SPORT

Wednesday 3 May 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 NBA: James powerss Champions League: Al Rayyan down Al Cleveland Cavaliersrs Monaco hero Falcao Gharafa to retain to victory savours career revival QFA Futsal Cup WI respond First leg: Ronaldo's hat-trick after Ali ton, Misbah out for 99 again

leaves Real on verge of final Bridgetown AFP

Madrid Real continued their domination isbah-ul-Haq missed AFP of Atletico having eliminated a Test century by one them in the Champions League Mrun for the second ristiano Ronaldo for the past three seasons. consecutive match but Azhar proved Atletico Real needed a stoppage time Ali completed three figures as Madrid's Champions equaliser en route to winning the Pakistan reached 329 for League dream 2014 final, scored a late winner seven at tea on the third day destroyer once more in the quarter-finals a year later of the second Test in Barba- Cwith a hat-trick as Real Madrid and edged last season's final on dos yesterday. took a commanding 3-0 semi- a penalty shootout. Deprived of the landmark final, first leg lead yesterday. However, there was far more when left stranded on 99 not Ronaldo extended his lead a gulf between the sides this time out in the first innings of the as the all-time top scorer in round. The home fans made sure first Test in Jamaica, the Paki- Madrid derby matches by taking to put Atletico in their place before stan captain appeared destined his tally to 21 and put Real firmly kick-off with chants of "kings of to accomplish the feat on this on course to defend their title in Europe" and a "how does it feel" occasion, only to be dismissed the final in Cardiff on June 3. banner alongside a display of their in a bizarre manner. The Portuguese rewarded a 11 European Cups. Misbah's exit triggered a bright Real start by heading Real piled on the pain in the mini collapse in which three home Casemiro's deflected cross opening stages for the 4,000 vis- wickets fell for 13 runs just after just 10 minutes. iting away fans and could have before the interval after Paki- Ronaldo then smashed home killed the tie in the opening half stan eclipsed the West Indies from just inside the area and hour. first innings total of 312. turned home Lucas Vazquez's Atletico were handed a lucky Having survived an opti- cross in the final 20 minutes as escape on seven minutes when mistic appeal for lbw against Jan Oblak parried Dani Carva- Jason Holder the ball before, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) celebrates with team-mates after scoring their first jal's effort at the end of a Misbah attempted to pull out Madrid derby careering run and the Slovenian goal against Atletico Madrid during the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at Estadio of the way of the next deliv- semi-final recovered to also turn behind Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid yesterday. ery which lifted sharply and Ronaldo strikes twice Karim Benzema's follow-up came off the glove for Shai in the second half effort. Keylor Navas rescued Real from injury blow right on half-time slice of luck to go with their extra Hope to gleefully hold the There was no let off three conceding a vital away goal when Dani Carvajal pulled up quality. catch at second slip. after scoring a goal in minutes later, though, as Atletico when he got a touch on the ball with a muscle problem that looks The ball rebounded up per- the 10th minute to failed to clear a corner and as Kevin Gameiro tried to round set to keep him out of the sec- fectly off the heels of Filipe Luis SCOREBOARD complete his hat-trick Casemiro's bouncing cross him when clean through on goal. ond leg. for Ronaldo to blast high past West Indies (I innings): ...... 312 looped up for Ronaldo to power The majority of the efforts Clear-cut chances were far Oblak. Pakistan (I innings): Real take a huge home a header. continued to rain down on harder to come by after half- And Ronaldo completed his Azhar Ali c Dowrich b Bishoo ...... 105 Ahmed Shehzad c Hope b Bishoo ...... 70 stride towards sealing Oblak kept Atletico alive in Oblak's goal as Luka Modric time as Atletico toiled to create, second hat-trick against Atletico the moments that followed with drilled a shot from the edge of whilst Real sat on their lead this season four minutes from Babar Azam c&b Gabriel ...... 0 their place in the June Younis Khan c Gabriel b Bishoo ...... 0 a brilliant save from Raphael the box inches wide. waiting for the chance to time when Lucas Vazquez's cut- 3 Champions League Misbah-ul-Haq c Hope b Holder ...... 99 Varane's header and more com- And Benzema then acrobat- counter-attack. back picked out the four-time final in Cardiff Asad Shafiq lbw b Holder ...... 15 fortable stop from Isco. ically turned a Ronaldo cross just However, once again in ties World Player of the Year to slot Sarfraz Ahmed c K Powell b Gabriel ...... 9 However, at the other end, over the bar. Real suffered an between these two, Real got the home from close range. Shadab Khan (not out) ...... 0 Extras (B-6 LB-14 NB-11) ...... 31 Total (for 7 wkts) ...... 329 Fall of wickets: 1-155 A Shehzad,2-156 B Azam,3-161 Y Khan,4-259 Az Ali,5-316 Misbah- ul-Haq,6-325 S Ahmed,7-329 A Shafiq To bat: M Amir, Y Shah, M Abbas Al Rayyan eye revenge against Al Gharafa Bowling: S Gabriel 27 - 5 - 73 - 2(nb-9); A Joseph 17 - 5 - 36 - 0; R Chase 19 - 2 - 74 -

