Kompany fulfils vow with wonder strike for Man City PAGE 18 WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019

Emotional Tiger Woods accepts Medal CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIS of Freedom at White House PAGE 18 AJAX VS TOTTENHAM (10 PM)

No-ball furore AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Irate IPL umpire reported for kicking door: report Ferreira applauds players, fans as Al Sadd make Round of 16 Wolves beat Al Ahli 2-1; will take on A file photo of umpire Nigel Llong who has been reported to the Al Rayyan next in BCCI for allegedly kicking a door after an altercation with Royal Amir Cup semis Challengers Bangalore skipper . (AFP) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA NEW : An (IPL) umpire has been AL SADD confirmed their reported to the national body for place in the 2019 AFC Cham- allegedly kicking a door after an pions League Round of 16 with altercation with Royal Challeng- a 2-1 win over Al Ahli at Jas- ers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli, sim Bin Hamad Stadium in Hats Off a press report said on Tuesday. Group D on Monday. Englishman Nigel Llong’s The home boys’ big show I want to salute the players on-pitch argument with Kohli, who was applauded by their coach for this result, and also the is also Indian , was just Jesualdo Ferreira, who soon fans as well, because they the latest in a string of heated after the match, played late on backed the team strongly exchanges between players and Monday, said, “I want to salute during the game. umpires in this edition of the T20 the players for this result, and extravaganza. Llong, 50, who is also the fans as well, because Coach Jesualdo Ferreira due to umpire the IPL final on they backed the team strongly Al Sadd players celebrate one of their two goals against Saudi club Al Ahli at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Monday. Sunday, called out Bangalore during the game. paceman for a “We played a great first and the midfielder squared the to Ali Asad who controlled to double the hosts’ lead after another fine save after the “The Amir Cup has a value no-ball in a May 4 match against half. We were really good; we ball for Baghdad Bounedjah then hit on the half-volley with just 12 minutes. Algerian was sent through on of its own. The win will be a Sunrisers but replays wasted a number of chances who took it first time, but Al his left past for the opener. Al Ahli started the second goal by a Xavi through pass. great motivation for us ahead suggested the bowler’s back foot that could have raised our Ahli goalkeeper Mohammed Al Ahli’s defensive strug- half on the front foot and were The result sets up a clash of the game against Al Rayyan, was behind the line. score by five goals. In the sec- al Owais was on hand to make gles continued as they failed rewarded for their attack- for the second Round-of-16 in which we will be seeking to Kohli and Yadav protested ond half, we did not score but the save. to deal with an Al Sadd corner ing efforts with a penalty kick ticket from Group D as Al Ahli reach the final. the call, made in the final over we tried a lot and we threated Ferreira’s side looked to kick, allowing the ball to fall when defender Tarek Salman welcome Pakhtakor to King “I am happy with what I of the Hyderabad innings, but the Al Ahli goal on multiple apply high press to regain pos- for Xavi inside the box. handled Abdulfattah Assiri’s Abdullah Sports City on May have shown with the team for Llong stood with his decision. occasions,” he added. session deep into the opposi- The Al Sadd captain placed cross. Omar al Somah stepped 20 with Al Ahli needing a win the past few years. I am leaving Umpires withdrawing a no-ball The Wolves began brightly tion half. Afif was successful in his ball into the bottom cor- up and drilled home from the on the final matchday to ad- while at the top, after winning call is extremely rare. Llong, who creating their first big chance doing so in the ninth minute, ner, but Al Owais made the spot to half the deficit. vance to the next round. the league and qualifying for is on the International inside 60 seconds of kick- when he dispossessed Saeed al save. Afif was quickest to the Owais continued to domi- Al Sadd will now set their the next stage, and competing Council’s Elite Panel of umpires, off. Akram Afif and Xavi ex- Muwallad then supplied a per- spilled ball and finished com- nate the individual duel sights on the Amir Cup semi- strongly for the Amir Cup,” the then vented his anger by kicking changed passes down the right fectly weighted diagonal pass posedly from a very tight angle against Bounedjah, making final against rivals Al Rayyan. Portuguese concluded. the door of the umpires’ room at Bangalore’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, according to the Times of . The newspaper said that Llong paid 5,500 rupees ($72) in compensation for the damage Surya steers MI into their fifth IPL final but the state association has de- cided to report the incident to the sport’s national body, the BCCI. Three-time champions ride on batsman’s unbeaten “It was an unfortunate incident. As a state association we are 71 to subdue by six wkts duty bound to report it and we are writing to the CoA (Commit- AFP tee of Administrators),” a state CHENNAI official was quoted as saying. The Board of Control for AN unbeaten half-century Cricket in India was not im- SCOREBOARD from and mediately available for com- disciplined helped CHENNAI SUPER KINGS ment. Llong was also part of c (Sub) b 6 Indians see off Chen- a controversial decision during c b 10 nai Super Kings by six Bangalore’s rained-off match c&b Jayant Yadav 5 on Tuesday to reach their fifth against when st de Kock b Chahar 26 42 Indian Premier League final. the bowlers were allowed to bowl MS Dhoni Not Out 37 Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar only one over in the five-overs-a- Extras: (1lb, 3nb, 1w) 5 returned impressive figures of side contest when a maximum of TOTAL: (20 overs) 131-4 2-14 from his four overs to re- two is allowed. Fall of Wickets: 1-6 du Plessis, 2-12 Raina, 3-32 Watson, 4-65 Vijay. strict holders Chennai to 131- The ugliest incident involv- Bowling: Malinga 3-0-26-0 (1w, 1nb), Krunal 4, a total Mumbai surpassed ing players and umpires this IPL Pandya 4-0-21-1, Rahul Chahar 4-0-14-2, Jayant with nine balls to spare in the involved Chennai Super Kings Yadav 3-0-25-1 (1nb), 4-0-31-0 first qualifier of the (1nb), 2-0-13-0. skipper and former Indian