Sheikh Salman Bin Qatar Football Association Has Ident of the AFC and We Are AFC Chief

SPORT Friday 29 March 2019 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Solskjaer named Clinical Federer permanent enters quarters Man United after easy win manager in Miami QOC felicitates Qatar's Special Olympics World Summer Games team

The Qatar Olympic Committee Vice President, Dr Thani Al Kuwari, Secretary General, Jassim Al Buainain and other officials pose for a photograph with Qatar’s Special Olympics World Summer Games team members during a felicitation ceremony held in Doha, yesterday. Team Qatar won 13 medals at the Games in Abu Dhabi, including four gold medals, four silver and five bronze.

Mumbai pip CAF Super Cup: African giants Bangalore to clinch ready for Qatar showdown nail-biter

THE PENINSULA will try to win the trophy, espe- IANS DOHA Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Raja Casablanca clash in final today cially as the team celebrates its BANGALORE 100th anniversary this year and Continental giants Espérance we look forward to winning as In a match going down the wire, Sportive de Tunis and Raja Casa- many titles as possible to make an unlucky Royal Challengers blanca will battle for the CAF the fans happy.” Bangalore lost a thrilling Indian Super Cup glory today when the African football fans - who Premier League (IPL) contest one-off clash takes place at Al have arrived in Doha by the thou- to Mumbai Indians yesterday Gharafa Stadium. sands - will be eagerly waiting by just six runs despite an It will be the first time that for the start of the final. all-out effort by AB de Villiers. the hugely followed football Meanwhile the Local Organ- With de Villers (70 spectacle will be played outside izing Committee (LOC) of the unbeaten off 41) on song, it the African continent. Total CAF Super Cup 2019 final looked Bangalore would The kick-off time is set for has completed preparations to overhaul the 188-run target 7:00pm. stage the match. well in time but Mumbai held Everything is at stake for the Khalid Al Kuwari, Marketing its nerves to snatch their first two champion sides. Esperance, Director, Abdullah Al Hammadi, win in this year's league. the 2018 CAF Champions League Event Services Director, Jassim With 17 required from final winners will be attempting to win Al Jassim, Head of Venue Oper- over, nothing went right for the title for the second time Esperance Sportive de Tunis players in action during a practice session at the Al Gharafa Stadium in Doha, ation, and Fahad Bu Hindi, Mumbai as Shivam Dube clob- having beaten DC Motema Pembe ahead of today’s CAF Super Cup final against Raja Casablanca of Morocco. PICTURE : MOHAMED FARAG Captain, Ministry of Interior, bered Lasith Malinga for a (Zaire) in the 1995 final. The announced the event details at a maximum in the first delivery Tunisian giants have lost two press conference. before Bumrah dropped the other finals in 1999 and 2012. Veteran defender Sameh eyeing to memorably cap the runners-up in 1999 and 2012. The LOC urged the ticket Bangalore batsman at point. Raja Casablanca, the 2018 Derbali and midfielder Ghilane season by delivering the CAF Esperance assistant coach holders to arrive early at Thani However, Dube and de Villers CAF Confederation Cup winners, Chalali have recovered from Super Cup. Mejdi Traoui said: “It will not be bin Jassim Stadium to avoid con- failed to guide their team home on the other hand, won the title injuries and have made the trip “We hope to win this conti- an easy match. It will be a tough gestion near the entry gates. as Bangalore fell six runs short. in 2000 when they beat Africa to Doha. nental title to strengthen our title match and we need to focus 100 It was announced that the The Indians were lucky as Sports (Ivory Coast) in the final Also, travelling to Qatar is account in an outstanding year percent on this continental title. gates will be opened at 3:30pm umpire failed to spot a Malinga played at the Stade Mohammed goalkeeper Rami Jridi, back from in the history of the club,” Jridi The finals have to be won today whereas family activities no-ball in the final delivery of V in the heart of the city of Casa- an injury sustained in a league said ahead of the final. regardless of the performances will commence two hours prior. the match. blanca, Morocco. match against CS Sfaxien nearly Having last won the CAF and require a lot of experience Tunisian artist Ahmed Sharif Meanwhile, Kohli also Esperance today will two weeks ago. Super Cup in 1995, Esperance from the players of Esperance.” and Moroccan artist Hatem Amro became the second player in the welcome back three key players With Esperance celebrating are bidding for a second-ever He added: “We need to be will also perform for spectators league's history to amass 5,000 from injury. their centenary this year, Jridi is title after also finishing as very focused on the game and we attending the match. runs during his 46-run innings. For Mumbai, Bumrah (3/20) was the pick of the bowlers while Markande scalped one. Al Duhail eye Al Sadd win to keep title hopes alive Earlier, some valuable top- order contributions followed by Hardik Pandya's blitzkrieg FAWAD HUSSAIN “We know the importance of confident