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ATHLETICS Plenty at stake as Diamond League series opens today ‘WE ARE GLAD TO SHOWCASE THE DIAMOND LEAGUE AT THE KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM’ Semenya to run in Doha before new rule kicks in

Doha, AFP: Caster Semenya create a level playing field in Qatar Athletics Federation President Dr Thani al-Kuwari makes his opening remarks during a press conference yesterday as IAAF President Sebastian Coe (third from left) and elite athletes has responded to losing her the women’s events. scheduled to participate in today’s Doha Diamond League meeting look on. legal challenge against new “I think this is pretty straight- gender rules by entering the forward, and it’s very straight- of people absorb our sport every is strong and the competition By Sports Reporter TODAY’S SCHEDULE 800 metres in today’s Doha forward for any international Doha year and it is a responsibility is tough but I think I am set and Diamond League meeting, federation in sport,” Coe said. that we don’t take lightly,” Coe let’s see how things turn out to- while she hinted at ending her “Athletics has two classifica- 5.35PM: 4x100m Girls 6.42PM: 800m Men National explained. morrow.” career in several cryptic tweets. tions: it has age, it has gender, n exciting and glit- 5.41PM: 4x100m Boys 6.55PM: High Jump Women “I am happy with what we’ve To Olympic long jump cham- Semenya, the double Olympic we are fiercely protective tering opening of the 5.50PM 4x100m Mixed 7PM: Long Jump Women done with the new format and pion, Bartoletta – Doha has al- champion at the distance, about both and I am re- IAAF Diamond League 5.58PM: Medley Relay Boys 7.04PM: 400mH Women as you know, the criteria has be- ways brought her fond memo- was added to the 800m start ally grateful that the Court of A2019 season is antici- 6.08PM: 100m Girls Qatar 7.15PM: 800m Men come tougher which will make ries: list yesterday morning, a day Arbitration has upheld that pated as the prestigious series National Team 100mH Women the league more interesting. We “I’ve had good experiences after her appeal against a new principle.” gets underway at the Khalifa 6.16PM: 100m Boys Qatar 7.37PM: 3000mSC Men are looking forward to a more here and each visit had been rule regulating testosterone The two athletes who finished International Stadium in Doha National Team 7.56PM: 200m Men exciting events and of course the quite interesting. Even when levels for women athletes was in the silver and bronze medal today. (The above events are not part 8PM: Shot Put Men IAAF World Championships in I wasn’t expecting it, I ended rejected by the Court for Arbi- positions behind Semenya in For the tenth consecutive year, of the Diamond League) 8.07PM: 800m Women September is something every- up doing well and I think Doha tration of Sport (CAS). the 800m at the 2016 Rio Ol- Qatar is hosting the season- 6.20PM: Pole Vault Men 8.19PM: 1500m Men one can’t wait enough to see it has been generally good to me. Doha organisers said the South ympics, Burundi’s Francine Niy- opening meet of the highly-suc- 6.33PM: 400m Men National 8.34PM: 200m Women start,” he added. I hope the luck continues to- African runner had waited for onsaba and Margaret Wambui cessful athletics top-tier series 6.35PM: Discus Men 8.46: 3000m Women Meanwhile, Asher-Smith, morrow and I would be glad the outcome of Wednesday’s of Kenya, will race against her and IAAF President Sebastian who is in the Middle East for the to win again in Doha,” said the CAS hearing in Lausanne, in Doha today. Coe noted at the well-attended fi rst time, has expressed her de- 33-year-old who won the 2015 Switzerland, before deciding Wambui, who has also faced press conference yesterday. “This year, QAF has double League to the athletics body, the light participating at the Doha Doha event before going on to whether to run in the meet- questions over her testoster- “Doha is defi nitely the centre reasons to celebrate. We are cel- IAAF is responding to feedback IAAF Diamond League. win the World Championships ing that opens the Diamond one levels but unlike Semenya of the world for athletics in 2019 ebrating ten years of Diamond from the various stakehold- “It is exciting to be here in in Beijing later that year. League season. has not been forced to undergo considering the array of events League in Doha and the reloca- ers – athletes, fans, broadcast- Doha for the fi rst time and to Brianna McNeal on the other Semenya had challenged the tests for hyperandrogenism, and tournaments culminat- tion to the new home of athlete ers, administrators with the start my season at the same hand, the runner-up in 200m measures, introduced by the criticised the IAAF ruling. ing with the 2019 IAAF World at Khalifa International Sta- new format of the league which venue of the 2019 IAAF World at last year’s event, said she is International Association of “This life sometimes is so un- Championships to be held here dium. is scheduled to begin from the Championships. more motivated to perform bet- Athletics Federations (IAAF), fair”, Wambui wrote on Twitter: later in the year. “It is my pleasure to welcome 2020 season. “I can’t wait to compete on ter this year: that will force women with “Everything that happens, hap- The press conference was at- all participants to new venue The 2020 IAAF Diamond the beautiful tracks and I hope “I’m very focused on what higher than normal male pens with a reason Caster.” tended by the Qatar Athletics after nine years of hosting this League will include the very best all goes as planned tomorrow,” I need to do and I’m very pre- hormone levels — so-called “hy- She added: “This is life we Afri- Federation (QAF) President Dr global event at the Qatar Sports 12 meetings, based on the cri- said the British record holder in pared to give my best tomorrow. perandrogenic” athletes — to cans have nothing to say in this Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Club. We are very pleased that teria developed in 2018, leading the 100m and 200m (10.85 and I hope to improve on my per- artificially lower the amount of world and (there is) nothing we triple European sprint cham- you will be joining us for what to a single fi nal at the end of the 21.89 respectively), achieved at formance last year and I think testosterone in their bodies if can do about it, so pole (sorry) pion, Dina Asher-Smith (GBR), promises to be another exciting season. An agreed 24 disciplines the European Championships I am in the right frame to win,” they are to continue compet- my dear – so painful.” Olympic long jump champion, time of athletics in Qatar.” (12 male and 12 female) will run last August. she said. ing. Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, Tianna Bartoletta of the USA, In his address, Coe said, “The across the 12 meetings and the On his part, Kendricks, who Tom Walsh believes that with The rules will come into eff ect who won a long battle with Olympic pole vault bronze med- IAAF Diamond League is in- fi nal, with the longest discipline is also appearing in Doha for the USA’s Ryan Crouser’s current on May 8 and will apply to authorities over her own allist, Sam Kendricks (USA), creasing in popularity every being the 3,000m. very fi rst time said: throw of 22.74m in 2019, which races over distances of 400m hyperandrogenism, told AFP New Zealand’s world shot put year and we now have about 370 Each meeting will be broad- “Every Diamond League is the longest throw in the world to the mile. that Semenya’s court defeat champion, Tom Walsh and Bri- million people from about 170 cast globally in a faster-paced is important and I’m glad to since 1990 – the bar has already Semenya hinted at quitting was “wrong”, but backed her anna McNeal of the USA, the Ol- countries watching the league 90-minute television event be here. Though for us in the been set so high early in the the sport in a tweet yesterday, to overcome the potentially ympic 110m hurdles champion, annually. which will link the events and States, the season starts a bit season and this is going to be a saying: “Knowing when to walk far-reaching ruling. with other athletes and offi cials. “We feel it there is a need to the athletes’ points so fans can earlier due to the spring season great challenge for every other away is wisdom. Being able to “This is wrong. I feel sad for her, This year’s leg of the IAAF make it bigger and better and more readily follow the road to but this is my fi rst major compe- person to meet up with: is courage. Walking away with she has been made to suff er Diamond League in Doha is pa- that’s what have necessitated a single fi nal at the end of the tition of the year. “Crouser has raised the bar your head held high is dignity.” like me,” Chand, 23, said. rading a star cast which includes the review of the format as we go season. “I’ve had a couple of good for all of us and I believe the In a later tweet, she said: “They “I think she and her team will six reigning world champions, into the tenth year anniversary.” “The IAAF Diamond League jumps and I’m hoping to jump at competition is going to be tough laugh at me because I am dif- find a way out. She is an Olym- eight reigning Olympic cham- Coe added that due to the im- is very important because it is least 5.95m tomorrow – I hope this year. I will defi nitely do my ferent. I laugh at them because pic medallist and her country is pions and winners of nine 2018 portance of the IAAF Diamond one of the major ways millions the aim is achieved. The field best and let’s see how things they’re all the same.” behind her.” If Semenya refuses Diamond Trophies. turn out,” he said. Semenya was not present at a to take the hormone medica- “We are glad to showcase the Crouser is now the sixth best press conference in the Qatari tion to lower her testosterone Diamond League at the Khalifa performer of all time and he will capital to hear IAAF president levels she could decide to step International Stadium tomor- be on the fi eld when the season Sebastian Coe defend the CAS up to 5,000m, a distance not row,” Dr al-Kuwari said in wel- MORE STORIES ON PAGE 2 kicks off today. decision, saying it helped to covered by the IAAF’s rules. coming address. Gulf Times 2 Friday, May 3, 2019 ATHLETICS

NOTHING TO LOSE Qatari hopefuls unfazed by their elite rivals espite competing on the in- and do my stuff on Friday.” to every Qatari athlete. ternational senior stage for The Qatari who started out as a “My major aim at the moment is the first time, Qatari repre- footballer before venturing into ath- to be part of the IAAF World Cham- sentatives Jaber al-Mamari letics will, alongside his compatriot pionships and I hope I will achieve andD Owaab Barrow are unfazed by al-Mamari, be up against an elite that. I believe the competition will be the strength of the 200m field they field comprising of stars like reigning one of the best ever and all attendees will be up against at the 2019 IAAF 200m world champion, Ramil Guli- are assured of the best of hospital- Doha Diamond League in the im- yev and Nethaneel MItchell-Blake, a ity and exciting times in Doha,” he pressive Khalifa International Sta- 4X100m relay world champion. added. dium today. “I’ve had very strong support For al-Mamari, competing against “I count it a privilege competing in starting out in my career especially the “big guys” is a great privilege and the home stadium and I am ready to from the Aspire Academy and it’s he hopes to be able to get helpful tips push myself and achieve the best re- been great all this while. I’ve been and techniques from them. sult possible on Friday,” Barrow, who privileged to compete in Europe, “Everyone passes through this won the gold medal in 110m hurdles Australia and of course – the Youth stage at one point or the other in life at last year’s Youth Olympics in Bue- Olympics in Argentina is one of the and I think it is awesome sharing the nos Aires, said. major highlights of my career,” he same track with the top athletes. “It is good to be part of the compe- said. “I am going to ask them some tition and I believe the experience is The 18-year-old hopes to make the questions on Friday which will be quite necessary for the advancement cut for the IAAF World Champion- useful for me and I’m definitely go- of my career. I am not afraid of chal- ships in September, especially con- ing to give my best and who knows, a lenges and I will simply be myself Owaab Barrow and Jaber al-Mamari sidering the importance of the event miracle can happen,” he said.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Semenya ‘made to CAS ruling won’t suff er’, says Indian gender-row sprinter

