| Page 2 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 4 Legends Neymar to ‘blown away’ return in ‘two, by Pakistani three weeks,’ child bowlers says PSG coach

Saturday, March 31, 2018 GOLF Rajab 14, 1439 AH Tiger’s fi t, Rory, GULF TIMES Bubba hot as Masters excitement sizzles SPORT Page 6

BOXING CRICKET Joshua eager to ‘simplify Markram piles on the madness’ in title bout misery for Australia In an unusual move players of both teams lined up to exchange handshakes after the national anthems

AFP SCORECARD Johannesburg South Africa, first innings D. Elgar c Sayers b Lyon ...... 19 career-best century by Aiden Markram A. Markram c M. Marsh b Cummins ...... 152 added pain to an Australian side reel- H. Amla c Handscomb b Cummins ...... 27 ing from the ball tampering scandal on A. de Villiers c Paine b Sayers ...... 69 the first day of the fourth and final Test F. du Plessis lbw b Cummins ...... 0 Aagainst Australia at the Wanderers Stadium yes- T. Bavuma ...... 25 terday. K. Rabada c Renshaw b Sayers ...... 0 Markram made a flawless 152 before the be- Q. de Kock not out...... 7 leaguered Australians fought back with four late Extras (b8, lb6) ...... 14 strikes as South Africa finished on 313 for six on Total (6 wkts, 88 overs) ...... 313 the best batting pitch of a series which South Af- To bat: V. Philander, K. Maharaj, M. Morkel Britain’s (L) and New rica lead 2-1. Fall of : 1-53 (Elgar), 2-142 (Amla), 3-247 Zealand’s attend a Markram, though, was the star on a day when (Markram), 4-247 (Du Plessis), 5-299 (De Villiers), weigh-in photocall at the Motorpoint players and spectators alike seemed to have tried 6-299 (Rabada) Arena in yesterday. to move on from the controversy and bad feel- Bowling: Hazlewood 18-3-60-0, Sayers 26-6-64-2, ing which resulted in three Australian players, Cummins 19-3-53-3, Lyon 21-1-95-1, M. Marsh 3-0-23- AFP including sacked Steve Smith, being 0, Renshaw 1-0-4-0 Cardiff banned and banished for ball-tampering in the Australia: T. Paine, M. Renshaw, J. Burns, U. third Test at Cape Town last weekend. Khawaja, S. Marsh, P. Handscomb, M. Marsh, P. nthony Joshua believes he South African captain Faf du Plessis and new Cummins, N. Lyon, C. Sayers, J. Hazlewood must “simplify the mad- Australian skipper had a friendly chat Toss: South Africa ness” when he faces Joseph before the toss and in an unusual move players Umpires: Ian Gould, Nigel Llong (both ENG) AParker in their eagerly an- of both teams lined up to exchange handshakes TV umpire: Richard Illingworth (ENG) ticipated world title uni- after the national anthems. Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM) fi cation bout in Cardiff today. Some fans could not resist poking fun at the British fi ghter Joshua’s Interna- Australians’ fateful attempts to doctor the ball in tional Boxing Federation (IBF) and the third Test. temperament allied with clean drives off front (WBA) title One banner among a group of spectators wear- and back foot and some strong pull shots. will be at stake, with New Zealand’s ing yellow read: “Sandpaper Special, Only R10 There were 11 fours and a straight six off Nath- Parker putting his World Boxing Or- (10 Rand)”. an Lyon as he reached his hundred off 216 balls. ganisation belt on the line. But with the main cuplrits in the sandpaper He added six more fours off another 64 balls Some 78,000 fans are expected at scandal banished, there seemed virtually no ani- before he was out. the Principality Stadium for the fi rst mosity towards the tourists. Cummins, Australia’s best bowler, made it a heavyweight title clash between two The only boos all day were directed at Paine double strike when Du Plessis padded up to the unbeaten champions staged in Brit- when he appeared to claim a catch behind the first ball he faced and was leg before to ain. wicket before indicating that he was not sure one which swung back sharply. But while Joshua has experience whether an edge from Markram had carried to Cummins, who ran in hard all day, took three of fi ghting in front of a huge sell-out him. Replays showed the ball had bounced. for 53. crowd in Cardiff , the same cannot be The biggest problems for Australia were purely New cap Chadd Sayers, who replaced Starc, said for Parker, who has yet to com- cricket-related. toiled without success for much of the day be- pete in front of more than 10,000 Markram played a majestic innings against fore taking two wickets in three deliveries with spectators on any one night. a bowling attack missing spearhead Mitchell the second new ball. “If he loses composure in the ring, Starc, who was ruled out with a stress fracture He claimed the prize wicket of AB de Villiers, I will be able to tell,” Joshua told BBC of his lower right leg — an injury which will also caught off a faint inside edge, before having Radio on Friday. force him to miss a lucrative stint with Kolkata nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada caught at mid- “Even though it’s a phenomenal Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. off. atmosphere there is one ring, one Markram made his fourth century in ten Tests Sayers bowled 26 overs, more than anyone referee. If I’m in any arena, you just in what has been a remarkable debut season for else, and took two for 64. have to simplify the madness and the the 23-year-old opening batsman. Australia could feel reasonably satisfied with chaos.” Joshua weighed in at 17st 4lbs He already owned two scores of 143, most re- their performance but their challenge will come (110.4kgs) on Friday, well down from a cently in the first Test in Durban, but went past when three new batsmen, Matt Renshaw, Joe career high of 18st 2lbs (115.5) against that before a cramped cut against Pat Cummins Burns and have to face South Carlos Takam last time out, while was caught by Mitchell Marsh at gully. Africa’s fast bowlers in place of the banned South African batsman Aiden Markram raises his bat and helmet yesterday as he celebrates Parker came in at 16st 12lbs (102.3). He again showed sound technique and good Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. scoring a century against Australia at the Wanderers cricket ground in Johannesburg.

BOTTOMLINESPOTLIGHT Workers’ Cup is Qatar’s ‘message to the world’ ‘The Workers’ Cup ing three matches to qualify for the knockout oach Sami Majzoub has described the has proven beyond doubt rounds. They beat Mowasalat on penalties in the Workers’ Cup as ‘the heart and soul’ of last 16 before easing past G4S in the quarter- Nakheel Landscapes after leading the that it is as important to fi nals. In the semi-fi nals, Nakheel beat Alysj on Ccompany to a second successive title football in Qatar as any penalties after the game ended 1-1 in normal last week. professional tournament’ time. Majzoub, a former player for QNB Stars League Thirty-six-year-old Majzoub, who also side Al Ahli, spoke of his delight after Nakheel that Qatar cares for its workers and that the turned out for local side Al Sailiya, said his squad claimed a 2-0 victory over Doha Pest Control in country opens up its fantastic sporting infra- had been boosted by Nakheel’s football culture. front of 7,600 fans at Al Duhail Sports Club. structure to everyone.” He also reserved praise for a trio of Moroccans – “The Workers’ Cup has been Nakheel’s heart Majzoub added: “Like the Asian Games in Imad Kairat, Mohamed Ait Braik and Othmane and soul over the last two years,” said Majzoub, 2006 and Asian Cup in 2011, the Workers’ Cup is Bendahan – who watched last year’s fi nal from who moved to Qatar from Sudan 18 years ago. proof that Qatar is made for football and sport. the stands before approaching Majzoub to take “We have been in training every day since Au- The country will send out another strong mes- part. gust for our title defence and the entire organi- sage to the world in 2022 and show it was the “This year, we changed our tactics a bit and sation has supported us, both before the tourna- perfect choice to host the World Cup.” included three Moroccan attackers who are all ment and during it.” The Workers’ Cup is jointly organised by the good on the ball,” Majzoub explained. “Imad has Majzoub, who also turned out for local side Al Supreme Committee for & Legacy, the been an outstanding performer this year, as have Sailiyah, said successfully defending the Work- organisation responsible for delivering the in- Mohammed and Othmane, who scored a great ers’ Cup was one of his proudest achievements. frastructure required for the 2022 FIFA World goal in the fi nal.” He went on to praise the impact of the competi- Cup, and the QNB Stars League. The sixth edi- Majzoub added: “Like last year, Ghassan Oue- tion in Qatar. tion included 32 teams – many from companies ijan [Nakheel’s Managing Director] has been our “The Workers’ Cup has proven beyond doubt involved in infrastructure projects related to the cheerleader. The past two years have boosted that it is as important to football in Qatar as any 2022 FIFA World Cup. the confi dence of everyone at the company – professional tournament,” he said. Nakheel stormed through the group stages the players and the entire workforce. We are all “The tournament is a message to the world this season. They scored 36 goals in their open- thankful for the tournament.” (sc.qa) Gulf Times 2 Saturday, March 31, 2018 CRICKET

