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Thursday, May 24, 2018 FOOTBALL Ramadan 8, 1439 AH New coach Emery GULF TIMES promises ‘new future’ for Arsenal SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Duhail and Sadd ‘Colossus’ AB retires from draw Iranian teams international cricket in quarter-fi nals “He has had a wonderful ca- AFP Johannesburg reer, done freakish things in the game across three formats and he If both the Qatari sides prevail in the quarters, they will play each other in the semis has been a great servant to South outh Africa’s star bats- Africa,” Root said speaking in By Sports Reporter man AB de Villiers yes- London. Doha terday announced his surprise retirement from ‘GENUINELY SPECIAL TALENT’ internationalS cricket after a glit- De Villiers retired with a Test av- NB Stars League sides Al Du- tering 14-year career playing for erage of 50.66 and as the fourth- hail and Al Sadd were both the Proteas. highest run-scorer for South Af- drawn against Iranian teams De Villiers, 34, won fans rica with 8,765 runs, with 22 100s. in the AFC Champions League around the world for mixing tra- In limited overs, he fi nished quarter-fiQ nals. QNB Stars League cham- ditional and unorthodox shots, as the number-two ranked bats- pions Duhail will take on Iran Pro League as well as his fast scoring and man in the world and as the sec- winner Persepolis, while Al Sadd will face ability to hit the ball to all parts ond highest run-scorer behind Esteghlal FC. The draw ceremony was of the ground. Jacques Kallis with 9,577 runs at held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur He holds the world record an average of 53.50. yesterday. for the fastest half-century (16 International Cricket Coun- If both Duhail and Al Sadd prevail in balls), hundred (31 balls) and 150 cil (ICC) chief executive David the quarters, then the Qatar sides will (64 balls) in ODIs, and is one of Richardson said De Villiers was lock horns in the semi-fi nals. The fi rst the few batsmen to top the Test “one of cricket’s great entertain- leg of the quarter-fi nal matches will be and 50-over rankings at the same ers and a genuinely special and played from August 27 to 29, while the time. instinctive talent.” return legs are scheduled for September “I have decided to retire from “Time and time again he has from 17 to 19. all international cricket with left cricket fans around the world Buoyed by their treble winning season, immediate eff ect,” he said in a marvelling at his feats with the Al Duhail have now set their eyes on the statement. bat and in the fi eld.” AFC Champions League. Duhail, who “After 114 Test matches, 228 Among his many records, lifted the Amir Cup last Saturday to add ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals, “AB” was the only wicketkeeper to the Qatar Stars League and Qatar Cup it is time for others to take over. I to score a century and make at titles won earlier, have carried their do- have had my turn, and to be hon- least 10 dismissals in the same mestic form onto the continental stage. est, I am tired.” Test, against Pakistan at Johan- They are on the brink of an AFC Cham- The middle-order batsman nesburg in 2013. pions League record, having scored eight — popularly known simply as De Villiers was known as “Mr. straight victories en route to qualifying “AB” — said it had taken him a 360” for his round-the-ground for the quarter-fi nals and were the team long time to make the “tough” shots, and Indian legend Sachin to avoid in the draw. decision and that he decided to Tendulkar wished him well quit while still playing “decent on Twitter saying: “Like your “We are always improving. Players cricket”. on-fi eld game, may you have like Sultan al-Brake and Bassam “It would not be right for me 360-degree success off the fi eld”. Hisham are all improving, and Al Duhail beat Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in their Round of 16 clash with an aggregate of 8-3 for a place in the quarter-finals to pick and choose where, when Fellow former Indian batsman Almoez Ali still has scope for of the AFC Champions League. and in what format I play for the described him as “the most loved improvement. It is a continuous Proteas. For me, in the green and cricketer in the world” and con- process,” Duhail coach Djamel gold, it must be everything or gratulated him “on a wonderful Belmadi said nothing,” he said. career”. De Villiers added he had no Cricket South Africa chief ex- Coach Djamel Belmadi has said there plans to play overseas but would ecutive Thabang Moroe said De will be no letting up as Al Duhail will look continue in league competitions, Villiers’ decision ahead of the to improve despite such an impressive sea- saying: “It’s not about earning 2019 World Cup in England and son. “We are always improving. Players like more somewhere else, it’s about Wales was disappointing but re- Sultan al-Brake and Bassam Hisham are all running out of gas.” spected. improving, and Almoez Ali still has scope England captain Joe Root “AB has been a colossus on the for improvement. It is a continuous proc- hailed his “freakish” achieve- world stage for well over a dec- ess,” Belmadi said last week. ments. ade,” he said. “It’s a great season, of course. Huge achievement from the club and we can- not expect more. We took all the trophies, we won all the competitions, and we are in the quarter-fi nals of (the AFC) Cham- pions League with eight victories,” the Algerian added. Duhail will fi rst welcome Persepolis for the fi rst leg, before travelling to Iran for the second leg. Persepolis have yet to win the AFC Champions League and after a semi-fi nal exit in 2017, Branko Ivanko- vic’s charges will be aiming for the title. Two-time champions Al Sadd will be up against Esteghlal FC, who were crowned the Asian champions 27 years ago. Winfried Schäfer’s side will be aiming to return to glory and a third title but Sadd will provide a tough challenge to the Iranians. Sadd, who were grouped alongside Persepolis in Group C, had an eventful 2018 campaign where they recorded four wins and two losses to fi nish as the group runners-up behind the Iranians. They met Al Ahli Saudi FC in the Round of 16, where two fi rst half goals from Boualem Khoukhi secured them a 2-1 win in the fi rst leg. Al Sadd beat Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in the Round of 16. In the return leg, Algerian forward Baghdad Bounedjah gave Al Sadd a dream Bounedjah scored the equaliser to secure the AFC Champions League, and are cer- start with a goal in the second minute but their spot in the quarter-fi nals 4-3 on ag- tainly looking to extend their run. QUARTER-FINAL DRAW Al Ahli’s Claudemir de Souza equalised gregate. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, champions Esteghlal (IRN) vs Al Sadd (QAT) less than seven minutes later and took Meanwhile, Kashima Antlers from Ja- in 2006 and 2016, will lock horns with Al Duhail (QAT) vs Persepolis (IRN) the lead through Muhannad Assiri going pan, who have not gone beyond the quar- fellow Korea Republic side Suwon Sam- Kashima Antlers (JPN) vs Tianjin through into the half-time break. ter-fi nals stage, will welcome China PR’s sung Bluewings, who have also won the Quanijian (CHN) However, Jesualdo Ferreira’s men Tianjin Quanjian, who have performed title twice - in the 2000/01 and 2001/02 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) vs bounced back in the 70th minute when spectacularly in their fi rst appearance in seasons. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 24, 2018 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Rwanda becomes Arsenal’s offi cial tourism partner Emery promises ‘new London: Rwanda has become the off icial tourism partner of English football club Arsenal FC, whose players will sport a “Visit Rwanda” logo on their sleeves, the club announced yesterday. The tiny country’s leader, future’ for Arsenal President Paul Kagame, is an ardent Arsenal fan and often expresses his opinions about the club’s perform- The 46-year-old Spaniard arrives in north London to take charge of a squad that went stale under his ances during summits and on social media. The three-year predecessor Arsene Wenger, who had failed to win the Premier League title since 2004 deal with Arsenal is the latest bid by Kigali to draw tourists AFP and investors to the country, London burnishing its reputation as a safe, sought-after destination. Ever since the devastat- nai Emery has warned Arse- ing 1994 genocide in which nal’s under-performing stars 800,000 mainly Tutsis were he won’t be afraid to wield killed, the country has been the axe as he prepares for the praised for a swift economic Uchallenge of creating a “new future” for turnaround. As the club’s the troubled Premier League side. Em- first-ever sleeve partner, ery was unveiled as Arsenal’s fi rst new the “Visit Rwanda” logo will manager in 22 years yesterday as the appear on the shirt of all first Spaniard faced the media at the Emir- team, under-23 and Arsenal ates Stadium. Women’s players from the The 46-year-old arrives in north new season this August, the London to take charge of a squad that club has announced. went stale under his predecessor Arsene Rwanda Development Wenger, who had failed to win the Pre- Board CEO, Clare Akamanzi, mier League title since 2004. Arsenal said that the sponsorship fi nished sixth in the English top-fl ight deal will highlight the this season, missing out on the Cham- country’s tourism off ers, but pions League for a second successive would not be drawn on how year, while trailing 37 points behind much it had cost. Rwanda is champions Manchester City. one of only three countries, Wenger was forced out after losing including the Democratic Re- his grip on an unbalanced squad and, public of Congo and Uganda, while Emery said he will give his play- where one can see mountain ers a chance to impress, the former Paris gorillas. The country has in Saint Germain boss made it clear he is recent years re-introduced willing to breathe life into a moribund lions and rhino to its Akagera club with new signings. National Park — which had “It’s a big challenge for me but I gone extinct due to poor have worked also in other projects, conservation — to become a big projects,” he told reporters. “This Big Five safari destination. is a big team, with great players. We Akamanzi said that Arsenal think we need change, little things, a players from the men’s and few players. I want to speak individu- women’s teams will visit ally with all the players face to face. It’s Rwanda and club coaches very important for the club, after two will host coaching camps to years outside the Champions League, to support the development work to be the best team in the Premier of football in the country. League and also in the world.” Rwanda received 1.3mn Despite the daunting task facing him, visitor arrivals in 2017 and Emery, who was allowed to leave French tourism is Rwanda’s largest champions PSG at the end of the sea- foreign exchange earner, gov- son, insisted his move to Arsenal is a ernment statistics show. great opportunity. “This is a big project The country has decided and I am proud to be here and to work to focus on high-end low- after Arsene Wenger,” he said. “In my impact tourism, and last year career every year I grew up with new Unai Emery was unveiled as Arsenal’s first new manager in 22 years yesterday. doubled the price of a gorilla challenges. For me this challenge is a permit to $1,500. Kagame is dream come true.” to praise his employers. es in the world. I learned with him all transmit our emotion and we will fi ght inspired and excited I am to be here and revered in some quarters for Emery, who won the domestic tre- “Thank you Ivan, Raul and Sven. The the things in football,” Emery said. for the objectives.” for them to feel it too. We all need to give stopping Rwanda’s genocide ble with PSG this season before being fi rst meeting with Arsenal people was Wenger won the double in his fi rst full Key to his attempt to revitalise Ar- 100% and that’s what I’m looking for and engineering what admir- replaced by Thomas Tuchel, is on a re- with those three who, after three hours, season with Arsenal in 1997-98 — an senal will be bringing the best out of from every player and myself.” ers see as an economic mira- ported £6mn per year contract after gave me a very good feeling for how we achievement that might be beyond Em- Mesut Ozil, the World Cup winning Worringly for Arsenal fans, Emery has cle, but rights groups accuse convincing Arsenal’s board he was the will work together and create a new fu- ery given the rebuilding job facing him. German playmaker who has often cut never won a match against Manchester him of crushing all opposition right man to replace Wenger. ture for Arsenal,” he said. Asked what he hoped to achieve next a diffi dent fi gure in his time with the City boss Pep Guardiola or Manches- and ruling through fear. The He won the race ahead of seven other Speaking in broken English, Emery season, Emery said: “I think that’s about Gunners. Emery, a three-time Europa ter United manager Jose Mourinho. 60-year-old won a third-term candidates thanks in part to his willing- paid tribute to Wenger, who departed battling for every title, that’s something League winner with Sevilla, called on “I’m thinking about the present and in off ice last year after the ness to work with chief executive Ivan with three Premier League titles and in Arsenal’s great history and in my Ozil to commit to the cause, saying: the future. In terms of my past experi- constitution was changed to Gazidis, head of football relations Raul seven FA Cups in a reign that trans- history as well. And I want that to “He’s one of the biggest talents here ence, it has made me stronger today,” he allow him to potentially stay Sanllehi and head of recruitment Sven formed English football. continue. I don’t promise today we will and I want talented players here. I want said. “I’m excited to be here and fi ght in power for another two Mislintat. That trio are the new power- “Thank you Arsene Wenger for your win but I can promise you we will work to spend time with him and all of the against some top managers and some decades. brokers at Arsenal and Emery was quick legacy, he has reverence from all coach- hard and we will work together. We will players — to speak to them about how top teams.”

