SPORT Thursday 15 March 2018

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 35 South Africa’s Woods and Els named Halep and Venus RabadaRa to appeal as Presidents Cup in quarters; guilty verdict captains Wozniacki falls

Anthony Modeste (centre) of Tianjin Quanjian controls the ball during the AFC Champions League group stage football match Majestic Messi helps against South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai in Tianjin, yesterday. Barca crush Chelsea AGENCIES

BARCELONA: Lionel Messi scored his 99th and 100th goals in the Champions League to send Barcelona through to the quar- terfinals for the 11th straight Evergrande move season with a 3-0 win over Chelsea yesterday. Barcelona advanced 4-1 on closer to last 16 aggregate following a 1-1 first- leg draw in London. REUTERS Messi beat Thibaut Courtois remaining. Tianjin Quanjian with two strikes between the made it a positive night for Chelsea goalkeeper’s legs from HONG KONG: Guangzhou Chinese teams as they defeated very tight angles on the side of Evergrande continued their 2016 champions Jeonbuk the box. He struck the opener resurgence in the Asian Cham- Hyundai Motors 4-2. Anthony three minutes into the match and pions League yesterday with a Modeste and Alexandre Pato took Barcelona’s third goal in the Barcelona’s French forward Ousmane Dembele (left) celebrates with team-mate Lionel Messi 2-0 win in South Korea over scored the crucial goals in the 63rd. during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen second leg match against Chelsea FC at the Jeju United that moved the final six minutes. The defeat was But the most dazzling Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, yesterday. two-time champions to within Jeonbuk’s first of the campaign moment from the Argentina touching distance of the but Choi Kang-hee’s side remain forward, who returned from Chelsea will now have to after winning 5-0 is just human. came off the bench to mark his knockout phase. top of Group E. However, their missing one match for the birth focus on finishing in the top four “The only negative today is Champions League debut with Goals from Nemanja Gudelj advantage has been whittled of his third son on Saturday, in the Premier League to return that we picked up too many his first goal at this level. and Alan Carvalho gave Fabio down to just two points with came when he helped Ousmane to tournament. It is currently in yellow cards,” he added after “It was a really hectic game,” Cannavaro’s side their second Tianjin now in second. Dembele score his first goal for fifth place. defenders Jerome Boateng, Mats said Bayern captain Thomas win in a row against the Kitchee sprung the surprise Barcelona after he stole the ball Meanwhile, a Thiago Hummels and Rafinha all earned Mueller. K-League club and moved them of the round with a last-gasp 1-0 from former Barcelona Alcantara strike and Sandro bookings. on to eight points from four win over Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol, teammate Cesc Fabregas and Wagner’s first Champions League After Thiago CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS games at the top of Group G. with Cheng Chin-lung scoring darted past two would-be goal capped Bayern Munich’s 3-1 fired home “We have focused a lot on two minutes into stoppage time tacklers in the 20th. win at Besiktas yesterday as the early on, an UEFA Champions League results yesterday: improving our concentration in to earn the Hong Kong side their Barcelona remained German giants cruised into the own goal by Last 16, second legs away games,” said the Italian. first-ever victory in the Asian unbeaten in 25 straight Cham- quarter-finals for the seventh Besiktas right- At Barcelona, Spain “In the last game we con- Champions League.Spanish pions League matches at Camp year in a row. back Gokhan Barcelona (ESP) 3 (Messi 3, 63, Dembele 20) ceded too soon due to a loss of World Cup winner Xavi Hern- Nou, a run that dates back to Bayern completed a compre- Gonul put Chelsea (ENG) 0 focus but this time you could see andez, meanwhile, was on target 2013. The hosts also stayed in hensive 8-1 aggregate victory in Bayern 2-0 up Barcelona win 4-1 on aggregate all of the players have shown for Al Sadd as the Qatari side contention for a rare treble of Istanbul, having effectively right at the start their desire to win. secured a 4-0 win over At Istanbul, Turkey titles. They lead the Spanish clinched the last-16 tie following of the second “We can’t sit back and relax Uzbekistan’s Nasaf Qarshi that league and have reached the final a 5-0 rout last month in the first half. Besiktas (TUR) 1 (Vagner Love 59) just because we have won so keeps them top of Group C. of the Copa del Rey. leg in Munich. With their Bayern Munich (GER) 3 (Thiago Alcantara 18, Gonul many titles. We need more Al Sadd lead on goal-dif- For Bayern coach Jupp Hey- team 7-0 down 46-og, Wagner 84) championships and in this ference from Iran’s Persepolis CHAMPIONS LEAGUE nckes, who replaced Carlo Ance- overall, Besiktas Bayern Munich win 8-1 on aggregate match we were all determined after last year’s semi-finalists lotti in October, this was his 11th finally came to Played on Tuesday and confident.” The Chinese moved on to nine points with a Quarter-final qualifiers: straight win in the Champions life, grabbing a At Manchester, England Super League side lead the narrow win over Al Wasl that League which set a new compe- consolation group by three points from ensured the club from the Barcelona (ESP), Real Madrid Manchester United (ENG) 1 (Lukaku 84) Sevilla (ESP) 2 tition record. goal by Vagner (Ben Yedder 74, 78) Thailand’s Buriram United and United Arab Emirates could not “It was a convincing result,” Love. Cerezo Osaka, who played out finish in the top two positions. (ESP), Sevilla (ESP), Manchester Sevilla win 2-1 on aggregate said Heynckes. “Besiktas hadn’t But Bayern a 2-2 draw in Japan with Kenyu Al Ahli lead the group by City (ENG), Liverpool (ENG), lost here in the Champions notched their At Rome Sugimoto scoring two minutes three points from Al Jazira, who Roma (ITA) 1 (Dzeko 52) Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 0

Juventus (ITA), Roma (ITA), League, so it wasn’t easy. third of the from time to salvage a point for are level on five points with Al

“We scored at the right times evening when Tie ends 2-2 on aggregate, the J-League club. Jeju United Gharafa as Tractorsazi occupy

Bayern Munich (GER) and it’s normal that we dropped back-up striker Roma go through on away goals are bottom of Group G with last place with just two points off a little -- losing some focus Sandro Wagner three points, with two matches from four games. Kohli reveals toll of Topsy Turvy tops in The Late Abdulaziz Al Fuhaid Cup gruelling schedule AGENCIES anything, because my body really needed this. I have started to listen to MUMBAI: Indian captain Virat Kohli my body. And when I am done with this admits his massive workload is starting period, obviously in the IPL I will be to have toll on his body. coming out fresh.” Kolhi, who boasts an enviable Kohli has been rested from the record, has rubberstamped his status as ongoing T20I tri-series in Sri Lanka, a great of the modern game and is yet giving him valuable time to recharge to turn 30, giving him plenty of time to ahead of a massive 2018, which includes build on his long list of Test tours of England and Australia. accomplishments. The gun right-hander sits second But the batting maestro has con- behind Australia captain Steve Smith in ceded his exhausting workload is the ICC Test batting charts and is only starting to take a toll, revealing he needs the second Indian– after Sunil Gavaskar to be “very careful” with how he – to achieve 900 ranking points. manages his body in the coming years. Kohli has played 94 international “Physically, I had a few niggles and matches – 25 Tests, 42 ODIs and 27 I am just getting over them,” Kohli said T20Is – across the three formats since at a promotional event in Mumbai. the start of 2016, which is more than “The workload has started to dis- anybody else in world cricket. agree with me, so I have to be careful In comparison, Joe Root (86 about how I go forward with my body, matches), MS Dhoni (85) and Mitchell my mind, my cricket. Santner (85) have played the next most Action from The Late Abdulaziz Al Fuhaid Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian “Times like these are important international games over the same Club yesterday. Jockey E Pedroza guided Topsy Turvy, owned by Sheikh Faisal going ahead. I am enjoying it. period, while David Warner has been bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, to victory in the Late Abdulaziz Al Fuhaid Cup. “I do not think I am missing out on the busiest Australian with 83 games.. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 Ecuador ‘determined’ to assist Qatar in success of World Cup

