FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 TTENNISENNIS | Page 7 Bayern Munich Nadal into beat Eintracht, Barcelona fi nal Cologne with 400th relegated clay win

Sunday, April 29, 2018 FORMULA 1 Sha’baan 13, 1439 AH Third straight pole GULF TIMES for Vettel, Hamilton shares front row SPORT Page 6 FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP Al-Attiyah equals record with 12th Jordan Rally win Win was al-Attiyah’s record-breaking 67th in MERC history and 16th for his French co-driver Baumel

By A Correspondent Emad Juma had hoped to challenge al- Dead Sea, Jordan Thefi ri over the closing stages, but had to be satisfi ed with fourth overall and maximum points on the second round asser Saleh al-Attiyah of the Jordan National Championship. matched another major mile- Local rivals Ahmad and Shadi Shaban stone in the history of the FIA fi nished fi fth and Ihab al-Shorafa and Middle East Rally Champion- Yousef Juma were classifi ed in sixth shipN by equalling Mohamed Ben Su- place. layem’s 12 victories at the Jordan Rally Lebanon’s Henry Kahy had to send yesterday. his Skoda Fabia to Jordan via Jeddah Al-Attiyah and French navigator and his hard work with Jordanian co- Matthieu Baumel began the fi nal day driver Musa Djiyerian was rewarded with a lead of 4min 20.9sec and reached with seventh overall and two-wheel the Dead Sea fi nish of a rally that had drive honours. been modifi ed because of freak heavy Salameh al-Gammaz led the way rains on Thursday evening with a win- in the Jordan National category from ning margin of 8min 03.2sec. Zeid Miqdad, Tareq al-Taher and Raed The success was al-Attiyah’s record- al-Advan, but Juma was registered for breaking 67th in MERC history and a both rallies and claimed maximum 16th for Baumel, who drew level with points in the local series. Al-Gammaz John Spiller as the fourth most success- slotted into third position. ful co-driver in regional history behind Action in the FIA Middle East Rally Ronan Morgan (41 wins), and a tying Championship continues with the Cy- Giovanni Bernacchini and Chris Pat- prus Rally on June 15-17. terson (25 wins apiece). A delighted al-Attiyah said: “I think POSITIONS AFTER SS14 (top five) we did a clever race. I am happy with 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- the performance and to equal the thieu Baumel (FRA) Ford Fiesta R5 1hr record of wins here is a nice feeling. We 56min 30.3sec already have the record of winning the 2. Vojtech Stajf (CZE)/Markéta Skáce- most number of Middle East rallies. We lová (CZE) Škoda Fabia R5 2hrs 04min will try and get the new record for the 33.5sec Middle East Championships this year.” 3. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser Al- Vojtech Stajf and Marketa Skace- Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X lova overcame a substantial fi rst day 2hrs 06min 50.3sec time loss because of a puncture to re- 4. Khaled Juma (JOR)/Emad Juma (JOR) gain second place in their Skoda Fabia Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 2hrs 14min R5. A good tyre choice worked in their 16.1sec favour as they set a target of overhaul- 5. Ahmed Shaban (JOR)/Shadi Shaban ing Kuwait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri. The Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (right) and French co-driver Matthieu Baumel celebrate their victory in the Jordan Rally yesterday. (Twitter/LordPerkins) (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 2hrs Czech belied his limited experience of 18min 45.2sec gravel rallying to shadow al-Attiyah to I heard great things about the stages. I harsh conditions. The pace notes were and a good measurement for me.” Al-Thefi ri said: “It has been a good the fi nish. could not believe that we did the recce in not perfect and I was not able to trust Al-Thefi ri and navigator Nasser al- rally, big gap, about fi ve minutes. We FIA MERC STANDINGS (top five) “The priority is the Czech Champi- temperatures of 37°C and sun and then them. We had to play catch up but we Kuwari were the class of the MERC 2 start the second day in second over- 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) 39pts onship for my sponsors and I always try the stage by the Jordan River would be are happy to fi nish second. It’s a good fi eld in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution all. But the Czech driver was very fast. 2. Vojtech Stajf (CZE) 29pts and fi nd some more rallies that are inter- cancelled because of the bad weather. start to the MERC for us. On some X and the Kuwaiti was rewarded with Third is a good start for me and a good 3. Meshari al-Thefiri (KWT) 26pts esting,” said Stajf. “This rally was a part “The fi rst leg was very hard because events I would like to try and catch a maximum haul of showroom class step for the championship.” 4. Khaled Juma (JOR) 20pts of the World Rally Championship and we had never driven an R5 car in such Nasser on some stages. He is a fast guy points and third overall. The Jordanian crew of Khaled and 5. Ahmed Shaban (JOR) 16pts

FOOTBALL / EMIR CUP Al Khor dash Markhiya’s dream to enter quarters

By Sports Reporter Rafi ei strike was initially blocked by In today’s third round matches, Me- Doha Khuroob but the rebound landed in front saimeer will face Al Sailiya at 5:15pm, of Ngueukam, who dived to slot the head- while Al Wakrah take on Al Arabi at 8pm. er past hapless Al Markhiya goalkeeper. Both the matches will be played at the l Khor held their nerves to beat Markhiya went all out for the equal- Grand Hamad stadium. Al Markhiya 10-9 on penal- iser, playing mainly on the fl anks and Second League side Mesaimeer had ties and secure a place in the using long balls to good eff ect. But they stunned Al Ahli 3-1 in the penalty shoot- quarter-fi nals of the Emir Cup failed to fi nd the net as Al Khor held on out in the second round last week. They Ayesterday. to the lead in the fi rst half. will be hoping to be the winning side Both the teams were locked at 1-1 af- After the breather, Markhiya were against another QNB Stars League side ter regulation time in their third round given a lease of life when Saleh Bader Al Sailiya today. match at the Abdulla bin Khalifa Sta- al-Yazidi scored in the 56th minute after Meanwhile, another Second Division dium. The penalties that ensued saw a receiving a delightful pass from attack- side Al Wakrah will be on a high after marathon session after both the team’s ing midfi elder Eric de Oliveira Pereira. they beat Qatar SC 3-2 in round two. players converted their spot kicks to The Brazilian’s pin-point pass sent al- After trailing 2-0 at one time, Wakrah make it 9-9. Then it was the turn of Yazidi racing clear of Al Khor defence staged a remarkably fi ghtback through goalkeepers to take the strike and it was and the on-loan midfi elder from Al Sadd Prince Ibara and Hasan al-Hassan. Al Khor’s Khalifa Ababacar Ndiaye who lashed past Ndiaye. Wakrah will rely on the two again if they emerged as the hero for his team. Markhiya looked good for more but have to get past Al Arabi at the latter’s Al Markhiya’s goalkeeper Moham- were dealt a body blow after being re- home ground. ed Khuroob shot wide of the post and duced to 10 men. Aden Ali Quilnela was The top four teams in the QNB Stars Ndiaye duly converted the next one past sent off in 68th minute after he fouled League – Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan Khuroob to send his team to the quarter- Ndiaye in the Al Khor box. and Al Gharafa — will kick off their cam- fi nals. Awaiting Al Khor in the last four Pereira had ran clear of Al Khor de- paigns directly from the quarter-fi nal stage are Al Sadd, who were one of the fence and picked out Quilnela in space, stage of the competition. top four QNB Stars League teams to re- but the midfi elder, in eagerness to score, The Emir Cup is the most prestig- ceive a bye into the quarter-fi nals. lunged into Ndiaye, injuring him in the ious domestic football tournament and Al Markhiya, who were relegated from process to pick his second yellow card. brings down the curtains on the nine- the QNB Stars League this season, put With a man down, Markhiya never month long football season in Qatar. The on a spirited fi ght but it wasn’t enough looked like scoring and in the penalties event off ers a chance for lower division in the end. suff ered heartbreak. teams to test their mettle against the big Al Khor took the lead in the ninth In the second match of the day, Umm guns as they bid to qualify for the fi nal at minute courtesy Ariel Ngueukam’s head- Salal beat Al Kharaitiyat 5-0, and will the Khalifa Stadium on May 19. Al Khor players celebrate their victory over Al Markhiya after the penalty shootout in the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup at er. Al Khor’s Iranian midfi elder Soroush face Al Duhail in the quarter-fi nals. Trophy Tour kicks off Page 7 Abdulla bin Khalifa Stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Gulf Times 2 Sunday, April 29, 2018 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA SPOTLIGHT Neymar recovery on track, will be back for Bayern see off World Cup: doctor

