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Tuesday, May 21, 2019 GOLF Ramadan 16, 1440 AH Koepka wins fourth GULF TIMES major aft er avoiding fi nal round collapse SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL/AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Xavi’s last match ends in defeat for Al Sadd Al Sadd’s Spanish midfielder Xavi receives gifts from Persepolis off icials during the AFC Champions League group D match at Al Sadd had already qualified for the last 16 of the the Azadi Stadium in Tehran yesterday. It was the final match of the Spain and Barcelona legend’s playing career. Asian tournament and they had hoped a victory would be an apt send-off for their captain yesterday

Agencies Tehran

avi Hernandez’s dazzling career came to an anticli- mactic end when his side Al Sadd were beaten 2-0 by XIranian giants Persepolis in their last group match of the AFC Champions League yesterday. The 39-year-old midfi eld genius, who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 besides helping Barcelona win two UEFA Champions League and eight La Liga titles, was cheered by poster-carrying fans at the Azadi Sta- dium in Tehran where already elimi- nated Persepolis put on an improved display to register only their second win in six matches. Xavi was also honoured by the Persepolis management, but Al Sadd’s second defeat in a row, following their 4-1 thrashing by domestic rivals Al Duhail in last week’s Amir Cup fi nal in Persepolis supporters carry a poster of Xavi at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran Doha, must have left him with mixed yesterday. feelings. Al Sadd had already qualifi ed for the the 16th minute and made it count post after goalkeeper Beiranvand was last 16 of the Asian tournament and with Mehdi Torabi waltzing off on a beaten. they had hoped a victory on Monday 30-yard run following a pass from Persepolis made it 2-0 in the 67th would be an apt send-off for their cap- Ahmad Noorollahi and scoring with a minute with Torabi racing down the tain who has been with them for four thunderous drive past Al Sadd goal- left fl ank and passing perfectly for Ali years. keeper Saad al-Sheeb. Alipour, who evaded Tarek Salman’s But although the Spaniard produced They could have consolidated their attempted tackle before a powerful some signature passes and watched a lead in the 60th minute but Al Sadd low shot saw the ball beat al-Sheeb all free-kick late in the game sail agonis- midfi elder Salem al-Hajri found him- ends up. ingly over the goalpost, it was hosts self perfectly positioned to clear the Xavi, however had a great chance Persepolis who made the most of the ball on the goalline after Mohsen Rab- to go out in style but his 81st minute chances that came their way. ikhah had beaten goalkeeper al-Sheeb free-kick just skimmed the top of the Before that though the Persepolis from the edge of the penalty box fol- net and went behind for a goalkick. goal had survived a scare in the fi fth lowing a corner. Al Sadd, who yesterday failed to minute when Xavi collected the ball It seemed all the luck was with score for the fi rst time in six AFC group near the centre and passed to Baghdad Persepolis as Al Sadd were denied by matches, will now have to wait for the Bounedjah but the Algerian’s lob was the woodwork in the 64th minute, late game between Uzbekistan’s Pa- defl ected away by a leaping Persepolis 2018 AFC Player of the Year Abdelka- khtakor and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli to goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. rim Hassan’s powerful 35-yard shot learn if the top Group D or fi nish sec- Persepolis got their fi rst chance in richocheting of the bottom of the ond. Muneer helps Duhail clinch draw against Hilal

Doha (AFC): A late strike from substi- fashion with Al Hilal applying high pres- the off ensive and Sebastian Giovinco tute Khalid Muneer earned Al Duhail sure on their opponents and Rui Faria’s started an attacking move the centre SC a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al men depending on counter attacks to circle, moving the ball out to al-Burayk Hilal in their AFC Champions League do the damage. then Eduardo whose backheel pass Group C match in Doha yesterday. Gomis pressed on Al Duhail goal- found Hattan Bahebri. After a cagey start to the match, Al keeper Khalifa Ababacar, forcing him to The Saudi international midfielder set Duhail hit on the counter to score from concede a throw in which was quickly up Gomis to drive an eff ort from the the first real opportunity. Ahmed Yasser played, finding Mohamed Kanno who edge of the box into the bottom corner sent a cross-field pass for Abdullah fired from inside the box. Ababacar for his and Al Hilal’s second of the night. al-Ahrak who broke the off side trap and spilled his save into the path of Gomis One minute into the three minutes of pulled the ball back for Youssef El Arabi who pounced on the loose ball to fire added time, Edmilson took possession to hit first-time into the top corner in home the equaliser at the half-hour of the ball inside Al Hilal box following the 15th minute. mark. a poor clearance. The Brazilian used Later, a quick exchange of passes deep Al Hilal piled the pressure towards the his trickery to get past his marker and into Al Duhail’s half saw the ball reach end of the opening period and were sent a cross that was deflected off a Mohamed close to doubling their lead through defender. al-Burayk down the right. The full-back Carlos Eduardo who took Gomis’ Muneer controlled the ball with his crossed for Bafetimbi Gomis who went cushioned pass on the half-volley but head and volleyed into the far corner, for the spectacular, but his overhead struck the crossbar seven minutes leaving Al Mayouf helpless to save and kick sailed high over the crossbar. from half-time. earning his side a hard-fought point The first half continued in the same After the break, Al Hilal continued on right at the death. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 21, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Superlatives fl ow for Koepka but Koepka avoids challenges ahead

Reuters could go to, but Brooks gets him- Farmingdale, US self there via the little chips, via the negative comments he gets from people.” rooks Koepka received Former world number three collapse to win lots of plaudits for his Paul Casey puts Koepka in an PGA Championship vic- elite class of players that he has Btory on Sunday and the seen over his two decades on American will no longer be able tour. to slip into major champion- “His physical attributes on the ships almost unnoticed as he has golf course put him in a category become the man to beat for the that only one or two guys can re- foreseeable future at least. ally compete with when he gets fourth major title Winning four major champi- going, Dustin and Rory (McIlroy) onships in eight starts tends to and some other guys, JT (Justin make a golfer hard to ignore, not Thomas) probably,” said the Eng- that his two-stroke victory over lishman. compatriot Dustin Johnson at All four of Koepka’s ma- Bethpage Black on Sunday sur- jor wins have come on courses prised his peers as he retained his where power was key, but next 'I’m just glad title. month’s US Open and July’s Brit- Graeme McDowell, who will ish Open at Royal Portrush will return to Pebble Beach next test whether he can dominate on we don’t month for the US Open after his courses where fi nesse is just as victory there in 2010, described important as brute strength. 29-year-old Koepka as a cross Not that power is ever a bad have any between Tiger Woods and John- thing but, like a Ferrari stuck in son. rush hour traffi c, there are places “To me Brooks is like Dustin where that extra power cannot more holes with Tiger’s mind, a phenomenal really be put to good use. athlete with an incredible mind- Northern Irishman McIlroy, set, able to go to this deep dark who has been stuck on four ma- to play' place that not a lot of golfers can jor wins since 2014, said the big- fi nd,” the Northern Irishman said gest challenge Koepka faced was on Sunday. being able to manage his time “I hope he really stamps his wisely with the extra demands authority on world golf because and fi nancial opportunities be- he deserves to be there.” ing world number one bring. Koepka openly acknowledges “Big thing for me was... say- playing with a chip on his shoul- ing no to things, just making sure der because he does not believe that golf and your performance his achievements have received is still the number one priority,” the praise they deserve. It is a McIlroy said. mindset McDowell envies. “When you start to win majors “You can’t teach somebody and you start to get all these op- to think the way that Brooks portunities, you have to make the Koepka thinks. I wish I could... most of those, as well, because, use negativity the way he’s able at the end of the day, we’re here to use it. to make a living, but at the same “Tiger was very diff erent from time you have to make sure that that. Tiger could go to a diff erent your performance stays where it place mentally than the rest of us needs to stay,” he added. Near miss gives confident Johnson runner-up Slam

Brooks Koepka of the United States poses with girlfriend Jena Sims and the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 2019 PGA Championship at the Bethpage Black course on Sunday in Farmingdale, New York.