India’s cricket stars aghast at Smith punishment SPOTLIGHT Pakistan revival New : India’s star cricketers have them out of the Indian Premier League, “ridiculous”. and Warner could be paying for leading been astounded at the treatment meted are unlikely to stop the cash flowing into “At some point in time, all international demands for better payments for Aus- out to former Australian captain Steve the world’s richest tournament. Both will teams must have done things to get tralian cricketers last year. strengthens with Smith that left him tearfully apologising miss a $1.9mn salary in the seven-week the ball to reverse. It’s not a crime like “Are @stevesmith49 & @davidwarner31 for cheating in a Test match. event, which starts April 7. match-fixing, but at the same time, they paying for revolt for pay hike?” the vet- The cricket establishment in India, But top players have expressed amaze- are trying to change the nature of the eran batsman said in a series of much Windies T20s the sport’s financial powerhouse, has ment at events in South Africa as well as game,” Singh, now playing in the Indian remarked Twitter posts. avoided any public comment about the the onslaught in Australia against Smith, Premier League for Chennai Superk- Smith “doesn’t look to me a cheat,” he AFP scandal engulfing Australia. “Fears run batsman Cameron Bancroft and David ings, said. Singh called the punishment added. Karachi deep about any potential changes to Warner, after Australia were caught red- “a joke” in a separate Twitter comment. Gambhir called on the Australian public the game that earns so much,” said one handed tampering with the ball. “Taking the game away from someone to go easy on Smith and his family. Living off icial. Harbhajan Singh, one of the leading for a year is absolutely nonsense.” with “this feeling of being called a cheat akistan will take another The one-year bans against Smith and spinner wicket takers in international Gautam Gambhir, captain of the Delhi is a bigger punishment” than the ban, he signifi cant step towards teammate David Warner, which rule cricket, called the ban against Smith Daredevils franchise, hinted that Smith said. the revival of interna- tional cricket as World PTwenty20 champions the West Indies feature in three back-to- SECOND TEST back internationals in Karachi from tomorrow. The Pakistan Cricket Board have put in place stringent secu- rity arrangements for the West Indies team, with 8,000 police- men and paramilitary person- nel guarding the visitors in and Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. around the hotel and stadium. Bairstow saves The International Cricket would keep the momentum. Council (ICC) match referee “Whatever team West Indies David Boon will supervise the sends we have to play at our best series while ICC general manager because they have good shorter cricket Geoff Allardice and um- format players,” said the cap- pires’ manager Adrian Griffi th tain, whose team has only lost will also attend the matches to three of their 11 Twenty20 in- oversee arrangements. ternationals against the West ’s blushes The series comes as Pakistan is Indies. enjoying guarded optimism over Pakistan have included three the return of international crick- newcomers in batsman Asif Ali, Tim Southee and Trent Boult did all the damage for New Zealand et, driven from the country after allrounder Hussain Talat and a deadly militant attack target- paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi ing the Sri Lanka team in 2009. — after the trio fared well in Earlier this month Karachi the PSL 2018. West Indies will successfully hosted the fi nal be without their regular Twen- of the popular Pakistan Super ty20 captain , League (PSL), becoming the who opted out of the tour over second major venue to host in- security fears while openers ternational matches after La- and , hore hosted Zimbabwe in 2015. allrounders and Lahore also hosted the PSL , and spinner fi nal in March last year, three were not available World XI matches in Septem- for selection due to their com- ber and one against Sri Lanka a mitments to the Indian Premier month later. League. Middle order batsman This year’s PSL fi nal was the Jason Mohamad will lead the fi rst major cricket event in Kara- side, which has four uncapped chi since 2009. Pakistan captain Twenty20 players in batsman Sarfraz Ahmed said he was over- Andre McCarthy, fast bowler joyed at the return of interna- Odean Smith, left-arm spinner tional matches to his home city. and all- “This is a great occasion,” said rounder . Sarfraz, the only player in the squad who has played a limited Teams: over international in Karachi Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (cap- before. tain), , Fakhar “We saw a big crowd in the Zaman, Babar Azam, Shoaib PSL fi nal so I hope they will Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, come in big numbers for the , Mohammad Twenty20 series.” Nawaz, , Moham- The other two matches will be mad Amir, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, played on Monday and Tuesday. Shinwari, Shaheen Pakistan have done well in Shah Afridi. the shortest format of the game, West Indies: Jason Mohamed having won 14 of the 17 Twen- (captain), , ty20 internationals since Sarfraz , Andre Fletcher, took over as captain in Septem- Andre McCarthy, Keemo Paul, ber 2016. Veerasammy Permaul, Rovman That helped them reach the Powell, , Marlon number one spot in Twenty20 Samuels, Odean Smith, Chad- rankings, having won 2-1 in New wick Walton, Kesrick Williams. Zealand in January this year. ICC match referee: David Boon Sarfraz said he hoped his team (Aus) England’s Jonny Bairstow in action in the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch yesterday.

AFP while Trent Boult had three for 79 thuse about with the England for 38. When play resumed after S. Broad c Sodhi b Southee ...... 5 Christchurch after New Zealand won the toss batting as Boult and Southee lunch they accounted for Joe Root M. Wood b Southee...... 52 and elected to bowl fi rst. swung and seamed the ball with (37), (duck) and M. Leach not out ...... 10 Tears and sympathy: England were in danger of not precision. Bairstow’s 97 off 154 Mark Stoneman (35) in a nine- Extras: (b2, lb5, w1, nb1) ...... 9 onny Bairstow was in sight reaching 200 until Wood joined balls included partnerships of ball burst. Total: (for 8 wickets, 90.0 overs) ... 290 of his fi fth Test century Bairstow and the pair put on 56 with Ben Stokes, 13 with Stu- Following the tea break, Stokes Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Cook), 2-38 support grows for after a late run spree with 95 for the eighth wicket before art Broad, the sparkling 95 with went for 25 and Broad for fi ve be- (Vince), 3-93 (Root), 4-94 (Malan), Mark Wood lifted Eng- Wood fell to Southee for 52, his Wood and 41 with Jack Leach fore the Bairstow and Wood part- 5-94 (Stoneman), 6-151 (Stokes), 7-164 landJ to 290 for eight at stumps maiden Test half century. who was not out 10 at the end of nership. (Broad), 8-259 (Wood) Smith over ban on day one of the second Test in After being comprehensively the day. On 58, Bairstow suff ered Bowling: Boult 25-5-79-3, Southee 23-6- Christchurch yesterday. beaten in the fi rst Test, England a fearful blow to the side of the SCOREBOARD 60-5 (1w), de Grandhomme 17-4-44-0, Sydney: A wave of sympathy something that has elevated England had been in trouble at strengthened their batting line head from Colin de Grandhomme England first innings Wagner 20-5-69-0 (1nb), Sodhi 5-0-31-0 for disgraced Australia skipper the off ence beyond what they 164 for seven before Bairstow (not up for Christchurch with the ad- which knocked his helmet from A. Cook b Boult ...... 2 Toss: New Zealand Steve Smith gathered pace yes- actually did, and maybe we’re out 97) and Wood (52) put on 95 dition of James Vince while Wood his head but did nothing to slow M. Stoneman c Latham b Southee ....35 Series: New Zealand lead 1-0 terday after his heart-wrench- at a point where the punish- for the eighth wicket. and Jack Leach came in for bowl- his run fl ow. J. Vince lbw Southee ...... 18 Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA), Bruce ing apology and as opposition ment just might not fit the Tim Southee and Trent Boult ers Chris Woakes, Craig Overton Boult and Southee took their J. Root b Southee ...... 37 Oxenford (AUS) grew to the severity of bans crime.” Former England captain did all the damage for New Zea- and Moeen Ali. wickets in clumps starting with D. Malan lbw Boult ...... 0 TV Umpire: Paul Reiff el (AUS) handed out in a ball-tampering Michael Vaughan said Smith land with Southee taking fi ve for But apart from Wood and Alastair Cook (two) and James B. Stokes c Watling b Boult ...... 25 Match referee: Richie Richardson scandal. and Bancroft, who also faced 60, his seventh fi ve-wicket bag Bairstow there was little to en- Vince (18) to have England at two J. Bairstow not out ...... 97 (WIS) Smith’s tearful appearance in media on Thursday, were “de- front of media helped trigger cent guys who had a moment the resignation of coach Darren of madness”. BOTTOMLINE Lehmann and also prompted “They deserve a 2nd chance calls to rein in criticism which and hopefully get the right sup- has verged on hysterical dur- port around them now.. Takes ing an extraordinary week for a lot guts to do what they did Cricket legends ‘blown away’ by Pak child bowlers Australian cricket. today,” he tweeted. Both Smith and vice-captain The Australian Cricketers’ As- AFP back amid improving security. as well as the PSL fi nal in March last year, David Warner were banned sociation voiced concern over Quetta, Pakistan Eli, who spoke to AFP at his home in three World XI matches in September and for 12 months and Cameron the welfare of the players, and Quetta, said he dreams of playing for Pa- one against Sri Lanka a month later. Bancroft for nine months for argued that the sanctions were kistan. “I love cricket... I want to become If Eli’s dream of playing for Pakistan ball-tampering during the third disproportionate compared wo six-year-olds have become a perfect leg break bowler,” he said. bears fruit, he could be joined by fellow Test in Cape Town. to other sanctions for ball- social media sensations in crick- He said he enjoys the adulation he has Twitter sensation Hasan, videos of whom Lehmann — who had ear- tampering. et-mad Pakistan with videos of received — particularly from legends such drew Akram’s notice in late February. lier warned about the players’ “There are a number of glaring their bowling “blowing away” the as Warne, who fi rst tweeted encourage- “Where is this boy???” he said, mental state — said he was and clear anomalies in the proc- Tlikes of Shane Warne and Wasim Akram, ment to Eli after seeing one of his videos retweeting one of the videos and calling convinced to step down by ess to date which causes the who have been giving the pair tips on im- in March. for a “platform” to discover such talent in the emotional apologies of ACA to query the severity and proving their game. This week Warne retweeted another Pakistan.On Monday he tweeted images Bancroft and Smith, which also proportionality of the proposed Eli Mikal Khan, from the southwest- video of Eli, writing: “Absolutely fan- of himself with the six-year-old, who he drew messages of support. sanctions,” a statement said. ern city of Quetta, has been nicknamed tastic, blown away on how good the ball called a “young sensation” with “unbe- “Dear Australia, that’s enough Warner, a divisive figure who “Shane Warne Junior” after videos posted comes out of your hand, especially at the lievable skills”. now,” ran a headline in Brit- was charged with instructing on Twitter of his astonishing leg break age of only 6 — well done and keep up the “Really enjoyed myself spending quali- ish newspaper The Times. Bancroft, one of the team’s bowling attracted awe from fans around great work. One tip — get that bowling ty time with Hasan,” he wrote, adding that “This was ball-tampering, not junior members, to tamper the world and drew tips and encourage- arm a little higher!” Eli, whose father and the child’s knowledge is already “unreal”. murder.” The ball-tampering with the ball using sandpaper, ment from the Australian legend. coach Abdullah Khan maintains his Twit- Hasan’s father Mohamed said that be- scandal has unleashed a tor- is expected to face the media Another six-year-old, an aspiring pace ter account, said he had been honoured by fore he realised how talented his son was, rent of vitriol against Smith today. Pressure also remains bowler named Hasan Akhtar, has mean- the tweet, adding: “I will defi nitely work he found the bowling habit “annoying”. and Warner in particular, and on CA, which has been hit by while been dubbed “Little Wasim Akram” on the given tip by Sir @ShaneWarne”. “Our home fl oor is made of mud and heavy criticism of a team long an exodus of sponsors over the after the former Pakistani captain — who Admiration of the two six-year-olds Hasan would break the surface bowling all perceived as arrogant and out damaging saga and uncertainty also saw videos of him on Twitter and in- comes as Pakistan enjoys guarded op- day,” he told AFP by telephone from their of touch. surrounding current broadcast sisted on tracking him down and meeting Pakistani child Eli Mikal Khan, 6, deliv- timism over the return of international village of Chichawatni, some 200 kilome- Australia’s leg-spin great Shane rights negotiations. him. ers the ball during a practice session in cricket, driven from the country after a tres from Lahore. Warne wrote in Sydney’s Daily CA’s losses include an esti- The two children have been widely fet- Quetta. He has been nicknamed “Shane deadly militant attack targeting the Sri One of Hasan’s seven older siblings Telegraph: “We are all so hurt mated Aus$20mn (US$15mn) ed by Pakistani media, as the cricket-ob- Warne Junior” after videos posted on Lanka team in 2009. posted the initial video of him, which the and angry and maybe we partnership with naming rights sessed country celebrates the successful Twitter of his astonishing leg break Last weekend Karachi became the sec- family did not know had gone viral until weren’t so sure how to react. sponsor Magellan, which tore staging of the third bowling attracted awe from fans around ond major venue to host international a cousin phoned to say it was playing on We’d just never seen it before. up its three-year contract after fi nal in Karachi — a hugely symbolic step the world and drew tips and encourage- matches after Lahore hosted fi ve interna- television and that news reporters were “But the jump to hysteria is barely seven months. towards bringing international teams ment from the Australian legend. tional matches against Zimbabwe in 2015, looking for him. Gulf Times Saturday, March 31, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Mueller-Wohlfahrt: maverick doctor with Mourinho laments ‘magic hands’ Ibrahimovic’s ‘sad’