THE PENINSULA He added: “Football will cer- tainly be a strong bridge to DOHA: The President of the strengthen relations between Qatar Football Association (QFA), Qatar and Ecuador in the coming Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin We are happy to period from all aspects, be it Ahmed Al Thani yesterday assist in all matters to political, economic, social and received H E Ivonne Abdel baki, commercial. Football has the Ambassador of Ecuador to Qatar, support this significant ability to unite the world and and Ecuador’s Defence Minister, tournament: H E bridges gaps between nations.” Patricio Zambrano Restrepo in Ivonne Abdel baki, “We have visited a number QFA’s headquarters located at Al Ambassador of of stadiums and sports facilities, Bidda Tower. all of which confirm that whoever The meeting was attended by Ecuador to Qatar attends the 2022 World Cup in QFA Vice President Saoud Al Qatar will be very happy to be in Mohannadi, and QFA General Qatar and surely Ecuador will be Secretary Mansoor Al Ansari. Ecuadorian football federations participating in the World Cup in The visit of Ecuador’s Defence and the importance of building Qatar seeing that we did not Minister is on the side-lines of the that relationship by exchanging qualify to the Russia 2018 World Doha International Maritime of experience and expertise. Cup.” Defence Exhibition & Conference The two parties emphasised When replying to a question President of Qatar Football Association, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, H E Ivonne (DIMDEX 2018), taking place in on the importance of promoting regarding the possibility of pro- Abdel baki, Ambassador of Ecuador to Qatar, and Ecuador’s Defence Minister, Patricio Zambrano Qatar (March 12 to 14) at the cooperation in the future to fessional Ecuadorian players Qatar National Convention further develop football in the Restrepo along with QFA Vice President Saoud Al Mohannadi pose for a picture at QFA’s headquarters playing in the QNB Stars League, Centre (QNCC) under the two countries. at Al Bidda Tower yesterday. he said: “Yes absolutely, we have patronage of the Emir H H Sheikh H E Ivonne Abdel, Ambas- more than 100 professional Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. sador of Ecuador to Qatar politics from sports. This visit from all over Central America to luck in their journey to host the players in many international The meeting discussed expressed her thanks and appre- highlights the great role football travel easily to Qatar to attend the World Cup.” leagues, who play in Brazil, bilateral relations and ways to ciation to the QFA President for plays in bringing people together games.” Ecuador’s Defence Minister, Argentina, Spain, Italy, England, strengthen and further develop the remarkable reception and for and building strong relations with “The presence of the Defence Patricio Zambrano said: “I would Mexico and Russia, and soon them. the important role he plays in different cultures away from Minister in this important visit is like to congratulate Qatar on there will be players in Qatar.” They also discussed matters constantly supporting the devel- politics.” a confirmation of the support of hosting the 2022 World Cup, I am The visit was concluded with of mutual interest and agreed to opment of football. She empha- “Ecuador is determined to His Highness the President of confident that Qatar will organise the exchange of commemorative promote cooperation in the sised that the visit highlights the contribute to the success of the Ecuador who stands with Qatar a unique version of the shields between the two sides. future to further develop football deep relations between the two 2022 World Cup taking place in during the greatest football tournament.” The President of QFA pre- in the two countries. countries. Qatar. We are happy to assist in event.” He praised the important role sented the Ambassador and the During the meeting, they dis- She said: “We are very happy all matters to support this signif- “We have many Ecuadorian played by the Qatar in the sports Minister of Defence the with the cussed several matters of mutual to be meeting with Sheikh Hamad icant tournament. Ecuador is cen- players playing in Europe and sector, pointing out that Doha has Qatar National Team jersey that interest. The QFA President high- today, who gives huge impor- trally located in the world and in Latin America which showcases become one of the most has the number 22 in reference lighted the strength of the rela- tance to football and advocates Central America, which can act Ecuador’s important role in world important sports cities in the to the upcoming World Cup to be tionship between the Qatari and on the importance of excluding as a unique location to help fans football. I wish Qatar the best of world. organised in Qatar. ACFT: Stage set for thrilling semi-finals at Doha Stadium

THE PENINSULA marching on into the semi- residing in Qatar, and participating teams year finals after Jordan beat encourages them to play after year. DOHA: The fifth Asian Indonesia 2-0, Nepal beat more football in a fun com- This year, twelve Asian Communities Football Sri Lanka 2-0, India beat petitive environment. community teams are par- Tournament (ACFT) semi- Bangladesh 2-1, and The ACFT is organised ticipating for the grand finals are set to take place Lebanon beat Malaysia 5-0 by the Qatar Football Asso- prize. The third place tomorrow and will see in the quarter-finals last ciation (QFA) and initially decider match will take Jordan taking on India at week. featured the participation place on March 23 in Al 8pm and Nepal meeting The best players of last of six teams during its’ first Markhiya Sports Club and Lebanon at 9:20pm. week’s quarter-finals edition. Following the will kick off at 7pm. The Initially, the semi- include Jordan’s Murad Al success of the first edition, final will be played on finals were scheduled to be Sous, Nepal’s team captain the tournament drew lots March 30 at 7pm. played in Al Markhiya Shiva Shrestha, India’s of interest from the various The ACFT falls under Sports Club, however, the Shahed Bakr, and Leba- Asian communities in QFA’s Sub-Leagues Com- venue was changed to non’s Hussain Mansour. Qatar who were eager to mittee which oversees the Doha Stadium because a The ACFT is a com- take part in the tour- organising of QFA’s tour- big spectator turnout is munity tournament which nament, and thus resulted naments that target the dif- Lebanon will take on Nepal in ACFT semi-final tomorrow at Doha Stadium. anticipated this weekend. brings together various in a significant increase in ferent segments of the The four teams are Asian communities the number of community. SA’s Rabada to appeal Sharma and Sundar take against guilty verdict REUTERS India into Tri-series final CAPE TOWN: Kagiso Rabada AFP (pictured) is appealing the guilty SCOREBOARD ran Sharma out off his own verdict handed to him by the Inter- bowling on the final ball of the India Soumya Sarkar b Washington Sundar ...... 1 national Cricket Council (ICC) for COLOMBO: Skipper Rohit Rohit Sharma Run Out Rubel Hossain ...... 89 Mushfiqur Rahim Not Out ...... 72 innings. Bangladesh and Sri breaching their code of conduct in Sharma and off-spinner Wash- Shikhar Dhawan b Rubel Hossain ...... 35 Mahmudullah c Lokesh Rahul b T Chahal ...... 11 Lanka have both lost two of a last-ditch bid to be able to play in ington Sundar helped India Suresh Raina c Soumya Sarkar b Rubel Hossain ...... 47 Sabbir Rahman b Shardul Thakur ...... 27 their three matches. The final the rest of the gripping Test series enter the Twenty20 Tri-series Dinesh Karthik Not Out ...... 2 Mehedi Hasan c Suresh Raina b M Siraj ...... 7 is slated for Sunday. against Australia. final with a 17-run win over Extras (1lb 2w) ...... 3 Extras (1lb 1nb 5w) ...... 7 Meanwhile, former Test Fast bowler Rabada was found Bangladesh in Colombo Total (20.0 overs) ...... 176 Total (20.0 overs) ...... 159-6 opening batsman Chris Rogers guilty of “inappropriate and delib- yesterday. Fall of Wickets: 1-70, 2-172, 3-176 Fall of Wickets: 1-12 Das, 2-35 Sarkar, 3-40 Iqbal, was yesterday appointed as Bowling: Abu Hider 4-0-43-0 1w; Nazmul Islam 4-0- 4-61 Mahmudullah, 5-126 Rahman, 6-150 Miraz erate physical contact with a player” after leaning with his shoulder Sharma’s dominant 89 27-0; Rubel Hossain 4-0-27-2; Mustafizur Rahman 4-0- Did Not Bat: Rony, Hossain, Rahman, Islam cricket Australia’s new high- into Steve Smith when he dismissed the Australia captain in the first guided India to 176-3 and then 38 0;Mehedi Hasan 3-0-31-0 1w; Mahmudullah 1-0-9-0 Bowling: Mohammed Siraj 4-0-50-1 2w 1nb; Wash- performance coach, tasked innings of South Africa’s six wicket win in the second Test in Port Eliz- Sundar claimed three wickets Bangladesh ington Sundar 4-0-22-3 1w; Shardul Thakur 4-0-37-1; with helping develop the coun- abeth. The result levelled the four-match series at 1-1. to restrict Bangladesh to 159-6 Tamim Iqbal b Washington Sundar ...... 27 Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-21-1 2w; Vijay Shankar 4-0- try’s next generation of stars. The 22-year-old, who took 11-150 in the game, was fined 50 percent at the R Premadasa Stadium. Liton Das st D Karthik b Washington Sundar ...... 7 28-0 The 40-year-old called of his match fee and given three demerit points, which took him past Mushfiqur Rahim’s time on his 25-Test career after the tally of eight that triggers an automatic two-game suspension. unbeaten 55-ball 72, his second runs for the fifth wicket with after India were put into bat the end of the 2015 Ashes series “ICC confirms that Kagiso Rabada has appealed against the level successive half-century, went Sabbir Rahman, who made 27, first. Following a watchful start and has been involved in mul- two breach following the incident with Steve Smith during the Port in vain as India secured their to give India a scare but the against a disciplined Bang- tiple coaching roles since then. Elizabeth Test. ICC will now appoint a Judicial Commissioner at the third win in four matches. increasing run-rate finally got ladesh bowling, India cut loose “Chris brings thought- earliest opportunity and hearing details will be confirmed in due course,” They now await the winner to the Bangladesh chase. with Sharma and Suresh Raina, fulness, persistence and the governing body said yesterday. of the last league contest, Sundar returned who smashed 47, putting passion to the role and com- The ICC have 48 hours to appoint a commissioner and a hearing which is a virtual semi-final impressive figures of 3-22 together 102 runs for the bines this with a strong will be heard within a seven day period. Rabada will remain suspended between Bangladesh and hosts while leg-spinner Yuzvendra second wicket. intellect,” said CA executive unless the commissioner takes a decision to allow him to play in the Sri Lanka tomorrow. Chahal and pacemen Sharma, who registered his general manager of team per- third test in Cape Town starting on March 22. Although there was contact Sundar got three top Bang- Mohammed Siraj and Shardul 13th T20 half-century, also put formance Pat Howard. made with Smith, Rabada maintains that it was accidental and at the ladesh batsmen including dan- Thakur claimed a wicket each. on 70 runs with fellow opener “We’re looking forward to time he was not even aware he had brushed against his opponent. “If gerous left-handed opener Earlier Sharma, who hit Shikhar Dhawan, who made having Chris work with Aus- I knew I did it deliberately, I wouldn’t have gone to contest (the charge),” Tamim Iqbal for 27 to derail the form after scores of 0, 17 and 35, to lay a solid platform. tralia’s next generation and Rabada told reporters after the game. opposition chase at 40-3. 11, smashed five fours and as Paceman Rubel Hossain watching him develop as a Mushfiqur then put on 65 many sixes in his 61-ball knock claimed two wickets and also coach.” THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31