that his players will helped Mumbai post a chal- THE PENINSULA this game for our team and also give their best in the crucial lenging 187/8 even as leg- for Al Sadd, who are trying to match. spinner Yuzvendra Chahal Al Duhail coach Rui Faria believes regain the league title. Certainly, “I know what our players can shined for the hosts with a four- his team can pull off a victory my team doesn’t want them to be do. I know their abilities and I wicket haul. against points leaders Al Sadd, in crowned at our stadium,” Faria trust them very much,” said the Put into bat, the visitors what will be the most anticipated told a pre-match press conference coach. were off to a decent start, match of the ongoing QNB Stars yesterday. Al Duhail striker Youssef El thanks to skipper Rohit (48 off League (QSL) season, to keep “Al Sadd’s victory against us Arabi predicted the match to be 33) and Quinton de Kock (23 their hopes of retaining the title in the first leg will give us the of high intensity, saying execution off 20). However, as soon as alive. motivation to win this time. Thus, will play an important role. Kohli introduced Chahal in the Al Duhail, who triumphed in we can take the title race until “In every game, we need to seventh over, the spinner the last season comfortably, are the last round,” he added. bring out our best. Saturday’s is removed de Kock to put trailing Al Sadd by four points, The Portuguese coach, a big game. Players of both teams breaks on the 54-run opening with the season nearing an end. however, said his team was calm know that you have to score in stand. Al Sadd have 50 points and a and preparing well, with full the first opportunity. I like this Apart from Chahal, Umesh victory in the 20th round match points in sights. game. It may be the best in this and Mohammed Siraj picked against Al Duhail will seal the “Our preparations have been season’s league.” two wickets each. coveted Falcon Shield for coach just like how we prepare for On his comparison with Al BRIEF SCORES Jesualdo Ferreira’s side. each match. We know how Al Duhail’s Bassam Al Rawi (centre) trains with his team-mates Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah, But defending champions Al important this encounter is and El Arabi said, “I am very happy ahead of the QNB Stars League Round 20 match against Al Sadd, MI 187/8 (Rohit Sharma 48 off Duhail, who led in the best part the strength of the Al Sadd with the level presented by which will be played on Saturday. 33 balls, Hardik Pandya 32 no of the season, are in no mood to team,” he said. Bounedjah with Al Sadd and his allow ‘The Wolves’ to do that, “There’s going to be only one scoring abilities. He is a very good off 14 balls, Yuzvendra Chahal vowing to fire on all cylinders in result and we are going to chase it is possible. We like to keep the in our bid to retain the title,” he player. I am happy for him and I 4/38 in 4 overs)

the crunch match, scheduled to victory. We have had a good memories of good scenes. The added. am happy for myself.” RCB 181/5 (Virat Kohli 46, AB take place on their home turf season generally. If the numbers season is far from finish and we Faria, who joined the QSL The match will kick off at de Villiers 70 no off 41 balls). tomorrow. allow you to still chase the title, want to reduce the gap in points giants in January, said he was 7:15pm. FRIDAY 29 MARCH 2019 SPORT 17 AFC elections: QFA announces support for Sheikh SaSalmanlman

THE PENINSULA Saud Abdul Aziz Al football, I and the Qatar Qatar and said that the visit is that this supportrt reflects tthehe DOHA Mohannadi, Vice President of Football Association in in harmony with the spirit of spirit of unity amongmong the AsAsianian QFA and candidate for the AFC general, will continue to solidarity among the pillars of football family and confirms The Qatar Football Association elections, said in a press support H E Shaikh Salman bin the Asian football system under that everyone is wwalkingalking in one (QFA) has announced its statement: “Our position in the Ibrahim in his role as Pres- the leadership of the current direction in the AsiAsianan support for Sheikh Salman bin Qatar Football Association has ident of the AFC and we are AFC chief. continent. Ibrahim Al Khalifa for a new been consistent and sup- fully confident that he can The AFC President Sheikh Salmanan also praised term in the AFC Presidency at portive of H E Sheikh Salman lead Asia in the way required expressed his thanks and the efforts of Al MohannadiMohannadi in the General Assembly of the since he assumed the Presi- to power Asian football to a appreciation of QFA headed by serving Asian footballtball in various Asian Football Confederation dency of the Asian Football bright future.” Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin locations, highlightinghlighting his (AFC) in Kuala Lumpur on Confederation where I worked Al Mohannadi welcomed Ahmed Al Thani for their keenness to unifyunify AsianAsiananan AFC President Sheikh Salman April 6. closely with him. As for Asian the visit of Sheikh Salman to support and support, stressing football. bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa Top seed Xu Xin, Boll off to victorious starts

