WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2019 SPORT 21 I leave now for my next challenge but will never forget TENNIS BADMINTON my time at Victory. I wish the Honda quits Melbourne ATP events at Lyon, Sudirman Cup world mixed club good luck in the future as Victory after one Geneva; WTA events in team championships in

they pursue success. season. ACTION Nuremberg, Strasbourg Nanjing, China TODAY’S

Australia great Smith calls Sporting world mourns death time on 20-year career of Formula One legend Lauda AFP SYDNEY AFP “Everyone at Ferrari is Factfile on Niki Lauda VIENNA deeply saddened at the news of ANDREAS NIKOLAUS Lauda Wallabies great George Smith the death of our dear friend Niki Age: 70 announced his retirement Legendary Formula One driver Lauda,” Ferrari said on its Born: February 22, 1949 yesterday after a stint with Niki Lauda has died at the age of Twitter account as social media Birthplace: Vienna Bristol in the England 70, his family said yesterday, exploded with the news of his Nationality: Austrian Premiership, calling time on triggering an outpouring of death. Formula One career: nearly 20 years playing rugby. praise for a man whose track “Niki will forever be in our World champion in 1975 and The veteran Australian victories and comeback from a hearts and enshrined in our 1977 (Ferrari), 1984 (McLaren) flanker, who made his Super horrific crash enthralled race history. #RIPNiki,” his former Grand Prix started: 171 Rugby debut for the ACT fans worldwide. team McLaren tweeted on their Teams: March (1971-1972), BRM Brumbies in 2000 and went on Lauda died at the University account. (1973), Ferrari (1974-1977), to win 111 Test caps, said it had Hospital Zurich in Switzerland Former Austrian Formula One driver Niki Lauda (right) awarding Lauda had been non-exec- Brabham (1978-1979), McLaren been an “absolute privilege”. on Monday night surrounded by utive chairman at Mercedes F1 “Finally the day has come former German driver Michael Schumacher with the Deutscher (1982-1985) his closest family members, a since 2012 and he was instru- where I officially announce my Fernsehpreis media prize in Cologne, western Germany, in this Debut: Austrian Grand Prix spokesperson said. mental in bringing in British retirement from professional file picture of September 29, 2007. 1971 (retired) His death comes eight driver Lewis Hamilton to spark rugby,” the 38-year-old said in 1st win: Spanish Grand Prix, 1974 months after he underwent a a run of success that has brought statement on the Rugby Aus- Last win: Dutch Grand Prix, 1985 lung transplant. An Austrian Niki Lauda fought. He was a straightforwardness and his five consecutive world drivers’ tralia website. Wins: 25 news report said Lauda -- who great man. But it has been clear courage. “A role model and a and constructors’ “Rugby has provided and Podiums: 54 also had kidney transplants -- for some time that we cannot benchmark for all of us, he was championships. given me so much. The dreams was hospitalised for a dialysis bring him back to the ‘race a loving and caring husband, Mercedes team principal Pole positions: 24 that I had of playing rugby pro- earlier this month in track’,” he was quoted by the father and grandfather away Toto Wolff said Lauda was “irre- Fastest laps: 24 fessionally as a young bloke, I’m Switzerland. Austrian news agency APA as from the public, and he will be placeable” and that the team had Total points: 420.5 fortunate to say that I’ve lived Walter Klepetko, who per- saying. missed.” lost “a guiding light”. Drivers championship positions: them and experienced so much formed the lung transplant at The family said in a Lauda won the Formula One “Forever carried in our 1st (1975, 1977, 1984), 2nd more during my time.” Vienna’s general hospital last statement that Lauda died drivers’ world championship hearts, forever immortalised in (1976), 4th 1974, 1978), 5th Smith singled out former year, said there was no specific peacefully, highlighting his three times, in 1975 and 1977 for our history. The motorsport (1982), 10th (1983, 1985), 14th Brumbies and Wallabies coach cause of death. “unique achievements as an Ferrari and in 1984 with community today mourns the (1979), 17th (1973), unplaced Eddie Jones, now England “It was a long process, and athlete and entrepreneur... his McLaren, despite a terrible race devastating loss of a true legend,” (1971, 1972) coach, for special mention, the patient reached his end. tireless zest for action, his crash in 1976. Formula 1 said on Twitter. calling him “a constant sup- porter and mentor”. “I was extremely lucky in my career to have landed myself in Canberra as a young Koepka reaps rewards of another major 19-year-old kid, having the luxury of being tutored by the AP Bethpage Black as fearsome as finest peers and coaches in the NEW YORK ever. game at the ACT Brumbies,” he Koepka answered with all said. Brooks Koepka should know as the right shots. Johnson faded “Those early years in Can- well as anyone that nothing in I’m glad I’ve got with two bogeys. Koepka closed berra shaped a part of my rugby golf comes easily. this thing sitting with a 4-over 74, the highest identity and further encouraged His well-documented next to me, It’s very final round by a PGA champion my personal ambitions to better journey to the PGA Tour took satisfying, this