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Saturday, May 5, 2018 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 19, 1439 AH Steven Gerrard GULF TIMES unveiled as new Rangers boss SPORT Page 6 ATHLETICS / DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE Home delight as Barshim and Samba pick up dazzling wins Haroun second in men’s 400m; Rohler leads German sweep in men’s javelin; Semenya, Morris, Lyles register victories

By Mikhil Bhat Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim Doha celebrates his win in the men’s high jump event at the Doha Diamond League ocal heroes Mutaz Barshim and yesterday. PICTURES: Abderrahman Samba lit up the Noushad Thekkayil Qatar Sports Club stadium with their scintillating performances Lduring the Diamond League season- opening meet in Doha yesterday after Abdalellah Haroun had begun the day for the hosts with an impressive run- ner-up fi nish. With his family in the audience at the packed venue, Barshim, reigning world champion and IAAF Athlete of the Year, had bagged the win at 2.36m after Syr- ia’s Majd Eddin Ghazal faulted all his three attempts at the height. Donald Thomas of the Bahamas was third with 2.30m. However, the 26-year-old made an- other attempt, at 2.40m, and cleared it on his fi rst attempt to a raucous applause. Even though his eff orts at 2.42m, an attempt to break Ivan Ukhov’s 2014 meet record of 2.41m, were not successful, it was the sixth Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba (foreground) on his way to a victory in the men’s 400m hurdles yesterday. straight year that Barshim had cleared 2.40m, extending his record. “I’m proud of what I achieved to- “My mother is here, she’s cheering night, but before even looking toward for me. I’m really blessed,” the two- the World Record, I’m focusing on the time Olympic medallist said. IAAF World Athletics Championship in “I made some mistakes, but very 2019 right here in Doha,” Haroun said happy with the result and proud. I feel after earning seven qualifi cation points so great, winning. I was not fi t to suc- for his second place. ceed in all the jumps, but still extremely There was no stopping South Afri- happy at the end. I wanted to break a ca’s Caster Semenya who ran a personal record today, but still very ambitious best 3:59.92 to win the women’s 1500m for the rest of the season. event. “Being here with so many great Qa- Semenya has been at the centre of a tari athletes, such as Haroun and Sam- debate stemming from a recent IAAF ba, is just amazing. It’s a testament to rule on women’s testosterone but the fact that Qatar really has some great brushed any of those distractions by talent.” storming to a victory in a world leading Samba retained the 400m hurdles time. crown in scintillating fashion better- “It’s always been a dream to set the ing his earlier world leading time with a NR and continue to push beyond my 47.57sec fi nish, also setting a Diamond PB, and I think we defi nitely achieved League record in the process. what we came here for,” Semenya said. Samba, who had missed out on a When she was asked about why she 2017 World Championship medal after hadn’t commented on the IAAF rules to clipping the last hurdle on the way to counteract higher levels of testosterone the fi nish in August last year, had come in women, she was quoted as saying by into yesterday’s meet in great form on AFP, “I don’t talk about nonsense.” the back of a world leading 47.90 eff ort Kenya’s Nelly Jepkosgei and Ethio- in Potchefstroom in South Africa last pia’s Habitam Alemu were second and month. third in 4:00.99 and 4:01.41 respec- Yesterday, he beat the rest of the tively. fi eld, that also included the Diamond Two-time Olympic champion Qatar’s Abdalelah Haroun (right) finished second behind Steven Gardiner in the League champion Kyron McMaster and Christian Taylor had to settle for the men’s 400m event yesterday. Olympic champion Kerron Clement, second place yet again three years after by one and a half seconds. Bershawn Cuba’s Pablo Pichardo had beaten him ympic, European and Diamond League Reigning Olympic champion Elaine Jackson of the US ran a season’s best in the men’s triple jump event. champion, also jumped 4.64m but had Thompson had to settle for third in the 49.08sec for a runner-up spot, while In the 2015 edition, both the men to settle for a tied fourth along with women’s 100m after the 2017 world McMaster ran 49.46sec for his third had jumped 18m plus with Pichardo compatriot Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou. silver medallist Marie Josee Tao Lou place fi nish. winning by a margin of 2cm. Yester- There was a German sweep in jave- of the Ivory Coast ran a personal best “I’ve defended my title, YES!” a pal- day, both their best eff orts were in their lin with Olympic champion Thomas 10.85 for a win. Blessing Okagbare- pably ecstatic Samba said after the win. third attempts, with Pichardo topping Rohler retaining his Doha crown with Ighoteguonor of Nigeria was second in “I’m very happy for me and for Qatar. the event with 17.95m and Taylor jump- 91.78m eff ort. Compatriot and world 10.90sec, with 200m world champion Winning at home is an amazing feel- ing 17.81m. Azerbaijan’s Alexis Copello champion Johannes Vetter defi nitely Dafne Schippers was sixth. ing, especially to break not only my was third with 17.21m. started big with 91.56m on his fi rst at- Earlier in the evening, Croatia’s San- record and the national record, but the “I feel wonderful. I’m very surprised tempt, but couldn’t improve thereafter dra Perkovic continued her strangle- Diamond League record as well. I have by the result, but will take it as a chance to settle for second place. hold on women’s discus throw event a feeling this will be a great season for to learn from the experience, and the Andreas Hofmann also cleared as the reigning world, Olympic, Euro- me, and all I want to do is run even fast- guys I competed against. I’m happy I 90.08m for his third place, pushing pean and Diamond League champion er. The audience was so welcoming and fi nished the competition healthy, and India’s 2018 Commonwealth Games smashed her own meet record with a I want to also thank everyone for being will always keep smiling,” Taylor, the champion Neeraj Chopra (87.43m) to 71.38m eff ort on her third attempt. here today.” six-time Diamond League champion, fourth. Cuba’s Yaime Perez was second Qatar’s fi rst top three fi nish of the day said. “I’ve trained so hard to break my “Today was great, but it wasn’t easy. with 66.82m, while compatriot Denia was 400m world bronze medallist Ab- own record, and the WR as well. I’m There’s always room for improvement. Caballero’s only legal eff ort of 63.80 dallelah Haroun, who fi nished behind going to Shanghai next week, so who My teammates and I travel together and placed her third in the competition. world silver medallist Steven Gardiner of knows?” train together, which motivates me al- “I was so close to my personal best, the Bahamas yesterday. With South Afri- Sandi Morris of the US carried her ways. I’ve been preparing and knew I I really think Doha Diamond League is can world champion Wayde van Niekerk winning form from Indoor Worlds in could throw that far. I was even able to my lucky place,” Perkovic, who came absent due to a knee injury, it was always Birmingham earlier this year, to win the take some risks today, and know that within 3cm of her personal best yester- going to be a strong race with the reigning fi rst Diamond League meet of the sea- I’m in good physical shape,” Rohler day, said. Diamond League champion Isaac Mak- son with 4.84m eff ort. said. “The environment here is amazing, wala also in the mix. Britain’s Holly Bradshaw and Ka- Noah Lyles of the US ran a meet and the conditions set me up for the Gardiner ran a meet record of tie Nageotte of the US, both jumped record 19.83sec in the men’s 200m year, with the season just beginning. 43.87secs, beating LaShawn Merritt’s 4.64m with the former taking the sec- to win ahead of world bronze medal- This is perfect as we look to competing 2012 time of 44.19, while Haroun fi n- ond place on countback. list Jereem Richards (19.99) and world in the European Championships this ished with 44.50, ahead of Makwala in Greek pole vault star Katerina Stefa- champion Ramil Guilyev (20.11) of Tur- year, and Doha has made me ready to 44.92. nidi, who is also the reigning world, Ol- key. make my mark there.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 5, 2018 ATHLETICS

INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT AIU confi rms Revamped, exciting Kiprop positive test, rejects allegations

