THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2019 SPORT 08 We are delighted to be in the Manchester City coach quarter-finals. The last 15 Pep Guardiola after FOOTBALL FOOTBALL minutes and the second half his team’s 7-0 win over Europa League: Dynamo we were incredibly good, quick Schalke 04 in Champions Europa League: Inter Milan Kiev vs Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt and dynamic. League Round of 16. ACTION TODAY’S Udana’s heroics not enough for sorry Sri Lanka AFP attempting a single but his bat PORT ELIZABETH was in the air when a throw from Reeza Hendricks hit the A blazing innings by tailender stumps at the bowler’s end. Isuru Udana could not prevent Sri Lanka were 131 for nine another heavy defeat for Sri when Malinga was out but Lanka in the fourth one-day Udana smashed 55 runs in a international against South 58-run last- partnership Africa at St George’s Park with Kasun Rajitha. The other yesterday. three runs were extras. Batting at number nine, Udana, who has hit two Udana hit 78 in a Sri Lankan centuries in first-class , total of 189. But it was not nearly made his runs off 57 balls and enough as South Africa cruised hit seven fours and four sixes -- to a six-wicket win and a 4-0 three of them off successive balls lead in the series with 17.1 overs from fast bowler Anrich Nortje. Australian cricketers pose with the trophy after winning the final ODI against India in New Delhi, yesterday. to spare. He was named man-of-the- Sri Lankan Lasith match despite being on the Malinga again lamented the losing side. Udana’s assault failure of the top-order batting. spoilt what was promising to be “This wicket is very suitable an excellent day for Nortje, to the bat,” he said. playing in his home town. Khawaja leads Australia “They (the batsmen) didn’t In only his third ODI and realise their value and take the bidding to secure a place in opportunity to play a long South Africa’s World Cup squad, innings.” Nortje was one of the main Quinton de Kock hit his fifth destroyers of the Sri Lankan top to series win over India successive ODI half-century for order, taking three for 19 in his South Africa, making 51 before first spell of six overs. But he AFP SCOREBOARD Richardson sent back Jadhav to NEW DELHI he became one of three victims conceded 38 runs, 37 of them to Australia India silence the home crowd. for off-spinner Dhananjaya de Udana, in his last two overs. U Khawaja c Kohli b Kumar ...... 100 R Sharma st Carey b Zampa ...... 56 Earlier, Cummins drew first Silva, who opened the bowling Sri Lanka’s decision to open A fluent century by Usman A Finch b Jadeja ...... 27 S Dhawan c Carey b Cummins ...... 12 blood after getting Shikhar and took three for 41. the bowling with the spin of De Khawaja and incisive bowling P Handscomb c Pant b Shami ...... 52 V Kohli c Carey b Stoinis ...... 20 Dhawan caught behind for 12 on Udana apart, it was a dismal Silva paid off with the early helped Australia ease to a 35-run G Maxwell c Kohli b Jadeja ...... 1 R Pant c Turner b Lyon ...... 16 a pacy away-going . batting performance by Sri wicket of Hendricks but De Kock series clinching win in the fifth M Stoinis b Kumar ...... 20 V Shankar c Khawaja b Zampa ...... 16 But it was Stoinis who got A Turner c Jadeja b Yadav ...... 20 K Jadhav c Maxwell b Richardson ...... 44 Lanka, marked by soft dis- and the recalled Aiden one-day international yesterday. Kohli’s prized scalp after the star A Carey c Pant b Shami ...... 3 R Jadeja st Carey b Zampa ...... 0 missals, with none softer than Markram (29) set South Africa Adam Zampa took three J Richardson run out (Kohli/Pant) ...... 29 B Kumar c Finch b Cummins ...... 46 batsman edged a cross-seam the run-out of Malinga. well on the way to victory with to help dismiss India for P Cummins c and b Kumar ...... 15 M Shamic and b Richardson ...... 3 delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Sri Lanka have lost all eight a second-wicket stand of 56 off 237 on the last ball of their N Lyon () ...... 1 K Yadav b Stoinis ...... 8 Carey. He was on 20. ODIs under Malinga’s captaincy 63 balls. innings after Khawaja’s 100 Extras (B1, W3) ...... 4 J Bumrah (not out) ...... 1 Spinner Nathan Lyon and and the veteran was dismissed Captain Faf du Plessis made guided the tourists to 272 for nine Total (9 wickets) ...... 272 Extras (LB7, W8) ...... 15 Zampa then combined to get a in almost embarrassing 43 before David Miller and JP at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla Fall of wickets: 1-76, 2-175, 3-178, 4-182 , Total (all out, 50 overs) ...... 237 wicket each and the hosts slipped circumstances. Duminy, the latter returning ground. 5-210, 6-225, 7-229, 8-263, 9-272 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-68, 3-91, 4-120, 5-132, to 120 for four midway into the Batting at number ten, he from a long-term injury, closed Pat Cummins, Jhye Rich- Did not bat: A Zampa 6-132, 7-223, 8-223, 9-230, 10-237 innings. Bowling: Kumar 10-0-48-3 (w1), Shami 9-0-57- Bowling: Cummins 10-1-38-2 (w1), Richardson played the ball to midwicket. Not out the match with an unbeaten ardson and Marcus Stoinis 2, Bumrah 10-0-39-0, Yadav 10-0-74-1 (w2), 10-0-47-2, Stoinis 4-0-31-2 (w6), Lyon 10-1-34-1 Rohit Sharma, who survived only did he fail to sprint in 44-run stand. claimed two wickets each to set Jadeja 10-0-45-2, Jadhav 1-0-8-0 (w1), Zampa 10-1-46-3, Maxwell 6-0-34-0 a dropped chance on 53, could up Australia’s first win in a five- not capitalise on the spill by SCOREBOARD match ODI series after being 0-2 Glenn Maxwell off Zampa as he down. really good team performance... Virat Kohli. Ravindra Jadeja got out to the same bowler three Sri Lanka South Africa A Fernando c Duminy b Nortje ...... 29 Q de Kock c Tharanga b De Silva ...... 51 But the left-handed Khawaja Even when we lost the first two returned to get the dangerous runs later. U Tharanga c Shamsi b Steyn ...... 4 R Hendricks c T Perera b De Silva ...... 8 stood out for the tourists with his games, we had a good vibe in the Glenn Maxwell for one and Australia played with more O Fernando c Hendricks b Ngidi ...... 0 A Markram c De Silva b Rajitha ...... 29 100 off 106 deliveries that guided dressing room,” he added. Handscomb was caught behind passion, hunger and heart and c Nortje b Phehlukwayo ...... 21 F du Plessis c P Perera b De Silva ...... 43 Australia to what turned out to The left-right batting pair of off Shami as Australia slipped to they deserved to win,” Kohli said P Perera c De Kock b Nortje ...... 