even if it It’s completely outrageous.” at Bayern, was furious as Loew opinions, to be open and honest, should be his farewell, Conte is determined ers, the coach, the manager, our fans and squad to choose from with only Ederson The out-spoken Wagner, who opted to include RB Leipzig’s to be critical of ourselves. These to leave on a high by winning a domestic the club, to finish the season with a trophy. Palmieri missing out. And Conte hinted scored fi ve goals as Germany Timo Werner, Mario Gomez of things are very important to us.” cup competition for the first time in his I think now we are focused on this target. that first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Cour- qualifi ed for Russia 2018 with a VfB Stuttgart and Freiburg’s Nils Germany open their World managerial career. “We’ve had a diff icult We have to try to do everything to win the tois could start in goal despite Willy Cabal- perfect record of ten wins, re- Petersen as his strikers. Cup campaign against Mexico season, but we can finish that season with game tomorrow.” lero having played in all six of Chelsea’s signed from international duty Wagner indirectly accused the in Moscow on June 17 and also a trophy. It’s always important for the play- Conte at least has an almost fully-fit cup games in their run to the final. in protest after being left out of German squad of being packed face South Korea and Sweden in the 27-man extended squad on with “yes men”, a notion Loew Group F.

BOTTOMLINE Platini admits ‘skulduggery’ to rig 1998 World Cup draw AFP (1.7mn euros, $2mn) when he was head of groups had provoked accusations of a “Eu- Paraguay, Italy (on penalties) and Croatia Paris UEFA from disgraced former FIFA presi- ropean conspiracy” by then-Brazil coach on route to the fi nal, playing both their dent Sepp Blatter. Mario Zagallo. quarter-fi nal and semi-fi nal at the Stade The draw took place in Marseille on De- Following frantic negotiations behind de France national stadium where the title- isgraced Michel Platini has sen- cember 4, 1997 and was presided over by the scenes, six European countries and two decider would also be held. sationally admitted to a “little FIFA’s then-general secretary: Blatter. South Americans — Brazil and Argentina — Brazil won their group and beat Chile, skulduggery” in rigging the draw “Look, we were at home, you have to make were picked, with Africans Nigeria missing Denmark and the Netherlands (on penal- to ensure Brazil and France could the most of things, we weren’t going to go out. Ahead of the draw, Zagallo had com- ties) before losing the fi nal 3-0 to France. notD meet until the fi nal of the 1998 World through the bother of six years organising plained that French organisers would “do While teams had been allocated to specifi c Cup, where he was organising committee the World Cup if we could not pull off a few everything to ensure Brazil are not world groups at previous tournaments, it had typ- president. little tricks,” said Platini, a former midfi eld champions”, insisting the seeding process ically been to keep apart countries from the “We organised the schedule so, if we star for Saint Etienne, Juventus and France. was fi xed to ensure the Selecao would face same continental federation. fi nished fi rst in our group and Brazil fi rst “Do you think other hosts didn’t do the two European sides in the group stages: At Italia 1990, when there were just 24 in theirs, the teams could not meet before same at their World Cups? A France-Brazil they drew Norway and Scotland, as well as teams in six groups of four, the top seeds the fi nal,” France great Platini told Radio fi nal was everyone’s dream”, said Platini. Morocco — a fairly easy draw by anyone’s were assigned in an way that kept Italy in Bleu Sport in an interview to be broadcast Brazil were placed in Group A and France in standards. Rome and had the added bonus for organis- tomorrow, highlights of which the station Group C, ensuring they wouldn’t meet until But their bitter rivals Argentina drew ers that England, and their notorious fans, tweeted yesterday. the fi nal, as long as both won their group. the only group with just one European were isolated on Sardinia. England were The revelation comes at a time when Not everyone was happy with the fairly team, Croatia, as well as Jamaica and Ja- placed in the “London group” at both the Platini is banned from football for receiving transparent plan, though. At the time, the pan. France got Denmark, South Africa and 1966 World Cup and Euro 96, ensuring they a “disloyal payment” of 2mn Swiss francs selection process of top seeds for the eight Saudi Arabia, fi nished top and then beat would play all their games at Wembley. Gulf Times Saturday, May 19, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Ronaldo 120% fi t Wenger still in ‘shock’ for Champions League fi nal: Zidane

AFP Welshman’s place far from se- Madrid cure despite his man-of-the- match performance against over Arsenal exit Celta Vigo last weekend. Bale inedine Zidane has de- scored two excellent goals in the clared Cristiano Ronaldo victory but Zidane twice dodged ‘I haven’t even emptied my desk yet and in a way I am still in a state of shock’ “120 percent” fi t ahead the chance to say his display will of the Champions League infl uence his thinking. Zfi nal and says Real Madrid’s star “You can say he’s better be- AFP London player is available to face Vil- cause of the goals he has scored, Arsene Wenger guided Arsenal to three larreal in La Liga today. Ronaldo but he has been training well,” Premier League titles, including the sprained his ankle against Barce- Zidane said. “The most impor- rsene Wenger admits he is still famous Invincibles 2003-04 unbeaten lona earlier this month, prompt- tant thing is to see everyone in in shock after the curtain fi nally season and seven FA Cups. (AFP) ing fears the Portugese might not good physical shape. That’s what came down on his 22-year-reign make the clash against Liverpool I care about.” as Arsenal manager and told The on May 26. Real’s disappointing season GuardianA he will decide by the start of the But Zidane insisted Ronaldo in the league, which has them World Cup as to do next. The 68-year-old would be “150 percent” fi t for languishing 15 points behind Frenchman — whose trophy-laden reign the game in Kiev and he delivered champions Barcelona, has been at the Gunners came to an end without another positive update yes- in stark contrast to their success any silverware in his fi nal season and terday. “Maybe right now he is in Europe. If they beat Liver- failed to secure Champions League foot- 120%,” Zidane said with a smile. pool, they will be the only club to ball for next term — said he hadn’t dis- “He is fi ne. If Cristiano is 120% have won the Champions League counted taking on a diff erent role. that’s fi ne with me.” three times in a row while Zidane Wenger — who is to attend the World Ronaldo has trained with the will join Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Cup in Russia as a pundit for Qatari- fi rst team squad as normal this Paisley as the only coaches to owned TV channel BeIN Sports — stood week and could be given the own a trio of European crowns. down a year before his contract was due chance to hone his sharpness “It would be huge,” Zidane to end amid increasing discontent both against Villarreal, in Real’s fi nal said. “It would mean a lot of among the fans and the board. league game of the season. Real things. It would mean we have “It’s just too soon to know what I will can still snatch second place been doing our job well and that do next,” he told The Guardian in an inter- from Atletico Madrid if they win my message has been getting view conducted in Paris this week shortly and Atletico lose at home to Eibar through to the players and the after he had taken charge of his 1,235th tomorrow but Zidane’s players staff . It’s great to start my mana- and fi nal match in the Arsenal dugout — a will be keener to make their case gerial career at this level but for 1-0 win at Huddersfi eld Town. for a starting spot against Liver- me the most important fi nal of “I haven’t even emptied my desk yet pool. the Champions League is this and in a way I am still in a state of shock. I Gareth Bale, in particular, one, not the last one. We have to am going to give myself until June 14, the will be under scrutiny, with the give it everything.” day the World Cup begins, to decide. The question is do I still want to coach, to be on the bench, or is it time to take up dif- ferent functions? The one thing I can say for sure is that I will continue to work.” Wenger, who guided Arsenal to three Premier League titles, including the famous Invincibles 2003-04 unbeaten season, and seven FA Cups, said he wasn’t certain whether, at his age, he wanted to go through the emotional turmoil of being a manager. “But do I want to continue to suff er as much?” said Wenger. “I want to continue to defend my ideas of football, that’s for sure. Spontaneously, I would say I still want to coach but I can’t really say that yet for sure.” Wenger, who says he has not held discussions about a potential role with the ing something. I need a challenge. I have can be a time of anguish but I hope I won’t know, I was a complete unknown and I Qatari owners of French champions Paris lived and breathed football all these years have too much of that. It’s also a chance have always had the impression I am repre- Saint Germain, with whom he has close and it’s a passion — I can’t imagine doing to write new chapters.” senting my country in a way,” said Wenger. links and who he advised them to buy the anything else.” Wenger, who will also spend time in “In a land where there has always been so club, concedes he is too restless to just loll Wenger said his lack of a fi rm plan for Russia travelling with close friend David much animosity between the English and around kicking his heels. the future also fi lled him with anticipa- Dein, the man who took the inspired de- the French I am proud to have achieved “I have friends who can go and lay on tion. “That’s why, in a way, this is an ex- cision to bring him from Japan to manage certain things and perhaps to have opened a beach all day long for the whole of their citing moment for me, too,” said Wenger. Arsenal in 1996, said he believed he had doors for other French coaches. Don’t for- Cristiano Ronaldo sprained his ankle against Barcelona earlier this holidays and I envy them,” he said. “I just “I have a new page, a blank page in helped improve English people’s percep- get, when I arrived in England a foreign month, prompting fears the Portuguese might not make the can’t do that. I get bored. I need to be do- front of me. As all good writers know, that tions of the French. “When I arrived, you manager was a very rare thing.” Champions League clash against Liverpool on May 26. (AFP)

PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND-UP Carvalhal, Lambert Moore named West Brom new manager leave relegated teams est Brom confi rmed the results, which included victories against wrote on Instagram alongside an image appointment of Manchester United and Newcastle. of the England crest. “After 2 years of Darren Moore as their new trying to make the most of a really tough Swasnea and Stoke manager yesterday, with ENGLAND’S HART BROKEN situation, this is hard to take.” Wthe relegated club targeting an immedi- Hart said he was proud of the signifi - OVER WORLD CUP SNUB AFP they won fi ve of their fi rst nine ate return to the Premier League. The Former England fi rst choice goalkeeper cant role he had played in England secur- London league games under his steward- 44-year-old’s temporary reign over the Joe Hart admitted he is fi nding it hard to ing their passage to Russia. ship and rose to 13th place. fi nal six games of the 2017/18 Premier accept being omitted from the England He played in nine of England’s 10 However, their form fell away League campaign saw a dramatic im- World Cup squad by Gareth Southgate. qualifi ers, captaining the side at home arlos Carvalhal be- completely and with a return of provement in the team’s form and results The 31-year-old — England’s number to Lithuania and producing a man-of- came the fourth Premier just three points from the last but the club still fi nished rock bottom. one goalkeeper at both the 2010 and 2014 the-match display in Slovenia to sneak League manager to lose 27 on off er their descent to the “I am obviously extremely proud World Cup fi nals — has suff ered a dra- a 0-0 draw in Southgate’s fi rst match on his job this week when second tier after a seven year to accept this role and also extremely matic fall from grace since Pep Guardiola the road. newly-rCelegated Swansea City stay was confi rmed with a 2-1 excited,” said Moore. “We have a big sent him out on loan once he became announced they would not be ex- defeat by already relegated Stoke summer ahead of us, a lot of hard work Manchester City manager in 2016. GHANIAN ASAMOAH tending his contract. A little later City last Sunday. Carvalhal had we need to get in now. “I’m going all out Hart’s case for selection amongst the CONFIRMS JUVENTUS in the day, Stoke City announced launched a whole-hearted de- to try to get those plans and personnel in three goalkeepers to go to Russia had not Ghanian defensive midfi elder Kwadwo that manager Paul Lambert had fence of his and his backroom place to make sure we’ve got everything been enhanced by inconsistent form at Asamoah yesterday confi rmed he will left his position by “mutual con- staff ’s record prior to the Stoke ready. And we need to be because this is Premier League strugglers West Ham, leave Juventus this summer after six sent” following the club’s relega- match claiming if he had been a tough league packed with great clubs. whom he joined after a season in Serie years in Turin. The 29-year-old said it tion to the Championship. appointed earlier they would But what an opportunity for us to move A with Torino. The 75-times capped was in the interest of his family to move Carvalhal and Lambert join have been safe. the club in the right direction.” stopper — only Peter Shilton with 125 amid reports he has already undergone a Sam Allardyce and David Moyes, Among the names being linked Chief executive Mark Jenkins said the has won more caps in goal for England — medical to join Serie A rivals Inter Milan let go by Everton and West Ham with the post include former impression Darren made across all areas Moore, who took over from Alan lost out to uncapped Burnley goalkeeper once his contract expires next month. respectively on Wednesday de- Wales boss Chris Coleman, re- of the club delivered a powerful case for Pardew early last month, was named Nick Pope, Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Asamoah joined Juventus from spite both retaining their Premier cently sacked by Sunderland his promotion as the club prepare for life Premier League manager of the month relegated Stoke City’s Jack Butland. Udinese in 2012 and has won six Serie A League status, in losing their job. after they were relegated to the in the Championship. for April after a memorable sequence of “Not going to lie, I’m gutted,” Hart titles. Swansea City will begin life in third tier, and Swedish club Os- the Championship with a new tersund’s boss Graham Potter. manager after “deciding against Meanwhile, Lambert was ap- extending Carlos Carvalhal’s pointed by Stoke on a two-and- contract”, read a club statement. a-half-year deal in January after Allegri says ‘highly likely’ he’ll stay at Juventus Carvalhal was a surprise ap- Mark Hughes was sacked but the pointment as Paul Clement’s former Aston Villa and Norwich Rome: Massimiliano Allegri yesterday pare them to a team (Napoli) who didn’t successor in December with boss was unable to keep the club said that it was “highly likely” that he even reach a final. Swansea adrift at the bottom of in the Premier League. The Scot would remain with Juventus next season “This season we’ve played 53 games the table with a paltry 13 points won just two of his 15 games in after leading the club to the Serie A and and named 51 teams. These are impor- — it came just three days after he charge — his fi rst fi xture against Italian Cup double for the fourth straight tant numbers and we’ve achieved results left Championship side Sheffi eld Huddersfi eld in January and year. “The likelihood that I’ll stay at Juve? even in times of diff iculty. I have to thank Wednesday. He looked to have what proved to be his fi nal match Very high,” the 50-year-old said amid the squad.” guided them out of trouble when at Swansea last weekend. speculation linking him to the vacant Allegri has two years remaining on Arsenal manager’s role. Juventus have a contract extended last June, but has already wrapped up a seventh straight been touted as a replacement for Arsene Serie A title and will play their final game Wenger at Arsenal and also for Chelsea’s of the season today against Verona in Italian boss Antonio Conte. Turin. Today’s match will also be the final “I’ll meet the club and start planning one for legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi for the future next week,” he continued. Buff on after 17 years in Turin. “Tomorrow “My intention is to stay here for the for him and for all it will be an historic moment, I don’t see any reasons to look day,” said Allegri. elsewhere. I repeat that we’re going to here have been diff erent to each other,” doesn’t compliment this Juve has no “We will be celebrating the Scudetto, talk with the club and if the objectives added the former AC Milan coach who respect for the work we’ve done in these the Italian Cup and his (Buff on) career at remain the same we’ll continue together described this year’s Scudetto as the four years. You can’t question a team Juventus. He’s an important man in the without any problem.” “most beautiful”. that win four Scudetti and four Coppa locker room. Seeing him coaching is a “It’s stimulating to be on track for “We went for it with Napoli, who could Italia, as well as reaching two Champions pleasure, it makes everything easy, he is every objective. Each of my four years end the season on 91 points. Whoever League finals, especially when you com- one of the best goalkeepers of all time.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 19, 2018 FOOTBALL

GERMAN CUP LIGUE 1 Jaded Marseille prepare for CL Neuer in Bayern’s last chance

AFP a hamstring injury that pre- Paris vented him from playing in the 3-3 Ligue 1 draw at Guingamp last weekend. fter Dimitri Payet’s fi nal squad, stays on tears and the bit- Straight into group stage ter disappointment One consequence of of losing the Europa Wednesday’s game - which LeagueA fi nal, Marseille must could end up benefi ting OM - rouse themselves for one last is that the top three in France eff ort as they try to snatch a will now all qualify auto- Champions League place. matically for the Champions Saturday in France brings League group stage. course for World Cup the fi nal round of games in Previously, the team fi nish- Ligue 1, with Marseille locked ing third in France would have ‘He has such a presence and authority in goal that you can’t compare to anyone else’ in a three-way fi ght with entered in the third qualifying Monaco and Lyon for two round in late July. AFP Champions League qualifying However, with Atletico Berlin Bayern Munich’s German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer berths behind title-winners having already qualifi ed via gestures prior a training session of at the Berlin Paris Saint-Germain. their position in La Liga, the Olympic stadium yesterday. (AFP) Marseille are at a disad- berth on off er to the Europa anuel Neuer’s World vantage though, and not just League winner is passed down Cup hopes were because of the mental and to Ligue 1. boosted yester- physical scars left by their It would be a huge surprise day when he made 3-0 defeat at the hands of an if Monaco missed out, even