Reuters ‘AMBASSADOR ROLE’ London The AIU statement did not ad- schedule for 2019 dress that allegation but added: “The advanced notice of test- he Athletics Integrity ing given by the doping control Next year’s championships Unit (AIU) confi rmed assistant could not reasonably yesterday that Ken- have caused EPO to be present in will see midnight marathon yan former three-times Mr Kiprop’s sample and, as such, Tworld 1,500 metres champion the departure does not invalidate and 4x400m mixed relay Asbel Kiprop had tested posi- the (test)... This will ultimately Doha Worlds tive for the banned blood booster be a matter for the tribunal to EPO, and rejected some of his determine.” extraordinary allegations against Kiprop said the testers, who offi cials. fi rst visited him at his disclosed Kiprop, 28, said on Thursday whereabouts in Iten on Novem- in a lengthy statement that his ber 27, had suggested he admit to urine sample might have been doping so that he could be given tampered with by dope testers an IAAF anti-doping “ambassa- who, he said, not only tipped him dor role” — an allegation the AIU off about their visit in November fl atly rejected. last year but also took a payment It said that, before opening from him. proceedings, AIU investigators The AIU, an independent body had given Kiprop the chance to that manages all doping-related “admit any off ence promptly or matters for athletics, conceded to provide information about yesterday that he had been given doping in athletics that could advance notice but said it was amount to ‘substantial assist- satisfi ed there had been no inter- ance’”. ference with his sample. “This is standard practice “These allegations have been (and) any suggestion that there investigated by the AIU. The AIU was anything improper about is satisfi ed that there has been this conversation is categorically no mix up or tampering with the untrue.” sample,” said its statement. Kiprop was informed of the Kiprop’s case is now with an failed test on February 3. International Association of “I will be the last person to Athletics Federations (IAAF) dis- commit such an atrocious un- ciplinary tribunal and he could sports like thing,” he said, adding be banned for four years if found that he was perplexed how his guilty of doping. “innocent sample turned posi- Around 50 Kenyan athletes tive”. have failed tests in recent years, He added that it would have including three-times Boston been “less than clever” of him Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo to dope seven months before (From left) Qatari athlete Saud al-Hamadi, Sheikha Asma al-Thani, director of Marketing and Communications at Doha 2019 Local Organising Committee (LOC), International and Olympic marathon cham- his next scheduled competition Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president Sebastian Coe, IAAF vice president and Doha 2019 LOC vice chairman Dahlan al-Hamad, Qatari athlete Mariam Farid and pion Jemima Sumgong. in Qatar on May 4, and that he Noha Essawy, deputy director of Marketing and Communications at Doha 2019 LOC, at a press conference in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand One of the more eye-catching could easily have dodged the claims made by Kiprop, a senior test. By Mikhil Bhat capturing the attention of young people many of the innovations we have talked that’s a good place for fi eld events to be in. police offi cer, was that he had “I could choose to miss the Doha in Qatar and around the world, and con- about in the last few years, including But I do think that there are things we can paid the testers an unspecifi ed collection without any conse- necting them to the contagious excite- the evening sessions that focus more on do to help fi eld events get a better share of amount of money and did not quences,” he said. “Consequenc- ment of athletics.” semis and fi nals, the ability to showcase television production, the time they need consider it untoward. es for missing a sampling meet- eing the fi rst ever hosts of the Talking about the revamped format, fi eld events and get them into the body to be in the limelight, and that’s what “I did not at the time expect ing arise only after missing three IAAF World Championships in International Association of Athletics of television production,” Coe told Gulf we have achieved here, and that’s very that the request for the money times. I had not missed previ- the Middle East wasn’t always Federations (IAAF) president Sebastian Times. important. You know actually it is quite had anything to do with the sam- ously.” going to be enough. Innovation, Coe said, “The fi rst 4x400m mixed re- “We don’t always showcase to best ef- easy for a fi eld event, in a dramatic mo- ple,” Kiprop said. As part of IAAF head Sebastian legacyB have often been taken into con- lay will have its global debut ahead of fect the cities we are in, so having a mid- ment, to get lost because there is so much “At that time I did not see the Coe’s reforms of the body, dop- sideration by organisers in Qatar, and so the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the fi rst night marathon under fl oodlights on the else happening in the stadium. So to be money as inducement or bribe ing matters have been dealt with next year’s IAAF World Championships, midnight marathon, the evening ses- Corniche with breath-taking view that able to showcase big decisive moments in for anything. I gave it in good by the AIU since April last year. which will be hosted at the iconic Khalifa sions with semi-fi nals and fi nals only and is behind that, across the bay, is a great those particular attempts in those com- faith thinking they may have Kiprop, the third-fastest man International Stadium between Septem- dedicated slots in the timetable for the way of showcasing a city. These are all petitions is a great opportunity,” Coe said some need known to them. In in history over 1,500 metres, was ber 28 and October 6, will see many fi rsts, fi nal stages of fi eld events allowing full very good innovations. Yes, of course the yesterday. retrospect, I now clearly see the world champion in 2011, 2013 including midnight marathon, 4x400m focus on the decisive and most thrilling midnight marathon, when you have ath- Qatar already has experience hosting a money as having a relation with and 2015, and promoted to gold mixed relay and scrapping of morning moments and attempts. We are looking lete welfare at heart, is going to be kinder night MotoGP race, a fi rst in the motorcy- the sample collected on that at the 2008 Olympics after Bah- sessions, among others. forward to seeing how these fi rsts and the conditions for those athletes and that’s cling championship’s history when Losail date, and even the irregular ad- rain’s Rashid Ramzi tested posi- The evening session will also be split engagement format will come together good for them too.” International Circuit hosted the fi rst edi- vance notice I was given.” tive for doping. into two, with an hour-long interval al- next year to deliver a World Champion- An increased focus on fi eld events was tion under fl oodlights in 2008. lowing local communities to get involved ships that will look and feel diff erent. something the likes of high jump world Doha 2019 is expected to be pivotal in in competition in front of actual athletics “It is exciting to see the way the World champion Mutaz Barshim, javelin Ol- the continued growth of women’s ath- fans but also for entertainment. Championships are being developed and ympic champion Thomas Rohler and letics across the region. Commenting on “It is our ambition to organise an in- adapted to the host country and region pole vault Olympic, world and Diamond the opportunity, Sheikha Asma al-Thani, novative, creative and exciting event that mixing world class competition with an League champion Katerina Stefanidi, Marketing and Communications Direc- inspires and engages new fans, new ath- ambitious entertainment and engage- spoke of the day before during the pre- tor of Doha 2019, said, “It is our ambition letes and new audiences and maximises ment plan that we hope will delight ath- event press conference, which was or- that the World Championships in Doha the full potential of our region’s fi rst-ever letes, spectators and viewers around the ganised at Doha’s City Centre Mall. will help to inspire more young girls from IAAF World Championships,” IAAF vice- world.” “Few years ago the focus was more on across the region to see that anything is president and Doha 2019 Local Organis- The decathlon and heptathlon will also track, especially with Usain Bolt in ac- possible and that they can achieve their ing Committee vice-chairman Dahlan al- be run concurrently — a fi rst for the world tion. But I am glad to have been part of dreams. We want to break down barriers Hamad told a press conference yesterday. championships — with their respective this revolution, I would say, for the fi eld and change perceptions of Arab women “The new competition schedule, night event-ending 1500m and 800m fi nals events,” Barshim had said on Thursday. in sport, and inspire and empower more marathon format, it will enable us to both starting after midnight. “First, these three athletes are extraor- and more girls to participate in sport at showcase the sport like never seen before, “The adaptations here are in line with dinary. So when you have that status, any level.”

2018 IAAF Doha Diamond League

ACTION IAAF suspends fi ve Russian walkers over coach link Thomas Rohler led a German sweep in the men’s javelin event. AFP the Kyrgyz Republic last month, Doha including the involvement in Ka- South Africa’s Caster Semenya (right) won the women’s 1500m event in the Doha Diamond rakol of the coach, Viktor Che- League at Qatar Sports Club yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil gin, who has been banned from ive Russian athletes have the sport for life”, the IAAF said. been ruled out of com- It means the fi ve athletes are peting at this weekend’s not eligible for the World Race World Race Walking Team Walking Team Championships FChampionships in China after that will be held on Saturday and attending a training camp with Sunday in Taicang, China. banned coach Viktor Chegin, the “The Doping Review Board IAAF announced yesterday. will review their status for future The IAAF said its Doping Re- competitions in 2018, once it view Board had decided to revoke has received further information the Authorised Neutral Athlete from RUSADA (Russian Anti- (ANA) status granted to Klavdiya Doping Agency) and the out- Afanasyeva, Olga Eliseeva, Yuliya come of further investigations is Lipanova, Sergey Sharypov and known,” the IAAF added. Sergey Shirobokov. Two Russian athletes compet- The decision was made ing as neutrals, Vasiliy Mizinov “pending further investigation and Yana Smerdova, were not Marie Josee Tao Lou of the Ivory Cuba’s Pablo Pichardo picked up a win into a number of serious issues present at the training camp in Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic topped the women’s discus throw event. Coast won the women’s 100m. in the men’s triple jump. arising from their participation Karakol and will be eligible for at the training camp in Karakol in this weekend’s championships. Gulf Times Saturday, May 5, 2018 3 SPORT

MOTOGP CRICKET Smith in Australia to win back trust aft er Marquez bidding to tampering scandal

AFP “The amount of e-mails and Sydney letters I have received has been incredible and I have been ex- tremely humbled by the enor- eposed Australia cap- mous amount of support you take championship tain Steve Smith has have given me. returned home from “I now have a lot to do to earn time out overseas, say- back your trust.” Ding he is prepared to win back Cricket Australia last month trust after his role in a high-pro- suspended Smith and team fi le ball-tampering scandal. vice-captain David Warner from Smith, who was sacked and all international and domestic sent home in disgrace after the cricket for a year, while Cameron lead on home soil third Test against South Africa, Bancroft was suspended for nine had been lying low in New York months. ‘Racing in front of my home crowd and my fan club will of course add to the good feeling’ but made his fi rst appearance on Bancroft was caught by TV social media in a month to thank cameras trying to tamper with the cricket public for giving him the ball using sandpaper, trig- a second chance and his family gering a dramatic series of for their support. events that led to the banning The former skipper posted of the three players and coach a photo of himself and fi ancee Darren Lehmann standing down Dani back in Sydney and said he from his role. wouldn’t be taking his fi ght to Smith was greeted back by Le- earn back trust for granted. hmann, who tweeted “welcome “It’s great to be back home in home mate” in response to the Australia. I have had some time 28-year-old’s post. away to come to terms with eve- Former Test Justin Langer rything and now it’s time to get was Thursday appointed as Le- back into it,” Smith wrote on In- hmann’s successor in all three stagram yesterday. formats of the game.

Deposed Australia captain Steve Smith.