0 D Miller (not out) ...... 25 be a match-winning score. Khawaja and Handscomb stayed 182-4. in the post-match press Kamindu Mendis c De Kock b Nortje ...... 9 J Duminy (not out) ...... 31 His scores of 50, 38, 104 and firm during a 99-run stand to lay The Aussies kept losing conference. D de Silva c Nortje b Duminy ...... 22 Extras (LB1, W2) ...... 3 91 in the previous matches made the foundation of their team’s wickets but Richardson played “They were brave in pressure T Perera c and b Shamsi ...... 12 Total (4 wkts) ...... 190 him stand tall in the batting chart total after skipper Aaron Finch a useful cameo of 29 off 21 deliv- situations compared to our I Udana c Du Plessis b Phehlukwayo ...... 78 Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-77, 3-110, 4-144 L Malinga run out (Hendricks) ...... 0 Bowling: De Silva 10-1-41-3, Malinga 7-0-38-0 between the two teams. was out on 27. eries before being run out on the game, especially in the last three K Rajitha (not out) ...... 0 (1w), Udana 2-0-15-0, Rajitha 5-0-32-1 (1w), “It’s a lot of fun scoring hun- Khawaja got the second final ball of the 50th over. games, the way they handled the Extras (LB2, W12) ...... 14 Kamindu Mendis 4-0-34-0, O Fernando 2-0-16- dreds and even more fun hundred of his ODI career with India were reduced to 132 for pressure, they really deserved to Total (39.2 overs) ...... 189 0, T Perera 2.5-0-13-0 winning games. Very good to a single off Kuldeep Yadav as he six in their reply but Kedar win.” Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-19, 3-51, 4-51, 5-69, Did not bat: A Phehlukwayo, D Steyn, A Nortje, L come back from 0-2 down, and waved the bat to an applauding Jadhav, who made 44, and It was India’s final ODI 6-71, 7-97, 8-123, 9-131 Ngidi, T Shamsi never easy to beat India at Australian dressing room. Kumar threatened to pull off the before the World Cup in Bowling: Steyn 7-0-32-1 (1w), Ngidi 5-1-22-1, Result: South Africa won by six wickets home,” said an excited Khawaja. He lost his wicket in the next chase during their 91-run stand England and Wales starting May Nortje 8-0-57-3 (2w), Phehlukwayo 5.2-0-21-2 Series: South Africa lead the five-match series “Our spinners, and our over to paceman Bhuvneshwar for the seventh wicket. 30. Australia head to the UAE (2w), Shamsi 10-0-34-1 (3w), Duminy 4-0-21-1 4-0 batters adapted really well and Kumar with a drive to cover that Cummins got Kumar caught to play Pakistan later this at the end of the day, it was a was safely caught by skipper and bowled for 46 and month.

Quetta Gladiators’ Mohammad Hasnain (right) and captain PSL: Pacer Hasnain lives up to top billing Sarfraz Ahmed celebrate a wicket in this file photo.

THE PENINSULA KARACHI Mickey Arthur, Hasnain was said he was instantly impressed. rewarded with a place in the “He (Hasnain) is someone who national team for the upcoming is incredibly fast and skillful, and Four years ago, Australia’s maestro I had the same pace one-day series against Australia we will see a hell lot of him in the Steve Waugh had predicted and vigour at this age. in UAE. coming days. He is doing a great Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasnain is very talented, “Myself and Inzamam-ul-Haq job for Quetta,” said Watson., Mohammad Hasnain will make it and has pace, bounce and watched a lot of the PSL and Former great Waqar Younis big by playing international Hasnain fills a hole we are looking has been a role model for Hasnain. cricket. the determination. I have for in the national team,” Mickey “I grew up with an aim to Shaheen corrected Waugh’s told him not to lose his told psl-t20.com. become a fast bowler and Waqar prediction by featuring in all three pace, which is his strong The tall, earthy complexioned was my role model,” said Hasnain. international formats in the last point: Waqar Younis Hasnain started playing at an early “I am thrilled that my first PSL has one year. It’s now Hasnain’s turn, age. Hyderabad region coach Iqbal brought me so much reward. It who is set to make a name for Imam spotted his talent and has was my childhood dream to play himself at the top-level. Steve Waugh came to watch his seen his progress over the years. for Pakistan and its near to Apart from elder Waugh’s pre- son Austin and when he saw He was selected by Islamabad fulfillment.” diction, there is one more common Shaheen and Hasnain in action, United last year, but an injury Waqar said he sees himself in thing about the two fast bowlers there, he predicted the two boys ruled him out from the HBL PSL Hasnain. – they have made a big impact on will make an impact at interna- 2018. He made his first-class debut “Yes, I had the same pace and HBL Pakistan Super League, which tional level,” Masroor recalled. for PTV against Multan in Sep- vigour at this age. Hasnain is very has paved their way into the Hasnain made an instant tember and picked up three talented, and has pace, bounce and Pakistan team. impact in the HBL PSL 2019, with wickets, while his and final second the determination. I have told him Pakistan Under-15 team’s his speed and hunger to do well. match to date went wicket-less. not to lose his pace, which is his former coach Mohammad Masroor Although, he has taken just seven This year Quetta Gladiators strong point. recalled the tour to Australia in wickets in five matches, his ability picked him as their 21st player. “What I have noticed is that 2015. to constantly bowl at 150kph has Since then, he has become apart from Shoaib Akhtar, all other “We did well on the tour and caught everyone’s eye. number-one as far as the emerging pacers lost their pace after starting during one of the matches at the So impressed were the talent is concerned. at 140-150kph, so Hasnain needs Bradman Ground near Sydney, selectors and the team head coach Team-mate Shane Watson to heed on that,” said Waqar. THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2019 SPORT 09 Bad day for world No. 1s: Djokovic and Osaka upset at Indian Wells

