SPORT Wednesday 28 March 2018

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QFA continues to use VAR in domestic games

THE PENINSULA optimising the application of the them to use the technology DOHA: In cooperation with Al significant technology, the ref- during official broadcasted Kass Sports Channels, the Qatar erees department is intending to matches, with the assistance of Football Association (QFA) use the technology in round 20 Al Kass Sports Channels. referees department has applied of Qatargas U-23 League on Neji Jouini, Executive the Video Assistant Refereeing April 2. Director of the Referees (VAR) technology in local QFA referees have demon- Department at QFA said: “The matches, as it seeks to obtain the strated a good understanding of process of implementing the final approval of FIFA to be able the requirements needed to technology is ongoing and is to apply the technology inside apply the technology correctly, working more effectively now the stadium in the upcoming and this a of the efforts than when it started, especially Qatar Cup 2018 matches. they have made during previous as we continuously aim to The technology has been VAR training. develop its use, in order to reach applied for a period of time at The use of the technology in the required level needed.” the QSL Cup and Qatargas U-23 local matches is an implemen- He added: “We have seen League matches, and QFA U-17 tation of the agreement signed great results up to now, and the Cup semi-finals. by the QFA regarding the appli- most important thing is that In March, the technology was cation of the VAR technology and people are starting to accept the applied in a number of Qatargas is a continuation to previous implementation of this tech- U-23 League matches including training workshops and a nology more than before Al Gharafa vs Al Markhiya and training camp that was previ- because accepting a new Umm Salal vs Al Arabi. ously held for elite referees on concept in football takes time. I Qatar Football Association referees department has applied the Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) Last week on 22 March, the 4-28 August 2017 in Tabarka, believe it’s best we continue to technology in local matches. COURTESY FIFA.COM technology was also applied in Tunisia. implement this technology for the QFA U-17 Cup semi-finals The use of the technology the time being and wait for which saw Al Gharafa take on Al reflects QFA’s referees FIFA’s final approval before we He added: “The decision to the capacity to solve problems believe that modern technology, Arabi and Al Sadd take on Al department objectives to finally decide on using the tech- use the technology should be and assist the referees in making in some cases, when used cor- Duhail. prepare the referees in the best nology in important based on the idea of truly important decisions on the field. rectly, can help in the devel- In a move aimed at way possible through training competitions.” believing that the technology has I think we should continue to opment of football.” Qatar’s Adel maintains 2nd position after round three

THE PENINSULA 18min 17sec and now trail their rival by 47min 53.9sec heading QASR AL SARAB: Qatar’s Adel into the final two days of the Abdulla maintained second event. position in the T2 standings but Adel said: “Today we started lost a little ground on his main one minute ahead of the leader rival through the third loop stage but we were stuck in the first of 281.38km in the soft sand 15km in some very soft sand. The dunes of the Rub Al Khali at Abu leader saw us, avoided the place Dhabi Desert Challenge and managed to pass us. We tried yesterday. to push all the way to the end but Using a rented Nissan Safari we had lost just under 20 Y61 to continue his campaign to minutes. Anyway, second place win back the FIA T2 World is perfect for me and we still have Championship title, Adel began two days to go.” the day’s special 29min 24.9sec Adel Abdulla is running his behind Ahmed Shegawi. He and T2 programme with the crucial QTTA unveils new navigator Nasser Al Kuwari support of the Qatar government, crossed the finish line in pun- the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Emir Cup Trophy ishing heat in a time of 5hrs Federation (QMMF) and Ooredoo Qatar. T2 POSITIONS Lower down the T2 field, The new Emir Cup Russia’s Yuliya Khegay- Trophy unveiled by 1. Ahmed Al-Shegawi (SAU)/Laurent Lich- Migunova was badly delayed the Qatar Table Tennis tleuchter (FRA) Toyota Land Cruiser 15hrs 00min once again and Romania’s Association (QTTA) 11.7sec Claudia Laurentiu Barbu has yesterday. Top players 2. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Nasser Al-Kuwari (QAT) already incurred massive time will vie for the coveted Nissan Patrol 15hrs 48min 05.6sec penalties. trophy in the annual TBA. Yuliya Khegay-Migunova (RUS)/Aldis Vilcans Competitors will tackle the Adel Abdulla competes in the third stage of Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge yesterday. (LVA) Toyota LC 200 TBA. Laurentiu-Claudiu penultimate selective section of tournament to be played

Barbu (ROU)/Paul-Nicusor Spirodon (ROU) Nis- the event on Wednesday, a third from April 20 to 25. san Navara loop stage of 244.49km through the Liwa Desert. Disgraced Aussie trio sent home AFP caught on camera attempting to kids.” Further sanctions are Earlier, Matt Renshaw was doctor the ball with a piece of expected to be announced within called to to reinforce : Australia tape, will all return home. the next 24 hours, Sutherland said. an Australia squad mired in a captain will be sent “I understand and share the Smith has already been sus- cheating scandal ahead of the home from the tour of South anger and disappointment of Aus- pended for one Test and docked fourth Test later this week in Africa for his role in the ball- tralian fans,” his entire match fee by the Inter- Johannesburg. tampering scandal, but coach chief James Sutherland said at a national Cricket Council (ICC) in “It’s pretty surreal,” Renshaw Darren Lehmann will remain in press conference in a scandal which has seen Aus- said. charge, team management said Johannesburg. tralian cricket’s reputation “People dream about winning yesterday. “On behalf of Cricket Aus- dragged through the mud. a Shield their whole cricket Smith, vice-captain David tralia, I want to apologise to all Sutherland said Lehmann had careers and managing to do it at James Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia, speaks to the media Warner and opening batsman Australians that these events have no knowledge of the plans to 21 and obviously what’s coming yesterday. , the player taken place, especially to all the tamper the ball. in South Africa.” 30 SPORT WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2018 Euro champions Portugal look a bit shaky REUTERS Santos had hoped to give 20-year-old Ruben Dias his ZURICH: European champions international debut but the Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo claps as he leaves less than two years ago, Portugal Benfica defender pulled out due the pitch during the international friendly match against are suddenly looking shaky in to injury. Bruno Alves, the other the -up to the World Cup with main option who played in Fri- the Netherlands at Stade de Geneve Stadium in Geneva key players suffering a dip in day’s 2-1 win over Egypt, is 36. in this March 26, 2018, file photo. The Dutch national form and a central defence One of Santos’s biggest head- team won 3-0. showing its age. aches is that many of his key Coach Fernando Santos players at Euro 2016 have lost admitted before this month’s their way at club level. friendlies against Egypt and Renato Sanches has suffered Netherlands that, compared to the most dramatic fall from Euro 2016, it was proving much grace. more difficult to finalise his The dread-locked midfielder squad for this year’s tournament barely got a look-in after joining in Russia. Bayern Munich in 2016 and has Monday’s 3-0 drubbing by a spent this season on loan at Dutch team who failed to qualify Swansea City where injuries and for the World Cup would not lack of form have badly affected have brought him any comfort, his confidence. although it might have helped to Adrien Silva missed four decide who to leave out. months of the Premier League One thing abundantly clear season because his move from was that Portugal still need Pepe Sporting to Leicester City was not in the central defence. registered while Andre Gomes The Brazilian-born player, has barely featured at nursing a broken toe but Barcelona. expected to play again next Joao Mario, on loan at West month, is 35 and playing his club Ham United after falling out of football in Turkey rather than favour at Inter Milan, is a shadow Carvalho is as reliable as they brings a touch of the “Portugal has group of look on the bright side after Mon- with Real Madrid, yet was sorely of the player who featured in come while Joao Moutinho and unexpected. players of very high quality but day’s defeat. missed against the Dutch. France and left back Raphael Bernardo Silva offer creative And, of course, there is in numerical terms, we don’t “The result made us poorer The makeshift pairing of Guerreiro has had an injury- options. captain Cristiano Ronaldo, Por- have a large number,” he said. but the experience left us richer,” Rolando and Jose Fonte, also into plagued season at Borussia In attack, Andre Silva tugal’s all-time leading scorer “It’s important they are always he said. “We never want to work their 30s, were all at sea as Por- Dortmund. remains a bright prospect despite and most capped player, but the in good form.” on the basis of defeats but we tugal shipped three goals in 35 There is still plenty of talent. difficulties in settling at AC Milan squad lacks strength in depth as A rather dour figure even in have to know how to draw pos- first-half minutes. In midfield, William and the gifted Ricardo Quaresma Santos admitted last year. good times, Santos struggled to itive conclusions.” England squad hopefuls can still push for World Cup spots: Southgate

