FOOTBALL | Page 2 Klopp ‘surprised’ that Liverpool have stayed with Man City

Friday, April 26, 2019 GOLF Sha’baan 21, 1440 AH Masters champ GULF TIMES Woods to return to Japan in October SPORT Page 6 AL ARABI WIN AMIR CUP HANDBALL

The Al Arabi handball team celebrate with the Amir Cup trophy after their 26-25 win over Al Gharafa in the final yesterday. Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Ahmed al-Shabi, Qatar Handball Association President and other off icials are also seen in the picture. At right, a glimpse of the action from the match. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil

MOTORSPORT TENNIS Nadal advances to Barcelona quarters Al-Attiyah hot line judge. Reuters Barcelona Nadal fi nally closed the match out at the fourth opportunity as Ferrer could only fi nd the net. afael Nadal gave a much Nadal led fans in applauding improved perform- Ferrer as the defeat signalled his ance to advance into last appearance at the Barcelona Rthe quarter-fi nals of Open. favourite to win the Barcelona Open yesterday, “Losing to Rafa makes me dispatching Spanish compatriot proud, I’m happy with the game and crowd favourite David Ferrer as I did what I could, I gave eve- 6-3, 6-3. rything I had but I tip my hat to The world number two had Rafa,” Ferrer said. produced a scrappy display “It was diffi cult, I started well against Leonardo Mayer on but the court was slower when Wednesday, losing a set for the the rain started coming down, Jordan Rally title fi rst time in four years at the that damaged me but I still tournament, but he showed played a competitive game.” more spark and composure Nadal paid tribute to Ferrer, Reigning champion Meshari al-Thefiri is the man to beat in the MERC 2 category against Ferrer. who he beat in the 2013 French Nadal broke the 37-year-old Open fi nal, and was pleased with and the Kuwaiti is looking for a strong start on the 21-stage event this weekend Ferrer, who will retire from the his own display. game next month after the Ma- “It’s his decision but on a ten- Sports Reporter marked the last time that HM King Ab- drid Open, in the sixth game to nis level he doesn’t have to re- Dead Sea, Jordan dullah II took part in a round of the MERC take a 4-2 lead in the opener but tire, he’s struggled with injuries in an M-Sport Ford Escort. play was halted due to rain with but he is playing very well this Reigning champion Meshari al-Thefi ri the score at 5-3. year. After all his years fi ghting asser Saleh al-Attiyah is the is the man to beat in the MERC 2 category Nadal promptly saw out the and giving us all joy he deserves clear favourite to take an eighth and the Kuwaiti is looking for a strong set when play resumed and the reception he got,” Nadal said. successive and an unrivalled start on the 21-stage event this week- broke Ferrer in the fi rst game of “I had to improve on yester- 13th outright victory in the Jor- end. He was the class of the fi eld in Qatar the second but then lost a serv- day, not just the result but over- danN Rally when action roars into life with and fi nished over 18 minutes ahead of his ice game, which made it 2-2. all. This was important for David the opening Panorama super special stage nearest rival in sixth overall. The Mallorcan broke again but for me it was important to do of 16.92km, near Mount Nebo, today Competition will be even more intense and then took a 5-3 lead, spurn- better and play with more en- morning. in Jordan. Defending National Champion ing three match points due to ergy than yesterday I did that so At the wheel of his factory-built and Khaled Juma was third overall in a recent two marginal calls which left I can go back to my hotel feeling Autotek-run Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, event at the Dead Sea and heads a local him visibly annoyed with the much happier.” the Qatari won all 11 special stages on his contingent that includes Ihab al-Shorafa home event last month and heads into and Shadi Shaban. two days of rallying action in the Dead Sea The Sultanate of Oman will be repre- Murray ‘optimistic’ he can play this year and Jordan Valley areas having never lost a sented by recent national rally runner-up timed test in the Volkswagen. Abdullah al-Ruwahi, Zakariya al-Aufi and London: Andy Murray is round of golf that reinforced Competitors from 10 nations were Zakariya al-Amri, while Kuwait’s Saleh “cautiously optimistic” he will the message that he was on the fl agged away from the start at Abdali bin Eidan returns to action in a Mitsubi- be able to play tennis again mend. Boulevard in Amman yesterday and three shi Lancer Evolution alongside Slovenian this season after successfully “It’s still early days so we will of those, in particular, will be trying to navigator Vili Oslaj. undergoing hip surgery, his have to wait and see what hap- hunt down al-Attiyah and put a stop to his Lebanese rookie Alex Feghali takes his mother Judy has said. pens. He is cautiously optimistic remarkable run of success. fi rst rallying footsteps outside Lebanon to The three-times Grand Slam about getting back on the Four-time local champion Marouf Abu take part in a Motortune Mitsubishi along- champion said at this year’s match court perhaps at some Samra (1996, 2001, 2013 and 2014) won side fellow countryman Ahmad Khaled, Australian Open that constant point over the summer,” Judy the opening round of this year’s Jordan while Saudi Arabia’s Said al-Mouri takes pain in his hip had brought him was quoted as saying by British National Championship in a Ford Fi- a break from circuit racing and drifting to to the verge of quitting tennis media. esta R5 run by Motortune and is relishing take part in the event for the fi rst time in but revealed last month that he “He was told not to do impact the challenge of competing against the several seasons alongside Amr Refai. Leb- was pain free after the proce- work, which basically means 48-year-old three-time Dakar winner. anon’s Henry Kahy is the clear favourite dure in January. running around the garden hit- Abu Samra teams up with former world to win the MERC 3 category in his Škoda Murray posted an Instagram ting a ball, for three months but ju-jitsu champion Malek Hariri. Fabia R5. Local driver Asem Aref drives a video of himself on an outdoor he’s been hitting against a wall Abdulaziz al-Kuwari shadowed al- showroom specifi cation Renault Clio and court earlier this month, from a static position.” Attiyah to the fi nish of the opening round is currently second in the FIA’s two-wheel describing the footage of him Murray hoped to make his in Qatar and he and Marshall Clarke will be keen to overturn a nine-point defi cit in event with Italian navigator Nicola Arena drive series. hitting a tennis ball for the first comeback at Wimbledon and compete in Jordan with a Škoda Fabia R5 the fi ve-round championship. last month and fi nished fourth overall Jordanian drivers Salameh al-Gammaz, time since the surgery as “a said in March that he would run by FN Speed and MC Racing. The Qatar’s Nasser Khalifa al-Atya fi nished in a Ford Fiesta R5, the same car that he Tareq al-Taher, Ziad Miqdad, Amjad start”. consider playing doubles former WRC 2 front-runner was the only as the runner-up in the regional series hopes will guide him to a podium fi nish Anasweh and Sami Fleifel will take part in He followed that up with a because it would put less stress driver able to come anywhere near al- way back in 1993 and returned to action on his return to the stages in Jordan for the a national rally running behind the main video of himself playing a on his hip. Attiyah’s stage times last month and will in Kuwait last year. He tackled his home fi rst time since 1996 – the year that also FIA event. Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 26, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Klopp ‘surprised’ that Liverpool have stayed with Man City

AFP but that there could be just one ested in and at the end of the sea- London champion. “One of us, it’s like son you see where you end up. If with the Highlander, will be we do it we will do it,” he added. there at the end,” said a buoyant “If we will not do it there are urgen Klopp admitted Klopp, referring to the famous no regrets as long as we give al- 26 - 04 -2019 his pleasant surprise at phrase from the fi lm — “There ways our best. I saw that the how hard Liverpool have can be only one”. whole season from the boys but pushed Manchester City “But we don’t only play for be- still the season, however it ends inJ the race for the Premier League ing champions at the end of the up, is only the fi rst step in that title, stating that this season is a season. Yes, it’s a main, a big tar- area. We are not the fi nished ar- stepping stone for even better get. This team tries it for the fi rst ticle.” things to come from his side. time and we are obviously pretty Four Liverpool players — full- Liverpool, chasing their fi rst close in the moment and we still backs Andrew Robertson and top-fl ight title since 1990, have have a chance to do it. We will see Trent-Alexander Arnold, central lost just once in the league all what happens until the end of the defender Virgil van Dijk and for- season but still trail Pep Guar- season. ward Sadio Mane — were named diola’s defending champions “But it’s the fi rst time not the in the Professional Footballers’ by a point with three games re- last time. That’s how it is and Association’s (PFA) Team of the maining. Klopp, whose side host only because the club is wait- Year announced earlier yesterday Huddersfi eld on Friday, told re- ing for a long time, the people and Klopp said more of his play- porters at his pre-match press are waiting, that doesn’t make ers deserved to be named in the conference that he was calm it more likely. That we are that team dominated by City. while watching City’s 2-0 vic- close is already I would say rath- “From my point of view, there tory against Manchester United er surprising because last year could have been four, fi ve, six, at Old Traff ord on Wednesday. we were 25 points behind. That maybe seven more players in- “It was the result I expected,” doesn’t look like that will happen volved,” the German boss said. said the German. “United tried this year again so that’s really, re- “For me, my team is team of the whatever they can, in the fi rst ally good.” season anyway.” half especially, they were a bit Klopp said winning was not Klopp was asked by a Norwe- unlucky in one or two moments the be all and end all for his team, gian journalist what advice he but then over the 95 minutes it despite their long title drought. would give Ole Gunnar Solskjær was clear that they can’t stand “We want to play the best foot- as he begins the formidable task City at the moment so I was not ball we can play every single day, of rebuilding Manchester Unit- surprised by the result.” that’s the truth,” he said. ed. The manager replied: “They Klopp said he agreed with “Sometimes we have to accept didn’t help us so why should we Guardiola that both teams de- it didn’t happen but we still try it help them? You have to fi nd your served to win the Premier League and that’s all what we are inter- own solutions. It needs time.”