SELECTION

Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez rides during the first MotoGP free practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera yesterday. (AFP) England ‘old boys’ in “Last year we struggled a lot AFP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS Jerez de la Frontera, Spain (at Jerez), but this year I think Ireland squad we can be better. We want MotoGP (after three of 19 races): (ESP) 6, 16. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 6 to improve and fi ght for this eigning world cham- 1. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) 46 pts, 2. Marc Marquez Moto2 championship.” for Pakistan Test pion Marc Marquez (ESP) 45, 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP) 41, 4. Cal 1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) 57 pts, 2. Mattia Pasini Meanwhile, KTM have says his Honda team Crutchlow (GBR) 38, 5. Johann Zarco (FRA) 38, 6. (ITA) 47, 3. Alex Marquez (ESP) 47, 4. Miguel Ol- stepped up their bid to force AFP land in the fi nal match of their are looking for more Andrea Iannone (ITA) 31, 7. Valentino Rossi (ITA) iveira (POR) 43, 5. Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA) 39 their way to the top of MotoGP London 5-0 Ashes series loss to Australia consistencyR at this week- by announcing the signing of in 2013/14. Veteran batsman 29, 8. Jack Miller (AUS) 26, 9. Tito Rabat (ESP) 22, Moto3 end’s Spanish Grand Prix, af- 10. Danilo Petrucci (ITA) 21, 11. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) 1. Jorge Martin (ESP) 55 pts, 2. Aron Canet (ESP) rising star Johann Zarco for the Joyce, who like Rankin started his ter claiming his fi rst win of the 18, 12. Alex Rins (ESP) 16, 13. Hafizh Syahrin (MAL) 48, 3. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA) 43, 4. Fabio Di Gian- 2019 and 2020 seasons. ormer England interna- international career in Irish col- season last month in the United 9, 14. Pol Espargaro (ESP) 8, 15. Aleix Espargaro nantonio (ITA) 37, 5. Enea Bastianini (ITA) 33 The 27-year-old YamahaTe- tionals Boyd Rankin and ours, played limited-overs crick- States. The Spaniard stormed ch rider is fi fth in the stand- Ed Joyce were included et for England before switching to his sixth straight victory at ings, having shown excellent in a 14-man Ireland back to play for Ireland again. the MotoGP of the Americas in proach it with a positive men- tempered race in Argentina, but clearly much better than last pace in taking three pole posi- squadF named by coach Graham Ireland knocked Pakistan out Austin to cut the gap to early tality. Racing in front of my he’s confi dent he can win a fi fth year, and this is certainly posi- tions since moving into the top Ford yesterday for next week’s of the 2007 World Cup in the championship leader Andrea home crowd and my fan club title in the top class. tive.” class last year. The current KTM inaugural Test against Pakistan. Caribbean with a shock three- Dovizioso to just one point after will of course add to the good “I think Dovi will be a great pair of Pol Espargaro and Brad- Ireland will again be led by ex- wicket group-stage win on St three races. feeling and atmosphere. “We’ll rival, as he was last year,” said Rossi vows to improve ley Smith have struggled in the perienced captain William Por- Patrick’s Day. The one-off Test Tomorrow’s race at Jerez de la keep working hard and focusing the 25-year-old. Marquez clashed with Val- opening three races, with the terfi eld for what will be their fi rst between Ireland and Pakistan is Frontera starts off the European on consistency, which is a cru- “Anyway, this year I feel re- entino Rossi in Argentina last Spaniard winning all eight of taste of the fi ve-day format since due to get underway at Malahide swing of the season at a track cial point for the title chase.” ally good on the bike: in Qatar, month, with the Italian vet- their points so far. being elevated to Test status. Cricket Club, near Dublin, on where Marquez has surprisingly Ducati’s Dovizioso again Argentina, and Austin, the con- eran saying afterwards that he “It is clear that we want to Meanwhile Kevin O’Brien, Friday, May 11. only won once in nine attempts. looks likely to be Marquez’s fi dence was always there, and is “scared” to race alongside take another step in MotoGP. the century-making star of Ire- “Here (Europe), the circuits chief rival this year, after seeing that’s the most important thing. the Honda rider. The 39-year- The fi rst two years were about land’s 2011 World Cup win over Ireland squad: William Porter- are generally diff erent and more his title hopes ended only on the “We’re just one point behind old is already 20 points off the building up the project and to England in Bangalore, has been field (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, ‘traditional’, starting with Jerez, fi nal day of last season when he in the championship, so we pace after that crash and needs get everything running,” said included in the squad, as have Ed Joyce, Tyrone Kane, Andy which is a tighter, slower, and crashed out in Valencia. must continue this way.” to start winning to revive his KTM motorsport director Pit county cricketers Tim Murtagh, McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin more diffi cult track than the Marquez’s campaign started Italian Dovizioso said: “We hopes of a 10th world title. Beirer. Gary Wilson and Paul Stirling. O’Brien, Niall O’Brien (wkt), Boyd ones like Austin,” said Marquez. slowly this time out, fi nishing come to the fi rst European “The fi rst races of the season “I’m convinced we can reach Pace bowler Rankin is the only Rankin, Nathan Smith, Paul “We had a good test there at second in Qatar before failing round of the season fi rst in the didn’t go very well but we tried the next level with a rider like player with previous Test experi- Stirling, James Shannon, Stuart the end of March, and we’ll ap- to collect any points in a bad- standings, a situation that is something positive,” Rossi said. Johann with us.” ence, having represented Eng- Thompson, Gary Wilson.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Mumbai Indians beat Kings XI Punjab by 6 wickets IANS in the middle, in-form Surya- picking pace towards the end as the out-of-form batsman was Indore kumar was dismissed by Marcus Stoinis deposited Hardik Pandya the next to depart in the 13th Stoinis in the 12th over when for two sixes and as many over with Punjab’s scorecard scoreboard was reading 80. His fours to milk 22 runs off the reading 96/3. pener Suryakumar Ya- 42-ball knock was laced with six fi nal over. Karun Nair and Axar Patel dav’s 57 run knock and boundaries and three sixes. The self-proclaimed “Uni- then showed some resistance, some useful contribu- Hardik Pandya also contribut- verse Boss” slammed his 24th adding 36 runs for the fourth tions from other bat- ed but failed to make a good start IPL fi fty, decorated with six wicket. tersO helped Mumbai Indians beat count as he was sent packing in boundaries and couple of sixes. Pacers Jaspreet Bumrah and Kings XI Punjab by six wickets in the 13th over. He played 13 balls Put in to bat, Punjab were Mitchell McClenaghan further an Indian Premier League (IPL) and slammed 23 runs. off to a decent beginning as the jolted the hosts after dismissing match yesterday. Middle-order batsmen Rohit openers took Punjab past the 50- Nair (23 off 12 balls) and Patel (13 With this win Mumbai is sit- Sharma (24) and Krunal Pan- run mark in 6.1 overs. off 12 balls) in the 16th and 17th ting at the fi fth spot with six dya (31) then forged an unbeaten Mumbai’s fi nd of the tourna- overs, respectively. points in nine matches, while 46 run partnership for the fi fth ment Mayank Markande came Stoinis then played a cameo of Punjab is at fourth spot with 10 wicket to overhaul the target up with the fi rst breakthrough a 15-ball 29, while Mayank Agar- points in eight matches. with one over to spare. after dismissing Rahul in the wal chipped in with 11 runs down Mumbai started 175 run chase For Punjab, Rahman scalped seventh over with the score- the order to help Punjab reach a on a positive note, scoring 38 two wickets. board reading 54 runs. healthy score. runs in 5.3 overs, but after that Earlier, a half-century by Gayle was then joined by vet- For Mumbai, McClenaghan, opener Evin Lewis (10) departed. Chris Gayle followed by some eran Yuvraj Singh and the duo Bumrah, Hardik, Markande and Lewis was caught behind Mu- fi reworks by Marcus Stoinis in stitched a 34-run partnership Cutting bagged a wicket each. jeeb ur Rahman. the fi nal moments helped Kings for the second wicket before New batsman Ishan Kishan XI Punjab post a challenging pacer Ben Cutting ended the Brief Scores: Kings XI Punjab (25) and Suryakumar then joined 174/6. Caribbean southpaw’s innings in 174/6 (Chris Gayle 50, Marcus hands and played sensibly. The Punjab somewhat squandered the 12th over. Stoinis 29; Jasprit Bumrah duo also managed to hit few a great 54-run start by open- Yuvraj (14 off 14 balls), who 1/19) vs Mumbai Indians 176/4 beautifully crafted shots. But ers Lokesh Rahul (24 off 20) and was promoted up the batting (Suryakumar Yadav 57; Mujeeb Mumbai Indians’ Suryakumar Yadav plays a shot during the 2018 Indian Premier League match against just when things seemed good Gayle (50 off 40 balls), before order, once again failed to fi re as ur Rahman 2/37). Kings XI Punjab at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 5, 2018 SPORT

NBA NHL Guentzel powers Penguins past Caps, James, Cavs shred Predators down Jets

AFP Los Angeles

ake Guentzel scored his Raptors; Celtics playoff -leading 10th goal and Matt Murray made 20 saves as the PittsburghJ Penguins evened up their NHL second-round series with a 3-1 victory Thursday over the Washington Capitals. Penguins’ Jake Guentzel American forward Guentzel celebrates with teammates rally to down Sixers scored his ninth and 10th goals after scoring a goal during the and now has a league-leading second period of Stanley Cup ‘We’ve got to continue to keep our guards up and continue to push’ 21 points in the postseason as playoff s against the Washington the Penguins regrouped from Capitals. (Getty Images/AFP) AFP Tuesday’s heartbreaking game Los Angeles three loss to level the best-of- 57 seconds left in the third. seven series at 2-2. The Penguins played with- Evgeni Malkin, with his out forward Zach Aston-Reese eBron James scored 43 fourth goal of the NHL play- who suff ered a broken jaw and points as the Cleveland off s, scored the tiebreaking a concussion in game three Cavaliers powered to a goal on the powerplay late when he was shoulder checked 128-110 victory over the in the second period to give in the face by Capitals enforcer LToronto Raptors on Thursday to Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead in front of Tom Wilson, who was given a take a commanding 2-0 lead in a crowd of 18,600 at the PPG three-game suspension. their NBA second-round playoff Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Washington forward Alex series. “We played like it is game Ovechkin, who is trying to The Cavs, who broke Raptors seven tonight for sure,” said get to the Stanley Cup fi nals hearts with a 113-112 overtime Malkin. for the fi rst time in his career, triumph on Tuesday, may well Game fi ve is on Saturday in failed to register a shot on goal have broken their spirit as they Washington. T.J. Oshie scored for just the third time in 107 won a second straight game at the lone goal for the Capitals career playoff games. Air Canada Centre, putting while goaltender Braden Holt- In Winnipeg, the Nash- themselves in position to sweep by made 21 saves. ville Predators ended the Jets’ Toronto for a second straight Holtby tried but failed to home winning streak with a year when the best-of-seven stop Malkin’s goal which 2-1 victory that knotted their Eastern Conference series shifts proved to be the game win- series at two games apiece. to Cleveland on Saturday. ner. A diving Malkin stabbed Predators goalie Pekka Rinne In Boston, the Celtics seized at the puck as it sat on the goal produced 32 saves, stopping a 2-0 lead in their series against line while Holtby attempted to all 29 shots he faced at even Philadelphia, roaring back from use his blocker as a last line of strength and giving up only a 22-point second-quarter defi - defence. a power-play goal to Patrik cit to triumph 108-103. Russian forward Malkin Laine, who fi nally broke out of Jayson Tatum scored 21 points thought he had a goal and video his goal-scoring drought with to lead six Boston players in replays confi rmed that he suc- less than a minute remaining in double fi gures as the Celtics re- cessfully used his stick to push the contest. mained unbeaten on their home the puck over the goal line with By then, P.K. Subban and fl oor in these playoff s. a desperate dive just before Ryan Hartman had scored to The 76ers will try to right the Holtby snatched it back. put Nashville up 2-0. And the ship as the series shifts to Phila- Guentzel gave the Penguins Predators’ Nick Bonino won delphia for games three and four, a 1-0 lead at 9:21 of the second. two faceoff s after Laine’s goal but the Celtics have never lost a Dominik Simon’s shot in the to help preserve the win. best-of-seven series in which slot was blocked by Capitals Winnipeg hadn’t lost at the led 2-0. defenceman Matt Niskanen, home since February 27. The The Cavaliers, meanwhile, but Guentzel got the puck and series now shifts to Nashville head home with a chance to scored near the right post. for game fi ve today. sweep the Raptors for a second Oshie tied it 1-1 at 12:55 of straight year. the second with a power-play RESULTS “We’ve got to continue to keep LeBron James (second from left) of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball as DeMar DeRozan (left) of the Toronto Raptors defends in the goal and Guentzel scored into Pittsburgh 3 Washington 1 our guards up and continue to second-half of the Game Two of the Eastern Conference semi-finals of the 2018 NBA Playoff s in Toronto yesterday. (Getty Images/AFP) an empty to make it 3-1 with Nashville 2 Winnipeg 1 push,” cautioned James, whose 14 assists matched his career James dazzled, confounding The Cavs, trailing by two at lacklustre game one loss in adelphia 50-20 to seize the lead. playoff high. Toronto with an array of turna- halftime, eviscerated the Rap- Boston, got off to a fast start Philadelphia edged back into MLB chiefs set to announce London fi xture He notched his 23rd playoff round jump shots. “This’ll be my tors in the third quarter, open- against the Celtics, but as so the lead in the fourth quarter, game with at least 40 points fourth year here, I don’t know if ing the second half on an 8-0 often in the regular season but Boston responded with an Major League Baseball chiefs are expected to announce next and his fourth so far this post- I’d seen that out of him,” Love scoring run to seize a lead they they couldn’t hold onto their 11-5 scoring run and held on for week that London will host regular-season fixtures for the first season. Kevin Love, averag- said. The Raptors, who earned wouldn’t relinquish. lead. the win. time after mayor Sadiq Khan and league bosses called a press ing less than 11 points per game the top seed in the East for the James and Love combined for JJ Redick led Philadelphia “That’s the story of our sea- conference. this post-season, emerged from fi rst time in franchise history as 24 of Cleveland’s 37 points in with 23 points. Robert Coving- son,” Tatum said. “But we have a Details of the first regular-season MLB games held in Europe his off ensive slump to added 31 Cleveland struggled to fi nd con- the period - matching Toronto’s ton added 22 points and nine never say die mentality.” are likely to be confirmed at the event in the British capital on points and 11 rebounds for the sistency throughout the regular third quarter total. rebounds. Joel Embiid fi nished Tuesday. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred will attend the press Cavs. season, insisted they can still DeRozan paced the Raptors with 20 points and 14 rebounds RESULTS conference, with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox JR Smith scored 15, George make it a series. with 24 points and Kyle Lowry but star rookie Ben Simmons Playoff games widely reported to be the teams involved. Hill chipped in 13 and Jeff Green “We thrive on adversity,” said added 21. But the Raptors had no missed all four shots he took as (series best-of-seven): The Sun newspaper said the two giants would play on June 29- came off the bench to contrib- DeMar DeRozan. “We’ve been answer for Cleveland in the sec- he scored just one point in 31 Eastern Conference 30 at the former Olympic Stadium – now the home of Premier ute 14 as the Cavs extended their in tough situations before and ond half. minutes. 2nd rd League side West Ham. post-season dominance of the sometimes when you’re put in “We need more eff ort, way Simmons coughed up two At Toronto The NFL kicked off its series of regular-season games in London Raptors. tough situations that’s what more eff ort,” Lowry said. “We’ve turnovers as Boston engineered a Cleveland 128 Toronto 110 in 2007, when the New York Giants beat the Miami Dolphins at “This was a complete team ef- brings the best out of you. got to play harder.” 20-5 scoring run to close the fi rst (Cleveland lead series 2-0) Wembley Stadium on their way to winning the Super Bowl. fort,” James said. “It’s a big win “We understand where we’re half. Over a 16-minute stretch At Boston The British capital hosted its first regular-season NBA game in for us.” at,” he added. “We’re going to ‘Never say die’ spanning the second and third Boston 108 Philadelphia 103 2011. But even as Love impressed, fi ght.” The 76ers, coming off a quarters Boston out-scored Phil- (Boston lead series 2-0)