REUTERS continues to recover from an ankle injury. LONDON: England boss Gareth “I don’t know when he’ll Southgate has said it is not too (Kane) be back, but he was con- late for any player to win a place fident that would be sooner in his 23-man squad for the rather than later,” Southgate World Cup in June. added. “His mindset is very pos- Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere was itive. None of these lads wants hoping to win his first cap since to miss games.” Euro 2016 in the friendlies England have three more against Netherlands and Italy but warm-up games before the Ukraine’s Vitaliy Buyalskiy in action with was forced to withdraw from the World Cup in Russia, having Japan’s Tomoaki Makino during their squad with a knee injury. beaten the Netherlands 1-0 last friendly at Stadium Maurice Dufrasne, The 26-year-old midfielder week. Liege, Belgium, yesterday. Ukraine now faces a race against time to Forward Raheem Sterling won 2-1. prove his fitness to Southgate, has urged the home supporters who will be monitoring players to show the team some love in that are in contention during the the buildup to the World Cup as remaining games of the Premier they prepare to face the Italians League campaign. at Wembley. Klopp can guide Liverpool to CL “I don’t think it’s too late for Southgate’s side have gone anybody,” Southgate told five matches without conceding reporters. a goal but have failed to produce glory: German star Matthaeus “It is obviously more difficult much fluid attacking football because there are a couple of themselves and scored just three guys who have been in squads times in that period. REUTERS and not had the chance to play “I feel sometimes there is too for us. much negativity,” Sterling told LONDON: Liverpool manager “We will still be monitoring BBC. Juergen Klopp has stayed true everybody between now and the “If you want your country to to the attacking philosophy that end of the season because there do well, as everyone says, bring won him admirers in Germany is probably a squad of 31, 32 a positive light into it. Make the and has assembled a squad players that are in contention boys go off to the World Cup with capable of winning the Cham- and none of us know what is clear heads, knowing everyone’s pions League, Germany’s former going to happen in the next eight behind them, everyone’s with World Cup-winning captain to 10 weeks.” them.” Lothar Matthaeus said. Southgate was without tal- England begin their World Five-times European cham- ismanic goalscorer Harry Kane Cup campaign against Tunisia in pions Liverpool are in the against Italy (last night) as he Volgograd, Russia on June 18. quarter-finals of this year’s com- petition and face fellow Premier League side Manchester City in the first leg at Anfield on April 4. Nike deal hurts England Klopp led his former club Borussia Dortmund to Bun- preparations with WC ball Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah desliga titles in 2011 and in 2012, REUTERS celebrates scoring a goal in when they also won the German Cup for a domestic double, and his team’s Champions League LONDON: England appear set to play only one of their three he steered them to the 2013 match against NK Maribor remaining World Cup warm-up matches with the tournament ball Champions League final where at Anfield, Liverpool, in this because of the Football Association’s long-term commitment to Nike, they lost to arch-rivals Bayern November 1, 2017, file photo. The Times reported yesterday. Munich. Several participating nations, including Germany and Spain, have The 50-year-old took take played friendlies with the Adidas Telstar ball that will be used at the charge of Liverpool in 2015, beginning that he and Liverpool second spot in the Premier played in the 5-5 draw between June-July tournament in Russia. where he has bolstered his have a very good relationship,” League behind champions-elect Bayern Munich and Liverpool However, Gareth Southgate’s England used the Nike Ordem V adventurous brand of soccer Matthaeus told the club’s website Manchester City. Legends teams at Anfield at the ball in the friendly against Italy at Wembley yesterday as part of the with a number of key signings (www.liverpoolfc.com). The Merseysiders are in third weekend, added. FA’s contract with their American apparel and ball supplier which including Premier League top- “You can see that in the good place with 63 points from 31 “He finds the right players, runs until 2030. scorer Mohamed Salah of Egypt results, the good games and he games, two behind arch-rivals especially in the offence, who The Times said the Ordem V ball would also be used in England’s and fellow forward Sadio Mane has bought the right players. For Manchester United who have a can make the difference on the next warm-up fixture against Nigeria on June 2 but Nike had allowed of Senegal. me, it is a team that can win the game in hand. highest level.” the FA to test the Adidas ball in the final friendly against Costa Rica “He (Klopp) didn’t change his Champions League in two “He is working very hard, his Liverpool kick off this week- on June 7. style too much (from months (time) in Kiev,” he added team is always ready to fight for end’s Premier League action at It will be the only time the team will get an opportunity to play Dortmund)... he has done a very during his interview. 90 minutes and they are in good 16th-placed Crystal Palace (1130 with the World Cup ball prior to their opening group match against good job. I believed from the Liverpool are also chasing condition,” Matthaeus, who GMT) on Saturday. Tunisia in Volgograd on June 18. WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31

Greece lifts Iraq’s Basra banks on football Superleague ban, matches set to resume revenues after FIFA ends ban REUTERS

AFP ATHENS: The Greek government yesterday ordered the lifting of Qatar’s Akram Hassan Afif heads the ball next to Syria’s BASRA: Boasting an ultra- the suspension for Superleague Amr Jnayat during the international match at Basra Sports modern stadium, the southern matches after more than two Iraqi city of Basra is hoping to City Stadium in the southern Iraqi city in this March 24, weeks following the pitch cash in on football fans starved 2018, file photo. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. invasion of a gun-carrying club of international matches after president. the lifting of a three-decade ban. Matches were suspended on Earlier this month world March 12, a day after Ivan Sav- governing body FIFA finally vides, the president of PAOK, lifted its prohibition on Iraq charged on to the pitch with a gun hosting competitive interna- in his belt, to complain over a dis- tionals -- sparking jubilation in allowed goal towards the end of the violence-wracked nation. a game against fellow title con- The news was especially tenders AEK Athens. welcome for businesses in Basra, Greece’s Deputy Culture and one of three locations now Sports Minister Georgios Vassil- allowed to stage the matches iadis took the decision a day after along with Shiite holy city Superleague clubs unanimously Karbala and Kurdish capital accepted changes to the league’s Arbil. disciplinary code and submitted The southern city lies at the proposals for improving the heart of a key oil-producing country’s top soccer division. region but it is now looking to “The Deputy Minister for kick start its tourism sector -- Culture and Sport....has decided and hoping football could help to immediately lift the suspension turn it into a winner. of the Superleague championship The signs are already as well as the Greek Cup,” the promising. ministry said in a statement. Late last month Basra saw Greece had indefinitely sus- fans pack out its 65,000-seater pended matches after Savvides stadium for a friendly against was filmed wearing a gun holster Saudi Arabia, and now the city as he strode on to the pitch to is hosting a mini-tournament Basra’s hotels have been busi- Governor Assaad Al Aydani Iraq’s national carrier has Now Iraq has returned to the protest about a PAOK disallowed with Qatar and Syria. nessmen, mostly from the oil says the matches are having a put on two additional flights full international fold they are goal against AEK Athens. Hotel manager Tony Dib says industry. “positive impact on the during the week that the tour- pitching for Basra to host the The game was abandoned every match day brings a flood But with the Qatar and economy” of the city, over 500 nament is being held and the region’s most popular football and later awarded to PAOK 1-0 of bookings -- with packed Syrian national teams now in kilometres south of Baghdad on railway bolstered capacity for event the Arabian Gulf Cup in following the controversial goal establishments in the city even town they are having to make the borders with Iran and the estimated 7,000 supporters 2024. But for that to happen local which had prompted the initial forced to refuse clients. way for another clientele -- Kuwait. who came Baghdad. businessmen say there will need protests. Savvides has since apol- “Business increases dramat- football-mad fans from at home He is hoping the uptick in “Ahead of each match the to be a lot of money ploughed ogised for his actions. ically,” Dib, who runs the Basra and abroad. economic activity will push local national railway puts on three into the city. World soccer’s governing Sheraton, said. “It was necessary to relocate and national authorities to start extra trains for 1,500 people “We are struggling to cope body FIFA has also warned “Investors need to start customers who came for “supporting more investment from Baghdad to Basra,” said with holding just a small tour- Greece to act decisively in this thinking about building new business to make space for those projects”. regional rail boss Hadi Shallal. nament,” said Saadi from the matter or risk facing a potential hotels as the current capacity is who came for the matches,” said Already businesses have Tickets cost some $6. chamber of commerce. national suspension. The not enough.” vice president of the Basra been rejigging their offerings to Officials are hoping that the “How could we deal with European Club Association has Up until recently the vast chamber of commerce Qassem cater for the increased demand recent matches are just the something on the scale of the suspended PAOK as a member bulk of people checking into Al Saadi. from visitors. starting whistle. Arabian Gulf Cup?” with immediate effect. UEFA confirms it will allow players to switch clubs in CL