Scotland make five Woods and Els named as changes for Italy tie Presidents Cup captains AFP

REUTERS EDINBURGH: Scotland coach had thought about a possible going to come forward between Gregor Townsend yesterday playing captaincy. now and then, but it’s likely that announced five changes to his ORLANDO: Tiger Woods and The 42-year-old American stars from new countries are line-up for this weekend’s Six Ernie Els shifted their decades- acknowledged there was a lot going to come with Ernie Els Nations clash against Italy as long friendly rivalry onto the Woods, who holds the matchplay of time and a lot of golf to go and Tiger Woods leading their he looks to end their international stage as they were competition’s record with 24 match wins for before the teams are set. respective teams. So I think it’s campaign on a high. officially named captains for the the United States, and Els, who has won an “That’s a bridge that’s a long just going to take the game The Dark Blues’ faint title 2019 Presidents Cup on International side best 20 matches, will lead way away from now to be deeper and wider than it’s ever hopes were extinguished with Tuesday. crossing but, if it does come to been.” defeat to Ireland last week Woods, who holds the their teams to Australia for the 2019 edition that point, it won’t just be my In addition to the naming of but they will be keen to matchplay competition’s record from December 12 to 15 at Royal Melbourne. decision, it will be a collabo- the captains, two format propel themselves up the with 24 match wins for the rative effort, what is best for the changes were announced. table with victory against the United States, and Els, who has team,” said Woods. Each player will only be tournament’s whipping boys won an International side best majors -- the US and British officials to declare the event in PGA Tour Commissioner Jay required to play one match after wins against France and 20 matches, will lead their Open in 2000. South Africa a draw. Monahan said having contem- prior to the final-round singles England. teams to Australia for the 2019 Woods and Els served as “Tiger and I have had some porary giants such as Woods instead of two as in past Wing Tommy Seymour edition from December 12 to 15 captain’s assistants in the 2017 great duels in the past, and I look and Els captain the Presidents competitions. returns from injury to at Royal Melbourne. Presidents Cup, when the forward to the challenge of going Cup teams could have a huge Also, the top eight players for replace Blair Kinghorn in The announcement was 12-man US team won 19-11 at against my longtime friend yet impact on the event and the the International and U.S team Rome on Saturday, while made in the Latrobe Room at Liberty National in New Jersey again in 2019,” said Els. game of golf. standings will automatically centre Nick Grigg makes his Bay Hill, site of this week’s for their 10th Cup victory Els might even have to “I think it’s huge for two qualify following completion of first championship start as Arnold Palmer Invitational on against one loss and one draw stomach Woods once again reasons. One, they’re going to the 2019 Tour Championship. he takes the place of Pete the PGA Tour. in the biennial event. wielding a golf club in the bring the world at large to the Captains will later select four Horne, whose blunder put Els and Woods have fre- Els and Woods also shared matchplay competition. Presidents Cup as they have wild-card picks instead of the Ireland on their way to quently shared golf’s main an iconic moment at the 2003 Woods, who has launched done every time that they’re two they had previously. victory in Dublin. stage. Presidents Cup when they faced a comeback after his spinal competing on a global stage,” This will be the third Presi- Townsend has made Four-times major winner off in a sudden-death play-off fusion surgery a year ago, fin- he said. dents Cup to be held at ven- three further changes to the Els of South Africa has been to decide the competition. ished joint runner-up by one “And in doing so they’re erable Royal Melbourne, pack, with hooker Fraser runner-up to Woods seven They battled evenly through shot last week at the Valspar likely going to be bringing designed by Alister MacKenzie, Brown, prop Willem Nel and times in his professional playing three tension-packed playoff Championship. He said on forward future stars. who also designed Augusta lock Tim Swinson all pro- career, including twice in holes before failing light forced Tuesday with a smile that he “We don’t know who is National. moted from the bench in place of Stuart McInally, Simon Berghan and Grant Gilchrist. Lock Richie Gray and prop Zander Fagerson could also make their first appear- ances of the campaign, having shrugged off injuries to be named among the substitutes. “There were a number of positives in how we took the game to Ireland in attack and defence but this didn’t lead to us scoring enough points to win the game,” said Townsend. “We’ve been pleased with how the players have responded to last week’s dis- appointment, with the energy they have brought to training and a determination to improve our performance in our final match.” “Playing Italy will be a very tough game -- it always has been for any Scotland side,” he added. “We are ready for the challenge and have an expe- rienced group of players Tiger Woods in action during Valspar Championship in working hard to finish our Palm Harbor, Florida in this March 9, 2018 file photo. campaign with a positive per- formance and result.”

