FOOTBALL | Page 3 GOLF | Page 6 More woe ‘Tiger has for Wenger shown he as City cruise is a threat past Arsenal again’

Saturday, March 3, 2018 CRICKET Jumada II 15, 1439 AH Starc attack leaves GULF TIMES South Africa reeling in Durban Test SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL WINNERS ALL Ibrahimovic set to leave Man United

AFP away from Manchester. Manchester “For Zlatan, we all think it’s his last season at Manchester United and it will be a very personal decision for ose Mourinho says Zlatan Ib- him to play or to stop,” Mourinho told rahimovic has “won the right reporters yesterday. to choose his future” after ac- “I think he won the right to choose Jknowledging that the striker is his life, his future, such an amazing likely to leave Manchester United at player and an amazing career. the end of the season. “Only that awful injury in the Ibrahimovic, 36, is out of contract wrong moment broke a fantastic cou- at Old Traff ord at the end of the cur- ple of seasons he could and should rent campaign and has been heavily have with us. linked with a move to MLS club Los “This season has been really dif- Angeles Galaxy. fi cult for him. He’s not injured. Does The former Paris Saint-Germain he feel totally happy, ready and con- forward has not played for United vinced that he’s in the condition to since their 2-2 draw against Burnley help the team in this moment? No. on December 26, having decided that “But he’s such an honest guy and he was not in the right shape after Cup loss at Bristol City. such a champion he only wants to be recovering from career-threatening He hopes to return in time for back with that feeling of: ‘I’m totally cruciate knee ligament damage sus- the second leg of the Champions ready for it’. tained in April. League last-16 tie against Sevilla “So he’s working hard and hope- (L-R) Silver medallist Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim, gold medallist Authorised Neutral Athlete Danil Lysenko and Ibrahimovic has made only seven at Old Trafford a week on Tuesday, fully his evolution brings him to that bronze medallist Germany’s Mateusz Przybylko pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the appearances for United this term, but United boss Mourinho said the level he wants to have a positive an- men’s high jump at the 2018 IAAF World Indoor Athletics Championships at the Arena in Birmingham on March 1. scoring just once in a shock League Swede’s long-term plans may lie swer.”

WORLD TEAM SNOOKER Advani and Chandra world champs aft er thrilling fi nal Indian pair bounce back from two frames down to beat Pakistan’s Masih and Asif in decider

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

n a blockbuster fi nal, India-2, com- prising Manan Chandra and Pankaj Advani, rallied from a 0-2 defi cit to claim the inaugural IBSF-ACBS WorldI Team Snooker Cup with a 3-2 win over Pakistan-1’s Mohamed Asif and Babar Masih at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) Hall yesterday. With Pakistan-1 up 2-0, Masih had just put his team in control of the fi nal with a 30-point break in the doubles frame. But then, he missed the pot on a red and opened it up for Chandra. The 37-year-old stitched together a 39-point break and got some breathing space. “If he hadn’t given me that opening where I could come back; it gave me a lot of confi dence making that 39 break,” Chandra said. Further down in the frame, Chandra’s partner, Pankaj Advani, wrapped up the frame potting the colour balls 4, 5 and 6 to keep India-2 in the game. Advani then worked like clockwork in the fourth frame, once Masih missed potting the black after being 20-0 up. them, I guess. All thanks to my partner. like to make a mention of the organisers, ment, like their fi nal opponents. Advani, who had won his last two world Both of us contributed equally in the the QBSF, the ACBS, the IBSF, they have “Overall, we played well in the tour- titles – IBSF World Billiards Champion- whole tournament, and gave our best.” done a fantastic job.” nament. It happens sometimes that ship (150-up) and IBSF World Snooker Advani added: “At one stage when Talking about the fi nal, former strategy doesn’t work out the way you Championship – in Doha in November, we were down 30 points, it was looking snooker world champion Asif said, “I expect it to. And team events are actu- put together a 37-point break, before like 3-0, I think Manan made that 39. missed some easy ones because of which ally very short. So if you don’t make cleaning up with a 69-point break and Babar had missed a sitter, and some- it became diffi cult to control the game. good use of your chances, then you fall pushing the game into the decider. times it requires just one opportunity. In the last frame, he had some lead and under pressure,” Asif said. In the fi fth frame, Chandra, who had It changed in the doubles frame. That’s we were at a point that I could have at For Chandra, however, losing the won the deciding frame earlier in the why the doubles frame is so crucial and least cleared his lead, but missed an easy tournament opener was not really bad semi-fi nal against Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh that changed the momentum of the pink. I was trying to not play a powerful news. “We knew we had to win one and Ehsan Heydari Nezhad, put togeth- game. Had it been all singles, we would shot, and trying to get to a selective po- match out of two to qualify. And in er a 22-point break to lead the frame India’s Pankaj Advani (R) hugs teammate Manan Chandra after their victory over have been hammered today. I am just sition. But it so happened that the pink fact I was joking around with Pankaj 38-17. Pakistan’s Mohamed Asif and Babar Masih in Doha yesterday. At right, the happy that we lifted the fi rst edition of left its spot and got kicked a bit. It went that the last time I won the Asian team At 20-38, just when it looked like Asif winners and runners-up pose with their prizes. PICTURES: Ramchand this World Cup, and full credit to my a bit too far, and after that I couldn’t championship here in Doha, we had had the chance to get going, he missed partner, who just pulled off two amaz- make a comeback into the game. I was lost the fi rst match then as well. After potting the pink at the top of the table. Asif-Masih received USD7,000 for tough fi nal against Pakistan, a dream fi - ing deciders.” mentally disturbed because of that.” we lost the fi rst match here, I had told That and a couple of more misses fur- their runner-up eff ort. nal actually, old rivals. He added: “Although it is a short for- Asif and Masih, the team that won the Pankaj then itself that last time this ther in the frame cost Pakistan-1 dearly “For me it is my biggest achievement. “We were 2-0 down but we managed mat and you tend to play a little tacti- world championships in August 2017 in had happened, so let’s hope it repeats as India-2 picked up the unprecedented I have never won a world title before,” to take it frame by frame, make small but cal but you still enjoy good conditions Hurghada, Egypt, had made a losing again.” USD15,000 prize money. Chandra said after the win. “It was a crucial breaks, and that put pressure on when you get them. That’s why I would start to their campaign in the tourna- It did. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, March 3, 2018 FOOTBALL

QNB STARS LEAGUE FOCUS Umm Salal face Al Ahli edge out Qatar SC, aim to get back to fourth

By Sports Reporter Brazilian striker Patrick Fabiano, Doha who had a long injury layoff af- Al Kharaitiyat ter signing for them ahead of the second phase, is ready to play. atar SC will have a The teams had played out a 1-1 Brigadiers’ goals came in the second half through Chikhaoui, Muntari and Younes tough task on hand draw in the fi rst phase. when they are up Meanwhile, Al Arabi, having By Sports Reporter against Umm Salal received some confi dence boost- inQ the QNB Stars League to- er after their third win, against Al Doha day. Umm Salal, with 27 points, Kharaitiyat last week, will look to are fi fth place after losing a build on that when they face Al l Ahli secured all three points with spot and are keen to get back to Markhiya today. a 3-2 victory at home against Al fourth positon. For that, the Or- It will be hard for Al Markhiya Kharaitiyat in a closely-contested ange Fortress cannot aff ord any to stay motivated following the QNB Stars League match yesterday. slip-ups as Al Gharafa are going decision to overturn their victory AThe Brigadiers’ goals came in the second strong and have two points more over Al Gharafa for breaching the half through Yasine Chikhaoui, Mohamed than them. Al Gharafa benefi ted rule regarding fi elding resident Muntari and Hamza Younes respectively. Ra- greatly from the Qatar Football players in the QNB Stars League chid Tiberkanine scored both goals for the Association’s Disciplinary Com- matches. away side in the 21st and 52nd minutes. An mittee decision to award them a The Oryxes had hopes of enthralling encounter at the Al Ahli Stadium 3-0 win against Al Markhiya. avoiding relegation after pre- saw a fl urry of action from both sides as they Gharafa had lost the game 2-3, vailing over in-form Al Gharafa, fought for valuable points at the business end but the result was overturned af- that too after being down by two of the season. ter The Oryxes had breached the goals. In fact, they had punched The game got off to an electric start when rule regarding fi elding resident way above their weight. Majed Mohamed cooly set up Chikhaoui to players in the QNB Stars League Now, they face a daunting task guide the ball home from close range. matches. in their fi ght for survival. Al Ara- Al Kharaitiyat did not allow the shock start Umm Salal had beaten Al bi are also in the danger zone and to get to them as they equalised not long af- Sailiya 1-0, while Qatar SC had Luka Bonacic’s men must pull up ter when Tiberkanine latched onto a 40-yard lost 0-4 to Al Rayyan last week. their socks if they want to stay through pass on the left, before turning his Qatar SC, who are eighth with 18 afl oat. Their fi rst-phase match marker and fi ring into the net. Just after the points, got a shot in the arm as had ended in a 1-1 draw. restart, Al Ahli retook the lead through a pen- alty. Muntari stepped up, deceived the goal- keeper and made no mistake with his shot. Celebrations were short-lived as Tiber- kanine came straight back at them when he Al Sadd's Xavi out beat the off side trap and headed home with the relative ease of a skilled marksman. The home side eventually made amends for lack injured for three weeks of concentration and scored the match-win- Doha: Al Sadd will miss ace ning goal with 12 minutes left on the clock. midfielder and captain Xavi Chikhaoui rose the highest from a corner and Hernandez for three weeks as his fl ick-on was perfect for Younes to divert he sustained a back muscle into the back of the net, with the keeper hav- injury during their 3-4 loss to Al ing no chance. Duhail in Week 19 of the QNB Al Ahli moved on to 22 points, whereas Al Stars League on Thursday. Kharaitiyat remained on 13. In another match, Xavi played only in the first Al Khor beat hosts Al Sailiya 2-1. Both the half of the crucial game. The teams were desperate for victory after losing Spanish star underwent a test their matches last week. After Abdulkholikov yesterday under the supervi- game Sailiya lead in the 59th minute, Al Khor sion of the club’s medical team struck back through Madson in the 63 min- and a tear on his back muscle utes before Hilal Mohammed scored the win- was confirmed. Meanwhile, ners in 84th minute. Al Sailiya, with 25 points, Al Sadd will play away at was be keen to get back into the top four after Uzbekistan’s Nasaf in the third being displaced by Umm Salal who beat them round of AFC Champions 1-0. The win helped relegation-threatened Al League on Monday. Khor, who are on 18 points in seventh. Al Ahli moved on to 22 points after their win over Al Kharaitiyat, who remain on 13.