Hans-Wilhelm Mueller- “I have diagnosed 35,000 exit from Europe Wohlfahrt’s “magic hands” muscle injuries in my life will work to help Germany try and acquired these abilities ‘For me, it’s always sad when the big players go in the direction of the end’ to defend the World Cup in through daily exercise, like a Russia, but the team doctor pianist or a violinist”. AFP remains a maverick figure in Mueller-Wohlfahrt’s methods medical circles. are not to everyone’s taste. “Healing Hans”, as he is His intensive use of actovegin, nicknamed, also works for an amino acid made from ose Mourinho has paid Bayern Munich and outside veal blood which he injects tribute to Zlatan Ibrahi- football. He is hailed as a into injured tendons, has led movic by declaring his medical genius by his legion to allegations of quackery by departure from Man- of high-profile fans in elite senior figures in his field. chesterJ United a “sad” moment sport. Although his detractors “I decided early on in my ca- for European football. remain dubious of Mueller- reer to use natural medicine The former Saint-Ger- Wohlfahrt’s unusual tech- and not chemical agents,” he main striker secured a move to niques, his former patients are wrote. “And for a long time Major League Soccer side LA a “who’s who” of sports stars. my alternative methods have Galaxy last week after United Athletics legends Usain Bolt, earned me the rejection of agreed to cancel his contract Paula Radcliff e and Maurice my colleagues. “In a world of three months early. Greene are some of the big orthopaedics, dominated by Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals names who overcame career- surgery and cortisone, they in his fi rst season at Old Traf- threatening injuries after looked at me like a renegade.” ford, but struggled to recapture being treated in Munich by None of Mueller-Wohlfahrt’s his best form after suff ering Mueller-Wohlfahrt. work has been analysed by cruciate knee ligament damage Bolt was first treated by the other doctors, nor has he pub- during a Europa League quar- German as a 16-year-old. lished anything about his use ter-fi nal against Anderlecht last “I’m so grateful to him,” the of actovegin. It led to Travis April. Jamaican Bolt after winning Tygart, CEO of the United The 36-year-old Swede the men’s 100m final at the States’ Anti-Doping Agency, managed only one goal for 2016 Olympics in Rio de branding Mueller-Wohlfahrt’s United after making his come- Janeiro. “‘Doc’ has long been a reliance on injections as a back in November, with his fi nal second father to me.” “Frankenstein-type experi- appearance for the club against “He got me back on my feet ment”. Burnley on Boxing Day. again,” added Bolt after the Mueller-Wohlfahrt admits to “For me, it’s always sad when German doctor helped him being an “empirical doctor”, the big players go in the direc- with a calf injury before the who does not rely on medical tion of the end,” United man- Rio Games. research, but on the feedback ager Mourinho told a news con- Mueller-Wohlfahrt celebrated of his patients. The science ference yesterday. his 75th birthday last year. behind his treatments remain “I remember for example However, he could pass for a mystery. “It is kind of a Luis Figo, after his last match, decades younger given the secret,” Munich surgeon Dr with me and with Inter Milan. spritely way he leaps from Ulrike Muschaweck told ESPN. “I always remember it as one the bench to treat injured “It must work, but I don’t of my saddest moments be- Germany players during know how. I have never seen a cause I always feel very, very football internationals. report, an article or anything. sorry when the big ones fi nish Mueller-Wohlfahrt built up Never.” or go to the last period of their his reputation by working Mueller-Wohlfahrt blames the careers. with Bayern Munich stars, lack of scientific research on “Zlatan is a huge big player like Franz Beckenbauer, in the a lack of time. “Working with that European football is losing Football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic is greeted by fans after arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport to begin his new contract with LA 1970s. Having treated Ger- my patients has always been now and forever because he will Galaxy in Los Angeles, California. (AFP) many’s top footballers for the more important,” he says. not be back to this level.” last few decades, he was the He enjoys legendary status at However, Mourinho added: substituted at half-time and Romero has been United’s FA a long-standing friendship. EPL FIXTURES team doctor when Germany Germany’s top football club “This period with Galaxy, these then pilloried by Mourinho af- Cup ‘keeper this season, but is Carvalhal, who has taken TODAY won the 2014 World Cup. Bayern Munich. However, a couple of years, will be very terwards. The Portuguese man- a major doubt for the semi-fi nal Swansea three points clear of Crystal Palace v Liverpool “What I find particularly public clash with then-head good for him and American ager accused Shaw of not de- against Tottenham Hotspur at the relegation zone since arriv- (1130) impressive is that he makes coach Pep Guardiola saw football.” fending well enough, and giving Wembley on April 21 after injur- ing at the Welsh club in Decem- West Ham United v Southamp- the correct diagnosis after the Mueller-Wohlfahrt storm out Brighton too much room down ing his right knee in a collision ber after leaving second-tier ton (1400) very first examination, with- on the Bavarian giants in Shaw option the right fl ank. Shaw is known with Diego Costa. Sheffi eld Wednesday, described Brighton & Hove Albion v out needing scans or X-rays,” 2015. He only started working Meanwhile Mourinho indi- to be angry with the way he has “Romero is injured, and Mourinho as the “king of Leicester City (1400) said Germany head coach again with Bayern this season. cated Luke Shaw could win a been treated, but Mourinho I think he will be for a few coaches”, before the two men Manchester United v Swansea Joachim Loew. “He does it Three years ago, Guardiola reprieve despite his recent fi erce insisted the full-back had not weeks,” Mourinho, whose sec- enjoyed a cordial phone conver- City (1400) with his hands, which must blamed Mueller-Wohlfahrt for criticism of the defender. been frozen out. ond-placed side are currently sation on Thursday. Newcastle United v Hudders- have some magic in them, his a Champions League defeat at Left-back Ashley Young has “If he’s available, Luke Shaw a huge 16 points adrift of Pre- “He said I opened the door field Town (1400) experience and his intuition.” Porto. In his memoirs, Mueller- been struggling with a knee in- is always an option,” Mourinho mier League leaders Manches- for more Portuguese coaches Watford v AFC Bournemouth Wohlfahrt devotes an entire jury, suff ered while on England said. “Ashley Young was avail- ter City, said. “I think in the end to leave which is something I (1400) ‘Like a pianist’ chapter on settling the score. duty, as United prepare to face able to play against Brighton he was lucky because it was a know is true,” Mourinho told West Bromwich Albion v However, Mueller-Wohlfahrt “Guardiola didn’t have any Swansea in the Premier League and I started with Luke Shaw, so strong contusion (bruise) and reporters. Burnley (1400) says his techniques rely more trust in me and my team,” on Saturday, with Shaw his that’s not a problem.” will take a little bit of time to “I speak with him a couple Everton v Manchester City on experience than “magic”. wrote Mueller-Wohlfahrt. “On likely deputy. Reserve goalkeeper Sergio recover.” of times every week. Last night (1630) “I ‘see’ with my fingers, I can one hand, he showed no inter- Shaw played in United’s Romero will miss the Swansea Mourinho and Swansea coun- I spoke with him a little and TOMORROW tell if the muscle is injured just est in medical questions, and most recent match, a 2-0 FA game after suff ering a knee inju- terpart Carlos Carvalhal are the thanked him for his nice words. Arsenal v Stoke City (1230) through the tension in it,” he on the other, he demanded Cup quarter-fi nal victory over ry during Argentina’s 6-1 defeat only two Portuguese managers It is one thing to think some- Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur wrote in his autobiography. miracles from us.” Brighton on March 17, but was by Spain in Madrid on Tuesday. in the Premier League, and have thing, but another to say it.” (1500)

FOCUS My wish is to stay at Real, says coach Zidane AFP But the mood has changed since Real beat Par- Madrid is Saint-Germain in the Champions League this month and victory over Juventus would only en- hance Zidane’s cause further. inedine Zidane indicated yesterday His team play Juve on Tuesday in the fi rst leg of that he wants to stay at Real Madrid next the quarter-fi nals in . season. First, however, Real face a trip to Gran Canaria But Real’s coach admitted his future and Las Palmas, hoping to close the gap on sec- Zwill depend on results, with his team sitting third ond-placed Atletico Madrid to one point before in La Liga, 15 points adrift of Barcelona, and rely- Atletico play Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. ing on the Champions League for a major trophy “We hope to take second place, little by little,” this term. Zidane said. Zidane had previously stayed guarded over his “Of course we have our minds on Tuesday but desire to remain at the club but appears now to tomorrow we have a match and to execute on have declared his hand. Real travel to Las Palmas Tuesday, we have to execute well tomorrow.” in the league today. Sergio Ramos has picked up a knock and Isco “Yes, I would still like to stay as coach of Real has a back problem, with Zidane confi rming nei- Madrid,” Zidane said. ther would travel with the squad this weekend. “Here we depend on the results, it has not Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Ron- changed, it will not change, it is the requirement aldo had agreed to rest against Las Palmas after of this club and I accept it. playing twice for Portugal during the interna- “I’ve been here 18 years, I how Real Madrid tional break in order to prepare for Tuesday’s functions,” said Zidane, who arrived at the club Champions League quarter-fi nal fi rst leg at Ju- in the summer of 2001. ventus. “I do what I like doing, I do it thoroughly and Isco has started only 18 of 29 league games this if the question is, do you want to continue? Then season and raised doubts about his future at Real yes I will continue. I do not feel tired, not at all.” after playing for Spain. Despite winning the Champions League in “At Real Madrid I don’t have the kind of confi - each of his two seasons in charge at Real, as well dence that a footballer needs,” he said. as the La Liga title last year, Zidane has come un- Zidane, however, is not concerned. der pressure in recent months. “Everyone can interpret his words however Real’s limp defence of their domestic crown, they like but I’m not bothered by them,” the a shock exit to Leganes in the Copa del Rey, and Frenchman said. their poor start in Europe, where they fi nished “Perhaps he’s not happy as he doesn’t play second in the group behind Tottenham, com- as often for us as for Spain and he wants to play bined to put Zidane’s position in doubt. more but he’s very important to us.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, March 31, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT SERIE A Gattuso’s Milan ready to dismantle Juve Brazil WC boost as ‘killing machine’