AFP Germain - whose last fi xture is scheduled against Caen on May 19 - but he remains on track to play in the World Cup in Russia eymar is working hard from June 14 to July 15. Kovac’s Eintracht, to recover from the Brazil’s players will attend a foot injury that side- training camp from May 21 to 27 lined him in February in Teresopolis, but Lasmar ac- Nand will be back in action by this knowledged that Neymar’s time summer’s World Cup, the Brazil off the pitch means he’ll at fi rst team doctor who operated on need a tailored fi tness program him promised on Friday. in the run-up to the World Cup. “Neymar is recovering the “We need to improve his Cologne relegated best way possible,” Rodrigo Las- physical fi tness because it has mar told GloboEsporte. probably decreased. Players re- Struggling Hamburg beat Wolfsburg 3-1 in relegation derby “He is working hard and the covering from injury deserve in- expectation is that he will ar- dividual evaluation to design the AFP rive well-prepared so he can best strategy for them,” Lasmar Berlin take part in excellent World Cup said. training,” Lasmar said. The 26-year-old forward - the Neymar who is recuperating most expensive player in history oungster Niklas Dor- in a Rio de Janeiro coastal man- - broke a bone in his right foot sch scored on debut as sion, said last week he would not on February 26 during his team’s a second-string Bayern return to the pitch until at least 3-0 rinsing of Marseille. Munich side cruised May 17 - the date of his fi nal But optimistic, he said last toY a 4-1 victory over future medical exam following his sur- week he hoped to bounce back coach Niko Kovac and Eintracht gery in Belo Horizonte on March to being even better than before Frankfurt in the yes- 3. in a bid to earn another star as a terday, while Cologne were rel- That pretty much puts a lid world champion with the Brazil- egated in dramatic fashion after on his season with Paris Saint- ian men’s national team. a 3-2 defeat by Freiburg. With all eyes on Tuesday’s Champions League clash with LIGUE 1 Real Madrid, Bayern rested several key players, giving fi rst- team debuts to the 20-year-old Dorsch, as well as teenagers Depay stars as Lyon Meritan Shabani and Franck Evina. Dorsch gave Bayern the lead beat Nantes to go 2nd from close range just before half-time, and Sandro Wagner doubled the lead in the second half. Sebastien Haller grabbed a back for Frankfurt, be- fore Rafi nha and Niklas Suele wrapped up victory for the hosts. Bayern will face Frankfurt and Kovac again in next month’s German Cup fi nal in Berlin. scored a goal in each half to give Freiburg a com- fortable lead, before a dramatic late comeback from Cologne. net- ted two goals in fi ve minutes to Lyon’s Memphis Depay celebrates scoring a goal against Nantes during give the visitors hope, but a late their Ligue 1 match yesterday. (Reuters) strike from Lucas Hoeler sealed Cologne’s fate. AFP The 24-year-old Dutchman Fellow strugglers Hamburg, Paris did the rest, turning onto his left meanwhile, fuelled hopes of a foot and fi ring into the bottom miraculous escape with a 3-1 corner past visiting goalkeeper win in Wolfsburg. emphis Depay con- Ciprian Tatarusanu. Bobby Wood fi red Hamburg tinued his remark- Lyon dominated in the second ahead from the penalty spot on able run of form with half but struggled to put their 43 minutes, ending his 247-day a goal and an assist dogged opponents away, with goal drought. Mas Lyon beat Nantes 2-0 yester- centre-back Marcelo heading Lewis Holtby doubled the day to strengthen their grip on a wide when unmarked at the back lead moments later, nodding top-three spot in Ligue 1. post from a Depay free-kick. Tatsuya Ito’s cross into the far Bruno Genesio’s men moved But the home side wrapped corner. into second in the table with up the points midway through Josip Brekalo pulled a goal three matches to play, two points the second half, as Depay jinked back for Wolfsburg 12 minutes above stuttering Monaco and past two defenders and teed up from time, but Luca Wald- three clear of Marseille. Bertrand Traore to slam the ball schmidt secured victory in Monaco take on Amiens later home. Former Manchester Unit- stoppage time for Hamburg. Bayern Munich’s German Niklas Dorsch (second from right) is congratulated by his teammates Serbian midfielder Meritan on Saturday, while Marseille ed winger Depay has now scored Hamburg’s third win in four Shabani (left), forward Sandro Wagner (second from right) and German midfielder (right) after scoring a goal during the visit Angers today as the two seven goals and assisted six in his games puts them just two points Bundesliga match against in Munich yesterday. (AFP) sides fi ght it out with Lyon for last six league games. adrift of safety as they bid to two Champions League spots Fekir drew a fl ying save from avoid a fi rst relegation in their Schalke’s Nabil Bentaleb was minutes but, in a cruel blow to fi rst half. with a well-placed shot on the behind champions Paris Saint- Tatarusanu as Lyon pressed in history. sent off early in the game, after his World Cup hopes, was car- In Berlin, Michael Gre- hour mark. Germain. Lyon took the lead fi ve vain for a third, but a straight- Elsewhere, Schalke drew 1-1 appearing to slap Gladbach cap- ried off the fi eld with an ankle goritsch’s defl ected shot looped A Vedad Ibisevic penalty and minutes before half-time as Na- foward victory over Claudio with Borussia Moenchenglad- tain Lars Stindl. injury before half-time. into the top corner to put Augs- a late strike from Davie Selke, bil Fekir ran clear of the Nantes Ranieri’s Nantes keeps their bach, while Hertha Berlin res- Stindl then set up Raff ael as Daniel Caligiuri levelled the burg ahead on 32 minutes, and however, rescued a point for midfi eld and picked out Depay Champions League hopes in cued a point against Augsburg. Gladbach took the lead on 32 scores with a penalty late in the Sergio Cordova doubled the lead Hertha. in space. their own hands.

FOCUS Simeone admits he must control his temper Reuters and could Madrid be banned for a further four games if UEFA decide to charge him for in- sulting a match offi cial and improper tletico Madrid coach Diego conduct. Simeone said yesterday he European soccer’s governing body needs to control his tem- will make a decision on May 4 and per during games and avoid if they give Simeone the maximum losingA his cool on the touchline like punishment he will be banned from he did on Thursday against Arsenal the sidelines during the Europa which saw him being sent off and League fi nal in Lyon if Atletico can get risking a lengthy touchline ban. past Arsenal in the second leg. The Argentine was dismissed early Simeone has lost his temper on in the 1-1 draw in the Europa League the European stage before, famously semi-fi nal, fi rst leg at The Emirates charging onto the pitch to berate Real Stadium for repeatedly shouting at Madrid defender Raphael Varane to- French referee Clement Turpin and wards the end of the 2014 Champions pushing the fourth offi cial after Arse- League fi nal which Atletico lost 4-1 to nal’s Hector Bellerin was not booked Madrid after extra-time. for a foul on Atletico midfi elder Koke. Simeone have left talisman Antoine Simeone’s temper had already been Griezmann, Saul Niguez, goalkeeper tested minutes earlier when Atletico Jan Oblak and defender Jose Gimenez defender Sime Vrsjalko was sent off out of the squad for the trip to Alaves, for two bookings in quick succession. although he said striker Diego Costa “I don’t feel good about (my) send- would start against the Basque side to ing off although I understand that gain match fi tness after being out for these things can happen given the two weeks with a muscle problem. speed at which you experience eve- Atletico are second in on rything that happens on the pitch,” 72 points, 11 adrift of runaway lead- Simeone told a news conference ahead ers Barcelona, who will seal the title of Sunday’s Liga game at Alaves. if Atletico fail to beat Alaves and Real “I know I have to improve in this Madrid do not win against Leganes on aspect. Anything I can say now can- Saturday. not serve as a justifi cation.” Even if both sides win their games, Simeone will be suspended from Barca would only need a point against the touchline for Thursday’s return Deportivo La Coruna today to clinch a leg against Arsenal at the Wanda 25th league crown. Atletico Madrid Moach Diego Simeone (left) reacts after being sent to the stands during Europa League semi-final first leg against Arsenal in London on April 26. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, April 29, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Sevilla axe Montella Fabregas boosts Chelsea’s aft er just four months AFP Madrid top-four bid, West Brom evilla sacked coach Vincenzo Montella af- ter just four months in charge yesterday after aS run of nine games without a win, the Spanish La Liga side an- nounced. It was a second sack- earn stay of execution ing of the season for Montella after he was also shown the door by AC Milan in in No- Conte’s fifth-place side move within two points of Tottenham, who take on Watford tomorrow vember. Former Sevilla coach Joaquin Caparros, 62, and with- AFP out a club since leaving Qatar’s London Al Ahli in December, was named as Montella’s successor. “The club took this decision due to esc Fabregas boosted Chelsea’s the poor results of the team who bid to qualify for the Champi- haven’t won since March 13,” ons League as his superb strike said Sevilla in a statement. clinched a 1-0 win at Swansea, Friday’s 2-1 defeat at lowly Le- whileC West Brom kept alive their slen- vante proved the fi nal straw for a der hopes of avoiding club who are seventh in the table relegation with a 1-0 victory against and hanging on grimly for a place Newcastle yesterday. in next season’s Europa League. midfi elder Fabregas gave Chel- The loss to Levante followed sea the perfect start at the Liberty Sta- last weekend’s 5-0 rout at the dium when he took an Eden Hazard pass hands of Barcelona in the Copa and fi red home for his 50th Premier del Rey fi nal. League goal in the fourth minute. That Montella, 43, replaced Argen- was enough to secure a third successive tine coach at league win for ’s fi fth- the end of December, who was place side, who move within two points sacked just a month after being of Tottenham ahead of their fourth- diagnosed with prostate cancer. placed London rivals’ clash with Wat- The Italian had himself been ford tomorrow. sacked by AC Milan in Novem- “It’s important for us to take three ber to be succeeded by Gennaro points. The big problem we are hav- Gattuso. ing this season is that we create many Montella led Sevilla to a mem- chances to score but we don’t take orable Champions League last- them,” Conte said. “The only way we 16 win over Manchester United have to put a bit of pressure on the top before their run ended in the four is to win. Today has been very posi- quarter-fi nals at the hands of tive to put that pressure on Tottenham.” Bayern Munich. In 28 matches, It was a damaging defeat for Swan- he won 11 and lost 10 with seven sea and Carlos Carvalhal’s team are draws. Caparros was in charge of now only one point above the relega- Sevilla from 2000-2005 and has tion zone with three games left. West four games in which to secure a Brom would have been relegated to the European place. Championship if they had failed to take maximum points at St James’ Park, but Matt Phillips bagged the fi rst-half win- ner to keep them in with a shout for a few more hours at least. Jake Livermore’s pin-point pass sent Phillips racing clear of the Newcas- tle defence and the winger lashed past Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas (right) celebrates with teammates Eden Hazard and Olivier Giroud (left) after scoring against Swansea City in the Premier League. (Reuters) Martin Dubravka in the 29th minute. Bottom club Albion are fi ve points from counter-attack from Mario Lemina in Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool like this. But no-one was seriously in- RESULTS safety and an eight-season stay in the the 25th minute. were below their best as they prepared jured so we carry on.” Burnley 0 Brighton 0 top fl ight would still be over if they fail Joshua King equalised for Bourne- for the Champions League semi-fi nal, Second-bottom Stoke are three Crystal Palace 5 (Zaha 17, McArthur 38, to take maximum points from their mouth with a close-range fi nish after second-leg clash with Roma by settling points from safety, but boss Paul Lam- Loftus-Cheek 81, Van Aanholt 84, Benteke last two games against Tottenham and Saints failed to clear a corner in fi rst- for a goalless stalemate against Stoke bert said: “If the lads had played like 90-pen) Leicester 0 Crystal Palace. half stoppage-time. But Southampton at Anfi eld. The Reds head to Rome on that from the start of the season, I Huddersfield 0 Everton 2 (Tosun 39, Gueye Interim boss Darren Moore said: restored their advantage in the 54th Wednesday with a 5-2 advantage from would not be here and they would be 77) “We can’t control other results. There’s minute thanks to a gem from Tadic, who the fi rst leg and do so on the back of a cruising in the league.” Liverpool 0 Stoke 0 nothing we can do. We’re just doing embarked on a fi ne solo run before fi n- tame encounter they controlled for long Crystal Palace are on course to avoid Newcastle 0 West Brom 1 (Phillips 29) everything we can at our end. The boys ishing in clinical fashion. periods without over-exerting them- relegation after thrashing Leicester 5-0 Southampton 2 (Tadic 25, 54) Bourne- have done really well since I came in.” Southampton, hoping to extend their selves in search of a winner. at Selhurst Park. Everton pushed Hud- mouth 1 (King 45+1) Dusan Tadic breathed new life into six-season stint in the top fl ight, are one The draw left Liverpool needing a dersfi eld deeper into the relegation Swansea 0 Chelsea 1 (Fabregas 4) Southampton’s bid to beat the drop as point adrift of safety with three games maximum of four points from their mire as goals from Cenk Tosun and Id- his double sealed a crucial 2-1 success in left. “This is one of the most important remaining two matches to guarantee rissa Gueye earned a 2-0 win at the John Playing today: Manchester United v the south-coast derby against Bourne- wins in our history,” Tadic said.”We are qualifi cation for the Champions League Smith’s Stadium. Burnley, in seventh Arsenal (1530 GMT) mouth at St Mary’s. Mark Hughes’ fi ghting for our lives and we showed via a top-four fi nish. “I saw everything and chasing a Europa League place, West Ham v Manchester City (1315 GMT) third-bottom side took the lead when that. We knew we had to win, no matter I wanted to see except fl uency and fun were held to a 0-0 draw by Brighton at Playing tomorrow: Tottenham v Watford Serbia winger Tadic fi nished off a rapid how we played.” and joy,” Klopp said. “It is hard on a day Turf Moor. (1900 GMT)