REUTERS ’s Solomon Kvirkvelia (left) and Giorgi Papunashvili in ZURICH: Players who switch action with Estonia’s Taijo Teniste (right)during their friendly clubs during the course of a match at Stadium, , Georgia, yesterday. season will be allowed to play for both in the Champions League under new rules announced by UEFA yesterday. The European global soccer body said in a statement that it would also allow teams to use a fourth substitute in extra-time during Champions League and Europa League knockout ties. The new ruling, to come into effect next season, means that a player who been fielded by one club in the group stage of the Champions League, and is trans- ferred during the January who has represented a different as he switched from Arsenal in registered for a new club during window, can play for his new club in the Europa League group the Europa League to the Cham- the winter transfer window.” club in the knockout stages. stages but none who have been pions League. UEFA said the fourth substi- The same applies to the fielded for another club in the The new rules state that “that tution will be allowed following Europa League. Champions League group stage. a club may register three new its approval by soccer’s law- Under current rules, clubs The present ruling prevents eligible players without any making body IFAB on March 3. who qualify for the knockout Barcelona from fielding Philippe restrictions.” It said that 23 players, stage of either the Champions Coutinho in the Champions UEFA said the new ruling instead of 18, would be allowed Female Palestinian football referee Yasmeen Nayroukh, 29, the League or Europa League are League this season as he has brought it into line with domestic on team sheets for the Cham- only one accredited to feature in all-male games in the West Bank, allowed to register three new already played for Liverpool. leagues which “do not impose pions League and Europa League runs during a local football match in Hebron, in the occupied players. Alexis Sanchez was eligible restrictions on the eligibility for finals, and the European Super West Bank. Picture taken March 26, 2018. These can include one player for Manchester United, however, competitions of players Cup match. Keepers must get used to new WC ball: Spain coach REUTERS added ahead of their World Cup warm-up covered in a plastic film that makes it difficult match between his side and Argentina and after to hold on to,” Reina added. MADRID: Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has said Spain drew 1-1 with world champions Germany Local media reported that the view was goalkeepers will have to get used to the World in a friendly on Friday. shared by the other keepers in the Spain squad, Cup ball before the tournament starts in June National teams are using the Adidas Telstar David de Gea and Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the rather than complain about it following crit- 18 for the first time during the current round former saying simply “No” when asked if he icism from Germany’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen of internationals and the lack of grip and was a fan. and Spain’s Pepe Reina. excessive movement through the air has been Germany forward Thomas Mueller scored “I know what the boys have told me, but criticised. against Spain on Friday with a long-range strike it’s the ball that’s going to be used and anything Napoli keeper Reina, who is likely to be in that appeared to deceive De Gea mid-flight, else is merely to stomp your feet and make a the Spain squad for the Russia finals, was apo- while German goalkeeper Ter Stegen branded Spain’s goalkeeper David fuss,” Lopetegui, a former Barcelona and Real plectic, telling Diario AS: “There’s still time to the Telstar as “complicated”. de Gea takes part in a Madrid keeper, told a news conference on change it” before the event kicks off. “Even though the ball’s not always at fault, training session at the Monday. “I bet you any money that there will be at it’s true that this one is a little bit complicated. Wanda Metropolitano “What we need to do is make the most of least 35 goals scored from long range, because You saw it in the goal we scored. It moves a lot Stadium in Madrid. the positives, get over it and nothing else,” he it’s impossible to work out, not to mention it’s and could be better,” he said. 32 SPORT WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2018 WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33