0(nb-1); J Holder 23 - 11 - 23 - 2(nb-1); D Bi- Rizwan Rehmat over the season. This season we shoo 39 - 11 - 103 - 3 The Peninsula had the upper hand over Al Rayyan and the previous season, ormer Qatar Stars League they beat us. That's football for (QSL) champions Al Rayyan you when two big teams play Delhi keep Fwill be looking to avenge each other," Sadek said. their losses to Al Gharafa in the Al Gharafa midfielder Fahid regular season when the two Al Shammari urged the team fans IPL play-offs sides clash in the first Emir Cup to make noise today. quarter-final today. "Our fans are the most dreams alive Al Gharafa, coached by important weapon for us as we Habib Sadek, dominated Al play a big team like Al Rayyan, Rayyan in the recently-con- who have a huge fan base. Our New Delhi cluded QSL season, defeating fans - if they come and watch us IANS them twice in crucial stages of play - will motivate us a lot and the prestigious league. they will be our biggest support- elhi Daredevils kept Michael Laudrup, who came ers in this confrontation, which their chances of qual- in as the coach for Al Rayyan last will not be easy at all," Al Sham- Difying for the Indian September, said yesterday his mari said at a press conference Premier League (IPL) play- side is up for a turnaround in the yesterday. offs alive after beating result against Al Gharafa. "Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa Sunrisers Hyderabad by six "We played twice against Al games are always full of excite- wickets at the Ferozeshah Gharafa and lost both times in ment. We are looking forward Kotla yesterday. the QSL season so we have a goal Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup (right) gestures after the press conference on the eve of his to a great contest once again," Al Chasing a mammoth 186, to win against them," Laudrup team's Emir Cup quarter-final clash against Al Gharafa at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. Shamari said. Delhi achieved the target with said yesterday. Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula "We are ready since all play- five balls to spare. "My players are determined ers are fit and raring to go," he Earlier, Yuvraj Singh (70 to claim victory," he added. QSL," he said. big tactical changes. The way "We have been training since said. not out from 41 balls) made "This is a new competition. "The Emir Cup is an impor- players play actually decides our win against Mesaimeer a few About Al Gharafa's superior- the most of the life he got on This is the Emir Cup. We know tant event for us. It is a unique who wins," he said before add- days ago. We feel we are battle- ity over Al Rayyan in the 29 when he was dropped by there will be only one winner competition. It is considered the ing that Al Rayyan's main target ready for this quarter-final. The just-concluded QSL season, Al Samson at deep square, to tomorrow," the Dane said. most important tournament in is to win the title. players have great determina- Shammari said: "The Cup propel Sunrisers to 185/3 after Laudrup said Al Gharafa which you could feature and win. "We want to go further, our tion to do well and win this matches are different, and we being sent to bat. remained a dangerous side. It (the Emir Cup) has a great vibe goal is the title, and we have encounter. We hope to be suc- must not rely on what we Brief Scores "Anyone can tell this won't to it. Generally you see a lot of another chance to reach the last cessful," Sadek said yesterday. achieved in the league matches Delhi Daredevils 189 for an easy game for either side. Al enthusiasm from the players and 16 of the AFC Champions League "Our goal is to reach the final against Al Rayyan. Our rivals are 4 (Anderson 41*, Nair 39, Siraj Gharafa are a proven side with the teams," Laudrup said. (next year)," Laudrup said. and put ourselves in a position a top team and has a distin- 2-41) beat Sunrisers Hydera- players like Vladimir Weiss. The "We know how Al Gharafa Meanwhile, Al Gharafa coach to win the title. We want to win guished set of players. Their bad 185 for 3 (Yuvraj 70*, Emir Cup games are completely play and Al Gharafa know how Sadek said his team is on 'bat- the Emir Cup title," he said. home and foreign players are Warner 30, Shami 2-36) by different to what we see in the we play. Both teams don't make tle-ready' mode. "Yes, we had exciting battles really good." six wickets SPORT 3 MAY 2017 WEDNESDAY 25

