QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Karunaratne’s QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune double ton, De Silva’s century pushes first Test towards draw SUNday, APRIL 25, 2021 page 15

HH Sheikh Mohammed’s Coefficiente wins Prix De La Croix Saint-Ouen Tribune News Network steered to success by cham- front of the more experienced a straight track. She has im- Doha pion jockey Pierre-Charles PHAIDRA (IRE) (Camelot proved. She made up for fact Boudot. x Piacere) who is trained by that the race didn’t really go Coefficiente (Siyouni x Al Drawn on the outside of Markus Munch and was ridden her way through sheer class. Reem) opened her scorecard the 9-runner field, the bay filly by Mickael Barzalona. She is still immature and will for her owner and breeder His dropped in behind the leaders The Carlos Laffon Parias- improve with racing.” Highness Sheikh Mohammed on the outside. Boudot tracked trained Heroic Star (IRE) (Sea Coefficiente is the first bin Khalifa Al Thani at Comp- the leaders, keeping his filly The Stars x Heroic Heart) was runner and first winner for her iegne, France, on Friday. under cover, and Coefficiente further 1½-lengths behind in dam, Al Reem, who also ran in She won the Prix De La travelled very strongly through- third under Arthur Mosse. the colours of HH Sheikh Mo- Croix Saint-Ouen, a maiden out the race. He unleashed her “We came here expecting hammed bin Khalifa Al Thani. for 3-year-old fillies over in the final 200 metres and to win”, explained Boudot. Al Reem is a daughter of 1,400m, in impressive style. she showed a very smart ac- “The filly did it easily and the high-class racemare Tres Trained by French maestro celeration to quickly take the showed class. She ran well last Rapide, who was multiple Coefficiente won the Prix De La Croix Saint-Ouen impressively at Compiegne, France, on Friday. (Pic: Scoopdyga) Andre Fabre, Coefficiente was lead, winning by 1¾ lengths in time out for her first run on Group placed. FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 delighted as Al Sadd stay on course in AFC Champions League

AFC Riyadh

Al Sadd head coach Xavi was thrilled after his side beat Al Wehdat 2-0 to stay in sight of the 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16. Goals by Santi Cazorla and Ali Asad powered Al Sadd to their second win in Group D, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin addresses media representatives placing them second with sev- during a press conference following the UEFA Executive Committee en points, one behind leaders meeting in Montreux, Switzerland on April 19. (UEFA/AFP) Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia. Al Sadd will now set their sights on Foolad Khouzestan FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran UEFA president on Monday, where another three points will set them up nicely for the group finale against Al Nassr praises Qatar’s three days later. “I am happy because we got the three points, against a very good team,” said Xavi. preparations “I have to congratulate them (the players) because Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez during the AFC Champions League QNA (QFA), adding that these as- they played really well, aggres- Al Sadd’s Nam Ttae-hee was named the Man of the Match. match against Al Wehdat on Friday. Nyon (Switzerland) sociations were ready to help sive and organised in defence. QFA in any way. “We dominated many ers Yusuf Abdurisag and Ali Abu Zema is satisfied with how UEFA President Aleksander He also praised President parts of the game, and when Sad, for their exceptional per- I am happy because we got the three points, against his charges have performed Ceferin praised Friday the of PSG Nasser Al Khulaifi, you score first, it’s much easier formance. a very good team. I have to congratulate them (the players) and will use their final two State of Qatar’s preparations stressing that he looks for- to win. We suffered a little bit “We have a good squad matches to gain experience. for hosting World Cup 2022. ward to working with him on in the second half with their with young and talented play- because they played really well, aggressive and organised “Al Sadd deserved the vic- Cerefin told the press shaping the future of corners and crosses but I’m ers like Yusuf. He didn’t only in defence. The three points are very important for us, and tory,” said Zema. “If we had 10 that preparations for hosting European football. happy because we won a dif- help in the second but now that we’re second in the group, we are in the race. more minutes, we could have World Cup 2022 were going He stressed that Al Khu- ficult game. how he played defensively and at least secured a draw. on well, saying that the visit laifi, Bayern Munich CEO “The three points are very for the team. I’m happy for the Xavi Hernandez “I am very satisfied as he paid a visit to Doha in Jan- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, important for us, and now that team.” a coach, especially with the uary which showed him first and Dortmund CEO Hans- we’re second in the group, we Nam Tae-hee, named team’s gradual improvement. hand how well the country Joachim Watzke had a great are in the race. I’m happy with Player of the Match, said team another final and we have to be difficult game but we played We are hoping to change this was preparing for the event, role in what he called a victory the performance of the team effort led the team to the con- ready and work hard together. together, defended together negative result into a positive expressing his pride at the in the war for football, follow- to win two games in a row vincing win. “I just tried to do my best and attacked together.” thing, as the Jordanian season strong cooperation between ing the recent breakaway at- against the same team.” “It was a very tough game to help the team, and today I The defeat means Al Weh- has yet to begin, we are taking European association and the tempt to form the European The legendary Spaniard but I’m happy with the three think our whole team deserved dat have no chance of advanc- this as a preparation stage for Qatar Football Association Super League by 12 clubs. also praised his budding play- points. The next game will be to be the best player. We had a ing but head coach Abdullah the future.”

