THURSDAY 23 MAY 2019 SPORT 21 For me, it is about playing well. Once I play well, I know German Alexander FOOTBALL CRICKET that I can be on a court with Zverev says as he heads to Bundesliga play-offs: Women’s International anybody. And this is the most French Open. VfB Stuttgart vs FC Union T20: South Africa vs

important for me. ACTION Pakistan Women

Berlin TODAY’S Raptors down Bucks to level Phelps honoured Eastern Conference finals for honesty on AFP points. VanVleet, who missed 16 mental health, LOS ANGELES of 20 shot attempts in the first three games of the series, con- The Toronto Raptors closed nected on five of six from the helping others ranks around hurting star Kawhi field, draining all three of his Leonard, turning in a total team three-point attempts. effort in a 120-102 victory over “I think the first two games AP endeavor has been fulfilling the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday they really brought the intensity BALTIMORE is an understatement. to level the NBA Eastern to us. They came out and were “Through this, if I can save Conference finals. more physical were more While swimming to Olympic one life, two lives, five lives, Kyle Lowry led the Raptors active,” Powell said. glory, Michael Phelps a thousand, a million, to me with 25 points and Toronto’s “We wanted to change that (pictured) found comfort in that’s so much more bench out-scored Milwaukee’s narrative and protect home the pool and quite a bit of important than winning a gold 48-23 as the Raptors followed court. We wanted to come out angst out of it. medal,” he said. up their double-overtime with a lot of juice, be more His bout with depression The 33-year-old Phelps triumph in game three with a aggressive, be more physical and reached its nadir in 2014 after believes his bout with second straight home win. take the game to them. I think a second DUI arrest. That’s depression is a story that They knotted the best-of- we really did that.” Toronto when the most decorated many can share, including seven series at 2-2 with game extended their lead to as many Olympian of all time checked CEOs and other retired ath- five in Milwaukee today. as 16 points in the third period himself into a rehabilitative letes. After accomplishing The winner of the series will and led by 13 going into the final center in a desperate effort to every goal he set for himself, take on two-time defending frame. make sense of it all. what was left to do? champions Golden State, who Khris Middleton led the “When I was in my room “Probably my first real completed a Western Con- Bucks with 30 points, six and not wanting to talk to depression spell was after ference finals sweep of Portland rebounds and seven assists. anybody for a number of days 2004, then the next big one to reach their fifth straight NBA Milwaukee’s Most Valuable and not wanting to be alive, I was after 2008,” he said. Finals. Player finalist Antetokounmpo wanted to see what other “When you set out to be an Leonard, who downplayed added 25 points and 10 roads I could take to see if Olympian, your whole life is suggestions he was injured after rebounds, and Nikola Mirotic there was help,” Phelps put on hold. All the eggs are the gritty game-three victory, scored 11. But the Bucks lost their recalled. in one basket. I would say looked hobbled at times -- second straight game, something The treatment he received 2004, 2008, 2012, partly after wincing noticeably after dunking they did just once during the - and continues to receive - ‘16 (all Olympic years) I’ve on Bucks star Giannis Antetok- regular season. charted his post-Olympic dealt with pretty severe ounmpo in the third quarter. Two home wins gave the course. depression spells. I was kind Leonard grabbed a pass from Raptors some breathing room as “I know it’s something of lost at that point.” Spanish big man Marc Gasol and they head back to Milwaukee, that changed my life and The Baltimore native is in drove for the basket, Antetok- but Lowry said they’d done saved my life and allowed me a far better frame of mind ounmpo’s move to stop him nothing more than hold serve. to be able to be where I am now. coming too late. “They did what they did at today, enjoying the platform “To have my wife (Nicole Leonard landed hard and home and we did what we’re of talking about something Johnson), who’s always by my held his left leg -- although he supposed to do at home,” he said. that’s so important,” Phelps side, two amazing little boys would play on. “Our back’s against the wall said. at home and a third one on Kyle Lowry (foreground) of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball “I think he’s fine,” Toronto still,” Lowry added. Because he is willing to the way, I’m extremely against Eric Bledsoe of the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the coach Nick Nurse said. “We’re going into a hostile share his story of depression thankful of the support I’ve NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday “He’s logged a lot of minutes. environment. They’re going to and raise awareness of mental had to get me through these in Toronto, Canada. He’s certainly tired, like a lot of be ready to go.” health issues, Phelps was times,” Phelps said. Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, given the fifth annual Morton The Ruderman Award is The winner of the series guys in this series are. “He looks plan.” Lowry scored 18 points in said there was no feeling of panic E. Ruderman Award in given to individuals who are will take on two-time OK to me. I think there’s a lot of the first half as the Raptors came among the Bucks. Inclusion on Tuesday night in passionate about providing defending champions guys out there that aren’t 100 back from an early seven-point “The feeling is not any dif- Boston. opportunities for others. Golden State, who percent -- on both sides of the deficit to lead 32-31 after one ferent,” he said. “We’ve still got After participating in four Phelps certainly fits that ball.” quarter -- pushing the lead to to get better, stick with our game Olympic Games and collecting description. completed a Western But Lowry said Raptors 65-55 at halftime. plan. (We’ve) just got to play with 28 medals, including 23 gold, “Michael Phelps is a Conference finals “understood” that Leonard Norman Powell added 18 more energy, execute better, but Phelps has dedicated his time unique leader who has used sweep of Portland to wasn’t going to be 100 percent points off the bench. Serge Ibaka our feeling is the same. and energy to promoting the his fame and status as the reach their fifth straight and knew going into the contest and Gasol scored 17 apiece, Ibaka “They did their job, they pro- importance of water safety greatest swimmer of all time NBA Finals. that “everybody has to step up also pulling down 13 rebounds. tected home, we’ve got to do our and advocating for the de- to challenge our society to and stay focused on the game Fred VanVleet chipped in 13 job now.” stigmatization of mental remove stigma surrounding health problems through the mental health,” said Jay Michael Phelps Foundation. Ruderman, president of the “When I first really Ruderman Family NHL: Blues return to Stanley Cup final opened up about the struggles Foundation. that I had in ‘15, obviously I “For me, this award dreamed of being able to get means everything because St. Louis Blues’ players celebrate a goal against the AFP were swept by the Bruins in the more publicity to this and to this is where my passion is San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. WASHINGTON 1970 championship series. really share my journey and and the next chapter of my life The Blues are the only haveve other people share their is really headingheading,”, Phelps saidsaid. The St Louis Blues are back in remaining team from the journeysurneys withwith me as well,”well,” “We’re“We’re kindkind ofo the NHL Stanley Cup final for the league’s first expansion in Phelpselps said. scratchingscratching tthehe surfacsurfacee first time since 1970 after beating 1967-68 not to have won the “Honestly,“Honestly, I never ofof what can be dondone,e the San Jose Sharks 5-1 on Stanley Cup. thoughtought it wouldwould bebe as andand I’m llookingooking Tuesday. They have played more big as tthis,his, bbutut it’s bbeeneen foforwardrward to ccon-on- The victory on home ice gave games than any other NHL club a truerue dreamdream to bebe tinuingtinuing tthishis journejourneyy the Blues a 4-2 triumph in the without lifting the trophy. ablele to watchwatch the andand accompaccomplishinglishing best-of-seven Western Con- “This is unbelievable,” growthowth that mental somesome of the goalsgoals ference finals, their third straight forward Pat Maroon said. healthalth hhasas tataken,ken, aalmostlmost thatthat I havehave - de-stig-de-stig- win in the series sending them “This city’s been waiting for beingng at centre stage.”stage.” matisingmatising mental healthhealth into a Stanley Cup showdown this for so many years now.... To say thisthis andand just getting tthehe with the Boston Bruins starting Four more wins. We just have to point across tthathat on Monday. continue what we’re doing.” it’sit’s OOKK to Vladimir Tarasenko and Dylan Gambrell scored, and notnot be Brayden Schenn both scored Martin Jones made 14 saves for OK.”OK.” power-play goals. the Sharks, who were without Ryan O’Reilly had three injured defenceman Erik assists, and Jordan Binnington Karlsson and forwards Tomas made 25 saves for the Blues, who Hertl and Joe Pavelski. Gomathi failed dope test after winning Asian title: AFI

