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Friday, April 27, 2018 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 11, 1439 AH Ibra turns down GULF TIMES comeback aft er speculation SPORT Page 3

SPOTLIGHT Thriller on the cards as Sadd meet Duhail in Qatar Cup fi nal Duhail will go into the match as favourites, having not lost a match en route to winning the QNB Stars League title

Al Sadd players train on the eve of the Qatar Cup final match against Al Duhail at Al Sadd stadium. RIGHT: Al Duhail’s players celebrate during their win over Al Gharafa in the semi-final. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

By Sports Reporter League title in a dominating fashion. Haydous and Akram Afi f, and Algerian El Arabi and Bounedjah also played with the latter leading 2-1. teams, which shows the qualities on Doha But Al Sadd will not only be looking aces and Algerian prominent roles in their teams’ good Both Ferreira and Belmadi are mas- off er. Al Sadd’s Ferreira said: “We are to retain the Cup, which they won beat- midfi elder Jugurtha Hamroun. performances in the AFC Champions ter tacticians who are result-oriented. facing a strong team not only in Qatar, ing erstwhile El Jaish last year, but will Duhail will be without injured at- League that resulted in them both ad- They are arguably the best coaches perhaps the strongest in Asia as can be n a blockbuster clash, Al Sadd will also seek their second title of the season tacking midfi elder Youssef Msakni, but vancing to the Round of 16. around. Veteran Ferreira is more expe- made out from Al Duhail’s results in the take on Al Duhail in the Qatar Cup having won the season-opening Sheikh they still have enough quality to trouble Al-Haydous, Hamroun and Nam rienced, having been in the profession AFC Champions league. That is why we fi nal today at the Al Sadd stadium. Jassim Cup. the Al Sadd defence. The Red Knights all ended up with 12 goals each in this since 1981. The 71-year-old took over are preparing in the best possible way.” The title match, which will kick off The Wolves, coached by Jesualdo have Qatar internationals season’s QNB Stars League. Nam had Al Sadd in November, 2015, and has Al Duhail coach Belmadi said Sadd Iat 7pm, is undoubtedly a battle between Ferreira, will also have a point to prove and , South Korean play- scored a hat-trick in Al Duhail’s 6-1 brought them much success. possess world class players but was two of the best teams in Qatar. as they fi nished runners-up to Al Du- maker Nam Tae-Hee and Moroccan victory over Al Gharafa in the Qatar Belmadi is much younger than Fer- ready for the fi nal. “It is defi nitely go- Al Sadd reached the fi nal by edging hail in the recently-concluded QNB striker Youssef El Arabi, who emerged Cup semifi nal last Sunday. reira, but the former has achieved a lot ing to be an exciting match and exciting arch-rivals Al Rayyan 6-2 on penalties Stars League. The fi nal will undoubt- as the QNB Stars League’s top scorer Duhail’s defence will be hard to pen- in Qatar football — at both club and fi nish when the big two teams in Qatar after the regular time ended in a 2-2 edly be a treat for the fans as well, for with 26 goals. El Arabi was the top scor- etrate for Al Sadd. The arrival of Murad country levels. The Algerian is a shrewd clash against each other. We respect all draw. Al Duhail’s path to the title was these are the two best teams in Qa- er last season as well. Naji and Sultan al-Brake has sorted out tactician, who has consistently been teams, not just Al Sadd,” Belmadi said. relatively easier as they prevailed over tar football at the moment. Naturally, The last time these two sides met their issues at back. In Lucas Mendes, producing excellent results. “Al Sadd have world-class players Al Gharafa by a 6-1 margin in the sec- sparks are bound to fl y. Sadd and Du- the fans were in for a treat as El Arabi Duhail have a deep defender who can He was at the helm when erstwhile such as (Hernandez) and a very ond semi-fi nal. Duhail will go into the hail have star players in all departments scored the winner for Duhail in the pick his teammates with long balls into Lekhwiya, who were relaunched as Al good coach in Jesualdo Ferreira. But match as the fancied team, having not of the game. They are the ones Ferreira 94th minute which all but ended Sadd’s the box. The technical duel between Duhail after the merger with El Jaish, I have no worries. I have no fear. I can lost a match since their loss to Sadd in and Belmadi can rely on. league challenge. Bounedjah, the Ferreira and Belmadi will once again won league titles in 2010-11, 2011-12 talk about tactics only after the game. I the Sheikh Jassim Cup fi nal last Sep- Al Sadd’s star parade consists of second-best scorer last season, came catch the attention. This is the fourth and 2016-17 seasons as well. study my opponents and gives instruc- tember. Since then, ’s Spain and Barcelona great Xavi Hern- fourth this time with 16 goals despite encounter where Ferreira and Belmadi On the eve of the fi nal, both the man- tions to my players. And we are just side have gone on to win the QNB Stars andez, Qatar internationals Hassan al- missing many matches due to an injury. are going head-to-head this season, agers expected a diffi cult fi nal for their ready for the matches,” he added.

FOCUS Grand reception for the Qatar Cup trophy at Toyota showroom atar Cup Trophy was given a them an opportunity to sponsor this pres- grand reception at the Toyota tigious tournament. Showroom, Al Abdulghani Tower The company as part of its corporate pol- by the representatives of Abdul- icy, has been always supporting major ac- lahQ Abdulghani & Bros. Co. The trophy tour tivities in the country, be it sports, cultural, to the Toyota Showroom was part of the social, educational, etc., with the intention promotion of the Qatar Cup fi nal that will to provide a strong national feel and show be played today between Al Saad and Al their respect to the great nation of Qatar. Duhail at the Al Sadd stadium at 7pm. Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. is a The Trophy was accompanied by Me- leading company in the Qatari Automotive shaal Abdulaziz al-Emadi, Head of Sales Market with customers appreciating the from management. RK quality, durability & reliability of Toyota Murugan AAB Acting CEO along with Sen- products. ior Managers, AAB internal Football team It was was established in 1958 as part were present to receive the Cup. of Qatar’s infrastructure development. In Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. are the 1964, Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. was Offi cial Automotive Partner of Qatar Cup awarded the Toyota Dealership. and the company has been supporting foot- As one of the forerunners of success- ball in the country for the past many years. ful businesses in Qatar, it has established a The management of Abdullah Ab- name for itself with sound business practic- dulghani & Bros. Co. took the opportunity es and ethics – a reputation earned through to thank the Qatar Stars League manage- honesty, integrity and impeccable relation- ment for bringing the esteemed trophy ship with its customers, business partners Acting CEO of Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co (second left) and Head of Sales from Qatar Stars League Meshaal Abdulaziz al-Emadi (third from left) pose with to the Toyota Showroom as well as giving and employees. the Qatar Cup Trophy at Toyota Showroom. Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 27, 2018 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Real give Bayern’s treble dreams a harsh reality check Bayern left themselves with everything to do in the second-leg in Madrid on Tuesday after losing their home semi-final

AFP To compound Bayern’s problems, Munich, Germany Arjen Robben and Jerome Boateng are doubtful for the return leg after coming off injured in a frantic opening 30 min- homas Mueller admits Bay- utes. While Mueller, Franck Ribery and ern Munich’s treble dreams Robert Lewandowski failed to convert received a rough reality check clear chances, Real snatched their op- at the hands of Real Madrid portunities with ice-cold fi nishing. Tin the Champions League. Bayern left After Joshua Kimmich’s stunning themselves with everything to do in the strike for the hosts, Real drew level on second-leg in Madrid on Tuesday after 44 minutes when Marcelo conjured losing their home semi-fi nal 2-1 at the a goal from nothing. Daniel Carvajal Allianz Arena. whipped in a cross and all eyes in the Bayern have only rarely being tested Bayern defence were on Real’s goal- by their domestic rivals this season. machine Cristiano Ronaldo. “We were too naive, we had several Instead, Marcelo smashed the ball very, very good chances and in the Bun- into Bayern’s net with a wicked left- desliga, we say ‘thank you’,” said Bay- footed shot. Then Rafi nha, in at left- ern’s , who squandered several back for Bayern’s injured David Alaba, opportunities himself on Wednesday lost possession and Asensio fi nished night. “Perhaps the importance of the the counter-attack on 57 minutes. Real game played a role.” claimed their sixth win in a row against Bayern wrapped up a sixth straight Bayern in the knock-out stages of the Bundesliga title three weeks ago and Champions League. Ronaldo, who reached the German Cup fi nal on May has hit 15 Champions League goals in 19. Yet an off -key Real managed to all- 2017/18, failed to score for the fi rst time but burst Bayern’s treble dreams. “I in a European match this season. have rarely seen a Madrid team who al- A disallowed off -side eff ort in the lowed so many chances, that’s why we second-half was all the superstar had won’t give up,” said Bayern coach Jupp to show. He hit fi ve goals over two legs Heynckes. against Bayern in last season’s 6-3 Real inched closer to a third straight win. Niklas Suele, who came on for the Champions League fi nal after Marco Boateng in the fi rst-half, said Bayern let Asensio’s winner capped their come- Real off the hook. back win, yet Madrid were below-par “If we had won 5-2, Real couldn’t by their own admission. “Bayern were have complained,” said the burly cen- perhaps the better team, that was an tre-back. “We didn’t take our chances average performance from us, it must up front and conceded two weak goals be said,” conceded Real’s ex-Bayern at the back. We sat in the dressing room midfi elder Toni Kroos. and were down, because we were the Nevertheless, Mueller is optimistic better team.” for the return leg. “We won there last Real coach Zinedine Zidane says his season,” said the Germany forward of team must heed the lessons from their the quarterfi nal away leg last year when Juventus scare — losing 3-1 in Madrid Bayern led 2-1 after 90 minutes to force after routing the hosts 3-0 in Turin in extra time, but then conceded three the last round. “We will have to fi ght goals to Ronaldo to lose 4-2 to bow in the second leg, nothing is decided, out. “Real are defi nitely vulnerable. We that showed in the second leg against need a diff erent killer’s mentality.” Juventus,” said Zidane. Real Madrid’s Marcelo (centre) celebrates with team-mates after scoring against Bayern Munich during the Champions League semi-final first-leg on Wednesday. (AFP)