MLB Angels’ Pujols closes in on 3,000th career hit AFP off his left hip. Hellickson threw well but came White Sox 6 Twins 5 Los Angeles Facing right-handed relief away with a no-decision. The pitcher Mychal Givens in the right-hander went 5 2/3 score- sixth, he popped out to fi rst base less innings and gave up three os Angeles Angels slug- and in his last at-bat of the night hits with four strikeouts. Sammy ger Albert Pujols is on the he fl ied out to right fi eld against Solis (1-1) got the victory after he brink of joining Major Darren O’Day in the eighth. got the fi nal out of the top of the League Baseball’s exclu- Pujols’s pursuit of the mile- sixth - throwing only one pitch. Lsive 3,000-hit club after taking stone has energized Angels fans, Trevor Williams (4-2) pitched his tally to 2,999 on Thursday. who stood, cellphone cameras eff ectively for the seventh Pujols lined a two-run double poised, every time he came to straight time this season but was to left fi eld off Baltimore Ori- the plate. hurt by the lack of run support. oles right-handed hurler Miguel Now, however, it seems likely The Pittsburgh starter al- Castro for his 2,999th career to come on the road. The Angels lowed just one hit and one walk hit, extending the Angels’ lead open a fi ve-game road trip at through the fi rst fi ve innings un- to 8-0 in the second inning of a Seattle on Friday. til the Nationals broke through 12-3 victory. in that three-run sixth. The 38-year-old from the Do- Turner, Zimmerman power Wilmer Difo led off the inning minican Republic is one hit away Nats to sweep of Pirates with a single and then scored from becoming the 32nd player Trea Turner and Ryan Zim- when Turner lined his two-run to reach 3,000. merman both homered in the homer two batters later. He would join Adrian Beltre as sixth inning, and the Wash- That gave Washington a 2-0 the only Dominican born players ington Nationals completed a lead, and Zimmerman added to to accomplish the feat. sweep of their four-game series that later in the inning with his With a 3,000th hit, Pujols versus Pittsburgh with a 3-1 vic- solo blast. would also become just the tory over the visiting Pirates in a fourth player to collect 3,000 Thursday matinee. RESULTS hits and 600 home runs, join- The Nationals now have won Angels 12 Orioles 3 ing Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and fi ve consecutive games. Pitts- Braves 11 Mets 0 Alex Rodriguez. burgh has dropped four in a row, Dodgers 5 Diamondbacks 2 Pujols entered Thursday’s and the Pirates’ problems in this Nationals 3 Pirates 1 game with 2,998 hits. He series came mainly because they Blue Jays 13 Indians 11 grounded out in his fi rst at-bat scored just 10 runs. (11 innings, Game 1) against Orioles right-hander Washington used power for its Indians 13 Blue Jays 4 Chris Tillman in the fi rst inning. off ense in this game. Turner hit (Game 2) Facing Castro again in the a two-run homer to left in the Yankees 6 Astros 5 fourth with the crowd on its feet, sixth, and Zimmerman added his Royals 10 Tigers 6 Pujols fouled off fi ve straight solo shot two batters later. Mariners 4 A’s 1 Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols hits a two RBI double for the 2999th hit of his Major League Baseball career against Baltimore pitches before taking a changeup Washington starter Jeremy Rangers 11 Red Sox 5 Orioles at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Saturday, May 5, 2018 5 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Rare consecutive Oh, baby! Zverev eagles boost Peterson to lead to face Chung in in Charlotte Munich semi-fi nals Both the players pick up straight sets victories to set up last four clash