AFP championships in September, New Delhi Semenya, 28, will now have to take medication, probably in- cluding birth control pills. She is end intersex and ndian gender-row sprinter now weighing an appeal. Dutee Chand yesterday said Chand, who won 100m and Caster Semenya’s court de- 200m silver at last year’s Asian feat over testosterone rules Games, her fi rst major event Iwas “wrong”, but backed the since returning to competition, Olympic 800 metres champion was hopeful that Semenya’s legal to overcome the potentially far- team will fi nd a way to succeed. transgender debate reaching ruling. “It was my legal team that Chand, who fought and won a handled her case. The team that long battle over her own hyper- fought my case, I handed them androgenism, or elevated levels over to Caster Semenya,” Chand Tennis great Navrotilova terms the ruling ‘dreadfully unfair’ and ‘wrong in principle’ of male sex hormones, said she said. felt sorry for the South Afri- “I think she and her team will DPA can star, whose career has been fi nd a way out. She is an Olympic Berlin plagued by controversy. medallist and her country is be- “This is wrong. I feel sad for hind her.” her, she has been made to suff er The CAS ruling raised several he Court of Arbitration for Sport like me,” Chand, 23, told AFP. concerns about the IAAF regula- (CAS) ruling on testosterone lev- Chand, who was subjected to tions, calling them “discrimina- els for women in certain athletics humiliating gender-testing as a tory” and questioning their im- events may have settled the case teenager, was fi nally cleared to plementation, as well as the lack ofT Caster Semenya and others for now but compete last year after winning of evidence proving an advantage the CAS itself made it clear that the issue a court appeal against Interna- from higher testosterone levels. is far from over. tional Association of Athletics “See this (the condition) is And the debate around intersex and Federations (IAAF) regulations. natural. To increase and decrease transgender athletes could also aff ect oth- Chand successfully chal- testosterones is not in our hand. er sports, with the International Olympic lenged the IAAF’s stance on hy- Now medical scientists can guide Committee already in the process of look- perandrogenism, prompting the her,” said Chand. ing into updated guidelines for itself and world governing body to change “But she is not poor like me other sports federations on how to handle its rules to target only middle- and is well known with a lot this sensitive matter. distance events, arguing these of money and resources,” said The IOC said it wants to “shape sport were most aff ected by elevated Chand, who was born in rural specifi c policies and regulations in rela- testosterone. poverty. tion to fairness, safety, inclusivity, and But on Wednesday, the Court The court decision drew anger non-discrimination on the basis of gender of Arbitration for Sport in from offi cials and fans in South identity and sex characteristics.” Lausanne dismissed Semenya’s Africa, whose minister for wom- That is a big task, given the diffi culties appeal against the IAAF meas- en, Bathabile Dlamini, called it CAS itself noted in an the executive sum- ures, triggering an angry re- “the violation of her rights as mery. “Natural human biology does not sponse in South Africa. human being”. map perfectly onto legal status and gender The decision means that Semenya, who won the 800m identity. women with elevated testoster- Olympic title in 2012 and 2016, The imperfect alignment between na- one will have to take suppressive vowed to “once again rise above ture, law and identity is what gives rise to treatment if they wish to com- and continue to inspire young the conundrum at the heart of this case,” pete as females in certain events. women and athletes in South Af- the court said. Semenya was disappointed To defend her title at the world rica and around the world”. by the outcome, the two-time Olympic and three-time 800-metre world cham- pion having brought the case to CAS in order to prevent the ruling athletics body IAAF from introducing a new testosterone level cap for herself and others in running events from 400m to the mile. Believed to be intersex (results of gender tests have never been offi cially published), Court of Arbitration (CAS) Secretary General Matthieu Reeb speaks to journalists after pronouncing the verdict in South African Semenya must now lower her natural tes- double Olympic champion Caster Semenya’s appeal against International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) testosterone tosterone level by May 8 through medica- rules on May 1, 2019 in Lausanne. tion if she wants to compete at the IAAF World Championships later this year, or human rights standards,” said Liesl Gern- And German Balian Buschbaum, who of achieving the IAAF’s aim of preserving switch to other events such as the 5,000m tholtz, deputy executive director of Hu- underwent a sex change after being a the integrity of female athletics in the re- where she became national champion last man Rights Watch. successful pole vaulter as Yvonne Busch- stricted events.” weekend. “In scrutinising and excluding women baum, bluntly told dpa: “I would really Germany’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung said Semenya said she has been specifi cally competitors based on their natural hor- like to know what Usain Bolt would say if it was obvious that “a clearer distinction targeted by the IAAF for a decade but in- mone levels, the IAAF regulations stig- he was given hormones to shrink his legs. between men and women is needed in sisted, “I will once again rise above” while matise, stereotype, and discriminate Nothing else is asked of Semenya.” sport compared to normal life.” But it said her South African federation ASA said it against all women.” Tennis great Martina But marathon world record holder that if athletes like Semenya needed to was “reeling in shock at the how a body Navrotilova termed the ruling “dreadfully Paula Radcliff e defended the CAS because lower their performance then others must held in high esteem like CAS can endorse unfair” and “wrong in principle” on her it ruled “that women’s sport needs rules live with certain natural disadvantages and discrimination without fl inching. website. to protect it.” And German athletics fed- no longer get exceptions to use asthma There was also sharp criticism else- “She has done nothing wrong and it eration chief Juergen Kessing named it “a sprays or other substances to boost their where. is awful that she will now have to take precedent for the whole of high-perform- performances. Britain’s The Guardian said “Women with intersex variations have drugs to be able to compete. General rules ance sports.” “CAS tried to provide a clear verdict on the same right to dignity and control over should not be made from exceptional The CAS had acknowledged that the Caster Semenya but left a tangled mess” their bodies as other women, and it’s cases and the question of transgender IAAF regulations are “discriminatory” because “its ruling contained enough deeply disappointing to see CAS uphold athletes remains unresolved,” Navratilova but that “such discrimination is a neces- holes and caveats to mean the dispute will regulations that run afoul of international said. sary, reasonable and proportionate means continue.” File photo of Indian sprinter Dutee Chand.

BOTTOMLINE ASA may approach Swiss tribunal aft er Semenya’s CAS setback

Reuters ble Olympic 800-metres champion Semenya holding the new IAAF regulations for female sion is disgraceful.” pronounce on the CAS ruling.” Cape Town against the implementation of the International athletes.” ASA went on to compare the regula- ASA said “compelling” evidence had been CAS ruled the regulations were necessary Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) tions to apartheid, where South African citizens placed before the CAS. for female athletes with DSDs who compete in regulations. were separated by racial group and aff orded dif- “ASA was confi dent of a favourable outcome events ranging from 400-metres to a mile. thletics South Africa (ASA) is consid- “ASA respects the CAS decision and will now fering rights based on their skin colour. given the human rights, medico-legal and sci- This is to ensure fair competition by medi- ering approaching the Swiss Federal review the ruling and decide whether to consid- “South Africa knows discrimination bet- entifi c arguments and evidence that we believe cally limiting their blood testosterone level to Tribunal after the Court of Arbitration er the option of taking this matter to the Swiss ter and CAS has seen it fi t to open the wounds invalidated the regulations. under 5 nmol/L, which is double the normal fe- for Sport (CAS) dismissed Caster Se- Federal Tribunal within the 30 days as stipulat- of Apartheid, a system of discrimination con- “It is these facts that have left ASA shocked male range of below 2 nmol/L. menya’sA appeal against regulations to limit nat- ed in the ruling,” it said in a statement. demned by the whole world as a crime against that CAS rejected these compelling factors in The IAAF welcomed the verdict on Wednes- urally-occurring testosterone levels in athletes “We are, however, reeling in shock at the how humanity. favour of the IAAF. day, saying it was “pleased that the regulations with diff erences of sexual development (DSDs). a body held in high esteem like CAS can endorse “For CAS does not only condone discrimi- “Given the profound and global eff ect, plus were found to be a necessary, reasonable and The national governing body for athletics was discrimination without fl inching. nation, but also goes to lengths to justify it, consequences the implementation of the regu- proportionate means of achieving the IAAF’s “deeply disappointed and profoundly shocked” “We are deeply disappointed and profoundly (which) only undermines the integrity that this lations will have, the regulations may warrant to legitimate aim of preserving the integrity of fe- as a CAS panel dismissed the appeal by dou- shocked that the CAS award is in favour of up- body is entrusted with. We believe their deci- be tested in a higher tribunal with jurisdiction to male athletics in the restricted events”. Gulf Times Friday, May 3, 2019 3 CRICKET

IPL SPOTLIGHT All-rounder Archer set for England Mumbai in playoff s debut against Ireland