AFP Milan midfi elder. Turin “The players who were away with their national teams man- aged to recharge their batteries ennaro Gattuso warned and came back with more re- Neymar to return in AC Milan were ready to laxed faces. dismantle the Juven- “We really needed the break. tus ‘killing machine’ I saw the boys in good condi- Gin their pursuit of Champions tion in the past few days and League Football next season. they can’t wait to play this game. Six-time champions Juventus We hope to keep up the good are top of the standings and take work in this fi nal part of the on AC Milan Saturday three days season.” ‘two, three weeks’ before Real Madrid in the Cham- “We are fully focused on the pions League quarter-fi nals. Juve game, there’s a lot at stake ‘I spoke with him this week, he’s good, relaxed. He’s going to follow the game’ “We need the perfect game. for both the teams. We can’t Juve are a killing machine. They make any false step. We are in AFP are used to preparing for two im- the running for an important Bordeaux portant games in the space of a achievement which was almost few days,” said Gattuso, whose impossible a few months ago.” side are sixth but within touch- The match will also see former aris Saint-Germain star ing distance of the Champions player Juventus ace Leonardo Neymar, who is conva- League places. Bonucci return to Turin for the lescing in Brazil after “They fear nothing and they fi rst time since exiting the club surgery on his injured will be focusing only on the for Milan after clashing with Pright foot, will be back “in two game with us and they will start coach Massimiliano Allegri. to three weeks,” the club’s coach preparing for Real Madrid only “It’s the fi rst time Leo will be Unai Emery said yesterday. after tomorrow.” back in Turin as a Juve opponent “I spoke with him this week, Gattuso has turned around AC and of course it’s going to be a he’s good, relaxed,” Emery said. Milan since taking over late No- particular feeling for him, but Emery was speaking in Bor- vember with the former Europe- I saw him really focused,” said deaux where PSG, shorn of their an giants notching up 25 points Gattuso who also revealed that biggest star, face Monaco today in 2018 - second only behind summer signing Andrea Conti in the French League Cup fi nal. Juventus despite having a game will undergo surgery on his left “We spoke about the fi nal,” in hand. knee in the United States. Emery said. “He’s going to fol- “Juve have been unbeatable The 24-year-old full-back low the game.” for the past six years and we are was ruled out in September for Neymar, who is crucial to aware it’s a tough match but I sixth months with knee ligament Brazil’s hopes at the World Cup am confi dent we’ll play a great damage with the Italian reinjur- which starts in Russia on June 14, game,” continued the former AC ing the same knee in training. was hurt on February 25 against and returned to Brazil for treatment. He missed the sec- BUNDESLIGA ond-leg defeat to Real Madrid on March 6, which eliminated PSG from the Champions League. Brazil’s national team doc- Munich’s Robben, tor Rodrigo Lasmar, performed surgery on March 3 and then es- timated that Neymar would be Ribery raring to go out for “two-and-a-half to three months.” That time frame would have against Dortmund meant Neymar’s PSG season was over. But for the striker, DPA during Chile duty could possi- who was injured during the last ‘No one better than me’ as Jardim aims to halt PSG Munich bly sideline Vidal for next week’s World Cup and missed Bra- Champions league quarter-fi nal zil’s traumatic 7-1 semi-fi nal Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim insists he “The salary and product of your work against PSG in Bordeaux. at Sevilla as well. loss to Germany, the objective is a match for any manager in the game aren’t everything. I turned down a very big “There’s no sense of revenge. We want to undesliga leaders Bay- Heynckes also said Jerome was to be fully fi t for this year’s as his side attempt to deny Paris Saint- off er from China this summer because I’m win the final and we think we have the abil- ern Munich will be Boateng is fi t again after being competition. Germain a fifth successive French League still ambitious and aiming for the highest ity to do that,” said the 22-year-old Lopes. without Arturo Vidal substituted with a calf muscle PSG and the Brazilian football Cup title in today’s final. European level.” “We’ll have to defend very well against for today’s prestigious problem after being hit there in federation plan to assess Ney- duelB with Borussia Dortmund Germany’s 1-0 defeat against Monaco were thrashed 4-1 in last year’s “Everyone has his methods, his qualities, them. Then we’ll have to capitalise on mis- mar’s health again in mid-April. final by PSG, although the principality club but I never think someone is better than takes to launch our counter-attacks. but veterans Arjen Robben and Brazil Tuesday. PSG president Nasser al- avenged that defeat as they pipped their me,” Jardim added. “I don’t feel inferior to “We have the quality to get a good result. Franck Ribery are raring to go, Bayern can clinch a record- Khelaifi visited Neymar’s bed- rivals to the Ligue 1 crown to end a 17-year anyone.” We can’t show any fear. We must make our coach Jupp Heynckes has said. extending sixth straight Bun- side in Brazil in mid-March, wait. This season Jardim has overseen an The Portuguese has had to cope with the presence felt and prove that we are a good “Arjen Robben is training like desliga title with six games to partly to quash rumours that the impressive rebuilding project at Monaco, departures of key attacking duo Kylian side, that we are here to win, and that a 25-year-old. Franck Ribery had spare today, and their fi rst ever star would be leaving Paris a year guiding the club on a 15-match unbeaten Mbappe and Bernardo Silva, and Jardim we’re not afraid of anyone.” to be stopped today because he’s in a home game at the Allianz after his high-profi le arrival for a run in the league despite an injury to top deserves considerable credit for the emer- Falcao is now back in action and was on so full of energy!” Heynckes told Arena which opened in 2005, if world-record 222 million euros striker Radamel Falcao. gence of compatriot Rony Lopes. target in Colombia’s 3-2 win over in a news conference yesterday. they beat Dortmund and sec- ($264 million) last summer. “Status, recognition, titles, salary have The Portugal winger spent the 2016-17 Paris last week as his country fought back He added in reference to the ond-placed Schalke fail to win “The doctors aren’t yet in a changed, but not my way of being. I’m campaign on loan at but has devel- from two goals behind, although he last 34-year-old wingers: “Both are against Freiburg. position to say exactly when he still the same man I was,” Jardim, who left oped into a central figure since returning scored for Monaco on February 4. adored by the fans and know But Heynckes said “it doesn’t will return,” Al-Khelaifi said Sporting Lisbon to take charge of Monaco to Monaco, scoring in each of the club’s Unai Emery is hoping Angel Di Maria, what it’s about in the fi nal stages matter when we win the title. I at the time. Yesterday, Mo- in June 2014, told AFP. “The club gives me last five matches. scorer of 14 goals since the turn of the of the season.” am very relaxed. It’s important naco defender Kamil Glik told a a good salary and working conditions. Lopes, who started his career at Manches- year, will be fit to feature after returning But Heynckes said that mid- that we got ourselves into this press conference that PSG will Some bigger clubs exist but for the mo- ter City, said “revenge” is not the driving from international duty with Argentina fi elder Vidal and defender Juan position in the Bundesliga de- miss Neymar “but that doesn’t ment, at 43 years old, I’m happy here. force going into Saturday’s showdown nursing a thigh strain. Bernat were not fi t to play, and spite trailing by fi ve points, which change much for us.” that a bruised thigh picked up is a fantastic achievement.”

FOCUS Russia’s World Cup Team told to avoid ‘exotic Tea’ Russia’s World Cup Team was told to things and help out,” he told the stay away from “exotic Teas” and for- Championat.ru sports site. ‘Ooredoo Temba’ fi nale today eign medicine to avoid testing posi- Mutko explained that he was not By Sports Reporter tive for doping during this year’s final. allowed to “sign documents or chair Doha The Russian Football Union issued executive committee meetings. the recommendations in a series of “But the most important thing for me tweets that also included instructions now is preparations for the World he second edition of the ‘Ooredoo Temba’ to be careful with meat from Latin Cup and of the Russian Team for the football tournament, organised by Aspire America and China. tournament.” Zone Foundation (AZF) in partnership with “We are proud that Russian football The global football governing body Ooredoo, draws to a close today. players did not test positive once in FIFA will be in charge of all testing TThe tournament kicked off on March 26 and has the past four years,” the RFU said. procedures in Russia. It will fly the seen 16 teams compete for glory during the past few “It is very important to stay com- samples to its Swiss labs for analysis days. The top three teams will be awarded valuable pletely clean.” because the Russian Anti-Doping prizes from the event’s partners in a closing ceremo- It was not immediately clear why the Agency (RUSADA) has been stripped ny due to take place on today evening. football federation was using Twitter of accreditation. Organised for male football enthusiasts aged 18 to publish rules meant to keep play- The RFU’s guidelines to players eff ec- and above on Aspire Zone’s fi ve-a-side-pitches, the ers from being banned for cheating. tively removed it from responsibility 16 teams that have signed up to take part were di- Russia will host the World Cup for the for any positive tests. vided into four groups. Each team consists of seven first time from June 14 to July 15. One of the tweets said a list of members: four fi rst-team players including a goal- Its preparations have been shadowed banned substances published by keeper and three substitutes. Each match lasts for 35 by a doping scandal that resulted in RUSADA only covered medicine and minutes consisting of two halves of 15 minutes each Russians competing under the Olym- food additives registered in Russia. and a fi ve-minute half-time break. pic flag at this year’s Winter Games in A drug’s absence “does not automati- The teams competing in Group A are Al Waab, South Korea. cally mean that it is allowed,” the RFU Zekreet, Jordanian Community and Milan. Group B Russia has furiously denied charges said. includes teams Al Jawareh, Egypt, Black Star and My of running a state programme that It said some herbal Teas and even City. Group C includes teams Samla, Almatar, QBC helped athletes stay clean before meat may have chemicals that pro- and APG. While Group D includes teams Alzaeem, and during the 2014 Winter Games duce positive doping samples. Omani Community, Al Wajba and Kosovo. in Sochi. But it did not identify which of the The group stages concluded on March 28. Teams The saga has had wider implications “exotic Teas” were not safe to drink. Zekreet and the Jordanian Community topped group of our sporting mission. Vision 2030 – designed to move the country towards for the World Cup. Deputy Prime A and will be joined in the quarter-fi nals by Al Ja- Our fi ve-a-side Ooredoo Temba is yet another greater sustainability and minimise environmental Minister Vitaly Mutko was forced to wareh and Black Star from group B. Teams Samla and unique event we’re making available to Qatar’s sports impact. resign as football federation presi- QBC from group C and Alzaeem and Al Wajba from fans, and presents an ideal opportunity for friends The closing ceremony and fi nal matches to de- dent and step away from tournament group D topped their respective groups, and will face and family to come together and have fun in a com- cide fi rst, second and third places will take place at preparations after being handed a one another in the quarter-fi nals. petitive setting. 7:30pm in the presence of senior offi cials from AZF lifetime Olympic ban in December. He Commenting on the tournament, Mohamed al- It perfectly refl ects AZF’s mission to promote a and Ooredoo. struck a defiant note in an interview Hamadi, Tournament Manager at AZF said: “Fol- sporting culture and encourage healthy lifestyles Each member from the winning team will receive published yesterday. lowing its huge popularity last year, AZF and Oore- among members of the local community.” phones from Ooredoo, whilst second and third place Mutko said he was still actively doo have once again worked together closely to bring The pitches on which the tournament takes place winners will receive valuable cash prizes. involved in the World Cup and other back the Ooredoo Temba tournament for the second are covered with high quality artifi cial football turf Friends and family keen to cheer on their teams aspects of Russian football despite year running. that meet FIFA’s exacting quality standards. are welcome to attend the matches in person or fol- his removal from the sport. The tournament builds on AZF’s strong, existing They are also designed to help reduce water con- low the participating teams’ progress through AZF’s “Of course I did not walk away (from partnership with Ooredoo – an organisation that has sumption, in line with AZF’s commitment to sup- social media channels using the hashtag #Ooredoo- football). I still meet people, follow shown it is always keen to work with AZF in support port the Environmental pillar of the Qatar National Temba. Gulf Times Saturday, March 31, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Dubois hat trick leads Blue Jackets Spurs climb into over Flames

