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Thursday, May 17, 2018 TENNIS Ramadan 1, 1439 AH Nadal and Djoko GULF TIMES power on as Thiem crashes out in Rome SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL / AMIR CUP QFA announces dates for league, local competitions

Khalifa stadium ready QNA Doha

atar Football Association (QFA) announced that the new season Q2018-2019 will start on August for Qatar’s biggest fi xture 3 and will be preceded by , which will be held between the winners For his part, al-Ghanim, head of the Internal of Qatar Cup and HH the Amir Cup on Al Duhail to face Al Security Forces at Lekhwiya, said that there are August 1. special arrangements for the upcoming fi nal. He QFA also said that the second division Rayyan in May 19 final pointed out that there is a comprehensive traf- season will kick off on September 19, fi c plan to avoid congestion on the roads lead- while Qatargas U23 League will start By Sports Reporter ing to the stadium. Al-Ghanim urged the crowd on September 4. Doha to come to the stadium well before the kick-off The start of the season comes early in time to avoid missing out on the action. order to give the Qatari national foot- Al-Kuwari announced that an Iftar party will ball team the opportunity to prepare he Organising Committee of the Amir be held for the fans and organisers at the Qatar for the next year’s entitlements, which Cup have completed their preparations Women’s Sports Hall. The gates will be opened will start with Asian Championship for the May 19 fi nal, which will see Al in the direction of the stadium at 6:45pm. The from January 5 – February 1 in the Rayyan take on QNB Stars League and activities will start off before the Iftar time. UAE. Qatar will also participate in Copa QatarT Cup champions Al Duhail. Al-Kuwari pointed out that the gate numbers America in Brazil in June 2019, first Tournament director Abdullah al-Saai, Cap- 22-23-24-25-26 were allocated to the fans of Al time that an Arab national team will tain Abdullah al-Ghanim of Lekhwiya, and (From left) Qatar Football Association’s Marketing and Communication director Khalid Mubarak Rayyan while gates 2-3-4-5-29 were allocated participate in this tournament. Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) Marketing al-Kuwari, Tournament Director Abdullah al-Saai and Abdullah al-Ghanim of Lekhwiya gave to the fans of Al Duhail. Gates 11-16 are for fam- The current season will conclude and Communication director Khalid Mubarak out the details of preparations during a press conference. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil ilies and gate 12 for people with special needs. with HH the Amir Cup final between al-Kuwari, gave the details at a press confer- He also informed that eight luxury cars and Al Duhail and Al Rayyan on Satur- ence held on Monday at Khalifa International ments for the fi nal have been completed, with He said Al Duhail and Al Rayyan will be train- 250 other valuable prizes will be distributed to day evening at Khalifa International Stadium. only a few more details left to be ironed out, and ing at the match venue the day before the fi nal. the winners through a draw to be held at half Stadium. Al-Saai informed that most of the arrange- the same will be completed in the coming days. He said the ticket sale was going well too. time of the fi nal, which will kick-off at 10:15pm. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 17, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Alexander-Arnold gets World Cup call as Hart, Wilshere axed Selection of Alexander-Arnold comes after some fine performances in Liverpool’s run to the Champions League final

AFP Southgate named Burnley’s Nick of energy and athleticism in the team, London Pope, at 26 the oldest of the three goal- but players that are equally comfortable keepers, in place of Hart and called up in possession of the ball and I think peo- Manchester City’s Fabian Delph, who ple can see the style of play we’ve been rent Alexander-Arnold has can play at left-back or in midfi eld, to looking to develop,” he said. “The selec- been included in England’s take over from Wilshere. Delph hasn’t tion process has been over months re- squad for the World Cup as played for England since 2015, but he ally, it’s not just been the last few weeks. Joe Hart and is coming off a title- We feel the team are improving and we Twere the big-name casualties of Ga- winning campaign with City. want to continue that momentum.” reth Southgate’s youth revolution. Based on the players’ age on the fi rst England face Panama, Tunisia and The England manager confi rmed yes- match-day of the tournament, Eng- Belgium in their World Cup group stage terday that, as widely anticipated, he land have named their third young- matches. Southgate does not have to had omitted both on-loan West Ham est World Cup squad behind the 2006 formally submit his squad list to FIFA goalkeeper Hart and Arsenal midfi elder and 1958 editions. The most capped until June 4. He has put Lallana, Burnley Wilshere were not in his squad for the player, with 52 appearances, is Chelsea duo Tom Heaton and James Tarkowski, World Cup in Russia. defender Gary Cahill, at 32 the second Lewis Cook of Bournemouth and West Hart is 31 and has played 75 times for oldest member of the squad, who was Bromwich Albion’s Jake Livermore on England. Injury-prone Wilshere is 26 included despite missing out in recent a stand-by list in case of injuries. The and has 34 England caps. But 19-year- friendlies, while there was no place for squad are due to begin training together old Liverpool right-back Alexander- Liverpool midfi elder Adam Lallana, next week ahead of friendlies against Arnold will be on the fl ight to Russia who has recently returned from a long Nigeria at Wembley on June 2 and Costa as Southgate has opted for a youthful hamstring injury lay-off . Rica in Leeds on June 7. selection in what he hopes will prove a Chelsea’s young midfi elder Ruben ENGLAND’S 23-MAN SQUAD bold new era for the under-achieving Loftus-Cheek has earned selection Goalkeepers: (Stoke), Jordan national team. after an impressive season on loan at Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley) “With Joe, we’ve got three other Crystal Palace. “I believe this is a squad Defenders: Kyle Walker (Manchester City), goalkeepers who have had very good which we can be excited about,” South- John Stones (Manchester City), Harry Liverpool defender Trent seasons and the decision I was faced gate said. “It is a young group, but with Maguire (Leicester), Kieran Trippier (Tot- Alexander-Arnold. (Reuters) with was do I keep Joe in and have ex- some really important senior players so tenham Hotspur), Danny Rose (Tottenham perience around the group. Or give I feel the balance of the squad is good, Hotspur), Ashley Young (Manchester the three guys who have basically had both in terms of its experience, its char- United), Phil Jones (Manchester United), a better season a chance?” Southgate acter and also the positional balance. Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Trent Alexander- said. The 23 players averages just 19 Southgate has included just four Arnold (Liverpool) caps, making them England’s least ex- players — Jordan Henderson, Raheem Midfielders: Eric Dier (Tottenham Hot- perienced World Cup squad since 1962. Sterling, Danny Welbeck and Cahill spur), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Jesse The selection of Alexander-Arnold, — who played in the last World Cup in Lingard (Manchester United), Jordan comes after some fi ne performances 2014. Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Mar- Henderson (Liverpool), Ruben Loftus- in Liverpool’s run to the Champions cus Rashford, Sterling and Welbeck are Cheek (Crystal Palace), Fabian Delph League fi nal. England’s attacking options. (Manchester City) “The fi rst call up for Trent Alexan- Nobody in the squad has won a World Forwards: Jamie Vardy (Leicester), der-Arnold is well deserved. When we Cup match, but Southgate is confi dent Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), pick young players, it’s not just because England can make an impact as they Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) Harry they are young, it’s because their per- dream of winning the tournament for Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Wel- formances deserve it,” Southgate said. the fi rst time since 1966. “We have a lot beck (Arsenal)

ANXIOUS FOCUS With World Cup looming, Neymar Arteta is strong favourite to admits: ‘nobody is as scared as me’ replace Wenger at Arsenal

AFP By David Hytner Sao Paulo The Guardian

s Neymar, the world’s most ex- ikel Arteta is the pensive player, battles to be fi t for strong favourite Brazil’s World Cup campaign, he to succeed Arsène is aware of the pressure. “Nobody Wenger as manager isA as scared as me,” he said on Tuesday. The Mat Arsenal, with productive talks Paris Saint-Germain striker has not played having progressed between his since February, but knows that football- camp and the club. mad Brazil hopes he is fi t to lead their team Conversations are so advanced to glory in the World Cup. that Arteta is giving thought to “I know that people are a little anxious, the people he might want in his but nobody more than me, nobody is as backroom team. It is unclear nervous about my comeback and nobody whether Steve Bould would stay, is more scared than me,” Neymar told Bra- with Wenger’s assistant not zilian station TV Globo. The world’s most always seeing eye to eye with expensive player was injured on February Arteta when they were together 25 playing for PSG against Marseille in the at Arsenal. French league. The club have considered the The 26-year-old striker underwent sur- merits of a number of managers, gery on a bone in his right foot in Brazil at including Max Allegri, but the the start of Match and has since dedicated current Juventus manager wants Mikel Arteta, currently a coach at Manchester City, has emerged as himself to preparing for the World Cup. greater control over budgets and the clear favourite to replace Arsene Wenger. (Reuters) “It’s a very diffi cult time, right? I think recruitment for the next cycle it’s one of the most diffi cult I’ve ever had, of his career. Those demands do club appointed Dortmund’s Sven would not stand in Arteta’s way if because I’m very close to a dream I have, not match the Arsenal chief ex- Mislintat and Barcelona’s Raul Arsenal come calling. which is the World Cup,” said Neymar, who Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar attends a training session in Paris yesterday. (AFP) ecutive Ivan Gazidis’s vision for Sanllehi as head of recruitment “If he decides to move because broke a bone in his neck in the quarter-fi nals the job and Allegri is understood and football relations respec- he has this off er, this option, I of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and missed said. “It is my goal. I hope it is my cup.” before the World Cup his chances will come to be leaning towards staying in tively. will not say you don’t have to go,” the semi-fi nal, which the hosts lost, 7-1, to Neymar was on Tuesday included in the in warm-up games against Croatia in Liver- Turin. Arteta, a former Arsenal cap- Guardiola said. “I want the best Germany. 23-man provisional Brazilian squad for the pool on June 3 and against Austria in Vienna Arteta would be happy to take tain who played for the club from for my friends and he’s a friend of “Thank God I have this further opportu- World Cup which starts in Russia on June 14. three days later. a job more akin to that of a head 2011 to 2016, has been working mine. If he decides to go, I will be nity, this further chance, to try to be a world Brazil are aiming to add a sixth star on their Brazil kick off their World Cup against coach. That would not compro- as a coach at Manchester City so sad but I will understand his champion for my country, which is a dream shirts. Neymar resumed training with PSG Switzerland in Rostov on June 17. Their mise the structure put in place under Pep Guardiola since July decision, because it’s his career, that I have had since childhood,” Neymar last Sunday. If he is to gain match practice group also includes Costa Rica and Serbia. by Gazidis. Last November the 2016. City’s manager has said he his life, his family.”