cap- tournament. tain MS Dhoni storming onto the lbw 4 Yadav top-scored with 71 pitch to confront Indian umpire c du Plessis b Harbhajan 8 not out off 54 deliveries to Ulhas Gandhe over a no-ball deci- Suryakumar Yadav Not Out 71 drive Mumbai’s modest chase b 28 sion. Gandhe signalled a no-ball Krunal Pandya c&b Imran Tahir 0 as the three-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma celebrates with teamates the for height, only for his Australian Hardik Pandya Not Out 13 await the second finalist in dismissal of Chennai Super Kings Suresh Raina at the MA Chidam- square-leg colleague Bruce Oxen- Extras: (1lb, 7w): 8 the title clash on Sunday. baram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. (AFP) ford to overrule. Dhoni, who had TOTAL: (18.3 overs) 132-4 “Three days now in which Fall of Wickets: 1-4 Sharma, 2-21 de Kock, 3-101 been bowled by Ben Stokes the Kishan, 4-101 Pandya. we can switch off before the South African leg-spinner 66-run fifth- stand to previous , ran out of the Bowling: Deepak Chahar 3.3-0-30-1, Harbhajan final. Much needed break,” Imran Tahir also struck twice give the Chennai total some dugout to argue with the officials. Singh 4-0-25-1 (1w), 4-0-18-0, said an elated Mumbai skip- in successive deliveries to respect. This IPL also witnessed 3-0-25-0, Imran Tahir 4-0-33-2 (1w). per Rohit Sharma. dent Mumbai’s chase in the “Somebody has to lose, controversy on only the third day “I knew we have the bowl- 14th over, but Yadav kept his things really didn’t go our when ’s ers to restrict them. Have the calm. way, especially ,” said “Mankad” run-out of confidence in our batters as His 80-run third-wicket Dhoni. batsman Jos Buttler triggered a well. Was important to re- partnership with Ishan Kis- “These are the best bats- worldwide debate on the spirit strict them to as little as pos- han, who made 28, was key in men we have got, it looks like of cricket. Ashwin, captain of sible, because it can get tricky Mumbai cruising to victory. we are batting well, but at Kings XI Punjab, stopped in against their quality spin- Mumbai put their oppo- times they pull off shots that his delivery stride to whip ners.” nents on the back foot from shouldn’t be played. off the bails while The Mahendra Singh Dho- the very start as hosts Chen- “Hopefully, we will do well Buttler, for Rajasthan ni-led Chennai, also three- nai slipped to 32-3 after elect- in the next game.” Royals, was back- time champions, still have a ing to bat first. Chahar stood out with ing up at the non- chance to qualify for the final The 19-year-old Chahar his wrist spin as he got able striker’s end. While when they play the winner of struck first with the big wick- support from fellow spinners within the rules the eliminator in the second et of Faf du Plessis for six. In- Krunal Pandya and Jayant of cricket it is qualifier on Friday. dia’s Suresh Raina (five) and Yadav who picked up a wicket generally seen Chennai had their mo- Shane Watson (10) of Aus- each. as contravening ments in the match after the tralian soon joined Du Plessis In the next play-off of the spirit. (AFP) bowlers removed Mumbai in the dug out. season 12, Suryakumar Yadav during his unbeaten innings of 71 runs off 54 balls (10x4s) against openers Sharma, for four, and Ambati Rayudu, who will take on Sunrisers Hy- Quinton de Kock, for eight, made 42, and Dhoni, who derabad in the eliminator on Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. (AFP) inside four overs. scored 37, put on an unbeaten Wednesday. Sports Wednesday, May 8, 2019 17 Qatar 2022 World Cup achieves fast pace sustainable development

QNA ter the completion of the period the championship at the end of DOHA of planning and design, where 2022, as this will be under the the start of the construction responsibility of the main con- THE hosting countries of the phase and all projects are now tractor for each stadium, and World Cup are planning to in full swing, all of which will be this according to the contracts make the most of the economic ready by the end of 2020 and signed by the SC with the main benefits after the World Cup, the beginning of 2021. contractors in all stadiums. just as Russia achieved after The Qatar World Cup pro- Responding to rumblings 2018 edition profits estimated jects have been progressing about Qatar’s readiness to ab- at $14 billion, but Qatar broke rapidly in various sectors since sorb the expected audience to this rule and turned into an ex- 2010, which confirms the abil- watch the World Cup, Jamal ception. Qatar began years ago ity of Qatar to fulfill its promise said the “SC has developed to reap the benefits of hosting to organize the best version in integrated and alternative the 2022 World Cup through the history of the World Cup, plans for everything related to its accelerated pace of integrat- serving all the countries of the Qatari culture hosting the World Cup.” He ed and sustainable develop- region and benefiting the peo- World Cup stadiums built explained that SC did a com- ment in all sectors of the state. ples of the region, Jamal said. solely to host the prehensive survey of the hotel Yasir al Jamal, Vice Chair- He also highlighted the rooms expected to be available man of the Technical Opera- achievements following eight tournament, but to reflect during the World Cup, when tional Office at the Supreme years of hard work within an the Qatari originality and it found that it would not be Committee for Delivery & integrated plan which included give the fans a unique and enough, it developed alterna- Legacy (SC), said that the 2022 stadiums hosting World Cup unprecedented experience tive plans such as building Qatar World Cup has played matches, training grounds and of learning more about the cruise ships and special fans an important role in acceler- infrastructure facilities. He ex- rich Qatari heritage. villages that will also help to ating the pace of development plained that this is evident in A design of the Al Thumama Stadium, one of the 2022 FIFA World Cup arena under construction. introduce visitors to Qatari and the completion of many the accelerated pace of devel- Supreme Committee for heritage in the important tour- projects planned in advance opment and the completion of Delivery & Legacy Vice cially that the city of Wakrah diums has undergone various was designed with great flexi- ist areas, in addition to renting within the Qatar National Vi- many megaprojects, most no- Chairman Technical is coastal and located in the stages of development since bility