Joshua ready to NBA: James powers take out rivals 'one by one'

London Cavaliers to victory AFP

Washington NBA RESULTS they played better," Spurs coach orld heavyweight AFP Results from Monday's NBA second-round play- Gregg Popovich said. "We com- champion Anthony off games (all series best-of-seven): peted but I don't think we WJoshua says he eBron James sparked Western Conference executed in a very wise could take out his rivals in the defending NBA cham- At San Antonio manner." top division "one by one" fol- pion Cleveland over Houston 126 San Antonio 99 The Spurs and Rockets, in lowing his sensational victory Toronto while James (Houston leads series 1-0) their first playoff meeting over Vladimir Klitschko. Harden powered the Eastern Conference since 1995, were two of the Joshua, 27, stopped LHouston Rockets to an epic rout At Cleveland three winningest teams in the Klitschko in the 11th round of of San Antonio in second-round Cleveland 116 Toronto 105 NBA this season, both trail- Saturday's Wembley super-

playoff openers on Monday. (Cleveland leads series 1-0) ing Golden State, which opens fight to add the vacant WBA James scored 35 points and the second round against and IBO titles to his IBF grabbed 10 rebounds while Utah. crown. He has offered Kyrie Irving added 24 points and Harden had 20 points and A 15-2 run to open the sec- Klitschko a rematch and also 10 assists and Kevin Love had 14 assists while Trevor Ariza ond quarter put Houston ahead has his eyes on an-all British 18 points and nine rebounds as scored 23 points and Clint 49-25. The Rockets had 30 clash with Tyson Fury, who the Cavaliers ripped the visiting Capela contributed 20 points assists on 40 baskets, their pass- has not fought since spectac- Raptors 116-105 in their best-of- and 13 rebounds as the Rockets ing and fast pace humbling the ularly dethroning Klitschko seven Eastern Conference dumped the host Spurs 126-99 veteran Spurs. in November 2015. matchup. to start their best-of-seven "There are no individual "If it works out for my "The energy was phenome- Western Conference series. efforts here," Harden said. "I've career, I'll definitely relish the nal," James said. "We pushed the "It's just one win," Harden been proud of that all year." challenge against Tyson Fury ball, passed the ball like we said. "It's a good win but we've The Rockets went 12-of-27 or anyone else for that mat- wanted." got to be ready for game two. from 3-point range in the first ter," Joshua wrote in a column Four-time NBA Most Valu- They've got a lot of fight in them. half, already hitting more shots for the London Evening able Player James hit 13-of-23 We missed a few shots. We've from beyond the arc than in any Standard newspaper pub- shots from the floor and 7-of-8 got to play better in game two." first-round contest. lished yesterday. from the free throw line while The Rockets sank a team Kawhi Leonard led San "Fury has come from the Tristan Thompson contributed playoff record 22 3-pointers on Antonio with 21 points and 11 ground up. He's an ordinary 11 points and 14 rebounds for the 50 attempts, inflicting the most rebounds but the Spurs made guy who has achieved great Cavaliers, who James warned 3-pointers allowed by the Spurs only 31-of-84 shots from the things. He's back in training will be better in game two. in playoff history. floor. and he's getting into shape "I feel like I'll be a lot better San Antonio trailed by as In Cleveland, the Cavaliers and that's good for boxing, so on Wednesday," James said. many as 39 points in the team's scored 10 consecutive points to I hope that he comes back to LeBron James (23) of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots during the "Little bit of rhythm here and largest game-one defeat in play- grab a 22-11 edge and stretched his very best. conditioning there, I think a lot off history. The Spurs 69-39 it to 38-20 early in the second second half of Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference semi- "The fans want the Fury of our mistakes we were able to half-time deficit was their worst quarter. Up 62-48 at half-time, finals against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena in fight and I do, too." cover up for because our energy in playoff history. they led by as many as 25 points Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors Fury, 28, has claimed he level was high." "We lost and they won and on the way to victory. 