Kyrgios pulls out of US Open; Zverev says he will be playing page 10 MONday, AUGUST 3, 2020 Infantino staying on as chief, FIFA blasts Swiss probe AFP clared meetings with Infan- have attempted to exert any FIFA said that “in no way Geneva tino during the probe. form of improper influence” whatsoever” were the meet- Swiss authorities said Kel- on Lauber. ings secret, and they had been FIFA president Gianni In- ler “reached the conclusion FIFA said it was “not ille- arranged by the OAG. fantino will continue in his There was and is absolutely no reason to open that... there are indications of gal anywhere in the world” to post, world football’s govern- any investigation because nothing remotely criminal conduct” in relation meet a prosecutor. ‘No obligation’ to keep ing body insisted on Sunday, criminal has happened and there is nothing to meetings between Infan- It said the meeting be- minutes as they blasted the launch of at all to suggest any form of criminal tino, Lauber and another of- tween Infantino and Lauber FIFA claimed that meeting a Swiss criminal proceedings ficial, Rinaldo Arnold, in 2016 was “entirely logical” given prosecutor was “the best guar- against him. wrongdoing. The FIFA president will and 2017. that the Office of the Attorney antee that any such meeting is “There was and is abso- continue to fully assume his functions “This concerns abuse of General (OAG) was conduct- legitimate”. lutely no reason to open any within FIFA and fulfil his duties. public office, breach of official ing investigations in more It also insisted there was investigation because nothing secrecy, assisting offenders than 20 cases in FIFA-related “no obligation” on the FIFA remotely criminal has hap- – FIFA statement and incitement to these acts,” matters. president to keep minutes of pened and there is nothing at the authorities said. The organisation said such meetings. all to suggest any form of crim- such meetings or contacts Switzerland has pursued a inal wrongdoing,” FIFA said in Categorical denial were “routine” during an number of cases since a raid a media release. FIFA hit back on Sunday, investigation. on a luxury hotel in Zurich in “The FIFA president will accusing Keller of having It said the point of the May 2015 led to the arrests of continue to fully assume his brought forward no legal meeting was to offer FIFA’s a several FIFA executives and functions within FIFA and ful- grounds for his probe. “full support” for the investi- exposed an allegedly corrupt fil his duties and will continue “Keller has presented no gations, and Infantino attend- underbelly in world football. to cooperate with the authori- serious elements or legal basis ed in “good faith”. In total, more than 20 ties in Switzerland and around FIFA President Gianni Infantino. for the opening of any investi- “FIFA was trying to restore FIFA proceedings have been the world.” gation and lacks any detail as trust in the institution at that opened in Switzerland over Special prosecutor Stefan Switzerland’s attorney general charge of Switzerland’s probe But he was forced to to the substance of the case. time,” it said, finding itself the past five years into allega- Keller started proceedings on Michael Lauber, the country’s into the towering corruption recuse himself from the in- “FIFA and the FIFA presi- “in a disastrous situation and tions of corruption and vote- Thursday as part of an inves- top prosecutor. scandal that exploded at the vestigation in June 2019, fol- dent categorically deny any at risk of being designated a buying, and allegations over tigation into suspected collu- Lauber, who offered his heart of Zurich-based FIFA in lowing media revelations that implication or suggestion that criminal organisation by the the awarding of television sion between Infantino and resignation on July 24, was in 2015. he had held several unde- the FIFA president would ever US authorities”. rights contracts. ‘Heart stopping’ Hamilton wins seventh British Grand Prix on three wheels

The punctured tyre of British driver Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes (above) at the Silverstone motor racing circuit in England on Sunday. On right, Hamilton races to win with a deflated and shredded front left tyre (AFP)