AFP her win at the Asian champion- The International Associ- southern state of Tamil Nadu, report the result to the Indian in 2016, tested positive for eryth- NEW DELHI ships in Doha last month, said a ation of Athletics Federations’ surprised observers with her federation. ropoietin (EPO), a banned blood- spokesman for the Athletics athletics integrity unit reported winning time of 2min 2.7secs at Meanwhile, Bahrain’s boosting hormone that Indian runner Gomathi Mari- Federation of India (AFI). failed tests by Gomathi and Bah- the Asian championships Olympic women’s marathon improves endurance. muthu failed a dope test imme- “She has been provisionally rain’s long distance runner where India won three gold, silver medallist Eunice Kirwa “The AIU confirms (a) pro- diately after winning the Asian suspended until her ‘B’ sample Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa on social seven silver and seven bronze has been provisionally sus- visional suspension against... 800 metres title last month and is tested after which she faces a media late on Tuesday. medals. pended after failing a doping Bahraini long-distance runner has been suspended, the maximum ban of four years,” The statement on Twitter Media reports said however test, the Athletics Integrity Unit Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa... for a national governing body said the official added. said Gomathi had tested positive that Gomathi may have failed a (AIU) said in a statement. violation of the IAAF’s (Interna- yesterday. “India will lose the gold if for norandrosterone, a type of test at a domestic meeting in Kirwa, who switched alle- tional Association of Athletics The 30-year-old tested pos- the second sample also returns anabolic steroid. March but the national doping giance to Bahrain in 2013 and fin- Federations’) Anti-Doping itive for anabolic steroids after positive.” Gomathi, who hails from the watchdog did not immediately ished second at the Rio Olympics Rules,” AIU said in a statement. 22 SPORT THURSDAY 23 MAY 2019

Al Sadd, Al Duhail to clash in last-16 AFC Champions League AFC Champions League last 16 fixtures after THE PENINSULA Fellaini. Kashima now face yesterday's final group games: DOHA an all-Japan clash against Tuesday, June 18 Group F winners Sanfrecce (JPN) vs Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) Qatar football giants Al Hiroshima, who won 3-1 at Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) vs Shandong Luneng (CHN) Sadd and Al Duhail will Melbourne Victory. Wednesday, June 19 clash in the pre-quarter- Elsewhere, Shandong, Shanghai SIPG (CHN) vs (KOR) finals of the AFC Cham- who topped the group a (JPN) vs Hyundai FC (KOR) pions League as last-16 point ahead of Kashima, Tuesday, June 25 fixtures for the premier This May 16, 2019 file will square off against Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) vs Kashima Antlers (JPN) continental event were photo shows action Guangzhou in a block- Shandong Luneng (CHN) vs Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) confirmed after yesterday’s during the Amir Cup buster all-Chinese clash Wednesday, June 26 final group games. final between Al Sadd when the knockout stage Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) vs Shanghai SIPG (CHN) According to the fix- and Al Duhail. begins next month. Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR) vs Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) tures, the two teams will Kashima only needed Monday, August 5 first meet on August 6, with a draw to join Shandong in Al Ittihad (KSA) vs Zobahan (IRI)/Al Nassr (KSA) Al Duhail hosting Al Sadd the last 16 but fell behind Zobahan (IRI)/Al Nassr (KSA) vs Al Wahda (UAE) in the first leg, followed by thrashing Al Sadd 4-1 in the while title-holders Kashima only needed to avoid defeat early as beanpole Belgian Tuesday August 6 the second leg on August 13. final hosted at Al Janoub Antlers had to come from to finish second in Group F. Fellaini powered home a Al Duhail (QAT) vs Al Sadd (QAT) Both the top Qatari Stadium - one of the FIFA a goal behind to avoid an In Japan, a quickfire header after good work Al Ahli (KSA) vs Al Hilal (KSA) clubs have enjoyed suc- World Cup Qatar 2022 embarrassing group stage double from substitute Sho from Brazilian Gil. Monday, August 12 cessful season as Al Sadd venues. exit. Ito gave Kashima a 2-1 Japanese veteran Zobahan (IRI)/Al Nassr (KSA) vs Al Ittihad (KSA) clinched the QNB Stars Meanwhile, former The midfielder’s home win over Group E Keisuke Honda’s last match Al Wahda (UAE) vs Zobahan (IRI)/Al Nassr (KSA League title, with Al Duhail Barcelona star Paulinho second-half header was the leaders Shandong Luneng, in Australia for Melbourne finishing as runners-up. edged two-time winners difference for Fabio Can- who had taken a 10th- Victory ended in a home Tuesday August 13 Al Sadd (QAT) vs Al Duhail (QAT) Rui Faria’s Al Duhail Guangzhou Evergrande navaro’s side in a tense 1-0 minute lead courtesy of defeat as Hiroshima con- bagged the prestigious into the AFC Champions home win over South former Manchester United firmed their Group F Al Hilal (KSA) vs Al Ahli (KSA) Amir Cup title after League last 16 yesterday, Korea’s Daegu, who had midfielder Marouane dominance. World Cup: Morgan raring to have a go for title

