SPORT Monday 30 April 2018 PAGE | 28 PAGE | 29 Real Madrid Hamilton winsns survive action-packedd LeganesLe scare Azerbaijan GPP Fans in for a treat as set for return

ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Sports fans from will get an exclusive, unique and free opportunity to get up and close to some of the world’s best athletes ahead of the May 4 Diamond League season opener in Qatar, it was announced here yesterday. On Thursday, Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim, winner of the World Athlete of the Year, along with Kenya’s 3000m World Champion Hellen Obiri and Greece’s pole vault legend Katerina Stefanidi along with other stars will take ques- tions from the public at the press conference. Hamad Issa Al Fadalah (centre), Secretary-General of Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) poses for Public are invited to join a press conference a photograph with QAF officials and some of the star Qatari athletes during a press conference and panel session with a multitude of Olympic held at Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters yesterday.Picture: Baher Amin/The Peninsula and World medallists on the first floor of City Center Mall, which is open to everyone to attend for what promises to be a phenomenal Diamond Reigning World Champion, Ramil Guliyev of for free. League opening meeting of the 2018 season.” Turkey, goes up against Olympic silver medallist The global superstar athletes go head to head “The is the only IAAF Andre De Grasse of Canada, 2017 Diamond in a thrilling Diamond League action at Qatar Diamond League meeting in the Middle East and League Champion Noah Lyles of the USA, and Sports Club on Friday. is one of the most exciting and unmissable World bronze medallist Jereem Richards of Speaking ahead of the 2018 Doha Diamond sporting events hosted annually in Qatar,” the Trinidad and Tobago. However, the biggest sur- Abdulrahman Samba League, President of the Qatar Athletics Feder- QAF President has said. prise could come from Omar McLeod of Jamaica, ation (QAF), Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Meanwhile, further athlete announcements who is the Olympic and World Champion in the said: “We are so excited to welcome so many of were made yesterday with a thrilling showdown 110m hurdles but will be trying his hand at the the World’s biggest athletics stars back to Doha anticipated in the Men’s 200m. 200m in Doha in an intriguing switch. Samba dreams big Haroun targets gold ARMSTRONG VAS “For 2019 and 2020, the prep- working hard. Also, this event is FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA important I go step by step and don’t suffer arations and pressure has begun at home, in front of my family and injury,” Samba said. now. These are two very friends, so I am looking forward In Doha last year, Samba stunned a star- DOHA: Qatar’s Abdalelah Haroun important years for all of us,” said to it. I have a feeling we will DOHA: Abdulrahman Samba is improving studded line-up to win gold medal at the is eager to begin this year’s Haroun. perform this season,” he said. with each passing day. The promising Qatari Qatar Sports Club and he targets the same Diamond League campaign on a Haroun said he had a ham- Speaking about his pre-season athlete set a world leading time this month in the upcoming meet. winning note in the season- string scare a couple of weeks training he said: “My pre-season and he feels his best is yet to come as he “I am ready for the home competition. I opening leg at the Qatar Sports back but has fully recovered. training was non-stop and very pursues Olympic and World records. love to perform in front of home crowd. It is Club Stadium on May 4. “Two weeks ago, I had a ham- tough, but it paid off The 22-year-old hurdler is gearing up to very special to win a gold medal in Doha and The 21-year old, a bronze string problem, but it is ok now. I as I started off the defend his Doha crown as the Qatari capital I am looking forward to do that this weekend medallist at last year’s World had been jogging, gym training, year very well by braces to stage the season-opening meet of and start the Diamond League campaign with Championship in England, said a and now I have also moved to do winning the Asian the for Diamond League this Friday. a victory. It will definitely give confidence gold at the home event with be an track training. The feeling is good,” Indoor title for “I have big dreams as I want to win eve- for the season.” ideal one as he has embarked on he said. the second time.” rything,” the star athlete told reporters at The star athlete also shared his expe- his preparations for the 2019 He said that he is top form and Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in rience of the World Championships in World Championships in Qatar. ready for the season ahead. Doha yesterday. where he suffered a heartbreak and “Gold is the target (at the “Right now, my form is good. The middle-distance runner, who had to content with 7th position despite a Diamond League in Doha). It I started the year in , where clocked 47.89 in South Africa to set world blazing start in the final. would be good to get one here I got two golds – 400m and leading time earlier this month, said he has “I couldn’t believed the result for three especially with the 2019 World 4x400m. After that I came back the ability to do even better. days as I did a lot of training for the World Championships coming here in to Qatar and I trained here. Then, “It was a confidence boosting per- Championships. I was very close to winning Qatar. There is already some I left for a training camp in Brazil formance and I am eager to improve this but I hit the last hurdle. It was a heartbreak amount of nervousness because (for one month). I also had a time,” he said. but at the same time it gave me motivation the work starts now. This year we training camp in Turkey (for “I’ve been training very hard for the new to achieve something. I spoke to myself that have to work hard, focus on our another month),” he informed. season. I’ve been attending a camp in South I can do something,” he said. dreams, and next year it’s a big The sprinter is happy with Africa since three months. This year I want Samba is one of the 16 athletes who will chance,” said Haroun, while his timing, which he said will to win the Diamond League Championship, represent Qatar at the Doha Diamond talking to journalists. improve in the course of time. a gold medal at the and the League. The Qatar squad also includes Abdel- Haroun, who secured the “I have done 45.41 at the World Cup title. I am targeting those achieve- lelah Haroun, the 2017 World bronze med- bronze medal at the World Cham- start of the season. It’s ok, not a ments and I hope that someday I would be allist and Ahmed Bader, the 2017 Islamic Sol- pionship clocking 44.48 seconds bad timing to build on. After that able to break world records. But it’s idarity Games champion in the javelin. in the men’s final, said I did the 200m in 21.16. But then the next two years are important got a little bit of an injury. But now Abdalelah Haroun years of his career. I am feeling good, I have begun