BOTTOMLINE Sporting Lisbon in shock aft er horrifi c gang attack Messi targets World Cup Lisbon: A shocked Sporting Lisbon will play assaulted in the raid on Sporting’s Alcochete hundred Sporting fans made their way to the in Sunday’s Portuguese Cup final despite a training base in the Lisbon suburbs. team’s Alvalde stadium on Tuesday night to horrific ordeal that saw a 50-strong gang of The team met their player’s union yes- lend their support to their stricken team’s masked and hooded men brutally attack play- terday to discuss how to react and whether players and management. success with Argentina ers and off icials at training. to pull out of Sunday’s Cup final against Supporters group ‘Juventude Leonina’ Wearing t-shirts bearing the club’s emblem Desportivo das Aves. A team statement later condemned the attack on social media. “The Reuters the mob invaded Sporting’s training ground confirmed that despite their frightening Juventude Leonina numbers more than Buenos Aires on Tuesday and went on the rampage, ter- ordeal they would face Desportivo in four 7,000 fans. It deeply regrets what happened rorising players and personnel and vandal- days time. and disassociates itself from these events.” ising dressing rooms. Dutch international “We are not in a physical or psychological Sporting issued a statement of their own, ionel Messi, the fi ve-times World Bas Dost, Sporting’s top scorer this season, condition to resume normal training immedi- decried what it termed “acts of vandalism Player of the Year, said he was looking required stitches to his neck. A photograph of ately,” the players said. “But because the Cup and the attacks on (our) athletes, coaches forward to the World Cup in Russia and his bloodied face appeared on social media. final is a celebration of Portuguese football, and professional staff .” was targeting at least a semi-fi nal place “It was a distressing situation and we are all and also out of respect to our club, we will The Portuguese Primeira Liga said: “The Lwith Argentina. Beaten fi nalists four years ago shocked,” the striker, with 27 league goals to play in the final.” perpetrators of these incidents are not fans in Brazil, Argentina have not won a major in- his name this season, told Dutch news web- The horrific incident left Portugal’s Presi- of football, they are criminals.” Tuesday’s ternational title since 1993 when they lifted the site Algemeen Dagblad. “This is a drama for dent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa “worried by drama follows last month’s war of words Copa America. They reached the fi nal of the everyone, I am empty,” the 28-year-old added the image this projects of Portugal to the between players and the club’s president who same tournament in 2015 and 2016 but lost both Jorge Sampaoli, who took over last year and has to Portuguese website Ojogo. world”. He added: “I’m concerned as Portugal had threatened to suspend almost all of the times and Messi said the successive failures won just fi ve of his 10 games in charge. Argen- He had scored in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Mar- is a power in professional football, and I’m “spoilt brats” in the first team. weighed heavily. “It’s a weight that we carry tina beat Italy 2-0 in a March friendly but that itimo Funchal which left Sporting in third and worried about the seriousness of what’s hap- Bruno de Carvalho launched a rant on and we want to overcome it,” he said. victory was sandwiched by a 4-2 loss to Nigeria missing out on Champions League football pened.” social media following Sporting’s 2-0 Europa Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign and a 6-1 hammering by Spain. Spain are one of next season. Argentina international Marcos Portuguese police have made 21 arrests, League quarter-final first leg loss to Atletico against Iceland on June 16 and then face Nigeria the favourites for the tournament, Messi said, Acuna and Croatia’s Josip Misic were also according to the government. Several Madrid. and Croatia. They have struggled under coach along with Brazil, Germany and France. Gulf Times Thursday, May 17, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Hazard warns Chelsea to improve Stakes raised for squad before he decides future AFP phies also. We want to do it,” London Hazard said. Mourinho-Conte “We want to play Champi- ons League next season and win den Hazard has warned trophies. That’s it. So if we can’t Chelsea to sign players have one, we need the other. who will turn them into We can’t be in the Champions title contenders if they League next season so we need to wantE him to commit his future to win trophies. That’s it. the club. “I say many times before I feud in Cup fi nal Hazard has two years left on think it is not my last game. It’s his present contract and is con- the last game of the season, that’s sidering whether to sign a lucra- it. After the World Cup then we The root of their feud comes from Conte’s success in his first campaign at Chelsea, tive extension that would keep will be ready for the next season. him at Stamford Bridge for the But for me, in my mind, I’m here, just a season after Mourinho was sacked in December 2015 in his second spell remaining prime years of his I have one week to play now. Sat- career. But the Belgium play- urday is a massive game. I just AFP maker is frustrated by Chelsea’s want to win for me and them London failure to qualify for next sea- also.” son’s Champions League and is Hazard insists the uncertainty reportedly a close-season target surrounding Chelsea manager ose Mourinho and Antonio Conte for Real Madrid and Paris Saint Antonio Conte has had no impact renew hostilities with the stakes Germain. on the squad. Conte is expected heightened when Manchester Asked what it would take to to leave at the end of the season United and Chelsea face off in Sat- stay with Chelsea in the long- after his feud with the club’s hi- urday’sJ FA Cup fi nal needing silverware to term, Hazard said: “I’m waiting erarchy over their failure to back mask this season’s fl aws. Conte’s need is for new players next season. We his transfer plans. “We don’t the greater. will see. I want good players be- think about that. We’re just fo- Having missed out on Champions cause I want to win next season cused on the game,” Hazard said. League football for next season, many the Premier League. I want to “We have one game to play and expect the Wembley showpiece to be the win a lot of things.” then we’ll see what happens at Italian’s fi nal match in charge at Stamford This would be Hazard’s last big the end of the season.” Bridge, regardless of the outcome. If it contract and the midfi elder has If Chelsea can lift the FA Cup, is, nothing will give Conte more joy than no intention of rushing his deci- then the Champions League will bowing out by winning a cup competi- sion, despite reports that Chel- be the one major honour to elude tion for the fi rst time as a coach by beat- sea are willing to pay him around Hazard during his time at Stam- ing the man with whom he has clashed £300,000 ($404,000, 343,000 ford Bridge. “I need two more most regularly and bitterly since arriving euros) per week. “That’s why I’m trophies, Champions League and in England. taking my time. It’s something FA Cup. That’s it,” Hazard said. Conte labelled Mourinho a “little man” big. I need to think of a lot of “We’re Chelsea. We need tro- and “fake” at the peak of their spat in things. One thing for sure is I’m phies at the end of the season. December. Days earlier, Mourinho had happy here,” he said. At the moment we have noth- appeared to allude to a suspension given Chelsea fi nished fi fth in the ing. We have not qualifi ed for to Conte for allegedly failing to report Premier League, well adrift of the Champions League. So the match-fi xing when coaching at Siena. champions Manchester City, season has been bad. If we can’t Conte later won an appeal, clearing him after an inconsistent season be in the Champions League we of any wrongdoing in the case. marred their defence of the ti- need the trophy. It’s up to us to The root of their feud comes from tle. They also failed to win the save the season with the FA Cup. Conte’s success in his fi rst campaign at Champions League and League I’ve never won the FA Cup. I hope Chelsea, just a season after Mourinho’s Cup, leaving Saturday’s FA Cup this year is for me and for Chel- second spell at Stamford Bridge ended fi nal against Manchester United sea. We will give everything.” in the Portuguese being sacked having as their last chance of silverware Chelsea face a familiar foe this won just four of Chelsea’s fi rst 16 league this season. weekend in United manager Jose games, in December 2015. Hazard concedes Chelsea Mourinho, who had two spells as On his fi rst return as a visiting man- have under-performed, but he Blues boss. Mourinho has been ager, Mourinho protested at what he per- believes winning the Wembley criticised for conservative tactics ceived as Conte’s humiliating” celebra- showdown with United would this season, but Hazard expects tions in a 4-0 victory for the Blues over at least salvage something from United to pose a stern test. “We United. Conte then warned his players their disappointing season. “To know how he will play. We all at the start of this season not to let their play Champions League next know that. That’s why we need standards slip to the levels of “the last season is important. To win tro- to be ready,” he said. season with Mourinho”. In hindsight, the Italian was right to Chelsea’s Italian head coach Antonio Conte (left) and Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho. (AFP) warn against complacency as Chelsea have fallen well short of the form they change our approach, our desire, our will ed’s often turgid performances, lacking in their past three games. Whether Mour- showed in storming to the title last sea- to fi ght because we can do much better.” the invention and fl air displayed by rivals inho can close the gap on City next season son. A fi fth-placed fi nish in the Premier Mourinho has at least ensured Cham- City and Champions League fi nalists Liv- will depend on his ability to fi nally get the League was confi rmed when they capitu- pions League qualifi cation for next sea- erpool. best out of his attacking talent, particu- lated 3-0 to Newcastle on the fi nal day of son via a second-place fi nish in the Pre- “Because I almost do that all the time larly marquee signings Paul Pogba and the season on Sunday. mier League. (win a trophy), when I don’t do it, you Alexis Sanchez. “To fi nish fi fth is a big disappoint- However, a record 19-point gap to (the media) kill me,” said Mourinho on the Starting that process with a trophy on ment. How damaging is it not to be in champions Manchester City and a deeply prospect of going without a trophy in his Saturday would be a strong statement of the Champions League? You’ll have to disappointing Champions League last-16 second season at Old Traff ord. “Which is intent from United, and give Mourinho ask the club about that,” Conte said, only exit to Sevilla means the Portuguese is what you are all ready to do.” the extra satisfaction of showing Conte intensifying speculation about his future. also left hanging on until the fi nal game To do so, Mourinho must shake United how short-lived life as Chelsea manager “If we play like this in the FA Cup fi nal, we of the season to deliver a trophy that out of their own end-of-season slumber under ruthless Russian owner Roman don’t have a chance. We have six days to would silence some of the critics of Unit- — the Red Devils have scored just once in Abramovich can be.