Cruz sustains latest injury Skiing: Italy’s Goggia for Mariners wins World Cup title AP AFP NEW YORK: Nelson Cruz Sofia Goggia (pictured right) joined the Seattle ARE, SWEDEN: Italy’s Sofia of Italy kisses Mariners’ growing list of injured Goggia lost the race but won the players. World Cup women’s downhill her trophy after Cruz hit a two-hop RBI single title yesterday as she finished winning the FIS to the right-field wall in the first second to Lindsey Vonn in the Downhill World inning against Colorado, then finals in Are, Sweden. Cup yesterday. walked slowly to the Mariners’ forearm by a line drive off the walked six in two innings, Goggia, who won the dugout while rubbing his right bat of the Chicago Cubs’ Victor allowing four runs and three downhill gold at the thigh and slightly favoring the leg. Caratini on February 26. hits. Manny Machado had two Pyeongchang Olympics in Feb- He was replaced by pinch runner Other injured players hits, including a double. ruary, needed to finish second Daniel Vogelbach, and the Mar- include outfielders Ben Gamel Ryan LaMarre singled and to ensure she added a first World iners said Cruz had soreness in (strained oblique), Mitch drove in a pair of runs and Cup globe. his right quadriceps. Haniger (hand) and Guillermo Miguel Sano doubled. The Italian started the final Second baseman Robinson Heredia (shoulder surgery) and TIGERS 2, YANKEES 2 race with a 23-point edge over Cano left Sunday’s game because right-hander Erasmo Ramirez Jordan Zimmerman allowed Vonn, who took bronze in South of tightness in his left hamstring, (lat strain). two hits in five scoreless innings Korea, and a 71-point cushion and a scan Monday revealed a ORIOLES 7, TWINS 5 and struck out four. Leonys over the only other potential minor strain, the Mariners said. A day after finalising a Martin homered in the second champion, Tina Weirather of Left-hander Marco Gonzales $12m, one-year deal with Min- off CC Sabathia, and JaCoby Liechtenstein. left his start Monday after 1 2/3 nesota, Lance Lynn struck out Jones had three hits and raised Goggia skied ninth and innings when he was hit on his five in three hitless against Bal- his average to.462. CC Sabathia posted the fastest time to that right hand by a comebacker off timore. He walked one. gave up four hits in four innings. point, finishing in 55.71sec and she needed help to claim her 17th McKennis, the 23rd skier to race, the bat of Leury Garcia of the “I wanted to go somewhere Didi Gregorius homered. eliminating Weirather who had small globe for winning a World came closest to overtaking Chicago White Sox. Gonzales where they had a chance to win CARDINALS 11, MARLINS already completed her run. Cup discipline. Goggia, but the American, threw to first for the out, then no matter what,” Lynn said. 4 Miami starter Jose Urena got Vonn started 13th of the 26 If Goggia remained in whose only previous World departed. Seattle said he sus- “It seemed like the perfect just one out, giving up six runs entrants and eclipsed Goggia by second, Vonn would gain only Cup podium came in 2013, fin- tained a bruise. fit, and I look forward to doing and six hits. Carlos Martinez 0.06sec. That gave the American 20 points in the standings and ished 0.22 behind the Italian to Ace right-hander Felix Her- what I have to do, which is take struck out five in four innings an 82nd World Cup victory, only the Italian would take the title take third. nandez hasn’t pitched in a game the ball when it is my turn.” and gave up four hits. Marcel four fewer than the all-time by just three points. Weirather finished seventh, since he was hit on the right Baltimore’s Chris Tillman Ozuna had two hits, record of Ingemar Stenmark, but Vonn’s compatriot Alice 0.49 behind Vonn. 32 SPORT THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33

MotoGp riders jump in the air during a photo shoot at Katara Cultural village in World’s best ready for FINA Doha yesterday. spectacle at the Corniche