THE PENINSULA too strong for Qatar’s DOHA Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Abdulrahman Al Naggar (9-11, China’s Xu Xin and Germany’s 11-6, 11-2, 11-9). Timo Boll, the leading names on In the Women’s Doubles duty in the top half of the men’s Round One, Hina Hayata and singles draw, yesterday made Mima Ito made a strong opening successful starts to their to their Women’s Singles cam- campaigns at the ITTF World Qatar’s Maha paign in Doha after the no.1 seeds Tour Platinum Qatar Open. Faramarzi and from Japan comfortably nego- Xu Xin, the top seed, beat Aia Mohamed tiated their meeting with Korean Korea Republic’s Lim Jonghoon in action qualifiers Choi Hyojoo and Yoo (9-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7) while against Chinese Eunchong in three straight games two-time Qatar champion Boll, Taipei’s Chen (11-7, 11-8, 11-6). the no.4 seed, ended the hopes Szu-Yu and Success and a hint of revenge of colleague, Benedek Duda Cheng Hsien- for Hina Hayata, who had been (11-4, 11-8, 11-4, 11-2). Tzu during eliminated in the final round of Also yesterday, China’s Ma their women’s Women’s Singles qualifying by Long returned to the interna- doubles Round Yoo Eunchong only the day tional scene after an eighth- of 16 match before. month absence but not without of the ITTF China’s Sun Yingsha and some moments of trepidation for World Tour Wang Manyu yesterday pro- his fans. The no.11 seed, he Platinum Qatar duced a confident performance needed six games to over come Open at the Ali at the first hurdle of the Women’s Frenchman, Tristan Flore (6-11, Bin Hamad Al Doubles event with a straight 11-5, 12-10, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7). Attiyah Arena, games victory over Chinese Tai- Listed at no.82 on the current yesterday. pei’s Liu Hsing-Yin and Su Pei- men’s world rankings, the Czech PICTURES: Ling (11-6, 11-9, 11-7) sending the Republic’s Pavel Sirucek caused HUSSEIN SAYED second seeds through. an early upset as play began in The news was just as positive the opening round of the men’s for Ding Ning and Wang Yidi, singles event. Sirucek beat Korea Sato from Japan (11-8, 13-11, 6-11, sailed through to the last 16 of Seeded one position lower Elsewhere, the host nation who accounted for Hong Kong’s Republic’s Lee Sangsu, the no.6 11-9, 11-4); by the very narrowest the Women’s Singles draw after in fifth, another Chinese Taipei had its hopes dashed with the Ng Wing Nam and Soo Wai Yam seed and listed at no.7 in the of margins, Hitomi Sato, the beating Chen Szu-Yu. The top partnership suffered defeat at mixed association partnership Minnie without dropping a game global order; furthermore, he no.10 seed, experienced defeat seed won in four games (12-10, the first attempt as Chen Chien- of Romania’s Ovidiu Ionescu and to the fifth seeds (11-4, 11-9, won in style. He prevailed in at the hands of colleague Miyu 13-11, 11-7, 11-4). An and Chuang Chih-Yuan lost Spain’s Alvaro Robles proving 11-8). straight games (11-9, 14-12, 11-7, Kato (11-7, 6-11, 7-11, 13-11, 11-9, In the Men’s Doubles, there out to Germany’s Boll and 11-8). 8-11, 15-13). was disappointment for Chinese Patrick Franziska (11-4, 11-8, Action during the women’s singles Round In the Women’s Singles, Feng Tianwei passed her Taipei yesterday. 11-3). of 32 matches yesterday. Japan’s Kasumi Ishikawa, the Round of 32 test with flying Occupying the no.4 spot on Putting up a respectable fight no.2 seed, yesterday suffered colours yesterday when the the Men’s Doubles seeding list but but England’s Paul Drinkhall and defeat in her opening contest; eighth seed beat qualification for Chinese Taipei’s Liao Cheng- Sam Walker will play no further she was beaten by China’s Sun star Yoo Eunchong (11-7, 11-9, Ting and Lin Yun-Ju the first part in the Men’s Doubles tour- Yingsha (11-7, 11-9, 14-12, 11-5). 11-5, 9-11, 12-10) while Hong round was as far as they would nament after China’s Lin In other matches, Gu Yuting Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem beat Doo go in Doha, falling to Poland’s Gaoyuan and Ma Long, no.7 beat Austria’s Sofia Polcanova, Hoi Kem (6-11, 1-11, 11-9, 12-10, Jakub Dyjas and Belgium’s Cedric seeds, recovered from a 0-1 the no.15 seed (11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 15-13). Nuytinck across five games deficit to beat the qualifiers 3-1 11-6, 11-7); He Zhuojia accounted Queen of hearts Ding Ning (12-10, 9-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7). (10-12, 12-10, 11-8, 11-8). for Korea Republic’s Jeon Jihee, the no.14 seed (11-5, 11-6, 10-12, 12-14, 11-6, 11-8). Meanwhile, Wang Yidi received a walk-over when due to face Korea Repub- lic’s injured Su Hyo Won. Also yesterday, Cheng Hsien- Tzu caused a major first round women’s singles upset; she beat Chinese Taipei colleague, Cheng I-Ching, the no.6 seed. In a hard fought contest she prevailed in six games (11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 3-11, 13-11, 11-6). Germany’s Han Ying pre- vailed, Japan’s Hitomi Sato fell, the two players in the top half of the women’s singles draw who practise the defensive art. Han Ying beat Saki Shibata, the no.12 seed and like Hitomi Al Sulaiti, Al Qubaisi battle for title in final round