PREMIER LEAGUE SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Arsenal’s Emery clings Man City raise the to top four hopes aft er loss to Wolves

AFP angry with his team. Wolverhampton, United Kingdom “First it is with me and after that my style and idea is to look in front and fi nd a solution, not nai Emery refused to who is the player who is worst. bar as Man United First I am thinking about the so- give up on Arsenal’s Champions League lution and the solution for me is hopes after seeing his to take the possibility on Sunday Uside embarrassed by Wolves at Leicester and get our best per- in a 3-1 defeat at Molineux on formance and the best possibility Wednesday. Ruben Neves, Matt to take the three points.” Doherty and the outstand- Neves’s superb free-kick, Do- ing Diogo Jota scored the goals herty’s header and Jota’s weaving suff er more misery run and shot did the damage for that condemned Emery’s side to a third defeat in four Premier Wolves before Sokratis pulled a League games, severely denting goal back late on for the visitors. Victories over Burnley, Leicester and Brighton will clinch City the title their hopes of a top-four fi nish But for all of Wolves’ clinical with just three games to go. preying on Emery’s men, Arse- The Arsenal manager admit- nal left Molineux licking wounds ted his team were outplayed by that were, to a large extent, self- Wolves, who scored three goals infl icted, thanks to careless pass- in the fi rst half to give the visitors ing, brittle defending and an er- a mountain to climb. Despite the ratic display of goalkeeping from chastening defeat the Spaniard Bernd Leno. said his side will keep striving Having looked comfortable in for Champions League football, the early exchanges, the Gunners which they can achieve either simply wilted once Wolves piled through a top-four fi nish in the on pressure at the end of the Premier League or by winning opening half and a catalogue of the Europa League. errors left the visitors 3-0 down Defeat in the Midlands left at half-time with no way back. Emery’s men a point behind Emery admitted, however, fourth-placed Chelsea. “I usu- that his side had lost discipline as ally am very critical with myself Wolves ran riot at the end of the and I am angry with myself that opening period. Sokratis scored we didn’t do the gameplan we a late header for the visitors but wanted — not with the players,” they never threatened a genuine said Emery when asked if he was fi ghtback.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matt Doherty (second right) scores against Arsenal in the Premier League. (Reuters) Manchester City’s Leroy Sane (centre) celebrates after scoring against Manchester United in the Premier League at Old Traff ord in Manchester on Wednesday night. (AFP)

AFP teams deserve the title. But it can be just standard we want to get to,” admitted unmarked at the edge of the box as City Manchester one. The team that is going to lose can’t Solskjaer. Yet, Arsenal’s defeat at Wolves went through the gears towards the end POGBA ODD MAN OUT IN have regrets because they have given eve- means the Red Devils are still very much of the fi rst-half. rything.” in the race for Champions League quali- But it was an enforced change early PFA TEAM OF THE YEAR anchester City manager Pep City’s trip to Old Traff ord was billed fi cation, should they beat fourth-placed in the second-half that swung the game Guardiola believes his side as the last big hurdle left for Guardiola’s Chelsea at home on Sunday. City’s way as Guardiola boldly introduced London: Manchester United’s Ederson, centre-half Aymeric have raised the bar in the Pre- men to clear despite United’s terrible run “I’m concerned about the lack of re- Sane when the more defensive-minded Paul Pogba is the only non- Laporte, midfielders Bernardo mier League after edging one of form. However, Guardiola warned of sults,” added Solskjaer. “The strange re- Fernandinho went down injured. De Gea Manchester City or Liverpool Silva and Fernandinho and Mpoint back ahead of Liverpool in a titanic the tight turnaround before a very diff er- ality is that we are still in with a shout has been a rare model of consistent bril- player to be named in the Pro- forwards Sergio Aguero and title race with a 2-0 win at Manchester ent type of test at Burnley on Sunday. for the top four. We need more quality on liance as United have fallen behind City in fessional Footballers’ Associa- Raheem Sterling. United on Wednesday night. “Normally with this kind of victory Sunday because we need to win that game recent seasons. tion’s Premier League team of The remaining four places Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane struck you can it enjoy it the most but we have and, if we win it, we have two games to get But the Spaniard’s dramatic dip in form the year yesterday. are filled by Liverpool players for the visitors in 12 second-half minutes to be calm,” added Guardiola. “Now we those points and goals we need.” of late continued as he could have done The 26-year-old French — full-backs Andrew Robertson at Old Traff ord to infl ict a seventh defeat go to Burnley and we know how tough Solskjaer has bemoaned United’s fi t- better for both goals. Guardiola’s posi- World Cup-winning midfielder’s and Trent-Alexander Arnold, in nine games on United, who remain it will be. It’s important to be calm. We ness levels in recent weeks and again af- tive change was instantly rewarded when inclusion is a surprise after an central defender Virgil van Dijk three points adrift of the top four. are still not champions with three games ter an early burst, they started to fl ag as Bernardo cut inside onto his favoured left indiff erent season, although and forward Sadio Mane. Van City cannot match their record 100 left — it’s incredible with the points we City created a spurt of chances either side foot and beat De Gea at his near post. he hit a purple patch after Ole Dijk and Sterling are believed to points tally in romping to the title last have and Liverpool have. I told the play- of half-time. “We know what’s been go- Sane has been scarcely used by Guar- Gunnar Solskjaer arrived at Old be in the running for the player season, but victories over Burnley, ers don’t read tomorrow, don’t watch the ing wrong, it’s mentality and willingness diola of late, but the German, whose win- Traff ord as interim manger. of the year award. There is no Leicester and Brighton will clinch the television, just rest and sleep a lot.” to run for your team,” said United striker ning goal infl icted Liverpool’s only league City and Liverpool have been place, though, for Liverpool’s title on 98 points and ensure Liverpool’s United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Marcus Rashford. defeat of the season in January, again locked in an enthralling duel for Mo Salah, who has scored 19 29-year wait to win the league contin- slammed his players’ attitude after a 4-0 “Forget the top four and the Champi- showed his capability to make a diff er- the title, with Guardiola’s City Premier League goals this ues despite already posting a club record thrashing at Everton on Sunday and was ons League. We have to get to the bottom ence in the biggest games. going top again on Wednesday season, Spurs pair Harry Kane points tally in the Premier League era. rewarded with a far more energetic and of it and start playing like Manchester Sterling led a City counter-attack be- after beating United 2-0 at Old and Son Heung-min or Chelsea “We increased the level for the Pre- committed performance, even if City’s United for ourselves.” fore feeding Sane, whose powerful shot Traff ord, with Pogba unable playmaker Eden Hazard. The mier League last season with 100 points. greater quality eventually shone through. Raheem Sterling shot too close to Dav- De Gea could not keep out. “I like to be to inspire his side to a much- PFA Team of the Year is voted That’s the level Liverpool are chasing. “They’ve set the standard in the last id De Gea after weaving through a host critical of him because I know his poten- needed win. City provide six for by members of the Profes- What they have done is incredible but couple of seasons. They have been the of United bodies inside the area before tial,” said Guardiola of Sane. “The way he of the 11 players — goalkeeper sional Footballers’ Association. it’s in our hands,” said Guardiola. “Both best team in the country and that’s the Sergio Aguero dragged well wide when came in was incredible.” Gulf Times Friday, April 26, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA LAZIO ATTACK MEDIA AFTER FANS DISPLAY PRO-MUSSOLINI BANNER Rome: Lazio attacked the azio’s 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid edge media’s “simplistic tendency” to blame all the club’s fans for AC Milan in Coppa neo-fascist incidents, after a Italia semi-fi nal was then pro-Mussolini banner was dis- L played before repeated racist overshadowed by the chants were reportedly heard racist abuse of players during Wednesday night’s Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie. Valencia to delay Coppa Italia game against AC Milan. Their faces masked by a long banner reading “Honour insisted the northern Italian to Benito Mussolini”, the group metropolis “is and will remain sang fascist songs and per- forever a profoundly anti- formed the Nazi salute near the fascist city”. city’s Piazza Loreto, where the Italy’s interior minister Barca celebrations defeated dictator’s body was Matteo Salvini condemned strung up in 1945. the incident. “No tolerance for A short video circulating on any form of violence, physical Atletico remain nine points behind the leaders with four games left to play social media showed the group or verbal. I thank the police holding up the banner, signed who are following the incident AFP ‘IRR’ in a reference to the Ir- carefully. Football must be an Madrid riducibili — Lazio’s hardcore ‘ul- occasion of celebration and tra’ supporters who have a long communion, not for fighting history of hard-right politics. or confrontation,” Salvini, an tletico Madrid delayed Barcelo- Lazio’s 1-0 win was then AC Milan fan, said on Twitter. na winning La Liga by a few days overshadowed by the racist In Italy “apology for fascism” is at least after Alvaro Morata and abuse of Milan players Tiemoue a crime, but some cases have Antoine Griezmann each scored Bakayoko and Franck Kes- been thrown out in recent years inA a 3-2 victory over Valencia on Wednes- sie. “SS Lazio clearly distance on freedom of speech grounds. day night. Defeat at the Wanda Metro- ourselves from behaviour and Meanwhile, Joaquin Correa’s politano would have crowned Barca kings demonstrations that do not second-half winner sent Lazio of Spain for a 26th time in their history, in any way correspond to the into the Coppa Italia final with with the Catalans now set to celebrate at values of sport that this club a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. their own Camp Nou tomorrow instead. has promoted and supported Correa made the breakthrough A Barcelona win there over Levante for 119 years,” the club said in a 148 minutes into the tie after a will wrap up their fourth league triumph statement. goalless first leg back in Febru- in fi ve years and they could even be home “Lazio also reject and contest ary, and Lazio are now just one and dry before kick-off , if Atletico fail to the simplistic tendency of the win from lifting the trophy for a take a point at home to struggling Real media to consider the entire seventh time. Valladolid earlier in the day. Lazio fanbase responsible for Simone Inzaghi’s men will Regardless, success for Ernesto Val- the actions of a few isolated face either Fiorentina or Ata- verde’s side is surely now only a matter of elements, for motivation that lanta in the final at their home timing given Atletico remain nine points has nothing to do with passion stadium, the Stadio Olimpico, behind the leaders with four games left for sport. The club has always on May 15, with the other semi- to play. Real Madrid, who were visiting fought for the respect of law final level at 3-3 heading into Getafe last night, are 16 adrift. and fairness in behaviour.” last night’s second leg. “We If Getafe win, they will also move fi ve Authorities reportedly identi- fully deserved qualification, points ahead of Valencia, whose chances fied 22 people responsible for but now must focus on Serie A of snatching fourth place and Cham- the Mussolini banner. The Serie building up to the final in our pions League qualifi cation would now A clash between Milan and stadium,” Inzaghi said. “We appear remote. But there will be some Lazio at the San Siro earlier could’ve taken the lead earlier, satisfaction at least for Atletico in mak- this month finished with Milan but Pepe Reina did very well in ing Barcelona win it on their own terms 1-0 winners and scuff les on the goal.” while also avoiding the embarrassment pitch after the home players Both sides had chances in an of conceding the title with a loss in front held up the shirt of Lazio player otherwise cagey first half, with of their home fans. Angel Correa’s stun- Francesco Acerbi to their own Milan wing-back Davide Calab- ning strike in the 81st minute proved the fans like a trophy. Milan mid- ria seeing a long-range eff ort winner after Valencia had fought back, fielders Bakayoko and Kessie saved by visiting goalkeeper Kevin Gameiro and a Dani Parejo penalty were fined a total of 86,000 Thomas Strakosha, before twice pulling them level after goals from euros for the incident. Reina denied Correa on the Morata and Griezmann. Morata’s early Meanwhile, a video of racist stroke of half-time. strike continued his excellent form since chants directed at Frenchman But Lazio did take the lead his move to Atletico in January, his fi n- Bakayoko by a group of Lazio just before the hour mark, as ish at the back post taking his tally to six fans before the game also Ciro Immobile broke free and goals in 13 games for the club. Griezmann, circulated on social media. played in Correa, who took meanwhile, back from suspension, now Italian football has struggled his time and slipped the ball has 25 goals in all competitions this sea- to prevent racist chanting this through the legs of the onrush- son, an impressive return, particularly in Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata (left) vies for the ball with Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby during the La Liga match at the Wanda season. Earlier this month, Ju- ing Reina to score his sixth goal a side not renowned for its creativity. Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on Wednesday night. (AFP) ventus youngster Moise Kean of the season. Atletico were ahead inside 10 minutes was racially abused in a game Milan striker Patrick Cutrone as Juanfran’s cross met the outstretched who had time to pick his spot. ance as Griezmann glanced a header wide Correa 81) Valencia 2 (Gameiro 36, Parejo at Cagliari, with his teammate saw a 76th-minute eff ort ruled foot of Morata at the back post. It was no Atletico regrouped during the interval before Correa, on as a substitute, pro- 77-pen); Espanyol 1 (Wu 33) Celta Vigo 1 Leonardo Bonucci widely con- out for off side as the hosts less than they deserved for an aggressive and were back in front four minutes after, vided the winning touch. Thomas Partey (Gomez 72); Leganes 0 Athletic Bilbao 1 demned for then saying it was tried to set up a grandstand opening but Valencia grew into the half Griezmann jumping ahead of Jose Gaya to played into his feet but Correa did the (En-Nesyri 43-o.g.); Levante 4 (Campana partly the striker’s fault. finish. But Lazio never looked in and equalised shortly before half-time. nod in Thomas Lemar’s cross. But Valen- rest, turning, twisting and then bend- 9, Moron 32-og, Morales 56-pen, Coke 81) Italy’s national team coach serious trouble of losing their Francis Coquelin’s crossfi eld pass cia came again and a chaotic contest took ing the ball inside Neto’s left-hand post. Real Betis 0 Roberto Mancini was among final place, as they held on to picked out Carlos Soler, who cushioned another twist when Gameiro’s shot was Barca will have to wait. Played Tuesday: Huesca 2 (Gallego 54, those to then call on authori- also exact revenge for their ill- inside to Santi Mina. Mina fl icked the shown by VAR to have been blocked by Avila 57) Eibar 0; Real Valladolid 1 (Herrero ties to clamp down on racism. tempered 1-0 Serie A defeat at ball brilliantly between Diego Godin and the arm of Saul Niguez. Parejo powered SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS 67) Girona 0; Alaves 0 Barcelona 2 (Alena Milan’s mayor Giuseppe Sala the San Siro 11 days ago. Stefan Savic before squaring to Gameiro, into the corner. he game was in the bal- Atletico Madrid 3 (Morata 9, Griezmann 49, 54, Suarez 60-pen)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Lewandowski brace wins thrilling Teenager Joao Felix delights German Cup semi-fi nal for Bayern Benfi ca fans but for how long? Reuters Lisbon