and immediate readiness private housing units, and all sion 2030. tably the Doha Metro project, southern regions, as well as Al it was first applied in Al Sadd to meet any emergency condi- these plans are being studied He said that the World which three lines (red, golden, Operational Office Rayyan Stadium inspired by Stadium, then Khalifa Interna- tions, in order to re-evaluate accurately in order to reach the Cup and development are two orange) will be fully completed Yasir al Jamal sand dunes in its outer shape tional Stadium, and now at Al the status of suppliers and sup- appropriate number that will sides of a single message that by the end 2019 and the be- with Qatari inscriptions that Wakrah Stadium, which will be ply systems. cover the needs of all visitors to Qatar is prepared to organize ginning of 2020, in a major and give the fans a unique and decorate old houses, and Lusail opened next May, which in it- Jamal added that the the World Cup. the most important event in achievement and within a short unprecedented experience of Stadium, which was inaugurat- self is a great advantage for the blockade benefited contrac- Regarding the number of the Arab region and the Middle period. learning more about the rich ed last December, is inspired World Cup stadiums. tors in a large way and opened World Cup teams, Al Jamal East and provide the best ver- He further added that the Qatari heritage, Jamal said. by the shape of the bowl used Jamal added that the com- new doors for them in terms of stresses that all Qatar’s plans sion in the history of the World establishment of Hamad Inter- According to Jamal, the in the past. The design of Abu mittee promised to donate 170 quality of materials and com- and arrangements are based Cup. national Airport and its open- designs of Qatar’s stadiums are Aboud stadium is unique, as it thousand chairs through co- petitive prices, which are better on the hosting of 32 teams, but Speaking to Qatar News ing in 2015, with extensions to inspired by the heritage and is the first stadium in the world ordination with the FIFA and than the previous, by open- SC is open to the FIFA and the Agency (QNA), Jamal said that be added in the coming period, environment of Qatar as well to consist of huge containers distribute them to countries ing up to markets in Turkey, sports community opinions on Qatar’s recent development as well as the road projects that as by the modern architecture, installed in the stadium. that need to develop sports in- Oman, Vietnam, South Korea this matter, especially that SC’s projects have been planned for are completed daily by the Pub- where these elements were The SC is responsible for frastructure. and other countries where position from the beginning is a long time within the Qatar lic Works Authority “Ashghal” merged to produce each sta- the implementation of the in- Concerning the crisis of these areas were not known to that the World Cup is the cham- National Vision, but hosting a throughout Qatar, noting that dium with a different story that frastructure projects to host the unjust blockade imposed local contractors in Qatar, and pionship of all peoples of the re- huge historical event as mas- all these projects were not to symbolizes Qatar and an idea the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qa- on Qatar and its impact on it was an opportunity for them gion and will benefit all of them. sive as the World Cup was the achieve at a fast pace without attracting the world to learn tar. The heritage and sustain- the World Cup projects, Jamal to communicate with these He added that the final main vehicle that drove these the World Cup. more about the traditions and ability are the cornerstones stressed that the blockade has companies and to get products decision will be made clear in projects quickly, according to The World Cup stadiums, customs of Qatar and the coun- of Qatar’s organization of the become a success story for Qa- with high quality and at a bet- June during FIFA meeting, but the planned form and schedule which are the most sophisticat- tries of the region. World Cup. Al Jamal stressed tar, adding that since the first ter price. Qatar puts in plans for the best set in the plan of the compre- ed in the world of football both Jamal added that Al Wak- that the cooling technology is hours of the blockade, the SC He also asserted that there of its people, adding that the hensive committee to organize in terms of design and exterior rah Stadium, which will be one of the characteristics of has begun to communicate is no problem with the opera- final word in this matter is for the World Cup. shape and in terms of interior completed in the coming Qatar’s stadiums, and there are with the main contractors in tion of the World Cup stadi- Qatar, which will take into ac- He added the SC’s projects design, were not built solely weeks, will be ready for offi- no stadiums in the world using order to activate the emergen- ums which are scheduled to be count the interest of the state for the hosting of the World to host the tournament, but to cial matches, and it is inspired this technology, and the cool- cy plans in the work program of completed in the beginning of and its people and will imple- Cup began at the right time af- reflect the Qatari originality by traditional boats, espe- ing technology in Qatar sta- the World Cup project, which 2021 until the official launch of ment the best option. Rockets level series against , Djokovic cruises past Fritz in Giannis powers Bucks past Celtics Madrid as Osaka fights on