116-105. could beat Joshua "with one arm tied behind my back". The self-proclaimed 'Gypsy King' has relinquished his titles and had his boxing England's Finn out to impress licence revoked after reveal- ing he is battling mental health problems. On the pros- pect of fighting Fury, Joshua selectors in Ireland series said "it feels that we're head- ing in that direction". "I like to entertain and if London that's a fight that will bring Reuters Sri Lanka can win entertainment to the sport again, then I would love to be ngland fast bowler Steven Finn is hoping involved," added Joshua, to impress the selectors during the two- Trophy, says Donald nicknamed 'AJ'. Ematch one-day series against Ireland after "If I have to go through being left out of the Champions Trophy squad. Colombo everyone in the division, then Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, AFP great. I am not hearing, 'Let's Jake Ball, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes will lead see Fury v (Deontay) Wilder the England attack in next month's tournament amed South African paceman Allan Don- or Wilder v (Joshua) Parker.' on home soil. ald began his appointment yesterday as It's always, 'We want AJ ver- "These matches 9(against Ireland) are an FSri Lanka's interim bowling coach, sus Wilder, Fury and Parker.' opportunity," Finn told reporters. "They are going declaring the squad has the potential to claim "So if I have to go through to be hard fought... and they are an opportunity victory in next month's Champions Trophy. the division to keep it enter- for me to remind England that I am still there Donald was hired by the Sri Lankan cricket taining, then that's what we'll are ready to go if they need me at any stage." board as a fast bowling consultant ahead of do -- take them out one by Finn, 28, was a regular in England's test side last the tournament in England. one." year but missed parts of the season through injury. "The Sri Lankan attack has what it takes Joshua said his victory "At the moment I am in and out and that is to win the tournament," he told reporters at over Klitschko, in which he something that just happens as you go through the cricket board headquarters. overcame a sixth-round your career," Finn said. "Sri Lanka has a lot of skills. Lot of lead- knockdown, showed he "can "You will have peaks and troughs in form ership with the ball... what is there to be scared knock anyone out". and when you are on the periphery of England of?" "As for Wladimir, I've got Former West Indian great Gary Sobers (right) interacts with all the time, you just have to deal with the dis- Donald said his was an "inspirational role" the ultimate respect for him appointments, which sometimes can be hard to and he would be working closely with the in and out of the ring and, if Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood (left) and captain take — it is just the way it goes." squad to assess their individual goals, health we wants a rematch, I'd have Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan (second right) during the second The two one-dayers against Ireland will be condition and personalities. no problem fighting him Test at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Sunday. played on Friday and Sunday. again," Joshua said.

Penguins lose Kefl dominates at 'Swim for a Cause' event of Sharq Village & Spa Crosby, game to Capitals

Washington AFP

efending Stanley Cup champion Pitts- Dburgh's hopes for a repeat crown suffered a major setback on Monday with a head injury to NHL goals leader Sidney Crosby in a 3-2 overtime loss to Washington. Penguins captain Crosby, named a finalist for the NHL's Most Valuable Player trophy earlier in the The podium winners, at the ‘Swim for a Cause' event organised by Sharq Village & Spa in collaboration with H2O Swim Club , Six Senses Spa, MAD triathlon day, was helped off the ice and Tri Club Doha, pose for a group picture at Sharq Village & Spa beach on Saturday. Over 100 swimmers took part in the races held in three categories. after taking a cross-check to Max Frontiera topped in the 250m followed by LBenjamin Youni and Alfonso Raphael E Santiago Iii. Enis Kefl, dominated in both the 500m and 100m the head from Washington to walk away with the top honours. In the 500m, Michael Berendt came second and Chafik Ayed bagged the third place. In the 1,000m, Omar Mohamed defenseman Matt Niskanen finished behind Kefl and Andrea Gaspalli, took the third spot. The next race will be held on May 6. in the first period. 26 SPORT WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2017 Free-scoring Monaco face Juventus wall

