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Saturday, March 30, 2019 FOOTBALL Rajab 23, 1440 AH Manchester City, GULF TIMES Liverpool resume title battle SPORT Page 7

SPOTLIGHT Two Qatar teams prep for Asian padel campaign with wins

By Sports Reporter The winners will now face the day. before it spread to other Hispanic Doha Japanese-Spanish duo of Daisu- The six-member Qatar team countries and has found a lot of ke Shoyama and Gago Martinez travelled to the Japanese city, support in Spain off late. Many Asier in the quarter-fi nals today. around 30km from Tokyo, and media reports have put padel wo Qatar duos made it The other Qatari duo to make have hosts Japan, Australia, India right behind football in Spain in to the quarter-fi nals of it to the quarter-fi nals comprises and Thailand as other partici- terms of popularity. the 1st Nexus Cup Padel Abdulla al-Hijji and Khalid Saa- pants in the tournament. Given similarities between Championship in Chiba don al-Kuwari. Members of the Qatar team are padel and tennis, it isn’t exactly TCity, Japan, yesterday, even as the They opened their tourna- Abdulaziz Saadoun al-Kuwari, surprising that quite a few play- six-member contingent hoped to ment yesterday with a victory Jassim Kano, Jassim al-Mulla, ers, including all the Qatar team carry the momentum into the over Australia’s Tim Brown and Abdullah Hajji, Mohamed Saa- players, have played tennis at 3rd Asian Padel Championship, Spain’s Gustavo Oriol, before doun al-Kuwari and Khalid Saa- some level. which starts today at the same edging out the Japanese duo of doun al-Kuwari Mohamed Saadoun and Hajji venue. Kazuki Tomita and Shungo Ku- In the other tie today, Japan were among the top 300 players The Nexus Cup is an FIP (In- sakabe 6-4, 7-6 (4). will take on India. in the world in the youth category ternational Padel Federation) Al-Hijji and al-Kuwari will Padel is a unique racquet sport and played for Qatar in the Davis 125 category tournament, which face Australia’s Matthew Bar- typically played in doubles on an Cup. is being run alongside the Asian relle and Taylor Smith in today’s enclosed court, a third of the size In Qatar, the sport truly took championship to off er a chance quarter-fi nals. of a tennis court. Scoring is the roots in 2017, and Padel Qatar has for the travelling teams to bal- The third Qatari team of Jassim same as normal tennis and the ensured that a playing location is ance their outfi ts, giving maxi- Kano and Jassim al-Mulla suf- balls used are similar but with a not too far away from those in- mum opportunities to the play- fered an early defeat in the fi rst little less pressure. terested. ers. round. The main diff erences are that There are as many as 15 courts Abdulaziz Saadon al-Kuwari Like the Asian championship, the court has walls (methacrylate at six diff erent locations in Qatar, and Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari the Nexus Cup is scheduled to usually), the balls can be played including Qatar Sports Club, Al notched a 6-2, 6-1 victory over conclude tomorrow. off these walls as in squash, and Arabi Sports Club, Qatar Wom- the Japanese duo of Naoya Ma- Qatar will open their campaign that players use solid, stringless en’s Sports Committee, Aspire eta and Yuta Ichikawa yesterday against Australia in the third racquets. Zone, Al Wakrah Sports Club and for a shot at a semi-fi nal spot. Asian Padel Championship to- The sport originated in Mexico Doha Sheraton. Qatar padel team players pose ahead of their Asian Padel Championship campaign.

FOOTBALL Raja Casablanca end 19-year wait for second Super Cup Hafidi’s 20-yard strike and a neat close-range finish from Benoun seal victory for the Moroccan side against Esperance

Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani presents the winner’s trophy to Raja Casablanca. Raja Casablanca players and off icials pose with the trophy after beating Esperance de Tunis in the CAF Super Cup clash yesterday.PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed

AFP phy in 19 years. team in Africa by Carteron before Doha The Super Cup is an annual one-off the match, took until 36 minutes to match pitting the winner of the CAF threaten Raja’s goal, but should have Champions League and second-tier equalised when Taha Yassine Khnissi aja Casablanca of Morocco CAF Confederation Cup against each spurned an easy chance when through deservedly won the African other. on the goalkeeper. Super Cup yesterday, narrowly The victory was some consolation They did draw level early in the sec- beating Tunisia’s Esperance Raja’s French coach Patrice Carteron. ond half though through Youcef and 2-1R to lift the trophy for the second time. He was the manager of the Egyp- at that stage appeared the most likely Goals from Abdelilah Hafi di, a su- tian team, Al Ahly, who lost to Espe- to win. perb fi rst half strike from 20 yards, and rance in the Champions League fi nal But Raja quickly reasserted their a neat close-range fi nish from captain last November, which led to him being dominance when Benoun fl icked in a Badr Benoun in the 65th minute sealed sacked. winner from close range following a victory for Raja. But there was little chance of him corner. Those goals came either side of losing again yesterday as they domi- Raja could have also had a penalty a wonderful equaliser from Esper- nated for long stretches of the fi nal. in the closing stages after an appar- ance’s Mohamed Youcef who smashed Mahmoud Benhalib, and Soufi ane ent handball was missed by the referee home an unstoppable shot in the 57th Rahimi went close in the fi rst half and Rahimi also had a goal ruled out minute to give the Tunisian side brief before Hafi di’s fi ne fi nish in the 22nd for off side in the 75th minute. hope. minute. Yesterday’s match was played in But they could not come back a Rahimi also spurned a chance just 2022 World Cup host nation, Qatar, second time and there were deliri- six minutes later to double Raja’s ad- the fi rst time it has been played out- ous scenes at the end as Raja’s players vantage. side Africa. It attracted a near capacity celebrated their fi rst Super Cup tro- Esperance, described as the best crowd of 18,378. Raja Casablanca’s Abdelilah Hafidi (second from right) celebrates his goal with his teammates yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, March 30, 2019 SPORT

GOLF / WGC-DELL TECHNOLOGIES MATCH PLAY SPOTLIGHT Late birdie burst lift s Choi to LPGA Kia Woods on thin ice Classic lead

AFP Nine of the top 10 players in Los Angeles the world are in the fi eld for the last tournament before the fi rst major of the year — the ANA In- outh Korea’s Chella spiration. aft er loss, McIlroy Choi birdied her last Only sixth-ranked Nelly Korda three holes on the way is taking the week off . to a seven-under-par World number one Park Sung- McIlroy continues his rich form 65S on Thursday and a two-shot hyun, No. 2 Ariya Jutanugarn, lead in the LGPA Kia Classic in No. 3 Minjee Lee, No. 4 Ko Jin- with second emphatic victory in Carlsbad, California. young Ko and No. 8 Park In-bee Choi took a little while to warm were in a big group sharing third as many days, beating Harding up on a chilly morning at Aviara on 68. wins again Golf Club, but she fi nished with Park Sung-hyun won last seven birdies and no bogeys. month in Singapore and Ko is “My putter really helped me, coming off a victory on Sunday so I really enjoyed it today,” said in the Founders Cup in Phoenix, Choi, who won her lone LPGA Arizona. Tour title at the 2015 Marathon “Just play now,” Ko said of her Classic. approach, not thinking about the “I like this golf course,” Choi past or the future. “Just think said. “I have really good memo- about now.” ries here. Defending champion Ji Eun- “The fairways are easy and hee headed another big group on the greens are small — If I hit the 69. fairways and greens a lot of birdie American Cristie Kerr, the chances out there.” 2015 winner, had a hole-in-one She was two strokes in front on the 143-yard 14th in a two- of Northern Ireland’s Stephanie over 74. Meadow, who had fi ve birdies “I played so bad today and without a bogey in her 67. that was like — I don’t know?” “Really consistent day,” Mead- Kerr said. “Finally got a birdie on ow said. “Just hit a bunch of fair- 10 and 13, and just was trying to ways and a bunch of greens and somehow bring it back close to rolled some putts in, so pretty par and get out in the morning stress-free golf.” and have some better greens.”

FORMULA 1 Vettel leads Ferrari Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland in action during his match against Justin Harding (not pictured) of South Africa during the second round of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas, on Thursday. (AFP) 1-2 in Friday practice

Reuters Agencies Cary, North Carolina Suri surges into sole lead at Indian Open Manama