Moyes leaves West Ham, Allardyce sacked by Everton

London: David Moyes has left West Allardyce appeared resigned to his fate Ham following the end of his short- after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at former club term contract, the Premier League club West Ham, during which Everton sup- announced yesterday. The 55-year-old porters called for his sacking. former Everton and Manchester United “I can’t quite say confident after all boss arrived at the London Stadium in the rumours I’m reading in the paper,” November, with the sole objective of said Allardyce, when questioned about ensuring the Hammers’ top-flight status, his future. “Generally there’s no smoke which he achieved. without fire. We’ll wait and see when we “I would like to place on record my meet up.” sincere thanks to David Moyes and his Allardyce last month dismissed a Eden Hazard has two years left on his present contract, but the staff for achieving the target of keeping survey sent to supporters asking them to Belgium playmaker is reportedly a close-season target for Real West Ham United in the Premier League,” grade his performance out of 10 as a mis- Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. said joint chairman David Sullivan. take on the part of the club’s marketing “When David and his team arrived, it was director, who he said does not “under- the wish of both parties that the focus stand” how football works. As part of the BUNDESLIGA be only on the six months until the end questionnaire, supporters were asked of the season, at which point a deci- whether they agree with the statement: sion would be made with regards to the “I have a high level of trust in the current future,” he added. “Having taken stock of manager and coaching staff at Everton RB Leipzig part ways the situation and reflected now the cam- e.g. in making the right decisions to get paign is complete, we feel that it is right the best out of the team.” to move in a diff erent direction.” David Moyes succeeded Slaven Bilic in November, when West Ham were in the Allardyce, whose previous clubs with Hasenhuettl Sullivan said the club, who finished relegation zone. (Reuters) include Bolton, Newcastle, Sunderland 13th in the Premier League, aim to ap- and Crystal Palace, landed his dream AFP the 2017/18 Bundesliga after point a “high-calibre” successor within staying in the Premier League was a “big Koeman’s replacement in November, job with England in 2016 but that turned Berlin reaching the quarter-fi nals of the the next 10 days. The announcement on achievement”. but his rudimentary style of play has sour after only one match, with Allardyce Europa League. Moyes came barely 12 hours after David “We had to get the players in order a proved deeply unpopular with fans of the stepping down following a newspaper Following their remarkable Gold, West Ham’s co-owner, said he little bit after we came in, and we have Merseyside club. sting. undesliga side RB Leip- fi rst year in the Bundesliga, fi n- hoped Moyes would remain in charge for done that,” he said. “This is a big club and “We have made the decision that, as Everton were unwilling to pay a zig confi rmed yesterday ishing second only to Bayern next season. there are big expectations from the sup- part of our longer-term plan, we will be reported compensation fee of £15mn that they have parted Munich after unearthing stars Reports this week said West Ham had porters so they will need to improve.” appointing a new manager this summer,” ($20mn) wanted by Watford for Silva company with coach like Germany striker Timo RalphB Hasenhuettl, whose con- Werner and Liverpool-bound held “productive” talks with Paulo Fon- Moyes managed Everton for 11 years said new chief executive Denise Barrett- when Koeman was sacked. However, seca, the manager of Shakhtar Donetsk, from 2002 before leaving the club to Baxendale. “On behalf of the chairman, Silva himself was then dismissed by Wat- tract was terminated by mutual Naby Keita, the team struggled while Sullivan remains a long-term replace Alex Ferguson at United but was board of directors and Mr Moshiri, I’d like ford in January with the Hornets citing consent. Hasenhuettl had a con- for consistency this season. admirer of Newcastle’s Rafael Benitez. dismissed after just 10 months in charge. to thank Sam for the job he has done at disruption caused by Everton’s “unwar- tract until June 2019. Hasenhuettl signed off in style Former Manchester City boss Manuel He also had a disappointing stint in Spain Everton. Sam was brought in at a chal- ranted approach” for a major dip in form. The 50-year-old Austrian took with a 6-2 away win at Hertha Pellegrini, currently with Hebei China with Real Sociedad. lenging time last season to provide us A change in manager could also aff ect charge of Leipzig for 2016/17, Berlin on Saturday when England Fortune, and outgoing Paris St-Germain West Ham’s statement came just hours with some stability and we are grateful to Wayne Rooney’s future at the club. Eng- steering them to second place in junior international Ademola coach Unai Emery have also been linked after Everton announced the sacking of him for doing that,” she added. land’s all-time top scorer had reportedly the Bundesliga in a stunning fi rst Lookman scored and set up two with the role. Sam Allardyce. Former Watford and Hull City man- agreed terms on a £12.5mn move to DC season in Germany’s top fl ight more goal in a superb team dis- Moyes succeeded Slaven Bilic in Allardyce was just six months in ager Marco Silva is the favourite to take United in Major League Soccer last week. to qualify for the Champions play. November, when West Ham were in the charge and guided the Premier League over and could complete the move to Rooney had seen his involvement limited League. Leipzig’s director of sport Ralf relegation zone, and guided the team to club away from relegation danger to a Goodison Park six months after the club under Allardyce, but could be convinced However, they came only third Rangnick wanted to keep work- safety. Speaking after West Ham’s recent mid-table finish. The former England failed to prise him away from Vicarage to stay at his boyhood club by a new in their group and Leipzig, who ing with Hassenhuettl for one draw against Manchester United, he said manager, 63, was brought in as Ronald Road. Despite signing an 18-month deal, regime. are backed by energy drinks gi- more campaign and the hunt is ants Red Bull, fi nished sixth in now on to fi nd his successor. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 17, 2018 FOOTBALL

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Ray Wilson, member of England’s Hulk hits double but 1966 World Cup winning side, dies