SERIE A LA LIGA Roma warm-up for Bale leads Real to low-key win over Leganes

Liverpool with 4-1 AFP making a brilliant stop to deny Bustinza. Madrid Leganes defender Gabriel sent off in in- jury-time, as Real clung on for the three win over Chievo points after a below-par performance. areth Bale scored as a much- Earlier, Athletic midfi elder AFP changed Real Madrid warmed Mikel San Jose scored two own goals as Milan up for Tuesday’s Champions his side slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Real League semi-fi nal second leg Sociedad in Saturday’s Basque country Gagainst Bayern Munich with a 2-1 win derby. The 28-year-old volleyed a cor- en-man AS Roma over Leganes yesterday. Bale bundled ner emphatically past his own goalkeeper warmed-up for next Real into an early lead, before Borja May- Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 15th minute, be- week’s must-win Cham- oral took advantage of more sloppy de- fore doubled the advan- pions League clash with fending to make it two before half-time. tage before half-time. TLiverpool by easing to a 4-1 win Serbian Darko Brasanac gave Leganes San Jose became only the second player over struggling Chievo to con- hope of a comeback, but Real closed out to ever score two own goals in a La Liga solidate third place in Serie A victory despite struggling in the second match at the Stadium, putting yesterday. Edin Dzeko scored in half. Zinedine Zidane’s men stay third through his own net early in the second either half with Patrik Schick in the table, one point behind city rivals half before Raul Garcia scored a consola- and Stephan El Shaarawy also on Atletico who play Alaves today, when tion from the penalty spot. target as Roma overran the side Barcelona can secure the La Liga title if Elsewhere, Espanyol all but assured from Genoa despite being a man Roma’s Edin Dzeko (bottom) they avoid defeat at Deportivo La Coruna. safety with a 1-1 draw against already- down after Juan Jesus saw red ten celebrates after scoring with Coach Zidane made 10 changes to relegated Las Palmas. Deportivo La Co- minutes into the second half. Lorenzo Pellegrini. (Reuters) the starting XI which beat Bayern 2-1 in runa will join Las Palmas and Malaga in In the battle for Champions Wednesday’s fi rst leg at the Allianz Are- dropping into the second tier if they fail League football next season, Roma next face Liverpool in na, with Bale and Karim Benzema return- to beat Barcelona today. ’s side move the on Wednes- ing. Bale boosted his hopes of a start in Sevilla sacked coach Vincenzo Mon- three points ahead of Lazio, who day where they have to overturn the second leg by hooking in a defl ected tella after just four months in charge after play Torino today, with Inter a 5-2 fi rst leg defi cit to advance to Benzema eff ort to give Real an eighth- seeing their winless run extended to nine Milan four points behind in fi fth the fi nal. minute lead with his fi rst goal since a games with a 2-1 loss at lowly Levante on before their clash against leaders Roma took the lead when Radja double against Las Palmas on March 31. Friday. It was the second time the Italian Juventus in Milan late last night. Nainggolan crossed to Schick af- Leganes had stunned Real with a 2-1 had been sacked this season, after being As well as being crucial in ter nine minutes with Dzeko vol- victory at the Santiago Bernabeu in Janu- dumped by AC Milan last November. the race for Champions League leying in a second fi ve minutes ary to reach the Copa del Rey semi-fi nals, places, the game in the San Siro before the break off a Aleksandar but struggled to make any inroads against SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS could be decisive for the title race Kolarov centre. their dominant hosts. Daniel Ceballos Espanyol 1 (Moreno 76) Las Palmas 1 (Calleri with Juventus’s lead on second- The hosts dominated even af- fi red narrowly over, but the soon-to-be Real Madrid’s forward Gareth Bale (left) vies for the ball with Leganes midfielder 29-pen) placed Napoli cut to one point ter Brazilian defender Juan Jesus deposed league champions doubled their Diego Rico during the Spanish La Liga match in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) 3 (San Jose 15-og, 54-og, with four games to play. “This was sent off for fouling Inglese advantage on the stroke of half-time. Oyarzabal 36) 1 (Garcia 59- game was important for next and Alisson saved the resulting Mayoral tapped in from close range September. Amrabat forced his way to the byline and pen) season and Champions League penalty, with El Shaarawy and after Leganes goalkeeper Pichu Cuel- Leganes grew into the game after the squared for Brasanac to tap in from close Real Madrid 2 (Bale 8, Mayoral 45) Leganes 1 qualifi cation, so we had to win,” Dzeko adding two more within lar totally missed a left-wing cross, with break as Real’s thoughts perhaps turned range. (Brasanac 66) said Dzeko. “It wasn’t easy after ten minutes. Inglese headed in off side appeals waved away as defender towards Bayern, and Miguel Guerrero On-loan Watford winger Amrabat was Playing today: Getafe v Girona (1000), the red card but thanks to Alisson a consolation goal for Chievo Unai Bustinza had got a touch to the ball wasted an excellent chance to halve the proving dangerous, and the Moroccan Alaves v Atletico Madrid (1415), Valencia v we didn’t concede a penalty and three minutes from the end, but on its way through. It was the 21-year- defi cit as he headed wide from a Nabil saw a low shot saved by stand-in Real Eibar (1630), Deportivo La Coruna v Barce- we could have scored a few more the side from Genoa remain two old Mayoral’s second La Liga goal, having El Zhar cross. But the away team did pull goalkeeper Kiko Casilla. Leganes contin- lona (1845) goals.” points above the drop zone. also netted against Real Sociedad back in one back in the 66th minute, as Nordin ued to pile on the pressure, with Casilla Tomorrow: Real Betis v Malaga (1900) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, April 29, 2018 SPORT

GOLF CYCLING Fuglsang wins in Romandie, Roglic Kim, Putnam take reinforces lead New Orleans lead as big names splutter ‘I hit it into places that Andrew had probably never seen before but we grinded it out’