Ligue 1 Mbappe double helps PSG put pressure back on Lille

DPA Berlin

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain claimed a straightforward 3-1 victory at Metz on Saturday to put the pressure back on Lille in the Ligue 1 title race. By no means were Mau- ricio Pochettino’s side out- standing as a collective at Stade Saint-Symphorien, but Mbappe was, the France strik- er deadly in front of goal as he took his league tally to 25 for the campaign. Mbappe’s first arrived ear- ly on as PSG initially appeared in the mood, though they faded somewhat and failed to build on that goal despite Metz offer- ing precious little themselves. At least, that was the case until the break. Metz levelled just 49 seconds into the sec- Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 Teammates celebrate with Kylian Mbappe at the Saint Symphorien stadium in Longeville-lès-Metz, France, ond half thanks to Fabien Cen- football match against Metz at the Saint Symphorien stadium in Longeville-lès-Metz, on Saturday. (AFP) on Saturday. Mbappe scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain claimed a straightforward 3-1 victory. (AFP) tonze as PSG looked in dan- ger of dropping points for the Mbappe’s deflected effort just Parisians’ lead and a late there was no collapse from the two points clear of Lille. to their date with Manchester in midweek having not in- third time in six games, but before the hour restored the Mauro Icardi penalty ensured defending champions, who go PSG can now look forward City in the Champions League creased the heat on themselves. Sports Sunday, April 25, 2021 13 Klopp insists Reds should Liverpool pegged back by late strike not be ‘trashed’ over Super League as Newcastle United snatch point DPA London DPA ing in confidence,” said Wil- London lock, whose goal lifted New- Liverpool manager Jurgen castle nine points above the Klopp admits he struggled see- Newcastle Joe three-team drop-zone. ing the reputation of the club Willock snatched a 1-1 draw “What we’re showing now “trashed” in the wake of their against Liverpool at Anfield on the pitch is brilliant and I abortive involvement in the with a goal in injury-time. feel if we can continue we’ll be now-failed Super League. An extra minute was add- safe for sure.” Owners Fenway Sports ed for a video assistant ref- Klopp admitted in his pro- Group, led by John W Henry, eree (VAR) decision which had gramme notes he found it dif- were among the principal ruled out a Callum Wilson goal ficult seeing the reputation of drivers of the project as part of in stoppage time and on-loan the club “trashed” in the wake the ’s ‘Big Six’, Arsenal man Willock took full of the Super League fallout and as a result have come in advantage. when the criticism should have for huge criticism. The unconvincing per- been aimed squarely at John W But Klopp, who has been formance did little for Reds Henry’s Fenway Sports Group. outspoken on breakaway pro- boss Juergen Klopp’s hopes of Around 150 supporters posals for a couple of years, restoring the club’s battered greeted the team coach’s ar- felt that should not have re- reputation in the wake of the rival but only a fraction took flected as badly as it did on the Super League controversy and the opportunity to protest, as historic institution that is the even less for their top-four as- the manager had asked them football club. pirations. not to, with home-made ban- “I don’t think you can cre- ners which carried slogans like ate many better chances than ‘£nough is £nough FSG Out’ we did. We scored a wonderful and ‘Henry, you have blood on goal but didn’t finish the game your hands’. off,” Klopp told BT Sport. Salah set about restoring “They deserved the goal be- their fallen status with a well- cause they had scored before ... taken goal after just three min- we didn’t even take the present. Newcastle United’s English midfielder Joe Willock scores the equalising goal during their English Premier League match against Liverpool at utes but, like other things this “ We were lucky with VAR Anfield in Liverpool, England, on Saturday.(AFP) week, completing the job was today and gave another chance considerably more difficult. away, it makes no sense and fifth-placedW est Ham. pearances and moved into the was another laboured and dis- Becker was handball. While his 20th Premier it’s really tough to take. Why it Mohamed Salah’s goal from top 12 of the club’s all-time appointing afternoon in front of Their reprieve was short- League strike of the season was, happened I don’t know. their first shot on target was a goalscorers with 123 in 198 an empty Anfield. lived but long enough for an- indeed, super the subsequent “It’s a point but it feels like class apart as he succeeded matches. With the clock showing 93 other substitute, Willock, to finishing was significantly less a defeat. Today I didn’t see where Robbie Fowler and Luis Unfortunately none of his minutes Liverpool were looking drive home with the aid of a so. Liverpool’s German manager that we deserved to play in the Suarez came up short by scor- previously prolific team-mates good for a spot back in the top deflection off Fabinho to leave Salah, Mane and Diogo Jurgen Klopp speaks to the Champions League next year.” ing 20 Premier League goals in came anywhere close to match- four when Wilson bundled the Klopp fuming at another wast- Jota, making up a rarely-seen media ahead of the match Liverpool are sixth, four points a season for a third time. ing him as despite a largely pas- ball over the line only for VAR ed opportunity. front four with Roberto Fir- against Newcastle United at behind fourth-placed Chelsea The Egypt international sive Newcastle allowing them to rule the ricochet onto his “We pushed very hard in mino missed several gilt-edged Anfield on Saturday. (AFP) who secured a vital 1-0 win at now has 93 in 140 league ap- plenty of opportunities, this elbow off goalkeeper the second half and were grow- chances. “It is difficult for me in truth, because I have found some of the reaction around it difficult to take,” he wrote Perez: Including in his programme notes for Chelsea edge ahead in top four race Saturday’s home game against top four in each Newcastle. country is Super “And by this I don’t mean those who were against it or League solution with win over 10-man West Ham the protests. This was a great victory for DPA