THE PENINSULA defending QSTK600 champion, Saeed Al Sulaiti (right) and Abdulla Al Qubaisi before the start of 160 points. So the battle in this dedicated to try new parts and DOHA Al Sulaiti said. a race at the Losail International Circuit in this file photo. category will be for the third setup for next season. Having no In the last two rounds of the place, between Hassan Al Man- pressure is always a good thing Popular Qatari riders Saeed Al championship, Al Qubaisi had a soori or Nawaf Al Shuaibi. as I can enjoy the race a bit Sulaiti and Abdulla Al Qubaisi great performance, winning all “I have won the title already more,” Al Khelaifi said. will target nothing but the cham- the four races, reducing the gap but I want to push in the last round The battle this weekend will pionship title when the fifth and with Al Sulaiti to only four points to do a good race and try to fight be for the second place in the last round of Qatar Superstock and breaking the lap time record. with the front riders of QSTK. I just championship. Although a total 600 (QSTK600) that will take So an exciting battle between arrived from Spain for testing and of six drivers can be the runner place at the Losail International both riders is expected. I feel much better with the bike. up of the championship, Circuit today and tomorrow. “In the beginning of the Hopefully for this round I can do Mohamad Al Khaiat, Hamad Al Al Sulaiti is leading the season I didn’t expect that I will good lap timings and expect a Sulaiti and Ghanim Al Maadheed championship with 173 points, be fighting for the championship great race,” Jassim said. are leading contenders, with only only four points ahead of Al with Saeed and had chances to In the Qatar Touring Car four points seperating them. Qubaisi, who has 169 points. win it, but in the last two round Championship which will also The entry for the grandstand “I am very excited for the last I really covered the points. I won take place this weekend, the and also the Paddock will be free round, for sure it is going to be four races so now I am only four championship title has been for fans during the two-day full of action as always. I am sure points behind Saeed. So there already decided, with Abdullah event. both will push and give a great will be a lot of action in this last Al Khelaifi defending the title for QSTK 600 and QTCC are show for everyone. At the end of round. In the last track day, I pre- The third in the standings is from the last round. Jassim Al a third time. organised by Losail Circuit Sports the day, everybody is a winner, pared the bike for the final Mashel Al Naimi with 140 points. Thani has already clinched the “My goal is to win both races Club and Qatar Motor and Motor- this championship is great and round. Also, I did a good lap time. In the Trophy category, first title with 200 points and Kuwaiti to have a perfect score this cycle Federation with Pirelli we can see that all the riders are So I am ready for the race,” said and second places of the cham- rider Mohamad Al Zaidan season. Also, since the title is Qatar and Inside as sponsors of improving and pushing a lot,” the Al Qubaisi. pionship are already decided secured the second place with secured, this round will be both championships. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 29 MARCH 2019 Kane wants to end career as NFL kicker How Solskjaer

REUTERS in 10 or 12 years I definitely want to try. transformed Red LONDON “If you play in the Premier League and the World Cup and you then play in the England captain Harry Kane has his heart NFL, would you then be considered one of Devils’ fortunes set on ending his playing career in the the greatest sportsmen ever? United States kicking field goals for a team “It goes back to that drive to be the best. in the National Football League (NFL). Even if I download a game on my phone, AFP Kane, the top scorer at last year’s FIFA can I be the best in the world?” LONDON World Cup, has long been an admirer of Kane is a fan of New England Patriots American football and believes success- quarterback Tom Brady and was at the Manchester United’s confirmation of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fully switching sports late in his career will Super Bowl this year, watching from the as their next permanent manager caps a remarkable rise help him go down in history as one of the stands as the 41-year-old won his sixth title. over the past three months for the Norwegian. greatest sportsmen of all time. “We’ve had a similar path being Solskjaer was seen as a stop-gap option when recruited The path from European football to the doubted when we were younger. Maybe as a caretaker in December, with United scrambling for a United States is a well-travelled one, with not being the best athletes as kids,” Kane solution following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. the likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney added. “Not many people thought he’d However, a United legend as a player, Solskjaer has re- and Steven Gerrard all ending up in Amer- become that good or even play in the NFL energised the English giants, leading them to the Champions England’s football captain Harry Kane poses for ica’s top soccer league (MLS), but Kane and he went on to become the best ever. League