AFP Berlin

op seed Alexander Zverev had to contend with a crying baby yes- terday before setting up a semi- fi nal clash against South Korea’s HyeonT Chung at the Munich ATP tourna- ment. The 21-year-old Zverev, ranked third in the world, needed just over an hour to beat German compatriot Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-2 in his quarter-fi nal match. However, a crying infant briefl y dis- tracted Zverev between serves on his second match point before the defending champion wrapped up his 19th match win this year with a second-serve ace. With good returns and well-placed ground strokes, Zverev had few oth- er problems and despite recent close matches between the pair, Struff never found his rhythm. “I’m glad I didn’t have to go to three sets again,” said Zverev who had to go the distance to beat Struff in Monaco this year and Munich in 2017. Zverev will be chasing his fi rst win over Chung after defeats last year in Barcelona and in the third round of the Australian John Peterson plays a shot on the fifth hole during the second round Open in January. of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, Chung, who reached the Australian North Carolina, yesterday. (AFP) Open semi-fi nals, had few problems as he beat 2014 Munich winner Martin Kli- Reuters Alas, the ball trickled sev- zan 6-3, 6-4 in his last eight tie yesterday. Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action against compatriot Jan-Lennard Struff during their Munich Open quarter-final yesterday. (AFP) Cary, North Carolina en feet beyond the cup and he “I’m really happy to make the semi- missed the birdie chance, but it fi nals two years in a row,” said Chung. points of the match to defeat Roberto nents lasted for nearly two and three- Chinese player Zhang Shuai yesterday. was still a good day in the offi ce, Chung, 21, beat Klizan in the Munich Carballes Baena 6-7 (2), 6-2, 7-6 (3) yes- quarter hours. Kvitova, who won tournaments earlier elf-deprecating Texan and a timely one too. quarter-fi nals for the second successive terday for a place in the semi-fi nals of the Tsitsipas is coming off his best per- this year in St Petersburg and Doha, will John Peterson recorded Peterson, 29, is playing on year. Estoril Open. formance on clay and just defeated his face either Romanian Mihaela Buzar- consecutive eagles for the what the PGA Tour call a “medi- Serving at 4-5 in the second set with The 19-year-old Greek, a surprise fi - second top-10 opponent in as many nescu or Italy’s Camila Giorgi in the fi nal fi rst time in his career to cal extension” after having hand the scores at 30-all, Klizan hit a double nalist last weekend in Barcelona against weeks, adding Estoril top seed Kevin as she looks for her fi rst clay-court title vaultS to the fi rst-round lead at surgery two years ago. fault and then struck a forehand long to Rafael Nadal, will aim for his second Anderson to his list of victims on since the 2015 Madrid Open. the Wells Fargo Championship He has to compile about hand the Korean victory. straight title match as he plays the win- Thursday. The two-time Wimbledon champion in Charlotte, North Carolina on $300,000 in earnings this week Sixth-seed Philipp Kohlschreiber beat ner from British third seed Kyle Edmund Last week, the outsider beat world has risen back into the world’s top 10 this Thursday. and in his next two starts to re- Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4, and Portuguese No.1 Joao Sousa. number seven Dominic Thiem in the year after dropping down the rankings Pity so few people saw the rare gain full exempt status. and awaits the winner of the match be- The 44th-ranked Tsitsipas recovered quarter-fi nals. following a hand injury infl icted in a knife feat. If he falls short, however, Pe- tween Hungary’s Marton Fucsovic and from 0-3 down in the fi nal-set tiebreak- attack at her home in 2016. Few of the thousands who terson says he will be quite happy Germany’s Maximilian Marterer. er, erasing the defi cit and sprinting to a KVITOVA REACHES PRAGUE FINAL The 28-year-old needed four set points turned up to follow Tiger Woods to quit the nomadic lifestyle and victory that was sealed when his 77th- Czech Petra Kvitova reached her third to clinch the opener against Zhang in a bothered hanging around after- go home to Fort Worth to sell real TSITSIPAS IN ESTORIL SEMIS ranked opponent drove a return long. WTA fi nal of the season on home soil in tie-break, but raced through the second wards to watch Peterson, who estate. Stefanos Tsitsipas swept the last seven The battle between fi rst-time oppo- Prague with a 7-6 (6), 6-0 victory over for the loss of just six points. fi nished in some style playing in “I just don’t enjoy the travel peace and quiet in one of the fi nal out here very much,” he said. groups of the day. “I don’t like being away from He holed a 55-foot bunker Fort Worth. I just like being at North-South Korea table tennis unifi ed but defeated shot at the par-fi ve seventh (his home and I like being around my 16th hole), and went even better family and friends more than I AFP player Jeon Jihee lost in three sets, 11- and the respective ambassadors of the week,” Pound said. by holing a wedge shot from 107 like chasing it around here. Stockholm 2, 11-8, 11-9, to Japan’s Mima Ito in the two countries. “They were passionate... to show yards at the par-four eighth. “I’ve got everything in place first match. Matthew Pound, the head of media for the special bonds between the two He was rewarded with a six- for both sides of it, so I’m not aving taken another step Kim Song I, of North Korea, fared better the International Table Tennis Fed- countries. We considered all the rules under-par 65 at Quail Hollow, going to be bothered if I make it towards the sporting rapproche- in the second match but went down 11-4, eration, told AFP the match had been and regulations but we thought it was a and a two-stroke lead. (back onto the Tour full-time). Hment of North and South Korea, 6-11, 11-8, 11-13, 16-14 to Japan’s strongest “more than a game”. good decision. Everyone was positive to “Pretty uneventful hole-outs, “If I don’t make it, I’m not the unified Korean women’s table tennis player, Kasumi Ishikawa. The decision for the two Koreas to join the idea.” but they went in nonetheless,” playing golf anymore.” team was soundly beaten by Japan at In the final match, Japan’s Miu Hirano forces followed the peace deal forged There will be no unified team for the Peterson told reporters. “I’ve Rory McIlroy, a winner at the world championships in Sweden dispensed with South Korea’s Yang last week when North Korean leader men because North Korea did not never made back-to-back eagles Quail Hollow in 2010 and 2015, yesterday. Haeun 11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6. Kim Jong-un visited the south for a sum- qualify for this year’s world champion- in a tournament and I don’t think carded fi ve birdies and two bo- The two Koreas on Thursday opted “Playing against the combined team, mit with South Korean President Moon ships. I’ve done it in practice.” geys, to remain three shots be- against playing each other, deciding (they) were very strong but I really Jae-in. North and South Korea formed a joint Peterson nearly made it three hind the leader. instead to field a joint women’s team for wanted to give the best,” Hirano said. “Two days ago both teams pitched this table tennis team once before, at the straight eagles when his ap- Five other players were tied the semi-finals. Despite the defeat, the combined Ko- idea, they did not want to be compet- world championships in Chiba, Japan, in proach shot from the rough at for second on four-under – Pe- When the action got under way in rean team were all smiles as they were ing against each other, it did not feel 1991, when they won the women’s team the par-four ninth honed in on ter Malnati, England’s Tyrrell Halmstad yesterday, South Korean applauded off court by the spectators right especially after the peace deal last title. the pin, but the law of averages Hatton, Johnson Wagner, Keith caught up with him and the ball Mitchell and Kyle Stanley. did not drop. Woods, a 79-times PGA Tour “There was only like seven or winner who needs three more CYCLING eight people and a golden re- wins to match Sam Snead’s all- triever in the grandstands back time record, used a new set of there and they were getting irons but it was the fl atstick that loud,” he said. “So I fi gured if caused his problems. Woods Defending champ Dumoulin wins opening Giro stage seven people were getting pretty missed two putts from inside fi ve loud, it had to be pretty close.” feet en route to a 71. AFP Even so, few could have expected such Jerusalem a modest showing in a discipline in which he normally excels. TENNIS / DAVIS CUP He was already well down in around eigning champion Tom Du- 50th place at the intermediate time check moulin laid down a marker to just over fi ve kilometres into the stage. main rival Chris Froome by win- Although he improved over the sec- France’s semi with ning the opening stage of the ond half, he even fi nished behind slight GiroR d’Italia yesterday. climbers such as fellow Briton Simon Dutchman Dumoulin edged out Aus- Yates (seventh at 20sec), Italian Domen- Spain to be played tralian Rohan Dennis by just two seconds ico Pozzovivo (10th at 27sec) and French- in the 9.7-kilometre time-trial as Froome man Thibaut Pinot (33sec off the winner). struggled following his crash in morning Normally, Froome would have expect- on Lille hard courts training, fi nishing 21st and losing 37 sec- ed to gain signifi cant time on those three. onds. Dumoulin had no such troubles as he AFP Cup side. Froome’s build-up to his attempt to took to the course as the last of 175 rid- Paris “In accordance with the choice become only the third man in history to ers, wearing the rainbow jersey of world of France captain Yannick Noah, hold all three Grand Tour titles at once time-trial champion. the matches will be held on hard — he won both the Tour de France and Dennis had set the fastest time some he Davis Cup semi-fi nal courts with the roof closed,” the Vuelta a Espana last year — had already two and a half hours earlier and had seen between holders France FFT said in a statement. been compromised by a scandal over an more than 130 riders subsequently fail to and Spain in September The decision to play on a hard adverse doping test reading in September. better his mark of 12min 04sec until Du- will be played on an in- court appears to be an attempt He returned a urine sample with el- moulin snatched victory. Tdoor hard court at Lille’s Stade to minimise the threat of Spain’s evated levels of salbutamol and spent Belgian Victor Campenaerts was third Pierre-Mauroy, the French ten- clay-court specialists, including much of his pre-Giro press conference on with the same time as Dennis while four- nis federation announced yes- world number one Rafael Nadal, Wednesday answering questions about time world time-trial champion Tony terday. who played a starring role in his whether or not he should even be racing Martin of Germany could manage only After the 2014 final loss to country’s quarter-fi nal win over at the Giro. ninth on the tricky, technical course that Switzerland and last year’s vic- Germany last month. Froome failed to fi nd top form over the last stage race in the lead up to his major fering cuts and abrasions and ripping his included 18 turns and several punchy tories over Serbia and Belgium The tie will take place from few months, although he fi nished a credible Grand Tour objective of the season. skinsuit down the right hand side. climbs and swift descents. in the last four and final re- September 14-16, as France look fourth at the Tour of the Alps in April. His diffi culties mounted yesterday A video of his crash shared on Insta- Other potential overall contenders spectively, it will be the fourth to become the fi rst team to suc- However, in previous years he has al- morning as he was one of several riders gram showed that he hit the tarmac pret- didn’t fare too well with Italian Fabio Aru time that Lille’s football stadi- cessfully defend the title since most always won at least one week-long to hit the ground on a training ride, suf- ty hard. losing 50 seconds to Dumoulin. um has been used by the Davis the Czech Republic in 2013. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 5, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT BUNDESLIGA Hamburg adopt knock-out mentality Gerrard unveiled as for survival fi ght