AFP All-time list of became the fi rst man to own back-to- answering an opening bogey with a Bethpage, United States back titles at two majors simultaneously birdie at the par-5 fourth, while John- major winners by capturing the Wanamaker Trophy son made birdies at the fourth, sixth and and the $1.98mn (1.77mn euro) top prize. nine holes to reach 8-under, shrinking rooks Koepka held off a late Total, Masters, US Open, British “This is unbelievable,” Koepka said. Koepka’s lead to its lowest since Friday charge from Dustin Johnson to Open, PGA Championship “I don’t know if I even dreamed this. It’s afternoon. Koepka hit a gap wedge to capture his second consecutive amazing.” two feet at the 10th hole and tapped in PGA Championship on Sunday, Jack Nicklaus ...... 18 .....6 ... 4 .....3 ...... 5 The 29-year-old American became for birdie while Johnson took a bogey completingB a wire-to-wire victory for the PGA’s fi fth wire-to-wire winner at 11 to stretch Koepka’s margin back to Tiger Woods * .... 15 ..... 5 ....3 .....3 ...... 4 his fourth major title in nerve-wracking Walter Hagen ...... 11 .....0 ....2 ....4 ...... 5 after Hal Sutton in 1983, Ray Floyd in six strokes. Then came Koepka’s four fashion. Ben Hogan ...... 9 .... 2 .. 4 ....1 ...... 2 1982, Jack Nicklaus in 1971 and Bobby consecutive bogeys while Johnson bird- A near-collapse saw Koepka’s record Gary Player ...... 9 .... 3 ... 1 ....3 ...... 2 Nichols in 1964. ied the 15th for the fourth day in a row, seven-stroke lead reduced to a single Tom Watson ...... 8 .... 2 ... 1 ...5 .....0 Koepka joined Tiger Woods as the trimming the margin to a single shot as shot, but he withstood making four bo- Harry Vardon ...... 7 ....0 ... 1 ...6 ..... 0 only back-to-back stroke-play winners an electric atmosphere began to build geys in a row on the back nine and another Bobby Jones ...... 7 ....0 .. 4 ... 3 ..... 0 of the PGA, Woods having done it in among a vocal New York crowd. at 17 for an unexpectedly narrow triumph. Gene Sarazen ...... 7 .....1 ...2 .....1 ...... 3 2006-07 as well as 1999-2000. “How could you not know with the “This is probably the most satis- Sam Snead ...... 7 .... 3 ..0 .... 1 ...... 3 Koepka seized a tournament-record DJ chants,” Koepka said. “I heard every- fi ed I’ve been with all the majors,” said Arnold Palmer...... 7 ....4 ... 1 ... 2 ..... 0 lead of seven strokes after 54 holes on thing.” Koepka. “This one’s defi nitely at the top Nick Faldo ...... 6 .... 3 .. 0 ....3 .....0 12-under par 198. Johnson missed an eight-foot par putt of the list of how emotionally and how Lee Trevino ...... 6 ....0 ...2 ... 2 ...... 2 No man has led a major by so much so at 16, giving Koepka a two-shot edge, mentally spent I am.” James Braid ...... 5 ....0 ..0 ... 5 ..... 0 late and lost. But Koepka came close. and Johnson went over the green at the Koepka fi red a four-over par 74 fi nal J.H. Taylor ...... 5 ....0 .. 0 ... 5 ..... 0 Johnson, who shot 69, shrank the par-3 17th on the way to another bogey, round at windy Bethpage Black to fi nish Byron Nelson ...... 5 .... 2 ... 1 ...0 ...... 2 margin to four shots at the turn and boosting Koepka’s margin back to three 72 holes on eight-under 272 and defeat Peter Thomson ....5 ....0 .. 0 ... 5 ..... 0 just one with four holes to play, only for shots. Bethpage, US: Back-to-back with that,” Johnson said. “I feel Johnson by two strokes, replacing him as Seve Ballesteros .. 5 .... 2 .. 0 ....3 .....0 Koepka to outlast his US compatriot. “I knew I needed to do something on major runner-up eff orts have like my game has been pretty world number one as a result. Phil Mickelson * ...5 .... 3 .. 0 ....1 ...... 1 Johnson, seeking his second major the last three holes,” Johnson said. given Dustin Johnson confi- good all year. I felt like I really “I’m just glad we don’t have any more Rory McIlroy * ..... 4 ....0 ... 1 .... 1 ...... 2 title after the 2016 US Open, was hop- Koepka ended his bogey run by par- dence in his game even as he played well tee-to-green.” holes to play,” Koepka said. “That was a Brooks Koepka * .4 ....0 .. 2 ...0 ...... 2 ing to match the best fi nal-round win ring 15 and 16, the latter on a tense settled for a career Runner- Koepka began the final round stressful round of golf.” comeback in PGA history, John Ma- three-foot putt, but missed a four-foot up Grand Slam by finishing with a PGA record seven- Bogeys by Johnson at 16 and 17 made (Asterisk indicates still active) haff ey’s seven-shot rally in 978.1 par putt at the par-3 17th while Johnson second Sunday at the PGA stroke lead. No man led by the diff erence but Koepka made bogey Instead, he completed a career “run- closed with a par, setting up the 18th- Championship. so much so late and lost. But at the par-3 17th, then escaped sand ner-up” Grand Slam, having placed sec- hole drama. Brooks Koepka captured his Johnson pounded away at and weeds off the 18th tee by finding the The usually poker-faced Koepka ad- ond at the 2011 British Open, 2015 US “The putt on 16 gave me a little bit fourth major title and took Koepka and made him crack if fairway and green then sinking a six- mitted the moment got to him on the fi - Open and last month’s Masters. more confi dence coming down the back the world number one not shatter fully. foot putt for the victory. nal hole, where he fi red a fi st pump after “I’m pleased with the way I played. I stretch,” he said. “I know I missed one ranking from Johnson despite “I knew starting seven back “DJ played a hell of a round to come his winning putt. gave myself a chance,” Johnson said. on 17, but I think 16 helped me make 18.” serious pressure from his pal that it was going to be a big back and to grind it out,” Koepka said. “That was the most excited I’ve ever “The golf course played extremely Koepka became the fi rst player to win that saw a record seven-stroke feat to catch Brooks. I defi- “He did a great job putting pressure on been in my life there on 18,” Koepka said. diffi cult. The wind was really blowing. I his fi rst four majors in less than two lead trimmed to a single shot. nitely gave him a run, though, me, making me play some solid golf down Koepka, who seeks his third US Open played really well.” years, joined by Woods, Nicklaus and Koepka finished on eight- so I was happy with that,” the stretch.” win in a row next month at Pebble Beach, Koepka made the turn on 12-under, Hogan for winning four in eight starts. under par 272 after a closing Johnson said. 74 for a two-shot victory at “I knew it was going to play Bethpage Black. tough. The wind was up. It was BOTTOMLINE Johnson, whose only major the most wind we’ve had all win came at the 2016 US Open, week. I knew if I could get off has runner-up major finishes to a good start, which I did, at the 2011 British Open, 2015 that I could maybe put a little Koepka returns to world No. 1 aft er PGA victory US Open, last month’s Masters bit of pressure on him and did and the PGA. that too.” Paris: Brooks Koepka returned in New York on Sunday, finishing 7. Francesco Molinari (ITA) 6.98 But he’s in good company Koepka made four bogeys in to the top of the world rankings two strokes adrift, having been 8. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) with the “Second-place Slam” a row through the par-3 14th yesterday after his nerve-jangling seven behind at the start of the 6.71 alongside Jack Nicklaus, and Johnson birdied 15 for the second straight US PGA Champi- final round. 9. Xander Schauff ele (USA) 6.17 Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, fourth day in a row to trail by onship victory at Bethpage Black. It will be Koepka’s ninth week as 10. Rickie Fowler (USA) 5.67 Phil Mickelson, Louis Oost- only one. But he went over the The 29-year-old American has the world’s top-ranked player. 11. Jon Rahm (ESP) 5.52 huizen, Tom Watson and Craig green on 16 and made bogey now won four major titles in his Justin Rose slipped down to third 12. Matt Kuchar (USA) 5.42 (+1) Wood. then missed the green at the last eight starts and is the first due to Koepka’s rise. 13. Paul Casey (ENG) 5.34 (-1) As dubious as it might sound, par-3 17th and made another man to ever hold back-to-back 14. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 5.11 (+3) it’s a sign Johnson is right bogey. titles in two majors at the same World top 20 15. Jason Day (AUS) 4.94 (-1) where he needs to be for Once again so close but un- time, ahead of his tilt at a third 1. Brooks Koepka (USA) 11.00 16. Tony Finau (USA) 4.78 (-1) another major breakthrough able to win. successive US Open crown next average pts (+2) 17. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 4.70 soon. “Just the last three holes is month. 2. Dustin Johnson (USA) 10.93 (-1) (-1) “I’m pleased with where the what got me,” Johnson said. “I He edged ahead of previous 3. Justin Rose (ENG) 8.75 (-1) 18. Bubba Watson (USA) 4.33 game’s at, especially we’ve still needed to play well finishing, world number one Dustin John- 4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 8.12 19. Webb Simpson (USA) 4.02 got a lot of big tournaments but I gave it a run. That’s all son at the summit, after his com- 5. Justin Thomas (USA) 7.42 20. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 4.01 left this year. I’m very happy you can ask for.” patriot failed to chase him down 6. Tiger Woods (USA) 7.39 (+1) Gulf Times Tuesday, May 21, 2019 3 CRICKET

ANNOUNCEMENT FOCUS Hazlewood snub the right decision, says Pakistan recall Asif, coach Langer

