Salah’s stunner inspires Liverpool to top of EPL with win against Chelsea PAGE 18

MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2019

Nasser al Attiyah tops impressive entry for Jordan Rally PAGE 19 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE WATFORD VS ARSENAL Leeds United, Generation Amazing partner for education and legacy

Officials of Leeds United and Generation Amazing after signing an MoU at Elland Road (right) while Leeds United players (left) ond a Generation Amazing shirt during warm-up ahead of their match.

SC.QA nouncement the Secretary ing network. We look forward sor to the Secretary General at Middle East and Asia: , The partnership will con- General of the Supreme Com- to working together to effect Impacting the SC. Nepal, Pakistan, Jordan, Leba- tribute to the objective of mittee for Delivery & Legacy real change on the ground in Chairman of Leeds United non, the Philippines and . Generation Amazing; to posi- LEEDS United have become (SC) Hassan al Thawadi said: communities most in need.” lives Football Club, Andrea Radriz- Sheffield F.C., the world’s tively impact one million lives the first strategic partner club “Generation Amazing was an The signing ceremony O Generation Amazing is zani, said: “This is a great op- oldest football club, as well as through football for develop- for Generation Amazing after integral part of our successful of the Memorandum of Un- the human and social portunity for Leeds United to the Josoor Institute will join ment outreach and education agreeing to work together to bid to host the FIFA World Cup derstanding took place at the deliver some ground breaking generation Amazing and Leeds by 2022, thus empowering new develop an innovative knowl- in 2022 and a symbol of Qatar’s home game between Leeds legacy programme initiated initiatives, ensuring we pro- United in the implementation generations of young leaders to edge exchange programme commitment to football and in- United and Sheffield Wednes- during Qatar’s successful vide role models in countries of the partnership. transform their communities over the next four years in the ternational development. day at Elland Road on April 13. bid for the FIFA World Cup around the world, providing Waeli continued: “It is a through football. fields of legacy, CSR and edu- “Beginning in , Leba- The value-in-kind partner- 2022 in 2010, which uses pathways for our communities pleasure to have Leeds United To date, Generation Amaz- cation. non, Pakistan and Nepal, this ship will see both sides engag- the power of sport to to learn, develop and express become our first strategic part- ing has reached over 28 com- Generation Amazing is initiative has grown exponen- ing in joint CSR and football for positively impact lives and inner qualities. ner club and join an expanding munities, via its football for the human and social legacy tially since, by utilising the development initiatives, and create sustainable social “Together we can provide global network together with development programmes and programme initiated during power of football to transform partake in knowledge transfer development in amazing legacies we all can Sheffield F.C., and we look for- the construction or refurbish- Qatar’s successful bid for the societies and communities. opportunities across their re- communities. be proud of, using powerful ward to showing the passionate ment of community pitches. FIFA World Cup 2022 in 2010, This exciting new partnership spective fields of expertise. brands to create opportuni- supporters of these clubs more Recently, Generation which uses the power of sport with Leeds United – and Shef- “We are delighted to be ties.” of our joint programmes and Amazing ambassador Xavi to positively impact lives and field FC – will assist us in en- joining hands in the fields of that has such an important his- So far more than 250,000 legacy initiatives through both Hernández visited the pro- create sustainable social devel- hancing the football-centred education, football for develop- tory and an equally exciting fu- beneficiaries have been reached Generation Amazing and the gramme in Mumbai, India, to opment in communities. programmes that we provide ment and legacy for this inno- ture in the English game,” said through Generation Amazing Josoor Institute over the com- kick-start the construction of a Commenting on the an- across our Generation Amaz- vative partnership with a club Mushtaq al Waeli, Senior Advi- across seven countries in the ing four years.” community pitch there.

African icon Samuel Eto’o unveiled as Hamilton wins Supreme Committee Global Ambassador 1,000th F1 race in SC.QA DOHA Mercedes one-two SAMUEL Eto’o, one of the most Football goes much farther than politics and it’s important decorated players in world foot- that football travels the world because it’s everywhere – AFP 34.742 seconds, in windy ball, has officially joined the Su- it’s an incredible social force. It has an impact on our lives and hazy conditions. preme Committee for Delivery even if some do not like football – we are always paying Hamilton, for whom this & Legacy (SC) as a Global Am- attention to football and I am happy that Qatar is and will LEWIS Hamilton said that was a sixth Chinese Grand bassador. he “redeemed” himself with Prix win and 75th overall, Eto’o has won 15 major hon- be the face of it for a month during the World Cup, and a lightning start to win the said that it was “a little bit ours during his glittering career Qatar will also be the face of the Middle East. 1,000th Formula One grand of a struggle this weekend to-date – a haul that includes Samuel Eto’o prix on Sunday in a blustery for me”. three UEFA Champions League Shanghai. “The start was obvious- victories, four league titles Hamilton started from ly great, which was really across spells in and , ing young people to have access of the foundation but all those second on the grid but the decisive moment of the and one FIFA Club World Cup. to sporting facilities to hone backing me have