AFP ing laps of an exciting race that saw Silverstone him fall from fourth to 13th. British Grand Prix Results Esteban Ocon finished sixthin 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1 h 29:51.105, 2. Max Verstappen World championship leader the second Renault ahead of Pierre (NED/Red Bull-Honda) at 5.856, 3. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 18.474, Lewis Hamilton survived a Gasly of Alpha Tauri, Alex Albon 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Renault) 19.650, 5. Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren- tense last lap drama in the second Red Bull, Lance Renault) 22.277, 6. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Renault) 26.937, 7. Pierre Gasly with a deflated and Stroll of Racing Point and (FRA/AlphaTauri-Honda) 31.188, 8. Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull-Honda) shredded tyre to four-time champion Sebas- 32.670, 9. Lance Stroll (CAN/Racing Point-Mercedes) 37.311, 10. Sebas- clinch a record sev- tian Vettel, in his final season tian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 41.857, 11. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 42.167, enth victory in Sun- with Ferrari. 12. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari) 54.205, 13. George day’s British Grand “In the last few laps, I Russell (GBR/Williams-Mercedes) 52.004, 14. Carlos Sainz (ESP/McLaren- Prix, claiming “my started to back off and then on Renault) 53.370, 15. Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) 54.549, 16. heart almost stopped”. the last lap, it just deflated,”said Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) 55.050, 17. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa The six-time world Hamilton. Romeo Racing-Ferrari) one lap champion led from lights to Fastest lap: Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 1:27.097 on 52nd lap flag, and through two Safety ‘Heart in the mouth’ Did not start: Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Racing Point-Mercedes) Car interventions, before he “It was heart in the mouth. I Did not finish: Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari), Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Alpha- suffered a front left tyre failure nearly didn’t get round the last Tauri-Honda) on his final lap, leaving him two corners. I was managing it to nurse his Mercedes home and praying to get round and World Championship Standings with second-placed Max not be too slow. Drivers: 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 88 pts, 2. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 58, 3. Max Verstappen in hot pursuit in “I have Verstappen (NED) 52, 4. Lando Norris (GBR) 36, 5. Charles Leclerc (MON) 33, his Red Bull. definitely 6. Alexander Albon (THA) 26, 7. Sergio Pérez (MEX) 22, 8. Lance Stroll (CAN) He finished 5.9 seconds never ex- Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton inspects his punctured tyre in parc ferme 20, 9. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 20, 10. Carlos Sainz (ESP) 15, 11. Esteban Ocon behind. perienced after victory in the Formula One British Grand Prix at the Silverstone motor racing (FRA) 12, 12. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 12, 13. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 10, 14. Antonio The Dutchman had anything circuit in Silverstone, central England on Sunday. (AFP) Giovinazzi (ITA) 2, 15. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) 1, 16. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 1 inherited second when like that on Constructors: 1. Mercedes 146 pts, 2. Red Bull-Honda 78, 3. McLaren-Renault Hamilton’s Mercedes team- the last lap definitely nearly stopped.” lot. We took our opportunities.” 51, 4. Ferrari 43, 5. Racing Point-Mercedes 42, 6. Renault 32, 7. AlphaTauri- mate Valtteri Bottas, running and my heart In the drivers championship, On another bright, but windy day, Honda 13, 8. Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 2, 9. Haas-Ferrari 1. comfortably in second for he leads with 88 points after four Hamilton overcame an imperfect most of the contest, was hit by races, a lead of 30 ahead of the start from his 91st pole position and The stewards blamed Albon and The interruptions did nothing to the same problem, his front-left luckless Bottas. record seventh in Britain. gave him a five-second penalty. halt Mercedes’ progress at the front, delaminating and deflating on his |”It was lucky and unlucky for us,” He led as he pulled clear before a The Safety Car led the field for five Hamilton and Bottas pulling clear penultimate lap. said Verstappen. final corner collision, on the opening laps before handing back to Hamil- of Verstappen with some ease. The Finn limped back to the pits “The Mercedes were too quick. lap, involving Kevin Magnussen and ton who stayed in control until lap By lap 30, the gap was eight sec- and finished pointless in 11th place The tyres didn’t look great with the luckless Albon led to the first de- 13 when Daniil Kvyat suffered a right onds with Leclerc 