Reuters which ricocheted off a skate Calgary right to Dubois in the slot, and he slammed it home. After Markus Nutivaara, who ierre-Luc Dubois col- signed a four-year contract ex- 4th, Durant ejected lected his fi rst career tension on Thursday, made it a hat trick and Sergei Bo- four-goal edge midway though brovsky made 37 saves the third period, Dubois netted Pas the Columbus Blue Jackets his third of the night with 4:37 beat the Calgary Flames 5-1 on remaining with another one- Thursday night in Calgary to timer. regain third place in the Metro- Chris Stewart scored Cal- politan Division standings. gary’s lone goal with 21.4 sec- in return game With 18 goals on the season, onds left on the clock, which Dubois, the third overall pick in snapped the team’s goal drought ‘Kevin just had a moment. He was frustrated because the game wasn’t going well the 2016 NHL Draft, set a fran- at 167:21.6. chise record for most goals by Gillies made 23 saves for the for him and he snapped. It just felt like we lost our poise in general’ a rookie. The victory at Scotia- Flames, who have lost seven bank Saddledome is the 12th in straight games, in which they’ve AFP 13 games for the Blue Jackets, as scored only eight goals. Los Angeles well as the 128th head coach John The Flames are missing their Tortorella has collected with the top three scorers with Sean team, also a franchise mark. Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk aMarcus Aldridge de- The Blue Jackets took advan- out due to injury and Johnny livered 25 points and tage of a struggling Flames squad Gaudreau away from the team 11 rebounds as the San early when Markus Hannikainen due to his father being taken Antonio Spurs vaulted opened the scoring on his team’s to hospital because of cardiac Linto fourth place with a 103-99 fi rst shot against rookie goalie problems. Now their second- victory over the Oklahoma City Jon Gillies 2:09 into the game. pairing defensive duo is also on Thunder on Thursday. Matt Calvert made a slick pass to the shelf, with T.J. Brodie out The Spurs improved to 44- the front of the net from the end due to injury and Travis Hamon- 32 on the NBA season to sit just boards, and Hannikainen buried ic having left the game in the fi rst ahead of the fi fth place Thunder the point-blank chance. period due to injury. and the sixth place New Orleans Dubois doubled the lead at Pelicans. 12:23. Artemi Panarin gained the RESULTS “It is not like we beat any- zone and backed off defenders Boston 4 Tampa Bay 2 body by 20 points,” said Spurs before slipping a pass across the Detroit 6 Buff alo 3 coach Gregg Popovich. slot that Dubois one-timed with Pittsburgh 4 New Jersey 3 (OT) “But we played through some authority. Ottawa 3 Florida 2 (OT) adversity and we held them to Dubois notched his second Nashville 5 San Jose 3 18 points in the fourth quarter. goal at the 3:55 mark of the sec- Minnesota 5 Dallas 2 The defence is where we have to ond period, a frame in which Chicago 6 Winnipeg 2 be good at because we are going the Flames controlled play but Columbus 5 Calgary 1 to have nights where our scor- couldn’t score. Panarin sent Vancouver 2 Edmonton 1 ing isn’t great.” a pass to the front of the net, Los Angeles 4 Arizona 2 Aldridge scored 21 of his points in the fi rst half as the Spurs stopped a two-game los- ing skid. He made a clutch dunk with just under a minute left to give San Antonio a three-point lead. Paul George led Oklahoma City with 26 points and had six assists. Russell Westbrook tal- lied 19 points and 11 assists, but missed on a pair of three-point attempts late in the game. Elsewhere, an emotional Kevin Durant got ejected in his fi rst game back after he was slapped with his league-lead- ing fi fth ejection as the Golden State Warriors lost 116-107 to Columbus Blue Jackets centre Pierre-Luc Dubois celebrates his goal the Milwaukee Bucks. with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the third period Durant, who was thrown out of their NHL game. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports with just two seconds to go in San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge shoots the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Carmelo Anthony defends the fi rst half, didn’t think the during the first-half of their NBA game. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ejection was warranted. Jackson skips 40-yard dash at Louisville pro day “I am more upset I didn’t fi n- He was frustrated because the one by defeating Chicago Bulls win or one more Detroit loss to forward Blake Griffi n, who was ish the game,” said Durant who game wasn’t going well for him 103-92. The Heat won a season- claim their 20th post-season a late scratch with an ankle Lamar Jackson once again declined to run the 40-yard dash in front had 10 points and six assists. “I and he snapped. It just felt like best eighth straight game and trip in three decades. The Pis- problem. Griffi n is averaging 19 of NFL teams at Louisville’s pro day on Thursday. Jackson, who has wanted to play after being out a we lost our poise in general,” climbed to within a half game tons are in New York on Sat- points and six rebounds since chosen not to hire an agent, skipped the 40 at the NFL Scouting couple of weeks. said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. of the Washington Wizards for urday and Miami is at home joining the Pistons in January. Combine earlier this month. He took 59 snaps under center at Thurs- “It’s a tech. I am sorry. No, Giannis Antetokounmpo sixth place in the Eastern Con- against Brooklyn. In Sacramento, Victor Oladi- day’s pro day, often throwing out of the shotgun or pistol formations, I am not sorry. I wish I didn’t scored 32 points and Khris Mid- ference standings. “I want to start the playoff s po scored 13 of his 24 points in according to ESPN. All 32 NFL teams were represented at the event. happen. I can move past it when dleton tallied 23 for the Bucks in Justise Winslow scored 13 right away,” Dragic said. “But the fi nal quarter and the Indi- Jackson told NFL Network his game tape should tell NFL teams all I wake up.” the win. Quinn Cook fi nished points and Kelly Olynyk fi n- fi rst, we need to take care of ana Pacers held on to defeat the they need to know about his speed. Durant was sent to the show- with 30 points and Draymond ished with 11 for the Heat, who business and be professional.” Sacramento Kings 106-103. “I feel game speed is going to tell it all,” he said. “You gotta catch me ers in his return after a six-game Green had 11 points and six as- improved to 41-35. “I think In Detroit, Andre Drum- first. I’ve proved that.” absence due to a rib injury. sists for Golden State. we’re pretty solid on defence mond fi nished with 24 points RESULTS NFL Network further reported that some teams are having trouble Durant’s night was over when Elsewhere, Josh Richard- right now,” said Heat guard Ri- and 23 rebounds as the Detroit Detroit 103 Washington 92 arranging meetings with the quarterback prospect. “I’ve had several he lashed out at offi cial Tre son scored 22 points, Goran chardson. “But it can be better.” Pistons defeated Washington Miami 103 Chicago 92 teams tell me they’re having trouble just getting to set up appoint- Maddox, claiming he was fouled Dragic made 17 and Miami Heat 103-92 for its fi fth win in six San Antonio 103 Oklahoma City 99 ments to meet with him,” NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock on a drive to the basket. trimmed its magic number for One more win games. Indiana 106 Sacramento 103 said in a TV appearance. “Kevin just had a moment. clinching a postseason spot to The Heat need one more Detroit was missing power Milwaukee 116 Golden State 107