also played a grabbed the lead from Mer- race. After that it was fairly He joins Xavi Hernandez and their skills, while also providing big role in giving the youth this cedes team-mate Valtteri straightforward.” Mohammed Saadon al Kuwari the frameworks required for opportunity.” Bottas on the first corner The 34-year-old, who as official SC Ambassadors. The them to continue their studies. Commenting on the an- and romped to a victory now leads the Finn Bottas former Cameroon international The foundation also provides nouncement, Thawadi wel- which gives him the world by six points in the stand- Eto’o has also earned 118 inter- healthcare and social integra- comed Eto’o to the team. championship lead. ings, said that he has had national caps – including ap- tion opportunities for those “Samuel is one of the most The title-holder fin- problems with his starts pearances at four FIFA World Samuel Eto’o poses with Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy who attend. successful footballers in the ished more than 6.5 sec- down the years. Cups between 1998 and 2014. (SC) Secretary- General Hassan al Thawadi during his unveiling as “It always humbles me to history of the game, and we onds ahead of Bottas in the “The first few races have In August 2018 he joined SC’s Global Ambassador. know that I can bring a smile to welcome him to join us on third Mercedes one-two in been very difficult for me off QNB Stars League side Qatar someone’s face with small acts this unique journey. As well as as many races this season, the line so it’s nice to fi- nal- Sports Club and made a new ful.” tives, as it continues its work to of kindness like lending an ear. his remarkable achievements with Ferrari’s Sebastian ly redeem myself and home for himself in the host Eto’o continued: “Football deliver an outstanding FIFA What may seem benign to us, on the field, what makes him Vettel third. Max Verstap- rectify that,” he country of the next FIFA World goes much farther than politics World Cup and also ensure can mean the world to others,” stand out is the commitment he pen of Red Bull was fourth added. Cup – and during a special sign- and it’s important that football the legacy of the competition is Eto’o added. has shown to using his profile and Charles Leclerc in the ing ceremony with SC Secretary travels the world because it’s long lasting and far reaching. “I told myself I have to to affect positive change away second Ferrari was fifth. General Hassan al Thawadi, of- everywhere – it’s an incredible The legendary striker, who share my experience with some, from the professional game,” Sixth was Verstappen’s ficially became part of the jour- social force. It has an impact in 1998 appeared at his first and above all, the grassroots in Thawadi said. team-mate Pierre Gasly, ney on the road to 2022. on our lives even if some do not FIFA World Cup at the age of Cameroon in particular and in “We have always been the Frenchman earn- Upon joining, the four-time like football – we are always just 17 years and three months, Africa in general. I can establish steadfast in our own com- ing a bonus point for African Player of Year said: “It’s paying attention to football and has also made an impact away football schools which will al- mitment to ensuring this clocking the quick- a great honour for me to be I am happy that Qatar is and from the professional game. In low some young people to over- World Cup is not only about the est lap, one min- an ambassador for the SC and will be the face of it for a month 2017 he was named the United come some obstacles which 28 days of on-pitch action, but ute hope I am able to deliver what during the World Cup, and Qa- Nations International Chil- they might face in Europe. about the impact it will have is expected of me. The World tar will also be the face of the dren’s Education Fund Good- “This is why I embarked across the Arab world and be- Cup is the biggest competition Middle East.” will Ambassador for Cameroon. on this beautiful project that yond, for generations to come. in football – there is nothing With a particular focus on In addition to this, in March excites me every day and I’m I am confident that working bigger – and I think that for workers’ welfare projects, Eto’o 2006 he launched the Samuel happy because I have some alongside someone of Samuel’s the players who have had the will assist and support the SC in Eto’o Foundation and has since players who now play with calibre, stature and character chance to play in the World Cup the delivery and implementa- built football schools across Af- some of Europe’s biggest clubs. can only positively help us to there is nothing more beauti- tion of a number of its initia- rica with the goal of encourag- It gives pride for me as the face achieve these goals together.” Sports Monday, April 15, 2019 17 Walsh, Crouser to resume rivalry in Doha

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Walsh holds the world well and I am ready to put out The European challenge outdoor champion: 2015 timetres in in 2017. the World Championships so DOHA outdoor lead with 21.91m some big throws outdoors,” is headed by reigning Eu- champion and 2017 silver They will be joined by the this is obviously my main ob- from the Australian Champi- said Crouser, who threw ropean indoor and outdoor medallist from bronze medallist from that jective for 2019.” THE men’s was one onships where he participated 22.33m in his first competi- champion Michal Haratyk the and 2011 competition The line-up also includes of the highest quality events as a guest but the calibre of tion of the season at the Mill- and world indoor bronze and 2013 champion David from the United States and Elena Vallortigara from Italy across the athletics pro- the field is such that a throw rose Games in New York. medallist Tomas Stanek who Storl from . Olympic silver medallist Piotr who fulfilled the promise she gramme last season and six in excess of this mark could be The line-up also features both set national records last The men’s