AFP AFP with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Pierre- LOS ANGELES MADRID Hugues Herbert to move into the second round. JAMES Harden scored 38 NOVAK Djokovic needed just “It was a great first match. points and the Houston Rock- 65 minutes to make a winning I’ve been good on the practice ets held off the Golden State start at the Madrid Open on court, feeling really good, so it Warriors 112-108 Monday to Tuesday, while Naomi Osaka was important to start well to- knot their NBA playoff series channelled her inner “zombie day,” Wawrinka said. at two games apiece. mode” to earn a place in the In the women’s draw, top The reigning champion third round. seed Osaka defeated Spain’s Warriors head home for Top seed and world number Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (7/5), game five of the best-of-seven one Djokovic hammered Amer- 3-6, 6-0. Western Conference clash on ican Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-2 to ad- Japan’s Osaka, winner of Wednesday with a lot of work vance to the last 16 following a the last two Grand Slams, said to do in a series in which each premature exit here a year ago. she had to conquer her inner game has been decided by six “I thought my serve was demons to finish off a difficult or fewer points. very efficient today, that’s a big match. It was a different story on advantage,” Djokovic said. “In the third set, I just, like, Monday in the East, as Mil- “The match was close at the went zombie mode,” she said. waukee star Giannis Antetok- beginning, in the second set I Novak Djokovic celebrates after “I just thought of everything ounmpo scored 17 of his 39 read his serve better and just defeating Taylor Fritz during their that I had to do to win - not nec- points in the fourth quarter managed to put an extra ball in ATP Madrid Open round of 64 essarily the outcome, but just to propel the Bucks to a 113- to the court. It was a solid open- match at the Caja Magica in like the little things in between 101 victory over the Celtics in ing match for me.” Madrid on Tuesday. (AFP) every game. The match was Boston and a commanding 3-1 Houston Rockets guard James Harden (left) lays the ball in for two points during the NBA Western Confer- Djokovic won the Madrid ti- basically on my racquet, she series lead. ence playoff semi-final game four against the Golden State Warriors at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas tle in 2011 and 2016. He will be 6-3, 6-4. wasn’t going for winners. Milwaukee will try to punch on Monday. (EPA-EFE) chasing a fourth straight Grand Spanish sentimental fa- “The points ended by me their ticket to the Eastern Con- Slam trophy at Roland Garros vourite David Ferrer, who will making a winner or an unforced ference finals when they host attack mode, be aggressive.” Celtics face elimination on Al Horford’s driving layup next month. retire after this event, extended error. But I was a bit unfocused game five on Wednesday. Eric Gordon added 20 The Celtics need to be a less than two minutes later, but Third seed Roger Federer his career by at least one match in the second set.” In Houston, reigning NBA points for the Rockets and PJ lot better to avoid elimination they would get no closer. was making his clay return af- with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 defeat of Third seed and two-time Most Valuable Player Harden Tucker added 17 and 10 re- against the Bucks. Antetokounmpo, coming ter two full seasons off the sur- compatriot Roberto Bautista champion Simona Halep of made sure the Rockets didn’t bounds. “It’s win or go home,” said off a 32-point game on Friday, face when he faced Frenchman Agut. Romania ended the hopes of fall into a similar hole. Durant paced the Warri- Celtics coach Brad Stevens. “It connected on 15 of 22 shots Richard Gasquet later in the Ferrer, 37, will play German Johanna Konta 7-5, 6-1 in the Harden scored 13 of his 18 ors with 34 points. Curry add- takes a lot of mental fortitude. from the field and pulled down second round after a bye. third seed and defending cham- second round. first-half points in the second ed 30 points and Draymond It takes a lot of mental tough- 16 rebounds. Djokovic was joined in the pion Alexander Zverev next. “I feel good every time when quarter and added another 13 Green posted a double-double ness. It reveals a lot. I’m looking Bledsoe and Khris Middle- third round as ninth seed Marin Unseeded treble Grand I come to Madrid and I’m happy in the third, when the Rock- of 15 points and 10 rebounds. forward to that challenge.” ton added 13 points apiece and Cilic rallied to overcome Ger- Slam champion Stan Wawrinka to be back and winning match- ets stretched their lead to as But in another bruising Once again in their series, George Hill added 15 points off many’s Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, started his Madrid campaign es,” Halep said. many as 17. encounter between the two the third quarter proved piv- the bench. The Warriors responded teams, Golden State made otal, with the Bucks outscoring “It’s amazing,” Antetok- with an 11-0 scoring run in the just eight of 33 three-point the Celtics 33-23 to turn a 49- ounmpo said. “I think the third period, and put together attempts. Curry and Klay 47 halftime deficit to an 80-72 whole group, the whole team a 7-0 run late in the fourth, Thompson combined to shoot lead. played hard. Everybody was Stomach illness won’t stop Nadal in Madrid when they pulled within 108- just two-of-10 from three- The turnaround came with ready, everybody stepped up. 110 on a Stephen Curry three- point range. Antetokounmpo on the bench “This is what (separates) AFP meeting with Canada’s fast- But the 17-time Grand Slam pointer with 19.3 seconds left. The Rockets, meanwhile, with his fourth foul for the last an average team from a great MADRID rising teenager Felix Augur- winner warned: “It’s true that Down 111-108 with 11.5 hit 17 of 50 from beyond the eight minutes of the quarter. team,” he added, “that if you Aliassime, in the second round. when you have this virus and seconds remaining, Golden arc. During that span, the Bucks have the opportunity to be up FIVE-TIME champion Rafael “I’ve been going through a stomach viruses, the body’s a State saw Kevin Durant and “I think both teams are outscored the Celtics 21-13 two games, we’re all ready.” Nadal acknowledged that he virus. The positive side is: I’ve bit weaker. There is a bit more Curry miss three-point at- doing what they’re doing and and when Antetokounmpo re- Kyrie Irving led the Celtics will be counting on his physi- been able to train at least an risk of injuries. But of course, tempts. nothing’s really happened turned in the fourth, the Bucks with 23 points and 10 assists, cal reserves when he makes his hour-and-a-half (per session),” this is a very important tourna- “Our motto was keep fight- yet,” Warriors coach Steve only pressed the action more. but made just seven of 22 shots Madrid Open start Wednesday Nadal said. ment for me and I hope to be ing,” said Harden, who also Kerr said. “It’s 2-2. Each team Milwaukee took their big- from the field. as he recovers from a stomach “I hope that tomorrow is ready. pulled down 10 rebounds. has won two home games -- gest lead of the night 91-79 on Overall, the Celtics made virus. going to be a bit better, I’m go- “Hopefully the virus is “We know how tough they are. that’s kind of how the playoffs a driving Eric Bledsoe’s finger- just 37.8 percent of their shots The second seed will get his ing to improve. I’m a bit better not going to affect my perfor- We’ve got to keep fighting on go ... We’ve just got to be a lit- roll finish with 9:05 left to play. and heard boos from the home campaign for a sixth Madrid ti- than yesterday and yesterday mance or how I should play both ends of the floor, stay in tle better.” Boston closed within five field as they left the court. tle under way with a first-time was better than the day before.” tomorrow.” 18 Wednesday, May 8, 2019 Sports Goal-hero Kompany makes good on promise as Man City go top again