Paris tactical qualities as well as tal- Reuters Tight Juve defence ented young players," Juventus Exciting Monaco coach Massimiliano Allegri said. onaco have scored striker Mbappe will "They do not have the same plenty of goals history as Juventus but that does Monaco hero Falcao have to deal with the this season and not mean it will be easy for us tightest defence in boast one of to make it to the final", he added. Europe's top club European soc- While Allegri can rely on a Mcer's most exciting newcomers competition which fully-fit squad, his Monaco savours career revival in striker Kylian Mbappe but has conceded just counterpart Leonardo Jardim, that might not be enough to two goals in the criticised for fielding a B-team break down the defensive wall campaign. in a 5-0 French Cup semi-final Monaco of Juventus in the Champions thrashing by Paris St Germain AFP League semi-finals. last week, has a defensive worry Mbappe, 18, has scored 18 score in two games against them with midfield dynamo Tiemoue ismissed as a crocked has-been after a goals in his last 18 competitive so it will be complicated for us", Bakayoko doubtful due to a bro- disastrous spell in England, Radamel Fal- games, including three in the Monaco's Poland defender ken nose. Dcao will savour the Champions League 6-3 aggregate win over Borus- Kamil Glik said ahead of today's Monaco have shone in anthem more than most before Monaco and sia Dortmund in the last eight. first leg in the principality. Europe and at home this season Juventus face off in today's semi-final first leg. The pacy forward provides The Italian champions, and their domestic title hopes The Colombian striker will captain the prin- a symbol for the rise of a fine who advanced to the last four received a welcome boost when cipality club against the Italians -- whose own counter-attacking team featur- with an aggregate 3-0 win a nervous PSG side lost 3-1 at star striker Gonzalo Higuain was once his col- ing other dangerous players over Barca, were held to a 2-2 Nice on Sunday, leaving the club league at River Plate -- at the Stade Louis II as such as Colombian marksman draw at Atalanta in a rare from the French Riviera three they attempt to take another step towards a Radamel Falcao. defensive mix-up in Serie A points clear at the top with a possible Ligue 1 and Champions League It takes more than that, on Friday. game in hand. double. however, to impress Juventus, Their pedigree and record Juventus, meanwhile, are Monaco have won admirers everywhere the tightest defence in Europe's for being impregnable when it closing in on a record sixth this season thanks to the exciting brand of foot- top club competition with just matters, however, suggest straight Serie A title and can turn ball played by their young team, and the likes Monaco forward Radamel Falcao (right) two goals conceded in this Juventus should be regarded as to their European history for of Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva and Thomas vies with team-mate Andrea Raggi during campaign. the favourites. inspiration, having won the Lemar will be targets for the continent's giants a training session in La Turbie, near Monaco "Even Barcelona could not "Monaco have technical and showcase club competition. in the summer. on Monday. But all of them will admit the role played by the 31-year-old Falcao has been vital. He scored in a 2-1 defeat to Fenerbahce in reputation", while The Daily Telegraph high- Istanbul as their campaign began in the third lighted how he had been paid the equivalent of qualifying round first leg on July 27 last year. £800,000 per shot by Chelsea. More than nine months on he has 28 goals He was left out of the Colombia squad for in all competitions and has now scored 45 in last year's Copa America too, but that repu- 50 European appearances, putting him ahead tation has been restored this year in stunning of German great Gerd Mueller as the most pro- style. lific player ever in continental competition. "I think it's all about confidence and hav- "I have always believed in Radamel and ing a regular run in the team. The rest takes care right from the start of the season I was already of itself," Falcao told UEFA.com recently. saying that he would get back to his best form. It is not just about what happens out on the Nobody believed it but now we have the proof," pitch in Leonardo Jardim's free-flowing side, Monaco's vice president Vadim Vasilyev told though. He is also finally settled in the glitzy French television station TF1. Mediterranean principality. This time a year ago Falcao was considered "I feel loved by the club and by the fans. My a busted flush after two seasons on loan in the teammates support me and I am very happy at From left: Juventus' forward Paulo Dybala, defender Daniel Alves, defender Giorgio Chiellini, Premier League, with Manchester United and the club and in the city, enjoying this moment," forward Gonzalo Higuain and midfielder Tomas Rincon take part in a training session on the then Chelsea, yielded just five goals. The Daily he said before the quarter-final, second leg win eve of the UEFA Champions League match against Monaco at the 'Juventus Training Center Mail labelled him "a rich man with a broken against Borussia Dortmund. in Vinovo, near Turin.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho (front) stops the ball in front of Swansea Europa League: Celta eye famous City's coach Paul Clement on the touchline during the English Premier League match. upset of injury-hit Man United