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Three things Emery must fi x at Arsenal UEFA chief hits out at Infantino AFP Renowned for providing players with vid- London eo analysis of their own performances, Em- plans to ‘sell soul’ of game ery will have enough material to fi ll an entire hard drive as he surveys footage of the leaky EFA President nai Emery was appointed as Arse- Arsenal defence over the past 10 months. Aleksander Ceferin nal’s fi rst new manager in 22 years With Laurent Koscielny set to miss the criticised his FIFA yesterday. Here are three things he start of the season after ankle surgery, Em- counterpart Gianni In- must deal with to ensure a smooth ery will not want to be left with error-prone fantino’sU plans to create two new Utransition from the Arsene Wenger era: pair Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding as tournaments as “highly cynical his fi rst-choice centre-backs. and ruthless mercantilism” and SOLVE THE OZIL CONUNDRUM The Gunners have already been linked accused the global body of sell- Mesut Ozil’s diffi dent personality and with Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sok- ing the soul of the game. alarming habit of drifting to the periph- ratis Papastathopoulos, while inconsistent After bodies representing Eu- ery of matches proved a major problem for Arsenal full-backs Hector Bellerin, Nacho ropean clubs and leagues came Wenger. Emery must decide whether he can Monreal and Sead Kolasinac could also do out against the plan, Ceferin’s drag more committed and consistent dis- with a few of Emery’s rigorous defensive tu- speech at the European Union in plays from the German playmaker. torials. Brussels indicates a serious rift The 29-year-old signed a new £300,000 between Infantino and the Euro- ($400,000) per-week three-year contract UNITE AUBAMEYANG AND LACAZETTE pean game. Infantino, previously in January as Arsenal scrambled to hold on to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made a blis- UEFA’s General Secretary, has must be respected. Football is (£13mn) deal with the MLS club one of their stars following Alexis Sanchez’s tering start to life with Arsenal following his proposed staging what would ef- not for sale. I will not let anyone that would see the 32-year-old move to Manchester United. club record £56mn move from Dortmund fectively be a mini-World Cup. sacrifi ce its structures on the leave Everton, his boyhood club, But the former Real Madrid midfi eld- in January as the Gabon forward netted 10 It would feature eight inter- altar of a highly cynical and just 12 months after rejoining er continued to provide only occasional times in 13 league games. Aubameyang’s national teams and take place ruthless mercantilism.” them from Manchester United. glimpses of the talent that persuaded impact was all the more striking given the every two years in addition to Ceferin said that the game DC United coach Ben Olsen Wenger to pay £42mn for him in 2013. travails of the man he usurped in the start- the traditional event. The ‘Final needed to address the con- confi rmed earlier this month Early reports suggest Emery, having re- ing line-up. Eight’ would be the conclusion centration of wealth among a that the club were interested in viewed video of Arsenal this season, may not Although he scored 17 times in 39 ap- to a ‘Global Nations League’ small group of clubs because it bringing Rooney to America but have much faith in Ozil, preferring to build pearances in all competitions, Alexandre while the FIFA president also “threatens the competitive bal- said the deal “is not done”. Sam around the more robust Aaron Ramsey in- Lacazette endured an underwhelming fi rst wants to see an expanded Club ance that is essential to football’s Allardyce said before he was stead. With the gifted Henrikh Mkhitaryan season after his £46mn switch from Lyon. World Cup with 24 teams as appeal”. “We are ready to take sacked as manager by Everton already in place at the Emirates Stadium, Where Aubameyang’s pace, movement and part of a package which he says action to enhance competitive that Rooney had not asked to Ozil should be on notice that his perform- predatory instincts made an instant impact unnamed investors are willing to balance... There is an urgent leave. Allardyce and Rooney had ances must improve if the World Cup win- on a moribund Arsenal team, France inter- invest $25bn over 12 years. need to act and respond before it their diff erences and the player’s ner is to avoid being swept away by Arsenal’s national Lacazette allowed himself to be In an address to the Coun- is too late.” show of dissent when substi- new broom. bullied out of games far too often. cil of European Union Sports tuted in April’s Merseyside derby Now Emery will have to chose whether he Ministers in Brussels yesterday, resulted in clear-the-air talks PLUG ARSENAL’S LEAKY DEFENCE wants to start with both in his attack. If not, Ceferin said: “As long as I am ROONEY TO MEET between the pair. The former Wenger neglected Arsenal’s defence in his it seems certain Aubameyang would lead the UEFA President there will be no DC UNITED BOSSES OVER England captain, who has been fi nal years at the Emirates and Emery in- Mesut Ozil has provided only occasional line, consigning Lacazette to the bench. room for pursuing selfi sh en- POTENTIAL MLS MOVE on holiday in Barbados, is to herits a ramshackle unit that crumbles at glimpses of the talent that persuaded Lacazette can point to a slightly more po- deavours or hiding behind false Everton forward Wayne Rooney be accompanied on his trip to the fi rst sign of pressure. They conceded 51 Arsene Wenger to pay Real Madrid £42mn tent fi nish to the season as a sign he is be- pretences. I cannot accept that will break from his family holi- Washington by his long-time league goals this season — more than any for the German midfielder in 2013. (AFP) ginning to adapt to the physical nature of some people who are blinded by day to travel to Washington this adviser Paul Stretford. other side in the top seven and only fi ve few- English football. But, signifi cantly, Aubam- the pursuit of profi t are consid- week to meet bosses at Major Rooney, who fi rst burst onto er than bottom of the table West Bromwich fi elders to properly protect them, they still eyang already has a strong connection with ering to sell the soul of football League Soccer side DC United, the scene aged just 16 at Everton, Albion. made enough mistakes of their own to leave former Dortmund teammate Mkhitaryan, tournaments to nebulous private his spokesman confi rmed yes- was the club’s top scorer this Although Arsenal’s back four were let the demanding Emery surely convinced that who is likely to be tasked with supplying the funds. Money does not rule — terday. Rooney has reportedly season with 11 goals but last down by Wenger’s failure to drill his mid- new recruits are the only solution. chances for Arsenal’s strikers. and the European sports model agreed “in principle” to a $17mn found the net on December 18. Gulf Times Thursday, May 24, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Salah tops Ronaldo this season, says Decision time for Liverpool great Rush iverpool great Ian Rush said. “But over the last season says Mohamed Salah has Salah has been the best player. outshone Champions He played a huge role in helping League fi nal opponent Egypt to the World Cup and Zidane as Bale what he’s achieved at Liverpool LCristiano Ronaldo during an incredible record-breaking has been amazing. If Liverpool season. The Egyptian forward win the Champions League he goes into Saturday’s showpiece deserves the best player award, against defending champions 100%,” he added. Real Madrid in Kiev needing an awaits his chance unlikely four goals to beat Rush’s MAN UTD FAN MCILROY Liverpool goals record for a BACKS BITTER RIVALS single season. LIVERPOOL IN KIEV FINAL Salah currently has 44 goals, Irish golf star and Manchester The pair have not seen eye-to-eye for some time, ever since Zidane jettisoned the three short of Rush’s mark from United fan Rory McIlroy is hop- the 1983/84 campaign, when ing Liverpool are crowned Eu- Welshman for Real’s last 16 first leg game at home to Paris Saint-Germain in February Liverpool won the European ropean champions for the sixth Cup, First Division and League time on Saturday. The 29-year- Cup treble. “If he beats my old conceded that as a United record I would actually bow supporter he should hate Jurgen down to him,” Rush, a Liverpool Klopp’s side but he was prepared club ambassador, said. to go against type for the clash in “To score four goals in a fi nal Kiev with holders Real Madrid. would be an incredible achieve- “As much as I’m a United fan, ment. Fernando Torres and Luis and United fans are supposed Suarez were amazing in their to hate Liverpool, I think it fi rst seasons at Liverpool. But would be great to see a British I have to say Salah’s been even team win, hopefully. I think it’s better than them, not only his great that a British team’s in the goals and assists but his all- fi nal, and look, if Liverpool can round game. What I like about start off the match like they did him is that he’s such a humble against Roma that fi rst leg, they guy — if someone’s in a better have got a good chance,” he said. position he passes the ball.” McIlroy is bidding to get his Salah became the most season back on track at the PGA expensive player in Liverpool Championship at Wentworth history last year when he joined which gets underway today. The from Roma in an initial £37mn PGA title winner in 2014 had ($45mn) deal, although Janu- not gone completely off message ary signing Virgil van Dijk has talking football as he had played since taken the record. But the in the Pro-Am tournament 25-year-old has proved a bar- with three former United greats gain, with 11 of his goals coming Teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes in the club’s march to the Cham- and Michael Carrick. pions League fi nal. However, in what he hopes is He won the golden boot with not repeated when he addresses 32 goals, becoming the highest the golf ball his attempted chip scorer in a 38-game Premier onto the green from around 80 League season. yards with a football came up And Rush has echoed those short — as did Sheringham’s and who believe Salah should be Scholes’s. crowned world player of the year “Unfortunately mine didn’t if Liverpool become European make it to the green,” said champions. “The two best play- McIlroy. “I think that was the ers in the world over a long time, fi rst football I kicked since 2015. without doubt, are Cristiano Yeah, not great. Not that that’s Ronaldo and Lionel Messi,” Rush an excuse.”

Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale trains in Madrid yesterday, on the eve of the Champions League final against Liverpool. (Reuters)

AFP Zidane, however, hauled him off at half- looked for both semi-fi nal legs against surge will be diffi cult to ignore. Even in Madrid time, with Real trailing Juve 2-0. Bayern Munich, the 28-year-old had an interview to Real Madrid website on At best, it seemed the Frenchman was started only one of his last fi ve matches. Tuesday, Bale pointedly said when asked apportioning blame to Bale. At worst, it “It is always going to happen in a side about his form: “I feel like I’ve been in areth Bale’s relationship with seemed like punishment by public humil- like ours,” Zidane said. “There are play- good form for a while.” Zinedine Zidane will come to a iation. “It was not to punish Gareth but ers in good form and in the team, who are Sources say that Bale’s fi rst choice this crossroads when Real Madrid something had to change,” Zidane said playing well.” If that was the lowest point, summer is to resist off ers from England play Liverpool in the Champions after the match. “I was not happy with there has been an upturn in recent weeks, and stay at Real Madrid, where he enjoys GLeague fi nal on Saturday. The pair have the approach.” in both Bale’s form and his connection the lifestyle, the support of those higher not seen eye-to-eye for some time, ever Bale felt harshly treated, he became with Zidane. up the club, and where his family are set- since Zidane jettisoned the Welshman noticeably down around the squad and A brilliant goal against Barcelona, the tled. But his persistence has its limits. for Real’s last 16 fi rst leg game at home to his intensity dropped in training. Sources highlight of a rather underwhelming per- If Zidane rejuvenates Bale for Real’s Paris Saint-Germain in February. say that Bale and Zidane were barely on formance, provided a spark, followed by biggest game of the season, it would con- With their La Liga challenge all but speaking terms around this period. Three two more goals and a man-of-the-match tinue the upward momentum and create over, Zidane’s reputation hinged on a run days after Real scraped past Juventus, via display against Celta Vigo. Bale scored the possibility for a fresh start next sea- in Europe and dropping Bale delivered Cristiano Ronaldo’s last-gasp penalty, against Villarreal on Saturday to make it son. If he disregards Bale’s form in Kiev a resounding message about a lack of they faced a lengthy trip to Malaga and fi ve goals in his last four starts. It means and leaves him on the bench, reconcilia- trust when it mattered most. But break- several key players, including Bale, were the fi nal against Liverpool this weekend tion becomes distinctly unlikely. ing point arrived in April, in the quarter- left out. Real insisted they were rested but represents an acid test. “He is playing very well, he has scored fi nals, in the second leg at home to Ju- while the likes of Ronaldo, Toni Kroos, The expectation in recent weeks had many goals recently,” Zidane said on ventus. Bale had scored three goals in his Luka Modric and Marcelo returned for been Bale would again give way to less Tuesday. “Not only that but he has been previous three games, six in fi ve including the weekend’s game against Athletic Bil- spectacular, but more defensively dili- very consistent. He has not played so Mohamed Salah currently has 44 goals, three short of Ian Rush’s matches for Wales, and he was rewarded bao, Bale again found himself sat on the gent, team-mates — Lucas Vazquez, much but the last three games he has mark from the 1983/84 campaign, when Liverpool won the European with a start at the Santiago Bernabeu. bench. By the time he had been over- Karim Benzema or Isco — but this latest played he has played well.” Cup, First Division and League Cup treble. (Reuters)

I HAVE BIOLOGICAL AGE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OF 23, SAYS RONALDO Madrid: Real Madrid forward speculation linking Paris St Lyon, Wolfsburg cross paths once again Cristiano Ronaldo has no plans Germain forward Neymar with to slow down and feels a dec- a move to Real and gave his AFP tory by beating a side they already defeat- ade younger than his 33 years, backing to his current team Kiev ed in the 2016 fi nal. Then, Lyon’s triumph the Portuguese declared ahead mates. “I’ve been here for eight came on penalties, despite the prolifi c of the Champions League final years and people always say Norwegian Ada Hegerberg missing their with Liverpool, where he is 50 players are coming here but efore Real Madrid try to get their fi rst spot-kick. targeting a fifth European Cup in the end no-one comes. In hands on a third straight Cham- The French side also emerged victori- triumph. September people think lots of pions League crown this week, ous when they met in the quarter-fi nals “Right now I have a biological players are going to come but Lyon have the chance to achieve last season, en route to another penalty theB same feat in the women’s showpiece. shoot-out win in the fi nal, against Paris age of 23,” the five-times world the ones who take us to finals player of the year said in an are always the same ones,” The dominant French club face Germa- Saint-Germain. “Last year they were two interview with Spanish televi- he said. “The best players are ny’s Wolfsburg in Kiev today at the leafy quite close encounters, with just one goal sion programme El Chiringuito already at Madrid. Bale, Ben- Valeriy Lobanovskiy stadium, a short between us, so we can expect a diffi cult broadcast yesterday. “I’ve still zema, (Lucas) Vazquez, (Marco) walk across the Ukrainian capital from game,” said Lyon captain Wendie Renard. got a long time left, I can keep Asensio. They are all here.” where Real Madrid and Liverpool will Wolfsburg are the German champi- playing until I’m 41. I’m feeling clash on Saturday. ons, and are fresh from beating Bayern good, happy, I can’t complain. WEST HAM PROMISE The size of the crowd and the prize Munich on penalties in the German Cup We are playing another final NEW BOSS PELLEGRINI money may not be the same – UEFA off er fi nal. And they have a Scandinavian star on Saturday and the fans are BIG TRANSFER KITTY a bonus payment of just 250,000 euros of their own to look out for up front in behind Cristiano.” West Ham pledged yesterday ($294,000) to the winner. In comparison, Denmark’s Pernille Harder. Ronaldo is top scorer in to provide new boss Manuel the side that emerges victorious in the She scored one of the penalties as the the Champions League for a Pellegrini with major funds to men’s competition stand to collect up to Volkswagen-backed club beat Bayern remarkable sixth year in a row, rebuild as they bid to avoid 57 million euros before substantial sums at the weekend after an energy-sapping with 15 goals in 12 games in this another Premier League relega- related to shares of television income are contest in the heat in Cologne. “It was a season’s competition. tion scrap. added on. tough game, it was warm, but it gives us If he hits the net against The former Manchester City But this is the last time the men’s and energy to have won another title,” insist- Liverpool on Saturday in Kiev, manager, 64, was confirmed as women’s fi nals will be played in the same ed their Swedish skipper Nilla Fischer. he will become the first ever Hammers boss on Tuesday and city, with UEFA president Aleksander Lyon players train ahead of their Women’s Champions League against Wolfsburg at player to score in four Euro- immediately targeted “four or Ceferin saying that decision was taken the Valeriy Lobanovskyi Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine. (Reuters) RECENT WINNERS pean Cup finals. five” new signings. because “the potential for women’s foot- 2007-08: Frankfurt (GER) The Portuguese has had The Hammers opted not ball is limitless”. Bronze, while Wolfsburg overcame Chel- have won four Champions League titles 2008-09: Duisburg (GER) to take extra responsibility in to keep David Moyes on after And Lyon and Wolfsburg are worthy sea. this decade. “It is fi rst of all down to lots 2009-10: Turbine Potsdam (GER) attack this season for Madrid the Scot’s short-term contract fi nalists here, with this the third time in The last 10 champions have been ei- and lots of hard work every day. It’s in the 2010-11: Lyon (FRA) as Karim Benzema and Gareth ended following the final game the last six editions that they have met at ther French or German, with Wolfsburg girls’ DNA, they are always looking for 2011-12: Lyon (FRA) Bale have struggled for form at of the Premier League season this stage. themselves triumphing in 2013 – when perfection,” said the Lyon coach Reynald 2012-13: Wolfsburg (GER) various stages of the season. — a 3-1 win over his former side They torpedoed the hopes of lead- they beat Lyon – and 2014. The extent to Pedros when asked how he has managed 2013-14: Wolfsburg (GER) Ronaldo, however, did not ap- Everton that saw them finish ing English sides to make it to Kiev, with which Lyon reign supreme at home and to keep his squad hungry. 2014-15: Frankfurt (GER) pear enthusiastic about press 13th. Lyon edging out Manchester City in the abroad is remarkable – they have just No club has ever won fi ve Champions 2015-16: Lyon (FRA) last four with a goal from England’s Lucy won a 12th consecutive French title, and Leagues, so Lyon are hoping to make his- 2016-17: Lyon (FRA) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 24, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Ancelotti joins Napoli as Sarri puts Zenit, Chelsea on alert The 58-year-old Italian is said to have agreed a two-year contract with an option for a third

AFP Ancelotti’s son Davide and his son- Milan in-law Mino Fulco will also be on the Napoli coaching staff . Sarri, who has spent the past three seasons at the San arlo Ancelotti has reached Paolo Stadium, has two more years re- agreement to take over as Na- maining on his contract which runs un- poli coach ending Maurizio til 2020. Sarri’s three-year reign at the The 59-year-old former banker SerieC A club, according to reports in guided Napoli to second place in Se- Italy yesterday. Italian Ancelotti — who rie A for the second time since taking was sacked by Bayern Munich last Sep- over, and this season they achieved a tember — hammered out a deal yes- club record 91 points in a season. But terday after a series of meetings with the club’s fi lm producer boss De Lau- Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis rentiis lost patience with Sarri’s inde- in Rome. cision over his future, after pushing De Laurentiis later confi rmed Sarri’s the champions all the way this season departure in a brief post on Twitter. “I’d before fi nishing four points behind Ju- like to thank Maurizio Sarri for his val- ventus to miss out on a fi rst Serie A title uable contribution to the Napoli cause,” since 1990. De Laurentiis said. “He brought joy and According to a report, Zenit have prestige to Naples and Napoli fans all invited the Napoli coach to Russia to over the world with an entertaining see Saint Petersburg and their training brand of football that drew praise from facilities. The Russian club have been all quarters. Well done, Maurizio — Au- without a coach since Roberto Mancini relio De Laurentiis.” returned to take over the Italian nation- Sarri has been linked with both Zenit al team, and in addition to stumping up St Petersburg and Chelsea with the for his buyout clause are also willing to Russian club reported to be prepared off er Sarri a contract worth six mn eu- to pay his eight-million-euro ($9.4mn) ros per season plus bonuses. release clause. The 58-year-old Ance- “In life everything comes to an end,” lotti is said to have agreed a two-year said Sarri after his fi nal match last Sun- contract with an option for a third. day, a 2-1 win which relegated Crotone However, the offi cial announcement to Serie B. “Sometimes it’s better to fi n- may not be made immediately as details ish stories while they are good. We have have to be sorted out concerning Sarri’s not reached the target, but the journey position. It would mark Ancelotti’s fi rst has been fantastic.” job in Italian football since leaving AC He added: “The situation is compli- Milan in 2009 after leading the club to cated. You can’t say you’re ready to go a Scudetto and two Champions League and try again with this squad when you titles. don’t know whether everyone will re- The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and main here. I don’t know if the club will Bayern Munich boss is understood to manage to keep the players who have have agreed a salary worth 6.5mn euro release clauses when off ers will come in ($7.6mn) a year with an option of a third from big clubs. What I do think is that I year. Ancelotti has won three Champi- could not go directly to another Italian ons League titles as well as the league in team, and that if I had to make a change Italy, France, Germany and England. I would prefer to go abroad.” Carlo Ancelotti (centre) looks on during former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo’s testimonial ‘Night of the Master’ match at the San Siro in Milan on Monday night. (AFP)