ROUND-UP Boateng, Neuer face race to be fi t for World Cup FOCUS Real must heed Arsenal's Wenger Berlin: Jerome Boateng could miss the Neuer only resumed training with Bayern World Cup for Germany after suff ering a last week after seven months out with a Juve lesson to thigh injury in Bayern Munich’s Cham- metatarsal fracture. performs u-turn pions League defeat to Real Madrid, ac- With a month of the season remaining, beat Bayern, cording to a report yesterday. The world neither Neuer nor Bayern have been able champions’ goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to give a date for his return. “I’d obviously says Zidane over ‘timing’ remarks meanwhile appears to be losing his battle like to help the team again, but I have to to regain fitness in time for the finals in wait to see how the next steps go,” Neuer AFP rsene Wenger and Russia, other reports said. told Sport Bild. Munich, Germany Arsenal have been Defensive lynchpin Boateng pulled up “It’s also important what the doc- ridiculed in the British after a sprint in the first half of Wednes- tors say (about) at what point I can be media after the Premier day’s semi-final first leg and had to be involved again. On top of that, I have to inedine Zidane says Real LeagueA giants issued two state- Madrid must heed the helped off the field. According to Kicker be happy with my performance level and ments late Wednesday clarifying magazine, he could be sidelined for four be honest with myself. There are a lot of lessons from their Ju- remarks by the long-serving to six weeks. Germany’s first World Cup question marks.” ventus scare in order to manager about his departure. Zfi nish off Bayern Munich in next group match is on June 17. is also waiting on news of Arjen Rob- Neuer is cautiously optimistic. “I think The Gunners initially issued a Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes has al- ben, who was injured in the opening five I’ll be there and will be able to play, that’s Tuesday’s Champions League statement explaining that when ready ruled Boateng out of the return leg minutes. what I want,” Neuer told Stern magazine. semi-fi nal, return leg. Real took Wenger said earlier in the day of the semi-final in Madrid next Tuesday. Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew “I am happy with the way things have a step closer to a third straight that the timing had not been his, “It’s a muscular problem for Jerome, he will name his squad on May 15. Having gone until now, but of course, I wish they European title after Marco he was talking about when the will drop out,” said the Bayern boss, who last played for Germany in October 2016, were a bit further on.” Asensio hit the winner in a 2-1 departure was announced and fi rst-leg come-back victory in not saying he had been forced Munich on Wednesday. out.Further clarifi cation arrived SPOTLIGHT But having suff ered an al- just over half an hour later when mighty scare at home in the the club released a statement by quarter-fi nals, when Juventus Wenger. “After reaching agree- won 3-1 in Madrid after Real ment about my departure, I was FA confi rm shock off er to buy Wembley had beaten them 3-0 in Turin, happy for the club to decide Zidane says nothing is decided when to announce,” read the AFP despite Real’s slender advantage. statement. “I wish to make clear London “We will have to fi ght in the sec- the timing of my announcement on, what people are saying,” ond leg, nothing is decided, that was right.” Vieira told The Times when showed in the second leg against It is believed that Wenger will asked about the speculation he Football Association have re- Juventus,” said Zidane. only receive the fi nancial pack- linking him to Arsenal. “I’m re- ceived an off er to buy iconic Wem- “We will have to suff er again age he accepted to leave early ally happy about that because I bley stadium in a shock move that and face Bayern in a diff er- if he sticks to the offi cial line think it’s good to have your name increases the chances of an NFL ent way at home, because if we that he stood down of his own linked with a team like Arsenal. teamT taking up permanent residence in don’t, we could have a bad re- volition. Wenger announced last But honestly it’s not something London. Shahid Khan, who owns Cham- sult next week,” he warned. The Friday that he would be stepping which will stop me doing what I pionship club Fulham and the NFL’s Jack- hosts took the lead at the sold- down a year before the end of his am doing at the moment.” sonville Jaguars, is behind the £500mn out Allianz Arena through Josh- contract after another failure to Vieira was a cornerstone of ($698mn) bid to buy the national stadium. ua Kimmich, but Marcelo equal- sustain a Premier League title Wenger’s fi rst decade at Arsenal, “We can confi rm that the FA has re- ised just before the break. challenge. Wenger has been in and was captain during the ceived an off er to buy Wembley Stadium,” Substitute Asensio hit Real’s charge at Arsenal for more than Gunners’ famous “Invincibles” an FA statement read. According to the winner after fi nishing a counter- two decades. unbeaten season in 2004. Vieira Evening Standard, Khan has struck an out- attack to seal Real’s sixth straight said that while he had a special line agreement with FA boss Martin Glenn win over Bayern in the knock- VIEIRA ‘HONOURED’ relationship with Arsenal, that to transfer Wembley to foreign ownership out stages of Europe. “We can BY ARSENAL LINK alone would not prompt him to for the fi rst time. be happy with the result, we had Patrick Vieira says he would return to England. The stunning proposal, which would diffi culties at the start of the be ready for the challenge of also see Khan allow the FA to keep lucra- An aerial view of Wembley Stadium in London. (Reuters) match in imposing our game,” managing Arsenal but insists GERRARD IN RUNNING tive debenture and hospitality revenue said Zidane. “It’s not easy to he has no intention of leaving FOR RANGERS JOB worth around £300mn, was put before the Khan’s Jaguars featuring as the ‘home’ programmes they feel are essential for come and win here, we can do his current job at Major League Former Liverpool captain Steven full board of the domestic game’s govern- team on several occasions. football’s future in the United Kingdom. better, but we’re happy with the Soccer side New York City FC. Gerrard is in contention for his ing body yesterday. Wembley, which has a It is widely believed that NFL commis- One report says Glenn believes the sale result.” The former Arsenal captain and fi rst managerial post having 90,000-capacity, was reopened in 2007 sioner Roger Goodell is keen to place a per- would pay for 1,500 new full-sized all- Zidane pulled a surprise be- France international told Brit- made the short list for the role at after the FA’s seven-year, £757mn rebuild manent team in London in the near future. weather artifi cial pitches across Britain. fore kick-off by dropping Gareth ain’s The Times in an interview Scottish giants Rangers, British of the home of English football. Tottenham already have a deal with the The FA are still catching up with the cost Bale, but insisted he does not that he was “honoured” to have media reported. The 37-year- The fl amboyant Khan is a Pakistan-born NFL to stage a minimum of two games a of redeveloping Wembley and are on course have a problem with the Welsh- his name mentioned among the old — capped 114 times and a American billionaire, who made his for- season over 10 years once the new stadium to complete their repayments by 2024. The man. “I have a lot of quality possible candidates to succeed member of the Liverpool side tune in the car parts business. “The games in north London is completed later this current version of Wembley, famous for its players here, he has been play- Arsene Wenger as manager. that won the 2005 Champions the Jaguars play at Wembley are essential year. The Premier League club have played iconic arch, replaced the original venue, ing well and I know I can count However the 41-year-old re- League — is presently the acad- to the fi nancial stability of the Jaguars in their home games at Wembley this season, which was renowned for its twin towers on on Gareth Bale the same way I peatedly emphasised that he was emy coach at Liverpool after Jacksonville, which is one of the smallest but will move out once White Hart Lane is one side of the stadium. do those others who also didn’t enjoying his role with New York, rejecting the advances of lower markets in the NFL,” Khan said. rebuilt. Khan insisted the England national Wembley has staged the FA Cup fi nal play,” said Zidane. who are owned by the same league MK Dons when he hung Khan’s approach is a further sign of the team would still be able to use Wembley as since the old stadium opened in 1923 and Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes parent group as Manchester City up his boots in 2016. The present NFL’s desire to build on the foothold they their home venue. has hosted some of football’s most cele- was not happy to see his team and are currently top of the MLS Rangers incumbent Graeme have established in the British sports mar- It is believed the FA are considering the brated matches, including England’s 1966 throw away the lead and waste a Eastern Conference. Murty is unlikely to be given the ket. Regular-season NFL matches have deal because the money raised would be World Cup fi nal victory and seven Euro- string of chances. “I mentally know what’s going post full-time. been played at Wembley since 2007, with ring-fenced for investment in grass-roots pean Cup fi nals. Gulf Times Friday, April 27, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA SERIE A Juventus visit old rivals and Napoli Barca set for title face nemesis Reuters ship this year would be diffi cult Milan and Napoli have been outstand- ing,” said Juve coach Massi- miliano Allegri. “We have four he Serie A title race takes matches left, we have had one party at Deportivo another intriguing twist week to get our energy back and at the weekend as lead- prepare for this fi nale.” ‘We still have chances to survive and we have to push until the end’ ers Juventus visit Inter Inter are fi fth with 66 points, TMilan and second-placed Na- one behind AS Roma and Lazio. Reuters poli face a Fiorentina side whose The next two weekends will Barcelona In this photo taken on March 18, 2018 Barcelona’s coach often throws a spanner in see Juve play on the Saturday forward Lionel Messi celebrates aft er scoring their works. and Napoli on the Sunday. Na- during the La Liga match against Athletic Club Napoli threw the title race poli, however, have asked Serie A arcelona coach Ernesto Bilbao in Barcelona. (AFP) wide open with their 1-0 win at organisers for the two contend- Valverde said in Febru- Juventus on Sunday which has ers to play simultaneously in the ary he was “in a hurry” left the Turin side with a one- fi nal two rounds of matches. to wrap up the Liga point lead going into the fi nal Although Fiorentina are stuck titleB and his side will almost four games. There is probably in midtable and have only an certainly get to celebrate a 25th nothing Inter fans would enjoy outside chance of qualifying for league crown at last when they more than seeing their team help the Europa League, the Artemio play at Deportivo La Coruna on derail Juve’s bid for a seventh Franchi is never an easy place to Sunday. successive Serie A title at San visit and Napoli have good reason Barca need a draw against Siro on Saturday. to be wary of rival coach Stefano Clarence Seedorf’s struggling Yet Inter have their own con- Pioli. side to clinch the title and the cerns as they are attempting to Pioli was in charge of the Lazio trophy could even be theirs be- end a six-season absence from team which beat Napoli 4-2 on fore they kick off if Real Madrid the Champions League and are the fi nal day of the 2014-15 sea- fail to beat Leganes tomorrow one point and one place outside son to qualify for the Champions and Atletico Madrid are unable the top four, where they need to League at their expense. to win at Alaves four hours be- fi nish to qualify for next season’s He also coached the Chievo fore Barca’s game starts. competition. “I hope Inter fans team which pulled off an unlike- The Catalans have led from fl ock to the stadium to urge us on ly double over Napoli in 2010-11 the front this season, topping to a victory we need for our own and his Fiorentina side held out the table in week two, and no- objectives, and not just to hope for a goalless draw at the San one can begrudge them a title for Juve’s downfall,” said Inter Paolo in December. which they have looked cer- coach Luciano Spalletti. Napoli were greeted by an tain to win since they beat Real Incredibly, Inter were top of estimated 10,000 people when Madrid 3-0 on December 23, the table and unbeaten when they fl ew back to Naples airport marching 14 points clear of their the two sides drew 0-0 in their in the middle of the night fol- arch- rivals and nine ahead of fi rst meeting of the season in lowing their late-night win at Atletico. December but they are now 19 Juventus last Sunday. Barca’s surprise draws against points behind Juventus. A group Media reports said yesterday Getafe and Espanyol briefl y of- of Juventus “ultras” visited the that airport authorities were fered Atletico hope of chasing team’s Vinovo training ground studying an emergency plan in down Valverde’s side when they on Wednesday and let off fi re- case Napoli went top on Sun- closed the gap to fi ve points works to “encourage” the team day, as their plane would return ahead of a top-of-the-table following Sunday’s loss. before midnight, causing poten- clash in March, but a superb “We knew that the champion- tial chaos for other passengers. free kick from Lionel Messi gave Barca a 1-0 win to lift them eight points ahead. They never looked back and Crunch time for half dozen are still unbeaten in the league, clubs in Bundesliga’s fi nal dash fi ve games from becoming the Gooooal! Messi scores in EU court battle to trademark name fi rst team since Real Madrid in More than half a dozen clubs could learn their fate at the weekend 1932 to fi nish a La Liga cam- Lionel Messi, the world’s top earning making 94mn euros. It is not the first time that Messi’s business as the Bundesliga enters the final stretch with three games remain- paign undefeated and the only footballer, won a legal battle yesterday to Messi first tried in 2011 to trademark his interests have ended up in court. ing and issues to be resolved at both ends of the table. side to do so since the league register his name as a trademark to sell own name with the EU’s intellectual prop- In 2016 a Spanish court sentenced him to With the title secured by Bayern Munich long ago, interest has was expanded to more than 10 sports goods after an EU court ruled that erty off ice for use on “sports and gymnas- 21 months in jail and fined him more than turned to the battle for the Champions League spots with Schalke teams. he is too famous to be confused with other tics clothing, equipment and protective two million euros for tax evasion, although 04, in second place, hosting Borussia Moenchengladbach tomor- The title win would also com- businesses. equipment and instruments”. the prison sentence was later commuted row. The Royal Blues will secure their return to the Champions plete the club’s seventh double The Barcelona and Argentina attacker The boss of the Massi cycling goods com- to another fine. League with a win. A draw or even a defeat could also be enough in after they hammered Sevilla 5-0 rode out a seven-year challenge by a pany filed an appeal the same year, saying He was found guilty of using companies in combination with other results. Schalke have enjoyed an outstand- in the King’s Cup fi nal on Satur- Spanish cycling gear manufacturer called there was a “likelihood of confusion” with Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay ing season and have lost just one match in their last nine, which has day, an utterly dominant victory Massi, which protested that his trademark its own trademark. to avoid paying 4.1 million euros in taxes lifted them to 56 points, ahead of Ruhr valley rivals Borussia Dort- which went some way towards was too similar to its own. The trademark off ice agreed, and dis- on income he earned from his image mund, who are third on 54. “No one believed we could play such a healing the wounds from their “Lionel Messi may register his trade mark missed an appeal by the five-time world rights. great season,” Schalke defender Naldo said. “But we developed re- shock Champions League elim- ‘MESSI’ for sports equipment and cloth- footballer of the year in 2014. While Messi’s finances go from strength to ally well and learned our lessons from last season. We are showing ination by AS Roma. ing,” said a ruling by the General Court of strength, despite the Spanish case, he is at a completely diff erent mentality now and the coach is really good While Barca are preparing for the European Union, the bloc’s second- ‘Public figure’ risk of missing out on a sixth Ballon d’Or for us.” Schalke’s 32-year-old coach, Domenico Tedesco, has enjoyed a title party at Riazor, Deportivo highest court. But while judges admitted that the this year. a whirlwind debut Bundesliga season and has managed to re-instil might end up feeling like they “The football player’s fame counteracts trademarks “are very similar phonetically”, He has locked down the footballing award a sense of hope among Schalke fans, who have been starved of are at a funeral as the Galicians the visual and phonetic similarities be- they said the IPO was wrong to assume in duopoly with Ronaldo for a decade, but success. “I hope we can bag a lot of points until the final matchday will be relegated back to Spain’s tween his trade mark and the trade mark that Messi was only known by people who Egypt’s Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and obviously the Champions League is an issue now,” Naldo said. second tier for the fi rst time ‘MASSI’ belonging to a Spanish company,” were interested in football or sport. threatens to break their stranglehold after “But all we focus on is getting the three points, we do not look at since 2014 if they do not beat the Luxembourg-based court said. “Mr Messi is, in fact, a well-known public a stunning year. the standings.” Dortmund travel to Werder Bremen, knowing that Barca and Levante win at Sevilla The ruling comes days after it emerged figure who can be seen on television and But Messi’s fame keeps soaring -- he has a win could also secure them a top-four finish. For that to happen, today. that Messi has overtaken Cristiano Ronal- who is regularly discussed on television or been unveiled as the subject of a painting however, they will also need Hoff enheim to draw or lose against “We still have chances to sur- do as the highest earner in world football, on the radio,” the court said. modelled on Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Hanover 96 today. The top four teams qualify automatically for the vive and we have to push until according to France Football magazine. “It seems unlikely that an average con- on the ceiling of a football club in Buenos Champions League group stage while the next two compete in the the end,” said defender Raul Al- The Barcelona attacker is making 126 sumer of those goods will not directly Aires. Europa League. At the other end of the table former champions bentosa. million euros ($154mn) in salary, bonuses associate, in the vast majority of cases, the In it he features as Adam being touched by Hamburg SV, the only team to have never played in the second divi- “We have the game against and commercial revenue for the current term ‘Messi’ with the name of the famous the “Hand of God” - belonging to Argen- sion since the Bundesliga’s creation in 1963, have their backs to the Barcelona and must take it on in season while his great Real Madrid rival is football player.” tina football legend Diego Maradona. wall, sitting in 17th place on 25 points. the best way,” he said.