one. in 15 years, and he didn’t care myself as a rugby player.” him to remote outposts like how it looked. Smith played almost 150 Kenya and Kazakhstan. Even This is definitely the His place in history was games for the Brumbies during after Koepka won a second most satisfying of all secure. He joined Tiger Woods a career that also took him to straight US Open last summer, the ones I’ve won: as the only players to win back- the Queensland Reds, French which no one had done in 29 Koepka to-back in the PGA Champi- sides Toulon, Lyon and Stade years, it didn’t seem enough to onship since it switched to stroke Francais, along with Japan’s be the first name mentioned play in 1958. He became the only Suntory and English teams among the next generation of fying of all the ones I’ve won.” player to hold back-to-back Wasps and Bristol. stars. Moments earlier, after he titles in two majors at the same He twice won the pres- So he spent three days turned a potential meltdown into time. tigious John Eales Medal for setting records at Bethpage Black the kind of clutch play that has Four years ago, he had one best Australian player and was in the PGA Championship - the defined his career, Koepka PGA Tour title in his first full awarded the Brumbies players’ first player to shoot 63 in con- draped his muscular arms season as a full member. player of the year gong 10 times secutive years in the majors, the around the top of the trophy and Now he has four majors out in his 12 seasons. lowest 36-hole score in major let out a deep sigh from stress of the last eight he has played, a “George belongs in that championship history and a and satisfaction, and then he stretch not seen since Woods rare category of player that seven-shot lead, the largest ever smiled. won seven out of 11 after cap- could turn the course of a for 54 holes in the PGA Koepka said at the start of turing the 2002 US Open at game in an instant with a Championship. the week that majors are some- Bethpage Black. crucial turnover, a powerful And then he endured the times the easiest to win. “I just don’t understand why run or a big defensive play,” toughest day of his career This one should have been. he doesn’t do it more often,” said said Rugby Australia chief Sunday, which turned into the It wasn’t. Rory McIlroy, who won his four Raelene Castle. most rewarding. His seven-shot lead was majors in a span of 15. “He was universally “I’m glad I’ve got this thing down to one with four holes to “He obviously gets into these respected by his teammates and sitting next to me,” Koepka said play and the No. 1 player in the mindsets of the majors, and he Brooks Koepka of the United States poses with the Wanamaker opponents and has been a huge as he looked at the shiny Wan- world - Dustin Johnson, his best really goes and gets into a dif- Trophy during the Trophy Presentation Ceremony after winning presence in the clubs he has amaker Trophy. friend in golf - was piecing ferent state. You’d obviously the final round of the 2019 PGA Championship at the Bethpage represented all over the world, “It’s very satisfying, this one. together the best round of a final have to ask him. But it’s Black course in Farmingdale, New York on Sunday. as well as on the international This is definitely the most satis- day in 25 mph gusts that made awesome. It’s great to watch.” stage with the Wallabies.” Warriors beat Blazers to reach 5th straight NBA Finals

AFP straight finals hasn’t been done Curry finished with 37 just let it go. When I shot it, it felt LOS ANGELES since the 60s,” said Warriors points, 13 rebounds and 11 good.” The Trail Blazers had led coach Steve Kerr. assists, while Green had his 69-65 at halftime, and built the Stephen Curry and Draymond “It hasn’t been done for a second straight triple-double -- lead to 17 in the third quarter -- Green both posted triple- reason, it’s really, really difficult posting double digits in three the third straight game in which doubles to power the Golden and so I just can’t say enough key statistical categories -- with Portland led by as many as 17 State Warriors to a 119-117 about the competitive desire of 18 points, 14 rebounds and 11 only to come up short. overtime victory over the the group of guys that we have assists.Fittingly, Curry and With veteran Andre Portland Trail Blazers on here.” Green combined on the game- Iguodala having joined Monday and into a fifth straight The Warriors will battle for winning basket in overtime, superstar Kevin Durant and NBA Finals. the title starting on May 30 Curry feeding Green for a three- DeMarcus Cousins on the The two-time defending against either the Milwaukee pointer that pushed Golden injured list, the Warriors pro- NBA champions swept the Bucks or Toronto Raptors, State to a 119-115 lead with 39.6 duced a total team effort to rally Blazers in four games in the aiming to become the first team seconds left in overtime. again.Thompson scored 17 best-of-seven Western Con- since the Los Angeles Lakers of “Obviously in that situation points while reserve Kevon ference finals. 