London: Ray Wilson, a member of the England team that beat West Germany in Shanghai ‘dream’ over the 1966 World Cup final, has died aged 83, former club Everton announced. An outstanding left-back, Wilson ‘I feel full of pity because we had the dream of the Asian title, but now it is over’ won 63 caps with 1966 a memorable year for him as AFP he won the FA Cup with Ever- Shanghai ton at Wembley and a few weeks later the World Cup as hosts England beat West razilian striker Hulk returned Germany 4-2 at the same from injury to score twice for stadium. Shanghai SIPG but the Chinese Wilson had been diag- side were dumped out of the nosed with Alzheimers in AsianB Champions League 4-3 on aggre- 2004. “Everton Football Club gate by Kashima Antlers yesterday. The is deeply saddened to learn Japanese became the last side to seal a of the passing of Ray Wilson,” spot in the quarter-fi nals, yet they did it read a statement on the club the hard way, losing 2-1 on a sweltering website. “Unquestionably and nervy night in Shanghai. one of the finest footballers Vitor Pereira’s Shanghai join Chi- to wear the royal blue jersey, nese Super League (CSL) champions Ray passed away on Tuesday Guangzhou Evergrande in tumbling out evening, aged 83.” of the competition at the last-16 stage. Wilson, named Ramon Hulk, the 55.8 million-euro ($66mn) after pre-World War II film forward who missed the 3-1 fi rst-leg star Ramon Navarro and mar- defeat in Japan, returned to captain the ried for 61 years to Pat, who hosts and needed just seven minutes to survives him, and the father make his mark. of two boys, Russell and Neil, Shoma Doi levelled for Kashima be- never lost his love for Everton fore Hulk scored a penalty with nine whom he joined in 1964. minutes left to set up a dramatic fi nale. “He loved it at Goodison, But Shanghai were unable to fi nd the absolutely loved it,” Pat said goal to force extra time and Hulk said: last year. “He still does. If they “I feel full of pity because we had the are on television, that is it. dream of the Asian title, but now it is He sits there and watches it, over. This is football, we fought to the transfixed.” end and now is the time to keep our Wilson was revered by heads up and focus on Sunday (against both Everton and his first Jiangsu Suning in the CSL) and fi nd club Huddersfield and he was three points.” honoured in April this year The striker put his side on the way when their Premier League when he spun sharply in the box to fi re clash was off icially desig- into the net, sliding on his knees and nated Ray Wilson Day. pumping his fi sts in celebration. Last Wilson played almost 300 year’s semi-fi nalists had more of the matches for Huddersfield ball but Kashima were a threat on the having been signed aged break and Mu Kanazaki might have 17-year-old when he was equalised with their fi rst chance, on 19 working on the railways — it minutes, but his header fl ashed wide. was thanks to Bill Shankly Shanghai, who top the CSL on goal Shanghai SIPG’s Hulk (centre) vies for the ball with Kashima Antlers’ Leo Silva (right) and Ueda Naomichi during the AFC Champions League round of 16 match. (AFP) that he made the move to diff erence but have stumbled of late left-back from left-half in the under their Portuguese coach, did not mous until late on, went for broke in the benches of the two sides clashed, with Kashima coach Go Oiwa insisted that confi dent they would do the job,” he 1956/57 campaign. heed the warning. And Kashima made second half. Visiting goalkeeper Kwoun players from both teams getting in- he was never worried, even as Hulk and said. He moved to Merseyside in them pay three minutes before half- Sun-tae stood fi rm until Kashima con- volved on the touchline. Pereira played his teammates pushed for a third goal. Suwon Samsung Bluewings mean- 1964. Huddersfield paid a ful- time when Doi adroitly steered the ball ceded a penalty with 10 minutes left and down the fracas, saying: “A football “I knew by looking at the players’ eyes while beat fellow South Koreans Ulsan some tribute to him on their in to silence the home crowd. Hulk just about beat Kwoun from the match is diff erent from opera, in which and faces that they were very strong Hyundai 3-0 at home to progress 3-1 on website. “Huddersfield Town Shanghai, for whom 60-million- spot to set up a grandstand fi nish. we are quiet. Football is emotional and mentally and we knew we could defend aggregate. The quarter-fi nals take place is devastated to learn of the euro Brazilian Oscar was largely anony- At one point in the second half, the we want to win.” through the last 10 minutes. I was very in August and September. passing of World Cup winner Ramon ‘Ray’ Wilson. Ray is arguably the most success- ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT ful and best-known player ever to pull on a Huddersfield Town shirt, having been a key member of England’s World Aston Villa reach playoff Holstein who? Origi blunder Cup-winning team in 1966. “He made 283 appear- ances for the Club between leaves Wolfsburg red-faced 1952 and 1964, scoring six goals, and is still Town’s most fi nal with Boro stalemate away defeat. AFP capped England player ever, AFP Berlin After fi nishing 16th in the ta- representing his country London ble for the second year running, 30 times as a Huddersfield Wolfsburg, the 2015 German player.” fL Wolfsburg were left Cup winners and 2009 Bundes- Joe Royle said Wilson was ston Villa paid tribute red-faced before to- liga champions, must again win a “maestro” and had taught to former defender Jl- day’s Bundesliga rel- a play-off to stay in Germany’s him a lot as he was beginning loyd Samuel, who died egation play-off , fi rst- top fl ight. In fi nancial terms, his career with Everton. “Ray in a car crash at just Vleg, at home to Holstein Kiel the clubs are poles apart. led the onset of a new breed 37A on Tuesday night, as a 0-0 after their striker Divock Origi Wolfsburg’s budget for their of full-backs,” Royle told the draw with Middlesbrough at admitted never having heard of squad is reportedly 60mn eu- Everton website. Villa Park booked their place in the second division minnows. ros ($70.8mn) — ten times that “Prior to Ray, they had all the Championship playoff fi nal. The Belgian international, of Kiel, who are in the play-off been sentinels, big, tall lads. Mile Jedinak’s header in a 23, who has scored six goals after fi nishing third in the sec- Maybe third centre-backs, 1-0 fi rst leg win for the visitors this season on loan from Liver- Ducksch was the second divi- ond division. “In Wolfsburg, a rather than full-backs. He is a at the Riverside on Saturday pool, blundered at the weekend sion’s top-scorer with 18 goals single player earns as much as World Cup winner and played proved enough as Middles- on German national television this season. “This shows what our entire time, but we want to in the last England team that brough failed to threaten until by confessing he knew noth- diff erent worlds are meeting,” go up,” said Holstein’s sports had four, maybe five, world Stewart Downing’s free-kick ing about Wolfsburg’s play-off said Holstein captain Rafael boss Ralf Becker. The pressure class players,” Royle said. “He hit the bar late on. opponents. “You have to con- Czichos. “Here are players, who is on Wolfsburg, who have had was certainly one of those. Villa will face Fulham at cede that to a foreign player. I play at World Cups or come three coaches this season. “It He was the best of his kind at Wembley on May 26 in what is can assure you: he now knows from Liverpool, playing against (the play-off ) is bigger than a the time.” often dubbed the richest game who Holstein Kiel is, but it’s not us, who know football from a cup game, at the end we can still Even before he had a trial in world football due to the Pre- ideal — that’s clear,” admitted slightly diff erent side.” go down and we can’t aff ord to with the Yorkshire club, Ever- mier League TV riches at stake. Wolfsburg’s coach Bruno Lab- Holstein are on the verge of be arrogant,” said Guilavogui. ton had their eyes on him. “We just shaded it over the badia. In Origi’s defence, most two promotions in as many Relegation would be a night- “I got a letter from Everton two games, with a goal from German football fans would seasons after coming up from mare for Volkswagen-backed off ering me a deal but I felt a set-piece, but in the second struggle to name a single Hol- the third division in 2016/17, Wolfsburg, but promotion loyal to Huddersfield,” he said half tonight there was only one stein Kiel player before the while Wolfsburg have fallen would also present Kiel with a years later. “But I remember team that was going to win it,” David verses Goliath clash at from grace. Just two seasons headache. Their Holstein Sta- looking around Goodison said Villa manager Steve Bruce. Wolfsburg’s sold-out stadium ago, when Kiel were fi ghting dium holds only 11,000, short properly for the first time “It was agony towards the end, with the decisive second leg in to stay in the second division, of the minimum allowed capac- after I had joined and thought if I’m being honest. It means so Kiel next Monday. Wolfsburg pulled off a stunning ity of 15,000 under Bundesliga to myself, ‘My word, what much.” Likewise, Wolfsburg’s French 2-0 home win against Cristiano regulations and according to have I been missing out on Despite the celebrations as midfi elder Josuha Guilavogui Ronaldo’s Real Madrid in the reports, Kiel have approached all these years, I should have Bruce’s side moved to within was reportedly not previously Champions League quarter- Hanover 96 about a possible been here years ago.’” one match of bouncing back to aware that Kiel striker Marvin fi nals, but bowed out after a 3-0 ground share. the top fl ight, there was a som- bre mood before kick-off with a minute’s applause for Samuel. FOCUS Cheshire police confi rmed ear- Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson (right) clashes with Aston Villa’s lier in the day that the former Robert Snodgrass during the Championship playpff second leg Trinidad and Tobago interna- semi-final at Villa Park, Birmingham, on Tuedsay night. (Reuters) tional had been killed when his UEFA council criticises Infantino’s plans Range Rover collided with a van having also taken Birmingham fore getting fi ngertips to a long- early on Tuesday morning. and Hull up via the playoff s. range eff ort from Jack Grealish. Reuters mation” from the sport’s governing organisa- in Russia. Following a meeting in Lyon, the Samuel spent the majority of “The game plan was superb so Middlesbrough hadn’t even Lyon tion. FIFA has proposed creating a 24-team PFSC said its members had not been prop- his career at Villa before mov- the manager deserves a lot of produced a shot on target un- Club World Cup tournament to be staged erly consulted and added in a statement that ing on to Bolton and loan spells credit for that,” said Villa cap- til a controversial moment every four years as well as a Global Nations it “unanimously expressed serious reserva- at Gillingham and Cardiff be- tain John Terry. “There’s a great three minutes from time. Villa UEFA council featuring representa- League which would culminate in an eight- tions about the process surrounding the FIFA fore ending his playing career in team spirit among the boys. One ‘keeper Sam Johnstone was tives of players, leagues and clubs team tournament — eff ectively a mini-World Club World Cup and Global Nations League Iran. Despite their late escape, more step and it’ll be the dream.” only booked for making a save from across Europe complained Cup — every two years. proposals.” It criticised the hasty timing and Villa were well worthy of their Villa centre-back James outside the box from Adama yesterday that world football body According to a FIFA report, the two tour- lack of concrete information and underlined place in the fi nal as Boro ‘keeper Chester wasted the best chance Traore’s attempted chip. FIFAA had gone over their heads in drawing up naments, backed by a consortium of private the need for a clearly defi ned procedure Daniel Randolph kept the visi- of the fi rst period when he Downing then curled the re- proposals for two ambitious new global com- investors, are expected to generate at least FIFA has already met individual clubs to tors in the tie for long spells. hooked his shot wide from close sulting free-kick off the bar and petitions. The Professional Football Strategy $25bn over a 12-year cycle. FIFA president discuss the proposals and Real Madrid has Bruce is now just one game range. Randolph then came to Villa held out for six minutes of Council (PSFC) said it had “serious reserva- Gianni Infantino has been trying to rush said its supports the plans. The tournaments away from a fi fth promotion as the fore as he made two fi ne stoppage time to secure their tions” about the whole process and criticised through the proposals in the already hectic could be approved at a FIFA Council meeting manager to the Premier League, saves from Lewis Grabban be- trip to Wembley in 11 days’ time. “the hasty timing and lack of concrete infor- period leading up to this year’s World Cup in Moscow in June. Gulf Times Thursday, May 17, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Hedman shines as Tampa Bay Lightning Celtics survive strike Capitals