SPOTLIGHT Ibra turns down comeback aft er speculation AFP life in Major League Soccer before me” if he wants to join the squad, Stockholm thinking about the World Cup. Andersson added. In this photo taken on June 5, 2016 Sweden’s forward Following an injury-blighted stay Richt declined to specify wheth- and team captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts during at Manchester United, the father of er the team had asked Ibrahimovic the friendly match against Wales at Friends Arena in nding weeks of specula- two became the latest in a long line to join. Solna near Stockholm. (AFP) tion, the Swedish football of ageing stars to leave European He “has always said that he won’t federation announced yes- football for the United States. play and he quit the national team,” terday that star striker Zla- The 6ft 4ins (1.95m) striker Richt told AFP. tanE Ibrahimovic, who quit the na- tweeted on April 15: “The chance of Some Sweden fans would love tional squad in 2016, will not make me playing in the World Cup is sky- nothing more than to see the coun- a comeback for the World Cup in höga (sky high).” try’s most prolifi c goal-scorer - he Russia. He later told Swedish media that notched 62 goals in 116 games - don “I spoke with Zlatan on Tuesday. “high odds -that doesn’t mean it’s the blue-and-yellow kit again. He said that he has not changed his going to happen.” But others argue he has no place mind regarding the national squad,” Ibrahimovic had just weeks ear- on a squad that managed to qualify the managing director of the na- lier become a global brand ambas- without him, memorably eliminat- tional squad, Lars Richt, said in a sador for Swedish betting company ing World Cup giants Italy in a play- statement after the player dropped Bethard, prompting some Swed- off . numerous hints of a possible re- ish commentators to lament that Ibrahimovic has 31 winners’ turn. his World Cup teasing was nothing medals in spells with Ajax, Inter “It’s a no,” Richt added. more than an advertising gimmick. Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris In an appearance on ABC tel- “It feels like the whole thing was Saint-Germain and Manchester evision’s late night Jimmy Kimmel just aimed at building up his brand United. show on April 18, the new star of in the US and it even seemed at But his 2017 season and ultimate- LA Galaxy teased fans that he may times like he thought it was funny,” ly his United career was brought to come out of retirement to play in Daniel Nannskog, a commenta- a premature end by cruciate liga- Russia. tor for Swedish public broadcaster ment damage suff ered in April. Known for his swagger, Zlatan SVT, said. He never returned as a regular in said “it wouldn’t be a World Cup” if the United side. he didn’t play, adding: “I’m going to ‘Doesn’t change anything’ In trademark style, he announced the World Cup, yes.” At home in Sweden, Ibrahimov- his arrival in Los Angeles with a The 36-year-old who last played ic’s possible World Cup return has full-page advert in the LA Times at a World Cup with Sweden in elicited mixed reactions. Sweden reading simply: “Dear Los Angeles, 2006, retired from the Swed- coach Janne Andersson has been You’re welcome.” ish team after the 2016 European coolly indiff erent. However, his salary will be lim- Championship. “It doesn’t change anything for ited to around $1.5 million (1.2 mil- He said last month he wanted to me,” he said last month. lion euros), a fraction of what he concentrate on settling into his new “Zlatan is very welcome to call was paid by United. Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 27, 2018 SPORT

ATHLETICS FOCUS Masters champion Reed plans to keep IAAF rule change on ‘grinding’

Reuters I don’t feel any diff erent. It’s just Cary, North Carolina another day at the golf course.” Reed will partner Patrick Can- tlay this week in an event that S Masters champion comprises two rounds of four threat to Semenya Patrick Reed does not ball (best ball) and two rounds of feel any diff erent with a (alternate shot) foursomes. Green Jacket in his pos- The format has helped attract sessionU and has vowed to stay fo- an outstanding fi eld with many cused on golf rather than letting of the game’s elite. Semenya may have to choose between medication to too many off -course commit- Among the big names is Jor- ments get in the way. dan Spieth, who also makes his restrict her testosterone or move to longer distance Reed has had two weeks off fi rst start since his brilliant fi nal- career since his victory at Augusta Na- round Augusta charge propelled tional, a relatively long break for him into contention. Reuters one of the most frequent com- “I truly could have shot 59 London petitors among the game’s very without doing much more than elite, and he has not forgotten making a few more putts,” said what got him to the pinnacle. Spieth, who fi nished third be- he IAAF confi rmed a new hyper- “You have to get back grinding, hind Reed and Rickie Fowler androgenism rule yesterday that playing some golf,” the 27-year- and missed out on matching the could prevent South African run- old Texan told reporters at TPC course record when he bogeyed ner Caster Semenya from com- Louisiana on Wednesday ahead the fi nal hole for 64. Tpeting in 800m and 1500m races. of the Zurich Classic of New Or- “It was a day that almost was, The new rules eff ectively give Semenya leans, the only offi cial team event but from nine (strokes) back and a choice of taking the medication to re- on the PGA Tour. in ninth place, there were just too strict her testosterone or move to longer “First things fi rst, you’ve got many variables. distance events. to focus on golf, because the time “I would have had to get re- To compete internationally, athletes you (don’t) focus on golf is the ally lucky with Patrick (and other with a Diff erence of Sexual Development time you go backwards. players) backing up. It was just a (DSD) must: “There’s nothing like being little too much and that’s what I O Be recognised at law either as female back out here, getting inside the thought going into the day, but or as intersex (or equivalent); ropes, playing with the guys and to have a chance in general was a O Must reduce her blood testoster- competing,” added Reed, who new experience for me. one level to below fi ve (5) nmol/L for a played 33 tournaments world- “I proved that in any situation, continuous period of at least six months wide last year. if you can do it there, you’re nev- (e.g., by use of hormonal contraceptives); “To get back to playing golf, into er really out of it if you’re within O Thereafter she must maintain her normal routine, has been nice... 10 shots.” blood testosterone level below fi ve (5) nmol/L continuously. Semenya, double Olympic and triple world champion over 800m and who completed the 800-1500 double at the Commonwealth Games this month, re- sponded to the new rules on Twitter: “I am 97 per cent sure you don’t like me but I’m 100 per cent sure I don’t care.” Athletics authorities have struggled to fi nd a solution to the issue that respected the rights of Semenya while also pro- Caster Semenya of South Africa celebrates her win in the women’s 800m final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, viding what they says is a “level playing Australia, earlier this month. (Reuters) fi eld”. Some female rivals had complained tration for Sport ruling in 2015 follow- and aspire to the same excellence.” and in line. that the 27-year-old’s hyperandrogenism ing an appeal on behalf of Indian athlete Coe has previously said that nobody “We will further seek support from gave her an unfair competitive advan- Dutee Chand, who had been banned from was suggesting Semenya had done any- the Minister of Sport and Recreation, tage. The condition is characterised by competing because of her testosterone thing wrong. SASCOC, other expert institutions and higher than usual levels of testosterone, levels. Athletics South Africa said: “Athletics relevant organisations or individuals, so a hormone that increases muscle mass, IAAF President Sebastian Coe said: South Africa has taken note of the new that we have a full grasp of this matter strength and haemoglobin, which aff ects “We want athletes to be incentivised to classifi cation for females. As a federa- and how it should be properly handled.” In this April 8, 2018, picture, Patrick Reed of the US is presented with endurance. make the huge commitment and sacri- tion, we will study the new regulations These new Regulations, approved by the green jacket by Sergio Garcia of Spain after the former won the The IAAF’s previous attempts to regu- fi ce required to excel in the sport, and to and compare them with the CAS recom- the IAAF Council in March, will come Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. (AFP) late the issue fell foul of a Court of Arbi- inspire new generations to join the sport mendations to see if they are compatible into eff ect from November 1.