AP “Completely different conditions today. INDIAN WELLS, CALIF I congratulate him for playing tactically really well and getting me out of my comfort It was a tough day for seeded players at the zone. He deserved to win.” BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday, with Novak “To be honest, I don’t enjoy losing, Djokovic and Naomi Osaka, the world’s top- nobody does, but especially in a tournament ranked players, ushered out in the desert. like this, a tournament where I have had Djokovic and Philipp Kohlschreiber plenty of success in the past,” Djokovic told resumed their third-round match that was reporters. suspended because of rain a night earlier. “I thought I was in good form. I was The unseeded German knocked off the practicing well. But it just happens, one of five-time tournament champion 6-4, 6-4. those days. You just have to deal with it, Osaka lost to Belinda Bencic 6-3, 6-1 in move on, turn the next page.” just over an hour in the fourth round of the The tournament in Indian Wells was first title defense of her career. Djokovic’s first since winning his seventh “She sort of came out there really Australian Open title in January and the aggressive,” Osaka said. “She sort of knew 31-year-old said he had already put the what she wanted to do more than me.” defeat behind him and turned his thoughts Since Osaka won the title at Indian Wells to next week’s Miami Open. a year ago, she won the U.S and Australian “I had to get over it in an hour, because Opens. I played doubles,” Djokovic added. “I must Her triumph in Australia made her No. admit I was thinking about it... but it’s part 1 for the first time, but her time at the top has of our world, and we just have to bounce been rocky. back very quickly. Osaka fired her coach and lost in the first “Miami is the next tournament singles- round in Dubai before taking on a new coach, wise for me. I’m not at my highest level, I Jermaine Jenkins, who came on court during know that... but hopefully I’ll be able to peak the match. in Miami.” “It’s always a bit tricky whenever you The 35-year-old German started thinking change someone in the team, but I feel like he had a chance early in the first set when for a first tournament we did really well,” he survived a handful of break points on his Osaka said. “We communicate well, so I think serve. that’s a really big plus. I don’t think it’s going “I would say after 3-all in the first set I to be difficult.” felt like getting closer to the set, holding my On Tuesday, the 23rd-ranked Bencic service games, which is not easy against served and returned better. Novak, because he’s such a great returner,” The bottom half of the men’s draw still Kohlschreiber said. “I know from that point includes No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal and fourth- on it’s going to be a very interesting match.” seeded Roger Federer, both of whom breezed Djokovic was just 1 for 5 on break-point to victory. opportunities. Kohlschreiber converted three Nadal eased by 25th-seeded Diego of his four chances. Schwartzman 6-3, 6-1, while Federer Next up for Kohlschreiber is Gael Monfils, defeated Swiss countryman Stan Wawrinka who owns a 13-2 record against the German. 6-3, 6-4. Djokovic remains alive in doubles with “Overall it’s not been easy playing Stan,” partner Fabio Fognini. Djokovic returned Federer said. “He feels the same way, so about an hour after his loss for their match. that’s very awkward sometimes.” “When I hit a good return, I was won- Djokovic owned an 8-1 record against dering why this didn’t happen in singles,” he Kohlschreiber, who beat a No. 1 player for said. the first time. Kohlschreiber liked the Also ousted were No. 6 Kei Nishikori, No. weather - sunshine and temperatures in the 10 Marin Cilic and No. 14 Daniil Medvedev. Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in action during his third- low 70s - much better than the cold and rain In women’s fourth-round matches, No. round match against Novak Djokovic (not pictured) in the on Tuesday night. 2 Simona Halep lost to Marketa Vondrousova BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. “I liked my chances more at night against 6-2, 3-6, 6-2; and No. 7 Kiki Bertens was Kohlschreiber, but it wasn’t to be last night,” beaten by 20th-seeded Garbine Muguruza Djokovic said. 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Osaka finds positives Naomi Osaka (not pictured) in her fourth-round match in the BNP Paribas Open at the after losing to Bencic Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

AFP remains the only women’s repeat said when asked how she had INDIAN WELLS winner in the event. changed. Osaka said the first title “I feel like this is something World number one Naomi Osaka defense of her career had I’m still working on, on and off was trying to find the positives brought different challenges, and the court. It’s one of the biggest after her Indian Wells WTA title she thought she handled them goals that I have had my entire defense went up in smoke on well. life. Tuesday. “I think I did well,” she said. “Because I might have The US and Australian Open “It’s just really exciting to come thrown a few tantrums last year champion found at least one. out here every day and for eve- and this year it’s something I’m “I didn’t lose in the first ryone to be so kind. There were working on improving and I feel round. That’s a plus,” Osaka said so many fans, I think that that’s like it’s going well. after falling in the fourth round part of the experience. Yeah, I “I think I’m just more con- 6-3, 6-1 in just 66 minutes to think I did well for my first time.” fident in myself.” red-hot Belinda Bencic of She said she could see a She’s also confident that her Switzerland. change in herself since she decision to bring American coach Osaka conceded she didn’t arrived unheralded at Indian Jermaine Jenkins into her team play well, but she didn’t find the Wells last year and walked away is working out. lopsided scoreline depressing with a victory that sparked a Osaka surprised the tennis “I think it’s always a bit tricky collegiate star who served as a difficult. I think that we are all because “I tried my best and I stellar 2018 campaign that world when she parted with whenever you change someone hitting partner to Venus Williams sort of on the same page, and we don’t really have any regrets.” included a win over Serena Wil- coach Sascha Bajin shortly after in the team, but I feel like for a from 2015 until the end of last are all looking forward to Osaka had won nine straight liams in the US Open final. winning the Australian Open and first tournament we did really season. “We communicate well. Miami,” she said. games at Indian Wells, but “One of the biggest things is moving to number one in the well,” she said of her partnership So I think that’s a really big plus. “Yeah, I think it should be Martina Navratilova in 1990-91 I wanted to be more mature,” she world. with Jenkins, a former US I don’t think it’s going to be good.”