if MBayern Munich’s squad for the Antoine Griezmann-inspired their opponents Troyes need German Cup fi nal, after eight Atletico Madrid in Lyon. to win to realistically stand months on the sidelines, and Rudi Garcia’s team are any chance of avoiding auto- his club coach Jupp Heynckes is fourth in the table, a point matic relegation. convinced the goalkeeper will be behind Lyon and three points But Lyon’s position is more fi t for Russia 2018. behind Monaco. Their goal fragile. Bruno Genesio’s side The 32-year-old Germany diff erence is also inferior to had won eight games in a row captain and goalkeeper has not that of their rivals. before a late collapse saw them played since fracturing his foot They host Amiens at the lose 3-2 in Strasbourg last last September, but has been Velodrome needing to win and time out, denting their morale included in the squad, the fi rst hope Lyon slip up at home to before a tricky fi nal assign- time since his injury, for Sat- Nice at the same time. Mo- ment at home against Nice. urday’s fi nal against Eintracht naco need just a draw at rel- The visitors need to win Frankfurt. egation-threatened Troyes to to be sure of joining Rennes Neuer will start on the bench secure their top-three spot. in qualifying for the Europa at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium “We are all disappointed League, and their in-form with Sven Ulreich in goal for and frustrated. But having striker Mario Balotelli will be Bayern. lost one fi nal, we have another determined to make an impact “He’s physically in top condi- one coming up on Saturday,” in what should be his last ap- tion because he’s spent so much said striker Valere Germain, pearance for the club. time in the gym and has been who was haunted by missing a “We are lucky because training well with the team, but great early chance to put Mar- our fate is in our own hands. he won’t start,” said Heynckes. seille ahead against Atletico. It is down to us to seize our “I don’t have a specifi c plan “We need to win at all chance,” insisted Genesio. for Manuel Neuer, but I do have a costs to get into the Cham- match plan and he’s part of that,” pions League and experience FIXTURES added Heynckes when asked if more of these kinds of nights Today he will use Neuer off the bench. against top teams. There is no (all 1900 GMT kick-off s) Bayern captain Thomas Muel- fear of losing everything. We Caen v Paris Saint-Germain, ler has recovered from gastroen- knew that we had everything Dijon v Angers, Lyon v Nice, teritis, but Arjen Robben is out to play for this week.” Marseille v Amiens, Metz v with a groin strain. One player they have lost is Bordeaux, Nantes v Stras- “Thomas Mueller has gotten skipper Payet, who came off bourg, Rennes v Montpellier, over his infection and will take crying in the fi rst half of the Saint-Etienne v Lille, Toulouse part in training today,” said fi nal after clearly aggravating v Guingamp, Troyes v Monaco Heynckes. Making the cup fi - nal squad is a signifi cant boost to Neuer’s hopes of being fi t for FOCUS Germany’s opening World Cup match on June 17 against Mexico in Moscow. authority in goal that you can’t Germany play friendlies away my career at Bayern had ended which will make for nice memo- Heynckes is convinced the compare to anyone else. to Austria in Klagenfurt on June in 2013 with the triple, coming ries.” Stars set to say national goalkeeper will be ready “He’s got too much class and 2 and home to Saudi Arabia in back wasn’t part of the plan and Kovac, 46, is in the unique for Russia 2018. talent, I think the nation can be Leverkusen on June 8 before the I can’t predict what will happen situation of wanting to deny his “I watched him train in the relaxed in terms of him playing team fl y to Russia on June 12. after the fi nal,” said Heynckes. future employers the league and farewell on La Liga gym and he’s always said ‘I’ll for Germany and being fi t for the Meanwhile, emotions will be “I’m looking forward to it, cup double after Bayern won make it (the World Cup)’, under World Cup.” high for the cup fi nal as it is the when the emotions will be up. the Bundesliga title by a mas- the proviso that he had to be Neuer has been included in last match in charge for both “The venue in Berlin is Ger- sive 21 points. “Believe me, only fi nal weekend careful with the injury,” said the the extended Germany squad for Heynckes, 73, who is going back many’s ‘Wembley’. the game on Saturday counts for Bayern boss. the World Cup, but will need to into retirement, and Eintra- “It will be a highlight with me,” said Berlin-born Kovac. AFP Liga trophy and it is likely Bar- “My impression since last Fri- prove his fi tness at a fortnight- cht coach Niko Kovac, 46, who Bayern, with my players. “Everything that comes after Madrid ca coach Ernesto Valverde will day is very positive. long training camp which starts will take over as Bayern’s head “There has been a wonderful that does not currently matter at substitute his midfi elder to “He has such a presence and on Wednesday in north Italy. coach next season. “I thought unity I have rarely felt in a team, all. We want to win the fi nal.” allow the club’s fans one fi nal a Liga’s winners and standing ovation. losers are settled and Torres’ departure will be no PREVIEW the European qualifi - easier to stomach for Atletico, cation spots decided whom the forward has sup- Lbut for a collection of star ported since he was fi ve years players the fi nal weekend of old. An 128th goal for the club the season will be anything against Eibar tomorrow would but a dead rubber. bring the house down. Atleti- Here, we look at fi ve talking co no surer of Griezmann and Buff on set for fi nal Juventus bow points ahead of the last week- Oblak futures Atleti won the AFP end in La Liga: Spots up for Europa League at a canter on Milan ITALY GREAT GIANLUIGI BUFFON grabs in Kiev Zinedine Zidane Wednesday, thanks to a 3-0 would appear to have it clear in win over Marseille, but sil- his mind what does and does verware may not be enough to taly great Gianluigi Buff on will take not work in Europe. Through convince their two star players his fi nal bow in goal for Juventus to- Real Madrid’s journey to the to stay. morrow at the end of a 17-year stint fi nal, he has put great faith Antoine Griezmann, who with the Serie A champions. in the likes of Lucas Vazquez scored twice in Lyon, looks IThe 40-year-old’s 640th Serie A game and Marco Asensio while Ga- particularly likely to move, will be against Verona in the Allianz Sta- reth Bale, Isco and even Ka- with Barcelona expected to dium before he steps aside to consider the rim Benzema have found their activate the striker’s 100 next move in his already storied career. places less secure. Benzema million-euro buyout clause “Saturday will be my fi nal match for and Isco, however, have prov- before the start of the World Juventus and to end this journey with two en their coach’s stance can be Cup. Jan Oblak has proven cups... and the entire Bianconeri world turned and now Bale must try himself among, if not at the by my side, will be very special,” said the to follow suit. top of, the world’s elite group former Italian international. Buff on cap- His man-of-the-match of goalkeepers and Diego tained Juventus to a seventh straight Serie performance against Celta Simeone may face a fi ght to A title and fourth consecutive Italian Cup Vigo last weekend would hold onto the Slovenian too. triumph this season. surely have made an impact Messi preservation the pri- “Gigi has been with us all the way on on Zidane and another similar ority It is impossible to know this long and eventful rollercoaster ride display against Villarreal on whether had Barcelona been of a journey,” said club president Andrea Saturday might sneak him a able to throw Messi on for the Agnelli. starting spot in the fi nal. fi nal 19 minutes against Le- “When we descended into Hell in 2006 Cristiano Ronaldo has vante last weekend, their un- (demoted to Serie B after a match-fi xing shaken off an ankle sprain but beaten season would still be scandal), he stayed with us and played his the decision is whether to risk intact. Luis Suarez made it 5-4 part in our return to Paradise. “We will be stake. Europa League qualifi cation but need to Verona and Benevento in the second tier. the Portugese’s fi tness this in the 71st minute but Messi forever grateful for his loyalty.” Lazio have the advantage in fourth with hold off Atalanta to ensure direct entry But none of Chievo, Udinese, Cagliari and weekend or, by leaving him was not in the squad and Barca Apart from Buff on’s emotional farewell, Inter three points behind, and the Romans into the group stages. SPAL are yet safe. out, his sharpness against Liv- could not fi nd an equaliser. the match will have no signifi cance on this need just one point to secure their place Gennaro Gattuso’s side have 61 points Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli will be keen to erpool. season with Juventus already crowned among the elite of European football next and host Fiorentina, who are four points add to their club record 88 points in their Adios Iniesta, Torres After FIXTURES (all times GMT) Serie A champions for the 34th time last season. behind in eighth but can still qualify for fi nal game in front of the San Paolo Sta- 674 matches and 22 years as- Today Sunday in Rome while Verona have been But a win for Luciano Spalletti’s Inter Europe with victory. dium faithful after a season where they sociated with the club, Andres Celta Vigo v Levante (1100), relegated. After the offi cial awards cer- would ensure a return to top European Atalanta, in seventh, are one point became close to a fi rst title since 1990. Iniesta will bid farewell to Bar- Leganes v Real Betis (1415), emony, the match will be followed by an action for the fi rst time since the 2013/14 hind Gattuso’s side and the big threat to celona, who host Real Socie- Sevilla v Alaves (1630), Malaga opentop bus tour by the all-conquering