Reuters Lotto NL-Jumbo Team’s Slovenian cyclist Primoz Roglic wearing the New Orleans Andrew Putnam plays his shot from the 16th tee overall leader’s Yellow Jersey celebrates during the podium ceremony at during the second round of the Zurich Classic at the Tour de Romandie UCI Pro cycling race in Sion, western Switzerland, TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana. (AFP) yesterday. (AFP) he unheralded duo of Michael Kim and An- AFP to victory with a 48sec lead on drew Putnam took the Sion, Switzerland his four chasers. second round lead at the Roglic, looking to claim his TZurich Classic of New Orleans fi rst overall win in the race, did on Friday as Jordan Spieth and stana’s Jakob Fuglsang well to pip closest challenger partner Ryan Palmer suff ered an sealed victory in the Egan Bernal, of Team Sky, at the epic late meltdown. fourth and penultimate line to fi nish second and claim Spieth and Palmer double- stage of the Tour of Ro- more bonus points than the bogeyed the fi nal two holes to mandieA yesterday as overnight young Colombian. join several other prominent leader Primoz Roglic (Lotto NL) Slovenian Roglic, a former ski teams who missed the cut on a reinforced his grip on the yellow jumper who won a junior world day of carnage for big names at jersey. title in the sport in 2007, now TPC Louisiana. Danish all-rounder Fuglsang leads Bernal by 8secs and Aus- Kim and Putnam, neither of broke clear of a fi ve-man leading tralian Richie Porte by 35 ahead whom has won on the PGA Tour, group on the descent of the fi fth of the fi nal stage around Geneva shot three-under 69 in the un- and fi nal climb of the day to solo today. forgiving alternate shot four- somes format. They posted a 13-under 131 halfway total for a one-stroke edge over fellow Americans Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown. Kim and Putnam had a dou- Malaysian star Lee ble-bogey, at the par-four fi fth, but that was their only blemish. “I hit it into places that An- suff ers shock defeat drew had probably never seen before but we grinded it out and AFP “Tai is keeping good form this pretty pleased with the score to- Shanghai year. I haven’t beat her for a long day,” said Kim. time, so she is really a tough rival Putnam, who arrived in the for me to play,” Yufei was quoted ‘Big Easy’ in good form after a tie ee Chong Wei suff ered a as saying by Xinhua news agen- for eighth at the Texas Open last shock defeat in the Asia cy. “But I will try to give out my week, added: “I think we did a Championships semi- best to challenge her.” good job of communicating and fi nals yesterday, the Home player Chen, the sixth scored really well.” LMalaysian great going down in seed, was a comfortable 21-12, Spieth and Palmer, however, straight sets to rising Japanese 21-13 victor over the South Ko- seemed to be cruising towards star Kento Momota. rean seventh seed Sung Ji-hyun the weekend until it all went Rahm and Wesley Bryan, and Rob Oppenheim (USA/USA) The 35-year-old Lee, fresh in the other semi-fi nal clash. wrong at the fi nal two holes. defending champions Cameron 64-69 Duo shares lead into fi nal day of China Open from winning Commonwealth The men’s doubles fi nal will be Spieth pulled his tee shot into Smith and Jonas Blixt. 134 - Cody Gribble/John Peter- Games gold and reaching the fought between the Chinese top- a water hazard at the par-three There were two holes-in-one son (USA/USA) 66-68, Tony Fi- England’s Matt Wallace and Adrian Otaegui of Spain share the end of one of Badminton’s great seeded pair of and Liu 17th, and then found water again on Friday. Englishman Chris nau/Daniel Summerhays (USA/ lead going into the final round of the $3.2 million China Open careers, lost 21-19, 21-14 to the Yucheng and Japanese pair Take- with the pair’s second shot at the Paisley used a fi ve-iron from USA) 62-72 today but with the chasing pack stalking them. unseeded Momota. shi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda. par-fi ve 18th. 221 yards at the third hole, while 135 - Kim Whee/Andrew Yun The duo were at 12 under after yesterday’s third round with the The 23-year-old Momota will Junhui and Yucheng were one After taking a penalty stroke, American Billy Hurley III used (KOR/USA) 66-69, Bubba triple threat of Sweden’s Alexander Bjork, Julien Guerrier of play China’s Rio 2016 Olympic match away from defending the Palmer then compounded the the same club from 223 yards at Watson/Matt Kuchar (USA/ France and Spain’s Jorge Campillo all a shot behind. On 10 under champion Chen Long in Sun- title when they overcame com- misery with a wedge shot that the 17th. USA) 68-67, Brendan Steele/ were six players, ensuring today’s finale looks set to go right to day’s fi nal in the Chinese city of patriots Huang Kaixiang and came up short in a bunker, where The more forgiving four ball Jamie Lovemark (USA/USA) the wire. The reigning champion Alex Levy of France was in a . Chen, the third seed, 21-17, 14-21, 21-10, it plugged, leaving Spieth with (best ball) format will be used 64-71, Richy Werenski/Nicholas share of 12th, three shots off the leaders at Topwin Golf and Coun- was an emphatic 21-16, 21-18 while Kamura and Sonoda went an impossible shot that he failed on Saturday, before foursomes Lindheim (USA/USA) 64-71, Chez try Club in Beijing. “I’m playing really nicely, I’m hitting it long and winner over India’s unseeded past home duo of Zhang Nan and to extricate from the sand. are played again on Sunday. (Re- Reavie/Lucas Glover (USA/USA) straight and if I do that tomorrow I’ll have a few chances at birdie,” H.S. Prannoy in the other semi- 14-21, 21-12, 25-23. They shot 74 for four-under porting by Andrew Both in Cary, 60-75, J.J. Henry/Tom Hoge Wallace, the overnight leader who is chasing a third European fi nal. In the women’s doubles fi - 140, missing the cut by one North Carolina; Editing by Ian (USA/USA) 62-73 Tour victory, told europeantour.com. In the women’s draw, top seed nal, Japanese third seeds Yuki stroke. First round co-leaders Ransom) 136 - Patrick Reed/Patrick “We’re tied for the lead so I’m pretty happy,” added Wallace, fol- Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan will play Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota Zhang Xinjun and Dou Zecheng Cantlay (USA/USA) 65-71, Justin lowing his three-under-par 69. China’s Chen Yufei in the fi nal. will meet second seeded comn- of China also bowed out when Leading scores alternate-shot Rose/Henrik Stenson (ENG/SWE) Otaegui, who surged into a share of the lead with a bogey-free 67 Tai defeated India’s former patriots Misaki Matsutomo and they followed an opening 60 in second round 65-71, Zach Johnson/Jonathan that included five birdies on the trot, added: “I played well from world number one Saina Nehwal Ayaka Takahashi. the easier four-ball format with 131 - Michael Kim/Andrew Byrd (USA/USA) 66-70, Retief the beginning to the end. 27-25, 21-19 in a tight aff air over The mixed doubles fi nal will an 80. Putnam (USA/USA) 62-69 Goosen/Tyrone Van Aswegen “I made a couple of mistakes but was able to make pars. That five 45 nervy minutes, ensuring a be a battle between Indone- Other prominent duos to miss 132 - Kevin Kisner/Scott Brown (RSA/RSA) 65-71, Tyler Duncan/ birdies in a row helped me a lot. miserable day for India. sian top seeded Tontowi Ahmad the cut included Sergio Garcia (USA/USA) 62-70 Adam Schenk (USA/USA) 64-72, “I think I have been very consistent all week, I am striking the ball The 20-year-old Yufei booked and Liliyana Natsir and Chinese and Rafa Cabrera Bello, Justin 133 - Chad Campbell/Matt Jones Graeme McDowell/Ian Poulter well and feeling well so I am happy with that.” a spot in the fi nal without drop- second seeds Wang Yilyu and Thomas and Bud Cauley, Jon (USA/AUS) 63-70, Nate Lashley/ (NIR/ENG) 65-71 ping one game in four matches. .

LPGA Korda seizes lead at LPGA Mediheal Championship AFP going to be super favourable as turned 21 this week, closed with San Francisco the greens got fi rmer during the her fourth birdie of the round Jessica Korda lines up a putt on the sixth afternoon,” Korda said. “I just to boost her bid to claim a 15th hole during the second round of the stayed patient and stayed with LPGA title. Mediheal Championship at Lake Merced essica Korda fi red six bird- my process and here we are.” “I played really solid today, so Golf Club in Daly City, California. (AFP) ies in a fi ve-under par 67 Park, the 2013 NCAA colle- it’s defi nitely nice to be able to on Friday to seize a one- giate champion who earned her put myself in better positions,” stroke lead over unherald- spot in the fi eld through Mon- Ko said. “There’s still two long edJ Annie Park in the LPGA Medi- day qualifying, posted the low days to go, but I’m happy with heal Championship. round of the tournament with a the way I played the last couple Korda, seeking her second six-under par 66 that included days.” LPGA victory of the season, seven birdies. Park teed off in the broke out of a fi ve-way tie atop morning and led by as many as Leading second-round scores the leaderboard after the fi rst four. She, too, needed 26 putts, 135 - Jessica Korda 68-67 round as former world number missing just one fairway in a 136 - Annie Park 70-66 one Lydia Ko, who headlined sparkling eff ort. 137 - Charley Hull (ENG) 69-68 that leading group, slipped back. “I was hitting it very well to- 138 - Lydia Ko (NZL) 68-70 England’s Charley Hull card- day and some putts were drop- 139 - Moriya Jutanugarn (THA) ed a four-under par 68 at Lake ping,” Park said. “It was a good 71-68, Kim Sei-young (KOR) Merced Golf Club for sole pos- day overall.” 69-70 session of third place on 137. Ko Park, is making her fi rst start 140 - Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 71-69, carded a two-under 70 for 138 of 2018, having lost her LPGA Minjee Lee (AUS) 70-70, Ryu So- and was one stroke in front of card after battling debilitating yeon (KOR) 70-70, Su Oh (AUS) Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn back trouble. “It was to a point 68-72 (68) and South Korean Kim Sei- where I couldn’t get out of my 141 - Caroline Masson (GER) young (70). bed,” she said. “But I learned a 72-69, Jacqui Concolino 72-69, Korda notched her fi fth career lot from it. Ryann O’Toole 70-71, Perrine victory at the LPGA Thailand “I didn’t know how much Delacour (FRA) 70-71, Mo Martin in February as she returned to I missed the sport. I love the 70-71 competition after jaw surgery sport,” added Park, who said the 142 - Angel Yin 73-69, Celine that sidelined her for months. experience had given her “a dif- Boutier (FRA) 72-70, Lee Mi- On Friday she grabbed three of ferent perspective towards life hyang (KOR) 72-70, Nelly Korda her six birdies in her fi rst four and golf.” 72-70, Park Hee-young (KOR) holes and fi nished with a total of Ko, who won at Lake Merced 71-71, Mariajo Uribe (COL) 71-71, just 26 putts to edge ahead. in 2014 and 2015, is seeking her Jaye Marie Green 70-72, Karine “I knew I was going to get fi rst LPGA title since July of Icher (FRA) 70-72, Celine Herbin certain bounces that weren’t 2016. The New Zealander, who (FRA) 69-73 Gulf Times Sunday, April 29, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Hellebuyck halts Predators as Jets Pacers force game win game one