PSG still strong SPOTLIGHT without Neymar, says Zidane Brazil waits nervously for Neymar’s foot operation Madrid: Zinedine Zidane has warned his Real Madrid AFP months, Lasmar said, putting Neymar and “It’s not a simple fracture, but a fracture in players there is no room for Belo Horizonte, Brazil his golden right foot out of action until wor- an important bone in the middle of the foot,” complacency despite Neymar’s ryingly close to the June 14 start of the World Lasmar said. The drama is a big personal set- absence from next week’s Cup in Russia. back for Neymar. He has scored 28 goals in Champions League clash with razilian superstar Neymar was due PSG, which paid a record 222 million-euro 30 appearances in all competitions for P SG Paris Saint-Germain. to fl y into Belo Horizonte late last for ($264mn) for Neymar’s move from Barcelona since arriving. Neymar is to undergo sur- surgery to mend a broken bone in his last August, will be without him on its make- But last Sunday he looked to be in tears as gery on a foot injury and will right foot, while an anxious football- or-break Champions League clash with Real he was stretchered off the fi eld at the Parc ingB nation wondered if its World Cup build- Madrid next week. In the heated atmosphere des Princes. Now he will feel the weight of a miss the last-16 decider at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, up will also need urgent care. around the operation, Brazil’s Globoesporte nation’s expectations as he races to recuper- where Real hold a 3-1 advan- Neymar, the world’s most expensive foot- website said that Neymar was expected to ate in time for the World Cup, where Brazil tage from the first leg. Without ball player, struck a relaxed pose, putting up come by helicopter and had booked a whole are seen as having a good chance for winning the Brazilian, PSG’s chances a picture on Instagram of himself in a wheel- wing of the Mater Dei hospital. a sixth title — and eradicating bitter memo- of a comeback appear to be chair with his actress girlfriend Bruna Mar- A local newspaper reported that Neymar ries of that 7-1 defeat to Germany in the 2014 significantly reduced, although quezine. The image-conscious Paris Saint- and his entourage would take a more modest semi-fi nals. the in-form Angel di Maria Germain star also posted a close-up of his suite measuring around 80 by 40 feet (24 x 12 But even if Neymar gets back in time, he should fill the void. hand, tattooed with a small cross, holding meters). Staff at the hospital, a tall building appears sure to miss two warm-up friendlies “We feel sorry for Neymar Marquezine’s hand. with mirrored windows, were put on infor- against Russia and Germany in March. but they are a very strong Hands could be clasped in prayer across mation lockdown, with a ban on using their “In terms of performance, the unknown is team and the player that is go- Brazil ahead of today’s surgery at the Mater cellphones anywhere near the star. what level he’ll be at when he arrives at the ing to replace him will be very Dei hospital, where Brazilian national team However, an photographer was given ac- World Cup,” said SporTV commentator Luis strong,” Zidane said. “We are surgeon Rodrigo Lasmar was due to operate cess to a room similar to the one Neymar Roberto. going to play a European Cup on the striker’s broken fi fth metatarsal. was due to take — a small suite with basic The UOL sports website reported that Ney- match, a return match, where Lasmar says that the fracture in the toe area furniture and a second room for the patient. mar may recuperate at his residence in Man- we will have to give 2000 per- is more serious than was initially thought Neymar arrived on Thursday from Paris, garatiba, on the coast of Rio state. The luxury cent. They will want to prove when Neymar, 26, went down last Sunday traveling with Lasmar, who broke the news residence has the facilities that would allow themselves.” Neymar arrived in a wheelchair to Rio de Janeiro after flying during PSG’s 3-0 defeat of Marseille in Ligue that the surgery would require recovery time the star’s medical team to run a full physi- from Paris ahead of an operation on his fractured foot. (AFP) 1. It means a recovery period of up to three of “around two and a half to three months.” otherapy program, the report said.

BUNDESLIGA ‘Focus on Bayern’: Heynckes warns Lewandowski AFP working with Israeli agent Pini Zahavi. Coman in Freiburg. Ribery, 34, will Berlin The 74-year-old has close links with miss the game with a gastrointestinal Real, but Lewandowski has repeatedly infection. Coman, however, could miss denied claims he is eyeing a move to the rest of the season after needing an upp Heynckes has warned Rob- Madrid. The 29-year-old has a Bayern operation on torn ankle ligaments this ert Lewandowski to focus on contract until 2021. With 29 goals this week. Bayern Munich amid renewed season in all competitions, he can add Heynckes admitted he was ‘shocked’ speculation of a Real Madrid to his tally when runaway league lead- at the extent of the injury. He initially move,J but played down the Polish star’s ers Bayern visit Freiburg tomorrow. said it did not seem serious after last training ground bust-up this week. “We Heynckes also laughed off Lewand- Saturday’s goalless draw at home to don’t know anything concrete — I don’t owski’s argument on Wednesday with Hertha Berlin. Colombian James Ro- know if it’s speculation or just dreams,” Germany defender Mats Hummels. driguez is poised to return to Bayern Bayern coach Heynckes said yesterday The pair clashed during a training game training on Monday. The top-scorer at about the latest Real rumours. when Hummels accused the Poland the 2014 World Cup has been out since “Robert would be well advised to star striker of having a bad ‘attitude’ as suff ering a calf injury in the 5-0 rout of focus on Bayern. He is an absolute top they traded insults. Besiktas ten days ago. player and when we want to go further “Friction generates performances, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, we’ll need that’s not bad at all,” said Heynckes. are struggling with psychological is- him to put in his best performances. If I “It would be terrible if the players fell sues ahead of their crucial top-six clash Bayern Munich’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski had a training ground bust-up this week. (AFP) was a Bayern Munich player, then there asleep on the (training) pitch. You just today. Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen told would be no other club, because Bayern have to respect each other and say after Bild newspaper that his team had “a Monday’s 1-1 draw with Augsburg.”We are only three points ahead of sixth- Hoff enheim, Hamburg v Mainz, Wolfsburg is very special, also in comparison to that, ‘Okay, it’s all over now’ — which is mentality problem” after last week’s showed no passion,” said Stoeger.”I placed Leipzig. v Bayer Leverkusen (all 1430 GMT), RB European teams.” how it was.” shock defeat to Cologne. didn’t get the feeling that everyone was FIXTURES Leipzig v Borussia Dortmund (1730 GMT) Rumours linking the striker to Real Heynckes will be without French Dortmund coach Peter Stoeger had giving everything to win the game.” Today: Schalke v Hertha Berlin, Eintra- Tomorrow: Cologne v VfB Stuttgart (1430 have resurfaced since it emerged he is wingers Franck Ribery and Kingsley equally harsh words for his team after Dortmund are currently in second, but cht Frankfurt v Hanover 96, Augsburg v GMT), Freiburg v Bayern Munich (1700) Gulf Times Saturday, March 3, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE More woe for Wenger as City cruise past Arsenal again Man City score three times in the opening 33 minutes as Arsenal disintegrate once more in front of a sparse crowd

AFP novelty on a night of familiar failings London from Wenger’s men, who have now lost seven times in 12 games this year. “Do you want the fans to be happy when you eleaguered Arsenal man- are 3-0 down? I am surprised you are ager Arsene Wenger called on surprised,” continued Wenger. “It was his players to show they can combination of the weather conditions meet the club’s standards af- and the fact we had a big disappoint- terB a second humbling 3-0 defeat at ment on Sunday.” the hands of Manchester City in fi ve Arsenal had even started the brighter days on Thursday night. City moved 16 as Ederson prevented Vincent Kom- points clear at the top of the Premier pany turning into his own net before League as fresh from claiming their Henrikh Mkhitaryan stung the palms fi rst silverware of the Pep Guardiola era of the Brazilian goalkeeper with a drive in the League Cup fi nal last Sunday, the from the edge of the box. However, they visitors scored three times in the open- never recovered from the sucker punch ing 33 minutes as Arsenal disintegrated of City’s opener on 15 minutes as Sane once more in front of a sparse crowd at weaved away from three Arsenal chal- the Emirates. lenges on the left and teed up Bernardo Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Silva to cut inside onto his favoured left Leroy Sane were on target to infl ict a foot and curl into the top corner. third straight defeat on Arsenal and City showed their more clinical touch leave them 10 points adrift of the Pre- in the fi nal third again just before the mier League top four in sixth place. half hour mark. Sane was involved once And a night to forget for the Gunners more before Sergio Aguero played in was complete when £56mn ($79mn) David Silva to slot home at Petr Cech’s club record signing Pierre-Emerick near post. City then exhibited their Aubameyang saw his second-half pen- speed on the counter-attack for a third alty saved by Ederson. “You go up by fi ve minutes later as Aguero, Kevin de stairs and come down by the lift, that Bruyne and Kyle Walker combined to is what happens with confi dence,” said set up Sane to tap home his 12th goal of Wenger. “We have to show we have the the season. level to be at Arsenal football club.” Guardiola celebrated his 100th game However, the Frenchman again re- in charge of City by hailing his side’s fo- fused to accept it is inevitable that his cus to not let complacency seep in de- 22-year stay as boss is coming to a sad spite their huge lead at the top. “People end. “I am confi dent that nothing is always think ‘a lot of points in front, we permanent in life,” added Wenger. “It can relax’ and we did the opposite,” said is down to how you respond and the fo- Guardiola. “It is never easy if you are cus and eff ort you show to turn things not focused against teams like Arsenal. around.” We were (focused) and so far we make Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger looks dejected as his team is routed by Manchester City in the Premier League at Emirates Stadium in London on Thursday. (Reuters) Sub-zero temperatures and the an amazing Premier League season.” apathy caused by Arsenal’s display at Arsenal’s anguish was rounded off WINTER CHILL THREATENS TO Tomorrow’s trip to Brighton will serve fi ve points outside the top four by the FIXTURES (ALL KICK-OFFS GMT) Wembley on Sunday saw thousands of seven minutes into the second period FREEZE CONTE, WENGER OUT as another referendum on Wenger’s time they kick off at Manchester City Today: Burnley v Everton (1230), Leicester seats go unoccupied at the Emirates. when Nicolas Otamendi chopped down This weekend, Wenger and Chel- belief that he remains the right man to tomorrow. v Bournemouth, Southampton v Stoke, The lines around the pitch were painted Mkhitaryan inside the area. Aubam- sea manager Antonio Conte will have revive the Gunners. Elsewhere, second-placed Man- Swansea v West Ham, Tottenham v Hud- blue ahead of kick-off in case an ex- eyang took responsibility from the spot, no margin for error as they fi ght to With fourth-placed Tottenham Hot- chester United are fi rmly in control of dersfield, Watford v West Brom (all 1500), pected snow shower covered the fi eld. but the lack of conviction in his penalty avoid being frozen out of the Premier spur at home to Huddersfi eld Town their top-four bid as they head to Crys- Liverpool v Newcastle (1730) Unfortunately for the home fans that refl ected Arsenal’s performance as Ed- League’s top four and next season’s today, Chelsea — with three defeats in tal Palace, while third-placed Liverpool Tomorrow: Brighton v Arsenal (1330), did brave the cold, that was the only erson saved comfortably low to his left. Champions League. their past four league games — could be host Newcastle United. Manchester City v Chelsea (1600)