AFP Vasilevskiy bounced back Washington from a subpar game two to deliv- er a strong performance as host Washington peppered him with ictor Hedman fi nished 38 shots, including seven on the James’ attack to with three points and penalty kill in front of a crowd of Andrei Vasilevskiy 18,500 at the Capital One Arena. stopped 36 shots as the Brett Connolly and Evgeny VTampa Bay Lightning defeated Kuznetsov scored goals for the the Washington Capitals 4-2 in Capitals, who are 7-1 in the game three of the Eastern Con- playoff s on the road following a ference fi nal series on Tuesday. dominating 6-2 win in game two Hedman had a goal and an in Florida. take 2-0 series lead assist as the Lightning scored Connolly took advantage of a twice on the power play and cut turnover by Tampa’s Ondrej Pal- ‘It’s Celtics basketball. We’re really embracing Celtics basketball. We’re playing hard’ the Capitals best-of-seven se- at halfway through the second ries lead to two games to one. He period while Kuznetsov made had an assist on power play goals things interesting, scoring his by Steven Stamkos and Nikita ninth goal of the playoff s with Kucherov and helped kill three just over three minutes left in the penalties. third. Brayden Point also scored “I’m put in a position to pro- for the Lightning, who won the duce, and I put that pressure on most games in the NHL during myself to do it,” said Hedman. the regular season. Kucherov’s “For me, it’s about being ef- goal snapped a seven-game fective at all ends of the ice and scoreless drought for him. trying to be a diff erence-maker Washington goaltender every time I step on it.” Braden Holtby surrendered four Hedman has a goal and 10 as- goals on 23 shots. sists during an eight-game point The Lightning victory means streak. the series will now go back to “We can’t describe how good Tampa for game fi ve. But fi rst, he is out there,” said Stamkos the teams will clash Thursday of Sweden’s Hedman. “We rely night with the Capitals hoping to on him a tonne, he’s a horse and regroup from this loss. most nights if he’s going well, The Capitals played without we’re going well as a team. Swedish forward Nicklas Back- “Another big eff ort for him strom, who missed his fourth tonight, and you could see we all straight game with a right hand followed suit.” injury.

LeBron James (right) of the Cleveland Cavaliers battles for the ball against Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics in the first-half during game two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates after scoring a Finals at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Getty Images/AFP) goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Reuters points and 15 rebounds, but Kyle to help our ballclub be success- 2:54 remaining pushed the We’ve got a lot of diff erent guys Playoff s at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP) Boston Korver (11 points) was the only ful. They did what they had to Celtics’ advantage to 103-89. guarding him. other Cleveland player to score do, and that was protect home, After a James layup, Rozier “Jaylen started the game on in double fi gures. James, who and now it’s our time to try to do tossed in a layup to make it him, Morris is guarding him a Avalanche re-sign Barberio to two-year deal aylen Brown totalled managed just 15 points in the that as well.” a 14-point game. Cleveland ton. I thought Semi (Ojeleye) 23 points and seven re- Game 1 loss, has won fi ve con- Smart’s 3-pointer with 4:34 waved the white fl ag and emp- did a good job on the couple of The Colorado Avalanche re-signed defenseman Mark Barberio bounds to help the Bos- secutive East playoff series after left in the third quarter gave the tied its bench after that. possessions he guarded him, to a two-year contract through the 2019-20 season, the team ton Celtics take a 2-0 losing the series opener. Celtics a 72-71 lead after they The Cavaliers led 55-48 at which is really hard to just come announced. The deal will pay Barberio $1.45 million annually, ac- leadJ in the best-of-seven East- Boston, which improved to had trailed by 11. It was their halftime. James briefl y exited off the bench not in the fl ow of cording to a report from the Denver Post. The defender was set to ern Conference fi nals with a 9-0 at home this postseason, fi rst lead since they were up 3-2 with 3:48 remaining in the sec- the game and put a body in front become an unrestricted free agent this off season. 107-94 win over the Cleveland has never lost a best-of-seven only 49 seconds in. Boston was ond quarter after being hit in the of him, but he’s unbelievable.” Barberio, 28, matched a career high with 13 points (three goals, Cavaliers on Tuesday night. playoff series when leading 2-0. on top 84-77 entering the fourth face by an inadvertent shoulder Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue 10 assists) this season despite playing only 46 games. He missed Terry Rozier scored 18 points, “We just play hard,” Hor- quarter. Greg Monroe’s cutting from Tatum under the basket, said, “We’ll be better going nearly three months as the result of a lower-body injury suff ered in Al Horford added 15 points and ford said. “We go out there, we layup with 11:14 remaining put but he returned with 1:57 to play back home. We know that. They January, returning for the final two games of the regular season be- 10 boards, Marcus Morris had 12 compete. It’s Celtics basketball. Boston up by 11. Neither team in the half. James was diagnosed played well in that second half, fore registering an assist in one of Colorado’s six postseason games. points and both Jayson Tatum We’re really embracing Celtics scored again until James’ reverse with a strained neck. and we’ve got to be ready to go “Mark has been a steady part of our blue line since joining the team and Marcus Smart contributed basketball. We’re playing hard. layup with 9:08 on the clock. James and Brown combined on Saturday.” and has helped solidify our defensive depth,” Avalanche execu- 11 for the Celtics, who were 108- “We’ve got each other’s Tensions boiled over when for 35 of the game’s fi rst 50 Before the game, the Cavs tive vice president and general manager Joe Sakic said in a team 83 winners Sunday in Game 1. backs, and that’s it.” Cleveland’s JR Smith shoved points as the Cavaliers jumped landed this year’s eighth over- release. “He has played important minutes for us and has been a key LeBron James recorded 42 Game 3 is Saturday night in Horford on a drive to the basket. out to a 27-23 lead after one all pick as the NBA held its draft penalty killer. We are pleased to have Mark under contract for the points, 12 assists and 10 re- Cleveland. “We have an oppor- Smart and Smith exchanged quarter. Celtics coach Brad Ste- lottery. Cleveland acquired the next two seasons.” bounds for the Cavaliers, mark- tunity to go back home, protect shoves and had to be separated, vens said of the team’s approach selection, which originally be- For his career, Barberio has 13 goals and 40 assists in 239 NHL ing his NBA-record 17th career home court,” James said. “We’re with each player being whistled to defending James, “I think the longed to the Brooklyn Nets, in games across six seasons. The Avalanche added him on a waiver playoff game with 30 points and going to use these days to really for a technical foul. biggest thing is we’re just trying the trade that sent Kyrie Irving claim from the Montreal Canadiens in February of 2017. 10 assists. Kevin Love added 22 dive in on what needs to be done Horford’s jump shot with to make it as hard as possible.... to Boston last off season.

MLB Altuve’s 3-run double lift s Astros over Angels Reuters club. The Astros scored their only run winning streak. The Cubs trailed 2-1 Anaheim against him in the fourth on an RBI entering the ninth but came back to single by Brian McCann. tie the game against Atlanta closer Barria and the Angels had their Arodys Vizcaino. ose Altuve’s three-run, work cut out for them, going up Chicago’s Albert Almora Jr. and eighth-inning double rallied against Astros starter Gerrit Cole, Addison Russell put together back- the Houston Astros to a 5-3 who entered the game leading the to-back doubles to tie the game 2-2, win over the Los Angeles An- league in strikeouts (86) and ranking then Zobrist lined an RBI single to gelsJ on Tuesday night in Anaheim, second in ERA (1.43) and opponents’ center fi eld with two outs to plate California. average (.155). the go-ahead run. Brandon Morrow The reigning American League Cole had pitched at least six in- pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his MVP hooked a slider from Angels re- nings in all eight of his starts before 10th save in 11 tries. The win went to liever Jose Alvarez into the left fi eld Tuesday, but he lasted just fi ve in- Carl Edwards Jr. (2-0), who surren- corner, driving in Josh Reddick, Yuli nings against the Angels, making 98 dered a long solo home run to Atlanta Gurriel and Alex Bregman to erase pitches. Angels left fi elder Justin Up- rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. that gave the a 3-1 defi cit and spoil a stellar per- ton hit a two-run homer in the fi rst Braves a 2-1 lead in the eighth. formance by Angels starter Jaime inning, and backup catcher Rene Riv- Barria. Barria gave up one run and era hit a solo homer in the fi fth. RESULTS four hits (all singles) in seven innings, Reddick had a big game defensively Cubs 3 Atlanta 2 leaving with a 3-1 lead. He struck out for the Astros, picking up two assists. A’s 5 Red Sox 3 seven and did not walk a batter. He threw out Mike Trout trying to Astros 5 Angels 3 However, the Astros took advan- go fi rst to third on a single by Sho- Giants 5 Reds 3 tage of the Angels’ bullpen. Houston hei Ohtani in the fi fth, and he threw Padres 4 Rockies 0 loaded the bases in the eighth on a out Ian Kinsler trying to score from Mariners 9 Rangers 8 (11 innings) double by Reddick, a single by Gurriel second on a single by Kole Calhoun Twins 4 Cardinals 1 and a walk by Bregman with one out, in the seventh. Ken Giles pitched the Pirates 7 White Sox 0 bringing up Altuve, who provided the ninth for his sixth save. Marlins 4 Dodgers 2 game-winner with his second hit of Ben Zobrist singled in the go- Mets 12 Blue Jays 2 the night. The Astros added an un- ahead run to cap a two-run, ninth- Diamondbacks 2 Brewers 1 earned run in the ninth. inning rally and help the Chicago Rays 6 Royals 5 Barria, 21, began the season at Cubs score a 3-2, come-from-behind Tigers 9 Indians 8 Triple-A Salt Lake and is currently win over host Atlanta on Tuesday, Yankees 3 Nationals 3 Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve hits a three-run double against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at in his third stint with the big league snapping the Braves’ three-game (suspended in sixth) the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 17, 2018