Mesaimeer’s Ahmed Mesaimeer stun Al Sailiyah Kano (left) celebrates with a team- mate after to reach quarter-finals scoring the THE PENINSULA winning QSL side and meant business right from kick off. goal against The second division outfit attained success on Al Sailiyah DOHA: A brilliant first half goal from Ahmed Kano the goal front through a combined move initiated yesterday. against Al Sailiyah helped Qatargas League side by Robert Brito Luciano and Kano. Mesaimeer to continue their impressive run in the The Brazilian beat the challenge of a rival Emir Cup and move into the quarter-finals of the defender and essayed a cross which found an prestigious tournament. unmarked Kano at the far post. The Omani wasted The Omani striker struck with five minutes to no time in finishing the move with a brilliantly exe- go for the first half whistle, which turned out to be cuted side volley which beat Al Sailiyah keeper the only goal of the match. Abdraman Mahamat Aziz all ends up. Mesaimeer now take on Al Gharafa in the last In the next five minutes of the first half Al eight clash on May 4. Sailiyah build up the pressure but could not pene- Coach Dragan Tadic side having defeated QNB trate deep into the rival defense. Stars League (QSL) side Al Ahli in the first round In the second half, Al Sailiyah pressed the panic match were impressive playing with yet another buttons, but the score continued that way till the end. 28 SPORT MONDAY 30 APRIL 2018 QFA President holds discussions with CAF Chief in Doha Five Qatari players set The President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa for Chess Olympiad bin Ahmed Al Thani with the President of the challenge in Georgia Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ahmad Ahmad QNA at the QFA Headquarters in Doha yesterday. Discussions DOHA: Qatar Chess Asso- during the meeting dealt with ciation (QCA) yesterday several joint topics between announced that five players the two sides , especially the will participate in the 43rd activation of the cooperation Chess Olympiad to be held agreement that had been in September in Georgia. signed at an earlier stage QCA President and the emphasis on the Mohammed Al Medaihki continuity of contact between (pictured) highlighted the the QFA and CAF at various association’s keenness to regional, continental and participate in different international levels. international tournaments in order to raise the global ranking as well as giving the players more interna- tional experiences. Al Medaihki said the Qatari presence in such tournaments is important in many aspects. He also said Emir Cup: Fifty One East and Sony that only five male participates will be joining the Olympiad, with the participation of grandmaster Mohammed Naser Al Sayed and international master Husein Aziz. The rest MEA in decade-long partnership of the players have not yet been chosen. The newly appointed president, Al Medaihki said QCA’s strategy in the upcoming phase will depend on spreading THE PENINSULA awareness about chess. Last week, the association organized a primary school chess championship for boys DOHA: Fifty One East and Sony and girls which saw the participation of 200 students from Middle East and Africa (Sony MEA) 42 schools, he said. have announced their continued He added that the association will seek to raise support for the Emir Cup and Qatar awareness of the sport through youth centres. Football Association (QFA), with The Chess Olympiad is one of the most prominent inter- Sony as the Official Sponsor of the national tournaments and is a series of matches held every Emir Cup 2018 for the eighth two years under the supervision of World Chess Feder- successive year. ation and hosted by a country chosen by the federation. This year, the festivities for The Qatari team had won first place in the Arab World football fans will spill over from the and 48th in the World Chess Olympiad hosted in Azerbaijan pitch as Lagoona Mall will host in 2016. The Olympiad was held for two weeks with the competitions to mark Qatar’s most participation of 180 countries in the male competition and popular sporting event. 140 countries in the female competition. This year, the Emir Cup cele- brates its 46th edition as one of the nation’s highly-anticipated events. Since its inception, the tournament Qatar in group D at has enjoyed a special place in the country’s sports calendar. The chance of receiving the trophy from Asian Men’s Junior the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Fifty One East and Sony Middle East and Africa (Sony MEA) officials Hamad Al Thani is a dream to bring pose for a photographs with the Emir Cup. Handball Championship out the best in every team. Following last year’s three-year THE PENINSULA renewal announcement which support the Emir Cup as the nation He also expressed pride that Emir Cup game, leading to the final leads to a 10-year partnership, the prepares to host the 2022 FIFA with Fifty One East, Sony Interna- on May 19. Tickets are available in consecutive sponsorship from Fifty World Cup Qatar.” tional is able to reach the com- FNAC at Lagoona Mall and Doha DOHA: The draw ceremony of the 2018 Asian Men’s Junior One East and Sony reaffirms their The Emir Cup trophy tour is munity through enhancing the fan Festival City for the much-antici- Handball Championship saw the reigning champions Qatar pledge to the country’s prospering continuing across the country with experience. pated tournament. in group D along with Japan, United Arab Emirates and sporting agenda. great success being Qatar’s most For this, a dedicated fan zone The Emir Cup 2018 final will Iran. Bader Abdullah Al Darwish, popular football trophy. During his has been created at Lagoona Mall be held at the state-of-the-art The official draw took place in Al Khuwair City, Oman. Chairman and Managing Director recent visit to witness the trophy from May 10-12 where fans can Khalifa International Stadium. The The participating teams were distributed in four groups, of Fifty One East, said, “Football tour in Lagoona Mall, Fumiastu participate in a PlayStation com- tournament is played by the first A includes , KSA, China, Oman, group B brings acts as a universal language across Hirai, Managing Director of Sony petition to win fantastic prizes. and second divisions clubs in together Jordan, Uzbekistan, China Taipei, Palestine, while the globe and is the most popular Middle East and Africa, expressed In addition, Sony and Fifty One Qatar. The cup winner is guar- group C includes South Korea, Iraq, India and Syria and sport in Qatar. We are proud to be his delight in the preparations of East will continue to honour the anteed a place in the 2019 AFC group D includes Qatar, Japan, UAE and Iran. partnering with QFA once again to the Emir Cup. ‘Most Valuable Player’ after each Champions league. Al Annabi defeated Saudi Arabia in the final of the pre- vious edition of the tournament two years ago in Jordan and secured their fifth title in the history of the Championship. This year’s event will take place from September 14-24, Real survive Leganes scare in Jordan. The tournament also acts as a qualifying tour- nament to the Men’s Junior World Handball Championship without Ronaldo, Ramos 2019 scheduled in Macedonia. REUTERS Rio silver medallist Zidane excluded Ronaldo, captain Sergio Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale Ramos and Raphael Varane from the squad shoots at the goal during BARCELONA: Real Madrid beat Leganes 2-1 and left Luka Modric, goalkeeper Keylor the Spanish League football De Grasse struggles in in La Liga on Saturday after coach Zinedine Navas and influential left back Marcelo on match against Leganes on Zidane heavily rotated his side in preparation the bench. Sunday. for tomorrow’s Champions League semi-final He later brought on midfielder Toni Kroos return from injury second leg against Bayern Munich, including and winger Marco Asensio, who scored the AFP leaving out top-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. winning goal in the 2-1 victory at Bayern in Wales forward Gareth Bale produced an Wednesday’s first leg. acrobatic finish from close range on the volley Also on Saturday Colombian striker Carlos LOS ANGELES: Canadian Andre De Grasse finished fourth to put Madrid ahead against their neighbours Bacca scored a first-half hat-trick as Villarreal in the men’s 100m at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, in the eighth minute of the game, narrowly thrashed Celta Vigo 4-1 at home and moved on Saturday in his return from a nine-month injury absence. beating the offside trap despite protests from closer to qualifying for European football De Grasse, whose three medals at the 2016 Rio the visiting players. again. Olympics included bronze in the 100m, made his first 100m Borja Mayoral doubled their lead right at The win tightened Villarreal’s grip on sixth start since July 2017, clocking 10.15sec with a favourable the end of the first half by stabbing in from a place and took them six points above seventh- wind of 1.9 metres per second. metre out. Again Leganes appealed for offside placed Sevilla who were beaten 2-1 at Levante American Isiah Young won in 10.02sec, followed by but the goal was eventually allowed to stand on Friday, leading the club to sack coach Vin- compatriot Mike Rogers (10.03) and Britain’s CJ Ujah (10.13). after the referee consulted with his assistant. cenzo Montella the next day. De Grasse, who took silver in the Rio 200m, suffered Leganes were unfortunate to go two goals Real Sociedad won a Basque derby against a right hamstring injury last summer that forced him out down at the interval after coming to close to Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in defender Inigo Martinez’s of the 2017 World Championships in London. scoring on three occasions, including Watford first game back against his old side since his He was back in action on Saturday for the first time loanee Nordin Amrabat striking the crossbar. controversial, 32-million-euro move to fierce since winning a 200m in 20.03sec on July 16, 2017 in Rabat. They eventually pulled a goal back in the rivals Bilbao in January. De Grasse, a 23-year-old touted to emerge as a 66th minute when Darko Brasanac knocked Martinez was subjected to constant booing star in the wake of Usain Bolt’s retirement, resumed training a cutback from Amrabat into an empty net. from the home fans, who also waved fake in December. He was targeting a return in time for the Leganes forward Gabriel was sent off after money at him from the stands. Commonwealth Games in Australia in early April, but opted the final whistle for reacting furiously to the Athletic midfielder Mikel San Jose scored out as a precaution. referee for ending the game just as he was two own goals either side of a strike from “For me, it’s all about coming out healthy,” he said. shaping to shoot at goal from outside the area. Spain Mikel Oyarzabal to put Real Sociedad “Now there are no limits for my next meet.” Real are third in the league on 71 points, 3-0 up before Raul Garcia responded for Ath- World record holder Kendra Harrison ran a wind-aided 12 behind runaway leaders Barcelona and one letic, who have had a miserable campaign 12.37 in the 100m hurdles to win her third straight Drake behind second-placed Atletico Madrid. under coach Jose Angel Ziganda and are 14th Relays title. Atletico visit Alaves on Sunday while Barca in the standings. “I’m pleased with it,” said Harrison, who added she’s play at Deportivo La Coruna, where a point Real Sociedad climbed up to 10th on 46 next headed to the first Diamond League meeting of 2018 will see the Catalans become Liga champions points and are two points behind Sevilla, who at Doha next week. “I think it’s going to set up the rest of for a 25th time. occupy the final European place. my hurdles (season).” MONDAY 30 APRIL 2018 SPORT 29