iger Woods faces an up- AFP tage over South Africa’s George “I hit it really well the whole Australia’s Daniel Nisbet and ebastian Vettel clocked hill battle to advance to Gurgaon, India Coetzee and veteran Robert day and I just tried to free it up Om Prakash Chouhan of India the fastest lap as he and the knockout phase of Karlsson of Sweden. a little bit on the second nine produced the highlights of the his Ferrari teammate the WGC-Dell Technol- The 22-year-old Sharma had with my putting,” said Suri, who day with each having a hole-in- Charles Leclerc domi- Togies Match Play after losing on natedS yesterday’s fl oodlit second merican Julian Suri fired a bad day after missing a few is born in the US to an Indian one on the third and fifth holes day two in Texas on Thursday. a second consecutive chances and posting a 73. He father and a Mexican mother. respectively. free practice for this weekend’s Beaten 2&1 by fellow Ameri- Afive-under 67 to surge was two-under and tied 19th at “I putted with more feel instead, The halfway cut was set at Bahrain Grand Prix. can Brandt Snedeker, 13th into sole lead as home favourite the halfway mark. which is how I have usually two-over-par 146 with 70 play- The four-time world cham- seed Woods will need to defeat Shubhankar Sharma slipped Suri, who last won on the been putting, and I gave myself ers advancing to the final two pion clocked a best lap in one Patrick Cantlay on the fi nal day on day two of the Indian Open European Tour two years ago, a lot more chances,” he added. rounds. minute and 28.846 seconds to of the round-robin phase at yesterday. credited his hot putter for Sharma, who won the Asian Former champions including outpace his new Monegasque races in succession. Austin Country Club and hope Suri, who is playing just his another strong round in the Tour in only his second year as India’s Anirban Lahiri and Jyoti partner by 0.035 seconds at the His compatriot Nico Hulken- Aaron Wise can win against second event of the season af- event, which is co-sanctioned professional, said he needs to Randhawa, Siddikur Rahman top of the time-lists, the pair berg was an encouraging fi fth for Snedeker in the other match to ter an abdomen operation last by the Asian Tour and Euro- learn from his mistakes to “gain of Bangladesh and Australia’s winding up six-tenths clear of Renault ahead of Max Verstap- go through. year, took a one-shot advan- pean Tour. ground” on the final two days. David Gleeson missed the cut. third-placed Lewis Hamilton. pen of Red Bull, Kevin Magnus- Woods, in his fi rst tourna- Hamilton, the defending fi ve- sen of Haas and British rookie ment appearance in Austin, at time world champion, was un- Lando Norris of McLaren. least gave his gallery something McIlroy continued his rich McIlroy, coming off victory at Furyk face off , with the winner Second seed Justin Rose’s able to match Ferrari’s pace in his to remember when he played a vein of form with his second the Players Championship two advancing to the knockout phase. hopes are still alive after a great Mercedes as he took third ahead HEAD RETURNS TO stunning 60-foot recovery shot emphatic victory in as many weeks ago, is the early favourite The other two players in their escape saw him halve with fellow of teammate Finn Valtteri Bottas, STRUGGLING WILLIAMS left-handed from under a bush days, seeing off South African to win the Masters, the year’s group, Phil Mickelson and Jason Englishman Eddie Pepperell. winner of the season-opening Williams co-founder Patrick at the 10th hole. Justin Harding 3&2. fi rst major which starts at Au- Day, are eliminated. Rose won the fi nal two holes Australian Grand Prix. Head has returned to the For- After taking his stance on one Northern Irishman McIlroy gusta on April 11. South African Grace, mean- with birdies, sinking a 20-footer Vettel’s form also endorsed the mula One team as a consultant knee, he knocked the ball up to will look to beat Englishman Mat- Others with a perfect record while, upset world number one at the 17th followed by a 10-footer speed delivered by Ferrari when after they started the season with four feet and sank the putt for a thew Fitzpatrick to win his group. after two matches include Brit- Dustin Johnson 1-up. at the last to eliminate wine con- they fi nished fi rst and second an uncompetitive car that even halve on the hole. “I fi nished off with two birdies ish Open champion Francesco Johnson must beat Hideki noisseur Pepperill, who consoled in the opening session, led by their own drivers say is funda- “I don’t know how he got that yesterday and two birdies again Molinari, major winners Henrik Matsuyama to have any chance himself with a glass of bold red. Leclerc. mentally fl awed. up-and-down,” Snedeker said. (today),” McIlroy said. “Once I Stenson and Jim Furyk, and “Mr of advancing, while Grace’s fate The winner of the match be- Vettel, who has taken pole Williams fi nished last overall The winner of Woods’s group get into position where I sense a 62” Branden Grace, the only is in his own hands. tween Rose and Gary Woodland three times before at the Sakhir in 2018 and technical head Paddy is likely to face fourth seed Rory little bit of blood, I’m taking my player to break 63 in a major. Victory over Chez Reavie will (2-0-0) advances to the knock- circuit, is seeking to become the Lowe left on a ‘leave of absence’ McIlroy in the round of 16 today. opportunities.” Swede Stenson and American ensure he proceeds. out phase. fi rst driver to win three Bahrain before the season started.

BOTTOMLINE Boxers in limbo say AIBA as IOC mull Tokyo 2020 exclusion AFP months left their members “in time,” the statement said. which the IOC deemed as mere- one year ago, AIBA has made ticular suspicion falling on a said he was “ready to close the Lausanne, Switzerland limbo”. Boxing’s inclusion in Tokyo ly the fi rst step in a long march signifi cant progress towards French offi cial. debts of AIBA in full so long as “Boxers from around the depends on the outcome of an towards the required standards. reducing its debt and has gone our favourite sport remains on world who have been training investigation into AIBA by the AIBA made a plea to the IOC from a negative cash fl ow,” AIBA RUSSIAN BOXING CHIEF the Olympic programme”. he under-pressure In- for years towards their Olym- IOC, which has presented the on Wednesday, saying “signifi - executive director Tom Virgets OFFERS TO CLEAR AIBA DEBT Kremlev, an AIBA executive ternational Boxing Fed- pic dreams continue to be left body with a list of 41 questions cant progress” had been made said in a report. Russian boxing chief Umar committee member who has de- eration (AIBA) criticised in the dark about where, when via audit fi rm Deloitte. on their accounting and claim- Virgets said of the report that Kremlev has off ered to settle signs on succeeding Rakhimov on Thursday the IOC’s and how they can qualify for the “The matter is being studied ing that the body would collapse the AIBA “is dependent on the AIBA’s $16mn debt if it is al- as boxing chief added in his let- Tdecision to wait until late May Tokyo Olympic Games,” an AIBA and we will make no comment without IOC support. Olympic dollars” for its survival. lowed to remain in charge at the ter: “I would like to do this for before delivering their verdict statement said on Thursday. for the moment,” IOC spokes- The IOC has suspended Relations between the IOC and Tokyo 2020 Olympics. boxing to remain in the Olympic on the sport’s Olympic fate as it “AIBA has provided not one, person Christian Klaue said on AIBA’s Olympic qualifi cation AIBA were hit hard at the 2016 Rio His unorthodox approach Movement and so that fi nancial fi ghts for its place on the 2020 but four comprehensive reports Thursday. and may take control of that Olympics when 36 offi cials and comes with boxing’s fate in next problems are no longer one of Tokyo roster after a storm of over the course of the last year to “We will fi le a full report at process itself. referees were suspended amid al- year’s Games hinging on the the reasons why the future of corruption allegations. the IOC for review.” the IOC Lausanne executive Ducking and weaving for its legations of bout fi xing. outcome of the International boxing would be under threat.” AIBA said the International “(So) it is very surprising that committee meeting on May 22,” survival, the AIBA says it should An internal investigation by Olympic Committee’s investi- Kremlev, will use his personal Olympic Committee’s refusal the IOC are unable to provide a he added. be given the chance to turn AIBA has raised serious ques- gation into the scandal-ridden money to wipe out AIBA’s over- to comment on a wide-ranging conclusive decision regarding Gafur Rakhimov stepped things around. tions about the judging at the AIBA. draft, a Boxing Federation of audit for nearly another two boxing’s Olympic future at this down as head of AIBA last week, “Considering where we were 2016 Rio Olympics, with par- Kremlev, in a letter to the IOC, Russia told Inside Games. Gulf Times Saturday, March 30, 2019 3 SPORT

TENNIS CYCLING Schachmann holds on to win solo Federer beats in Catalonia

AFP line in Waregem. Barcelona One Belgian, Wout Van Aert, was second with countryman Greg Van Avermaet, the Olym- aximilian Sch- pic champion and monarch of Anderson to set up achmann held on the spring classics third. after a long breaka- A second victory in a UCI way to win the fl at World Tour race for Stybar Mfi fth stage of the Tour de Cata- continued a strong spring for lonia to Sant Cugat del Valles himself and for his Belgian De- yesterday. ceuninck Quick Step team. The The German, who rides for Czech won the Het Nieuwsblad Bora-Hansgrohe and was the one-day race in February. Shapovalov clash sole survivor of an early break- away, fi nished 12 seconds clear WORLD CHAMP VALVERDE Australia’s Barty defies delays, downs Estonia’s Kontaveit to reach Miami Open final of the pack at the end of the TO RETIRE AFTER 188.1 kilometre stage. 2021 SEASON Michael Matthews, an Aus- World champion Alejandro tralian with Sunweb who had Valverde will retire from pro- won stage two, powered to sec- fessional Cycling in 2021, the ond place. Spaniard was quoted as saying Schachmann told Eurosport yesterday. that in the fi nal 40 kilometres “In principle I will retire in “the group wasn’t working 2021... I will do one more year very well, so I attacked and I after the Tokyo Olympics. I did one of my biggest rides.” think that’s fi ne,” the Movistar It was his second victory this rider told El Periodico. season and his second in the The 38-year-old, who won Tour of Catalonia, where he the rainbow jersey for the fi rst took a stage last season. time in Innsbruck, Austria, last “I like this race,” the year, won the Vuelta a Espana 25-year-old said. in 2009, also fi nishing third in Colombian Miguel Angel the 2015 the Tour de France and Lopez of Astana retained his 14 in the 2016 Giro d’Italia. second lead over Briton Adam He also won the oldest of the Yates of Mitchelton Scott at classic one-day races, Liege- the top of the overall standings. Bastogne-Liege, four times, Egan Bernal of Sky walked and the Fleche Wallonne a in behind the main pack carry- record fi ve times. Valverde was ing his bicycle on his shoulder given a two-year suspension after suff ering a mechanical from the sport in 2010 for his problem. implication in the Operation Meanwhile Czech Zdenek Puerto blood-doping investi- Stybar won the E3 Harelbeke, gation, even though he never the fi rst one-day race of the failed a dope test. Flemish Cycling Week yes- He will take part in the Giro terday. Stybar outsprinted and the Vuelta this year before the other members of a small defending his world title in breakaway group to the fi nish Yorkshire.