quarter-finals with an incredible victory over free- photographs after being made a MBE (Member of the wants to blaze his own trail. “At the time, it gave me a real boost to spending Paris Saint-Germain and hauling the Red Devils “(The desire to play in the NFL) is real,” say, look, anything is possible. If you have Order of the British Empire) by the Duke of Cambridge back into the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League. the Tottenham Hotspur striker told ESPN that self-belief and that drive and that at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Here is a look at how Solskjaer has transformed United’s in an interview. “(It’s) something that hunger, you can do it.” London, Britain, yesterday. fortunes to win the job on a permanent basis. Playing football the United way “To win games you need to pass it forward and run forward.” The basics under Solskjaer may seem simple but they contrast sharply with Mourinho’s conservative approach Solskjaer named permanent that left a host of expensively assembled stars paralysed by fearfear ofof mamakingking mismistakes.t TheThe fformerormer stristrikerk spent more than a decade as a United playerplayp er llearningearning frofromm Alex Ferguson and is trying to replicate thehe sassameame aaggressive,ggressiv attacking approach ingrained in him Man United manager by thethe SScot,cot, wwhoho wwono 13 league titles in charge at Old Trafford. “It’s“It’t’s a wwinninginning identity,i it’s a confident identity. We want REUTERS with the Norwegian at the helm, too taketaakakee rriskrisks.ks. We wantwa to go for the second, the third and the MANCHESTER United has experienced an upturn fourthfouurth ggoaloal becausebecaus that’s just how we do things at Man- in form. chestercheschchesesstetert r UnUUnited,”nited,” SSolskjaero said of his vision for the club. Manchester United have appointed Ole Gunnar ItI isis alsoaalso not a naiven approach solely based on bombing Solskjaer as their permanent manager on a forward.foorrwwaarrdd.d AAwayway winwinss at Tottenham, Arsenal and most famously three-year contract, the Premier League club Solskjaer was unbeaten in ofoffa allalll atat PSPSG,SG, exhibexhibitedi United’s pace and firepower on the said yesterday. his first 11 games in charge counter-attack.ccououoununnteterr--attack. The 46-year-old Norwegian has guided and his side produced a PogbaPogba leads tthe way United to 14 wins in 19 matches in all compe- historic display to beat WhileWWhhilille MourinhMourinhoo butted heads with and routinely dropped titions as caretaker boss since replacing the PaulPPaaulauul PoPPogba,oggba, SolskjaerSolskja has built his side around the French sacked Jose Mourinho in December. Paris Saint Germain in the WorldWWoWorlrld CuCCupup winner,winner, with stunning results. Initially viewed as purely a stop-gap option Champions League Round PogbaPPoPogoggbgba hhasas scorscorede nine goals and provided seven assists while the club searched for a high-profile of 16. sincesinsincce tththehe cchangehange ofof management. established manager, with Tottenham Hot- RashfordRashfordf rebreborn spur’s boss Mauricio Pochettino widely MarcusMMarMaarrccus RashfordRashfo was rarely trusted with a consistent reported to be their main target, the former In his 19 games in charge, runrurunn ofo gamesgaammes as a ccentral striker under Mourinho. United striker has exceeded all expectations United has won 14, TheThhhee imageimage ooff tthe Portuguese visibly demonstrating his and now has his reward. drawn two and lost three, disgustddiissgguusst asas the EnglandEng international missed a one-on-one “This is the job that I always dreamed of aagagaagainstaiainnstt Young BBoys towards the end of Mourinho’s reign doing and I’m beyond excited to have the while scoring 40 goals and spspokepoke voluvolumesm for their relationship. No longer fearing chance to lead the club long-term and hope- conceding 17. He has a win the consconsequencese of a missed opportunity, Rashford fully deliver the continued success that our percentage of 73.7%. hashas scoredsco eight of his 12 goals this season since amazing fans deserve,” said the 46-year-old Solskjaer’sSolskja arrival. That new-found confidence in a statement on United’s website. shshowedowe as Rashford buried the penalty deep “From the first day I arrived, I felt at home to get the club used to winningwiininnnnininng agaagain.gagaiainn.. into sstoppage time that capped a comeback at this special club. It was an honour to be a “Since coming in ass caretakerccacararrerettakeakekeer fromfrom a 2-0 first-leg defeat to eliminate PSG Manchester United player, and then to start manager in December, ththehhee resultsrreresessuultults withwith a 3-1 victory in the French capital. my coaching career here.” Ole has delivered speak foffororr them-thethememem- All smile After instantly turning around United’s selves,” said Woodward.. Solskjaer outlined his first task as putting form - they have won 10 of their 13 Premier “More than just perform-rfforoormrmrm- ssmilesm back on the players’ faces. League games since he was appointed - Sol- ances and results, Ole bringsrirriningininggs The feel-good factor has allowed an skjaer sealed his job with the dramatic a wealth of experience, bobbothothothh