REUTERS and if he continues to improve LONDON throughout his career he’s a very Catch live exciting prospect.” Confidence levels are soaring so Archer’s inclusion was bad Cup action high in the England team that news for the unlucky David captain Eoin Morgan wishes the Willey but Morgan said hard on OSN World Cup was starting decisions had to be made. tomorrow. Left-arm spinner Liam England named their 15-man Dawson was also preferred THE PENINSULA squad on Tuesday in the wake ahead of Joe Denly as England DOHA of a 4-0 hammering of Pakistan made two voluntary changes that underlined their place as from their provisional squad. OSN, the region’s leading favourites for the tournament “They were extremely tough entertainment network, which starts on home soil next decisions,” Morgan said. brings the long-anticipated Thursday when they take on “Joe and Dave missing out is 12th edition of the ICC South Africa. extremely unfortunate. Cricket World Cup live and “We’d like to start playing “I spoke to Dave and Joe last exclusive through its dedi- tomorrow,” Morgan said at an night and obviously said longer cated ICC world cup event in east London to unveil term, with the length of the tour- season pass. England’s new light blue kit. nament we are likely to get The pass will give “We’ve had some really good injuries -- they are next in line, customers access to two prep against Pakistan, I don’t no doubt about that. new channels, OSN CRIC think it could have gone better. “I still see them playing a part XTRA 1 and OSN CRIC “I’ve got absolutely no in our journey.” XTRA 2, available to the regrets. We’re positioned in the England’s rise from flops four highest all-inclusive OSN FROM LEFT: England’s Liam Plunkett, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan years ago to the world’s best Platinum pack and can be and Jos Buttler pose during the launch of England’s World Cup kit on Tuesday night. one-day side, has even surprised added to all other packs for Morgan under whose leadership AED 199. best possible place at the into English cricket folklore. Archer who was named in the England have twice smashed the Cricket enthusiasts can moment.” “The crowd will definitely be 15-man squad earlier on Tuesday ODI world record. tune in for an all-access We’ve had some really England racked up three our 12th man. It’s a huge oppor- despite having only made his They scored 444-3 versus season pass to the 10 good prep against totals of 350 plus against tunity, we’re looking to go out one-day international debut this Pakistan in 2016 and topped that warm-up games and the Pakistan, I don’t Pakistan, playing the kind of and express ourselves and con- month. with 481-6 against Australia last 48 live games of the main attacking cricket that was unim- tinue to play as we have in the “Jofra has come in and done year. tournament, as well as think it could have aginable when they limped out last four years,” he said. exactly what he’s been doing for “Our exceptional days are exclusive ICC shows gone better. I’ve got of the 2015 World Cup at the “We want to inspire the next Sussex and other franchise teams better than we could have building up to the event, absolutely no regrets. group stage. generation of cricketers to come around the world,” Morgan said imagined,” he said. and post-game highlights We’re positioned in Morgan, who was drafted in into the game and hopefully of the 24-year-old whose pace “I could never have seen those - only on OSN CRIC XTRA as skipper just before the start of come out of the tournament England batsman Jos Buttler at the start of 2015. That expec- 1, OSN CRIC XTRA the best possible their ill-fated tournament four worshipping one of the guys in describes as “scary”. tation has shifted with the level of 2. Fans won’t miss a beat place at the moment: years ago, said a home World our team.” “I think he’s come on in the performance. But it’s also brought as they can also live stream Captain Eoin Morgan Cup was a massive chance for One of those could be Bar- games he’s played. He’s very our worst performances up,” he the channels anywhere the players to write their names bados-born fast bowler Jofra young with a lot of cricket ahead added. and on any devices on OSN Play. Kohli and bowlers boost India’s title hopes Smith hits 76, Khawaja hurt AFP Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal vendra Chahal.... (India have) India batsman Sanjay Man- the number four spot after Rohit in WI game NEW DELHI add variety to India’s attack. got bowlers who can take jrekar said that the spin twins Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Former India skipper Rahul wickets.” could have a crucial role to play Kohli in the top three AFP India boast the game’s Dravid believes the tournament The 25-year-old Bumrah, for India, who kick off their positions. LONDON undoubted superstar batsmansman couldcould bebe a highhigh-scoring-scoring affair.affair. withwith hihiss aabilitybility to bbowlowl yyorkersorkers WWorldorld CupCup cacampaignm against Kedar Jadhav and M.S. in Virat Kohli but their bowlingwling “I“I believe,believe, havinghaving experi-experi- atat tthehe ddeath,eath, hhasas picpickedked up 85 SouthSoutSoS h AfricaAfrica in SouthamptonS on Dhoni are expected to form the Australia’s Steve Smith was attack could hold the keyey to encedenced sosomeme ofof thethe coconditionsnditions in wicketswickets in 4499 OODIDI mmatchesatches ssinceince June 5. core of the middle order. back in the groove yesterday their hopes of World Cup glglory.ory. EnglandEngland llastast year