‘Secret Weapon’ Loft us-Cheek ROUND-UP says he can handle big stage Argentina goalkeeper Romero out of World Cup London: With only two England individually, I am just excited to appearances in his career and play at the World Cup and I think rgentina’s World Cup prepara- The news cast an even poorer light on not even 50 games under his if you enjoy it, you play your tions suff ered a blow on Tuesday the 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain belt in club football, Ruben Lof- best football,” he said. as goalkeeper Sergio Romero midfi elder Adrien Rabiot, who refused tus-Cheek will not be a known Loftus-Cheek is a product of was ruled out of the tournament to be a World Cup standby player as the withA a knee injury, the Argentina Football France squad assembled at their Claire- quantity for opposition coaches Chelsea’s youth system but got at the World Cup. regular Premier League football Association (AFA) said. fontaine training centre. England manager Gareth under his belt with former Eng- The Manchester United goalkeeper Southgate hopes the attacking land manager Roy Hodgson at injured his right knee during training in BOLOGNA SIGN DUTCH midfielder, who impressed on Crystal Palace this season. The Buenos Aires on Tuesday. DEFENDER DIJKS debut in a November friendly Londoner doesn’t know where Romero, 31, is the most capped goal- Dutch left-back Mitchell Dijks has against Germany, can be his se- he will be playing next season keeper in the history of the Argentina signed a fi ve-year contract with Serie A cret weapon, and the 22-year-old but says he has to put that un- national team with 83 appearances and club Bologna from Ajax, the Italian club says he is ready for the intensity certainty out of his mind for the represented the country at the 2010 and confi rmed, The 25-year-old spent the of the tournament in Russia. next few weeks. 2014 World Cups. The AFA said Romero second half of last season on loan with “One hundred percent I feel “I am not thinking about that had suff ered a blockage in his right knee Norwich City, before returning to the ready for it. I know how to deal too much to be honest right now and was being evaluated surgically. A Netherlands this season. Bologna strug- with pressure. As a youth player, — I am trying to focus on this replacement will be announced “in the gled during the season — with just one I played for England and got summer, this tournament is too coming days,” the statement said. win from their fi nal 12 games — fi nishing used to it and I have just to carry big. I’ll be back at Chelsea in pre- As well as his World Cup experience, Argentina’s goalkeeper four points above the relegation zone. it on to the bigger stage,” he season anyway and then I will Romero has represented Argentina in Sergio Romero injured his told reporters at England’s St. decide when that comes along. three Copa Americas and was also a knee during a training MANCHESTER UNITED NAMED George’s training camp. I am not too worried it will get member of the side that won gold at session in Buenos Aires MOST VALUABLE FOOTBALL TEAM “I won’t be intimidated by sorted when the time comes.” the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Argentina, on Tuesday. (AFP) Manchester United may have fi nished any player or team, I think that Southgate worked with beaten fi nalists in the 2014 World Cup in second in the English Premier League is fundamental in football if you Loftus-Cheek during his time Brazil, open their Group D campaign in this season but the club is top of the table want to do well. I take that mind- in charge of England’s under-21 Russia against Iceland on June 16. Other Europa League semi-fi nal defeat to “The main thing is to get along with in terms of overall value, according to a set into the World Cup.” team and the player says he fi rst round opponents include Croatia Atletico Madrid two weeks ago. “He’s a each other, all together, players and report by accounting fi rm KPMG. Loftus-Cheek is one of several enjoys the approach of the and Nigeria. man on whom you can count and I told staff ,” he wrote. “Everyone has to fight The Red Devils’ overall value increased inexperienced young players former Aston Villa defender. “He him that if he wants to he’s more than and go the extra yard for his teammates, fi ve percent compared to 2017 to more that have been included in has been there and played for KOSCIELNY SENDS welcome to pay us a visit,” said Des- team spirit is key. The whole nation is than 3.2 billion euros, beating Real Ma- Gareth Southgate’s World Cup England and so he knows what it WORLD CUP BEST TO FRANCE champs. behind you and will cheer you on. This drid on 2.9 billion euros and FC Barce- squad and the tall midfielder is like,” said Loftus-Cheek. Ruled out of the World Cup with a rup- “It was a good idea and I’ve shown the support, energy, pride and passion will lona on 2.8 billion euros. believes none of them will be “He has been in these situa- tured Achilles tendon, Arsenal defender letter to the players. There’s everything carry you just as it did in Euro 2016,” said Of the 32 European clubs assessed, overawed. “I think this squad is tions, with his knowledge that Laurent Koscielny has written a letter in there from a man who knows what an Koscielny, who was part of the France Bayern Munich came fourth with 2.55 used to playing under pressure, he can pass on to us players, it is of encouragement to the France squad, international tournament calls for,” said side that lost the fi nal to Portugal. “This billion euros, Juventus were ninth on 1.3 most of us haven’t been to a great for us. As a manager he is national coach Didier Deschamps said. Deschamps. The French Football Federa- year, I’ll be on my sofa, watching on the billion euros, with Paris Saint-Germain World Cup before but for me, very good with players."a The 32-year-old, who has 50 France tion have made what Koscielny said in TV and I’ll be your No.1 fan,” promised in 11th place, with an estimated value of caps, was stretchered out of Arsenal’s the letter public. the player. 1.14 billion euros.

FOCUS Deschamps criticises Rabiot for rejecting World Cup standby spot

AFP in all circumstances.” that when one has the honour of being When Deschamps announced the Paris Asked if the 23-year-old Rabiot called to wear the tricolour shirt and squad last Thursday, he preferred Ste- could one day return to the France defend the colours of your country, one ven N’Zonzi of Sevilla, saying: “Adr- squad, Deschamps answered: “I never answers ‘present’, whatever the role,” ien’s performances for the French team aris Saint-Germain midfi elder take extreme positions. He’s put him- said government spokesman Benjamin are not at all at the same level as with Adrien Rabiot “has made a self in the wrong, full stop.” Griveaux, after the weekly cabinet the PSG.” huge mistake” in refusing to Before Deschamps spoke, his boss, meeting at the Elysee Palace. On Saturday, former France full- be a World Cup standby play- Noel Le Graet, the president of the Rabiot, who has six France caps, was back Eric Di Meco said: “Some players er,P France manager Didier Deschamps French football federation, issued a placed on standby in case one of the eliminated themselves, I’m thinking said yesterday as his squad assembled statement that said Rabiot “has made a fi rst-choice players was hurt before of Adrien Rabiot, who I like a lot and at their Clairefontaine training centre. bad decision” and “punished and sen- the fi nal deadline for submitting the could see in this squad, but the prob- Rabiot was omitted from the main tenced himself on his own”. squad on June 4. In a change from the lem is that he does not want to play 23-man squad and then e-mailed De- Le Graet assumed the roles of both policy Deschamps adopted before the holding midfi elder, and the last few schamps saying he would not “be able sympathetic mentor and stern disci- last World Cup and before Euro 2016, times that he was in the France squad to follow the training programme” laid plinarian. Rabiot, Le Graet said, “is a the standbys are not joining the squad he was moody. Didier doesn’t want out for the 11 standbys. “I can under- player of high quality and a likeable at Clairefontaine. that and suddenly humble N’Zonzi stand his immense disappointment,” boy, who has always behaved well in The 11 players are expected to train took advantage.” said Deschamps, adding that Rabiot the national squad,” before adding “his by themselves and be easy to contact. The sole absentee from the France “has dropped himself, insisting on be- disappointment does not allow him to Rabiot decided the role was not for 23-man squad yesterday was central ing a selector. I dare to hope that deci- give up and not make himself available him. A source who had seen his mes- defender Raphael Varane, part of the sions like this will help him grow up. At for the French team”. sage said that it was short but fi lled Real Madrid squad for the Champions France’s team head coach Didier Deschamps attends a press conference in the highest level there is no place for The issue even echoed along France’s with phrases that read as if they had League fi nal against Liverpool in Kiev Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France, yesterday. (AFP) moodiness, one has to be professional corridors of power yesterday. “I think been written by a lawyer. on Saturday. Gulf Times Thursday, May 24, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Sharks, Kane close to seven-year deal Rockets rally past Joe Thornton. The 38-year-old Reuters San Jose said earlier this month he would like to return to San Jose.