MLB Happ, Springer open season with homers AFP Springer. “It’s a great way to start Cubs fi rst baseman Rizzo, who scheduled to start on the mound Miami the season.” as a teen attended Stoneman on Sunday for the Angels. Springer, last year’s World Se- Douglas, will host the school’s Dominican 38-year-old slugger ries Most Valuable Player, became baseball team at Friday’s Marlins- Albert Pujols hit his 615th homer, hicago Cubs leadoff hit- the fi rst season leadoff homer Cubs game, when four families of seventh on the all-time list, for the ter Ian Happ smashed the hitter for a defending World Se- victims or survivors are scheduled Angels in the sixth inning. opening pitch of the 2018 ries champion. He’s also the only to make a ceremonial fi rst pitch. An emotional pre-game cere- Major League Baseball player to hit a lead-off homer on The Cubs showed support for mony before the New York Yankees seasonC for a home run Thursday as opening day in consecutive years, the gun-control and voter reg- opened at Toronto paid tribute to the Cubs beat the Miami Marlins having also homered in last year’s istration that student survivors former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher 8-4. opener against Seattle. are pushing for, wearing special Roy Halladay, who was killed in a Marlins pitcher Jose Urena en- Jake Marisnick also homered for T-shirts before the game made plane crash last November. dured a nightmare start in the fi rst the Astros in their 4-1 victory. by Cubs manager Joe Maddon’s Halladay’s sons walked to the game of the new campaign, which Happ, 23, became the youngest charity foundation. “The kids are mound and placed the ball there will conclude with the World Se- Cub to hit an opening-day homer standing up for what they believe ahead of a moment of silence. The ries in October. Happ, playing his since 1955. He smacked 24 homers in,” said Rizzo, who also homered Blue Jays retired Halladay’s number fi rst major league opening day and batted in 68 runs last year as a in the game. 32 jersey. The Yankees snapped after joining the Cubs in May last rookie for the Cubs. a club-record six-opener losing year, blasted the opening off er- Urena’s horror show only be- Ohtani singles to open streak with a 6-1 win over Toronto ing from 26-year-old Dominican gan with the homer, however, as Japan’s Shohei Ohtani, expected as Giancarlo Stanton homered right-hander Urena into the right- his fi rst opening-day start saw to be the fi rst regular pitcher- twice in his Yankees debut. fi eld stands. the Marlins hurler surrender three batter in the major leagues since Elsewhere, Joe Panik belted a It was not the fi rst time a sea- runs on 57 pitches in the fi rst in- Babe Ruth’s heyday a century ago, fi fth-inning home run as the San son’s fi rst pitch was swatted for ning. All nine Chicago batters singled off the fi rst major league Francisco Giants eased past the a homer. Boston’s Dwight Evans came to the plate. Happ became pitch he saw for the Los Angeles Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0. homered on the fi rst pitch of the the fi rst player to homer off the Angels at Oakland, batting eighth 1986 season at Detroit off Tigers fi rst pitch his team faced in a sea- in the lineup as a designated hitter RESULTS star pitcher Jack Morris. son since Japan’s Kazuo Matsui in in his debut after coming over from White Sox 14 Royals 7 Happ wasn’t the only lead- 2004 for the New York Mets. the Nippon Ham Fighters. The Houston 4 Texas 1 off hitter to homer as Houston’s 23-year-old is scheduled to start on Yankees 6 Blue Jays 1 George Springer smacked the School shooting tribute the mound Sunday against the A’s. Cubs 8 Marlins 4 third pitch from Texas starter Cole Both teams paid tribute to the Ohtani fi nished 1-for-5 as the Orioles 3 Twins 2 (11 innings) Hamels over the rightfi eld fence 17 people killed at a mass shooting Angels fell 6-5 in 11 innings, but Braves 8 Twins 5 to launch the new season for the last month at Marjory Stoneman said it was a day to remember. Brewers 2 Padres 1 (12 innings) World Series champion Astros. Douglas High School by wearing “That (fi rst) at-bat, I’m prob- A’s 6 Angels 5 (11 innings) “It felt great to hop on the fi rst matches with the initials “MSD” ably never going to forget the rest Mets 9 Cardinals 4 Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run on the first one and get us on the board,” said and 17 stars. of my life,” added Ohtani, who is Rays 6 Red Sox 4 pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Saturday, March 31, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Tiger’s fi t, Rory, Bubba are hot as Masters excitement sizzles A magical 82nd Masters lineup of rising stars near their peak and old favourites in strong form has built excitement seldom seen even on golf’s grandest stage

AFP Woods is driving the ball long once Augusta, United States again and putting and chipping well enough to challenge. “I feel like I’m physically able to do it again and it’s go- iger Woods, Bubba Watson, ing to be a lot of fun,” Woods said. “I’m Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas looking forward to it. I miss playing and Phil Mickelson lead a host there. Really looking forward to getting of in-form golf stars creating up there, doing a bit of work and getting Thigh expectations for an epic Mas- a feel for the course and basically that ters. And those aren’t even most of the style of golf again.” top-ranked players stirring a special Watson, the 2012 and 2014 Masters anticipation in the Georgia pine trees champion, won last week’s WGC Match- beneath which the year’s fi rst major Play and in February at Riviera to serve championship opens Thursday at Au- notice he could be in the hunt. “Obvi- gusta National. ously I want a green jacket. I never felt a Top-ranked Dustin Johnson, world coat feel so good,” Watson said. “I don’t number three Jon Rahm, fourth-ranked know if I can get lucky three times.” Jordan Spieth and fi fth-ranked Justin Four-time major winner McIlroy Rose will be driving up Magnolia Lane won the Arnold Palmer Invitational as well. And don’t forget defending with a Sunday back-nine charge and champion Sergio Garcia, who has be- makes his fourth try at completing come a husband and father since win- the Career Grand Slam by winning the ning his fi rst major on his 74th attempt, Masters. “I’m very happy to have my taking the green jacket on what would game in this shape going into the fi rst have been the 60th birthday of his late major of the year,” McIlroy said. “The idol, two-time Masters winner Seve last three years went OK. I’ve played Ballesteros. well. Not well enough. Hopefully I put “It has been unbelievable, everything the last piece of the puzzle in there this that has been going on,” Garcia said. year and get it done.” “I’ve been fortunate to have an amaz- Five-time major winner Mickelson ing career, an amazing life and now it’s ended a 96-event win drought of nearly getting even better.” fi ve years at the WGC Mexico Champi- Topping the emotional drama of the onship, beating Thomas in a playoff . Spaniard’s playoff win over Rose would The left-hander and three-time Mas- be diffi cult, but a magical 82nd Masters ters champion captured his 43rd career lineup of rising stars near their peak US PGA title at age 47. “To fi nally break and old favourites in strong form has through and to have this validation Tiger Woods, the 14-time major champion, built excitement seldom seen even on means a lot to me,” Mickelson said. has become a Masters oddsmakers favourite golf’s grandest stage. Woods sets the Thomas, who won last year’s PGA based on sharing second at the Valspar pace. The 14-time major champion Championship, took his eighth US PGA Championship and fifth at Bay Hill in his has become a Masters oddsmakers fa- title at the Honda Classic six weeks be- Augusta National tuneups. (Reuters) vourite based on sharing second at the fore the Masters, but missed a chance to Valspar Championship and fi fth at Bay reach Augusta as world number one by Hill in his Augusta National tuneups. losing in the WGC Match-Play semi- pressure.” the season-opening Tournament of ber but was third at Bay Hill and shared runner-up Jason Day of Australia won a But former world number one Woods, fi nals to Watson. “In the end it might be Johnson was a heavy Masters fa- Champions in Hawaii and could threat- fi fth at Valspar. “Game’s in a nice spot,” week later at Torrey Pines. Either could ranked 104th, has missed three of the a good thing going to Augusta without vourite last year before falling down a en again at Augusta. Rose, the 2015 and Rose said. challenge, as could Spieth, the 2015 US past four Masters with back injuries. that,” Thomas said. “I get to go do what staircase at a rented house on the eve 2017 Masters runner-up, last won at Spain’s Rahm won in the Califor- Open and Masters winner and reigning It has taken four back surgeries but I was going to do and let DJ have all that of the event and withdrawing. He won the WGC event in Shanghai in Octo- nia desert in January and 2011 Masters British Open champion.