witwithh tthehe makingmaking hhisis internationainternationall “In T20 cricket “I don’t think the Indian with 76 on his return to cricket Despite their status asas thethe A-team tour,tour, it wouwouldld bbee a debutdebut in January ifif you don’t have batting looks settled. Virat Kohli in England, but team-mate game’s global powerhouse,ouse, high-scoringhigh-scoring World Cup,” 20162016.. YadavYadav and anything in the is the only guy that gets me very Usman Khawaja suffered an India have only won the show-how- hehe toldtold Star Sportss. ChahalChahal ddidid not hhaveave pitch for these excited,” said Manjrekar, who injury scare during the unof- piece tournament twice, inn 1983 “And“And in a high-scoringhigh-scoring a greatgreat Indian spinners then admitted Dhoni’s IPL form had ficial World Cup warm-up and 2011. WorldWorld Cup, hhavingaving PPremierremier League the batsmen, been good. match against the West Indies. But Kohli’s men, secondecond bowlbowlersers who can take seasseasonon butbut havehave by slogging All-rounders Pandya and Yesterday’s match saw behind England in the one-daye-day wicketswickets in thethe middlemiddle pplayedlayed an important them,the have a ten- Shankar will also be crucial to Smith lead the way as he guided international rankings, willl start willwill bebe very role in IndiIndia’sa’s dencydency tot get the better India’s chances of making the Australia to a modest target of the tournament in Englandd and iimportant.mportant. I recentrecen t ofof these gguys,”uys,” hhe said. final four in the round-robin 230 in a seven-wicket win for Wales among the favouritesurites tthinkhink InIndiadia iiss successes.successes. ““InIn tthehe 50-o50-over World Cup, event. An attacking middle- the reigning world alongside the host nationn andand lluckyucky in tthathat And inin tthehe middlemiddle stages,st that kind order batsman, a medium-fast champions. Virat Kohli defending championsions regard.regard. formerformer ofof pressure won’twon be there on bowler and quick in the field, But there were two con- Australia. “People“People thesethese two guys.”guys.” Pandya has the abilty to turn cerning moments for the For all the focus on captainaptain like ((Jasprit)Jasprit) Kohli,Kohli, 30,30, hasha scored more games single-handedly. Aussies, whose World Cup cam- Kohli, the number one batsmansman Bumrah,Bumrah, thanthan 1919,000,000 runsru across all The 25-year-old Pandya, paign starts against Afghanistan in the world in the 50-over-over KuKuldeepldeep formatsformfo a of the inter- who earlier this year was sus- in Bristol on June 1. format and Test cricket,t, the YYadavadav nationalnat game and pended over sexist remarks on Khawaja lasted just two ability of India’s seamersers to andand YuYuz-z- shonesho during a TV chat show, is fresh from overs before he was struck on exploit the conditions coulduld be IndIndia’s tour of winning the IPL title with the jaw by an Andre Russell the most important factor.r. EnglandEng last year, Mumbai Indians and keen to bouncer and retired hurt fol- Jasprit Bumrah, the top-top- despitedesp defeats in focus his energies on his first lowing on-field treatment. ranked ODI bowler in the wworld,orld, thethe TestTest andand ODODI series for the 50-over World Cup. He was later sent to hos- leads the pace battery alongsidengside visitors.visitors. “There is no one even close pital for a precautionary X-ray. Mohammed Shami, Bhuv-huv- BButut the restrest of the batting to Hardik Pandya’s talent with David Warner had made neshwar Kumar and Hardikardik line-upline-up appears farf from settled, both bat and ball,” former India just 12 when was undone by a Pandya. withwith LokeshLokesh RahulR and all- opener Virender Sehwag told fearsome bouncer from Oshane Wrist spinners Kuldeepldeep rounderrounder ViVijayjay ShankarSh vying for cricketnext website. Thomas that he could only fend to the wicket-keeper. THURSDAY 23 MAY 2019 SPORT 23

Europa win would Hamilton heads into Monaco cap wonderful Grand Prix with a heavy heart season, says Sarri REUTERS LONDON AFP keenly felt, as Hamilton bids to MONACO add another Monaco win to Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri (pictured) has those in 2008 and 2016 - and said victory over Arsenal in next week’s Europa Barely 48 hours after the death My buddy, I’m register a triumphant tribute to League final would complete a wonderful season of Niki Lauda, Lewis Hamilton the great three-time world for the club, despite speculation about his future. approaches Thursday’s Monaco struggling to champion Austrian. The Italian came in for fierce criticism from Grand Prix opening practice in believe you are As always, Hamilton will the Stamford Bridge fans during his first cam- sombre mood as he aims for only gone. I will miss our face a determined challenge paign but ended up steering Chelsea to a third- his third victory in the classic from his Mercedes team-mate place finish in the Premier League. Mediterranean street race. conversations, our Valtteri Bottas and both the Asked whether he would still be in charge Lauda, the non-executive laughs, the big hugs Ferrari