Attiyah to lead Toyota trio in Rally Kazakhstan PAGE 19

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2019

Football legends Cafu, Djorkaeff and ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL Zabaleta visit Aspire Academy PAGE 18 IRELAND VS AFGHANISTAN Al hold Al Hilal in thrilling 2-2 draw Muneer’s 90+2’ strike ensures In the final outing of his illustrious career, 39-year-old Hernandez parity for the continued to be the prime creative force for against Persepo- Red Knights lis FC during their AFC Champions League final group stage match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Monday. AFC Persepolis sign off A late strike from substitute Khalid Muneer earned Al Duhail SC a 2-2 draw against with a win at home Al Hilal SFC at the Abdul- lah bin Khalifa Stadium on AFC to find an equaliser, and they Matchday Six of the 2019 TEHRAN came as close as possible in AFC Champions League the 64th minute when the Group C on Monday. PERSEPOLIS FC ended their 2018 AFC Player of the Year With a Round of 16 place 2019 AFC Champions League beat already in the bag, Al Duhail Group D campaign on a high Beiranvand from 35 yards opted to rest the likes of Me- as the Iranian champions beat out, but watched his powerful dhi Benatia and . ’s Al Sadd SC 2-0 on effort ricochet off the bottom They were also without the Monday. of the upright. services of injured defender Having already secured Torabi then turned pro- Bassam al Rawi. their place in the round of 16, vider for Persepolis in the 67th After a cagey start to the Al Sadd needed a point to en- minute, breaking free down match, Al Duhail hit on the sure they end the group stage the left flank and finding Al- counter to score from the first at the top spot, while Persepo- ipour with a perfectly weight- real opportunity. Ahmed Yasser lis had already been eliminat- ed pass. Alipour rode off the sent a cross-field pass for Ab- ed and sat bottom of the group initial tackle of dullah al Ahrak who broke the with four points. before drilling a low effort offside trap and pulled the ball In the final outing of his through the legs of Al Sheeb to back for Youssef El Arabi to hit Al Duhail stars Youssef El Arabi (left) and Edmilson Junior gesture during the AFC Champions League Group C match against Al Hilal (KSA) at illustrious career, 39-year- make it 2-0. first-time into the top corner in the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Monday. old Xavi continued to be the the 15th minute. prime creative force for Al The result means Al Sadd A quick exchange of passes Gomis pressed on Al Du- bling their lead through Car- midfielder set up Gomis to with his head and volleyed Sadd. Five minutes in, the deep into Al Duhail’s half saw hail goalkeeper Khalifa Aba- los Eduardo who took Gomis’ drive an effort from the edge of into the far corner, leaving Al Spaniard collected the ball at have to wait for the out- the ball reach Mohammed al bacar, forcing him to concede cushioned pass on the half- the box into the bottom corner Mayouf helpless to save and the centre circle and supplied come of the second Burayk down the right. The a throw in which was quickly volley but struck the crossbar for his and Al Hilal’s second of earning his side a hard-fought a through pass for Baghdad Monday clash between Al full-back crossed for Gomis played, finding Mohammed seven minutes from half-time. the night. point right at the death. Bounedjah who looked to lob Ahli and Pakhtakor to learn who went for the spectacular, Kanno who fired from inside After the break, Al Hilal One minute into the three The result means Al Hilal over Alireza Beiranvand, but whether they will finish first but his overhead kick sailed the box. Ababacar spilled his continued on the offensive and minutes of added time, Edmil- ended the group stage with 13 the Persepolis goalkeeper or second in the group. high over the crossbar. save into the path of Gomis Sebastian Giovinco started an son took possession of the ball points at the top of the group, stretched and made the save The first half continued in who pounced on the loose ball attacking move the centre inside Al Hilal box following a while Al Duhail climbed up to with his fingertips. the same fashion with Al Hi- to fire home the equaliser at circle, moving the ball out to poor clearance. The Brazilian nine points in second place. Persepolis’ first attempt With nine minutes left on lal applying high pressure on the half-hour mark. Burayk then Eduardo whose used his trickery to get past his Both sides await the result of the match produced the the clock, Xavi had a golden their opponents and Rui Far- Al Hilal piled the pressure backheel pass found Hattan marker and sent a cross that of Al Ahli and Pakhtakor to opening goal in the 16th min- chance to mark the last game ia’s men depending on counter towards the end of the opening Bahebri. was deflected off a defender. find out who their next oppo- ute. Torabi collected Ahmad of his career with a trade- attacks to do the damage. period and were close to dou- The Saudi international Muneer controlled the ball nents are. Noorollahi’s pass 30 yards mark goal, but the Al Sadd from goal and unleashed a captain’s effort from the thunderous drive into the top free-kick just grazed the top corner of Saad Al Sheeb’s net of the net and went behind to put the hosts in front. for a goal-kick. Quick read Persepolis thought they For the first time since the had doubled their lead at the opening matchday, Al Sadd Uganda football team members, fans killed in boat capsize half-hour mark when a Torabi were unable to find the back corner was cleared by Jung of the net in 90 minutes as KAMPALA: At least eight members of a Ugandan football team and their fans died and 15 more are missing, after a boat they were travelling in capsized on Lake Albert, Woo-young, but only as far as tried to take police said on Monday. The boat was travelling between two fishing villages in the west of the country when it capsized, with police attributing the accident to overloading and Mohsen Rabikhah, who struck advantage of a defensive mix- bad weather. “So far we have recovered eight bodies ... up to 15 people are missing and a joint Marine unit is on the waters. But we expect no more survivors,” Ugandan area from the edge of the penalty up, but saw his attempt from regional spokesman, Julius Allan Hakiza, told AFP. A local official