RUGBY GOLF Australia’s Stannard Dunne leads aft er weather-hit fi rst round out of Games aft er AFP the par putt. The Dubliner secured his Wie had contrasting fortunes playing to- Houston place into the event for a fi rst occasion gether in the opening round at the ANA after fi nishing top-10 last week in the Inspiration on Thursday. ‘one-punch’ assault Dominican Republic. The eff ort is eas- Thompson made a promising start in reland’s Paul Dunne made the most ily Dunne’s lowest score, and despite a her quest for redemption after last year’s Reuters of his four remaining holes to be lift-clean-and-place rule in eff ect on the four-stroke penalty at Mission Hills in Sydney credited as the leader with an eight- saturated Golf Club of Houston course, in Rancho Mirage, California. under-par 64 after the completed 12 PGA Tour counting events dating back She carded a four-under 68 to trail Ifi rst round of the rain-aff ected Houston to his appearance in the 2014 Open. Swedish leader Pernilla Lindberg by three ustralia’s rugby sev- Open yesterday. It is Dunne’s lowest score also this year shots. Wie, on the other hand, blamed ens captain James Dunne, 25 had moved to six-under-par and a shot fewer than a 65 on day three of dizzy spells for her three-over 75 that left Stannard was ruled through 15 holes on Thursday when poor Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Janu- her with a steep hill to climb. out of the Common- light halted play just after 7.30pm local ary. American Sam Ryder had been lead- Thompson enjoyed a better day, happy wealthA Games with a fractured time and with the tournament having ing on eight-under-par through 16 holes to get the opening round out of the way skull following a ‘one-punch’ been delayed at the start of play by two when play was halted late Thursday but after last year’s bitter pill. attack in Sydney yesterday after hours due to heavy overnight rain. with the 28-year old Florida golfer re- Her four-stroke penalty for replacing a farewell dinner for departing When play resumed at 7.20am lo- turning to bogey his closing two holes in her ball in the wrong spot for a tap-in coach Andy Friend. cal time yesterday the reigning British Dunne then took the lead and moving a round of a six-under-par 66. putt and signing her third-round score- New South Wales Police said Masters champion holed a 30-footer for to eight-under-par in holing a 13-footer card before the violation was reported ef- in a statement that a 22-year- tral Cardiff and knocked the se- birdie at the par-3 16th hole to join the at the par-4 17th before missing the green DIZZY WIE STRUGGLES, THOMPSON fectively cost her the tournament, which old man had been charged with curity guard down. clubhouse leading duo of Lucas Glover right at the last only to send a superb chip STARTS STRONGLY AT ANA she lost a playoff to Ryu So-yeon and assault occasioning actual bod- Team manager Ernie Todd and Kevin Tway at seven-under-par. shot to three-feet from where he holed Americans Lexi Thompson and Michelle reduced her to tears. ily harm after a 35-year-old man initially disciplined Murdoch but had been punched in an alleged two days later sent him home. “unprovoked” attack. Rugby Players on the tour believe the SWIMMING Australia (RA) later identifi ed British media’s reporting of the Calgary gets Stannard as the victim of the at- incident and Todd’s health, he tack and said he was in hospital was suff ering from cancer, had support for with a fractured skull. been factors in him changing his South African Le Clos targets Games history RA said Stannard and a group initial decision. possible of players and team management Murdoch, however, did not AFP had been at a fast-food outlet return to New Zealand as sched- Gold Coast, Australia following the dinner for Friend uled, having got off the plane 2026 bid when the alleged attack oc- en route and disappeared into Toronto: The western Cana- curred. Two players in the squad, obscurity in rural Australia, be- dian city of Calgary moved outh Africa’s Chad Le Clos could including regular captain Lewis coming an enigma in rugby-mad one step closer to bidding for become the most successful athlete Holland, and Friend detained the New Zealand. The tighthead the 2026 Winter Olympics on in history man shortly afterwards and held prop was tracked to an oil drilling Thursday as the federal and when he takes the plunge in seven him until police arrived, RA said. operation near Perth by famed swimmingS events in Gold Coast start- provincial governments an- The men’s tournament will be New Zealand rugby journalist nounced their support for the ing next week. The 25-year-old pin-up, a held on the fi nal two days of the TP McLean in the late 1970s and creation of a bid corporation. four-time world champion and 2012 Ol- April 4-15 Games, with Australia confronted by a spanner-wield- A bid, if successful, would ympic gold medallist, is six medals behind drawn in Pool B with Samoa, Ja- ing Murdoch, who advised him be the fourth Winter Olym- shooters Mick Gault and Philip Adams, maica and England. to “get back on the bus”. pics held in Canada and the who lead the way with 18. “I got back on the bus,” McLean first in Calgary since 1988. However, Englishman Gault and Aus- ENIGMATIC ALL BLACKS wrote at the time. He was found The Italian Olympic Com- tralian Adams took six Games to reach 18 I should medal in those events and the 50m “I’ll be very happy with two relay med- PROP MURDOCH DIES again in rural Queensland in mittee has put forward a medals. Le Clos is aiming to do it in three, fl y, I just hope for a good start. It could very als and fi ve individual medals and that will Former All Blacks prop Keith the 1990s by journalist Margot proposal to stage the 2026 although he knows the odds are against easily be a great week but 0.1 (seconds) take me over the line for the most ever.” Murdoch, who was sent home McRae, but declined to be inter- Olympics jointly in Milan and him. “I don’t want to sound like I’m look- could decide the two on either side of the While he faces stiff competition from the in disgrace from the team’s tour viewed on camera. McRae wrote Turin. Sion in Switzerland ing for seven golds, because I’m not saying podium.” likes of Australian Olympic 100m freestyle of Britain in 1972 for punching a play about the encounter. and Stockholm have also ex- that at all,” said Le Clos, attempting to play Le Clos shot to global fame at the 2012 champion Kyle Chalmers, Le Clos backed a security guard in Cardiff , has Murdoch was last seen in pub- pressed interest in the Games down his chances as he contests the 50m, Olympics when he stunned swim- himself to deliver in Gold Coast despite the died — New Zealand Rugby said lic in 2001 when he appeared as a as well as cities from Austria 100m and 200m butterfl y and 100m and ming legend Michael Phelps by a fi ngertip added diffi culty presented by an outdoor yesterday. He was 74. witness at a coronial inquest in and the United States, among 200m freestyle. “I could come away with to capture the gold medal in the 200m but- pool. “I know a lot of people are worried Murdoch, who played 27 the Northern Territory over the others. two or three medals and not seven — it’s terfl y in one of the sport’s greatest upsets. about the weather or what might happen matches for the All Blacks, in- death of a young Aboriginal man The International Olym- a very real possibility because I’m in very A double world champion in both the but for me, honestly, if it hails down, or if cluding three tests, actually who had been caught breaking pic Committee session in tough events,” added the South African, 100m and 200m butterfl y, Le Clos also it’s 10 degrees, it doesn’t make any diff er- scored a try in his fi nal match, a into Murdoch’s home. Murdoch October will invite candidates who also goes in the 4x100m free and claimed surprise silver in the 200m free- ence,” he said. 19-16 victory over Wales in Car- was never named as a suspect, to bid formally, with a final 4x100m medley relays. style to go with silver in the 100m fl y at the “I’m prepared for anything and that’s diff . Murdoch was celebrating but said little during the inquest decision on hosting rights to “The 100m freestyle is stacked, and the Rio Olympics two years ago. “I would do one thing I know. I may not be the best the victory when he was refused and then disappeared from pub- be taken in September, 2019. 200m freestyle is stacked. The 100m and eight (events) if I could but we don’t have a 100m or 200m freestyler in the fi eld — but entry to the Angel Hotel in cen- lic sight again. 200m fl y will be very tough to win gold but third relay,” said Le Clos. I’m the toughest for sure.” Gulf Times Saturday, March 31, 2018 7 SPORT

HORSE RACING Bughanaim rides Cannon to Al Britha Cup victory The colt beat Mosayter, ridden by Harry Bentley, by three quarters of a length for the victory

ubarak bin Saeed al-Jafai Ghanim’s Galactic Prince (Dubawi x al-Naimi owned Cannon Opera Gal) made it two wins in a row (Amadeus Wolf x Picha- this month. Jassim Mohamed Ghazali cho) registered a hat-trick Jahromi’s ward, helmed by Champion Mof wins this calendar year with Qatari Jockey Harry Bentley on both the oc- jockey Faleh Bughanaim and trainer casions saw the gelding pick up a C&D Hadi Nasser Rashid al-Ramzani sweep- victory, having won a handicap over ing both the features this week. The 2000m two weeks ago. 5-year-old had won a handicap under The 4-year-old beat half-brother Bughanaim in January before topping Rich History (Dubawi x Polished Gem), the Al Rayyan Breeders Cup in February ridden by Gerald Avranche for trainer during the HH The Emir’s Sword Rac- Hamad Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani, by ing Festival. Bughanaim himself had two and a half lengths. Ibrahim Saeed ridden MJ Lattam to victory in the Fu- Ibrahim Al Malki’s ward, Perfect Storm weiret Cup on Wednesday, before add- (Excelebration x Lady Miletrian), also ing the 1,850m Al Britha Cup, the turf made it to the paddock after the race feature on Thursday. having fi nished third under Eduardo The colt beat Jassim Mohamed Ghaz- Pedroza. ali Jahromi schooled Mosayter (Coun- try Reel x Red Bravo), ridden by Harry THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP Bentley, by three quarters of a length (CLASS 4) (80 & BELOW) for the victory, while Stefano Ibido’s Abdulaziz Ali al-Kathiri’s Cristofano Salman Bu Thaila (Cockney Rebel x Allori (Shamardal x Perfect Touch) Hvasavi) completed the top three under continued his momentum as the colt Eduardo Pedroza. registered his fi rst career win after a string of top four results. The 4-year- THOROUGHBRED CONDITIONS old, who had some fi ne runs on dirt (CLASS 2) coming into this race, stepped up in Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari owned class and did enough under Stephan Opera Baron (Equiano x Opera Dancer) Ladjadj to win by a comfortable length registered his second straight victory and a quarter. this month. The victory, second on Hamad Ahmed al-Malki al-Jehani the day for Champion Trainer Jassim schooled China Club (Shamardal x Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim guides Cannon to victory in the Al Britha Cup at the QREC on Thursday. Mohamed Ghazali Jahromi, saw the JP Twyla Tharp), helmed by Jean Baptiste Guillambert ridden 5-year-old edge Hamel, edged out Jassim Mohamed distance so far, had Marc Lerner in the out the competition only by a nose. Ghazali Jahromi trained Sheikspear saddle for the fi rst time and the Mo- Yousef Ben Taher Mehaoued trained (Bahamian Bounty x Crinkle), with hamed bin Hamad Khalifa Al Mohalhal (Acclamation x Secret Harry Bentley astride, by a short head al-Attiyah owned 3-year-old did Question), with Jean Baptiste Hamel for a second place fi nish. enough to beat Mohamed Hussain in the saddle, fi nished second behind Afroz schooled Barig Al Thumama the 2016 Al Biddah Mile winner, while LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN (Kyllachy x Self Centred), ridden by Veranda (Canford Cliff s x Visinada) was MAIDEN PLATE (4-6YO) Jean Baptiste Hamel, by a little more the second third-placed horse for Ste- Umm Qarn and Alban Elie Marie De than a length for the victory. Another fano Ibido on the day. Mieulle had a one-two in the 2200m Al Ramzani ward, HOLY SHAMBLES race with Sha Alan (Khattaf x Al Zuba- (Holy Roman Emperor x Shim Sham) THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP rah) registering his fi rst career victory. fi nished third under Faleh Bughanaim. (CLASS 4) (70-90) The 4-year-old had registered a fi ne Qatari jockey Rashid Ali al-Marri regis- third on his debut in January, before a LOCAL THOROUGHBRED tered his third victory this season when disappointing 10th on dirt last month. MAIDEN PLATE (DIV 2) he rode Mohammed Riyaz Ibrahim The colt, with Jean Baptiste Hamel Mohamed Riyaz Ibrahim Kasim’s ward, Kasim trained Erroneous (Footstep- astride, edged out stablemate Seafe Al Khazileah (Redolent x Red Paola), sinthesand x Atir Love) to a fi ne win in (General x Mabrookah), with Stephan had picked up a fi ne second on her last the seven furlong run. The Injaaz Stud Ladjadj in the saddle, by a quarter of a outing, a six furlong sprint on dirt. On gelding had last won a little more than a length for the victory. Saleem Golam Thursday, the Meshaal bin Ali al-At- year ago. On Thursday, stepping down helmed Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Mal- tiyah owned 4-year-old stepped up in in class and distance, the 7yo held off ki schooled Ajs Lafan (Amer x Nuance distance and even changed surfaces. a challenge from the duo trained by Al Maury) to a close third. But the fi lly registered a fi ne win with Champion Trainer Jassim Mohamed three quarters of a length under a ride Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) deputy chief steward Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (right) with the connections of Ghazali Jahromi, including JP Guillam- THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN from Almotasem al-Balushi. Cannon, which won the Al Britha Cup at the QREC on Thursday. bert ridden Hydroxide (Lope De Vega x PLATE (3 YEAR OLDS) (CLASS 6) Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki Craighall) and Almotasem al-Balushi A move down in class and a step up in schooled Mister Mahjoob (Abide With LOCAL THOROUGHBRED one better and in thrilling style. the other contender in the duel with the helmed Cloudberry (Pivotal x Clouded distance did well for Random decision me x She’s Ok), ridden by Saleem MAIDEN PLATE (DIV 1) (3YO) Ridden by Eduardo Pedroza, the rest of the competition, including third Leopard), for a close victory. (Exceed and Excel x Connote) who shed Golam, was second in the mile long Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki’s Na- horse won a thriller picking up a victory placed Bahi (Lethal Force x Heavenly his maiden status with a comfortable run, while Stefano Ibido saddled Sul- haab (Zoff any x On Duty) had a runner with only a neck to spare. Whisper), ridden by JP Guillammbert THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP win in the mile long race. tan Bu Thaila (Sakhee’s Secret x Cozy up fi nish over C&D from earlier this Hadi Nasser Rashid al-Ramzani for Jassim Mohamed Ghazali Jahromi, (CLASS 4) (85 & BELOW) Hadi Nasser Rashid al-Ramzani B.J) completed the top three under Jean month and on Thursday the Mohamed trained Latamah (Pivotal x Poseidon’s fi nishing seven and a half lengths Shaheen bin Khalid Shaheen al- schooled gelding, running his longest Baptiste Hamel. Abdulla Abdulmalik owned colt went Bride), ridden by Tomas Lukasek, was behind.