SPOTLIGHT LA LIGA Iran’s Rouhani ‘Invisible penalty’ earns Palmas draw against Barca AFP pledges women to Las Palmas, Spain get access to arcelona coach Ernesto Valverde claimed it was an “invisible pen- alty” which earned Las Palmas a stadiums: FIFA chief 1-1 draw on Thursday night and Bgave Atletico Madrid hope in La Liga’s title race. Barca host Atletico tomorrow, in a clash of fi rst against second with ex- tra weight, now that the Catalans’ lead has been cut to just fi ve points. Atletico thrashed Leganes 4-0 on Wednesday. Lionel Messi’s brilliant free-kick looked set to restore their advantage to seven points ahead of this weekend’s showdown at the Camp Nou but two deci- Las Palmas’ Jonathan Calleri (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring. (Reuters) to push their case in Tuesday’s surprise sions from referee Antonio Mateu helped defeat at Espanyol. lowly Las Palmas take a share of the started, despite sitting one yellow card Barca failed to clear a cross into their box Zinedine Zidane’s treatment of Bale spoils. First, Mateu overlooked a hand- away from a suspension, which he suc- and as the ball cannoned off the back post, in particular, left out earlier this month ball from goalkeeper Leandro Chichizola cessfully avoided. It is hard to think of it struck the oblivious Digne on the arm. against Leganes and then deployed as a outside the box, which could have drawn two better players than Messi and Suarez Calleri coolly dispatched the spot- centre forward in midweek, hardly seems Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani (right) is presented a memento by a red card, and then he awarded a penalty in a two against one but the former’s fi - kick. On came the extra fi repower, as to have smoothed the way for a return to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Tehran on Thursday. (AFP) when the ball struck Lucas Digne on the nal pass to the latter was underhit and the Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dem- form. Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to be re- arm. Former West Ham striker Jonathan fi rst big chance of the game was lost. bele replaced Aleix Vidal and Andres Ini- stored to the starting line-up at home to Reuters of criticism of his visit but felt it Calleri made no mistake. Messi seemed determined to atone for esta but Barca rarely troubled Las Palmas Getafe today. Marcelo is back in training Zurich was better to engage in dialogue Barcelona will feel hard done by given his error and in the 21st minute he won a in the latter stages. They must improve but Luka Modric (thigh) and Toni Kroos with Iranian leaders. Digne’s handball looked entirely acciden- free-kick after another irrepressible run tomorrow. In January, Barcelona and (knee) are further away. Real sit one point “I heard there were some inci- tal, with Gerard Pique on the pitch after to the edge of the box. The Argentinian Atletico were separated by 11 points at the ahead of fourth-placed Valencia, who IFA President Gianni In- dents where some women were the fi nal whistle venting his anger at the planted the ball left-footed into the top top of the table but win this weekend, and host Real Betis tomorrow. fantino said yesterday detained because they wanted to offi cials. Even after Calleri’s equaliser, right-hand corner. Diego Simeone’s side will have cut that he had told by Iranian attend a football match and there however, the visitors had 42 minutes to The fi rst controversy came on the gap to two. FIXTURES (ALL TIMES IN GMT) President Hassan Rou- was some criticism, obviously fi nd a winner and, in truth, they created stroke of half-time as Chichizola came Real Madrid´s own title aspirations are Today: Villarreal v Girona (1200), Sevilla v haniF that there are plans to al- and rightly,” he said. “There are little. The question now is whether three rushing out of his area but, after skewing long gone, with their focus fi rmly shifted Athletic Bilbao (1515), Deportivo La Coruna v low women to attend football two ways to deal with this mat- days is enough for Barcelona to recover, his clearance, the keeper quickly stopped to the Champions League and next week’s Eibar (1730), Leganes v Malaga (1730), Real matches in the country soon. In- ter — either we criticise, we physically and mentally, before facing an the ball with his hand. Mateu blew only second-leg clash with Paris Saint-Ger- Madrid v Getafe (1945) fantino said he met Rouhani dur- sanction, we condemn, we don’t Atletico team hunting their ninth win on for the interval. main. Domestic fi xtures have become Tomorrow: Levante v Espanyol (1100), Barce- ing a visit to Tehran on Thursday speak and we cut relations. Or we the bounce. Any sense of injustice was then dou- something similar to European trials, lona v Atletico Madrid (1515), Real Sociedad v where he also attended a derby go there and have a discussion Valverde had already lamented the bled three minutes after the break, when with the likes of Gareth Bale, Marcos Alaves (1730), Valencia v Real Betis (1945) between Esteghlal and Persepo- and try to convince the leaders scheduling this week but Luis Suarez Mateu awarded Las Palmas their penalty. Asensio and Isco all missing the chance On Monday: Celta Vigo v Las Palmas (2000) lis, one of the top fi xtures in the of the country that they should Iranian season. give (women) access to stadiums. “I was promised that women I went for the second option.” in Iran will have access to foot- Rouhani’s offi ce denied reports ball stadiums soon,” he said dur- that the ban on women attending Real Madrid’s Modric charged with false testimony ing an event at FIFA headquar- matches had already been lifted. ters in Zurich. “He told me that OpenStadiums said a similar Zagreb: Croatian prosecutors charged The indictment has yet to be approved said he had an annex to a contract with in Spain said in January. in countries such as (Iran), these promise over female access had yesterday Real Madrid’s Luka Modric by a court and the Croatia captain is Dinamo over conditions for future Spanish prosecutors believe he evad- things take a bit of time.” been made in 2013 to Infantino’s with giving false testimony at the multi- currently not threatened with an arrest. transfers, giving him the right to a “50-50 ed 870,728 euros on revenue from his The Iranian group OpenSta- predecessor Sepp Blatter. million-euro corruption trial of Dinamo Mamic is accused — along with his share in transfer fees,” while still playing image rights in 2013 and 2014 via a shell diums, which is campaigning Rouhani, a pragmatist, has Zagreb’s powerful former chief, an of- brother Zoran Mamic and two others — in Croatia. company set up in Luxembourg. Judicial for the right of women to attend repeatedly criticised the ban but fence carrying up to five years in jail. of abuse of power and graft that cost He also falsely testified he had signed authorities are still investing financial sports fi xtures in the Islamic Re- has been unable to get it removed The 32-year-old midfielder was the former Croatian champions more such an annex every time he extended holdings belonging to the player in the public, said that some women because of resistance from pow- charged with “committing the criminal than 15mn euros ($18.4mn), and the state his contract, they said. When questioned Isle of Man, on which Modric refused to were arrested near Azadi stadium erful hardliners in the clerical off ence of giving false testimony” last 1.5mn euros. during investigations in 2015, Modric comment in court. on Thursday during the Estegh- and security establishment. June during a trial against Zdravko Cash was allegedly embezzled said the annex was signed after he joined The indictment could also shake lal-Persepolis match. The semi- The Islamic Republic has long Mamic and three others before a local through fictitious deals related to player Tottenham, according to the prosecu- Croatia ahead of World Cup finals in offi cial Iranian students news barred women from attending tribunal, a prosecutors’ statement said. transfers. Modric testified last June over tors. The entire amount of the transfer Russia as Modric is the biggest star they agency ISNA quoted Interior Min- male football matches, based at In line with Croatian law the prosecutors the details of his 2008 transfer from Di- fee was eventually acquired by Dinamo, have had since 1998, when they surpris- istry spokesman Salman Samani least partly on the theory that did not name Modric as the indictee but namo to Tottenham Hotspur. From there the prosecutors said. ingly reached the World Cup semi-finals, as saying the female fans were not women should not hear male identified him as a “Croatian citizen born he joined Real Madrid in 2012. Modric, also accused of tax fraud in losing to eventual winners France. arrested but rather transferred to a fans swear and curse. Iranian in 1985.” Local media identified him as The prosecutors allege that Modric, Spain, has paid Spanish fiscal authorities Croatia play in Group D along with Ar- “proper place” by police. women are allowed to attend fe- Modric. when questioned at the tribunal, falsely close to one mn euros, a judicial source gentina, Iceland and Nigeria. Infantino said he was aware male football matches. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, March 3, 2018 SPORT

MOTOGP Iannone sets the pace on Day Two of testing at Losail Italian dethrones Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati from top spot by 0.041 seconds in the final half hour of the session

ndrea Iannone of Team Suzuki went quickest on the second day of the third and fi nal pre- season testing at Losail Inter- nationalA Circuit. The Italian dethroned former teammate Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati from top spot by 0.041 seconds in the fi nal half hour of the session, courtesy of a 1:54.586secs lap. Despite some early rain, the fi eld got in some good running on Day 2 – and it was Dovizioso and reigning champion Marc Marquez of Honda who ended the day closest to the ‘Maniac’ on the timesheets. The fi nal day of pre-season today will bring down the curtain, ahead of the fi rst race weekend of the year, the Grand Prix of Qatar at Losail Interna- Defending champion Marc Marquez of Honda suff ered a crash yesterday. tional Circuit from March 16 to 18. Iannone, who was also a key presence push; tenth after 35 laps. Alma Pramac Racing were the third on Day 1 as he moved up the ranks from The fastest Yamaha was once again Independent Team represented in the some more diffi cult tests at Sepang and Johann Zarco (Yamaha Tech 3) after top ten and their pairing of Danilo Buriram, has been within the top fi ve Maverick Vinales (Yamaha MotoGP) Petrucci and Jack Miller took P8 and P9 much of the time – and the Austria had taken back the honour on Day 2. to end the day just behind Viñales. The 2016 GP winner made a late attack to Zarco said it was a great day on track two men were split by less than a tenth set a 1:54.586 and pull just 0.041 clear and was fourth overall, making a big and it made for another impressive test of Dovizioso, largely now confi rming improvement on new tyres. performance for Queenslander Miller data and then working on race setup. Vinales, on the other hand, ended as he settles into life on Ducati ma- Teammate Alex Rins, who has im- yesterday in P7. Continuing to look for chinery – as well as podium challenger pressed so far in preseason, also made solutions to some issues plaguing the ‘Petrux’. Both men did also crash, how- it two Hamamatsu factory machines Andrea Iannone of Team Suzuki (left) and Maverick Vinales of Yamaha rider in action during the second day of the MotoGP Iwata marque, the Spaniard did 52 laps ever, with tumbles into T1 happening in the top fi ve on Day 2 – taking P5 and pre-season testing at Losail International Circuit yesterday. and went fastest on his penultimate ef- almost in unison, but riders ok. 0.288 off his teammate. fort. Teammate Valentino Rossi was P11 Aleix Espargaro was the top Aprilia Dovizioso, meanwhile, ended his they were tempering the reaction with new aero update that was spotted on Cal Crutchlow was the second quick- and only 0.034 off the top ten and Ped- man yesterday and is “confi dent and test slightly early after completing a positives but some negatives. Team- his Honda Team machine – as well as a est Honda in P6, a tenth and a half off rosa in P10, and the ‘Doctor’ explained curious” to compare his race simula- programme of 41 laps and having led mate Jorge Lorenzo, who was in the top crash. But the reigning champion said: Marquez and locked out of the top fi ve he was having some problems with the tion planned for the fi nal day of test- for much of the latter part of the day. echelons on Day 1, was P14 on Day 2 – “Even the crash was good – because by just 0.025. front tyre that put paid to a time attack. ing, with the Spaniard just under nine 0.041 off the top, the 2017 runner up putting in 53 laps and less than a second we tried the other bike with a diff erent Marquez’ teammate Dani Pedrosa, But the rider from Tavullia said his pace tenths off the top in P12. His teammate was overwhelmingly positive about his off Iannone. setup.” He put in a long run – as did meanwhile, took it a little easier yes- “wasn’t bad”, with that front tyre – es- Scott Redding was fi fteenth, after hav- bike at Losail – having also completed Marquez, who was just 0.167 off Ian- many – and despite a more diffi cult day, terday after a big crash on Day 1 – some pecially over race distance – a key focus ing headed the charge for the Noale fac- a longer run on the newer chassis, but none, did make some headlines with a was fastest Honda rider. HRC test rider pain in his hand meaning he didn’t for his side of the garage. tory on Day 1. (motogp.com)