ababundantly talented squad to show their comeback win at French champions Paris St as a player and as a coach,acchch,h, ppotential but has also galvanised the fans Germain which earned the club a Champions coupled with a desire toto jujust as much as his squad. League quarter-final with Barcelona. give young players theireireiirr “Ole’s at the wheel” sung to the tune of His positive approach to the players, sup- chance and a deep under-r- ManchesterM band the Stone Roses’ tune ported by Alex Ferguson’s former assistant standing of the culture ofof ““Waterfall”W has reverberated around every Mike Phelan, resulted in a transformation of the club. UUnitedn game home and away in recent weeks. the mood around Old Trafford and the club’s “This all means thatatt ‘Fergie time’ returns Carrington training ground. he is the right person too Ferguson’sF United teams became synon- The upbeat, inclusive approach taken by take Manchester Unitedd ymousymous with late goals, leading stoppage time to Solskjaer contrasted markedly with the atmos- forward. I want to thankk bebe tetermedr “Fergie time” during his 27-year phere in the latter stages of Mourinho’s reign Ole and the coaching reignreign in charge. and delighted fans who had grown weary of team for everything they SolskjaerS scored the most famous of all the squabbles and defensive football under have done so far and tthosehos goals in the 1999 Champions League the Portuguese manager. congratulate him on this finalfina to complete a historic treble and has That change in tone was expected and was richly deservedvevedv ed managedma to imprint the same never-say- one of the main reasons that United executive appointment.” ddiei attitude on his own team. There was vice-chairman Ed Woodward had chosen the Fifth-placed United, whow are loclolockedkedd ini a alsoal a late revival from 2-0 down to claim Norwegian to be the caretaker. battle for Champions Leaguegue qualququalificationificatiotioonspn spspotsots a point against Burnley, while Rashford’s But for England’s most successful club, with with Arsenal, Chelsea anddTod TottenhamTottentteenham HotsHotspur,pur,pur sspot-kick to seal a special night in Paris a record 20 domestic titles, Solskjaer also had host Watford in the leagueue onon Saturday.Saturday. Manchester United’s manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer camec deep into time added on. McIlroy, Tiger open with wins at WGC Match-Play

REUTERS Afterwards, the 2015 Masters Tiger Woods of the United States AUSTIN, TEXAS Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland champion said it felt like a win. plays his second shot on the plays his shot from “To birdie the last two holes fifth hole in his match against Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy were the eighth tee in his is really big for me right now as compatriot Aaron Wise among the winners in the opening I’m looking to gain confidence match against Luke during the first round round of the WGC-Dell Technol- under pressure and test some of List on Monday. of the World Golf ogies Match Play on Wednesday the stuff I’ve been working on,” Championships-Dell with both former world number Spieth said. Match Play at ones taking the chance to fine tune In other first round action, Austin Country their games ahead of the upcoming Kevin Na edged defending champion Club in Masters. Bubba Watson, world number one Austin, Woods fell behind fellow Dustin Johnson crushed Chez Reavie Texas, on American Aaron Wise through 10 and reigning Masters champion Monday. holes but battled back to seal the Patrick Reed fell to Andrew Putnam. win when the 22-year-old missed In a change in format this year, a short putt on the 17th, handing the the 64 players have been divided into four-times Masters champion a 3 we’d be pretty far behind. You just last two holes to finish List off with 16 groups of four. and 1 victory. try to beat the guy in front of you authority. Everyone plays everyone else in The 43-year-old, however, was and I was able to advance.” “I rode my luck a little bit and I their group over the first three days, less than thrilled with his per- McIlroy had an easier time as hit some good shots,” he said. after which the player with the best formance on the first of five days the Players Championship winner American Jordan Spieth, trying record in each group advances to the action at the sun-soaked day at the continued his hot form to rout long- to play his way out of a slump, was 16-man knockout phase over the Austin Country Club. driving American Luke List 5 and 4. two holes down with three weekend. “We were both struggling a little The Northern Irishman, who remaining but managed back-to- Woods and McIlroy will face off bit,” Woods said. won the tournament under a dif- back birdies to halve his match with in the round-of-16 on Saturday if “If this was a strokeplay event ferent format in 2015, birdied his compatriot Billy Horschel. they win their respective groups. FRIDAY 29 MARCH 2019 SPORT 19