Indian Wells WTA/ATP Masters results - collated Novak Djokovic of Serbia congratulates Philipp Indian Wells: Results on Tuesday in the BNP Paribas Open WTA and ATP Masters hardcourt tournament (x-denotes seeded player): Kohlschreiber of Germany on the latter’s singles victory MEN’S 3RD ROUND WOMEN’S 4TH ROUND on Day 9 of the BNP Paribas Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) bt Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) 6-4, 6-4 Belinda Bencic (SUI x23) bt Naomi Osaka (JPN x1) 6-3, 6-1 Open. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) bt Kei Nishikori (JPN x6) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 Karolína Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Anett Kontaveit (EST x21) 7-6 (7/0), 4-6, 6-2 Denis Shapovalov (CAN x24) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x10) 6-4, 6-2 Venus Williams (USA) bt Mona Barthel (GER) 6-4, 6-4 Kyle Edmund (GBR x22) bt Radu Albot (MDA) 6-3, 6-3 Angelique Kerber (GER x8) bt Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x9) 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 Roger Federer (SUI x4) bt Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 6-3, 6-4 Garbine Muguruza (ESP x20) bt Kiki Bertens (NED x7) 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 John Isner (USA x8) bt Guido Pella (ARG x32) 6-3, 6-4 Karen Khachanov (RUS x12) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS) 7-5, 6-3 Bianca Andreescu (CAN) bt Wang Qiang (CHN x18) 7-5, 6-2 FKrajinovic (SRB) bt Daniil Medvedev (RUS x14) 6-3, 6-2 Elina Svitolina (UKR x6) bt Ashleigh Barty (AUS x12) 7-6 (10/8), 5-7, 6-4 Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Diego Schwartzman (ARG x25) 6-3, 6-1 Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) bt Simona Halep (ROM x2) 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 10 SPORT THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2019

2019 MANATEQ QATAR INTERNATIONAL RALLY: Home hero Al Attiyah to lead LIST OF STARTERS 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA): Volkswagen Pole GTI R5 quality field into MERC opener 2. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (QAT)/ Marshall Clarke (GBR): Škoda Fabia R5 THE PENINSULA Eighteen FIA cars Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah tests his new Volkswagen Pole GTI R5 ahead of the Manateq Qatar 3. Meshari Al Thefiri (KWT)/ LUSAIL and seven National International Rally which begins today. Nasser Al Kuwari (QAT): Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Defending regional rally entrants on champion Nasser Saleh Al provisional starting 4. Khalid Al Suwaidi (QAT)/ Attiyah (pictured) leads a list as Manateq Qatar Dmitry Jakochenko (RUS): potential field of 18 FIA cars, International Rally Ford Fiesta R5 seven national entrants and 6. Nasser Khalifa Al Atya competitors from 13 nations into kicks off at Souq (QAT)/Nicola Arena (ITA): Ford the start of the Manateq Qatar Al Wakra today. International Rally at Souq Al Fiesta R5 Wakra this evening. 7. Hamed bin Eid Al Thani Both the ceremonial start (QAT)/Dale Moscatt (AUS): (20.15hrs onwards) and spec- of WRC and MERC events. Ford Fiesta R5 tacular new super special stage His best season to date came 9. Abdulla Al Kuwari (QAT)/ (9:05pm onwards) will be filmed when he finished second in WRC live on Al Rayyan television. 2 in the FIA World Rally Cham- Hugo Magalhães (POR): Al Attiyah and French nav- pionship in 2013 and won Subaru Impreza igator Matthieu Baumel missed rounds of the WRC’s secondary 10. Jaralla Jahman (QAT)/ out on the win last season to category in Méxco, Argentina Feras Allouh (QAT): Subaru Czech driver Vojtech Stajf in and Australia. Impreza what developed into a two- Motortune is running a Ford 12. Mohammed Al Meer horse race for the regional title. Fiesta R5 for Qatar’s Khalid Al On this season’s opener in Suwaidi and his new Russian (QAT)/Alexei Kuzmich (RUS): Qatar, Al Attiyah will not be able co-driver Dmitry Jakochenko, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X to rest on his laurels in the new while the 1993 regional series 15. Saif Al Harthy (OMN)/ Autotek-run Volkswagen Polo runner-up Nasser Khalifa Al is completed by Qatar-based Mohammed Al Mazruii (OMN): GTI R5 that he tested for the first Atya and Italian navigator German lady Edith Weiss and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X time on Wednesday afternoon Nicola Arena are back in action Lebanon’s Ahmad Khaled. after completing his two-day for an assault at the regional title Jordan’s Asem Aref (Renault) 16. Khalid Al Mohannadi route reconnaissance. The in a Ford Fiesta R5. Al Atya last will lock horns with friend and (QAT)/Loic Minaudier (FRA): 13-time winner of the event competed in his home event defending MERC 3 champion Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X faces competition from four R5s back in 1997 and retired his Henry Kahy (Škoda) of Lebanon 18. Abdullah Al Ruwahi on this occasion, which is tes- Subaru Impreza with steering to determine who takes the (OMN)/Ata Hmoud (JOR): tament to the renewed interest issues. early season lead in the two- in the regional rally series. Al Suwaidi will line up in the wheel drive category. Subaru Impreza The Spanish Mc Racing team R5 that Adel Abdulla used to Seven cars should take 19. Rashid Al Mohannadi is running a QMMF-backed Ford secure a fine second overall at part in a National Rally (QAT)/Yousef Juma (JOR): Fiesta and Škoda Fabia R5 for this event last November. The behind the main FIA event. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X the 1993 regional champion 33-year-old has been absent Entrants include Oman’s 20. Stefano Marrini (ITA)/ Sheikh Hamed bin Eid Al Thani from the WRC since finishing Zakariya Al Shanfari, Jarah Al and a returning Abdulaziz Al fourth in WRC 2 in Australia in Tooqi and Humaid Al Waili, Nicolas Oscar Diaz (ARG): Kuwari. Both have vast expe- 2016, although he did return to Oman’-based Briton Shaun Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X rience in the MERC: Al Kuwari action the following season, only McGonigal and Qatar’s Nadim 21. Edith Weiss (DEU)/Lana gave the Prodrive Mini S2000 to roll a Škoda Fabia R5 out of Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and his French co-driver Matthieu Ziade. Sutlovic (CRO): Mitsubishi a first ever outright interna- his home event. Baumel pose for a photograph after a test run yesterday. Officials have laid on 11 Lancer Evo X tional victory in Qatar in 2012. The Qatar Motor and Motor- special stages, totalling 203.72 The duo will be partnered cycle Federation (QMMF) has competitive kilometres, in a 22. Asem Aref (JOR)/Faris Al by Australian Dale Moscatt and also received impressive interest Oman, Germany, Lebanon and in a five-pronged challenge, total route of 707.71km. Tal (JOR): Renault Clio England’s Marshall Clarke, in the MERC 2 or showroom cat- Italy. while Oman’s hopes rest on the The gravel stages will take 23. Henry Kahy (LEB)/Musa respectively, this weekend. egory. Meshari Al Thefiri teams The host nation will be rep- shoulders of young Abdullah Al place in the north of the Djiyerian (JOR): Škoda Fabia Clarke last sat alongside Al up with local navigator Nasser resented in MERC 2 by last year’s Ruwahi and Saif Al Harthy. country in the Al Ruwais, Al 24. Ahmad Khaled (LEB)/ Kuwari when they crashed out Al Kuwari to try and kick-start category winner Abdulla Al Italian driver Stefano Marrini Ghariyah, Al Dhakira and Al of the Qatar event in 2016, the the defence of his regional Kuwari, Jaralla Jahman, teams up with Argentina’s Khor areas before the cere- Dany Kairouz (LEB): Mitsubishi last season where the 39-year- crown in style, but the Kuwaiti Mohammed Al Meer and both Nicolas Diaz in his Mitsubishi monial finish at Souq Waqif Lancer Evo VIII old Qatari had a full programme faces challenges from Qatar, Khalid and Rashid Al-Mohannadi and the wellwell-supported- category on Saturday evening. Ulsan,n, RonaldoRonaldo lalaudedu as ‘King KKawasakiawasaki earnearn 1-0 ofof ChampionsChamp League’

REUTERS They gave away a legend for wwinsins in ACACLL MADRIDMADRIID 100 million euros. We just saw that Ronaldo is priceless. APP Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo wawass laudedlaude in the Letting him go was a historic SEOUL,EOUL, SOSOUTHUTH KKOREAOREA SpanishSpanishis prespresss afterafter his stunningstunn hat- error. Cristiano wasn’t worth tricktrick in Tuesday’sTueu sday’s 33-0-0 winwin overover Atletico 100 million euros, he was worth MadridMadrid ssentent Juventus ininto the Onene Brazilian missed his best chance Marca Cavani to miss forr a goal, and another BrazilianBrazilian quarquarter-finalsrter-finafii lssso ooffft ththee ChamChampions a billion: Spanish daily punishednished him for it. League.Leaggue. JuniorJunior Negrao scored the lone goal Ronaldo’sRonaonaldo’ssre record-equallingrecordc -equ hands of Ajax Amsterdam last week, Uruguay’s in thehe secondsecond half yesterday to give eightheighthht trebletreble in EurEuEEurope’sope’o s elite com- had allowed their all-time top scorer Southth KoreanKorean club Ulsan Horang-iHorang-i petitionpetition hauhauledleded JuveJuJuvJuventusntus back to leave for €103m ($116.3m) last July. trip to China a 1-00 victoryvictory over Chinese champion from a 2-02-0 defeatdefeaeat in the firstfir leg “Madrid should never have let a Shanghaighai SIPG in the Asian Cham-Cham- inn MadridMadrid andand sesentnt thethe SSeriee A player like this escape, when he had REUTERS pionss League.League. leadersleadeadders throtthroughughu 3-2 ono aaggregate.ggre a contract, was the all-time top scorer MONTEVIDEO Formerormer Brazil forward Hulk Ittw waswasa thet he fifthfiftht timetimtit e thethe Portu-Po and one of the patrons of the four came closeclose to giving the Chinese guesegueseefo foforwardrwarwarddha hahadd helpedhelped to knkknock Champions League wins,” added Injured Paris St-Germain team the lead but couldncouldn’t’t AtleticoAtletico outt off the ChampionsChamC pions League,Leag Marca. striker Edinson Cavani convert.rt. havinghaving wonwon thethe 20142 014011 and 2016 finalsfin “They gave away a legend for 100 (pictured, above) has been left Ulsan,an, which won the Asian against them and beatingbeae ting themthem in thet million euros. We just saw that out of the Uruguay squad for title in 2012012,2, leads Group H witwithh quarter-finalsquarter-finaals iinn 2015 aandnd semi-finalssemi-fin Ronaldo is priceless. Letting him go upcoming matches in the China four points,oints, one more than in 20172017 with RealReaR l Madrid.Madrid. was a historic error. Cristiano wasn’t Cup, the country’s football asso- Shanghai.ai. “Cristiano“Cristiano iimposesmposes hishis law,”law,” saidsa worth 100 million euros, he was worth ciation said on Tuesday. In thehe ootherther group match, the frontfronnt covercover of SpanishSpanish news-news a billion.” Cavani, who injured his Manabu SSaitoaito scored a late ggoaloal paperpaper MarcaMarcac , whilewhile dailydailly ASA There was also criticism for hamstring in February, to give Japanesepanese team KawasaKawasakiki hailedhailh ed RRonaldo,onalo do, who iss ttheheh Atletico’s negative tactics and their returned for a last-minute Frontale a 11-0-0 victory over Sydney leadingleadingin goalgoalscorerscorer i inn attempt to merely defend their lead. appearance in PSG’s elimi- FC. Saito scoredcored from close range the compcompetition,etittion,n, as Diego Simeone’s side did not manage nation by Manchester United in the 83rdrd minute to give the “the kinkingng of theth to have one shot on target in the 90 last week but officials said they Japanese chachampionsmpions their first ChampionsChamm pions minutes. preferred to let him recover win in ninee games in the concon-- League.”League.”e”” “With Cristiano in the mood for a rather than make the long trip tinental competition.mpetition. KawasaKawasakiki ThereTherhe e demolition and on one of those nights to Asia. also has threeee pointspoints in Group waswas also a which make him the most ravenous Luis Suarez will make the H, while Sydneyydney is last with sensesenssen e off and lethal striker in history, Juventus journey and the 23-man squad one. Juventus’ Cristiano regretregregret walked all over Atletico,” said El Pais. contained no other major sur- Only thee top two teams Ronaldo celebrates that Real,Real, Atletico, who have lost three prises with all bar Penarol full- from each of