Reuters just such bad timing for him.” Melbourne World champions Australia head into the tournament on the back of an eight-match winning ustralia coach Justin streak, including series wins Amir and Wahab in Langer has defended away to Pakistan and India. the decision to leave Much of the focus on Aaron Josh Hazlewood out of Finch’s team will follow former theA World Cup squad, saying the captain Steve Smith and David paceman lacked match fi tness as Warner, who are back in the he recovers from a back injury. squad after serving 12-month Hazlewood, who partnered bans for ball-tampering. left-arm quicks Mitchell Starc Both played key roles in the World Cup squad and Mitchell Johnson during 2015 tournament and have made Australia’s 2015 World Cup tri- plenty of runs in the leadup to Asif, who lost his daughter to cancer, is set to rejoin squad after funeral umph, expressed his frustration England, with Warner top scor- last week at fi rst missing out on ing in the Indian Premier League AFP a place in the initial squad for and Smith smashing two half- Lahore England and then being over- centuries off an understrength looked as Jhye Richardson’s re- New Zealand in an unoffi cial placement. warmup series in Brisbane. rieving father Asif Ali, Richardson, ruled out with a Langer said both players were whose 18-month-old shoulder injury, was replaced champing at the bit. daughter died at the by namesake Kane Richardson, “It’s been hilarious for me, weekend, fi t-again with Starc, Pat Cummins and because whether on the Anzac GMohamed Amir and Wahab Nathan Coulter-Nile the other Cove or in the lunch room or Riaz were all included yesterday pace bowlers picked. we’re on the bus playing cards, in Pakistan’s fi nal 15-man squad “He just hasn’t been playing (Smith’s) just shadow batting for the World Cup. any cricket,” Langer said in Eng- the whole time,” he said. Asif, whose daughter Noor land of the 28-year-old Hazle- “He loves batting - he’s shad- Fatima had been undergoing wood, who has claimed 72 wick- ow batting on the sand, he’s cancer treatment in the US be- ets in 44 ODI matches. shadow batting in the shower - fore her death on Sunday, is set “He’s come off a second stress I’m not joking. They’ve (Smith to rejoin the World Cup squad fracture in his back and while and Warner) had 12 months to after her funeral in Lahore, chief he’s just starting to get up and have a good think about a mistake selector Inzaman-ul-Haq said running in the nets now - I think they and the team made. I’m sure at a press conference the east- he’s played six white ball games they’ll be better people for that.” ern Pakistani city. in the last 18 months - that’s T20 Australia play their World Cup “We are with Asif in this and one-day cricket. opener against Pakistan in Bris- tough time. He will return to “We know he’s a great bowler. tol on June 1. The tournament Pakistan and then go back be- He’s a brilliant bowler, but it was starts on May 30. fore the warm-up matches,” he said. Islamabad United, the team Asif plays for in the Pakistan Super League, confi rmed the child’s death in a statement is- sued late Sunday. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Asif & his family,” the statement said. “Asif is a great example of strength & courage. He is an inspiration to us.” Before his departure for the Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq gestures as he speaks during the announcement of the final Pakistani squad for next month’s ICC World Cup limited-overs series in England, in Lahore yesterday. (AFP) Ali had tweeted on April 24 that he was sending his daughter to against England. the US for treatment. Haq said Riaz was being given He had also asked fans to pray a chance due to his experience. for his daughter. “We thought that during the Condolences poured in from England series we lacked expe- Australia coach Justin Langer. Pakistan, including from for- rience in our bowling and that eign minister Shah Mehmood is why we have included Riaz in Qureshi and left-arm fast bowl- the squad,” he said. er Mohammad Amir. The 33-year-old Riaz, a vet- England star Woakes glad World Cup “I know too well the pain & eran of two World Cups in 2011 picks not his problem anguish of losing a loved one and 2015, played the last of to cancer. My heart goes out 79 ODIs against India in the Chris Woakes said England’s squad deployed against Paki- to @AAsifAli2018 & his fam- Champions Trophy in the UK players faced a nervous wait stan when it come to England’s ily who lost their beautiful child two years ago. as the countdown to the an- final 15 for the World Cup, espe- to this most merciless disease,” There were heartbreaks for nouncement of the World Cup cially with Liam Dawson waiting Qureshi tweeted. fast bowler Junaid Khan, all- squad entered its final phase. in the wings as an alternative “Extremely heart broken rounder Faheem Ashraf and Tournament hosts England slow-bowling option. with the news of @AAsifA- opener Abid Ali, who were all unveil their squad for the one- “Everyone will be looking at li2018 daughter passing away,” included in the preliminary day international showpiece their phones,” said Woakes wrote Amir. squad but failed to reach the fi - today. England have yet to win following his Headingley haul Even cricket fans in Pakistan’s nal 15. a men’s World Cup but they of five for 54. “Everyone will be arch-rival India expressed their For Junaid the news was par- head into this year’s edition as wary of that phone call. Even if condolences. ticularly galling after he had the number-one ranked side in you feel like you’ve got a good “We are very sorry to hear already been shut out of playing ODI cricket. chance to being in the squad, about @AAsifAli2018... May in a World Cup twice: though Pace-bowling all-rounder until you hear it from selectors’ God bless her soul,” wrote one he made the squad in 2011 Woakes settled what little mouths, it’s not quite set in Indian Twitter user. he did not play, and he had to doubt there was around his stone,” he added. Ali had learnt about his withdraw in 2015 due to injury. place with a five-wicket haul as “As a player you’re still probably daughter’s illness during the Leg-spinner Shadab Khan England beat Pakistan by 54 a little bit on edge, particularly fourth season of the PSL, with also recovered from a blood vi- runs at Headingley on Sunday with this 16 and 17 players be- Islamabad United coach Dean rus and will join the squad. to complete a 4-0 series win. cause everyone has performed Jones, the former Australia But David Willey, despite the at some point over the series. batsman, breaking down in Pakistan squad: Sarfraz variety he off ers as a left-arm “In the last couple of years peo- tears when talking about the Ahmed (captain), Fakhar quick, has seen his place threat- ple have put in strong perform- child’s condition. In this file photo taken on May 17, 2019 Pakistan’s Asif Ali leaves the crease after losing his wicket during Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar ened by the emergence of ances. It’s a tricky decision for The hard-hitting Ali has the fourth ODI against England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. (AFP) Azam, Haris Sohail, Mohamed newly-qualified Barbados-born selectors and I’m glad I’m not scored 342 runs in 16 ODIs at an Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, fast bowler Jofra Archer. having to make that decision, average of 31.09. but was included in the fi nal list pox. Pakistan lost the fi ve- were forced to recall another Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, And back-up spinner and re- but it has to be done I suppose. Spearhead Mohamed Amir despite not playing in the last match series 4-0 on Sunday left-arm paceman, Riaz, after Mohamed Amir, Mohamed serve batsman Joe Denly, could “It’s certainly driven us forward was left out of the preliminary four one-day internationals with the fi rst match washed out their bowling conceded more Hasnain, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, also be cut from the 17-man in this series.” squad after a run of poor form, against England due to chicken due to rain. Pakistan selectors than 350 in all four matches Shaheen Shah Afridi.

SPOTLIGHT Simmons to quit as Afghanistan coach aft er WC AFP war-torn nation clinched a berth national selection committee. “The relevance of not picking You have to make sure you have New Delhi in the 10-team World Cup after “No, I was not aware of it. I up wickets in the IPL will not af- the right plans.” beating West Indies in the fi nal was not given any reasons. It was fect him because his experience On off spinner Mujeeb Ur of a qualifying tournament last the decision of the Afghanistan now at international level tells Rahman who was also ineff ective ormer West Indies all- year. Cricket Board and the selectors,” him that it’s not every day I can during the IPL and picked an in- rounder Phil Simmons Simmons also guided Af- Simmons said. take wickets and it’s not every jury, Simmons said, the 18-year will step down as Af- ghanistan in their debut in Test “How can I take it? I can’t day I have to bowl to get wickets. old was still learning and would ghanistan coach after the cricket in India last year. They change it. So I have to just get on His professionalism will carry receive guidance from Nabi and cricketF World Cup, saying his beat Ireland to register their fi rst with what I have to do and make him through this. Rashid during the tournament. goal had been reached by tak- Test win in March. sure the squad is preparing in “He is a leader. You can see the “He did not play a lot in the ing the minnows to the 50-over “I signed up originally for 18 the same way I wanted them to way he does things on the fi eld IPL, so that is not a concern. showpiece. months and I think I have done prepare barring the (captaincy) even when he is not bowling. Once he starts playing consist- Simmons, who took over in a lot in this period. It is time for change.” These days he has been working ently everything will get better. December 2017, said he will me to move on to something else On Rashid, the face of Afghan a lot on his batting because he He will get tighter. You have to not renew his contract after now. To want to get to the World cricket and someone the nation knows at some point he might be remember Mujeeb is still a young the World Cup in England and Cup - that was ACB’s goal at the would bank heavily on, Simmons required to add those 20-30 runs man in international cricket. Wales. time they appointed me,” said said his lack of wickets in the In- to win a match,” Simmons said. “He is still learning. A lot of “I have thought about it and the 56-year-old Simmons. dian Premier League would not On the question if he feels time when Nabi and Rashid are I have actually given the ACB “My goal is always to leave be a factor, and added the 20- batsmen have started to fi gure around, they help him with his (Afghanistan Cricket Board) my things better than when I joined: year old leg spinner was a leader. him out, Simmons said, “Peo- confi dence, which helps him notice that I will not be renew- the way we practise, the way we “The professional that Rashid ple started to fi gure out (Anil) bring his game to a level where ing my contract,” Simmons told think about the game, the way controversial change in the ed ODI captain, while Rahmat is, I don’t think the IPL form will Kumble and everyone else, but we want him to be,” the Afghan ESPNcricinfo. we assess other teams. I’ve tried side’s leadership, which brought Shah and Rashid Khan were put play on his mind. His assessment they still ended up with all those chief coach said. “I will move on to something to help the players in all those an end to Asghar Afghan’s four- in charge of the Test and T20I of what he does is so good, that wickets. The bowlers themselves Afghanistan will begin their diff erent once my contract ex- areas.” year captaincy stint across all teams respectively. Simmons he would sit down and he would need to assess the batsmen and World Cup campaign against pires on July 15.” Simmons’ decision to quit formats. said that he had not been con- still come to the World Cup and how they assess what they want defending champions Australia With Simmons as coach, the comes at the back of the ACB’s Gulbadin Naib was appoint- sulted about by the ACB and the take each game at a time. to do on the day is important. on June 1. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 21, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS RUGBY WORLD CUP Sonny Bill only has to prove fi tness, Holder Halep shrugs says Hansen