IOC punishes three athletes after London Olympic retests The International Olym- tional since last July, has so pic Committee (IOC) said far exposed more than 50 yesterday it had stripped one positive cases from London athlete of his bronze medal including winners of some and retrospectively punished 20 medals. During the Games two others after doping there were only a dozen posi- retests of samples from the tive tests. 2012 London Games. The IOC refused to name any Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot back to Kevin Anderson of South Africa (not pictured) during their Miami Open quarter-finals. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports The International Test- other athletes who are being ing Agency (ITA) has been retested. AFP Federer and long time friend Barty’s attempt to reach her selecting competitors from Meanwhile Japanese Olympic Miami and compatriot Felix Auger- biggest WTA fi nal with a four the London Olympics for re- swimmer Hiromasa Fujimori Aliassime, 18, facing defend- hour delay putting her charge on analysis before the statute of has been temporarily sus- ing champion John Isner in the hold. limitations is reached in 2020. pended after failing a drugs oger Federer will make semis, the tennis stars of tomor- The Australian had played just Among the latest positives test, the national swim federa- Denis Shapovalov’s row are beginning to prove their four games with Estonia’s Anett were Valentin Hristov of Az- tion said yesterday. dream come true after worth on the biggest of stages. Kontaveit before the rains came erbaijan, who finished third in The 27-year-old, who placed the Swiss booked a Mi- “It’s crazy for me and Felix although once play resumed, the men’s 56kg weightlifting, fourth behind Michael Phelps amiR Open semi-fi nal against the to both have reached the semi- the 22-year-old, who will break and becomes the ninth lifter and countryman Kosuke Canadian starlet with a ruthless fi nals,” Shapovalov said, while into the top 10 off the back of from those Games caught by Hagino in the 200 metres 6-0 6-4 destruction of Kevin Federer called the clash of gen- this excellent run to Saturday’s retests since last autumn. He individual medley at the 2016 Anderson. erations “exciting”. fi nal, took advantage of her error tested positive for an anabolic Rio Olympics, tested positive Shapovalov, who beat fellow “It’s an exciting draw, for John prone opponent to win 6-3 6-3. steroid, Turinabol. for the banned stimulant young gun Frances Tiafoe 6-7 and for myself here, playing “It was a very long day. I know The other positives came ephedrine at last December’s (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 to reach his third these young guys,” Federer said. we had to wait around but it was from two Belarusian track short course world champion- ATP Masters semi-fi nal, grew “They are not just young, but an opportunity to drink some and field athletes who did not ships in China, according to up idolising and studying the 20 they are very good, as well. coff ee and watch the golf so I was make it past the qualifying Japan off icials. time Slam-winning Swiss leg- “I practised with Denis way relaxed,” said Barty who took time stages of their events. Fujimori, a former Asian end who once again rolled back back, he might have been 16, out of the game in 2015 to play Anis Ananenka, eliminated in Games silver medallist, the years with a sublime show at 17. He was just hitting big. I cricket before returning in 2016. the men’s 800m heats, also will now miss next month’s Hard Rock Stadium. was, like, ‘Wow, it’s unbeliev- “When I came out I was ready tested positive for Turinabol. national championships, This will be their fi rst meeting able. How old is he? How good for business.” Alena Matoshka, who came which serve as qualifiers for and one the Canadian, who will is he going to get? It’s going to be The day’s delays saw Karolina 25th in the women’s hammer, the world championships in break into the top 20 when the tough against him.” Pliskova wrap up a 7-5, 6-1 vic- tested positive for anabolic South Korea this summer. rankings are released next week, The Swiss came into the Ashleigh Barty of Australia returns a shot back to Anett Kontaveit tory over Simona Halep after steroid Oxandrolone. A formal hearing by swim- cannot wait for. match with Anderson know- of Estonia (not pictured) during their semi-finals at the Miami Open 1am. Halep missed the chance All three can appeal, either ming’s governing body FINA “It’s a match up I have been ing the world number seven’s Tennis Complex. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports to return to world number one to the Court for Arbitration in will determine the length of looking forward to my whole life, huge serve could be the diff er- by reaching the fi nal as Pliskova Sport or an IOC Disciplinary ban Fujimori will receive, af- a high stakes match against your ence, just as it was in a dramatic centre court who came to show was always in control. Shapoval- won nine straight games – and Commission. ter both his ‘A’ and ‘B’ samples idol. It’s just a dream come true,” fi ve set, last eight encounter at their appreciation for the ever- ov, meanwhile, crashed home 40 10 of the last 11, to battle back The IOC said in a press release tested positive. said Shapovalov. Wimbledon won by the South green 37 year-old as he chases a winners in an entertaining tussle from 5-3 down in the fi rst. that ITA had taken over “the He becomes the second high- “I will try and approach it like African last summer. fourth Miami title which would with American Tiafoe on a rain “It wasn’t easy waiting for so selection of samples to be profile Japanese swimmer any other game, try and enjoy it, Yet after a whirlwind fi rst set, take his career tally to 101. interrupted day in South Florida. long but I managed to stay ag- re-analysed and the results to fail a doping test in the give it my all. It will be a diffi cult Federer had broken the Ander- It was the fi rst time Anderson, gressive,” said Pliskova, who hit management.” past year after former back- match but I am just happy to son serve three times and “ba- 32, has ever lost a fi rst set at ATP BARTY BREAKS THROUGH 29 winners to Halep’s 18. Re-testing by the IOC and, stroke world champion Junya have a chance to play him.” geled” his opponent, much to level to love and although the The weather certainly could “Ashleigh is a good player, but more recently, by ITA, opera- Koga. With Shapovalov taking on the delight of a packed house on second was far tighter, Federer have badly aff ected Ashleigh I am excited for the fi nal.”

BADMINTON Srikanth, Kashyap storm into Indian Open semi-fi nals IANS After Praneeth built an early lead of “After 1-1, I gave him too many one ter the match. In men’s doubles, sixth New Delhi 5-2, Srikanth cut down on his errors stroke points and there were no rallies. seeds Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy and drew level at 13-13 only to con- So I thought to build rallies and fi ght it eff ortlessly clinched an all-India quar- cede an 18-14 advantage. The former out for every point and not to concede ter-fi nal against Pranaav Jerry Chopra ce shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth champion did save three game points any easy point,” he added. and Shivam Sharma 21-10, 21-12. and Parupalli Kashya kept In- but Praneeth held on to close out the Former Commonwealth Games gold The former national champions dian hopes alive by advancing game 23-21. Though Praneeth raced to medallist Kashyap showed enough were the last Indian pair standing in to the semi-fi nals of the India a 7-1 lead in the second game, it could glimpses of his younger self by build- the doubles section after Ashwini Pon- Open,A a BWF World Tour Super 500 not deter Srikanth who made a spir- ing a 9-6 lead in the fi rst game against nappa and Sikki Reddy lost to Indone- tournament yesterday. ited comeback to inch ahead 15-11. He World No. 32 Wang Tzu Wei. sian top seeds Greysia Polii and Apriy- In a riveting all-India encounter, then won the next six points to take the The Chinese Taipei shuttler did ani Rahayu 10-21, 18-21. 2015 champion Srikanth edged past game 21-11. make a brief comeback but Kashyap’s After being outplayed in the fi rst Sai Praneeth 21-23, 21-11, 21-19 in one In the decider, Praneeth took a 13-10 deft touches at the net handed him the game, an aggressive approach helped hour and two minutes for just his third lead, but Srikanth’s patience brought fi rst game 21-16. Ponnappa and Reddy turn it around win in eight meetings over the former him back into contention. In a tense Wang could not provide much re- in the second as they built a 11-6 lead. Swiss Open runner-up. ending, Srikanth’s lob at 19-19 land- sistance in the second game as Kashyap However, the top seeds came back Kashyap, 32, then turned back the ed right on the backline to give him a completed the 21-16, 21-11 win in just strongly to wrap up the match in 37 clock to reach his fi rst semi-fi nal in a match point which he duly converted. 39 minutes. minutes. World Tour 500-level tournament in “After losing the fi rst set and trailing “My body is feeling a little at ease India’s Aparna Balan and Sruthi KP nearly four years with a comfortable 1-7 in the second, coming back to take than in the last few weeks. Maybe the too lost 8-21, 11-21 to second seeds 21-16, 21-11 victory over Wang Tzu Wei a 8-7 lead was the turning point,” said training I’ve done recently put my body Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda of Chinese Taipei. Srikanth after the match. in a better shape,” Kashyap said af- Prajongjai of Thailand. India’s Kidambi Srikanth. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, March 30, 2019 CRICKET

FOURTH ODI IPL Samson’s ton goes in vain as Sunrisers beat Australia claim Royals by 5-wicket

IANS the fi ne leg boundary. Hyderabad Bairstow followed suit soon after Kulkarni made amends for dropping the England whirlwind half-cen- stumper-batsman on 44 with narrow win despite tury by David Warner, a sharp catch at long-off off coupled with cam- Shreyas Gopal. Vijay Shankar eos from Vijay Shankar and skipper Kane Williamson andA Rashid Khan, helped Sun- (14) looked to continue from risers Hyderabad (SRH) beat Ra- where the openers had left, jasthan Royals (RR) by fi ve wick- with the former playing the ets in a thrilling Indian Premier aggressor’s role to perfection. League (IPL) contest yesterday. The duo stitched together 47 Abid’s debut century Chasing a stiff 199 for victo- runs for the third wicket before ry, Warner (69; 37b, 4x9, 6x2) both were removed in back-to- Maxwell misses a second career hundred by just two runs, Khawaja scores 62 set the platform for Sunris- back overs by Jaydev Unadkat ers along with Jonny Bairstow and Gopal, respectively. (45; 28b, 4x6, 6x1) before Roy- New batsman Manish Pan- als reined in with some timely dey (1) was trapped in front wickets to take the match soon after with Sunrisers down to the wire. needing 32 runs off 28 balls. Vijay Shankar (35; 15b, 4x1, Yusuf Pathan (16*) and 6x3) did his World Cup chanc- Rashid Khan then joined hands es no harm by keeping Sunris- to take their team over the line. ers in the hunt with some lusty Earlier, Royals rode on Sam- blows, but with 12 needed off 12 son’s brilliant unbeaten hundred balls, Rashid (15*, 8b, 4x1, 6x1) to post 198/2. Samson (102*; spoiled a brilliant 19th over by 55b, 4x10, 6x4) notched up his Jofra Archer whom he smashed second ton in the competition for a four and six to win the while Royals’ skipper Ajinkya game for the hosts with one Rahane too cracked a fl uent over to spare. half-century (70; 49b, 4x4, 6x3) Royals’ Sanju Samson, who to help the hosts recover from a earlier slammed this season’s slow start. The pair added 119 fi rst century, was left high and runs for the second wicket. dry as Sunrisers completed Samson, who brought up his their highest ever run chase. ton in the 20th over by hitting Warner gave Sunrisers a fl y- Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a four, ing start as the hosts raced to made the most of a reprieve 69/0 after the Powerplay. when he was dropped by wick- Returnign to action after a etkeeper Bairstow on 58 in the year-long suspension due to 17th over by smashing Kumar his role in a ball tampering row, for 24 runs in the next over. Warner brought up his 38th IPL fi fty off just 26 balls. BRIEF SCORES Warner and Bairstow added Rajasthan Royals: 198/2 110 runs for the opening wicket (Sanju Samson 102 not out, before Ben Stokes cramped Ajinkya Rahane 70) lost to Warner for room with a well- Sunrisers Hyderabad 201/5 directed bouncer which the (David Warner 69, Jonny southpaw pulled down the Bairstow 45, Vijay Shankar 35; throat of Dhawal Kulkarni at Shreyas Gopal 3/27).