GOLF Don’t remember carrying on aft er collapsing, says CWG marathon runner World No. 1,426 takes Scottish runner Callum Hawkins said he extra metres... could not remember attempting to carry “I remember falling off the side of the China Open lead on after collapsing during the men’s road and trying my best to get back up marathon at this month’s Common- but my legs were like jelly. Next thing I wealth Games. remember is being in an ambulance.” Hawkins held an almost two-minute Hawkins said he regained consciousness lead in the marathon after two hours of in the ambulance and asked the staff if running in the blazing temperatures on he had won the race. the Gold Coast before collapsing on the “I knew the answer before I asked, but I road. He then got back up to run a short remember asking ‘Did I win?’” he added. distance and collapsed again. “I thought there might have been a The 25-year-old was released from hos- chance I went on auto-pilot and finished pital the day after his collapse. it but nobody answered and I knew “I remember thinking ‘If I can just straightaway, ‘that’s a no’.” get up and finish, I’ll probably get a Hawkins’ collapse drew widespread medal but if three people go past then criticism from former athletes and fans I’ll throw the towel in’,” Hawkins told on social media, who expressed their Callum Hawkins of Scotland lies on the ground as Michael Shelley (right) of Aus- BBC Scotland. “But I don’t remember dissatisfaction with the delay in medical tralia runs past during the men’s Marathon Final at the Commonwealth Games in getting up and actually running those attention provided to the runner. Gold Coast, Australia, yesterday. (Reuters)

SAILING Ainslie’s America’s Cup bid gets $153mn backing

Reuters London

en Ainslie has secured 110mn pounds ($153mn) from British petrochemicals company INEOS to fund Britain’s latest bid to win theB America’s Cup. INEOS said it had formed INEOS Team GB with Ainslie, the most successful Ol- AFP told europeantour.com. “I’m re- ympic sailor, to compete for the “Auld Beijing ally happy with my form and I Mug” and was committed to making the have to say I would give myself biggest ever America’s Cup investment 100 marks for today’s round. by a British challenger. hina’s world-ranked “I’ve been relaxed coming into “We have a fi rst-class team and will 1,426 Jin Daxing this week because I don’t have do everything we can to bring this tro- grabbed a shock lead too much expectation but I’ll just phy back to Britain where it belongs,” Cafter the fi rst round of keep playing one stroke at a time, Jim Ratcliff e, the billionaire founder and the $3.2mn China Open yester- one day at a time and see how it chairman of INEOS, said in a statement day in just his eighth European goes for me.” yesterday. Tour event. Last year’s China Open win- Ainslie had been building his Land The 25-year-old fi red a bogey- ner, Alexander Levy of France, Rover BAR team to challenge holders and other commercial sponsors. He will the south coast of England, when 15 of from foiling catamarans, which “fl y” on free eight-under-par 64 for a carded a three-under-par 69 for Emirates Team New Zealand in Auckland also no longer have support from private its boats raced and lost to the US yacht top of the water at extraordinary speeds, one-shot lead over England’s a share of 18th. in 2021, but told Reuters last month that backers. “America”, which gave the oldest trophy to 75-foot single-hulled craft which will Matt Wallace and Nino Berta- Levy is chasing back-to-back he needed more funding to build a state- Ainslie told a news conference that his in international sport its name. also use hydrofoiling technology. sio of Italy at Topwin Golf and European Tour wins — and eyeing of-the art “foiling” monohull to take previous commercial partners were disap- Despite many attempts in the inter- INEOS said Ainslie would skipper the Country Club in Beijing. a Ryder Cup spot on home soil — part. pointed but had been “incredibly gracious”. vening 167 years, Britain has never won racing yacht, with fellow British Olympic Sweden’s Alexander Bjork and after triumphing last week in Mo- “This is an amazing boost for British the Cup. Ainslie has made it his mission gold medallist Giles Scott its tactician. Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe shared rocco. Another home hope, the sport. With this signifi cant commitment BRING THE CUP HOME to “bring the Cup home”, although his Grant Simmer, who has won the Amer- fourth, a further shot back. highly promising Li Haotong, was from INEOS to fully fund a two boat chal- INEOS Team GB will now represent the fi rst attempt last year in Bermuda ended ica’s Cup four times and was hired by But the day belonged to little- tied 33rd after his fi rst-round 70. lenge,” Ainslie said. historic Royal Yacht Squadron’s affi liated in disappointment when it was won by Ainslie last year, will be CEO of INEOS known Jin, who has only made Japan’s Hideto Tanihara won Under the arrangement, INEOS will club, Royal Yacht Squadron Racing. New Zealand. Team GB and New Zealander Nick Hol- the cut once on a European Tour himself a car after nailing a 197- be the only sponsor, meaning Ainslie has The America’s Cup was fi rst contested The holders, who beat Oracle Team royd, another recent hire by the 41-year- event, back on his debut in 2012. yard hole-in-one at the 16th on ended his partnership with Land Rover in 1851 at the Royal Yacht Squadron off USA to lift the Cup, decided to switch old Briton, will be its chief designer. “I played really well today,” he the way to shooting a 72. Gulf Times Friday, April 27, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Leafs suff er playoff James and Westbrook collapse to Bruins

AFP There were a handful of play- Los Angeles ers on each team that played in that 2013 contest. The 21-year-old DeBrusk dominate, Rockets oston forward Jake De- wasn’t one of them. He scored his Brusk scored his second second 5:25 into the third, outskat- goal in a four-goal third ing Toronto defenceman Jake Gar- period as the Toronto diner and getting a shot off that MapleB Leafs suff ered another snuck through the legs of Danish game-seven playoff collapse goaltender Frederik Andersen. against the Bruins on Wednes- DeBrusk, the son of former oust Timberwolves day. NHLer Louie DeBrusk, also tied American DeBrusk delivered the game 1-1 in the fi rst period in on off ence as the Bruins rallied front of a crowd of 17,500 at the to stun the Maple Leafs 7-4 and Boston Garden arena. ‘We knew how punch their ticket to the second “That was amazing,” said round of the National Hockey Bruins leader Patrice Bergeron tough this game League playoff s. of DeBrusk’s performance. “I This is the second time in fi ve have talked all year long about was going to be. years the Bruins have sent the our young guys. They are special Leafs crashing out of the post- kids. Jake looked like a veteran We wanted to season by erasing third-period for game seven.” defi cits. Tuukka Rask stopped 20 of continue to grind In the 2013 playoff s, the Leafs 24 shots for Boston, which will led the Bruins 4-1 late in game play the Tampa Bay Lightning in it out and came seven and wound up losing in another best-of-seven Eastern overtime after Boston scored Conference series starting to- out with the win’ four unanswered goals. morrow. AFP Los Angeles