DPA a free-kick and prodded goal- football supporters - I want to Madrid London wards. make this clear from the out- His effort was blocked on set. Florentino Perez remains Chelsea edged ahead in the the line by Cesar Azpilicueta “I agreed with their oppo- adamant the European Su- race for the top four with a 1-0 with VAR confirming, despite sition. I made this clear to our per League must go ahead as victory over fellow Champions West Ham’s pleas, that the owners. “football is severely damaged”, League hopefuls West Ham. Blues skipper had not handled “The part I have struggled with the Real Madrid presi- A rare goal from Timo the ball. with is seeing this club, a place dent suggesting the possibil- Werner, only his second in the Instead it was Chelsea who I love and am now proud to ity of the top-four teams from league since November, saw went in ahead at the break call my home, trashed - and each country featuring in the the Blues move three points after Werner laid the ball off done so in a manner which breakaway competition. clear of their fifth-placed hosts. to Christian Pulisic and then suggests no redemption is Plans for a Super League “I had a second chance and raced into the box to receive possible. That I can’t take. to rival UEFA’s Champions I think I have to score. But I Ben Chilwell’s low cross and “It was right to take apart League were announced on have to come back slowly. One convert from eight yards. the concept and it was fair to Sunday, with 12 founding goal is enough,” a relieved West Ham were still in the criticize it, along with those members – Madrid, Barce- Werner told Sky Sports. match until, with eight min- who came up with it and also lona, Atletico Madrid, Man- “Maybe if I’d scored twice utes left, Balbuena cleared the how it was presented. All le- chester United, Liverpool, today it would be too much ball and caught Chilwell on the gitimate in my view. Chelsea, Manchester City, Ar- from the beginning. But, no, calf. “The anger and disap- senal, Tottenham, Juventus, I’m joking. Not a single Chelsea player pointment was justified but Inter and Milan. “It’s really important for complained and play contin- there were times when the But after widespread criti- me and the team to be back on ued, but VAR intervened and distinction between ‘club’ and cism from UEFA, FIFA, clubs, the scoresheet. Very happy we referee Chris Kavanagh duti- this decision (and yes, those governments, fans and pun- win this game, it’s important Chelsea’s English defender Ben Chilwell (L) vies with West Ham United’s Czech defender Vladimir Coufal fully trotted to the monitor responsible for it) were too dits, all six Premier League in the race for the top four.” It during their English Premier League match at The London Stadium on Saturday. (AFP) before sending the Paraguayan quickly blurred into one. clubs pulled out, while Atleti- was hardly Super League stuff defender off. “To do so is an insult to the co, Inter, Milan and Juve fol- from Thomas Tuchel’s side, ference, had every reason to done by again when a late seen the last of David Moyes’ It virtually ended the supporters in my view. And lowed suit. but they got the job done ahead be affronted at the proposed video review (VAR) decision boys in the Champions League match as a contest although the players. Perez – who had been ap- of a genuine European show- breakaway league given that saw defender Fabian Balbuena mix. Blues substitute Tammy Abra- “This was a mistake. A big pointed as chairman of the down against Real Madrid on they were above four of the six shown one of the most ludi- West Ham’s best chance of ham missed the chance to mistake. And it’s right they competition – has continued Tuesday. clubs involved when it was an- crous red cards of the season. the first half came in the 35th mark his late appearance with (FSG) take responsibility for to stress the need for the Super West Ham, who kicked off nounced. Nevertheless a favourable minute when Tomas Soucek a goal when he headed over in it. But it doesn’t mean ‘the League and he flagged the idea behind Chelsea on goal dif- They were feeling hard run-in means we may not have pounced on a loose ball from stoppage-time. club’ should feel ashamed.” of moving away from an exclu- sive group of clubs. “These things get manipu- lated,” Perez told Diario AS, with the full interview to be published on Saturday. “It Bayern Munich miss title chance with slump in Mainz is not a plan which excludes clubs and nor is it designed to DPA 1971-72 record. have taken 27 points in the sec- missal moved them within two go against other leagues. Berlin Topping the table by 10 ond half of the season to sit five points of their hosts in third “The Super League project points, Bayern could yet be clear of the play-off berth. while are is the best possible solution, Bayern Munich missed crowned champions this week- “Certainly it was a good first fourth, one above Dortmund and it has been created to help their first chance to confirm a end if second-placed RB Leip- half today with many chances, and one below Wolfsburg, football get out of the crisis. record-extending ninth con- zig lose at home to VfB Stutt- then after the break solid de- after losing 3-1 at Bayer Lev- Football is severely damaged secutive title on gart on Sunday. fensive work with irrepressible erkusen in the late game. because its economy has been Saturday when they slumped Their bid to seal matters will,” said Mainz sporting di- “I think that we are now ruined and it has to adapt to to a 2-1 defeat at Mainz in a under their own steam faltered rector Martin Schmidt. psychologically in the advan- the new era we are living in. miserable performance. immediately when Burkardt’s “Wins against Munich are tage,” said Dortmund’s Marco “The Super League does not A terrible error from goal- shot from the edge of the box never expected and are one of Reus. “We have to use the sit- go against domestic competi- keeper Manuel Neuer gifted was parried by Neuer, who the most beautiful things. We uation when we have the mo- tions and its objective is to en- Jonathan Burkardt a third seemed unsighted by the sun, are not safe yet ... the situation mentum.” Joel Pohjanpalo’s sure that more money is avail- minute opener and Robin into the corner of the net. has improved, but we have to hat-trick kept Union Berlin’s able for all sections of