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Ireland open to Pakistan tour if Test debut just the ‘stars align’

AFP The Pakistan Cricket Board Dublin hope to be able to host a full series by 2020 and Cricket Ireland chief executive War- reland are open to touring ren Deutrom said on Tuesday ‘beginning’ for Pakistan if “all the stars that his organisation remained align,” the chief execu- “very amenable” to touring tive of men’s ’s Pakistan. Inewest nation has said. “We haven’t received an The Irish made their Test offi cial invitation,” Deutrom debut with a highly creditable told AFP at Malahide follow- fi ve- loss to Pakistan at ing the end of the Test match. Malahide Cricket Club, Dub- “The chairman of the Pa- upbeat Ireland lin concluded Tuesday. kistan Board was here. I After being made to follow- haven’t had a complete de- ‘We’ve always said Test Cricket wasn’t the end of the journey, it’s the beginning’ on, Ireland reduced Pakistan brief with our chairman yet to 14 for three to give them- to see whether or not those AFP selves hope of a remarkable conversations took place but I Dublin win before their visitors man- wouldn’t even say those con- aged to chase down a modest versations even started here. victory target of 160. reland’s men’s Test debut The match further strength- Zimbabwe became the ended in a loss to Pakistan ened the cricket bonds be- fi rst major team to return but the country’s top Crick- tween Ireland and Pakistan, to Pakistan in 2015, while et administrator is confi dent which date back to when the April saw Windies visit theI game can become a “major non-Test nation knocked the for a 3-match T20 series sport” on the domestic scene subcontinental giants out of within a decade. the 2007 World Cup with a “For months, years, we’ve Ireland were eyeing a miracle stunning win in Jamaica. actually said to Pakistan, at Malahide when, having been Pakistan became a no-go when you think it’s right, made to follow-on, they re- area for leading cricket teams safe to invite us, when you duced Pakistan to 14 for three on after an attack by armed mili- want to, economically or Tuesday’s fi fth morning only for tants on Sri Lanka’s team bus commercially, we are very the tourists to eventually chase in Lahore in 2009, with the amenable to an invitation,” he down a target of 160 for a fi ve- United Arab Emirates becom- added. wicket success. ing the team’s unoffi cial home. “When you send an invi- “We’ve always said Test Zimbabwe became the fi rst tation we presume it’s be- Cricket wasn’t the end of the major international team to cause you perceive it to be journey, it’s the beginning,” return to Pakistan in 2015, safe enough for us to receive Cricket Ireland chief executive while April saw World Twen- the invitation and then when Warren Deutrom explained after ty20 champions West Indies you give us all the security the match. visit for a three-match T20 arrangements around that “We’ve probably done this the series. we will look at that seriously, wrong way around. Most teams, Ireland were due to tour Pa- share them with our players, they get very good at what they kistan in 2014 only for the trip government, insurers and if all do domestically then they make to be cancelled after militants the stars align, we’d be happy a big noise globally. We’ve made attacked Karachi airport. to come.” a big noise globally and are using that as a means of driving popu- larity and visibility of the sport back here in Ireland.” Sri Lanka cricket reaps record Gaelic games, rugby and foot- profi ts despite shocker year ball dominate the Irish sporting landscape but Deutrom is con- Sri Lanka’s cricket board yesterday announced a profit of $14 vinced Cricket, with its interna- million last year, far above all previous records despite one of tional reach, can make its mark. the worst on-field performances by the islanders in years. “We’re not going to sud- The board said it made a net profit of 2.12 billion rupees ($14 denly be the biggest sport over- Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland Warren Deutrom (right) with Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger (centre) during Ireland’s debut Test against million) in 2017 – a staggering 33 times what it made the year night but if I look back where Pakistan at Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin. (Reuters) before. Revenues, at six billion rupees, were roughly double we were 10 years ago to where 2016 figures, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. we are now, and trace the po- why otherwise would we have we still want to keep in contact class hundreds, nudging 40. “We set up an academy at the “This was a result of SLC’s strategic growth plans and prudent tential for us over the next fi ve, sought the status? But we don’t with the Test format. It’s our But Deutrom is confi dent same time as well, in 2013. financial management,” the board said in a statement. 10 years, there’s no reason why want to do too much of it. It’s way of maintaining our con- Cricket Ireland are establishing “Are we doing the right The board did not elaborate on its dramatic turnaround. we shouldn’t be a major sport in going to be fi nancially unsus- nection with the tradition of the structures beneath the national things? Yes, I believe we are. But sources attributed the sharp rise in profits to a packed 2017 Ireland,” he insisted. tainable. sport.” side – including the three-team “Now that we’re on the FTP calendar which featured home series against Bangladesh, India While England and Wales “The Irish public has only ever inter-provincial fi rst-class (Future Tours Programme) we’re and Zimbabwe. Cricket Board chairman Colin really existed on a diet of ODIs ‘Do the right thing’ competition – that will allow the going to have the opportunity to Earnings from the broadcasting of the Indian tour were thought Graves has come under fi re for (one-day internationals),” the There are concerns over likes of batsman James Shannon have more reciprocal arrange- to be a major contributor to the coff ers, but Sri Lanka Cricket suggesting none of the sport’s Englishman added. whether Ireland have the playing to step up when the ‘golden gen- ments with the major countries would not comment. current formats appeal to “We’re really looking forward depth to build on an impressive eration’ fi nally call it a day. to make sure we give the next The record-breaking profits were the only good news from an youngsters, Deutrom is looking to the huge games against India run of results that have included “We’re now into the sixth sea- tier of players opportunities, otherwise woeful spell for Sri Lanka cricket, with the islanders to the limited overs game to help coming up in June. I think we’ve World Cup wins over Pakistan, son of our inter-provincial com- not just in our inter-provincial enduring their worst year on the pitch since winning the World build a fanbase. nearly sold out the second game, England and the West Indies. petition,” said Deutrom. competition, through the acad- Cup in 1996. Cricket superpower India which is 8,000 people, which is Several members of the team “It was a risk because we could emy but then also to have A team They suff ered a full series defeat against India and humiliatingly come to Ireland for two Twen- fantastic. that played in the Test match at set it up and then we weren’t go- Cricket to make sure when we’ve lost a home one-day series to bottom-ranked Zimbabwe. ty20 internationals in June and “The opportunities to grow Dublin’s Malahide Cricket Club ing to get any funding to make it got guys coming into the inter- They also bowed out early from the Champions Trophy in June Deutrom said: “We need to keep the game will come primarily are in their 30s, with opener Ed sustainable. Hanley Energy have national team there as ready as last year. playing (Test Cricket) because through the white-ball game but Joyce, who has scored 47 fi rst- come in to make it sustainable. they can be.”

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Bumrah stars as Mumbai beat Punjab by 3 runs Agencies employed into the attack. Mumbai Tye struck on the very fi rst ball of his spell with a well-disguised knuckle ball that broke through the defences of Lewis eamer Jasprit Bumrah snapped up before removing Yadav and wicketkeeper- three crucial as defending batsman Ishan Kishan (20 off 12; 4x1, 6x2) champions kept off consecutive deliveries in his second their playoff hopes alive by notching over. upS a thrilling three-run win over Kings XI During his brief stay, Ishan also meted Punjab in a crucial out some special treatment to India discard (IPL) match at the Wankhede yesterday Mohit Sharma, clobbering the right-arm Chasing 187 to win, Rahul blasted 10 pacer for a boundary and two massive sixes fours and three sixes in his 60-ball 94-run before being dismissed. innings and shared a 111-run second wicket Mumbai’s woes were compounded in partnership with Aaron Finch (46) to take the 9th over when a short-pitched deliv- Punjab to the brink of a successful run- ery from Rajpoot cut short skipper Rohit chase but Bumrah scalped three wickets in Sharma’s (6) stay in the middle. Tottering at his second spell to derail the chase. 71/4 after eight overs, Mumbai’s hopes were Mumbai Indians thus registered their pinned on Pollard and Krunal Pandya. sixth win to joined Kings XI and Rajasthan Coming back, the right-left duo of Pol- Royals at 12 points in the table. West Indian lard and Krunal sent the visiting bowlers to power-hitter Keiron Pollard fi nally found the leather hunt as they resurrected the in- his groove with a fi ery 50 to bail Mumbai nings with a quick-fi re 65-run stand. out of trouble and post a challenging 186 for While Krunal took Aussie Marcus Stoinis eight. to the cleaners twice before striking a Pollard struck a 23-ball 50, containing boundary off consecutive deliveries, Pollard fi ve boundaries and three sixes and more deposited left-arm spinner Axar Patel for a importantly was engaged in a 65-run fi fth massive six before belting Rajpoot for two wicket stand with Krunal Pandya (32 off 23 fours and a six. balls; 4x1, 6x2) to steady Mumbai’s start Stoinis, however, bounced back in his that saw Punjab pacer (4/16) next over to pack back Krunal with a decep- striking thrice in the powerplay. tive slower bouncer, ending in a simple top Put in to bat, Mumbai were off to a fl y- edge to the hands of Rajpoot at short fi ne ing start with the in-form Suryakumar before being hit for two boundaries and a Yadav (27 from 15 balls; 4x3, 6x2) and Evin six by Pollard as the West Indian completed Lewis (9) putting on 37 runs in the fi rst his 22-ball fi fty. three overs before Australian Andrew Tye’s With Pollard going great guns blaz- triple strikes reduced the hosts to 59/3 in no ing, Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin time. brought himself back into the attack and the Continuing his glorious run with the bat, ploy worked immediately in the form of the Suryakumar started off in his customary big-hitting Caribbean batsman’s wicket. style before breaking loose as he smacked Ashwin struck once again with the wicket rookie pacer Ankit Rajpoot for two fours of Ben Cutting (4) before Tye came back and as many sixes to milk 21 runs off the to end Hardik Pandya’s (9) short stay and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma (left) celebrates the wicket of Kings XI Punjab player Marcus Stoinis with teammate Jasprit Bumrah during their Indian second over of the innings before Tye was complete his four-wicket haul. Premier League match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, May 17, 2018 7 SPORT