season. Milan’s sixth place as they travel to lowly FIXTUREs (all times GMT) dad tomorrow. v Getafe (1630), Las Palmas v champions through the streets of Turin. The clash could also decide who will be Cagliari. Today A grand closing ceremony is Girona (1630), Villarreal v Real the top scorer for the season. At the bottom of the table the relega- Juventus v Verona (1300) planned, with the Camp Nou Madrid (1845) Lazio, Inter clash Lazio should be boosted by the return tion battle goes down to the wire with Tomorrow crowd set to form the message Tomorrow for Europe of top Serie A scorer Ciro Immobile from fi ve teams involved. Crotone have the Genoa v Torino (1300), Napoli v Crotone, ‘Infi nito Iniesta’ on both sides Valencia v Deportivo La On the pitch the big game of the fi nal injury. most diffi cult task as they head to second- Chieveo v Benevento, Cagliari v Atalanta, and Iniesta’s number eight at Coruna (1000), Athletic Bilbao weekend of the 2017/18 season will see Immobile leads the way on 29 goals placed Napoli. AC Milan v Fiorentina, SPAL v Sampdoria, either end. v Espanyol (1415), Atletico Ma- Lazio tackle Inter Milan on Sunday with with Inter’s Mauro Icardi just one behind. The side from Calabria are in the third Udinese v Bologna (all 1600), Lazio v After the match, the drid v Eibar (1630), Barcelona the fi nal Champions League berth at AC Milan in sixth are already assured of relegation spot and look destined to join Inter Milan, Sassuolo v Roma (1845) 34-year-old will lift the La v Real Sociedad (1845) Gulf Times Saturday, May 19, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Dodgers end 6-game losing streak with Warriors’ Curry says 7-0 win over Marlins

Reuters Marlins left-hander Caleb Miami Smith (2-5), who leads all major league rookies in strikeouts, lasted just three innings. He al- ustin Turner tied a career lowed two hits, four walks and ‘no panic’ aft er big high with fi ve RBIs and four runs, striking out four. Yasiel Puig hit his third It was his worst perform- homer in the past four ance since April 16, and all four gamesJ to lead the Los Angeles of his allowed runs occurred in Dodgers to a 7-0 win over the that 41-pitch third inning. He Miami Marlins on Thursday af- walked three of the Dodgers’ fi rst ternoon at Marlins Park. four hitters in the inning – Puig, Dodgers right-hander Kenta Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes loss to Rockets Maeda (3-3) earned the win, al- – all on full counts. Turner then lowing no walks and just two cleared the bases with a line- ‘He’s the kind of competitor and player who will bounce back from a tough night’ hits – a double and a single – in drive double to left. eight innings. It was the second- The next batter, Matt Kemp, AFP longest start of his career as he capped the inning with an RBI Los Angeles Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors helped halt Los Angeles’ six- double over the head of center drives against the Houston Rockets in the game losing slide. fi elder Lewis Brinson, who start- third quarter of game two of the Western Maeda threw 96 pitches, included in before retreating. wo-time NBA Most Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoff s ing 71 for strikes, and retired the last Los Angeles extended its Valuable Player Stephen at Toyota Center on May 16, 2018 in Houston, 17 batters he faced before giving lead to 7-0 in the fourth. Puig’s Curry said there’s “no Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) way to reliever Kenley Jansen, who fourth-inning, line-drive solo panic” in the Golden worked the ninth, allowing two sin- homer to left started the rally. TState Warriors locker room af- gles but striking out the side. With two outs, Taylor singled ter a 22-point loss to the Hou- Turner had spent the entire and Barnes walked, and both ston Rockets in game two of the season on the disabled list due players scored on Turner’s sec- Western Conference fi nals. to a wrist injury before being ac- ond double to left. Curry looked signifi cantly off tivated on Tuesday. He entered his game on Wednesday night, Thursday with zero RBIs but RESULTS connecting on just seven of 19 went 3-for-4 with two doubles Dodgers ...... 7 Marlins ...... 0 shots from the fl oor, includ- in his breakout game. Rockies ...... 5 Giants ...... 3 ing one of eight from three- Similarly, Puig had no home (12 innings) point range. He fi nished with runs this season before Sun- A’s ...... 10 Blue Jays ...... 5 16 points but never established day, but he clearly loves to play Pirates ...... 5 Padres ...... 4 the remarkable range that can in Miami. For his career, he has Phillies ...... 6 Cardinals ...... 2 stretch opposing defenses to six homers in 18 games at Mar- Red Sox ...... 6 Orioles ...... 2 the breaking point. lins Park. The only place where White Sox ...... 4 Rangers ...... 2 His 16 points – on the heels he has hit more homers is at his Tigers ...... 3 Mariners ...... 2 of an 18-point performance home park, Dodger Stadium. Rays ...... 7 Angels ...... 1 in game one – marked the fi rst time Curry has failed to reach at least 20 points in consecutive APPOINTMENT playoff games since the 2016 NBA Finals, when he was nurs- ing a knee injury. His struggles were mirrored by most of his Budenholzer to coach teammates. Kevin Durant was a predictable rock with 38 points, but Klay Thompson scored just Milwaukee Bucks eight, Draymond Green six and Andrea Iguodala fi ve as the Reuters before the team extended a for- Warriors off ense stagnated. Milwaukee mal off er, according to ESPN. “No panic,” Curry insisted Antetokounmpo indicated he after the game. “No houses- was pleased with the hire. on-fi re type of mentality in our he Milwaukee Bucks of- “He’s a great coach. He was locker room. We’re in pretty fi cially named Mike Bu- the coach of the year (three sea- good shape right now.” denholzer as the team’s sons ago),” Antetokounmpo told The Warriors, indeed, headed new head coach on ESPN. “We had a great conver- home to host games three and TThursday. Budenholzer and the sation and talked about the game four on Sunday and Tuesday Bucks reportedly agreed in prin- plan, how he views me as a play- having shocked the 65-win ciple to a four-year contract on er, how he can help this team. I Rockets in game one. Wednesday. had a lot of tough questions for And Warriors coach Steve “After a thorough coaching him. But it was fun, I’m excited Kerr said he was certain Curry search, it was clear that Mike was to play for him.” would fi nd his groove. “I’m the ideal choice as we enter into a Budenholzer, 48, was the not worried about Steph,” Kerr new era of Bucks Basketball,” said 2014-15 NBA Coach of the Year said. “He’s the kind of competi- Bucks owners Wes Edens, Marc but was released from his con- tor and player who will bounce Lasry and Jamie Dinan in a state- tract with the Atlanta Hawks at back from a tough night.” ment. “Mike has demonstrated the end of this regular season to Both Kerr and Curry him- the ability to lead and commu- pursue other opportunities. He self were adamant that Curry’s nicate, and understands what it spoke with the Phoenix Suns troubles were unrelated to the takes to build a winning culture. and the New York Knicks about sprained knee ligament that This move puts our organisation their respective coaching vacan- sidelined him for 16 games in a terrifi c position as we work cies earlier this off season, but he until his return in the second together toward our collective pulled his name out of discus- game of the Warriors’ second- goal of sustained success and sion for the Suns job. round series against the New think we all need to feed off that to host a PGA Tour event in the as Curry wants to keep the focus about the prospect of partner- winning championships.” “Mike has played a key role Orleans Pelicans. “I’m feeling focus and that determination. If fall of 2019, according to an on the NBA playoff s, where his ing with an iconic athlete of his ESPN reported on Tuesday in building successful teams great,” Curry said. “I didn’t fi nd he can continue to do what he ESPN report. Warriors are tied 1-1 with the calibre in the future.” that Budenholzer, the front- throughout his career,” general a rhythm early. I had some de- does, I’ll shoot the ball better Per the report, representa- Houston Rockets in the West- Curry, 30, is a scratch golfer runner for the job, and San An- manager Jon Horst stated. cent looks from three that could and play better defense, other tives at Curry’s agency, Octa- ern Conference fi nals. “There’s who has been vocal about his tonio Spurs assistant Ettore “He’s widely respected and have changed the momentum guys will get involved and we’ll gon, are working with the PGA no doubt Stephen Curry brings love for the sport. He played Messina, the other fi nalist, were has shown a special ability to of the game of the game early in be in great shape.” Tour to fi nalise an agreement a young, new, diverse audience two rounds in a Web.com Tour meeting with ownership in a teach and develop players. His the fi rst half.” and have reached out to pro- to the PGA Tour through his event in California last August, second round of interviews. Bu- leadership, basketball intellect, Curry said he and the Warri- Curry plans to host spective sponsors. Both sides passion for this great game and fi nishing 148th in a 152-person denholzer met over breakfast championship-level experience ors need look no further for in- PGA event have confi rmed to ESPN that support for the community,” fi eld and missing the cut by with Bucks forwards Giannis and communication skills make spiration than Durant. “He has Golden State Warriors guard discussions have taken place, PGA Tour spokeswoman Laura eight strokes after shooting two Antetokounmpo and Khris Mid- him the right fi t to take our team been amazing,” Curry said. “I Stephen Curry is close to a deal but the deal has been kept quiet Neal told ESPN. “We’re excited rounds of 4-over-par 74. dleton on Wednesday morning to the next level.”