enfi ca teenager Joao Felix is arguably the most exciting young player to have burst onto theB European football scene this season yet there is already talk of where he will play next. Practi- cally every major club across the continent has at some point been reported as showing interest in the 19-year-old but he does not have to look far to see what can go wrong when a prodigy moves abroad too early. Three years ago, Renato Sanch- es made a similar impact for Ben- fi ca but his career has stalled after Juventus popping up more than Benfi ca coach Bruno Lage be- an early move to Germany. Joao most. But is it too soon for a move lieves that the Joao Felix’s talent Felix only made his fi rst-team to a bigger club where he would should be allowed to grow “nat- debut in August but has already have to adapt to a new country urally” and has already railed scored 18 goals in 39 appearances and battle for a place in the team? against the media for criticising in all competitions. Sanches appeared to have the his performances when he does He recently became the young- world at his feet after he capped not score. “Joao is a fantastic lad est player to score a hat-trick in an impressive debut season at and he has a lot to learn, techni- Bayern Munich’s Thomas Mueller (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the German Cup semi-final against Bremen. (AFP) the Europa League, in the 4-2 Benfi ca by helping Portugal win cally and tactically,” said Lage. quarter-fi nal fi rst leg win over Euro 2016. “He has to learn how to occupy AFP pecting,” man of the match Thomas Muel- sovan set up Yuya Osako to pull a goal back Eintracht Frankfurt. He contin- But all that changed when he space and read the game and he Berlin ler said. “Football is fun in an atmosphere on 74 minutes, before tearing through Bay- ued his excellent season with moved to Bayern Munich, aged has to learn, quickly, that when like this. I have to say, I’m a bit of a Bremen ern with a brilliant solo run a minute later to two goals and an assist in the 6-0 18. He struggled to break into a he is merely ‘normal’, he will be fan. I love watching them, and their fans are net the equaliser. “We told James Rodriguez demolition of Maritimo on Mon- team brimming with world class criticised. The day he doesn’t ayern Munich will face RB Leip- great.” to get ready to go on, and by the time he had day which took Benfi ca back to talent, starting only six league score a hat-trick he gets criti- zig in the German Cup fi nal next Both sides threw everything forward in tied his laces, they had scored twice,” Bayern the top of the Primeira Liga, on games and playing a full 90 min- cised.” month after Robert Lewandowski the fi rst half, with Milot Rashica in par- coach Niko Kovac said. goal diff erence from Porto. utes only once. On Tuesday, Benfi ca president fi red them to a 3-2 win over a val- ticular causing endless headaches for the Yet Lewandowski restored the lead from Usually playing behind the It got worse the following sea- Luis Filipe Vieira suggested that iantB Werder Bremen on Wednesday night. Bayern defence. Lewandowski put Bayern in the spot on 80 minutes after Kingsley main striker, he possesses an ex- son when he was loaned to Swan- the club would try to hold onto Lewandowski scored twice in a highly en- front on 36 minutes, however, and Mueller Coman went down in the box. Bremen’s cellent fi rst touch, likes to run at sea City where his confi dence the player. “Benfi ca will do eve- tertaining last-four tie to reach the fi nal for appeared to land the sucker punch when he Max Kruse claimed the penalty decision defenders and has an eye for goal. drained away and he suff ered an rything we can so that nobody the 23rd time. Bremen were unfazed by their scooped in a second just after the hour mark. was “laughable”. “Why do we have VAR? If Although he has a contract until injury. He returned to Bayern this leaves,” he said. “We want to role as underdogs, attacking Bayern all night “It was what my friends would call a he doesn’t review that, we may as well just June 2023, it has a 120mn euro season and, although he started consolidate our project and we and briefl y overturning a two-goal defi cit. classic Mueller goal: not much to look at get rid of it,” Kruse said. Bayern will face RB ($134.5mn) release clause and, brightly, has once again found will not let go of this principle.” Yet Lewandowski’s late penalty ultimately but I enjoyed it,” Mueller said with a laugh. Leipzig in the fi nal at Berlin’s Olympic Sta- according to the rumour mill, himself a bit-part player in the Lage suggested that Benfi ca decided a fi ery cup tie in Bayern’s favour. Rashica, though, hauled Bremen back into dium on May 25, where they hope to win the there are plenty of clubs will- last two months. He has also lost was the ideal environment for “It was the tough game that we were ex- the tie with two minutes of magic. The Ko- trophy for the 19th time. ing to pay that with the name of his place in the Portugal team. Joao Felix to develop. Times 4 Friday, April 26, 2019 SPORT

BADMINTON Lee bows out of Sudirman Cup in another blow to Olympic dream AFP Malaysia Open in April. ing himself and not to participate in ance, Ng said Lee is not registered Kuala Lumpur Struggling to make a full recov- competition yet.” for any Badminton World Federa- ery, the three-time Olympic silver Lee initially planned to play the tion tournaments after May. medallist has been on the sidelines All England Open in March but then “We are not pushing him. It is alaysia’s badminton since July last year, when he was delayed his return to the Malaysia up to Lee to make the call when he king Lee Chong Wei, diagnosed with early-stage nose Open, where he is the defending wants to return to competition,” he under treatment for cancer. champion, in early April. said. nose cancer, has with- The 36-year-old legendary shut- Asked if Lee’s delay in making a Asked if Lee may not return to Mdrawn from next month’s Sudirman tler underwent a gruelling pro- comeback could throw his Tokyo competition at all, Ng said: “We will Cup in China after doctors advised gramme of specialist treatment in 2020 Olympics dream in a jeopardy, support whatever he decides.” him against “exerting himself”, an Taiwan but opted not to retire and Ng said: “It may have an eff ect.” Lee’s ranking has dropped to offi cial said yesterday. resumed training in January. Lee must make a comeback by 73rd in the world since his illness, The decision to skip the May 19- “I would like to confi rm that Lee August 14, or lose the protected with three other Malaysians ranked 26 tournament in Nanning marks Chong Wei will not compete in the ranking of World No 3, he said. above him. the third time Lee, 36, fails to make Sudirman Cup mixed team event,” “After that his ranking will drop He will need to begin climbing up a comeback and will probably dash Ng Chin Chai, secretary general of and it would be diffi cult for Lee to the rankings to get a shot at elusive his hopes to play in the Tokyo 2020 the Badminton Association of Ma- get into major competitions,” Ng gold as countries are able to send Olympics. laysia. said. a maximum of two singles players He had earlier skipped the All “He is on treatment. Lee is ad- In another blow to his hopes of to the Olympics, provided they are England Open in March and the vised by his doctor against exert- making his fi fth Olympic appear- both in the world’s top 16. Malaysia’s badminton star Lee Chong Wei.