2000, 2001 and 2002 to three- we want Steph to have the ball, Looney added 12 points and 14 The only other team to peat as champions. we want Steph or Klay rebounds and Alfonzo McKinnie reach five straight NBA Finals Curry and Green became (Thompson) to take the shot,” chipped in 12 points. was the Boston Celtics, when the first teammates in league Green said. “Being without Kevin these Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) is called for a foul they went to a record 10 in a history to have triple-doubles “But they were swarming last five games has put us in a against Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the row from 1957 to 1966. in the same post-season game, them. So I was just talking to really tough spot and our guys second half in game four of the Western conference finals of the 2019 “I hope it doesn’t go unno- according to the Elias Sports them ‘Watch out, watch out.’ stepped up in a big way,” Kerr NBA Play-offs at Moda Center on Monday. ticed or underrated -- five Bureau. “When he passed me the ball, I said. 22 SPORT WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2019 Archer picked in England World Cup squad

AFP a shoulder problem. Both England’s Jofra Archer during fourth LONDON Denly and Willey were named ODI against Pakistan in this May 17, Fans should expect in England’s provisional squad, 2019 file photo. England selection chief Ed Smith as was opening batsman Alex hailed fast bowler Jofra Archer Hales. plenty of runs in UK as an “outstanding” talent after But James Vince, who fea- including him in the tournament tured against Pakistan, came in favourites’ World Cup squad after England decided against summer, says Kohli yesterday. selecting Hales following his ban Barbados-born quick Archer for recreational drug use. AFP led by in-form Jasprit Bumrah. only qualified for England in England, bidding to win the MUMBAI “We go into the World Cup March and has played just three World Cup for the first time, feeling very balanced and a one-day internationals for the reduced their qualification Cricket fans should expect a run strong side. You saw in the IPL host nation of the showpiece period from seven years to bonanza at the ICC World Cup (T20 series), all the players that event. three, a move they insisted was in England and Wales starting are in the squad are in great But he has now made it into solely to bring them into line this month, India captain Virat form and playing really well,” the 15-man World Cup squad with the rest of the world rather Kohli said yesterday. said Kohli. that Smith unveiled at Lord’s. than advance the selection of Ahead of India’s departure India have some worries He edged out left-arm quick Archer, whose father is English. for the tournament, Kohli said over their spinners Kuldeep David Willey, a veteran of 46 “We’ve seen Jofra Archer local seaming conditions would Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, ODIs, after both pacemen fea- play against Pakistan and we’ve likely favour batsmen. who were less impressive in the tured during England’s 4-0 seen the skills he has,” Smith “In ICC tournaments the IPL. series win at home to Pakistan, told Sky Sports News. pitches are going to be very good Chahal claimed 18 wickets which concluded on Sunday. “It’s pretty straightforward. and it’s summer in the UK. We for Kohli’s Royal Challengers There was also no place in He’s an outstanding talent, that’s expect high-scoring games,” Bangalore, but Yadav struggled the squad, captained by Eoin clear to all of us. He has pace, Kohli told a press conference in with his left-arm wrist spin for Morgan, for back-up spinner bounce, skill.” Mumbai. Kolkata Knight Riders. and batsman Joe Denly, with Archer said he was ready for England beat Pakistan 4-0 “In hindsight if you look at Hampshire slow left-armer the challenge of a World Cup in a five-match warmup series it, like Kuldeep, who has had so Liam Dawson recalled as cover despite his lack of international with nearly every game seeing much success, it’s important to for Adil Rashid, who is nursing experience. innings of 350 plus on grounds see a period where things don’t “I’ve put it in my head I that will be used for the World go your way. And I am glad it ENGLAND SQUAD would have to wait seven years, Cup. happened during the IPL, rather back in December they changed Kohli insisted, however, that than the World Cup,” said Kohli. Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, capt), Moeen Ali it a little but I was always pre- at 90 miles per hour (145 kilo- “I spoke to David, he’s an out- World Cup pressure will bring “He has time to reflect and (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), pared to wait,” the 24-year-old metres per hour) and his variety standing man. He’s very honest, down the totals. correct things and come into the Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler told Sky Sports. of slower balls has seen him get dignified. He’s a very impressive “A bilateral series compared World Cup even stronger. We (Lancashire, wkt), Tom Curran (Surrey), Liam “I think I’m ready. I’ve the nod. man and cricketer.” to a World Cup is very different, know the skill set he possesses Dawson (Hampshire), Liam Plunkett (Sur- played a lot of cricket, I know Willey was among those who England now have two so you might see lot of 260-270 along with Chahal. They are two rey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (York- how to deal with pressure, questioned the prospect of Archer warm-up matches, against Aus- kind of games and teams suc- pillars of our bowling line-up.” shire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Dur- crowds, I think I’m ready.” playing for England at this year’s tralia on Saturday and Afghan- cessfully defending it because The 10-team World Cup ham), James Vince (Hampshire), Chris Even though Willey offered World Cup when the Sussex istan on Monday, before of the pressure factor,” said the returns to a round-robin format

Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Dur- a different angle of attack as the bowler became eligible. launching the tournament skipper of India -- one the and Kohli said consistency was ham) only left-arm quick in con- But Smith, who told Willey he against South Africa at the Oval favourites alongside England the only way to make the tention, Archer’s ability to bowl had missed out on Monday, said: on May 30. and Australia. semi-finals. Two-time winners India, “Everyone has to be at their who start against South Africa best game intensity from the first in Southampton on June 5, feel match onwards and you don’t they have a strong chance with have any room for Archer sets sights on Kohli’s scalp a potent pace bowling attack complacency.” Virat Kohli gestures AFP hitting West Indies batsman. know their strengths, you know on June 30. But for all the threat during a news conference, LONDON And for all his lack of if they can’t run between the posed by the likes of Gayle and yesterday. England experience, Archer wickets... it gets you an extra bit Kohli, Archer was in no doubt Jofra Archer marked his call-up believes the time he has spent of inside information.” about the most difficult to England’s World Cup squad in the IPL has been good prep- He added: “To be honest, I batsman he had bowled at -- yesterday by setting his sights aration for the pressure of a think international cricket is Rajasthan and England team- on taking the prized wicket of World Cup. probably the same intensity as mate Jos Buttler. India captain Virat Kohli. “I think I probably have a the IPL. I think the only thing “The best player I faced was “I’d quite like to get Virat bigger advantage over some of that changes is the amount of Jos Buttler in the nets. He is a Kohli out because I wasn’t able the other guys in our team,” he overs (the IPL is a Twenty20 360 (degree) cricketer. He can to in the IPL,” Archer told Sky said. competition).” hit you straight down the Sports. “We play (these guys) twice England are set to face the ground or over the ‘keeper’s “Chris Gayle as well,” added a (season) in the IPL, so you West Indies at Southampton on head. I don’t think anywhere is Archer, mentioning the big- know their weaknesses, you June 14 and India at Edgbaston safe with him.”

Selection a dream comes   11 1 *6 !   - 1(:; true for Pakistan’s Riaz       8 (- AP 102 wickets in 79 ODIs at an average of     LAHORE 34, but he took no wickets in the 2017  + Champions Trophy and only one in three    Wahab Riaz (pictured) says he dreamed matches in 2016 against England.      about being selected for Pakistan’s Cricket “With the conditions dry and wickets     World Cup squad about 10 days ago. hard in England, there will be reverse      This, despite not being in the 23-man swing... I have expertise over reverse preliminary squad, and not having played swing so I will try to restrict the flow of  &     a one-day international since the 2017 runs in the last overs,” Riaz said.    Champions Trophy triumph in England. Pakistan bowlers struggled to stem    But Riaz’s dream came true when the the flow of runs while losing to England   !  '(!  ) -  . fast bowler was chosen for the 15-man 4-0 in the recent ODI series, which caused          squad, along with batsman Asif Ali and the selectors to drop fast bowlers Junaid " ! #    )* '  / - left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir Khan and allrounder Faheem Ashraf.    ,     for the tournament in England next week. “There’s a lot of pressure,” Riaz said,  “I had a dream that Inzi bhai (chief “since Inzi bhai has said that I have been         selector) gave me a call and told me that brought back on the basis of my           I have been selected and this is my last experience.”  $%  $+   chance,” Riaz said yesterday. Inzamam is counting on Riaz to “Exactly the same thing happened reproduce the kind of fiery spirit he 0&/ )1 3#   # when he (Inzamam-ul-Haq) called me to showed against Shane Watson in their    inform about my selection.” 2015 World Cup quarterfinal in Adelaide.   1 -6 Inzamam believed Riaz’s experience Watson was on the winning side, but 0!! 2  *6   ! ( /! ( ( of reverse swing with the old ball will be Riaz’s bowling to him made the lasting         8(! handy on English pitches. He has taken impression. ). -( 3   . 7  8 - # ( ! “Since the pitches are placid and con- 5        ditions are batting conducive it becomes    necessary to have an aggressive approach       otherwise the batsmen will dominate      you,” Riaz said.  4,5  +  4,4,4 “If a batsman demeans me, I will do what I did that day.”  9  / )/  Riaz sympathised for Junaid Khan for    losing his place after taking only two    wickets in two matches against England.   ! - !  -  3  88  “He will be saddened and very much   #    .    frustrated, and he must be thinking being 8   !7 (2- 2 treated unfair,” Riaz said.  $  Riaz was right. Junaid reacted on       Monday by posting a picture on his          Twitter account of a black tape over his      mouth, and a message: “I don’t want to  54+  +  ,+ say anything. Truth is bitter.” He deleted the tweet.     ! "#     $  "% & %   ' ()*+, WEDNESDAY 22 MAY 2019 SPORT 23