and Red Bull teams with next season, Sarri said his future was the Europa chairman of Mercedes who after winning races Max Verstappen, in fine form this League final but after that he would speak to passed away on Tuesday together: Hamilton year, looking a likely threat to the club’s hierarchy. morning, was instrumental in the continuing supremacy of “I have two years of my contract here,” the Hamilton’s career-defining Mercedes. former Napoli boss told reporters yesterday as move from McLaren to the Silver I wouldn’t have been in this team The Silver Arrows reeled off he looked ahead to next week’s clash with Arrows team. if it wasn’t for you.” an unprecedented fifth consec- Arsenal in the Azerbaijan capital Baku. “My buddy, I’m struggling to Lauda’s death, following utive season-opening one-two “I have to speak with my club after the final. believe you are gone,” said Ham- long-term health problems, will in Spain this month, Hamilton’s I want to know if they are happy with me.” ilton in his social media posts on cast a shadow across a racing triumph lifting him back to the Chelsea also reached the League Cup final this Tuesday. “I will miss our con- occasion known for glamorous top of the drivers’ term, losing to versations, our laughs, the big parties, fabulous boats and championship. eventual domestic hugs after winning races celebrity visitors as major “It’s a race that I’ve not really treble winners Man- together.” sponsors jockey for attention won much and I struggle with chester City, and The Briton, who has won and deals. that each year,” said Hamilton. Sarri said his team four of his five world titles at But it is unlikely to affect the “I’m quick there, but it’s very deserved some Mercedes, added: “It’s truly been on-track concentration of the hit and miss so I’m really hoping silverware. an honour working alongside drivers, especially at Mercedes this year’s on target because it’s Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton seen ahead of the Monaco “I think we had you over these past seven years. where his passing will be most a great track to win at.” Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco, yesterday. a good season with a lot of problems of course. We lost two or three matches very badly but we had a good season Tributes planned for Lauda in the end,” he said. “Now we have the Europa League final so the season is a good REUTERS MONACO A Formula One spokesman said team mate Valtteri Bottas took the honour their late champion, who won season and if we can win it would be a won- a tribute was in the works, with Briton’s place instead, and said two of his titles with the Italian team derful season.” Sarri rejected any notion that details to be confirmed. Others said Hamilton seemed OK when he saw in the 1970s and came back from he would be judged on whether Chelsea beat Formula One will honour Niki Lauda a minute’s silence was planned for him earlier. severe burns in a fiery near-fatal 1976 Arsenal. “If the situation is like that I want to go at this weekend’s showcase Monaco before the race. “He (Lauda) meant a lot to me but crash, on their cars. immediately because you cannot after 10 Grand Prix, with teams and drivers Five times world champion Lewis was a key member of ours in the race McLaren, with whom the Austrian months of work have to play everything in 90 on Wednesday still coming to terms Hamilton, who paid an emotional team and factory, a big part of the won his third title in 1984, said they minutes,” he said. with the triple world champion’s tribute to the Austrian on Instagram, Mercedes family and was a massive would have something on their cars “You are either happy with my work or not death. made a paddock appearance but was motivation for everyone and myself too. happy.” N’Golo Kante is expected to be fit for The Austrian, who died on exempted from a scheduled FIA- as well,” Bottas told reporters. Photographs and television the final, the midfielder having returned to Monday aged 70, won in Monaco with organised news conference. Mercedes said team members footage of Lauda’s famous 1976 duel training following a hamstring injury, but Ferrari in 1975 and 1976 but was lat- A team spokesman said they had would wear black armbands from with rival and eventual champion defender Antonio Rudiger is out injured. terly the Mercedes team’s non-exec- asked for Hamilton to be excused Thursday and there would be a James Hunt were being played con- Chelsea’s England midfielder Ruben Loftus- utive chairman and shareholder with on the grounds that he had “lost a tribute, as yet undecided, on the cars. stantly on screens in the Ferrari and Cheek is also sidelined after suffering an Achilles principal Toto Wolff. very close friend in Niki.” Finnish Ferrari said they too would Mercedes hospitality units. tendon injury during a Holocaust Memorial friendly match in Boston last week.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic French Open: Djokovic concedes reacts during the final of the Italian Open against Spain’s Rafael Nadal in Rome, Italy in this May he has mountain to climb 19 file picture.