AFP further victories,” said Chris- Berlin tian Titz, Hamburg’s third coach since January. Hamburg have fallen on hard times in idfi elder Lewis recent seasons, needing to win new Rangers boss Holtby says Ham- the relegation play-off in both burg must treat 2013/14 and 2014/15 to stay ‘I’m very aware of Rangers, the size of the club, I’ve watched them from afar and today’s match at up. MEintracht Frankfurt as “a cup This season has been a dis- been lucky enough to watch some of the Old Firm games’ semi-fi nal” if they want to aster. Hamburg were second avoid a historic fi rst relegation from bottom with 15 points AFP from the Bundesliga. from 19 games when Markus Glasgow Second-bottom Hamburg Gisdol was sacked as head are fi ve points from safety coach in late January. Former with two league games left player Bernd Hollerbach took angers unveiled former — at Eintracht Frankfurt and over, but was soon dismissed Liverpool and England then at home to Borussia after failing to win any of his captain Steven Gerrard Moenchengladbach — as they seven games, admitting “we as their new manager bid to avoid slipping out of the need a miracle”. yesterday,R handing the rookie top fl ight for the fi rst time. Titz was promoted from the boss the daunting task of ending But they sit just two points reserves and the 47-year-old Celtic’s domination of the Scot- behind Wolfsburg, who oc- has coaxed three wins from tish Premiership. cupy 16th place, which pro- his six games to turn the cor- Gerrard, who has previously vides the solace of a relegation ner. “We are playing a totally only worked with Liverpool’s play-off against the team who diff erent style of football, the Under-18s, takes the helm of fi nish third in the second tier. coach has his own ideas and the giant club who have fallen Holtby says, from a Hamburg sticks to them,” enthused on hard times in the past dec- perspective, those remaining midfi elder Aaron Hunt. ade despite winning a record 54 games against clubs fi ghting Hamburg need Wolfsburg to Scottish titles. for European places next sea- slip up either today at RB Leip- Celtic — under Brendan son are eff ectively knock-out zig, who are winless in their Rodgers, Gerrard’s former boss matches. last fi ve games and fi ghting to at Anfi eld — are bidding for an “This is our ‘semi-fi nal’,” keep a Europa League place, or unprecedented successive treble said Holtby, who has scored at home to Cologne, who are and are unbeaten against their four goals in Hamburg’s last already relegated. Old Firm rivals in 11 games but fi ve games to breathe life into Having already had their Gerrard said he could not wait to their survival hopes. “We relegation confi rmed last get his teeth into the new role. aren’t dead yet. I believe 100% weekend, bottom side Co- “I’m very aware of Rangers, that we can rescue things.” logne host champions Bayern the size of the club, I’ve watched Hamburg are the only club Munich, who are licking their them from afar and been lucky to have played in every sea- wounds after their agonis- enough to watch some of the son since the Bundesliga was ing Champions League exit in Old Firm games,” he told a press established in 1963 — when midweek. conference at the club’s Ibrox even mighty Bayern Munich Bayern, who sealed a stadium. were still a second-division sixth straight league title “It was a no-brainer for club. A seven-point gap at the last month, hold a massive me. There were a lot of diff er- start of April has been slashed 24-point lead in the table. ent things to think about but by wins over fellow strugglers Coach Jupp Heynckes is sure from that fi rst phone call I got a Freiburg, 1-0 at home a fort- to rotate after they drew 2-2 at special feeling and I knew that night ago, and Wolfsburg, 3-1 Real Madrid on Wednesday to Rangers were for me.” away last Saturday. lose their Champions League Gerrard, who named former Three wins in their last four semi-fi nal 4-3 on aggregate. Liverpool teammate Gary McAl- games have given belief to lister as his assistant, said Hamburg’s players and fans Today’s fixtures (all 1330 he could not help his lack of ex- alike, but they need Wolfsburg GMT) perience, adding that he had to drop more points. Moreo- Borussia Dortmund v missed the pressure of fi ghting for ver, they are facing a Frankfurt Mainz, RB Leipzig v Wolfs- three points since he stopped New Rangers manager Steven Gerrard poses during the press conference in Glasgow yesterday. (Reuters) side eager to bounce back from burg, Cologne v Bayern playing. a 4-1 mauling at champions Munich, Werder Bremen v “I know there will be a lot of weighed his inexperience.” against the booming television had warm words for his former is expected to be a busy transfer Bayern Munich, which fol- Bayer Leverkusen, Borus- pressure and a lot of scrutiny but Gerrard was an inspirational revenues of the Premier League. player. window. But the club still have lowed a 3-0 home defeat by sia Moenchengladbach v that’s what I love about football,” captain and Champions League Rangers are still recovering “As a guy he was ultra-profes- to overcome a huge fi nancial dis- Hertha Berlin. Freiburg, Eintracht Frankfurt added the 37-year-old, who winner in a 17-year career at from the fallout of their liquida- sional, (he had) incredible quali- parity with Celtic. “We have not achieved any- v Hamburg, Augsburg v hung up his boots in 2016 after a Anfi eld but now faces a diff er- tion in 2012 and subsequent de- ties as a footballer,” he said. Bolstered by revenue from thing yet, if we want to get Schalke, Hanover 96 v Hertha 12-month stint with LA Galaxy. ent challenge against Celtic, motion to the fourth tier of Scot- “That level of professionalism the Champions League, Celtic’s over the line, then we need Berlin, Stuttgart v Hoff enheim Chairman Dave King said who sealed the Scottish title on tish football. all his career made him a great £90mn ($122mn) turnover last Gerrard “ticked every box” other Sunday with a 5-0 thumping of In their second season back in player so I am sure he will take year was three times that of their than experience. Rangers. the top fl ight, Rangers trail Celt- all those attributes into manage- Old Firm rivals. “A lot of the other managers The arrival of the former Eng- ic by 13 points, and are locked in ment.” Caretaker manager Graeme Koscielny doubtful for World Cup who have been named, they have land midfi elder will restore some a battle with Aberdeen and Hi- Rangers fans excited by the Murty, who had been promoted aft er Achilles injury had experience but that experi- star power to a league that has bernian just to fi nish second. prospect of Gerrard’s arrival said from his role as the club’s un- ence was not necessarily good,” found it increasingly hard to at- Celtic’s Rodgers, speaking be- he could help the club recruit der-20 coach, was sacked this Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny looks set to miss the World he said. “Steven’s character out- tract and hold onto top players fore the offi cial announcement, better-quality players in what week after six months in charge. Cup after the France international suff ered an Achilles injury during Thursday’s Europa League semi-final defeat by Atletico Madrid. The 32-year-old centre-back was stretchered off in SERIE A tears after just 12 minutes of his side’s 1-0 second-leg loss at the Wanda Metropolitano, with manager Arsene Wenger confirming he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. “It doesn’t look very good, it’s his Achilles,” said Wenger. “You can always hope for a miracle in the scan but the first signs don’t look very good. It looks that it could be ruptured but I am a bit cautious because nobody can say that just by looking at him. If Juve host Bologna, Napoli tackle he has a ruptured Achilles, his chances (for the World Cup) are non-existent. We will know more after the scan.” The injury is a big blow to France coach Didier Deschamps, with his side to begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Australia in Kazan. Koscielny has made 51 international appear- Torino in fi nal Scudetto push ances for France since making his debut in 2011 and has been a AFP host Europa League hopefuls regular starter under Deschamps. Milan Atalanta, in sixth, and without Serie A top scorer Ciro Immo- Aguero will be fine for World Cup, says Guardiola bile who has been ruled out for Injured Argentina striker Sergio Aguero is recovering well from uventus host Bologna in at least two weeks with a leg knee surgery and will be ready for next month’s World Cup in a fi nal title push today injury. Russia, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said. which could see them Immobile — the scorer of 29 “He will get there fine,” the Spaniard told reporters. “I can give crowned Serie A champi- league goals this season — is you the latest news from doctor (Ramon) Cugat in Barcelona onsJ for a record-extending sev- fi ghting to be fi t for the crucial and it’s going perfectly.” enth straight time by the end of fi nal match of the campaign Aguero, 29, has scored 21 Premier League goals for runaway the weekend. against Inter Milan. Inter who champions City this season but underwent an arthroscopy Massimiliano Allegri’s side are fi fth four points behind the in mid-April. Argentina play their opening World Cup match need six points from their fi nal two Roman teams, travel to Udi- against Iceland on June 16. Guardiola said Belgium international three games to secure the Scu- nese looking for a lift after last captain Vincent Kompany and England defender John Stones detto but could seal another week’s disappointment against were fit and ready for tomorrow’s league game against Hudders- crown if they beat Bologna and Juventus in the San Siro. field Town after earlier injury problems. second-place Napoli lose at AC Milan host Verona just “The main target for the players is the World Cup because the Torino tomorrow. days before they meet Juventus Premier League is done. But the best way to arrive at the World Allegri has urged his players in next Wednesday’s Italian Cup Cup is to play good in these three games,” said the manager of not to lose focus after last week- fi nal, which could qualify them the final Premier League matches. end’s thrilling 3-2 comeback for the Europa League. against Inter Milan put them in Gennaro Gattuso’s side are France will name WC squad after Europa League final the driving seat as Napoli lost one point off Atalanta in seventh With up to eight France stars set to play the Europa League final 3-0 to Fiorentina, just a week with Sampdoria and Fiorentina between Marseille and Atletico Madrid in Lyon on May 16, Didier after the euphoria of beating the also in the chase for the second- Deschamps has delayed the naming of his World Cup squad champions. tier European competition. until after the match. “We’ve won nothing yet,” Juventus’ Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain (right) celebrates with his teammate’ French midfielder If Verona lose to Milan they The French Football Federation said yesterday it would be better warned Allegri. With home Blaise Matuidi (second right) at the end of the Italian Serie A match against Inter Milan at the San Siro will be relegated to join Ben- for all those involved in the finals to wait. games against Bologna and Ve- Stadium in Milan. (AFP) evento in Serie B next season Deschamps, who coached Marseille to their last French title in rona to come either side of a dif- with third-from-bottom Chievo 2010, had been scheduled to name his squad for Russia 2018 on fi cult trip to Rome, the title looks said Italian Bernardeschi. and struck right at the end. We Cagliari who are fi ghting for hosting fellow relegation candi- May 15, a day ahead of the Europa League final in Lyon on May like Juventus’s to lose with Na- “Winning Serie A would be never give up.” their Serie A survival just two dates Crotone. 16. Regular France squad members ‘keeper Steve Mandanda, poli having no room to manoeu- my fi rst major title, I’ve previ- Juventus and Napoli are al- points above the drop zone. defender Adil Rami and attacking midfielders Dimitri Payet vre in their fi nal three games ously won the German Cup and ready assured of their place in “We’re going to have to ask Fixtures and Florian Thauvin play for Marseille, whilst strikers Antoine against Torino, Sampdoria and German Supercup with Schalke the Champions League with the the lads to produce that little bit (all times GMT) Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro and defender Lucas Hernandez Crotone. 04 but never a league title,” | remaining two berths still up for more,” said Di Francesco. Today: AC Milan v Verona play for Atletico Madrid. Marseille set up a final meeting with While Gianluigi Buff on, Gior- added Howedes, who has started grabs. Eusebio Di Francesco’s “It would be great if we could (1600), Juventus v Bologna Atletico after defender Rolando struck in extra time to grab a 3-2 gio Chiellini and Claudio Mar- to settle into the team after an Roma, sitting third equal on play in another semi-fi nal. We (1845) aggregate victory over a spirited Salzburg on Thursday. chisio, stalwarts since Juven- injury-marred debut to the sea- points with Lazio, will want to still have to qualify for next Tomorrow: Udinese v Inter Diego Costa sent Atletico through as the Spanish club won tus began their dominant run son. assure their position in the tour- year’s Champions League in Milan (1030), Chievo v Crotone, Thursday’s second leg 1-0 at home to clinch a 2-1 aggregate vic- in 2012, are used to success it “The club’s slogan is ‘Fino nament after their heartbreaking Serie A but our performance Genoa v Fiorentina, Lazio v tory over Arsenal. France will play warm up games against Ire- would be the fi rst title for winger Alla Fine’, and this is perfect be- semi-fi nal exit to Liverpool de- should make us realise that we Atalanta, Napoli v Torino, SPAL land, Italy and the USA, May 28 at the Stade de France, June 1 at Federico Bernardeschi and de- cause we’ve had a lot of games spite a rousing comeback to win can compete in the Champions v Benevento (1300), Sassuolo Nice and June 9 at Lyon respectively. They then tackle Australia, fender Benedikt Howedes. this season where we’ve been up the second leg 4-2. League.” v Sampdoria (1600), Cagliari v Peru and Denmark in the World Cup group phase. “It is a fundamental match,” against it, but we’ve stuck it out Roma travel to Sardinian side Lazio face a tricky task as they Roma (1845) Gulf Times Saturday, May 5, 2018 7 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE ROUND-UP Simeone banned for Costa ends title dream 4 matches

tletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has been banned for four for Wenger and Arsenal games for insulting a matchA offi cial following his rant at the referee during last week’s Europa League semi-fi nal, fi rst ‘I’m very sad tonight. Unfortunately you have to go through that — the game can be very cruel’ leg against Arsenal, UEFA said yesterday. Simeone has already served one match of the ban after watching from the stands on Thursday as Atletico beat Arsenal 1-0 in the second leg to advance to the fi nal. He was also fi ned 10,000 euros ($11,942), European football’s governing body said. UEFA’s Control, Eth- ics and Disciplinary Body also fi ned the club 10,000 euros after fans threw objects on the pitch. Simeone will now miss the fi nal against Olympique de Marseille on May 16.