IPL SPOTLIGHT Pacer Steyn ruled out of IPL with Karthik 97 in vain injured shoulder as Rajasthan beat ‘Little disappointed. I thought we were in it, Knight Riders but it wasn’t our day’

AFP take part further in the ongo- New Delhi ing season of IPL,” he said. “The team will deeply miss his energy and presence eteran South Africa around. We wish him a speedy pace bowler Dale recovery and all the luck for all Steyn has been ruled future endeavours.” out of the Indian Pre- Steyn took four wickets in Vmier League with an injured his two games when Bangalore shoulder after playing just two won both the matches to stay games for Royal Challengers in the hunt for the play-off s. Bangalore. He has represented the Pro- Steyn joined Bangalore teas in 93 Tests and 125 one- last week as replacement for day internationals since mak- Nathan Coulter-Nile in the ing his debut against England Twenty20 tournament. He in 2004. is in South Africa’s squad South Africa’s leading Test for the World Cup starting wicket-taker with 439 scalps, next month. The 35-year-old he surpassed fellow country- missed Bangalore’s match man Shaun Pollock (421) in a against Kings XI Punjab on match against Pakistan in De- Wednesday with skipper Virat cember. Kohli saying the speedster had Steyn is expected to lead a “shoulder niggle”. South Africa’s impressive pace Steyn has been ordered to battery including Kagiso Ra- take “ample rest due to in- bada and Lungi Ngidi in Eng- fl ammation in his shoulder,” land and Wales. Bangalore chairman Sanjeev South Africa play hosts Eng- Churiwala said in a statement. land in the World Cup opener “Dale will not be available to on May 30 in London.

FOCUS Narine rues missed WCup opportunity

Reuters ing international cricket. I Kolkata wouldn’t be able to do myself or the team justice.” New CWI president Ricky unil Narine has still Skerritt had earlier this month not given up hope of a announced a series of admin- return to international istrative changes including cricket after missing an overhaul of the selection outS on a spot in West Indies’ panel, with Robert Haynes re- World Cup squad due to injury, placing Courtney Browne as the spinner has said. interim head of selectors. The 30-year-old, who last As part of the old selection played an one-day interna- policy, availability for domes- tional in 2016, had come into tic tournaments was a require- consideration under the new ment to be picked for West In- selection policy of Cricket dies squads, but Skerritt said West Indies (CWI) but missed selectors would be allowed out due to a fi nger injury on his to pick all players who make right hand. themselves available. “I would have loved to play “I’m really happy the selec- in the World Cup,” Narine, tors considered me. It shows Rajasthan Royals’ Varun Aaron celebrates after taking the wicket of Kolkata Knight Riders’ opener Chris Lynn (left) during their Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens who is currently playing for they have faith in me,” Narine Cricket Stadium in Kolkata. (Right) Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Dinesh Karthik in action during his 97-run knock. (AFP) the Kolkata Knight Riders in added. the Indian Premier League, “I haven’t played interna- IANS In reply, the visitors were proved to be the match winner. gural champions, Parag did the twice, Karthik helped the two- told ESPNcricinfo. tional cricket in so long and Chennai down in the dumps at 98/5 after The result saw KKR succumb unthinkable. time champions recover from a “I’ve missed international this shows how much they 13 overs before 17-year old Parag to their sixth consecutive defeat Earlier, World Cup-bound jittery start to post a competi- cricket and missed represent- want me to come back. It was – who was dropped on a duck by as Royals moved to seventh spot Karthik recovered from a slow tive total. Varun Aaron (2/20), ing the West Indies. It’s where good to have some conver- ajasthan Royals rode Sunil Narine (2/25) off his own with eight points from 11 matches. start – he was 3 off 10 balls – to playing only his second game my heart lies. But I don’t feel sations with them and I feel teenager Riyan Parag’s bowling – came of age with a 31- Royals raced to 55/1 in six overs pace his innings to perfection as this season, had a brilliant new my fi nger is quite ready for we’re all on the same page go- heroics to keep their ball 47 (5x4, 2x6). with Sanju Samson (22) looking he sent the likes of Jofra Archer, ball spell of 3-1-10-2 in which ODI cricket. ing forward.” hopes of a playoff s Jofra Archer also smacked a good for a big one after sharing a Jaydev Unadkat and Shreyas he clean-bowled Chris Lynn (0) “I can get through a T20 West Indies, champions berthR alive by pulling off a dra- 12-ball 27 (2x4; 2x6) not out to 53-run opening wicket stand with Gopal to the cleaners. and Shubman Gill (14) cheaply. where I bowl just four overs. in 1975 and 1979, begin their matic three-wicket win over hit the winning runs by smash- Ajinkya Rahane (34) who was dis- Karthik changed gears in the Archer capped a superb Pow- But even that isn’t easy and I World Cup campaign on May Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ing a four and a six off Prasidh missed, trapped in front by Sunil 11th over when he hit Shreyas erplay for Royals with another need help from the physio. It’s 31 against Pakistan in Notting- who were pushed to the brink of Krishna in the fi rst two balls of Narine in the sixth over. Gopal for a six followed by three maiden as KKR found them- holding me back from play- ham. elimination, in a thrilling Indian the fi nal over in which nine was But with skipper Smith join- boundaries in an over that yield- selves going nowhere before Premier League clash yesterday. required. Royals put up 177/7 ing Samson at the crease, there ed 25 runs. Karthik intervened. Dinesh Karthik silenced his in 19.2 overs and won with four was hope but only for a while. Karthik completed his fi fty “Little disappointed. I critics with a career-best 97 not balls to spare. Samson was castled by Piyush from 35 balls and smashed Arch- thought we were in it, but it out as KKR posted 175/6 in 20 Parag got out hit wicket in Chawla in the seventh over and er for successive sixes in the pe- wasn’t our day,” said Dinesh overs after being asked to bat the 19th over off Andre Russell’s Smith too departed for just two nultimate over before bettering Karthik fi rst. Karthik promoted himself bowling when nine was needed runs, playing all around a Narine his previous best of 86 when he to No. 4 and smashed nine sixes off seven balls. But Archer did delivery to lose his stumps. went berserk against Unadkat by Brief scores: Kolkata Knight and seven fours in his 50-ball the job in the end with Jaydev Out-of-form Ben Stokes (11) hitting him for two sixes and one Riders 175/6 in 20 overs (Dinesh unbeaten knock, as KKR hit top Unadkat (0 not out) at the other holed out to Russell who took four in the fi nal over. Karthik 97, Varun Aaron 2/20); gear in the back end of the in- end. Parag and Archer shared a a brilliant catch at long on off On a day impact player Andre Rajasthan Royals: 177/7 in 19.2 nings, scoring 126 from the last 24-ball 44 run seventh wicket Chawla but just when it looked Russell fell short in his run-a- overs (Riyan Parag 47; Sunil Nar- 10 overs. partnership which in the end like it was all over for the inau- ball 14, in which he was dropped ine 2/25, Piyush Chawla 3/20). Gulf Times Friday, April 26, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Behind Rodriguez, Red Sox bounce Kerr rips Warriors back, beat Tigers

Reuters Boston

duardo Rodriguez shined over six innings, and JD Martinez aft er Clippers loss collected a season-high three hits to lead the Boston Red Sox to an 11-4 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. ‘It’s been a year where things haven’t gone exactly smoothly all the time so I’m not Rodriguez (2-2) struck out seven while allowing one run Eon two hits and three walks. He kept the Tigers hitless over his fi rst 4 surprised by anything, but I expected us to come out and play better and win the game’ 1/3 innings as the Red Sox rebounded from a doubleheader sweep on Tuesday. After Brandon Workman struck out the side for Boston in the sev- enth, Matt Barnes did the same in the eighth, though Detroit had loaded the bases with two outs while down 4-1. Barnes fanned Ronny Rodriguez on three pitches to escape the jam. The Red Sox sent 12 men to the plate and scored seven runs in the bottom of the eighth to make it a blowout. Three came home on bases- loaded walks. The Tigers had a three-game winning streak snapped. Martinez, who had an 11-game hitting streak end in Game 1 on Tuesday, has a hit in 23 of Boston’s fi rst 25 games this season. His RBI single RESULTS in the fi fth inning gave the Red Sox 11-4 Tigers Red Sox a 4-0 lead. Detroit, which had put Yankees 6-5 Angels just three runners on base Astros 7-1 Twins against Eduardo Rodriguez Phillies 6-0 Mets over the fi rst fi ve innings, fi nally posed a threat in Padres 1-1 Mariners the sixth. Jeimer Cande- Cardinals 5-2 Brewers lario led off with a double, Royals 10-2 Rays and Nicholas Castellanos walked. Niko Goodrum Athletics 6-5 Rangers drove home Candelario Cubs 7-6 Dodgers with a sacrifi ce fl y. Rockies 9-5 Nationals Tigers starter Tyson Giants 4-0 Blue Jays Ross had a tougher time staying out of trouble. Af- Braves 3-1 Reds ter Martinez led off the D’backs 11-2 Pirates second with a base hit and Orioles 4-3 White Sox moved up on a groundout, a Rafael Devers single made Indians 6-2 Marlins its way through the infi eld into right to put Boston on the board. Christian Vazquez singled home a run later in the frame to make it 2-0. Ross ran into trouble again in the fi fth, walking Andrew Benintendi with one out. Mookie Betts drove the runner home with a double high off the Green Monster in left-centre and came around to score on Martinez’s third hit. Ross (1-3) surrendered four runs on seven hits and three walks in fi ve innings. He struck out fi ve. Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. It was his 2,700th career hit.