AFP “He was delighted (when he London was told). I think his mum and dad are over. Debuts are all about celebrating what’s gone before ofra Archer is set to make and recognising the start of a aft er super-over win his England debut when new journey and for Jofra it’s ob- Eoin Morgan’s men face viously very exciting.” Ireland in a one-day in- Archer has impressed in the ternationalJ in Malahide today. lucrative Twenty20 Indian Pre- The 24-year-old Barbados- mier League this season for the born all-rounder was called into Rajasthan Royals, where his a senior England squad for the teammates included established fi rst time last month after quali- England all-rounder Ben Stokes. against Hyderabad fying on residency grounds. He completed a three-year He was not included in the qualifi cation period in March ‘We are rewarded for some real hard work we have put in throughout the tournament hosts’ 15-man pro- after the England and Wales visional squad for the World Cricket Board changed its resi- tournament. We played consistent cricket and have the results for it’ Cup. But Archer can stake a dency rules. claim by impressing for world Under the previous system, IANS number one team England in Archer would not have been Mumbai their one-off game against Ire- eligible until 2022 after a seven- land and upcoming series at year residency. home to Pakistan before the The prospect of Archer, whose umbai Indians de- World Cup squad is fi nalised on father is English, playing at the feated Sunrisers May 23. World Cup has caused concern Hyderabad via super Middlesex batsman Dawid among several more established over at the Wankh- Malan and Surrey wicketkeeper- England rivals for a pace-bowling Mede Stadium yesterday to be- batsman Ben Foakes, a replace- berth including Chris Woakes, come the 3rd team after Chennai ment for the injured Sam Bill- David Willey and Mark Wood, Super Kings and Delhi Capitals ings, are also set to win their fi rst amid suggestions his inclusion to reach the playoff s of the 2019 one-day international caps on could damage team morale. Indian Premier League. Friday. But former England seamer Hardik Pandya six helping Morgan, confi rming Sussex Dominic Cork said his inclusion them chase the required nine star Archer’s inclusion, told Sky was “an absolute must”. runs with three balls to spare. Sports: “He obviously brings “I’ve watched him the last Sunrisers Hyderabad, who a lot of excitement, along with three weeks in Mumbai, play- had reached the fi nal in the skill level. He’s been around for ing for Rajasthan,” added Cork. 2018 IPL and lost to Chennai the last few years. I’ve played “You’ve got someone who can Super Kings, must now beat against him and he’s bowled ex- bowl at the pace that he can. He Royal Challengers Bangalore in tremely well when I’ve played can bowl in that fi rst powerplay, their fi nal group game on Satur- against him. in the middle and at the end.” day and hope the other results go their way to seal the fourth playoff spot. Manish Pandey and Mohamed Nabi, whose partnership had brought back the Sunrisers into the game, could only last four balls in the super over. Pandey was run out fi rst ball before Nabi, having struck Jasprit Bumrah for a top- edged six, was clean bowled. “We are rewarded for some real hard work we have put in throughout the tournament. We played consistent cricket and have the results for it,” Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma said. Earlier Mumbai rode open- er Quinton de Kock’s valiant Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya (right) and Kieron Pollard celebrate after winning the 2019 Indian Premier League match against Sunrisers knock of 69 (unbeaten) off 58 Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) balls to post 162/5 in 20 overs. Despite getting little support Ahmed drew the fi rst blood for proaching the three-digit mark, dle as Bhuvneshwar Kumar leel bagged three wickets for from the other end, de Kock his side and sent back a danger- Khaleel struck again to break applied brakes on his innings 42 runs and Bhuvneshwar and kept his cool and helped the ous looking Rohit in the sixth the partnership. in the 16th over, with Mumbai Nabi got one wicket each. three-time champions reach a over, leaving Mumbai at 36/1. He cut short Suryakumar’s placed at 119/4. Kieron Pol- respectable total. The opener’s The Mumbai skipper played an stay in the middle, reducing lard (10 off 9) and de Kock then BRIEF SCORES knock contained six boundaries overambitious pull-shot on a Mumbai to 90/2 in 11.2 overs. shared a short 32-run partne- Mumbai Indians 162 for 5 (de and two hits into the stands. delivery that bounced a bit more Nabi spelled further trouble ship for the fi fth wicket, help- Kock 69*, Khaleel 3-42) beat Opting to bat, Mumbai were and popped up in the air only to for Mumbai and just after the ing their side cross the 150-run Sunrisers Hyderabad 162 for off to a decent but cautious be caught by Mohammed Nabi addition of a run, he packed mark in 18.5 overs. 6 (Pandey 71*, Nabi 31, Krunal start with scoreboard reading at mid-on. Incoming batsman back Evin Lewis (1 off 6) in the Pollard was dismissed in the 2-20) via the Super Over 26/0 in the initial three overs. Suryakumar Yadav (23 off 17) 13th over. Hardik Pandya then fi nal over by Khaleel before Super Over While Rohit Sharma (24 off 18) and de Kock then tried to repair played a quick 10-ball 18, with Krunal Pandya chipped in with Mumbai Indians 9 for 0 Barbados-born all-rounder Jofra Archer clobbered Hyderabad bowlers, the early damage, adding 54 the help of a four and a six. But an unbeaten 9 off three balls (Hardik 7*, Pollard 2*) beat Sun- de Kock played second fi ddle runs for the second wicket. Just the Mumbai all-rounder failed as Mumbai reached a fi ght- risers Hyderabad 8 (Nabi 6, to the Mumbai captain. Khaleel when the home side were ap- to spend much time in the mid- ing total. For the visitors, Kha- Pandey 1, Guptill 1, Bumrah 2-8). Azam’s century lift s Pakistan in tour stroll

Pakistan opener Babar Azam for 38, including the wicket of CSA calls for Rabada’s scans aft er DC pacer complains of back pain smashed his first Twenty20 Azam, while Dieter Klein also hundred to inspire his country’s chipped in with a pair of wickets. With the World Cup less than a month the know of developments said that all and get back to us on how to go about playoff stages of the IPL. 58-run win over Leicestershire In reply, Leicestershire got off away, Cricket South Africa (CSA) are in a tests have been done on the pacer and the Rabada’s participation in the IPL. Rabada is currently the Purple Cap holder in a tour match on Wednesday. to a poor start as the home side spot of bother with their pace spearhead reports have been sent to CSA and they “He has had an issue with his back and in the tournament with 25 wickets from Azam hit two sixes and 13 fours were reduced for 39 for three in Kagiso Rabada complaining of discomfort will decide on the pacer’s further partici- there is no point in risking him. We as a 12 games. Second on the list is his South in his 63-ball innings of 101 at the sixth over. in his back as he plies his trade for Delhi pation in the cash-rich league this season. franchise also respect the fact that this Africa teammate Imran Tahir. The Chen- Grace Road. Wickets continued to fall at Capitals in the Indian Premier League. “He just complained of discomfort and we is the year of the World Cup,” the off icial nai Super Kings spinner has picked 21 He put on an opening stand of steady intervals and the only While DC rested Rabada for the game got all the tests done because we don’t explained. wickets from 13 games. Delhi Capitals in 104 with Fakhar Zaman, who partnership of note came late against Chennai Super Kings on Wednes- wish to take a chance with any of our play- If CSA does stop the pacer’s participation fact missed Rabada’s services in the game scored 52 from 30 balls, as the on when Mike and Callum Par- day, his scan reports have been sent to ers. With the World Cup round the corner, in this edition of the cash-rich league to against Chennai at the M.A. Chidambaram tourists reached 200 for six in kinson put on 59 for the ninth CSA to decide on the future course of even CSA got in touch with us and we keep Rabada fresh for the World Cup, Stadium on Wednesday as they lost to their 20 overs. wicket before Leicestershire action. spoke to them and have now sent them starting in England and Wales on May 30, M.S. Dhoni’s men by 80 runs after being Ben Mike was the pick of the were dismissed for 142 in 19.2 Speaking to IANS, a senior DC off icial in the reports. They will check the reports it will be a big blow for Delhi going into the bundled out for just 99. Leicestershire attack with three overs.

FOCUS ‘Huge hunger’ – Finch tips fi red-up Warner to dominate AFP Wednesday. “When you have your I can tactically because they’ve Sydney dream taken away from you for both captained a lot of cricket 12 months, I can imagine there’s and are very good captains on the something inside you that burns fi eld,” he said. “It would be really ustralia captain Aaron really strongly.” naive of me not to lean on them.” Finch believes David Finch said the ban, imposed Finch also revealed he feared Warner will enter this after Warner masterminded the for his own spot on the team after year’s World Cup des- “Sandpaper-gate” scandal in a recent barren run, although he perateA to prove himself as the dis- Cape Town last year, had given the believed he had now returned to graced batsman prepares to rejoin 32-year-old a chance to refresh form. his teammates after a ball-tam- his game. “He’s a super player, we “In the back of your mind you’re pering ban. know how destructive he can be,” thinking, ‘Gee, the World Cup Warner has been in red-hot he said. “I think having time off to isn’t far away, as a captain I could form in the India Premier League spend with his family and get away be left out of the squad’,” he said. after completing a 12-month sus- from the game (was important).” “Then you start putting unreal- pension for cheating, averaging Warner and former Australian istic pressure on yourself to per- 69.20 in 12 innings, including a captain Steve Smith, who was also form.” century and eight fi fties. banned over the cheating scandal, Finch had an unsuccessful spell Finch expected the fi ery bats- will offi cially rejoin the Australian in the Test side last year, averaging man to also dominate on the in- squad for the fi rst time at a train- 27.80 in fi ve matches, and conced- ternational stage, providing a ing camp in Brisbane on Friday. ed that at 32 his career in the long- massive boost for Australia as the Finch did not expect any prob- form game was over. reigning champions chase a sixth lems re-integrating them into the “My chances to play Test cricket World Cup trophy. team, even though the former cap- again have probably slipped away,” “He’s coming back with a huge tain and deputy will have to defer he said. SRH’s David Warner (left ) in action hunger, not just to perform well to a new leadership team. He said “I’m still very grateful for the against Kings XI Punjab during for his franchise, but to dominate he would consult the pair about opportunity... I’m OK with that their IPL match in Hyderabad on international cricket again,” Finch on-fi eld tactics. because I gave it everything I April 29, 2019. (AFP) told Melbourne commercial radio “I’ll be using them as much as could.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, May 3, 2019 SPORT

CHINA OPEN GOLF SPOTLIGHT McIlroy tweaks Campillo hunts more swing ahead of Quail Hollow return