frustration, everyone was say- isn’t the goal, it’s him shoot- City were heading ing ‘don’t shoot, don’t shoot’ ing while believing he was and I could really hear it; I going to score. for a frustrating thought hold on a second, I’ve “He’s a big believer and evening at the not come this far in my career that helped us to win the for young players to tell me if I game,” the former Barcelo- Etihad Stadium can take a shot, and I just had na and Bayern Munich boss a go!” added. until Kompany let The Belgian last hit the The 33-year-old Kompa- fly with a 25-yard target from outside the area ny’s career has been blighted back in 2007 but Kompany in- by injuries, with Guardiola shot into the top sisted: “I’ve scored goals like saying: “He’s not young and that in training! to be consistent is difficult corner 20 minutes “It’s 15 years I’ve been in for him every three days, but from time top-level football, midfielders when we have a game once telling me ‘don’t shoot, play every week, he’s an incred- the ball wide’ and every time ible player.” AFP they miss, for 15 years I’ve City will be assured of re- MANCHESTER, been saying ‘I promise you, taining the title if their result one day I’m going to have a away to Brighton is equal MANCHESTER City captain shot from outside the box and or better to what Liverpool Vincent Kompany said he had I’m going to score a goal and achieve against Wolves at An- lived up to a vow to “one day” you’re going to be really happy field on Sunday. score a long-range goal after with that one’.” However, a win for Liver- his wonder strike secured a City manager Pep Guar- pool and anything less for City 1-0 win at home to Leices- diola admitted he too was would see the Reds secure ter that left the champions in among those who didn’t their first English champion- charge of the destiny of the want Kompany to let fly from ship since they last won the Premier League title with a distance. old First Division title in 1990. match to play. “Don’t shoot! Pass the And Kompany warned: City were heading for a ball, pass the ball!,” said “It’s a big goal, we’ve not frustrating evening at the Eti- Guardiola when asked about achieved anything (yet).” had Stadium on Monday until his thoughts as Kompany But Leicester goalkeeper Kompany let fly with a 25- took aim. Kasper Schmeichel, who made yard shot into the top corner “Honestly, I wasn’t too several fine saves on Monday, 20 minutes from time – the Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany celebrates scoring the winner against Leicester City during their EPL match at the Etihad Stadium in Man- confident but football is mad said: “City are a top-class side, centre-back’s first City goal chester on Monday. (REUTERS) for that. The artists are the and we have lost to the poten- from outside the box. players, they have to decide tial champions. Victory saw City go top by ing into Sunday’s last round of “I hadn’t scored this sea- moments that I’m going to do Sky Sports. things in a fraction of a sec- “I can’t see them losing a point from Liverpool head- league matches. son but I always feel in big something,” Kompany told “Today was a little bit of ond and what’s important their next game.” Ajax ‘confident, fit and eager’ for Spurs match, says coach Ten Hag; Vertonghen to make return

REUTERS Vertonghen set to make AMSTERDAM return for Spurs Tottenham Hotspur de- A fully fit Ajax Amsterdam fender Jan Vertonghen could will focus on its attacking return for his side’s Champi- Tiger Woods is awarded the strengths in their Champions ons League semi-final, second Presidential Medal of Freedom League semi-final second leg leg against Ajax Amsterdam by US President Donald Trump at against Tottenham Hotspur on on Wednesday after suffering the White House in Washington Wednesday despite a draw be- a head injury in last week’s on Monday. (REUTERS) ing enough to take them to the 1-0 home leg defeat. final, coach Erik ten Hag said The Belgian former Ajax on Tuesday. player trained on Tuesday Emotional Woods “We need to win this wearing a face mask to pro- accepts Medal match tomorrow, that will be tect his nose, which was in- our mindset”, Ten Hag said a jured in a sickening clash of of Freedom at pre-match press conference. heads with team mate Toby “We have to stick to our own Alderweireld. White House strengths.” Vertonghen, who at- Ajax upset Real Madrid tempted to play on last week REUTERS and Juventus on their way to before being substituted after WASHINGTON the semi final with a fast, at- seemingly struggling to stand tacking style of play, and ini- up, missed his side’s Premier TIGER Woods, who stunned tially dominated Tottenham in League defeat at Bourne- the sports world when he their 1-0 away win last week. mouth on Saturday. won his fifth Masters title last But the Dutch team, which The club said he had not month, received his country’s features several players pol- suffered a concussion. highest civilian honour, the ished in the club’s famed acad- “(Vertonghen) returned Presidential Medal of Free- emy, struggled in the second to training, continues to be dom, from U.S. President half in London as Tottenham monitored and will wear a Donald Trump on Monday. increased the pressure on their Ajax of Amsterdam players attend a training session in Amsterdam on Tuesday, ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final. (EPA-EFE) face mask to protect nose,” Last month’s Augusta tri- defence. the club confirmed, adding umph ended an 11-year major “Our minds were a bit too Willem II Tilburg, although Wednesday’s match. Every- “A few people who knew return to Ajax last summer, that fellow defender Davinson title drought for the 43-year- much on defending the lead”, it was not yet clear wheth- one knows what this is about.” this level of success said it after four years at Manchester Sanchez would miss the game old golfer, who had endured Ten Hag said. “But it was also er Brazilian forward David Four-time European would