LA Clippers guard Lou Williams (No 23) scores against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoff s at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP Clippers while Patrick Bever- came in and kicked our butts.” role and that’s why we won the Houston. Harden then made a Los Angeles ley hauled down 14 rebounds While Kerr and the Warriors game.” superb steal and drew a foul to to craft an upset which left Kerr refl ected on a chastening loss, While the Warriors now face earn two free throws that put bemoaning a lacklustre show- Clippers head coach Doc Rivers at least one more game in their the Rockets up by fi ve with 38 olden State Warri- ing from his team. waved off suggestions that his series, Houston will benefi t seconds remaining. ors head coach Steve “It’s been a year where things team could go on to eliminate from extra rest after wrapping Chris Paul added two late free Kerr accused his team haven’t gone exactly smoothly the Warriors, who are chasing a up a 4-1 series win over the throws to make the game safe. of taking victory for all the time so I’m not surprised fourth title in fi ve seasons. Utah Jazz in Wednesday’s other Paul fi nished with 15 points, Ggranted on Wednesday as the by anything, but I expected us playoff game. eight rebounds and fi ve assists. NBA champions slumped to an to come out and play better and TEAM EFFORT James Harden led the scor- Royce O’Neale led the Utah upset 129-121 playoff defeat to win the game,” Kerr told report- “We’re not getting ahead of ing with 26 points as the Rock- scoring, fi nishing with 18 off the the Los Angeles Clippers. ers afterwards. ourselves. They’re up 3-2 still,” ets overcame an improved Utah bench. The Warriors had looked set “But it’s the NBA playoff s. Rivers said. “But I just loved defensive eff ort to seal a 100- “You’ve got to give them to advance into a Western Con- It’s a seven-game series and how we played. I thought to- 93 victory at Houston’s Toyota credit for the entire series,” ference semi-fi nal showdown you’ve got to play, and defend night was more like us, through- Center. Harden said. “Every game they with Houston, needing only a with some urgency. We gave up out. We kept attacking, we kept The Rockets were made to found a way to compete, espe- victory on home turf against the 129 points on our home fl oor. running. That was our team out work hard for the win however, cially tonight. They just didn’t eighth-seeded Clippers to com- We weren’t right from the very there today.” and had pulled to within four let up.” plete a 4-1 series victory. beginning. As well as Williams and Bev- points at 86-90 with 4min But a 45-point display from “Everything we did in LA, we erley, three other players made 30sec remaining. But Utah’s RESULTS FROM THE FIRST Kevin Durant could not mask a didn’t do tonight. We seemed to double fi gures for the Clippers, Ricky Rubio missed a golden ROUND OF PLAYOFFS shoddy Warriors defensive per- take it for granted that we were notably Danilo Gallinari. The chance to put the Jazz ahead, (all series best-of-seven): formance which the Clippers going to be okay. But I said it Italian veteran fi nished with 26 squandering a wide open three- Western Conference exploited to claw the series back before the game -- this Clip- points and seven rebounds. pointer from the corner to leave Los Angeles Clippers 129 to 3-2 as the teams head to Los per team has been scrapping “To beat this team in a game, Houston 94-93 in front. Golden State 121 Angeles for game six. and clawing all year. “I knew you need everybody,” Rivers The momentum shifted after (Golden State leads series 3-2) Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez throws a pitch Lou Williams delivered 33 they weren’t going to go down said. “Everybody did their job. that error, PJ Tucker adding two Utah 93 Houston 100 against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning at Fenway Park in points off the bench for the without a fi ght. Patrick Beverley Each guy was a star in their free throws to make it 96-93 to (Houston wins series 4-1) Boston. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Capitals punished as Hurricanes advance in Stanley Cup AFP fending champions throughout cushion soon afterwards to can- played well. I thought the start Washington the series. “We wanted to go as cel out Aho’s eff ort. of this series we had time off , we far as we could,” the 37-year-old Again though, the Hurricanes rested players. We had a couple former Capitals player said. “It refused to roll over. Teuvo Tera- of practices and all of a sudden rock McGinn scored feels great right now. vainen gave his team a lifeline maybe it’s too much informa- the winner in double “I can’t say enough about this with a goal at 16:37 of the sec- tion. I think they were overload- overtime as the Caro- team. Time and time again we’ve ond period, before Jordan Staal ing. This way they won’t be able lina Hurricanes sent the just manned up. It would have scored in the third to tie it 3-3. to get so (overloaded).” defendingB champion Washing- been easy to pack it in, especially After a nervy fi rst spell of While the Bruins rallied from ton Capitals crashing out of the against a team like that. overtime fi nished scoreless it three separate series defi cits to NHL Stanley Cup playoff s on “We just had the belief all was left to McGinn to deliver oust the Maple Leafs, the Blue Wednesday. along that we could do it. Any- the coup de grace, fl icking in Jackets have been idle since April McGinn’s dramatic defl ected one can say it, but actually doing Williams cross for the series- 16 after sweeping the Presidents’ close-range fi nish from Justin it and believing we could do it is clinching goal. Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Williams’ center sealed a 4-3 something else. Every single guy Meanwhile the Boston Bruins Lightning. victory for the Canes, who had played a part in this.” barely caught their breath after Columbus has won 11 of its fought back from a 2-0 defi cit in The Caps had appeared to an exhausting seven-game fi rst- last 12 games dating back to the the fi rst period of the game seven be motoring towards the next round series before talk shifted regular season, with its lone set- decider. round after Andre Burakovsky to their next opponent: the well- back being a 6-2 decision against Carolina will now face the and Tom Wilson fi red them into rested Columbus Blue Jackets. Boston on April 2. New York Islanders in the next a 2-0 lead before a raucous home That second-round series, Brad Marchand collected a round for a place in the Eastern crowd at the Capital One Arena. after all, begins in Boston on goal and an assist in that contest Conference fi nals. The Hurri- Sebastian Aho reduced the Thursday night. and had four and three, respec- canes win completed a remark- defi cit for the Canes at 9:51 “I don’t mind the quick tively, as the Bruins won two of able series for the wild card en- of the second period when he turnaround necessarily when the three regular-season meet- trants, who were beaten in the rammed home his rebound after you’re playing well,” Bruins ings against the Blue Jackets. opening two games of the series. Capitals goalie Braden Holtby coach Bruce Cassidy said after The 30-year-old scored four Hurricanes veteran right wing failed to glove. his team’s 5-1 victory Tuesday goals and set up fi ve others in Carolina Hurricanes left wing Brock McGinn (right) scores the game-winning goal against Washington Williams praised the team’s re- But Evgeny Kuznetsov re- against rival Toronto in Game 7. the fi rst-round series against Capitals in the second overtime in game seven of the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoff s at silience after matching the de- stored Washington’s two-goal “Our last two games we have Toronto. Capital One Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 26, 2019 SPORT