in Fofo, Baker Ogen, toldAFP the toll was higher. box, beating the goalkeeper. close range blocked by goal- “Those who have died in this tragedy are 30 and all from my area,” said Ogen. “The boat was loaded with our players and supporters. It had over 60 people but 32 of those However, Al Sadd midfielder keeper Beiranvand. survived,” he said, adding that the dead included five players and the team coach. “It is a tragedy for us and a big loss,” he dded.a In December 2016, at least 30 Ugan- Salem al Hajri was well posi- The result means Al Sadd dan members of a village football team and their fans drowned when their boat capsized on Lake Albert during a party. In 2014 at least 251 refugees from the Democratic tioned to clear the ball off the have to wait for the outcome of Republic of Congo drowned on the lake while returning home from Uganda. Such accidents are common in Africa’s Great Lakes region, where boats are often the only form of goal-line. the second Monday clash be- transportation, are over-crowded and poorly maintained, and few people know how to swim. Almost 140 people died last month on Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of After the restart, Al Sadd tween Al Ahli and Pakhtakor Congo. Last year in Tanzania 228 people drowned when a ferry sank just metres from the shore on Lake Victoria. (AFP) looked to take the game to to learn whether they will fin- their opponents in an effort ish first or second in the group. New Maradona film tracks highs and lows, intimate family moments

interviewed as part of it. from the team’s changing Argentine star “We are dealing with ar- room and close-ups of the chive from way back, there will player at parties or goofing misses red carpet, be lots of images that he him- around with his young chil- screening due to self hasn’t seen of himself, of dren that add to the grip- his family, of his kids,” direc- Warm response ping, behind-the-scenes feel shoulder injury tor Asif Kapadia told Reuters of the film, which tries to in an interview on Monday. The film, which drew a warm separate “Diego” the man REUTERS “So I think it’s going to response from critics after its from “Maradona” the legend. CANNES (FRANCE) be quite emotional for him.” screening during the Cannes Kapadia said one of Mara- Kapadia, who has also made Film Festival, homes in on dona’s agents had hired two A new documentary about documentaries about late rac- some of the most intense camera people to follow him soccer great Diego Maradona ing driver Ayrton Senna and moments of Maradona’s rise around during his years in shines a light on intimate mo- singer Amy Winehouse, added to superstardom, when he Italy, yielding material that ments with his family and that he was hoping to show it played for Italy’s Napoli in the had in the end never seen the teammates through previ- to the star soon. 1980s and won the World light of day. He also dug into ously unseen footage that cap- Maradona, who has been Cup in 1986 with his home private footage. ture the giddy highs and also frequently hospitalised over team, Argentina. “It really moved me be- the lows of his rollercoaster the years, often on account of cause it also reflects on the career. the extravagant lifestyle and dark side of Maradona,” said The former Argentina team years of drug addiction he is Argentina. Daniel Arcucci, a sports writer captain, 58, missed the glitzy also known for, works today A file picture of Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona from his playing days. The headiness of the pe- who is also the soccer player’s premiere of “Diego Marado- as a coach for Mexican second riod is captured in evocative official biographer, and who na” in Cannes on Sunday due division club Dorados. because he’s been coaching,” after its screening during the to superstardom, when he scenes around Naples, where appears in the film. to a shoulder injury, the film’s “Sadly he’s injured, he’s Kapadia said. Cannes Film Festival, homes played for Italy’s Napoli in the fans took their Maradona- “It’s a tough film but at publicists said, and has yet to not well and he’s been carrying The film, which drew a in on some of the most intense 1980s and won the World Cup worship to the next level. the same time very loving see it screened, though he was this injury all the way through warm response from critics moments of Maradona’s rise in 1986 with his home team, But it’s the snapshots towards Maradona.” Sports Tuesday, May 21, 2019 17

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP Koepka avoids collapse to triumph

This is probably the most satisfied I’ve been with all American’s record 7-stroke lead reduced to a single shot as he holds on to win the majors. This one’s definitely at the top of the list of AFP BETHPAGE Number of major how emotionally and how mentally spent I am. wins by players – Brooks Koepka soon after his win at Bethpage Black BROOKS Koepka held off a late charge from Dustin John- under 50 son to capture his second consecutive PGA Champion- O 15 - Tiger Woods ship on Sunday, completing O 5 - Phil Mickelson a wire-to-wire victory for his fourth major title in nerve- O 4 - Ernie Els, Rory wracking fashion. McIlroy, Brooks Koepka A near-collapse saw Koep- ka’s record seven-stroke lead O 3 - Jordan Spieth, reduced to a single shot, but Padraig Harrington. he withstood making four bo- geys in a row on the back nine and another at 17 for an unex- par-5 fourth, while Johnson pectedly narrow triumph. made birdies at the fourth, “This is probably the most sixth and nine holes to reach satisfied I’ve been with all the 8-under, shrinking Koepka’s majors,” said Koepka. “This lead to its lowest since Friday one’s definitely at the top afternoon. of the list of how emotion- Brooks Koepka and his girlfriend Jena Sims pose with the Koepka hit a gap wedge ally and how mentally spent Wanamaker Trophy. (USA TODAY SPORTS) to two feet at the 10th hole I am.” and tapped in for birdie while Koepka fired a four-over ing a six-foot putt for the vic- the PGA, Woods having done Johnson took a bogey at 11 to par 74 final round at windy tory. it in 2006-07 as well as 1999- stretch Koepka’s margin back Bethpage Black to finish 72 The usually poker-faced 2000. to six strokes. holes on eight-under 272 Koepka admitted the moment Koepka seized a tourna- Then came Koepka’s four and defeat Johnson by two got to him on the final hole, ment-record