he San Jose Sharks and Canadiens re-sign G Niemi forward Evander Kane The Montreal Canadiens are nearing agreement have re-signed goaltender Antti on a seven-year con- Niemi to a one-year, $950,000 Warriors in fourth Ttract, according to multiple contract, the team announced reports. The fi nancials of the Tuesday. Niemi was scheduled deal could be in the range of $7 to become a free agent July 1. million annually, according to The 34-year-old had a 7-5- Sportsnet. 4 record with a 2.46 goals- Kane joined the Sharks via a against-average and a.929 save midseason trade with the Buf- percentage in 19 games for the falo Sabres. Under the terms of Canadiens last season. to even series 2-2 the deal, the Sabres would re- However, the one-way con- ceive a fi rst-round pick in 2019 tract does not guarantee Niemi ‘Hopefully basketball can be a way for people to ease their minds, if only for a moment’ instead of a second-rounder as a roster spot for next season. He a result of Kane re-signing with will battle with Charlie Lindgren AFP San Jose. The selection is lot- for the backup job to Carey Price. San Francisco tery-protected and could move Lindgren is also on a one-way to 2020. contract. The 26-year-old recorded Niemi signed a one-year deal BA regular-season nine goals and fi ve assists in 17 with the Pittsburgh Penguins wins leader Houston, games with the Sharks. Kane last year after having his con- powered by James had 29 goals and 25 assists on tract bought out by the Dallas Harden’s 30 points the season between the Sharks Stars. However, he was waived Nand 27 from Chris Paul, edged and Sabres. He added four goals by the Penguins after posting an defending champion Golden and an assist in the playoff s be- 0-3 record with a 7.50 GAA and State 95-92 Tuesday to level fore San Jose was eliminated in a.797 save percentage as Matt their semi-fi nal playoff series at the second round by the Vegas Murray’s backup. two wins each. Golden Knights. The Florida Panthers put in a The Rockets snapped Golden Kane was scheduled to be- waiver claim on Niemi, but he State’s record playoff home win come an unrestricted free agent played in just two games before streak at 16 games, the Warriors July 1. The talented-yet-enig- being waived again, paving his suff ering their fi rst loss since matic forward has 186 goals and way to hook on with Montreal. the 2016 NBA Finals, and took 168 assists across nine seasons Niemi has played in 447 ca- their fi rst playoff win over the in the NHL since being selected reer NHL games, posting a 234- Warriors in eight all-time tries. fourth overall in the 2009 draft. 134-55 record with a 2.52 GAA “We know how hard it is to Also set to become a free agent and.913 save percentage over 10 come back from 3-1,” Paul said. for the Sharks is 20-year veteran seasons. “When it’s winning time, you have got to suck it up. We knew we needed one here and we got FOCUS it.” P.J. Tucker had 16 rebounds and Clint Capella grabbed 13 for the Rockets, who host game fi ve NFL owners debate of the best-of-seven Western Conference fi nal Thursday in Houston. anthem policy Paul hopes the title quest helps the Houston area take re- Reuters say that players “should” stand lief from a school shooting that New York for “The Star-Spangled Banner.” saw a teen gunman kill 10 peo- The issue exploded into a na- ple, much the way the Houston tional debating point the past Astros’ World Series baseball FL owners are still two seasons. Then-San Fran- crown did last year after hurri- debating where they cisco 49ers quarterback Colin cane fl ooding. stand collectively on Kaepernick refused to stand for “Hopefully basketball can be the issue of players re- the anthem as a form of social a way for people to ease their Nfusing to stand individually. protest beginning in 2016, and minds, if only for a moment,” At the league meeting in At- other players followed. Last year, Paul said. lanta on Tuesday, no consensus President Donald Trump ripped The series winner will face was reached on how the NFL players who refused to stand for either Cleveland or Boston in should handle players who don’t the anthem, and he called on the the NBA Finals starting May 31. want to stand for the national NFL to sanction those players Stephen Curry led Golden anthem. who didn’t stand. State with 28 points on 10-of- ESPN reported that numer- “We have all the interests in 26 shooting while Kevin Durant ous options were discussed, in- every constituency that’s in- added 27 points and 12 rebounds cluding one that would assess a volved here,” Dallas Cowboys and Draymond Green had 11 15-yard penalty and/or a fi ne if owner Jerry Jones said. “We rec- points, 14 rebounds and eight Houston Rockets guard James Harden (right) dunks the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the first players don’t stand. ognize that with our visibility assists. The defeat marks the half in game four of the Western conference finals of the 2018 NBA playoff s at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Other possibilities, per ESPN, and the interest themselves, it’s fi rst time the Warriors, seeking include letting each team set taken on a life of its own. With all a third crown in four seasons, said. “We had chances to win... third quarter, three consecutive aged only 12 points in the fourth And they got a little tired in the its policy, clearing the fi eld of of that, we have to be measured. have lost twice in a playoff se- We’ve just got to get better next 3-pointers sparking an 18-3 run quarter. fourth quarter because they felt all football personnel during “We tell the world, ‘Look at ries since Durant joined last game.” to open the big lead. “We just ran out of gas,” War- us for three quarters.” the anthem, telling players who us. Don’t turn your head. Look season. The Warriors lacked starter “They went on a hell of a run riors coach Steve Kerr said. In the dying seconds, Thomp- won’t stand to remain in the at us. Wait a minute. Look at the “Now we’ve got to fi ght. This Andre Iguodala with a bruised in the third and I told the guys “They outplayed us in the son missed a jumper, Paul hit a locker room during the song, NFL, look at what we’re doing.’ is now a real playoff -type ex- left leg and saw Klay Thompson in the huddle ‘Let’s fi ght back,’” fourth quarter and that was fi nal foul shot and Curry missed changing contract language to And we understand that when perience,” Curry said. “We’re strain his left knee in the second Paul said. “Hell of an eff ort. Fun the diff erence. This game was a desperate 3-point try at the fi - require standing for the anthem, you have some issues, we’ve ready for it. The vibe in the quarter while Houston’s Paul game. Big time game.” just trench warfare, everybody nal buzzer. or maintaining the status quo. asked you to look, now, so let’s locker room is really positive said his nagging left foot injury Stopping Houston took a toll grinding it out.” “It was just gutting it out and MMQB’s Albert Breer tweet- do as good as we can do.” when it comes to what we need was improved. on the Warriors in a physical willing it,” D’Antoni said. “Got ed, “Per sources, one anthem Jones, New York Giants owner to correct to win game fi ve.” “It’s as good as it’s going to be contest. ‘Gutting it out’ to fi nd a way. This thing is not idea being discussed: Leaving John Mara, Pittsburgh Steel- Harden made 11-of-26 shots right now,” Paul said. “Mental “Some of the work we had on Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni always going to be pretty but it’s it up to home team on whether ers owner Art Rooney and New from the fl oor and Paul hit 10- toughness is just as important defense aff ected us on the of- said he had never seen his club going to be tough.” teams come out for the anthem; York Jets owner Woody Johnson of-20 to lift the Rockets, who as physical toughness and we fensive end,” Curry said. “When defend so well. Harden scored 15 points in if teams do come out for the an- told USA Today Sports that talks closed the game on a 25-10 run showed that.” you give yourself a lead like that “This is the highest level the second quarter as Houston, them, potential that teams could about the subject were to con- after falling behind 82-70. it would help to sustain it.” we’ve ever played defensively,” down 28-19 after one quarter, be assessed 15-yard penalties for tinue into Wednesday. “I wish we had done a better ‘Just ran out of gas’ Golden State, which opened he said. “There was some good surged ahead 53-46 at half- kneeling.” Mara told ESPN he thought a job of taking control,” Durant Curry scored 17 points in the the game on a 12-0 run, man- defense in there to get us back. time. Currently, NFL regulations consensus could be reached.

MLB Back-to-back homers boost Dodgers past Rockies Reuters Ian Desmond had a solo home jors. The Dodgers are just 9-14 eight-pitch at-bat with a double Los Angeles run in the second inning, his at home. They won at Dodger off the wall in center that easily eighth, and added an RBI single Stadium for the fi rst time since scored Soto from second. in the top of the sixth inning that defeating the Arizona Diamond- Sean Doolittle (2-2) earned the hris Taylor and Yasiel gave the Rockies a brief 3-2 lead. backs on May 9. victory after pitching the ninth, Puig hit back-to-back Dodgers starter Brock Stew- striking out the side. Washing- home runs in a span of art, who was called up from Taylor’s walk-off hit leads ton starter Jeremy Hellickson three pitches, helping Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier Nats past Padres took a perfect game into the sev- theC Los Angeles Dodgers end Tuesday, gave up two runs on Michael A Taylor hit a walk- enth inning versus the Padres on their fi ve-game home losing fi ve hits over four innings. He off double with one out in the May 8 in San Diego. This time, he streak with a 5-3 victory over the walked one and struck out one. bottom of the ninth inning that allowed one run on fi ve hits in 5 Colorado Rockies on Tuesday. It was Stewart’s fourth call-up gave the Washington Nationals 1/3 innings but came away with The Dodgers trailed 3-2 in the this season and his fi rst major a 2-1 victory over the San Diego a no-decision. San Diego took sixth inning before Taylor hit a league start of the year. Padres on Tuesday night at Na- the lead in the fourth on Franchy two-run shot off reliever Bryan Rockies starter Chad Bettis, tionals Park. Cordero’s leadoff homer against Shaw (1-3) to put Los Angeles on who entered with a 1.83 road The Nationals banged out four Hellickson. top. It was Taylor’s sixth home ERA, gave up two runs on three homers in a 10-2 victory over the run of the season. hits over fi ve innings. Padres in the series opener on RESULTS Puig followed with his fi fth The outing matched one Monday night, but Washington Nationals 2 Padres 1 home run of the year, with all fi ve on April 2 at San Diego for his couldn’t fi nd nearly as much of- Red Sox 4 Rays 2 coming in his past eight games. shortest road start this season. fense in this game. Brewers 1 Diamondbacks 0 It was the third time the Dodg- The Dodgers took a 2-0 lead in But the Nationals got just Indians 10 Cubs 1 ers hit back-to-back home runs the fi rst inning on an RBI single enough for the win in the ninth Braves 3 Phillies 1 this season. The Rockies have from Matt Kemp and a bases- inning. Rookie Juan Soto started Reds 7 Pirates 2 allowed more runs in the sixth loaded walk by Puig. The Rockies the inning with a walk against Royals 5 Cardinals 1 inning than any team in baseball, used Desmond’s home run and a Mark Strahm (0-2). Twins 6 Tigers 0 giving up an average of 0.94 in Nolan Arenado RBI single in the Soto moved to second when Rangers 6 Yankees 4 the frame. third inning to tie the score. Wilmer Difo grounded to third Dodgers 5 Rockies 3 J.T Chargois (2-1) gave up a The Rockies fell to 19-12 on baseman Cory Spangenberg, Mariners 3 A’s 2 (10 innings) run in his lone inning but still the road, but they still have the who momentarily dropped the White Sox 3 Orioles 2 earned the victory. Kenley most road victories of any team ball, which forced him to throw Astros 11 Giants 2 Jansen pitched the ninth inning in baseball. Their 31 road games to fi rst for the out. Marlins 5 Mets 1 Los Angeles Dodgers centre fielder Chris Taylor rounds third after hitting a two run home run in the sixth for his ninth save in 11 chances. are also the most in the ma- Taylor followed by capping an Blue Jays 5 Angels 3 inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 24, 2018 SPORT

GOLF FOCUS Rookie Rahm could prove Europe’s McIlroy hopes sparks Ryder Cup talisman