WENGER FEARS EUROPA EXIT WILL HAMPER ARSENAL RECRUITMENT Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal’s exit from the Europa League will make it more dif- fi cult for his successor as Gun- ners’ manager to attract new recruits to the London club. Had they won that competi- tion, Arsenal would have quali- fi ed for the Champions League. But following their loss in Spain and the fact they are sixth in the Premier League table – 14 points behind fourth-placed Totten- ham Hotspur with just 15 avail- able to Arsenal from their fi nal three league games – it seems the Gunners will be excluded from the Champions League for the second successive season. It is not the ending veteran French boss Wenger, who will stand down at the end of the season, wanted to his more than Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa (right) scores against Arsenal during the Europa League second leg semi-final at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on Thursday. (Reuters) 21 years in charge of Arsenal and will hurt almost as much AFP for a second year in a row. les, his chances for the World Cup are pina to beat. Koscielny was substituted through but the ball would not fall for as failing to win a trophy this Madrid For all his domestic achievements, non-existent.” soon after, replaced by Calum Cham- him six yards out while Mesut Ozil term. “It’s possible yes,” Wenger Wenger will also depart without a Euro- Koscielny’s exit made a tough task all bers, but Arsenal enjoyed one of their fl ashed too sumptuous deliveries across replied when asked if a lack of pean trophy to his name and it remains the more diffi cult for Arsenal, who were best spells midway through the half, the face of goal. Griezmann could have Champions League football iego Costa killed Arsene to be seen how sitting outside the con- always going to be up against it at the dominating possession and reducing put the tie to bed after Costa had turned would restrict Arsenal’s ability Wenger’s last hope of a glori- tinent’s premier tournament will aff ect Wanda Metropolitano, where Atletico Atletico to a series of rushed clearances. Shkodran Mustafi inside out but the de- to sign new players. ous Arsenal farewell as his goal Arsenal’s pursuit of a new coach, and have not lost in the league all season and At the back, however, they were fender recovered just in time to block. “But I think we have enough sent Atletico Madrid through players, this summer. “I’m very sad not conceded a goal since January. shaky, as Ospina had balls booted out A vintage Costa performance would quality inside the club and you toD the Europa League fi nal on Thursday. tonight,” Wenger said. “Unfortunately It was perhaps also telling that Cos- of his grasp by his teammates on more not be complete without a scuffl e and he always fi nd one or two players Wenger’s 250th European fi xture with you have to go through that — the game ta’s physicality and Atletico’s defensive than one occasion while their passing provided it when Mustafi tried too en- who are happy to join the club. Arsenal also to proved to be his last, de- can be very cruel, sometimes very nice, rigour ultimately proved decisive, two out of the back was too often careless. thusiastically to grab the ball off him for Honestly I don’t know how dif- cided by a typically ruthless fi nish from but the suff ering is very strong tonight.” qualities Wenger’s Arsenal have lacked. By the end of the half, Atletico had re- a free-kick. Both players were booked fi cult it will be and I wish that Costa, who delivered the sort of barn- More immediately, there was the “Costa came back here for nights like gained the ascendancy and in injury- and when Costa was substituted soon the club will be successful in storming display defenders must have concerning sight of Laurent Koscielny this,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone time, they struck. after, the striker was given a standing having a good transfer market.” nightmares about. being carried off on a stretcher in the said. “To be important, to lead from Granit Xhaka’s weak header put Ar- ovation. Arsenal piled forward late on in Wenger’s fi nal home game Arsenal’s defence, fragile and nerv- 12th minute after the defender went the front. This side needs an aggressive senal on the back foot and Antoine search of an equaliser but in truth, their in charge of Arsenal will be ous throughout, were particularly sus- down, with nobody near him, clutching striker and that’s exactly what he is.” Griezmann threaded through to Costa. night ended without them really creat- against Burnley tomorrow. It is ceptible and this 1-0 defeat, 2-1 on ag- his left Achilles. “It doesn’t look very Costa was hunting Arsenal’s back He held off Hector Bellerin with ease ing a clear-cut chance. When the fi nal understood there will be post- gregate, means Wenger’s fi nal season in good, it’s his Achilles,” Wenger said. four from the outset as he wrestled past before coolly fi nishing past Ospina. Ar- whistle blew, Wenger marched straight match speeches lauding Wenger, charge will end with his team missing “You can always hope for a miracle in Koscielny, knocked over Nacho Monreal senal came again after the interval. down the tunnel as around him, Atleti- with a guard of honour for the out on Champions League qualifi cation the scan but if he has a ruptured Achil- before fi ring wide with only David Os- Aaron Ramsey bundled his way co’s celebrations began. 68-year-old manager.

SPOTLIGHT PREMIER LEAGUE Rolando extra-time strike Weary Liverpool face Champions edges Marseille into fi nal Spaniards beat Arsenal in the other semi-fi nal. League chase from Chelsea AFP Salzburg, Austria “We believed in it and in the end we managed AFP the Championship despite a brave to get everyone together, all the people of Mar- London battle to avoid the drop in recent seille believed in us, we’re in the fi nal,” defender weeks. arseille booked a Europa League fi - Adil Rami, who won the tournament with Se- Despite taking eight points nal meeting with Atletico Madrid villa two years ago, said. “It’s going to be a big resh from reaching a fi rst from their past four games, The after Portuguese defender Rolando game, we will have given a wonderful experi- Champions League fi - Baggies remain fi ve points adrift struck in extra time to grab a 3-2 ence to all the people of Marseille and now we nal for 11 years, Liverpool of safety and even victory might Maggregate victory over a spirited Salzburg on have to win this fi nal.” manager Jurgen Klopp not be enough to prevent them Thursday. Salzburg produced a rousing second- Salzburg, knowing a Marseille away goal describedF tomorrow’s visit to being relegated this weekend if half performance to wipe out a 2-0 fi rst-leg would all but end the tie, were cautious in the Chelsea as “another Champions other results go against them. defi cit, but Marseille became the fi rst French fi rst half and failed to cause the visitors any real League semi-fi nal” with their Second-bottom Stoke have side to reach a European fi nal since 2004 de- anxious moments, with their best eff ort a tame participation in next season’s to end a 12-game winless run at spite a 2-1 defeat on the night. shot from Munas Dabbur straight at goalkeeper competition still not certain. home to Crystal Palace to retain Amadou Haidara gave the dominant hosts Yohann Pele — playing with Steve Mandanda Victory in any of Liverpool’s any hope of survival. Southamp- hope early in the second half with an excel- still out injured. three remaining games of the sea- ton are the third side currently lent individual eff ort before Bouna Sarr’s own Salzburg blew the tie wide open by breaking son at Stamford Bridge, home to in the relegation zone and face a goal levelled the semi-fi nal. Rudi Garcia’s visi- the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Malian inter- Brighton on the fi nal day of the huge trip to 17th-placed Swan- tors survived some late scares to force a fur- national Haidara burst forward and fi red a low Premier League season or against sea, one place and one point above ther half-hour and substitute Rolando volleyed strike under the body of Pele to halve the defi cit the might of Real Madrid in the them in the table, on Tuesday. home a 116th-minute Dimitri Payet corner that with his eighth goal of the season. The equal- Champions League fi nal will se- However, both sides could pull a shouldn’t have been given. iser was coming and it duly arrived in the 65th cure qualifi cation. host of other clubs into the relega- The 20-year-old Haidara, the outstanding minute with Haidara again playing his part as But for Klopp’s peace of mind tion dogfi ght should Saints win at player on the night, was sent off as his frustra- Marseille’s defence capitulated. Rolando was and to rest a tiring squad with a Everton and Swansea at Bourne- tions boiled over, as Salzburg’s incredible run sent on by Garcia to try and secure a penalty growing injury list, getting the job mouth. Huddersfi eld are pre- which included wins over Borussia Dortmund shoot-out, only to snatch a controversial win- done by securing at least a point Chelsea coach Antonio Conte speaks at a press conference. (Reuters) cariously placed just three points and Lazio came to an end. ner. A corner was awarded despite Andre-Frank this weekend is the ideal scenario. above the drop zone and begin a Marseille, runners-up to Valencia in the Zambo Anguissa’s shot appearing to strike a “Do we have the widest squad in deposed champions win their face Manchester United. Totten- devilishly diffi cult run-in by try- UEFA Cup 14 years ago, will make the short trip Marseille foot before fl ying behind, and the world football in the moment? remaining fi xtures they will, at ham split Liverpool and Chelsea in ing to stop champions Manches- from their Stade Velodrome home to take on 32-year-old Rolando side-footed another dan- No, we don’t have it,” said Klopp. worst, fi nish level on points with the table but have an easier run- ter City’s quest for points, goals Atletico in the fi nal in Lyon on May 16, after the gerous Payet cross into the net. “That this group go to the fi nal is the Champions League fi nalists. in against West Brom, Newcastle and wins records on the day they exceptional. We get all the knocks However, Liverpool’s far supe- and Leicester to try and secure will get their hands on the Premier Marseille’s Rolando celebrates over the season, all the injuries in rior goal diff erence means just a Champions League football for a League trophy. after scoring the winner the wrong moments and we still point or victory tomorrow against third consecutive season. Elsewhere, Burnley can guaran- against FC Salzburg. (AFP) have to carry on.” Brighton should suffi ce. “It’s not Harry Kane was on target in tee qualifi cation for next season’s Liverpool’s European exploits like we can say now we are quali- Monday’s 2-0 win over Watford Europa League if they take a point have undoubtedly hampered what fi ed for the Champions League. to take his tally for the season to at Arsenal or if Everton fail to beat seemed a comfortable path to a Chelsea at the weekend is an un- 38 and the Spurs striker still har- Southampton. top-four fi nish just a few weeks believably important game for us,” bours hopes of chasing down the ago. Three draws in their past four added Klopp. four goals he trails Liverpool’s FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) league outings with Everton, West “We recover tomorrow and then Mohamed Salah by to win a third Today: Stoke v Crystal Palace (1130), Brom and Stoke as Klopp priori- we go to Chelsea and they have straight Premier League gold- Watford v Newcastle United, West tised Champions League progress again the knife between the teeth en boot. “Every striker in every Brom v Tottenham, Leicester v West have allowed fi fth-placed Chelsea and will fi ght for everything.” country wants to win the golden Ham, Bournemouth v Swansea to close to within six points of the As Liverpool have stumbled, a boot. I want to win at everything, (all 1400), Everton v Southampton Anfi eld club. late-season renaissance has kept whether it’s the golden boot or (1630) The Londoners also have three Chelsea’s challenge alive with four every game,” said Kane. Vic- Tomorrow: Manchester City v Hud- games remaining to Liverpool’s straight wins also taking them to tory for Spurs at The Hawthorns dersfield (1230), Chelsea v Liverpool, two, meaning if Antonio Conte’s the FA Cup fi nal, where they will would send West Brom down to Arsenal v Burnley (1530)