Al Wakrah, Al Pain-free Murray optimistic about Arabi to take part in Asian return to competitive tennis Handball Championship AFP not trying to get ready for singles it would work singles-wise. LONDON just now,” he said. “It has been really good so QNA “The thing I said before was far. I’m playing lots of golf. I don’t DOHA Andy Murray is confident he can Potentially doubles, that, if I wasn’t feeling good, have any pain walking round the return to competitive tennis and there was more chance that I course and swinging clubs. When The Qatar Handball Association has hinted at a doubles spot at but I’m not trying to would play and then stop after I’m on the court hitting, it has announced that Al Wakrah and Wimbledon, inspired by get ready for singles Wimbledon. been perfect. “If I continue to feel Al Arabi’s upcoming partici- American doubles great Bob just now. The thing I “Whereas if it’s feeling good, good, then I will obviously give pation in the 22nd edition of the Bryan’s return from hip surgery. it makes a bit more sense to give it a shot in singles and see what Asian Men’s Club League The two-time Wimbledon said before was that, it time to make sure that it’s as happens. Whereas in doubles I Championship to be held in champion, 32, in January if I wasn’t feeling good as possible before I try to am pretty certain I will be able South Korea from November 9 announced plans to retire after good, there was more play singles on it.” to play, just based on having an to 21. this year’s Wimbledon due to chance that I would Murray, whose ranking has example to look at. Al Wakrah will participate injury, expressing doubt as to plummeted to 218 due to his “I can look at Bob Bryan in the championship as the whether he would even make it play and then stop time away from the court, said and say, this is what he has winner of the Qatari Handball to the All England Club. after Wimbledon; he was pain-free as he spoke done, he is playing top three or League and Al Arabi as the The Scot has all but ruled out Andy Murray about the example set by four in the world-level doubles. winner of the the Amir an appearance in the singles Bryan. He’s also nine years older than Handball Cup in the 2018-2019 draw, nearly four months after one told Times there was “very “I know from seeing what me, so why would I not be able a wildcard for this year’s Wim- sport season. surgery on a career-threatening little chance” he would play Bob Bryan has done (he had to do the same and hopefully a bledon, where he was the In the 21st Asian Men’s Club hip problem, but he could return singles during the grass-court similar surgery last year) that for bit more?” champion in 2013 and 2016, and League Championship held in by playing in the men’s doubles. season. doubles it will be absolutely fine. Murray has an official could also use his protected March in Kuwait, Al Wakrah The former world number “Potentially doubles, but I’m I will need to see from there how deadline of June 18 to apply for ranking to enter. defeated Al Duhail by a one goal margin, 21-22 in the final. Al Sadd holds the record for Messi, Aguero winning the Asian Men’s Club League Championship title five ACL: Oscar hat-trick takes in Argentina times, with Qatar’s El Jaish SC and Al-Duhail and Kuwait’s preliminary Kazma SC and Al Qadsia winning it twice, and Qatar’s Al Copa America Rayyan, Kuwait’s Al Fahaheel Shanghai into last sixteen SC and Al-Sulaibikhat SC, Saudi squad Arabia’s Al-Ahli, Mudhar, Al Noor and Bahrain’s Al Najma AFP AFP Shanghai SIPG’s Oscar celebrates SC all winning the title once. SHANGHAI BUENOS AIRES after scoring a goal during the AFC Meanwhile, Al Duhail will participate in the 2019 IHF Champions League matchagainst Former Chelsea star Oscar hit a Lionel Messi and the returning Men’s Super Globe, which will Ulsan Hyundai in Shanghai yesterday. hat-trick, including a wonderful Sergio Aguero headed a 33-man be hosted by Saudi Arabia from curling effort from outside the list as Argentina coach Lionel August 28 to 31, and will repre- box, to fire Shanghai SIPG into Scaloni named an enlarged senting Asia after winning the the AFC Champions League preliminary Copa America last Asian Club League Cham- (ACL) last 16 yesterday. squad yesterday. pionship in Kuwait. The Chinese champions’ 5-0 Paris Saint Germain winger home demolition of a depleted, Angel Di Maria was also but already qualified, Ulsan included but there was no place Hyundai dumped Japan’s for striker Gonzalo Higuain, Qatar’s Kawasaki Frontale out of Asia’s who is on loan at Chelsea from premier club competition. Juventus. Medaihki Kawasaki thrashed a “These are the ones we con- weakened Sydney FC 4-0 away sider to be the best,” said named VC but SIPG squeezed through by a Scaloni, who will have to point in Group H over last year’s reduce his list to 23 players next J-League winners. week ahead of the tournament of IMSA Ulsan still finish top of the hosted by Brazil, which begins group despite the thrashing and on June 14. QNA will meet Urawa Red Diamonds an Asian-record 60 million euros and were ahead after just seven made it 2-0 on 42 minutes with Argentina