football. Quaison doubled Mainz’s lead Quaison headed in Phil- keep the level high.” European dream on track The concept is to generate more before half-time. lipp Mwene’s free kick in the The title does seem inevi- with a 3-1 win over relegation- interest for the games. The on-form hosts missed 37th but by then Mainz had hit table for Bayern though with threatened Werder Bremen, “Nor do I think that the plenty other chances to score the post twice through Danny Bayern Munich’s Polish forward is shown a yel- three games remaining - their who have lost seven in a row. changes which UEFA have but - unlike when they lost 5-2 Latza and Danny de Costa de- low card by the referee Harm Osmers during the Bundesliga match next chance to make things Midtable Hoffenheim made are a real solution to the in Munich after leading Bayern flections. between Mainz 05 vs FC Bayern Munich, in Mainz on Saturday. (AFP) safe is at home to Borussia drew 1-1 at Freiburg in the problem because what has been 2-0 at half-time earlier in the “I first have to digest this Moenchengladbach on May 8. other Saturday match. proposed isn’t even an improve- season - were not punished. defeat,” said Bayern coach time since a March knee in- passionately. “We have tried Fifth-placed Borussia Third-last Cologne won ment on the current model. Bayern struggled with even . jury, but he curled high over but we didn’t deserve to take a Dortmund created a Cham- 3-2 at Augsburg on Friday “Also, we cannot wait un- fit-again star RobertL ewan- “The has not had the inten- the bar. point with us.” pions League log-jam with a while Sunday also has Glad- til 2024. But in any case, we dowski unusually slack in front sity on the pitch that we know. “We didn’t create enough In the second half Bayern crucial 2-0 win at Wolfsburg bach v Arminia Bielefeld. must have done something of goal, though he did net his It looked slow.” chances and were punished could not build pressure and despite Jude Bellingham’s Schalke v Hertha Berlin badly. We are going to try to 36th of the season with an in- Bayern did make a great for our mistakes,” said Neuer there was no repeat of their red card. was postponed as the Berlin- turn this around and develop jury-time consolation to move opportunity to level for Le- to Sky, while Thomas Mueller comeback against Mainz in ’s double ei- ers are in quarantine after a more ideas.” within four of Gerd Mueller’s wandowski, back for the first admitted: “Mainz defended Munich. Mainz, now 12th, ther side of the teenager’s dis- coronavirus outbreak. 14 Sunday, April 25, 2021 Sports ‘Qatar’s progress is everywhere – Proud to have played a part in World Cup preparations’

Civil engineer Williams Morales looks back at the construction of Al Janoub Stadium n 2013, Williams Mo- rales took a life-changing phone call. At the time, he was the civil engineer inI charge of Basra Sport City in Iraq – a complex which in- cluded a 65,000-capacity sta- dium, five-star hotel and other sporting facilities. But on the other end of the line was a voice from Qatar, asking if he would be interested in help- ing the country prepare for the FIFA World Cup™. Williams Morales inside (above) and outside the Al Janoub Stadium (right). “I was intrigued about Qa- tar,” said Morales, who was tar was having my family with nothing apart from sand, dust are different and it required As the rapturous cheers of He said: “It is an amazing played a part in making that born in Venezuela to Span- me. It was the perfect match.” and our portacabins. The chal- a detailed design and a huge more than 36,000 fans filled feeling when we meet people happen.” ish parents. “The person was After arriving in Qatar, lenge was to begin digging and amount of logistics work with the stadium during the inau- from all over the world. I love Away from Al Janoub, talking about the World Cup Morales was tasked with his replicate the stunning design. experts from all around the guration, Morales felt incred- seeing their faces when they Morales loves exploring Qatar – and it does not get any big- most demanding project to- And thanks to an incredibly world to deliver this unique ibly proud of his contribution. see the stadium or walk on with his family and friends. ger than that. I needed to find date – working closely with motivated team, we managed masterpiece of engineering “It was my baby. It was defi- the pitch for the first time. We However – wherever he goes out more about this incredible the Supreme Committee for to achieve that.” and architecture. Hard work, nitely a moment of great emo- welcome people from all walks – he cannot avoid World Cup opportunity.” Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) sen- The design of Al Janoub is collaboration and coordina- tion because during those last of life – schoolchildren, presi- preparations. Morales arrived in Iraq ior management team to build especially striking. Its flowing tion with global experts en- months in the lead-up to the dents and former players. Hav- “If you drive around the after managing several infra- Al Janoub Stadium – the first patterns are inspired by dhow sured we delivered everything launch, it was very intense. We ing idols like Xavi Hernandez, country, you see the progress structure projects in Spain, Qatar 2022 venue to be built boats used by Al Wakrah’s to perfection.” were putting together the final , and Sam- everywhere – whether it’s sta- including the construction of a from scratch. seafaring community. In years On 16 May 2019, Al Janoub touches and all the details had uel Eto’o here – and kicking a diums, the expressways, the bank’s headquarters. Working He fondly remembers gone by, pearl trading pro- Stadium was inaugurated. It to be perfect. For me, the most ball with them on the pitch – is metro or new harbours. It’s in Iraq, however, meant being breaking ground at the con- vided the cornerstone of the Al became the second fully-func- magical moment was when the an incredible feeling.” incredible to see Qatar develop away from his family – some- struction site in 2014 and Wakrah economy. tional Qatar 2022 stadium ceremony started and the lights After almost eight years something completely unique.” thing that would not be the recalls his firstmeeting with Morales said one of the key after Khalifa International, switched on. I immediately felt with the SC, Morales cannot Morales added: “When