All eyes will be on Xiao in Doha THE PENINSULA champion,” he had said in an pommel horse bronze at the interview to www.agu.gymnas- Worlds, has slowly developed DOHA: After winning the All- tics.com. “To be able to defend into a world champion ever Around title at the 47th FIG the crown in the next edition in since he won his maiden medal World Championships last Octo- Doha in October will be a chal- at the 2015 Glasgow Worlds with ber, China’s Xiao Ruoteng lenge. It needs a lot of hard work the Chinese team, which fin- (pictured) was mobbed by fans and motivation.” ished third. on a cool afternoon at the lawn Given the presence of the Despite not being chosen for of the iconic 1976 Olympic legend Kohei Uchimura, Xiao, the 2016 Rio Games, Xiao Stadium in Montreal, Canada. 22, will have his task cut out, but returned with a bang with loads Xiao, who became the first age will be on his side. of confidence the following year, Chinese to win a gold at a top While the 28-year-old ‘King winning three gold (team, pom- THE PENINSULA popularity and success of the prestigious global individual all-around Kohei’ would be hoping to revive mel horse and all-around) and event. Doha have been for the last years Swimmers arriving in Doha for the HOSA Marathon Swim World competition since Yang Wei his form and fitness at the venue two silver medals (floor and hor- DOHA: Local and international sponsors a very solid FINA partner in the organi- Series event which will take pace at Doha’s Corniche on Saturday. achieved the feat at the 2008 which will host the 48th FIG izontal) at the Bangkok Asian have united in support of Doha’s first ever sation of several events and we look Beijing Games, will be one of the World Championships in Octo- Championships. FINA/HOSA Marathon Swim World Series forward to seeing the result of all this stars at the 11th FIG Artistic Indi- ber, Xiao will look to further The Beijing-born gymnast is event hosted in the stunning setting of hard-work and commitment, which will vidual World Cup, which starts strengthen his position as China undoubtedly the next biggest Doha’s Corniche on Saturday. represent another milestone for the devel- here at the Aspire Dome from prepare for the 2020 Tokyo star, but we will have to wait to The world-class competition will see opment of this Olympic discipline in this March 21-24. Games. watch how he fares at the Doha Olympic and World Champions swim region of the world.” “It feels good to be a world Xiao, who also won the event. head to head over 10km providing a mem- Meanwhile, President of the Qatar orable and unique experience for all the Swimming Association, Khalil Al Jabir, public to enjoy, free of charge. said: “We are very excited to host such a Over 100 of the world’s best swim- prestigious and exciting FINA event in the mers will compete in the event which is heart of Doha. The weekend timing, stun- Greek football faces FIFA the first of a nine-meeting series taking ning setting and central location enable MotoGP riders visit photo place in some of the world’s most scenic us to bring a new swimming discipline expulsion because of violence waterways, including the Seychelles, Por- directly to the people of Doha. We encour- tugal, Canada and China. age everyone to come down, cheer on the Local companies Al Kass, Ooredoo, world’s best swimmers and enjoy this exhibition at Katara AP federation president QNB and Zoom Arts have been announced truly unique experience with their fam- Evangelos Grammenos said as National Sponsors, with GULF Crafts ily and friends.” MOTOGP.COM formalities were out of the way the tests in Sepang, Malaysia; Buriram, ATHENS, GREECE: Greece league officials will draft a and Al Jouf as National Suppliers. Mean- He continued: “The Qatar Swimming possible level, and contribute to the con- Top female swimmers participating in the Open Water Challenge riders set off to find their pictures Thailand; and Losail, Qatar. could be expelled from declaration against violence while FINA have appointed Chinese Association is committed to continuing tinued development of Qatar’s second participating include Rio event. DOHA: Before the sun goes down on the walls of the Youth Hobbies Ten years have passed since the international soccer compe- by March 23, after which the Sportswear brand HOSA as the title spon- to grow and develop the sport in Qatar most popular participation sport. National 2016 Olympic Champion, Taking place tomorrow at 1:30pm, the and the lights go out on Sunday Centre. Bradley Smith was happy desert oasis of Losail International titions because of government will review its sor of the event series, and Microplus as and around the region and we hope that Sponsors Al Kass, Ooredoo, QNB, Zoom event is being organised to give amateur ahead of the first Grand Prix of the to spot a photo of himself, Circuit hosted the first floodlit widespread violence, a FIFA position on the league the timing and scoring services this event will raise the profile of mara- Arts, Gulf Crafts and Al Jouf will be sup- Sharon Van Rouwendaal of swimmers the opportunity to enjoy the season various riders from the grinning. MotoGP race and 15 years since it representative said yester- suspension. provider. thon swimming and inspire more people porting the staging of the event. the Netherlands, 2017 World same facilities and full services as the elite MotoGP paddock went to the “There’s a picture of me here, hosted the first race of the MotoGP day. “It was decided that pro- Speaking ahead of the event, Presi- to take up the sport, and lead healthy and 72 male and 44 female athletes from Series winner, Arianna Bridi athletes, enabling everyone to be a world- Katara Village ahead of the that’s cool! It’s great to be able to calendar. Herbert Huebel said a fessional soccer (officials) dent of FINA, Julio Maglione, said: “The active lifestyles.” 24 countries will compete in the Olympic and Rio 2016 Olympic silver class athlete for the day. QatarGP to explore its fantastic showcase the creativity of the pho- For the records, the 2018 rac- series of incidents, culminat- will commit in writing to a very high-profile start list including Olym- Local sponsors are uniting to provide distance event in the open water beside With weather and water temperatures history. tographers in MotoGP and to ing season will feature a whopping ing with a gun-toting club framework concerning vio- pic and World Champions to take the first-class support and services to ensure Doha’s Corniche. Starting from the Orry medallist, Rachele Bruni, expected to be ideal and the course tak- Bradley Smith (Red Bul KTM showcase MotoGP in a different 19 rounds over the course of eight owner running onto the field lence inside and outside England striker departure in Doha confirms the that the event is organised to the highest statue, the women’s event will begin at both of Italy and 2017 World ing place in front of Doha’s beautiful Factory Racing), Karel Abraham light,” Smith said. full months of racing, starting with to protest a disallowed goal, stadiums, and concerning 8:30am and the men’s at 1:30pm. silver medallist Samantha backdrop, competitors will have the (Angel Nieto Team), Tito Rabat After wandering through the the opener in Qatar. are “unacceptable.” “Greek stadium security,” Gram- Top female swimmers participating Michelle Arevalo Salinas of opportunity to sample the very best of (Reale Avintia Racing), Tom Lüthi exhibition, the riders then moved Defending champion Marc football is going to an edge,” menos said. Kane could include Rio 2016 Olympic Champion, Sha- open-water swimming. (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), Hafizh Syahrin on for more photo and media Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Huebel said, adding that a “If the minister for sports ron Van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands, Ecuador. Doha’s hosting of the FINA Marathon (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), Lorenzo opportunities in the Amphitheatre Lorenzo, and Dani Pedrosa have potential Greek suspension finds these commitments return next 2017 World Series winner, Arianna Bridi Swim World Series event will provide fur- Baldassari (Pons HP 40) and Enea overlooking the Persian Gulf, all made headlines over the course from international soccer “is satisfactory he will decide on and Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist, ther vital experience in the build up to its Bastianini (Leopard Racing) took a before one last photo stop in front of the winter and fans are expect- not any more impossible.” whether to revoke his month: Spurs Rachele Bruni, both of Italy and 2017 hosting of the 2023 FINA World trip to the Katara Cultural Village of Katara’s famous Pigeon ing the series superstars to make Huebel met with govern- decision.” World silver medallist Samantha Michelle fourth place at last summer’s World Championships. in Doha to check out the “Speed & Towers. to the podium in several races. ment and league officials in Huebel said he would REUTERS Arevalo Salinas of Ecuador. Championships. There will be local inter- The pinnacle of the aquatics calen- Rituals” photo exhibit by MotoGP The MotoGP season kicks off Fans are not ruling out Maver- Athens following Sunday’s make his report to FIFA in Meanwhile top male swimmers to est in up and coming young Qatari dar includes all six FINA disciplines: photographers Gigi Soldano and with the opening race at the state- ick Viñales, Cal Crutchlow, Andrea incident in Thessaloniki at a about 10 days. LONDON: Tottenham look out for include Rio 2016 Olympic and swimmer, Abdulrahman Hisham, who Swimming, Diving, High Diving, Artis- Mirco Lazzari. of-the-art lighting system at the Dovisioso, and Danilo Petrucci. league match between PAOK “The report will be seri- Hotspur eagerly-awaited Budapest 2017 World Champion Ferry looks to gain useful experience in a high- tic Swimming, Open Water, Water Polo Upon arrival the riders had a Losail International Circuit. It’s that With a little bit of luck and smart Thessaloniki and AEK ous,” the Austrian said. “We medical bulletin on their Weertman who will face a strong chal- level global competition amongst the plus the Masters competitions. Doha photo opportunity with the crea- time of the year to see how well the race strategies, these fellas could Athens. don’t know what the deci- England striker Harry Kane’s lenge from Rio 2016 and Budapest 2017 world’s best. already has solid FINA experience tive minds behind the exhibition, teams and riders have prepared very well catch up to the top rid- The government has sions by FIFA will be. There’s (pictured) right ankle bronze medallist Marc-Antoine Olivier of Many of the elite swimmers will be on through its hosting of six FINA World Gigi and Mirco, and once over the winter at the pre-season ers, and even dethrone Marquez. indefinitely suspended a wide range which finally provided good news on France and Great Britain’s Jack Burnell, hand to meet and provide tips and guid- Cups and the 2014 World Swimming league play after PAOK ends up at the FIFA Coun- Wednesday with the club who finished just outside the medals in ance to members of the public who are Championships. owner Ivan Savvidis - a Rus- cil.... The jurisdiction of saying he could be playing sian with strong business UEFA and FIFA can be a very next month. interests in Greece - rushed strict one.” The Greek gov- When Kane hobbled onto the field, accompanied ernment welcomed FIFA’s away from Bournemouth’s by bodyguards and with a involvement. Vitality Stadium on Sunday holstered gun strapped to his “We are ready to act with having been substituted early France’s swimming team trains at Aspire Zone waist, when the referee dis- the vital and valuable con- in the 4-1 Premier League allowed the goal. tribution of FIFA, to put an win, there were fears he had THE PENINSULA to visit the Corniche on Friday to test Greek league organizers end to actions that blacken sustained serious damage. Doha’s waters ahead of the launched disciplinary pro- the image of the sport and However, the first update DOHA: Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) competition. cedures against Savvidis and the country,” government on his condition from Totten- yesterday welcomed the French Commenting on the French swim- PAOK yesterday, which spokesman Dimitris Tzana- ham since the weekend national swimming team, comprising mers’ training camp, Ibrahim Hilal, could lead to the team being kopoulos said. offered a more optimistic sce- 17 males and six female swimmers Head of Events and National Teams docked points or even rele- A public prosecutor has nario. “Preliminary between the ages of 14-16, for a train- at AZF, said: “AZF is committed to sup- gated, and a maximum ordered a judicial investiga- assessments have confirmed ing camp in preparation for the porting all sporting events hosted in five-year ban for its owner. tion, which will also look that (Kane) has damaged lat- upcoming FINA/HOSA Marathon Doha, including visiting teams, which “We all love football but into why police allegedly eral ligaments in his right Swim World Series 2018. see this as one of their preferred des- it’s unbearable that people ignored instructions by a ankle,” the club said in a More than 122 swimmers repre- tinations to prepare for major are scared to go to a sta- prosecutor to arrest Savvidis statement on Twitter. senting 24 countries will take part in tournaments. This is all thanks to the dium,” Huebel said. on the spot. “The England striker sus- the upcoming World Series, which is comprehensive training facilities here, “How can you bring chil- Savvidis has apologized tained the injury following a due to take place on Saturday, on which offer integrated world-class dren there when there are for his behavior. challenge in our 4-1 win over Doha’s Corniche. facilities to visiting teams to allow guns on the pitch? “The aim Despite the league ban, Bournemouth on Sunday and Speaking about their visit, them to exceed their training of the game is always to win, more soccer violence was is expected to return to first Stéphane Lecat, the manager of the objectives.” of course,” he added. reported in Thessaloniki team training next month.” visiting French team, praised AZF’s AZF and its affiliated organisations “But it can’t be forced by yesterday - this time at a Kane has scored 39 goals for facilities and said the organisation is are perfectly placed to provide an arms, by threats or even by local high school champion- club and country this season well-equipped to host international integrated set of world-class sporting French swimming team From left: Bradley Smith (Red Bul KTM Factory Racing), Karel Abraham (Angel Nieto Team), Tito Rabat (Reale crime.” ship game. and is expected to be Eng- swimming teams. and medical services all in one place. members training at the Avintia Racing), Tom Lüthi (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), Hafizh Syahrin (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), Lorenzo Baldassari Following yesterday’s Police said two people land’s main striker at the As part of their training pro- These are a key contributor to AZF’s Aspire Academy in Doha. (Pons HP 40) and Enea Bastianini (Leopard Racing) pose for a picture during their trip to the Katara Cultural talks, Greek soccer were taken to the hospital. World Cup finals in Russia gramme, the team will focus on goal of becoming the reference in Village in Doha yesterday. which start in June. technique and rehabilitation and plans sports excellence worldwide by 2020. 34 SPORT THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 Westbrook registers 100th triple-double as Oklahoma City Thunder post big win