Reuetrs World Cup team, so does he Wellington deserve the opportunity to show us whether he’s still good enough? onny Bill Williams “Of course he does because off expectations has enough credit in he’s played 50 test matches.” the bank to only need Hansen is likely to take just to prove his fi tness to four midfi eld backs to Japan, putS himself into contention with Williams, Ryan Crotty, for his third Rugby World Cup Jack Goodhue, Anton Leinert- later this year, All Blacks coach Brown and Ngani Laumape all Steve Hansen has said. in contention. The 33-year-old Auckland World Cup winner Ma’a ahead of French Open Blues back, a member of the Nonu, who last played for the World Cup winning squads in All Blacks in the 2015 Rugby ‘I have no expectations because it’s the first time when I have to defend a trophy at a Grand Slam’ 2011 and 2015, suff ered a knee World Cup fi nal victory over injury in late March and had Australia, is also a dark horse Reuters arthroscopic surgery. selection after some strong per- Paris It was the latest in a long formances for the Blues since he list of injuries that have lim- returned home from France. ited the inside centre’s appear- Hansen added that other rench Open champion ances since the last World Cup senior players like Ben Smith Simona Halep has said in England and questions were (hamstring), Owen Franks won’t be burdened by being asked if he would be able (shoulder), Dane Coles (calf) expectations that she to make the All Blacks squad. and Brodie Retallick (wrist) canF repeat last year’s triumph “I understand why people were progressing well in their and would rather focus on en- would say he’s running out of recovery from injuries. joying the Grand Slam which time. But is he really?” Hansen He was also pleased to see starts on Sunday. told reporters in Auckland on fl anker Sam Cane make his The 27-year-old Romanian Monday, adding that Williams return to the fi eld last Satur- enters Roland Garros as favour- was back running and would day after he broke a bone in his ite for the title given the con- probably be available for the neck against the Springboks trasting form of some of the top Blues again in two weeks. seven months ago. names, including Japan’s world “He’s already proved him- “He was excited about being number one Naomi Osaka, but self. He’s played 51 tests. That’s back,” Hansen said after Cane her own claycourt preparation a lot of test matches, that’s a played about 41 minutes in the has not been spectacular either. lot of proving. Waikato Chiefs 23-8 loss to the World number three Halep “What we need to see is him Blues on Saturday. could have knocked Osaka off getting back on the track. Then “When you get something top spot by winning the Madrid we’ve got to ask ourselves is his taken away and you think Open earlier this month but lost fi tness good enough for him to you might not ever get it back in straight sets to Dutchwoman be selected in the team? again, when it comes back it’s Kiki Bertens in the fi nal. “We play fi ve test matches a real pleasure and joy. You can A few days later, she fell at her before we have to name the see that on his face.” fi rst hurdle in the Italian Open, losing to Marketa Vondrousova - Halep’s second defeat by the 19-year-old Czech this year af- ter a three-set loss at Indian Wells. However, the Romanian said she did not feel any extra pres- sure to retain her title at Roland Garros. “I have no expectations be- cause it’s the fi rst time when I have to defend a trophy at a Grand Slam,” she told Romania’s Digi Sport TV station. “(I just Romania’s Simona Halep in action during the Madrid Open final against Netherlands’ Kiki Bertens on May 11, 2019. (Reuters) want to) be relaxed, enjoy the tournament and try to win some Provisional standings launched for inaugural ATP Cup in 2020 batteries loaded for Roland matches. Nothing more!” Garros.” The ATP Cup’s provisional standings were by the first deadline, leaving only five remaining ELITE GROUP launched yesterday as countries vie to be among spots before the second deadline. Britain have a TSITSIPAS REACHES CAREER- Halep has been backed by former the 24 teams set to take part in the inaugural protected ranking of three as they wait on Andy HIGH RANKING French Open champions Mats tournament in Australia next January. The provi- Murray’s potential return from hip surgery while Greek rising star Stefanos Tsitsi- Chadwick moves step closer to F1 drive Wilander and Justine Henin to sional standings take into account the ATP ranking Roger Federer’s Switzerland are ranked fourth. pas reached a career-high rank- by joining Williams academy join an elite group of players in position of a country’s top-ranked singles player, Murray will be eligible to enter the ATP Cup ahead ing of sixth yesterday after his retaining her crown, with three- with Serbia and Spain occupying the top two spots of the entry deadlines if his protected ranking is run to the Italian Open semi- Jamie Chadwick’s dream of “Being a part of the Driver times men’s champion Wilander thanks to world number one Novak Djokovic and still valid at the time of the event. fi nals last week. breaking into Formula One Academy is an amazing plat- saying Halep versus Serena Wil- number two Rafa Nadal respectively. The 24 teams will be divided into six groups of The 20-year-old failed to re- is a step closer after Williams form and I’m excited to get liams would be “a dream fi nal”. “The ATP Cup standings are already beginning to four and two groups each will play in Sydney, peat his Madrid last-four win announced yesterday they started,” said Chadwick. Williams, 37, is battling to take shape and the players are excited to see this Perth and Brisbane, with the knockout stages in over Rafael Nadal, as the 17-time had hired her as a develop- Williams deputy principal be fi t for Roland Garros having come to life,” ATP’s chief player off icer Ross Hutch- Sydney featuring six group winners and the two Grand Slam champion went on ment driver. Claire Williams said she hoped pulled out of the Italian Open ins said in a statement. “It’s going to be intriguing best second-placed teams. The ATP Cup, which to lift his ninth Rome title. The 21-year-old has emerged having a female role model last Tuesday due to a persistent to see the countries battle in the coming months will have two best-of-three sets singles matches Nadal remains second in the as the most likely candidate would inspire girls to take up knee injury. to earn their berths.” and one doubles match, has 750 singles ranking rankings, a long way adrift of to end what is now a 43-year racing. Only fi ve women have suc- The rankings will be updated every Monday when points, 250 doubles ranking points and $15 million Novak Djokovic, with the pair wait for a female driver in F1 “We hope to show that cessfully defended their titles new ATP rankings are released and will continue in prize money up for grabs. facing a possible fi nal clash at as she has followed up suc- motorsport is inclusive and at the French Open - Margaret until the event’s two entry deadlines. The first 18 Roland Garros in three weeks’ cesses in Formula 3 by lead- exciting, be that as a driver or Court, Chris Evert, Monica Se- teams and their players must confirm their partici- ATP CUP STANDINGS time. ing the inaugural all-female on the engineering side,” she les, Steffi Graf and Henin. pation by Sept. 13, while the remaining six teams 1 Serbia, 2 Spain, 3 Britain, 4 Switzerland, 5 The Spaniard beat Djokovic on W Series championship this said. “Jamie is a great talent Last year Halep fi nally made have until November 13. Host nation Australia will Austria, 6 Germany, 7 Japan, 8 South Africa, 9 Sunday in the Italian Open fi nal. season. and I look forward to working it over the line in Paris with a be awarded a wild card entry if they do not qualify Argentina, 10 United States. Roger Federer’s return to Paris The last woman to start an with her.” three-set victory over American will see the 2009 champion ar- F1 grand prix was Lella Lom- Williams, previously a domi- Sloane Stephens in the fi nal for rive as the third seed. bardi in 1976. Fellow Italian nant force in F1, previously her maiden Grand Slam title. fi rst major fi nal against Maria shrugged off concerns about her in the Italian capital. “It’s also a Argentinian Diego Schwartz- Giovanna Amati drove for Bra- signed Scottish woman driver The Romanian has special Sharapova in 2014. own fi tness by declaring herself good thing if you look at the pos- man jumped four spots to break bham but she was replaced Susie Wolff to a development memories of Roland Garros, Halep received medical treat- ready to compete in Paris. itive side, I needed a few days of back into the top 20 yesterday by future world champion contract in 2012 but she left which is where she won the jun- ment in the closing stages of The Romanian even saw some relaxation,” Halep said. after also reaching the semi-fi - Damon Hill in 1992. three years later. ior title in 2008 and reached her the Vondrousova defeat but has advantages from her early exit “I rest and hope to have the nals in Rome.