14 seconds adrift. while his rivals slowed to preserve 10 laps to go and then Valtteri ployment of a Safety Car. rear puncture and crashed heavily Behind them, Grosjean and their rubber, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc got a puncture and they boxed The Dane’s Haas car was on the at Maggots, where both rear wheels Sainz were engaged in a fierce bat- taking third place behind Verstappen me to go for fastest lap... Second outside of Albon’s Red Bull, with the smashed off his Alpha Tauri. tle for fifth, which saw the French- ahead of Daniel Ricciardo of Renault is a good result.” Thai driver refusing to concede, when He was unhurt, but a second Safe- man weaving to resist at Brook- and Lando Norris of McLaren. Leclerc said: “It was a tricky they crashed and Magnussen spun ty Car was required for five laps while lands. Hamilton’s victory was the 87th race – as soon as I heard Valtteri had into a gravel trap, his front left wheel debris was cleared. The Frenchman continued his of his career and moved him within a tyre problem, I slowed down quite a smashing off in the barriers. This reduced the field to 17, Nico aggressive approach, however, in a four of Michael Schumacher’s record Hulkenberg having failed to start duel with Ricciardo. of 91. Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates with his trophy on the podium on his dramatic return, with Racing It was duly noted by the stew- Norris’s team-mate Carlos Sainz after winning the Formula One British Grand Prix at the Silverstone motor racing Point, as stand-in for coronavirus vic- ards as more “moving under brak- was also a puncture victim in the clos- circuit in Silverstone, England, on Sunday. (AFP) tim Sergio Perez. ing”. Ricciardo called it “sketchy”. 10 Monday, August 3, 2020 Sports Kyrgios pulls out of US Open, Zverev says he will play

DPA Sydney/Berlin

Nick Kyrgios is the latest player to pull out of the US The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League T20 cricket Open while Alexander Zverev tournament will also see the return of former India and Chennai has said he would go although Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to action. he considers playing the New York Grand Slam amid the coronavirus crisis “crazy.” IPL confirms US Open Organisers have meanwhile reiterated they want to stage the major as September start planned from August 31, as well as the Cincinnati Masters, AFP because of pandemic. moved to the same venue, a New Delhi India currently has 1.75 week earlier. million coronavirus cases, the But concerns are growing Nick Kyrgios of Australia (left) and German Alexander Zverev, who had earlier said “it was a little crazy to play the US Open now”. The Indian Premier League world’s third highest. after the Madrid Open have on Sunday confirmed that The IPL was previously said that their September playing in his own exhibition of the hotspots in spring. the much-delayed 2020 held outside of India in 2009, event could be scrapped after tournament, the Adria Open, US Open Organisers have reiterated they want to “I would prefer it if the US tournament will finally start when it was played in South an according recommendation specially organised to fill the stage the Grand Slam tournament as planned from Open didn’t take place and we in the United Arab Emirates Africa, and 2014 in the UAE from local health authorities, tennis gap during the crisis. August 31, as well as the Cincinnati Masters, moved start in Europe ... It is not the in September because of the because it clashed with na- and a player due to participate Kyrgios, 25, is a very out- right time to fly to America mounting coronavirus pan- tional elections. in next week’s women’s restart spoken critic of the events in to the same venue, a week earlier. now.” But he also said: “If the demic in India. ESPNCricinfo adds: This in Palermo testing positive for Europe, and has now said he US Open takes place, what It will be the third time window makes IPL 2020 a 53- COVID-19. won’t go to New York, just reasons,” the world number tourage drastically reduced, should we players do? Espe- that the world’s richest cricket day event, three days longer Tournaments in the Unit- as compatriot and women’s 40 said. and regular tests. cially if everyone is playing, tournament has had to be held than the last two editions, and ed States in August and China world number one Ash Barty. Kyrgios added he has “no Zverev, 23 – who partici- it’s also about ranking points.” outside its home country. the longest for an eight-team and Japan in autumn have “I will not be playing this problem” with the organisers pated at the Adria Tour