Swiss star Hopman Cup ready for Clinical Federer enters ends after Anderson three decades barrage as Perth made after romp quarters after easy win ATP Cup host REUTERS AFP MIAMI Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to MIAMI the crowd after his match against Daniil REUTERS A clinical Roger Federer took a Medvedev of Russia on Wednesday. PERTH Roger Federer is preparing confident step towards a fourth himself for a barrage of Kevin Miami Open title on Wednesday, Perth has been chosen as Anderson big serves after the easing past 13th-seeded Russian the third city to host the Swiss star sealed his place in the Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-2 to inaugural ATP Cup in ATP and WTA Miami Open book his spot in the quarter- January 2020, signalling quarter-finals in just 61 minutes finals. an end to the Hopman on Wednesday. Federer, a winner of 100 Cup international mixed Federer is celebrating 20 career titles, can look back on team event that has been years at this tournament and dozens of brilliant performances hosted by the Western edged closer to his fourth title and the Swiss maestro could add Australian city for the past in South Florida as the up and his ruthless fourth-round win over 31 years. coming Russian Daniil the red hot Russian to that list. Sydney and Brisbane Medvedev was swatted aside With 17 match wins, no were announced as the 6-4, 6-2. player has had more success this other ATP Cup host cities Next up for the 20-time year than the lanky Russian but in January, with Sydney Grand Slam-winning legend is Medvedev had no answers for a hosting the knockout the South African world rampaging Federer, who needed rounds and final of the number seven who famously just 61 minutes to reach the last tournament. beat the 37-year-old at Wim- eight, where he will take on tow- “The ATP Cup will bledon in 2018 over five dra- ering sixth-seeded South African launch the global tennis matic sets. Kevin Anderson. season for the men,” That triumph was Ander- “There were really long Tennis Australia CEO son’s only win over Federer in rallies, tactical points. The big Craig Tiley said at the six attempts - and the only time points went my way and that Perth Arena yesterday he’s won a set. was the difference,” said Federer. while speaking to “I think if you beat me at “I’m serving great this week reporters. Wimbledon, you’ve got my and hope I can keep it up in the “Four of the top 12 attention,” smiled Federer. next round.” male players, and eight of “He’s got a great serve and The match got off to a the top 24, will play in I’m happy he’s playing again Perth, with 24 teams com- after his injury. MIAMI OPEN RESULTS routine start until Federer took The Russian could not side of two tie-breakers in his peting across three cities “So from that standpoint, I Men’s 4th Round control. convert any of his three break- afternoon battle with Roberto -- Perth, Brisbane and know what I’m about to expect Roger Federer (SUI x4) bt Daniil With Medvedev 4-3 up in the points, while Federer took all Bautista Agut to advance 7-6(1), Sydney,” said the body’s tomorrow. The matches I have Medvedev (RUS x13) 6-4, 6-2 first, the 20-times grand slam three of his. 7-6(5) to the semi-finals of the chief played against him I know can Quarter-finals champion swept the next five Federer’s fourth-round tournament, where he has yet to The ATP Cup will have be extremely close always, just games to take the opener and a contest had been scheduled for drop a set. 750 ranking points and John Isner (USA x7) bt Roberto Bautis- because of his sheer possibil- 2-0 lead in the second. Tuesday but was moved due to The seventh-seeded $22m in prize money up ities that he has on the serve. ta (ESP x22) 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/5) Medvedev halted the rain, giving the 37-year-old American thumped 25 aces to for grabs. “I believe that probably the Women’s Quarter-finals bleeding with a hold at 2-1 but Swiss little time to recover before see off the Spaniard and will next The event leaves no best surface for him is this kind Simona Halep (ROM x2) bt Wang there was no stopping the facing the hard-hitting Anderson, face either 18-year-old Canadian room in the revamped of a type of hard court here in Qiang (CHN x18) 6-4, 7-5 fourth-seeded Federer who who was a 7-5, 7-5 winner over Felix Auger Aliassime or tennis calendar for the

the States where he’s spent a Karolina Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Marketa claimed a second break to go up Australian Jordan Thompson. defensive baseliner Borna Coric, Hopman Cup, which is lot of his time practicing, as Vondrousova (CZE) 6-3, 6-4 5-2 and then had an easy hold Defending champion John who were to play their quarter- popular with players and well.” to seal a business-like victory. Isner came out on the winning final in the night session. has traditionally served as a warm-up for the Aus- tralian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam. Paul McNamee, Halep sees off Wang to sail founder of the Hopman Cup and a four-time doubles Grand Slam champion, said he did not into Miami Open semi-finals know if the tournament would move to another city. REUTERS Halep is the highest seed left in the “My immediate feeling MIAMI draw following Osaka’s third-round exit is sadness that it’s not Simona Halep overcame a and she said that while she is aware going to be there anymore hiccup in the second set Playing again in the she can reclaim top spot in the rankings