GOLF BOXING Thailand’s Srisaket, Irishman Doheny Masters champion defend crowns

AFP won has won twice since losing Los Angeles to the Thai star to earn another chance at the title. “I’m extremely excited for hailand’s Srisaket Sor this rematch,” Estrada said. Woods to return to Rungvisai and Austral- “I’m getting ready to bring the ian-based Irishman title back to Mexico. I’m confi - TJ Doheny risk their dent I’m going to win.” Tworld boxing crowns today in Doheny, 21-0 with 15 knock- a championship card from the outs, defends for the second Forum in Los Angeles. time the IBF crown he took Srisaket puts his 20-fi ght from Japan’s Ryosuka Iwasa win streak and the World Box- last August. “This is a fi ght you Japan in October ing Council super fl yweight want to see. The best against title on the line in a rematch the best, champion against ‘I’m excited to play in the inaugural ZOZO Championship in October, and return to against Mexico’s Juan Francis- champion,” Doheny said. co Estrada. Unbeaten south- “I’ve been asking for this Japan, one of my favourite countries. It’s going to be a fun fall’ paw Doheny, the International fi ght since I won the world title Boxing Federation champion, and fi nally it’s here. There’s a AFP will face World Boxing Asso- lot of respect between myself Tokyo ciation champion and home- and Danny... when that fi rst town hero Daniel Roman in a bell goes, the respect will be super bantamweight title uni- gone out the window and the ewly crowned Mas- fi cation bout. Srisaket, 47-4 fans can expect fi reworks.” ters champion Tiger with one drawn and 41 knock- Roman, 26-2 with one draw Woods announced outs, took a February 2018 and 10 knockouts, has won 18 yesterday he will re- majority decision over Estrada fi ghts in a row since dropping Nturn to Japan for the fi rst time at the Forum and the 32-year- a 2013 decision to American in more than a decade to play in old southpaw now defends for Juan Reyes. “This is the fi ght I a new US PGA Tour event in Oc- the fourth time the crown he wanted,” Roman said. tober. took from Nicaragua’s Roman “It’s a dream come true. I “I’m excited to play in the in- Gonzalez in 2017 in his US de- was looking to unify the fi rst augural ZOZO Championship but in New York. fi ght after winning the belt. I in October, and return to Japan, “I’m excited to be back want the best in the division. one of my favourite countries. fi ghting in the US,” Rungvisai For me that’s the champions. It’s going to be a fun fall,” tweet- said. “Estrada is a great fi ghter “Finally, that’s happening ed the 43-year-old American. and we had an amazing fi ght and it’s in my backyard in In- Woods stunned the sport- last year. I believe this fi ght will glewood where I grew up, so ing world earlier this month by be even more entertaining. I’m I’m so excited. That has given completing an epic comeback confi dent I’ll be the winner.” me even more motivation to from spinal fusion surgery to Srisaket has not lost since start my quest to hold all the win his 15th major at Augusta falling to Mexico’s Carlos Cua- belts.” Should he beat Doheny, National and his fi rst since the dras in May 2014. Mexico’s unbeaten Rey Var- 2008 US Open. Estrada, 38-3 with 26 gas, the 33-0 WBC champion, A 2009 sex scandal followed knockouts, is a former WBA would be next on Roman’s hit by knee and back injuries that and WBO fl yweight champion list. required seven operations had led to an 11-year major drought. But his fairytale fi fth green jacket has put Woods fi rmly back in pursuit of the all-time record of 18 major wins by Jack Nick- and replaces Malaysia’s CIMB pan titles in a 2006 playoff loss The sponsor, billionaire Yu- disclosed sum for a ticket on fel- laus. The ZOZO Championship Classic. The other two events on to Ireland’s Padraig Harrington. saku Maezawa, who runs Japan’s low tycoon Elon Musk’s SpaceX will be held from October 24-27 the Tour’s Asian swing are the CJ Golf is one of Japan’s most largest online fashion store ZO- rocket around the moon as at the Accordia Golf Narashino Cup in South Korea, which was popular sports and the PGA are ZOTOWN, is no stranger to pub- early as 2023 and the passionate Country Club near Tokyo as the launched in 2017, and the WGC- hoping to boost their presence licity. He holds the record for the art collector also plans to take second of three big prize money HSBC Champions in Shanghai, ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olym- most retweets of all time – 4.3 around half a dozen artists with Asian events on the early part China. Woods has tasted success pics, which will feature the sport million – after he promised one him on the trip. of the 2019-2020 US PGA Tour in Japan before, winning back- at the Kasumigaseki course, million yen ($9,250) in cash each His fi rm’s stock spiked more calendar. to-back trophies at the Dunlop where US President Donald to 100 randomly selected follow- than three percent after he re- It will off er a purse of $9.75 Phoenix in 2004 and 2005. He Trump played on a trip to the ers. turned to Twitter to retweet million – a record for Japan – missing out on a hat-trick of Ja- country. Maezawa has also paid an un- Woods’s announcement. Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand (right) in action against Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua at StubHub Center in Carson, California on Aussies unite in PGA pairs event with eye on Presidents Cup September 9, 2017. (AFP) Australia’s most recent major we’re playing. I think who we guys are on their game. They’re “I’ve sat through a lot of nine of the world’s 15 top-ranked Golovkin splits with long-time trainer Sanchez winners, Jason Day and Adam play has to turn and take notice two of the best players you’ll Presidents Cup beatdowns over players and 16 of the top 25. “It’s Scott, will unite at this week’s of us.” ever see in the modern game.” the years and I’ve kind of had hard because you have the guys Former world middleweight better myself. Therefore, I PGA New Orleans Classic with an Rounds one and three at New Scott and Day have been used enough of it,” Scott said. “I’m on the team, and there’s certain champion Gennady Golovkin will not be training with Abel eye toward a partnership at this Orleans will be four-ball (best- alongside others to try and prepared to do whatever it takes, players that don’t gel together,” and long-time trainer Abel Sanchez.” year’s Presidents Cup. ball) format and rounds two and spread the talent in past years, whatever Ernie thinks it takes to Day said. Sanchez parted company on Shortly after Golovkin’s an- Scott, the 2013 Masters cham- four are foursomes (alternate but the moment in Melbourne kind of change the culture of our “This is a good opportunity to Wednesday in an acrimoni- nouncement, Sanchez issued pion, and Day, the 2015 PGA shot) with a cut to low 35 and might make it happen. team. “We’re a long way out. The see where we’re at with regards ous split apparently triggered his own statement, blaming Championship winner, will be ties for the weekend. “I’ve tried to push for it to hap- team is far from set, but trying to the potential guys that are by a dispute over money. “greed” for the boxer’s deci- among 80 pairs taking part in It will give Internationals captain pen more often, but there are to get as many guys here to play playing on the Presidents Cup Golovkin, who recently sion. “He insisted on an insult- the unique duos event at TPC Ernie Els of South Africa a good a lot of diff erent opinions and certainly might help Ernie later and seeing how they play in signed a lucrative six-fight ing new trainer compensation Louisiana. The Aussies have only look at potential players as his things to happen,” Scott said. in the year. tournament-like conditions deal with streaming company schedule,” Sanchez said. been paired once even though lineup tries to trim a US edge “You have to play as a team “Certainly an eff ort has been like we’re going to see down in DAZN, confirmed the break- “My dignity and honor does they have been teammates of 10-1-1 in the all-time rivalry, member and do what’s best for made by a lot of guys here this Melbourne. up of one of boxing’s most not allow me to be screwed on the past four Internationals although he called the Day the team, but I would definitely week that want to do that, that “Some guys aren’t going to gel famous partnerships in a like that. It’s unfortunate be- squads heading into the latest and Scott pairing an “obvious push for this pairing, certainly feel the frustrations. I think well together. Some guys are short statement. ing greedy, being ungrateful, showdown against Tiger Woods- choice.” in Australia. I think it’s very probably Jason feels the same. going to do really well. That’s the “I would like to announce that and (having) no ethics, honor captained United States in “They could play together in formidable.” So let’s try and turn it around.” learning curve of it.” I have made a major decision or integrity will end this rela- December at Royal Melbourne. December pretty easily,” Els said. Day is sixth in Presidents Cup Day had some sympathy for past Scott sees Els trying to develop a for myself and for my career,” tionship.” The decision means “I think we’re a hell of a team,” “Pretty solid pairing right there, qualifying, which continues captains trying to pull together lasting culture around the team Golovkin said. “I want to Golovkin will have a new Scott said. “I don’t care who else so one of those days they could through the US PGA Tour Cham- global players as a united front that can set the groundwork for build on what I have already trainer in his corner when he is on the team and what team easily play together. Those two pionship. Scott ranks 11th. against Americans who now are improved results in the future. achieved and continue to returns to the ring in June.

CRICKET Hussain to lead Qatar in ACC Western Region U19 tourney By Sports Reporter hid Mahboob is the Team Man- & Iran Doha ager, while Qamar Sadiq has been Group - B named the Coach. Omran Hussain Oman, Qatar, the Maldives & and Aminul Islam are the Trainer Kuwait atar Under-19 team, and Coordinator, respectively. We Schedule led by Hussain Khan, tried our best to prepare the team Friday (April 26) will compete in the for this important championship UAE v KSA at DIS ACC Western Region and we’re optimistic about get- Oman v Qatar at SCS Under-19Q Cricket Tournament, ting good results.” Bahrain v Iran at Ajman which starts today in Dubai. Besides Qatar and Oman, the Maldives v Kuwait at Sevens Qatar team is in Group B and six other participating teams are: Saturday (April 27) will face a strong Oman in the the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, KSA v Iran at DIS opening match at the Sharjah Iran, the Maldives and Kuwait. Qatar v Kuwait at SCS Cricket Stadium. In all, fi ve ven- All the teams have been divided Oman v Maldives at Ajman ues will be used to hold the match- into two groups. The Group A UAE v Bahrain at Sevens es. Other four grounds are: Dubai consists of the UAE, Saudi Ara- Sunday (April 28) International Stadium (DIS), Eden bia, Bahrain and Iran. The Group Rest/Practice Gardens Ajman (Ajman), Acad- B is composed of Oman, Qatar, Monday (April 29) emy Dubai (ICCA ICC) and Sevens the Maldives and Kuwait. UAE v Iran at DIS Cricket Ovals Dubai (Sevens). The fi nal is slated for May 3. KSA v Bahrain at SCS Qatar Cricket Association QATAR SQUAD: Hussain Khan Oman v Kuwait at Ajman president Yousuf Jeham al- (Captain), Shubh Agarwal, Qatar v Maldives at ICCA Kuwari wished good luck to the Dhanitha, Syed Yousuf Tameem, Tuesday (April 30) captain, players and offi cials. Solaiman, Fateen Suhail, Afsarul- Rest/ Practice/ Teams departure “We’re very pleased to send a lah, Bismillah Khan, Sheikh (4 Teams Depart) competent and competitive team Jassim, Saud Kamal, Mohammaz Wednesday (May 1) that will make Qatar proud in the Azam, Samil, Zayan and Suyash. Semi-final - 1st Group A vs 2nd ACC Western Region Under-19 Off icials: Shahid Mahboob Group B at DIS Cricket Tournament. Just play (Team Manager), Qamar Semi-final - 2nd Group A vs 1st hard, enjoy matches and I wish Sadiq (Coach), Omran Hussain Group B at SCS good luck to the entire squad.” (Trainer) and Aminul Islam Thursday (May 2) QCA operations manager (Team Coordinator). Rest/ Practice/ Teams departure Manzoor Ahmad said, “Besides GROUPS (2 Teams Depart) the players, four offi cials are also Group - A Friday (May 3) accompanying the team. Sha- The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain FINAL at DIS. Qatar Under-19 team players and off icials pose with Qatar flag. Gulf Times Friday, April 26, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS ‘Kid was depressed’: Osaka enters fi rst More accusations clay quarter-fi nal