Madrid to come over the next 19 days in a bid Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly added to Darmian or Carrick or Axel, I trust the AFP to seal Champions League qualifica- United's defensive woes as they join boys." tion either by winning the Europa Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marco The visitors will have Paul Pogba ose Mourinho must patch up an League or squeezing into the top four Rojo on the sidelines, meaning Mour- and Marouane Fellaini back availa- injury ravaged Manchester United of the Premier League. inho will need to look for emergency ble, whilst Juan Mata could make his Jsquad as the English side's quest "If we beat Celta, we have the final solutions at centre-back. Mourinho comeback from groin surgery after for Europa League glory faces its stiff- and, in this moment, it is obviously has been critical of Jones and Small- being an unused substitute against est test yet with a semi-final, first leg hypothetical," Mourinho said. ing's unwillingness to play through Swansea. Celta, by contrast, have had trip to Celta Vigo tomorrow. "The Europa League final is on the the pain barrier and doesn't expect the luxury of resting up Eduardo Ber- The Portuguese manager Wednesday and we play against Crys- them to rush back meaning right-back izzo's preferred XI for the majority of described United's nine-match April tal Palace on the Sunday. Before that, Mateo Darmian, midfielder Michael their recent La Liga games as the Gali- schedule as "not human" after another we play Southampton away a few Carrick or 19-year-old Axel Tuanzebe cians concentrate on trying to win a disappointing 1-1 home draw in the days before, so we would be playing could deputise at the heart of the first ever major trophy. Premier League against relegation the final with disastrous defence. "We also know what's at stake - threatened Swansea City on consequences." "That's my personal opinion, I not only that you win the Europa Sunday. The English giants are without top don't think they will (be fit) but I know League, which is huge, but you can His side's schedule doesn't get any scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to cru- the players I choose will give every- also win a place in the Champions easier, though, with six more games ciate ligament damage. Meanwhile, thing. It doesn't matter if I go with League," Celta striker John Guidetti.

Top-four race not Qatari drivers take part in GCC Young Drivers Academy training programme in Dubai over yet: Klopp

Watford United and Middlesbrough -- AFP will guarantee them a Champions League berth, but iverpool manager Jur- Klopp said there was still gen Klopp told his much work to be done. Lplayers to gird their "We need to stay focused, loins for the Premier League we need to stay concen- run-in after they retained trated," said the German. control of their top-four des- "We have pressure until the tiny with victory at end of the season, but that's a Watford. positive pressure. It means we Emre Can's stupendous are fighting for something. mid-air scissors kick earned "So we'll do everything Liverpool a 1-0 win at Vicar- for the points we can get, but age Road on Monday that it won't be easy. provisionally gave them a "If people think we three-point cushion over already have the three points Young Qatari drivers take part in a training session during the GCC Young Drivers Academy training programme, jointly organised Manchester City in third against Southampton then by Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA), Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF), Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) place. Victory in Liverpool's they've not seen them play and the Automobile & Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE) in Dubai, yesterday. Right: The group taking part in the training programme last three games -- against this season. Another really poses for a picture. Southampton, West Ham strong side." WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2017 SPORT 27 Qatar football greats honoured at special ceremony