still be possible for a United, would turn out to be so because of a thigh injury. personal and professional a show of strength by Spurs. Neres could start the match. champions Ajax are looking Dutch team to reach the Cham- exciting. Tottenham, who face a setbacks including a highly- It showed we have to cross Ajax’s first domestic cup to reach their first Champi- pions League final; people like “The team has grown tre- daunting task to reach their public divorce and multiple another frontier tomorrow. win since 2010 did not in- ons League final since 1996. Johan Cruijff, Louis van Gaal mendously in many aspects first Champions League fi- surgeries over the previous But we are confident we can terfere with preparations Many pundits have suggested and (Ajax director) Marc Over- this year”, the 29-year old son nal, are also without leading decade. do it. We are fit and we are for Wednesday’s match, the it has become impossible for mars”, Ten Hag said. of former European cup win- striker Harry Kane but Son An emotional Woods eager.” coach said. Dutch teams to compete with “It’s up to us tomorrow to ner and Ajax captain Danny Heung-min, suspended for thanked those in attendance at Ten Hag said his team had “The players were happy, their much wealthier English, prove them right.” Blind said. the first leg, will be back to of- the Rose Garden ceremony at no injuries following Sun- but you could see they imme- Spanish and Italian peers, Ajax defender Daley Blind “This really is a team effort, fer manager Mauricio Pochet- the White House for their sup- day’s Cup Final win against diately turned their focus to but Ten Hag is ignoring them. said he had never expected his and I am proud to be part of it.” tino some firepower. port through the years when he was not winning. “You’ve seen the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, Clubs demand say over proposed and I would not be in this posi- tion without all of your help,” Champions League reform Tearful Godin confirms Atletico exit he said after Trump placed the medal around his neck. AFP days at Atletico Madrid. I want “In ‘97, yes, I won the Mas- AFP Switzerland. MADRID to communicate all the love I ters and I ended up hugging MADRID Change to European club have for this club, this shirt. my dad and my mom,” he said. competitions has become a ATLETICO Madrid captain “I am Atletico, because this “My dad is no longer here EUROPEAN clubs demanded controversial issue after An- Diego Godin announced on is not a club, it’s a family and a but my mom is here, I love you on Tuesday that UEFA “prop- drea Agnelli, the president of Tuesday that he will leave the way of life. It has been my home mom,” he added. erly include” them in any plans the European Club Association club at the end of the season. and it’s very hard to say good- “The amazing Masters ex- to change the Champions (ECA), which represents Eu- Godin has been one of the bye. I never imagined this mo- perience I just had a few weeks League, which could include rope’s top teams, outlined pro- best central defenders in the ment would come and I am not ago certainly is part of the guaranteeing qualification for posals for a new ‘super-league’ world under Atletico coach prepared.” highlight of what I’ve accom- elite teams. that guarantees qualification Diego Simeone, who attended Godin has made 381 ap- plished in my life on the golf La Liga president Javier for certain clubs and features an emotional press conference pearances for Atletico and re- course.” Tebas, who was among more European fixtures at weekends. at the Wanda Metropolitano, mains a key figure in the team, Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin during a press conference announcing Trump, an avid golfer, de- than 300 representatives that But, following the four- along with several players and but the Uruguayan has rejected his departure from the club at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on scribed the 15-times major attended a meeting in Madrid. hour meeting on Tuesday, president Enrique Cerezo. offers to extend his contract, Tuesday. (REUTERS) champion as a “a global sym- The event brought together Tebas said in a press confer- The 33-year-old would not which expires on June 30. He bol of American excellence, 244 clubs from 38 countries, ence: “It is not possible to make confirm his next club but indi- is unlikely to be the last high- Munich, while uncertainty the team and have been here devotion and drive”. with the aim to establish com- reforms without the agreement cated regret at not being able to profile player to leave Atletico hangs over the futures of Filipe many years,” said Godin. “We Woods joined Arnold mon ground ahead of a meet- of the leagues. I don’t know agree a new contract. this summer. Luis, Juanfran, Thomas Partey, have not reached an agreement Palmer, Charlie Sifford and ing on Wednesday between the how is it possible to change an- “I’m nervous, even more After a disappointing sea- Saul Niguez and even Antoine to continue so my time here is Jack Nicklaus as the only golf- European Leagues and UEFA’s ything without the agreement than for a match,” said a tearful son, Lucas Hernandez has al- Griezmann. over. It has been the best of my ers to have received the award. executive committee in Nyon, of the national competitions.” Godin. “These will be my final ready agreed to join Bayern “In short, I am captain of career and my life.” Sports Wednesday, May 8, 2019 19 French King bags Gr2 Carl Jaspers-Preis in Germany Morris replaces

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK length to spare in front of Be My DOHA Sheriff. Windstoss (Shirocco), Nortje for WC winner of the 2017 Gr 1 German THE Umm Qarn-bred and HH Derby, completed the frame. REUTERS on Monday. He immediately Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa French King was the win- CAPE TOWN consulted a hand surgeon and al Thani-owned French King ner of the 2019 HH The Amir underwent surgery to stabilise (French Fifteen) won the Trophy (QR Gr1) at QREC Al SOUTH Africa have called up the joint and will unfortunately Group 2 Carl Jaspers-Preis in Rayyan Park, Doha in Febru- all-rounder for be side-lined for up to eight Köln, Germany, on Sunday. ary. It was also Peslier who their Cricket World Cup squad weeks,” team manager Moham- With this victory under his steered him to victory that day. after a hand injury ruled fast med Moosajee said. belt, French King has become “He is a different horse bowler Anrich Nortje out of “It is an unfortunate