I case in Qatar. the designers, who explained challenges was building and which was redeveloped prior relaxed. It was beautiful watch- wait until the stadium hosts first arrived here from Basra, “Qatar gave me an op- the unique elements of the constructing the stadium’s roof. to its inauguration in 2017. ing it come to life.” matches during the World I didn’t know what to expect portunity to work with the 40,000-capacity venue, which “As an engineer, the chal- The spectacular opening cer- Today, Morales stands Cup. Al Janoub is slated to from Qatar. But then I dis- best of the best in engineer- would feature innovative cool- lenge was to bring Zaha Had- emony of Al Janoub included a proudly outside the completed host seven games up to the covered the traditions, the ing and construction – it was ing technology for the benefit id’s beautiful concept to life. stunning laser show, fireworks venue, where he continues to round of 16 stage in 2022. sense of humour and the way something I could not turn of players and fans. The curved roof, stunning and cultural performances – manage daily operations and “It will be thrilling to see of life are very similar to my down,” said Morales. “Also, Speaking outside the sta- façade and structural system one of which paid tribute to special events. He also leads the world’s best teams here own. Qatar really has a magic being away from my family in dium, Morales said: “This comprise one of the most com- the late Hadid, who died three tours of the stadium on a regu- in 2022. It will be the biggest – a charm – and I recommend Iraq was very hard. One of the whole area was completely plex structures in the world. years before the stadium was lar basis – a task he describes event in Al Wakrah’s history everyone to visit the country great benefits of moving to Qa- empty – there was absolutely Practically all the elements completed. as very rewarding. and I am very proud to have for the World Cup.”

Tiger Woods re-emerges Nadal sets up final clash with a smile, a dog, a with Tsitsipas in Barcelona glimpse of his new life DPA ATP Washington Barcelona Tiger Woods has given the Rafael Nadal made it world a glimpse of his life through to his 12th Barcelona since the shocking car crash Open Banc Sabadell final on that has left doubts over the Saturday with a 6-3, 6-2 win future of the golf superstar. against countryman Pablo On crutches and with his Carreno Busta. right leg in a brace, Woods The 11-time champion was pictured on a golf course landed 13 forehand winners with a dog by his side. and claimed four service breaks And fans of golf’s greatest to extend his unbeaten ATP superstar of the past 30 years Head2Head record against would have enjoyed the sight Carreno Busta to 8-0. Nadal of Woods smiling broadly at made quick starts to both sets the camera. and reached his 69th clay final In dark shorts and T- after 89 minutes (60-8). Spainiard Rafael Nadal celebrates beating Spain’s Pablo Carreno shirt, Woods was sporting a “I am very happy to be Busta in the ATP Barcelona Open semi-final at the Real Club de Tenis Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas after winning his ATP Barcelona Open goatee beard and a back-to- back in a final here at an his- in Barcelona on Saturday. (AFP) semi-final against Italy’s Jannik Sinner on Saturday.( AFP) front white baseball cap in toric event, a home event the picture. Tiger Woods with his dog on a [and] an important one for The Spaniard’s only loss in the second player to defeat be ready to increase my level The Mallorcan showcased “My course is coming golf course. me,” said Nadal. “I think I did Barcelona after reaching the Nadal from two sets down at and let’s see.” his impressive court coverage along faster than I am,” things well today, better than final four came in 2019, when a Grand Slam. Nadal owns Nadal attacked Carreno skills and used his forehand to Woods wrote on Instagram, at his Florida home, with the the other days. I have been im- he fell to eventual champion a 6-2 ATP Head2Head ad- Busta’s backhand and dictated overpower his opponent. Na- accompanied by a smiling hope he can one day return proving every single day a lit- Dominic Thiem. vantage against the reigning rallies with his forehand to dal reached his 12th Barcelona face. “But it’s nice to have a to competition. tle bit more.” The top seed will meet Ste- Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters charge into a 5-1 lead in the final (11-0) when Carreno Bus- faithful rehab partner, man’s The Los Angeles County Nadal is chasing his 12th fanos Tsitsipas for the trophy champion. first set. The 20-time Grand ta struck a backhand return best friend.” Sheriff said Woods was driv- title at the ATP 500 event. The in a repeat of the 2018 Barce- “Tomorrow will be a very Slam champion dropped serve into the tramline. Rehabilitation is like- ing at over 80 miles per hour 60-time clay-court titlist is the lona final. On that occasion, tough one. (Stefanos) is play- when he tried to serve out the Carreno Busta was at- ly to be a long process for in a 45mph (72-kilometer- only player to lift 12 or more Nadal defeated the first-time ing probably better than ever,” set at 5-1 and was forced to tempting to reach his second the 15-time major winner, per-hour) zone when he lost tour-level trophies at the same ATP Tour finalist 6-2, 6-1. said Nadal. save three break points on his final of theE uropean clay with Woods suffering severe control of his Genesis SUV tournament, having claimed The 34-year-old will be “Not one set lost in Monte- second attempt as Carreno swing. The 29-year-old cap- leg injuries in the February and came off the road, hitting 13 titles at Roland Garros. seeking revenge for his loss to Carlo and here, so it will be the Busta raised his level. tured his fifthA TP Tour crown 23 single-car crash in Los a tree. He was said on the day Nadal owns a combined the Greek in this year’s Aus- toughest opponent possible. I After clinching the opener, earlier this month at the Any- Angeles. of the crash to have been for- 23-1 record in Barcelona tralian Open quarter-finals, hope to be ready. It is going to Nadal made another impres- Tech365 Andalucia Open in He has been recovering tunate to survive the impact. semi-final and final matches. when Tsitsipas became only be a tough one, but I need to sive start to the second set. Marbella.