discus also Malachowski from . showed as a teenager a decade of the seven throwers who needed to secure victory and 2017 Diamond League cham- season. Haratyk set an out- boasts a star-studded line-up ’s Mirela Demire- ago by improving her lifetime surpassed the 22-metre line maximum points next month. featuring world and Euro- va ended ’s best from 1.91m to 2.02m last will be competing in the Doha “I expect a very tough pean champion Andrius Gud- 45-competition win streak in year. Former European indoor Diamond League - the first competition in the Khalifa “Breaking the Diamond zius from , world the Diamond League champion Airine Palsyte from stage of the IAAF Diamond International Stadium on 3 League record in Zurich to and European silver medal- last July and the reigning Lithuania and ’s Kat- League 2019 - on May 3. May and I think I will have to win the Diamond League list Daniel Stahl from Olympic and European silver eryna Tabashnyk, who cleared The men’s shot put came throw over 22 metres to take title was one of the high- and Olympic champion Chris- medallist will be honing in on 1.99m during the indoor sea- to a climax in the Zurich Dia- the win,” said Walsh. “I feel lights of my season. Of toph Harting from Germany. the second Diamond League son, should also feature as well. mond League where reigning ready and I’m sure we will put course, I have very high “This will be my first in- win of her career in the high But the established names world indoor and outdoor on another great show for the ternational competition of the jump in Doha. could be displaced by the pre- champion from crowd in Doha.” expectations this year as season and I know it will be “I was sorry that I could cocious Yaroslava Mahuchikh reached out His principal rival will be well and I have been another tough battle against a not perform during the in- from Ukraine who makes her to a second-round effort of the reigning Olympic cham- pleased with my perfor- strong group of throwers in- door season but I am look- debut in the Doha Diamond 22.60m to eclipse the Dia- pion from the mances so far in 2019,” cluding Daniel and Christoph ing forward to testing my League at the age of 17. Ma- mond League record by four United States who threw said Walsh,” said Tom Walsh who I have competed against shape against a strong group huchikh is the reigning world centimetres. 22.53m last year. They com- many times in the past,” said of jumpers at the Khalifa In- and European U18 champion “Breaking the Diamond peted against each other nine Gudzius. ternational Stadium,” said and made headlines during League record in Zurich to times in 2018 with Crouser pion Darrell Hill from the right Polish record of 22.08m “I am also looking for- Demireva. the indoor season when she win the Diamond League title leading their head-to-head United States - who finished while Stanek improved the ward to making my debut in “It will be an important equalled the world indoor was one of the highlights of 5-4. second to Walsh in Zurich Czech record to 22.17m dur- the Khalifa International Sta- season with the World Cham- U20 record of 1.99m. my season. Of course, I have “This will be my first time last year with 22.40m - and ing the indoor season. dium where I will be defend- pionships taking place in this Tickets for the Doha Dia- very high expectations this in Doha and I am excited to from Bra- And adding even more ing my world title later this stadium later this season. I mond League are available at: year as well and I have been throw in the Khalifa Interna- zil who improved his South depth to an already illustrious season.” have medals from the Olym- https://www.q-tickets. pleased with my performanc- tional Stadium. My two in- American record to 22.00m line-up are the two throwers Gudzius defeated Stahl for pic Games and European com/qoc/eventdetails. es so far in 2019,” said Walsh. door competitions went very in 2018. who preceded Walsh as world the world title by just two cen- Championships but not from aspx?k1=nkN8dD2wwvc=

DeChambeau aces 16th Tiger caps epic return hole at Augusta for first ever hole-in-one REUTERS National, reacted with under- AUGUSTA (GA.) standable delight as he hugged with Masters victory his playing companion Taku- BRYSON DeChambeau picked mi Kanaya. a good time for the first hole- It was the 21st ace at the The American had to wait 11 long years to end the Major title drought in-one of his career when he hole during the Masters on the aced the par-three 16th in the easiest of the par-threes, and AFP Snead. final round at the Masters on the first this year. AUGUSTA (UNITED STATES) He also set a record for the Sunday. By contrast, there has only longest gap between Masters DeChambeau used a sev- ever been one hole-in-one at TIGER Woods won the 83rd triumphs, the 14-year spread en-iron from 180 yards and the fourth, by Jeff Sluman in Masters on Sunday, capturing one year longer than the old his ball landed well to the 1992. his 15th major title to cement mark set by South African Gary right of the pin before feed- The 16th pin was in its an epic return from scandal and Player from 1961 to 1974. ing down the slope and into traditional Sunday position injuries that once threatened It completes a fairytale the cup. on the left-side of the green, his career. comeback to the pinnacle of The American, who shared where the slope helps feed Ending an 11-year major golf for Woods, whose career the first-round lead at Augusta balls towards the hole. drought, the 43-year-old Amer- imploded after a 2009 sex ican superstar -- who under- scandal before unraveling amid went spinal fusion in 2017 fear- injuries and personal problems. ing chronic back pain would After battling to overhaul deny him life’s simple joys 54-hole leader Francesco Moli- much less golf wins -- seized his nari of Italy, Woods birdied the first major title since the 2008 par-5 13th to join a lead pack of US Open. five at 12-under. Woods fired a final-round Woods, Molinari, Xander two-under par 70 to finish on Schauffele, Brooks