MAJOR BALL-TAMPERING INCIDENTS IN RECENT CRICKET HISTORY Australia incredibly stupid, The international backlash following Australia captain Steve Smith’s confession to cheating during the third Test Bayliss embarrassed by Aussie ball-tampering against South Africa last weekend defies the fact that ball-tampering is about as old as the game of cricket itself. The difference this time is that Australian players have been caught out, and that has shamed the fans who re- says former SA skipper vered their national team and believed it to be above even the need to cheat. There’s been all kinds of methods used to try and make one side of the leather ball rougher - which assists the England head cricket team coach Trevor Bayliss (right) during REUTERS come up with.” Bayliss said had seen the ball in nearly all of those test AFP bowlers with extra swing - and the players charged in the past include some of the stars of the game. team’s training session last week in Auckland. no evidence of the Australians matches, sometimes in conditions Reports say Smith and vice-captain David Here’s a list of some of the higher-profile ball-tampering cases in the modern game. LONDON: England coach Trevor attempting to alter the state of the where you wouldn’t expect the ball Warner could be banned for 12 months and sent Chris Pringle, , 1990 Bayliss said he was disappointed and ball during series. to reverse. JOHANNESBURG: Ali Bacher, the last South Africa home in disgrace. The gentle medium pacer got away without any punishment despite admitting to not long after embarrassed by the ball-tampering “I thought we were outplayed by “I don’t understand why they skipper to win a series against Australia in the “You have to put the blame on the captain and making his Test debut against at . scandal that has rocked Australian a much better team. I’ve got no com- have changed their method for this republic, says disgraced captain Steve Smith and I believe Cricket Australia will think long and hard Television technology was nowhere near as high-tech as it is now, when every action of a player on the field can cricket, describing the players’ plaints,” he said. one game.” his ball-tampering players are “incredibly about taking it further than the one-Test ban Smith be closely monitored. And the on-field umpires were the sole adjudicators of Test matches before the Interna- actions in the third Test against South England captain has also CA is due later to announce the stupid”. has already got,” said Bacher. tional Cricket Council started appointing match referees. Africa as “a terrible mistake”. said he had no knowledge of any findings of its internal investigation Bacher led South Africa to a 4-0 whitewash “I feel sorry for Cameron Bancroft because he He took a career-best 11 for 152 runs in the third Test at Faisalabad’ on a friendly , later re- Australian Bayliss coached Eng- attempt to tamper with the ball in the into the conduct of captain Smith, his over Bobby Simpson-skippered Australia in the would have been acting under instructions. If the vealing he’d used a bottle top to scratch the ball. He said he’d tampered with the ball because he believed Paki- land in their recent 4-0 Ashes defeat. Ashes while seamer was deputy and batsman 1969-1970 season. leader of the team says you must do that, what stani bowlers were also doing it. The late Martin Crowe acknowledged later that while he’d been ready to accept “I’m obviously disappointed, and surprised the Australians had felt the Cameron Bancroft. “In this age of a thousand cameras, it was stu- option do you really have? “One thing that they that Pakistan was a better team, “we were not going to accept what they were doing with the ball.” as an Australian I’m embarrassed,” need to cheat. CA CEO James Sutherland is giv- pid to even think of doing it (ball tampering), and (Cricket Australia) have always done is act imme- , England, 1994 Bayliss was quoted as saying by “I saw Steve Smith say it was the ing a news briefing in Johannesburg, incredibly stupid to go through with it,” he told the diately on things like this. The “dirt in the pocket” incident happened when the England captain took dirt off the pitch, put it in his pocket www.cricket.com.au on Tuesday. first time they have tried it,” Broad where he is likely to announce the South African media. “You look back at , who had a and was caught on camera using it on the ball. “(Australia captain) Steve (Smith) told reporters in Auckland where punishments to be handed out to the TV cameras caught Cameron Bancroft trying brilliant cricket brain, but never got the captaincy Atherton was not fined or reprimanded by the ICC match referee Peter Burge, but the England Cricket Board took the sterner step of imposing a fine on Atherton. is a lovely young bloke who has made England are involved in a Test series players. to change the condition of the ball last Saturday because of his misdemeanours. It was one of the darker episodes in his career. But Atherton, working this month as an analyst during England’s “I would be surprised if Cricket Australia did a terrible mistake, and I’m sure against New Zealand. Bancroft, allegedly under the in Cape Town using a piece of grit-encrusted sticky two-Test tour to New Zealand, has sympathized with the current Australia captain, describing calls for Smith to Cricket Australia (CA) will work out “To me, it’s surprising - why they instruction of Smith, was caught on tape during a Test won by South Africa to take a not take this further,” he said ahead of a planned be banned for life as “ridiculous.” the course of action required. would change a method that’s been camera using sticky tape to pick up lead.. media conference in Johannesburg hosted by Aus- , Pakistan, 2000 “They obviously will be punished, working? granules of dirt off the pitch to rub Smith later admitted he hatched the plot to tralian cricket boss James Sutherland. Eight years after being first accused of ball tampering by the British media during a series against England, Paki- but I’ve no idea how severe, we’ll “If you look at the Ashes series on the ball in order to generate cheat with the unnamed “team leadership” and is South Africa lead the series 2-1 going into the stan fast bowler Waqar Younis became the first cricketer to be fined and suspended for the offense. New Zealand have to see what Cricket Australia we’ve just played, they reverse swung reverse swing. now facing disciplinary action from cricket bosses final Test from Friday at the Wanderers stadium match referee John Reid fined Waqar, who was renowned for his prodigious swing, 50 percent of his match fee soon. in Johannesburg. after finding him guilty of ball tampering in a limited-overs international against South Africa in . Paki- stan skipper captain Moin Khan and allrounder Azhar Mehmood were handed 30 percent fines during the Singer Cup one-day match. FIVE WHO COULD SUCCEED SMITH AS AUSTRALIA CRICKET CAPTAIN Reid reviewed TV footage, which showed Waqar apparently using his fingernails to scratch one side of the ball. - - Waqar had avoided punishment after Reid had warned him for ball tampering during a Test match against Sri Was seen as a surprise choice when drafted in to replace Smith when he stood down as skipper for the remainder of the Lanka earlier in the tournament. Waqar and team officials successfully argued on that occasion that the bowler third Test in Cape Town after the ball tampering scandal erupted. The 33-year-old wicket-keeper had been a shock selec- was attempting to clean debris from the ball. tion for the recent Ashes series against England after six years in the wilderness. But as an elder-statesman with a calm , , 2001 head, he could get the nod. Match referee Mike Denness was in the international cricket hot seat when he penalized five Indian players for - - Australian coach and captain excessive appealing and sanctioned Tendulkar for ball tampering during the second Test against South Africa at The 26-year-old all-rounder has been in good form with bat and ball and could be a solid long-term pick. After a period Port Elizabeth. TV cameras showed Tendulkar cleaning the seam of the ball but, because he hadn’t notified um- of mediocre performances, he has now established himself as a near permanent fixture in the team. The son of former pires he was doing it, it fell under the regulations for altering the condition of the ball. The charge quickly became national coach Geoff, he has honed his leadership skills as skipper of Western Australia. contentious, with serious backlash in India, where Tendulkar remains to this day an undisputed legend of the - - game. The ICC, after thoroughly investigating the matter, revoked the suspended one-game ban on Tendulkar. An outsider, but the top-order batsman has plenty of experience and patience. Born in Pakistan, the 31-year-old has , Pakistan, 2003 displayed composure at difficult times and shown his credentials as captain during a stint in charge at and Fiery fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was banned for two one-day internationals for scratching the surface of the ball on the Australia A tour of India in 2015. during a game against New Zealand in Sri Lanka. - - face axe amid CA’s crisis talks Later in his book “Controversially Yours,” Akhtar admitted that he was desperate and “began fussing with the ball” The tearaway paceman is widely regarded and has youth on his side at age 24. It is highly unusual to have a fast bowler because it was hot and humid in Dambulla and the wicket was very slow. as captain and the burden may be too much, but if cricket chiefs are looking for a fresh start, he could be the man to take AFP Akhtar also said he knew it was against the rules and not something to be proud of. He also admitted he had them forward. Was tipped earlier this year by Michael Clarke as a captain-in-waiting. tampered with the ball on many occasions during his playing days. “I can’t seem to help it. I have got to do - Michael Clarke - JOHANNESBURG: Australia coach something with the ball. I know this will make a big noise, but I won’t lie about it.” Clarke was Smith’s predecessor, retiring in 2015 after playing 115 Tests. Now a TV commentator, he suggested at the Darren Lehmann and skipper Steve , India, 2004 weekend he was open to a return. “If I was asked by the right people, then I would think about my answer,” the 36-year- Rahul Dravid, who was nicknamed “The Wall” because of his unyielding approach to batting, was caught on old told Australia’s Nine Network, although he is seen as a real wildcard. Smith faced the axe yesterday with cricket chiefs holding crisis talks in camera applying lozenge on the ball while playing Zimbabwe in a one-day international in Australia. Match referee South Africa to deal with an esca- Clive Lloyd said that TV footage showed enough that the Indian captain intentionally applied the lozenge to the ball and was in breach of the code of conduct. He was found guilty and fined 50 percent of his match fee. lating cheating scandal. Pakistan team, 2006 Cricket Australia (CA) boss In one of the most controversial episodes, the Pakistan team refused to play after being penalized for ball tamper- James Sutherland, under mounting ing during a Test match against England at . Umpires Darrel Hair and Billy Doctrove awarded the Test pressure to come down hard on match to England. The controversy started when both umpires discussed the condition of the ball, changed it and what Australian media has dubbed awarded five penalty runs to England. Play continued without any proTest from Pakistan until the tea break. Dur- Vaughan ‘pretty sure’ a “rotten” team culture, has arrived ing the interval, though, Pakistan players discussed the penalty and believed they hadn’t tampered with the ball. in Johannesburg. They refused to take the field and after umpires waited in the middle for 15 minutes, the result was awarded in Sutherland is holding talks with England’s favor. By the time Pakistan players agreed to return to the field, umpires told them the match was over. Australia tampered with Cricket Australia’s head of integ- Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said Hair didn’t give him details of the alleged tampering. It was for the rity, Iain Roy, who is probing the first time in the history of so-called gentleman’s game that a Test match was decided in this manner. ball-tampering scandal during the Stuart Broad, England, 2010 ball during Ashes series third Test match against South The England fast bowler faced accusations of ball tampering when he appeared to step on the ball with the spikes Africa on Saturday. of his boot during a Test match against South Africa at Cape Town. Broad stopped a rolling ball with his foot be- AFP Reports say they could ban both fore he stood on it. He argued that he was a bit lazy because of the extreme heat and denied tampering with the Smith and vice-captain David ball. LONDON: Warner for 12 months and send No formal charges were laid despite complaints from the South Africans. Former England captain Nasser Hussain said that he had no doubt the fast bowler was wrong and “if a player from another country did the same, we’d (pictured) says he is “pretty sure” them home in disgrace. have said they were cheating.” Australia were tampering with the Smith has already been sus- , Pakistan, 2010 ball during the recent Ashes series pended for one Test and docked his Afridi was banned for two one-day internationals after appearing to bite the ball twice during a his team’s two- against England as cricket chiefs held entire match fee by the Interna- wicket loss against Australia in . A TV umpire informed the on-field umpires, who discussed the matter with crisis talks over the cheating scandal tional Cricket Council for his role Afridi and the ball was changed. Afridi was summoned by match referee after the match, engulfing the sport. in a plot that saw team-mate Cam- pleaded guilty to the charge, apologized and said he regretted the incident. Afridi later said there’s no team in the Australian captain Steve Smith eron Bancroft use a piece of world which doesn’t tamper with the ball, but “my methods were wrong, I am embarrassed, I shouldn’t have done has been suspended for one Test and grit-encrusted sticky tape to change it. I just wanted to win us a game but this was the wrong way to do it.” docked his entire match fee by the the condition of the ball. Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann walks through a police cordon at Cape Town International Airport, yesterday. RIGHT: Former Australian captain Steve Smith arrives at the airport. , South Africa, 2016 International Cricket Council for his It means Smith will miss the The South Africa captain was fined 100 percent of his match and also given three demerit points for ball tamper- role in a plot that saw teammate fourth and final Test in Johannes- ing during the second Test against Australia. Television footage showed du Plessis sucking on candy, sticking fin- Cameron Bancroft tamper with the on during the Ashes series. But it burg starting on Friday. considered a front- the relevant issues involved,” Sun- player and staff behaviours, actions generations. Former South African concealing the evidence down the we knew there is a grass covering gers into his mouth and then using his saliva to shine the ball. He had fined previously in 2013 for scuffing the ball during the third Test against wasn’t the reason why England lost Lehmann has remained silent, runner as his replacement although derland said in an email. and decision-making,” he said. captain Graeme Smith has hit out front of his trousers. The ICC fined on,” De Villiers told Australian radio ball on the zip of his trousers in a match Pakistan. South Africa. 4-0.” Joe Root, who captained in Aus- but Britain’s Daily Telegraph said will also be in the mix. Prime Minister Malcolm Turn- There has been a national out- at the ICC’s handling of the scan- him 75 percent of his match fee and station RSN927. Smith said it was the first time tralia, has said he saw no reason to he had decided to quit. “We understand the strong bull said yesterday it had been “a cry over Smith’s admission that the dal, saying it had “missed an slapped him with three demerit Smith insisted it was the first time it had happened under his cap- suspect Australia of ball-tampering Lehmann took over the coach- interest everyone has in this situa- shocking affront to Australia” and “leadership group” within the team opportunity to really handle this paints, but he escaped a time his team had cheated in this taincy but Vaughan, who led England during the series. ing reins in 2013 when predecessor tion and we are following due Cricket Australia must act “deci- decided to cheat. properly and lead our game”. suspension. manner, but former England cap- to Ashes glory in 2005, believes it has Bancroft used a strip of yellow was sacked, with process to properly address all of sively and emphatically”. That group of senior players “They haven’t done that. You Former South Africa captain tain Michael Vaughan claimed he been going on for “quite a while”. sticky tape he had covered with dirt Former Australian coach John usually includes fast bowlers Josh have had two players, who have Fanie de Villiers has described how is “pretty sure” Australia were ball- “I can’t believe that this hasn’t granules to illegally scratch the rough Buchanan, who led the team from Hazlewood and , but admitted guilt for cheating. I think he tipped off the TV camera crew tampering during their 4-0 victory happened before,” Vaughan told the side of the ball, thereby facilitating 1999 to 2007, said Smith must they are reportedly furious at being that’s huge.” that caught Bancroft in the act after in the Ashes, which finished earlier BBC. more swing for bowlers. resign as captain and urged cricket embroiled in the saga. Bancroft used a strip of yellow he noticed the ball behaving unu- this year. “I look at the amount of tape some Vaughan said Australia had bro- Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has described the chiefs to be fully transparent in their The ramifications of the scan- sticky tape he had covered with dirt sually for the conditions. “I look at the amount of tape of the fielders have worn, particularly ken an unwritten rule by taking an cheating scandal as “a shocking affront to Australia” investigation. dal have been far-reaching with the granules to illegally scratch the “We actually said to our cam- some of the fielders have worn, par- during the Ashes series, mid-on, mid- object onto the pitch to tamper with “It is a very difficult time for Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the rough side of the ball, thereby facil- eramen: ‘Go out. Have a look, boys. ticularly during the Ashes series at off. (You) don’t have to name names the ball even though he admitted and has asked Cricket Australia to act “decisively members of Australian cricket; guardian of the laws of the game, itating more swing for bowlers. They are using something.’ It’s mid-on and mid-off. You don’t have but they know who they are. many teams used “tricks” during and emphatically however, I believe there is a golden calling for a “major shift in attitude” He was filmed not only rubbing impossible for the ball to get altered to name names, they know who “I’m pretty sure that it was going matches. opportunity to reset the dial around to preserve the game for future the ball with the dirtied tape but like that on a cricket wicket where they are,” he told BBC Sport.