Pakistan’s Abid Ali plays a shot during the fourth one-day international match against Australia at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai yesterday. (AFP)

AFP last 8.5 overs. Umar Akmal and Scorecard Dropped on 10 by keeper Dubai debutant Saad Ali fell for seven Rizwan off Yasir Shah, Maxwell each to paceman Nathan Coul- AUSTRALIA A. Ali c Finch b Zampa 112 repaired the innings with a 134- ter-Nile who fi nished with 3-53 run partnership for the sixth ustralia pulled off a while Stoinis had Rizwan and A. Finch lbw b Hasnain 39 H. Sohail c Maxwell b Lyon 25 wicket with Carey who fi nished sensational last-over, Usman Shinwari (six) in the fi nal U. Khawaja lbw b Yasir 62 M. Rizwan c Handscomb b Stoinis 104 with 67-ball 55 for his maiden six-run win despite a over to seal the win. S. Marsh st Rizwan b Wasim 5 U. Akmal b Coulter-Nile 7 fi fty with three boundaries. debut hundred by Paki- Ali, only drafted into the side Maxwell, bowled by fast bowl- stan’sA Abid Ali and second career two hours before the start after P. Handscomb c Sohail b Wasim 7 S. Ali c Richardson b Coulter-Nile 7 er Usman Shinwari off a no-ball century by Mohamed Rizwan in Imam-ul-Haq went down with M. Stoinis b Yasir 2 I. Wasim c Marsh b Richardson 1 when on 76, was within a sight of the fourth one-day international fever, grabbed his opportunity, G. Maxwell run out 98 Y. Shah not out 3 his second ODI hundred when he in Dubai yesterday. completing his hundred off 111 was run out while attempting a A. Carey c Sohail b Hasnain 55 U. Shinwari c Handscomb b Stoinis 6 Needing 278 to win, Paki- balls. double run. stan were brought close to their He was lucky to survive a leg- N. Coulter-Nile not out 2 J. Khan not out 0Carey supported Maxwell as target by Ali’s 112 and Rizwan’s before appeal on 98 off Zampa as Extras (b2, lb1, nb1, w3) 7 Extras: (lb3, w3) 6 the pair beat the previous sixth wicket stand in Australia-Pa- 104 but in the end the twin hun- the review went on umpire’s call. Total (for 7 wkts; 50 overs) 277 Total: (for 8 wkts; 50 overs) 271 dreds were in vain as they failed He took two singles to reach the kistan ODIs of 90 between Dirk to score a required 17 off Marcus three-fi gures mark. Fall of wickets: 1-56 (Finch), 2-65 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Masood), Wellham and Rod Marsh at Syd- Stoinis’s last over. Ali is the 15th batsman to score (Marsh), 3-98 (Handscomb), 4-101 2-74 (Sohail), 3-218 (Ali), 4-229 ney in 1981. The win gives Australia a 4-0 a hundred on one-day interna- (Stoinis), 5-140 (Khawaja), 6-274 (Umar), 5-253 (Saad), 6-257 Australia lost in-form opener lead with the last match also in tional debut. (Maxwell), 7-277 (Carey) (Wasim), 7-263 (Rizwan), 8-270 Aaron Finch for 39, one short of Dubai on Sunday. Salim Elahi (102 not out v Sri Bowlers: Shinwari 10-0-53-0 (Shinwari) completing 4,000 one-day runs Glenn Maxwell missed a sec- Lanka at Gujranwala in 1995) and (1nb), Junaid 10-1-47-0 (1w), Bowling: Coulter-Nile 10-1-53-3, while Usman Khawaja made a ond career hundred by just two Imam (100 v Sri Lanka in Abu Hasnain 9-0-52-2 (1w), Wasim Richardson 7-0-37-1 (1w), Stoinis solid 78-ball 62 with six bound- runs, Usman Khawaja scored 62 Dhabi 2017) were the other two 9-0-56-2(1w), Yasir 10-0-57-2, 3-0-20-2 (2w), Lyon 10-0-49-1, aries before he was trapped leg- and Alex Carey 55 as Australia Pakistani batsmen to score debut Sohail 2-0-9-0. Zampa 10-0-49-1, Finch 2-0-19-0, before by Yasir who fi nished posted 277-7 in their 50 overs. ODI tons. PAKISTAN Maxwell 8-0-41-0 with 2-57. Ali and Rizwan had put Paki- Ali hit nine boundaries in his Wasim, who had fi gures of S. Masood b Coulter-Nile 0 Result: Australia won by six stan on course for victory with a 111-ball knock while Rizwan had runs. 2-56, dismissed Shaun Marsh 144-run third-wicket stand but a six and nine boundaries off 102 (fi ve) and Peter Handscomb once Ali departed off leg-spin- balls. Maxwell hit three sixes and nine ter Shoaib Malik was ruled out (seven) while Mohamed Hasnain ner Adam Zampa in the 42nd Earlier, it was Maxwell who boundaries in his 98 off 82 balls. with a rib injury, caught Austral- got the prized wicket of Finch Rajasthan Royals cricketer Ben Stokes (left) congratulates his over, the innings wilted under lifted Australia - sent into bat - A new look Pakistan team, ia napping at 101-4 when Max- before dismissing Carey off the teammate Sanju Samson for scoring a century against Sunrisers the pressure of 60 runs in the from 140-5 to an imposing total. with Imad Wasim as skipper af- well walked in. last ball, grabbing 2-52. Hyderabad in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS Smith, Warner ‘paid price’, says Roberts as boycott threat revealed AFP the fracture within the dressing-room the really important intangible change Sydney in the immediate aftermath of one of is that we are now very clear about the most damaging events in Austral- what we stand for. ian cricket history”. “Everything we do now at Cricket ustralian cricket chief Kevin Smith and Warner’s reintegration Australia is about uniting and inspir- Roberts insisted the return process has already begun with the ing communities through cricket.” of Steve Smith and David pair meeting the one-day team in Du- He added that while Australian Warner will not disrupt the bai this month. Lyon and Cummins teams were determined to win, “we resurgentA team as a report yesterday were present, but the injured Starc and have a non-negotiable expectation revealed senior players threatened a Hazlewood were not. that we compete with respect”. boycott in the wake of the ball-tam- Asked whether relations had been While it has been assumed that pering scandal. patched up suffi ciently for Warner’s Smith and Warner will waltz back in One-year bans slapped on the return not to be disruptive, Roberts for the World Cup, the team’s form in former captain and his deputy for their compared the situation to any other recent weeks has given selectors a ma- part in the scandal dubbed “Sandpa- workplace. jor headache. per-gate” expired overnight and the “What we’re focused on is doing Australia’s win over Pakistan on pair are free to play at state and inter- everything we can to support Dave, Wednesday was their sixth-straight national level again. Steve, Cameron and all of the other one-day victory, sealing back-to- Warner was widely seen as the insti- support staff with this integration... to back series wins abroad for the fi rst gator of the plot during the third Test build harmony rather than to disrupt time since 2016 after also beating in Cape Town last year to use sandpa- the harmony that is building,” he said at India. per to alter the ball, with rookie opener the Melbourne Press Club on Thursday. Skipper Aaron Finch, Usman Kha- Cameron Bancroft carrying it out and “At the same time, let’s be open waja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb Smith turning a blind eye. about it -in any workplace you don’t and Glenn Maxwell have all been in The Sydney Morning Herald reported need to be best mates with everyone, Steve Smith (right) with David Warner. good nick at the top of the order. yesterday that star bowlers Mitchell but there needs to be a foundation of “It is hard,” Finch admitted of World Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins respect and I think there is growing re- The “Sandpaper-gate” scandal trig- said their “arrogant and controlling” cricket”. “We’ve seen tangible change Cup selection. “Especially when the and Nathan Lyon all intended to pull spect there.” gered far-reaching consequences for win-at-all-costs culture was partly to at the board level, the executive level, side is playing so well, it’s going to be out of the fourth Test in South Africa He added that Smith, Warner, and Australian cricket. blame for players bending the rules. we’ve got a new men’s coach and a rel- diffi cult. if Warner was not removed from the Bancroft had all “owned their mis- Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit Refl ecting on the past year, Roberts atively new men’s Test captain. “At the end of the day, they’re the team. Citing multiple sources, it said takes, they’ve paid a price and have and all the top brass from Cricket said “our highest priority now is re- “Those are some of the tangible selectors and it’s an incredibly tough “the revelation highlights the extent of served their time”. Australia left after a scathing review building trust both within and around changes. But much more importantly decision.” Gulf Times Saturday, March 30, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Dodgers belt record eight homers in Rockets romp past opening day win