MOTORSPORT Alonso fails to qualify as Pagenaud takes Indy pole AFP Canada’s James Hinchcliff e. They’ve been working non-stop Indianapolis However Alonso was left to get this car ready. I’m so proud sweating after Sage Karam came of them, so proud of everybody out next and roared to the top of that helped make this happen.” ernando Alonso’s lat- the six-driver session with an Kaiser’s qualifi cation had est bid for Indianapolis average speed of 227.740mph. looked in doubt earlier this 500 glory ended in fail- Karam’s time dropped Alonso week, when he crashed heavily ure on Sunday after the down to third fastest, and with in Friday’s practice. two-timeF Formula One world only the top three making the However he insisted he had champion failed to qualify for cut to complete the 33-car fi eld, never lost hope of being able to the US motorsport showpiece. the Spanish star was left with a qualify. The 37-year-old Spaniard was nervous wait to see if either of “I did imagine it and I’m so eliminated by young US driver the two remaining drivers could happy it came to fruition,” he Kyle Kaiser on the fi nal run of the you can be part of the history of better his time. said. “But I knew it was going to rain-delayed “Last Row Shoot- the sport or you can be really Alonso watched anxiously on be a lot of work and the team put out” qualifying session at Indi- disappointed,” he said. “Today a television monitor in the pits in the work. It’s been the most anapolis Motor Speedway. is one of those, but I prefer to as Mexico’s Carlin driver Patri- emotional 48 hours of my life.” McLaren driver Alonso had be here than to be like millions cio O’Ward failed to pip him, In qualifying to determine been chasing a victory at the and millions of other people, at clocking an average speed of the order of the fi rst three rows Brickyard in a bid to become only home watching TV. 227.092mph. on the grid, France’s Simon Pa- the second driver after Britain’s “I prefer to try,” he said. That left Kaiser with the genaud swept to pole position in Graham Hill to claim the Triple McLaren engineers had chance to claim a famous scalp the “Fast Nine” session. Crown of motorsport, with wins worked feverishly on the Span- on the fi nal run. Pagenaud, the 2016 IndyCar in the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, 24 iard’s car in an eff ort to give him The 23-year-old Juncos Rac- champion, gave Penske its fi rst Hours of Le Mans endurance and a fi ghting chance of qualifying ing driver from California didn’t Indy 500 pole in seven years af- Indy 500. for next week’s race, overhauling disappoint, sweeping around ter he roared around with an av- But Alonso’s attempt to add the setup after a troubled week with an average speed of 227.372 erage speed of 229.992mph. the last remaining piece of the in Indianapolis. to edge out Alonso by the tight- Pagenaud claimed pole ahead treble to his trophy cabinet was The tweaks looked to have est of margins. of three Ed Carpenter Racing snuff ed out in a dramatic quali- given Alonso a shot as he took to “I don’t think I can wrap my drivers, with Ed Carpenter sec- fying session. the track and posted an average mind around what we just did,” ond quickest and Spencer Pigot “This type of challenge, they time of 227.353mph for his four Kaiser said afterwards. third fastest. Ed Jones was fourth IndyCar series driver and pole sitter Simon Pagenaud poses with the French flag at Indianapolis Motor can bring you a lot of success and laps, putting him second behind “All the credit to the team. fastest. Speedway. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Tuesday, May 21, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Blues whip Sharks to take 3-2 series lead Leonard stars as shutout as the Blues claimed Reuters Los Angeles their seventh win in nine road games this postseason. “If you saw the game, you he team that sat dead saw how good everyone on the last in the NHL when team played,” Binnington told the calendar fl ipped to Sportsnet. “Everyone was out- 2019 is now one win standing, making the right de- Raptors claw back Taway from the Stanley Cup Fi- cisions, playing hard and play- nal for the fi rst time since 1970. ing disciplined. That’s a good That kind of turnaround team win.” sounds like a cheesy movie of And a costly one for the the week, but it’s the scenario Sharks. Not only did they suf- before the St. Louis Blues after fer a defeat, but the Sharks suf- they blasted the host San Jose fered through a war of attrition Sharks 5-0 on Sunday after- in what may be their fi nal home with win over Bucks noon to take a 3-2 lead in the game of the season. Western Conference fi nals. Defenseman Erik Karls- ‘We just played a lot tougher. We were up guarding, we were physical. We were ready to play tonight’ “We’re close,” Blues forward son and forward Tomas Hertl Patrick Maroon told reporters didn’t play in the third period, AFP after the game. “We’re very while captain Joe Pavelski left Los Angeles close right now. I think the early in the fi nal frame after guys know that. It’s in the back taking a hard check. of their heads, but we know Karlsson, who appeared to awhi Leonard scored that that’s a good hockey team aggravate a groin injury that eight of his 36 points over there, too, and they’re not limited him during the season, in the second over- going to give up.” looked nothing like himself on time period on Sunday The Blues will look to close the game’s fi rst goal. His poor Kto lead the Toronto Raptors to a out the best-of-seven series giveaway resulted in Oskar gritty 118-112 victory over the today when they host Game 6. Sundqvist’s score before the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBAE- The winner of the series will six-minute mark. From there, astern Conference fi nals. face the Boston Bruins. it turned downright ugly for The Raptors, who dropped Coincidentally, the last time the hosts as the Blues took the fi rst two games of the best- the Blues reached the cham- complete control. of-seven series in Milwaukee, pionship round they lost to Schwartz’s trio of goals gives clawed their way back to 2-1 in the Bruins – a victory memo- him 12 in the playoff s, one more front of home fans and will try rialised by the famous image than he collected through the to level the set when they host of Bobby Orr fl ying through regular season, while Vladimir game four on Tuesday. the air after scoring the Cup- Tarasenko scored on a penalty Pascal Siakam scored 25 winning goal. St. Louis made shot and added two assists. points and Spanish centre Marc the Cup fi nal in each of its fi rst Tarasenko has collected at Gasol added 16 for the Raptors, three seasons but hasn’t re- least one point in every game who got off to a quick start and turned since. this series. led much of the night but had to “It’s gonna be a lot of emo- Now, the Sharks must fi nd a battle to put the Bucks away. tion and it’s important our way to recover and win on the “We just played a lot tougher,” players keep it in check,” Blues road to force a seventh game at Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. head coach Craig Berube said. home, which would be Thurs- “We were up guarding, we were “Our players have done a day. physical. We were ready to play pretty good job of ... focusing. “We’ve been here before. tonight.” I don’t expect anything diff er- We had to go and win in Ve- Milwaukee’s Most Valuable ent. It’s important at the start gas (in the fi rst round) to get Player fi nalist Giannis Antetok- of the game (to be) simple and to a Game 7,” said coach Peter ounmpo struggled to just 12 direct. Keep your emotions in DeBoer, whose team has been points on fi ve-of-16 shooting. check and not let them get out outscored 7-1 in the last two Antetokounmpo’s 23 rebounds of control.” games. “You’re never comfort- helped the Bucks stay in touch, Berube’s charges moved able when your back’s against but he didn’t reach double fi gures ahead in the series with their the wall like that, but we’ve in points until the middle of the most dominating performance been there before and found a fourth quarter and he produced of the playoff s. Jaden Schwartz way. We’re confi dent we can do eight of the Bucks’ 20 turnovers. recorded a hat trick and goalie that again.” Antetokounmpo fouled out Jordan Binnington made 21 Sharks goalie Martin Jones in the fi rst minute of the sec- saves for his fi rst career playoff stopped 35 shots in the loss. ond overtime period. Moments later the Bucks managed to edge ahead 105-103 - taking the lead for the fi rst time since An- tetokounmpo scored the game’s opening basket - but Leonard and the Raptors roared back. Leonard’s steal and dunk put Toronto ahead 112-109 and his driving bank shot gave Toronto a 114-110 lead with 32.4 seconds remaining. Leonard played a key role in limiting Antetokounmpo and Nurse said his defensive play was “probably the biggest key of the game.” “Not only did he just play good, but he made some huge plays with some steals and rip- aways and break aways,” Nurse Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard dribbles the ball in the fourth quarter as Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton defends in game said. “Off ense was hard to come three of the Eastern conference finals of the 2019 NBA Playoff s at Scotiabank Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports by there for both teams for a while and any time you can get 2.2 seconds left in regulation night from Kyle Lowry, who “This is playoff basketball. Eve- Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer a steal and a break out it’s a huge forced overtime. The Raptors led scored 11 points before fouling rybody’s hurting, you just have said. “We weren’t able to get momentum play.” 103-99 with 1:29 remaining in out with 6:12 left in the fourth. to keep fi ghting.” over the hump. Toronto had a chance to win it the fi rst extra session. Although Leonard scored 19 Hill led the Bucks with 24 “When you have opportuni- in regulation, but they let a 96- But Malcolm Brogdon fl oated points in the fourth quarter and points and fellow reserve Brog- ties you’ve got to make them and Jaden Schwartz (right) of the St. Louis Blues celebrates with 91 lead slip away in the fi nal 1:13 in a shot and George Hill drained both overtimes, some grimaces don added 20. Center Brook we didn’t quite make enough of teammates Ryan O’Reilly and David Perron after his second goal of the fourth quarter. Milwaukee two free throws to tie it before from the Raptors star sparked Lopez led the Bucks starters our good ones. I think we’ll be against the San Jose Sharks in game five of the Western Con- guard Khris Middleton’s putback Leonard’s jump shot fell short. concerns he might be injured. with 16 points. “I feel like we better in game four, Giannis, ference Final during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at SAP basket from his own miss with The Raptors overcame a slow “I’m feeling all right,” he said. gave ourselves several chances,” everybody.” Center in San Jose, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Bogaerts, Betts team to lead Red Sox over Astros Reuters George Springer at the plate. An inning later, Los Angeles RESULTS the Astros grabbed the lead. Shortstop Carlos Correa crushed a two- Dodgers 8-3 Reds run homer to straightaway center in the third, ander Bogaerts’ hits scored Mookie Red Sox 4-3 Astros scoring Alex Bregman and providing the As- Betts in consecutive at-bats, and Yankees 13-5 Rays tros with a 3-1 edge. The Astros worked four the Boston Red Sox averted a series hits and fi ve walks off Sale over 5? innings but sweep at the hands of the red-hot Rangers 5-4 Cardinals Sale also recorded 10 strikeouts. The Astros XHouston Astros with a 4-3 win on Sunday at Giants 3-2 D’backs later hit into a pair of double plays, the fi rst Fenway Park. Indians 10-0 Orioles coming off the bat of Jake Marisnick with the Bogaerts delivered the game-winning hit bases loaded in the sixth. Marcus Walden (6- with two outs off Astros left-hander Framber Mariners 7-4 Twins 0) earned the win with 1? scoreless innings Valdez (1-2) in the seventh inning, scorching Royals 5-1 Angels of relief. Brandon Workman notched his a double to centre fi eld that scored Betts from Pirates 6-4 Padres fi rst save of the season for the Red Sox with fi rst base. a scoreless ninth. Reddick fi nished 2-for- Blue Jays 5-2 White Sox The fl eet-footed Betts had replaced rookie 2 with two walks for the Astros, who lost second baseman Michael Chavis on base Brewers 3-2 Braves Springer to lower back stiff ness in the fth.fi when Houston botched a pop fl y off Betts’ Phillies 7-5 Rockies bat, with Carlos Correa recording a force out Marlins 3-0 Mets RYU SHINES AGAIN AS DODGERS on Chavis after fi elding a throw from fi rst DEFEAT REDS baseman Tyler White and holding the bag Cubs 6-5 Nationals Hyun-Jin Ryu threw seven shutout innings despite stretching for the ball. and the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers won Bogaerts, Betts and Boston benefi ted from The Astros’ defense failed Miley in the fi rst the fi nale of a three-game series against the another misplay by the Astros in the fi fth when an Alex Bregman error set the table for Cincinnati Reds 8-3 on Sunday afternoon. when second baseman Yuli Gurriel failed J.D. Martinez to produce an RBI groundout Ryu (6-1) has not allowed a run in the past to catch a Bogaerts pop fl y that ultimately that scored Betts, who fi nished 3-for-4. 