AFP double-figure scoring as host San with 13 rebounds apiece. Wilson Antonio dumped hapless Orlando. Chandler led the Nuggets with 26 NEW YORK: Russell Westbrook The Spurs snapped a three-game points and 10 boards. scored 32 points, recorded a mile- losing streak but still have lost five of Timberwolves 116, Wizards 111 stone triple-double and led the their past seven outings. The win was Karl-Anthony Towns scored 37 Oklahoma City Thunder to their just San Antonio’s fourth in its past 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to fourth consecutive win, 119-107 over contests. lead visiting Minnesota to a come- the host Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. The loss was the fifth straight for from-behind victory over Westbrook had 12 rebounds and Orlando and 12th in its past 14 games. Washington. 12 assists to complete his 100th career The Magic got 10 points each from The Timberwolves trailed by eight triple-double. Oscar Robertson, Magic Nikola Vucevic and Jonathon points entering the fourth quarter. Johnson and Jason Kidd are the only Simmons. Vucevic also grabbed 10 Minnesota’s Nemanja Bjelica had 17 other players to have 100 triple- rebounds. points and made a couple of key doubles in their careers. Clippers 112, Bulls 106 3-pointers in the fourth period. Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points Milos Teodosic and Lou Williams Markieff Morris had a season-high and sparked a second-half comeback hit key hoops to stall a Chicago run in 27 points for Washington, hitting 10 for the Thunder. Jerami Grant finished the fourth quarter, helping visiting Los of 15 shots from the floor. with 20 points off the bench and made Angeles earn the win. Pacers 101, 76ers 98 big plays down the stretch. Taurean Williams finished with 26 points, Myles Turner led six players in Prince had 25 points and Dennis while DeAndre Jordan ran up a double figures with 25 points to lift Schroder added 18 points for the 29-point, 18-rebound double-double visiting Indiana past Philadelphia. Hawks, who have lost four in a row. for Los Angeles. The Clippers won for Thaddeus Young had 19 points Cavaliers 129, Suns 107 the fifth time in six games. and 10 rebounds and Cory Joseph LeBron James had 28 points as Bobby Portis had a team-high 19 added 13 points for Indiana. part of his 14th triple-double of the points and nine rebounds off the Joel Embiid had 29 points and 12 season, and Kyle Korver scored 22 bench for the Bulls, who have alter- rebounds but committed eight turn- points in his first start since March 4, nated losses and wins in their past overs for the Sixers. Ben Simmons 2017, as visiting Cleveland blew past seven games. registered his seventh triple-double Phoenix. Pelicans 119, Hornets 115 of the season with 10 points, 13 James amassed 13 rebounds and Anthony Davis had 31 points and rebounds and 10 assists. 11 assists, and he made 13 of 15 free 14 rebounds, and host New Orleans Raptors 116, Nets 102 throw attempts as the Cavaliers broke defeated Charlotte. Jonas Valanciunas carried Eastern a two-game losing streak. Jrue Holiday added 25 points as Conference-leading Toronto on an TJ Warren had 19 points and 10 the Pelicans ended a two-game losing off night for stars DeMar DeRozan and rebounds, Josh Jackson had 19 points streak. E’Twaun Moore and Emeka Kyle Lowry as the Raptors won at and Devin Booker had 17 points and Okafor scored 14 points each, and Brooklyn for their ninth straight six assists for the Suns, who lost their Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 17 victory. sixth in a row. They have dropped 16 assists. Valanciunas had a team-high 26 of 17 and 21 of 23. Dwight Howard had 22 points and points and 14 rebounds. DeRozan fin- Jazz 110, Pistons 79 11 rebounds, Kemba Walker scored ished with 15 points on 6-of-12 Rudy Gobert had 22 points and 12 22, Frank Kaminsky had 21 and shooting while Lowry had 11 while rebounds, and five other Utah players Nicolas Batum 20 for the Hornets, going 4-for-13 from the field with 11 scored in double figures as the Jazz who lost for the sixth time in seven assists as the Raptos won for the 16th earned an easy victory over visiting games. time in 17 games. Detroit. Lakers 112, Nuggets 103 D’Angelo Russell scored a game- Joe Ingles added 17 points, seven Los Angeles extracted a measure high 32 points to pace the Nets. assists and seven rebounds for the of revenge on Denver and Jamal Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 19 Jazz. Jonas Jerebko chipped in 16 Murray, rallying in the fourth quarter points and Caris LaVert contributed points and eight rebounds as Utah for a home victory. 11 points and seven assists for notched its seventh straight victory The win came four days after Brooklyn, which has dropped six of and won for the 19th time in the past Murray drew the ire of Lakers players seven. 21 games. and coaches while celebrating Den- Mavericks 110, Knicks 97 Luke Kennard scored 18 points ver’s 125-116 home win over Los Harrison Barnes scored 30 points and Andre Drummond added 13 Angeles. Lakers fans booed Murray as Dallas defeated host New York, points and 11 rebounds for Detroit. every time he touched the ball early which dropped its eighth game in a Blake Griffin also scored 13 points as in the rematch, but the 21-year-old row. Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard LeBron James the Pistons lost for the 11th time in 14 was able to overcome it on an Dennis Smith Jr. had 17 points for (23) drives to the basket against Phoenix games. 18-point night. the Mavericks, and Dirk Nowitzki Suns’ forward Marquese Chriss (0) and Spurs 108, Magic 72 Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle had scored 13. Knicks reserve forward forward TJ Warren (12) during their NBA LaMarcus Aldridge scored 24 26 points apiece and Isaiah Thomas Michael Beasley scored 19 of his 21 game at Talking Stick Resort Arena. points in three quarters of action and added 23 for the Lakers. Kuzma and points in the first half. Tim Hardaway paced five teammates in Randle completed double-doubles Jr. added 19 points for New York. Pastrnak’s heroics lift Bruins past Hurricanes AFP three goals for the Lightning, his first career hat trick. Ryan NEW YORK: David Pastrnak McDonagh added a goal for scored three goals in the third Tampa Bay. period to complete a huge Boston Flames 1, Oilers 0 comeback as the Bruins took Johnny Gaudreau scored the down the Carolina Hurricanes lone goal early in the second 6-4 on Tuesday night in Raleigh, period and goalie Mike Smith N.C. pitched a 28-save shutout as Pastrnak notched a power- Calgary blanked visiting play goal with 3:30 remaining to Edmonton. give the Bruins their first lead Gaudreau tallied at the 5:18 since it was 1-0. mark of the middle frame. Cal- Brad Marchand, Matt gary’s Micheal Ferland won a Grzelcyk and Danton Heinen also board battle with Adam Larsson, scored for Boston. Riley Nash and then gave the puck to Sean Marchand each provided two Monahan, who faked a shot assists while Pastrnak and before feeding a wide-open Grzelcyk had one apiece. Gaudreau at the doorstep. Carolina’s goals were scored Gaudreau roofed a backhander by Sebastian Aho, Teuvo Tera- over the shoulder of Oilers goalie vainen, Justin Williams and Brock Cam Talbot (31 saves). McGinn. Elias Lindholm and Gaudreau’s goal was his 80th Justin Faulk both had two assists. point of the season, a career high. Predators 3, Jets 1 Coyotes 4, Kings 3 (SO) Goalie Pekka Rinne stopped Alex Goligoski’s goal in the 32 of 33 shots, and Nashville fifth round of a shootout gave pulled away for a win over vis- Arizona a win over visiting Los iting Winnipeg. Angeles. The Calgary Flames mix it up after the whistle The Predators earned their Arizona led 3-0 midway with the Edmonton Oilers during their NHL 11th win in 12 games to increase through the second period before their lead atop the Western Con- game at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Los Angeles rallied to force extra ference’s Central Division. Alberta. time. Rookie Coyotes goaltender The Predators reached 100 Adin Hill stopped 34 shots for his points, which is tied with the while Semyon Varlamov stopped Mikko Koivu scored the only The Stars have lost two Ottawa handed Tampa Bay its first career NHL win. Nick Tampa Bay Lightning for most in 33 shots as Colorado started a goal for Minnesota. straight matches, are 1-3-1 in first regulation loss in 11 games. Cousins led the Coyotes with a the NHL. brief, critical late-season road trip Canadiens 4, Stars 2 their past five games and 4-6-2 Hoffman, who scored twice, goal and an assist. Clayton Keller Kevin Fiala, Austin Watson with a win over Minnesota. Artturi Lehkonen had a pair in their last 12. Radek Faksa and has compiled 20 or more goals and Christian Dvorak also scored and Viktor Arvidsson scored for Nikita Zadorov, Nathan of goals and Alex Galchenyuk and Jamie Benn scored for Dallas. in all four of his full NHL seasons. for Arizona in regulation. Nashville. Kyle Connor scored in MacKinnon and Tyson Jost also Jonathan Drouin recorded two Senators 7, Lightning 4 Dzingel, Marian Gaborik, Erik Jeff Carter led the Kings with a losing effort for Winnipeg, lit the lamp for Colorado, which assists each as Montreal defeated Ryan Dzingel and Mike Karlsson and Tom Pyatt each had two goals, while Tanner Pearson which lost its third game in a row. tied Dallas for the two Western visiting Dallas to snap a five- Hoffman both hit the 20-goal a goal and an assist for the supplied Los Angeles’ other goal. Avalanche 5, Wild 1 Conference wild-card positions match losing streak. Canadiens mark, and goalie Mike Condon Senators. Los Angeles goaltender Jack J T Compher scored two goals at 82 points apiece. goalie Antti Niemi made 36 saves. stopped 42 shots as visiting J.T. Miller responded with Campbell recorded 26 saves. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35

Ken Flach, Tennis: Del Potro dumps Ferrer as owner of 6 Grand Slam doubles titles, Cilic crashes out in Indian Wells dies at 54