AFP Sharks F Kane suspended Los Angeles for Game 2 for cross-check The National Hockey League suspended San Jose Sharks for- onnor Hellebuyck ward Evander Kane for Game seven, Raptors stopped 47 shots as the 2 against the Vegas Golden Winnipeg Jets defeated Knights for his cross-check to the Nashville Predators the head of Pierre-Edouard Bel- C4-1 in the opening game of their lemare in Game 1 of the Western second round National Hockey Conference semifi nals. League playoff series on Friday. In revealing the ban Friday, The 24-year-old American the NHL’s Department of Player came into the game off back-to- Safety deemed Kane’s second and Jazz advance back shutouts against the Min- cross-check was “well after the nesota Wild. He continued with whistle was blown and serves no ‘It was a big win for us. Now we’ve got to go get Sunday’ another impressive performance purpose other than to strike an against the Predators, who fi n- opponent’s head. This is not a AFP ished with the best record in the hockey play.” Los Angeles Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (left ) dribbles as league this season. The incident happened during Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal defends His only blemish on Friday the third period of San Jose’s 7-0 during the second half in the game six of the fi rst was allowing a goal to Kevin Fia- loss to the Golden Knights on he Toronto Raptors round of the 2018 NBA Playoff s at Capital One Arena. la early in the third period which Thursday in the series opener. punched their ticket PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports snapped his shutout streak at Kane received a major penalty to the second round of 163 minutes, dating back to for cross-checking and a game the NBA playoff s for the game three of the fi rst round. misconduct. Tthird straight season on Friday It was the longest such streak Kane will sit out Saturday’s with a 102-92 victory over the in Jets’ team history. game in Vegas as the Sharks try Washington Wizards. Hellebuyck was seeking to be- to even the series before heading With 24 points from Kyle come just the fourth goaltender back to San Jose for Games 3 and Lowry and a big contribution in the NHL history to earn three 4 on Monday and Wednesday. from their reserves, the Raptors straight shutouts in the same “It’s diffi cult, but it’s not,” notched the fi rst road win of playoff s, which would have had Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said their Eastern Conference fi rst- him join Ilya Bryzgalov, Jean- Friday prior to the announced round series to eliminate the Sebastien Giguere and Patrick punishment. “It’s like an in- Wizards four games to two. Lalime. jury. If he’s out, it’s next man up DeMar DeRozan added 16 “We knew they would push and we’ll stick somebody else points and Jonas Valanciunas hard but we were able to keep in there. It doesn’t change our chipped in 14 for Toronto, who them to the outside and we bur- preparation.” trailed by fi ve going into the ied the puck when we got our Kane scored three goals in San fourth quarter but out-scored chances,” Hellebuyck said. Jose’s four-game sweep of the the fl agging Wizards 29-14 in He said the team is starting to Anaheim Ducks in the opening the fi nal period. come together at the right time round. The Utah Jazz also booked of the season. Meanwhile, Bellemare is their spot in the next round with “We are getting real close in questionable for Game 2 because a 96-91 win to eliminate Russell the locker room and we know we of an upper-body injury suff ered Westbrook and the Oklahoma can trust each other, that is the on the cross-check. The fourth- City Thunder in six games. key.” line center did not practice Fri- The Raptors bench was cru- He also outduelled Predators day, and Vegas coach Gerard cial to the comeback. Toronto’s star goalie Pekke Rinne, of Fin- Gallant said a decision will be reserves out-scored Washing- land, who fi nished with 13 saves. made after morning skate Sat- ton’s bench 21-6 in the sec- Mark Scheifele scored twice urday. ond half while out-rebounding while Paul Stastny and Brandon “We’ll see,” Gallant said. them 15-3. Tanev scored singles for the Jets “When I fi nd out what’s going “Our bench did a great job,” in the win. to happen, I’ll decide tomorrow. Lowry said. “I played 31 min- Game two of the best-of- He’s a good player. He works utes. DeMar played 33. In a seven series is in Nashville on hard, competes hard and plays playoff game, a closeout game, Sunday. the game the right way for us.” you would never think your stars could do that. “But that’s how our team is Rudolph to Steelers, Brown to Ravens in Round 3 built.” Elsewhere, rookie Dono- was a disappointing ending to vance to the next round with a en assists. With the game out of It took awhile, but the sixth quarterback taken during the 2018 NFL ‘The engine’ van Mitchell scored 38 points the rebuild. George had just fi ve win in Sunday’s winner-take- hand, he sat out all of the fourth Draft finally went off the board in Round 3. Five quarterbacks were Backup Forward Pascal and the Jazz eliminated a star- points and Anthony seven on all showdown in Cleveland. quarter. drafted in the first round and none in the second. Forty-four picks Siakam made his fi rst fi ve shots, studded Thunder roster in their Friday. “It was a big win for us. Now No other Cavs player scored after Lamar Jackson went to the Baltimore Ravens to close the first racking up 11 points and eight Western Conference series. Westbrook got into an brief we’ve got to go get Sunday,” more than 13 points while the round, the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to 76th overall rebounds. Derrick Favors scored 13 verbal altercation with a fan at Oladipo said. “We got to leave Pacers’ balanced attack saw for Oklahoma State signal-caller Mason Rudolph. Rudolph, who will Reserve point guard Fred points and Rudy Gobert had 12 the end of the game. Westbrook it all out there - win or go home. seven players score in double presumably get a shot to succeed 36-year-old Ben Roethlisberger VanVleet, limited by a shoul- points and 13 rebounds for the stopped and tried to slap the Speaks for itself.” fi gures. But history is on James’ someday, followed his favorite target at Oklahoma State to Pittsburgh, der injury earlier in the series, Jazz, who lost starting guard fan’s camera away before secu- The Pacers, who were on the side as he is 12-0 all-time in after the Steelers took Cowboys wideout James Washington at No. 60 scored just fi ve points. Raptors Ricky Rubio with a hamstring rity stepped in to escort him to wrong end of a missed goal- fi rst-round series. near the end of Round 2. Another highlight of Round 3 came at the coach Dwane Casey however injury in the fi rst quarter. the dressing room. tending call in game fi ve, low- 83rd overall pick, when the Ravens took Oklahoma off ensive tackle said his presence was key. Westbrook had 46 points for “I don’t confront fans, fans ered the boom in this one. RESULTS Orlando Brown Jr. Brown’s late father is Orlando “Zeus” Brown Sr., who “He’s the engine, the tough- the Thunder and Steven Ad- confront me,” Westbrook told (all series best-of-seven): played nine NFL seasons for the Browns and Ravens between 1994 and ness, that little birdie on the ams tallied 19 points and 16 re- reporters. The Jazz will square James suff ers cut Eastern Conference 2005. Brown likely would have gone much earlier – perhaps in Round 1 shoulder,” Casey said. bounds. off against the Houston Rockets Thaddeus Young fl oored LeB- At Washington – if not for a poor performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he Bradley Beal paced the Wiz- “Our team did a good job of in the fi rst game of their series ron James with an elbow, open- Toronto ...... 102 Washington ..92 posted historical lows in several drills. Front seven players dominated ards with 32 points and John sticking together. We got some on Sunday. ing a cut above the future hall (Toronto win series 4-2) Round 3 early, with four linebackers (Georgia’s Lorenzo Carter to the Gi- Wall added 23. shots at the end of the game we In Indianapolis, Victor Olad- of famer’s left eye. Cleveland’s At Indianapolis ants, BYU’s Fred Warner to the 49ers, Ohio State’s Jerome Baker to the The Raptors next face ei- just weren’t able to get the one ipo fi nished with 28 points, 13 Kevin Love left the contest in Indiana ...... 121 Cleveland ...... 87 Dolphins and Texas’ Malik Jeff erson to the Bengals) and five defensive ther the Cleveland Cavaliers or we needed,” Westbrook said. rebounds and 10 assists for his the third quarter after colliding (Series tied 3-3) linemen (Miami’s Chad Thomas to the Browns, NC State’s BJ Hill to the the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers The Thunder had tried to fi rst playoff triple double as the with Myles Turner. Western Conference Giants, Fort Hays State’s Nathan Shepherd to the Jets, Florida State’s forced game seven in that se- retool their roster this season Pacers levelled the series with James led the three-time de- At Utah Derrick Nnadi to the Chiefs, Ohio State’s Sam Hubbard to the Bengals ries on Friday, humbling LeBron around Westbrook, Paul George the Cavaliers at 3-3. fending Eastern Conference Utah ...... 96 Oklahoma City 91 and USC’s Rasheem Green to the Seahawks) going in the first 15 picks. James and the Cavs 121-87. and Carmelo Anthony, but it They will get a chance to ad- champs with 22 points and sev- (Utah wins series 4-2)

MLB Pollock, Descalso lead D-backs past struggling Nats Reuters one out in the fourth inning and lowed an unearned run on four Washington no outs in the fi fth, yet scored just hits over seven innings of work one run over those two innings. and Matt Chapman, Chad Pinder Four Arizona relievers limited the and Mark Canha each hit home rizona center fi elder Nationals to an infi eld single over runs as Oakland rolled over Hou- AJ Pollock had three the fi nal four innings, and Brad ston at Minute Maid Park. Manaea hits, including a homer, Boxberger pitched a 1-2-3 ninth (4-2), who no-hit the Red Sox on scored three runs and inning for his seventh save in as April 21 in his most recent start, droveA in two as the Diamondbacks many chances. Stephen Strasburg struck out seven and walked just beat the Washington Nationals (2-3) gave up six hits and fi ve runs one, lowering his ERA to 1.03. 5-4 in the fi rst game of a three- in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out Dallas Keuchel (1-4) took the game series at Nationals Park on seven and walked two. loss for the Astros upon allowing Friday. Pollock led off a two-run sec- six runs on seven hits in seven in- Pollock homered in the second ond inning with his sixth homer nings of work. The win was the inning and tripled in a run and before Descalso walked, took sec- ninth in the past 11 games for the scored in a two-run sixth inning ond on a groundout and scored on Athletics, who started the season when the Diamondbacks (18-7) Nick Ahmed’s single. 5-10 and now are 14-12. The As- took the lead for good. They have The Nationals took a 3-2 lead in tros, who have lost three of their tied their best start in franchise the third inning. Turner singled to past four games (all to AL West history, set in 2008. lead off the inning and Kendrick rivals), managed just fi ve hits off Daniel Descalso singled, homered to center. Bryce Harper three Oakland pitchers. walked, had two RBIs and scored a walked, took third on Adams’ run for Arizona, which has won its one-out single and scored when RESULTS fi rst eight series, the fi rst NL team Matt Wieters beat out a potential Diamondbacks ...... 5 Nationals ...... 4 to do that since the 1977 Los An- double-play grounder on a play Giants ...... 6 Dodgers ...... 4 geles Dodgers. Seattle won its fi rst that was reversed on replay re- Yankees ...... 4 Angels ...... 3 (10 ings) nine in 2001. view. Pollock singled with one out Indians ...... 6 Mets ...... 5 Howie Kendrick had three in the fourth inning and scored on Mets ...... 5 Padres ...... 1 hits, including a homer, and Trea Descalso’s double to tie it at 3. Rangers ...... 6 Blue Jays ...... 4 Turner and Matt Adams had two Wilmer Difo’s bases-loaded A’s...... 8 Astros ...... 1 hits apiece for the Nationals, who sacrifi ce fl y gave the Nationals a Pirates ...... 6 Cardinals 5 (11 ings) have lost fi ve of six. They had 11 4-3 lead in the fi fth inning before Rays ...... 4 Red Sox ...... 3 hits but left 10 on base. the Diamondbacks took the lead White Sox ...... 7 Royals .....4 (11 innings) Arizona starter Zack Godley in a two-run sixth. Pollock tripled Reds...... 15 Twins ...... 9 Arizona Diamondbacks centre fi elder AJ Pollock (right) runs the (4-1) gave up 10 hits and four runs in Paul Goldschmidt, who had Phillies ...... 7 Braves ...... 3 bases aft er hitting a triple against the Washington Nationals in in fi ve innings, striking out four singled, and scored on Descalso’s Rockies ...... 1 Marlins ...... 0 the sixth inning at Nationals Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports and walking three. The Nationals sacrifi ce fl y. Orioles ...... 6 Tigers...... 0 loaded the bases off Godley with Meanwhile Sean Manaea al- Cubs ...... 3 Brewers ...... 2 Gulf Times 6 Sunday, April 29, 2018 SPORT