REUTERS Djokovic told reporters after he Australian Open in Melbourne BELGRADE was beaten by the Spaniard at where he beat Nadal in straight the Foro Italico. sets. World number one Novak Nadal (is) the number “I think it’s going to be a A quarter-final loss in Djokovic has enjoyed two good really good tournament. Monte Carlo came on the back weeks on red clay but admitted one favourite without Dominic Thiem has been of early exits at Indian Wells that winning a second French a doubt, and then playing some good tennis and and Miami, prompting specu- Open title would be a tall order everyone else, he can beat anybody, especially lation by pundits that Djokovic after a crushing defeat by Rafael on clay. was heading for a dip in form Nadal in last week’s Italian Open Everybody is trying “Fognini is also playing similar to the one in 2016 after final. to peak for Roland quality tennis, he showed against he won his maiden French Djokovic clinched the Madrid Garros and I am really Nadal in Monte Carlo what he is Open title. But the Serb silenced Open without dropping a set and looking forward to it: capable of,” he added referring his critics with a vintage run in then won a pair of epic battles to the Italian’s 6-4 6-2 semi-final Rome, including a rip-roaring against Argentines Juan Martin Djokovic victory. victory over Del Potro when he Del Potro and Diego “On a given day, best of five saved two match points in the Schwartzman in Rome before was the favourite at Roland (sets), with one day between second set before dismantling his succumbing to the imperious Garros. matches, players will have close friend in the third. Nadal 6-0 4-6 6-1 in Sunday’s He also named Austrian enough time to really be at their He then held his nerve final. Dominic Thiem, the 25-year-old best. against the battling Schwarzman That defeat aside, the Serb’s world number four, and 11th- “Everybody is trying to peak before running out of steam form seems to have peaked in ranked Italian Fabio Fognini, for Roland Garros and I am really versus, leaving doubts as to time for the May 26-June 9 tour- who is 31, as strong looking forward to it.” whether he will have enough in nament. However, the 32-year- contenders. Djokovic’s exploits on clay the tank to match world number old from Belgrade, who has won “Nadal (is) the number one came after several months of two Nadal for energy during the 15 Grand Slam titles, made it favourite without a doubt, and patchy form following his gruelling two-week event in clear Nadal, who is the same age, then everyone else,” a serene January triumph at the Paris. Distracted Zverev seeks to rediscover spark PARIS Grand Slam showing. When Apey, which has left Zverev “It’s just time consuming. doing was playing tennis,” he REUTERS Zverev beat Roger Federer and with far more to worry about It’s energy consuming. Obvi- said. “Everything else was taken Novak Djokovic back-to-back than just rocking up for his ously you have to deal with a care for me. I was going to bed, I On the court Alexander Zverev to win the ATP Finals last practice sessions. lot of different things. I have to was waking up, thinking about (pictured) has proved adept at November at London’s O2 Until that situation is deal with lawyers. I have to deal how practice was, after practice shouldering the expectation Arena it felt like a launchpad to resolved he is effectively with obviously management I was thinking about what to eat, heaped on him since his early the Grand Slam titles long-pre- running “Sacha Zverev Inc” on stuff because I don’t have then practice again, go to bed. teens, but off it the job of dicted for the blonde-haired his own and it is clearly having anyone. “Now it’s more like I have handling the business side of his Hamburg native. a detrimental effect on his “I have to kind of do it to wake up, I have to think tennis career is proving a more Yet this season has been a tennis. myself right now.” Zverev about, okay, I got this and this onerous task. let-down since reaching the “I am a young guy that is arrived at Roland Garros a year email, I have to respond to this So much so that the Acapulco final in early March trying to build a brand as well,” ago brimming with joie de vivre and this person, I have to make 22-year-old German will head and putting together any sus- Zverev, coached jointly by his after winning the Madrid title a phone call, do that, then I have to the French Open sounding tained form has proved beyond father Alexander and Ivan and reaching the final in Rome. to practice. It’s