AP AFP “It is one of my dreams to win this title. I have been in the final and the semis NEW YORK: Ken Flach, who INDIAN WELLS: Juan Martin Del Potro but I have never held the trophy,” he said. won four Grand Slam titles in continued his dominance over David Elsewhere, world number three Cilic men’s doubles and two in Ferrer to book a spot in the Indian Wells became another top seed casualty, losing mixed doubles, has died, fourth round as second seed Marin Cilic in straight sets to Germany’s Philipp according to the ATP World suffered a shock loss. Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-4. Tour and International Tennis World No. 8 Del Potro extended his The 29-year-old Cilic, who reached Federation. He was 54. win streak over the Spaniard to five the finals of two of the last three Grand The ATP World Tour straight matches, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) Slams, dropped to a record of 10-4 on the announced Tuesday that at the ATP Tour hardcourt tournament season. Flach died on Monday night here Tuesday. Kohlschreiber advances to the fourth in California after a brief The 29-year-old Del Potro improved round where he will play unseeded illness. to 7-6 overall against Ferrer and his five Pierre-Hugues Herbert who won his third In a posting on Facebook, consecutive victories date back to the round match when fellow Frenchman Flach’s widow, Christina, 2013 Wimbledon quarter-finals. Gael Monfils retired in the second set with wrote that he “passed away “We always play tough matches. I got a lower back injury. after fighting pneumonia.” lucky,” said Del Potro. “I played really well Cilic blasted five aces but couldn’t “Ken was taken far too in the tiebreak and served well in the overcome Kohlschreiber’s strong serving soon and his sudden passing important moments.” game. The German won 76 percent of his comes as a real shock to eve- Del Potro will next face fellow Argen- first serve points and broke Cilic’s serve ryone in tennis,” ATP Pres- tinian Leonardo Mayer, who defeated Jap- twice, once in each set. ident Chris Kermode said, anese qualifier Taro Daniel 6-4, 6-1. Kohlschreiber said he tried to get the adding that Flach “will be Del Potro is playing some of his best match over as quickly as possible. remembered as one of the tennis in years as he improved to 13-3 on “I felt good. I played aggressive. I great US doubles players in the season. In January he returned the played well in the crucial moments and the history of our sport.” top 10 for the first time since 2014. on the big points,” Kohlschreiber said. “I Flach was remembered He is fresh off winning his 21st career think another key factor was that it was Tuesday on the main stadium title earlier this month in Acapulco when a two-set win.” court at the BNP Paribas Open he steamrolled his way into the final by Kohlschreiber is now 7-4 overall in Indian Wells, California. beating three top 10 players in a row. against Cilic. He has won three out of their His picture was shown on He capped off his Acapulco run by last four meetings, including a straight the video board and the beating South Africa’s Kevin Anderson set victory in the final in Munich on clay announcer mentioned his 6-4, 6-4 in the championship game. in 2012. career highlights during Del Potro, the 2013 Indian Wells He won their first meeting on hard- break in play. finalist, hammered six aces and won 87 court in Moscow in 2007. Flach reached No. 1 in the percent of his first-serve points in the one In other third round matches, men’s doubles rankings and hour, 46 minute match against Ferrer. Canadian No. 1 Milos Raonic beat Portu- paired with Robert Seguso to He says he is eager to get back to the gal’s Joao Sousa 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 and Sam form one of the world’s top final and lift the trophy in the California Querrey of the United States rallied to teams in the 1980s. desert. outlast Yuki Bhambri 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-4. They won 28 titles together, including major championships at the US ATP/WTA Indian Wells results Open in 1985 and Wimbledon Men’s Third Round in 1987 and 1988. They twice Feliciano Lopez (ESP x28) bt Jack Sock (USA x8) 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 6-4 were the runners-up at the US Sam Querrey (USA x18) bt Yuki Bhambri (IND) 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-4 Open. Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) bt Dudi Sela (ISR) 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 Flach and Seguso also Milos Raonic (CAN x32) bt Joao Sousa (POR) 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 collected a gold medal for the United States at the 1988 Marcos Baghdatis Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x6) bt David Ferrer (ESP x29) 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) Seoul Olympics. of Cyprus returns a Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Taro Daniel (JPN) 6-4, 6-1 They played together at backhand against Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-2, 3-1 retired Southern Illinois University Dudi Sela during Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x31) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x2) 6-4, 6-4 at Edwardsville and won the BNP Paribas three Division II national Open at the Indian Women’s Fourth Round championships, according to Wells Tennis Angelique Kerber (GER x10) bt Caroline Garcia (FRA x7) 6-1, 6-1 the ATP. Garden in Indian Simona Halep (ROM x1) bt Wang Qiang (CHN) 7-5, 6-1 Flach finished with a total Wells, California. Petra Martic (CRO) bt Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) of 34 men’s doubles titles, Baghdatis won Naomi Osaka (JPN) bt Maria Sakkari (GRE) 6-1, 5-7, 6-1 including winning the 1993 7-6, 6-4. Karolína Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Amanda Anisimova (USA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) US Open with Rick Leach. Venus Williams (USA x8) bt Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x21) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 Flach’s Grand Slam mixed Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x27) bt Danielle Collins (USA) 6-2, 6-4 doubles trophies came with Darya Kasatkina (RUS x20) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) 6-4, 7-5 Kathy Jordan at the French Open and Wimbledon in 1986. Halep and Venus in quarters; Wozniacki falls AFP of two former champions left in Daria Kasatkina the draw, is now 17-1 on the of Russia returns INDIAN WELLS: World No. 1 season having already won a title Simona Halep and Venus in both singles and doubles at a shot to Caroline Williams punched their tickets to Shenzhen, China. Wozniacki of the Indian Wells quarter-finals, Halep advances to the Denmark during while Caroline Wozniacki quarter-finals where she will face their match of the suffered another exit at the hands unseeded Petra Martic of Croatia BNP Paribas Open of Russia’s rising star Daria who beat Czech Marketa Von- at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Kasatkina. Simona Halep drousova 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). in Indian Wells, Halep breezed through her of Romania Halep called for a timeout in California. fourth round match with a 7-5, celebrates after the first set so her coach Darren 6-1 win over China’s Wang Qiang winning a game Cahill could come down to the and eighth seed Venus Williams against Wang court to discuss strategy. faced a stern test from Anastasija Qiang of China “It was really important, Sevastova but held on for a 7-6 during Day 9 because he just told me what I (8/6), 6-4 victory. of BNP Paribas have to do. I knew that I had to The 20-year-old Kasatkina, Open in Indian change something, but I didn’t who has beaten all four reigning Wells, California. realize what it was exactly,” she Grand Slam champions in the said. past year, continued her giant- “So it was a good chat. I did killing form with a 6-4, 7-5 shock 54 percent of her first serves and it. Kasatkina said she is starting exactly what he said after that,” victory over world No. 2 broke Wozniacki’s serve six times to believe in herself, especially she said. Wozniacki. in the one hour, 40 minute match. when she faces top 10 players. Meanwhile, Venus Williams Kasatkina recorded her “She outsmarted me today,” “In the beginning it was really survived a difficult fourth round second straight win over Woz- Wozniacki said. “But, you know, tough because I was really test to beat Latvia’s Sevastova 7-6 niacki, having also beaten the at least I tried, and I tried to do nervous going on the big stages (8/6), 6-4 just one day after Australian Open champ at the St what I thought I needed to do out against big players,” she said. beating sister Serena in a third Petersburg tournament last there today. “But now with experience round contest. It was the first month. “I just couldn’t execute as well and with time I’m getting into it. time Venus has beaten Serena “I’m playing my best matches as I wanted to.” “I’m getting pretty confident since 2014 in Montreal. against the best players,” she said. It was a disappointing exit for at this level.” But she added, “I She and Serena usually meet “But if you want to be on the top, Wozniacki, who finally silenced am still young so I have to work later in the draw in the semis or you have to beat the top players. her critics earlier this year with on everything.” the championship match. So quite a simple rule.” her maiden Grand Slam title in Kasatkina next plays 10th “It was not an easy match to you have the emotions of, ‘Hey, rallied in the second set against Kasatkina improved to 11-6 Melbourne, where she defeated seed Angelique Kerber, of figure out,” Venus said of her this feels like a final. But guess Sevastova to book her spot in the on the WTA Tour season as she Halep in the final. Germany, who roared past victory Tuesday. what, you’re only in the fourth quarter-finals. seeks to better her quarter-final Wozniacki had a chance to seventh seeded Caroline Garcia “She has everything in her round.’” Venus next faces Carla Suarez appearance here in 2016. get the No. 1 back but she needed 6-1, 6-1. game. And it was a quick Williams, who is the oldest Navarro of Spain who rolled past Kasatkina hit one ace, won to win the Indian Wells title to do Meanwhile, Halep, who is one comeback from yesterday, where female player in the draw at 37, Danielle Collins 6-2, 6-4. THURSDAY 15 MARCH 2018 SPORT 36 Verstappen has definitely got the potential to be a world Reigning champion CRICKET says CRICKET champion We’ve all seen Lewis Hamilton ahead of the new Pakistan Super League: Pakistan Super League: that, that’s why he’s got a season Peshawar Zalmi vs LIVE ON Quetta Gladiators vs great following. Karachi Kings TUBE Islamabad United