NHL Tampa beats Capitals 4-2 to even series 2-2 AFP pa star forward Steven Stamkos. “I can’t say we didn’t play well. I Washington “We’ve got to fi nd a way to win one thought we came out with a good at home.” start and got the fi rst goal. Stamkos, Brayden Point and An- “This was another test for this lex Killorn scored the go- thony Cirelli also scored for the group. The second and third period ahead goal halfway through Lightning, who had bounced back we were fi ne. We were dictating play the third period and Andrei in game three winning 4-2. Stamkos and we did a lot of good things, we Vasilevskiy stopped 36 now has six goals and 10 points in a just didn’t get the result we wanted. shotsA as the Tampa Bay Lightning seven-game point streak. beat the Washington Capitals 4-2 to Vasilevskiy made 36 saves – for ‘Comfortable on the road’ level the Eastern Conference fi nals the second consecutive game – “We are comfortable going on the at 2-2. showing that reports of the Light- road and our intention is to go to Killorn scored at 11:57 of the third ning’s demise were premature. Tampa and win.” period on Thursday, taking a pass “When you don’t have your A One piece of good news for Wash- from teammate Ondrej Palat and game, you need your goalie to have ington on Thursday was the return then slipping a backhand through his A game,” said Tampa coach Jon of forward Nicklas Backstrom, who the legs of Washington goaltender Cooper. “And he sure did.” missed the last four games with a Braden Holtby to break a 2-2 tie. Evgeny Kuznetsov, with his 10th hand injury. “Palat made a great play to me at of the postseason, and Dmitry Or- Backstrom had 21 goals and 50 the front of the net and I put it on my lov scored goals for Washington who assists in the regular season. On backhand and caught him fi ve hole,” dropped to 3-5 on home ice in the Thursday he fi nished with no points said Killorn, who snapped a 10 game playoff s. and four shots on goal. scoreless drought. Wins are so hard to come by for Washington outplayed the Light- Tampa Bay regained home ice ad- the Capitals in their own building ning for much of game four and vantage in the series but it may not that Kuznetsov said after game two fi nished with almost twice as many matter, as the victory at Washing- he had “just been dreaming to play shots, outgunning the Lightning 38- ton’s Capital One Arena followed a all games on the road... I really like to 20 overall. familiar pattern. The road team has be on the road.” They peppered Vasilevskiy with now won all four games in the series. Capitals coach Barry Trotz said 29 shots in the fi rst two periods but The Lightning will try to break Thursday he’s confi dent his players couldn’t muster a decent shot in the that mold when they host game fi ve will rebound in Florida. fi nal sequence of the third with their on Saturday. “Sometimes the road you get on net empty. They also failed to score Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the “It’s pretty bizarre,” said Tam- is not always straight,” said Trotz. on four power play opportunities. third period in game four of the Eastern Conference Final in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoff s. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 19, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT REACTION Former captains fl ip out over Root returns to No 3 plans to scrap coin toss

Reuters to shoulder more New Delhi roposals to scrap the time-honoured tradition of a coin toss prior to Test matches defy logic and should not be considered, according to several former South Asian cricket captains. PA ritual since the fi rst Test between Australia and Eng- land in 1877 risks extinction when the Cricket Committee responsibility of the International Cricket Council (ICC) meet in Mum- bai later this month to discuss the issue. ‘I feel I’ve gained enough experience to feel comfortable doing that’ Debating the merit of toss has arisen as a need to re- duce ‘home advantage’ that often results in host nations Reuters rolling out pitches doctored to favour their players in London JOE ROOT BELIEVES THAT AFTER A what tend to end up as one-sided encounters. YEAR IN THE CAPTAINCY, HE IS READY ESPNcricinfo reported the briefi ng notes circulated TO MOVE BACK UP THE ORDER. ahead of the May 28-29 meeting mention that more oe Root believes a year in the cap- than one committee member believed a visiting captain taincy has given him the experience should be free to decided whether to bat or bowl without he needs to move up the England the need of a coin toss. batting order to the pivotal number “I’m actually at a loss to make any sense,” former India threeJ position for the two-Test series captain Bishan Singh Bedi told Times of India newspaper. against Pakistan beginning on Thursday. “First of all, why would you even want to tinker with a Since replacing Alastair Cook as the century-long tradition?” the spin great asked. test captain last year, Root has batted at Bedi’s former teammate Dilip Vengsarkar admitted he number four and juggled the dual de- was becoming dismayed by the frequent tinkering with mands of being the leader of the side as playing conditions. well as its batting mainstay. “If this is only about home team’s interference in pitch Coach Trevor Bayliss, though, believes preparation then just introduce neutral curators,” the England’s best batsman should come at former Test batsman told the same newspaper. number three and the axing of James Vince “Have a panel of neutral curators just the way the ICC for the series against Pakistan has ensured has an elite panel of umpires and match referees. Root’s elevation. “I think it’s an opportu- “Why do away with a tradition that just not adds to the nity for me to take on a bit more responsi- charm of cricket but gives both participating teams an bility at the top of the order,” Root said at equal opportunity to rise to the contest?” the launch of England’s 2018 kit. Former Australia captains Ricky Ponting and Steve “I’ve had a year in the captaincy now Waugh have backed a move to scrap the toss, while West and I feel I’ve gained enough experience to Indies pace great Michael Holding also felt it would en- feel comfortable doing that. courage an even contest between bat and ball. “For me it was getting used to the cap- Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal, however, is op- taincy and making sure I could separate posed to the idea which, he fears, would take excitement the two; that my full focus was on my bat- out of the game. ting when it came around.” “I am not in favour of scrapping the toss,” the 58-test The England top order’s struggle for veteran told Dawn newspaper. consistency was evident in their series de- “Every visiting team will also be hosting tours and be feats in Australia and New Zealand as Gary having the home advantage. To be the best and top team Ballance, Tom Westley and Vince all failed in the world ranking you need to win both at home and to establish themselves at number three. more importantly away from home.” Root’s highest Test score of 254 came The “elements of surprise, doubts and knowledge” at number three, in a 2016 test against would be taken away if the toss was discontinued, ac- Pakistan. “I did it (number three) for one cording to Iqbal. game in New Zealand and it didn’t work out there but this is a great opportunity to do it at home and it’s a great opportunity FOCUS moving forward,” Root said. “Ultimately nothing will change about the way I go about my batting. I will look to have that hunger and desire to make really big runs.” India’s pink-ball Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow will bat at number fi ve in a revamped batting order, while Jos Buttler, who has been in scintil- shyness leaves lating form in the Indian Premier League, has been selected as a specialist batsman at number seven. “He has done some very Harbhajan special things in one-day and T20 cricket and won games when he has been under Botham backs controversial 100-ball cricket format pressure,” Root said of Buttler. perplexed “Now there is an opportunity for him England great Ian Botham has backed existing competition, the T20 Blast. Botham mark the renaming of a pavilion at Dur- to do that in test cricket. I can see him controversial plans for a new city-based believes the new tournament, due to start in ham’s ground in honour of Collingwood. putting a lot of bums on seats. That is very 100-ball competition despite widespread 2020, could compete with the other popular Collingwood challenged the assertion, exciting for me. He can change a game in criticism from within the game. franchise leagues. “The game has to move made by Graves last week, that young peo- half an hour with the bat.” The former all-rounder believes England on,” he said. “I think we’re in danger of dilut- ple are not attached to the sport. England batsman and Yorkshire captain and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin ing the red-ball game too much and going “If you took that survey around the north- Gary Ballance is taking a break from Crick- Graves is right to press ahead with the down the one-day road, but that’s what the east it wouldn’t be very accurate,” he said. et for personal reasons, his county said “Hundred” concept in the hope that it can public wants at the moment and we’re try- “But they’ve been out there, they’ve done yesterday. “Captain Gary Ballance is set to match the global appeal of the Indian Pre- ing to do something diff erent. the surveys and they’re saying it needs to miss several Royal London One-Day Cup mier League and Australia’s Big Bash, both “No one’s agreed anything yet regarding the be grown, so you’ve got to take their word fi xtures after the Club, this week, granted played under Twenty20 rules. new competition so we’ll have to wait and for it.” him some time away from the game due to But the Durham chairman’s comments are see how it all falls into place. But we needed “If the T20 game was marketed well in personal reasons,” Yorkshire said. in contrast to those of other current players, a competition in England to compete with England, I think it would bring the crowds “We ask that his privacy be respected including his county’s captain Paul Colling- the Big Bash and the IPL -- everyone else in and bring in a new audience,” he added. during this time.” The 28-year-old, who wood, who led England to their World has one and we’ve been slow to pick up on “But who is to say this ‘Hundred’ competi- has 23 Test caps for England, missed York- Twenty20 victory in 2010 and believes a it.” tion isn’t going to be bigger and better? shire’s most recent County Championship bigger eff ort should be made to exploit the Botham was speaking at a ceremony to We’ll just have to wait and see.” game against Surrey at the Oval.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Reuters New Delhi