FORMULA 1 CRICKET Imam-ul-Haq makes 61 in Pakistan’s 168 Third straight pole all out against Kent

AFP Gidman going for a booming Canterbury, United Kingdom drive and could only watch as 28 for one became 28 for two when Sami Aslam (13) was lbw to Har- mam-ul-Haq’s well-made ry Podmore. for Vettel, Hamilton 61 was the highlight for But Imam, displaying a sound Pakistan as they were dis- defence as well as good aggres- missed for a meagre 168 on sion, then held fi rm for nearly Ithe fi rst day of their tour open- three hours and an admiring er against Kent at Canterbury Gidman said: “He looks a good yesterday. player. When a combination of bad “He shapes up nicely, his bal- light, which had threatened to ance was great at the crease. shares front row curtail play all day, and drizzle He seems to have the right sort fi nally forced an early close, Kent of temperament for English Bottas makes it two Mercedes drivers in top three, last year’s winner Ricciardo starts fourth were 39 for one in reply. cricket.” If Pakistan captain Sarfraz The experienced 33-year-old Reuters Ahmed wanted his top-order to Gidman added: “The most im- Baku experience typical early season portant thing about batting in English conditions, he could England is being able to do the hardly have made a better deci- basics for a long period of time. errari’s Formula One sion than to bat fi rst in this four- “Sometimes, in bowling- championship leader day fi xture after winning the toss friendly conditions like this, Sebastian Vettel com- on an overcast morning. you’ve just got to try to stay in pleted a pole position Unsurprisingly, most of his your ‘bubble’ for as long as you hat-trickF yesterday by beating batsmen found life diffi cult, even can. title rival Lewis Hamilton to the with the fl oodlights on for most “He obviously managed to do top slot at the Azerbaijan Grand of the innings, and Kent medi- that and got his rewards.” Prix. um-pacer Will Gidman enjoyed Uncapped at Test level, Imam The German, nine points the conditions by taking fi ve for – who made a century on his ahead of Mercedes’s reigning 47 as Pakistan were dismissed one-day international debut champion, will be hoping to inside 56 overs. But left-hander against Sri Lanka in October convert his third pole in a row Imam, the 22-year-old nephew -cover-drove two stylish fours into a third victory in four races of Pakistan chief selector and off seamer Calum Haggett. today. former Test batsman Inzamam- He then advanced down the Vettel pulled out a fastest ul-Haq, still struck nine fours in pitch to drive off -spinner Adam lap of one minute 41.498 sec- a 111-ball innings. Riley for a boundary shortly be- onds, compared to the Briton’s fore lunch. 1:41.677, on the quick street cir- ‘POSITIVE INTENT’ A square cut four off Ivan Tho- cuit along the shores of the Cas- “It was diffi cult to be honest, mas saw Imam to an 89-ball fi fty pian Sea and around the walled because it was a very rainy day before the bespectacled batsman old town. and the conditions favoured the was lbw to Gidman. Hamilton’s Finnish team bowlers as well,” Imam told AFP Hasan Ali added late impetus mate Valtteri Bottas was third as he refl ected on his innings. with two sixes in his 24 before he with Australian Daniel Ric- “But we had very good (train- was last man out. ciardo, winner of a chaotic race ing) sessions during the last two Kent were soon one for one in Baku last year and in China days. in reply when Hasan Ali, one of two weekends ago, qualifying “I was just trying to adapt to the stars of Pakistan’s one-day fourth for Red Bull on an over- the conditions as quick as I can Champions Trophy tournament cast and gusty evening. and I was trying to play with win in Britain last year, had Dan- “I think it will be an intense positive intent – that really iel Bell-Drummond lbw. race. Anything can happen here helps.” But Sean Dickson (24 not out) and safety cars are very likely,” This was not Imam’s fi rst ex- and Kent captain Joe Denly (12 said Vettel, who had struggled perience of cricket in England. not out) saw the hosts through to break into the top 10 on Friday “I’ve been here a couple of to the close without further loss. but led yesterday’s fi nal session. times with the Pakistan Under- After this match, Pakistan “The good point is that our 19s,” he said. “The conditions face Northamptonshire before car was really good this after- are diffi cult, it’s diff erent, but providing the opposition for Ire- noon so it should be in a good we are here to win the games and land’s inaugural Test, in Mala- place tomorrow,” added the four Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel celebrates his pole position following the qualifying session for the Formula One Azerbaijan Grand we will try our level best to do hide, from May 11-15. times world champion after his Prix at the Baku City Circuit yesterday. (AFP) something very good.” They then return across the 53rd career pole. Imam came in after opener Irish Sea for a two-Test series “Yesterday I struggled a bit where we are today,” said Ham- Vergne wins home ePrix to extend Formula E lead in Baku last year, will start 10th Azhar Ali (15) was bowled by against England. with confi dence, with trust in ilton. “We’re in the mix. I will for Williams - the only team yet the car and rhythm but today, try to give Sebastian a hard time French driver Jean-Eric Vergne won his home Paris ePrix yesterday to score a point this season. when it clicks, it just keeps com- tomorrow.” to stretch his Formula E championship lead to 31 points. The former There was early drama when ing and it was really enjoyable.” Formula One driver, who has now taken three wins in eight races of the Toro Rosso cars of French- Hamilton, also a four times RAIKKONEN ERROR the all-electric championship this season, led from the start for the man Pierre Gasly and New Zea- champion but yet to win a race Red Bull’s 20-year-old Chinese-owned Techeetah team. “It was my most emotional win, by lander Brendon Hartley nearly this season, lost time in the fi nal Dutchman Max Verstappen far. If there was a race I wanted to win this year it was clearly Paris,” collided. Hartley was going slow sector and said it had been hard starts fi fth alongside Ferra- said Vergne. Brazil’s reigning champion Lucas di Grassi finished due to a puncture, with Gasly to keep the car straight in the ri’s Kimi Raikkonen, who had second for Audi Team Abt with Britain’s Sam Bird third for DS Virgin swerving dramatically to avoid a crosswinds. looked like he could join Vettel Racing. There was last-lap mayhem with Bird, who remains second huge collision and then driving Second on the grid was still on the front row for the third overall on 116 points to Vergne’s 147, finishing on three wheels. down an escape road. his best start position since pole race in a row, and possibly beat The Briton, following Di Grassi, had smashed into Andre Lotterer’s “That is unacceptable,” ex- in the Australian season-open- him, but made a big mistake on stricken Techeetah at the last corner with the German’s car running claimed the startled Frenchman er, with Ferrari sweeping the his last lap. out of power and coasting home after being in second place. “We over the team radio. front row at the last two. “That “It’s a pity for Kimi because actually discussed in the driver’s briefing this exact thing where “I was trying to get out of was close. We did the best job until the last corner he could you cannot move under braking. You cannot do a late swerve when the way of Gasly, but I went the we could,” said Hamilton. have been on pole,” said Ferrari people are obviously going to be overtaking you,” fumed Bird. wrong way, sorry guys. I feel “They were the quickest all principal Maurizio Arrivabene. pretty stupid about Gasly,” ex- weekend and they’ve obviously The Force India pair of Esteban plained Hartley. got a phenomenal car this year. Ocon and Sergio Perez, who the fourth row. Nico Hulken- uled gearbox change, lifting his Haas’s French driver Romain But I’m really happy with the tangled in Baku last year in a berg qualifi ed ninth for Renault Spanish team mate Carlos Sainz Grosjean qualifi ed last and job the team did to get us from clash that cost the team a likely but the tall German will collect to that position instead. without setting a time after a where we were yesterday to podium, will line up together on a fi ve place drop for an unsched- Canadian Lance Stroll, third gearbox failure. IMPRESSIVE KNOCK: Imam-ul-Haq

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Rohit steers Mumbai past Chennai Super Kings IANS Raina then walked into the middle and During the chase, openers Ervin Lewis Pune played the perfect second fi ddle to in-form (44) and Suryakumar (44) shared a 69-run Rayudu, taking Chennai close to the 100- stand before the latter was dismissed by run mark. Just when the duo looked settled, veteran off -spinner Harbhajan Singh in the umbai Indians skipper Rohit Krunal struck again to break the partnership in fi fth delivery of the 10th over. Though it was Sharma smacked 56 not out as the 12th over as a miscued shot from Rayudu a very good start for Mumbai, CSK bowlers the under-pressure defending landed safely in the hands of Ben Cutting’s at did well to not allow the opening partner- champions registered a morale- deep midwicket. Rayudu 35-ball knock con- ship to run away with the game. Mboosting eight-wicket win over Chennai tained a couple of boundaries and four sixes. Then captain Rohit joined hands with Super Kings (CSK) who saw their three- His dismissal saw Dhoni joining Raina and West Indian left-hander Lewis as they match winning streak end in the Indian Pre- some fi reworks by the Chennai skipper saw stitched together a partnership of 59 runs to mier League (IPL) yesterday. the addition of another 46 runs in the next keep the visitors in the hunt. Medium pac- In pursuit of Chennai’s 169/5 – powered 5.5 overs. er Dwayne Bravo bowled his international by Suresh Raina’s plundering 47-ball un- Meanwhile, Raina continued to keep the teammate Lewis in the fi rst ball of the 17th beaten 75 – Rohit hit two sixes and six fours scorecard moving and brought up his fi fty in over, to give some hopes to the home side, to ensure that Mumbai got over the line with the 17th over. with Mumbai still needing 52 off 3.5 overs. eight wickets and two deliveries to spare to Mumbai pacer Mitchell McClenaghan Rohit and Hardik Pandya (13 not out) bat- get their only second win in seven games. ended Dhoni’s innings in the 18th over with ted sensibly cut down the target to 22 off two Mumbai captain Rohit, whose personal Chennai’s score reading 143/3. The Ranchi overs. Rohit then hit medium pacer Shardul batting form was also questioned, got good stumper consumed 21 balls and struck three Thakur for four consecutive fours in the pe- support from openers Ervin Lewis (44) and boundaries and a six. Dhoni also reached nultimate over to leave Mumbai fi ve runs Suryakumar Yadav (44) at the Maharashtra another milestone in Saturday’s clash as he away from victory from the last over. Cricket Association Stadium. became the fi rst skipper to lead any side 150 Rohit and Hardik dealt with three singles Earlier, Raina blasted a 47-ball unbeaten times in the IPL. and one double off leg-spinner Imran Tahir 75, laced with six fours and four sixes, and McClenaghan once again jolted the hosts to coast to the big win. more importantly was involved in a 71-run by packing Dwayne Bravo for a duck. The Despite the loss, Chennai remained at partnership with in-form Ambati Rayudu hosts faultered a bit in the fi nal moments of the top of the table with 10 points, while (46 runs off 35 balls), and another 46 runs their innings as Sam Billings too, departed Mumbai jumped to the sixth spot with four with Mahendra Singh Dhoni (26 off 21) to after scoring just three off fi ve balls. points. propel the yellow brigade to a healthy total. Raina, however, ensured that he bat- Put in to bat, Chennai started the pro- ted out the innings, and fi nished off in Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 169/5 ceedings on a shaky note, losing opener style by clobbering Hardik Pandya for a six (Suresh Raina 75 not out; Ambati Rayudu Shane Watson (12) in the fi fth over with the over midwicket to take the home team to a 46; Mitchell McClenaghan 2/26) vs Mumbai scorecard reading 26 runs. Watson’s top healthy score. Indians: 170/2 in 19.4 overs (Rohit Sharma edge was easily caught by Mayank Markande For Mumbai, McClenaghan and Krunal 56 not out, Ervin Lewis 44, Suryakumar at square leg off the left-arm spinner Krunal were the pick of the bowlers picking two Yadav 44; Harbhajan Singh 1/20, Imran Tahir Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the 2018 Indian Premier League match against Pandya delivery. wickets each, while Hardik bagged one. 1/21). Chennai Super Kings at the Maharashtra Cricket Association International Stadium in Pune. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, April 29, 2018 7 SPORT