31 innings. He gave up fi ve hits against the dropped in centre. Houston, which had its 10-game win- Reds, struck out fi ve and walked one, lower- Betts scored the game-tying run and ning streak snapped, responded immediately ing his ERA to a major league leading 1.52. capped a two-out rally against Astros starter against Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale. Josh Alex Verdugo had two hits and three RBIs, Wade Miley, who surrendered a solo home Reddick recorded the fi rst of his two doubles Cody Bellinger and Russell Martin homered, run to Chavis, his eighth on the season, that off Sale with two outs in the second inning, and Joc Pederson scored three runs for the enabled Boston to close to within 3-2. Betts pushing Gurriel, who worked a leadoff walk, Dodgers. Reds starter Tanner Roark (3-3) followed Chavis’ 420-foot blast to left with to third base. went fi ve innings, allowing two runs and two Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts watches the ball after hitting a single RBI during the fifth a double. Gurriel scored on a Sale wild pitch with hits. He struck out seven and walked three. against the Houston Astros inning at Fenway Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 21, 2019 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 ROUND-UP Kroos pens new PSG say Mbappe to Real Madrid deal until 2023 ermany international Weinzierl, who was sacked in Toni Kroos has extend- April. ed his contract with Walter, who worked as a youth stay next season coach at Bayern Munich and Real Madrid until 2023 Gahead of an expected summer Karlsruhe before taking over at overhaul at the club, the Spanish Kiel last year, will take over after The 20-year-old said on Sunday that he wanted more “responsibilities, maybe at giants yesterday. The 29-year- Stuttgart’s fate is decided in the old midfi elder has won 12 titles relegation play-off next week. PSG, maybe elsewhere” after winning the Ligue 1 player of the season award in fi ve seasons in Spain, lifting Interim coach Nico Willig will the Champions League trophy in remain in charge for the play-off 2016, 2017 and 2018. games tomorrow and Monday, Kroos has scored 13 goals in as Stuttgart look to avoid the 233 appearances for Real since drop against promotion hopefuls arriving from Bayern Munich Union Berlin. in 2014 after helping Germany win the World Cup in Brazil. CLARKE NAMED AS Real fi nished third in La Liga this SCOTLAND MANAGER term, 19 points behind champi- Steve Clarke was named as the ons Barcelona after registering new Scotland manager yester- their lowest points haul in 17 day, with a brief to turn around years, ending with a limp 2-0 their Euro 2020 qualifying home defeat to Real Betis on campaign after a dismal start. Sunday. Coach Zinedine Zidane The 55-year-old replaces Alex has promised changes to the McLeish on a three-year deal squad ahead of next season, with just a day after securing third Gareth Bale, goalkeeper Keylor place in the Scottish Premiership Navas, Nacho, Sergio Reguilon, for his Kilmarnock team. Isco and Marcos Llorente all The former West Brom man- tipped to leave the club. ager, who won the PFA Scotland and Scottish Football Writers’ GUARDIOLA SAYS CITY NEED Association manager of the year TO WIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE awards, has signed a three- Pep Guardiola admits Manches- year contract until the end of ter City will ultimately be judged the 2022 World Cup qualifying on whether they win the Cham- campaign. “I fi rmly believe we pions League despite wrapping have a talented group of players up an unprecedented domestic who can achieve success on the treble with a 6-0 whipping of international stage,” said Clarke, Watford in the FA Cup fi nal. who won six caps for Scotland as The 48-year-old Spaniard a player. said in the immediate aftermath “I look forward to working of Saturday’s rout the domes- with them and helping them tic treble is more diffi cult than to fulfi l those ambitions. I ap- winning the Champions League preciate the Scotland support- because it demands greater con- ers have waited a long time for sistency over a gruelling season. the national team to qualify for “I said before that I know a major tournament. Now we we will be judged at the end on have a Women’s World Cup to whether we win the Champions look forward to in France this League,” said Guardiola, who summer and it’s my motivation twice conquered Europe as Bar- to emulate the success of Shelley celona coach. Kerr and her squad by leading us “I know unless we do that it to Euro 2020.” will not be enough. This comes McLeish was sacked last with me. I know that. I arrived month after a dismal start Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (left) poses with his father Wilfried Mbappe (right) and his brother Ethan before he received the Best Ligue 1 Player award in Barcelona, we were lucky we to the Euro 2020 qualifi ers, at the 28th edition of the UNFP (French National Professional Football players Union) trophy ceremony in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) won it two times in four years which included a 3-0 defeat by and the people expect I am Kazakhstan. Scotland are fi fth AFP stage you can send messages, I think I got Former PSG goalkeeper Jerome Alonzo, as France won the trophy, by netting 38 something special, that we have in their group after two games Paris mine across. If I keep talking it would be who played for the club between 2001 times for PSG this season, although he to win the Champions League while Kerr’s side are set for next too much and that’s not the message I and 2008, believes Mbappe is angling for needs to score fi ve in the last league game and it’s still true.” month’s Women’s World Cup in want to send,” Mbappe explained. a greater say in the club’s planning, after a of the season against Reims next weekend Guardiola, who has not tasted France. rench champions Paris Saint- He has been regularly linked with a disappointing season which saw Thomas to snatch the European Golden Shoe from European success since 2011, Scotland’s men’s team have Germain yesterday insisted that potential move to Madrid since break- Tuchel’s side again fail in the Champions Lionel Messi. having drawn a blank during his not qualifi ed for a major tourna- star striker Kylian Mbappe would ing through with Monaco’s 2017 Ligue 1 League. “I have more of an impression “I tell myself that even if I lose, I lose to spell with Bayern Munich, said ment since the 1998 World Cup. stay at the club next season, de- title-winning team, but instead made the that he’s someone important at the club Messi, one of the greatest players in his- what sets the Champions League Former St Mirren and Chelsea spiteF the World Cup-winner hinting that switch to PSG, initially on loan, and then who says, ‘Guys, I want to vouch for the tory,” he said. “To think that maybe I kept apart is the level of the opposi- defender Clarke also had coach- he could leave. The 20-year-old said on for 180mn euros. But since Zinedine Zi- project but it needs to move along a little. up with him until the last game, that’s a tion. Guardiola and City, who ing stints with Chelsea, Newcas- Sunday that he wanted more “responsi- dane’s return to the Real dugout earlier I want to stay for a long time but give me source of pride too, but it’s not over.” have never won the competition, tle and Liverpool. bilities, maybe at PSG, maybe elsewhere” this year, rumours about Mbappe join- the means to become European cham- Mbappe became only the second teen- have failed to make it past the after winning the Ligue 1 player of the ing his fellow Frenchman at the Santiago pion. If the project doesn’t move beyond ager in history last year, after Brazil leg- quarter-fi nals since he took over PIZARRO TO season award. Bernabeu have intensifi ed. that, I’m leaving,’” Alonzo said. end Pele, to score in a World Cup fi nal in 2016. They lost to Monaco in RETIRE IN 2020 But PSG said in a statement on Twitter: French sports daily L’Equipe led with This term, Mbappe has stepped up an- during France’s 4-2 triumph over Croatia. the last-16 in 2017 and exited in Veteran Peruvian striker Claudio “Strong ties have united PSG and Kylian the headline “trophy for the shock sen- other gear with Neymar out injured for His global stardom — surely eye-catching the last eight to Liverpool last Pizarro says that he will end his Mbappe for two years and that story will tence” following Mbappe’s ambiguous much of the campaign, but his demand for the likes of Real — was shown when year and Tottenham this season. playing career in 2020 at the age continue next season. It’s a highly an- remarks, while Spanish media described for further authority could place him on a he became only the fourth footballer to “In this club, the points record of 41. Pizarro, 40, announced a ticipated moment to also write, together, it as a “bombshell” after picking up on collision course with the Brazilian. “This feature on the cover of Time magazine in and the domestic competitions one-year contract extension at a big page in the history of our club, in the fact it was the fi rst time the striker has request for accountability poses questions October, after Messi, Neymar and Mario is incredible,” he said. “But the Werder Bremen on Saturday, but which each major player will have to take hinted he could leave Paris. because it comes two weeks after the same Balotelli. Champions League we don’t admitted a day later that next his share, all the while working for the Under contract with PSG until 2023, statements from Neymar. There must not An Mbappe exit would be a blow for win quite often compared to the season would be the fi nal act of squad.” Mbappe is said to be in discussions with be a spat at PSG between leaders or groups PSG, although increased transfer funds other ones because the teams a two-decades long career in Mbappe’s comments on Sunday, with the club over an extension, but was his with the Brazilian side of the dressing may not be all bad for the French champi- are so good, the competition is European football. Real Madrid reportedly attempting to lure message a play to strike an improved deal, room and the others,” warned Alonzo. ons as they look to strengthen their squad so demanding but we want to “Next season will be my last. him to Spain, appeared a calculated move. which reportedly pays him 20mn euros Mbappe backed up his excellent 2018 ahead of their next bid for a fi rst Champi- win it.” I want to end my career in good “I said what I had to say. When you’re on per season? World Cup, where he scored four times ons League title. condition,” he said at a friendly STUTTGART ANNOUNCE match against lower league side TIM WALTER AS NEW COACH Papenburg. Fan favourite Pizarro SPOTLIGHT Relegation-threatened Bundes- is currently in his fourth spell liga club VfB Stuttgart an- at Bremen, whom he fi rst joined nounced yesterday that current in 1999. He has scored 197 goals Holstein Kiel boss Tim Walter in 472 Bundesliga appearances New Maradona fi lm tracks intimate family moments will take over as head coach at for Bremen, Bayern Munich and the end of the season. Walter, Cologne. A few hours after an- Reuters 43, led Kiel to sixth in the second nouncing his contract extension Cannes, France division this season and has on Saturday, the Peruvian came now signed a two-year deal to off the bench to score a late win- become the long-term successor ner in his side’s 2-1 victory over new documentary about foot- to former Stuttgart boss Markus RB Leipzig. ball great Diego Maradona shines a light on intimate mo- ments with his family and team- matesA through previously unseen footage that capture the giddy highs and also the lows of his rollercoaster career. The former Argentina team captain, 58, missed the glitzy premiere of Diego Maradona in Cannes on Sunday due to a shoulder injury, the fi lm’s publicists said, and has yet to see it screened, though he was interviewed as part of it. “We are dealing with archive from way back, there will be lots of images that he himself hasn’t seen of himself, of his family, of his kids,” director Asif Kapadia said in an interview. “So I think it’s going to be quite emotional for him.” Kapadia, who has also made highly- rated documentaries about late racing (From left) Argentinian journalist Daniel Arcucci, British director Asif Kapadia and Maradona’s former fitness coach Fernando driver Ayrton Senna and singer Amy Signorini pose during a photocall for the film Diego Maradona at the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival. (AFP) Winehouse, added that he was hoping to show it to the star soon. from critics after its screening during the But it’s the snapshots from the team’s er seen the light of day. He also dug into Maradona, who has been frequently Cannes Film Festival, homes in on some changing room and close-ups of the private footage. Maradona the cocaine hospitalised over the years, often on ac- of the most intense moments of Mara- player at parties or goofi ng around with user and Maradona the womanizer are count of the extravagant lifestyle and dona’s rise to superstardom, when he his young children that add to the grip- also never far away in the fi lm. years of drug addiction he is also known played for Italy’s Napoli in the 1980s and ping, behind-the-scenes feel of the fi lm, “It really moved me because it also re- for, works today as a coach for Mexican won the World Cup in 1986 with his home which tries to separate “Diego” the man fl ects on the dark side of Maradona,” said second division club Dorados. “Sadly he’s team, Argentina. from “Maradona” the legend. Daniel Arcucci, a sports writer who is also injured, he’s not well and he’s been car- The headiness of the period is captured Kapadia said one of Maradona’s agents the soccer player’s offi cial biographer, rying this injury all the way through be- in evocative scenes around Naples, where had hired two camera people to fol- and who appears in the fi lm. cause he’s been coaching,” Kapadia said. fans took their Maradona-worship to the low him around during his years in Italy, “It’s a tough fi lm but at the same time German midfielder Toni Kroos has won 12 titles in five seasons with The fi lm, which drew a warm response next level. yielding material that had in the end nev- very loving towards Maradona.” Real Madrid, lifting the Champions League trophy thrice. (Reuters) Gulf Times Tuesday, May 21, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Legends laud Al Janoub Stadium aft er dazzling launch 'It’s a marvellous stadium. It’s a grand football venue with a lot of uniqueness. It is diff erent and I like it' ast Thursday, Qatar reached a major milestone on the road to 2022 – the opening of its second tournament-ready venue, and Lthe fi rst to be built from scratch; the magnifi cent Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah City. Al Duhail ran out 4-1 victors against Al Sadd on the night, to lift the Amir Cup for the second consecutive sea- son. Before the game got under way, the stadium was launched in the pres- ence of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Also in at- tendance on the night were some of the biggest names in FIFA World Cup his- tory – as legends from across the globe travelled to Qatar to attend the game. Here’s what some of them had to say…