lead of seven consecutive bogeys while strokes, replacing him as where he fired a fist pump af- strokes after 54 holes on Johnson birdied the 15th for world number one as a result. ter his winning putt. 12-under par 198. the fourth day in a row, trim- “I’m just glad we don’t “That was the most ex- No man has led a major by ming the margin to a single have any more holes to play,” cited I’ve ever been in my life so much so late and lost. But shot as an electric atmosphere Koepka said. “That was a there on 18,” Koepka said. Koepka came close. began to build among a vocal stressful round of golf.” Koepka, who seeks his Johnson, who shot 69, New York crowd. Bogeys by Johnson at 16 third US Open win in a shrank the margin to four Johnson missed an eight- and 17 made the differ- row next month at shots at the turn and just one foot par putt at 16, giving ence but Koepka made Pebble Beach, be- with four holes to play, only Koepka a two-shot edge, and bogey at the par-3 17th, came the first man for Koepka to outlast his US Johnson went over the green then escaped sand and to own back-to- compatriot. at the par-3 17th on the way weeds off the 18th back titles at two Johnson, seeking his to another bogey, boost- tee by finding the majors simul- second major title after the ing Koepka’s margin back to fairway and taneously by 2016 US Open, was hoping three shots. green capturing the to match the best final-round “I knew I needed to do then Wanamaker Trophy win comeback in PGA history, something on the last three sink- and the $1.98 million (1.77 John Mahaffey’s seven-shot holes,” Johnson said. Brooks Koepka of the United States poses with the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the US PGA million euro) top prize. rally in 1978. Koepka ended his bogey Championship at Bethpage Black Golf Course on Sunday. (AFP) “This is unbelievable,” Instead, he completed a run by parring 15 and 16, the Koepka said. “I don’t career “runner-up” Grand latter on a tense three-foot know if I even dreamed Slam, having placed second putt, but missed a four-foot Choking Brooks reboots to this. It’s amazing.” at the 2011 British Open, 2015 par putt at the par-3 17th while The 29-year-old Amer- US Open and last month’s Johnson closed with a par, set- ican became the PGA’s Masters. ting up the 18th-hole drama. win when crowd chants ‘DJ’ fifth wire-to-wire winner “I’m pleased with the “The putt on 16 gave me after Hal Sutton way I played. I gave myself a a little bit more confidence AFP I was just in shock of what was you’re going to lose it. I’ve in 1983, Ray chance,” Johnson said. coming down the stretch,” he BETHPAGE (US) going on -- 13 was a bit disap- been to sporting events in New Floyd in 1982, “The golf course played said. “I know I missed one on pointing and 14 was just a bit of York. I know how it goes.” Jack Nicklaus extremely difficult. The wind 17, but I think 16 helped me BROOKS Koepka took inspi- a shock to go four in a row. What he didn’t anticipate in 1971 and was really blowing. I played make 18.” ration from the crowd turning “I can’t tell you the last is how the chants would give Bobby Nichols in really well.” Koepka became the first on him as he nearly “choked time I’ve made four bogeys in him something to focus upon, 1964. player to win his first four away” the PGA Champion- a row. I don’t know if I ever shake the shock and the bo- Koepka joined Ti- Shock back-nine drama majors in less than two years, ship and battled through to have. But just had to reset. geys and reboot. ger Woods as the only Koepka made the turn on joined by Woods, Nicklaus recover for the most satisfy- I think everybody chanting, “I think it actually helped. back-to-back stroke- 12-under, answering an open- and Hogan for winning four ing victory of his career. ‘DJ’ kind of helped that.” It was at a perfect time be- play winners of ing bogey with a birdie at the in eight starts. Koepka began the final New York fans are notori- cause I was just thinking, round with a PGA record ous for turning on favorites ‘OK, all right. I’ve got every- Brooks Koepka celebrates winning on the 18th green during the final round of the US seven-stroke lead and saw it when they falter and Koepka body against me. Let’s go.’ PGA Championship at Bethpage Black Golf Course on Sunday. (AFP) shrink to a single shot. proved no exception, fans It helped me refocus and No man has led a major calling out ‘DJ’ to add tension hit a good one down 15. That TOP FINAL ROUND SCORES by so much so late and lost. to every blunder. was probably the best thing But Koepka nearly did after “It’s New York. What do that could have happened. 272 - Brooks Koepka (USA) 63-65-70-74 281 - Gary Woodland (USA) 70-70-73-68, Matt Kuchar Vera (FRA) 68-71-75-69, Abraham Ancer (MEX) 73-70-69- Jason Day (AUS) 69-74-69-72, Jimmy Walker (USA) bogeys on holes 11 through 14. you expect when you’re half- It was very stressful, the last 274 - Dustin Johnson (USA) 69-67-69-69 (USA) 70-70-72-69, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 72-71-69-69, 71, Lucas Glover (USA) 72-69-69-73, Lucas Bjerregaard 70-70-71-73 278 - Jordan Spieth (USA) 69-66-72-71, Patrick Shane Lowry (IRL) 75-69-68-69, Erik Van Rooyen (RSA) (DEN) 71-69-70-73, Xander Schauffele (USA) 70-69-68- 285 - Paul Casey (ENG) 70-71-75-69, Graeme “I don’t want to say it’s a choking it away?” Koepka hour and a half of that round. Cantlay (USA) 69-70-68-71, Matt Wallace (ENG) 70-68-70-73, Adam Scott (AUS) 71-64-72-74 76, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 70-68-68-77 McDowell (NIR) 70-72-73-70, Keegan Bradley (USA) panic, but it’s definitely a shock said. “I kind of deserved it. “You’ve got to right the 69-67-70-72 282 - Chez Reavie (USA) 68-71-71-72, Jazz 284 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 74-70-71-69, Jason 70-70-73-72, Webb Simpson (USA) 72-69-72-72, when you make a couple,” “You’re going to rattle off ship eventually and try to stay 279 - Luke List (USA) 68-68-69-74 Janewattananond (THA) 70-68-67-77 Kokrak (USA) 73-70-71-70, Billy Horschel (USA) Adam Hadwin (CAN) 72-70-70-73, Justin Rose (ENG) Koepka said. “I wasn’t nervous. four in a row and it looks like mentally strong.” 280 - Kang Sung (KOR) 68-70-70-72 283 - Brandt Snedeker (USA) 74-67-73-69, Mike Lorenzo- 70-72-71-71, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 76-67-70-71, 70-67-73-75, Sam Burns (USA) 70-72-69-74.