TENNIS FORMULA ONE Zverev to face del Potro in semis No excuses for Bottas AFP Acapulco, Mexico this season: Hamilton hird-seeded German Alexander Reuters Zverev reached his fi rst ATP semi- London fi nal of the season on Thursday, beating Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-1 to Tset up a clash with Juan Martin del Potro in our times Formula One Acapulco. World number fi ve Zverev, 20, is world champion Lewis the highest-ranked player left in the draw Hamilton says Mercedes of the hardcourt tournament that saw top teammate Valtteri Bottas seed Rafael Nadal withdraw with nagging willF have no excuses this season. hip trouble. Asked after testing in Spain In the semis, he’ll face former US Open whether he expected the champion del Potro, who fended off a sec- 28-year-old Finn to be harder to ond-set challenge from third-seeded Aus- beat now that he has settled in at trian Dominic Thiem to triumph 6-2, 7-6 the title-winning team he joined (9/7). “I was very happy with how I played,” in January last year, the Briton said Zverev, who saved all four break points paused to consider the question. he faced. “I’m starting to play very well “No,” replied world champion again, and that’s all that matters for me.” Hamilton, who has won three of Argentina’s del Potro saved three set his titles with Mercedes and is points against Thiem in the second-set Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro hits a forehand during his win over Austria’s Dominic Britain’s most successful driver tiebreaker, fi ring two aces to give himself a Thiem at the Mexico Open in Acapulco on Thursday. (AFP) of all time. “But I would say that match point and taking the contest when about anyone, it’s nothing about Thiem double-faulted. In the other semi- Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine made short work seed stood within two points of victory in Valtteri. It’s diffi cult coming to fi nal, fi fth-seeded South African Kevin of Mladenovic, 6-2, 6-2, in a rematch of last the second set against Filip Krajinovic, but a new team and learning new Anderson will take on American Jared Don- year’s fi nal. Vogele next faces Sweden’s Re- eventually had to go the distance to oust the ways, new controls and now he’s aldson. Anderson defeated South Korean becca Peterson, who ousted fourth seeded Serb 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5). gone through the whole learning Chung Hyeon 7-6 (7/5), -4 while Donaldson Zhang Shuai of China 6-2, 6-1. Tsurenko In today’s fi nal, Pouille will face Roberto process and he’s going to hit the beat Spain’s Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-1. will take on third-seeded Australian Daria Bautista Agut, after the Spanish third seed ground running. So there’s no Mercedes’ Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas. (Reuters) In women’s action, top-seeded Ameri- Gavrilova, who beat Veronica Cepede of who beat Tunisian crowd darling Malek more excuses for sure.” can Sloane Stephens and second-seeded Paraguay 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Jaziri 6-3, 6-4. Bottas, who joined from Wil- Bottas knows he has to be con- ter with Bottas than he did with Kristina Mladenovic of France were both Pouille fi nally advanced on his third liams at short notice after 2016 sistently at the top of his game Rosberg, a rival from boyhood sent packing in the quarter-fi nals. Switzer- POUILLE, AGUT ENTER DUBAI FINAL match point as Krajinovic returned wide. He champion Nico Rosberg retired, this year, with Hamilton gunning who used all the psychological land’s Stefanie Vogele, ranked 183rd in the Lucas Pouille missed out on a straight-sets posted 16 aces and broke twice. The French- won three of the 20 races last to become only the third driver to weaponry he could muster, and world, stunned reigning US Open champion win and then had to beat a fi nal-set rain man was runner-up in Marseille last week- season. But he suff ered some- win fi ve world titles. he expected the Finn to give it his Stephens 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. delay yesterday to reach the fi nal of the end having won the Montpellier title earlier thing of a slump after the August Others are also casting envi- best shot. Seventh seed and defending champion Dubai Championships. The French second this season. break before again picking up ous eyes at the Finn’s race seat, “He did great in the last couple strongly once Hamilton had won knowing that it could be up for of races (of 2017) which is awe- the championship in Mexico. grabs at the end of the year. some and I’m expecting him to be SPOTLIGHT The Finn ended the year by Australian Daniel Ricciardo, in tip-top shape for the season,” winning from pole in Abu Dhabi, who will be out of contract at Red he said. with the fastest lap also, and Bull, and young Mercedes pro- “Do I expect him to be closer? emerged from this week’s fi rst tege Esteban Ocon, who is cur- I assume so. I’d have to assume Nadal withdraws from Indian Wells, Miami pre-season test in Barcelona rently with Force India, are two he’s going to be in the best shape with more mileage under his belt strong candidates should Bottas possible. But then again, so am I.” AFP The 31-year-old 16-time Grand than his teammate whose track fall short of what is required. The season starts in Australia Los Angeles Slam winner had been left distraught time was limited by bad weather. Hamilton gets on far bet- on March 25. on Tuesday after suddenly pulling out of Acapulco just hours before his orld number two Ra- opening match. fael Nadal announced It marked the sixth tournament in a First test leaves questions to be answered his withdrawal from this row that Nadal has pulled out of or re- month’s ATP Masters tired from — Basel, Paris, the London London: Lewis Hamilton Circuit de Catalunya with a lap tian Vettel on softs on Tuesday. Wevents in Miami and Indian Wells yes- ATP Tour Finals, Brisbane, Australian declared his new Mercedes to of one minute 19.333 seconds But plunging track tempera- terday, citing a leg injury that forced Open and Acapulco. be the big sister of last year’s on Thursday, after snow and tures made it hard to get heat him to pull out of the Mexican Open. Nadal’s withdrawal was greeted temperamental title winner but rain blew out Wednesday’s track into the tyres. Nadal said in a statement on Facebook with dismay by Indian Wells tourna- Formula One’s first pre-season action. The time was quicker “The track is quicker than it the injury, which fl ared in Acapulco ment director Tommy Haas. test of 2018 still left plenty of already than anything the Briton was in the past, much smoother. this week, was in the same area as the “We are disappointed that Rafa will room for conjecture. The four- did in 2017 pre-season testing, A lot more grip,” off ered Hamil- hip problem that led to his exit from not be able to compete for the third times world champion, who can when Mercedes were behind ton by way of explanation. the Australian Open in January. title at this year’s BNP Paribas Open,” expect to start the campaign only Ferrari, and not far off the “It’s diff icult to say whether “I won’t be able to play in Miami Haas said. “We wish him all the best in Australia on March 25 as a 1:19.301 that teammate Valtteri the car’s that much better or or Indian Wells as I need to recover,” for a speedy recovery.” favourite, said bad weather, a Bottas produced on day six of how much of that is the track Nadal said. “It was very painful to Nadal, who turns 32 in June, ended resurfaced and smoother track last year. and how much is the grip. And retire from Acapulco and it’s very 2017 as the oldest year-end world and heavier cars had made com- And he did it on the medium how much of that is the tyres. hard as well to not play in the USA. I number one in the 45-year history of parisons tricky. Pirelli tyres, slower than the So over the next days, I guess will miss you and I will do everything the ATP rankings. However, he lost Hamilton was fastest over the ones used by Ferrari — whose next week, we’ll get a better that’s possible to be back there in the top ranking to old rival Roger Fe- opening four days at Barcelona’s best lap was a 1:19.673 by Sebas- understanding.” 2019.” derer last month. Gulf Times Saturday, March 3, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Warriors’ Curry destroys hotel table in golf mishap

Golden State Warriors star the hashtag “#idiot.” The entire Stephen Curry can hold his top of the table was shattered, own on the golf links, but that as glass shards littered the doesn’t mean he’s not prone to floor and chairs nearby. 76ers turn tables mistakes. “Golf is hard...” the PGA Tour The 29-year-old made a big one account replied to Curry. Thursday, destroying a glass Curry played the Web.com table in his hotel room while Tour’s Ellie Mae Classic on a practising his swing. sponsor’s invite last summer Curry shared an image of the and finished ahead of four wreckage on his Instagram players in the 156-man field at on LeBron’s Cavs, account — a post that included 8-over.