AFP from just Britain and Ireland Paris in 1979. Seve Ballesteros was the trailblazer, and Sergio Gar- on Rahm wasn’t even cia has followed in his foot- will fl y again at PGA a tour professional two steps, with the possibility years ago, but the big- of a Rahm-Garcia pairing in ‘I never wanted to be famous. I wanted to be known for my golf and that was it’ hitting Spaniard looks France sure to fi ll European setJ to fi nd himself Europe’s hearts with optimism. AFP highest-ranked player when Despite his relative inex- Wentworth, United Kingdom they bid to regain the Ryder perience, Rahm has a better Cup in four months’ time. match-play pedigree than The 23-year-old’s meteoric most, having staged a re- our-time major winner rise has come close to bringing markable comeback against a Rory McIlroy is hoping him the world number one spot red-hot Johnson in last year’s this week’s PGA Cham- multiple times already this sea- WGC Matchplay fi nal only to pionship can be the son, and now only the Ameri- lose on the last green. catalystF for a run of success as can trio of Justin Thomas, Dus- “When you’re playing his previous win at Wentworth tin Johnson and Jordan Spieth match play, one against one, proved to be in 2014. lead him in the rankings. it doesn’t matter what they’ve The 29-year-old Northern Rahm will be one of the done before, what they’ve Irishman has gone a bit fl at since players most feared by Ameri- done this year and what they the Masters eluded him yet again can fans in Paris, after fi ve haven’t done, it really doesn’t as he failed to land a punch professional titles, including matter, anybody can win in on fi nal round playing partner two in the United States, in 16 match play,” he added. and eventual champion Patrick months. Rahm is not one to hide his Reed. Four-time major win- emotions on the golf course However he is hopeful that a ner Rory McIlroy is Europe’s and is capable of magical mo- course where he has missed the biggest star, but his strug- ments at the perfect time. cut four times will prove more gles with injuries and on the His maiden victory came at favourable territory for him now greens mean he is still trying Torrey Pines last year cour- it has undergone a revamp since to fi nd his best form. tesy of a sensational 60-foot he last played there in 2015. Rahm has had no such dif- eagle putt on the 72nd hole, After his win in 2014 he fi culties, and challenged for while his devastated reaction went on to capture two Majors a major for the fi rst time in to seeing his Masters hopes (the British Open and US PGA April when a blistering week- go swimming at Augusta was Championship) amongst other end charge at a Masters green reminiscent of the late, great victories. jacket only came to an end Ballesteros after a similarly- “I guess all you need is that with an approach shot into the damaging shot on the same spark or that catalyst,” said water at the 15th hole on the hole back in 1986. McIlroy at his eve of tournament fi nal day. Unlike most Europeans, press conference. But that go-for-broke atti- Rahm fi rst made his name “I felt like my game was trend- tude should serve him well in in the US, winning 11 college ing in the right direction in 2014, the cauldron of a Ryder Cup tournaments at Arizona State, but didn’t quite have the win. atmosphere – the ill-fated where only fi ve-time major I didn’t expect to win on that mid-iron at Augusta was only champion Phil Mickelson won Sunday, I was seven shots adrift inches away from setting up a more. going into the last day. possible eagle try. The Spaniard could fi nd “Yeah, it did snowball from The demanding nature of himself up against his friend there and I got on to a nice little the course at Le Golf National and mentor Mickelson in bit of a hot streak, and I’d love to looks sure to favour Rahm France, where he will be do- be able to do something like that with his monster drives and ing all he can to ensure that again as I’ve got a busy summer slick putting stroke come Sep- Europe don’t lose the Cup on coming up. So I guess yeah this Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy during the tember 28. home soil for the fi rst time could be the spark.” Pro-AM event of the PGA Championship at “For what I’ve talked to since 1993. McIlroy, who started the sea- the Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Britain, people, apparently it (the Ry- “The Americans sure have son well with two top three fi n- yesterday. (Reuters) der Cup) is unlike any other,” a great team. It’s an amaz- ishes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Rahm told Golf Digest earlier ing team. World ranking-wise and then victory in Bay Hill in this month. alone they’re amazing,” he ad- the United States, admitted his “I’m going to be more nerv- mitted. poor overall record at Went- golf game, whether you’re play- to play more consistently. play a little bit more consistent “I dreamed of being a great ous than I’ve ever been, I’m “The worst player is top worth could play on his mind but ing well, you can do great, and Although he adjudges him- and swing a little more consist- golfer. I never dreamed of the going to be more stressed than 20. The Europeans is top 25... he did have some better memo- whether you’re playing badly, it self to have taken giant strides ently, that would be a step in the other stuff . I’ve ever been and I’m going It truly will be a hard test for ries too. really – it frustrates you and it’s forward compared to the past 18 right direction.” “I feel very privileged that to be more overwhelmed than both teams to be able to win “It’s just been a bit up-and- hard to get out of that. months – he failed to win a tour- McIlroy, who revealed in Janu- I’m in the position that I’m in I’ve ever been.” it.” down,” said McIlroy regarding “But I’ve had my fair share of nament in 2017. ary he has a slight heart irregu- and I can basically pursue my his relationship with the course. bad play here.” “I just feel like it’s been a little larity brought on after he suff ered dream of being the best golfer Spain’s Ryder Cup “It’s a course where if you’re McIlroy, whose fame has seen bit inconsistent,” he said of his a bad viral infection in 2016, says in the world, and obviously that tradition not quite on, you can get frus- him play with US President campaign so far. the fame that has come with his starts to cross over into diff erent Europe has had a long tradi- trated easily and sort of let it go and keen golfer Donald Trump “I’ve had some really good re- brilliance on the course has taken things. tion of Spaniards leading the from there. whom the Northern Irishman sults and I’ve had three missed some getting used to. “I never wanted to be famous. way to Ryder Cup glory since “So it sort of – I think it just said hit the ball impressively for cuts, so it’s been a bit up-and “Probably something I’ve I wanted to be known for my golf the team was expanded to magnifi es either side of your a 72-year-old, says he is looking down where if I can just get my grown to accept,” he said. and that was it.” include the whole continent

RUGBY BADMINTON Axelsen succumbs to Lee on Australia out to cut Ireland path to Thomas quarters

AFP ed. Both teams will head into the quarter fi nals Bangkok with a shot at glory, having beaten previous foes in their Group D with 5-0 clean sweeps. down to size in June: Cheika Denmark also has a title to defend after be- Reuters eteran Malaysian shuttler Lee Chong coming the fi rst non-Asian country to take Sydney Wei enacted his revenge on world home the trophy in 2016. But the big challenge number one Viktor Axelsen by stun- will be overcoming China, whose Olympic star ning the Dane in a two-game match in Chen Long has helped lead his powerhouse team ustralia’s home series Vtheir fi nal group encounter of the Thomas Cup to three 5-0 wipeouts of Australia, France and against Ireland next yesterday. India. month will provide Lee, 35, beat the 24-year-old star 21-9, 21-19 On the women’s side, top-seeds Japan have an idea of how much in 42 minutes in Bangkok, where the bi-annual been in menacing form this week, swatting away progressA the Wallabies have badminton tournament is being held alongside India yesterday 5-0 with stars Akane Yamaguchi made since they were swept 3-0 the women’s Uber Cup. The Malaysian player, a and Nozomi Okuhara once again doing the busi- by England in a similar series in former world number one who is now ranked sev- ness in the singles, while Misaki Matsutomo and 2016, coach Michael Cheika en in the twilight of his career, has lost to Axelsen Ayaka Takahashi secured the points in the dou- said yesterday. in their past three encounters, most recently at bles. Cheika has blooded 20 new the Dubai World Superseries Finals in December. The men are also strong, cruising past Taiwan players in the test arena since “I decided to be aggressive,” Lee told the New 5-0 yesterday morning after two 4-1, 4-1 victo- Australia fi nished runners-up at Straits Times last night, adding that beating Ax- ries earlier in the week. the 2015 World Cup and will be elsen was “a matter of pride”. Thailand’s women have so far delighted the hoping to see that young talent “It was a very important match and I was mo- home crowd, battering both Germany and Hong blossom in June. Ireland, who will tivated. I have never lost to him in a team event Kong in their fi rst two ties as they aim to be arrive after winning the Six Na- before, and I wasn’t ready to lose today,” he add- seeded in the draw for the quarters. tions with a grand slam as Eng- land did two years ago, will pro- vide formidable opposition, the Japan swimmer Koga axed aft er failed drugs test former Leinster coach thought. “Grand slam champions then, Former swimming world champion Junya Koga that. To those who support me, I’m deeply and how we were changing the has been kicked out of the Japan squad for this sorry.” Documents provided by the JSF state team around, and where we are summer’s Asian Games after failing a drug test, that Koga returned traces of androgen recep- now, with grand slam champions off icials said yesterday. tor modulators LGD-4033 and SARM S-22 in an coming now, I think it is a good The 30-year-old, who won the 100 metres out-of-competition test in Tokyo. The swimmer gauge,” he told reporters in Syd- backstroke world title in 2009, tested positive has asked WADA to conduct a hearing to allow ney yesterday. for traces of banned muscle-building substanc- him to explain the circumstances surrounding “It’s going to be tough,” he es, according to the Japan Swimming Federa- his case. added. tion (JSF). Koga denied taking the substances Koga, who won a silver medal in the 50m “But we’re looking forward to knowingly but admitted taking a diet of sup- backstroke at last year’s world championships putting ourselves up against a come over here.” ready to go even if he did not ing the New South Waratahs plements which could have been to blame. He in Budapest, has won gold medals at the last contrasting style of play. Cheika, who will name his manage to get a Super Rugby ending Australia’s 40-match now faces a maximum ban of four years. three Asian Games dating back to 2006 in “They are obviously very well squad next Wednesday, said his match beforehand, adding that Super Rugby winless streak “I feel ashamed, miserable and frustrated,” the Doha. But he will now miss this year’s competi- coached, they’ve got a clear and team would be looking to play winger Taqele Naiyaravoro was against New Zealand teams. swimmer told a news conference. “I couldn’t tion in Jakarta, which begins on August 18. coherent plan they want to de- Australia’s traditional brand of under consideration despite “I’m always about more than believe it – I was in shock, I thought it was The bombshell came on the eve of the Japan liver and they deliver that plan running rugby, reduce their pen- committing to Northampton for one (win),” he grinned. some mistake,” added Koga, who failed a test Open swimming meet at Tatsumi, the venue for every week. alty count and up their work rate next year. Never one to buy into “It was nice to have a win. conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency the 2020 Tokyo Olympics aquatic events. “That’s what’s got them to in the three tests in Brisbane, the doom-mongering that has It’s good that people are happy (WADA) in March. “I didn’t know if it was real, or “Under these kinds of circumstances I can’t number two in the world and it’s Sydney and Melbourne. surrounded rugby Down Under about it and if that’s the result, a dream. I never took the substance detected think that far ahead,” said Koga when asked a place that we’ll be looking to He was confi dent injured over the last couple of years, we’ve got to make people happy intentionally. But I’m responsible for proving about the Tokyo Games. cut them down from when they scrumhalf Will Genia would be Cheika was cautious in welcom- more often.” Gulf Times Thursday, May 24, 2018 7 SPORT

CYCLING / GIRO D’ITALIA CRICKET Knight Riders knock Royals out of IPL Viviani sprints to important this stage. Next game, AFP Kolkata two good teams competing,” the wicketkeeper-batsman added. Two-time champions Knight kipper Dinesh Karthik Riders will now meet Sunrisers and Andre Russell helped Hyderabad in the second qualifi - Kolkata Knight Riders er in Kolkata on Friday to try and knock Rajasthan Royals book a title clash with Chennai fourth stage win, outS of this cricket season’s Indi- Super Kings. an Premier League with a 25-run Royals off -spinner Krishnappa win in the eliminator yesterday. Gowtham got two early wickets Karthik, who made 52, and to rattle Knight Riders’ top-order Russell, who smashed 49 not as the home side were reduced to out, helped Knight Riders to 169- 51-4 after being put into bat fi rst. 7, a total their bowlers defended Pacemen Jofra Archer and by restricting Royals to 144-4 at Ben Laughlin also picked up two Yates retains pink Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. wickets each to hurt Knight Rid- Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla ers batting but Karthik and Rus- claimed two wickets including sell took the attack to the opposi- Yates keeps lead of 56 seconds overall on Dumoulin, Froome fourth in standings dangerman Sanju Samson for 50 tion bowing. to choke Royals out of the do- Karthik, who hit his second or-die contest of the cash-rich fi fty of this season’s IPL, put Twenty20 tournament. together a fi fth-wicket 55-run Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who partnership with Shubman Gill, made 46, and Samson put on 62 who made 28 to steady the in- runs for the second wicket as nings. Royals’ chase looked on course at Russell soon took over from his 109-1. But Rahane’s wicket spelt captain to smash three fours and trouble for the 2008 champions. fi ve sixes during his 25-ball blitz Left-arm wrist spinner Kul- to give the hosts 55 runs in the deep Yadav, who got Rahane last fi ve overs. caught and bowled, returned “Disappointed, especially excellent fi gures of 1-18 to keep given how we started, taking 4-5 Knight Riders alive in the title wickets early. That partnership race. (between Karthik and Gill) and “We were initially under the the dropped catch of Russell hurt pump, so good on us to come us,” said Rahane. back,” Karthik said in the post- “I think KKR bowled really match presentation. well. They know the conditions “Andre was just special. In really well... It’s important to these kind of games the score fi nish the games and we didn’t doesn’t matter, it’s about believ- have partnerships towards the ing. end,” he added. “The bowlers have picked The IPL fi nal is on May 27 at their game and have bowled Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium some good balls... Every game is with $4mn going to the winner.