The race winners in 2018 F1: Hamilton wins chaotic Australia, Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 58 laps, 1:29:33.283 Bahrain, Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 57 laps, 1:32:01.940 China, Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing, 56 laps, 1:35:36.380 Azerbaijan, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 51 laps, 1:43:44.291 Baku battle to lead title race Team positions in Azerbaijan

Driver Team Time Points AFP Race winner 1 Mercedes 1:43:44.291 25 Mercedes’ British 2 Ferrari +0:02.460 18 BAKU: Defending world driver Lewis 3 Force India +0:04.024 15 champion Lewis Hamilton Hamilton (right) 4 Ferrari +0:05.329 12 claimed his first win of 2018 shakes hands 5 Renault +0:07.515 10 yesterday and took over as with second- 6 Sauber +0:09.158 8 leader of the title race when he placed Ferrari’s 7 McLaren +0:10.931 6 triumphed in a dramatic, crash- Finnish driver 8 Williams +0:12.546 4 strewn Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Kimi Raikkonen 9 McLaren +0:14.152 2 The 33-year-old Briton, who as they celebrate 10 Toro Rosso +0:18.030 1 had struggled for outright pace, on the podium 11 Sauber +0:18.512 0 managed to steer his Mercedes of the Azerbaijan 12 Toro Rosso +0:24.720 0 through a chaotic race and cap- Grand Prix at the 13 Haas +0:40.663 0 italize on others’ misfortunes to Baku City Circuit R Mercedes Retired (48) 0 register his first victory in seven in Baku yesterday. R Haas Crashed (42) 0 races and the 63rd of his career. BELOW: Hamilton R Red Bull Crashed (39) 0 Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari gets out of his car R Red Bull Crashed (39) 0 looked set to turn pole position after winning the R Renault Retired (10) 0 into a victory until a second Azerbaijan GP. R Force India Crashed (0) 0 Safety Car intervention left him R Williams Retired (0) 0 lunging to pass Valtteri Bottas and locked up and ran off. Bottas then seemed sure to Canadian Lance Stroll of Wil- attempted to pass inside Ocon’s wall. At the front, Vettel Hamilton complained about back win, but suffered a sudden right liams, Stoffel Vandoorne in the Force India, but the Frenchman was in control and markers, but began clawing back rear puncture on his Mercedes second McLaren and New Zea- turned in and as the pair collided opened up a 3.6 seconds time, recorded a fastest lap and after running over metal debris land’s Brendon Hartley of Toro he crashed into the wall. lead despite Hamilton then saw Bottas go eight-tenths on the straight. Hamilton flew Rosso who scored his first point In the surrounding chaos, recording fastest laps. quicker. past to return to the top of the in F1. Sergey Sirotkin was also con- “These tyres are A tense and high-speed con- podium The race was heavily punc- tacted and he went down an done,” complained clusion was clearly in prospect “That was quite an emotional tuated by accidents which escape road while Raikkonen Hamilton, who pitted to before, after their pit-stops had race, to be honest,” said ham- included one in which the two limped back to the Ferrari pits. switch to ‘softs’ after 22 reversed positions, Ricciardo ilton, who now leads the cham- Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and The luckless Alonso suffered laps, rejoining third rammed into Verstappen under pionship by four points from Max Verstappen collided while punctured right front and rear behind Bottas, but ahead braking for Turn One on lap 41. Vettel. fighting for fourth place in the tyres. of Verstappen. Vettel led The Safety Car was deployed “Valtteri deserved to have closing stages, the pair having The multiple incidents the Finn by 12.5 seconds again and the leaders pitted for the win and also Sebastian did a banged wheels and battled for required a Safety Car before the after 25 laps. new ultra-soft tyres to set up a great job. I was very fortunate positions throughout the race. action settled and racing The Red Bulls con- charging 10-lap finale. today so it feels a bit odd to me They ended up among the resumed, after five laps. tinued providing thrills The action resumed with to be here.” seven retirements on a chal- Vettel pulled away to open a as they fought for fourth, four laps remaining and Vettel managed to continue lenging day on the second- three seconds lead ahead of Ricciardo passing Ver- promptly delivered even more and finish fourth ahead of his longest circuit on the calendar. Hamilton and Bottas after 10 of stappen outside Turn twists as Vettel lunged to take the teammate Kimi Raikkonen and In cooler conditions with a the scheduled 51 laps of the tight One before the Dutch lead from Bottas, but locked up Mexican Sergio Perez of Force strong blustery wind, the drama and fast Baku street track. tyro regained the place and fell to fourth. Then, with two India. unfolded from the start. As the On lap 11, Nico Hulkenberg inside Turn Two. laps remaining, Bottas suffered Carlos Sainz finishing fifth lights went out, Vettel was away lost control of his Renault and With 20 laps to go, a right rear punctured after for Renault and Charles Leclerc fast enough from his 53rd pole clipped a wall at Turn Four as Vettel finally pitted and running over debris. sixth for Sauber, his first points to hold off Hamilton in second, Ricciardo began a series of passed the lead to “Oh my God, it just blew up finish. but behind them mayhem attacks on his Red Bull team- Bottas, but rejoined 8.5 on me,” he said as Hamilton took Fernando Alonso finished erupted. mate, the pair banging wheels to seconds ahead of Ham- the lead ahead of Raikkonen and seventh for McLaren ahead of Raikkonen, starting sixth, the consternation of their pit ilton. A frustrated Perez.