NHL Lakers rout Heat Four unanswered Redick’s 22 points fuel 76ers, who had lost 11 straight games to the Cavs goals lift Predators over Oilers Reuters It was Edmonton’s fi rst power- New York play goal in 12 games, having failed to score on 19 chances over 11 outings. ictor Arvidsson’s sec- However, the Central Divi- ond goal of the night sion-leading Preds drew even with 5:08 remaining by the second intermission with in the game broke the Scott Hartnell putting the Pred- Vdeadlock and the Nashville Pred- ators on the board at 16:28 of the ators erased a two-goal defi cit second period. A pair of Oilers, with four unanswered markers Andrej Sekera and Ryan Strome, to beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 were guilty of making soft passes Thursday night in Edmonton. in their own zone and soon after Arvidsson took advantage of Nick Bonino set up Hartnell for yet another poor Oilers decision his 12th marker of the campaign. and converted a play with Filip Then Arvidsson scored with 9.2 Forsberg to silence the Edmon- seconds remaining in the mid- ton faithful at Rogers Place. dle frame to tie the aff air 2-2. A Austin Watson’s goal with 3:10 poor decision by Oilers defense- remaining in regulation rounded man Ethan Bear at the off ensive out the scoring. Predators goalie blueline in his NHL debut proved Pekka Rinne stopped 34 shots costly, as Arvidsson converted on for the win, his team’s season- a two-on-one rush with Forsberg. high sixth consecutive victory, Cam Talbot made 38 saves and was perfect after the Oilers for the Oilers, who have lost 12 staked themselves to a 2-0 fi rst straight games against the Pred- period lead. ators. Connor McDavid opened the The win was record-breaking scoring at 11:01 of the fi rst period for Nashville general manager with his 29th goal of the season David Poile. It’s the 1,320th win and 14th in the last 15 games. Mc- his team has collected as GM, David got away with one when he most in league history, mov- slashed the stick out of the hands ing him ahead of the mark set of Predators defenseman Mattias by former Oilers and New York Ekholm a few moments before Rangers GM Glen Sather. getting the puck in the slot then deking Rinne and depositing the RESULTS Philadelphia 76ers’ JJ Redick (right) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers’ Rodney Hood (left) and LeBron James during the NBA game in Cleveland on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) puck in the cage. Boston 8 Pittsburgh 4 Leon Draisaitl doubled the Carolina 4 Philadelphia 1 AFP That included a short jump shot in the lying,” an unrepentant Clarkson said. Lakers and Brandon Ingram added 19 be- lead with just 52.2 seconds re- Florida 3 New Jersey 2 Los Angeles fi rst quarter which came after James es- fore a premature departure with a left hip maining in the opening frame. Tampa Bay 5 Dallas 4 (OT) caped a double-team by dribbling behind LAKERS BEAT HEAT IN MIAMI fl exor strain — the only downside for the Draisaitl took the feed at the Nashville 4 Edmonton 2 his back and through the legs of team- In Miami, Los Angeles point guard Isaiah Lakers on the night. blueline as the Oilers rushed into Arizona 5 Minnesota 3 he Philadelphia 76ers led wire- mate Tristan Thompson. Thomas scored a season-high 29 points “We’ll know more tomorrow,” Walton the zone and from the left face- San Jose 7 Chicago 2 to-wire in a 108-97 victory over He added nine rebounds and eight as- in the Lakers’ convincing 131-113 victory said. off dot ripped a top-corner shot. Los Angeles 5 Columbus 2 the Cavaliers in Cleveland on sists but Cleveland, who closed within over the Heat. The Lakers are now 4-0 since the All- TThursday, perhaps the perfect one point with 2:25 remaining after trail- “It was beautiful to watch Isaiah in the Star break. sales pitch if they want to lure LeBron ing by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter, fourth quarter again,” said Lakers coach In Portland, the Trail Blazers rallied in James to Pennsylvania next season. were never able to get in front. Luke Walton. “It was fl ashback to what he the fourth quarter to beat the Minnesota The 76ers, who had lost 11 straight “Looked like we had some heavy legs did to everybody last season. It was a lot Timberwolves 108-99, moving within games to the Cavs, were fuelled by 22 tonight,” James said. “We fought back of fun to watch that, see him do his thing.” half a game of the T’Wolves for third points from shooting guard JJ Redick, but it’s been a tough stretch for us playing The Lakers won in Miami for the fi rst place in the Western Conference. who connected on seven of 11 shots from every other day the last four weeks. time in a decade, halting whatever mo- Portland struggled from three-point the fl oor, including four three-pointers. “But we’ve got to fi gure it out,” he add- mentum the Heat had built with wins range for most of the game. But trailing It was a rare road win for the Sixers, ed. “We still had a chance to win. Couple over the Memphis Grizzlies and the 76ers. by six in the fourth quarter they reversed who notched just their second win in breakdowns down the stretch didn’t allow Veteran Dwyane Wade, who drained the trend to produce a 20-4 scoring run. their last eight away games. that to happen. Give credit where credit is the game-winner against the 76ers on All-Star guard Damian Lillard scored Joel Embiid added 17 points, 14 re- due. I thought Philly played well.” Tuesday, delivered another vintage per- 35 points and the Trail Blazers withstood bounds and six assists for Philadelphia. Things got testy in the waning seconds, formance in his seventh game back with a 34-point performance from Timber- Ben Simmons fi nished with 16 points, when Philadelphia forward Dario Saric the Heat since he was traded from Cleve- wolves center Karl-Anthony Towns to nine rebounds, and eight assists. dunked and Cleveland’s Jordan Clarkson, land. record their seventh win in eight games. James, who said he was fl attered by irked that he didn’t just let the clock run But his 25 points weren’t close to three billboards rented by a Pennsylva- out, bounced the ball off Saric’s back to enough against a Lakers team untroubled RESULTS nia company in the Cleveland area urging earn an ejection. by any defensive eff ort Miami, who gave Cleveland 97 Philadelphia 108 him to consider a move to the Sixers as a “If anybody say diff erent, that they up the most points they have allowed this Portland 108 Minnesota 99 free agent next season, led all scorers with wouldn’t have did that, that they’d have did season. Miami 113 LA Lakers 131 30 points. something diff erent, or anything else, they Julius Randle scored 25 points for the Sacramento 116 Brooklyn 111 (OT) Nashville Predators’ Victor Arvidsson (right) celebrates a goal during the NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton, Canada, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) BOTTOMLINE New talent, team as new MLS season kicks off MLB Phillies in touch with AFP Rossi (19) refl ects a broader recent trend Los Angeles of MLS teams pursuing more youth- ful players, with South America often a free agent Lynn: report prime market. new club in Los Angeles and an Atlanta United, who reached the East- Reuters cause both right-handers turned infl ux of talented players from ern Conference playoff s last season in New York down qualifying off ers from their South America will take centre- their debut year, scored a notable transfer prior teams — the Cardinals and Astage as Major League Soccer coup in the close season with the acqui- Cubs, respectively. kicks off its 23rd season this weekend. sition of Argentine starlet Ezequiel Barco ould the signing log- On the surface, Lynn seems After a year of record-breaking at- for an MLS-record $15mn. jam among free-agent more in the rebuilding team’s tendances in 2017, MLS will aim to build Barco will miss the opening weeks of starting pitchers be ballpark than Arrieta. Lynn is on that success as it expands to 23 teams the season due to a thigh injury sustained Cbroken up by the Phila- slightly younger, with less major with the introduction of Los Angeles in training this week, but Atlanta never- delphia Phillies? league wear and tear and nearly Football Club. theless look primed to build on the suc- After recently being publicly 200 fewer career innings pitched LAFC’s arrival will provide one of the cess of 2017. tied to discussions with Scott (977 2/3 to Arrieta’s 1,161). Ar- most intriguing storylines of the new Argentine Hector Villalba, Paraguay Boras, agent for former Cy Young rieta’s fl ashier resume (two season as they attempt to exploit the de- Los Angeles will be coached by former US national team coach Bob Bradley. international Miguel Almiron and Vene- Award winner Jake Arrieta, the no-hitters, 2015 NL Cy Young cline of fi ve-time MLS Cup champions zuela’s Josef Martínez all return while the Phillies have made contact with Award, three top-10 fi nishes in Los Angeles Galaxy. plying their trade in MLS. ning where you stand and it helps you addition of US international Darlington the representatives of Lance Cy Young Award voting), report- The expansion side looks perfectly Los Angeles will be coached by former look closely at a lot of little details. We’re Nagbe off ers another source of goals from Lynn, MLB.com reported Thurs- ed high-end salary desires and poised to supplant Galaxy as the pre-em- US national team coach Bob Bradley, who looking forward to it.” midfi eld. day. age lend credence to a landing inent team in the California metropolis. returns to management after his ill-fated Tomorrow’s opener is the fi rst of six Atlanta open their campaign against According to the report, no spot in major markets with con- An ownership group that contains NBA 85-day stay with Swansea City in the consecutive games on the road before Los Houston Dynamo in Texas today. agreement is imminent between tending teams. The Phillies have legend Magic Johnson and Hollywood English Premier League in 2016. Angeles make their home debut on April 29. Reigning MLS Cup champions Toron- the Phillies and Lynn, who turns the market and money, but have actor Will Ferrell has ensured a sprinkling Bradley is itching to get started after By then, Bradley hopes to have a clearer to FC, meanwhile, begin their quest for 31 in May. not had a winning season since of stardust while the team will play home spending more than a year on the sidelines idea of his new team’s identity having built back-to-back titles with a home opener But this report follows the 2011. games in a new 22,000-seat stadium following his departure from Swansea. it from scratch in the space of less than two against Columbus Crew today. publicised Arrieta discussions in Also of note, Lynn missed the close to downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles open with a daunting away months. The team only began training for Toronto skipper Michael Bradley is recent weeks that hinted that the entire 2016 season after under- On the fi eld, LAFC have assembled a game against the 2017 Western Conference the new season in late January. bracing for a renewed challenge within team was at least considering a going Tommy John surgery in cosmopolitan squad which will be spear- champion Seattle Sounders tomorrow. “After fi ve weeks I don’t want to pre- the Eastern Conference, with Atlanta, big splash on the starting pitch- November of 2015. headed by Mexico striker Carlos Vela and tend we’re exactly where we want to be,” Chicago, New York City FC and New York ing market. The Phillies also must consider Costa Rica international forward Marco SOUTH AMERICAN INFLUX Bradley cautioned. “I think in terms of Red Bulls all strengthening their rosters. One potential downside to they already lost a second-round Urena. “It’s a great way to start,” Bradley told the picture of what kind of team we want “They’re going to be determined to signing either Lynn or Arrieta pick after signing fi rst baseman Vela and Urena will be supported by reporters this week. “Whenever you play to be and the football we want to play, knock us off of our perch,” Bradley said. (turns 32 next Tuesday) is that Carlos Santana, who rejected a Uruguayan teenager Diego Rossi, one of against one of the top teams in your con- that part has moved along in a good way.” “We have to be ready for everything that’s the organisation would lose its qualifying off er from the Cleve- more than 60 South American players ference, you get an idea from the begin- LAFC’s recruitment of Vela (28) and coming.” second-highest draft pick be- land Indians. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, March 3, 2018 SPORT

GOLF GOLF / HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD C’SHIP Rising US golf star Oosthuizen in Kang takes lead in Singapore