but However, it remains to The tournament will start edition in the tournament’s already been cancelled as the year at the US Open. It hurts putting on the tournament didn’t contract the virus, and be seen who will eventually on September 19 and the final history. men’s ATP and women’s WTA me in my core not to be out and “if players want to go, came under fire for a video in board a plane to New York, es- will be on November 10, said A franchise said that the tour face a difficult restart there competing,” Kyrgios that’s up to them. So long as a nightclub which showed no pecially from the players who Board of Control for Cricket first leg of the tournament will from a suspension of play that said in a video published on everyone acts appropriately social distancing - expressed live abroad. in India (BCCI) secretary Jay be played behind closed doors. started in March. the Uninterrupted platform on and acts safely.” mixed feelings at a weekend The US tennis federation Shah in a statement after a The Emirates board, earlier The recent return of ten- Twitter on Saturday. The New York events at exhibition event in France. USTA meanwhile reiterated Fri- video meeting of the IPL gov- this week, had shown a keen- nis for exhibition events has “But I am sitting out for Flushing Meadows are to take “It is a little crazy to play day that it “continues its plans” erning council. ness to have the stadiums at also seen coronavirus-related the people, for my Aussies, for place behind closed doors the US Open now,” the sev- to stage both tournaments and “Taking note of the pre- 30-50% capacity. problems. the hundreds of thousands of and amid a strict safety and enth-ranked German said that “New York State continues vailing COVID-19 situation in Meanwhile, a BCCI re- Top men’s player Novak Americans who have lost their health protocol, with players as the US remains one of the to be one of the safest places in India, the IPL governing coun- lease said the Women’s T20 Djokovic – along with others – lives, for all of you. It’s my only to move between their hardest hit countries by the the country as it relates to the cil decided to stage the tourna- Challenge would also take became infected in June after decision ... and those are my hotel and the venue, their en- pandemic, with New York one COVID-19 virus.” ment in the United Arab Emir- place alongside the IPL, fea- ates and the matches will be turing three teams playing played in Dubai, Sharjah and four matches during the final Abu Dhabi subject to neces- week of the tournament. The sary clearances from the gov- release added that the govern- ernment of India,” said Shah. ing council would finalise and Chicago, Montreal surprise as NHL returns Ten of the matches will be publish its standard operat- held in the afternoon while the ing procedures (SOPs) “in due AFP while Brandon Saad and Dy- rest will all be in the evening. course, including the agencies Montreal lan Strome added goals for the The statement said the to execute and deliver a bio- 12th-seeded Blackhawks and governing council discussed secure environment for safe Chicago and Montreal, with Corey Crawford made 25 saves. health procedures for the eight and successful conduct of IPL the fewest wins of any National “It just was not good teams but did not say whether 2020 Season.” Hockey League playoff teams, enough, all around,” Edmon- the players would have to un- The IPL will retain all its ignited the rink return from a ton star Connor McDavid said. dergo quarantine in the UAE major sponsors, including COVID-19 hiatus with upset “Game one is important. We before the tournament starts. the Chinese mobile company triumphs in Saturday openers. lost it. Nothing we can do about The UAE currently re- VIVO, the title sponsor. The NHL Rookie of the Year it now. All we can do is focus on quires tourists to be in isola- topic of Chinese sponsors has candidate Dominik Kubalik in- game two. tion for 14 days. been a contentious one in spired the Chicago Blackhawks “We did a better job as The tournament normally recent weeks, given the to a 6-4 victory over Edmonton the game went on of keep- starts in late March or April cross-border tensions between in game one of their best-of-five ing it simple. That’s what our but was repeatedly postponed India and China. qualifying series at Edmonton, team needs to do, ultimately, scoring two goals and assisting is be simpler.” on three others. - NHL fights racism -Before “We were ready to go and the Edmonton-Chicago start, Nowhere to being where he belongs I think the game was pretty Minnesota Wild defenseman Broad says he considered retiring after Test snub good,” Kubalik