Bjork’s ‘best Emir Cup final: Tickets round ever’ go on sale from today 65 seals maiden win THE PENINSULA AFP DOHA: As the countdown for the Emir Cup final begins, the Qatar Football BEIJING: Alexander Bjork won Association is releasing the first batch his first European Tour title in of the final match tickets for sale at 12 stunning fashion after carding a locations starting today. seven-under 65 to emerge from The Emir Cup final will be played a packed China Open field in a at the Khalifa International Stadium dramatic final round yesterday. on May 19. “I can’t describe the emo- The first batch of tickets for the tions. I’m really, really happy,” final are available at the following said the Swede, who entered the ticket sales centres across the country: day a shot off the pace and was Qatar Mall, Villaggio, Landmark, Al part of a six-way tie for the lead Khor Mall, Lulu Airport, Souq Al at one point before winning by Wakrah, Souq Waqif, Lagoona Mall, two strokes at 18-under par. Qatar Sports Club, Festival City and “I’m really proud of the way Qatar Fnac (Lagoona Mall/Festival I played today,” added the world City). number 112. A total of 10,000 tickets will be “It’s probably one of the best made available to the public before rounds I’ve ever played, I would the release of the second and third say the best round, given the sit- batches. uation. I didn’t make pretty much The QFA has set up a new mech- any mistakes today so I’m super Alexander BjorkJ anism in the way of issuing tickets in number of staff were present to kick off the trophy tour happy.” of Sweden plays which the organisers will provide more tickets to centres at Al Bidda Tower. The 27 year-old will now a shot during the which sell the final tickets quickest. The trophy tour will include visits to the Cultural leap into the top 10 in the final round of the The Emir Cup tickets will be different this year with Heritage Center Al Wakra Park, Aspire Park, Sealine European Tour Race to Dubai China Open in the use of the bar code in each ticket. This year smart Zone and Souq Waqif. This is the first time that the pres- and as high as 72nd in the world Beijing yesterday. tickets will be issued to help the purchaser to their tigious Cup has been promoted with the participation on Monday after receiving a parking spot at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium. of ‘Tawaf Qatar’ bus. bumper cheque for $525,000 at The bar code details on the tickets could also be the $3.2m event co-sanctioned used on the phone app to look for more details on by Asian Tour on his 44th European Tour start. seating locations and other final-related information. Jordan Smith earlier signed for a brilliant 64 to set the clubhouse target at 16 under par, The final on May 19 will signal the end of the football but Bjork took the lead on his own for the first time with a birdie on 15 after a classy up- season in Qatar. and-down from a sand trap. Earlier on Saturday, the much-awaited Emir Cup Spaniard Adrian Otaegui joined him in top spot but another birdie on the 17 left Bjork trophy tour kicked off in grand fashion at Al Bidda with an nervous clubhouse wait at 18-under par 270. A three-putt on the 17th from Otaegui Tower, the home of football in Qatar. left him two behind and when he and fellow overnight leader Matt Wallace both failed to An annual affair, the trophy tour will make make eagles at the par-five 18th Bjork was able to celebrate. numerous stops around the country as it builds up a Spain’s Otaegui did make a birdie at 18 to take second place on his own at 17-under. football frenzy ahead of the Emir Cup final to be played Fellow Spaniard Jorge Campillo shared third at 16-under par with the English pair of Smith on May 19. and Wallace. Officials of QFA headed by Ahmed Al Buainain, The 27-year-old Bjork first hit the front with a stunning approach to the opening hole member of the Executive Committee of QFA, Mansoor and further birdies on two par-fives, the fourth and eighth, plus another at the 11th left him Al Ansari, Secretary General of QFA, Abdullah Al Saai, one behind Smith who stormed to the top of the leaderboard after a flawless round fea- Director of Competitions and Players Department, turing eight birdies. Otaegui holed a brilliant downhill sweeping 25-foot left-to-righter on Hamad Al Mannai, Chairman of the Competitions Com- the second to get his final-round 67 going. Wallace was level par for his round after 10 mittee, and Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, Director of Mar- holes as he overcame a double-bogey on the fourth but a tremendous back nine with birdies keting and Communication Department, and a large on the 11th, 12th, 15th and 17th kept his hopes alive. 30 SPORT MONDAY 30 APRIL 2018