Quick-Step’s Italian rider Elia Viviani celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of Bora Hansgrohe’s Irish rider Sam Bennett (left) to win the 17th stage of the 101st Giro d’Italia in Iseo, Italy, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP the 25-year-old Yates. bit with them. We did it right because it was 2. Sam Bennett (BOR) s.t. Iseo, Italy “This was another hard one and it the second last stage for sprinters and Ben- 3. Niccolo Bonifazio (BAH) s.t. Kolkata Knight Riders’ Dinesh Karthik (right) plays a shot against could have some impact on the coming nett could have put my Maglia Ciclamino 4. Danny Van Poppel (LNL) s.t. Rajasthan Royals during their Indian Premier League match at Eden mountain stages. (sprinter’s jersey) in danger. 5. Jens Debusschere (LOT) s.t. Gardens in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) taly’s Elia Viviani of the Quick Step “I heard about splits in the bunch but “Once it came down to a bunch sprint, 6. Kristian Sbaragli (ICA) s.t. team won a sprint fi nish for the Giro I never knew who was caught behind. I I asked my guys to lead me out. When 7. Jempy Drucker (BMC) s.t. d’Italia 17th stage yesterday, his hope everyone is tired because I’m tired.” (Danny) Van Poppel (Lotto) anticipated 8. Sacha Modolo (EDF) s.t. fourth win in this year’s race. Viviani’s dash for the line saw him the sprint, I knew it was too early. It was 9. Andrea Vendrame (AND) s.t. Olympic champ Puig out of French Open IBritain’s Simon Yates of Mitchelton snatch the stage victory from Ireland’s actually perfect for me. I could pass him.” 10. Jose Goncalves (KAT) s.t. holds the overall leader’s pink jersey after Sam Bennett, the winner of the two other South Africa’s Louis Meintjes pulled Olympic champion Monica first time since 2010,” she said. the 155km race in rainy conditions from group sprints. Italy’s Niccolo Bonifazio out before the start of the race with a OVERALL STANDINGS (top 10) Puig withdrew from the French “During this time away I have Riva del Garda to Iseo, east of Milan. was third. respiratory infection with Belgian Victor 1. Simon Yates (MIT) 69hr 59min 11sec Open yesterday after failing to been working hard with my Yates fi nished in 28th place behind The 29-year-old Olympic omnium Campenaerts also withdrawing. 2. Tom Dumoulin (SUN) +56sec recover from a hip injury, the team to recover and rehab my defending champion Tom Dumoulin of gold medallist adds to his two stage wins Today’s 18th stage goes from Abbiate- 3. Domenico Pozzovivo (BAH) +3:11 Puerto Rican player announced hip as well as binge The Black- the Netherlands and four-time Tour de in Israel and last Friday’s 13th stage at grasso on the outskirts of Milan to the ski 4. Chris Froome (SKY) +3:50 on Twitter. The 24-year-old list which is my new favourite France winner Chris Froome. Nervesa della Battaglia. resort of Pratonevoso, which includes a 5. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +4:19 Puig, ranked at 62 in the world, show.” Puig reached the third Yates kept his lead of 56 seconds overall “We knew this could be a very hard climb of 13.9 km with a 6.9 percent gra- 6. Rohan Dennis (BMC) +5:04 suff ered the injury in qualify- round in Paris in 2016 before on Dumoulin, with Froome fourth 3min stage and it was indeed,” said Viviani, the dient. 7. Miguel Angel Lopez (AST) +5:37 ing at the Italian Open in Rome falling in the second round last 50sec behind his fellow Briton with four top sprinters in this year’s race. 8. Peio Bilbao (AST) +6:02 last week. “It pains me to be year to eventual champion days left before the race fi nishes in Rome. “There were very strong breakaway rid- STAGE 17 RESULTS (top 10) 9. Richard Carapaz (MOV) +6:07 missing Roland Garros for the Jelena Ostapenko. “There’s no easy day at the Giro,” said ers but Bora controlled. We played a little 1. Elia Viviani (QST) 3hr 19min 57sec 10. George Bennett (LNL) +7:01

RAMADAN CRICKET TENNIS Al Hamra, Doha Bank pick up wins From red carpet to dirt, Garbine the warrior

By Sports Reporter Reuters French Open triumph. Doha London “I just think now that when the day comes I’ll be ready,” she said. “You get upset for fi ve l Hamra bounced back eing the reigning Wim- minutes and then you’re like, in Group A as they bledon champion and ‘okay, it’s time to do something. scripted a 13-run tri- former French Open What can I do for next time?’” umph over CNAQ in the winner has its perks for One thing that has not RamadanA Cricket Tournament, GarbineB Muguruza, like being changed is her ultra-aggressive despite a bold single-handed invited to walk the red carpet at style and it never will, as long as batting eff ort from Bilal. this year’s Oscars in Hollywood. she is hungry for slams. The Qatar Cricket Association, Fun as that was, however, the “I have never seen someone under the presidency of Yousef Bilal of CNAQ and Nilantha (right) of Doha Bank were adjudged Man of powerful Spaniard knows her real winning such an important title Jeham al-Kuwari, is hosting the the Match in their respective matches. place next week will be fi ghting it by not being super-aggressive,” tournament for all the divisions out on the red dirt trying to add to Muguruza, who is back work- to promote the game and keep 51-run stand for the eighth wicket Later, Kiran (27 not out with three her grand slam total. ing full-time with coach Sam players in competitive shape. with Omar (12). But other players fours) and Clive (24 not out with The world number three has Muguruza is quick to knock she reached the Wimbledon fi nal Sumyk after ending a spell with Al Hamra, who lost the open- failed to support him adequately. a six and a four) added 43 runs for had an up-and-down year, but that notion back. and lost to Serena Williams. fellow Spaniard and former ing match to Qatar Rail, put up a Shafeeq picked three for 26, the fourth wicket without getting will arrive at Roland Garros as “I was invited (to the Oscars) She avenged that defeat a year Wimbledon champion Conchita fi ghting 150 for seven in 18 overs while Lasantha dismissed two split up. Shebi got one for 16. one of the main contenders. by Rolex and thought it was a later in the French Open fi nal Martinez. in the combined B and C divi- players for 16 runs. This was the Last year proved a chasten- great opportunity, a chance in a and then beat Venus Williams “You have to go and get it. sions category. There were sev- second defeat in a row for CNAQ. BRIEF SCORES ing experience in Paris when, as lifetime,” Muguruza, announced to win Wimbledon last year. She You will never win a grand slam eral small but useful innings with In another match, Doha Bank Al Hamra 150 for seven in 18 defending champion, she lost to as a global brand ambassador for rose to number one in the world waiting for it. You have to have Ajmal being the highest contrib- derailed Qatar Rail for 117 runs overs (Ajmal 28, Imtiaz 23, Dinesh local favourite Kristina Mlad- mineral water company Evian in September. an aggressive game. utor. He hit fi ve fours in his 18- and secured the target at the ex- 22; Qamar 2 for 3) beat CNAQ 137 enovic in front of a raucous, this week, told Reuters. This season she claimed the “Of course every player has ball 28. Imtiaz (23), Inushka (21) pense of three wickets, with just for eight in 18 overs (Bilal 65 not partisan crowd and broke down “I felt like a bit out of place, Monterrey title in April but her their own style, some more spin, and Lasantha (20) were the other an over to go. out; Shafeeq 3 for 26, Lasantha in tears afterwards during her like, ‘what am I doing here?’ It’s form on clay has been inconsist- some more fl at, but you need to run-makers. Imran led the collapse of Qatar 2 for 16) by 13 runs. Man of the news conference. all about superstars and I was ent, losing to Russian 21-year- be aggressive in women’s tennis. Qamar bowled a thrilling over Rail, removing three players for Match: Bilal (CNAQ) Some might say a night mix- there representing the world of old Daria Kasatkina at the Ma- “If you are not, you are out.” and grabbed two wickets for just 24 runs. Adnan and Sajith shared Qatar Rail 117 in 17 overs ing it with the stars of the silver sport. It was a good experience drid Open before suff ering a After the French it will be on three runs. four wickets. Tariq (38 with two (Tariq 38; Imran 3 for 24, Adnan 2 screen might be more preferable to witness all the Hollywood surprise defeat by Australian to the grasscourts and Wimble- During the chase, CNAQ fell sixes and three fours) and Deepak for 24, Sajith 2 for 23) lost to Doha than facing a hostile crowd on glam. But I’m in a diff erent Daria Gavrilova in Rome. don where Muguruza will try to short of the target despite Bilal (18) scored the bulk of runs. Bank 118 for three in 16 overs a dusty clay court, especially world of competition. Muguruza, however, says defend the title. anchoring them with a fi ne un- Doha Bank were placed on the (Nilantha 43, Kiran 27 not out, as the 24-year-old is dabbling “I’m more of a warrior. I live she has learned not to dwell “In Spain the French was the beaten 65. His 28-ball cameo victory path by Man of the Match Clive 24 not out; Shebi 1 for 16) by in fashion design and recently in a diff erent world.” on defeats and ‘overthink’ — tournament but I love the histo- contained four sixes and half-a- Nilantha, who smashed 43 in 34 seven wickets. Man of the Match: modelled a series of looks for Venezuela-born Muguruza traits that hampered her in the ry and elegance of Wimbledon,” dozen boundaries. He also forged a balls with a six and three fours. Nilantha (Doha Bank) fashion bible Vogue. burst on to the scene in 2015 when months after her stunning 2016 she said.