Kopeka and 13-under 275 for a one-shot vic- Dustin Johnson -- with Aus- tory to capture a $2.07 million tralian Jason Day in the club- (1.82 million euros) top prize house on 11-under and Patrick and the green jacket symbolis- Cantlay, who also hit 12-under, ing Masters supremacy. Tiger Woods (L) of the United States celebrates with caddie Joe LaCava on the 18th green after winning foiled by bogeys at 16 and 17. An all-American trio of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia on Sunday. (AFP) Woods and Molinari, in three-time major winner the last trio, each birdied the Brooks Koepka, world number CBS. “I’m so happy for him and jor title in 1997. a scream of joy in celebration par-5 13th to reach 12-under two Dustin Johnson and Xan- for the game of golf this is so - Fans chant Tiger’s name of a fairytale fightback like few while Johnson reeled off three der Schauffele shared second fantastic.” -Woods then drove the green others in sporting history. consecutive birdies, the last on on 276. The triumph was the first in two at the par-5 15th and Just off the 18th green, an 11-foot putt at 17, to make Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Marquez of Spain in action during “I don’t know if there are major victory for Woods when tapped in for birdie to seize the Woods hugged his mother as 12-under. the MotoGP qualifying at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas at words -- I’m sure he’s ecstatic he did not lead after 54 holes, lead alone at 13-under par then he had his late father Earl in Schauffele got there on Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on Saturday. (EPA-EFE) about it,” Koepka said. “To have having started the day two sank a four-foot birdie putt at 1997 and held his children, his birdies at 14 and 15 and Koepka the injuries and come back and adrift of reigning British Open the par-3 16th to stretch his ad- back more than up to the task by answering a double bogey at do what he has done, it has champion Francesco Molinari. vantage to two shots with two as the crowd chanted his name, the par-3 12th with an eagle at Marquez on seventh been tremendous to watch.” Racing to finish before an holes remaining. a rare tribute, and rivals con- 13 and birdie at 15. It was the fifth Masters title oncoming thunderstorm, play- Woods parred 17 and gratulated him as he entered None could go lower except for Woods, his first since 2005, ers created their own electric walked up to the 18th green the clubhouse. Woods, with Molinari undone successive MotoGP and it moved him three shy of atmosphere, spectators roaring to crowds 20-people deep ap- Woods, one shy of match- at the par-5 15th when his ap- the all-time record 18 majors repeatedly for sensational shot- plauding with delight, but he ing Nicklaus for the most career proach struck a tree limb and won by Jack Nicklaus. making on one of golf’s iconic kept a stoic visage until the job Masters wins, won his 81st ca- his chip barely clung to the side pole in Austin “A big well done from me to stages at Augusta National, was complete, a tap-in for bo- reer US PGA victory, one shy of of a damp slope on the way to a Tiger,” Nicklaus told telecaster where Woods won his first ma- gey followed by a fist pump and the all-time record held by Sam double-bogey disaster. AFP LOS ANGELES Marquez has won at Austin from pole position WORLD champion Marc Mar- every year since the race Qatar beach v’ball teams advance to next stage in Samila Open quez maintained his domina- arrived on the MotoGP tion at the Grand Prix of the calendar in 2013. Americas on Saturday, sweep- ing to yet another pole posi- tion as he chases a seventh Marquez arrived in Tex- straight victory in Texas. as fresh from a superb vic- The Spanish MotoGP star tory over Rossi in , bagged his seventh consecu- where he romped home by 10 tive pole at Austin’s Circuit of seconds at the Termas de Rio the Americas after posting a Hondo. fastest lap of 2min 3.787sec, The Spaniard leads the early in the qualifying session. overall championship stand- Italian rival Valentino ings by four points from An- Rossi was second fastest in drea Dovizioso heading into 2:04.060 while Britain’s Cal Sunday’s race. Crutchlow was third quickest Ducati rider Dovizioso in 2:04.147. failed to make qualifying two Marquez has won at Austin on Saturday, finishing with the from pole position every year 13th fastest time of 2:05.907. since the race arrived on the MotoGP calendar in 2013. QUALIFYING RESULTS On Saturday’s evidence, Leading qualifying times for MotoGP Grand the Repsol Honda rider looks Prix of the Americas at Circuit of the unbeatable once more after Americas in Austin, Texas on Saturday: a dominant display on the 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 2:03.787 Tamer Abdelrasoul and Assam Mahmoud of Qatar 1 and Saifeddine Elmajid and Mahdi Badreddin Sam- counter-clockwise Austin cir- 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 2:04.060 moud of Qatar 2 moved into the knock-out round of the Asian Beach Volleyball Tour Samila Open in cuit. 3. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) 2:04.147 Samila, Thailand on Sunday with 2-1 win-loss records. Abdelrasoul and Mahmoud resisted top seeds Surin Marquez’s quickest time 4. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati) 2:04.416 Jongklang and Sedtawat Padsawud of Thailand spiritedly before losing Pool A opener 20-22, 17-21 in came on only his second lap, 5. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 2:04.472 43 minutes. But they got into the next round as their New Zealand rivals Thomas Hartles and Alani and his rivals struggled to 6. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 2:04.489 Nicklin withdrew due to injury in the second match. Similarly, Elmajid and Sammoud also dropped the first make much headway for the 7. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 2:04.534 match to Japanese Takahashi Takumi and Hasegawa Yoshiumi in Pool H but they rallied very hard against remainder of the session, 8. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 2:04.696 Thailand’s Nuttanon Inkiew Banlue Nakprakhong to post a thrilling three-set victory 21-23, 21-18, 16-14 in with no other rider managing 9. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha) 2:04.941 56 minutes. While Abdelrahoul and Mahmou will next clash with Australians Damian Schumann and Cole to duck below the 2min 4sec 10. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha) Durant, Elmajid and Sammoud are pitted against Iranians Arash Vakili Bahman Salemiinjehboroun. barrier. 2:05.278 18 Monday, April 15, 2019 Sports QSL holds co-ordination meeting with league coaches Saint-Etienne heat up European TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK our partnership and strong qualification with Bordeaux win DOHA relationship through which we continue to work towards AFP the win with a deflected close- THE Qatar Stars League achieving our common goals. SAINT-ÉTIENNE range strike in the final min- (QSL) convened a co-ordina- You work with the clubs in ute to put Jean-Louis Gasset’s tion meeting with QNB Stars order to maintain the develop- SAINT-ETIENNE closed in side back ahead of Marseille, League coaches on Sunday, at ment of our tournaments con- on Champions League foot- who started the day fourth and Al Bidda Tower to discuss the tinuously,” Ballan said. ball next season after Mathieu in the Europa League spot af- most important observations A number of topics on Debuchy scored twice in a ter surviving late VAR penalty and impressions from their the meeting’s agenda were 3-0 win over Bordeaux that drama on Saturday to scrape point of view. It also discussed discussed, most notably the moves them to within three to a 2-1 win over Nimes. a number of matters related calendar for 2019-20 season, points of third-placed Lyon They are two points ahead to preparations ahead of the arrangements and referees as on Sunday. of Rudi Garcia’s side and pil- 2019-20 season. well as technical matters. Wahbi Khazri opened the ing pressure on Lyon, who The meeting was attended The meeting received great scoring from the spot 10 min- have lost two on the bounce. by QSL CEO Hani Taleb Bal- QSL CEO Hani Taleb Ballan leads other officials during a meeting with QNB Stars League coaches at Al praise from the coaches as utes after the break following Lyon go into the final six lan, Qatar Football Associa- Bidda Tower on Sunday. they were able to put forward a VAR check of Sergi Palen- games in trouble following tion’s (QFA) Referees Com- their ideas and suggestions. cia’s handball before Debuchy coach Bruno Genesio’s an- mittee Chairman Neji Jouini, of Competition and Football to you about all matters relat- and stakeholders. They applauded the QSL for headed home the second from nouncement that he would QFA’s Director of Football Development (Acting) Ahmed ed to the new season, as part “Our doors are open and this initiative, which reflects a corner to seal the points 17 leave the club in the summer Development Fahad Thani Khellil Abbassi. of the QSL’s keenness to co- we welcome any views and on the interests in coaches and minutes before the end. after falling out of favour with and QSL’s Executive Director “It’s important that we talk ordinate with clubs, partners comments that align with their work. Debuchy then completed the fans. Salah’s wonder-strike keeps L’pool top; City win at Palace

ficult place to come. We got The result restores two goals but knew we couldn’t Liverpool’s switch off. “We kept pushing and kept Philippe Gilbert poses on the po- two-point lead making it difficult - glad to get dium with the cobblestone trophy the third goal. We knew we following the 117th Roubaix at the top, though had to be on it from the first cycling race on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) Man City have a minute.” Sterling had City 2-0 up game in hand by the hour mark, having ear- Reinvented lier missed a simple chance to DPA open the scoring. Gilbert clinches LONDON The England forward put the champions in front after 15 Paris-Roubaix MOHAMED Salah scored a minutes but Palace, who won stunning goal as Liverpool at City earlier in the season, in strive for five beat Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday held out for the rest of the half. and kept their noses in front of Sterling doubled the lead AFP Manchester City in the race for on 63 minutes but Luca Mili- ROUBAIX, the Premier League title. vojevic gave Palace hope with Champions City held top a clever free kick nine minutes BELGIAN veteran Philippe spot for a couple of hours after from time. Gilbert won the cobbled classic they won 3-1 at Crystal Palace, Palace had a couple of half- Paris Roubaix cycling race on with Raheem Sterling scoring chances to threaten an equaliz- Sunday after a cat-and-mouse twice. er but Jesus dashed any hopes final struggle with Germany’s But a Sadio Mane header of a comeback with the third, Nils Politt while another Bel- and a brilliant strike from although replays suggested he gian Yves Lampaert was third. Salah gave Liverpool a vital was marginally offside. Six riders, including de- home win over fourth-placed “This pressure is incred- fending champion Peter Sagan, Chelsea. ible,” City manager Pep Guar- broke away with around 55km The result restored Liver- diola said of the title run-in as remaining but the Deceuninck- pool’s two-point lead at the they bid to win every trophy Quick-Step pair Gilbert and top, though City have a game possible this term. Lampaert worked together to in hand. It’s really big,” Liver- Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal against Chelsea during their “We are fighting to be drop the Slovak on the final cob- pool captain Jordan Hender- English Premier League match at Anfield in Liverpool on Sunday.