Froome to lead Team Sky at Giro as he plots Grand Tour treble

AFP

LONDON: Chris Froome will lead Team Sky in this month’s Giro d’Italia as he targets victory in a third straight Grand Tour event despite an ongoing probe into an adverse doping test, the team has Cyclists seen in action during the final round of the Royal Air Maroc (RAM) League near Al Bidda Park in Doha. BELOW: President of announced. the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation (QCTF) Dr Mohammed Al Kuwari and Adel Khalloufi, Regional Director of Royal Air Maroc, The British rider is taking part are seen with cyclists during the award ceremony held after the final round of RAM. in the event, which starts in Jeru- salem and runs from May 4 to 27, for the first time since 2010. Froome admitted there was a risk in making a serious assault on the Giro so close to his Second edition of Royal Air Maroc expected attempt to retain his Tour de France title, but said he would regret it for the rest of his career if he did not attempt it. League concludes in Doha He completed an historic Tour de France-Vuelta a Espana double in September. THE PENINSULA “I’ve had a different start to the season as I’ve obviously been DOHA: Experienced rider Fergal McCool aiming to try and reach my peak from Velostar team won the Men’s A quite a bit earlier than usual,” category of the hugely popular Royal Air Froome said in a team statement. Maroc (RAM) League that ended with a “But the target of going for a great flourish at Al Bidda Park over the third consecutive Grand Tour has weekend. given me new motivation. Sponsored by Royal Air Maroc, the last “Of course there is an element round of the league saw 113 riders take of risk involved in targeting the part in the final round of what was the Giro before the Tour, but I think second edition of the cycling race. I would regret it for the rest of my A huge crowd was present to witness life if I didn’t give this race a go.” the end of the final race that covered a Froome, 32, has been distance of 18kms (5 laps). embroiled in a legal and scien- McCool accumulated 405 points over tific wrangle with the Interna- the season to clinch the issue in the Men’s tional Cycling Union’s (UCI’s) A class. Julie Melville (Andy Brown Pro independent anti-doping unit Racing) clinched the Women’s A class after since he returned an adverse ana- managing an impressive overall tally of lytical finding for the asthma drug 600 points. salbutamol at the Vuelta. In the Men’s B category, Andrew The four-time Tour de France Tangonan (Pinoy Roadies Qatar) grabbed winner insists there has been no the first-place with an overall points tally President of the Qatar Cycling and Tri- “Now we are engaged hand in hand response we have got in these two years,” wrongdoing on his or the team’s of 552 points. Shawna Garrett (TriClub athlon Federation (QCTF), Dr Mohammed with the development of triathlon sport Khalloufi said. part. Doha) sealed the deal in the Women’s B Al Kuwari, himself an avid cyclist, said and we hope to attract many sponsors in “It’s worth mentioning that the Royal Although salbutamol is per- category the 2017-18 season proved to be a big the future,” he added. Air Maroc supports several sports and mitted in certain doses, Froome In the Men C’s, Qatar’s national rider success Adel Khalloufi, Regional Director of activities in Qatar such as golf,” he said gave a urine reading of twice the Zaid Hamza won the title with an overall “The Royal Air Maroc League con- Royal Air Maroc, said that the Moroccan after the final round. allowed limit. The investigation tally of 555 points. tinuous to develop and grow,” Al Kuwari Airlines takes pride in supporting an event “I take this opportunity to extend our is ongoing and Froome continues said. like RAM League. sincere thanks and appreciation to Qatar to compete. “We are seeing “We are happy with this association. Cycling and Triathlon Federation for their The top rider told Eurosport increased number of partic- In coordination with the Qatar Cycling cooperation through a successful and that the build-up to the Giro had ipants in our events. and Triathlon Federation, we launched meaningful partnership between the two not been easy, voicing his frus- “We have divided our this league for cycling fans in Qatar. parties,” he said. The next cycling season trations over the drawn-out competitions into various “We are encouraged with the kind of will kick off in October. situation. age brackets and we can see “I certainly haven’t been how new cyclists are taking charged (with) anything as of yet part in our races,” Al Kuwari and I hope to be fully exonerated added. of any wrongdoing because I “We have a long-term know I didn’t do anything wrong,” development plan and our he said. goal is to have a strong inter- “I get it, when people look at national competition like the sport of cycling, they see Tour of Qatar in the future,” what’s happened in the past and Al Kuwari said. people think ‘here we go again, “We hope to see profes- it’s history repeating itself’. This sional cyclists on the streets case is not that scenario. I do of Qatar one day. As well as empathise with people but it’s having many other plans, we hugely frustrating that this is now also seek to train local being played out in the public coaches by providing domain.” training courses from the The other members of Team International Cycling Union Sky for the Giro are David de la (UCI). As of now, we have Cruz, Kenny Elissonde, Sergio more than 20 trainers Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian holding international Knees, Wout Poels and Salvatore licenses. Puccio. Swansea City’s Bony at Aspetar to recover from injury THE PENINSULA February fixture. Bony, who players who are currently doing facilities to organise and host a helped the Elephants, as Ivory very well in the English Premier successful FIFA World Cup™ in DOHA: Swansea City’s Ivorian Coast are known by their loving League, and whether it suits the 2022. I am sure they will do well striker, Wilfried Bony (pictured), fans, win the 2015’s African Cup African footballers more than and will exceed expectations, has been receiving treatment at of Nations, spoke to Aspetar team other leagues, the Swans, which and I would love to think I could Aspetar, Qatar’s world- during his stay at the hospital and is Swansea City’s be here [at the time of compe- renowned orthopaedic and sounded positive about his return nickname, forward said: “The tition] either as a player or fan.” sports medicine hospital, as part to play soon. Premier League is different and In 2009, Aspetar became the of his rehabilitation programme “I am here to experiment and has a lot of technique and rhythm first hospital in the Middle East from a knee injury. I can see it is going very well. I and is aggressive and fast paced. to be accredited by the FIFA Utilising an evidence-based am very happy here with the way I am very happy about the Medical and Research Centre model, Aspetar’s experienced they are working. I’ve heard a lot African players’ standard in the (F-MARC) as a FIFA Medical practitioners aim to return about (Aspetar) from my friends, league. You can see Mo Salah, Centre of Excellence. Currently, patients to their pre-injury life- and I’ve spoken to my colleagues Mane, Mahrez there are also there are only 41 FIFA-accredited style as quickly and safely as from the Ivory Coast, Lacina players in other top-flight medical centres worldwide. possible and has a proven track Traore and my coach who leagues who are doing really Aspetar had previously pro- record of treating regional and advised me to come to Aspetar. well.” vided medical support to the international athletes. It is an ideal destination because With the 2018 FIFA World Senegal and Nigeria have good tournament in Russia. That’s the Ivory Coast and Algeria national The Swansea City striker and of the facilities, the way they Cup Russia™ fast approaching, teams as well as Morocco, most important thing.” football teams that took part at the Ivory Coast international exercise and (how they provide) where Africa is represented by Tunisia and Egypt. There is a Speaking about Qatar as a the 2014 FIFA World Cup ruptured his cruciate ligament treatment. The medical staff are five teams, Bony said he wishes chance to go forward into the host nation of the 2022 FIFA Brazil™, and has recently in his right knee when he landed really skilful and this is really to see all African teams go knockout stages. We need to see World Cup™, the Ivory Coast screened the Tunisia national awkwardly just moments after helpful for athletes to recover”, through the final stages. the players recover from their international player said: “I’ve football team players, who will coming on as a second-half sub- Bony said. “We have been close to do present league duties and try to been here a few times now and participate at the 2018 FIFA stitute at Leicester City in Speaking on the African that in the last few tournaments. rest up to be fresh for the they certainly have quality World Cup Russia™. MONDAY 30 APRIL 2018 SPORT 31