Disgraced Bangladesh eye Kirsten as team consultant Cameron Bancroft Desperation drove Aussies, says Gibson arrives at Cape Town International AFP “He is on our list but he will come “He will not always be with the team, Airport yesterday. only as a team consultant. It’s not final, he will deal with separate issues, work REUTERS themselves, the brand of cricket beginning of reverse swing, tries to spectacular fall-from-grace for a past will now feel like their good : Bangladesh cricket authorities though. Hopefully we will be able to with development squads like what Eddie they play is win-at-all-costs,” Gib- get the ball to reverse. They skim it side that had been a power in the name has been tarnished a bit, so said yesterday they were in talks with strike a deal after the Indian Premier Barlow did. He (Kirsten) will give advice CAPE TOWN: Australia’s win-at- son told reporters yesterday, adding in, they bounce it in, they try and game for so long. “When you see people have a right to be upset former South African batsman Gary League,” Yunus said. but there will be a head coach.” Former all-costs mentality is behind the that Australia’s relatively comfort- get it rough. The spinner gets his such a deliberate act, then people about it.” Kirsten (pictured) to hire him as a team Kirsten, who played 101 Tests and 185 South African great Barlow was Bangla- ball-tampering scandal that has able 4-0 win in the Ashes against hand in the dirt and rubs it on the will become very interested in it,” “I would hope it (ball-tamper- consultant for an extended period. one-day internationals for South Africa desh’s coaching director when the engulfed their cricket and they England might have played a part. ball. Everybody has got a way of get- he said. ing) never happens under my watch. Bangladesh have been looking for a before coaching the Proteas and India, country achieved Test status in 2000. should now introspect how they “When you look at the Ashes, ting the ball to go a little bit “Especially with what Steve I am not going to sit here and say head coach for the national cricket team will be in charge of Royal Challengers Former West Indies great Courtney play the game, according to South they were never really behind in any further. Smith said, that it was planned by a that we are whiter than white or since October, after former Sri Lankan in the IPL, which begins on Walsh acted as Bangladesh’s head coach Africa coach Ottis Gibson. of the games, they won quite “The ball will reverse naturally, few of them, makes it an even big- anything, but we will try and play opener stepped April 7. during the recent Nidahas Trophy Leading the touring side at New- comfortably. but everybody has a way of getting ger topic for people to talk about. the game within the rules at all down. “If he agrees, he will also work with triangular tournament in Sri lands, Steve Smith admitted that the “Here they have been behind a it to go a little bit further. Perhaps “Cricket Australia is a hundred- times. But Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) the Under-19 and the A-team and give Lanka, in which they narrowly lost to pressure of being behind in the third couple of times and perhaps that the desperation that they were year-old organisation and they have “We know what the rules are spokesperson Jalal Yunus said they had us advice about cricket structure,” Yunus India in the final. test led to an orchestrated attempt desperation came into it. It’s a behind in the game meant they took been the envy of the world in terms and the imaginary line that was offered Kirsten, 50, who was India’s said. The BCB said it would appoint a sep- Yunus revealed that they are also in to alter the condition of the ball to shame that something like this had it that step further. It’s unfortunate.” of winning World Cup and so on. talked about the whole series. We coach when they won the 2011 World arate head coach for the national team talks with former South African batsman aid reverse swing and gain an to happen for them to have to have Gibson is surprised how “big” the They have had great teams and feel like we know where that is. We Cup, a different role unlike that of a head even if it reached an agreement with Neil McKenzie as a possible batting advantage. a look at themselves. story has become globally, but great players for a long time. will make sure that we never try and coach. Kirsten. consultant. “The Aussies have said it “Every team, since the believes this is because of the “Those great players from the cross that line.” 34 SPORT WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2018 Joshua just focusing on Parker fight

AFP boasting a professional record quick and he can take a punch but interview me.” Meanwhile of 20 wins, including 20 that is what I have heard, so I am Joshua said he was in the best ISLEWORTH, UK: Anthony knockouts, from as many con- repeating what people are saying. shape of his career after Joshua heads into his bout tests, while New Zealander “Let’s say I’ve got £20 in my dethroning Wladimir Klitschko against rival world heavyweight Parker has stopped 18 of his pocket, looking at myself I in a brutal battle and seeing off champion Joseph Parker in opponents inside the distance believe Anthony Joshua knocks Carlos Takam. Cardiff on Saturday with Deontay during an unbeaten 24-fight out Joseph Parker for sure.” Parker, wearing a smart suit Wilder lying in wait -- but the career. Joshua had been accused by and glasses, was equally bullish Briton insists he is not looking But next in line for the Parker of showing disrespect to about his chances. beyond this fight. winner is Deontay Wilder, the travelling New Zealand media “It’s great to be here, we’ve Joshua is putting his Interna- American who holds the World by failing to grant them a sep- had a great build-up and a great tional Boxing Federation and Boxing Council version of the arate interview slot last week. camp. I can’t wait to put on a World Boxing Association titles heavyweight title. But he insisted that, after great display on March 31,” he on the line against World Boxing “It’s 1,000 percent one fight several hours of press duties, he said. “I’m taking those belts back Organisation champion Parker at a time,” Joshua told a news had to eat before heading off for to New Zealand. in front of an expected 78,000 conference at the London head- another training session. “Joshua is a great champion sell-out crowd at the Principality quarters of broadcaster Sky “People thought I walked out and we respect him and what Stadium. Sports. “My future stops on Sat- on the New Zealand press but he’s achieved. We love It will be the first time two urday. One fight at a time. All this that wasn’t the case, I had to challenges. undefeated heavyweight cham- talk about Wilder. I’m looking at make a move and I was willing “It’s my time, I’m young, sharp pions have met in a title fight in Parker, he’s a champion for a to return,” Joshua said. and am determined to win. I’m Britain’s Anthony Joshua (left) and New Zealand’s Joseph Parker the United Kingdom, with the reason.” “Unless I take care or here to be part of history, doing it pose together during a press conference in London yesterday. British Olympic gold medallist Joshua added: “He (Parker) is business, no one is going to for my team, family and country.