(AFP) champions back to back. In bled section. son said. two seasons we’ve got 83 The victory gives former “It’s another big game we fore Salah rifled in an unstop- points with five games left. world champion Gilbert his have won. We have to concen- pable shot from 25 metres to We’ve won two titles (Commu- fourth of five of the so called trate on ourselves, work hard double their lead. nity Shield and League Cup) ‘Monuments’, long one-day on the training pitch and the Eden Hazard hit the post and now it’s the FA Cup final. races. He has won the Tour of focus is on the next game. for Chelsea and forced a good Sterling said he expects the Flanders, the Tour of Lombardy “We are enjoying it and save from Alisson but Liver- title race to go right down to and Liege-Bastogne-Liege, just that’s the main thing.” pool held on to keep them- the final day. the Milan-San Remo is missing With City winning at Pal- selves in front. “100 per cent, the way Liv- from his prize list. ace earlier in the day, Liver- City avoided a potential erpool have been playing,” he Gilbert called his bid for pool knew they could not af- banana skin as they won 3-1 said. all five Monuments ‘Strive for ford to slip up. at Palace, with Sterling scoring “It will go down to the wire. Five’, after winning Flanders The home side dominated the first two goals, before Ga- I don’t see us slowing down solo in front of adoring home possession in the first half but briel Jesus added a late third. now. Liverpool have a great crowds in 2017. Chelsea held firm in defence to “We controlled the ball re- squad, great self-belief, but so “Its really special. It was a keep it goalless at the break. ally well but one moment in do we.” really daring attack and it came But two goals in three min- the game and they are back in Palace remain 13th and off,” said the 36-year-old. utes turned the game in Liver- it,” Sterling said. manager Roy Hodgson had no “When I decided to go for pool’s favour. “But we responded again complaints about the result. the classics they said the cob- First Mane headed Hen- and got the third goal.” “We got better as the game bles weren’t for me. I was just derson’s cross into the net for Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling scores against Crystal Palace during an EPL game at Selhurst park in “We always knew coming went on and in the second half a puncher, but now I’m more the opener on 51 minutes be- London on Sunday. (REUTERS) here in the past that it’s a dif- we gave it a good shot,” he said. complete.” Aspire Embassies Futsal enters knockout stage Coman brace moves Bayern

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ticipated in this outstanding to the top of Bundesliga DOHA initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs AFP THE Aspire Embassies Futsal in Qatar. It is a great opportu- BERLIN Tournament has entered a deci- nity for our colleagues to step sive phase as competing teams outside of the more formal en- KINGSLEY Coman played battle it out to stay in the com- vironment that we’re used to his way out back into favour petition. The group stages are and interact with one another on Sunday, with a first-half now drawing to a close with the and build stronger ties between brace that helped fire Bayern quarter-finals due to start on each of the Embassies and our Munich back to the top of the Saturday. colleagues. This is of course part Bundesliga with a comfortable Last Thursday’s group and parcel of what sports diplo- 4-1 win at Fortuna Duessel- stage saw a number of thrilling macy is all about and demon- dorf. matches with representatives strates how it brings countries French winger Coman was from the various embassies in together.” involved in a training ground the country taking part. During Also, HE Ali Ibrahim punch-up with Robert Lewan- this stage, Syria defeated India Ahmed, Ambassador of dowski earlier in the week, but (20-0), Jordan overcame Mali Action from the Aspire Embassies Futsal Tournament between Oman to Qatar, said: “I would like to on Sunday he kept Bayern on Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman celebrates scoring their second goal (3-2), Bosnia defeated South and . extend my gratitude to Qatar’s course for a seventh successive against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Sunday. (REUTERS) Africa (13-0), Iraq defeated Eri- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and league title. trea (6-5) and Oman triumphed a hotly contested match (3-3). HE Abdul Sattar Hadi al Janabi, Aspire Zone Foundation for Bayern, needing three bottom corner with just 14 the far post after Mueller had against Japan (12-2). Jordan, Bosnia, and the Sul- Charge d’affaires of the Embas- making it possible for mem- points to stay top after rivals minutes on the clock. If the flicked it on at a corner. Group stage matches re- tanate of Oman are currently sy of Iraq, and HE Ali Ibrahim bers of the diplomatic commu- Borussia Dortmund edged to a opener was briefly incorrectly Dodi Lukebakio gave sumed on Saturday during leading their groups A, B, and Ahmed, Ambassador of Eritrea nity to have this opportunity to nervy win over Mainz on Sat- credited to Mueller, there was Duesseldorf a late consolation which Spain won against Azer- C respectively, while the team to Qatar. strengthen relations between urday, barely broke a sweat as no doubt about Coman’s sec- goal from the penalty spot af- baijan (5-1), overcame from MOFA sits at the top of HE Abdul Sattar al Janabi us and build solidarity among they cruised to victory on the ond in the 41st minute, a well- ter a Mats Hummels handball, France (6-3), Jordan defeated group D with 4 points. praised Aspire Zone Founda- nations. I also thank my col- banks of the Rhine. placed finish at the end of a but Leon Goretzka slotted in Syria (6-3), Mali triumphed A number of senior mem- tion for the well-planned or- leagues in the diplomatic corps Coman’s first goal was delightful move. Bayern’s fourth in injury time. against India (11-2) while Por- bers from the country’s various ganisation of the tournament for taking part and making the unintentional, his inswing- Serge Gnabry added a The win keeps Bayern a tugal and Qatar’s Ministry of Embassies attended games dur- and said: “This is the first time most of this opportunity to get ing cross just evading Thomas third 10 minutes after the point ahead of Dortmund with Foreign Affairs (MOFA) drew in ing the tournament, including that the Iraqi Embassy has par- to know each other better.” Mueller on its way into the break, turning the ball in at five games still to play. Sports Monday, April 15, 2019 19 Jordan Rally from April 25 to 27 Tahir and Raina steer CSK closer to IPL playoffs