AFP fore I was number one.” Stuttgart Osaka, 21, broke Hsieh three times in total to beat Hsieh for the second time in three at- orld number one tempts this year, having also de- fl y in Gebrselassie Naomi Osaka de- feated her on the way to lifting feated Hsieh Su-wei the title in Melbourne. 6-4, 6-3 in Stutt- “I did feel like I am in control, Wgart yesterday to reach her fi rst but I also felt she is taking more career clay court quarter-fi nal risks than me,” said Osaka. and admitted she had been left “She’s a really tricky op- “depressed” after a “rough few ponent. You never really know months”. what she’s going to do.” vs Farah bust up US and Australian Open Osaka needed 84 minutes to champion Osaka, who lost to dispatch the unconventional Athletics legends may end up in court as feud shows no sign of easing up Taiwanese veteran Hsieh in Mi- Hsieh, ensuring she will hold on ami last month, secured a place to top spot in the rankings for at in the quarter-fi nals against least another week. Croatia’s Donna Vekic as she She is less than 200 points launched her preparations for ahead of Simona Halep in the Roland Garros. WTA rankings, although the Ro- The Japanese star arrived in manian pulled out of this week’s Stuttgart, where she last played tournament with a hip injury. as a qualifi er in 2017, after suf- Top seed Osaka fought off the fering early exits in her last three only two break points she faced, tournaments. in a lengthy service hold for 2-all Osaka has admitted the dif- in the opening set, before break- fi culty of dealing with the trap- ing Hsieh in the following game. pings of fame and becoming That was suffi cient to wrap up the world’s top player in recent the fi rst set, and a Hsieh dou- months, a period which saw her ble-fault handed Osaka a break split with coach Sascha Bajin af- to start the second before she ter the Australian Open. closed out victory with another “I am really grateful for every- service break in a performance one that has been really positive that featured 22 winners and just towards me. It was really rough 16 unforced errors. the last couple of months. The Osaka will meet Vekic, a 6-1, kid was depressed out there.” 7-5 winner over Daria Kasatkina, “If there is one positive thing for a spot in the last four, while that I can say about myself, it is Latvian seventh seed Anastasija that I learn quickly,” said Osaka, Sevastova defeated 2017 cham- who reached the last eight of a pion Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-3. tournament for the fi rst time Sevastova will meet third- since her coaching split. ranked Petra Kvitova next. “Defi nitely I’ve put a lot on Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit pressure on myself and found it eased past Anastasia Pavly- hard to deal with in the fi rst few uchenkova 6-3, 6-2, while tournaments. Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens took “Now I start trying to have fun down Belinda Bencic 4-6, 6-3, out there, which is what I did be- 6-4.

A combination picture of Haile Gebrselassie (L) and Mo Farah.

AFP by several people punching and Mo would result in police ac- that my wife got me, and two claiming the text message London kicking a man and his wife in tion.” phones,” said Farah. looked like “an act of black- the gym. For his part Gebrselassie “The watch was sentimental mailing and accusation” and “Farah said to him (the hus- maintained that it was only — it can’t be replaced.” added there had been “multiple thletics icons Mo Fa- band): ‘Why are you following thanks to his personal inter- Farah, who fi nished third in reports of disgraceful conduct” rah and Haile Gebrse- me?’” Gebrselassie told the vention police dropped an as- last year’s race but has since at the hotel levelled against Fa- lassie are locked in Guardian, adding that the man sault case against Farah. set a new European record in rah and his entourage. an escalating dispute had been copying Farah’s exer- The dispute was escalating landing the prestigious Chi- Gebrselassie denied the al- justA days away from the London cise routine. as Farah was engaged in hardly cago Marathon, also revealed leged robbery had been taken Japan’s Naomi Osaka returns the ball to Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei during Marathon with claims of rob- “The guy said he wasn’t — ideal preparations for taking the contents of a text message lightly, saying that fi ve hotel their round-of-16 match at the WTA Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart bery and an alleged assault at and that he was just doing his on world record holder and de- he sent Gebrselassie when he staff were held in custody for yesterday. the heart of the row. work. fending champion Eliud Kip- lost patience at not having his three weeks while it was inves- Britain’s quadruple Olympic “Immediately Farah punched choge in Sunday’s marathon. pleas for help answered. tigated. champion Farah, aiming to win them and kicked them by foot. He alleged on Wednesday “I want to inform you that “They were later released Qatar beat Oman in GCC Tennis Championship Sunday’s race, went public at Especially the husband. There that around £2,500 pounds I’m disappointed you have not by legal bodies after they were his pre-marathon press con- were lots of witnesses.” ($3,200) had been stolen on made any eff ort to fi nd my sto- found clear,” said Gebrselassie. Doha: Qatar’s U-12 and U-16 2-1. The Chairman of the Na- ference with claims Gebrse- Farah’s camp denied the al- March 23 — his 36th birthday len money, and especially my “The police were doing all tennis teams beat Oman in the tional Teams Committee Khalid lassie had made no eff ort to legations. — from his hotel room along watch,” the text read. their investigation thoroughly, GCC Tennis Championship host- al-Khulaifi said in a press state- recover items stolen from his “There was an incident at with a watch given to him by “I have tried to contact you but found nothing on the re- ed by Qatar Tennis Federation ment that Qatar is very pleased room at the Ethiopian’s hotel the gym a number of weeks his wife Tania. by telephone several times. ported robbery case.” (QTF) at the Khalifa Complex to host GCC Tennis Champion- near Addis Ababa. ago, at which Haile was not He had also earlier strongly “Know that I am not respon- It appears that the case has yesterday. Qatar, Oman, and ship as it will benefit Qatari Farah was staying at the present but it was categorically dismissed Gebrselassie’s as- sible for what I say during the escalated to such an extent that Kuwait are taking part in the players and provide them with hotel in late March as part of not of Mo’s making,” a source sault accusations, saying they press conference in London the two athletics greats could tournament. an opportunity to develop their training for Sunday’s prestig- close to Farah told The Guard- were an eff ort to “distract from and what infl uence it will have end up in court. The U-12 Qatari team represent- performance and gain more ious race. ian. the situation, where members on your personality and your “He (Farah) hired a lawyer in ed by Mishary Nawaf and Fahad experience. Gebrselassie — a two-time “He immediately raised a of his hotel staff used a room business. Greetings, Sir (he has Ethiopia,” Gebrselassie told The al-Khelaifi beat Oman 3-0. He pointed out that organising Olympic champion — hit back complaint to the highest level key and stole money and items been ennobled by Queen Eliza- Guardian on Thursday. The U-16 Qatari team represent- the Championship is an ideal by accusing Farah of not pay- within the police force. from Mo Farah’s room”. beth II) Mo.” “And we have our own law- ed by Rashed Nawaf, Nasser platform for the development ing his heavily discounted ho- “The individuals concerned “Someone’s got the key from Gebrselassie, who also won yer. And now the fi ght will start al-Yafei and Ghanim al-Khulaifi, and promotion of tennis in GCC tel bill and told The Guardian were warned that any further reception, opened it up, took four outdoor world titles in and we will see — and one of us beat their Omani counterparts countries. (QNA) yesterday Farah had been seen threatening behaviour towards my money, took my nice watch his illustrious career, hit back will be the winner.”

Jain wins Qatar Junior Open Golf ATHLETICS Semenya wins 5,000m gold at South African Championships

Reuters Athletics Federations (IAAF) that would require Germiston, Saoth Africa her to take medicine to limit her natural levels of testosterone. The IAAF wants female athletes with diff er- aster Semenya cruised to victory in the ences in sexual development to reduce their blood 5,000 metres at the South African ath- testosterone level to below a stipulated concen- letics championships yesterday, a po- tration for a period of six months before they can Ctential new distance as she waits for the compete, to prevent any unfair advantage. verdict of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) But this is limited to events ranging between in an appeal against regulations seeking to limit 400m and a mile, and so would not include the her testosterone level. 5,000m, leaving Semenya free to compete unhin- Semenya looked in complete control as she dered. Her time yesterday was 45 seconds slower won in a time of 16:05.97 on the opening day of than the best mark set in 2019 so far, but Semenya the championships, which serve as an important looked to be holding back before putting in her fa- test for the South African team going to the World miliar sprint in the fi nal 200 metres. Championships in Doha in September. CAS is due to deliver its verdict on Semenya’s Semenya made a rare run in the longer dis- appeal before the end of April. tance after earlier cruising into Friday’s fi nal of Meanwhile, 400m Olympic gold medallist and the 1,500m with a time of 4:30.65, well below her world record holder Wayde van Niekerk pulled out personal best. of his heat on Thursday, citing a wet track as he at- Although she barely broke a sweat, her 1,500m tempted to resume high-level competition after 18 time was nine seconds quicker than the second months out. fastest qualifi er. “Sad to announce my withdrawal from the Ath- The heats for the 800m, her principal event, are letics South Africa Senior Championships,” Van on Friday morning, with the fi nal to be run on Sat- Niekerk tweeted. urday evening. “Was looking forward to competing again on Arnav Jain won the Qatar Junior Open golf title at the Doha Golf Club. The tournament saw the participation of 35 players. Qatar national Semenya is waiting for the outcome of her ap- home soil after a good build-up but the weather junior team player Arnav topped the field, while Doha Golf Club player Sayed Zain was the runner-up. peal asking CAS to halt the introduction of new isn’t playing along so we don’t want to take any regulations by the International Association of chances.