ames Harden scored 24 points as the Houston Rockets booked their spot in the second round of the NBA playoff s by crushing the Min- nesotaJ Timberwolves 122-104 in game fi ve on Wednesday. Clint Capela scored a team-high 26 points and had 15 rebounds for the top seeded Rockets who pulled away in the third quarter to win their series four games to one. “When I get that confi dence from my teammates there is no limit to what I can do,” said Harden. “We knew how tough this game was going to be. We wanted to continue to grind it out and came out with the win. In the second half we picked up our intensity and won the game.” Elsewhere, LeBron James capped an- Boston Bruins’ Matt Grzelcyk (centre) congratulates teammate Jake other milestone night with a buzzer- James Harden of the Houston Rockets celebrates in the second half during Game Five of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff s DeBrusk (right) after scoring a goal against Toronto Maple Leafs beating three-pointer that lifted the against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday. (AFP) in game seven of the first round of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoff s in Cleveland Cavaliers to a 98-95 win over Boston, Massachusetts, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Indiana and within one win of advancing James blocked a driving Victor Olad- brook. “A lot of what went on in that third in the playoff s. ipo’s shot at the rim to keep the score quarter was because of him. His energy Hawks and head Not to be outdone, Russell Westbrook tied at 95-95, keeping the Cavs alive and was everything.” coach Budenholzer SPOTLIGHT scored 45 points and the Oklahoma City ensuring them the fi nal possession with Westbrook registered back-to-back ‘part ways’ Thunder came back from 25 points down three seconds remaining. three-pointers, then made a layup with in the second half to fi ght off elimination Cleveland got the ball to their super- fi ve minutes left in the third quarter to cut The Atlanta Hawks and head coach and beat the Utah Jazz 107-99. star, who dribbled in, pulled up at the top Utah’s lead to 73-60. Mike Budenholzer have mutually Recording of NFL Houston will now play the winner of of the arc and fi red over Thaddeus Young Westbrook’s drained another three- agreed to part ways, the NBA team the Utah-Oklahoma City series, which for his only three-pointer of the game. pointer tied the game 78-78 heading into said Wednesday. The move was wide- the Jazz now lead 3-2. James beat his chest in triumph, then the fourth quarter. “Just picked my spots ly expected after Budenholzer asked owners-players The Rockets are off to the second round jumped on the scorers’ table to acknowl- and tried to be aggressive,” Westbrook said. and received permission to speak for the second year in a row after elimi- edge the crowd. Utah takes a 3-2 lead back to Salt Lake with other teams about job openings. nating the eighth-seeded Timberwolves. He fi nished with 44 points, 10 re- City for game six today. He reportedly interviewed on Sunday meeting reveals After scoring 22 points in Houston’s bounds and eight assists, making all 15 of In Toronto, the Eastern Conference top with the New York Knicks, who 50-point third quarter in a game four rout his free throws. seeds Raptors moved within one victory sacked coach Jeff Hornacek after the on Monday, Harden tallied half of Hou- His 21st playoff game of 40 points or of advancing, taking a 3-2 series lead over team failed to reach the playoff s for a Trump criticism ston’s 30 points in the third quarter on more saw James move past Jerry West for the Washington Wizards with a 108-98 fifth straight year. The Hawks, in the Wednesday to give Houston the lead for second all-time on a list led by Michael home win. midst of rebuilding and with four good. Jordan with 38. DeMar DeRozan scored 32 points, Kyle first-round picks in June’s draft, are AFP Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timber- Lowry added 17 as the Raptors bounced expected to talk to former Memphis Los Angeles wolves with 23 points and 14 rebounds, STAY ALIVE back from defeats in games three and Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale and Jamal Crawford added 20 points off In Oklahoma City, the Thunder fended four. and Portland Trail Blazers assistant the bench. off elimination on the back of their su- Delon Wright scored 16 off the bench Nate Tibbetts among others, USA FL team owners were Houston’s series clincher highlighted perstar Westbrook, who scored 20 of his for Toronto, producing nine of their last Today reported. Budenholzer went sharply critical of the Western Conference matchups but 45 points in the third quarter. 14 points of the game. 213-197 in five seasons coaching US President Donald James provided the night’s biggest indi- Westbrook also had 15 rebounds and Atlanta, guiding them to the play- NTrump during a pri- vidual fi reworks. seven assists. Paul George added 34 RESULTS off s four times. Budenholzer, 48, vate meeting with players at the In Cleveland, the victory gave the Cavs points and eight rebounds. Cleveland 98 Indiana 95 spent 17 years on San Antonio Spurs height of last season’s protest a 3-2 lead in the best-of seven Eastern “All pride, all pride,” said George. Toronto 108 Washington 98 coach Gregg Popovich’s staff before controversy, the New York Times Conference series, which they’ll try to “We’re not gonna lose here. Houston 122 Minnesota 104 taking over the Hawks. reported yesterday. fi nish off on Friday in Indianapolis. “He was special,” George said of West- Oklahoma City 107 Utah 99 A leaked audio recording of a three-hour meeting between around 30 owners, players and MLB league offi cials which took place in New York last October showed several team bosses voiced dis- pleasure at Trump’s conduct. Robert Kraft, the billionaire Brewers beat Royals for 8th straight win owner of the New England Pa- triots who is a long-time Trump friend and donor, accused the US Reuters no-hit ball the rest of the way, helping president of “divisive and horri- New York the Rangers close out a losing homestand ble” conduct. with a victory over Oakland. Trump triggered uproar across In this October 5, 2016, picture, The A’s had a four-game winning the NFL last September when he Colin Kaepernick of San Francisco yan Braun had three hits and streak snapped despite a two-run home described players who kneeled 49ers kneels in protest during the beat out an infi eld single to key run by Khris Davis, his seventh of the during the US national anthem to national anthem prior to the NFL a four-run fourth inning as the season. protest racial injustice as “sons game against Arizona Cardinals in Rvisiting Milwaukee Brewers ran Jesse Chavez, Alex Claudio and Chris of bitches.” Santa Clara, California. (AFP) their winning streak to eight games with Martin shut out the A’s through the sixth, The protests had been started a 6-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals seventh and eighth inning. Keone Kela by ex-San Francisco 49ers quar- The subject of Kaepernick’s on Wednesday. recorded his fourth save with a 1-2-3 terback Colin Kaepernick in 2016 career had been raised at the Jesus Aguilar had two RBIs as the ninth, striking out two. following the deaths of several meeting by players who attend- Brewers swept the two-game interleague unarmed black men at the hands ed, but most owners were non- series. INDIANS 4, CUBS 1 of law enforcement. committal, the Times reported. Mike Moustakas hit his seventh homer Trevor Bauer allowed one run in 6 2/3 Following Trump’s criticism, Eagles lineman Chris Long and Salvador Perez had an RBI ground- innings, and Brandon Guyer, Francisco a wave of protests swept the told owners that the crisis might out in his second game back from a knee Lindor and Edwin Encarnacion hit solo league, with many players kneel- have been defused if a team had injury for Kansas City, which dropped to home runs as Cleveland defeated Chicago ing in solidarity with Kaeper- signed Kaepernick. Most players 1-9 at home. to earn a split of the two-game series be- nick, who has been unable to fi nd believed he was being frozen out Milwaukee’s Jhoulys Chacin (2-1) gave tween the teams that played in the epic a club since being released by the of the sport, Long said. up four hits and two runs in 5 2/3 innings 2016 World Series. 49ers in early 2017. “If he was on a roster right for his second consecutive victory. He Bauer (2-2) allowed four hits while strik- During the October meet- now, all this negativeness and struck out three and walked one. Cleveland Indians’ Trevor Bauer throws a pitch during the MLB game against Chicago ing out eight and walking three. ing, Kraft described the kneeling divisiveness could be turned into Cubs in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Chicago’s Jon Lester (2-1) took his fi rst protests as “the elephant in the a positive,” Long said. “We all ASTROS 5, ANGELS 2 loss of the season despite scattering four room”, the Times reported. agree in this room as players that Alex Bregman hit a three-run double, and sions with the team. his fi rst-ever trip to the West Coast, made it hits in seven innings with four strikeouts “The problem we have is, we he should be on a roster.” Jose Altuve and Jake Marisnick homered Chris Devenski and Ken Giles faced the a memorable one by giving up just one hit. and two bases on balls. have a president who will use Meanwhile Kaepernick’s to back seven innings of strong pitching minimum in the eighth and ninth innings, He did not get the required 15 outs to qualify that as fodder to do his mission former teammate Eric Reid, by ace Justin Verlander as Houston beat respectively, with Giles earning his sec- for the victory, though. OTHER RESULTS that I don’t feel is in the best in- who was the fi rst player to kneel visiting Los Angeles to salvage the fi nal ond save of the season. Kershaw (1-4) walked six to tie a career Rays 8 Orioles 4 terests of America,” Kraft said. alongside the quarterback, be- game of a three-game series. high and gave up a three-run home run to Phillies 5 Diamondbacks 3 “It’s divisive and it’s horrible.” lieved the 49ers star had been Verlander (4-0) surrendered just two MARLINS 8, DODGERS 6 former teammate Miguel Rojas. The left- Cardinals 9 Mets 1 Philadelphia Eagles owner “hung out to dry.” Braves 5 Reds 4 runs while scattering four hits in seven Trevor Richards struck out 10 in 4 2/3 hander lasted just fi ve innings, giving up Yankees 7 Twins 4 Jeff rey Lurie meanwhile said “Everyone in here is talking innings. He struck out nine and didn’t innings and as visiting Miami beat Clay- the three runs on fi ve hits while striking Red Sox 4, Blue Jays 3 Trump’s presidency was “disas- about how much they support walk a batter. Since joining the Astros’ ton Kershaw at Los Angeles. out seven. Tigers 13 Pirates 10 trous.” us,” Reid told the meeting. “No- rotation on Sept. 5, 2017, he is 9-0 in his JT Realmuto hit a pair of home runs, giv- (Game 1) “We’ve got to be careful not to body stepped up and said we 11 starts and has allowed just 38 hits while ing him a hit in all 19 of his games played RANGERS 4, A’S 2 Pirates 8 Tigers 3 be baited by Trump or whomever support Colin’s right to do this. striking out 91 batters. He joins Roger against the Dodgers, the longest streak Isiah Kiner-Falefa singled home the (Game 2) else,” Lurie said. “We have to fi nd We all let him become Public En- Clemens (9-0 in 2004) as the only Hou- against the franchise to start a career since go-ahead run with two outs in the fi fth Rockies 5 Padres 2 a way to not be divided and not emy No 1 in this country, and he Mariners 4 White Sox 3 ston pitchers to win their fi rst nine deci- at least 1900. Richards, who said he was on inning, and the Texas bullpen pitched Nationals 15 Giants 2 get baited.” still doesn’t have a job.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 27, 2018 SPORT

CRICKET MOTORSPORT Red Bull’s Ricciardo denies he has ICC vows stricter Ferrari talks option