the eight groups scoring a hat-trick whowh had European Cup finals, had targeted back Giovanni Gonzalez playing advance to thehe nextnext stage. against Atletico a huhumili-mili- reaching this year’s showpiece in their their club football outside In Groupp G, Supachok Madrid during the atingatinn g Wanda Metropolitano stadium. Uruguay. exit at Now their only focus is chasing Sarachat scoredred early in the Champions League - The South Americans play the ddown La Liga leaders Barcelona, who second half to givegive Thai Round of 16 second Uzbekistan in the first semi- hhave a seven-point advantage at the champion Buriramriram UnitedUnited leg match played final of the China Cup in totop of the Spanish top flight. a 1-0 win overver South in Turin, Italy, on Nanning on March 22 and then Korean club Jeonbuk Tuesday. either China or Thailand in a Motors. second game three days later. THURSDAY 14 MARCH 2019 SPORT 11 Turkish Airlines partners with Ooredoo Ride of Champions

THE PENINSULA DOHA

Turkish Airlines signed a spon- sorship agreement with the Ooredoo Ride of Cham- pions, Qatar’s flagship Cycling event. General Manager of Turkish Qatar’s Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation President, Yousef Jaham Al Kuwari (second left), speaks during a press conference The partnership will see the Airlines in Doha. held at Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel in Doha, yesterday. PICTURE: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA. global air carrier offering logis- “This partnership reflects the tical support and prizes to the role of Turkish Airlines in spon- participants during the third soring the most important inter- edition of the event. national sporting events, The Ooredoo Ride of Cham- echoing our belief in bringing Qatar eyes West Asia Rugby pions will flag off at the Cere- people together. As the airline monial Court of Qatar Foun- that flies to more countries in the dation tomorrow. world, we are delighted to be The airline which operates able to bring international par- flights to more than 300 global ticipants from around the world Championship success in Doha destinations, will offer dis- to Doha, and we look forward counted and free tickets as to celebrating together at Qatar prizes for participants and Foundation,” Zingal said. FAWAD HUSSAIN from them this time,” saidd tthehhee volunteers on the day of the The popularity of cycling in THE PENINSULA QRHCF President. event. Qatar has significantly Also present on tthehee A Turkish Airlines Doha- increased during the past few Qatar’s Rugby, Hockey and occasion, Qatar’s teamm Istanbul return ticket is also up years, especially after the Cricket Federation (QRHCF) is Our preparation to host captain Abdulaziz Al Dosarriri for grabs through a social media country successfully hosted the gearing up to host the West Asia the event is on track said his team’s prepara- contest. Users will need to follow 2016 UCI World Road Champi- Rugby Championship, which and we are looking tions were on track for the the official accounts of Ride of onships. The rapid growth can will see a huge participation forward to host a championship. Champions, then like, share and be seen through the constantly from men and women teams best edition of this “It is a big event and tag their friends on the compe- increasing number of partici- from different countries later tournament. It is an there will be tough matcheses tition’s post for a chance to win pants in weekly community this month in Doha. so we are preparing accord-rd- the amazing prize. cycling rides organised by Qatar important event as the QRHCF President Yousef ingly,” said Al Dosarri. The Ride of Champions is Cyclists. Jaham Al Kuwari, yesterday said number of participating “Our training for tthishis Qatar’s biggest mass partici- Dr. Abulazziz Al Kuwari, that the preparations were in teams is big: QRHCF event started many weekseekkss pation cycling event. It is President of Qatar Cyclists said: full swing for the event, which President Yousef ago. All the players arere inin organised by Qatar Cyclists in “We are delighted to reach this will be held from March 30 to Jaham Al Kuwari good rhythm and we arearree association with Qatar National deal with Turkish Airlines to April 6 in two venues – Aspire looking to achieve ggoodooodd Tourism Council. support the 2019 Ooredoo Ride Zone and Doha Rugby Club. results,” said the captain.n. This year, more than 1500 of Champions. A partnership Three titles apiece will be up “Our preparation to host the “The Lebanese team wwillill bbee cyclists are expected to take with a global brand like Turkish for grabs for men and women event is on track and we are favourite to win the title as ththeyeeyy part in the event which offers Airlines will further promote teams in U-18, U-16 and U-14 looking forward to host the best have very good players. Wee willwilllll rides for all ages and levels of the event on all levels. We age categories. The women’s edition of this tournament. It is give our best to challenge them.hemm. experience. would like to thank them for team will be in action in Rugby an important event as the All our players are willing too wwiniinn The family ride will give their efforts, and we are looking 7s while men’s outfits will battle number of participating teams the title in front of home fans,”ansss,,” parents and children over the forward to another milestone in Rugby 15s competitions. is big,” he added. he added. age of 9 a chance to participate in the history of this event.” Apart from Qatar, Jordan and Yousef Jaham hoped for a Meanwhile, Nasser Abdullahdullaahh in a 5.8 km tour inside the Ali Al Kuwari, Ooredoo Ride Lebanon will field teams in men’s good performance from Qatar Al Hajri, Marketing Directortor ooff premises of Qatar Foundation, of Champions Director said: events while Jordan, Lebanon outfits in front of home fans, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF)AZFF)) while children aged between “We would like to welcome and Iran besides the hosts will saying the teams were pre- promised full support to QRHCFRHCCFF 3-8 years can take part in a fun Turkish Airlines as our official clash for women’s titles. paring hard for the