AFP WGC-Mexico lead Singapore Former British Open champion leads Schauff ele, Sharma and Paisley by a stroke ising American star Danielle Kang fi red a Reuters record-equalling eight- Cary, North Carolina under-par 64 to take the halfwayR lead in the HSBC Wom- en’s World Championship yes- late eagle boosted smooth- terday but there was little respite swinging Louis Oosthuizen to for the world’s top golfers. the fi rst-round lead as a diverse Former world number ones mix of players lined up close be- Lydia Ko of New Zealand and hindA the South African at the WGC-Mex- Park Inbee of South Korea con- ico Championship on Thursday. tinued to struggle at the Sentosa The former British Open champion of- Golf Club, fi nishing tied for 27th fered a timely reminder that on his day he and 36th respectively. is still among the game’s elite as he carded Kang showed the benefi ts of a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 at Club an off -season gym routine that de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City. seemingly has her ready to take Korda shot a six-under 66 that He headed Xander Schauff ele, Shub- on the world as she ended the day left her tied for second place on hankar Sharma and Chris Paisley by a on 12-under-par 132, with her 64 eight-under 136 with Alex, and stroke on a day when defending cham- matching the tournament record one shot in front of three play- pion Dustin Johnson hit a 69 that includ- for a round set by Park when she ers on seven-under, including ed a near ace at the 17th, his ball landing won the event last year. 40-year-old American former beyond the pin and spinning back almost It was enough for a four-stroke world number one Cristie Kerr, into the hole. lead over fellow Americans Nelly who shot a fi ve-under 67. In just his second PGA Tour start of the Korda and Marina Alex. If the younger Korda should year, Oosthuizen ran off fi ve birdies be- Kang broke through last sea- prevail come Sunday it would fore landing a four-foot eagle at the par- son with a fi rst Major win at the only be the second time in the fi ve 15th, which plays more as a long par- KPMG Women’s PGA Champi- 68-year history of the LPGA that four in the rarefi ed air more than 7,300 onship. sisters have both won tourna- feet (2,225m) above sea level. She has brushed off the stifl ing ments, following the exploits of “I’m very confi dent with my driver at tropical conditions this week as Sweden’s Sorenstam sisters An- the moment. I’ve got a nice little cut go- easily as she dismissed an un- nika and Charlotta. ing, and it’s nice to be able to just aim left fortunate incident on opening “We obviously have a little bit and swing away,” Oosthuizen told Golf day when she broke a back tooth of a sibling rivalry, but every- Channel. while tucking into her breakfast. thing is very friendly,” said Ko- “I’ve been swinging it pretty good the “Every time I hit a shot, I’m rda. last two or three weeks.” Louis Oosthuizen plays a shot from a bunker on the 14th hole during the first round of the WGC-Mexico Championship in Mexico like, it keeps scratching,” she China’s world number one He said he had misjudged the distances City, Mexico, on Thursday. (Bottom) India’s Shubhankar Sharma is a stroke behind the South African. (USA TODAY Sports) said. “It’s raw here, but it’s okay. Feng Shanshan was left fl ying the of some of his iron shots in the thin air, I just don’t chew on that side. I’ll fl ag for the more fancied players but not enough to cost him a bogey. major of the year. be fi ne.” again, backing up a solid opening “You can get one with a short iron and Currently ranked 75th in the world, he The two-time US Amateur round with a matching two-un- it just blows your mind how far it goes and has only four weeks left to move into the champion’s eight-under round der 70 that was more about grind then the next hole you come up short. It’s top 50 and punch his ticket to Augusta. came bogey-free and with eight than glory. all about the ball fl ight you put on it.” The Masters has a tradition of occa- birdies, and placed some breath- It left the 28-year-old tied for sionally inviting a non-exempt Asian ing distance between Kang and 15th and eight shots off the pace SHARMA SHINES WITH GEORGIA ON player, raising the intriguing possibility the fi eld. set by Kang heading into the HIS MIND that Sharma might yet receive a prized Chasing Kang’s heels is an- weekend. Shubhankar Sharma made an eye-open- summons, even if he doesn’t qualify au- other of the game’s burgeoning “Yesterday, my putting wasn’t ing World Golf Championships debut as tomatically. talents — 19-year-old Korda, really working and today my the Indian prospect carded a six-under- But he would rather make it a moot fresh off her rookie year on the iron shot wasn’t very good,” said par 65 in the fi rst round. point and with a strong fi nish could qual- LPGA Tour and from watching Feng. Already twice a winner this season on ify as early as this week. With the nerves her elder sister Jessica win the “We still have two days, and the European Tour, the 21-year-old said, settled, it is full steam ahead. Honda LPGA Thailand at the hopefully I can get everything “I’m really pleased with the way I played. “To be honest, I’m actually relaxed weekend. together.” I was very nervous in the morning, but now,” he said. “I just wanted the fi rst very happy with the way I put it all to- round to get out of the way,” said Sharma, gether.” who has been hooked on golf ever since he SPOTLIGHT The hot start was another small step was introduced to the game by his father towards what Sharma hopes will be an as a six-year-old. appearance in next month’s US Masters. “You’re always very happy when you Despite recent victories in South Af- start with such a low round, especially for NZ Rugby links with rica and Malaysia, and leading the Eu- me. This is such a big event, I would say ropean Tour’s Race to Dubai standings, this is taking some pressure off me, play- Sharma has yet to qualify for the first ing well on this course.” England’s Harlequins to boost revenue De Jager’s birdie run sets Tshwane Open pace Reuters seen again for another 12 years Wellington and NZR had to manage their AFP back after rounds of 66 over the “I started off nicely on 10 and then I was Aguilar, seeking a third European Tour costs and seek new commercial Pretoria 6,476-metre/7,081-yard layout. a bit slow, but really steady. On my sec- triumph and first since 2014, played his opportunities. Danny Willett of England, the only major ond nine I finished birdie-birdie — that best golf on the back nine, collecting ew Zealand Rugby NZR was also getting drawn winner in a low-profile field, carded a was the cherry on the cake. four birdies. took an unprecedent- into a more intense battle with outh African Louis de Jager set 70 as he continues his recovery from a “The course is a bit easier than in previ- Suri, the only top-100 ranked golfer in the ed step in linking up northern hemisphere clubs to the pace in the Tshwane Open on shoulder injury. ous years, because it is a little softer and field, picked up four birdies and dropped Nwith a foreign club retain talent, despite the strict SThursday with a birdie-peppered Flawless De Jager, whose best European the greens are holding much better. one shot over the front nine and birdied yesterday, announcing a co- policy of selecting only locally- seven-under-par first round of 64 in per- Tour finish was third in the maiden “But the rough is challenging so you three holes on the inward half. operation agreement with Eng- based players for the three-time fect conditions at Pretoria Country Club. Tshwane Open five years ago, played have got to hit the ball straight and that US Masters champion two years ago land’s Harlequins that they hope World Cup champions All Blacks. The 30-year-old from the northern Lim- the back nine first and his seven birdies was a good part of my game today,” said and a five-time European Tour winner, will boost revenues and enable While in the past many of those popo province leads by one stroke from included three in a row from 16. De Jager. Willett has slumped to 210 in the world them to compete with the cash- players leaving New Zealand did so Chilean Felipe Aguilar, South African “It is a very nice start,” said the leader. Three-time European Tour winner Aiken after being sidelined by injury. rich European game. towards the end of their careers, Thomas Aiken and American Julian Suri. “It is good to tee off in the morning and birded five consecutive holes from 11, He managed only two birdies, and The agreement is principally in the last 18 months All Blacks South Africans Shaun Norris and then post a score like that. I am very but two bogeys prevented him taking dropped one shot to trail De Jager by commercial and will allow NZR coach Steve Hansen has lost a large Combrinck Smit are a further shot pleased. the lead on a clear, warm day. five strokes. to leverage off the larger mar- number who would be considered kets in Britain and Europe, a NZR still in their prime. spokesperson said. Tew also said earlier this week “This is new territory for New he was concerned at European COMMENT Zealand Rugby and this unique clubs targeting teenagers. relationship will open some use- Troubles at pay broadcaster ful connections in that part of Sky Television could also have the world,” NZR chief executive an eff ect in the future because a Steve Tew said in a statement substantial portion of NZR’s an- Tiger has shown he’s a threat again, say experts yesterday. nual income of about NZ$200mn “With its strong expat com- stems from a lucrative fi ve-year Reuters injury that some felt would spell the end munity, London is of key strate- television agreement with Sky Toronto of his illustrious career. gic importance to New Zealand TV that expires in 2020. But those predictions may have been Rugby.” Despite Sky’s stranglehold on premature as Woods has shown no ill ef- Tew added the two organisa- most live sports rights in rugby- iger Woods may only be three fects in his latest comeback from the back tions would also co-operate in a mad New Zealand, the broad- starts into his PGA Tour return problems that plagued him for years. number of other areas, including caster’s share price slumped nine but some experts feel the former “Certainly there’s hurdles to over- coaching. percent on Wednesday after it world number one has shown he come, but the sharpness of his golf swing The agreement came on the announced a declining subscrib- Tstill has what it takes to make a meteoric and his game look very, very good,” said back of NZR announcing a record er base. rise up the rankings. Duval. “You can see that as much as any- profi t of NZ$33.4mn ($24.25mn) Chief executive John Fellet Woods, who had spinal-fusion surgery thing I think it was some competitive rust on the back of a successful Brit- also added the company was in 10 months ago, has been erratic off the tee he was fi ghting. ish and Irish Lions tour last year. “a fi ght of our lives” as it battled but has displayed solid scrambling skills “I don’t think he’s all the way there and Tew, however, warned that with increased competition from to record two top-25 fi nishes and reach all the way back. He’s certainly getting type of revenue would not be streaming services. 389th in the world. awful close awful quickly.” “I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see Woods has said he needs more “tourna- Tiger make a run into the top 10 (in the ment reps” to be ready for the Masters but world),” Golf Channel analyst and former eligibility issues will limit the number of Chiefs hold off Blues in Auckland world number one David Duval told a events he can play between now and April. conference call on Thursday. Chamblee said impressive outings Captain Sam Cane scored an early second-half try to spark a 14-point “How high he can get, I don’t know, but I would off er a timely pre-Masters boost turnaround for the Waikato Chiefs as they continued a remarkable wouldn’t be shocked at all if he made a run.” for the former champion but added that unbeaten streak against the Auckland Blues with a 27-21 victory at Woods, 42, showed more than a few off the pace in 12th for perhaps his boldest me the most, but he’s a threat again. And he saw everything he needed to see from Eden Park yesterday. The Chiefs had been trailing the Super Rugby glimpses of his vintage best at last week’s statement yet of the year. it’s great to have him back.” Woods at the Honda Classic to know he encounter 14-10 at halftime before Cane and scrumhalf Brad Weber Honda Classic where, despite playing on “He’s close to winning a golf tourna- Last week’s performance by Woods was could be a contender at Augusta National. touched down within two minutes of each other early in the second one of the most diffi cult courses on the ment,” said former PGA Tour winner and so encouraging that his odds to win the “One or two tournaments I think would half, scores which turned the game towards the visitors. Colin PGA Tour, he entered the weekend only Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee. April 5-8 Masters dropped to 16-1, accord- be just enough for him. And I think he needs Cooper’s injury-riddled side then withstood a furious onslaught from four shots off the lead. “It’s probably a tie between his club ing to Westgate Las Vegas Superbook. to contend again and get into the hunt,” said the hosts, who had several opportunities to seal victory in the final The 14-times major champion, whose head speed and his ability to get the ball Woods is a four-times Masters cham- Chamblee. “But it will surprise nobody if minutes but lacked the composure to take them. The Chiefs have not third-round 69 was his lowest on the up and down again that surprised me the pion but has not competed in the fi rst he’s very close to the lead all through that lost to their neighbours since March 2011, a run of 13 matches. PGA Tour since 2015, fi nished eight shots most. I’m not sure which one surprised major of the year since 2015 due to a back tournament, the Masters.” Gulf Times Saturday, March 3, 2018 7 CRICKET

REPORT PSL Russell hits six off last super over ball Starc attack leaves as Islamabad beat S Africa gasping in Qalandars in thriller Durban Test AB de Villiers played almost a lone hand for South Africa, making 71 not out

Australia bowler Mitchell Starc delivers the ball to South Africa By Sports Reporter Islamabad United opened batsman Faf du Plessis (not seen) Sharjah through Russell and Asif Ali, who during day two of the first Test hit Mustafi zur Rahman’s sec- at the Kingsmead Stadium in ond ball of the super over for a Durban yesterday. est Indies batsman straight six but failed to connect Andre Russell hit with the third. the last ball of the Off the fourth ball he could super over for six as only manage a single, leaving Is- WIslamabad United beat Lahore lamabad with the tricky situation Qalandars in the Pakistan Super of having to score seven runs off League here yesterday. the fi nal two balls. In a thrilling match, Qalandars However, Russell top edged were set a modest target of 122 but the fi fth ball for a boundary and some tight bowling by Samit Patel hoicked the last for a six to clinch and Mohamed Sami coupled with the win, much to the delight of some brilliant fi elding saw the Qa- his captain Misbah-Ul-Haq. tar-owned team dismissed for 121, Sami, who took three wickets thus tying the match. for 21 for Islamabad during regu- Agha Salman top-scored with lation and then bowled the super 48 and captain Brendon McCul- over was declared man of the lum hit 34 before he was run out, match. Yesterday’s defeat was the with four balls in the innings re- fourth straight one for Qalandars. maining and the score on 115 for 9. Earlier Islamabad had scored Last man Salman Irshad hit the 121 for 9 in regulation thanks to fi rst ball he faced from Sami for knocks of 34 and 33 by J P Du- six to tie the scores, but was out miny and Hassan Talat, respec- the very next ball, caught by Asif tively. Yasir Shah claimed three Ali, to force the match into the wickets for 20 for Lahore. super over, the fi rst ever in PSL’s Meanwhile the fi rst match yes- history. terday between between Karachi McCullum, who took the Kings and Multan Sultans was crease once again for the Qaland- called off due to rain. ars in the super over, pulled Sami The Kings won the toss and for six off the very first ball but opted to bat fi rst before rain foiled was caught on the boundary by their plans. The match offi cials Patel while attempting to repeat waited for almost two and a half the feat. hours before taking a decision. Umar Akmal, who had crossed The sharing of points ends the over to the striker’s end, then Kings’ 100 per cent record in the failed to connect with the third tournament. They now have sev- ball, but managed a top-edged en points from four matches. six with the fourth. The next two The Sultans, meanwhile, have balls yielded just three runs as the fi ve points to show from a quartet Qalandars managed 15. of games.