FOCUS Boularas wins gold in World Emir Cup trophy tour kicks off in grand fashion Taekwondo Beach Championships

Qatar’s Othman Boularas sparkled in his debut campaign at World Taekwondo Beach Championship 2018 to win gold in the men’s over-30 individual event in Greece on Friday. Boularas put up an Emir Cup trophy tour at the International impressive performance in the event, making an eff ort to bring Emir Cup trophy tour started at Al Bidda Tower in Doha yesterday. School of Choueifat. glory and honour to the Qatar sport movement at the international sport gathering. The World Taekwondo Beach Championships is By Sports Reporter tions over the course of next few weeks. number of staff were present to kick off the to us and underlines how imbedded this promoted by World Taekwondo and organised by World Taek- Doha The trophy tour allows the fans to learn trophy tour at Al Bidda Tower. tournament is within sports tradition of wondo Europe with the Government of South Aegean Region as about the history of the country’s most The trophy tour will include visits to everyone living in Qatar.” the co-organisers. Qatar’s Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federa- popular football tournament held every the Cultural Heritage Centre Al Wakrah Al-Kuwari added: “The trophy tour of tion (QTJKF) secretary-general Eid al-Miraikhi appreciated this he much-awaited Emir Cup tro- year. Park, Aspire Park, Sealine Zone and Souq the Emir Cup, which is being held in part- international achievement, and said that it is proof of tangible sport phy tour kicked off in grand fash- Offi cials of Qatar Football Association Waqif. This is the fi rst time that the pres- nership with Qatar Tawaaf, is diff erent this development the country. ion at Al Bidda Tower in Doha. (QFA), including executive committee tigious Cup has been promoted with the year from the previous seasons. The tro- An annual aff air, the trophy member Ahmed al-Buainain, secretary- participation of ‘Tawaf Qatar’ bus. phy tour is divided into two morning and Al Sadd win HH The Emir Cup Ttour will make numerous stops around general Mansoor al-Ansari, Competitions Al-Buainain said, “The trophy tour evening sessions to include schools and the country as it builds up a football and Players Department director Abdullah is an integral part of the Emir Cup jour- sponsors.” He added: “We thank Qatar Ta- athletics title frenzy ahead of the Emir Cup fi nal to be al-Saai, Competitions Committee chair- ney every football season. We are thrilled waaf for their co-operation with us in this played on May 19. man Hamad al-Mannai, and Marketing to launch this year’s journey at Al Bidda trophy tour, which will also visit various An impressive performance by Al Sadd club athletes ensured The trophy tour will stop at schools, gov- and Communication Department director Tower. The participation of schools and parts of Qatar before reaching the Khalifa they won the prestigious HH The Emir Cup Athletics Champion- ernment organisations and private institu- Khalid Mubarak al-Kuwari, besides a large government institutions is important International Stadium for the fi nal.” ship title for the fifth consecutive year. Al Sadd team collected a total of 175 points to lead the standings and claimed the pres- tigious title, ahead of rivals Al Rayyan, who had to settle for the TENNIS runners-up place (142), while the bronze medal went to Al Ahli (121 points). On other hand, Al Gharafa juniors sparkled to win Qatar Junior Athletics Cup title after collecting 149 points. Unstoppable Nadal SPOTLIGHT CAF president into Barcelona fi nal Ahmad visits with 400th clay win Aspire Academy Spaniard will face Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas in today’s decider

AFP Barcelona CoCo topples Garcia, into fi rst afael Nadal racked up the 400th clay court victory of his clay fi nal career yesterday as he swept past Belgium’s David Goffi n 6-4, 6-0 AFP Rto reach the Barcelona fi nal and stand just Stuttgart, Germany one win from an 11th title in the Spanish city. World number one Nadal also extended oCo Vandeweghe beat his winning streak on clay to 44 consecu- France’s Caroline Garcia 6-4, tive sets as he downed Goffi n for a third C6-2 to reach her first career time in three meetings on the red dirt clay court final at the Stuttgart surface he has dominated for more than Grand Prix yesterday. a decade. The last American to reach a final in In today’s fi nal, the 31-year-old Span- Germany’s automotive capital was iard, fresh from an 11th Monte Carlo title Lindsay Davenport in 2005. last weekend, will face Greek teenager Today, Vandeweghe will face either Stefanos Tsitsipas. fifth seeded Czech Karolina Plisko- “Very happy,” Nadal, who will be chas- va or Anett Kontaveit of Estonia. ing his 77th overall career title, told atp- The 16th ranked Vandeweghe has Confederation of African Football president Ahmad Ahmad (left) with worldtour.com. proved a revelation this week on a Aspire Academy director general Ivan Bravo. “I played I think my best match of the surface that she has never shone on tournament so far, no doubt about that. It before, seeing off world number one By Sports Reporter professional athletes,” said the was a great fi rst set in my opinion. Both of Simona Halep in the quarter-finals. Doha CAF president. us played at a very high level.” “I’m playing relaxed, chill,” the “Based on what I heard from Nadal slipped a break down at 0-2 to 26-year-old, who has two Dutch the Director General of the Acad- fourth seed Goffi n in the fi rst set yester- grass court titles on her CV, said. spire Academy has re- emy, I am confi dent that they are day but that was the only blip on his af- ceived yesterday the on the right track to form a strong ternoon. ros, providing the bulk of his 16 Grand onto the court and enjoyed every sin- PARMENTIER, HERCOG IN President of the Con- Qatari team capable of compet- Goffi n saved two match points in the Slam titles. gle moment,” said Tsitsipas. “I am very ISTANBUL FINAL federation of African ing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup sixth game of the second set but a wea- Nadal said he will not under-estimate proud for myself and also I believe I made FootballA (CAF) Ahmad Ahmad. Qatar,” he added. Pauline Parmentier of France ry forehand went long on the third and Tsitsipas in today’s fi nal. my country proud.” stunned seventh seed Irina- Ahmad was welcomed by As- “From what I saw during my Nadal celebrated with fi sts punched to “Stefanos is a great player. Always the Win or lose today, Tsitsipas will be- Camelia Begu in straight sets at the pire Academy director general visit of the Academy, this project, the sky. young players have something special come the fi rst Greek player to break into Istanbul Cup yesterday to set up Ivan Bravo, who took the guest and looking at it from diff erent Nadal’s 400 wins on clay is the fourth and he’s playing with big confi dence,” the world top 50 when the latest men’s a title clash with Slovenia’s Polona on a tour at the Academy’s facili- angles, both the infrastructure best of all time with Guillermo Vilas of said the top seed. rankings are released on Monday. Hercog. ties and services. and the planned programs, will Argentina a long way ahead with 659 “He’s playing so well, so it’s going to be The fast-rising Greek stunned third- Parmentier won 6-3, 6-4 in one During the tour, Bravo briefed ultimately achieve the desired while Spain’s Manuel Orantes won 502 a very tough match. I need to be ready to seeded Austrian Dominic Thiem on Fri- hour and 47 minutes to remain on Ahmad on the progress of Aspire goals; however, we have to wait and Austria’s Thomas Muster racked up play at the highest level possible.” day 6-3, 6-2. course for the third WTA title of her Academy and its leading role in and see the initial results at the 422. Tsitsipas, 19 years old and ranked 63, That was his second win over a top 10 career and her first since lifting the shaping the sports map of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, However, Nadal has lost just 35 times continued his magical run at the event player – Thiem is seventh in the world – trophy in Bad Gastein 10 years ago. and sports development in gen- which seems to be one of Aspire on clay in his career, easily giving him the reaching a fi rst ATP fi nal with a 7-5, 6-3 following victory over Goffi n during his Standing in the 32-year-old’s way eral. Academy’s main objectives,” Ah- best winning return of 91.9%. win over fi fth-seed Pablo Carreno Busta. best previous run to the semi-fi nals in is world number 75 Hercog, who Bravo and Ahmad both ex- mad said. Since his fi rst tour-level clay-court The last Greek to make an ATP fi nal was Antwerp last October. stormed into her first WTA tour plored ways of joint cooperation “At all cases, Aspire Academy victory over Karel Kucera of Slovakia at Nicholas Kalogeropoulos in Des Moines Yet to drop a set this week, Tsitsipas final since 2012 after dumping out between the Academy and the will continue to be an important the 2003 Monte Carlo Masters, Nadal has back in 1973. Tsitsipas is the youngest served fi ve aces and won 78 percent of Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-2 in CAF, especially in the fi eld of tool for development. I believe also collected 54 clay court trophies. Barcelona fi nalist since Nadal in 2005. fi rst serves to see off his Spanish rival in 89 minutes. promoting the culture of football that this project will help develop Ten of those have come at Roland Gar- “I couldn’t have enjoyed it more, I went one hour 35 minutes. at grassroot level and the Acad- football in Qatar and the world emy’s experience in discovering through joint cooperation, which football talents. will develop many things in the DISCUSSION At the end of his visit to the sports fi eld,” he added. Academy, Ahmad said that the “I believe that is what this world-class facilities of Aspire unique and great sports project is Academy were brilliant and ex- all about. It off ers the potential, ADLQ symposium to look at dietary supplements pressed his admiration of the the means, and the capabilities philosophy of the Academy in to make the best use of it. All the By Sports Reporter Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities general. ADLQ Symposium started back in developing young people and factors and the means to success Doha and Threats’. The symposium will be opened by 2011, and since then has witnessed an in- honing their talents in what are available, and I can say that The two-day event will be held at the ADLQ Board of Trustees chairman Dr creased interest in the fi eld of doping, as serves the best interests of Qa- Aspire Academy is a true model Torch Ballroom in the Qatari capital. Mohamed bin Ghanim al-Maadheed, and it focuses on one of the hot topics related tar national teams and the wide that continuously provides serv- nti-Doping Laboratory Qatar The symposium is divided into ses- World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) di- to anti-doping and sport every year. sports sector. ices to athletes in light of Qatar’s (ADLQ) will host the 8th An- sions that will discuss matters related to rector general Olivier Niggli. The event is a great opportunity for “I visited Aspire Academy to- leadership willingness to assist nual Symposium on May 1-2, dietary supplements and its eff ects on The speakers are from various sectors sharing best practices and identifying day and I am sure that it is doing and support other countries and bringing together some of the athletes as well as non-athletes. It will of the industry, locally and internation- mutual concern and interests with em- everything possible and for its to co-operate with them as well bestA scientists in the fi eld from across the elaborate on if and how dietary supple- ally, with their expertise in doping, sup- phasis on the main objective, which is student-athletes to achieve their as continental associations, they world to discuss ‘Dietary Supplements; ments relate to doping and to sport in plements and sport. fi ghting doping. goals of becoming high-level help everyone,” he concluded.