Reuters role at any team and expected Baku clarity and fairness. Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion, has played a back-up role to Vettel at aniel Ricciardo has dis- Ferrari, who faced criticism after punishment for missed media specu- China for a strategy that favoured lation of a pre-agree- the German over the Finn. ment with Ferrari that “I wouldn’t want to go some- couldD see him switch from Red where where I didn’t feel I had a Bull to the Italian Formula One chance,” Ricciardo said. team next season. “At the moment what I’m The Australian has only talked chasing is to try and be world about his future with Red Bull, champion. That’s my goal, my ball-tampering he told reporters in Baku yester- dream, something I really believe day ahead of Sunday’s Azerbai- I’m capable of. ‘We want penalties in place that are a proper deterrent. Fines are not proving to be the answer’ jan Grand Prix. “So if someone said ‘we’ll let “I’m aware of other reports, you come here but you can’t do AFP but there hasn’t been anything this’, that’s not an attractive op- Kolkata International Cricket Council chief executive else, so they’re not true,” said tion to me. At Red Bull there’s al- Dave Richardson addresses a press conference Ricciardo, winner in China two ways been really good clarity and in Kolkata yesterday. (AFP) weeks ago and of last year’s cha- I would say fairness, since 2014, ricket’s world body said otic Baku race. since I’ve been there.” yesterday it wants tough Asked specifi cally about re- Being in a team with Hamilton new sanctions against ports of a pre-agreement with would be a “good challenge”, he ball tampering in place Ferrari for an exclusive negotiat- added. Asked whether he was withinC months as it strug- ing period, the 28-year-old re- curious to see whether the “grass gles with the fallout from the plied: “That’s not true”. was greener” elsewhere, Ric- cheating scandal involving top He is out of contract at the end ciardo said his decision would be Australian players. of the season, as is Kimi Raik- based on facts. International Cricket Council konen, who partners four-times “I wouldn’t go somewhere chief executive Dave Richardson world champion Sebastian Vet- else just for a change,” he said, said football-style red and yel- tel – Ricciardo’s previous Red recognising also that he felt lin- low cards would be among the Bull teammate – at Ferrari. gering loyalty to Red Bull who measures considered as it seeks Ricciardo’s next move is a have said they want a decision by to bring back a “culture of re- hot topic in the paddock, with the August break. spect” to the game. the Australian showing signs of “I guess I don’t really fear not The leaders of top playing na- “contract fatigue” in the face of having a seat next year so I don’t tions demanded harsher pun- constant questions. He has also feel that I need to sign something ishment and more powers for been linked to Mercedes as a tomorrow or I will have noth- umpires to act against cheating possible teammate for Britain’s ing,” Ricciardo said. and misconduct at ICC meet- four-times world champion “So I guess for that reason I ings in the eastern Indian city of Lewis Hamilton. feel like I can see until the sum- Kolkata this week. mer what’s happening. If noth- “There was clear direction re- CHAMPIONSHIP DREAM ing has happened since then... ceived that we want to move to- The Perth-born driver said he if it’s only then Red Bull, then ward stricter and heavier sanc- would not accept a subservient that’s where I am.” tions for ball tampering and all other off ences that are indicative of a lack of respect,” he told a Hamilton says respect for Vettel press conference. Ex-Indian Test star Anil Kum- has grown since Baku 2017 ble is to lead a player legends Lewis Hamilton turned talk of road rage into respect yesterday committee to recommend the when asked on his return to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix about last sanctions. The ICC chief said the England begin World Cup quest against S. Africa year’s headline-grabbing clash with Formula One rival Sebastian new punishments would be de- Vettel. The Mercedes driver, a four-times world champion like his cided in June and July. Hosts England will begin their quest for a one-day captain after slapping 12-month “The Cricket World Cup is the third most Ferrari opponent, called the German a “disgrace” last June for his Richardson said the punish- maiden 50-overs World Cup title against bans on former skipper Steve Smith and watched global event and has huge inter- behaviour while both were following the safety car in first and sec- ments would also cover “other perennial under-achievers South Africa on his deputy David Warner following last est and appeal among cricket fans. Our ond places. Vettel, who hit the back of Hamilton’s car before pulling off ences that are indicative of a May 30 next year with Lord’s staging the month’s fiasco in South Africa. ambition is to grow the game and deliver alongside and banging wheels, had accused the Briton of “brake- lack of respect for your oppo- final on July 14, the International Cricket While both will be free to play in the tour- the greatest ever cricket celebration...,” he testing” him but apologised later. nent, for the game, the umpires”. Council (ICC) announced yesterday. nament, Smith has also been barred from added. Reflecting on the incident 10 months later, Hamilton sounded a posi- “We want penalties in place One-day cricket’s most coveted trophy has captaincy for two years, while Warner will The 46-day tournament will be played tive tone. “It’s good to see fire within the people that you’re compet- that are a proper deterrent. Fines eluded three-times finalists England who not be considered for any leadership role across 11 venues in England and Wales with ing with, it’s also good to see that they’re not perfect because I are not proving to be the answer,” staged the first three World Cups between again. Old Traff ord will host the 10-team Manchester’s Old Traff ord venue hosting guess nobody’s perfect,” he told reporters. he said. The ICC was criticised 1975-1983 and also in 1999. tournament’s most-anticipated match on six matches. The tournament will follow “We all make mistakes but it’s more how people handle it and how after it banned Australia skip- England could not advance beyond the June 16 between Asian arch-rivals India its 1992 format with all 10 teams playing they progress (that) is what you can really learn from. He’s contin- per Steve Smith for only one Test group stage of the 2015 edition but have and Pakistan. The collapse of bilateral each other in the round-robin league to ued to progress as the champion that he is,” Hamilton added. over his role in the ball-tam- since grown into a formidable ODI outfit, cricket between the bitter South Asian determine the four teams who will advance “How he presents himself, how he speaks, he continues to grow and pering scandal in South Africa rekindling hopes of breaking their World neighbours means their fans can only to the semi-finals at Old Traff ord and Edg- the words that he uses today. The respect has grown, actually, a last month in which batsman Cup duck on home soil. watch them in ICC events. baston. Lord’s will host a World Cup final considerable amount since then. I’m sure it will continue.” Cameron Bancroft was caught They begin against a South Africa side who “Because of the UK’s diverse population, for the fifth time. Vettel won the first two races of the season and leads Hamilton, the trying to alter the ball. After a have never been beyond the semi-finals. every competing team will also be guaran- “We know from previous ICC events that reigning champion who has not had a victory since last year, by wave of public anger, Cricket Ashes rivals Australia, currently recovering teed a ‘home crowd’ every time they play every country will be proudly supported at nine points heading into the fourth round of 21 grands prix. Australia later banned Smith and from a ball-tampering scandal, will begin at some of the most iconic cricket grounds each of the venues creating an exceptional The German notably stepped in to defend Hamilton in Bahrain this his deputy David Warner for 12 their title defence against plucky qualifiers in the world,” the tournament’s managing atmosphere and a real celebration of the month when the Briton was quizzed about bad language used in the months. Bancroft was given a Afghanistan on June 1 at Bristol. director Steve Elworthy said in a game,” ICC chief executive Dave Richard- cooling down room in relation to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. nine-month suspension. Cricket Australia is searching for a new statement. son said. Asked whether what happened last year would be good motivation “Quite honestly we were wor- for him this weekend, the Ferrari driver poured cold water on the ried about poor player behaviour suggestion. “I know it might sound like a good story but not really,” before that,” said Richardson. He said letting umpires send off and on-fi eld actions.” Umpires have since last year already been he told reporters. “I think you always learn something from every “There have just been too many book players “will be part of the discussion. Richardson said he was not convinced able to send off players for violence and race and some races you learn diff erent things to others and Baku incidents of sledging, ugly abu- “When it comes to time wasting and things that red and yellow cards “will be as easy to other extreme behaviour but this has not yet last year was very diff erent to other races.” sive language and dissent.” like that we want the umpires to take more implement as in other sports”. been used.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Pakistan cricket chief Hyderabad beat Punjab by 13 runs plays down Hasan’s IANS Nair departed soon after Mohamed Nabi (4) in the fi nal Hyderabad failing to read Rashid’s googly over of the innings. Put in to which trapped him plumb in bat, the hosts were saved from antics at India border front even as Manoj Tiwary (1) the blushes by Pandey’s fi ghting pin twins Rashid Khan was welcomed with a couple of 51-ball knock, laced with three AFP “Our national cricket teams al- and Shakib Al Hasan fi ery lbw appeals from the Af- fours and a six after Rajpoot re- Karachi ways go to the Wagah Border shared fi ve be- ghan.Punjab’s nightmare con- duced them to 27/3 in the fi rst for the fl ag lowering ceremony,” tween them to help Sun- tinued in the next over when fi ve overs. Pandey, however Sethi told Pakistan media. risersS Hyderabad defend a mea- Shakib packed back Aaron Finch found a companion in Bangla- akistan Cricket Board “It’s unfortunate that social gre 132 against Kings XI Punjab (8) after being clobbered for a desh skipper Shakib, who made (PCB) chief Najam Sethi media has given it a political col- by 13 runs in a nail-biting Indian massive six on the previous ball. the most of the two reprieves, yesterday played down our, what he did he usually does Premier League (IPL) clash as Medium pacer Sandeep Shar- striking a 29-ball 28, laced with allegations that the na- after taking a .” the Orange Army vaulted to the ma added salt to Punjab’s woes three hits to the fence and forged tionalP team’s star pacer Hasan Ali Hasan became the top ranked No.2 spot in the points table. by packing Tiwary soon after as a 52-run fourth wicket stand. overstepped the mark during an one-day international bowler in Demoted to No.3, Kings XI the visitors’ chase derailed af- But the joy was short-lived appearance at the border where he global rankings last year follow- Punjab squandered a watchful ter losing six wickets in a span as 17-year-old mystery spin- squared off with Indian soldiers. ing his 13 wickets in Pakistan’s 55-run opening start from Chris of just 37 runs. Skipper Ravi- ner Mujeeb Ur Rahman ended The viral video of the 24-year- Champions Trophy triumph in Gayle and Lokesh Rahul before chandran Ashwin (4), Andrew the partnership with the wicket old pacer at the main border England. He has so far played falling apart, as Rashid (3/19) Tye (4) and Barinder Sran (2) of Shakib. Shakib’s dismissal crossing at Wagah in Pakistan’s two Tests, 20 one-day interna- and Shakib (2/18) triggered could hardly off er any resist- brought in an experienced Yusuf Punjab province over the week- tional and 16 . During a batting collapse to see the ance as the home bowlers con- Pathan (21 not out off 19; 4x1, end sent shockwaves through the same ceremony at the border, team home amid thunderous tinued their stronghold. With 6x1) who was forced to curb his social media in the subcontinent. senior batsman Azhar Ali off ered applause from the vociferous the target gradually getting out natural game, even as Pandey During the incident Ali puff ed more conciliatory gestures, say- crowd at the Rajiv Gandhi Inter- of Punjab’s hands, tailenders reached his fi fty by sending Tye’s out his chest mimicking gestures ing he hoped for eventual peace national Stadium yesterday. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (10 not out) slower one to the extra cover made by Pakistani border guards between the arch-rivals – who While Gayle (23 off 22 balls; and Ankit Rajpoot (8) got a few boundary. and also slapped his thigh while have not played a bilateral series 4x1, 6x2) started with a thun- ’s Rasid Khan celebrates after taking the wicket hits before Thampi uprooted Afghan all-rounder Nabi then staring down Indian security since January 2013. derous six over off -spinner Mo- of Kings XI Punjab’s R.Ashwin (not in the picture) during their IPL Rajpoot’s middle stick to take joined Pathan for the fi nal two forces, a gesture he often does on “Peace is the way forward,” hamed Nabi’s head before going match in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) his team home. deliveries but couldn’t trouble the pitch after taking a wicket. tweeted the batsman along with into a shell, Rahul (32 off 26; 4x4, Earlier, medium pacer Ankit the scorers much as Rajpoot had The performance was largely a picture, where he posed with 6x1) sent the Afghan tweaker to six, and helping his side past the of Gayle, who miscued a short Rajpoot (5/14) ripped through the last laugh. cheered by Pakistani cricket fans Indian and Pakistan forces at the cleaners on three consecu- 50-run mark. ball to non-existent square-leg the Hyderabad batting to re- but drew protests from Indian Wagah. India-Pakistan ties, in- tive occasions to outscore his With Punjab sailing smoothly only to fi nd the bowler complet- strict them to a paltry 132. Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hydera- users who slammed the display cluding sports and cultural con- West Indian opening partner. towards the target, Kane Wil- ing a clean catch. At 57/2, Pun- The 24-year-old Rajpoot bad 132/6 (Manish Pandey 54, as jingoistic. “No bro, just no. tacts, plummeted after the 2008 Rahul’s innings was laced liamson brought in his strike jab needed to start afresh with started off with the key wickets Shakib Al Hasan 28; Ankit Ra- Use your platform to do some- militant attacks in Mumbai. Del- with a range of stylish cover bowler Rashid Khan, who re- Mayank Agarwal (12) and Karun of skipper Kane Williamson (0), jpoot 5/14) beat Kings XI Punjab thing constructive, not spread hi has suspended most bilateral drives and straight drives even sponded in style by hammering Nair (13) joining forces, but left- Shikhar Dhawan (11) and Wrid- (Lokesh Rahul 32, Chris Gayle hate!” one Indian fan tweeted. sporting ties with Pakistan since as Gayle found back his groove Rahul’s off -stump with a goog- arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan dhiman Saha (6) from his fi rst 23; Rashid Khan 3/19, Basil However Sethi played down 2008, with high-profi le cricket by welcoming medium pacer ly. Thampi (2/14) then joined nipped the partnership in the three overs before returning to Thampi 2/14, Shakib Al Hasan Hasan’s antics, dismissing at- tours bearing the brunt of the Basil Thampi for a thunderous the party by getting the better bud with the wicket of Agarwal. pick Manish Pandey (54) and 2/18) by 13 runs. tempts to politicise the incident. moratorium. Gulf Times Friday, April 27, 2018 7 SPORT

CRICKET Qatar enter next round of World T20 Asia Qualifi er

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar has qualifi ed for the next round of the ICC World Asia Qualifi er ‘A’. Yesterday, Qatar registered a comfortableQ fi ve-wicket win over Bah- rain at the Asia Sub-Regional Qualifi er tournament in Kuwait City. Top three fi nishers will advance to the Asian regional fi nal where they are to clash with three other qualifi ers for two qualifying spots. UAE had already made it to next round, having fi nished as the group toppers. Today, Qatar will take on the UAE in the fi nal for the group champion honours. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will clash for the third place, the winners of which will join Qatar and UAE in the next round of qualifying tournament. At the Sulaibiya Cricket Ground, Bahrain asked to set target by Qatar, Qatar’s Zaheer Ibrahim with the could only manage 112 for eight in the man of the match award. allotted 20 overs. A 33-run partnership for the sixth wicket, lifting Qatar to the fourth suc- wicket by Imran Anwar (20 with two cessive victory. This was Qatar’s fourth fours) and Yasser Nazir (18 with a four), win in a row, having only lost to UAE in was the main feature of the Bahrain in- the group stage. nings that saw a late collapse master- minded by Awais Malik. BRIEF SCORES In the 19th over, Malik snared three Bahrain 112 for eight in 20 overs (Fiaz wickets to restrict the rivals. He fi rst Ahmed 11, Mohamed Sameer 18, P Kurup ended Anwar’s 16-ball knock, getting 15, Yasser Nazir 18, Imran Anwar 20, Bilal him caught by Khurram Shahzad. Off Qatar cricket team players and off icials celebrate after their win over Bahrain in the ICCWorld Twenty20 Asia Sub-Regional Qualifier tournament in Kuwait City. Mansoor not out 20; Tamoor Sajjad 2-9, the fourth ball, he bowled Nazir and Awais Malik 3-23) lost to Qatar 115 for five fi nished his over with a scalp of Zee- mered three sixes off Iqbal Hussain to wickets, had an impressive two for 9 chase, reached the target with 20 balls balls to lay the foundation for victory. in 16.4 overs (Inam-ul-Haq 16, Kamran shan Abbas (0). get 20 not out off just fi ve balls. Ta- fi gures in his four overs. Qatar, despite to spare. Zaheer Ibrahim smashed a six Ibrahim and Shahzad (10 off 20 balls) Khan 16, Zaheer Ibrahim not out 43; Khur- In a late blast, Bilal Mansoor ham- moor Sajjad, who picked up fi rst two suff ering two quick blows during their and fi ve fours in his unbeaten 43 off 37 added 34 runs for the unbroken sixth ram Shahzad not out 10) by five wickets