Quick read Bordeaux fans in city centre protest as club hits financial rocks Watford secure Premier League return with victory over Millwall Berlin: Hundreds of Bordeaux London: Ismaila Sarr’s who came down with them awarded to the hosts in the change on the hour, with fans took to the city centre to pro- penalty early in the first half last season. 10th minute. Nathaniel Chalobah and test against investors King Street proved to be just enough to Millwall came close on a Kiko Femenia’s burst forward coming on, and withdrawing financial support and earn Watford a 1-0 victory number of occasions to de- saw the Spaniard exchange felt they should have been leaving their football club facing in- over Millwall and confirm an laying a promotion party that passes with Sarr, who was awarded another penalty solvency proceedings. The protest instant return to the Premier traditionally sees Hornets brought down just inside straight away when Sarr went took place on Saturday, 24 hours League. fans jump in a town centre the box on the right by Billy down under Mahlon Romeo’s after the six-time French champions Brentford’s win at Bourne- pond, but Watford hung on. Mitchell’s lunge. nudge in the back. entered “protection from the trade mouth earlier Saturday Jed Wallace forced Watford Sarr stepped up to slot the They endured a nervous court of Bordeaux,” according to meant that only three points goalkeeper spot-kick past goalkeeper finale but Watford held out club officials. Currently Bordeaux Girondins de Bordeaux’ supporters of the “Ultramarines” group hold portraits of would be good enough for into a routine save in the Bartosz Bialkowski with ease to celebrate referee Dean are 16th in the Ligue 1 table and Bordeaux’ CEO Frederic Longuepee to ask for his resignation as they gather on Xisco Munoz’s Hornets to be opening exchanges that were a minute later. Whitestone blowing the final fighting relegation.(DPA) Pey-Berland square in front of the City Hall in Bordeaux on Saturday. (AFP) promoted alongside Norwich, brought to life by a penalty Watford made a double whistle. (DPA) Sports Sunday, April 25, 2021 15

FIVB World Tour Cancun Hub - 2nd Event Younousse, Ahmed make a winning start FIVB Swiss have already added at Cancun (Mexico) least 80 points to their total. For Gerson, the key is to focus Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne (R) celebrates after scoring a double Qatar’s beach volleyball duo on what they can control. century (200 runs) as teammate Dhananjaya de Silva applauds on of Cherif Younousse and Tijan “I try not to put too much the fourth day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Pallekele Ahmed defeated Canada’s Sam thought on it,” the defender International Stadium in Kandy on Saturday. (AFP) Pedlow and Samuel Schachter added. “I know that we need 2-0 (21-17, 23-21) in the main to have good results to im- draw to stay on course for a prove our position in the rank- Karunaratne’s quarter-final berth at the FIVB ing and get closer to the Olym- World Tour Cancun Hub - 2nd pics, but the only way to do it event in Mexico on Friday. is playing well. Being at the double ton, De Silva Meanwhile Swiss duo -- Olympics is a big goal we have Adrian Heidrich and Mirco and we want to play well to be were one of the sensations there. If we continue playing century pushes 1st of the first day of the second like we did today, that will give tournament in Mexico as they us a good chance.” upset two teams ranked in the The other pool winners Test towards draw top 20 of the world to win Pool in the men’s tournament in E and secure their spots in the Mexico were Norway’s Anders ANI In the second session, de Round of 16. Mol/Christian Sorum, Latvia’s Pallekele (Sri Lanka) Silva converted his fifty into a In the morning, the Swiss Aleksandrs Samoilovs/Janis ton as he hit his seventh Test defeated Spain’s Pablo Her- Smedins, Poland’s Maciej Ru- Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth century. rera and Adrian Gavira 2-0 dol/Jakub Szlankiewicz and Karunaratne hit a double ton Karunaratne and de Silva (21-16, 22-20). In the even- Piotr Kantor/Bartosz Losiak, while Dhananjaya de Silva added 252 runs at the end of ing, they had an even strong- Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Tijan Ahmed during their match against Canada’s Sam Pedlow and Samuel Brazil’s Alison Cerutti/Alvaro scored an unbeaten 154 as the the second session as the duo er showing against Poland’s Schachter at the FIVB World Tour Cancun Hub - 2nd event in Mexico on Friday. Filho, USA’s Phil Dalhausser/ hosts didn’t lose a single wick- extended their solid stand to Grzegorz Fijalek and Michal Nick Lucena and Italy’s Adri- et on day four of the opening 252, piling further misery on Bryl to secure another 2-0 (21- week. We’re handling the wind pressure on the World Tour Canada’s Sam Pedlow/Sam an Carambula/Enrico Rossi. Test against Bangladesh on Bangladesh bowlers. 