Sunday, April 29, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

EQUESTRIAN FOOTBALL / QATAR CUP QSLM CEO Ballan Nasser claims overall hails winners Hathab Series title Al Duhail Nasser al-Ghazali wins Big Tour crown; Saeed Nasser al-Qadi clinches Medium Tour

QSLM CEO Hani Taleb Ballan.

atar Stars League Manage- ment (QSLM) chief ex- ecutive offi cer Hani Taleb Ballan congratulated Al DuhailQ on winning the Qatar Cup, after they defeated defending cham- President of the Asian and Qatari Equestrian Federation Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah (third from right) poses with Big Nasser al-Ghazali celebrates with his horse Quel Homme after winning the Big pions Al Sadd 2-1 in the fi nal on Fri- Tour podium winners at Al Shaqab yesterday. Tour overall title at Hathab Series yesterday. day. Ballan expressed his sincere con- By Sahan Bidappa gratulations to the Board of Direc- Doha tors of the Al Duhail club, their tech- nical staff , players, offi cials and fans for emerging as champions in the asser al-Ghazali clinched the fi fth edition of the prestigious tour- Big Tour overall title in style nament. by winning the feature event Hani hailed the good perform- of the 12th and fi nal leg of the ances put up by the four compet- NHathab Series yesterday. ing teams — Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al At Al Shaqab’s indoor arena, al- Rayyan and Al Gharafa — who had Ghazali piloted the 15-year-old gelding taken the top four spots in the QNB Quel Homme to victory, which earned Stars League. the Qatari rider the overall title of the “The spectators watched the inaugural national equestrian tour. matches with great passion. The It was a close aff air as Hamad Nasser teams fought it out in the semi-fi nals al-Qadi threw his hat in the ring but he to qualify for the fi nal. In the end, Al fi nished second on the night with St. Duhail lifted the cup of pride. Lucia, three points behind al-Ghazali. “The QSLM, as always, gave this A victory yesterday in the fi nal leg of elite event huge importance in terms the Big Tour class fetched 30 points. In of preparations, organisation and a thrilling fi nale, both al-Ghazali and arrangements in co-ordination and al-Qadi needed a victory to walk away collaboration with our valued part- with the overall title. And it was al- ners. We believe we’ve delivered the Ghazali who held his nerves to emerge goods in the most appropriate man- triumphant and fi nish with 177 points ner,” said Ballan. to al-Qadi’s 174. He pointed out that the cham- Rashid Towaim al-Marri, who fi n- pionship has a special place in the ished sixth yesterday, with 12-year-old minds of the people of Qatar. It was mare Beyonce, was third overall with fi rst held in the 1994-95 season as 171 points. Even a second-place fi nish the Heir Apparent’s Cup, as a mark would have given al-Marri the title. The Medium Tour podium winners pose with the off icials after the final leg of of respect to the rulers of Qatar. The In the fi nal event, Cyrine Cherif took Hathab series yesterday. The Small Tour podium winners with the off icials. tournament continued under the the third spot with Gerlin Vd Waterkant. same guise until the 2013-14 season The Medium Tour overall title was the fi nal leg, as he led Michael Jackson goes further in popularity and will take Wadi Rum D D H. Time: 74.90secs. 53.60secs. QAR 3,750.00 when it was rebranded as the Qatar won by Saeed Nasser al-Qadi, despite to fastest time jump-off in 28.04secs. steps to ensure that.” Jump off : 36.44secs. Prize money: Cup to represent the great State of the rider not taking part in the fi nal leg Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi was third QR11,000 Dressage Level 1 - Test C, Prize Qatar and its people. of the series. Saeed tallied 187 points with Vlacido. RESULTS 2. Jaber Rashid al-Amri. Jazly. Money: QR10,000 The QSLM CEO expressed his sin- and had already wrapped up the title in Meanwhile, Hamad Bin Abdulrah- Big Tour, Table A, Two rounds with 72.54secs. Jump off : 41.95secs. 1 Ali Mohamed al-Marri. Fernhill cere thanks and appreciation to His 10th leg. man al-Attiyah, Chairman of the Asian jump off (2n Rounds), Art. 273.3.4.1+ QR9,000 Friendly Touch. Score: 67.500. Prize Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim The fi nal leg of the Medium Tour was and Qatari Equestrian Federation, was 4.4+2.2, 130/140 cm, Prize Money 3. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Nasser al-Thani. money: QR2,800 bin Hamad al-Thani for the invalu- won by Ahmed Mohamed al-Badi, who pleased with the success of the inaugu- QAR 60,000 Dollar Van De Zuuthoeve. 69.34secs. 2. Jessica Waldon. Lusso Del Castegno. able support given to sports in gen- guided Wadi Rum D D H to fastest time. ral Hathab series. 1. Nasser al-Ghazali. Horse: Quel QR7,000 66.071. QR2,300 eral and football in particular. Jaber Rashid al-Amri (Jazly) came sec- He pointed out that the 12-leg cham- Homme. Time: 76.13secs. Prize money: 3. Saeed Hamad al-Rashdi. Graff iti de Ballan also extended his thanks ond, while Sheikh Abdulla Bin Nasser pionship had achieved its goal and will QR16,800 Small Tour, Table A, Two rounds with Lully CH. 65.000. QR1,750 and appreciation to all partners, al-Thani (Dollar Van De Zuuthoeve) be developed for the better next year. “I 2. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi. St. Lucia. jump off (2nd Rond), Art. 273.3.4.1+ sponsors and supporters of the 2018 was third. want to thank everyone who has con- 72.71secs. QR13,500 4.4+2.2, 100/115 cm, Prize Money Dressage Level 2 - Test C, Prize Qatar Cup, the host broadcaster and In the Small Tour class, Ghanim tributed to the success of the Hathab 3. Cyrine Cherif. Gerlin Vd Waterkant. QAR 25,000 Money: QR5,000 the media, which provided the tour- Nasser al-Qadi fi nished second yes- series,” al-Attiyah said. 78.63secs. QR10,500 1. Mohammed al-Ghazali. Horse: Michael 1. Mennatallah Hesham Mourad. Horse: nament with extensive coverage. terday but it was enough for the rider On the increase of the prize money Jackson. Time: 55.84secs. Jump off : Quick Dance. Score: 67.500. Prize The top QSLM offi cial expressed to seal the overall title. Ghanim and – which was QR1mn this year – al- Comp. (12) Medium Tour, Table 28.04secs. Prize money: QR6,250 money: QR1,400 his wish to continue the partnership his trusted horse Daydreamer EC came attiyah said: “All aspects of the cham- A, Two rounds with jump off (2nd 2. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi. Daydreamer 2. Maryam Ahmed Alsemaitt. Jana. and association with all the stake- clear in 29.61secs in jump-off . pionship will be studied further and Round), Art. 273.3.4.1+ 4.4+2.2, EC. 53.39secs. jump off : 29.61secs. 63.750. QR1,150 holders in the competition’s future Mohamed al-Ghazali came second we will decide on the prize money in 120/130 cm, Prize Money:QR40,000 QR5,000 3. Aisha Ahmed al-Ahmadi. Juste editions in order to achieve common Ghanim overall but was victorious in due course. We are keen that the series 1. Ahmed Mohamed al-Badi. Horse: 3. Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi. Vlacido. D’adaelle. 61.667. QR875 objectives. (QSL.qa)

Qatar cricket team returns to big welcome

Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) president Yousef Jeham al-Kuwari, QCA Operations manager Manzoor Ahmad, team manager Gul Khan Jadoun, head coach Simon Gough, players and other off icials pose with the runners-up trophy after their arrival from Kuwait, where they participated in the ICC World T20 Asia Qualifier A tournament, at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Qatar have now qualified for the Asia Finals, and further qualification from that tournament will take the team to the main qualifying tournament ahead of the 2020 Twenty World Cup.