ndia’s reluctance to play a day-night Test on their CSK’s march to top halted by Daredevils next tour of Australia has surprised spinner Har- bhajan Singh, who remains convinced that Virat IANS rate mounting, Jadeja and new man Dwayne Kohli’s team are skilled enough to conquer the chal- Bravo (1) could do little as Boult once again Ilenges of pink-ball cricket. New Delhi struck in the fi nal over with the wicket of the India have shot down a proposal to play what could West Indian to restrict the visitors to 128/6. have been their maiden day-night test in Adelaide in De- hennai Super Kings (CSK) march Earlier, Delhi rode on late order blitz- cember, worried that their inexperience in the conditions to the top of the Indian Premier kriegs from Vijay Shankar and Harshal Patel could hamper their bid for a rare series win in Australia. League (IPL) points table was halt- to post a healthy 162/5 after being put in to “I don’t know why they don’t want to play day-night ed by bottom-placed Delhi Dare- bat. Shankar (36 not out from 28 balls; 4x2, test matches,” Harbhajan, India’s third highest wicket- devils,C who romped home by 34 runs at the 6x2) and Patel (36 not out from 16; 4x1, 6x4) taker in Test cricket, told reporters. Ferozshah Kotla yesterday. milked 26 runs off the fi nal over from Bravo “It’s an interesting format and we should try it. I am Having already qualifi ed for the play-off s, to forge a 65-run sixth wicket stand – the all for it. Tell me what’s the apprehension of playing with second-placed Chennai had a chance to rise highest of Delhi’s innings – and rescue the pink ball? If you play, you can adjust. It may not be as dif- to the top of the table but a disciplined Delhi hosts from a troubled start. fi cult as it seems.” applied the brakes to notch their fourth con- Shankar and Patel capitalised well on the Indian board offi cials have gone on record as saying solidatory win in front of their home crowd. platform set by the in-form duo of skipper they would back anything that gave Kohli’s team their Chasing 163, the tourists were off to a Delhi Daredevils’ Amit Mishra (centre) celebrates the wicket of Chennai Super Kings’ Sam Shreyas Iyer (19 from 22; 4x3) and Rishabh best chance of winning the four-match series against decent 46-run start by Ambati Rayudu (50 Billings (not in the picture) with his teammates during the IPL match at the Feroz Shah Kotla Pant (38 from 26; 4x3, 6x2), who produced Australia, who have won all four day-night tests they from 29 balls; 4x4, 6x4)and Shane Watson cricket stadium in New Delhi yesterday. (AFP) 54 runs for the second wicket after losing have hosted. (14) before leg-spinner Amit Mishra applied opener Prithi Shaw to a run-a-ball 17. Australia’s former test batsman Mark Waugh has called the brakes with the wicket of the veteran But the joy was short-lived as Rayudu of new man Sam Billings (1), caught by Delhi’s innings, however, experienced a it a “selfi sh” decision by the Indian board which also hin- Australian. perished off the very next ball, when he mis- Abhishek Sharma at short fi ne leg before slump in the middle overs after South Af- dered eff orts to reinvigorate test cricket. Mishra could have struck off the very next timed a short pitched delivery off medium Ravindra Jadeja (27 not out) joined his cap- rican pacer Lungi Ngidi struck twice to re- Harbhajan felt the board may have underestimated the ball with the wicket of new man Suresh Rai- pacer Harshal Patel to the safe hands of tain in the middle. move both Iyer and Pant in a span of four skills of their own players. na (15), has stumper Rishabh Pant latched on Glenn Mawell at deep mid-wicket. Jadeja started off by clobbering the Nepa- deliveries before Maxwell (5) and Abhishek “We have fast bowlers to trouble them. And what to a simple edge. While the jampacked Kotla crowd painted lese leggie for a massive six and kept the ris- (2) too perished cheaply. Shankar and Patel, makes us think our batsmen can’t take up the challenge of Rayudu, however continued his glori- in yellow, celebrated Rayudu’s dismissal, it ing run rate under control by converting the however ensure the hosts fi nished with a facing Aussie pacers?” asked the 37-year-old, who played ous run with the willow, meting out special was the arrival of the Chennai skipper Ma- singles to twos and threes, thanks to Delhi’s fi ghting total with their later order fi reworks. the last of his 103 Tests in 2015. treatment to pacer Avesh Khan in the fi nal hendra Singh Dhoni (17), that they rejoiced poor ground fi elding. “It’s a challenge, and what’s the harm in taking up the over of the powerplay which saw the right- by switching on mobile fl ashlights. But Chennai’s hopes were dashed soon BRIEF SCORES: Delhi Daredevils 162/5 challenge? When we were new to test cricket, we had only hander belting three sixes and a four. The former India skipper started in his after Delhi’s strike bowler Trent Boult was (Rishabh Pant 38, Vijay Shankar 36 not out, learnt how to bowl with the SG test ball and then slowly With Raina playing the perfect second customary style by rotating the strike with brought back and the New Zealander re- Harshal Patel 36 not out; Lungi Ngidi 2/14) learnt to bowl with Kookaburra and Dukes. fi ddle, Rayudu continued to send the Delhi Raina, who didn’t last long, perishing to sponded in style with the wicket of the beat Chennai Super Kings 128/6 (Ambati “Don’t you accept the challenge of playing England in bowlers to the leather hunt and eventually Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane dangerman Dhoni, caught by his opposite Rayudu 50, Ravindra Jadeja 27 not out; overcast conditions in their country? Isn’t that a chal- brought up yet another half century off 28 caught by Shankar at deep mid wicket. number Shreyas Iyer at long on. Trent Boult 2/20, Amit Mishra 2/20) by 34 lenge? If we could take up that challenge why not pink- balls. Mishra then came back to see the back With two overs remaining and the asking runs. ball cricket?” Gulf Times Saturday, May 19, 2018 7 SPORT

GOLF MOTOGP Dovizioso celebrates new Ducati deal with Leishman fi res new course record

AFP team until the end of 2020, came Le Mans, France in timely fashion. Spanish ace Marquez had earlier powered his Honda to talian Andrea Dovizioso the fastest time, 1min 32.47sec, career-low 61 to marked signing a two-year of the fi rst free practice, where extension with Ducati yes- Dovizioso was second at just terday by setting a course 0.025sec behind. Irecord on his way to dominat- After Ducati’s announce- ing free practice for tomorrow’s ment, the 32-year-old Italian French MotoGP at Le Mans. trumped his Spanish rival’s time Dovizioso fi nished runner- in 1:31.936. Marquez was sec- up in the championship to Marc ond at 0.168 behind with Italian lead Byron Nelson Marquez in what was the Italian’s great Valentino Rossi, third on a best season to date in MotoGP Yamaha at 0.243. last year. Dovizioso’s fastest lap was World No. 3 Spieth, the highest-ranked player in the field, is in a share of 57th place It was also the fi rst time Ducati 0.39 quicker than the previous had launched a serious title chal- record for the Bugatti circuit, set Reuters lenge in MotoGP since the heady in 2016 by Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo. Toronto days of now-retired Australian Dani Pedrosa powered his ace Casey Stoner. Honda to eighth place, at 0.53 The Bologna-based outfi t an- behind Dovizioso — a creditable ustralian Marc Leishman fi red nounced on Twitter yesterday: performance given the Spaniard a career-low 61 for a three- “We wanted to let our followers is still recovering from a broken shot lead after the fi rst round know fi rst that it’s offi cial! An- wrist, suff ered in a crash at the of the AT&T Byron Nelson drea Dovizioso extends contract Argentina GP, and was racing atA its new home in Dallas on Thursday with Ducati for two more years. with a swollen hip which still while local favourite Jordan Spieth failed 4+4=8 years as a Ducatista!” needs to be drained following a to make a move. The announcement, which collision with Lorenzo at Jerez de World number 16 Leishman, buoyed extends Dovizioso’s deal with the la Frontera. by a pair of eagles at the links-style Trinity Forest Golf Club, went bogey- free through a 10-under round to sit three shots clear of Americans J.J. Spaun and Jimmy Walker. Leishman took kindly to the tournament’s new venue after enjoying six top-15 fi nishes in nine starts at its previous home at the TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas. “I would’ve been this place’s harshest critic just because I love that other place at Las Colinas,” Leishman said. “But I got here and looked out past the club- house and thought, ‘This is going to be really good.’ “I enjoyed it today.” Leishman could not have asked for a better start to his round as his approach from 237 yards at the par-fi ve fi rst hole stopped three feet from the cup, allowing him a tap-in eagle that set the stage for a memorable day. The three-times PGA Tour winner, whose previous career-low was 62, then made birdies at the sixth and seventh holes before a scorching trip around the back nine that included four birdies and Ducati’s Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso rides during a free practice an eagle at the par-fi ve 14th. session for the French MotoGP race in Le Mans yesterday. (AFP) Spaun, who started on the 10th, made six birdies over a stunning seven- hole stretch of his back nine to sit with RALLYING Walker one clear of a pack of eight that included Mexico’s Abraham Ancer and Americans Sam Saunders and Jonathan Byrd. Dakar 2019 to be raced World number three Spieth (69), the highest-ranked player in the fi eld, did Marc Leishman of Australia plays a shot on the 17th hole during the first round of Byron Nelson in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday. (AFP) well to erase a bogey at the par-four fi fth in Peru, as organisers with birdies at seven and eight but only had one more birdie the rest of the way Caddies to let their clubs do the talking for a change and was in a share of 57th place. eye African return The Dallas native, seeking his fi rst win Reuters on the course. “It’s a pretty amazing diff erence,” said AFP withdrawal will be able to rejoin this year, would love it to be at his home- Cary, North Carolina Those who work for top players are well the Florida resident. Paris the rally from the rest day on. town this week. rewarded. Tesori made nearly $200,000 Tesori named half a dozen caddies with Those rejoining would return “It was about as easy tee to green as at the Players Championship, based on pretty mean games, though there are to competition in a distinct clas- I’ve ever seen this place,” Spieth said. resh from working for winner the 10 percent cut of the prize money a many more who struggle, judging by the he 2019 Dakar Rally will sifi cation to guarantee fair-play. “You know, the ball was running a lot, Webb Simpson at the Players winning caddie typically gets. results last Wednesday at the 17th hole be run solely in Peru with Turning to a potential return you didn’t have to hit a whole lot of club FChampionship last week, Paul Te- He is looking forward to giving his com- at the TPC Sawgrass, where about 60 the start and fi nish in to Africa, Lavigne told AFP that off the tees and without the wind. That’s sori will swap roles and swing for himself petitive juices a workout, albeit without percent found the water. Lima, organiser Etienne worsening austerity in Argentina normally the defense of the golf course. TLavigne announced yesterday, and Chile, coupled with general at the PGA Tour caddie tournament in too much pressure, when he tees it up In what has become a tournament-eve “So, not surprised to see a low round. Dallas on Monday. against a 100 or so fellow caddies at tradition at the Players Championship, adding the race aimed to return diffi culties hosting the Dakar in 10-under is an incredible round any- Tesori played the tour for two seasons Trinity Forest, the day after the PGA caddies are allowed to have a hit at the to Africa in 2020. South America meant other av- way for Marc. Not surprised to see low in the late 1990s, but says he was too Tour’s Byron Nelson is completed. island green, and the tour keeps a count The 41st edition of the rally, enues were being pursued. scores. Wish I got more out of it, hon- stressed on the course to give a good The caddies will play the course in the of how many balls find the water. which will take place between “We already have some avenues estly.” account of himself. A shoulder injury did same condition as the pros — same Monday’s caddie tournament, spon- January 6-17 next year, is a loop- open, notably in Algeria, Angola Former US Masters champion Adam not help his cause. Sunday pin positions and green speeds sored by AT&T, will off er a first prize ing 10-stage rally-route mapped and Namibia, where we’ve had Scott, seeking his fi rst PGA Tour win His solution was to trade in his clubs for a — which should give the bag men an of $1,500 in two categories — one for around the Peruvian deserts, very high-level talks with for sev- since 2016, mixed six birdies with two bib and make a very good living working idea of how their games stack up with scratch golfers and the other for those with organisers admitting it eral months,” said Lavigne. bogeys to reach four-under and a share for players who were better at coping with their bosses. with handicaps three and higher. “promises to be one of the sandi- “If we can no longer host it of 23rd. the pressure of playing for pay. Tesori shot 68 in last year’s caddie tour- And $30,000 will also be donated est in the history of the rally”. in South America, we must fi nd Japanese world number nine Hideki “My game and mind wasn’t ready for the nament to finish a stroke behind winner to charity, including $20,000 to the “Each stage will be harder than countries that have a topography Matsuyama and Spanish world number tour, I never felt comfortable,” he told Mark Urbaneck, a part-time marathon Maximum Chances charity started by the previous, which will create a that can off er up 10-12 days of 14 Sergio Garcia carded matching one- Reuters while enjoying a few days at runner who can break par and still finds tour player Greg Chalmers and his wife suspense fi lled battle just until competition,” Lavigne said. over 72s to sit in a distant share of 120th home in Florida before heading to Texas. time to work for James Hahn. Nicole. The couple have an autistic son. the fi nal days.” “This can be found elsewhere place. Tesori says he sleeps much better now Tesori says that even a scratch player Tesori, meanwhile, has never regretted Not only is it the fi rst time a provided you have a little bit of Defending champion Billy Horschel, during tournaments, even when his boss like himself with a negative handicap his decision to relinquish his erstwhile sole country has hosted the rally, time to anticipate it.” who started on the back nine, had an is in contention, though it is fair to say — meaning he breaks par regularly — is dream of being a world-class player. but new rules mean that com- The Dakar was moved from eagle at the par-fi ve 14th en route to a that caddies also are under pressure to about six strokes inferior per round to a “My playing mind is weak,” he said self- petitors who suff er a mechani- Africa in 2009 because of secu- three-under 68 that left him seven shots think clearly and make good decisions leading tour player such as Simpson. deprecatingly. “That’s why I’m caddying.” cal breakdown or accident in the rity issues that saw the 2008 rally back. opening week that could lead to cancelled.

HORSE RACING Baff ert on brink of history with Preakness favourite Justify AFP Baff ert, however, wasn’t interested 136 years to win America’s greatest race “It’s a man among boys,” Lukas said of Washington in discussing historic feats with a race without running the year before. Justify, adding that “reality hit real fast” looming. After drawing the seventh post in an when he watched Justify step off the van “I never think about breaking records eight-horse fi eld for the 1 3/16-mile at Pimlico this week. I thought ‘Whoa, rainer Bob Baff ert stands on the or anything like that,” the aff able 65-year- Preakness, Justify was installed as the what are we in for here.’” brink of history as he brings Ken- old said. “We live in the moment. early favourite. The biggest challenge to Justify could tucky Derby winner Justify to the “The disappointments are right around Good Magic, the Kentucky Derby come from the so-called “new shooters” Preakness Stakes today in search the corner. That’s why I never get ahead runner-up trained by Chad Brown, will — four Preakness entries that didn’t run Tof the second jewel in US fl at racing’s Tri- of myself.” be back for another tilt at Baff ert’s latest in the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. ple Crown. Still, Baff ert liked what he saw as Justi- wonder colt, as will Derby runners Brava- Quip, trained by US-based Frenchman If the chestnut colt lives up to his fa- fy tested a sloppy Pimlico track on Thurs- zo and Lone Sailor. Rodolphe Brisset, looks to be the class of vourite’s status, Baff ert will move one day, a day after arriving from Churchill that group after three wins in fi ve career clear of D. Wayne Lukas and into a tie Downs. ‘MAN AMONG BOYS’ starts including the Grade 2 Tampa Bay with R. Wyndham Walden for the all- “He looks no diff erent to the way he did Bravazo is one of two horses saddled by Derby. time record of seven wins in the Preak- before the Kentucky Derby,” Baff ert said. Lukas along with 30-1 Sporting Chance He qualifi ed to run the Kentucky Der- ness — a record Walden set with his last “Usually with my Derby winners it takes as the 82-year-old trainer seeks a record by, but after a second-placed fi nish in the winner in 1888. them about fi ve days to snap out of it, but equalling seventh Preakness win himself. Arkansas Derby Brisset held him out, and So far, all four of the Kentucky Derby he’s been pretty bright, sharp, the whole Lukas owns a record 14 victories in the he hopes to reap the reward today. winners Baff ert has brought to Balti- time.” three Triple Crown races — the Kentucky “Running in the Derby to run is one more’s Pimlico racetrack have triumphed Unraced as a two-year-old, Justify has Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes — a thing. I think the Preakness is, of the in the Preakness — including American dazzled in his three-year-old campaign, mark Baff ert can match with Justify. three (Triple Crown races), maybe the Trainer Bob Baff ert walks Kentucky Derby winner Justify after arriving Pharoah in 2015 en route to ending a 37- improving to 4-0 in a 2 1/2-length Derby Lukas, for one, thinks Baff ert has the one race that fi ts him the best,” Brisset at Pimlico Race Course in preparation for the 143rd Preakness Stakes in year Triple Crown drought. victory that made him the fi rst horse in horse to do it. said. “Hopefully we did the right thing.” Baltimore, Maryland, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports)