Provisional standings launched for inaugural ATP Cup in 2020 Defending champion Halep shrugs off

REUTERS tion by Sept. 13, while the re- LONDON maining six teams have until expectations ahead of French Open November 13. THE ATP Cup’s provisional Host nation Australia will standings were launched on be awarded a wild card entry if REUTERS cessfully defended their titles Monday as countries vie to be they do not qualify by the first BUCHAREST at the French Open - Margaret among the 24 teams set to take deadline, leaving only five re- Court, Chris Evert, Monica Se- part in the inaugural tourna- maining spots before the sec- FRENCH Open champion Si- les, Steffi Graf and Henin. ment in Australia next January. ond deadline. mona Halep has said won’t be Last year Halep finally made The provisional stand- Britain have a protected burdened by expectations that it over the line in Paris with a ings take into account the ATP ranking of three as they wait she can repeat last year’s tri- three-set victory over American ranking position of a country’s on Andy Murray’s potential umph and would rather focus Sloane Stephens in the final for top-ranked singles player, with return from hip surgery while on enjoying the Grand Slam her maiden Grand Slam title. Serbia and Spain occupying the Roger Federer’s Switzerland which starts on Sunday. The Romanian has special top two spots thanks to world are ranked fourth. The 27-year-old Romanian memories of Roland Garros, number one Novak Djokovic Murray will be eligible to enters Roland Garros as favour- which is where she won the jun- and number two Rafa Nadal enter the ATP Cup ahead of the ite for the title given the con- ior title in 2008 and reached her respectively. entry deadlines if his protected trasting form of some of the top first major final against Maria “The ATP Cup standings ranking is still valid at the time names, including Japan’s world Sharapova in 2014. Halep re- are already beginning to take of the event. number one Naomi Osaka, but ceived medical treatment in the shape and the players are ex- The 24 teams will be di- her own claycourt preparation closing stages of the Vondrou- cited to see this come to life,” vided into six groups of four has not been spectacular either. sova defeat but has shrugged off ATP’s chief player officer Ross and two groups each will play World number three Halep concerns about her own fitness Hutchins said in a statement. in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, could have knocked Osaka off by declaring herself ready to “It’s going to be intrigu- with the knockout stages in top spot by winning the Madrid Simona Halep in action during the final of the Madrid Open against Kiki Bertens, recently.(REUTERS) compete in Paris. ing to see the countries battle Sydney featuring six group Open earlier this month but lost The Romanian even saw in the coming months to earn winners and the two best sec- in straight sets to Dutchwoman However, the Romanian “(I just want to) be relaxed, with three-times men’s cham- some advantages from her early their berths.” ond-placed teams. Kiki Bertens in the final. said she did not feel any extra enjoy the tournament and try pion Wilander saying Halep exit in the Italian capital. The rankings will be up- The ATP Cup, which will A few days later, she fell at pressure to retain her title at to win some matches. Nothing versus Serena Williams would “It’s also a good thing if you dated every Monday when new have two best-of-three sets sin- her first hurdle in the Italian Roland Garros. more!” be “a dream final”. look at the positive side, I need- ATP rankings are released and gles matches and one doubles Open, losing to Marketa Von- “I have no expectations be- Halep has been backed by Williams, 37, is battling to ed a few days of relaxation,” Ha- will continue until the event’s match, has 750 singles ranking drousova – Halep’s second de- cause it’s the first time when former French Open champi- be fit for Roland Garros having lep said. two entry deadlines. The first points, 250 doubles ranking feat by the 19-year-old Czech I have to defend a trophy at a ons Mats Wilander and Justine pulled out of the Italian Open “I rest and hope to have 18 teams and their players points and $15 million in prize this year after a three-set loss at Grand Slam,” she told Roma- Henin to join an elite group of due to a persistent knee injury. the batteries loaded for Roland must confirm their participa- money up for grabs. Indian Wells. nia’s Digi Sport TV station. players in retaining her crown, Only five women have suc- Garros.” 18 Tuesday, May 21, 2019 Sports Football legends Cafu, Djorkaeff and Zabaleta visit Aspire Academy

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK solutely amazing, and it pro- emy is the ideal place for ath- “Being here at Aspire DOHA vides an athlete everything to letes to develop. Academy, you can see first- become better and I am sure “I think there should be hand that there was a clear IN course of the 2019 Amir Qatar’s athletes are benefitting more academies in the world vision and they put every- Cup Final that saw the inau- a lot from it”, said Zabaleta. like this. It’s a way to reveal thing in place that a sports- guration of the newly built The 34-year-old Argen- great talents and to give them man needs. This clearly shows FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022 tinian right back is currently the best conditions to flourish. the determination of Qatar venue, Al Wakra Stadium, playing for West Ham United Something that we could see towards the journey to excel- the Supreme Committee for after spending almost a dec- first-hand in the Amir Cup fi- lence in sports.” Delivery and Legacy invited ade playing for Manchester nal,” said the 2006-07 UEFA The 51-year-old, who Brazil’s ex-star player Cafu, City, in which spell he won two Champions League winner played in Italy, Germany, former French international Premier League titles. To him with AC Milan. England and the USA, is also footballer Youri Djorkaeff and it was the second visit to Qatar “Qatar is getting better quite optimistic about the ex- Argentinian player Pablo Za- after facing Brazil in a friendly each year in terms of player pectations for the French na- baleta to Doha. with the Argentina national development; infrastructure tional team. During this stay, they were team in 2010. and the 2022 World Cup is “I saw one of the World welcome at Aspire Academy “Being at the Amir Cup was going to open doors to get to Cup stadiums yesterday on Friday, May 7 where they an amazing experience, the or- know a new culture.” and I am impressed by the had the opportunity to find ganization was fantastic, and Former French midfielder preparations. And I am look- more about its involvement I am looking forward when Djorkaeff, who won the 1998 ing forward to the upcoming in developing Qatar’s most the World Cup gets underway FIFA World Cup and Euro World Cup, especially since promising young athletes and here in three years’ time.” 2000, is convinced that the France will go there with a Former Brazil captain Cafu, former French international footballer Youri Djorkaeff and Argentinian player football players. To two-times FIFA World 2022 FIFA World Cup is going very strong team that will be Pablo Zabaleta visited Aspire on the sidelines of the 2019 Amir Cup final. “These facilities are ab- Cup winner Cafu, Aspire Acad- to be an extraordinary event. able to win.” Mbappe ‘bombshell’ places pressure on PSG as Real lurk