AFP Using video of his Masters Washington swing during a two-week layoff , McIlroy worked on his game with glory aft er stunning coach Michael Bannon and has ory McIlroy has tweaked made minor fi xes he hopes pro- his swing after a lack- duce major results in two weeks lustre Masters, hoping a when the PGA Championship, an return to beloved Quail event he has won twice, is staged HollowR this week will set him at Bethpage Black. up for major success at the PGA “One of the good things about 65 in fi rst round Championship. having two weeks off is you have The Northern Ireland star is time to delve into a couple of among the favourites when the things,” McIlroy said. “Just sort Spaniard won his maiden European Tour title at the 229th attempt last Sunday Wells Fargo Championship teed of delved into that a little bit and off last night on a Charlotte, worked on a couple mechanics AFP North Carolina, course where he and feel a bit better about it.” Shenzhen, China has won twice in course-record Four-time major winner McIl- fashion, a fi nal-round 62 in roy worked on curving the ball 2010 bringing his fi rst US PGA less and getting his body rotation pain’s Jorge Campillo kept up triumph and a 61 in 2015’s third in better sync. his red-hot form with a fl awless round setting up a seven-shot His solid but unspectacular seven-under-par 65 to stand in a win. Masters ended a run of seven three-way tie for the lead after the “It’s always a place that I look US PGA events this year where fiS rst round of the 25th Volvo China Open forward to coming to every year,” McIlroy had placed in the top 10, yesterday. McIlroy said Wednesday. “The including a victory at the Players The Spaniard won his maiden Euro- course is in great shape. I’m ex- Championship and a runner-up pean Tour title at the 229th attempt at cited to be playing again after eff ort at the WGC Mexico Cham- Morocco’s Trophee Hassan II last Sunday a couple weeks off . Got a busy pionship. and showed no sign of slowing down in stretch coming up and hopefully McIlroy is as concerned about good scoring conditions in Shenzhen. I’ll start off with a good tourna- his mental game as his physi- An eagle three at the par-fi ve ninth, ment this week.” cal one. “If I look back through allied to four birdies saw him complete a McIlroy, who turns 30 tomor- all the success I’ve had winning stunning front nine in six under par at the row, shared 21st at the Masters tournaments, whether it be a rain-softened Genzon Golf Club layout. last month at Augusta National, major or not, I always go back to A 20-foot putt to save par at the 12th missing another chance at the the fact that I was in a really good crucially kept a bogey off his card and a career Grand Slam a green jacket place that week,” McIlroy said. further birdie at the par-fi ve 17th saw him would provide as Tiger Woods “What will help me ultimately share top rung on a packed leaderboard produced his fi rst major win win more majors is being in the with David Lipsky and Tapio Pulkkanen. since 2008. right place mentally.” “I got a few nights sleep so it was good and I played all right,” said Campillo of his dash across seven time zones from North Africa to play in the far east. “The eagle on nine was the highlight. I hit a great hybrid on nine. I got an easy putt uphill and I made it. “If I can keep playing like this I’ll hopefully have a chance on the weekend.” American Lipsky and Finland’s Pulkkanen, who both enjoyed top 10 fi n- ishes in Morocco, had set the early club- house target with their own rounds of 65 in the morning. “I played well and I got my putter working today,” said the in- form Lipsky who was fi fth in Morocco. “I hit it all right, not great, but I think I holed 150 feet of putts today so that al- Jorge Campillo of Spain hits a tee shot during the first round of the China Open in Shenzhen yesterday. (AFP) ways helps.” Pulkkanen, who fi nished eighth in Mo- adrift, in a tie for fourth alongside John number one and crowd favourite Li Hao- Li squeezed in the trip to his national rocco, birdied four of his last six holes to Catlin. “I will just stay with my game,” tong received one of the biggest ovations open in between major commitments at join the American. “I started slowly with said the 2015 China Open champion Wu. of the day when he birdied the 18th in rain the US Masters and the US PGA Champi- only two birdies in the front nine but fi ve “A lot of things can happen, let’s see.” and near darkness to join an eight-way tie onship this month and was rewarded by a birdies on the back nine so it was great,” Catlin was also trying not to get ahead for seventh on fi ve-under 67. massive gallery cheering his every move. said Pulkkanen. of himself. “We have a long way to go “It was a solid round,” said the world “It feels great, I hope they enjoyed the Wu Ashun and Jin Daxin led the home — 54 more holes — so you’ve just got to number 39. “I played well today, only golf today and thanks for their support- charge with a pair of 66s to lie just a shot keep going,” said the American. China’s missed one green.” ing,” said Li.