Red Bull hoping Vettel main hope as to move back into title contention

Ferrari look for title REUTERS

REUTERS Vettel, a four times LONDON: Like many others, LONDON: Sebastian Vettel’s Sebastian Vettel champion who won his titles Lewis Hamilton sees Red Bull’s task with Ferrari this season is between 2010-13 with Red Bull, Dutch hotshot Max Verstappen as easy to say as it is hard to played down the testing times. (pictured) as a Formula One achieve; bring the Formula One “We are still working on world-champion-in-waiting. world championship back to some things for the first race And the Briton also intends to Maranello and deny Mercedes and it’s not really possible to keep it that way for as long as a fifth in a row. make any predictions based on possible. The oldest, most glamorous the performance of the other “Whilst I’m here I’m going and successful team on the teams, because everyone is to be doing everything I can to starting grid came close last running a different pro- stop him from winning,” the year, with their German driver gramme,” he said. Mercedes driver and four-times leading through the opening 12 “However, I’m happy for world champion told reporters rounds from Melbourne until the guys in the team,” added during this month’s pre-season Monza before the challenge the German, whose pre-season testing in Barcelona. Circuit de Catalunya than unravelled. media engagements have been “I’m sure people won’t par- anyone since the track was But 2018 marks a decade kept to an absolute minimum. ticularly love that but that’s reconfigured in 2007, even if since the Italians last won a But there are also strong to 4,324km -- or more than 14 That has allowed the team what we’re here to do, we’re Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel went championship, their 16th con- signs that the battle will be Australian Grand Prix dis- to focus on the job in hand here to battle. So I’m looking quicker the next day. structors’ crown in 2008, and even closer this year than last, tances. Mercedes managed behind closed doors, even if forward to having some really The Australian’s lap was the pressure -- always intense when Vettel won five races to 1,040 laps or 4,841km. some detect something of a positive battles with him, hope- faster than anything done in even at the best of times -- has four-times champion Hamil- But Ferrari’s fastest laps siege mentality, and spare fully this year.” pre-season last year and also been ratcheting up. ton’s nine. were set on the new hypersoft Vettel too much focus on his The evidence from eight well inside the time Hamilton So too have expectations “Overall, I feel we have a tyres, the quickest type temperament after flare-ups days in Spain would appear to set for Mercedes during the 2017 after Vettel and Finnish team- good package,” said Raik- available, which Mercedes did in 2017. indicate that the reigning cham- Spanish Grand Prix to secure mate Kimi Raikkonen, whose konen, now 38 and likely to be not even take to Barcelona. Ferrari chairman Sergio pion’s task is not about to get pole position. 2007 title remains the 15th and leaving at the end of the cam- Ferrari also went quicker Marchionne, who has also any easier, even if he remains “I’m sure Mercedes are still last won by a Ferrari driver, paign, after his last day of than Mercedes on the ultrasoft made headlines by suggesting the favourite to take another the top dogs at the moment but prepared for the March 25 testing the SF71H car. tyres but slower on mediums, Ferrari could leave the sport if title. I don’t feel we are far off,” com- opener in Australia by lapping “The car gives me a good the best for long stints. Add in they feel it is going in the wrong Former champions Red Bull mented a happy Ricciardo. fastest in testing. feeling and, even if there are times set on different days, with direction, is clear about what finished last season strongly and “If we can keep finding a Such winter times can be still a lot of things to improve, a range of track temperatures, he wants to see. could be pushing Mercedes and few more things we can be very misleading, and teams packed it’s reasonably easy to drive and the jury remains out. “The best thing I think that Ferrari harder than ever when good.” Verstappen ended last up for Melbourne -- a race won and it reacts to the various The amount of smoke could happen in 2018 is for the lights go out at the season- season strongly with two wins by Vettel last year -- with a set-up changes,” added the coming from the Ferrari in the Ferrari to perform up to its true opener in Australia on March in the last six races, a feat suspicion that Lewis Hamil- Finn. pitlane in Spain will also be potential and to take on the 25. matched only by Hamilton, ton’s Mercedes are still in front Ferrari completed 929 laps something to watch, with some competition,” he said last The body language from while Ricciardo was triumphant and that Ferrari might even of the Barcelona circuit over suggesting their engine was month after the company’s Red Bull team bosses certainly in Azerbaijan. have fallen behind Red Bull. the eight days of testing, equal using more oil than others. fourth quarter results. suggests hopes are up. Red Bull, winners of four That could make things very championships in a row interesting indeed -- not just for between 2010 and 2013 with Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari during testing the fans but also between Vettel, finished the 2017 cam- in this February 27, 2018 file photo. 20-year-old Verstappen, with paign third overall. his army of orange shirted fans, “He (Verstappen) has defi- and smiling but ferociously nitely got the potential to be a quick Australian team mate world champion,” said Daniel Ricciardo. Hamilton. “There’s three quick teams “We’ve all seen that, that’s and there’s no doubt that Red why he’s got a great following. Bull are going to be the people We’ve seen the way he drives, that we are going to be fighting he’s got a great potential as a with this year,” said Mercedes driver and he’s in a great team. technical head James Allison And I think he’s in a perfect during the final week of testing. place to continue growing. “There’s still some blur- “I still hadn’t had my first riness, it’s still not possible to season under my belt at 21 so say for sure whether we’ve got he’s already further ahead than our nose in front of them or me and a lot of the drivers.” they’ve got their nose in front The latest odds have Ver- of us. But you can say it’s close. stappen as 5-1 third favourite Ricciardo wrote the head- for the title, after Hamilton and lines last week when he went Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, with faster around Barcelona’s Ricciardo fourth but at 10-1. McLaren need to deliver after testing times REUTERS and a new relationship with Renault, to their credit, and the team of cham- be forgotten if McLaren come good in McLaren need to deliver. Another season pions such as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Australia and beyond, however. LONDON: New engine partners and a of disappointment would be more than Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton, “There is nothing fundamentally happy Fernando Alonso fuelled fresh fans could bear. have not won a race since the end of wrong with the car,” said Alonso. optimism at McLaren over the winter “There’s no hiding,” executive 2012. “The issues we have had are under months -- and then the testing came director Zak Brown had said before the McLaren’s 12th and last driver’s title control. Unfortunately we keep discov- along. car took to the track for the first time, was provided by Hamilton nearly a ering small things but that is making us March has not been kind to the fallen recognising that McLaren would be in decade ago, in 2008, and they have yet in a strong position for Australia because giants of Formula One, who have suf- the spotlight, and those words apply now to win a constructors’ crown in this we are strengthening all the small fered more problems and done fewer more than ever. millennium. things.” laps on the test track than any other “But this team has won lots of world McLaren lost track time to technical McLaren’s papaya orange and blue team. championships so we’re up for it,” he issues on five of the eight days of testing, car has caught the eye also for the large The missed mileage may be no more added. with a sixth virtually wiped out by snow. expanses of bodywork unadorned by than a minor setback, and Alonso put in The past five years do not make Turbo trouble and an engine change sponsor logos, and a return to form some notably quick times right at the happy reading for the sport’s second on the final day at the Circuit de Cat- would help fill them. end, but the team head to Australia for most successful team, who finished ninth alunya cost Alonso five hours of running, A top three finish will be a big chal- McLaren’s Belgian driver Stoffel the March 25 season-opener with some out of 10 in 2017 with a meagre 30 points but he then returned to pump out the lenge, with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Vandoorne drives at the Circuit de uncertainty. -- 638 fewer than champions second fastest time of the day. Bull taking all but one podium place Catalunya in Montmelo in this March After a nightmare three years with Mercedes. The sight of a stricken car returning between them in the last season’s 20 8, 2018 file photo. Honda ended in a parting of the ways An outfit with 182 grand prix victories to the pits on a recovery truck will soon races.