and the first Umm Qarn-bred horse this year than last year”, said the tournament, in the latest freakish injury, especially be- to take home a Group success Pantall on Sunday, “His race setback for the injury-plagued cause he had made a success- for thoroughbreds in Europe. in Qatar did him good. Before side. ful recovery from the shoulder Ridden by French jockey this race I hesitated with the Nortje fractured his right injury he sustained during the Olivier Peslier, French King Prix d’Hédouville (Gr3). I kind thumb while practising in the series against .” easily caught the leader Be My of feared the long straight lines nets and will need six to eight Morris has not played One- Sheriff (Lawman) and kicked and that’s why I chose to race weeks to make a full recovery, Day International cricket for clear, leaving his rivals behind in Köln. He really dominated a media statement from Crick- South Africa since February in the last 300m of the 2400m his subject here and he can still et South Africa confirmed on 2018, but is a regular in the run for four-year-old and older progress. I think he can go and Tuesday. Twenty20 set-up and is well-re- thoroughbreds. The Henri-Alex take on some good Group races “Anrich sustained a frac- garded for his swing and ‘death Olivier Peslier (left) rides French King to victory in the Group 2 Carl Jaspers-Preis in Koln, Germany Pantall-saddled colt landed the in France, and why not, climb ture to his right thumb during bowling’ in the final few overs on Sunday. spoils with three quarters of a to Gr1 level one day,” he added. a net session in Port Elizabeth when batsmen aim for big hits. set for marathon Bangladesh score home cricket summer REUTERS FIXTURES Last summer, the Bris- MELBOURNE bane ground was snubbed as eight-wicket win SCHEDULE one of the venues for the mar- AUSTRALIA’S international Vs Sri Lanka quee Test series against India schedule will stretch into late- Oct 27 Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st T20 (Adelaide and relegated to a January March for the first time in 41 Oval) Test match venue for the short years in 2020 after the coun- Oct 30 Australia v Sri Lanka, 2nd T20 (Gabba) Sri Lanka tour. Nov 1 Australia v Sri Lanka, 3rd T20 (MCG) try’s cricket board was unable Adelaide Oval will host the over West Indies to cut a deal with India to second and final Test against Vs Pakistan move a one-day tour. Nov 3 Australia v Pakistan, 1st T20 (SCG) Pakistan, a day-night match, AGENCIES Cricket Australia had Nov 5 Australia v Pakistan, 2nd T20 (Canberra) from November 29. DUBLIN (IRELAND) hoped to host New Zealand Nov 8 Australia v Pakistan, 3rd T20 (Perth) Australia also host New in an ODI series in January Nov 21-25 Australia v Pakistan, 1st Test Zealand in a day-night Test at A bowling fightback and a but Aaron Finch’s team will (Gabba) Perth Stadium from Decem- solid chase from Bangladesh’s instead travel to the subcon- Nov 29-Dec 3 Australia v Pakistan, 2nd Test ber 12, before the three-match top-order led them to an eight- tinent after India’s board de- (Adelaide Oval)* series moves to the Melbourne wicket win over West Indies in clined to shift their home se- Vs New Zealand Cricket Ground for the tradi- the second match of the tri- ries. Dec 12-16 Australia v New Zealand, 1st Test tional Boxing Day Test and to series in Ireland on Tuesday, That has pushed the three- (Perth)* Sydney in the New Year. reports espncricinfo.com. match New Zealand series Dec 26-30 Australia v New Zealand, 2nd Test In a tweak to the usual Mashrafe Mortaza had led back to the middle of March, (MCG) day-night scheduling, the a fine bowling effort to engi- with the final ODI in Hobart Jan 3-7 Australia v New Zealand, 3rd Test Perth Test will start at 1 p.m. neer West Indies’ batting col- on March 20 making it the (SCG) local time and finish at 8 p.m. Mar 13 Australia v New Zealand, 1st ODI lapse at the death, where they latest finish to a home inter- (SCG)* to cater to Australia’s domi- went from 205 for 2 in 40.4 national schedule since Aus- Mar 15 Australia v New Zealand, 2nd ODI nant TV audience in the east overs to 261 for 9 in 50 overs. tralia hosted Pakistan for a (SCG) of the country. After that, Tamim Iqbal and test in Perth in 1979. Mar 20 Australia v New Zealand, 3rd ODI It will also have the longer Soumya Sarkar set up the “CA took the position that (Hobart)* 40-minute lunch break at the chase with a 144-run opening while January was our pref- * Denotes day-night match first interval, while the Ad- stand. Shakib Al Hasan and erence for these ODI matches elaide pink ball test will con- Mushfiqur Rahim completed Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar set up the chase for Bangladesh with a 144-run opening stand. there are times we need to The Gabba returns as tinue to have the 20-minute the job with five overs to spare. honour our commitments to venue of the opening Test of tea break between the first Shakib completed the win then played the upper-cut off Indies bowlers to err in length, put together 115 runs for the work in the greater context of the summer in a two-match and second sessions with the with a beautiful straight drive, the same bowler a few overs or for the fielders to mess up. third wicket, seemingly setting international cricket schedul- series against Pakistan from longer “dinner” break in the which took him to an unbeaten later. Soumya and Tamim Sunil Ambris couldn’t up a final flourish. ing,” CA’s Peter Roach said. November 21. evening. run-a-ball 61 that included were looking ominous in the judge a Mushfiqur slap to- Chase fell in the 41st over three fours and two sixes. He next six overs, hitting bound- wards deep point, and the when he top edged Mashrafe added 68 runs for the unbro- aries and picking up singles wicketkeeper then slammed a to short fine-leg, having made ken third wicket stand with quite easily. pull to reduce the target down 51 off 62 balls. The Bangladesh Mushfiqur, having already put But a moment of brilliance to four runs. captain also removed Hope Gayle named Windies vice-captain on 52 with Tamim for the sec- in the field separated the open- While Bangladesh ac- and in the space ond wicket. ers, when Darren Bravo caught celerated as the innings pro- of three balls. Shakib then took REUTERS Meanwhile, , Tamim, who top scored Soumya at the deep midwicket gressed, West Indies went in a brilliant catch, diving to his DUBLIN who made a career-best 170 with 80 off 116 balls with sev- boundary. He held the ball at the opposite direction as