FOCUS HORSE RACING Ko seeks fourth Omaha Beach withdraws from Kentucky Derby AFP to the centre of the track with Omaha LPGA win at beloved Washington Beach withdrawing. Bodexpress, a 30-1 shot, will move into the fi eld in place of Omaha Beach and break from post posi- California course etting favourite Omaha Beach tion 20, the far outside spot. has withdrawn from the 145th Revised odds issued Wednesday night AFP Kentucky Derby, trainer Richard taking into account Omaha Beach’s ab- San Francisco Mandella said on Wednesday, sence made Game Winner, which had afterB a medical exam discovered an en- been second-favourite at 5-1, the new trapped epiglottis on the horse. The issue bookmakers’ darling at 9-2, the horse ormer world number with the cartilage that covers the airway trained by two-time Triple Crown-win- one Lydia Ko of New at the back of the colt’s throat during ner Bob Baff ert and now set to start from Zealand returns to a golf swallowing was found after a cough post position 15. course this week that has prompted a medical examination. Baff ert led American Pharoah to the broughtF her success seeking to That forced him to be scratched from Triple Crown of Kentucky Derby, Preak- spark her game back to its glory tomorrow’s lineup for the year’s fi rst ness and Belmont Stakes in 2015 and fol- days. US “Triple Crown” event at Churchill lowed it up with Justify last year. His oth- The Seoul-born 22-year-old Downs. “After training this morning we er two entries remained the next-fancied defends her most recent LPGA noticed him cough a few times,” Mandel- horses in the fi eld, both dropping from title at the Mediheal Champion- la said. “It caused us to scope him and we 6-1 to 5-1 odds — Improbable, starting ship on the Lake Merced layout in found an entrapped epiglottis. We can’t from post fi ve, and Roadster, launching Daly City, California. fi x it this week so we’ll have to have a pro- from post 17. Ko won last year’s inaugural cedure done in a few days and probably be “If Baff ert ran as an entry, he’d be a 7-5 Mediheal event at Lake Merced out of training for three weeks. We’ll have favourite to win his sixth Kentucky Der- in a playoff over Australia’s Min- to fi gure out a whole new game plan.” by,” Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike jee Lee, but her victories on the Mandella, a 68-year-old Hall of Fame Battaglia said. Mandella has more than course also include the 2014 and trainer who has seen horses run in the 1,750 victories as a trainer and Omaha 2015 Swinging Skirts LPGA Clas- Derby but never a winner, looked to have Beach had wins over Baff ert’s beauties sics, her fi rst victory and defend- his best chance in years with Omaha — downing Game Winner in the Rebel ed title as an LPGA member after Beach, the 4-1 favourite when he drew the Stakes on March 16 and Improbable in the having achieved both in 2012 and 12th starting post for the 1.25-mile (2km) Arkansas Derby on April 13. 2013 at the Canadian Women’s dirt classic for three-year-olds in Louis- Omaha Beach was to have been ridden Open as an amateur. ville, Kentucky. by Mike Smith, last year’s Triple Crown “This is a place where I had my gives me good vibes.” Trainer Richard Mandella poses with Omaha Beach after the horse was withdrawn Horses that drew post positions 13 jockey with Justify, and was coming into fi rst win as a tour member. I even She’ll need them this week as from the 145th Kentucky Derby due to an entrapped epiglottis. (AFP) through 20 will move one position closer the Derby on a three-race win streak. have a tattoo of the date here that part of a 144-player fi eld that I won,” Ko said. “It’s something includes world number two Lee, that I’m going to remember a coming off an LA Open triumph, CYCLING lot of. Just come back here and I and Thailand’s fourth-ranked always get good vibes. I love see- Ariya Jutanugarn. Ko won last ing familiar faces and seeing the year on the fi rst playoff hole by volunteers and the members I’ve hitting a 230-yard 3-wood over seen in the years that I’ve come. a tree to within three feet of the Asselman wins Tour of Yorkshire opener It’s kind of I feel like they’re fam- cup for an eagle to win her 15th, AFP because of its involvement in fracking sprinter Mark Cavendish’s Team Dimen- of the Tour of Romandie yesterday after ily.” and most recent, LPGA crown. London and as a large-scale producer of plastic. ion Data did much of the chasing but a 174.4km rolling run in misty rain from Ko’s 2014 victory launched “I knew that I needed to hit One protester shouted “sell out” and could not overhaul the leaders. the foothills of the Jura to the edge of Lake a season that saw her win two it absolutely perfect,” she said. “Judas” as Ineos riders made their way to Team Sky, then funded by the satellite Geneva. When the 25-year-old time-trial more titles, including the sea- “It’s hands down defi nitely the nti-fracking protestors con- the race start in Doncaster. broadcaster of the same name, won six specialist made his move, the peloton son-ending Tour Championship, best 3-wood I’ve ever hit and top fronted Chris Froome’s Team The British squad became known as Tour de France titles in seven years and knew Kung had no chance of taking the and become the youngest-ever three of the best shots I’ve hit in Ineos with screams of “sell out” Team Ineos as of this week, after Ineos eight Grand Tour victories in total. But overall lead. LPGA Rookie of the Year at age my life, and I’m sure that will still ahead of the fi rst stage of the chairman Jim Ratcliff e, Britain’s richest they were mired in controversy over the A recent recruit of the French team 17. In 2015, she won again at Lake be the case even at the end of my TourA of Yorkshire yesterday before Dutch man, took over sponsorship of the outfi t. way they used special medical exemp- FDJ, Kung launched his surge from a mini Merced as the second of fi ve tour career.” rider Jesper Asselman went on to claim On the rainswept course, the opening tions to administer drugs that can en- break with 18km to race. He produced a triumphs that year, including her Ko, ranked 17th, will play the the opener off a long-range escape. 182-kilometre leg of the race saw Room- hance performance. sustained tempo all the way to the line. third Canadian Women’s Open fi rst two rounds alongside Amer- The protest against riders represent- pot-Charles rider Asselman emerge vic- Some 59 seconds after Kung raised his and her fi rst major crown at the ican Jessica Korda and China’s ing Ineos, formerly known as Team Sky, torious from a group of four riders who KING KUNG SURGES TO SOLO arms in victory, Ireland’s Sam Bennett Evian Championship. “I just love Feng Shanshan. Ko and Lee share came after environmental pressure group broke away from the main peloton. ROMANDIE STAGE WIN of Bora edged Italy’s Sonny Colbrelli for coming back to places where I’ve the 72-hole course record at Friends of the Earth accused the company The rebranded team of four-time Tour A powerful solo burst from local talent second as the peloton went through in a played well,” Ko said. “It just 12-under par 276. of trying to “greenwash” its reputation de France winner Froome and renowned Stefan Kung clinched victory on Stage 2 bunch sprint. Gulf Times Friday, May 3, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Royals sweep Rays in blowout of Game 2 Blazers hold off the Rays to avoid the shutout. Reuters Washington ALONSO’S WALK-OFF HIT GIVES WHITE SOX SPLIT he Kansas City Royals WITH ORIOLES scored three runs in the Yonder Alonso hit a walk-off , bottom of the fi rst in- two-run single to lift the host ning and defeated the Chicago White Sox to a 7-6 vic- Tvisiting Tampa Bay Rays 8-2 tory over the Baltimore Orioles Nuggets 97-90 to Wednesday in the second game on Wednesday night in the sec- of a doubleheader. ond game of a doubleheader. The Royals did the same Adam Engel had three hits, three-run burst in the fi rst game Jose Abreu amassed two hits and held on for a 3-2 victory. and four RBIs, and Tim An- It was the Royals’ fi rst double- derson contributed two hits in header sweep since July 7, 2015, the nightcap as the White Sox also against the Rays. regrouped from a 5-4 loss in level playoff series The Rays had won 11 of 12 the opener to earn a split of the games against the Royals com- twin bill. Alonso was 0-for-8 ‘I really liked our approach in the first half, particularly the first quarter. I thought ing into the day. Glenn Spark- in the doubleheader entering man (1-1), who took the 26th his ninth-inning at-bat against we were a lot better off ensively than in game one. We did a better job on the ball’ roster spot because of the dou- Miguel Castro. bleheader, picked up his AFP fi rst major league win. He RESULTS Los Angeles pitched seven shutout in- nings, scattering three hits, Marlins 4-2 Indians walking one and striking J McCollum scored 20 out six. Royals 3-2 Rays points as the Portland Reigning Cy Young Royals 8-2 Rays Trail Blazers held off a Award winner Blake Snell Orioles 5-4 White Sox late rally from the Den- (2-3) took the loss. He al- verC Nuggets to score a series- lowed seven runs on six White Sox 7-6 Orioles levelling victory in their NBA hits in three-plus innings, Red Sox 7-3 A’s Western Conference playoff as the Royals knocked him Giants 2-1 Dodgers duel on Wednesday. out in the fourth inning for McCollum led the scorers in the second straight game. Cubs 11-0 Mariners a hard-fought 97-90 victory He went 3 1/3 innings in a Pirates 7-5 Rangers on the road at Denver’s Pepsi 10-2 loss on April 24. D’backs 3-2 Yankees Center to tie the best-of-seven The seven runs allowed series at 1-1. Portland talisman Wednesday mark a major Cardinals 5-1 Nationals Damian Lillard had a relatively league worst for Snell. He Phillies 7-3 Tigers quiet night, restricted to just 14 had allowed six runs three Reds 1-0 Mets points after shooting fi ve-of-17 times. The Royals got to Braves 5-1 Padres from the fi eld. Snell quickly. However, double-digit con- Just like he did in the Rockies 11-4 Brewers tributions Enes Kanter, Zach fi rst game, Whit Merrifi eld Twins 6-2 Astros Collins, Rodney Hood and Al- led off the first inning with Angels 6-3 Blue Jays Farouq Aminu helped Portland a double. He was balked to get over the line. “I really liked third and scored on Jorge our approach in the fi rst half, Soler’s two-out single. Kelvin With the bases loaded and two particularly the fi rst quarter,” Gutierrez then hit his fi rst ma- outs, he hit an opposite-fi eld Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. jor league home run off the right single to short left fi eld, cement- “I thought we were a lot better fi eld foul pole. ing a come-from-behind vic- off ensively than in game one. Gutierrez is the fi rst Roy- tory. We did a better job on the ball. I als player to hit his fi rst major Baltimore’s Dwight Smith Jr. liked the tone we set for most of league home run off a one-time had three hits and an RBI, and he the game.” Cy Young Award winner since executed an eff ective take-out The Blazers looked to be Adalberto Mondesi did it against slide to help the go-ahead run cruising towards a comfortable Justin Verlander on Aug 16, 2016. score in the seventh inning. victory after a dominant fi rst The Royals scored another run In the ninth, Leury Garcia half, surging into a 50-35 lead off Snell in the third. Mondesi drew a leadoff walk from Orioles at the break. They opened up a walked, then stole second and reliever Evan Phillips, and Engel 17-point lead early in the third third. He scored on Soler’s dou- followed with a bunt single. quarter, and led by 14 heading ble down the left fi eld line. Paul Fry replaced Phillips got into the fi nal period. Snell did not record an out in Yoan Moncada to ground out That, however, was the cue the fourth. Cam Gallagher led with the runners moving up a for a sustained Denver assault, off with a walk. Terrance Gore base. with the Nuggets slowly chip- singled him to second, and both Castro then entered and struck ping away at the Portland lead. runners advanced on a passed out Jose Rondon before inten- A driving layup from Nikola ball. Billy Hamilton drove Gal- tionally walking Abreu to bring Jokic put Denver within fi ve lagher home with a single, and up Alonso. points at 95-90 with 34 sec- Snell’s day was done. Merrifi eld The Orioles opened the scoring onds left on the clock. and Mondesi greeted reliever on a Smith RBI single in the fi rst But a foul by Mason Plum- Wilmer Font with RBI hits. inning, but the White Sox an- lee gifted two free throws to Ji-Man Choi and Daniel Rob- swered with a run-scoring single Hood, who coolly drained both Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (left) dribbles the ball up court against Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris in the first quarter in ertson homered in the ninth for from Engel in the second. attempts to take the Blazers game two of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoff s at the Pepsi Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports 97-90 clear with 17 seconds remaining. Jokic led the Den- said Denver had struggled to with his family last week. “On conducted by Zach Kleiman, the cius expressed a strong desire to ver scorers with 16 points while match Portland’s physical ap- Wednesdays, Jon would wear Grizzlies’ executive vice presi- return next season, saying in a Jamal Murray added 15. Paul proach in the fi rst half. bowties to the game, so tonight dent of basketball operations, postgame news conference, “You Millsap fi nished with 14 points. “In that fi rst half they were was bowtie Wednesday,” Stotts is still in its early stages. Bick- will have to kick me out from Stotts meanwhile praised the the aggressor, they were much said. “I think bowties are unde- erstaff was promoted to interim here with two legs unless some- defensive eff ort that restricted more physical,” Malone said. feated this year.” head coach in November 2017, thing miraculous happens.” Jokic, but was unhappy that the “But I’m extremely proud of then given the job permanently Of course, a head coaching Serbian managed to haul down the way they came back in the GRIZZLIES SHOW INTEREST in May 2018. The team went 15- job in the NBA might qualify 14 rebounds throughout the second half. But we’ve got to do IN EUROLEAGUE COACH 48 under Bickerstaff in 2017-18 as “miraculous” for a former game. “I thought we pressured it for 48 minutes and that was Lithuania’s Sarunas Jasikevi- and 33-49 this season. point guard who excelled in him a little bit more,” Stotts the most disappointing thing cius, considered one of the Jasikevicius, 43, known for his EuroLeague competition and said. “He didn’t get the clean about tonight – we brought it EuroLeague’s most promis- ability to help Lithuanian teams also had a chance to compete looks that we gave him in game in the second half but in the fi rst ing head coaches, reportedly overachieve, interviewed for the with the Indiana Pacers (2005- one. He got too many off ensive half it was not there.” is drawing interest from the head coaching position with the 07) and Golden State Warriors rebounds in the fourth though. Stotts meanwhile had raised Memphis Grizzlies. ESPN cited Toronto Raptors last year. He has (2007). We were very fortunate that eyebrows earlier, wearing a league sources saying the Griz- coached the past three seasons In 138 NBA games, he aver- we weren’t hurt as badly as we bowtie on the sidelines during zlies soon plan to meet with with Zalgiris, which made a run aged 6.8 points, 2.9 assists and could have been.” the game. The Blazers coach re- Jasikevicius as they search for a to the EuroLeague Final Four in 1.6 rebounds a game. An un- Game three in the series takes vealed it was a tribute to video candidate to replace fi red coach 2018 before losing in the quar- drafted player out of Maryland, Kansas City Royals catcher Cam Gallagher (left) celebrates with relief place in Portland on Friday. co-ordinator Jonathan Yim, JB Bickerstaff . League sources ter-fi nals this year. Following Jasikevicius played for the Ter- pitcher Jake Newberry after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the Nuggets coach Mike Malone who was injured in a car crash also said the coaching search his team’s elimination, Jasikevi- rapins from 1994-98. second game of a doubleheader. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Dallas Stars double up St. Louis Blues, even series Reuters a series of big saves early in the second Bishop on the back as the Dallas goalie comes down to that play. It was a mistake. Dallas period, but his team’s loose play fi nally was behind his net playing the puck. I own that one.” proved costly when John Klingberg scored The Carolina Hurricanes moved to Hurricanes goalie Curtis McElhinney the eventual game-winning goal just be- within one win of a series sweep over the meanwhile made 28 saves in a history- ats Zuccarello, Tyler Seguin fore the midway point. After yet another New York Islanders on Wednesday, surg- making appearance for the home side. and Alexander Radulov each St. Louis neutral-zone turnover, the Stars ing to a 5-2 victory in game three of their McElhinney, who replaced the injured collected a pair of assists as rushed up the ice, and Klingberg ripped a Stanley Cup playoff duel. Justin Williams Petr Mrazek, became the oldest goalie in the host Dallas Stars beat the top-corner shot after taking a cross-ice scored a decisive goal in the third period to NHL history to start his fi rst Stanley Cup MSt. Louis Blues 4-2 on Wednesday night pass from Seguin. put Carolina 3-2 ahead before late eff orts playoff game. “I thought we did a great and evened their Western Conference The hosts didn’t let up, and rookie from Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho job,” McElhinney, 35, said. “I think it was semi-fi nal series at two wins apiece. Roope Hintz made it a 4-1 aff air late in completed the scoring for the Canes. even a little tighter than the last game we Four diff erent players scored goals for the second period with his fi fth goal of The victory gives Carolina a command- played. It was a great eff ort and a huge Dallas, which got 27 saves from Ben Bish- the playoff s. Hintz joined a three-on-two ing 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, third period for us again.” op. rush and fi nished a perfectly executed leaving them with the opportunity to In Wednesday’s other game, the Dal- Game 5 of the best-of-seven series will rush with his wrist shot. wrap up a clean sweep in game four before las Stars levelled their series with the St. be Friday in St. Louis. Vladimir Tarasenko opened the scor- their home fans in Raleigh on Friday. Louis Blues at 2-2 after a 4-2 win at the With his team trailing 1-0, Jason Dick- ing, putting the Blues ahead 1-0 fi ve min- “We’re up 3-0. They say the last one’s American Airlines Center. inson put the Stars on the board with an utes into the clash, and Robert Thomas the hardest, and it always is when the oth- on-the-spot tally at 11:23 of the fi rst pe- rounded out the off ense by scoring his er team’s backs are against the wall,” Wil- RESULTS riod. A point shot went wide, but Seguin fi rst NHL playoff goal with 6:16 left in the liams said. “We certainly don’t want to go Carolina 5-2 Islanders whacked at the loose puck, and it came third period. Binnington stopped 27 shots back (to New York), but if we have to we Dallas 4-2 St. Louis to a wide-open Dickinson to bury for his for the Blues, who lost on the road for the will. But we’re going to work our tails off third goal of the playoff s. fi rst time in the playoff s. to hopefully get it done in four.” Jason Spezza scored the go-ahead goal Binnington also took a pair of penalties Islanders goalie Robin Lehner later rued Dallas Stars right wing Mats Zuccarello on the power play with 52 seconds re- at the end of the second period, a rough- a costly turnover in the third period which (left) and St. Louis Blues centre Robert maining in the opening frame when he ing call against Jamie Benn and a slashing eff ectively set up Williams’ go-ahead Thomas fight for the puck during the fi red a rocket of a slap shot from the top of infraction on Bishop as they headed to goal. “Coming into the third period at 2-2 first period in game four of the second the right circle. their respective benches. The blood was I thought I was playing well,” Lehner said round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoff s. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington made boiling after David Perron earlier slashed afterwards. “I had a bunch of saves. But it PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, May 3, 2019 SPORT