15, 21-11) triumph. and the heat better and are right now as they currently sit Schachter, Poland’s Piotr Saturday’s schedule for Saturday, before bad light After 139 overs in the in- “We certainly didn’t play making better decisions too. I in 15th place in the provisional Kantor/Bartosz Losiak and the men included the Round stopped play. nings, play was stopped due to our best in the previous tour- think today was great to show Olympic Rankings and would Germany’s Nils Ehlers/Lars of 24 and the Round of 16. It was a wicketless day for bad light. But the match began nament,” Gerson reflected. how much we’ve improved be the last team guaranteed a Fluggen, could approach and The quarterfinals and semifi- Bangladesh with Karunaratne soon after with Sri Lanka scor- “We improved a little bit in over these last few days.” berth in Tokyo if the qualifica- even pass them depending on nals are scheduled for Sunday (234*) and De Silva (154*) ing 55 in the next ten overs our second match but I think The Swiss are one of the tion process ended today. the results of the tournament. and the medal matches for sharing an unbeaten 322- before the proceedings halted we’ve been a lot better this teams dealing with the most Some teams, including With Friday’s pool victory, the Monday. run stand as Sri Lanka went again due to bad light. to stumps with 512 runs on In the third session, de board. Silva went past 150 while The hosts are still trailing Karunaratne hit his first dou- by 29 runs with seven wickets ble ton as Sri Lanka crossed in the bag as the Test moves the 500-run mark before um- Samson, Morris shine in Rajasthan towards a draw. pires called stumps. Sri Lanka had ended day three on 229/3 after Bangla- Scoreboard desh declared their first in- Royals’ six-wicket win over KKR nings at 541/7 at the Pallekele BANGLADESH, 1st Innings 541/4 decl. (Iqbal International Cricket Stadium 90, Shanto 163, Haque 127; Fernando 4/96 on Thursday. SRI LANKA, 1st innings (229/3 overnight) ANI reduced to 61/4 at the halfway Resuming day four, Dimuth Karunaratne not out...... 234 Mumbai mark. Karunaratne and de Silva en- Lahiru Thirimanne lbw b M Miraz...... 58 Oshada Fernando c Das b T Ahmed...... 20 While Nitish Rana was sured Sri Lanka went through Angelo Mathews b Islam ...... 25 Skipper Sanju Samson’s removed by Chetan Sakariya, the first session without losing Dhananjaya de Silva not out...... 154 unbeaten 42 runs after Chris skipper Eoin Morgan regis- a wicket, adding 102 runs to Extras: (b4, lb5, nb3, w9)...... 21 Morris’ stand out spell helped tered a diamond duck in the the overnight total. TOTAL: (149 Ov,for 3 wkts)...... 512 Rajasthan Royals to defeat 11th over. Yashasvi Jaiswal Karunaratne brought up To bat: Pathum Nissanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) redeemed himself as he took his 11th Test century and his PWH de Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru by six wickets in the Indian a stunning catch running and knock helped hosts further Kumara, Vishwa Fernando. Premier League (IPL) match diving forward to send Narine reduce the first-innings deficit Fall of wickets: 1-114 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 38.6 ov), 2-157 (Oshada Fernando, 53.3 ov), here at the Wankhede Stadi- back in the hut. against the visitors to below 3-190 (Angelo Mathews, 62.3 ov). um on Saturday evening. However, Rahul Tripathi 300. Bowling: Abu Jayed 13-1-58-0, Taskin Ahmed Morris picked four wickets kept batting freely and hit Meanwhile, de Silva com- 25-6-91-1, Ebadot Hossain 17-1-82-0, and restricted KKR to 133/9 timely boundaries to revive pleted his half-century as Sri Mehidy Hasan Miraz.52-6-123-1, Taijul Islam in their allotted 20 overs. In KKR’s innings. Rahul along Lanka went past the 300-run 39-9-136-1, Mominul Haque 1-0-8-0, Saif reply, Samson’s gritty knock with Dinesh Karthik stitched mark before the completion of Hassan 2-0-5-0. of 42 off 41 balls helped the a 33-run stand before the for- the first session. side to chase the total with mer departed in the 16th over. seven balls to spare. Chasing Karthik took KKR over 134, Jos Buttler and Yashasvi the 100-run mark in the 17th Jaiswal stitched a 21-run brief over. Andre Russell perished partnership for the opening before he could unleash the Olympic champion Simone wicket before spinner Varun beast within. The all-rounder Chakravarthy dismissed the smacked a six in the 18th over Biles leaves Nike for Athleta former at 5 in the fourth over. but wasn’t able to carry for- After Buttler’s wicket, David Miller of Rajasthan Royals and Sanju Samson Captain of Rajasthan Royals celebrate the win against Kol- ward the momentum. Biles said that the com- skipper Samson joined Jaisw- kata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday. (BCCI) In the same over, Karthik pany’s stance on diversity and al in the middle. Samson add- too departed as Morris bagged inclusion, as well as its em- ed a 19-run stand with Jaiswal at the crease for long as he was Earlier, in the last three Put in to bat first,KKR got two wickets in three balls to phasis on empowering wom- for the second wicket. Shivam picked by pacer Prasidh Krish- overs, KKR scored 23 runs and off to a bad start which even- leave KKR reeling at 118/7. In en, were important factors in Mavi sent Jaiswal (22) back to na in the 14th over. Tewatia lost Dinesh Karthik, swash- tually worsened as the innings the end, KKR was only able to her decision. the pavilion in the sixth over. just scored five runs. buckling batsman Andre Rus- progressed. score 133 runs as