said. “I felt pret- Matt Dumba, who is Filipino- ty good and everything went Canadian, knelt on the ice dur- London: England paceman Stuart Broad has revealed he was “so my way, so it’s nice, but it’s just ing the US anthem after vowing low” after being dropped for the first Test against the the first game, so we’ve got to the Hockey Diversity Alliance West Indies that he considered retiring. Broad, 34, keep going.” will fight for social justice and who believes he is bowling as well as ever and has Montreal’s Jeff Petry Leon Draisaitl (in red) of the Edmonton Oilers takes the puck past the Chicago Blackhawks bench as against racism. never been fitter, returned to the side for the second scored with 6:03 remaining in David Kampf of the Blackhawks defends in the third period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Blackhawks goalie Mal- and third Tests and played a key role as England hit overtime to give the Canadiens Qualification Round prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, colm Subban and Oilers de- back to win the series 2-1. “Were there thoughts of a 3-2 win over Pittsburgh in Canada on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) fenseman Darnell Nurse, who retirement going round my head? One hundred per their opener at Toronto after are black Canadians, stood cent. Because I was so down,” he told The Mail on Sunday. “I was ex- each team had missed a late Conference hub city and To- each city playing one another the 12th-seeded Canadiens to beside him and put their hands pecting to play, which is always a bit of a dangerous thing in sport but I penalty shot. ronto the Eastern Conference to determine seeding order for stun the fifth-seeded Penguins. on his shoulders. felt I deserved to play.” Broad explained that the coronavirus restrictions Other playoff games on hub city for quarantine bubbles the first round of the playoffs. Pittsburgh’s Conor Sheary “During this pandemic, placed on all the players during the Test series did not help as he tried the first day of the HN L return being used to help safeguard The other eight clubs in missed wide left on a penalty something unexpected but to come to terms with being dropped for the first Test in Southampton. from a March 12 coronavirus NHL players from COVID-19, each conference meet in quali- shot with 3:03 remaining in long overdue occurred: The “I wasn’t playing, I was staying in a single room,” he said. “I didn’t sleep shutdown saw Carolina edge which halted the campaign fying best-of-five matchups to the third and Montreal’s Jon- world woke up to the existence for two days. I was nowhere. A different decision could definitely have the New York Rangers 3-2, with three weeks remaining in decide the other four teams athan Drouin missed a penal- of systemic racism and how been made with my emotions of how I was feeling.” Broad said his fam- the New York Islanders beat the season. who will reach the first round ty shot on a backhand at 6:46 deeply rooted it is within our ily had played a crucial role in helping him through the period, as had Florida 2-1 and Calgary defeat A dozen teams from each of the best-of-seven playoffs. of overtime. society,” Dumba said. “Racism Ben Stokes, who skippered England in the first Test. (AFP) Winnipeg 4-1. conference are in the playoffs, At Toronto, Montreal’s At Edmonton, Jonathan is everywhere and we need to Edmonton is the Western the top four season finishers in Carey Price made 39 saves for Toews scored twice for Chicago fight against it.” Lowry sparks Raptors over Lakers as NBA contenders duel

AFP shooting effort, their com- time. Every game is an oppor- 126-103 romp over the New er’s 15 points. Rookie sensation Jimmy Butler and Bam Miami bined 42 points a season low. tunity for us to get better.” Orleans Pelicans. Zion Williamson had seven Adebayo each scored 22 points “We just have to step up Toronto took a 13-0 lead Paul George scored 28 points and five rebounds. and Kylly Olynyk added 20 off Kyle Lowry scored 33 points and knock them down,” James as the Lakers went 4:51 before points and Kawhi Leonard, a the bench to lead the Miami and grabbed 14 rebounds to said. “When you make shots, it scoring, but the Lakers ral- key player in Toronto’s 2019 Warren scores 53 Heat over Denver 125-105. lift the defending NBA cham- loosens up the defense and we lied within 23-21 after the first title run before joining LA, Indiana’s T.J. Warren scored The Heat, 42-24, stayed pion Toronto Raptors over the didn’t do that.” quarter. added 24 to lead the Clippers, 53 points in powering the Pac- two games in front of Indiana Los Angeles Lakers 107-92 in The Lakers-Raptors “They have a great de- who improved to 45-21. ers over the Philadelphia 76ers at fourth in the East while the a showdown of title contend- matchup was the feature con- fense,” Lakers coach Frank The Clippers seized a 77- 127-121. Nuggets, led by 19 points each ers on Saturday. test on the third day of regu- Vogel said. “We did some good 45 halftime lead and cruised Warren hit 20-of-29 shots from Nikola Jokic and reserve Lakers star LeBron James lar-season games in a bubble things, just didn’t capitalize.” after falling to the Lakers on from the floor, 9-of-12 from Jerami Grant, fell to 43-23 but scored 20 points and pulled quarantine atmosphere at A 22-3 spurt early in the Thursday. three-point range, and sank stayed third in the West. down 10 rebounds while An- Walt Disney World in Or- third quarter pulled Toronto “As a group, we thought 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Oklahoma City pulled thony Davis added 14 points, lando, Florida, as the NBA ahead 63-50 and a 7-0 run we weren’t ourselves (against Victor Oladipo and within a half-game of Utah for but the Lakers suffered their restarts after a four-month with James on the Lakers the Lakers),” said George. “We Aaron Holiday each added fourth in the West by thump- worst shooting performance COVID-19 shutdown. bench in the fourth quarter tried to get our identity back. 15 points for Indiana, who ing the Jazz 110-94. Utah (42- of the season, hitting 35.8 The Lakers, atop the West- sealed the victory. We put the work in and it paid improved to 40-26, a game 24) trailed 66-42 at halftime percent from the floor making ern Conference at 50-15, and “We just got aggressive, off in the end.” ahead of the Sixers. and never recovered. just 29 of 82 shots. Toronto, second in the Eastern wanted to go out there and The Clippers hit 25-of-47 Cameroonian star big man The Thunder (41-24) “Against a couple of great Conference at 47-18, are both get the win,” Lowry said. “We shots from three-point range, Joel Embiid scored 41 points on boasted six double-figure guys, we came in wanting to preparing for the playoff fight were out there doing too much led by Paul George’s 8-for-11 15-of-23 shooting and grabbed scorers, led by Shai Gilgeous- play well and we did a good to come. talking. We just wanted to lock touch from beyond the arc, al- a game-high 21 rebounds for Alexander with 19 points, job,” Lowry said. “Time will tell,” James said. in and do our jobs.” though he went 0-for-6 from the Sixers. Tobias Harris added Chris Paul with 18 and New James went 7-of-15 from “We’ll use these eight games to The Los Angeles Clip- two-point range. 30 points and Australian guard Zealander Steven Adams, who Kyle Lowry of defending NBA the floor while his fellow start- try and gear up for the post- pers set a team record with The Pelicans were led by re- Ben Simmons had 19 points had 16 points and a game-high champion Toronto Raptors. ers combined for a 5-of-24 season but it’s going to take 25 three-point baskets in a serve Nickeil Alexander-Walk- and 13 rebounds. 11 rebounds. Sports Monday, August 3, 2020 11 Al Duhail back to winning ways, move four points clear on top Akram Afif suffers ankle injury, is ruled out for four weeks

Tribune News Network Doha

In what comes as a blow to Al Sadd ahead of their QNB Stars League tie against Al Ahli on Monday, their star player and Qatar international Akram Afif has been ruled out of action due to an ankle injury sustained while training. After a medical examina- tion, the extent of the injury was revealed and the Qatari international will now require 3-4 weeks of treatment and recuperation before rejoining the team for training. 19 game against Al Ahli Al Duhail’s Mohammed Muntari is tackled by two Al Gharafa defenders during their QNB Stars League at the Meanwhile, Al Sadd squad with a final training session on Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday. Muntari had opened the scoring in the very 4th minute of action. wrapped up preparations for Sunday evening at the club’s the QNB Stars League Round training centre. Results: Al Duhail 2 (Mohammed Muntari 4’, Edmilson Junior 80’) Al Gharafa 0 Edmilson Junior (left) celebrates with Sultan al Braik after scoring the Al Khor 1 (Lucca Borges de Brito 67’) Al Wakrah 1 (Mohamed Benyettou 17’) 50th minute. Cristian Cebal- second goal for Al Duhail against Al Gharafa in their Round 19 match los too, had a good run among of QNB Stars League at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday. the Al Wakrah ranks. Walid Regragui made some chances but Sofiane Hanni above the bottom-placed Borges, who came on at the changes to the team that drew and