TENNIS CYCLING / GIRO D’ITALIA Yates extends lead with stage 11 win, Nadal and Djoko Froome slips further

AFP fi rst Giro, has worn the leader’s Osimo, Italy jersey since the arrival at the vol- canic Mount Etna in Sicily last Thursday. power on as Thiem imon Yates extended his The 25-year-old Mitchelton- lead in the Giro d’Italia Scott rider extends his lead on yesterday with a solo fi n- Dutchman Dumoulin by a fur- ish giving him the 11th ther six seconds to 47sec. stageS victory as fellow Briton Today’s 214km ride will be Chris Froome lost more time. over a fl at route from Osimo to The pink jersey wearer at- Imola, two days before the gruel- tacked on the fi nal climb with a ling mountain stage with a sum- crashes out in Rome kilometre to ride to claim his sec- mit fi nish on Monte Zoncolan. ond stage win this year, fi nishing Sixth seed Pliskova smashes umpire’s chair after losing to Greece’s Sakkari two seconds ahead of defending STAGE 11 RESULTS (top 10) champion Tom Dumoulin. 1. Simon Yates (MIT) Italy’s Davide Formolo was 3hr 25min 53sec third a further three seconds be- 2. Tom Dumoulin (SUN) +2sec hind after the 156km hilly route 3. Davide Formolo (BOR) +5 from the central city of Assisi 4. Alexandre Geniez (ALM) +8 across to Osimo near the Adriatic 5. Domenico Pozzovivo (BAH) +8 coast. 6. Patrick Konrad (BOR) +8 Race favourite Froome again 7. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +8 lost steam in the fi nal climb with 8. Maximilian Schachmann (QST) +11 the four-time Tour de France 9. Rohan Dennis (BMC) +18 winner fi nishing in 42nd posi- 10. Fabio Aru (EAU) +21 tion, some 40 seconds behind Yates. OVERALL STANDINGS (top 10) The stage crossed through 1. Simon Yates (MIT) the home town of Italian cyclist 47hr 08min 21sec Michele Scarponi who was killed 2. Tom Dumoulin (SUN) +47sec in a road accident a year ago. 3. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +1min 4sec Three breakaway riders Ales- 4. Domenico Pozzovivo (BAH) +1:18 sandro De Marchi, Leon Sanchez 5. Richard Carapaz (MOV) +1:56 and Fausto Masnada were caught 6. George Bennett (LNL) +2:09 fi ve kilometres from the line be- 7. Rohan Dennis (BMC) +2:36 fore two steep climbs to the fi n- 8. Peio Bilbao (AST) +2:54 ish. 9. Patrick Konrad (BOR) +2:55 Yates, who is competing in his 10. Fabio Aru (EAU) +3:10

Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during his second round match against Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Damir Dzumhur at the Italian Open in Rome yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP The 31-year-old, who claimed the 11th lost there too. I did have chances,” said lep needed just under an hour to advance Rome titles of his career at both Monte Carlo Thiem. 6-1, 6-0 past Naomi Osaka to avenge her and Barcelona, took the fi rst set in 34 Bulgarian third seed Grigor Dimitrov defeat to the Japanese player in Indian Romania appeal Rugby World minutes, coasting to victory in just an also suff ered an early exit, going out to Ja- Wells. ormer winners Rafael Nadal and hour. pan’s Kei Nishikori after a marathon 6-7 “It was one of those helpless feelings,” Cup disqualifi cation Novak Djokovic powered into the The 16-time Grand Slam winner next (4), 7-5, 6-4 battle. conceded 20-year-old Osaka who could third round of the Italian Open in takes on either Canadian Denis Shapo- be heard saying “I want to cry” courtside. AFP Rome yesterday but Austrian Do- valov, 19, or Robin Haase of the Nether- PLISKOVA RACKET RAGE Halep needed to save four break points Paris minicF Thiem fell at the fi rst hurdle. lands. Former world number one Karolina in her opening service game for 1-1 but Sixth seed Thiem crashed out just a “Today was a positive day. I don’t know Pliskova was so angry she put a hole in then reeled off 12 in a row. week after infl icting a fi rst clay-court how many mistakes I did, but not much,” the umpire’s chair with her racket instead “I like to slide on the clay and today was omania are to appeal a World Rugby ruling that saw them defeat on Nadal in over a year in Ma- said Nadal. of shaking hands after losing to Greece’s easy for me. I’m more relaxed than in Ma- disqualified from next year’s World Cup. drid which cost the Spaniard the world Djokovic, a four-time winner, is on the Maria Sakkari. drid,” said 26-year-old Halep. RRussia were awarded a place at the 2019 World Cup in number one ranking. comeback trail three months after elbow Pliskova, the sixth seed, argued length- Halep reached the fi nal in Rome last Japan after the rugby union international governing body sensa- The 24-year-old destroyed his racket surgery and eased past Georgia’s Nikoloz ily after an overhead shot was incorrectly year and needs to reach the quarter-fi nals tionally disqualified Romania, Spain and Belgium on Tuesday. in fury as he suff ered his fi rst defeat to Basilashvili 6-4, 6-2. ruled out and both the line judge and the this time to retain her world number one Russia had finished third in European qualifying for the World Italian Fabio Fognini in three meetings, The Serbia will next play Spaniard Al- umpire said they could not fi nd the mark. ranking. Cup but head to the tournament after Romania, who originally sinking 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 at the Foro Italico. bert Ramos Vinolas who needed three The controversial shot came in the She next plays 13th-seeded American won the section, second-placed Spain and fourth-placed Belgium Nadal later eased through 6-1, 6-0 sets to get past American eighth seed third set with the Czech serving at 5-5 Madison Keys, who battled past Croatian were all docked points for fielding ineligible players. against Bosnian Damir Dzumhur as he John Isner 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5). (30/30). She could not conceal her fury Donna Vekic 7-6 (2), 7-6 (0), for a place in In Romania’s case, World Rugby said Sione Faka’osilea was ineligi- targets an eighth Rome title and fi rst Fognini, ranked 21, next plays Germa- as she went on to lose the match 3-6, 6-3, the last eight. ble having previously played for the Tonga sevens team. since 2013. ny’s Peter Gojowczyk before a possible 7-5. France’s Caroline Garcia, a semi-fi - The Romanian rugby federation insisted yesterday that “After a loss in Madrid, it’s important quarter-fi nal showdown with top seed Instead of shaking hands with the um- nalist in Madrid last week, eased past Faka’osilea was indeed eligible, having had confirmation from to come back strong. And that’s what I Nadal. pire after the match, Pliskova fi rst put her Hungary’s Timea Babos 6-3, 6-4, and Tonga rugby federation president Fe’ao Vunipola, father of Eng- did today,” said Nadal, who received a “If you compare it to Madrid there hand out before beating up the chair. will next face US Open champion Sloane land internationals Billy and Mako, to that note. fi rst-round bye. were a lot of close matches I could have Earlier, top women’s seed Simona Ha- Stephens.

GOLF Reed brings ‘Captain America’ intensity to Ryder Cup

AFP Paris Olympics golf event set for the same Le which adds national pride and teammates to Washington Golf National course, lurk in his thoughts. help carry the load. “Well, yeah, of course. It’s always in the back “At The Ryder Cup, it’s just a totally diff erent of your mind,” Reed said. “The easiest way to type of pressure. You go to a Ryder Cup and you ith a fl amboyant style and emo- make those teams is just focus on what you’re feel like you have a whole nation on your back,” tional boldness, Masters champion doing right now. If you prepare how you’re sup- Reed said. “If you win or lose your match, you Patrick Reed promises to bring posed to every week and you play how you’re still have a bunch of other guys there that could excitement to September’s Ryder supposed to every week, come 2020, 2024, pick it up.” WCup and possibly the fi rst US victory in Europe you’re going to be in there. You’re going to since 1993. make the team. LESSONS FROM TIGER The 27-year-old Texan nicknamed ‘Cap- “The more you start thinking ahead is when Work ethic and “be yourself” confi dence are tain America’ had the audacity to put fi nger to you lose track of what you’re doing now. All of a lessons that have been reinforced by Reed’s mouth and shush European fans during a match sudden you’re not going to improve.” idol, 14-time major winner Tiger Woods. in Scotland as a rookie in 2014. He waved his Reed formed a formidable combination “You just have to feel like your head is strong arms to implore US cheers two years ago in an with three-time major winner Jordan Spieth when you’re playing, that you can take on the emotional Cup singles victory over Rory McIl- in the past two Ryder Cups and US Presidents world — that’s the biggest thing I’ve probably roy in an American home Cup triumph. Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2017. They fi gure to tried to take from him,” Reed said. “It’s such an honour. When it comes down to reunite in France as the Americans try to avoid a “I’ve put in the work,” Reed said. “The Ryder Cup, you are playing for your country,” 25-year win drought in Europe. biggest thing is now just to go out and play Reed said. “You have your teammates. It’s a Reed was the first PGA Tour golfer to win stress-free, just play fearless, go and attack the whole diff erent beast.” three times before playing his first major, a golf course.” It’s one that brings out the best in Reed, who feat he achieved at Doral in 2014 after which Reed has far more milestones he hopes to led the US squad with 3.5 points in each of his he declared himself a top-five player in the achieve, including next month’s US Open, the prior Ryder Cup appearances. world. next major showdown. While fi nal rosters will not be settled until He’s never been able to prove it in the world “Really it’s go out there and keep on getting September, it’s hard to imagine a Ryder Cup rankings, reaching as high as seventh in the roll that might make his boast real at long last, Reed called his fi nal round at last month’s myself in contention and trying to win some lacking Reed’s fi ery intensity. rankings, but after winning his fi rst major title with four other top-10 fi nishes since mid- Masters “the hardest mentally a round of golf more majors,” Reed said. “Winning takes care of Reed admits the Ryder Cup, and the 2024 last month at Augusta National, Reed is on a March. could possibly be” in contrast to the Ryder Cup, everything.”