and concern about where to secure a 6-4, 7-5 semi-finals is going to it is not something she is overly con- the Hopman Cup may be Miami Open quarter- be a big challenge. And cerned about. in the future,” he told ABC final victory over China’s “If I play well, if I play my best News. Wang Qiang on maybe I can do my best tennis, I have a better chance to become Roger Federer faced Wednesday, putting the result here and play in number one again,” said Halep. Serena Williams as Swit- Romanian one win away the final: Halep. It’s going “But it’s not in my mind. I just want zerland beat the United from reclaiming the world’s to be a big match in the to find my rhythm, to find my level and States at this year’s top ranking from Naomi Osaka. just play as good as possible.” Hopman Cup and Standing in her way will be next round: Halep Halep will have her hands full when McNamee said watching Karolina Pliskova, who endured a she battles the towering Pliskova. two of the sport’s biggest blip of her own in the second set before she quickly jumped out to 0-40 in the The Czech won six of the final seven names battle it out was a defeating Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 10th game, only for the Romanian’s con- games against the aggressive Von- fitting farewell of the 6-4 in the evening session. fident net play to get her out of the jam. drousova thanks to solid defence, an tournament. Halep broke Wang three times to Halep then went on to wrap up the overpowering forehand and booming “If there was a sign race into a 4-1 lead before closing out win over 18th-seeded Wang in 89 serve. off... to say well, bye bye the first set when she cut off the angle minutes and match her best effort in The fifth seed, who lost her last Hopman Cup, it was the on a short forehand and blasted a Miami, which came in 2015 when she meeting with Halep, a three-setter at fact that probably the two winner into the open court. lost to Serena Williams in the semis. last month’s Fed Cup, could potentially greatest players in the Simona Halep of Romania But Wang came out firing in the “Playing again in the semi-finals is reach world number two by winning history of the sport, Roger second set, breaking Halep three times going to be a big challenge. And maybe the tournament. celebrates after winning the Federer and Serena Wil- and holding to love in back-to-back I can do my best result here and play Recent form does not bode well for first set against Wang Qiang liams, went on court at the service games to build a 5-1 lead. in the final,” Halep said on court. her, however. of China on Wednesday. Perth Arena and went The second seed stormed back but “It’s going to be a big match in the “I practiced with Simona before the head-to-head,” said the Wang nearly forced a third set when next round.” Miami Open and I lost 0-6,” she said. founder of the tournament. Ashwin’s ‘Mankad’ on Buttler not in spirit of game: MCC

REUTERS Having extensively reviewed non-striker’s end instead of completing delivered, he was in his ground. We now LONDON the incident again and after his delivery. The dismissal, named after think at the key moment Buttler was in further reflection we don’t India bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran his ground. Ravichandran Ashwin’s (pictured) out Australia’s Bill Brown in similar “Buttler, it’s fair to say, did not make recent ‘Mankad’ dismissal of Jos Buttler think it was within the spirit fashion in 1947, is permitted under a concerted effort to get back into his in the Indian Premier League was not of the game: Fraser Stewart, cricket’s laws but viewed by some as crease after Ashwin had delayed his “within the spirit of the game”, the MCC’s Manager of the Laws of going against the spirit of the game. delivery, and didn’t help himself in that Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has said Cricket The MCC changed its stance because respect.” Stewart said non-strikers after reviewing footage of the incident. Ashwin paused after his delivery stride should stop trying to gain an advantage The MCC, custodian of cricket’s and waited for Buttler to leave the crease by backing up before the ball was laws, had earlier said the decision the spirit of the game,” Fraser Stewart, before whipping the bails off. bowled. could have gone either way depending the MCC’s Manager of the Laws of “We believe the pause was too long “It’s also unfair and against the spirit on how ‘the instant when the bowler Cricket, told the Daily Telegraph. between the time Ashwin reached the of cricket for non-strikers to leave their would normally have been expected Kings XI Punjab captain Ashwin crease and the moment it was rea- ground too early,” he added. to release the ball’ is interpreted. sparked a chorus of disapproval from sonable to expect the ball would be “All these debates wouldn’t be nec- “Having extensively reviewed the fellow players and pundits after running delivered,” Stewart added. essary if non-strikers remained in their incident again and after further out Buttler when the Rajasthan Royals “When Buttler could have rea- ground until the ball is on its way down reflection we don’t think it was within batsman was backing up at the sonably expected the ball to be the pitch.”