Olympic Ji fires hole-in-one to bodies visit Games venues

AP capture Classic crown TOKYO: A dozen national Olympic AFP tee-shot at 14 bounced on the committees have been Ji Eun-Hee of South Korea celebrates her green and rolled in, boosting her given a quick look at -16 under par victory with the winner’s LOS ANGELES: South Korea’s Ji advantage back to three. Tokyo’s venue prepara- Eun-hee aced the par-three 14th She maintained that edge trophy during the final round of the LPGA tions for the 2020 hole en route to a two-shot despite a three-putt bogey at 15 Kia Classic at the Park Hyatt Aviara golf Summer Games. victory on Sunday in the LPGA when Kerr bogeyed the 17th. course on Monday. Mark England of the Kia Classic in Carlsbad, Cali- Ji dropped one more shot British Olympic Associ- fornia. with another three-putt at the ation says they were Ji finished with five birdies last, where her first putt raced impressed. and her eagle one in a five-under past the hole. “We haven’t had par 67 at the par-three 14th at By then, however, her fourth many questions to ask Aviara Golf Club. LPGA Tour title was virtually in the organising com- Her 16-under par total of 272 the bag. mittee because the put her two strokes in front of “I hit it pretty well today,” venues have been abso- Americans Cristie Kerr and said Ji, who hit all 18 greens in lutely fantastic,” England Lizette Salas. regulation. said. Ji began the day in a three- “I was driving the ball really The tour yesterday way tie for the lead with com- nice and I rolled in nice putts.” marked the committees’ patriot Kim In-kyung and Salas. She laughed when she learned first visit to Tokyo since Her four birdies on the front she’d won two cars from tour- the Pyeongchang Winter nine included three in a row at nament sponsor Kia -- the one Olympics ended last the sixth, seventh and eighth, and that comes with the trophy and month. she added another at the 10th. one on offer for the ace at 14. Tokyo’s Metropolitan Her lead had been trimmed “I didn’t know that!” Even Gymnasium was among to one, however, when her better, she gained a big boost the venues. It was built in 1954 and hosted gym- LPGA KIA CLASSIC SCORES nastics for the 1964 272 - Ji Eun-hee (KOR) 70-68-67-67 Olympics. It will be the 274 - Cristie Kerr 67-64-75-68, Lizette Salas 69-67-69-79 venue for table tennis in 275 - Jane Park 71-69-68-67, Kris Tamulis 70-70-67-68, Kim In-kyung (KOR) 67-69-69-70 two years and sits next heading into the first major of Kerr, who led after 36 holes taken a super-low round today to the new Olympic 276 - Anna Nordqvist (SWE) 71-70-66-69, Lee Jeong-eun (KOR) 68-69-70-69, Hsu Wei-Ling (TPE) the year, the ANA Inspiration at after a second-round 64 but to catch Eun-hee. I’m happy with stadium, which is under 72-66-68-70 Rancho Mirage, California, next stumbled with a three-over 75 my first good tournament of the construction. 277 - Brittany Lincicome 72-72-65-68, Choi Hye-jin (KOR) 72-70-66-69, Ko Jin-young (KOR) 70-72- week. on Saturday, was pleased to put year.” “In this venue here 66-69, Caroline Masson (GER) 70-70-68-69 “I’m really confident,” said herself back in contention with Salas had three birdies in her today - historical and 278 - Aditi Ashok (IND) 70-72-71-65, Bronte Law (ENG) 69-72-68-69, Park Hee-young (KOR) 66-70- the 31-year-old, who won the a four-under 68 that included six three-under 69. traditional though it is - 72-70, Carlota Ciganda (ESP) 70-68-69-71 2009 US Women’s Open. birdies. The South Korean had five we can see that it is in 279 - Charley Hull (ENG) 70-72-70-67, Park In-bee (KOR) 71-71-68-69, Cindy LaCrosse 69-69-68-73, Her latest win comes five “Eun-hee’s playing some birdies and three bogeys in a absolutely superb con- Caroline Hedwall (SWE) 66-70-70-73 months after she ended an eight- great golf,” Kerr said after two-under 70 that left her tied dition,” England said.

280 - Hur Mi-jung (KOR) 74-69-70-67, Brooke Henderson (CAN) 69-70-73-68, Michelle Wie 71-72- year title drought with a victory reaching the clubhouse on 274. for fourth on 275 along with Tokyo’s use of 68-69, Pernilla Lindberg (SWE) 71-70-69-70 at the Swinging Skirts LPGA “I did my best. I had a tough Americans Jane Park (67) and existing venues will Taiwan in October. day yesterday and it would have Kris Tamulis (68). delight the International Olympic Committee, which has been criticized when cities have built “white elephant” sports venues. Aphibarnrat ready to The most recent Olympics in Rio de Janeiro left behind a spring Masters surprise half-dozen venues that The way I fought are not being adequately utilised. REUTERS to qualify for the Rio built a cycling finish in the WGC- told the Asian Tour Masters is amazing. velodrome that has BENGALURU: Thai- Mexico Championships website. Now I want to show caught fire twice since land’s Kiradech Aphib- before being beaten in “I’ve been com- the Olympics ended two arnrat is hoping to last week’s WGC-Dell fortable with the way the world an Asian years ago. Several arenas emerge as a surprise Match Play in Texas in I’ve been playing. I’m can surprise and in the Olympic Park are contender at next the quarter finals by feeling very confident contend in a major: largely vacant, and a week’s US Masters eventual winner Bubba and I’ve putted very Kiradech Aphibarnrat newly built golf course following a string of Watson. well lately. I look has struggled to find consistent perform- His performances in forward to playing in players. ances over the last two the last four months of Augusta. I will try to go “It was obviously months. the season saw him earlier and try and feel more challenging for The 28-year-old has jump from 160th in the comfortable on the Brazil because it was the been in blistering form world into the top 50 greens.” first (Olympics) in South since winning the and the result at Texas It will be Aphibarn- America, so they didn’t World Super 6 Perth moved him up to a rat’s second have that history, tra- title in February and career-high 29th. appearance at the dition of hosting games,” Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand Richard Mille Brunei “The way I fought to Augusta National after England said. “The lines up a putt on the fifth green Championships earlier qualify for the Masters securing a credible tied- games were very dif- this month. is amazing. Now I want 15th on his Masters during the fourth round of the ferent in Rio de Janeiro. With momentum on to show the world an debut in 2016, his best World Golf Championships-Dell The two are not compa- his side, Aphibarnrat Asian can surprise and result at a major so Match Play at Austin Country Club rable. The state of read- recorded a tied-fifth contend in a major,” he far. on Saturday. iness if very, very well advanced in Tokyo.” WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35 Stanton shines as Yankees beat Braves