Cafu, Brazil FIFA World Cup-winning captain in 2002 “It’s a marvellous stadium. It’s a grand football venue with a lot of uniqueness. It is diff erent. I like it. I am sure Qatar are progressing nicely. They have done a fantastic job. Qatar is do- ing all the right things to stage a great World Cup. They are ready to welcome the world. As for the national team, Qa- tar will play at the Copa America next month. It will be good for the players. It is a big tournament and Qatar have the opportunity to learn a lot as they build a strong squad.”

Xavi, SC Ambassador and 2010 FIFA World Cup winner with Spain “I think it’s a very good stadium that will have a great atmosphere. It’s one of the stadiums for the World Cup and it’s amazing. The facilities, the pitch, everything in 2022 will be amazing and I think a lot of people will be very surprised with what Qatar is doing. It’s going really well. We also played in the fi rst opening – that of Khalifa Interna- tional Stadium – and this is the second one. They’re doing really well. “

Ruud Gullit, former Milan, Chelsea and Netherlands midfi elder “The thing is there were a lot of talks about can they do it, can they not do it Former football stars pose at the Al Janoub stadium at its launch before the Amir Cup final last Thursday. (build such a stadium). Look, they can do it. If you see the design, it is amaz- former Barcelona, Inter Milan, Roberto Carlos, former Inter Mi- Qatar is doing a great job.” stadium. Every time I come here, I am Tim Cahill, appeared at four ing. If you come into the stadium, it is a Chelsea and Cameroon striker lan, Real Madrid and Brazil defender surprised. I was here eight months ago. consecutive FIFA World Cup real football stadium. But, for me, what “We have been given the privilege to “First, we have to congratulate the Ronald de Boer, former Barcelona, I am sure they will achieve a lot. It is “It’s amazing. You look at the stadium is more important is that the pitch is discover this beautiful jewel. We hope organising committee on the excel- Ajax, Al Rayyan and Al Shamal hard work but I am sure they will pull it and it’s got a really good feel to it. The fantastic. As a football player, you want for whoever will play in this magnifi - lent stadium they have built here. I was midfi elder off . The Qatar team is progressing well. fans are very close to the pitch and to play on this pitch.” cent stadium, that they will have a lot amazed by the whole structure and the “When we arrived, I saw the stadi- There are still three years to go before when you look around it actually feels of pleasure, both now and at the 2022 temperature inside. The players and um’s beauty from outside. From inside, the World Cup so they have time to im- like you’re at a World Cup. Qatar is on Samuel Eto’o, SC Ambassador and World Cup.” fans will feel great while games are on. what I like is that it is a proper football prove their players further.” a right track.”

FOCUS SERIE A Conte set to become Atalanta grab crucial point at Allegri’s Juve farewell party AFP Atalanta moved third ahead of Inter Inter manager Rome Milan on head-to-head after Luciano Spalletti’s side lost 4-1 at Napoli. Ju- By Fabrizio Romano ventus and second-placed Napoli are The Guardian eparting Juventus coach Mas- already through to the Champions similiano Allegri bid farewell League next season. AC Milan are just to the Turin fans in the team’s one point behind Inter and Atalanta in ntonio Conte has fi nal home game this season fi fth after Krzysztof Piatek and Suso agreed terms with In- onD Sunday night, a 1-1 stalemate against struck in a 2-0 win over Frosinone. ternazionale to take Atalanta that kept the visitors’ hopes of Inter will play their fi nal match over as their new man- a fi rst-ever Champions League qualifi - against Empoli, who are trying to avoid agerA in the summer. The former cation alive. relegation. Polish striker Piatek got Juventus manager, who has not The Juventus fans paid tribute to Al- back scoring on 57 minutes at the San worked since leaving Chelsea in legri, who the club’s management have Siro, with Spanish winger Suso adding 2018, will sign a three or four- decided will not be their coach next a second nine minutes later. year contract soon to replace Lu- season, despite winning 11 trophies in Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Don- ciano Spalletti. fi ve years, but missing out on winning narumma saved a Camillo Ciano pen- Several other European clubs, the Champions League. Juventus have alty before Piatek broke his fi ve-match including PSG and Bayern Mu- already wrapped up their record eighth scoring drought with his 22nd goal of nich, had shown an interest in consecutive title, which was Allegri’s the season. Milan are at least assured of Conte but the 49-year-old was fi fth. The team were offi cially present- a place in next season’s Europa League, keen for a return to Italian club ed with this year’s Serie A trophy — the along with Roma, who were held to a football and fancied the chal- fi rst for Portuguese superstar Cristiano goalless draw at Sassuolo on Saturday. lenge of making Inter title con- Ronaldo. Former World Cup winner The two teams benefi ted from sev- tenders again. Andrea Barzagli played his fi nal home enth-placed Torino’s shock 4-1 defeat Conte worked closely togeth- game after eight years in Turin, and re- at Empoli, which ended the northern- er with the Inter CEO, Beppe ceived an resounding ovation when he ers’ European hopes. Lazio, in eighth, Marotta, when the two were at came off after an hour. are sure of playing in the Europa League Juventus between 2011 and 2014, On the pitch, forward Mario Mand- group stage thanks to their Coppa Italia winning three consecutive Serie zukic struck ten minutes from time to victory. A titles together. cancel out Josip Ilicic’s 33rd-minute Empoli moved out of the relegation Inter are currently fourth in goal for Atalanta. The point keeps zone at the expense of Genoa, who were the league with one game to go Atalanta’s hopes of a fi rst Champions held 1-1 by Cagliari, and are now 18th and are expected to clinch the League campaign alive, which they can ahead of next week’s clash with Fioren- fi nal Champions League place. seal if they beat Sassuolo in their fi nal tina, themselves just three points off They are one point ahead of game next weekend. the drop zone. Juventus’ players celebrate with the Serie A trophy after their match against Atalanta in Turin on Sunday night. (AFP) AC Milan in fi fth after losing 4-1 to Napoli on Sunday night, and face Empoli at home next Sun- day while their city rivals play GRAHAM POTTER NAMED BRIGHTON MANAGER AFTER HUGHTON SACKING Spal away. Conte left Chelsea at the end London: GRAHAM POTTER was successive season. “I’ve worked very Potter, credited with playing an just two wins from their 18 league of the 2017-18 season after win- named as Brighton manager yester- hard to make it to this point and the attractive brand of football, guided matches after the turn of the year and ning the league in his fi rst sea- day and said he would aim to consoli- path that I’ve taken has been 14 years Swansea to a respectable 10th in the finished 17th, only two points clear of son and the FA Cup in his sec- date the club’s place in the Premier of learning and sacrifice,” Potter told Championship despite huge cuts in Cardiff in the final relegation place. ond campaign. His second year League after replacing the sacked reporters at a press conference. personnel following the club’s relega- Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: at Stamford Bridge was marred Chris Hughton. The Englishman, 44, “I’ll now do my very best for tion from the Premier League. The “We are delighted to have secured the by constant clashes with the who made his name as a manager at the football club and help them to new boss, who represented South- services of one of the brightest young hierarchy over the club’s transfer Swedish club Ostersund, impressed develop. The competition that is the ampton and West Brom during his English coaches. Graham Potter has policy and it came as no surprise as boss of second-tier Swansea last Premier League is the biggest chal- playing career, won three promotions an excellent record of developing when he was sacked a year be- season. Hughton was dismissed last lenge in itself. It’s my job to get the with Ostersund and steered them into teams with an attractive playing style, fore his contract ended and his week despite keeping Brighton in players to believe that they can go in the Europa League. fierce determination and a strong countryman Maurizio Sarri took the Premier League for a second to every match and win.” Under Hughton, Brighton managed collective spirit.” his place.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY SPOTLIGHT Football stars Cafu, Overdrive Racing’s Djorkaeff and Zabaleta visit Aspire Academy al-Attiyah eyes n course of the 2019 Amir is the ideal place for athletes to Cup fi nal that saw the inau- develop. “I think there should guration of the newly-built be more academies in the world FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022 like this. It’s a way to reveal great Ivenue, Al Janoub Stadium, the talents and to give them the best Supreme Committee for Delivery conditions to fl ourish. Some- and Legacy invited Brazil’s ex- thing that we could see fi rst- Kazakhstan title star player Cafu, former French hand in the Amir Cup fi nal,” said international footballer Youri the 2006-07 UEFA Champions Djorkaeff and Argentinian player League winner with AC Milan. ‘It is important that we take the win here, or at least finish high up on the podium’ Pablo Zabaleta to Doha. “Qatar is getting better each year During this stay, they were in terms of player development; By Sports Reporter welcome at Aspire Academy on infrastructure and the 2022 Villers-Le-Bouillet, Belgium Friday, where they had the op- World Cup is going to open doors portunity to fi nd more about its to get to know a new culture.” involvement in developing Qa- Former French midfi elder he 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross- tar’s most promising young ath- Djorkaeff , who won the 1998 Country Rallies resumes with letes and football players. “These FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000, next week’s Rally Kazakhstan facilities are absolutely amazing, is convinced that the 2022 FIFA (May 26th-June 1st). Overdrive and it provides an athlete every- World Cup is going to be an ex- TRacing will fi eld a formidable line-up of thing to become better and I am traordinary event. “Being here three Toyota Hiluxes for Qatar’s Nasser sure Qatar’s athletes are benefi t- at Aspire Academy, you can see Saleh al-Attiyah, Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed ing a lot from it”, said Zabaleta. fi rst-hand that there was a clear al-Rajhi and Dutchman Bernhard Ten The 34-year-old Argentinian vision and they put everything Brinke. right back is currently playing for in place that a sportsman needs. Now in its third year as a counting round West Ham United after spending This clearly shows the determi- of the world’s premier off -road series, almost a decade playing for Man- nation of Qatar towards the jour- Rally Kazakhstan is also the longest round chester City, in which spell he ney to excellence in sports.” of the series in terms of its six days of won two Premier League titles. To The 51-year-old, who played punishing special stages and 1,860.13km him it was the second visit to Qa- in Italy, Germany, England and to be driven against the clock in a slightly tar after facing Brazil in a friendly the USA, is also quite optimistic modifi ed route that still features tricky with the Argentina national team about the expectations for the sand dunes, camel grass, rocky terrain, in 2010. “Being at the Amir Cup French national team. “I saw one vast high-speed plains, steppes and dif- was an amazing experience, the of the World Cup stadiums yes- fi cult navigation. organisation was fantastic, and terday and I am impressed by the The opening two rounds of the series in I am looking forward when the preparations. And I am looking Qatar and Abu Dhabi threw up their fair World Cup gets underway here in forward to the upcoming World share of surprises. Al-Attiyah heads to three years’ time.” Cup, especially since France will Aktau City on the shores of the Caspian To two-time FIFA World Cup go there with a very strong team Sea tied for the lead in the Drivers’ Cham- winner Cafu, Aspire Academy that will be able to win.” pionship with Dakar legend Stephane Peterhansel, despite missing the second round of the series. Al-Attiyah won his home event and his French rival prevailed in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Both drivers now have 30 points and are four clear of the Brazil- ian T3 front-runner Reinaldo Varela. Alongside French co-driver Matthieu Baumel, al-Attiyah has already won the Dakar Rally this year for Toyota and was Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah heads to Aktau City on the shores of the Caspian Sea tied for the lead in the Drivers’ Championship the winner of the fi rst Rally Kazakhstan to with Stephane Peterhansel, despite missing the second round of the series. be a round of the FIA series in 2017. He said: “It is important that we take in Qatar and retiring from the Abu Dhabi minor changes to the route for the six days 1. Stephane Peterhansel (FRA) 30pts the win here, or at least fi nish high up on event with mechanical issues. He can also of selective sections that start out of Ak- 3. Reinaldo Varela (BRA) 26pts the podium, because this is a short cham- call upon the fact that he gained experi- tau City and then head south towards the pionship this year with the loss of Turk- ence from winning this event last year border with Turkmenistan and a bivouac 4. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS) 24pts menistan and just Morocco to come in with German co-driver Timo Gottschalk. for four nights at the Kenderley resort on 5. Yazeed al-Rajhi (SAU) 21pts October. We are feeling confi dent. I have Brinke is determined to bounce back the Caspian Sea. After a ceremonial start 5. Khalid Al-Qassimi (ARE) 21pts taken part in three other rallies in Qatar, into title contention with Belgian co- in the main square in Aktau City, the fi rst Morocco and Jordan since the fi rst round driver Tom Colsoul in the third Hilux. The stage of 280.35km takes place on May 27th 7. Casey Currie (USA) 17pts and have enjoyed the stages in Kazakhstan Dutchman fi nished sixth in Qatar after and is followed by specials of 414.12km, 8. Aron Domzala (POL) 16pts before. It is not an easy rally and the stages earlier on-stage delays and then a crash in 327.47km, 399.24km, 290.19km and 9. Yasir Seaidan (SAU) 12pts are long and demanding. But we will try Abu Dhabi ruined a potential runner-up 148.76km before the fi nish back in Aktau our best for the win.” fi nish behind Peterhansel. The crew have City on June 1st. 10. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD) 10pts Saudi Arabian driver al-Rajhi teams up already shown their competitiveness this 10. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS) 10pts with German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz season and know the importance of a po- FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY 12. Martin Prokop (CZE) 6pts in the second Overdrive Toyota. Al-Rajhi dium fi nish on this Central Asian classic. RALLIES – STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 2 13. Camelia Liparoti (ITA) 5pts is equal fi fth in the Drivers’ Champion- The Automotorsport Federation of the Former footballers Cafu of Brazil, Youri Djorkaeff of France and ship after fi nishing second to al-Attiyah Republic of Kazakhstan have made some 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) 30pts 13. Mohammed al-Meer (QAT) 5pts Argentinian player Pablo Zabaleta pose at the Aspire Academy.