a lot more just a little world weary and his capabilities. Lendl, said recently at the This claycourt season has been things.” With approaching $17m with few backing him to match The slump has coincided Italian Open this month where a grind. already banked in prize money, or even better last year’s run to with an ongoing legal wrangle he suffered a second-round loss “Last year, the reason why I sympathy might be in short the quarter-finals, still his best with former manager Patricio to Matteo Berrettini. was playing so good, all I was supply. SPORT Thursday 23 May 2019 PAGE | 21 PAGE | 23 Phelps Hamilton heads honoured for into Monaco with a honesty on heavy heart mental health Qatar joins world’s best in Poland

FIFA.COM featuring in Group A alongside experience abroad. Italy, despite POLAND Tahiti and Senegal. their inconsistent appearance Mexico, Italy, Japan and record in the competition, The stage is set for the start of the Ecuador will contest Group B, possess the character and FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland while Honduras, New Zealand, defensive strength Gli Azzurri 2019. The European country is Uruguay and Norway feature in have always been noted for. The hosting a FIFA tournament for the Group C. two top teams in each group will very first time and it is sure to be Qatar will hope to see advance to the knock-out stage, quite an occasion, given the emerging talent as they prepare along with the four best third competition’s reputation for to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, placed teams. nurturing stars of the future. with the nation set to face Nigeria, Group matches will run until Hosts Poland are due to meet Ukraine and the United States in May 31, with the knock-out stage Colombia in the opening match Group D. due to take place from June 2 to of the tournament at the Stadion Panama, Mali, France and the final on June 15. Widzewa in Łódź, with the teams Saudi Arabia meet in Group E, with record six-time winners Argentina, Portugal, Did you know? 631 of the players who FIFA U-20 World and South Africa in Group F. Cup Poland The tournament’s reigning have graced the U-20 world champions are England, who finals have then gone on Group A: Colombia, Poland, lifted the trophy for the first time to play at the FIFA World Senegal, Tahiti at Korea Republic 2017, courtesy Cup. Fourteen of them have Group B : Ecuador, Italy, Players of Qatar Under-20 team taking part in a training session in Poland yesterday ahead of the won both competitions. of a narrow 1-0 win over a com- FIFA U-20 World Cup. Japan, Mexico bative Venezuela side that never Argentina’s Javier Saviola Group C: Honduras, New gave up. is the tournament’s all- Zealand, Norway, Uruguay The holders failed to claim supporting cast. Argentina, the France will be looking to keep the drawn in the same group as time leading scorer with Group D: Nigeria, Qatar, one of the five qualification most successful side in the com- good times rolling in French Ecuador, who won the South 11 goals. Ukraine, USA berths on offer at the 2018 UEFA petition’s history with six titles, football and claim another piece American title with a fine blend A total of 91 countries have Group E: France, Mali, European Under-19 Champi- will be hoping to make the most of silverware. of pace and lethal finishing. appeared at the U-20 World Panama, Saudi Arabia onship, however, which means of the absence of five-time Mexico will rely on their Though there are no new- Cup. Group F: Argentina, Korea that they will be handing the winners Brazil for the second young stars to maintain their comers at this year’s tournament, Essential info Republic, Portugal, South trophy over to a new owner come time running and add another status as youth heavyweights, there are several teams capable Dates: 23 May to 15 June Africa 15 June. trophy to their collection. with the likes of Diego Lainez and of upsetting the odds. Among 2019 Opening match: Poland vs Portugal head into the tour- Third on two previous occa- Jose Juan Macias already making them are Panama, who have Number of teams: 24, Colombia on May 23 at Lodz nament as European champions sions, tournament regulars Mali their way in the professional never advanced beyond the drawn into six groups Stadium and pose a significant goal threat are aiming to go two steps further game. group phase but boast a group of Number of matches: 52 thanks to a potent attack and and top the podium at last, while The Mexicans have been players who are starting to gain