AFP DURBAN SCORECARD Pat Cummins to give Cameron Bancroft SPOTLIGHT Durban a second catch at short leg to leave South Australia first innings (overnight 225-5) H. Amla c Bancroft b Lyon ...... 0 Africa reeling at 55 for three at tea. C. Bancroft c De Kock b Philander ...... 5 A. de Villiers not out 71 De Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis he spin of Nathan Lyon and the D. Warner c De Villiers b Philander ...... 51 F. du Plessis c Paine b Starc ...... 15 batted confi dently after tea, scoring freely CPL chief warns reverse swing of Mitchell Starc U. Khawaja c De Kock b Rabada ...... 14 T. de Bruyn c Paine b Starc ...... 6 off Lyon so that the spinner was taken off sent South Africa crashing on S. Smith c De Villiers b Maharaj ...... 56 Q. de Kock b Lyon ...... 20 after a spell of two for 36 in ten overs. the second day of the fi rst Test S. Marsh c De Villiers b Maharaj ...... 40 V. Philander c Paine b Starc ...... 8 He was replaced by the Starc, who against clash with againstT Australia at Kingsmead yesterday. M. Marsh c Morkel b Philander ...... 96 K. Maharaj b Hazlewood ...... 0 struck twice with reverse swing, having South Africa were bowled out for 162 T. Paine c De Kock b Rabada ...... 25 K. Rabada lbw b Starc ...... 3 both Du Plessis and Theunis de Bruyn shortly before the close, giving Australia a P. Cummins b Maharaj ...... 3 M. Morkel b Starc ...... 0 caught behind off balls which moved away English T20 event lead of 189 runs on the fi rst innings. M. Starc b Maharaj ...... 35 Extras ...... 0 from them. Brought back into the attack, Lyon started the slide for the hosts and N. Lyon c De Bruyn b Maharaj ...... 12 Total (51.4 overs) ...... 162 Lyon ended a promising sixth-wicket AFP have good players, but they are fi nished with three for 50 before the tall J. Hazlewood not out ...... 2 Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Elgar), 2-27 (Amla), 3-55 stand of 42 between De Villiers and Quin- London not going to have the best,” he left-armer Starc gave a magnifi cent dis- Extras (b4, lb8) ...... 12 (Markram), 4-92 (Du Plessis), 5-108 (De Bruyn), ton de Kock, bowling De Kock for 20. explained. play of fast, reverse swing bowling to take Total (110.4 overs) ...... 351 6-150 (De Kock), 7-158 (Philander), 8-159 Almost from the start of his innings, De “I think it’s important that fi ve for 34. Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Bancroft), 2-39 (Kha- (Maharaj), 9-162 (Rabada) Villiers looked in a diff erent class to his he Caribbean Premier T20 leagues around the world AB de Villiers played almost a lone hand waja), 3-95 (Warner), 4-151 (Smith), 5-177 (S. Bowling: Starc 10.4-3-34-5, Hazlewood 13-5- teammates, timing the ball superbly de- League have warned understand actually it doesn’t for South Africa, making 71 not out. Marsh), 6-237 (Paine), 7-251 (Cummins), 8-300 31-1, Lyon 16-3-50-3, Cummins 12-2-47-1 spite the slow pitch. He reached his fi fty the England and Wales make sense to be overlapping,” Mitchell Marsh struck 96 for Australia. (Starc), 9-341 (M. Marsh) Match situation: Australia lead by 189 runs off 81 balls with nine fours. Cricket Board their Russell said. “There are too Largely through his eff orts, as well as an Bowling: Morkel 22-3-75-0, Philander 27-12- on the first innings. Mitchell Marsh, who had made cen- plannedT new Twenty20 tourna- many T20 leagues so some- aggressive innings of 35 by Starc, Aus- 59-3, Maharaj 33.4-5-123-5, Rabada 25-7-74-2, Toss: Australia turies in two of his previous Tests, both ment won’t succeed as hoped if where, somehow, we’ve all got tralia’s last three wickets added 100 runs Markram 1-0-2-0, De Bruyn 2-0-6-0 Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Sunda- against England, looked set for another it clashes with the existing com- to come together to work out our to take them to a total of 351. South Africa first innings ram Ravi (IND) until he drove Vernon Philander to mid- petition in the West Indies. own windows.” On a pitch which has proved even slow- D. Elgar c and b Lyon ...... 7 TV umpire: Chris Gaff aney (NZL) on, where Morne Morkel, South Africa’s Although the ECB’s eight- This year’s CPL, which will er than predicted by both captains, left- A. Markram c Bancroft b Cummins ...... 32 Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) tallest fi elder, leapt to take the catch. team city-based tournament start on August 8, is set to feature arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took fi ve for Marsh batted cautiously to be on 60 not will start in 2020, the exact dates a raft of well-known players, in- 123 for South Africa. out off 147 balls at lunch, seeing off the have yet to be fi nalised. cluding international stars such Spin continued to be eff ective when handed batsmen before blasting out the Lyon into the attack in the eighth over. second new ball, before adding another 36 But with the aim to attract as Brendon McCullum, Sohail South Africa batted. Off -spinner Lyon last two batsmen, both left-handers, with He had almost immediate success, runs off only 26 balls after the interval. He new and younger audiences, Tanvir, Shakib Al Hasan, Mar- was brought on in the eighth over and full deliveries bowled from over the wick- catching Elgar off his own bowling with hit 13 fours and a six. there’s every chance it could tin Guptill, Hashim Amla and took two wickets in his fi rst over. et. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram put his second delivery. Three balls later he Starc hit 35 off 25 balls to provide a mo- clash with the ‘school holiday’ Shahid Afridi, as well as Carib- Starc used reverse swing bowled from on 27 for South Africa’s fi rst wicket and had Hashim Amla caught off bat and pad mentum shift for Australia before being August-September time frame bean favourites Chris Gayle, Su- around the wicket to make the ball move were looking reasonably comfortable un- at short leg. bowled by Maharaj in the last over before in which the Twenty20 CPL is nil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Evin disconcertingly away from the right- til Australian captain Steve Smith brought Markram (32) fended a short ball from lunch. currently played. Lewis, and Lendl Simmons. “We are a unique tourna- Those making their CPL debut ment,” said Hero CPL chief op- include Australia all-rounder BOTTOMLINE erating offi cer Pete Russell at the D’Arcy Short. 2018 draft in London on Thurs- This year each of the six teams day. “We are played across so has a roster of 18 cricketers, many countries. with the top pay band netting Marsh hails Starc as world’s king of swing “You are always going to come the players concerned $160,000 up against challenges. The Eng- each. lish one is a good example. Although English cricket has AFP world,” said Marsh, who top-scored with 96 feel that way. I was very motivated to score defence, keeping the good balls out. That’s “Yes, they might be bigger and the Twenty20 Blast involving Durban in Australia’s total of 351. some runs for the boys. Unfortunately there given me a lot more confi dence now to be bolder but, from a player pool all 18 fi rst-class counties, ECB “Reverse swing bowling when he’s bowl- were not enough partnerships.” a lot more patient and to choose the right perspective, I don’t think it’s go- chiefs have long looked envious- ing at that sort of pace is near impossible to De Villiers said that his plan was to bat for balls to play shots at.” ing to be too much diff erent. ly at more ‘attractive’ franchise itchell Marsh described name- play. We saw that today.” as long as possible. He intended to be more On a pitch which has proved even slower “That’s the challenge the ECB T20 tournaments such as the sake Mitchell Starc as the best On an abrasive surface, which has helped aggressive when batting with the tailend- than predicted by both captains, left-arm have — if they clash with the hugely lucrative Indian Premier exponent of reverse swing spin bowling and enabled the fast bowlers ers but lost the strike and could only add spinner Keshav Maharaj took fi ve for 123 for CPL, which is likely, then how League or Australia’s Big Bash. Mbowling in the world after to gain reverse swing, Marsh predicted that one run as the last fi ve wickets fell for 12 South Africa. will they, as they say they want They have far fewer teams, Starc and off -spinner Nathan Lyon sent South Africa would struggle again in the runs. Marsh played a crucial role, batting Spin continued to be eff ective when to, become the biggest T20 tour- which leads to a shorter sched- South Africa crashing on the second day of second innings. well with the tail as the last three Australian South Africa batted. Lyon was brought on in nament in the world?” ule and in turn means there’s a the fi rst Test against Australia at Kingsmead “Hopefully we’ll have a good day tomor- wickets added 100 runs. the eighth over and took two wickets in his “You are not going to do that greater chance of top players be- yesterday. row. All three of our (fast bowler) guys are He looked set for his third century in his fi rst over. — because we are going to be ing involved throughout, there- South Africa were bowled out for 162 world-class reverse swing bowlers so it’s most recent four Tests before picking out Starc used reverse swing from around the sharing players and our (team) by generating greater broadcast shortly before the close — losing their last going to be hard work for South Africa,” he the tallest man in the fi eld, Morne Morkel, wicket to make the ball move disconcert- owners are very ambitious, as and commercial revenues. fi ve wickets for just 12 runs — giving Aus- said. who leapt to take a catch at mid-on off Ver- ingly away from the right-handed bats- are we.” Signifi cantly, the ECB plan to tralia a lead of 189 runs on the fi rst innings. AB de Villiers played almost a lone hand non Philander. men before blasting out the last two bats- Russell said each T20 event run the new event as an addition Lyon started the slide for the hosts and for South Africa, making 71 not out off 127 “It was an important innings for me and men, both left-handers, with full deliveries needed to establish its own win- to the Blast rather than as its re- fi nished with three for 50, while the tall left- balls with 11 fours. also for the team,” said Marsh. “I was re- bowled from over the wicket. dow in an already-crowded fi x- placement. armer Starc gave a magnifi cent display of He batted fl uently but watched helplessly ally proud of the way I batted with the tail Starc had earlier played a useful innings ture schedule. “How stupid is that?,” wrote fast, reverse swing bowling to take fi ve for as his teammates collapsed. today.” of 35 off 25 balls, batting with Marsh, to pro- “So you’ll get to a state where England great Geoff rey Boycott 34. “I felt really good leading up to this Test,” Asked to explain his recent form, Marsh vide a momentum shift after Australia had we are going to have good play- in his Daily Telegraph column on “In my opinion he (Starc) is the best in the he said. “I felt confi dent, you don’t always said: “I’ve worked extremely hard on my made slow progress earlier in the day. ers, obviously they are going to Wednesday.