will play in Group HENGSHUI in the last 16 after their supersub from Chelsea in January 2017, minutes when Oscar played a his world-class strike into the B alongside Colombia, Par- Kazuki Nagasawa scored the said: “The (second) goal I scored clever one-two with fellow Bra- top-left corner from the edge of aguay and guests Qatar, the Chairman of Qatar Chess Asso- opening goal and created was very beautiful and my zilian Elkeson before firing first the penalty area. 2022 World Cup hosts and ciation Mohammed Al Medaihki another in a 3-0 win over favourite.” time past stand-in goalkeeper Man of the match Oscar current Asian champions. has been elected vice-chairman Chinese Super League leaders Asked if the exquisite strike Moon Jung-in. completed his hat-trick on 76 Messi, who only returned to of International Mind Sports Beijing Guoan in Saitama. was a reminder to European K-League leaders Ulsan minutes after striker Li Shen- the Argentina squad in March Association (IMSA) during the Vitor Pereira’s SIPG finish football of his enduring qualities, made wholesale changes from glong had made it 3-0 and sub- after an eight-month absence meeting of the General runners-up and will play Group the 27-year-old Brazilian said: the team that won 3-1 at Suwon stitute Hu Jinghang made it a following the World Cup in Assembly held on the sidelines G winners Jeonbuk, another “For players who come to Asia Bluewings on Saturday allowing five-star night. Russia, will turn 32 during the of the World Mind Sports Korean side, next month in the and China, their level is not going Pereira’s side to dominate at a Over in Japan, Urawa had an competition. Di Maria, like Games 2019 hosted in knock-out rounds while high- down. We keep working hard to half-empty Shanghai Stadium. early scare when captain Yosuke Messi, made his post-World Hengshui, China, which also flying Beijing failed to get past improve our level step by step.” Oscar’s neat first settled any Kashiwagi was stretchered off Cup return in March ahead of witnessed the World Chess the group stage. SIPG made light of the nerves in the must-win game in the 11th minute to be replaced friendlies against Venezuela Championship with the partic- Oscar, who joined SIPG for absence of injured captain Hulk and the former international by Nagasawa. and Morocco. ipation of the top-ranked in players. Al Medaihki expressed Honda quits happiness with the great con- fidence of IMSA’s Executive Al Rayyan go down fighting to Office during its meeting in Melbourne China, stressing that the Qatari sport used to register its Victory after presence in international Lokomotiv in five-goal thriller forums. one season He was recently appointed THE PENINSULA Action from the AFC Champions league match a representative of the World AFP TASHKENT between Al Rayyan and PFC Lokomotiv at the Chess Federation at the Inter- MELBOURNE Lokomotiv Stadium yesterday. national Universities Champi- Fans at Lokomotiv Stadium were onship in 2020, stressing that Japanese superstar Keisuke treated to a fine display of this is undoubtedly a great gain Honda yesterday announced he attacking football as PFC Loko- for the Qatari chess and will will leave Melbourne Victory motiv came from two goals have a positive reflection on the this week after one season as down to defeat Al Rayyan 3-2 of game in the coming period. he pursues new challenges. the 2019 AFC Champions League The former AC Milan striker, Group B yesterday. one of the highest profile names Both teams had already been Demare claims in Asian football, was an instant eliminated prior to their last hit with fans, with his early group game with Lokomotiv maiden Giro season form drawing rave sitting third with four points, reviews.However, a hamstring while Al Rayyan were bottom of stage win injury kept him sidelined for nine the group with three points from matches mid-season. their 2-1 win in the reverse REUTERS “I am proud to have been a fixture. Things looked rosier for plenty of space inside Al Rayyan Amanov and Abdukholikov ITALY Melbourne Victory player and The visitors got off to a flying coach Gilson de Souza in his final box and curled in his side’s first combined again to seal the win grateful for having the oppor- start, taking the lead within just game in charge of Al Rayyan as of the game. for Lokomotiv in the 61st minute France’s Arnaud Demare tunity to play in Australia,” 57 seconds of kick-off. Loko- the Qataris doubled their lead The goal gave the home side in a similar fashion to the side’s won the 10th stage of the Honda said in a statement. motiv players looked shaky in halfway through the opening a morale boost and Andrey second goal. Giro d’Italia, his first career “I leave now for my next possession as they attempted to period. Tabata curled an out- Fedorov’s men came from the This time around, Amanov victory in the race, a 145-km challenge but will never forgot build up from the back, allowing swinging corner that was met by halftime break a different side. dribbled deeper into Al Rayyan’s flat ride from Ravenna my time at Victory. I wish the Al Rayyan players to apply the head of Gonzalo Viera who Within just two minutes of box before whipping a low cross yesterday. club good luck in the future as pressure high up the field. placed his header into the the restart, Arslanmurat Amanov that Abdukholikov