Thursday, May 24, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

CRICKET / PAKISTAN’S TOUR OF ENGLAND Qatar coach Sanchez announces Asia Cup preliminary squad

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez announced the preliminary squad for the Asia Cup on Captain Sarfraz wants Tuesday. The players will head to the train- ing camp in Vienna from June 24 to July 16. The Asia Cup will take place from January 5 to February 10, 2019, in the UAE. The pre- liminary list comprises 34 players, includ- ing Saad al-Shaib, Meshaal Barsham, Pedro Miguel, Salem al-Hajri, Ibrahim Majed, Ab- Pakistan’s senior dul Karim Hasan, Hassan al-Haidos, Khohei Boualem, Akram Afif and Ali Faridoun (Al Sadd), Abdul Karim Salim al-Ali, Bassam al- Rawi, Sultan al-Brik, Karim Boudiaf, Ismail Mohamed, Almoez Ali, Abdullah Abdul Salam al-Ahraq, Abdulrahman Mohamed Fahmy, Mohammed Ahmed al-Bakri (Al Du- hail), Yousef Hassan, Assem Madbo, Mahdi service to lead at Lord’s Ali, Abdulaziz Hatem, Khalid Abdul Raouf Hassan (Al Gharafa), Yazen Naim, Jassim ‘As captain I see England being less confident, so as a team we will try to take advantage’ Mohamed Omar (Al Ahli Club), Mohamed Alaa (Al Rayyan), Ahmed Fathi (Al Arabi), AFP Ahmed Mouin, Tariq Saliman Sulaiman, London Hashem Ali Abdullatif (Leeds United). The team will play three friendly matches during their preparatory camp in Vienna akistan captain Sarfraz — July 5, 10 and 15th — before returning to Ahmed wants the side’s Doha on the 16th of the same month. Qatar quartet of senior players to will play in Group E alongside Lebanon, help take the pressure off North Korea and Saudi Arabia. Pthe rest of the team in the fi rst Test against England at Lord’s. Qatar shooters gear up For at least seven members of the tourists’ side, today’s opening fi x- for ISSF World Cup Series ture of a two-Test series will be the fi rst time they have played a match Qatar shooting team began its campaign at the ‘home of cricket’. in the fourth stage of the prestigious ISSF By contrast, Mohamed Amir — World Cup Series 2018 (Pistol and Rifle whose career came to a shuddering categories), which began in Munich, Ger- halt after his involvement in a spot- many, on Tuesday. The event will conclude fi xing scandal, wicket-keeper Sar- on May 29. The prestigious champion- fraz and batsmen Azhar Ali and Asad ship brings together 138 shooters (men Shafi q have all played at the London and women) from 46 nations across the headquarters of Marylebone Cricket world. Qatar team will resume their off icial Club. training session today before competing “Yes, the senior players in the in the Pistol category. Qatar delegation, team have to show responsibility,” which left Doha on Tuesday and is led by Sarfraz told reporters at Lord’s yes- teams supervisor Ibraheem al-Mohannadi, terday. comprises shooters Mohamed al-Tamimi, Ahmed al-Shamari, Osama al-Sheeba and ‘LEAD FROM THE FRONT’ Dana Mubarak. “We have to lead from the front, we have more responsibility to give a Al Duhail to face Al good platform so that the new play- ers take it from there,” he added. Rayyan in Sheikh Jassim Pakistan come into this game on Cup on August 1 the back of a fi ve-wicket win over Test debutants in Ireland, where the The Qatar Football Association’s executive conditions were similar to those they committee has decided on Tuesday to or- could face at Lord’s if confronted ganise Sheikh Jassim Cup game (Super Cup) with a typical early-season English between the QNB Stars League winners Al pitch off ering seam movement and Duhail and Amir Cup runner-up Al Rayyan on some overcast skies. Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed (centre) gestures during a practice session at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London yesterday. (AFP) August 1. Al Duhail has won three titles this “As a team we have more confi - season — QNB Stars League title, Amir Cup ti- dence because that was our fi rst big stan side that drew 2-2 in a four-Test Wood for the last place in their XI tle and Qatar Cup title. Djamel Belmadi’s men match,” said Sarfraz. series in England two years ago, ac- for the fi rst of this two-Test series, won the league with an 11-point margin over “The way new players put up a cepted the hosts would be tough to with Root saying conditions on the second-placed Al Sadd before claiming the good performance that helped us beat on their own soil. morning of the match would infl u- Qatar Cup title beating Jesualdo Ferreira’s Al gain confi dence.” But he also said there was an op- ence which way they went. Sadd 2-1 in the final. Duhail then completed One of those new players was Test portunity for Pakistan given Eng- Bess, 20, has added a touch of the domestic treble defeating Al Rayyan 2-1 debutant Imam-ul-Haq. land failed to win any of their seven youthful enthusiasm to an England to win the Amir Cup. Some pundits attacked the most recent Tests, in Australia and squad attempting to bounce back 22-year-old left-hander’s inclu- New Zealand. after failing to win any of their sev- President’s Offi ce, Sports sion in the tour squad on nepotism “If you see England’s last four en combined Tests in Australia and grounds given Imam is the neph- months they are not good for them,” New Zealand. Aff airs post wins in QOC ew of Pakistan selection chief and said Sarfraz. “He seems really clear about what Ramadan football former Test batsman Inzamam-ul- “They lost the Ashes in Australia he wants to do in the game and how Haq. and did not have a good time in New to approach this week, and that’s all President’s Off ice continued their winning But Imam has answered his crit- Zealand. I think as captain I see you can ask for from someone mak- streak in the 12th edition of the Qatar Ol- ics with three fi fties to date this England, at the moment, being less ing their debut,” Root told reporters ympic Committee (QOC) Ramadan Football tour, including a match-clinching 74 confi dent as a team so as a team we at Lord’s yesterday. Tournament, beating Financial Aff airs 4-1 not out on the last day against Ire- will try to take advantage and try to “I remember mine, you just want on Tuesday. In the second match held at land that rescued Pakistan from the perform well.” tomorrow to come around, to get Abdullah bin Suheim Indoor Hall, Sports Af- depths of 14 for three. England’s Joe Root (left) and Alastair Cook walk in before the start of nets at your cap and get on with it. fairs Department overpowered Secretariat “I am very pleased the way he is Lord’s Cricket Ground in London yesterday. (Reuters) BESS TO MAKE DEBUT “He’s approached the week re- General 7-0. Two matches will be played to- playing, especially in the second in- Somerset off -spinner Dominic Bess ally well and hopefully he can have day as President’s Off ice will take on Sports nings (in Dublin),” said Sarfraz. Stuart Broad and James Anderson on “The worse will be that we lose will make his England debut in the a good start to what’s a good, long Aff airs Department while Financial Aff airs “It’s not easy for a youngster their reputations. this match, but this is a young team, fi rst Test against Pakistan today, career.” Department will shake hands with Human playing his fi rst Test, it was a crucial “They (England) have experi- seven of our players will be playing captain Joe Root has confi rmed. Bess is not the only change to Resources and Administrative Services knock of 74 runs and as a captain I enced players but I have told my at Lord’s for the fi rst time, so that in Bess was included after county England’s side, with Jos Buttler re- Department. The tournament will conclude am very confi dent he will continue players not to get worried about itself an honour. colleague Jack Leach was forced to called as a specialist number seven tomorrow with two matches where Presi- performing well like that.” that,” he explained. “Take it as a do- “If these youngsters do well here withdraw with injury. batsman. dent’s Off ice will face Human Resources Sarfraz said it was important Pa- mestic match, the way you have got and gain confi dence then it will be England have named 12 play- Root has moved up to number and Administrative Services Department kistan treated the match like any into the team after performing well good for their future and for the Pa- ers and still have to decide be- three in the batting order, with and Financial Aff airs Department will meet other and did not play the likes of in domestic matches, play without kistan team.” tween seam-bowling all-rounder wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow pro- Secretariat General. England stalwarts Alastair Cook, fear and play your best game. Sarfraz, a key member of the Paki- Chris Woakes and fast bowler Mark moted to number fi ve.

FORMULA 1 SPOTLIGHT Red Bull can celebrate 250th race with Monaco win F1 drivers expecting

Reuters I’ve always enjoyed going, always enjoyed Monaco racing and I’ve always believed I’ll win record times in Monaco there. “Coming so close has made that fi re Reuters The track has been resur- ormer champions Red Bull can even greater,” added the Australian, who Monaco faced since then between turns scoop the jackpot in Monaco this fi nished runner-up behind Hamilton in seven and 15, and on the main pit weekend as they celebrate the Monaco two years ago. straight from the fi nal Anthony team’s 250th Formula One race “That’s a big one on my list which I ormula One World Noghes corner to the fi rst at start.F want to tick off . Even if I retire from F1 champion Lewis Hamil- Sainte Devote, which could also The most glamorous grand prix on the one day without winning it, I’ll probably ton and his rivals expect speed things up. calendar, with its historic track winding keep coming back for one race a year just to go quicker than ever The hypersoft tyre will be past the 19th century casino and along to try and make it happen,” he joked. aroundF Monaco’s metal-fenced making its race debut in Monaco the harbourside, could favour Max Ver- Should Verstappen, who finished streets this weekend once they and was around a second faster stappen and Daniel Ricciardo. third in Barcelona, qualify on pole then get to grips with the new hyper- than the ultrasoft — which fi rst “We don’t head into the weekend as fa- the Dutch 20-year-old would replace soft tyres. appeared two years ago — in test- vourites — they are Red Bull and Ferrari,” Vettel as the youngest ever to achieve The Mercedes driver, 17 points ing in Abu Dhabi and Barcelona. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff warned the feat. clear of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vet- All teams have opted heavily ahead of the sport’s showcase event. “It was great to be back on the podium tel after fi ve races, said yesterday for the softest and quickest rub- “Red Bull are strong in the slow-speed in Barcelona and our car was very strong that records were likely to fall ber in the Pirelli range in their corners and where straight line speed is in the last sector there, which is mainly and others echoed that view. pre-race selections, with Red less important, while Ferrari dominated low speed corners and what we need for “It’s going to be a track record Bull opting for the maximum 11 last year.” Monaco,” commented Verstappen. for sure, by quite a lot,” Force In- sets per driver. Mercedes are leading both world Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo (left) and Max Verstappen react during the Jumbo “Monaco also doesn’t have any long dia’s French driver Esteban Ocon “This tyre around Monaco championships, with Lewis Hamilton 17 Racing Days at the Circuit Park Zandvoort in Zandvoort, Netherlands, on Sunday. (AFP) straights, so I think it should be a good told reporters. “It’s going to be could be something special, we points clear of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel circuit for us.” impressive to watch.” will see very quick lap times if after fi ve races. Vettel could do with a boost after win- added the four times world champion. The race could also be good for Sau- His Mexican teammate Sergio that is the case,” said Renault’s But the Briton’s hopes of three wins in a ning the fi rst two races and then failing to ber’s Charles Leclerc, who will be the fi rst Perez reckoned an improvement of Carlos Sainz. row, after Azerbaijan and Spain, could be make it onto the podium in the last three. BULLISH RICCIARDO Monegasque driver to race in front of his a second to a second-and-a-half a Qualifying, predicted the dented by rivals who — on past form and “Going to Monaco I’m fairly optimis- Australian Ricciardo, who fi nished third home crowd since Olivier Beretta in 1994 lap was a realistic expectation. Spaniard, could be “absolute circuit characteristics — can be expected tic, I don’t see why we shouldn’t be in a in the Mediterranean principality last — three years before the 20-year-old was Perez holds the current race madness.” to come back strong. good shape,” the German told reporters year and was on pole position in 2016, born. lap record of one minute 14.820 Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo Ferrari swept the front row last year after Barcelona. has every reason to feel as bullish as the “I have dreamt of being part of this seconds around the Mediterra- agreed it could be quicker than and fi nished one-two, with Vettel leading “But then you need to see when you get branding on his overalls. event ever since I was a child and it is nean principality, set last year, ever. “I’m excited to get on the polesitter Kimi Raikkonen, while Hamil- there. The tyres are diff erent, also signifi - “To win in Monaco would be huge, for incredible for this dream to fi nally come but Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen hypersoft,” said the Australian, ton could manage only seventh. His Finn- cantly softer and the track is unique. So the 250th, for the team,” said Ricciardo, true,” said Leclerc, who will be hoping to took pole position in 2017 with a who fi nished runner-up in 2016 ish team mate Valtteri Bottas was fourth. we’ll see. Hopefully it’s a nice surprise,” the winner in Baku in April. “It’s a place score points for the third race in a row. 1:12.178. and was third last year.”