Neymar out injured for much The 20-year-old of the campaign, but his de- fuelled transfer mand for further authority could place him on a collision speculation after course with the Brazilian. saying that he wants “This request for account- ability poses questions because ‘responsibilities, it comes two weeks after the maybe at PSG, same statements from Ney- maybe elsewhere’ mar. There must not be a spat at PSG between leaders or Juventus soccer team celebrate at the end of the Italian Serie A match groups with the Brazilian side against Atalanta BC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) AFP of the dressing room and the PARIS others,” warned Alonzo. Mbappe backed up his ex- Atalanta draw at FRANCE star Kylian Mbappe cellent 2018 World Cup, where has cast doubt on his Paris he scored four times as France Saint-Germain future, crank- won the trophy, by netting 38 ing up the pressure on the times for PSG this season, al- Juve to leapfrog club’s hierarchy as Real Madrid though he needs to score five reportedly attempt to lure him in the last league game of the to Spain. season against Reims next Inter in Champions The 20-year-old Mbappe weekend to snatch the Euro- fuelled transfer speculation pean Golden Shoe from Lionel at Sunday’s French league Messi. League zone awards ceremony after say- “I tell myself that even if I ing that he wants “responsi- lose, I lose to Messi, one of the DPA ahead of Roma. bilities, maybe at PSG, maybe greatest players in history,” he ROME “Let’s not waste time talking elsewhere”. told AFP. about fourth or fifth place,” Mi- It appeared a calculated Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe delivers a speech after receiving the Best Hope Player “To think that maybe I kept ATALANTA drew 1-1 at Serie lan boss Gennaro Gattuso said. move by Mbappe, who suc- Award during the 28th edition of the UNFP (French National Professional Football players Union) trophy up with him until the last game, A champions Juventus Sunday “On a professional level, ceeded teammate Neymar as ceremony in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) that’s a source of pride too, but and went third past Inter Milan, playing the Champions League the Ligue 1 player of the year, 20 million euros per season? it’s not over.” who lost 4-1 at Napoli. would be a dream. But if we fin- after he again brought it up in Mbappe to stay at PSG, says club Former PSG goalkeeper Mbappe became only the Josip Ilicic tapped in a ish fifth the evaluation of the front of reporters moments Jerome Alonzo, who played second teenager in history last bouncing corner kick in the season won’t change.” later. FRENCH champions Paris Saint-Germain on Monday insisted for the club between 2001 and year, after Brazil legend Pele, to 33rd minute and Juve substi- Milan stumbled in the first “I said what I had to say. that star striker Kylian Mbappe would stay at the club next sea- 2008, believes Mbappe is an- score in a World Cup final dur- tute Mario Mandzukic flicked half, and goalkeeper Gianluigi When you’re on stage you can son, despite the World Cup-winner hinting that he could leave. gling for a greater say in the ing France’s 4-2 triumph over under the legs of Pierluigi Gol- Donnarumma had to save a send messages, I think I got The 20-year-old said on Sunday that he wanted more club’s planning, after a disap- Croatia. lini from a tight angle with 10 penalty taken from Camillo mine across. If I keep talk- “responsibilities, maybe at psg, maybe elsewhere” after pointing season which saw His global stardom -- sure- minutes left. Ciano in the 50th, but the Devils ing it would be too much and winning the Ligue 1 player of the season award. Thomas Tuchel’s side again fail ly eye-catching for the likes of Juve’s other sub Federico took the lead seven minutes lat- that’s not the message I want But PSG said in a statement on Twitter: “Strong ties have in the Champions League. Real -- was shown when he Bernardeschi was red-carded er thanks to a close-range flick to send,” Mbappe explained. united psg and Kylian Mbappe for two years and that story will “I have more of an impres- became only the fourth foot- for a harsh foul in stoppage by Krzysztof Piatek. He has been regularly continue next season.” sion that he’s someone impor- baller to feature on the cover time. The Pole scored his 22nd linked with a potential move to tant at the club who says, ‘Guys, of Time magazine in October, Atalanta sit ahead of Inter goal, moving level with Atal- Madrid since breaking through I want to vouch for the project after Messi, Neymar and Mario on head-to-head encounters, anta’s Duvan Zapata as Samp- with Monaco’s 2017 Ligue 1 Frenchman at the Santiago was the first time the striker but it needs to move along a Balotelli. as the Milanese occupy the last doria’s Fabio Quagliarella tops title-winning team, but instead Bernabeu have intensified. has hinted he could leave Paris. little. I want to stay for a long An Mbappe exit would be available Champions League the chart on 26 and Ronaldo made the switch to PSG, ini- French sports daily Under contract with PSG time but give me the means to a blow for PSG, although in- slot with one game remaining. trails on 21. tially on loan, and then for 180 L’Equipe led with the headline until 2023, Mbappe is said become European champion. creased transfer funds may not Juve, who had already se- Spaniard Suso curled in a million euros. “trophy for the shock sentence” to be in discussions with If the project doesn’t move be- be all bad for the French cham- cured a record eighth straight majestic free-kick to clinch vic- But since Zinedine Zidane’s following Mbappe’s ambiguous the club over an extension, yond that, I’m leaving,’” Alonzo pions as they look to strength- triumph, held a Scudetto party tory in the 66th. return to the Real dugout ear- remarks, while Spanish media but was his message a play told AFP. en their squad ahead of their at the