AFP The Mariners totalled fi ve New York home runs, with Edwin En- carnacion, Domingo Santana and Ryon Healy also going he Los Angeles Dodg- deep. Along with their wins Nuggets, Pistons ers, coming off a sec- in Japan, the Mariners have ond straight World opened their season with Series disappoint- three straight wins for just the ‘We did a good job tonight Tment, opened the 2019 Major fourth time in franchise his- League Baseball season with a tory. Luke Voit and Robinson to keep them under 25 bang on Thursday. Cano smashed fi rst-inning The Dodgers belted a whop- home runs to power victories points a quarter’ ping eight home runs in a 12-5 by the Yankees and Mets. thwart Magic victory over the Arizona Dia- Mets second baseman Cano mondbacks at Dodger Stadi- smacked a homer off Wash- um to launch their quest for a ington Nationals ace Max third National League crown. Scherzer in his fi rst time at bat The major league season for the visiting Mets. began last week with the Seat- Cano, in his fi rst season tle Mariners winning twice with a National League club over the Oakland A’s in games after 14 years with the Yankees played at Japan’s Tokyo Dome. and Seattle, also hit a run- But the six-month cam- scoring single to left fi eld in paign began for the other 28 the eighth inning to create the clubs with typical Opening fi nal margin. Day-style festivities across The game was the fi rst in the several venues, starting with major leagues in 40 years with the New York Yankees’ 7-2 a prior year Cy Young Award win over Baltimore in New winner facing the runner-up York and the New York Mets’ as mound rivals in a season 2-0 win at Washington. opener, with Scherzer losing In Los Angeles, Joc Peder- to New York’s Jacob deGrom, son hit two home runs and a who unseated him for the Na- double. Enrique Hernandez tional League award in 2018. also hit two homers, Dia- In New York, Yankees des- mondbacks ace pitcher Zack ignated hitter Voit blasted a Greinke was chased after 3 2/3 three-run homer in the fi rst innings. The eight home runs inning to ignite the Yankees tied a franchise record set in off ense. Japan’s Masahiro May 2002. No team has ever Tanaka took the victory for hit more on opening day. the Yankees, pitching 5 2/3 “It’s pretty crazy,” Pederson innings with fi ve strikeouts said. “Whenever it’s working while scattering six hits with together like that, it’s an excit- no walks and only two runs al- ing day out there. We all have lowed. high expectations.” The loss ended what had The onslaught more than been the longest active win backed starting pitcher Ryu streak in openers as Baltimore Hyun-jin. The South Korean had taken eight in a row. left-hander limited the Dia- In Philadelphia, new sign- mondbacks to one run on four ing Bryce Harper was hit- hits in six innings. He struck less in his Phillies debut but out eight and didn’t walk a fans went home happy with a batter. 10-4 victory over the Atlanta Meanwhile the Boston Red Braves. Sox, who vanquished the Maikel Franco crushed a Dodgers in the World Series three-run homer in the sixth last season, fell 12-4 to the inning that put Philadelphia Mariners in Seattle. up 6-1, and after Harper was Seattle’s new shortstop Tim intentionally walked in the Beckham smacked a pair of seventh, cleanup hitter Rhys Houston Rockets centre Clint Capela (left) dunks the ball against Denver Nuggets during the second quarter of their NBA game at Toyota Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports home runs in his fi rst two at- Hoskins made them pay with bats off Boston ace Chris Sale. his fi rst career grand slam. AFP Pelicans. The playoff bound Toronto Rap- over the Dallas Mavericks. RESULTS Los Angeles tors encountered little resistance from the Goran Dragic marked his return to Mi- Knicks in a 117-92 victory in New York. San Antonio 116-110 Cleveland ami’s starting lineup with a triple-double Forward Pascal Siakam led the Raptors of 23 points, 11 assists and 12 rebounds. ames Harden scored 38 points to with 31 points as Toronto improved to 53- Miami 105-99 Dallas It was the Slovenian guard’s fi rst triple- led the Houston Rockets to a 112-85 23 - second in the East behind the Mil- Toronto 117-92 New York double with the Heat and his fi rst since he victory over the Denver Nuggets in waukee Bucks who improved to 57-19 with Detroit 115-98 Orlando was with the Houston Rockets in 2010-11. a battle of NBA Western Confer- a 128-118 victory over the Los Angeles It gave him bragging rights over the enceJ contenders on Thursday. Clippers. But the Bucks got a jolt as MVP Philadelphia 123-110 Brooklyn Mavericks’ Slovenian rookie sensation Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo hit the Houston 112-85 Denver Luka Doncic, who fi nished with 19 points, Harden added six rebounds and six assists fl oor and grabbed his right ankle after a Milwaukee 128-118 Clippers eight rebounds and seven assists. in 32 minutes on the fl oor as the Rockets fourth-quarter dunk. Antetokounmpo, It was a fi rst NBA clash between the two blew past a Nuggets team boasting the who scored 34 points, departed the con- New Orleans 121-118 Sacramento players who teamed up to lead Slovenia to second-best record in the West behind the test. He missed two games last week after scored 39 points, pulled down 13 rebounds the 2017 Euro Basket title. reigning champion Golden State Warriors. spraining the same ankle in a game against and handed out six assists, making three The game also saw the 35th and fi nal “I think it’s important for our confi - Philadelphia, but said he wants to try to of his four attempts from three-point meeting between two iconic players – Mi- dence, our rhythm, our chemistry,” said play through into the playoff s. range. The Detroit Pistons found them- ami’s Dwyane Wade and the Mavs’ Dirk Rockets centre Clint Capela, who added “I’m defi nitely working on it, trying to selves in sixth in the East after a valuable Nowitzki. Wade has announced this is 17 points with 15 rebounds. “We did a good get it healthy, stronger,” Antetokounmpo 115-98 victory over the Orlando Magic his fi nal season, while Nowitzki seems to job tonight to keep them under 25 points a said. “Usually when you sprain your - who dropped out of a playoff spot into still be nursing thoughts of returning for a quarter. Eric Gordon added 18 points and ankle, you stay out for two, three, four ninth place with the defeat coupled with 22nd campaign. Austin Rivers chipped in 15 for the Rock- games. But I don’t like missing games. I’ve the Miami Heat’s 105-99 win over the Although the Mavs have struggled on ets, who out-scored the Nuggets 40-19 in got to work through it while playing.” Dallas Mavericks. the road, they led 29-26 after one quarter the second quarter to seize control of the The Philadelphia 76ers strengthened and 59-49 at halftime. The Heat knotted contest. their hold on the third seed in the East SLOVENIAN DUEL the score at 62-62 early in the third, but Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson (right) celebrates Elsewhere, the Utah Jazz’s playoff berth with a 123-110 victory over Brooklyn that The Heat, coming off a loss to Orlando on Dallas had edged ahead 82-75 going into with catcher Austin Barnes after a two-run home run during the was confi rmed thanks to the Sacramento saw the Nets slip a notch to seventh - the Tuesday, got themselves back in playoff the fi nal frame before Miami managed to second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Kings’ 121-118 loss to the New Orleans penultimate playoff spot. Joel Embiid position at No 8 with a 105-99 victory seal the win. Stadium. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Blue Jackets earn valuable win vs Canadiens swered 3:14 later after defl ecting defenseman Reuters RESULTS Columbus. USA Seth Jones’ shot from the point past Price Detroit 5-4 Buff alo CANUCKS TRIM KINGS ON PEARSON’S Washington 3-2 Carolina liver Bjorkstrand scored twice as SHOOTOUT GOAL the host Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus 6-2 Montreal Tanner Pearson’s shootout goal gave the Van- moved into the fi nal wild-card spot Florida 5-2 Ottawa couver Canucks a 3-2 home-ice victory over in the Eastern Conference after the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. Islanders 5-4 Winnipeg postingO a 6-2 victory over the Montreal Ca- Pearson, Vancouver’s fourth shooter, put nadiens on Thursday. Dallas 3-2 Edmonton in a shot off the arm of Los Angeles goal- Bjorkstrand has fi ve goals in his last fi ve Vancouver 3-2 Los Angeles tender Jonathan Quick. The Canucks winger games for the Blue Jackets, who have won Chicago 5-4 San Jose triumphed against his former team, as he be- three in a row overall and a season-best gan the season with the Kings before he was fi ve straight at home to match Montreal at season and second in as many contests after a traded to Pittsburgh and then the Canucks. 90 points with a game in hand. Columbus’ 12-game goal drought. Nash followed his own The Canucks posted their fi rst win in four Brandon Dubinsky collected a goal and an rebound on a partial breakaway and shov- games, while the Kings lost for only the sec- assist, and Artemi Panarin, Riley Nash and elled the puck in the net at 2:59 of the third ond time in fi ve games. defenseman David Savard also tallied. Sergei period. Bjorkstrand converted a two-on-one Alex Edler and Brock Boeser also tallied for Bobrovsky, who made 26 saves on Thursday, rush just 1:23 later, and Dubinsky scored into the Canucks, who staved off playoff elimi- has turned aside 146 of 151 shots in his last an empty net to cap the scoring. nation. Austin Wagner and Adrian Kempe fi ve outings. After Kulak beat a screened Bobrovsky to scored for the Kings. Vancouver netminder Brett Kulak scored in his second consecu- open the scoring 1:15 into the fi rst period, Thatcher Demko stopped 37 of 39 shots. tive contest, and fellow defenseman Jeff Montreal preserved the slim advantage as Quick, who was playing his 600th NHL ca- Petry also tallied for the Canadiens, who fell defenseman Shea Weber alertly cleared the reer game, made 36 saves. to 4-1-1 in their last six games. Carey Price puck out of harm’s way after Bjorkstrand’s Wagner opened the scoring at 12:56 of the yielded fi ve goals on 29 shots on Thursday af- wraparound attempt resulted in the puck fi rst period as he tucked a rebound off the ter surrendering 13 in his previous eight con- dancing along the goal line. Savard unleashed boards behind Demko, who fi rst looked over tests. Matt Duchene made a nifty spin move a one-timer from above the left circle that his other shoulder before he realized where along the right-wing boards before back- beat Price over his glove to level the contest the puck was located. handing a feed to the left circle for Panarin, at 1 just 1:42 into the second period. But Edler, on a long wrist shot, and Boeser, whose one-timer beat Price to give Colum- Petry banked the puck off Bobrovsky and on a Quinn Hughes rebound, scored 56 sec- bus a 3-2 lead with 5:36 remaining in the sec- into the net to give Montreal a 2-1 lead at 8:36 onds apart late in the second period to put Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (right) battles for the puck with Montreal Canadiens ond period. Panarin’s goal was his 27th of the of the second period, but Bjorkstrand an- the Canucks ahead 2-1. left wing Artturi Lehkonen during the second period at Nationwide Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, March 30, 2019 SPORT

QOC HONOURS SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETES

The Qatar Olympic Committee ( QOC) honoured the members of the Qatar Special Olympic team on Thursday in recognition of their significant achievements at the 2019 Special Olympic World Games, which concluded recently in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony was attended by QOC’s Second Vice President Thani bin Abdurrahman al-Kuwari, QOC Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Qatar Paralympics Committee board members and QOC employees. Al-Buenain praised the team’s achievement for winning 13 medals, which included 4 gold, 4 sliver and 5 bronze.