IANS in the sixth over. KOLKATA Ambati Rayudu (5) failed to impress the selectors on IMRAN Tahir and Suresh the eve of World Cup selection Raina helped Chennai Super while Kedar Jadhav (20) also Kings (CSK) put one foot in got out to leave CSK on 81/4. the playoffs as they got past Dhoni and Raina com- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bined for a 40-run fifth wicket by five wickets in their Indian stand before the former was Premier League (IPL) return trapped by Narine, with re- leg fixture at the Eden Gar- views not going in the former dens on Sunday. India skipper’s favour. CSK, who had defeated Earlier, recording his best KKR in their first meeting figures (4/27) in the competi- also, consolidated their spot tion, Tahir bowled a game- Nasser bin Khalifa al Attiyah (left) in action at the Qatar Rally in March and Abdulaziz al Kuwari, another Qatari rallyist, adds depth to the field of the Jordan Rally. at the top of the table with 14 changing 15th over to account points from eight matches. for Chris Lynn (82; 51 balls; KKR, on the other hand, 7x4 6x6) and Andre Russell slumped to their third straight (10) to dent the KKR’s surge as defeat, remaining on eight they could only manage 161/8. Attiyah tops impressive points from eight matches. Tahir was introduced in the Tahir (4/27) first played a ninth over and the 40-year-old pivotal role in restricting KKR removed Nitish Rana (21) and to 161/8. Robin Uthappa (0) in the 11th Chasing a modest 162 for over to start KKR’s slide and victory, Raina struck an un- then did the major damage entry for Jordan Rally beaten 58 off 42 balls (7x4; in the 15th over by removing 1x6), his 36th IPL fifty, adding Lynn and Russell in the space 41 runs with Ravindra Jadeja of four balls. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK and he tops the entry list in a al Thefiri returns to defend headed by Abdullah al Ruwa- changes to the route and spe- (31 off 17 balls not out; 4x5) for Lynn was caught at deep DOHA Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. the MERC 2 title he won so hi, fellow Kuwaiti Saleh bin cial stages that teams will the sixth wicket. square leg by Shardul Thakur Attiyah and his French co- convincingly in 2018. He has Eidan, Saudi Arabia’s Saeed tackle on the second round of Chennai needed 24 in the while substitute Dhruv Shorey THE resurgence of interest driver Matthieu Baumel face already claimed maximum al Mouri and Lebanese rookie the regional series. The rally last two overs, but Jadeja hit took an excellent catch at long in the FIA Middle East Rally competition from a further points for his win in Qatar last Alex Feghali. will now be fought out over Harry Gurney for a hat-trick of on. Championship continues to three R5 cars in the hands of The Jordanian quintet of 22 special stages and 247.20 fours in the 19th over to bring In the last five overs, the gather pace with the news that fellow Qataris Abdulaziz al Salameh al Gammaz, Tareq competitive kilometres in a the equation down to eight hosts could muster only 28 the Jordan Rally has attracted Kuwari (Škoda) and Nasser Jordan Motorsport official- al Taher, Ziad Miqdad, Amjad route of 563.38km. runs off six balls. runs with only one four at the 18 entries and an additional Khalifa al Attiyah (Ford) and ly announced on Sunday Anasweh and Sami Fleifel will Teams will face 11 spe- The India all-rounder then cost of three wickets. Shar- five crews for a national rally. Jordan’s Marouf Abu Samra that competitors from 10 take part in a national rally cial stages on April 26 and creamed Piyush Chawla for a dul (2/18), who along with Jordan Motorsport offi- (Ford). nations will take part in category running behind the a further 11 on April 27. The boundary to hit the winning Tahir was the other architect cially announced on Sunday The MERC 2 (formerly the second round of the main FIA event. Dead Sea super special stage runs as the defending cham- of Chennai’s choke, removed that competitors from 10 na- Group N) category has at- regional rally series on The 2019 Jordan Rally will of 2.59km will now round off pions won with two balls to Shubman Gill (15) and Piyush tions will take part in the sec- tracted a further 12 entries April 25-27. be based at the Crowne Plaza the competitive action on both spare. Chawla (0) in the final over. ond round of the regional rally and defending champion Hen- Jordan Dead Sea Resort and days after two loops of five Chennai lost Shane Wat- series on April 25-27. ry Kahy of Lebanon and local gets underway with a ceremo- gravel specials each day. son (6) early with Gurney BRIEF SCORES Qatar’s Nasser bin Saleh al driver Asem Aref will do bat- month. Competition is likely nial start at Abdali Boulevard Support for the event trapping him in front of the Chennai Super Kings: 162 for 5 (Raina 58*, du Attiyah is the defending cham- tle in MERC 3 for two-wheel to come from Jordanian driv- in Amman from 19.00hrs on comes from Abdali Boulevard, wicket. Faf du Plessis (24) was Plessis 24, Narine 2-19) beat Kolkata Knight Riders: 161 for 8 (Lynn 82, Tahir 4-27) by five pion and a winner of the Jor- drive vehicles. ers Khaled Juma and Ihab al Thursday (April 25). Mountain Dew, Hala and Bliss castled by Sunil Narine (2/19), wickets dan Rally on a dozen occasions Kuwaiti driver Meshari Shorafi, four Omani entrants Rally officials have made FM. who bowled a wicket maiden