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS Nadal eases into Salmeen continues Barcelona quarters, Dimitrov edges Jaziri

Reuters when he went 4-2 up against the Barcelona second seed in the third. Former world number one No- his winning run at vak Djokovic had been sent pack- orld number fi ve ing from the tournament the day Grigor Dimitrov before by Martin Klizan while survived an al- Kei Nishikori was forced to retire mighty scare against during his match against Garcia- Woutsider Malek Jaziri yesterday Lopez due to a wrist injury. to edge into the Barcelona Open Jaziri took a few moments out Hathab Series quarter-fi nals beating the Tuni- on the sidelines after experienc- sian 7-5 3-6 7-6(8) following a ing discomfort with his shoul- nail-biting tiebreak. der and consulted his coach and Qatari rider tops Big Tour on Guilder’s Empire of the Sun on Day 1 of final round Top seed Rafa Nadal, who has doctor before continuing. won the tournament 10 times, Bulgarian Dimitrov came back By Sahan Bidappa also reached the last eight after to level at 5-5 but was under Doha dispatching compatriot Guill- pressure in the 12th game, before ermo Garcia-Lopez 6-1 6-3 and holding on to force the tiebreak. claiming a record-extending Dimitrov spurned two match almeen Sultan al-Suwaidi was 40th consecutive set on clay. points in the tiebreak and missed once again the rider to beat as the Fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno another chance to close out the Qatari topped the Big Tour class Busta beat Frenchman Adrian match two points later when his on the opening day of the 12th Mannarino 6-2 4-6 7-6 (8-6) shot landed just wide. andS the fi nal leg of the Hathab national in an another thrilling three- It was Jaziri’s turn to serve for equestrian series. setter that had fans on the Rafael the match at 8-7 but he sent a At the indoor arena of Al Shaqab yes- Nadal court watching the world shot crashing wide under little terday, the 23-year-old Salmeen astride number one turning their heads pressure. Guilder’s Empire of the Sun posted the towards the action unfolding on Dimitrov fi nally ended Jaziri’s fastest time of 57.52 seconds to emerge the adjacent Court One. resistance on his fourth match triumphant. Salmeen had also stormed Carreno Busta is ranked 11th point when the Tunisian found to wins in two categories in the 11th and in the world to Mannarino’s 27th the net to end a match lasting penultimate round of the Hathab held at but after blitzing the fi rst set he two hours 49 minutes. Souq Waqif fortnight ago. He and Guil- succumbed in the second and Klizan beat Spaniard Feliciano der’s Empire of the Sun was once again survived a match point to take a Lopez 6-1 6-4 to reach the quar- in their elements yesterday. They com- delicately-poised tiebreak. ter-fi nals and last year’s runner- bined to a fl awless and faultless routine Jaziri, ranked 88th in the up Dominic Thiem also made in Table A, One round against the clock Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi rides world, hit back against Dimitrov the last eight, beating Jozef Ko- (130/140cm) 238.2.1 class event, which Guilder’s Empire of the Sun to after surrendering the fi rst set to valik of Slovakia 7-6 6-2. Greek earned the rider QR8,250 in prize money. victory in the Big Tour Class comfortably take the second and Stefanos Tsitsipas meanwhile Salmeen, who also competes for Qatar during the 12th leg of the Hathab he looked poised to cause the lat- knocked out Spaniard Albert Ra- internationally, has missed out on seven Equestrian Series at Al Shaqab est high-profi le exit in Barcelona mos Vinolas 6-4 7-5. legs of Hathab but has dominant in the yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi fi ve including this round. Given his ex- cellent show, he could well be among the top overall fi nishers tomorrow, when the winners will be declared as the six month Ostapenko takes long Hathab series come to an end. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi on S I E C Lon- winning step on clay nie was second with a time of 61.19secs. He was followed by Nasser al-Ghazali Stuttgart: Roland Garros this year, it was a little bit tough, on Quel Homme in third in a time of champion Jelena Ostapenko a lot of pressure but I think I 63.73secs. million and began in October 2017. continued to build for her Paris got used to it; especially after In the Medium Tour, Mohamed Said title defence with a 6-3, 6-0 win the Miami final (which she lost Haidan riding mare Applebee took the top RESULTS over Zarina Diyas yesterday at to Sloane Stephens) I’m feeling spot. The winning time was 62.87secs. Big Tour, Table A, One round against the the Stuttgart Grand Prix. much better.” The second place went to Mohamed Sul- clock , Art. 238.2.1, 130/140 cm, Prize The Latvian was joined in the Pliskova hammered 15 aces tan al-Suwaidi on Numero Uno-T came Money: QR 30,000 quarter-finals at the Porsche as she beat Kudermetova in a in 65.63secs while Sheikh Abdullah bin 1. Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi. Horse: Guilder’s arena by fifth seed Karolina match that lasted just past the Nasser al-Thani astride Dollar Van De Empire Of The Sun. Time: 57.52secs. Prize Pliskova as the Czech beat 90-minute mark. Third seed Eli- Zuuthoeve fi nished third in 69.50secs. money: QR8,250 Russian qualifier Veronika na Svitolina advanced as Czech The Small Tour was dominated by 2. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi. S I E C Lonnie. Kudermetova 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. qualifier Marketa Vondrousova Abdulla Rashid al-Amri, who won the 61.19secs. QR6,000 Ostapenko, ranked fifth on retired trailing 2-6, 6-1, 3-2 in One round against the clock (100/115cm) 3. Nasser al-Ghazali. Quel Homme. 63.73secs. the WTA rankings, broke her their third-round contest. 238.2.1 class event on his mount Cin- QR4,500 52nd Kazakh opponent five American CoCo Vandeweghe derella B clocking 50.47secs. Mohammed Medium Tour, Table A, One round against times as she won in just 63 min- extended her unexpected run al-Ghazali on Casanova SCH was second the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 120/130 cm, Prize utes. “The early matches are of clay form, beating defending (50.65secs) and Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi Money: QR20,000 tough but I think I played really champion Laura Siegemund of third on Daydreamer EC (51.15secs). 1. Mohamed Said Haidan. Horse: Apple Bee. well today and I’m just happy Germany 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. The fi nal round of Hathab is a three- Time: 62.87secs. Prize money: QR5,000 with the win,” Ostapenko said. The Californian, ranked 16th day competition and will continue till 2. Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi. Numero Uno The 20-year-old added that after breaking into the top 10 tomorrow. The best seven results out of – T. 65.63secs. QR4,000 said she is still adjusting to life last season, said her secret ap- the total twelve will be taken into account 3. Shiekh Abdulla bin Nasser al-Thani. Dollar as a Grand Slam champion. “I pears to be playing relaxed. and accordingly the winners will be an- Van De Zuuthoeve. 69.50secs. QR3,000 expected I could win a Grand “I probably have more fun on nounced for each and every category. Small Tour, Table A, One round against Slam but not at this early age. clay since I don’t care too much Hathab, meaning “Canter” in Arabic, is the clock , Art. 238.2.1, 100/115 cm, Prize “I just understood a couple of about it,” she said prior to only an initiative of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- Money: QR10,000 months later. Of course there is the second clay quarter-final of mad al Thani, President of the Qatar Ol- 1. Abdulla Rashid al-Amri. Horse: Cinderella B. more attention from everyone. her career where she will face ympic Committee. Time: 50.47secs. Prize money: QR2,500 I got more popular especially top seed Simona Halep. The Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) 2. Mohammed al-Ghazali. Casanova SCH. in my country and almost Carolina Garcia knocked out and Al Shaqab equestrian centre forged a 50.65secs. QR2,000 every match I played I was the 15-year-old Ukrainian prodigy new alliance to conduct the Hathab series 3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi. Daydreamer EC. favourite. At the beginning of Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. which carries a total prize-money of QR1 51.15secs. QR1,500 The Medium Tour podium winners pose with the off icials.

Friday, April 27, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Acrobate wins Al Karana Cup to cap big season for Ghazali Faleh Bughanaim rides Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani-trained Al Lusail to Al Jassasiya Cup win