AP a double and moved around to score on a pair of groundouts. ATLANTA: Giancarlo Stanton and Neil Walker, filling in at first base Didi Gregorius homered and for injured Greg Bird, scooped up Sonny Gray had another strong three straight one-hop throws outing for the New York Yankees, that inning to help Gray escape who closed out spring training further trouble. with a 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Gray, acquired last summer Braves on Monday night. from Oakland, finished the spring Gregorius hit his fifth home with a 1.98 ERA in four appear- run of the spring in the first inning ances covering 13 2/3 innings. off Brandon McCarthy, a two-out “It’s probably by far the best drive that just cleared the right- spring I’ve had,” Gray said after field wall. the game. There was no doubt about “And it’s probably the best I Stanton’s third homer since feel coming out of a spring. I feel joining the Yankees in one of the ready for the season. And I think biggest deals of the offseason. a lot of guys in here are excited He got a hanging curveball on to get started,” he added. an 0-2 pitch from McCarthy in the McCarthy went three innings Boston Celtics’ guard Terry Rozier (right) third, sending it into the second in his final tuneup for the season, dives for a loose ball against Phoenix deck in left field for another giving up four runs, three walks Suns’ guard Elfrid Payton in the first two-run shot. and those two homers. quarter of their NBA game at Talking With temperatures dipping It was the worst showing in Stick Resort Arena. into the 40s and late-inning four appearances for the newest showers, there were only a few member of the Braves rotation, hundred people still around - who was acquired from the Los pretty much all Yankees fans - by Angeles Dodgers during the the end of the game at SunTrust offseason. Park. “This was just a day to move NBA: Sixers notch big win Gray went five innings, per- past,” McCarthy said. mitting one run and three hits Asked what upset him the with seven strikeouts. most, he deadpanned: “All the He didn’t walk anyone. pitches I threw, the way I felt, the as Fultz is back in action Atlanta’s lone run came in the mechanics, how far some of the fourth. Ozzie Albies led off with balls flew.” AFP Will Barton led the Nuggets 3-pointers and scored 23 points win their fourth consecutive with 25 points. as Memphis defeated Minnesota game. Trey Burke scored 42 Diamondbacks, Marte agree NEW YORK: Outscoring the Celtics 102, Suns 94 in Minneapolis. points and Michael Beasley had visiting Denver Nuggets 34-15 in Jayson Tatum scored 23 Marc Gasol added 20 points, 27 to lead the Knicks, who lost to $24m, 5-year deal the third quarter, the Phila- points and Marcus Morris had including a pair of foul shots for the third time in four games. delphia 76ers moved a step 20 against his former team with 14.5 seconds left to up the Pistons 112, Lakers 106 AP closer to locking down home- before leaving with an injury as lead to six, and also grabbed 10 Reggie Jackson led a bal- court advantage for the first Boston won at Phoenix. rebounds for a double-double. anced attack with 20 points, and round of the NBA play-offs with Al Horford added 19 points, Jeff Teague notched a game- host Detroit won for the fourth PHOENIX: A person familiar with the deal says the Arizona Diamond- a 123-104 win Monday night. nine rebounds and seven assists high 25 points and seven assists time in five games by topping backs and infielder Ketel Marte have agreed to a $24m, five-year Seven players scored in for the Celtics, who picked up for Minnesota, which managed Los Angeles. contract. double figures for the 76ers, who their fourth straight win. Morris just 11 points in the fourth Jackson, playing just his The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement remain the fourth seed in the sustained a right ankle injury in quarter. Andrew Wiggins and Taj fourth game since recovering had not been announced. The deal includes two club options worth Eastern Conference, a half-game the second half and did not Gibson each finished with 18 from a severe ankle sprain, a total of $22m. ahead of the Indiana Pacers. return. X-rays on Morris’ ankle points, while Karl-Anthony added five rebounds and three The 24-year-old Marte came up from Triple-A Reno last season Dario Saric led the way with 20 came back negative, the team Towns contributed 15 points, 12 assists. Reggie Bullock scored 16 to fill a critical role at shortstop when Nick Ahmed and Chris Owings points while Joel Embiid con- announced. rebounds and six assists. points and Andre Drummond went down with injuries. Marte will spend a lot of time at second base tributed 20 points and 13 Josh Jackson had 23 points, Hornets 137, Knicks 128 had 15 points and 18 rebounds this season with Ahmed back at shortstop. rebounds despite foul trouble. Tyler Ulis had 19 points and eight Kemba Walker had 31 points, for Detroit, which retains slim Marte came to the Diamondbacks with starting pitcher Taijuan Sixers rookie Markelle Fultz, assists and Troy Daniels scored including 11 in overtime, and playoff hopes. Julius Randle Walker in the trade that sent infielder Jean Segura to Seattle shortly the No. 1 overall pick in last 18 as Phoenix took its 12th Dwight Howard added 23 points paced the Lakers with 23 points after Mike Hazen took over as Arizona’s general manager before last June’s NBA draft, returned from straight defeat and lost for the to lead Charlotte over visiting and 11 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma season. The extension shows how strongly Hazen and those around a five-month absence due to a 22nd time in 23 games. New York. contributed 20 points and 11 him feel about Marte’s future. shoulder injury and finished Grizzlies 101, Timberwolves Walker had three 3-pointers rebounds, and fellow rookie Marte hit.260 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 73 regular-season with 10 points and eight assists 93 in the extra frame as the Hornets Lonzo Ball posted 15 points, eight games for the Diamondbacks, and he had an outstanding run in Ari- in 14 minutes. Wayne Selden canned four outscored New York 20-11 to rebounds and 11 assists. zona’s brief stint in the post-season. NHL: Golden Knights clinch play-off berth

REUTERS Eichel also scored Buffalo’s Canadiens goalie Carey Price first goal and recorded his fifth made 26 saves. Detroit got one CHICAGO: Marc-Andre Fleury multi-goal game of the season goal and one assist from Gustav made 28 saves to pick up his and 15th career. It was his first Nyquist, and Tyler Bertuzzi 403rd career victory and tie two goals since returning March added a goal. Jared Coreau Grant Fuhr for 11th place on the 17 from a 15-game absence stopped 27 shots. all-time wins list as the caused by an ankle injury, and Capitals 4, Rangers 2 expansion Vegas Golden Knights he matched his career high by Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny clinched a Stanley Cup play-off scoring his 23rd and 24th goals. Kuznetsov each had a goal and berth with a 4-1 decision over the Casey Nelson also scored an assist as Washington scored visiting Colorado Avalanche on while Zemgus Girgensons four first-period goals and Monday in Las Vegas. recorded two assists as Buffalo defeated host New York for a William Karlsson and snapped a four-game losing fourth consecutive win. Jonathan Marchessault each had streak. Patrick Marleau and Washington also got one goal a goal and two assists, Shea The- Nazem Kadri collected goals for apiece from Matt Niskanen and odore finished with a goal and the Maple Leafs. T J Oshie. Nicklas Backstrom had an assist, and Alex Tuch also Kings 3, Flames 0 two assists, giving him six in the scored a goal for Pacific Division- Dion Phaneuf, Anze Kopitar past two games. Rangers centre leading Vegas. The Golden and Jeff Carter scored power- Lias Andersson scored a goal in Knights’ Gerard Gallant earned play goals, and Jonathan Quick his first NHL game, and Mats Los Angeles Kings’ goaltender his 200th career coaching stopped 23 shots for his fifth Zuccarello also collected a goal. Jonathan Quick (32) defends victory. shutout of the season as Los Hurricanes 4, Senators 1 The Golden Knights became Angeles topped visiting Calgary. as Calgary Flames’ centre Warren Foegele notched a the third expansion team since The Kings moved into a tie Sam Bennett (93) attempts goal in his first NHL game to start 1968-69 to make the Stanley Cup with Anaheim for third place in to play the puck during their the scoring as Carolina defeated playoffs. The Hartford Whalers the Pacific Division with 91 NHL game at Staples Centre. visiting Ottawa. and Edmonton Oilers both points. The result also moves Los Panthers 3, Islanders 0 accomplished the feat in 1979-80 Angeles a point ahead of the Keith Yandle, Nick Bjugstad after moving over from the Colorado Avalanche and two Logan Couture also scored first career NHL goal, and vis- Bay goaltender Louis Domingue and Evgenii Dadonov scored World Hockey Association. points in front of the St Louis during the shootout round for iting Arizona pulled away for a stopped 31 of 34 shots but drew goals, and James Reimer tied a Semyon Varlamov made 26 Blues in the wild-card chase. San Jose, which has not lost a win at Tampa Bay. the loss against his former team. career high by recording his saves for Colorado, and Erik Phaneuf and Kopitar each game in more than two weeks. Jakob Chychrun, Brendan Canadiens 4, Red Wings 2 fourth shutout of the season for Johnson scored his ninth goal of finished the night with a goal and Marcus Sorensen, Evander Kane Perlini and Clayton Keller also Brendan Gallagher netted a Florida, which moved closer to the season. an assist. Dustin Brown added and Tomas Hertl scored in reg- scored for the Coyotes, who pair of goals 5:05 apart in the a wild-card spot and eliminated Sabres 3, Maple Leafs 2 secondary helpers on the final ulation for the Sharks. Alex snapped a two-game skid. second period, and Montreal host New York from play-off Jack Eichel scored the tie- two goals. DeBrincat, Connor Murphy and Arizona goaltender Antti defeated visiting Detroit in a contention. The Panthers won for breaking goal with 10:23 Sharks 4, Blackhawks 3 (SO) Patrick Sharp each tallied goals Raanta allowed a Nikita battle of teams eliminated from the seventh time in 10 games remaining in the third period as Kevin Labanc scored the for the Blackhawks. Sharp also Kucherov goal late in the third the playoff race. (7-3-0) to close within one point Buffalo ended Toronto’s team- decisive goal in a shootout, and scored during the shootout. period to spoil a chance for his Alex Galchenyuk had a goal of the idle New Jersey Devils for record 13-game home winning San Jose won at Chicago for its Coyotes 4, Lightning 1 third shutout of the season. and an assist, and Paul Byron the second wild card in the streak. eighth victory in a row. Trevor Murphy scored his Raanta made 19 saves. Tampa also scored for Montreal. Eastern Conference. WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2018 SPORT 36 “Pliskova is an amazing player, 4.30PM 5:45PM a top-10 player. For me, it’s FOOTBALL FOOTBALL Victoria Azarenka a challenge to see how I can Poland vs Montenegro vs prepares to meet approach that and how I can South Korea LIVE ON Turkey progress from that match. Karolina Pliskova Live on beIN HD 5 TUBE Live on beIN HD 7