Allianz Stadium, where Earlier on Sunday, troubled lier this year, rumours about described it as a “bombshell” to strike an improved deal, This term, Mbappe has next bid for a first Champions their striker Cristiano Ronaldo Empoli pummelled Europa Mbappe joining his fellow after picking up on the fact it which reportedly pays him stepped up another gear with League title. received the Best Serie A player League hopefuls Torino 4-1 to award. exit the drop-zone. Coach Massimiliano Allegri, Afriyie Acquah, his substi- who will part ways with the Bi- tute Matteo Brighi, Giovanni Di Prosecutors want anconeri, and retiring veteran Lorenzo and Francesco Caputo Kawhi stars as Raptors claw back with win over Bucks defender Andrea Barzagli were sealed a win that pushed Empo- ex-athletics boss honoured by the fans. li one point above Genoa, who AFP bly the biggest key of the game.” Diack to stand Napoli were already certain now fill the third relegation slot LOS ANGELES “Not only did he just play to finish in second place as Pi- after a 1-1 home draw against good, but he made some huge trial: Sources otr Zielinski’s smashing drive, Cagliari on Saturday. Torino LEONARD scored eight of his plays with some steals and a header from the diminutive are two points off the Europa 36 points in the second over- rip-aways and break aways,” AFP Dries Mertens and a Fabian League slots. time period Sunday to lead the Nurse said. PARIS Ruiz’ brace downed Inter, who Parma won 1-0 at home Toronto Raptors to a gritty 118- “Offense was hard to come sit now a single point clear of against Fiorentina and achieved 112 victory over the Milwaukee by there for both teams for a FRENCH prosecutors have city rivals AC Milan. safety thanks to an own goal Bucks in the NBA Eastern Con- while and any time you can get recommended that the former The Devils beat relegated from Brazilian Gerson. Fioren- ference finals. a steal and a break out it’s a head of athletics’ governing Frosinone 2-0 earlier Sunday tina are three points above The Raptors, who dropped huge momentum play.” body IAAF, Lamine Diack, and fill the first of two Eu- Genoa and will host them in the the first two games of the best- Toronto had a chance to and his son stand trial for al- ropa League places, sitting closing weekend. of-seven series in Milwaukee, win it in regulation, but they legedly delaying doping sanc- clawed their way back in front let a 96-91 lead slip away in the tions against Russia in return of home fans and will try to lev- final 1:13 of the fourth quarter. for payment, sources told AFP el the set when they host game Milwaukee guard Khris on Monday. four on Tuesday. Middleton’s putback basket Prosecutors have recom- Quick read Pascal Siakam scored 25 from his own miss with 2.2 sec- mended that Diack, who was points and Spanish center onds left in regulation forced president of the IAAF from ‘Next year will be my last’ – Veteran Pizarro Marc Gasol added 16 for the overtime. The Raptors led 103- 1999 to 2015, be tried for cor- to retire in 2020 Raptors, who got off to a quick 99 with 1:29 remaining in the ruption and money laundering. start and led much of the night Toronto Raptors Kawhi Leonard drives to the basket against Milwaukee first extra session. The prosecutors want five BERLIN: Veteran Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro says that he will end but had to battle to put the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo in game three of the NBA Eastern But Malcolm Brogdon other people, including Diack’s his playing career in 2020 at the age of 41. Pizarro, 40, announced Bucks away. Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sunday. (AFP) floated in a shot and George son Papa Massata Diack, a for- a one-year contract extension at Werder Bremen on Saturday, but Milwaukee’s Most Valuable Hill drained two free throws mer marketing consultant to admitted a day later that next season would be the final act of a two- Player finalist Giannis Ante- Bucks stay in touch. put Toronto ahead 112-109 and to tie it before Leonard’s jump the IAAF, to stand trial. decades long career in European football. tokounmpo struggled to just 12 Antetokounmpo fouled out his driving bank shot gave To- shot fell short. Papa Massata Diack has “Next season will be my last. I want to end my career in good points on five-of-16 shooting. in the first minute of the second ronto a 114-110 lead with 32.4 The Raptors overcame a refused to cooperate with condition,” he said at a friendly match against lower league side Pap- Antetokounmpo didn’t overtime period. Moments lat- seconds remaining. slow night from Kyle Lowry, French prosecutors. The enburg. Fan favourite Pizarro is currently in his fourth spell at Bremen, reach double figures in er the Bucks managed to edge Leonard played a key role who scored 11 points and French investigation began in whom he first joined in 1999. He has scored 197 goals in 472 Bun- points until the middle of ahead 105-103, but Leonard in limiting Antetokounmpo and played in foul trouble much 2015 when Britain’s Sebastian desliga appearances for Bremen, Bayern Munich and Cologne. (AFP) the fourth quarter, although and the Raptors roared back. Toronto coach Nick Nurse said of the night before fouling out Coe took over from Diack as his 23 rebounds helped the Leonard’s steal and dunk his defensive play was “proba- with 6:12 left in the fourth. IAAF president. Sports Tuesday, May 21, 2019 19

News Attiyah to lead Toyota in brief Langer defends decision to drop Hazlewood trio in Rally Kazakhstan MELBOURNE: Australia coach Justin Langer has defended the decision to leave Josh Hazlewood out of the World Cup squad, saying the paceman lacked match fitness as he recovers from a back injury. The Qatari star eyes victory to consolidate his position in series standings Hazlewood, who partnered left-arm quicks Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson during Australia’s 2015 World Cup triumph, expressed his frustration last week at first missing TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK out on a place in the initial squad for England and then being DOHA overlooked as Jhye Richardson’s replacement. Richardson, ruled out with a shoulder injury, was replaced THE 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross- by namesake Kane Richardson, with Starc, Pat Cummins and Country Rallies resumes with next Nathan Coulter-Nile the other pace bowlers picked. week’s Rally Kazakhstan (May 26 – “He just hasn’t been playing any cricket,” Langer said in June 1). Overdrive Racing will field England of the 28-year-old Hazlewood, who has claimed 72 a formidable line-up of three Toyota wickets in 44 ODI matches. (AFP) Hiluxes for Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al- Attiyah, Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed al Rajhi and Dutchman Bernhard Ten Brinke, Simmons to quit as Afghanistan coach according to reports coming in from after World Cup Villers-Le-Bouillet, Belgium. Now in its third year as a counting NEW Delhi: Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons will round of the world’s premier off-road step down as Afghanistan coach after the cricket World Cup, series, the Rally Kazakhstan is also the saying his goal had been reached by taking the minnows to the longest round of the series in terms of 50-over showpiece. its six days of punishing special stages Simmons, who took over in December 2017, said he will and 1,860.13kms to be driven against not renew his contract after the World Cup in England and the clock in a slightly modified route Wales. that still features tricky sand dunes, “I have thought about it and I have actually given the ACB camel grass, rocky terrain, vast high- (Afghanistan Cricket Board) my notice that I will not be renew- speed plains, steppes and difficult ing my contract,” Simmons told ESPNcricinfo. navigation. “I will move on to something different once my contract The opening two rounds of the expires on July 15.” series in Qatar and Abu Dhabi threw With Simmons as coach, the war-torn nation clinched a up their fair share of surprises. Atti- berth in the 10-team World Cup after beating West Indies in yah heads to Aktau City on the shores the final of a qualifying tournament last year.(AFP) of the Caspian Sea tied for the lead in the Drivers’ Championship with Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel, despite Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah (inset) on his way to victory in Qatar in February. England star Woakes glad World Cup missing the second round of the series. picks not his problem Attiyah won his home event and man co-driver Timo Gottschalk. STANDINGS his French rival prevailed in the Abu Attiyah won his home event and Ten Brinke is determined to LEEDS (United Kingdom): Chris Woakes said England’s players Dhabi Desert Challenge. Both drivers his French rival prevailed in the bounce back into title contention with FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies faced a nervous wait as the countdown to the announcement now have 30 points and are four clear Belgian co-driver Tom Colsoul in the (Standings after round 2): of the World Cup squad entered its final phase. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Both 1. Nasser bin Saleh al Attiyah (QAT) 30pts of the Brazilian T3 front-runner Rein- drivers now have 30 points and third Hilux. The Dutchman finished 1. Stephane Peterhansel (FRA) 30pts Tournament hosts England unveil their squad for the one- aldo Varela. are four clear of the Brazilian T3 sixth in Qatar after earlier on-stage 3. Reinaldo Varela (BRA) 26pts day international showpiece on Tuesday. Alongside French co-driver Mat- delays and then a crash in Abu Dhabi 4. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS) 24pts England have yet to win a men’s World Cup but they head thieu Baumel, Attiyah has already won front-runner Reinaldo Varela. ruined a potential runner-up finish 5. Yazeed al Rajhi (SAU) 21pts into this year’s edition as the number-one ranked side in ODI 5. Khalid al Qassimi (ARE) 21pts the Dakar Rally this year for Toyota behind Peterhansel. The crew have 7. Casey Currie (USA) 17pts cricket. and was the winner of the first Rally not an easy rally and the stages are already shown their competitiveness 8. Aron Domzala (POL) 16pts Pace-bowling all-rounder Woakes settled what little doubt Kazakhstan to be a round of the FIA long and demanding. But we will try this season and know the importance 9. Yasir Seaidan (SAU) 12pts there was around his place with a five-wicket haul as England series in 2017. our best for the win.” of a podium finish on this Central 10. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD) 10pts beat Pakistan by 54 runs at Headingley on Sunday to complete 10. Fedor Vorobyev (RUS) 10pts He said: “It is important that we Saudi Arabian driver Yazeed al Ra- Asian classic. 12. Martin Prokop (CZE) 6pts a 4-0 series win. take the win here, or at least finish high jhi teams up with German co-driver The Automotorsport Federation of 13. Camelia Liparoti (ITA) 5pts But David Willey, despite the variety he offers as a left-arm up on the podium, because this is a Dirk von Zitzewitz in the second Over- the Republic of Kazakhstan have made 13. Mohammed al Meer (QAT) 5pts quick, has seen his place threatened by the emergence of short championship this year with the drive Toyota. Rajhi is equal fifth in the some minor changes to the route for the newly-qualified Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer. loss of Turkmenistan and just Morocco Drivers’ Championship after finishing six days of selective sections that start square in Aktau City, the first stage of And back-up spinner and reserve batsman Joe Denly, could to come in October. We are feeling con- second to Attiyah in Qatar and retiring out of Aktau City and then head south 280.35km takes place on May 27th and also be cut from the 17-man squad deployed against Pakistan fident. I have taken part in three other from the Abu Dhabi event with me- towards the border with Turkmenistan is followed by specials of 414.12km, when it come to England’s final 15 for the World Cup, espe- rallies in Qatar, Morocco and Jordan chanical issues. He can also call upon and a bivouac for four nights at the 327.47km, 399.24km, 290.19km and cially with Liam Dawson waiting in the wings as an alternative since the first round and have enjoyed the fact that he gained experience from Kenderley resort on the Caspian Sea. 148.76km before the finish back in Ak- slow-bowling option. (AFP) the stages in Kazakhstan before. It is winning this event last year with Ger- After a ceremonial start in the main tau City on June 1st. Bumrah has raw pace to burn opposition, Pakistani batsman Asif Ali says ex-Aussie pace bowler Thomson suffers a personal tragic loss AGENCIES the 1970s alongside Malcolm Marshall, over the shop like last summer,” Thomson NEW DELHI according to website Firstpost. said about Australia’s senior most pacer. “He has got raw pace to burn opposi- However, given his quality and ability His daughter Noor Fatima dies due to cancer IN his prime, his USP was raw pace that tion as and when he wants to but he mixes to run through opposition sides, Thom- terrorised batsmen across the globe and it up. And he is awkward too to read. I son is confident that he will find form. AFP no wonder Jeff Thomson is impressed haven’t seen batsmen reading him well. “Starc, if he can bowl well can be as LEEDS (UNITED KINGDOM) with Jasprit Bumrah’s ability to “burn op- He is unorthodox and that’s what makes good as anybody in the world. He is a pre- position with raw pace”. him different,” said Thomson. cious man. He needs to bowl quick and at PAKISTAN batsman Asif Bumrah has been rated as the world’s According to Thomson, Bumrah, the same time be accurate. He gave too Ali was included in the final best bowler by Sachin Tendulkar and the along with Kagiso Rabada, will be the two much away in the past,” he added. 