The Peninsula wholeheartedly to the growth Former star of Al Annabi and Al of the game in the country and Gharafa, Mohammed Al- Qatar's Minister of Culture and the region," Al Ansari said in his Rumaihi, Vice-Chairman of the H E Sports Salah bin Ghanem Al remarks. Veterans Committee, was also Thani and Qatar Football Asso- The QFA held a meeting with honoured. ciation (QFA) President Sheikh the Committee of Veterans of Al Wakra's retired star Gomaa Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed QFA which was represented by Salem, and Karma Ibrahim Kha- Al Thani attended the Qatar's President Ali Al Ali. lil Al Mohannadi, member of the Players' Association (QPA) The ceremony began with a Executive Committee of the QFA, ceremony. review of the names of the hon- were also honoured. The ceremony was arranged oured players and their journeys Al Rayyan's Al Zamil Al to celebrate careers of former with national teams and clubs Kuwari was honored by Club players, football events and and the achievements in their President Sheikh Saud Bin Kha- related activities. The event took long journey. The review was lid Al Thani. Al Obaidly, the place at Al Saif Hall in Katara. accompanied by videos from a national team player and the The event was sponsored by QFA large screen in the concert hall. former Al Sadd Club star, was among others. Some memories of their bril- handed a shield by the Minister Qatar's Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Thani and Qatar Football The ceremony was attended liance were restored in exciting of Culture and Sports. by members of the Executive Association (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani pose with former and beautiful footage of several Al Sadd star and former Committee of QFA, the presi- Qatari footballers at Qatar's Players' Association (QPA) ceremony on Monday in Doha. goals they scored in their careers. Qatar captain Wissam Rizk was dents of the football clubs, the Ahmed Salman (late) was honored by ex-national team president of QPA Salman Al football stars received honorary The ceremony witnessed the Wissam Rizk and Ibrahim Al honoured by the President of and Al Rayyan player Younis Ansari and the Qatar Stars shields in recognition of their honouring of seven retired play- Ghanim. Qatar Sports Club Sheikh Jassem Ahmed. Al Gharafa stalwart Ibra- League (QSL) players. contribution to Qatari football, ers: Ahmed Salman, Abdel Nasser "The QPA is keen to honour bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani. him Al Ghanim was given a During the ceremony, a both with their clubs and the Al Obaidly, Zamil Al Kuwari, former players and officials The award was received by his special shield by QFA number of former Qatari national teams. Mahmoud Sufi, Juma Salem, who have contributed son Yusuf Ahmed Salman. President. Sorin recalls fond Al Rayyan down Al Gharafa memories of Qatar's Khalifa Stadium to retain QFA Futsal Cup 4th title for giants The Peninsula you see now," added the Argentine. Al Rayyan overcome wenty-two years after With current Colombia Al Gharafa 7-3 to win lifting the 1995 FIFA coach Jose Pekerman giving their 2nd successive TWorld Youth Champi- instructions from the side- title. It is fourth onship title in Qatar as the lines, Argentina marched into overall triumph for captain of Argentina, Juan the final with a commanding Qatar's futsal giants Pablo Sorin still remembers 3-0 semi-final win over a in vivid detail a country Spain side which included intensely passionate about Real Madrid’s star trio of Raul QFA Secretary General football and the Khalifa Gonzalez, Fernando Mori- hands trophy to the International Stadium which, entes and Míchel Salgado. victorious team at he says, changed his life. In front of a sold-out Kha- Suheim Bin Hamad “Winning the FIFA World lifa International Stadium in Stadium Youth Championship in Qatar the final, Argentina defeated was one of the best days of Brazil 2-0 and it was Sorin that my life,” Sorin told www. lifted the trophy. The Peninsula sc.qa in an exclusive Throughout the tourna- interview. ment, 455,000 spectators l Rayyan beat Al The football career of followed the games, and Gharafa 7-3 to win Juan Pablo Sorin took off Sorin remembers the fans as the QFA Futsal Cup when he led Argentina to the a standout feature of the after a scintillating 1995 FIFA World Youth tournament. final clash at Suheim Al Rayyan captain receiving Championship title at the With Khalifa Interna- BinA Hamad Stadium on Khalifa Stadium tional Stadium now nearing Monday. the QFA Futsal Cup from QFA “We were the first Argen- completion and ready to QFA Secretary General Man- Secretary General Mansoor tina side since Diego become the first 2022 FIFA soor Al Ansari watched the final Al Ansari after defeating Maradona’s team to win the World Cup Qatar™ stadium and later handed over the tro- Al Gharafa in the final at title. The Khalifa Stadium and to open its gates to the pub- phies and medals to the players Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium that final in 1995 against Bra- lic, the former left-back said and officials of the two sides. on Monday. RIGHT: Carlos zil changed my life, because he would love to re-visit the It was Al Rayyan's second Cesar, coach of Al Rayyan we all returned to Argentina stadium where his career successive national title and poses with the trophies. as champions of the world.” kicked off. fourth overall. He continued: “I can still “A World Cup in Qatar The title clash was attended remember the warmth of the will be unique in terms of the by a large number of fans clearly night, the moon in the sky technology and the outstand- showing the growing popular- Powerhouse Al Sadd lost at the and the tournament in Doha ing projects which the ity of the sport in the country. semi-finals stage. we surprisingly won, even country builds to surprise the Al Rayyan dominated the Carlos Cesar, coach of Al though no one had counted world,” he added. proceedings from the start and Rayyan, said: "This was a great us among the favourites," he “I’d love to return to the ended the first half at 4-1. game. I would say 'well played' said. stadium which is so special Al Gharafa, however, pro- to both sides. We did not give up "Qatar at the time was to me and my team-mates, duced a late fight when Nuniz till the last minute." already growing as a coun- to meet old friends again and (two goals), He added: "We can see the try, you could see the come to watch the World Francesco Jr and Lucas game getting on in popularity. Al construction cranes starting Cup, and perhaps even see Oliveira found the net for the Rayyan has got rewarded for all to come up, and you felt the Argentina lift the trophy runners-up. Al Rayyan managed the hard work. Al Gharafa is con- basis for the development again in Qatar.” to stay alive with brisk moves sidered one of the top sides and it and attacking game. feels great to have won this title." Record-holders receive apology from taskforce chief