FOCUS ATHLETICS Qatar Airways congratulates School children to be part Amir Cup champions Al Duhail of the IAAF Worlds Doha chool children in Qatar to ensure all engagement is tai- body together and share cultural atar Airways, the Offi cial Airline will play a pivotal role in lor made to the requirements of learnings ahead of a competition Sponsor of the Amir Cup 2019, the country’s biggest ever schools, allowing youngsters to which will see athletes from 213 congratulates Al Duhail Sports sporting event, thanks to fl ourish with the planned educa- countries coming to Doha. We Club, the winner of this year’s anS initiative which will see thou- tional activities. have created opportunities for the AmirQ Cup 2019. The exciting fi nal game took sands of youngsters attend the Speaking on the launch of the next generation to be involved, place on Thursday at Al Janoub Stadium, the IAAF World Athletics Champi- schools programme, Vice Presi- from artwork to junior reporting, second Qatar 2022 World Cup Stadium to be onships Doha 2019. A dedicated dent of IAAF, Dahlan al-Hamad, ensuring that the power of sport offi cially revealed. programme for youngsters of commented: “Sport unites peo- plays a huge benefi t, educating Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, all ages and cultures will see a ple in such a special way, bring- and inspiring throughout schools HE Akbar al-Baker, said: “Qatar Airways number of activities planned in ing all cultures together and and I encourage everybody to get extends its warmest congratulations to Al the build up to the Champion- creating friendships that last a involved as we look to create op- Duhail Sports Club on their incredible vic- ships, including the opportuni- lifetime. By spreading the mes- portunities of a lifetime for young tory on Thursday at the new, state-of the- ties for aspiring writers to report sage of sport and athletics to people in Qatar.” art Al Janoub Stadium. We are delighted to and interview the world’s top young people throughout Qatar, Throughout the course of the continue our longstanding partnership with athletes this September. we will see a growing excitement schools programme, the Local the Amir Cup, and to see the tremendous Inspiring the next generation, for the IAAF World Athletics Organising Committee will work success of the tournament. As an airline, school children from fi ve to 18 Championships, and everybody with thousands of youngsters we believe strongly in the power of sports in years of age will be able to play in Doha, no matter what age, can from government and private bringing people together, and continuously a part, from creative art compe- play a huge part in ensuring com- schools to help create opportuni- seek to engage with premier sporting teams titions which will form displays petition is a huge success.” ties from attending the Champi- and events around the world. We look for- at the Khalifa International Sta- Sheikha Asmaa al-Thani, Di- onships with dedicated tickets, ward to bringing football fans from around dium to spur on athletes, through rector of Marketing and Commu- through to the educational com- the world to Doha in 2022.” to the competitions to be junior nications for the Local Organising petitions. Qatar Airways is proud to sponsor premier reporters throughout the ten day Committee, added: “To have the Fans of all ages can buy tickets sporting clubs around the world. In May Championships. Launching the IAAF World Athletics Champion- online now to ensure that they 2017, the award-winning airline announced exciting initiative, schools joined ships in Doha is exciting for eve- don’t miss out on any of the ac- its ground-breaking sponsorship deal with the Local Organising Committee rybody in the country, no mat- tion which gets underway from FIFA, which saw it become the Offi cial Part- for the World Championships ter what culture or community. September 27 to October 6 at the ner and Offi cial Airline of FIFA until 2022. Doha 2019, for an action-packed The specially designed schools IAAF World Athletics Champi- The agreement also sees Qatar Airways evening which looked at ways programme will bring every- onships Doha 2019. become the Offi cial Airline Partner of the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions of the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 QATAR BEACH HANDBALL TEAM Women’s World Cup, the FIFA U-17 Wom- Qatar Airways air hostesses pose with the Amir Cup trophy. en’s World Cup, the FIFA Beach football FACE PHILIPPINES IN ASIAN OPENER World Cup, the FIFA Futsal World Cup, the Sponsor through the 2020-21 season; and Airline Lounge’. FIFA eWorld Cup, and the FIFA Women’s with Argentinian football club Boca Juniors, Qatar Airways currently operates a mod- Doha: The Qatari beach hand- to be staged in Italy. Qatar is mood Zaki, Said Kenawi, Ameer World CupTM. for which it is the Offi cial Jersey Sponsor ern fl eet of more than 250 aircraft via its ball team will take on Philip- in Group A alongside Vietnam, Dangeer, Rasheed Yousif, Hamdy In 2018 Qatar Airways signed a fi ve-year through the 2021-22 season. hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to pines in their opening match at Afghanistan, Indonesia and Phil- Ayyad, Motasem Abdulwahid, partnership agreement with leading German A multiple-award-winning airline, Qatar more than 160 destinations worldwide. The the 7th Asian Beach Handball ippines, while Group B includes Hani Kakhi, Abdulrazaq Murad, football team FC Bayern Mnich, making the Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business airline will add a number of new destina- Championship. The event will Oman, Iran, Thailand, Pakistan, Ahmed al-Minawi, Kamal El Deen award-winning airline an FC Bayern Munich Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, tions to its extensive route network in 2019, take place from June 15 to 22 in Japan and Saudi Arabia. Malash, Nasr al-Deen Magdeesh, platinum partner until June 2023. The airline managed by international air transport rat- including including including Izmir, Turkey; China and will serve as a quali- QATAR BEACH Mahmood Obaidy, Hossam Ro- also recently revealed multi-year sponsor- ing organisation Skytrax. It was also named Rabat, Morocco; Malta; Davao, Philippines; fying event for the 2020 World HANDBALL SQUAD man, Marawan Sasi and Mohamed Zaki. ship agreements with Italian football club ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu, Somalia and Beach Handball Championship Anadeen Solaukovic, Mah- AS Roma, for which it is the Offi cial Jersey Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Langkawi, Malaysia.