SPOTLIGHT FOOTBALL Ronaldo absence Al-Sulaiti takes gives Kean chance to shine at Juventus AFP when the time comes,” Kean said. Milan “I learn from Cristiano Ronaldo, in training, I steal his secrets. I can only learn from him. It hap- QSTK600 pole ristiano Ronaldo’s ab- pens every day.” sence through injury In a clash between illustrious could give Moise Kean coaches, Carlo Ancelotti’s Na- the chance to shine with poli travel to Claudio Ranieri’s JuventusC after the teenager’s Roma in a must-win game for stunning breakthrough with Ita- both teams. Roma, in fi fth, lost ly during the international break. to struggling SPAL last time out Ronaldo looks set to miss the and another upset would seri- ahead of al-Qubaisi champions’ next three Serie A ously compromise a Champions games, against Empoli today, League place next season. Cagliari on April 2, and AC Mi- Napoli have won just two of lan four days later after picking their last six league games, but Al-Sulaiti is ahead only by four points going into the final two races of the season up a right thigh injury playing for are still seven points ahead of Portugal. The 34-year-old was third-place Inter Milan, who By Sports Reporter rested by Juventus in their last host Lazio after an action- Doha Serie A game, after his hat-trick packed 3-2 Milan derby win. against Atletico Madrid sealed a Argentina striker Mauro Icardi place in the Champions League could make his return for Inter or fi fth time in a row this season, quarter-fi nals against Ajax. as he is back training having not Saeed al-Sulaiti clinched the Su- And without the Portuguese played since February 9 amid a perpole for the Superstock 600 star Massimiliano Allegri’s side contract dispute. Championship at the Losail In- suff ered their fi rst league defeat But Dutch defender Stefan ternationalF Circuit yesterday. Al-Sulaiti, this season 2-0 against Genoa. de Vrij will miss Sunday’s game who is leading the championship only by Juventus are still closing in on against his former club, along four points ahead of Abdulla al-Qubaisi, an eighth consecutive Scudetto with Argentina striker Lautaro will be the favourite going into the fi nal with a 15-point gap on second- Martinez, after injuries picked two races of the season today. placed Napoli. And Kean will be up on international duty. The defending champion clocked hoping to get a chance to show- Lazio — six points adrift of 2:04.052 secs on his last lap in the quali- case his talents for their fi rst the Champions League places fying yesterday. He was faster by 0.133 game at home against Empoli — were deprived of elite Euro- secs ahead of al-Qubaisi, who came in since their dramatic victory over pean football this campaign by a second place with a time of 2:04.185. Atletico in the Allianz Stadium. defeat to Inter at the end of last “I am very happy to take the Superpole The 19-year-old won his fi rst season. AC Milan — who occupy again. But tomorrow it will be extremely cap for Italy in a friendly last the fi nal Champions League spot diffi cult as Abdulla will for a win. He is November, but it was his second in fourth — face a tricky task at going to do a really great race so let’s see appearance for the former world Sampdoria. what happens tomorrow. I am looking champions that has brought him The Genoa side’s attack is forward to a safe’ race,” al-Sulaiti said. into the spotlight. spearheaded by Serie A top Al-Qubaisi said he will go all out for a He became the youngest Ital- scorer Fabio Quagliarella, who victory to win the championship. “In the ian to score in over 60 years in also made history by becom- qualifying and free practice I did a good their 2-0 Euro 2020 qualifying ing the oldest player to score for lap time. Tomorrow there will be a lot of win over Finland last Saturday. Italy during the week. Sampdo- action in the races as lap timings are so He scored again in a 6-0 rout of ria are three points off the Eu- close between the top three riders. I will Liechtenstein on Tuesday. Being ropa Leauge berths and have won push from the beginning to create the gap in a star-studded squad along- three of their last four games. and try to win my fi rst championship,” side fi ve-time Ballon d’Or win- said al-Qubaisi. Mashel al-Naimi will Saeed al-Sulaiti flashes a victory sign after taking the pole position for the Superstock 600 Championship at Losail Circuit. ner Ronaldo means that Kean’s FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) start from the third place on the grid after opportunities of regular action Today: Udinese v Genoa (1400), he clocked 2:04.589 secs. clean sweep this season. The battle this not good at all. I had one problem during circuit very well and I hope that for next have been limited. In the QSTK Trophy, Jassim al-Thani, weekend will be for the second place in the free practice, with some oil leaking season I can be more familiar with the But ahead of Juventus’ re- Juventus v Empoli (1700), Samp- who has already sealed his title, was the the championship. A total of six drivers but we fi xed it and in all was perfect in the track,” said al-Khaiat. turn leg against Atletico, Allegri doria v AC Milan (1930) faster rider again. Mohamed al-Zaidan can fi nish runner-up with Mohamed al- qualifying,” he added, Today, QSTK600 races will be held at handed Kean his fi rst Serie A Tomorrow: Parma v Atalanta and Mohamed al-Eidi were second and Khaiat, Hamad al-Sulaiti and Ghanim al- Al-Khaiat will start behind al-Khelaifi 11:10am and at 2:10pm, while the QTCC start of the season against Udi- (1030), Fiorentina v Torino, third quickest respectively. Maadheed the leading contenders as the after he set a lap time of 2:26.412 in his races will be at 12:45pm and at 3:45pm. nese and the forward seized his Frosinone v SPAL, AS Roma v In the Qatar Touring Car Champion- trio are separated by mere four points. Toyota GT86. “I had a good qualifi cation, Qatar Superstock 600 and Qatar Tour- rare opportunity with a brace. “I Napoli (1300), Bologna v Sassuolo ship, Abdullah al-Khelaifi continued his “I came with no pressure, the weather even though there was a small issue in ing Car Championship is organised by the always try to be ready and train (1600), Inter Milan v Lazio (1830) domination. Al-Khelaifi , who is already is a bit hot so we couldn’t match our times the diff erential and we will try to fix it for Losail Circuit Sports Club and Qatar Mo- regularly so that I’m prepared assured of his third successive title, was of the previous round, hopefully tomor- the race. Tomorrow, we hope that we can tor and Motorcycle Federation with Pirelli on the pole again. The ace driver set a row will be cooler,” said al-Khelaifi . “I keep our second position in the champi- Qatar and Inside as sponsors. The entry is fastest lap time of 2:25.096 secs on his will probably go with the previous setup onship. All the drivers are very profes- free for fans at the grandstand and also at HondaS2000 and will be gunning for a for the next season as the setup today was sional, especially Abdullah. He knows the the Paddock.