15-man World Cup squad, legendary Dennis Lillee’s former new ball bowlers to watch out for as they can put Thomson, however, is not happy that selectors said on Monday, partner’s words only add to the Gujarat their hand up and respond to situations. Josh Hazlewood is not in the bowling unit one day after the death of his slinger’s exponentially growing reputa- Talking about pace bowling, Thomson even though it seems quite decent. 18-month-old daughter Noor tion. is a touch worried about Mitchell Starc’s “Pat Cummins is not a problem in Fatima was announced. “Bumrah is really good. He is some- form but agreed that the left-arm quick my books. He has talent. We don’t have Chief selector Inzamam- one, more that he has bowled, the better would be a vital cog in Australia’s wheel. Hazlewood but he could have been there. ul-Haq said Asif would return he has got. That’s how it should work,” “I hope Mitchell Starc is on song dur- Still I would say our bowling attack is to Pakistan from a tour of Thomson, the world’s fastest bowler in ing World Cup as of late he has been all pretty good,” he added. England for his child’s funeral, to be held in the eastern city of Lahore, before returning ahead of the World Cup, which begins on May 30. Pak pick Riaz, Amir & Asif in WC squad Noor Fatima had been re- ceiving cancer treatment in the United States. REUTERS “We are with Asif in this KARACHI The trio will replace tough time. He will return to Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Pakistan and then go back FAST bowlers Wahab Riaz and Khan and Abid Ali after before the warm-up match- Pakistan’s Asif Ali in action during a One-Day International match Mohammad Amir have been selectors spoke with skip- es,” Inzamam told report- against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham recently. (REUTERS) drafted in to Pakistan’s final per Sarfaraz Ahmed and ers at a press conference 15-man squad for the World coach Mickey Arthur fol- announcing the final squad fast bowler Mohammad Amir. tears when talking about the Cup along with middle-order lowing Pakistan’s 4-0 in Lahore. “I know too well the pain & child’s condition. batsman Asif Ali, the country’s Islamabad United, the anguish of losing a loved one Earlier on Sunday, cricket board (PCB) said on defeat by England in their team Asif plays for in the Paki- to cancer. My heart goes out 27-year-old Ali made 22 dur- Monday. recent ODI series. stan Super League, confirmed to @AasifAli2018 & his family ing Pakistan’s 54-run defeat The trio will replace the child’s death in a state- who lost their beautiful child by England in the fifth and Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Khan firepower to the team that can ment issued late Sunday. to this most merciless dis- final one-day international at and Abid Ali after selectors strengthen our chances in the “Our thoughts and prayers ease,” Qureshi tweeted. Headingley -- a loss that saw spoke with skipper Sarfaraz (From left) Asif Ali, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir have been tournament,” the former cap- go out to Asif & his family,” “Extremely heart bro- England sweep the series 4-0 Ahmed and coach Mickey Ar- brought into the squad for the World Cup tain said. the statement said. “Asif is a ken with the news of @Aasi- after the opening match was thur following Pakistan’s 4-0 Pakistan play warm-up great example of strength & fAli2018 daughter passing washed out. defeat by England in their re- on them since 2017,” selec- support the relatively inexperi- games against Afghanistan courage. He is an inspiration away,” wrote Amir. Ali featured in every game cent ODI series. tion committee chairman In- enced but immensely talented (May 24) and Bangladesh to us.” Even cricket fans in Pa- of the series, scoring two fifties Wahab, who has 102 wick- zamam-ul-Haq said. Shaheen Afridi and Moham- (May 26) before starting their Before his departure for kistan’s arch-rival India ex- with a career best of 52 in the ets in 79 ODIs, last played a 50- “They had the opportunity mad Hasnain.” The hard-hit- World Cup campaign against the limited-overs series in pressed their condolences. third ODI in Bristol. over match for his country in to cement their World Cup ting Asif was picked for his the West Indies at Trent Bridge England, Ali had tweeted on “We are very sorry to hear The hard-hitting Ali has June 2017, but selectors chose spots, but were well below ability in the middle order, on May 31. April 24 that he was send- about @AasifAli2018... May scored 342 runs in 16 ODIs at the 33-year-old veteran over par in the series against Eng- with the form of Fakhar Za- ing his daughter to the US for God bless her soul,” wrote one an average of 31.09. Junaid and Faheem, who both land even though they were up man and Imam-ul-Haq keep- PAKISTAN SQUAD: treatment. Indian Twitter user. He was not originally in- struggled against England. against the challenge of bowl- ing fellow opener Abid Ali out Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper, captain), Asif He had also asked fans to Ali had learnt about his cluded in Pakistan’s prelimi- “Junaid and Faheem had ing on placid and batsmen- of the squad, Inzamam added. Ali, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, pray for his daughter. daughter’s illness during the nary squad for the World Cup, been originally preferred over friendly wickets. “After both first choice Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Condolences poured in fourth season of the PSL, with but was one of three players a few other bowlers based on “Furthermore, Amir and openers struck early form Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, from Pakistan, including from Islamabad United coach Dean called up Monday, along with their recent performances and Wahab give the fast bowling (against England), we pre- Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, foreign minister Shah Me- Jones, the former Australia the fit-again Mohammad Amir the investment we had made attack more experience and ferred Asif Ali as he brings Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz. hmood Qureshi and left-arm batsman, breaking down in and Wahab Riaz.