Jonathan Kodjia saw Al Shahania. Though level on start of the second half, soon Al Khor hold Al Wakrah to 1-1 draw last weekend against Umm their efforts saved. points with a resurgent Umm bagged the equaliser with a goal Salal. Muntari came started in The Red Knights finally put Salal in 11th, they have played of the season contender. Ayeni Olusegun against Atl Arabi ensured the the place of Han Kwang-Song, the match to bed in the 80th one game more on hand. The Brazilian sent a curler Doha title race might go down to the while Assim Madibo was given minute. Al Braik’s cross again Mohamed Benyettou put into the top corner leaving last day of the season. the nod to start. found substitute Edmilson who Al Wakrah ahead 17 minutes Saoud Mubarak no chance. Monday’s matches Al Duhail beat Al Gharafa 2-0 In Sunday’s other match, Muntari repaid the coach’s calmly side-footed his shot past in with an acrobatic finish from Al Wakrah remain in Al Ahli vs Al Sadd on Sunday to extend their lead Al Wakrah and Al Khor faith and put the Red Knights the hapless Qassem. Ahmed Sohail’s assist. seventh with 21 points. atop the QNB Stars League shared a point apiece after ahead just four minutes in. Al Al Duhail can win the league With Lucca Borges on the On Monday, Al Sadd will (at Al Janoub Stadium) to four points thanks to goals a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Gharafa failed to clear Sultan next weekend if they beat reign- bench, Tiago Bezerra failed to hope to have the recovered Xavi 4.30pm from Mohammed Muntari and Al Janoub Stadium. al Braik’s cross and the ball ing champions Al Sadd and add to his goal tally as Al Wak- Hernandez on the touchline substitute Edmilson Junior. Heading into the Sunday’s kindly fell for Muntari, who Al Rayyan lose to Al Sailiya. rah goalkeeper Saoud Al Khater when they take on Al Ahli in Qatar SC vs Umm Salal Al Duhail now have 46 clash, Al Duhail had all to play hit a sumptuous volley past Meanwhile, Al Khor’s 1-1 was alert. the early kick-off. At the same (at Jassim Bin Hamad points while Al Rayyan remain for as maximum points would Qassem in goal for his seventh draw would be a disappoint- In the second half, Al time, Qatar SC and Umm Salal second on 42 points after a dis- see them extend the gap to the strike of the season. ing result for Omar Nadji as Wakrah defender Lucas promise a thrilling relegation Stadium) 6.45pm appointing draw on Saturday chasing pack. Al Gharafa created the Knights remain just a point Mendes headed over in the showdown later in the evening. Fear is good, says Sarri as Juve crash in Serie A finale

AFP Milan

Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri warned that his side would be back to their attack- ing best in the Champions League next week despite fin- ishing their Serie A campaign with a 3-1 home defeat against Roma on Saturday. It was Juventus’s second consecutive defeat since seal- ing a ninth Serie A title in a row, just days before their Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang holds the winner’s Champions League campaign trophy as the team celebrates victory after the English FA Cup final against resumes against Lyon. Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday. (AFP) “It can be good for us to have a little fear,” said Sarri as his side target a first elite Eu- Arteta hopes FA Cup ropean title since 1996. “We had an unconscious, inevitable drop after the vic- win just the start for tory against Lazio. “The physical energy can be recovered quickly, the psy- Aubameyang at Arsenal chological one must be reas- sured immediately, in order to AFP “He knows what I think give everything against Lyon.” London about him, I want to build a Sarri’s side need to over- squad around him.” turn a 1-0 first-leg deficit Juventus players celebrate their title triumph at the end of the Italian Serie A match vs Roma at the Allianz stadium in Turin on Saturday. (AFP) Mikel Arteta hopes Pierre- “I think he wants to stay, it in their last 16 home game Emerick Aubameyang will stay is about getting the deal done. against Lyon. “I am convinced Inter second best thing that could have hap- 36 goals, set while playing for at Arsenal to lead the Gunners “I think moments like that that the game on Friday will Inter Milan took second place pened to us,” said Gasperini. Napoli in the 2015-16 season. to more success after scoring will help to realise and give be a great stimulus, and that with a 2-0 win over direct ri- “It was the best game we Immobile will also win twice to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the him belief that we are in the we’ll go onto the pitch with a vals Atalanta in