event. in making the event a bbigig 1-km race at the green spine. airline partner. The prizes they “This is the first time that “Last year, our women’s success. Three road rides will also be offer will attract more partici- West Asia Rugby Championship team won this event in “ We have been supportingting organized with various dis- pants and enhance their expe- is taking place on such a big Lebanon and they will be many rugby events since a tances; 137.5 km, 78 km and 48 rience during our big festival of scale,” QRHCF President Yousef favourites to win again. Our long time and we willll km. cycling at Qatar Foundation. We Jaham told a press conference men’s team came third in the provide full assistance too “Turkish Airlines is proud invite everyone to join us on at Wyndham Grand Regency event and we are hoping for QRHCF in this champion-n- to be the official airline partner Friday and enjoy an amazing Doha. title-winning performance ships,” he said. of The Ooredoo Ride of Cham- day of sport, fun and pions,” said Mehmed Zingal, excitement.” QSL: Al Ahli eye top four spot as round 19 kicks off

CHINTHANA WASALA “I have a good impression of THE PENINSULA the Al Shahania team and I have great respect for them. It was Al Ahli will be looking to storm underlined in the last round when into the top four of the QNB Stars they won against a big team that League (QSL) standings when is going through a good period,” they take on Al Shahania in the Barrera said. ROUND 19 FIXTURES opening fixture of the 19th round “We expect a tough game, but today. we hope the result will be in our TODAY: Al Ahli, currently placed fifth favour. We feel we have a great Al Ahli vs Al Shahania in the standings with 29 points, responsibility ahead of us. at Al Ahli Stadium (6:05pm) one less than fourth-placed Al Winning this match will give us Al Kharaitiyat vs Qatar SC Rayyan, will be eager to collect huge confidence ahead of the full points at their home grounds. remaining matches,” he said. At Al Khor Stadium (8:15pm) The match will kick-off at “In the previous two games, 6.05pm. we presented positive things and TOMORROW Al Ahli have recorded nine negative things. We could not Al Rayyan vs Al Khor wins so far in the season. They sustain the momentum At Al Sadd Stadium (5:00pm) drew two matches and lost seven. throughout the match. We are Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa Al Ahli coach Ruben de la trying to rectify our mistakes and Barrera yesterday said that his provide a better level against Al At Al Arabi Stadium (7:25pm) men are fully prepared for the Shahania,” Barrera said. task ahead. Al Shahania are placed eighth SATURDAY “We’ve prepared ourselves in the QSL rankings with 20 Al Sailiya vs Al Sadd well. There was a great deal of points At Al Ahli Stadium (5:00pm) interaction among the players Al Ahli had defeated Al Sha- Umm Salal vs Al Duhail during the training sessions. They hania 2-1 in the first leg. At Al Gharafa Stadium (7:25pm) were well-trained and they are Meanwhile, Al Shahania Al Ahli players celebrate after scoring a goal during the QNB Stars League in this file photo. expecting a strong match. coach Jose Murcia yesterday said “We have focused on our that his team is also looking to areas for improvement. I do not bag full points against their oppo- we must show the respect they QNB STARS LEAGUE STANDINGS AFTER 18 ROUNDS care about comparisons. We are nents today. deserve. They lost to Al Duhail, POS CLUB MATCHES WON LOST DREW GF GA GD POINTS going to play against a team that “It will be a tough fixture, no while we defeated Al Rayyan in 1 Al Sadd 18 15 1 2 83 17 66 47 is fighting to survive in the league. doubt about it. It is a foregone con- the last round. The win over Al 2 Al Duhail 18 13 1 4 44 13 31 43 We are confident that we will do clusion that the teams will fight it Rayyan helped us a lot. 3 Al Sailiya 18 10 7 1 30 20 10 31 our best,” Barrera said during a out for full points,” Murcia said. “It is true that we are ahead 4 Al Rayyan 18 8 4 6 25 22 3 30 press conference. “Points are most welcome of Al Gharafa and Qatar SC in the 5 Al Ahli 18 9 7 2 27 30 -3 29 Al Ahli will also be looking to especially at this stage. We will table, but that is the result of 6 Al Arabi 18 9 9 0 23 33 -10 27 recover from a 0-6 loss against play without pressure and we great work we have done. the defending champions Al look forward to playing with However, it is not enough and 7 Umm Salal 18 5 8 5 19 30 -11 20 Duhail in their last outing, and great optimism. We are fully we must continue to do more,” 8 Al Shahania 18 5 8 5 18 30 -12 20 will also be extra cautious when aware of the fact that the three Murcia said. 9 Al Gharafa 18 5 9 4 28 33 -5 19 they take on Al Shahaniya, who points would be great in our Today’s second fixture will 10 Qatar SC 18 4 10 4 16 34 -18 16 beat the former champions Al mission to fulfil our ambitions. see struggling Al Kharaitiyat take 11 Al Khor 18 4 11 3 17 34 -17 15 Rayyan 3-0 in the previous “Talking about our oppo- on Qatar SC at the Al Khor 12 Al Kharaitiyat 18 3 15 0 15 49 -34 9 round. nents, Al Ahli is a good team and Stadium (kick-off at 8:15pm). SPORT Thursday 14 March 2019 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 10 Khawaja leads Al Attiyah Australia to to lead quality series win field into over India MERC opener

BARCELONA 5 - 1 LYON Ducati’s Qatar GP LIVERPOOL 3 - 1 BAYERN MUNICH win remains subject to appeal

REUTERS LONDON