Thursday, May 17, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Countdown begins Prolifi c striker as AZF gets ready for Ramadan El Arabi eyes more Sports Festival success for Duhail ‘We are close to winning domestic treble and are in quarters of Champions League’

Action from last year’s football competition in Aspire Zone Foundation’s Ramadan Sports Festival.

By Sports Reporter scheduled to run from May 26- Doha 31, features seven teams this year and helps to fulfi l AZF’s core objective of promoting healthy spire Zone Foundation and active lifestyles among every (AZF) is ready to wel- community in Qatar. come over 1,000 sports On June 1, boys aged 9 to 14 enthusiasts to the Ra- will have the chance to put their madanA Sports Festival (RSF) 2018 fi tness to test in the male fi tness competitions, which kick off on challenge in two age groups (9-11 Monday. and 12-14) at the Aspire Ladies Over the past week, the organ- Hall from 9:30pm until mid- ising committee has held sev- night. eral technical meetings with the In collaboration with the Qa- teams and players taking part in tar Paralympic Committee, AZF the tournaments to brief them on will organise the sixth consecu- rules and regulations. A draw has tive Table Tennis competition been held for each tournament. for people with special needs AZF’s outdoor warm-up track on May 23. Last year, over 36 and Aspire Dome’s indoor hall participants competed in three will host the men’s football and categories – visual impairment, volleyball competitions. physical impairment (sitting/ The eight-day football tour- standing) and hearing impair- nament will start at 9:30pm on ment – at the one-day event. Monday and will run until May Aspetar, the orthopaedic and 28. The tournament will see four sports medicine hospital and groups of twelve teams compete AZF member, has launched a in a group stage before moving to new ‘Healthy Ramadan’ cam- the fi nals. paign to increase awareness of At the same time, the volley- the importance of an active and ball competition will also begin healthy lifestyle during the Holy Al Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi (right) celebrates his goal during the second leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 clash with Al Ain in Doha on Tuesday. on Monday and run till May 25. Month. The fi ve-day competition fea- To further promote physi- By Sports Reporter tally at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium to goal on Tuesday killed the tie before El by winning all out matches so far. We tures 12 teams competing in four cal activity among community Doha mean he is now the tournament’s joint Arabi made it two on the half hour. Ismail are having a very special season and we groups. members, Aspetar will share top scorer on nine goals. Mohammad added a third and El Arabi are not done so far. We want to continue In the third edition of the short health and awareness vid- “I am very happy that we qualifi ed, bagged his brace from the spot, while playing at the same level,” he said. cricket tournament, members eos via its offi cial social media oussef El Arabi is sure Al Du- have won all of our games and scored four Omar Abdulrahman grabbed a late con- “It is important to have a full strength of the local community in Qa- channels, and will then engage hail can continue their march goals home and away against Al Ain,” said solation for the visitors. team and this was our problem in the tar will have the opportunity to and interact with the audience towards the latter stages of the El Arabi. “I’m very happy that I scored In recent weeks, Al Duhail have wrapped past. We could not be successful in the all watch ten teams competing over through Facebook and Instagram AFC Champions League after twice today and this is the result of the up the QNB Stars League title and won the the tournaments. But now with the qual- four days, starting May 30. Story feature. theY Qatari champions defeated Al Ain eff orts of the entire group. I want to thank Qatar Cup. They play Al Rayyan in the Amir ity squad we have we can win try titles in Meanwhile, Aspire Dome’s Meanwhile, Aspetar will also 4-1 in the second leg of the Round of 16 my teammates because what’s important Cup fi nal on Saturday and will now surely all the championship we take part,” the multi-purpose hall will host the organise a sports competition on Tuesday night to secure a place in the is qualifi cation.” be ranked among the favourites for the AFC Algerian said. men’s indoor hockey tournament. for AZF employees as part of its quarter-fi nals following an 8-3 aggregate Al Duhail had progressed as Group B Champions League. Al Ain manager Zoran Mamic was full Featuring eight teams, this will be ‘Step into Health’ programme win. winners having won all six of their games, “Now we are close to winning the do- of praise of Duhail team, calling the Qatari held over two days May 24-25. during Ramadan. This competi- The victory was the Doha side’s eighth but the 2016 runners-up and continental mestic treble and are in the quarter-fi nals side one of the best teams in Asia. “You Men’s fi ve-day basketball tion will celebrate participants in a row on the continent and 20th in all heavyweights Al Ain had been expected of the AFC Champions League,” added need to be a top team to be able to exploit tournament will be held in the who walk the most each week competitions as the QNB Stars League to off er greater resistance in the fi rst El Arabi. “I am very happy with our per- the mistakes and Al Duhail did that. They Dome’s indoor hall from May 27 and uses a smartphone app to champions followed their 4-2 fi rst leg knockout round. formances and I think we have a good deserved to reach the quarter-fi nal. They to June 1 with 12 teams of nine calculate the number of steps. win with an equally resounding perform- ’s side, though, raced chance to go far in this tournament.” played very good football, playing simple players taking part. Interested sports enthusiasts ance as they continue to sweep all chal- to a 4-0 lead in the fi rst leg as they over- Meanwhile, coach Belmadi was de- and not complicating things, with one- Ladies will also have am- can register by visiting www. lengers aside. powered the Emirati team, and it was only lighted with his team qualifi cation to the two touches and a lot of speed. They have ple opportunity to get involved aspirezone.qa/rsf2018. The RSF Moroccan international El Arabi two goals in the fi nal 25 minutes that gave quarter-fi nals. “We are happy with the such players in the team and they used and stay active during the Holy 2018 is sponsored by Ooredoo opened the scoring last week in Al Ain Al Ain any hope going into the second leg. qualifi cation, which was our main goal. that very well. This is the formula to be Month of Ramadan. RSF’s fa- Qatar and Saleh Al Hamad Al and the striker added another two to his But an early Mohamed Ahmad own- And I am delighted that we could do it successful,” Mamic said. mous volleyball tournament, Mana Company, Nissan Qatar.

CELEBRATION Aspire Academy’s football department concludes season

By Sports Reporter “This ceremony was a great way to rolment at the Academy and is respon- Doha look back at the season and the team’s sible for training students below the achievements, so they can refl ect on age of 12 who demonstrate exceptional their development, particularly in light football skills during the scouting proc- spire Academy’s Football De- of the new programmes we incorpo- ess, also celebrated the end of their sea- partment celebrated the con- rated in the learning process this year,” son by organising an engaging event for clusion of the 2017-18 football Murua said. the programme’s young footballers and season earlier this week with He added: “Understanding the game their families. twoA closing ceremonies. The fi rst cere- is crucial for their development as foot- Speaking on the sidelines of the cer- mony was organised for the Academy’s ball players, so we encouraged them to emony, Arno Buitenweg, head of Feeder student-athletes aged between 13-18 refl ect on their performance and be Teams Football Programme, said, “This and the second for the Aspire Acade- proactively involved in the decision- year we brought some changes to the my-run Feeder Group programme for making process to fi nd solutions on the programme in the methodology as we boys aged 12 and below. pitch. Overall, we are happy with the continue to work towards laying the The department, led by Technical progress our players made this season.” foundation that will help the boys de- Director Edorta Murua, organises these Meanwhile, Saeed Ali al-Marri, velop into tomorrow’s top players. ceremonies at the end of each year to Football Administration Manager, said, “Our target is to help reduce the gap recognise the achievements and hard- “This celebration is a culmination of between where the feeders (U12 boys) work of its student-athletes and their the eff orts and achievements of our are now (in terms of athletic develop- coaching staff . boys this past year, who have recorded ment) and where they need to be when At the ceremonies, each age-group some great results in friendly competi- they join the Academy on full-time performed on stage under the theme tions, such as the year-round Tri-Se- basis. We ran 60 training sessions for ‘What Aspire means to me’. Some called ries football tournament, and interna- the young boys in our programme, and it their “second home”, some “road to tional training camps.” their commitment during these pre- success”, “their reason for cultivating a “Everything, all the memories, cipitated a great improvement in their fi ghting spirit”, their “family” and their games and moments, is recorded. skills. “dream”. And there were those who said Nothing is forgotten. We’re proud of “Their sportsmanship on and off “Aspire is Qatar, and Qatar is Aspire”. all our boys, and we hope that one day the fi eld has impressed even the pro- Two young footballers from each they’ll have the opportunity to repre- gramme’s coaching department. One of age-group were also named this year’s sent Qatar well on the global stage,” he the things we are also happy about is the Best Continuity Player and Best Sup- concluded. increasing involvement from the boys’ porting Player based on their overall On Monday evening, the Feeder parents in our programme. We feel good performance during the season. Group, a programme that precedes en- about our progress this season.”