Bergamo, could find in anticipation of the European Golden Shoe FA Cup final on Saturday. right path and he is a big part completely different attitude,” finishing the season just one the Champions League. for the continent’s top scorer Arsenal captain Au- of it.” added the former Chelsea and point behind Juventus. “In the last few weeks we this term, having overtaken bameyang dropped the tro- Arteta also played his part Napoli coach. “There is still a big gap have played more confident Bayern Munich striker Robert phy before lifting his first to win a trophy in his first Cristiano Ronaldo was with Juventus,” said Inter football, taken our foot off the Lewandowski’s tally of 34 in piece of silverware since mov- season in a senior manage- rested for the final match with coach Antonio Conte whose gas a little, but tonight we have midweek. ing to English football from rial role after Chelsea made nothing left to play for against side won a three-team battle understood that you cannot Napoli warmed up for their Borussia Dortmund two and a blistering start in the eerie fifth-place Roma. for second place. play like that against this type Champions League last 16 sec- a half years ago. surroundings of an empty Argentine Gonzalo “Juve has a much better of team, and it will be the same ond leg game over Barcelona Victory secured Arsenal’s Wembley. Higuain spearheaded the structure on and off the pitch. with the PSG.” with a win, but lost captain place in the Europa League The Blues had already Juventus attack breaking Now the others are trying to Lorenzo Insigne, who scored next season as they risked achieved their primary goal through after just six minutes work to catch up. We must be Immobile matches record on the night, to injury. missing out on European from Frank Lampard’s first in the Allianz Stadium. smart to understand how to do Lazio finished fourth, equal on In the San Siro, Zlatan football for the first time in 25 season in charge by secur- But Diego Perotti inspired this, not to go from depression points with Atalanta, having Ibrahimovic missed a penalty years after finishing eighth in ing a place in next season’s a Roma fightback setting up to excessive euphoria.” been pushing for the title just but scored his 10th league goal the Premier League. But with Champions League last week- Nikola Kalinic to nod in the Danilo D’Ambrosio nod- Juventus’ Portuguese forward one point behind Juventus since January as AC Milan fin- Aubameyang facing another end and started confidently as equaliser after 23 minutes. ded in Inter’s first goal after Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with when the season resumed on ished in sixth place with a 3-0 season without Champions Christian Pulisic’s composed A Perotti penalty before just one minute in Bergamo the trophy at the end of the Ital- June 20. win over Cagliari. League football and just one finish opened the scoring just the break and a second six with Ashley Young doubling ian Serie A match against Roma Simone Inzaghi’s side fell The season concludes on year left on his contract at the five minutes in. minutes into the second their lead after 20 minutes at the Allianz stadium in Turin, 3-1 to Napoli but forward Ciro Sunday with Lecce and Genoa Emirates, the Gabon interna- “We started well for 10- half condemned Juventus with a stunning curling shot Italy, on Saturday. (AFP) Immobile scored his 36th goal playing Parma and Hellas tional has been linked with a 15 minutes and we can only to their third defeat in four to boost confidence ahead of of the season to equal the re- Verona respectively hoping move away this summer. blame ourselves form that matches. next week’s Europa League tie Gasperini said it was the best cord for the most goals in a Se- to avoid joining Brescia and “He needs more experi- point,” said Lampard. “We The team later lifted the against Getafe. preparation for their Cham- rie A campaign. SPAL down in Serie B. ence with trophies. We can get got complacent, we took trophy at an empty Allianz Atalanta’s 17-match un- pions League quarter-final The 30-year-old Italy in- Genoa, in 17th, are just him used to that,” joked Ar- time on the ball like it was Stadium as they celebrated beaten league run going back against Paris Saint-Germain. ternational tapped in after 22 one-point ahead of Lecce, teta at Aubameyang’s mishap a stroll and we allowed them winning the ‘Scudetto’ for the to January 20 ended. “This game with Inter gave minutes to match Argentina who occupy the final relega- with the trophy lift. into the game.” 36th time. But coach Gian Piero us a nice wake up call, it was the forward Higuain’s record of tion berth.