Friday, April 26, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SHOWJUMPING Salmeen shines on opening day of 12th leg of Hathab After six months of gruelling competition, the overall winners in various categories will be declared this weekend

By Sports Reporter Doha

almeen Sultan al-Suwaidi was in the excellent form last night as the Qatari rider clinched the Big Tour title on the open- ingS day of the 12th and last leg of the Hathab Equestrian Tour. Yesterday at the Al Shaqab arena, Salmeen galloped to victory with 10-year-old gelding Guilder’s Empire Of The Sun in 76.28 seconds. He also took third place with 19-year-old grey gelding Cantaro 32. The tiders are al- lowed to compete with two horses and Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi rides Salmeen made maximum of the op- 10-year-old gelding Guilder’s Empire portunity to take two podium places in Of The Sun to Big Tour victory the 130/145cm class. Faleh Suwead al- during the 12th and last leg of the Hathab Ajami fi nished runner-up with Ulano, Equestrian Tour at Al Shaqab arena with the pair coming home in 78.50secs yesterday. In the Medium Tour, Mohamed Saeed Haidan reigned supreme with Big Tour winner Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi (top right) and runner-up Faleh his 14-year-old mare Apple Bee. The Suwead al-Ajami pose with Ali al-Rumaihi, Tournament Director of Hathab. duo fi nished the round fastest in 64.32 secs. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi astride Daydreamer EC was second, while Mohamed Hazim Abara was third with Ambre De Beaufour. The Small Tour 100/115cm title on the opening day went to Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi, who piloted Vlacido to victory in 49.76 secs. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi took runner-up spot with Fu- dine, while Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi had to settle for third place with Dusty. After six months of gruelling com- petition, the overall winners in various categories will be declared this week- ard of horse riding among Qatari youths 69.71. QR2,625 QR1,250 end, with riders having collected points through Hathab, while also encourag- Medium Tour, Table A, One round 2. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi. Fudine. 51.69 from the last rounds. The QR1mn ing the involvement of private stables against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, secs. QR1,000 equestrian series, which was launched and individual horse owners to increase 120/130cm, Prize Money: QR10,000 last year, has received overwhelm- awareness of horsemanship as part of 3. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi. Dusty. 51.96. ing response and the competition has Qatar’s history and tradition. 1. Mohammed Saeed Haidan. Horse: Ap- QR750.00 gained immense popularity. The last ple Bee. Time: 64.32 secs. Prize Money: leg of the series will see competitions in QR2,500 Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi astride Vlacido won the Small Tour class. RESULTS TODAY’S SCHEDULE both showjumping and dressage. Big Tour, Table A, One round against 2. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi. Daydreamer EC. Hathab, meaning ‘Canter’ in Arabic, 9am: Future riders class Table A, One jump off (1st Rnd) 120/130 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 2pm: Small Tour Two rounds with jump the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 130/145cm, 65.97secs. QR2,000 is an initiative launched by Qatar Ol- round against the clock 70/85 238.2.; (QR10,000) off (2nd Rnd) 100/115 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 Prize Money QR15,000 ympic Committee President HE Sheikh 3. Mohammad Hazim Abara. Ambre De 6:30pm: Big Tour Two rounds with (QR15,000) Beaufour. 70.57 secs. QR1,500.00 9:30am: Future riders class Table A, One Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. The series 1. Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi. Horse: round against the clock 85/100 238.2.1 jump off (1st Rnd) 130/145 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 4pm: Medium Tour Two rounds with is open for Qatari nationals and also to Guilder’s Empire Of The Sun. Time: 76.28 Small Tour, Table A, One round against (QR15,000) jump off (2nd Rnd) 120/130 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 residents of Qatar. The event is being secs. Prize money: QR4,125 2pm: Small Tour Two rounds with the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 100/115cm, TOMORROW (QR20,000) conducted jointly by Qatar Equestrian jump off (1st Rnd) 100/115 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 2. Faleh Suwead al-Ajami. Ulano. Prize Money: QR5,000 6:30pm: Big Tour Two rounds with jump Federation (QEF) and Al Shaqab. (QR5,000) 8:30am: Dressage Level 1 (QR10,000) 78.50secs. QR3,375 1. Mohamed Nasser al-Qadi. Horse: off (2nd Rnd) 130/145 273.3.4.1+ 4.4 Organisers aim to improve the stand- 4pm: Medium Tour Two rounds with 9:30am: Dressage Level 2 (QR5,000) 3. Salmeen Sultan al-Suwaidi. Cantaro 32. Vlacido. Time: 49.76 secs. Prize Money: (QR40,000)

FOCUS Qatar handball team in Group A of Asian Qualifi ers for Olympics

Doha: The draw for Asian men’s handball qualify- contract for qualifiers between the Qatar Handball Rivera and Sanchez felicitated by ing tournament for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Association and the Asian Handball Federation. Games, which will be held in Doha from October The contract was signed by President of Qatari 17 to 27, was held yesterday. Qatar were drawn in Handball Association Ahmed al-Shabi, and the Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, India, and Hong Treasurer of the Asian Handball Federation Bader Spanish Chamber of Commerce Kong, while the second group included Bahrain, Diab. It will be the second time in a row that Qatar South Korea, Iran, and Kuwait. hosts the Asian Men’s Handball Qualifiers for the By Sports Reporter fi ve European Super Cups and one EHF Asian Cup in Myanmar, a milestone in the The group winners qualify only for the Olympic Olympic Games, after hosting the 2015 Qualifiers Doha Cup as Barcelona coach. He is considered history of the country. After coaching Qa- Games (Tokyo 2020), while the second-placed for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Qatari team has the most successful handball coach in the tar’s team at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup teams will enter play-off for qualification. The already started its preparations for the Asian quali- game’s history. in New Zealand, he was put in charge of draw was followed by the signing of the hosting fiers of the Olympic Games. hamber of Commerce of Spain to While paying tributes to Sanchez, Vice- Qatar’s U-23 team, before taking over the Qatar honoured Qatar’s handball nte said: “Sanchez is the toast of the nation. country’s senior national team in July 2017. and football coaches – Valero Riv- He has played a great role in developing the “It is always nice when you get awards for era and Felix Sanchez. young Qatar boys into international stars.” the work you have done. I am very happy to F1 COn Wednesday evening, the Spaniards Qatar won the AFC Asian Cup title ear- receive the ward,” Sanchez said. were felicitated by ambassador of Spain to lier this year under the guidance of Sanchez. Before the felicitation ceremony, Business Qatar, Belen Alfaro in the presence of chair- He was at La Liga giants FC Barcelona for Development & Intelligence Director from man of the Chamber of Commerce of Spain 10 years, and throughout this long period Aspire, Kamel Badawyalso talked about Hamilton sees ‘much of myself’ to Qatar, Jose Vicente. Speaking on the oc- he was coach of the Escola and, later, in the Qatar SportsTech, the fi rst acceleration casion Vicente said: “Valero Rivera and Felix youth sections of the club. With roots at programme of its kind in Qatar that aims Sanchez were instrumental in the Qatar’s FC Barcelona, Sanchez instilled the Barca to attract the most promising SportsTech in Ferrari youngster Leclerc historical moments in sport.” DNA in Sergio Roberto, Marc Muniesa, Ger- startups from the world and help them grow Rivera coached Qatar team to silver medal ard Deulofeu and Martin Montoya amongst their product and business. Nizar Bakhat, AFP but the fi ghter in you wants to go in the 2015 World Handball Championship others before he left Barcelona in 2006 to delegate of the LIGA Global Network in Qa- Baku the other way.” and gold medal at the Asian Championships work at Aspire Academy. tar also talked about La Liga and its presence Ferrari have issued team orders in 2016. Rivera as a coach has an unrivalled After years of work as coach at Aspire, he in Qatar and Xavi Pedrero, founder of Padel in all of the three season-opening record of winning 75 titles at European and also led the Qatar team to glory for the fi rst Qatar explained the challenges of introduc- ewis Hamilton sympa- Grands Prix, twice giving an ad- national level. He won six European Cups, time, as champion of the 2014 AFC U-19 ing a new sport such as padel in the country. thised with Charles vantage to teammate and four- Leclerc yesterday and time champion Sebastian Vettel. said he saw a lot of him- Hamilton, however, declined to Lself, and his own early frustra- be drawn on saying if Ferrari were tions, in the young Monegasque’s making the right decisions. dislike of taking team orders “That’s not my call,” he said. at Ferrari. The fi ve-time world “I don’t know how to run a team. champion recalled his own debut I don’t know how to make these season in 2007, when he part- decisions so it doesn’t make a nered two-time champion Fern- diff erence to me. I’m fi ghting ando Alonso at McLaren. against both of them.” Like Leclerc, he wanted to win a racing driver has always been He added that it was thanks to from the outset. “For sure, I think that I want equal opportunity the rebel in him and McLaren’s he’s a bit younger than I was by a with whoever I’m racing, so I can insistence on treating their year or two, but absolutely I can truly show my ability,” he said. drivers equally that he took his see it. I remember wanting to “I got to Formula One and... chance and won his fi rst Grand get to F1 as soon as possible and you have a couple of scenari- Prix. “For me, that justifi ed the then, when I got there, I wanted os, where you’ve had multiple rebellious side that I had and to win as soon as possible and world champions, who demand from then on it felt like I had I wanted to beat the champion number one positions and there- more of a chance to show my that I was racing against. fore you become a number two ability each weekend.” “So, it’s very, very similar. I see and (take) a supporting role... Looking ahead to this week- much of myself in Charles. He’s While that’s a privileged position end’s Azerbaijan race, Hamilton doing a great job so far with really to be in it goes against your core said he was fi nding Mercedes’ high expectations at a huge team values, because you’re a racing 2019 car more diffi cult than its like Ferrari, but he’s driving so driver at heart. That’s why I can title winning predecessor. “So well. So, he just has to keep doing understand how Charles feels. far, the car’s a little bit harder to what he’s doing... It will come to Because in his heart he believes work with this year — defi nitely him.” he’s the best or has the potential not easier,” he said. “It’s a com- Hamilton went on to explain to be the best... it’s almost like bination of things. Every year how he felt about demand- having your light dimmed. So as you’ve got tyre issues, which Qatar’s handball and football coaches Valero Rivera (fourth right) and Felix Sanchez (third left) pose with Belen Alfaro (centre), ing equality of competition and a competitor, you naturally kind seem a little bit more complex ambassador of Spain to Qatar and Jose Vicente (left), chairman of Chamber of Commerce of Spain to Qatar after a felicitation ceremony. equipment. “My philosophy as of rebel. They say do one thing, than last year.”