NBA RUGBY Defence coach Edwards to end Wales Dragic warns not to stint aft er World Cup

Reuters the national team.” London “We won four Six Nations titles during my time with Wales, but I hope and believe ales defence that the best days are yet to expect Doncic 2.0 coach Shaun Ed- come and I’m fully focused on wards has de- seeing what we can achieve in ‘The only thing is I can tell them to work hard and to be patient’ cided not to sign Japan.” Wa new contract and will leave Gatland, who is also set to By Ira Winderman the team after the World Cup step down after the World Sun Sentinel in Japan this year, the Welsh Cup, was pleased that Ed- Rugby Union (WRU) said wards’ future had been settled. yesterday. “Shaun has been an impor- t is math that has become Edwards had last month re- tant part of the Wales set up part of the Miami Heat’s off - versed a decision to become over the past 11 years for what season equation, math that head coach of English Super has been a hugely rewarding Goran Dragic fi nds concern- League club Wigan Warriors, time for Welsh rugby,” Gatland Iing. with British media reporting said. In advance of the NBA draft that he would extend his stay “It’s pleasing that we can lottery and Chicago combine, with Wales after their suc- draw a line under the specula- the NBA last week released a list cessful Six Nations campaign tion regarding Shaun’s future of 233 players who declared for this year. with this announcement and early entry. The 52-year-old has helped we can look forward to prepar- There are, of course, only 60 Wales win three Six Nations ing the squad for the RWC and selections over the two rounds of Grand Slam crowns since join- the tournament itself.” the June 20 NBA draft. ing as defence coach in 2008 Wayne Pivac, who will What caught Dragic’s eye were and will be part of outgoing take over from Gatland, said: the 58 international players to coach Warren Gatland’s staff “When Shaun’s availability enter the process, many at the until the World Cup starting post RWC became apparent 19-year-old age minimum. on Sept. 20. we worked with him to off er To a degree, Dragic said he “After more than 10 years him a new contract which he could appreciate the heightened with Wales this has been an was happy with and for him to interest, considering the brea- incredibly diffi cult decision to be part of the new look coach- kout success that Luka Doncic, reach but I won’t be renewing ing team. the presumptive Rookie of the my contract,” Edwards said in “Shaun has decided not Year, had as a 19-year-old star a statement. to take that contract, which with the Dallas Mavericks. Don- “I’d like to thank Warren we must respect and we wish cic, who played with Dragic on and the WRU for the oppor- Shaun the best in what lies the European-championship tunity I have had working with ahead for him post Wales.” Slovenian national team, was the No 3 pick in last year’s draft. Doncic, of course, also had been playing professionally in Spain for Real Madrid by age 16. Dragic said for other inter- national early-entry candidates to have similar impact expecta- tions would be shortsighted. “I hope not,” the Heat point guard said, “because he’s only one of the only guys who did it. He was playing at that level in EuroLeague, and he won Eu- roLeague MVP and he won the title. “So it’s not a lot of those young kids who have these kinds of big roles on a team and win everything.” Aware of the international Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards. game, Dragic, who turns 33 on Monday, is not expecting a Don- cic 2.0. “Luka is just one of those Clermont’s Van der Merwe kids,” he said. “And I don’t see announces his retirement anybody right now, where he can say, ‘OK, if Luka made it, I Springbok Flip van der Merwe They are also in the European can make it.’ Of course they can said yesterday he will retire Challenge Cup final and face make it, but probably not to have after Clermont’s Top 14 season La Rochelle, in Newcastle on the same at what he was.” ends. May 10. “We have to maintain The Heat, who are seeded 13th “I’m going to stop at the end the same level for the exciting for the May 14 lottery in Chica- of the season, when your end of the season ahead,” said go, likely will not be faced with body tells you stop, you have Van der Merwe, who is return- much in the way of international Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks drives past the US Team’s Aaron Fox, of the Sacramento Kings, during the MTN Dew Ice Rising Stars game to know how to listen to it ing after a five-week ban for intrigue. at Spectrum Center in Charlotte on February 15, 2019. (Charlotte Observer/TNS) and be honest”, the lock, who a high tackle. Before hanging The lone international pros- turns 34 in June, said. Van der up his boots “two trophies pect expected to fall into lottery shied from overseas selections. the right to opt out and become international early-entry can- patient and when the opportu- Merwe joined Clermont in would be nice,” he said. Van range, if even that, is 6-foot-9 Just about all of the Heat’s a free agent this summer, did didates withdrew from the draft. nity comes, to take it. But not to 2015 and won the Top 14 with der Merwe played 37 times for forward Sekou Doumbouya, who international selections over not arrive to the NBA until he “I just read somewhere that rush it. the club in 2017. He will play South Africa and won a Super played this season for Limoges in their 31 seasons have been made was 22, with plenty of growing this year for the draft are a lot of “I didn’t rush it. I came into his 80th match for the club Rugby title with the Bulls, “but France. for other teams, in prearranged pains early in his transition. He players are coming in and only the NBA when I was 22. The fi rst against Perpignan tomorrow. I finished my education here,” While the Heat gave up two deals, including the 2011 sec- said he hopes this year’s interna- 60 get in,” he said. couple of seasons were strug- Clermont are second in the ta- he said yesterday. He said he picks to acquire Dragic from the ond-round selection of current tional early-entry class, which “So especially if you’re com- gles, were tough – diff erent sys- ble and, with three rounds to hoped to stay in Clermont Phoenix Suns in February 2015, Indiana Pacers breakout forward can withdraw from the process ing from Europe, it’s a little bit tem, diff erent language, diff er- go, are on course for a bye in with his family. including their unprotected 2021 Bojan Bogdanovic. as late as June 10, heeds previous diff erent. The only thing is I can ent country. But I’m happy how the first round of the playoff s. selection, they generally have For his part, Dragic, who has cautionary tales. Last year, 43 tell them to work hard and to be my career has gone.”

FOCUS NFL NHL won’t ban hits to head: Bettman Raiders’ Crowell tears Reuters to 318 former players in an out- Achilles; running back New York of-court settlement resolving a dispute over the league’s failure to protect players from head in- Lynch open to return he NHL will not move to juries. Bettman also rejected a ban all hits to the head, request that the NHL ban fi ght- Reuters in six games in 2018 before his commissioner Gary ing. “It’s penalised,” Bettman re- New York season ended with core muscle Bettman said Wednes- plied. “The question you would surgery. Tday while testifying before a Ca- have to ask is, ‘What would be It appears Oakland has al- nadian parliamentary subcom- the consequence of that act akland Raiders run- ready responded to Crowell’s mittee on concussions in sports. (banning fi ghting)?’ ning back Isaiah injury by signing someone Speaking with lawmakers in “In a poll that they did four or Crowell suff ered a else, as NFL Network reports Ottawa, Bettman also denied fi ve years ago with the players, torn Achilles tendon the Raiders will re-sign free that there is a clear link between 98 percent of the players polled, onO Tuesday and is out for the agent RB Doug Martin. head injuries and chronic trau- which I believe was roughly half season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter The Raiders had let Martin, matic encephalopathy (CTE), a the players, said they didn’t reported on Wednesday. their leading rusher last sea- brain issue is widely viewed as want to see a change in the fi ght- Crowell, who signed a one- son, walk away with Crowell in a potential problem for football ing rules.” year contract valued up to $2.5 the fold. Martin, 30, appeared players. He added that the NFL NHL deputy commissioner million in late March, will have in all 16 games (nine starts) in and NHL should not be com- Bill Daly also testifi ed before surgery next week, Schefter 2018 and had 839 yards from pared because hockey does not the Canadian Parliament on said. He became available scrimmage and four touch- feature repetitive head contact. Wednesday. when the New York Jets re- downs. Bettman testifi ed that ban- According to TSN, on Tues- leased him after signing free The Raiders were counting ning all head shots would be to day, Kelli Ewen, the widow of agent running back Le’Veon on Crowell to play a promi- the detriment of taller players former NHL player Todd Ewen, Bell to a four-year contract. nent role, alongside fi rst- whose checks might end up high sued the NHL in California, Meanwhile, NFL Network round rookie Josh Jacobs, who on shorter players. seeking damages related to brain reports running back Mar- was taken 24th overall out of He added that the result would trauma he incurred while in the shawn Lynch is open to a re- Alabama on Thursday. Their be the end of bodychecking, league. Todd Ewen committed turn to the Raiders, if they’re depth chart also includes Jalen which fans like. According to suicide in 2015 and was diag- interested. ESPN reported Richard, DeAndre Washington the Ottawa Citizen, Liberal MP nosed posthumously with CTE. last week that Lynch planned and Chris Warren. Darren Fisher told Bettman “the Former NHL players Bob to retire for the second time Crowell, 26, spent his fi rst evidence is overwhelming” re- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Probert, Derek Boogaard, Jeff in his career, after sitting out four seasons with Cleveland garding the connection between Parker, Wade Belak, Larry Zei- 2016 and returning for the last before signing with the Jets brain injuries and CTE, but the Bettman said, “I’m not a phy- on everything I’ve been told, tal evidence, there hasn’t been del, Reggie Fleming, Rick Mar- two seasons with Oakland, his before the 2018 season. Last NHL commissioner disagreed sician, I’m not a scientist. My and if anybody has information that conclusive link.” tin, Steve Montador and Zarley hometown team. year, he gained 837 total yards that it’s an issue the league needs views are formed by experts in to the contrary we’d be happy to However, last November, the Zalapski all were diagnosed with Lynch, 33, had 90 carries and scored six touchdowns in to address. the fi eld. I don’t believe, based hear it, other than some anecdo- NHL paid a total of $18.9 million CTE, TSN reported. for 376 yards and three scores 13 games (six starts). Gulf Times Friday, May 3, 2019 7 SPORT