they left at long-on, to send back and added a record open- en fours, and Soumya added first, was overbalancing, so lost their last seven wickets for Jonathan Carter. Mohammad has been named ing stand of 365 with John 144 runs, Bangladesh’s highest he threw it up in the air, then 56 runs in 9.2 overs. The col- Saifuddin and Mustafizur Rah- as the vice-captain of West In- Campbell in the opening game opening stand against West stepped over the boundary lapse split their innings into man conceded 50 runs in the dies for the upcoming World against Ireland on Sunday, has Indies in ODIs. But it started and came back inside to com- two parts, but one didn’t com- last seven overs, and didn’t Cup slated to be held in Eng- been named as the vice captain with a bit of luck when Ros- plete the catch. It was against plement the other as it should concede a single boundary in land and Wales from May 30. for the ongoing series. ton Chase dropped Tamim’s the run of play, and gave West have. West Indies started off the last 2.4 overs. Gayle, a former captain who “It’s a tremendous honour uppish drive at cover, when Indies a lifeline. Soumya had well, with Hope and Sunil Bangladesh would also last led West Indies in ODIs in to be appointed vice captain he was on 1. The pair had put made 73 off 68 balls with a six Ambris putting on 89 runs for have liked to see Mustafizur June 2010, will be the deputy for this series here in Ireland. on only 38 runs in the first ten and nine fours, but where West the opening wicket. Mashrafe bowl better, but that is why for Jason Holder in what is set Ahead of this tournament I was overs, with Soumya hitting Indies should have tightened bowled a mean spell during theseteams are playing the to be his final ODI tournament. asked to take on this role and I three gorgeous boundaries their bowling and fielding, they the Powerplay but control only tri-nation series: so that they “It is always an honour to Chris Gayle was happy to accept. Anything and Tamim, after patiently did the opposite. came when he introduced spin can iron out the gaps that exist represent the West Indies in I’m asked to do for West Indies waiting for the right opportu- Their fielders kept missing in the 14th over. Shakib start- before the World Cup comes any format and this World Cup will be great expectations and cricket I’m always happy and nity, slamming regulation balls, while their ed with a tight couple of overs around. for me is special. As a senior I know we will do very well for willing to put my hand up, so for successive fours in the bowlers couldn’t string togeth- before Mehidy Hasan Miraz player it is my responsibility to the people of the West Indies,” this is great,” Hope said. tenth over. er a tight spell. Tamim and removed Ambris, with Mah- Brief scores: support the captain and eve- he added. West Indies, champions It set them for the next ten Shakib added 52 for the sec- mudullah taking a smart catch Bangladesh 264 for 2 (Tamim 80, Soumya ryone else in the team,” Gayle A veteran of 289 ODIs, in 1975 and 1979, start their overs, in which they added 69 ond wicket before Mushfiqur at cover. 73, Shakib 61*) beat West Indies 261 for 9 said. Gayle is not a part of the West World Cup campaign on May runs. Soumya blasted Jason and Shakib kept hitting the Bravo fell in the next over, (Hope 109, Chase 51, Mashrafe 3-49, “This will probably be the Indies team currently playing 31 when they take on Pakistan Holder for a straight six, and gaps, and waiting for the West but Hope and Roston Chase Saifuddin 2-47) by eight wickets. biggest World Cup, so there tri-nation series in Ireland. in Nottingham. Bordani, Ali impress in ITU multisport worlds Flintoff tells England to drop ‘anyone’ to get Archer TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK crème of top junior athletes DOHA in the world in the sprint dis- tance aquathlon (750m swim into World Cup squad TWO Qatari athletes compet- + 5 kms run). He put up a fine ed at the recently-concluded show and managed to finish a AFP for a World Cup spot during ITU Multisport World Cham- strong 14th position, outrun- LONDON England’s upcoming one-day pionships, in Pontevedra, ning some European athletes international series against Spain, against some of the in the closing 5 kms run. ANDREW Flintoff has urged Pakistan starting at worlds best triathletes. Qatar Cycling and Tri- England to drop “anyone” on Wednesday. On the first day, Eid al Bor- athlon Federation coach Mat in order to make sure Jofra Former England fast bowl- dani, finished a strong 17th, in O’Halloran commented after Archer has a place in their ing all-rounder Flintoff is a fan the 25-29 age group, with a the race, “The Qatari athletes World Cup squad. of the “unbelievable” Archer. total time of 2:34.00, over the showed a lot of courage in The past week has seen “I was watching him bowl standard distance duathlon lining up at a World Cham- Barbados-born paceman the other day and I found it (10 kms run + 40 kms bike + 5 pionships. The hilly course, Archer show glimpses of his so frustrating that a bloke kms run). He went to lower his cold water, and rainy weath- talent while making one-day can bowl so fast with what 10 kms personal record, down er added challenge for them. international and Twenty20 looks like so little effort,” to 40:33. On top of the was very strong debuts for England after Flintoff told reporters in On the second day, level of the European ath- completing a three-year resi- London on Tuesday. 18-year-old Abdulaziz al Ali letes. In the end, we reached dency period. Following a miserable lined up against the top junior our objective of gaining ex- His ability to bowl first-round exit at the 2015 elite duathletes over a sprint Qatar’s Eid al Bordani and Abdulaziz al Ali (rigth) during the ITU Multisport World Championships in Pon- perience, and exposure on 90-mile-per-hour (145 kmh) edition in Australia and New distance duathlon (5 kms run tevedra, Spain. the world stage. This will yorkers, as well as deceptive Zealand, World Cup hosts + 20 kms bike + 2.5 kms run) hopefully increase their per- slower balls, has caught the England have risen to num- of the world. He opened the 5 sonal best of 18:35, but was draw during the bike leg. dulaziz al Ali once again com- spective, in multisport, out- eye. Archer is set to have fur- ber one in the ODI rankings, kms run leg with a new per- unfortunately forced to with- On the third day, Ab- peted against the crème de la side Qatar.” ther chances to make a case without Archer.