Saturday, May 5, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Qatar drawn with N Korea, Lebanon at Asian Cup

By Sports Reporter Dubai

atar have been placed in Group E along with North Korea, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia for the next year’s AFC AsianQ Cup to be held at the United Arab Emirates. The draw was held yesterday in Du- bai. The tournament will kick off on January 5 with the fi nal to be played in Abu Dhabi on February 1. Qatar will ap- pear in their sixth successive Asian Cup and had reached the quarter-fi nals as hosts in 2011. Defending champions Australia will renew their rivalry with Syria after be- ing drawn alongside the Middle Eastern nation. The two nations faced off in a tense World Cup playoff in September, Final draw for the AFC Asian Cup is show on the screen along with trophy. (AFP) with the Australians narrowly advanc- ing, and both will also meet Palestine DAZZLING NEW AFC ASIAN for all of our trophy designs since 1997 and 2004 and 2011 quarter-fi nalists CUP TROPHY UNVEILED and I am happy to see this relationship Jordan in Group B at the 2019 event. Meanwhile, the new trophy was un- fl ourish with this magnifi cent trophy Continent powerhouses and 2015 veiled by Asian Football Confederation which is fi tting of the crowning jewel fi nalists Korea Republic, who are on (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Eb- of the AFC’s competitions.” The new the hunt for their fi rst title since 1960, rahim al-Khalifah yesterday. trophy is revolutionary in design and were drawn in Group C with two-time Designed and made by world re- stands at an impressive 78cm high and runners-up China PR as well as two nowned silversmiths Thomas Lyte of 42cm wide and is crafted from 15 kilo- debutants in the UAE 2019 – Kyrgyz London, the new trophy eloquently grammes of Hallmarked Sterling Silver Republic and Philippines. communicates the powerful spirit of bullion. When the trophy is fi nally up- Asia’s best ranked side, Iran who are football’s second oldest continental lifted the trophy plinth separates and looking to secure their fourth title and football competition. contains the rich legacy of previous their fi rst since 1976, were drawn in Thomas Lyte craftsmen have de- winners. Group D alongside 2007 winners Iraq, signed and made globally some of the Kevin Baker, CEO and Founder of Vietnam and Yemen, who will be ap- most iconic sporting trophies and the Thomas Lyte, said: “We were honoured pearing in their fi rst tournament since new AFC Asian Cup took these makers to design and craft such a landmark their unifi cation. over 450 hours to craft, passing through trophy in sport and football. The new The tournament’s most successful AFC general secretary Dato Windsor John shows a ballot with Qatar’s name as Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri (right) the hands of 12 diff erent craftsmen. trophy depicts the fi ve regions of the side with four titles, Japan are in Group looks on during the draw ceremony for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup championship in Dubai yesterday. (AFP) AFC President Shaikh Salman said: AFC organically entwined in harmony F and will face Uzbekistan, who have “Since 1956 we have had the same tro- and competition. progressed past the group stage for the Bahrain in Group A. The Zayed Sports City Stadium will Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and the phy and in keeping with the new and “While new craft techniques were last four editions of the competition as The Asian Football Confedera- also host the fi nal on February 1, 2019 Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium will host the exciting future of the competition, the developed, this modernist new design well as Oman and Turkmenistan. tion has introduced a prize fund of $15 after 28 days of enthralling action with matches in Al Ain and Sharjah Stadium AFC decided to commission a new tro- employed traditional silversmithing Hosts the United Arab Emirates, million for the tournament, with the the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in the Emirate of Sharjah. Al Maktoum phy, one that captures the excitement skills, including 230 hours of hammer- coached by Alberto Zaccheroni, were champions picking up $5 million and and Al Nahyan Stadium hosting the re- Stadium and Al Rashid Stadium are the and drama of the tournament ahead. ing fl at sheets of silver into this organic drawn to take on Thailand, India and the runners-up earning $3 million. maining matches in Abu Dhabi. two venues in Dubai. “The AFC has trusted Thomas Lyte shape.”

AMIR CUP FOCUS Neymar Alaaeldin strike sends fl ies into Paris

AFP Gharafa into semi-fi nals Le Bourget, France razil star Neymar fl ew back into France yes- Gharafa will meet Al Rayyan, who cruise to a 3-0 win over Al Arabi in the quarter-finals terday to rejoin his club Paris Saint-Germain af- saimeer side heartbroken happiness for securing a place terB an operation on a broken foot By Sports Reporter Doha Gharafa were under pressure in the semi-fi nals after a hard- bone in March. An AFP photog- coming into the match, after be- fought win over Umm Salal in the rapher at the scene took shots of ing thrashed 1-6 by Al Duhail in quarter-fi nals on Thursday. Neymar seemingly at ease as he hmed Alaaeldin saved the Qatar Cup semi-fi nals. They “We knew that it would be a strolled to an awaiting van wear- Al Gharafa from the had received a bye into the quar- diffi cult match and it wasn’t easy. ing sports shoes, no sign of a foot blushes after the sub- ter-fi nals of HH The Amir Cup Umm Salal were impressive in brace and not using crutches. stitute scored in the along with Duhail Al Sadd and the league and fi nished fi fth and Neymar, who arrived by pri- 88thA minute in the quarter-fi nals Al Rayyan. Against Mesaimeer, it showed in their game against vate jet at an airport outside against Mesaimeer, to take his Gharafa struggled to impose us,” Belmadi said. Paris, is continuing his recovery team to the semi-fi nals of HH their domination on the second The Algerian was delighted following the operation and his The Amir Cup. In the last four division side. Mesaimeer have with the performance of his focus is fi rmly set on being fi t next Saturday, Gharafa will meet been the giant killers of the tour- young players. Despite the im- to lead Brazil’s World Cup chal- Al Rayyan, who cruised to a 3-0 nament. They had stunned QNB portance of the match Belmadi lenge in Russia this summer. win over Al Arabi in another Stars League teams Al Sailiya and continued his philosophy of giv- Neymar’s injury sent shock- quarter-fi nal clash. Al Sadd, Al Ahli in third and second re- ing young players a chance to waves through Brazil after the which lost to Duhail in a hotly- spectively to book their place in gain experience. He played Ab- iconic forward had also been in- contested Qatar Cup fi nal last the quarters. dullah al-Ahrak and Adel Badr in jured in their home World Cup in week, will meet the QNB Stars And it looked like they will add the midfi eld and the two players 2014, with the team losing 7-1 in League champions Al Duhail in another big scalp on the night as had a decent outing. the semi-fi nals to Germany in a the fi rst semi-fi nal on Friday. It they pushed Gharafa hard. Af- “We have to give the young landmark humiliation in his ab- has all the makings of a block- ter a lacklustre fi rst half, Gharafa players a chance, even though sence. The 26-year-old forward buster as Al Sadd seek to defend showed improvement in the sec- most of our senior players were — whose 222 million-euro trans- their HH The Amir Cup title. ond. But they had to wait for a available for the match. And after fer from Barcelona to PSG last At the Grand Hamad stadium winner right till the death, as what I saw, I am happy with the year made him the most expen- yesterday, Al Gharafa were start- the stubborn Mesaimeer defence performance,” he said. Belmadi’s sive player in history — broke a ing at a penalty shootout and a denied them, with goalkeeper men went unbeaten to clinch the bone in his right foot while play- possible elimination from the Mohamed Ghanem also impres- league title and came back from ing for the French club on Febru- prestigious tournament in their sive. Mehdi Tarmi and Dutch star a goal down to beat Al Sadd in ary 25 and has been in a race for quarter-fi nal tie against Me- Wesley Sneijder created most the Qatar Cup fi nal last week. fi tness since undergoing surgery saimeer. Both the teams were of the opportunities for Gharafa But Belmadi is not content and in Brazil on March 3. unable to break the deadlock and came close to scoring quite a he once again reiterated that he According to French sports with the clock ticking towards few times. Hasan al-Badri came want to win HH The Amir Cup paper L’Equipe, he has been the 90th minute. very close to scoring in the 29th and AFC Champions League. walking without crutches for But Alaaeldin found that ex- minute after receiving a pass from “The upcoming period will be two weeks but he said last week tra energy with just two minute Sneijder but shot wide. In the full of pressure as we will face that he would not play again remaining as the 25-year-old’s very next minute, Ghanem kept Al Ain in the AFC Champions before undergoing a fi nal medi- header found the net, spar- Mesaimeer in the game making a League last 16 two leg matches cal on May 17, two days ahead of ing his team the ignominy of an terrifi c save to deny a header from and also Al Sadd in HH The Amir PSG’s last match of the season. early exit. Alaaeldin rose high to Diego Amado. Cup semis. We have to be ready PSG coach Unai Emery admit- connect a cross from his Yusuf Meanwhile, Duhail coach for that both mentally and physi- ted Thursday he had not spoken Miftah to leave the spirited Me- Djamel Belmadi expressed his cally,” he said. to Neymar for “some weeks”, as the striker stayed at his coastal mansion in Rio. “I’m not sure when he’s coming, I’ve heard he is coming though,” Emery said. “He needs to be left alone to work with the physios, but we also want him to be with us for the last match.” Neymar has scored 28 goals in all competitions for the French side this season since leaving Barcelona. PSG were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League as Neymar missed the second leg, but have regained the French league title, won the League Cup and face third-divi- sion Les Herbiers in the French Cup fi nal on Tuesday. The sur- geon who operated on Neymar’s foot said the objective is “that he is 100% fi t for the start of World Al Gharafa’s Ahmed Alaaeldin (left) scores past Mesaimeer goalkeeper Mohamed Ghanem in the Cup training”, which is sched- Mohsen Metwalli (left) of Al Rayyan celebrates after scoring against Al Arabi. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed quarter-finals of HH The Amir Cup at the Grand Hamad stadium yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma uled for May 21.