Djokovic Qubaisi gets creditable result, finishes 11th confident for Sheikh Jassim, Monte Carlo AFP Hamad determined MONTE CARLO to improve in next NOVAK Djokovic said on round Sunday he is working to en- sure that last month’s sub-par hardcourt performances do TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK not affect his seasonal bow on DOHA clay in Monte Carlo. The world number one QATAR’S Abdulla al Qubaisi kicks off at his home event secured a creditable 11th spot starting in the second round in the prestigious and tough against either Philipp Kohls- Spanish Supersport 600 chreiber or a qualifier. Championship in Jerez on Sat- Hamad al Sahooti before the start of the Moto4 race in Jerez, Spain Djokovic, winner of the urday, giving a good boost to on Saturday. last three Grand Slam titles the QMMF Racing Team for and dreaming of completing the rest of the season. the weather was good and we best and Abdulla al Qubaisi his personal sweep with an- Sheikh Jassem al Thani thank the organisers to provide produced a fine result. Saeed other trophy at Roland Garros, also contested in the same race, Abdulla al Qubaisi during the Spanish Supersport 600 race in Jerez on Saturday. good atmosphere for our riders al Sulaiti was unfortunate be- was stopped in the third round while Hamad al Sahooti con- to make the most of this par- cause of his crash. at Indian Wells last month. tested in the Moto 4 category. rez clinched the race for An- after a crash. Luckily, he es- isfaction at the achievements in ticipation.” “We hope that Saeed will He was then unable to hold In the Supersport 600 dotrans Team Torr, while his caped unhurt. The Spanish rid- the first round of the Spanish QMMF President Abdul- recover fast and return to the onto a 6-1 lead in the opening class, 34 riders from 12 coun- compatriot Joan Uvina (Mo- ers swept the race with Angel championship. “The start was rahman al Mannai praised track. Also I’m confident that set of his fourth-rounder in tries competed with total inten- tos Y Max-Hospitali) clinched Piquiras emerging the winner. good for our champion riders the level of the Qatar Team in our riders will get better results Miami, going out in three to sity and commitment. While the second spot and French- He was followed by Alberto in this strong championship. the first round of the Spanish in the next round. We should Robert Bautista Agut. Qubaisi clocked his best lap of man Loic Arbel (Emperador Fernandez in the second place This is very important assign- championship and said: “For be patient right now. We “I can’t wait to step on 1:46.575 in his 14 round of the Racing Team) completed the and Brian O’Rearty managing ment and it will help us prepare us, their first participation should not rush for the results. court, I’ve been training hard,” track, Sheikh Jassim, contest- podium. the third spot. a strong Qatari team for inter- was important. We wanted to Our prime goal is to improve he said on a rainy opening day ing in his first international In the Moto 4 category, Khalid al Remaihi, Vice- national events. see how our riders respond to and our riders will certainly of the Masters 1000. “I had a event, managed a 27th spot. Hamad al Sahooti had to pull President of the Lusail Circuit He also added, “The organ- such a big race. Sheikh Jassim, get better,” added the QMMF great last six months of the sea- Spain’s Oscar Gutier- out of the race in the ninth lap Sports Club, expressed his sat- isation was at the highest level, Hamad al Sahooti tried their president. son, the 31-year-old Serb said. Qatari riders get experience in MTB racing Ruud, Garin to clash in

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Houston tennis final DOHA AFP US 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 in the other FOUR Qatari riders had gone HOUSTON semi-final on Saturday. to the 4 Islands MTB Stage Ruud had to battle back Race in for experience CASPER Ruud punched his from an 2-5 deficit in the and got some valuable lessons ticket to the US Men’s Clay opening set to dispatch the after five grueling days of rac- Court Championship final on Colombian Galan. ing there. Saturday, holding off a stiff Galan finished his rain- The five stages offered challenge from qualifier Dan- delayed quarter-final earlier practically everything to Ab- iel Elahi Galan to win their in the day over seventh seed dullah al Jaaidi, Fahad al Su- semi-final match 7-5, 6-2. Jordan Thompson of Austral- waidi, Marwan al Jalham and Ruud, 20, is seeking to ia, winning 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. Abdullah al Khater that an become the first Norwegian Ruud has been impres- MTB race can offer. Extreme- to win an ATP Tour title and sive on clay this season. He ly steep climbs, huge drops, will take on Christian Garin of reached the quarter-finals in twisted roads, long stages, Chile in Sunday’s final. February at the Rio Open and loose gravel, massive stones Ruud’s father, Christian, then advanced to the semi- were not the only obstacle. was the last player from Nor- finals at the Open. The biggest obstacle was the Qatari riders and officials during the 4 Islands MTB Stage Race in Croatia recently. way to reach an ATP Tour Garin is also looking for cold (8C), rainy and windy finishing runner-up in 1995 his first ATP title after ad- weather which was pushing theless, the Qatari riders man- stage four. and gaining very important tar. We will go through re- at Bastad, Sweden. Christian vancing to his second clay riders to their limits. aged to overcome and finish Head coach Szymon Wa- experience for us in this covery process and then start Ruud competed on the Tour court final of the season. Six hours on the bike in all the stages except Khater siak said after the race: “We stage of development. Our next season preparation with for a decade. Garin won their only pre- this condition will make the who had a knee injury on stage are very happy with achieve- plan at the moment is to fin- MTB stage race in Poland in The 22-year-old Garin vious career meeting last toughest people suffer. Never- three and could not start on ment of finishing the race ish the racing season in Qa- end of June.” defeated Sam Querrey of the month.