By Mikhil Bhat Avranche), 2. Istibdad (Marc Doha Lerner), 3. Flower Festival (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Holy Roman Prince (Tadgh O’Shea). Won by: assim Mohamed Ghaz- 1, 1/2, 3 1/2. Time: 1:38.31. Owner: ali’s stranglehold on the Shafi Mohamed al-Shafi. Trainer: trainer’s championship Zuhair Mohsen. continued as he capped Race 2: 1. E’zaaz (Stephan Ladj- theJ 2017-18 season with four adj), 2. Jalwa Al Jazeera (Saleem winners on the fi nal day of rac- Golam), 3. Shmoos (Almotasem ing, including Khalifa bin Sheail al-Balushi), 4. Ellianka (Tadgh al-Kuwari’s Acrobate, winner of O’Shea). Won by: 5 3/4, 2 3/4, 1. season-ending Al Karana Cup, at Time: 1:18.54. Owner: Al Shahania the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Stud. Trainer: Pierre Deymonaz. Club (QREC) yesterday. Race 3: 1. Saar (Gerald Avranche), In the penultimate race of the 2. Al Watan (Tadgh O’Shea), 3. day, Al Jassasiya Cup for local Latamah (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Thoroughbreds, Qatari trainer- Damsah (Saleem Golam). Won jockey duo of Hadi Nasser al- by: 1, 1, 1 1/4. Time: 1:40.79. Owner: Ramzani and Faleh Bughanaim Mohamed Abdulla al-Moadhadi. emerged as winners with Mo- Trainer: Zuhair Mohsen Zuhair hamed bin Hamad Khalifa al- Maki. Attiyah’s Al Lusail beating half- Race 4: 1. Third Order (Tadgh brother Footprintinthesand, O’Shea), 2. Perigee (JP Guillam- helmed by Saleem Golam, in the bert), 3. French Encore (Faleh seven-furlong run. Bughanaim), 4. China Club (Jean In the fi nal race of the season, Baptiste Hamel). Won by: 1/4, 3 JP Guillambert had Acrobate stay 1/4, 1 1/2. Time: 1:37.43. Owner: on the heels of Stephan Ladjadj- Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) deputy chief steward Abdulla al-Kubaisi with the winners of Al Karana Cup after Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Acrobate won the mile-long race at the Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Mohamed ridden Topsy Turvy, the favour- QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Riyaz Ibrahim Kasim. ite, before taking the advantage a Race 5: 1. Deebaj (Marc Lerner), furlong out in the miler. Mohamed Riyaz-trained Third 2. Diese (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Under Bughanaim’s ride, al- Order won by a quarter of a Arbed (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 4. Ramzani ward Vitally Important length, while French Encore was Abercrombie (Saleem Golam). moved on to the rails and moved third under Qatari jockey Faleh Won by: 1/2, Nk, 3/4. Time: 1:46.41. forward to threaten Acrobate, but Bughanaim. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al- the latter held on well to win by Al Shahania Stud’s E’zaaz Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Moham- a length, while Zuhair Mohsen- made it two in a row as Stephan ed Ghazali. trained Bluebeard, with Gerald Ladjadj guided Pierre Deymon- Race 6: 1. Wayside Flower (Jean Avranche in the saddle, beat Ib- az’s charge to a victory in the six- Baptiste Hamel), 2. Harry’s Danc- rahim al-Malki-saddled Topsy furlong Thoroughbred Handicap er (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. Hillside Turvy for the third spot. event for horses rated 80 and Dream (Marc Lerner), 4. Mango “In this business, you are only below. Tango (Saleem Golam). Won as good as the horse you are rid- The colt has shown versatility by: 1, 1 3/4, 7 1/4. Time: 1:36.54. ing. On paper, he didn’t seem to having shed his maiden status Owner: Injaaz Stud. Trainer: Jas- have a chance but he went right over a mile, following it up with sim Mohamed Ghazali. till the end and did well to win,” a victory over a sprint yesterday. Race 7: 1. Galactic Prince (Marc Guillambert, who picked up his The fi ve-year-old beat Hassan Lerner), 2. Hall Of Mirrors (Ad- 24th win for the season, told Gulf al-Matwi’s Jalwa Al Jazeera, with nan Hawa), 3. Quelindo (Carlo Times yesterday. Jockey JP Guillambert rides Acrobate to victory in the Al Karana Cup Saleem Golam in the saddle, by a Fiocchi), 4. Qatari Gold (Gerald “As far as the season goes, for at the QREC yesterday. little less than six lengths. Avranche). Won by: Shd, 1, No. jockeys, if there are no injuries, Earlier in the day, Zuhair Time: 2:31.59. Owner: Shaheen it’s a good season, and fortunate- son with her third straight victo- front alongside Ahmed Kobeis- Mohsen-saddled Al Mikdam bin Khalid Shaheen al-Ghanim. ly that’s how it was this season.” ry, winning the mile-long Pure- si-schooled Hall of Mirrors, the went one better than his last out- Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali was palpably beaming bred Arabian Handicap event former had won with a nose in ing to shed his maiden status on Ghazali. with pride at the end of the day. yesterday. the front at the line. the fi nal day of racing, after hav- Race 8: 1. Al Lusail (Faleh Bugha- “I had been training my horses to When Lerner let her go on Wayside Flower brushed aside ing despite having seven top- naim), 2. Footprintinthesand (Sal- peak at the right time for the big the home straight, and he did so a lull in her results to end the sea- three fi nishes so far this season. eem Golam), 3. Montaser (Jean races, and they did exactly that. in time, the fi lly took off on the son on a high with a win in the Under Gerald Avranche, the colt Baptiste Hamel), 4. Mosayter To win seven races in the fi nal outside to edge out the competi- Class 3 Thoroughbreds event for topped the card-opening Thor- (Marc Lerner). Won by: 2 3/4, week of racing, it’s a great feel- tion at the line by half a length. fi llies and mares. The four-year- oughbred Maiden Plate event. Hd, 1 3/4. Time: 1:25.06. Owner: ing,” Ghazali said. Alban de Mieulle’s ward, Diese, old picked up a fi ne win, beating Mohsen also had a one-two Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa Ghazali had three more win- and Hossin Mohamed Ashour- Stephan Ladjadj-helmed Har- later in the day, with Avranche al-Attiyah. Trainer: Hadi Nasser ners on the day, with Marc Lerner trained Arbed had been jostling ry’s Dancer by a length for the yet again guiding the winner, this al-Ramzani. helming two, including Kha- for the lead on the home straight win, with another Ghazali ward, Trainer Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani (right) congratulates jockey Faleh time in the colours of Mohamed Race 9: 1. Acrobate (JP Guillam- lifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Deebaj before they had to settle for sec- Lerner-ridden Hillside Dream, Bughanaim after he rode Al Lusail to Al Jassasiya Cup victory at the Abdulla al-Moadhadi. Saar did bert), 2. Vitally Important (Faleh and Shaheen bin Khalid Shaheen ond and third respectively. making it to the top three in the QREC yesterday. enough at the line to edge out Bughanaim), 3. Bluebeard (Ger- al-Ghanim’s Galactic Prince, and In the 2400m Class 2 Thor- miler. early leader Al Watan, ridden by ald Avranche), 4. Topsy Turvy Jean Baptiste Hamel guiding In- oughbreds run, Lerner and Ga- Injaaz Stud’s Third Order Tadgh O’Shea’s mount and JP early leader Mind of Madness, O’Shea, by a length at the line. (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: 1, 1/4, jaaz Stud’s Wayside Flower. lactic Prince had to deal with edged out al-Kuwari’s Perigee Guillambert-ridden Perigee both with Khadija Abdulwahed in 2 1/4. Time: 1:36.19. Owner: Khalifa Deebaj started with a hat-trick traffi c coming on to the fi nal in a thrilling fi nish to register picked up pace almost 200m out the saddle, to top the mile-long RESULTS bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jas- of her own, closing out her sea- straight, and after he moved up his fi rst victory on turf in Qatar. on the outside and eased past Thoroughbred Handicap event. Race 1: 1. Al Mikdam (Gerald sim Mohamed Ghazali.

RALLY Al-Attiyah hits the ground running with fastest time By Our Correspondent and Asem Aref had attended an of- 15.01hrs after a return to the Dead Sea Dead Sea, Jordan fi cial Q&A session with the media on service area at lunchtime. the start podium. First blood in the competitive MERC 2 category fell to Positions after SS1 asser Saleh al-Attiyah Kuwait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri after the 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- cruised to the fastest time rain began to intensify as the stage thieu Baumel (FRA) Ford Fiesta R5 of 1min 35.9sec through the progressed and was falling heavily with 1min 35.9sec 1.71km Vestel super special sporadic thunder and lightning for the 2. Vojtech Stajf (CZE)/Marketa Skecelo- Nstage that kick-started the 2018 FIA later cars through the super special va (CZE) Skoda Fabia R5 1min 37.3sec Middle East Rally Championship on stage. Jordan’s Ahmad Shaban fi nished 3. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan the stage three seconds behind the Ku- al-Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo yesterday afternoon. waiti and Khaled Juma was a further X 1min 43.2sec The Ford Fiesta R5 driver is chas- 1.8 seconds adrift. 4. Khaled Juma (JOR)/Emad Juma ing a 14th regional title and a record- Twenty-one-year old Omani Ab- (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 1min equalling 12th win in Jordan. He and dullah al-Rawahi completed his fi rst 48.0sec French navigator Mathieu Baumel will ever MERC stage in seventh position 5. Ahmed Shaban (JOR)/Shadi Shaban take a lead of just 1.4 seconds over the after stalling close to the stage fi nish. (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 1min Czech duo of Vojtech Stajf and Mar- The rookie said: “We saw the stages 46.2sec keta Skacelova into the gravel stages on on the recce and they are really amaz- 6. Ihab Al-Shorafa (JOR)/Yousef Juma Friday after tackling the opening stage ing. The fi rst one will be really tough (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX 1min in torrential rain. The Škoda Fabia R5 tomorrow. We will have to take care. 53.3sec crew are taking part in the Hashemite They are nice and fl owing and beauti- 7. Abdullah al-Rawahi (OMN)/Zakariya Kingdom for the fi rst time. ful in the mountains. al-Ofi (OMN) Subaru Impreza STi N14 “This is only my second gravel rally “This is a really good opportunity for 1min 55.5sec after the Shiraz International in Iran me. The stages here are cleaner than 8. Henry Kahy (LEB)/Musa Djiyerian last year,” said Štajf. “I was talking to Oman, where they are a bit rougher (JOR) Škoda Fabia 2min 01.8sec Nasser there last year and he suggested and more technical. My strategy is to 9. Asem Aref (JOR)/Faris Tal (JOR) that I take part in some rallies in the fi nish the rally and keep the car safe. Renault Clio RX 2min 06.9sec Middle East. I am a tarmac driver but This is my fi rst rally. I have been kart- I approached my sponsors and here ing for about 10 years and I decided 2nd Jordan National Rally we are. The goal is not to try and beat to move into cars and rallying was the Positions after SS1 Nasser. The goal is to learn as much as best option for me. I have very little 1. Tarek al-Taher (JOR)/Samer Issa I can and be as close to him as I can on experience of rallying at home but I Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (left) and Matthieu Baumel (centre) with chairman of Jordan Motorsport Prince Feisal al-Hussein. (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI 2min these very diffi cult stages.” will be learning a lot here.” 03.7sec Cars were fl agged away from the Lebanon’s Henry Kahy and Jor- Amir Tareq al-Taher, Zeid Miqdad, left the track and rolled in the slippery and Bliss FM. 2. Salamah al-Gammaz (JOR)/Feisal al- ceremonial start podium by Prince danian co-driver Musa Djiyerian got Salameh al-Gammaz and Raed al- conditions and lost over two and a half Today, crews will tackle two runs Gammaz (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Feisal al-Hussein, Chairman of Jordan their regional rallying campaign in a Edwan are tackling the second round minutes. through three special stages, com- V 2min 16.3sec Motorsport, in gloomy weather condi- Group A Škoda Fabia underway with of the Jordan National Championship The 36th edition of the Jordan Rally mencing with the 19.0km of the Mahes 3. Ziad Miqdad (JOR)/Hassan Miqdad tions, as dark storm clouds gathered the eighth quickest time. and additional points are available this is running with the support of Kroon test at 10.04hrs. Palms (30.2km) and (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII 2min menacingly in the Dead Sea area. Local driver Asem Aref, co-driven by weekend. Tarek al-Taher clocked the Oil, VESTEL, Hilton Dead Sea Resort the Baptism Site (11.70km) follow at 33.8sec Minutes earlier, Meshari al-Thefi ri, Faris Tal, guided his little two-wheel fastest time in the saturated opening and Spa, the King Hussein Bin Ta- 10.47his and 11.45hrs, respectively. 4. Raad al-Advan (JOR)/Zaid Abdul Abdullah al-Ruwaihi, Nasser Saleh al- drive Renault Clio RX safely through super special stage to lead Salamah al- lal Convention Centre managed by The three stages are repeated in the Ghani (JOR) Arctic Cat Wildcat 4min Attiyah, Vojtech Štajf, Ahmad Shaban the opener at the rear of the fi eld. Gammaz by 12.6 seconds. Al-Edwan Hilton, Guarantee travel group, Hala afternoon at 13.25hrs, 14.03hrs and 49.6sec.