SERIE A FOCUS Pochettino open to change in Torino aim to honour concussion rules AFP London

auricio Pochettino said he was open to a change in football’s concussion protocols past heroes in derby Mas Tottenham Hotspur wait for an update on the health of de- fender Jan Vertonghen, who suf- fered a head injury against Ajax. Vertonghen saw a neurolo- gist yesterday after a clash of heads with teammate Toby Al- derweireld during Tottenham’s clash with Juventus Champions League defeat by Ajax this week. The 32-year-old Belgium international had to Torino have not won at Juve since 1995 with their only win since then at home in 2015 be helped from the pitch dur- ing Tuesday’s 1-0 semi-fi nal, AFP fi rst-leg defeat after initially be- Milan ing allowed to play on following lengthy treatment. Tottenham issued a statement orino are pushing for a fi rst-ev- on their website on Wednesday er qualifi cation for the Cham- saying Vertonghen had under- pions League as they face local gone further assessment and rivals Juventus on the eve of the tests had been clear. But the T70th anniversary of the air disaster that north London club’s handling of wiped out their all-conquering team of the injury has been criticised and the 1940s. Spurs boss Pochettino said he Eighteen Torino players and offi cials was prepared to accept changes were among 31 people killed in the ac- in protocols for head injuries. cident on May 4, 1949, when their plane “Today was his appointment crashed into the Superga hill near Turin. with the specialist and we still The ‘Grande Torino’ team, returning haven’t seen the report,” he said. from a match against Benfi ca in Lis- “After the game was good, he bon, had won the Serie A title fi ve sea- was more relaxed and felt better. sons in a row but won it just once after Now we need to see the report the crash, in 1976. Juve meanwhile have from the specialist. We don’t racked up 35 titles and recently secured know (if he can face Bourne- their eighth in a row. mouth), we need to wait. That is Now they are closing in on the Cham- going to be a decision from the pions League after a fi ne season that medical staff . We cannot guess culminated last weekend with their fi rst now. We hope it is not a big issue win over AC Milan since 2001, which and he is available soon.” put them just three points from the The Argentinian added: “Al- top four. “We mustn’t think about the ways in that situation I am open, Champions League, what we need to do more than open, to improve the is to keep cool and keep our feet on the decisions. I think the most im- ground,” said Torino president Urbano portant thing was going to be Cairo after the win. the health of the player. It is not “In this fi nal rush it is very important important, the game, the semi- to be consistent. We now have to think fi nal of the Champions League, about next Friday and an extremely im- the score, the priority is the portant game against Juventus. The race player. I don’t know if we need to for Europe is still wide open, but I saw a change the rules, if we need an- very determined Torino.” other doctor.” Torino have not won at Juventus since Brain injury charity Headway 1995 with their only win since then called for authorities to intro- against their city rivals at home in April duce “temporary concussion 2015. Juventus have already wrapped Torino’s players celebrate after their first win over AC Milan since 2001 in the Italian Serie A at the Grande Torino Stadium in Turin last week. (AFP) substitutions” to allow medi- up the title but their hopes of equalling cal staff to make proper assess- their points record of 102 from the 2014 cluding the opener against AC Milan. pions League as after Torino they play solidate third place at struggling Udi- FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) ments of injured players. Tot- season were ended after last weekend’s Should they make the top four it would Roma the following weekend and Ata- nese. Roma, meanwhile, travel to Genoa tenham’s participation in next 1-1 draw against Inter Milan. But they be their fi rst appearance in Europe’s top lanta on May 19. looking to extend their unbeaten run to Today: Juventus v Torino (1830) season’s Champions League can still achieve a century if they win club competition since 1976-77, when Atalanta, are fourth, with 59 points six games and return to the Champions Tomorrow: Chievo v SPAL (1600), Udi- will be guaranteed if they beat their remaining four games, with Por- they were knocked out of the old Euro- from 34 games, one point ahead of League places. nese v Inter Milan (1830) Bournemouth in their penulti- tuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo target- pean Cup in the second round. Roma, who are fi fth. The side from Ber- Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan host Bolo- mate Premier League game of the On Sunday: Empoli v Fiorentina (1030), ing the top Serie A scorer crown, with 20 Behind Juventus and second-placed gamo are on a nine-game unbeaten run gna on Monday having slipped out of the season. Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal Lazio v Atalanta; Parma v Sampdoria, league goals so far, three behind Samp- Napoli, who host Cagliari on Sunday, in Serie A and head to Lazio on Sunday European berths into seventh, with just and Manchester United have all Sassuolo v Frosinone (all 1300), Genoa doria’s Fabio Quagliarella. the battle for elite European football ahead of the Coppa Italia fi nal in the fi ve points from their last seven games. dropped points in recent weeks Torino captain Andrea Belotti is back remains tight with six teams in the run- Stadio Olimpico on May 15. AC Milan are on level with Torino on 56 v AS Roma (1600), Napoli v Cagliari and all four remain in contention to his goalscoring best, with six goals in ning. Juventus could play a role in who Inter Milan, on 62 points, are three points with Lazio still in the running in (1830) to fi nish in the top four behind eight games and 13 for the season, in- goes through to next season’s Cham- points ahead of Atalanta, and can con- eighth on 55. On Monday: AC Milan v Bologna (1830) Manchester City and Liverpool.

LA LIGA PREMIER LEAGUE Getafe, Sevilla and Valencia Ozil says he will not be leaving Arsenal The Guardian myself.” eye Champions League riches London One player who will not be a teammate of Ozil next season is Aaron Ramsey. The mid- fi elder has agreed to join Juventus on a free esut Ozil has insisted he will transfer when his contract expires this sum- remain an Arsenal player next mer and has played his last game for Arse- season. The 30-year-old is the nal having been ruled out for the rest of the highest-paid player in the his- campaign with a hamstring injury. Mtory of the club but has been dropped several Ramsey confi rmed the diagnosis had end- times this season. ed his decade-long career with the Gunners The Arsenal head coach, Unai Emery, has in an emotional Instagram post. “It saddens not been afraid to omit Ozil from his squad me to say that the game against Napoli was for big games and it remains to be seen if the my last game in an Arsenal shirt,” he wrote. former Germany international starts Europa “Unfortunately it left me with an injury that League semi-fi nal fi rst-leg match with Va- rules me out of the remaining games. I am lencia at the Emirates Stadium. Ozil has of- really disappointed not to play until the end ten come in for criticism from large sections and give everything for the club while I am of Arsenal’s fanbase, having joined from still an Arsenal player. Unfortunately it’s out Real Madrid in 2013. He signed a new deal of my hands but I wanted to say thank you to Sevilla host Leganes today hoping to make up for their shock 1-0 defeat at Girona. (Reuters) last season which ties him to the Gunners the fans for your support.” until 2021 and, despite some suggestions “We’ll miss him,” added Ozil. “He’s a Reuters Valencia, who endured a chas- coaches who fail to take the team he could be sold in the summer, he told Sky two years left on my contract. I don’t know player with a lot of potential and ability. As Sevilla tening last-gasp defeat at home into the Champions League, Sports he intends to stay put. about after that but yes, absolutely. I’m 30 a player we have to accept it but I wish him to Eibar last weekend, visit bot- and they ousted Pablo Machin “Yes absolutely,” he replied when asked now and I’ve still got two years in front of me well for the future and I wish him all the tom club Huesca on Sunday but in March when their top-four if he will be at Arsenal next season. “I have and what happens after that I don’t know best.” ith Barcelona al- could be feeling the eff ects of hopes were looking bleak. ready crowned their Europa League semi-fi nal The money would have the champions, the fi rst leg away to Arsenal. biggest impact at Getafe, howev- ROUND-UP focus in Spain has UEFA’s revenue distribu- er, who have only existed in their Wshifted to a thrilling three-way tion model means La Liga clubs current form since 1983 and play battle for La Liga’s fi nal Cham- can receive at least 30mn euros in a stadium holding only 17,000 pions League berth, with Getafe, from a combination of appear- spectators, which would look Japan double delight at Asia championships Sevilla and Valencia eyeing ance money, bonuses and the grossly out of place in the Cham- game-changing prize mon- television pool in the Champions pions League. The Madrid outfi t, orussia Dortmund coach Lucien was confi dent that the Swiss coach would LEEDS STRIKER BAMFORD BANNED ey worth at least 30mn euros League even if they go out in the who returned to the top fl ight two Favre will remain in his job next extend his current contract beyond 2020. FOR REFEREE ‘DECEPTION’ ($34mn). group stage. Clubs can earn an years ago, have the fourth-lowest season regardless of whether or “We have a very good relationship of trust, Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford has With three games to go, little- additional 2.7mn for every game budget in La Liga and qualifying not Dortmund win the Bundesliga and we will hold contract talks,” said the received an immediate two-match ban after known Getafe have 55 points they win, while getting into the for Europe’s top competition for titleB this month, the club’s sporting director Dortmund sporting director. being found guilty of a charge of “suc- along with Sevilla but cling on knockout phase would see them the fi rst time would cover two- Michael Zorc has said. “We will defi nitely The club hierarchy rebuked Favre after he cessful deception of a match offi cial”, the to the coveted fourth spot due coin another 9.5mn, in addition thirds of their annual wage bill, go into the new season with Lucien Favre, declared the title race over following defeat Football Association announced. to their superior head-to-head to increased matchday revenues. estimated at 47.5mn. whether we win the league or not,” Zorc to Schalke last weekend. “We will never Bamford will miss Sunday’s clash at Ips- record, while Valencia are sixth Valencia have reached the Elsewhere in Spain, Barca visit told Kicker magazine yesterday. give up hope and we will fi ght to the end, wich and the fi rst leg of the Championship on 52 but have the best head-to- Champions League fi nal twice, Celta Vigo and will be expected Dortmund are two points behind Bayern that is part of our DNA,” Dortmund players’ play-off semi-fi nal as fallen giants Leeds head record of the trio. in 2000 and 2001, and return- to rest players in preparation for Munich in the Bundesliga title race with director Sebastian Kehl said. look to return to the Premier League. Sevilla host Leganes today ing to Europe’s premier compe- their Champions League semi- three games to go, having held a nine-point Dortmund face a tough trip to Werder The striker was suspended after clutch- hoping to make up for their tition would boost their plans fi nal second leg at Liverpool, lead over their rivals back in December. Bremen tomorrow, before playing Fortuna ing his face in a melee involving several shock 1-0 defeat at Girona when to fi nish building their new sta- while second-placed Atletico After recent humiliating defeats to both Duesseldorf and Borussia Moencheng- players during last weekend’s draw with they became the fi rst team to dium, which will require an extra Madrid visit Espanyol. Real Ma- Bayern and local rivals Schalke, many had ladbach in their last two games. League Aston Villa. Anwar El Ghazi was sent off as lose away to the Catalans in six 150mn euros. drid, who slumped to an embar- questioned whether Favre had what it took leaders Bayern, meanwhile, host bottom a result, but there was no contact made and months, while on Sunday Getafe Sevilla, who earned 48mn rassing 10th league loss of the to lead Dortmund to their fi rst title since club Hanover tomorrow, before clashes the Villa forward’s red card was rescinded. host Girona after a frustrating euros for reaching the quarter- campaign last week at lowly Rayo 2012. Yet Zorc insisted that Favre had the with top four sides RB Leipzig and Eintracht In a statement, the FA said Bamford 2-1 surrender at Real Sociedad. fi nals last season, routinely sack Vallecano, host Villarreal. full backing of the club, and even said he Frankfurt. denied the charge.