Saturday, March 3, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Rugby League looks to gain foothold in Qatar ‘To play it you have to be very tough, and that reflects the nature of the Qatari people in recent times’

By Mikhil Bhat Australian Rugby League great Doha Mal Meninga, currently the coach of the world champions, has also spoken of playing a ugby League has seen a lot of charity match against Tonga in action in recent months across Doha in October to raise money the world. for the victims of Cyclone Gita Australia won their 11th RRugby League World Cup in a Decem- Committee,” al-Kuwari told Gulf Times. ber 2, 2017, beating England in the fi nal “Of course we are full member of the in Brisbane. After delaying it for long, Asian Rugby Union… our priority will the Global Association of International still be for Rugby Union. But it (Rugby Sports Federations (GAISF) granted League) can be treated separately. It is Rugby League International Federation only a Test match so far. (RLIF) an observer status in January “These are still early stages and we are 2018. And there has been increased ac- yet to sit down face to face with Rugby tivity to introduce the 13-player-a-side League offi cials to iron out the details.” sport to Qatar. Asked about the reports of a Rugby Rugby League is a full contact sport League World Cup in Qatar, both Ibra- governed by the RLIF, with notable rule him and al-Kuwari acknowledged that diff erences as compared to Rugby Un- there needs to be a start somewhere, ion, which is governed by World Rugby. read the Test match in question, and Some of the diff erences include size in future the sport can developed into of the team, there are no line-outs in something bigger. Rugby League, each team is allowed “We don’t want to just keep playing six tackles before possession is handed the Rugby League World Cup in only over, and the points system (4 points and Australia and New Zealand,” Ibrahim not 5 for a try and 1 point for a fi eld goal Qatar Rugby Federation President Yousef al-Kuwari and Aqeeq Holdings CEO Michael Ibrahim. added. not 3). With fewer stoppages in play and Though as part of his “vision”, Ibra- lesser number of players as compared to (Rugby League) in the Gulf. It is a unique al-Kuwari, through the union, so we said. chises worldwide,” he explained. him does think that taking players from 15 in Rugby Union, Rugby League is of- sport. I will give you an example for it. are just trying to merge both parties to- Elaborating, he added, “And we want “They want to introduce Rugby Qatar to Australia for further exposure ten considered to be a more physically Rugby League is a very tough sport. To gether.” to have like a curtain raiser, Samoa vs League to this region because it is ben- and training is a “very big possibility”. demanding discipline. play it you have to be very tough, and The plan, he said, is to host a block- Fiji. Prior to that we want to have mi- efi cial for them as well. Because it would “Of course there will be talent, but The Rugby League World Cup was that refl ects the nature of the Qatari buster Test between Australia and Tonga nor Rugby League countries, such as mean sponsorship deals, the more expo- you need to spot them. And that’s our fi rst held in 1954, while the Rugby Union people in recent times. It refl ects their later this year. “It’s like the number one Qatar, Philippines, Iran to also be part sure you get, the more sponsorship you mission, spot talent and take them to World Cup was fi rst played in 1987. resilience, their pride and spirit. So there playing the number two,” Ibrahim said. of this tournament. We want it to be a get. And that’s just the fi nancial benefi t Australia, introduce them to the game. Australian businessman Michael Ib- is a lot of common ground between the Australian Rugby League great Mal two-three day event and expose Rugby (aspect of it).” Imagine a Qatari national playing Rugby rahim, who has been based out of the people and the sport,” Ibrahim, who is Meninga, currently the coach of the League to the Middle East, obviously via Unlike some countries where Rugby League in Australia. That would be an Middle East for the last 18 years with the CEO of Aqeeq Holdings, said. world champions, has also spoken of Qatar, and show the world that there is League has faced opposition from the amazing achievement, not just for Qa- business interests in Oman and Qatar, “Current status,” Ibrahim said, “is playing a charity match against Tonga in place for it here.” national Rugby Union federation, QRF tar, for the Arab region. For instance, has had a lot of back and forth done that we have all the approvals from the Doha in October to raise money for the Ibrahim said that the National Rug- has in fact been supportive. Lebanon, they made the quarter-fi nals in recent times to have Australia play Australian Rugby League (Commis- victims of Cyclone Gita. by League (NRL), the premier Rugby “We are responsible for all kinds of of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. So a Rugby League Test in Qatar against sion), the New Zealand, the Pacifi c. “He (Meninga) is a very big supporter League competition in Australia, are as rugby in Qatar, whether it is Rugby Un- it will be an amazing, amazing achieve- Tonga later this year. We have got the agreement with (Qatar of this concept. He has been pushing it. keen as expanding the sport around the ion, Rugby League or Touch, all are part ment for a local Qatari rugby player to “I believe there is a market for it Rugby Federation president) Mr. Yousef We are working together on it,” Ibrahim world. “It’s like a business, and has fran- of our mandate from the Qatar Olympic make it to NRL,” he said.

ATHLETICS BOTTOMLINE History as every SC conducts tour of runner in 400m Wakrah Stadium heat disqualifi ed

Reuters Birmingham

very runner, including the world’s fastest man this year, was disqualifi ed in a bizarre 400 me- tres heat that made athletics history on the sec- Eond day of the IAAF World Indoor Champion- ships yesterday. Bralon Taplin was among the casualties after appearing to qualify for the semi-fi nals later yes- terday by winning the third heat comfortably in 46.37 seconds. But the Grenadan was ruled to have run out of his lane, along with the other three fi nishers, Jamaica’s Ste- ven Gayle, Latvia’s Austris Karpinskis and Alonzo Rus- sell from the Bahamas. Another runner, Qatar’s 2017 world outdoor bronze he Supreme Committee for De- tournament.” A large amount of traffi c and pedes- medallist Abdalelah Haroun, was earlier red carded for livery & Legacy (SC) welcomed The stadium, inspired by Qatar’s tra- trian modelling has been completed to false starting in the same heat. 25 members of the CIHT Qatar ditional dhow boats, will have a capac- ensure the smooth operation of the sta- It is the fi rst time every athlete has been disquali- Group recently for a presenta- ity of 40,000 during the tournament dium in diff erent situations, for example, fi ed from a heat at a major championships, according to Ttion and a walking tour of Al Wakrah and will be reduced to 20,000 in legacy during pre-match arrival, at half time, statistician Mark Butler. Stadium. The stadium will host matches mode. The site will also boast gyms, a and after the game; not just for specta- Grenada offi cials launched an appeal, but it was re- during the 2022 FIFA World Cup through swimming pool, basketball courts, res- tors but also for offi cials, members of the jected, as was that for Costa Rica’s Nery Brenes, who to the quarter-fi nal stages. taurants, retail and a wedding hall which press and VIPs. was disqualifi ed from a later heat, also for a lane in- The SC’s Project Manager at Al Wak- will make it a signifi cant community The Group was then taken on a site fringement. rah Stadium, Thani al-Zarraa, gave an landmark for Al Wakrah. visit around the stadium viewing the There was no such drama in the fi nal heat when Pavel Qatar’s Abdalleleh Haroun reacts after being informed presentation to the group ex- The stadium is some 15km south of impressive structures being built. Main Maslak eased though, qualifying behind Spain’s Oscar disqualified from his men’s 400m heat yesterday. plaining the stadium and precinct is be- Doha and will be connected to the city contractor works will be completed in Husillos as the Czech indoor specialist attempts to be- ing constructed by a joint venture with via the new metro line and feeder buses. 2018. come the fi rst three-time 400m champion at the event. run with the top sprinters and I hope I’m getting better MPS (MIDMAC, PORR Qatar and Six The site will also be well-connected with The attendees enjoyed the opportu- In the women’s 400m heats, Americans Court- through the weekend”. Construct). the two major highways immediately ad- nity to see the exciting and challenging ney Okolo (51.54) and Shakima Wimbley (52.43) both In the heptathlon Frenchman Kevin Mayer took a Eng. Zarraa stated: “This project is not jacent to the stadium. There will be four project close up and many questions qualifi ed comfortably, along with Switzerland’s Lea strong grip on the gold medal as he seeks to establish only to host the Qatar 2022 FIFA World bus stops within 240m from the main were asked throughout the visit to enrich Sprunger (52.46), who is expected to be their main ri- himself as the true heir to American Ashton Eaton. Cup, as it is foreseen that it will have gate as well as bicycle lanes and racks their understanding and knowledge of val. Mayer recorded personal bests in the 60m and shot greater positive impact on the beyond the within the site. this unique project. Double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson put, and recorded a solid long jump, to lead Canada’s of Jamaica also eased through to the later stages of the Damian Warner by 45 points after three events. 60m, posting 7.20 to fi nish behind Marie-Josee Ta Lou In the 3,000m, Ethiopians Yomif Kejelcha and Se- BASKETBALL from the Ivory Coast, who continued her recent good lemon Barega won the heats ahead of tomorrow’s fi nal. form to win the heat in 7.17. It was later announced that American Paul Chelimo Thompson, who won bronze at the 2016 world in- had been disqualifi ed for stepping inside the track. doors but has yet to replicate her best form of last year, “I do not know what was going on and why I was Rayyan take on Al Khor appeared composed in making it through in what is disqualifi ed,” he said. “I was careful and watched the shaping up to be one of the championship’s most hotly steps. There was no intention to do it.” Germany’s Rich- contested events. ard Ringer was also disqualifi ed from the 3,000m after in Qatar Cup opener today While Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers accelerated barging another athlete, with his appeal also rejected. steadily to win her heat in 7.19, US national champion Amid continued bad weather outside the arena, the By Sports Reporter Gharafa Club. Nine teams are taking part who won the league title last month, are Javianne Oliver was slowest off the blocks in the rstfi organisers blamed empty seats on the closure of local Doha in the tournament which follows the Qa- the fi fth team in Pool A. Al Gharafa, who heat, looking sluggish in posting 7.29 to fi nish third be- schools, which had been allocated tickets. tar Basketball League and precedes the beat Al Rayyan for the title last year, will hind Norway’s Ezinne Okparaebo. “Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, Emir Cup which brings the curtain down play their fi rst match tomorrow against The 23-year-old American ran the world’s best this the majority of the schools in Birmingham and across efending champions Al Ghara- on the local basketball season. Al Sadd. year of 7.02 at altitude but showed her inexperience at the region are closed today and so the school children, fa have been grouped with Al The action gets underway at 5pm with The top two teams from each group this level by only just making it through. along with the other spectators who aren’t able to trav- Sadd, Al Shamal and Al Wakrah matches in Pool A with Al Rayyan tak- will qualify for the semi-fi nals which will France’s Carolle Zahe posted the fastest time of 7.11 el, won’t be able to join us today, a statement from the in Pool B of the Qatar cup bas- ing on Al Khor and Qatar Sports Club be played on March 21, while the fi nal is in winning Heat Four, saying: “It’s an honour for me to Local Organising Committee said. ketballD tournament beginning today at Al clashing with Al Ahli at 7pm. Al Arabi, set for March 24.