Tennis: Zverev wins another three-setter

REUTERS Kyrgios said. “We both competed. I expressed his desire for the Spaniard just played a little better in some to lose his third round match. Next Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits MIAMI: Alexander Zverev rallied bigger points.” up for Verdasco is Carreno Busta, a forehand against Fabio from a one set deficit to defeat In earlier action, Fernando Ver- who beat American Steve Johnson Fognini of Italy (not pictured) Spain’s David Ferrer 2-6 6-2 6-4 in dasco dug deep to earn a 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 to reach the fourth round on day seven of the Miami the third round of the Miami Open 7-6(4) win over Australian qualifier for the first time. Open. Kyrgios won 6-3, 6-3. on Monday as he moved a step closer Thanasi Kokkinakis to set up a “It’s never easy,” Carreno Busta, to a breakthrough title this year. mouth-watering fourth-round clash the 16th seed, said after his The 20-year-old German has yet against fellow Spaniard Pablo 78-minute match. to recapture the form that earned Carreno Busta. “And this is the first time that I’ve him five singles titles, including two The 34-year-old fired down 13 played on this court. But I feel really Masters events, in 2017 but he has aces to beat Kokkinakis, who had comfortable and I’m playing good. displayed guile in prevailing in a pair been full of confidence after When you play with confidence it’s of three-set matches in Miami. stunning world number one and easier.” Zverev, ranked fifth in the world, defending champion Roger Federer Also reaching the fourth round recovered from a rusty opening set in the second round. were Kevin Anderson, a 4-6 6-2 6-3 to break Ferrer’s service three times Verdasco, who reached the winner over Karen Khachanov, and in the second set and twice more in Miami quarter-finals in 2009 and Denis Shapovalov, who upset 11th- the decisive stanza. 2010, rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the seeded American Sam Querrey 6-4 He will next face Australian Nick third set and again from 3-0 down 3-6 7-5. Kyrgios, who advanced with a 6-3 in the decisive tiebreaker before Unseeded American Frances 6-3 win over Fabio Fognini. prevailing in a match that lasted Tiafoe was leading his match against “I knew it was going to be tough. nearly three hours. 10th seed Tomas Berdych, 6-7(2) 6-2 He has a lot of tricks up his sleeve He then got involved in a Twitter 5-4 when it was suspended due to and he’s very unpredictable,” spat with Kyrgios, who had darkness. Kyrgios and Verdasco get into Twitter spat in Miami

REUTERS to have the same to don’t MIAMI: Fernando Verdasco delete it.” (pictured) got into a Twitter spat Kyrgios, with Australian Nick Kyrgios on who enjoyed Monday over a since-deleted post a speedy 6-3 in which the latter expressed his 6-3 win on desire for the Spaniard to lose his Monday to third round match at the Miami reach the Open. fourth round, Verdasco, the 31st seed, became was not about annoyed during his 3-6 6-4 7-6(4) to let the spat win over Thanasi Kokkinakis and end there and even argued with the Australian fired off one qualifier in the deciding set when he final message: accused his opponent’s father of “I would talking during his serves. honestly have Kyrgios, who has a reputation Australian players, his most recent told it to Fernando’s face, the reason on the tennis circuit for being out- loss to a competitor from Down I deleted my previous tweet was Men’s Fourth Round Results spoken, took to Twitter to weigh in Under coming at the hands of because I didn’t want to cause Fernando Verdasco (ESP x31) bt Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on the happenings at Crandon Park teenager Alex de Minaur in the first unwanted attention, but I’m just Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP x16) bt Steve Johnson (USA) 6-4, 6-4 in Key Biscayne, Florida. round at the Sydney International gonna leave this here. Thanks for Kevin Anderson (RSA x6) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x32) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 “I hope TK wins this match, Ver- in January. blocking me, I’m sure that took a lot dasco is the saltiest dude, must be Verdasco, who could face of courage x.” Nick Kyrgios (AUS x17) bt Fabio Fognini (ITA x15) 6-3, 6-3 frustrated at his past success against Krygios in the Miami semi-finals, felt Verdasco will be in back in Denis Shapovalov (CAN) bt Sam Querrey (USA x11) 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 Aussies,” Kyrgios wrote in a Twitter the need to respond after his nearly action today when he faces fellow Alexander Zverev (GER x4) bt David Ferrer (ESP x28) 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 post he has since deleted. three-hour match and wrote, “when Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the Borna Coric (CRO x29) bt Jack Sock (USA x8) 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 World number 39 Verdasco does you have the courage to put a tweet 16th seed. Kyrgios will battle German indeed have a poor record against insulting another player you need fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

Miami Open Results - Women’s Fourth Round Nadal back for Spain in Davis Cup Karolina Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Zarina Diyas (KAZ) 6-2, 2-1 retired AFP Victoria Azarenka (BLR) bt Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x30) 6-2, 6-2 Star Murray resumes Sloane Stephens (USA x13) bt Garbine Muguruza (ESP x3) 6-3, 6-4 MADRID: Rafael Nadal celebrates his impending return to Angelique Kerber (GER x10) bt Wang Yafan (CHN) 6-7 (1/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 world number one spot with a recall yesterday to Spain’s training after surgery Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS x21) 7-5, 6-4 Davis Cup team for the quarter-final tie against Germany. AFP Venus Williams (USA x8) bt Johanna Konta (GBR x11) 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 Nadal, who will top the latest world rankings to be Danielle Collins (USA) bt Mónica Puig (PUR) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 released Monday, rejoins the squad for the first time since 2016 for the April 6-8 tie, team captain Sergi Bruguera PARIS: FORMER world number one Andy announced. The 16-time Grand Slam winner is certain to take Murray has returned to training at Patrick over from Roger Federer as world number one after the shock Mouratoglou’s academy in France, almost three defeat of the Swiss ace in the second round of the Miami months since undergoing hip surgery. Masters on Saturday. “Andy Murray arrived on Friday night and Bruguera said that the 31-year-old was recovering well will stay until at least the first week of April,” from an injury to his right leg that has sidelined him since he a member of the academy said. pulled out of the Australian Open in January. In February, he The three-time Grand Slam champion has pulled out of the Mexican Open just hours before his opening been targeting a comeback for the grass-court match. “I have kept in touch with him and he is going from season in June, but his resumption of training strength to strength and he is feeling good after his conva- will increase the possibility of an earlier return lescence and he is training more,” said Bruguera. than expected. Nadal last appeared for Spain in the Davis Cup in Sep- A video posted on Instagram showed tember 2016. Pablo Carreno, Roberto Bautista, David Ferrer Murray practising on a hard court at the and Feliciano Lopez line up with Nadal for the tie on clay in academy near Nice with his coach Jamie Valencia, eastern Spain. The winner of the tie will meet either Delgado. The 30-year-old Briton has not played France or Italy in the semi-final. In the other two quarter- competitively since a quarter-final defeat by finals, Croatia play Kazakhstan and the United States play Sam Querrey at Wimbledon last July, and has Venus Williams of the US looks on during a Belgium. Nadal, who turns 32 in June, ended 2017 as the oldest since slipped to 29th in the world rankings. changeover against Johanna Konta of Great year-end world number one in the 45-year history of the Murray also has an Olympic Games gold ATP rankings. He lost the top ranking to Federer in medal to his name. Britain during the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, February. Florida. Venus won 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.