London with Britain's Paula Radcliffe record of two hours 15 minutes spoken to Radcliffe and Britain's "People should not look at Reuters branding it "cowardly". 25 seconds expunged, but triple jump world record holder Paula's records and throw them "Apologies to the athletes, we O'Callaghan said there was a big- Jonathan Edwards, another ath- in with doping records - she nnocent athletes worried that never intended to damage their ger picture. lete who could be affected achieved her performance, as their world and European reputation and legacy," "It (The proposal) is intended because his mark was set in 1995. did Jonathan, with 100 percent Irecords will be struck off O'Callaghan told BBC Radio. to give the public belief and The official compared the integrity." received an apology yesterday Under the plan, any athlete credibility in what they are changes to English football The IAAF has only stored from the official who proposed breaking a record would have to watching in the sport," he said. revamping its structure to incor- blood and urine samples since the radical anti-doping plan. have been drug-tested many European Athletics will for- porate the Premier League in 2005. Other world records under European Athletics' taskforce times in the lead-up. A sample ward a report to the International 1992 or rugby union's Six Nations threat would include Mike Pow- chair Pierce O'Callaghan said he taken afterwards would have to Association of Athletics Federa- emerging out of the Five Nations ell's 1991 long jump mark of accepted that some record- be available for retesting for 10 tions (IAAF), which will study it tournament in 2000. 8.95m and Hicham El Guerrouj's breakers would be "collateral years. at its Council meeting in August. "We hope people look at it in 1998 1500m time of 3 minutes damage" under the measures European Athletics' ruling If the proposal is accepted, that vein, rather than stripping 26.00 seconds. which suggest resetting pre- council has accepted the project current records failing to meet great athletes like Paula of their There is no suggestion that 2005 marks. team's recommendations, which the guidelines would no longer records," he said. any of these athletes took drugs. The proposal, which was it wants to be extended to world be officially sanctioned although "Unfortunately, Paula ran Another British athlete, Steve announced by European Athlet- records. they would remain on the "all- her records in a golden period Cram, weighed into the contro- ics on Monday, was immediately Radcliffe faces having her time list". that happens to be two years versy, dismissing the plan as a Paula Radcliffe condemned by several athletes 2003 women's marathon world O'Callaghan said he had before the technology moved on. "PR exercise".