BUNDESLIGA Mueller eases nerves as Bayern return to title race AFP Manuel Neuer. Mueller, whose the black forest, and were held on Wednesday. Marco Reus and concentration at times, lost the Berlin wife Lisa is a dressage rider, said to a 1-1 draw at home earlier this Mario Goetze have both been ball in dangerous positions and in an Instagram post that he had season. Striker Lucas Hoeler declared fi t, however. Goetze made tactical errors as well. It’s named the newborn foal Manuel scored an 89th minute equaliser has made a speedy recovery not easy if you always have to ayern Munich striker because it shared its birthday for Freiburg in that game. from a broken rib, while Reus score three goals to win a game, Thomas Mueller hopes with the Bayern goalkeeper, who Today’s fi xture is Bayern’s has overcome a thigh complaint so we have to get better.” that superior horse- turned 33 on Wednesday. last game before they host Dort- to provide Dortmund with a power will keep his But coach Niko Kovac has mund in a potential title decider full-strength Favre is more con- FIXTURES (ALL TIMES 1330 teamB ahead of Borussia Dort- warned that Bayern are unlikely on April 6, and Kovac has urged cerned about what happens at mund in the Bundesliga title race to win at a canter in Freiburg. his team not to slip up. “We want the other end of the pitch, and GMT UNLESS STATED) on a tough trip to Freiburg today. “Freiburg are a very, very tough to be top when we play Dort- called on his team to buck up Today: Borussia Dortmund v With Bayern and Dortmund opponent and a lot of teams fi nd mund,” said the Bayern coach. their ideas at the back. Dort- Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen v separated only by goal diff erence it diffi cult to play there,” said Dortmund, meanwhile, will mund have conceded nine goals Mainz, Freiburg v Bayern Munich, at the top of the table and set to Kovac on Thursday. “They run be without USA international in their last six league games, Fortuna Duesseldorf v Borussia face each other next weekend, hard and work hard against the Christian Pulisic when they host and had to come from behind Moenchengladbach, Nuremberg it promises to be a nervy few ball, so we will have to stretch Wolfsburg today. Coach Lucien twice in a scrappy win over Her- v Augsburg, RB Leipzig v Hertha weeks for the reigning cham- ourselves.” Favre confi rmed that Pulisic was tha Berlin two weeks ago. Berlin (1730) pions. Yet Mueller cut through Freiburg are something of the only player to return from “We have conceded too many the tension and had Munich a bogey team for Bayern. The international duty with an inju- unnecessary goals and made too Tomorrow: Hanover 96 v S The 19-year-old Moise Kean became the youngest Italian to score chuckling this week when he champions have won on just ry, after the American picked up many unnecessary mistakes,” chalke (1430), Eintracht Frankfurt in over 60 years in their 2-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Finland named a horse after teammate three of their last six visits to a knock in a 1-1 draw with Chile said Favre. “We have lacked v Stuttgart(1700) last Saturday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Saturday, March 30, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Messi haunted by Man City, Liverpool failures but has no plans to retire Reuters Buenos Aires resume title battle ionel Messi says he con- stantly replays Argenti- na’s 2014 World Cup fi nal defeat in his head but has 'We are now in the final weeks and all the games all are very, very important' Lvowed that a recent international sabbatical was a one-off and he AFP has no plans to retire in the near London future. The Barcelona striker, speaking on an Argentine radio station yesterday, also surprised anchester City and Liverpool listeners by saying he misses enter the Premier League Portuguese forward Cristiano home straight this weekend Ronaldo, who left rivals Real Ma- as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes drid for Juventus last year. Mhis position in the Manchester United “I miss Cristiano in Spain,” “I think the generational dugout for the fi rst time as permanent Messi told Radio C5N. “It was change was very brusque,” Messi boss. With the international break over, lovely having him here, even said. “It should have been done City have eight games to retain their ti- though it annoyed me seeing him slower. You need to give the kids tle but should they slip up, Liverpool are win so many titles. It would be time and confi dence. The change poised to pounce and become English great if he was still here.” was a really big one.” champions for the fi rst time since 1990 Messi, a fi ve-times Ballon Messi said he was still tortured by winning their seven matches to come. d’Or winner, has begun 2019 by the loss of the 2014 World Pep Guardiola’s City, trailing Liverpool in fi ne form with his Barcelona Cup fi nal to Germany in extra by two points, can crank up the pres- side running away with La Liga time and warned fans not to ex- sure on Jurgen Klopp’s side by winning and through to the Champions pect too much from Argentina at Championship-bound Fulham today. League quarter-fi nals. He also at this year’s Copa America in Liverpool have the far harder task of host- returned to international action Brazil. “Do you know the number ing Tottenham tomorrow but know that a last week in a lacklustre 3-1 de- of times I’ve replayed the fi - win will be a huge step towards the title feat by Venezuela, a game that nal and the chances we had? It with a relatively kind fi xture list to come, was his fi rst for the national side would have been so diff erent if barring a home game against Chelsea. since he took a break following we’d scored one of them,” he ex- “A season is like that, you constantly the 2018 World Cup. plained. prepare a basis for the fi nal weeks,” Klopp Argentina were knocked out “Being realistic, a lot of work told Liverpool’s offi cial website. “We are of the tournament in the second is needed to be a powerhouse. now in the fi nal weeks and there will be round and Messi, who has still These kids have played very few no interruption anymore, there will only not scored a goal in the knockout matches for the national team. be game after game after game and they stages of any of the four World We need to be patient and I have all are very, very important.” Cups in which he has featured, no doubt that we are going to be Klopp has no injury concerns and plen- was criticised by some fans. strong. I am going to stretch out ty of reasons for optimism with Spurs The 31-year-old said going my retirement as long as I can,” mired in a slump and in danger of crash- from Barcelona to Argentina was Messi said, adding that if he did ing out of the top four. Mauricio Pochet- diffi cult and blamed their poor return to Argentina it would be to tino’s men have taken just one point from performances in Russia on a play for his hometown club New- their last four league games and could swift transition from promoting ell’s Old Boys. “I would love to see their three-point cushion over fi fth- younger players to take up senior end my career at Newell’s but it’s placed Manchester United cancelled out positions in the team. not easy. Sincerely, I don’t know.” by the time they kick-off at Anfi eld. Tottenham’s slide means Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are in- FOCUS volved in a four-way battle for the two Champions League places behind Liv- erpool and City. Unai Emery’s Arsenal are the form team in that group and go Higuain retires from into their match at home to Newcastle on Monday buoyed by their win against Manchester Untied before the interna- Argentina duty tional break. “In these next eight matches, we need Manager Jurgen Klopp has no injury concerns ahead of Liverpool’s match against Tottenham tomorrow. (Reuters) AFP to play with a lot of personality like we did Buenos Aires against Manchester United,” Emery told not decided until May 12 (the fi nal day week to pile pressure on the Italian to less they can shock City and eat into the Arsenal’s website. “We know it’s going to of the season) probably,” Solskjaer said. unleash him when Chelsea visit Cardiff 13-point gap that separates them from be diffi cult because we are surrounded by “Eight games to go and two, so a quarter tomorrow. survival. rgentina striker other big teams but I think we are working of what is left, against two fantastically Another Chelsea slip up, though, could Gonzalo Higuain an- very well and we are taking confi dence to improved teams in Watford and Wolves, also have serious ramifi cations at the FIXTURES (1500 GMT UNLESS STATED) nounced his retirement have chances in the last matches.” best of the rest at the moment, so our fo- bottom of the table. Cardiff are third from from international Today: Fulham v Manchester City (1230), United will be looking for a bounce af- cus and mine is on those two games,” he bottom, two points behind Burnley and footballA telling critics “I gave Brighton v Southampton, Burnley v ter Solskjaer was appointed on a full-time added. Southampton with Brighton, Crystal Pal- everything” for the Albiceleste. basis on Thursday. They take on Watford Chelsea have stumbled in recent weeks ace and Newcastle all within seven points Wolves, Crystal Palace v Huddersfield, He says he can devote more time at home today licking their wounds after with manager Maurizio Sarri facing of the drop zone. Leicester v Bournemouth, Manchester to his family and more focus on defeat to Arsenal was followed by an FA multiple problems including a misfi r- Brighton and Southampton have a United v Watford, West Ham v Everton his Premier League club Chelsea. Cup exit to Wolves, which has taken the ing attack and pedestrian midfi eld. Sarri huge chance to gain some breathing space (1730) The 31-year-old French-born shine off the Norwegian’s fl ying start to hasn’t considered teenage winger Callum when they face off at the Amex today. Tomorrow: Cardiff v Chelsea (1405), Liver- forward stands down from na- life at Old Traff ord. Hudson-Odoi ready for a Premier League Huddersfi eld, rooted to the bottom 16 pool v Tottenham (1630) tional duty with 75 caps, the fi rst “We are now in a great position to get start by Sarri, but made his full debut for points from safety, appear doomed while coming in 2009 when he marked into the Champions League but that is England against Montenegro earlier this Fulham also look headed for the drop un- On Monday: Arsenal v Newcastle (2000) his debut in a 2010 World Cup qualifi er against Peru with a goal. Last year’s 2-1 win over Nigeria will have almost certainly cried at the 2018 World Cup was to be for joy when I scored against Klopp, Guardiola would back players leaving pitch over racist abuse his last appearance for his coun- Belgium to put us thought to the try. He leaves with a 35-goal haul. semi-fi nals (at the 2014 “World London: Juergen Klopp and Pep Guar- abuse escalated. adding football should try and set an with appropriately. Higuain exits the international Cup). That’s football.” diola are both willing to halt matches if “If it’s the whole stand I would do it, example for action against racism. “We The Board also agreed that there stage having lost out on World He added: “Obviously when players are subject to racist abuse, the 100%,” Klopp told reporters ahead of could do that (walk off ),” the Spaniard should be more transparency on FA Cup glory in 2014 when Argenti- the criticism turns nasty it hurts like of which experienced by some Eng- tomorrow’s clash against Tottenham added. charges going forward when clubs are na fell to Germany in the fi nal and everybody. I gave everything to land players in Montenegro this week. Hotspur. “Football is a strong weapon to defend found to be in breach of the rules fol- defeats in the fi nals of the 2015 the team. My family has suf- UEFA have opened an investigation after “But it’s too much power for one the principles of humanity. People said lowing such incidents in the domestic and 2016 Copa America. Despite fered more than me.” Whilst his England players Danny Rose, Raheem or two idiots. We have to find ways to you can’t mix football and politics but game. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, coming so close to a major tro- international trophy chest may Sterling and Callum Hudson-Odoi said punish these incidents. It’s not that the that’s not true. It’s not a football problem, meanwhile, wants the sport’s governing phy he bows out his head held be bare, at club level he won two they were victims of the abuse during coaches should do that — match off icials it’s society itself. I think in Europe, not in bodies to introduce clear guidelines to high. “To play in three fi nals and Spanish La Liga titles with Real their 5-1 win in Podgorica. — because if I take the players off and football, it’s getting worse.” stop matches in order to combat racist lose them is not a failure,” he told Madrid in 2007 and 2008 and he Liverpool manager Klopp believes a they say it was not that serious, you The Football Association Board met abuse. TV Fox Sports Argentina. And he helped Juventus be crowned Ital- walk off because of a minority of sup- lose the game, our job is to win football on Thursday to discuss the incidents in “We need a rule, I think. A rule for the had a message for critics of his ian champions in 2017 and 2018. porters would give “too much power for games.” Montenegro and called on a structured Premier League, but for all the champi- performances playing for Ar- Since arriving at Stamford Bridge one or two idiots”, but said the decision Guardiola is also in favour of taking campaign within UEFA and FIFA to en- onships across football. A rule that can gentina. “People remember your from Juventus on loan in January should be down to match off icials if his Manchester City players off the pitch, sure that incidents such as this are dealt permit us to stop the match,” Sarri said. mistakes, not what you’ve ac- he has scored just three times in complished. Those who attacked 10 appearances.

LA LIGA Real run-in assumes added importance as summer overhaul looms AFP two months but the speculation will last four matches, three of them against will join Bayern Munich in the summer Madrid not have been lost on his players, whose Sevilla, Real Madrid and Real Betis. Li- has only deepened the defl ation, with futures look increasingly under scruti- onel Messi hitting his sparkling best Diego Simeone now tasked with lift- ny. Potential targets Eden Hazard, Paul has been key, with his freshness for the ing morale and preventing an exodus of eal Madrid are out of the Pogba and Kylian Mbappe were the lat- Champions League now a priority. other marquee players, including Anto- Champions League and out est trio on the frontpage of L’Equipe but Messi missed Argentina’s win over ine Griezmann, in the summer. Atletico of the running in La Liga but Neymar, Sadio Mane, Christian Erik- Morocco on Tuesday with a groin strain play away to Alaves today, who are en- they might have more to play sen, Harry Kane and Matthijs de Ligt but was back in training with Barca gaged in what appears to be a four-way forR than Barcelona and Atletico Ma- have all been mentioned too. on Wednesday while Luis Suarez also fi ght for La Liga’s last Champions Leaue drid in their fi nal 10 games of the sea- “We will change things, for sure, for played a limited part in the session, spot. The position is Getafe’s to lose but son. Atletico’s defeat to Athletic Bilbao the years to come,” Zidane said at his having sprained his ankle before the in- beneath Alaves in fi fth, and gathering before the international break means unveiling earlier this month. “We will ternational break. momentum, are Sevilla and Valencia Barca sit 10 points clear in the league, have time to talk with the president and Ernesto Valverde will want to be sure who play each other tomorrow. their cushion allowing them almost with the club about what we can do.” of the pair’s fi tness before fi elding them complete focus on Europe, where they Madrid face Huesca tomorrow when against Espanyol today, particularly FIXTURES (TIMES GMT) face Manchester United in the quarter- Zidane’s picks will off er another clue while Ousmane Dembele has a ham- Today: Getafe v Leganes (1200), fi nals next month. as to his thinking. His opening game string problem and Philippe Coutinho Barcelona v Espanyol (1515), Celta Vigo v Most alive then amongst the table’s against Celta Vigo a fortnight ago be- continues to disappoint. Atletico still Villarreal (1730), Alaves v Atletico Madrid have Barcelona to play at the Camp Nou top three is perhaps the sense of re- came something of a reunion for the old (1945) newal at Real, where Zinedine Zidane’s guard as Keylor Navas, Isco and Marce- Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. (Reuters) next month but their focus is less on the reappointment has been quickly fol- lo were all recalled, and delivered. chase than the recovery, after consecu- Tomorrow: Levante v Eibar (1100), Rayo lowed by reports of a summer overhaul Even Gareth Bale, whose relationship foregone conclusion. A strong fi nish, ous seems unlikely. Barca are not only tive defeats to Juventus in the Champi- Vallecano v Real Betis (1300), Sevilla v and 500-million euro spending spree. with Zidane was almost non-existent and pipping Atletico to second place, streets ahead on points but perform- ons League and then Bilbao saw their Valencia (1515), Real Valladolid v Real Zidane has insisted his current squad last season, started, and scored, to would preserve the feel-good factor ances too, unbeaten in the league since season unravel in in fi ve days. Sociedad (1730), Real Madrid v Huesca should not feel on trial in these fi nal suggest his departure may not yet be a but a surge to make Barcelona nerv- November and with 12 goals in their Confi rmation that Lucas Hernandez (1945)