Wenger given IPL: Hyderabad Old Trafford beat Rajasthan send-off by to claim top spot

Ferguson IANS

AFP Arsene Wenger was honoured by Manchester United on his JAIPUR: Sunrisers Hyderabad dominated with both bat and ball MANCHESTER: Outgoing final visit to Old Trafford as to defeat Rajasthan Royals by 11 Arsenal manager Arsene Arsenal manager, but left runs and rise to the top of the Wenger was warmly greeted beaten once more on the Indian Premier League (IPL) by the Manchester United field as Marouane Fellaini’s table here yesterday. fans and presented with a gift Electing to bat first, by former United boss Alex stoppage time header handed Hyderabad rode on excellent Ferguson on his final visit to the hosts a 2-1 win. batting by Kane Williamson and Old Trafford as Gunners’ boss Alex Hales to post 151/7 in their yesterday. 20 overs. Wenger and Ferguson In reply, Rajasthan could were fierce rivals for many only manage to reach 140/6. years as Arsenal and United The win propelled battled for Premier League Hyderabad to the top spot on the supremacy in Wenger’s first points table. The visitors now decade of a 22-year reign in have 12 points from eight charge. matches. However, the tension They rose one rung, dis- between the two has since placing former champions eased, and Ferguson greeted United spoil Wenger’s Chennai Super Kings to the Wenger on the touchline second spot. Kings XI Punjab are before kick-off before pre- at the third position. senting him with a glass Both Chennai and Punjab are momento alongside current on 10 points, with only the net United manager Jose Old Trafford farewell run rate separating the two Mourinho. teams. Mourinho has also had his AP Rajasthan’s chase was off to spats with Wenger, most a poor start as opener Rahul Tri- famously decribing the pathi was bowled by Hyderabad Frenchman as a “specialist in MANCHESTER: Arsene pacer Sandeep Sharma in the failure” for his inability to win Wenger endured more third over. the Premier League since agony at Old Trafford as his Rajasthan skipper Ajinkya 2003/04. depleted Arsenal side Rahane -- the team’s other It was all smiles as the conceded an injury-time opener -- led from the front, Portuguese and Wenger goal by Marouane Fellaini to batting through the innings to enjoyed a warm embrace lose 2-1 to Manchester remain unbeaten on 65 runs off before kick-off while Wenger United in the Premier 55 balls. was applauded by the United League yesterday. He posted a partnership of support. Fellaini headed in Ashley 59 runs off 44 balls with Sanju “There are some great Young’s inswinging cross in Samson to bring the hosts’ clubs and some fantastic the first minute of added-on innings back on track after Tri- competition in the Premier time to deny Wenger a point pathi’s departure. League now, but United in his final trip to United’s Samson scored 40 runs off against Arsenal was great for stadium before he leaves 30 balls before holing out to the game. It made the Premier Arsenal after more than 21 Hales at short mid-wicket while League,” Ferguson told the years in charge. attempting to smash a deceptive United website. This was nothing like the Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger (centre) is greeted by former manager Alex slower ball by Siddarth Kaul out “Virtually every game we 8-2 loss in 2011 or the 6-1 Ferguson (left) and Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho during a of the ground. played against Arsenal, there defeat here in 2001, but it presentation yesterday. That seemed to take the fight was a real edge to the match.” was painful nevertheless for out of the hosts as they continued Wenger on a day he was Henrikh Mkhitaryan Romelu Lukaku crossed and then equalised. Almost to lose wickets at regular honored with a glass vase marked his return to Old to the far post where inevitably, it was Mkhitaryan intervals. before kick-off by former Trafford with an equalizing Sanchez planted his header who collected the ball from Kaul returned figures of 2/23 United manager Alex Fer- goal as Arsenal - fielding a - via the boot of Hector Bel- Granit Xhaka after United to emerge as the most successful There are some guson and embraced by the largely second-string team lerin - against the post. lost possession in midfield, among the Hyderabad bowlers. great clubs and current one, long-time foe in view of the Europa League The ball rebounded out advanced as the home Sandeep Sharma, Basil Jose Mourinho. semi-final second leg on to Pogba, who sidefooted a defense backed off, and Thampi, Rashid Khan and Yusuf some fantastic Mourinho had the last Thursday - responded well volley into an empty net. slammed a low shot into the Pathan also bagged a wicket competition in the laugh against Wenger, as he to conceding a 16th-minute Arsenal didn’t collapse, far corner from the edge of each. Premier League has so often, and the win goal from Paul Pogba. though. the area. Earlier, Hyderabad rode on now, but United moved United five points The Armenia midfielder The visitors were given Marcus Rashford had a excellent batting by Williamson clear in second place, vir- barely celebrated when he a boost when Lukaku goal ruled out for offside and Hales to post 151/7 in their against Arsenal was tually guaranteeing second scored in the 51st minute. hobbled off in the 49th after moments before Fellaini 20 overs. great for the game. place behind champion Sanchez set up Pogba’s goal being on the receiving end glanced Young’s cross into Williamson smashed 63 runs It made the Premier Manchester City. by heading against the post. of a kick by Mavropanos, the corner. off 43 balls with seven bound- League,” Ferguson aries and two sixes. Hales scored 45 runs off 39 balls. The two of them added 92 runs between them to lay the foundation of a big total after Hyderabad opener Shikhar Celtic secure another Scottish title Dhawan was bowled by Krishnappa Gowtham in the AFP holding onto his job, amid third over. New Zealand spinner speculation the Gers are set Ish Sodhi brought the part- GLASGOW: Celtic hammered to appoint Liverpool great nership to an end in the 15th over arch Glasgow rivals Rangers as their new when he claimed his maiden IPL 5-0 to secure a seventh permanent boss. wicket in the form of successive Scottish title with an Rodgers, who was Ger- Williamson. emphatic victory rard’s manager at Liverpool for That triggered a strong yesterday. the latter part of the celebrated comeback by the hosts as the vis- This win, achieved in front midfielder’s Anfield career, is itors’ middle and lower order of their own fans at Celtic Park, now unbeaten in 11 games failed to rise to the occasion. gave Brendan Rodgers’ side an against Rangers since he In other match in Bengaluru, unassailable 10-point lead at arrived in Glasgow in 2016 -- Kolkata Knight Riders defeated the top of the Scottish Pre- a run made up of nine wins and Royal Challengers by six wickets, miership table over Aberdeen, two draws. following an unbeaten knock of who can only take a maximum The Northern Irishman is 62 from 52 balls by Christopher of nine points from their three also just a final Austin Lynn. remaining league games. win over Motherwell away Meanwhile, after suffering Rangers are three points from guiding Celtic to an an eight-wicket defeat against further back in third place. unprecedented second suc- Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Celtic are now just two shy cessive domestic treble. Super Kings (CSK) will be keen of the record of nine Scottish “The performance was to get back to winning ways Celtic’s players celebrate after winning the title yesterday. titles in a row they already really pleasing, under the when they face a resurgent Delhi share with Rangers. pressure and given the game,” Daredevils today. The Hoops’ title party Rodgers told . turned in a Kieran Tierney cut- Forrest struck from 10 yards. Barely had the second half BRIEF SCORES started early as they went 3-0 “You have to play football back from close range. During the celebrations for got underway before Rogic up before half-time. and today we did the basics It looked like Rangers that third goal, Celtic’s Mikael made it 4-0 from the edge of Sunrisers Hyderabad: 151/7 in 20 overs Odsonne Edouard gave really well,” he added. might head into the break just Lustig courted controversy the box and McGregor added a (Kane Williamson 63, Alex Hales 45; Celtic an early lead before “We were outstanding and a goal behind but that hope was when he stole a policeman’s fifth goal after he was played Edouard and James Forrest could have had more goals...It’s dashed four minutes before hat. in by Edouard. Jofra Archer 3/26) vs Rajasthan Royals: added two more goals late in been a brilliant season by the half-time. “We are disappointed with There was still plenty of 140/6 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 65, the opening period. players.” Rangers goalkeeper Rangers’ Graham Dorrans the player’s action and have time left in the game for Celtic Sanju Samson 40). Two minutes after the made his Old Firm lost possession and Forrest sent spoken to the club who will to surpass their biggest win Royal Challengers Bangalore: 175/4 break, Tom Rogic made it 4-0 debut in place of the injured Edouard clear into the visitors’ deal with the matter inter- over Rangers -- a 7-1 success with Callum McGregor scoring . box, where he drove a low shot nally,” said a Police Scotland back in 1957 -- and the only (Virat Kohli 68, Brendon McCullum 38; Celtic’s fifth goal in the 53rd Alnwick made a couple of past Alnwick and into the far spokeswoman. surprise was that they didn’t Andre Russell 3/31) vs KKR 176-4 in