Andrea Dovizioso will know by the end of the month whether his victory stands from the season-opening MotoGP race in Qatar after four rival teams protested the legality of the Ital- ian’s Ducati. The International Motorcy- cling Federation (FIM) said in a The President of Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin statement yesterday that the Hamad Al Thani presenting a memento to the President of the MotoGP Court of Appeal would Confederation of African Athletics, Colonel Kalkaba Malboum, make a ruling before the during a meeting held in Doha, yesterday. Argentine Grand Prix on March 31. Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (right) scores against Lyon during the UEFA Champions The Honda and Suzuki League Round of 16, second leg match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, yesterday. Sheikh Joaan meets CAA chief factory teams, along with Aprilia and KTM, protested to Qatar GP QNA aspects of sports cooperation and stewards about a device on the DOHA means of supporting and devel- rear swingarm of the Ducatis Dominant Barca, Liverpool oping them. Colonel Malboum ridden by Dovizioso, team-mate The President of Qatar Olympic praised the preparations Danilo Petrucci and Australian Committee (QOC) and Chairman underway in Doha for the World Jack Miller. of the Local Organising Committee Championships, which will be held The bone of contention is a storm into quarter-finals (LOC) of IAAF World Champi- for the first time in the Middle East winglet in front of the Ducati’s onship Doha 2019, H E Sheikh in September. rear tyre, which the Italian man- AGENCIES nudge into an open net and bossing the game and nullifying Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, yes- The meeting was also ufacturer says is for cooling pur- MADRID double Barca’s lead, although their German opponents. terday met with the President of attended by QOC Secretary- poses but which rivals argue Lyon hauled themselves back into In-form Mane pounced on a the Confederation of African Ath- General Jassim Rashid Al Buainain, illegally creates aerodynamic Lionel Messi scored two goals and contention with a second-half needless charge out of his goal by letics (CAA), Colonel Kalkaba and Vice-President of the Inter- downforce. provided two more as Barcelona strike from Lucas Tousart. Manuel Neuer in his 100th Cham- Malboum, who is currently visiting national Association of Athletics MotoGP stewards rejected reached the quarter-finals of the Messi soon killed off any hopes pions League appearance, to Doha as part of the IAAF Federations (IAAF) Major General the protest last Sunday but the Champions League in style, of an unlikely comeback from the round the Bayern keeper with a delegation. Dahlan Al Hamad who is also the teams lodged an appeal, which thrashing Olympique Lyonnais French side, however, carving his superb turn before chipping his The meeting reviewed the Director General of the LOC . was referred on to the MotoGP 5-1 at home yesterday and way through the defence to score finish into the empty net to open court of three judges. advancing by the same scoreline in the 78th minute before toying the scoring in the 26th minute. on aggregate. with Lyon’s back line twice more Bayern levelled 13 minutes Barca captain Messi noncha- and laying off passes for Gerard later against the run of play when lantly opened the scoring with a Pique and then Ousmane Dembele winger Serge Gnabry beat his ‘Panenka’ penalty chipped down to complete the rout. marker and his cutback was the middle of the goal in the 17th Elsewhere, in Munich, Sadio turned into the goal by Liverpool minute after Luis Suarez was Mane scored twice to hand Liv- defender Joel Matip. fouled in the area, putting his side erpool a 3-1 victory against Bayern Centre back Virgil van Dijk, ahead in the tie after a goalless Munich that sent them through to who had missed the goalless first first leg in France. the quarter-finals. leg last month, killed off any Suarez then rounded Lyon After the last-16 first leg German hopes of a comeback goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to lay ended goalless at Anfield, five- when he rose high to head home on a perfect pass for the times European champions Liv- in the 69th minute before Mane unmarked Philippe Coutinho to erpool took control in Munich, headed in his second in the 84th. We deserved to win: Al Haydos

THE PENINSULA pushed and pushed and were DOHA finally given their reward when the 2018 AFC Champions League’s Al Sadd captain Hasan Al Haydos top scorer Bounedjah was handed (pictured) insists his side got the It’s true that the goal a chance he could not miss. three points they deserved after was very late but we had “There are no issues in our scoring deep into stoppage time been controlling the play attack,” responded Al Haydos to secure a 1-0 victory over Perse- throughout the game. We when quizzed on the number of polis in Group D of the 2019 AFC created several chances; chances his side spurned. Champions League (ACL) on we just weren’t lucky. But “We just had bad luck and Tuesday. sometimes we didn’t make the in the end we got the first The match at Jassim bin right decision or were hasty when Hamad Stadium was a repeat of three important points we took shots. the 2018 semi-final which the in our Asian campaign. I “I hope we can correct these Iranian team edged 2-1 on think it’s important to win [mistakes] in the next match and aggregate, but, after dominating at home and, fortunately, then keep improving from game large spells of the game, the Qatari we succeeded in doing to game.” team got their revenge in the that: Al Haydosydos dying moments. Al Haydos floated in a free- kick four minutes into added time met in Doha, itt was PersePersepolispolis that was met by Abdelkarim who grabbed a llateate win in thethe Hassan at the back post and the first leg of the 20182018 semi-finals, 2018 AFC Player of the Year’s before a 1-1 drawaw in TeTehranhran eelim-lim- header back across goal was inated Al Sadd.d. knocked in by Baghdad Jesualdo Ferreira’s side Bounedjah as Al Sadd claimed all seemed intent on revenge ffromrom three points in dramatic fashion. the off and, althoughhough the visitorsvisitors “It’s true that the goal was had chances onn thethe bbreak,reak, it was very late but we had been con- the hosts who aappearedppeared tthehe more trolling the play throughout the likely to breakk the deadlock.deadlock. game,” said Al Haydos, who won A combinationnation ofof missemissedd the 2011 ACL with Al Sadd. chances from bothboth sidessides – as wellwell “We created several chances; as some fine ggoalkeepingoalkeepingg we just weren’t lucky. But in the from Persepolis’spolis’s end we got the first three Alireza Beiranvandvand important points in our Asian – meant thehe campaign. game was stillill “I think it’s important to win goalless as thehe at home and, fortunately, we suc- clock ticketet ceeded in doing that.” down. The last time the sides had But Al Saddd