Saturday, March 30, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

QNB STARS LEAGUE Pressure on Duhail as Sadd chase record 14th title 'We started working from the start of the season and we deserve to be champions. We hope the fans will support us'

Al Sadd's Xavi Hernandez (right) and Gabi Fernandez train ahead of their QNB Stars League match against Al Duhail. Al Duhail striker Yousef El Arabi (second right) in action during a training session with team-mates yesterday.

By Sports Reporter winning six league titles since making rim Boudiaf, Luis Martin and Almoez coach Rui Faria is desperate to avoid Meanwhile, Al Gharafa and Al Rayy- if they win all three of their remain- Doha their debut in 2010-11. Ali, who returned from an injury layoff . defeat. “Our preparations have been an face off in another match today. Both ing games. Midfi elder Daniel Goumou, Last season they won a domestic Gabi was excited with the prospect just like how we prepare for each match. teams will go into the game on a confi - who was missing in action for some treble and were going great guns in the of winning the title at Duhail. “The We know how important this encoun- dent note, having won in the previous time with an injury, is back in the Al he pressure will be on Al Du- Champions League as well before inju- game is not decisive; we have a greater ter is and the strength of the Al Sadd round. Al Gharafa defeated Al Arabi 2-1 Rayyan fold. His presence is sure to add hail when they face leaders Al ries derailed their campaign. For Sadd, chance of winning the league than Al team. They are the leaders of QNB Stars and Al Rayyan beat Al Khor 1-0. The strength to their midfi eld. Sadd in a high-octane QNB Baghdad Bounedjah and Jung Woo- Duhail. At Al Sadd, we deal with such League and are putting up outstanding match is important for both teams, for Also today, Al Ahli have a tough task Stars League clash today. The young both returned to training after games with full intelligence. We have performances,” he said. diff erent reasons. on hand when they face Al Arabi. The Tdefending champions must not lose to the end of their national duty during excellent players, who are among the “There’s going to be only one result Al Rayyan are currently third with 33 match, dubbed ‘Hilal Derby’ because Sadd at home and if they do, they will the international break. best in the league,” he said. and we are going to chase victory. We points and they cannot aff ord to drop both clubs are located in that area, is a concede the title. The 13-time champi- They also have experience of Span- “We started working from the start have had a good season generally. If the points if they are to stay in the top- fi ght between sides vying to storm into ons Sadd, undoubtedly, will go into the iard’s Xavi Hernandez and Gabi Fern- of the season and we deserve to be numbers allow you to still chase the four bracket. For Al Gharafa, the three the top four. Al Ahli are going through match as favourites with Jesualdo Fer- andez in the midfi eld as well as Qatar crowned as champions. We hope the title, it is possible. We like to keep the points from a victory will help them a a lean patch of late after a good run reira’s men holding a four-point lead internationals Hassan al-Haydous, fans will come in numbers to support memories of good scenes. lot to improve their position as they are before the league took a long winter over their main rivals. They have also Akram Afi f, Asia’s best player Abdelka- us, to help us get the win, which al- “The season is far from fi nish. We lying seventh with 22 points. break. The Brigadiers had defeated Al beaten Duhail 3-1 at home this season. rim Hassan, goalkeeper Saad al-Dossa- though not decisive will be important. want to reduce the gap in points in our The Cheetahs are unlikely to fi nish Kharaitiyat when the action resumed in A victory today would give Sadd an ri and Boualem Khoukhi. I want to win the title on Saturday and bid to retain the title. While Al Sadd among the top four this time, unlike Week 16, but they have not won a match unassailable lead, with only two more Striker Yousef El Arabi, the last two I cannot wait for the last two games. want to decide the championship with they did last season when they edged since then, having lost to Al Sailiya and rounds of action remaining. For Duhail, seasons’ league top scorer, will spear- The score of this game will be small and this match, we are preparing our play- out Umm Salal in the last round to fi n- Al Duhail respectively. Ahli, who had a a victory would keep them still within a head Al Duhail’s attack. They also have it may not go beyond one or two goals. ers to show the level required of them ish fourth. It may be noted that Al Saili- change of coach with Spaniard Ruben chance to retain the title. in their ranks Paolo Edmilson, Shoya We just hope to win the title and be and achieve the desired result, and we ya, who are presently placed fourth, de la Barrera replacing Czech Milan Duhail, formerly known as Lekhwiya, Nakajima, Amin Lecomte, Mehdi Bena- crowned as champions,” he added. hope to get the three points and achieve already have 31 points, the maximum Macala during the winter break, are have dominated the domestic football tia, Bassam Al Rawi, Ahmed Yasser, Ka- Meanwhile, Al Duhail’s Portuguese victory,” he added. number Al Gharafa can collect even fi fth in the table with 30 points.

ITTF QATAR OPEN AL-QADI WINS MEDIUM TOUR AT HATHAB Long continues impressive comeback By Sports Reporter Doha

he reigning Olympic and World champion Ma Long, making a comeback into the international competition after a short hiatus, Tmarched into the quarter-fi nals of the ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open yesterday. The Chinese paddler was at his old self at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah arena, as the 30-year-old dispatched Germany’s fourth seed Timo Boll in four straight games 12-10, 11-7, 11-4, 11-8. Ma Long has been suff er- ing from left knee injury since last August, which saw him withdraw from the ITTF World Tour Opens in the Czech Republic, Sweden, Austria, as well as the 2018 men’s World Cup in Paris suburb and the year- China’s Ma Long goes for a smash during his last 16 stage match at the ITTF World Tour ending Finals in South Korea. He also missed Platinum Qatar Open at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah arena yesterday. most of last season’s Chinese Super League matches from the eighth round and so on, citing the same reason. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi rides Daydreamer EC to victory in the Medium Tour during the 10th leg of the Ma Long’s place in the ITTF world rank- Hathab Equestrian Tour at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena yesterday. Mohammed ings has slipped to the 12th since his con- al-Ghazali astride Alegro 84 finished second ahead of Mohammed Khalifa Albaker on Arselina. secutive absence from international compe- titions. There were doubts whether Ma Long was match fi t, and the No. 11 seed proved the naysayers wrong with some imperious dis- play. He will next face ninth seed Japanese Jun Mizutani, who beat Czech Republic’s Pavel Sirucek 11-8, 12-10, 11-4, 11-5. There was a shock result on the day when Chinese Taipei’s 17-year-old Lin Yun-Ju knocked out Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcha- rov, the no.13 seed, in six games 11-4, 6-11, 13-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7. Meanwhile, Patrick Franziska caused an upset as the no.14 seed accounted for Japan’s Koki Niwa, the no.8 seed, 10-12, 13-11, 12-10, 7-11, 12-14, 11-4, 11-6. Top seed Xu Xin of China booked his place in the quarters after scraping past a Action from the women’s doubles match. PICTURE: Jayaram spirited Yuya Oshima 9-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-8, 13-11, 11-4. In the women’s, major contender Miu At just 18 years of age Sun Yingsha has al- China’s Lin Gaoyuan, the no.2 seed, also Hirano bid farewell to the tournament. The ready achieved so much on the international entered last eight after his win over Korea Japanese was one of the favourites in Doha stage and off ers an exciting future for Chi- Republic’s 10th seed Jang Woojin 11-4, 6-11, but the seventh seed suff ered a shock defeat nese table tennis. In her Round of 16 fi xture, 13-11, 12-10, 9-11, 11-7. Sweden’s Mattias at the hands of Chinese qualifi er He Zhuojia Yingsha produced a performance well be- Falck, the no.12 seed, ended the progress 11-7, 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5. yond her years, showing great composure to of Belgian qualifi er Cedric Nuytinck 10-12, Fifth seed Mima Ito of Japan progressed beat Korea Republic’s Kim Hayeong in quick 11-5, 11-4, 11-7, 8-11, 11-4. China’s Liang into the quarter-fi nals following a fi ne win fashion 11-4, 11-5, 11-4, 11-3. Jingkun, tipped for a podium place after his against 11th seed Doo Hoi Kem of Hong Meanwhile, Wang Manyu experienced a win in Austria in November and earlier this Kong. She won 11-9, 12-10, 11-9, 11-8. The diffi cult test against Chen Xingtong as two year at the Portugal Open, lost to Japan’s To- Japanese star will meet China’s Ding Ning of China’s fi nest emerging talents met face- Mohamed al-Ghazali won the Small Tour with Maradonna 25. Nasser al-Qadi was runner-up with mokazu Harimoto. The third seed Harimoto in the last eight after the top seed posted a to-face. Down 1-2, the fourth seed Manyu Ferani Paulowna, while Faris Saad al-Qahtani led News Boy to third place. justifi ed his billing as trounced 1th seed Jin- straight games victory over German oppo- battled back to win three consecutive games gkun 12-10, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8. nent Han Ying 11-7, 11-7, 11-4, 18-16. and win 4-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-4.