minute. saves but the writing was on corner. “There will be no further add to their tally of goals. 19.1 overs (CA Lynn 62, RV Uthappa 36;

Defeat did little for the wall for Rangers, with And there was still time for police action taken.” It was the Celtic fans, however, were R Ashwin 2-36) Rangers caretaker manager Edouard opening the scoring Celtic to extend their lead prior closest any Celtic player came more than happy with a final ’s hopes of in the 14th minute when he to the end of the first half when to getting into trouble all game. scoreline of 5-0. MONDAY 30 APRIL 2018 SPORT 27

We got it done that is the most 2.30PM 10:30PM important thing. Before this CRICKET FOOTBALL Terry Rozier Boston series everybody doubted us. Chennai Super Kings vs Tottenham Hotspur Celtics player after win But we believed in each other Delhi Daredevils vs Watford and it worked out for us. over Milwaukee Bucks

Sharks beat Celtics win game seven to oust Vegas 4-3; Bruins crush Bucks from NBA play-offs Lightning AFP AFP LOS ANGELES: Logan Boston Celtics forward Al Horford (42) is surrounded by Milwaukee Bucks guard LOS ANGELES: Terry Rozier and Couture scored his second Khris Middleton (22) and forward Jabari Parker (12) during the fourth quarter in Al Horford scored 26 points each goal 5:13 into double overtime as the Boston Celtics routed the game seven of the first round of the 2018 NBA play-offs at TD Garden on Saturday. to lift the San Jose Sharks to Milwaukee Bucks 112-96 in game a 4-3 win over the expansion seven to book their spot in the Vegas Golden Knights in second round of the NBA play- game two of their NHL offs. play-off series. The Celtics’ victory in Satur- Couture beat Vegas goal- day’s deciding game was their tender Marc-Andre Fleury fourth win at the Boston Garden with a wrist shot just inside as the home teams won all seven the post to the upper part of games in the Eastern Conference the net as the Sharks levelled series. the best-of-seven Western “We got it done that is the Conference series at 1-1. most important thing,” said The series now switches Rozier. “Before this series eve- to San Jose for game three on rybody doubted us. But we Monday night. believed in each other and it Brett Burns scored the worked out for us.” first Sharks’ goal two minutes The storied Celtics franchise into the second period, which is now 36-0 lifetime when snapped Fleury’s marathon leading a playoff series 2-0, and scoreless streak that included they will try to make it 37 straight back-to-back shutouts. when they face the Philadelphia NBA PLAY-OFF RESULTS Fleury came into Saturday’s 76ers in the next round. Game Results from Saturday’s NBA play-off games (all se- game with a superb.982 save one is today in Boston. ries best-of-seven): percentage in the play-offs. “We got to pay attention to Eastern Conference The Sharks lost game one details and take away what they despite going one-for-12 from experience. Now we know now “We knew we had to come out First Round on Thursday 7-0, matching want to do,” Rozier said of the beyond the arc. what it takes to win a game and get the ball moving,” Green At Boston their largest margin of defeat next round. Horford had 14 points and seven.” said. “Make sure everyone was Boston 112 Milwaukee 96 in the postseason in franchise Jayson Tatum tallied 20 seven rebounds at halftime, In Oakland, Draymond a threat on the floor and we did. (Boston wins series 4-3) history. points for the Celtics in the win. while Bledsoe led the Milwaukee Green posted his fourth career We knew we could pick them Western Conference “We were better (game The loss means the elimi- attack with 12 points. playoff triple double as the apart.” Second Round one) everywhere,” said nation of Giannis Antetok- The Bucks narrowed the Golden State Warriors rolled Golden State again played At Oakland Sharks coach Peter DeBoer. ounmpo from the playoffs. Boston lead to three points early over the New Orleans Pelicans without two-time MVP Stephen Golden State 123 New Orleans 101 Vegas forward Jonathan