Saturday, May 19, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Qatar grouped with hosts Indonesia for Sharapova wins the AFC U-19 C’ship atar has been grouped in 2016 when they narrowly with hosts Indonesia missed out on the Knockout for the 40th AFC U-19 Stage due to goal diff erence, will Championship, fol- be aiming to do better against Rome epic as lowingQ the offi cial draw in Jakarta Vietnam, Australia and Jordan in yesterday. The other teams in the Group C. Group A are United Arab Emir- Two-time champions and ates and Chinese Taipei. 2016 runners-up Saudi Arabia Qatar won the title in the 2014 are grouped with Tajikistan, 1985 edition. This year’s tournament winners China PR and Malaysia kicks off on October 18, but there in Group D. is more than just the AFC U-19 Nadal makes semis Championship title on the line, TOUGH DRAW FOR SAILIYA as the top four teams will also se- Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Sailiya Estonian Anett Kontaveit earns an upset over second seed Caroline Wozniacki cure their spots in the FIFA U-20 were place in tough draw for the World Cup next year in Poland. ninth edition of the AFC Futsal AFP Indonesia will be hosting the Club Championship. Rome prestigious tournament for the Al Sailiya are in group C with third time and were champions Title holders and two-time in 1961. Sixteen teams will be vy- champions Chonburi Bluewave aria Sharapova fi red ing for the title. of Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic’s a French Open warn- Defending champions Japan, FC Erem and Vic Vipers of Aus- ing with an epic who earned their fi rst title in the tralia. three-hour win over previous edition, will face Thai- The tournament – to be held MRoland Garros champion Jelena land, DPR Korea and Iraq, who on August 1-12 – with 32 match- Ostapenko to reach the Rome have won the title fi ve times in es to be played, will be held in the semi-fi nals yesterday as Rafael Group B. city of Yogyakarta. Asia’s top 16 Nadal continued his clay court Twelve-time champions Ko- futsal clubs will be vying for the domination. rea Republic, suff ered heartbreak honours. Former world number one and fi ve-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova found herself in CYCLING / GIRO D’ITALIA a dogfi ght with her Latvian opponent. Playing her fourth match in as Maria Sharapova celebrates her many days, Sharapova needed quarter-final win. (AFP) Viviani nails third three hours, 10 minutes to win a gruelling struggle, eventually “I’m not used to playing so triumphing 6-7 (6), 6-4, 7-5. early,” Nadal said of his midday win, Yates in pink For Sharapova, now the world start. “But I’m very happy to be number 40, it was arguably her in the semi-fi nals. best victory since her return from “This was a very important before fearsome a 15-month doping ban last year. win for me today.” The loss, meanwhile, left Os- Nadal also beat Fognini in tapenko with only Rome and Rome in 2013 in their fi rst ever Mount Zoncolan Stuttgart quarter-fi nals to show meeting. for her eff orts prior to the start of This was his 11th victory in 14 AFP other group sprints. her title defence in Paris a week meetings with the 21st-ranked Nervesa della Battaglia, Italy Dutch rider Danny Van Pop- from Sunday. Italian, and sixth in a row. pel took third followed by Italy’s Sharapova rode a roller-coast- Nadal is working towards Ro- Sacha Modolo as the race fi n- er in her marathon win, working land Garros, where he will aim taly’s Elia Viviani dominated ished at Nervesa della Battaglia her way from 4-1 down in the for an unprecedented 11th title. a sprint fi nish to claim his to commemorate the centenary fi rst set only to drop it in a tie- “My clay court season has third win of this Giro d’Italia of a battle which was among the breaker after 80 minutes. been, I think, fantastic. It will be in yesterday’s 13th stage with most signifi cant fi ghts in the She regained her momentum much better if I fi nish here with IBritain’s Simon Yates holding the First World War. to win the second set but it was another title,” added the 16-time leader’s pink jersey on the eve of “Until the latest possible mo- tough in the third when she let a Grand Slam winner. a gruelling mountain stage to the ment I tried to stay safe,” said 4-2 lead get away. “But I can’t forget that I had summit of Monte Zoncolan. Yates. “The big guys in the team With Sharapova serving for fi ve months without competing, Quick Step rider Viviani had did a great job just keeping me victory, Ostapenko secured a from Shanghai (October 2017) struggled on Thursday but hit at the front. It’s been the easiest break for 4-5 thanks to a ninth until Monte-Carlo (last month). I back for his fourth stage success day we’ve had so far. I’m looking Sharapova double-fault which didn’t complete — not one event. in total including back-to-back forward to tomorrow.” yielded a break point. “The comeback has been wins in Tel Aviv and Eilat in Israel Today’s 14th stage leaves San The sixth seed then saved two great, I am happy with every- at the start of this year’s race. Vito Al Tagliamento covering Sharapova match points to level thing.” “It’s amazing to be back after 186km with four climbs before 5-5 before the Russian secured It was the fi rst time in four years a few diffi cult days,” said Viviani. the fi nal 10.5km ascent to the victory two games later with a that Nadal managed to win his “This is what I needed and what summit of Monte Zoncolan in fi nal break in a match marred by quarter-fi nal tie in Rome and next my team deserved for the great the Carnic Alps between Austria 21 cumulative double-faults and up he will face either fellow former job they have done. and northeastern Italy, reputedly a dozen breaks of serve. world number one Novak Djokovic “I had two or three bad days one of the toughest in Europe. Men’s top seed Nadal rallied or Japan’s Kei Nishikori. but I was still determined to keep from a set down to post a 4-6, Estonian Anett Kontaveit the Maglia Ciclamino (points STAGE 13 RESULTS (top 10) 6-1, 6-2 victory over Italian Fa- earned an upset over second seed jersey).” 1. Elia Viviani (QST) bio Fognini. Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-1. Yates crossed in 34th place in the 3hr 56min 24sec Second-ranked Nadal needs Fourth seed Elina Svitolina re- same time as the leaders to hold his 2. Sam Bennett (BOR) s.t. to lift an eighth career title at the covered from a slow start to defeat 47 second advantage on defending 3. Danny Van Poppel (LNL) s.t. Foro Italico on Sunday to return former number one Angelique champion Tom Dumoulin of the 4. Sacha Modolo (EFD) s.t. to the top of the rankings after Kerber of Germany 6-4, 6-4. Netherlands who was just behind 5. Ryan Gibbons (DDD) s.t. losing that position to Roger Fe- “I had to really step up and the Mitchelton rider. 6. Jempy Drucker (BMC) s.t. derer last week. play really aggressive in impor- France’s Thibaut Pinot of 7. Manuel Belletti (AND) s.t. Nadal dropped the opening tant moments,” Svitolina said. “I Groupama-FDJ is third overall at 8. Clement Venturini (ALM) s.t. set to Fognini in an hour but re- think that was the key for today.” 1min 04sec. 9. Baptiste Planckaert (KAT) s.t. grouped eff ortlessly as he swept Marin Cilic beat Pablo Carreno Four-time Tour de France 10. Jens Debusschere (LOT) s.t. past the Italian in the one-sided Busta 6-3, 6-3 to reach the Rome Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his Italian Open quarter-final against Italy’s Fabio Fognini in Rome champion Chris Froome crossed second and third sets. semi-fi nals for the fi rst time. yesterday. (Reuters) in 65th position and remains 12th OVERALL STANDINGS (top 10) overall, trailing fellow Briton 1. Simon Yates (MIT) Yates by 3min 20sec. 55hr 54min 20sec BOXING Covering fl at roads of the east- 2. Tom Dumoulin (SUN) +47sec ern Po Valley, the 180km stage 3. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +1:04 from Ferrara to Nervesa della 4. Domenico Pozzovivo (BAH) +1:18 Battaglia was tailor-made for the 5. Richard Carapaz (MOV) +1:56 fast men of the peloton. 6. George Bennett (LNL) +2:09 Vivani produced a late burst of 7. Rohan Dennis (BMC) +2:36 acceleration in the dying metres 8. Peio Bilbao (AST) +2:54 Pacquiao says Matthysse bout to fi nish well ahead Ireland’s Sam 9. Patrick Konrad (BOR) +2:55 to be ‘basis’ for retirement call Bennett, the winner of the two 10. Fabio Aru (EAU) +3:10

AFP feat to Australia’s Jeff Horn. Manila In contrast, Matthysse won the vacant WBA belt after beating Thailand’s Teer- achai Sithmorseng in January. hilippine boxing legend Manny “(Matthysse) is a very aggressive Pacquiao says the outcome of his fi ghter. I am not worried about his style. July bout against Argentine Lu- My worry is I need to get 100% condi- cas Matthysse will likely deter- tioned — the stamina, the power and the Pmine whether he will hang up his gloves strength to survive the 12 rounds,” Pac- after a storied career. quiao said. After a one-year hiatus from the ring, However, the challenger predicted on the 39-year-old has started training two Thursday that his fans would see him on weeks earlier than usual to bring himself top form in Malaysia. up to peak fi ghting condition. “A young Manny Pacquiao throwing a “I am not saying it will be the last, but lot of punches, and more footwork, head it will be the basis for (me) to think about movements, side by side (motions) — that’s (whether) to continue or not,” Pacqui- my goal to achieve for this fi ght,” he said. ao told AFP after training in Manila on Pacquiao, who is also a Philippine sen- Thursday. ator, previously rejected criticism that his “So I am trying my best and doing our recent losses have tarnished his record. best in the training in this fi ght to show if On Thursday he hit the mitts with I can still do it or not,” he added. friend and compatriot Restituto ‘Buboy’ Pacquiao has won world titles across Fernandez whom he chose to be his head an unprecedented eight diff erent weight coach for the fi ght over long-standing US classes, but critics — including Mat- trainer Freddie Roach. thysse, who is four years his junior — Roach expressed hurt last month after question his ability to box at the top of his Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (right) works out under the supervision of saying ties had been cut. game due to his age. long-time friend Nonoy Neri during a training session in Manila on Thursday. (AFP) “Buboy adapted the style of Freddie The fi ghter, who won 38 of his fi rst 47 Roach and he knows what to do for this professional fi ghts by knockout, has not The two will face off for the World Box- The fi ght comes a year since the south- training so I am confi dent with Buboy,” Team Quick-Step’s Italian rider Elia Viviani celebrates as he crosses knocked out an opponent in nearly nine ing Association welterweight belt on July paw lost his World Boxing Organization Pacquiao said, refusing to compare the the finish line to win the 13th stage of the Giro d’Italia in Nervesa della years. 15 in Malaysia. welterweight crown in a shock points de- two trainers. Battaglia, Italy, yesterday. (AFP)