Friday, May 3, 2019 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

AMIR CUP SPOTLIGHT Xavi to retire at Sadd, Duhail scrape end of season

By Sports Reporter next phase of the Asian Champi- Doha ons League.” Xavi made his debut for Barca in 1998 after coming through the through to semis l Sadd captain Xavi club’s famed La Masia academy Hernandez will retire and soon became the heartbeat at the end of the season of the team’s midfi eld, win- to move into coaching, ning eight La Liga titles and four Bounedjah scores the winner against Gharafa, Duhail beat a stubborn Al Shahania callingA time on a trophy-laden Champions League crowns be- career spanning two decades. fore joining Al Sadd. By Sports Reporter defensive plans to repel our attacks and Former Barcelona and Spain He was one of the key players Doha relied on counter-attacks. We could not midfi elder won eight La Liga ti- when Spain won their fi rst and control the match well. It was diffi cult in tles and four Champions League only World Cup in 2010 as well the fi rst half. In the second half we con- trophies while at Barcelona. The as their European Champion- l Sadd and Al Duhail were made trolled the match and were eff ective in 39-year-old also won his fi rst ti- ship triumphs in 2008 and 2012, to sweat hard before the two the midfi eld, which enabled us to score,” tle in Qatar after Al Sadd SC won eventually retiring from the na- Qatari giants sealed their place he said. the QNB Stars League title this tional team after a disappointing in the Amir Cup semi-fi nals Faria accepted his team has much to season. Xavi, who has made a 2014 World Cup. yesterday.A QNB Stars League champions improve and vowed to make them better. record 767 appearances for Barca Xavi will continue his work Sadd were cruising 3-0 in their quar- “I do not make any excuses and football and 133 for Spain, confi rmed his with Generation Amazing, a Qa- ter-fi nals but Al Gharafa made it inter- is a game that does not accept excuses. retirement plans in an open letter tari programme created “to en- esting with two quick goals. Baghdad When I came to Al Duhail, the players sent to members of the Spanish sure the 2022 World Cup leaves a Bounedjah, however, put the game to bed were diff erent. The team is still moving media yesterday. human and social legacy”. “Dur- in the 90th minute with his second goal of forward and we have to make more eff orts “This is my last season as a ing the next four weeks, I will tie the match as Sadd won 4-2 at the Abdul- until the team reaches the level we want. player but I am looking forward my boots to play the last matches lah Bin Khalifa Stadium. This process takes time and it cannot to seeing what the future holds of an unforgettable race that has Earlier, defending champions Duhail happen overnight. for me as a coach,” wrote Xavi, lasted for 21 years and has taken beat a stubborn Al Shahania 2-0. It was “We have lost the league but now we who has been playing for Al Sadd me all over the world,” Xavi said. a far from convincing performance from have to plan for the future and I hope that since leaving Barca in 2015. “My philosophy as a coach Duhail as they were frustrated in the fi rst we can achieve what we want and I can- Xavi played in Al Sadd’s Amir refl ects the style we developed half. Shahania also missed a penalty with not promise anything but to work with Cup quarter-fi nal win over Al for many years under the in- Duhail goalkeeper Amin Lecomte diving the players and prepare well for future Gharafa yesterday. And he said fl uence of Johan Cruyff and La to his left to save Mostafa Jafri’s low shot. matches,” Faria said. that he wants to fi nish his career Masia, and that has its greatest And Youssef El Arabi made them pay Meanwhile, Sadd were in cruise control by winning the Amir Cup and exponent in the way of playing for it as he scored Duhail’s opener in the as they led 2-0 before Gharafa gave them Asian Champions League with football in Barcelona. I love see- 59th minute, though Nakajima Shoya a scare. Boualem Khoukhi put Sadd ahead Sadd. “It has been a privilege to ing the teams take the initiative should get all the plaudits for the goal. heading an Akram Afi f cross. Gharafa play football until 39 years of age in the fi eld, attack football and Shoya exchanged passes with Almoez Ali were quick to respond with some counter and now I would like to fi nish the return to the essence of what we as the Japanese midfi elder found him- attacks but Ahmed Alaaeldin and Mehdi season on a high by winning the all love from our childhood days: self with just the goalkeeper to beat. But Taremi failed fi nd the target. Amir Cup and by getting to the possession football,” he added. Shoya unselfi shly passed the ball to un- And Sadd seized on a wasteful Gharafa, marked El Arabi, who just had to tap it when prolifi c striker Bounedjah scored into an open goal. with a delightful chip after Hassan al- While Shahania pressed for the equal- Haydous found him with a through ball. iser they came close when Luciano Taremi and Amro Seraj brought Gharafa Vasquez’s free kick was cleared by Le- back into the contest in the second half. comte. In the quick counter, Edmil- But Bounedjah scored the winner in son scored Duhail’s second in the 79th added time, tapping Afi f’s cross into an minute with Shahania’s players’ spirits empty net as the duo celebrated the win broken after that. Moroccan Mehdi Bena- with a cheeky dance. Sadd will wait for tia played a through ball to Edmilson, the winner of the match between Al Arabi Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah scores against Al Gharafa in the Amir Cup quarter-finals who took forever to strike the ball. But and Al Rayyan, who will lock horns in the at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil when he did, Edmilson found the net with quarter-fi nals today. BOTTOM: Al Duhail players celebrate after their win over Al Shahania. a powerful right-footer as Amer Ahmad looked on helplessly. In the semi-fi nals, Duhail will take on the winner of today’s quarter-fi nal be- tween Al Ahli and Al Sailiya. Duhail coach Rui Faria was satisfi ed with his player’s performance, despite them not being at their best. “It was important for us to achieve this victory and move on to the semi-fi nals. Now we can start preparing for the AFC Champions League,” he said. “Today we changed our style of play so it took some time for the players to click. But the end result is all that matters and happy we have reached the semis,” Faria added. The Portuguese manager praised Sha- hania for putting up a good fi ght. “Sha- hania are a good team. They are well or- Al Sadd captain Xavi and Assim Madibo (right) celebrate during ganised and have a good coach, who made their Amir Cup quarter-finals win over Al Gharafa.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Not over yet, warns Messi Klopp hails Messi aft er Barca star stuns Liverpool Barcelona: Lionel Messi warned his Barcelona team- AFP mates that their place in the Barcelona Champions League final is still not certain despite his two- goal salvo in a 3-0 semi-final urgen Klopp admitted Lionel first leg win over Liverpool. “It Messi was “unstoppable” on would have been better to win Wednesday night after he left 4-0 than 3-0 but it is a very Liverpool needing a miracle to good result,” said the Argen- reachJ the Champions League fi nal. Luis tine star. “It’s not definitive, Suarez poked in against his former club we are going to go into a very before Messi hit a late double, the sec- complicated atmosphere, with ond a stunning free-kick for his 600th a great history.” Barca goal, as his team took a 3-0 lead Messi’s second goal was from a pulsating semi-fi nal fi rst leg the 600th of his Barca career ahead of next week’s return at Anfi eld. and he reached the landmark “He’s unstoppable,” said Klopp af- in stunning style, majestically terwards. “Obviously we couldn’t de- curling a free-kick into the fend the free-kick. What a strike. He’s top corner. “It was beautiful a world-class player but I knew that al- when it went in but I was lucky ready. It’s no surprise.” that the ball lodged up there Klopp could only smile after Messi’s in the corner.” Messi refused curling shot nestled in the top corner to take all the plaudits for the but this result was harsh on his side. win which also Luis Suarez They matched Barcelona in the fi rst score against his former club. half, dominated them early in the sec- “We must be more united than ond and could still have left with an ever, all together: the team, away goal after Messi’s brilliant brace, the fans. We said at the begin- only for Mohamed Salah to hit the post. ning of the season that we will “I said to the boys I was proud of how win it together.” we played against a side like this,” Klopp He defended Philippe said. “If you lose away it’s not a mas- Coutinho, by gesturing to the sive problem as long as you score a goal. fans not to whistle as he was That’s our problem tonight — it doesn’t substituted and then admon- make our life any easier.” ishing them during a frank Messi and Suarez did what they have post-match interview. “It’s ugly done all season, their tallies now at 47 to say goodbye to a player like and 27 goals respectively in all competi- Barcelona’s Lionel Messi (right) celebrates after scoring against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final first leg in Barcelona on Wednesday night. (Reuters) that,” Messi said. “We said at tions. It had been a breathtaking contest the beginning of the year that befi tting two of Europe’s most exhila- make us suff er,” said Barca coach Er- preventing Mane from sprinting clear. scored too, Henderson’s cross fi nding Suarez. Off balance, Suarez could only we are going to achieve this rating teams. nesto Valverde. “The result is good but Messi wanted a penalty when the ball him free from eight yards but the shot knee the ball against the crossbar but it together and it is not a mo- The fi rst half was electric, a reel of the tie is open.” jumped up on Joel Matip and Naby Keita fl ew over. Barca took control just as came back for Messi, who chested and ment to criticise anyone but to chances, breaks and blocks, while the Messi was already fresh, after play- went off injured in the 25th minute, re- Suarez began to lose it, irked by James fi nished into an open net. support, to push forward and second was tense, a tactical battle where ing just over half the La Liga minutes he placed by Jordan Henderson. Milner barging Messi into the side- Two was tough on Liverpool but Mes- to do this all together.” Barca dared Liverpool to over-exert. could have done in April, and he looked A minute later came the goal. Arturo boards after the Argentinian had danced si was not done. The free-kick was cen- Barca coach Ernesto Val- The comeback will be even tougher sharp early on, weaving through the Vidal sprayed the ball left to Philippe past Robertson. tral, 30 yards out. verde was keen to point out for them given Barcelona, with La Liga centre while for Liverpool, the sensa- Coutinho, who cushioned back for Jordi But Liverpool were re-energised at He whipped it over the wall and into that Barca threw away a three- wrapped up, will surely rest a host of tional Sadio Mane raced down the left. Alba. Alba shaped to cross but instead the start of the second half. Marc-Andre the top corner. Barca were delirious but goal cushion against Roma in players against Celta Vigo this weekend The attacks were scintillating but the curved a perfectly weighted pass to the ter Stegen pushed away shots from Mil- Liverpool almost grabbed an away goal the quarter-finals last season while Liverpool, a point behind Premier defending was good too. Andy Robert- near post, where Suarez nipped in. ner and Salah, and held a Milner drive. when a clearance on the line fell kindly but, avoid a repeat at Anfield, League leaders Manchester City, will son scrambled across to block Messi’s Liverpool came again. Mane scamp- Then Messi intervened, striking twice for Salah, who hammered against the and his team are within touch- have to be at full throttle again away at fi nish from six yards and moments ered in behind then fl icked the ball in seven minutes. His own run started post. It could have been a lifeline. Liver- ing distance of a treble. Newcastle tomorrow. “They can still later it was Sergi Roberto on the slide, round Sergio Busquets. He should have the fi rst, setting Sergi free to square to pool are on the brink.