Antetokounmpo, whose blend in the third, but Boston scored 11 123-101 in the opening game of Curry. Coach Steve Kerr said it (Golden State leads series 1-0) Marchessault appeared have of size and athleticism has of the last 15 points in the quarter their second round series. was “very likely” Curry would won it for the Golden Knights earned him the nickname the to seize command. Green finished with 16 play game two on Tuesday. late in the first overtime but “Greek Freak,” finished with 22 “Wasn’t able to win on the points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, Curry has been out since March Anthony Davis paced the the goal was overturned after points and nine rebounds. road, but we pushed the series and Kevin Durant tallied 26 23 with a sprained knee. Pelicans’ attack with 21 points the video review officials Khris Middleton scored 32 to game seven,” Antetokounmpo points and 13 rebounds for the “If he comes back he is our and 10 rebounds while Jrue determined Marchessault and Eric Bledsoe chipped 23 in said. “A lot of the guys in the defending champion Warriors guy,” said Green. “He will incor- Holiday had just 11 points on a bumped Jones’ stick as he the loss. locker room have never been in who took command of the porate himself back into the disappointing four-of-14 skated by the crease. Boston led 50-42 at the half game sevens. It’s a new contest in the second quarter. offense. We will be ready to roll.” shooting. It was the first loss of the playoffs for the Golden Knights who were a perfect 5-0. Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said his team “better be ready (game three) Astros trounce Athletics 11-0 because we didn’t show up for 45 minutes.” AP outs 1-1 or 2-1 or 2-0 on some all night,” Mengden said. “Just Elsewhere, Boston’s top changeups,” McCullers said. didn’t execute very well tonight scoring trio combined for 11 HOUSTON: Lance McCullers got “Because the offense did and didn’t get strike one.” points and Tuukka Rask a lot of longball help, not that he such a great job I was able to Mengden was tagged for five stopped 34 shots despite an needed much. throw some 2-0 challenge runs and six hits in a season- equipment malfunction as the McCullers threw seven sharp heaters. They were hit to the low 2 1/3 innings. Boston Bruins kicked off their innings, Jose Altuve had four hits warning track sometimes but “The ball was up in the zone second round series with a and the Houston Astros beat the they stayed in the park, which early on,” Oakland manager Bob 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Oakland Athletics 11-0 on Sat- was the important thing,” he Melvin said. “He had trouble Lightning. urday night. said. getting ahead. They put some Altuve hit a towering home The right-hander was perfect good swings on him.” run that left the ballpark and before Mark Canha singled to RHP Paul Blackburn, cur- doubled. It was Altuve’s 26th lead off the sixth inning. rently on the 60-day disabled Momota stuns career four-hit game, tying Jeff McCullers has not given up more list with a strained right Bagwell for second most in fran- than one run in each of his last forearm, is throwing out to 90 Chen to win chise history, eight behind Craig three starts. feet but not off the mound, Biggio. “He had excellent stuff Melvin said. ... OF Boog Powell Asian title “It means that it’s the 26th tonight,” Houston manager A.J. (sprained right knee) is doing AFP time that I helped my team to do Hinch said. “His ball was moving strengthening and conditioning something,” Altuve said. “When all over the place, he threw a but no baseball activity, Melvin you get four hits that means few changeups, more than said. SHANGHAI: Japan’s Kento you’re going to be on base a lot probably the entire season. He’s Plate umpire Tom Hallion Momota shocked Olympic of times for guys like (Carlos) always got the power breaking took a foul ball off his chest gold-medallist Chen Long to Correa, Marwin (Gonzalez), ball. He did everything right as during Marcus Semien’s first be crowned Asian badminton (Josh) Reddick.” a pitcher tonight, whether inning at-bat. Hallion, who is champion yesterday, a year George Springer, Derek getting out of the gate hot, also the crew chief, immediately after his return from a Fisher and Marwin Gonzalez also coming in throwing strikes, fell onto his back. Houston gambling ban. homered in the highest-scoring seeing that his stuff was (good). catcher Brian McCann leaned Momota, who was barred this season for the World Series It was an excellent performance over Hallion, holding his hand ahead of the 2016 Rio champions. The Astros scored in by him.” Altuve singled and while the other umpires and an Olympics and returned to every inning but the fifth, scored in the first, hit an RBI Astros trainer ran out. After a action last year, floored the chasing Oakland starter Daniel double in the second and had a few minutes, Hallion was helped Chinese favourite 21-17, 21-13 Mengden (2-3) in the third. solo home run in the sixth. to a sitting position before at the Badminton Asia Cham- “We just controlled the zone, Fisher hit a two-run homer standing up and resuming play, pionships in Wuhan. and when he made a mistake a in the fourth and Springer had staying in for the rest of the The 17th-ranked left- lot of guys didn’t miss it,” a leadoff drive in the sixth. game. hander had never previously Springer said. “He’s obviously Gonzalez, who had a sacrifice Athletics: RHP Trevor Cahill won a game against Chen but been throwing the ball well; he’s fly in the third, hit a solo home (1-0) will make his third start of he dominated the final, good when he’s on. For us to take run into the second deck in right the season Sunday after earning reeling off seven straight him out and get to him early was in the seventh. a no decision Monday at Texas, points to clinch victory when huge.” Houston got to Mengden allowing three runs in five the world number three McCullers (4-1) allowed two early, with three runs in the first innings. Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin netted. hits, striking out seven without on sacrifice flies by Yuli Gurriel Astros: RHP Gerrit Cole (2-1) Verlander (35) delivers a pitch against the Momota clenched his fists a walk for his third straight win. and Josh Reddick followed by will look to bounce back after Los Angeles Angels during the first inning in triumph and kissed the “I got my strikeouts when I an RBI double by Alex Bregman. being handed his first loss of the at Minute Maid Park on Saturday. Japan badge on his singlet needed them, I got my strikeouts “For hitters hitting 2-0, 2-1, season Monday against the after the win, which caps his when they presented them- 3-1 counts is what they dream Angels, allowing two runs in recovery from a troubled selves, but I was getting a lot of of, and that’s what I gave them seven innings. period.