met first time Italian Elia Viviani was they pursue success.” He played Goalkeeper Mamur Ikramov bottom corner to make it 2-0. had advanced down the right into the back of the net to com- second and Rudiger Selig of 23 games across all competi- failed to deal with a backpass, A lapse in concentration and played a cross-field pass to plete the hosts’ comeback. Germany took third place tions, scoring eight times, with hoofing the ball into the path of allowed Lokomotiv a way back Temurkhuja Abdukholikov who The result means Lokomotiv ahead of Australian Caleb his last appearance today in Rodrigo Tabata who intercepted into the game as Husniddin controlled and calmly placed the end the campaign with seven Ewan. their AFC Champions League the ball inside the box and fired Gafurov supplied an outside-of- ball past Al Rayyan goalkeeper points in third place, four points “We came to the Giro for clash with Japan’s Sanfrecce into the back of the net to hand the-boot pass for Sardor Mir- Fahd Younis from a tight angle better off than Al Rayyan who this. I really wanted a stage win Hiroshima. Al Rayyan the perfect start. zayev who found himself in to bring the match to square one. finish in last place. and I got it,” said Demare. SPORT Wednesday 22 May 2019 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 22 WarriorsW beat Trail Fans should expectct Blazers to reach plenty of runs in 5th straight NBA UK summer, says Finals captain Kohli

US star Phillips Resolute Qatar target strong donates spikes to IAAF Heritage show at FIFA U-20 World Cup Collection in Doha

THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA QFA President, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin DOHA WARSAW Ahmed Al Thani meeting Qatar U-20 players during a training session in the build up to FIFA Qatar will be aiming to deliver U-20 World Cup. USA’s Dwight Phillips has donated a pair of a better performance than spikes to the IAAF Heritage Collection which they did four years ago at the is currently on public display in Qatar ahead FIFA U-20 World Cup that of the IAAF World Athletics Championships begins in Poland tomorrow. Doha 2019. Coached by Portuguese Phillips, the 2004 Olympic and 4-time manager Bruno Miguel, Qatar World long jump champion, has given the have arrived in Poland to face shoes which he wore when leaping to bronze Nigeria, Ukraine and the US at the 2007 IAAF World Athletics Champi- in their Group D clashes at the onships in Osaka. 24-team tournament. The spikes were symbolically handed Qatar are set to make over to the collection in Doha via the safe their fourth FIFA U-20 World hands of Qatar’s best young long jumper, Cup appearance. The Qatari 18-year-old Rasheed Abdullah Al Suwaidi juniors will start their cam- who trains in Aspire under the guidance of paign with a match against coach Al Walid Abdullah. African giants Nigeria on May “My donation of these shoes is all about 24. ‘giving-back’ to the sport which has given Qatar face Ukraine on me so much,” said Dwight Phillips, who May 27 followed by their clash retired in 2013 with a personal best of 8.74m against the US on May 30. All (2009). matches will be played in “I’m really pleased that my Osaka spikes Tychy. will now sit in the IAAF Heritage Collection How Qatari young guns alongside the kit of Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis qualified and Mike Powell to name but a few.” After losing their opening “I hope the spikes will be an added 2018 AFC U-19 Championship attraction for fans and help motivate young game to the United Arab over host nation Indonesia finish on top of Group A by The Qatari juniors 4-0 in the final to West athletes like Rasheed to aim high in their Emirates, successive wins and Chinese Taipei saw Qatar the narrowest of margins. A will start their Germany. They went on to careers,” confirmed Phillips, who also took 7-3 extra-time defeat of campaign with host the competition’s 1996 gold at the 2003 IAAF World Indoor FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP: QATAR FIXTURES Thailand duly followed in the edition but subsequently Championships. quarter-finals, before Qatar a match against failed to reach the knockout The spikes will be on show until the 7 May 24, 2019 vs Nigeria at Tychy Stadium; 18:00 (local time) African giants May 27, 2019 vs Ukraine at Tychy Stadium 18:00 (local time) succumbed 3-1 to eventual phase – a fate which also October in the IAAF Heritage World Ath- runners-up Korea Republic befell the West Asians when letics Championships Exhibition which was May 30, 2019 vs USA at Tychy Stadium Kick-off: 20:30 (local time) Nigeria on May 24. in the last four. they finished bottom of opened last month by IAAF President Seb Squad After seeing him excel at Group C at New Zealand Coe and Dahlan Al Hamad, IAAF Vice Pres- Salah Zakaria Hassan, Salah Zakaria Hassan, Nasir Peer Baksh, Ahmed the 2018 AFC U-19 Champi- Highly regarded defender 2015. ident and Director General of the IAAF Alminhali Alminhali, Abdollah Ali Saei, Youssef Ayman Farahat, Nasser onship, Qatar will be looking Nasir Baksh is once again On Monday, QFA Pres- World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 Alyazidi Alyazidi, Abdulrasheed Umaru Ibrahim, Andri Syahputra Syah- for a repeat performance expected to lead his country ident, Sheikh Hamad bin Local Organising Committee. putra, Yusuf Abdurisag Yusuf, Khaled Mohammed Saleh, Abdulla from striker Abdulrasheed having captained Qatar in Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani The exhibition is situated in the City Nasser Almusuri, Homam Ahmed Ahmed, Ali Malolah Karami, Eisa Umaru. The Al Ahli forward Indonesia. met with the players and the Center Doha, the largest shopping mall in Ahmad Palangi, Bahaa Mamdouh Ellethy, Hashim Ali, Mohammed found the net seven times in Poland 2019 will be team staff to offer support. Qatar. Waad Albayati, Shehab Mamdouh Ellethy, Ahmed Suhail Alhama- Indonesia to land the Top Qatar’s fourth FIFA U-20 The Qatar squad just recently Several other track and field stars have