Cummins Biles, who holds the record Shivam Dube and Samson David Miller came in to bat sell, and last match’s hero Pat The side scored eight runs failed to replicate what he did for most world championship steered the side after the de- at number six. He along with Cummins. Morris dismissed in the first two overs and then against CSK on Wednesday. medals and was one of many parture of openers. The duo Samson took the responsibil- all the three batsmen to deny lost the wicket of Shubman Scores: KKR 133/9 in 20 DPA victims of abuse by USA Gym- built a 45-run partnership for ity to take the side over the line. KKR any chance of slogging in Gill in the sixth over. overs (Rahul Tripathi 36, Dinesh Los Angeles nastics’ team doctor Larry the third wicket. In the 11th Samson scored unbeaten 42 the death overs. Jos Buttler’s direct hit Karthik 25; Chris Morris 4-23); Nassar, follows fellow Olym- over, Chakravarthy bagged while Miller amassed not out 24. On the last ball of the ended Gill’s knock with KKR Rajasthan Royals 134/4 in Simone Biles has left Nike pian Allyson Felix in leaving another scalp as he removed For KKR, Chakravarthy KKR’s innings, Morris re- scoring 25 runs in the power- 18.5 overs (Sanju Samson and joined Athleta. Nike and joining Athleta for Dube (22). picked two while Mavi and moved Shivam Mavi to bag his play. KKR kept losing wickets 42*, David Miller 24*; Varun The Gap-owned company similar reasons. Rahul Tewatia did not last Krishna bagged a wicket each. fourth wicket of the day. at regular intervals and got Chakravarthy 2-32). announced the news Friday The decorated sprinter on Twitter, saying the deal was joined in 2019 after publicly “fueled by our shared com- criticizing Nike for its lack of mitment to empower the next support for pregnant women generation of girls.” The four- and new mothers. Athleta cit- Cleveland Browns exercise Suzuka to host Japanese GP time gold medalist expressed ed its success with Felix in its her own excitement as well decision to pursue Biles. fifth-year option on and quoted the Wall Street “When Allyson joined our for another three years Journal article that first re- team, we recognized right QB Baker Mayfield ported the news. away how powerful this was DPA “I felt like it wasn’t just for the brand, but we also rec- DPA rating of 95.9 was the third- Tokyo about my achievements, it’s ognized how deep that rela- Washington best mark in franchise history. what I stood for and how they tionship went,” Athleta chief Having thrown 21 inter- Suzuka will continue to host were going to help me use my product officer JanaHenning The Cleveland Browns have ceptions in 2019, Mayfield was the Japanese Grand Prix for voice and also be a voice for said, “so as we were thinking locked in Baker Mayfield for picked off only eight times in at least the next three years, females and kids,” she said about, ‘Who do we want to 2022 after exercising their 2020, his touchdown to in- Formula One announced on of the new partnership with partner with, who is out there fifth-year option on the quar- terception ratio of 3.25 good Saturday. the company, which is 97 per in the world?’ Simone was an terback’s contract. enough for ninth in the NFL, The figure-of-eight track cent female. obvious choice just from the Cleveland announced their per Stats Perform. has been a favourite for driv- “I feel like they also sup- beginning.” move on Friday after Mayfield Yet the upside of Cleve- ers and fans since being added port me, not just as an ath- This is the second depar- led the Browns to their first land’s passing game still ap- in 1987. lete, but just as an individual ture in one week for Nike after playoff victory in 26 years last peared limited. “Japan holds a special outside of the gym and the Vanessa Bryant left the com- season – a shock win over the Mayfield was a disappoint- place in the hearts and minds change that I want to create, pany with the expiration of Pittsburgh Steelers. ing tied for 17th with 43 com- of F1 fans all over the world, which is so refreshing.” While Kobe Bryant’s contract. Mayfield - the number one pletions of 20 yards or more. and Suzuka has played host to there is no value of the con- In December, Nike also pick in the 2018 NFL Draft Mayfield ranked sixth many of the sport’s most leg- tract reported, Athleta is pro- lost Jerry Lorenzo to – had a breakout 2020 cam- in the NFL in passer rating endary moments, with 11 driv- The Japanese Grand Prix will remain at Suzuka until at least the end viding Biles with her own line as the Fear of God designer paign in which he threw for (118.4) on throws of 21 air ers’ titles being decided there,” of the 2024 season after Formula One and circuit owners announced of performance and casual became their head of bas- 3,563 yards [3,258 meters], yards or more among quar- F1 chief executive Stefano Do- a three-year contract extension on Saturday. wear and has pledged to sup- ketball and will establish his 26 touchdowns and just eight terbacks with at least 25 such menicali said in a statement. port Biles’ own post-Olym- own athletic company under interceptions, while his passer attempts. “The Japanese Grand Prix has always showcased gripping, edge-of-your-seat drama.” pics gymnastics tour. their umbrella.