wende, Ahmad Yasser Sebaie, Marwan Badreldin Badreldin Scorer award, two ahead of World Cup appearance after concluded training camps in also contributed to IAAF Heritage Collection Coach: Bruno Miguel team-mate Hashim Ali who making their tournament Slovakia and France before with their donations. is also set to appear in Poland. debut in 1981 when they lost arriving in Poland. French Open: Qualifiers begin long road to glory

AFP The men’s opening The prize for just reaching the PARIS round got under way early stages of qualifying cannot on Monday, despite be sniffed at, with even the first- Almost three weeks before the round losers taking home 6,000 world’s best fight it out for the the tournament proper euros ($6,704) after changes French Open titles, hundreds of not due to start until introduced this year by tour- players, including grizzled Sunday, with 128 nament organisers. veterans and teenage hopefuls, But that figure is utterly have descended on Roland entrants playing for dwarfed by the 40,000 euros on Garros for qualifying. only 16 spots in the offer for first-round losers in the The men’s opening round got main draw. competition proper, and new under way on Monday, despite rules saw a record-breaking eight the tournament proper not due men’s lucky losers finding them- to start until Sunday, with 128 267th-ranked German Kevin selves a windfall last year. entrants playing for only 16 spots Krawietz out on Court 9. Marco Trungelliti was perhaps in the main draw. The 33-year-old is a lowly the most fortunate of the lot in Yesterday, 96 women started 256th in the rankings himself 2018, having already returned to their bids for just 12 places, with after a severe loss of form and his base in Barcelona after his qual- the potential rewards fresh injury problems. ifying exit before finding out there life-changing. “Last time I was coming back might be a first-round spot on While former Grand Slam I basically didn’t have a ranking offer as an alternate. surprise packages Denis Istomin and came back to the top 100 His 10-hour car journey back and Dustin Brown were going really fast -- in three months -- to Paris, alongside his brother, toe-to-toe in front of a smattering but it’s much tougher coming grandmother and mother, cap- of spectators on Court 7, 23-time back from an injury when I’m a tured the hearts of tennis fans, major champion Serena Williams bit older now and my body is with his story further enhanced was practising on the Philippe responding differently,” Troicki by a surprise victory over former Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin celebrates Chatrier show-court. told rolandgarros.com. Wimbledon quarter-finalist after winning his Australian Open Just two years ago, Istomin Some players just cannot Bernard Tomic. match against Serbia’s Novak stunned Novak Djokovic in the seem to get enough of the sport This year, though, there was Djokovic, in this January 19, 2017 Australian Open second round, despite appearing to have little no fairytale for the Argentinian file photo. but on the Parisian clay he fell to hope of ever returning to its who has only qualified for one Brown -- the camper-van upper echelons. ATP event this season, as he was driving, shock Wimbledon con- The 37-year-old Tommy dumped out on Monday by create shockwaves deep into the The Australian went on to time French Open semi-finalist. queror of Rafael Nadal in 2015. Robredo, a five-time French French world number 516 Hugo big tournaments. reach the last eight, where she Whether or not any of the Serbian Viktor Troicki was Open quarter-finalist who has Gaston in straight sets. Arguably the most staggering lost to another qualifier, Alex- players in France this week can ranked 12th in the world only accrued over $13m in career prize Although the majority of effort by a qualifier came from andra Stevenson. pull off something Dokic-esque eight years ago and has reached money, saw his hopes of quali- qualifiers would jump at the then-world number 129 Jelena Timea Bacsinszky could be remains to be seen, but many will the second week at Roland fying ended for another year with chance of a possible run to the Dokic, as she thrashed top seed one to watch this time around dream of a career-defining match Garros three times, but found defeat by Germany’s Rudolf second round and a big payday Martina Hingis 6-2, 6-0 in the when she starts her campaign -- against one of the big guns on a himself having to battle past Molleker -- 19 years his junior. like Trungelliti, some do go on to 1999 Wimbledon first round. the 29-year-old Swiss is a two- show court -- win or lose.