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Stephens faces Ostapenko in fi nal Carreno Busta, Zverev reach AFP Miami Open semi-fi nals Miami AFP Miami Pablo Carreno Busta loane Stephens is determined to of Spain in action during write her name into the history the Miami Open. (AFP) books after she sealed a place in the lexander Zverev re- WTA Miami Open fi nal with a three- mains on target for his setS win over former world number one Vic- third ATP Masters ti- toria Azarenka on Thursday. tle after dismantling It was an impressive display by the reign- BornaA Coric 6-4, 6-4 to set up ing US Open champion who booked her a meeting with Pablo Carreno ticket for today’s showpiece with a 3-6, 6-2, Busta for a place in tomorrow’s 6-1 triumph, just 18 days after beating the Miami Open fi nal. The German Belarusian in straight sets at Indian Wells. world number fi ve produced a And in the fi nal she will meet world number supremely solid display and was fi ve Jelena Ostapenko after the French Open excellent value for this deserved champion saw off plucky American qualifi er victory against Coric who was Danielle Collins 7-6 (7/1), 6-3. ultimately overpowered and out- Stephens was raised in Plantation, around manoeuvred. an hour north of Key Biscayne and is ex- Zverev, who enjoyed a break- pecting her friends and family to turn up in through year in 2017 after win- who emerged victorious after second ATP Masters semi-fi nal. “full force.” Today’s encounter will be the ning the Italian Open in Rome just 84 minutes, executing the It was just his second win over a last women’s fi nal before the move away and the Canada Masters by beat- perfect balance between pressu- top 10 player in 23 attempts, and from Crandon Park to the Hard Rock Sta- ing Novak Djokovic and Roger rizing the Coric serve, and com- his fi rst over Anderson in fi ve at- dium next year. Stephens has won every one Federer respectively, is keen for fortably holding his own. tempts. of the fi ve fi nals she’s contested in her career Sloane Stephens of the US plays a backhand shot during her win over Victoria Azarenka of more of the same at Key Bis- Zverev, 20, had lost both his “It was an amazing match, and making it six in a row — and the last in Belarus in the semi-finals of the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Florida, on Thursday. (AFP) cayne. “The times we played previous matches against the no?,” said the world No 19. “I lost Key Biscayne — would make winning here before, he just better than me,” 21-year-old Croatian, at Cincin- last week to him, 7-6 in the third for the fi rst time even more special. “This ing very calm, I have been working on my taking care of myself. said Zverev, who will move to nati in 2015 and two years later at set. And today, well, at the be- feels like a home fi nal for me,” she said. mentality and it is helping me a lot. Sloane “That was the biggest part about ending number three in the world if he the US Open. ginning of the match I started to “We used to come down here all the time is great player but I will just try and enjoy it.” last season. And then going into this season, manages to win tomorrow’s fi nal. Yet the German started well in play really well. I was returning and play when I was younger. It’s always Stephens endured a terrible slump since I knew that I didn’t have the greatest off sea- “I am really happy to have made the bid to fi nally get to the Miami good, serving good, being very amazing for my friends and family when I triumphing at Flushing Meadows last Sep- son, so for me, the two matches that I lost it through against him. Car- last four after losing at this stage aggressive. play here. They are in full force. It’s weird, tember, losing her last six games of 2017 and the fi rst part of the year in Australia, not a reno Busta will be a very diffi cult for the previous two years. With “I served for the match in the what’s going to happen to Crandon Park. To started the New Year with defl ating early big deal. If you’re not 100%, you can’t ex- match, he’s playing really well his serve reaching 137 mph, he second set, 40-15, and he played play in front of my friends and family again exits in Sydney and the Australian Open. pect much. I took the time to get myself to- now. It is going to be a big test but was able to keep Coric in check some unbelievable points, pass- here for the last time, it feels kind of cool that “At the end of last season, I had to play. gether and I guess there has been some good I am looking forward to it.” while adopting the an aggres- ing shots, returning really good, I’ll be able to close it out in style for them.” Like, my heart was there but my body results.” Play was delayed for over an sive mindset. Carreno Busta has winner with his forehand. After Ostapenko, meanwhile, was delighted to physically was not,” said the American who The unheralded Collins, 24, who stunned hour because of a problem with never played Zverev before. He that it was a really tough mental reach her fi rst WTA premier mandatory fi - missed 11 months from the Rio Olympics to Venus Williams in the quarter-fi nals, once the Crandon Park fl oodlights but will head into match full of confi - moment for me. nal — and just like Stephens, she is yet to win Wimbledon last summer because of a foot again showed her talent and poise for the big when the action fi nally began, dence after beating Anderson in a But I continued fi ghting. It’s one having lost in the semi’s in Beijing last injury. “And I think that was the most im- occasion as she gave the Latvian a serious the restless crowd were treated dramatic third set tie-break. a very important victory for me year. “I am really happy to be in the fi nal,” portant thing, getting myself back in the test. A break for 6-5 in the fi rst set gave her to an absorbing match-up be- Anderson had saved two against him. I am so happy to be said the Latvian. best shape that I could be in, making sure the opportunity to serve it out but it wasn’t tween two of the rising stars of match points in the second set in the semi-fi nals.” Juan Mar- “I know Danielle has been playing well that I was pain-free, that I wasn’t going to taken allowing Ostapenko to force a tie- the men’s game. but the gleeful Spaniard even- tin del Potro and John Isner will but I just had to stick to my game. I am stay- get injured again, and making sure I was break which she dominated 7-1. And in the end it was Zverev tually prevailed, reaching his contest the fi rst semi-fi nal.

Saturday, March 31, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

QATAR SUPERSTOCK 600 Impressive al-Naimi grabs his fi rst Superpole of the season Defending champion Saeed al-Sulaiti will start from the second place on the grid at Losail International Circuit

Qatar’s Mishal al-Naimi leads the pack during the Superpole for the fourth round of the Qatar Superstock 600 yesterday at Losail International Circuit.

Essa al-Mutawa in action during the QSTK Trophy qualifying.

By Sports Reporter 2:04.383 secs and will start from the in the steering dumper, last week it was tunately we were not fast enough,” he race.” Al-Sulaiti added. be the fastest rider in the QSTK Trophy Doha fi rst row today. harder and today it was diff erent, so said. Abdullah al-Qubaisi and Nasser al- and tomorrow I am ready to race for the “Today it was very diffi cult for me when I made it harder I felt a big diff er- “For tomorrow we will do some Malki will start in third and fourth place victory. I have been training very hard from the beginning and I started very ence and managed to make a good lap changes to feel better with the bike and respectively from the grid. during this last month and I have to do or fi rst time this season, Qatar’s slow this morning. I tried to push be- time of 2:04.3sec,” he added. hope we can fi nd the right strategy that In the QSTK Trophy, the fastest rider some small changes in the set up and I Mishal al-Naimi took the Su- cause last week I did 2.03.7secs and Saeed al-Sulaiti will start from the can take us to fi ght for the victory. I am was Essa al-Mutawa. Soud al-Thani hope we can fi x it and be 100% ready for perpole for the fourth round of today I tried to go to 2.04 but it was second place on the grid. “Today we really happy that Abdullah will start and the Kuwaiti rider Mohammad al- tomorrow,” said Al MutAwa. the Qatar Superstock 600 yes- impossible. In the Free Practice 2, I put started the free practices, with a really from the fi rst row for the fi rst time. He Zaidan fi nished second and third re- Today, the QSTK Race 1 starts at terdayF at Losail International Circuit. new tyres to see if I can improve but the hot temperature, trying to fi nd the right did it amazing today and his lap timing spectively in QSTK Trophy. 11:30am, while Race 2 is at 15:30. The With a very hot track conditions, al- lap time was the same,” said al-Naimi. set up with the bike and we thought is really fast, improving a lot and I hope Al-Mutawa was very happy with his entrance is free at the Grandstand and Naimi managed to make a lap time of “In the Superpole I found something that we found the solution but unfor- he can stay with us tomorrow in the performance today. “I am very happy to Paddock for spectators.

SPOTLIGHT ROUND-UP Saeed al-Qadi guides Jessico 4 Al Rayyan to skip Arab to victory at Hathab Series Football Club Championship l Rayyan have decided also in some matches of the HH 0-1, went through his paces hav- not to take part in the The Emir’s Cup. ing successfully completed his Arab football Club Al-Hashimi has been one of rehabilitation programme. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi in action with Jessico 4 Championship, sched- the key performers for Qatar SC uledA to be held in August. The this season. They are currently during the 10th leg of the Hathab Qatar SAAD, FATHI JOIN Equestrian Series at Al Shaqab Indoor arena decision was made due to clash placed ninth with 22 points. Qa- AL ARABI TRAINING yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi of dates with the club’s local and tar SC players tested their match Ahmed Fathi and Saad Natiq are continental fi xtures. fi tness by playing a friendly back in Al Arabi fold after doing Al Rayyan’s Director of foot- against Umm Salal on Thursday. duty for Qatar and Iraq respec- ball, Ali Salem Afi fah said in a tively at the recent International statement: “The start of the Arab SADD PLAYERS BACK FROM Friendship tournament, which Championship clashes with local INTERNATIONAL DUTY Qatar won in Iraq. Syria were the and continental matches. August Al Sadd got back the services of other team in the fray. is when Al Rayyan prepares for their players who did inter- Al Arabi players are continu- the new local football season, national duty as they prepare ing their training and will play which means the club won’t be for their home match in the a friendly against Al Markhiya in full readiness to compete in fi fth round of AFC Champions today, ahead of their QNB Stars the championship.” League against the UAE’s Al League Week 22 game against Qatar Football Association Wasl on 2nd April. Al Khor on 8th April. Al Arabi (QFA) had contacted Al Rayyan Goalkeeper Saad al-Dossari, coach Luka Bonacic will be keen to participate in the tournament Hassan al-Haydous, Pedro that his players sustain the mo- after receiving an invitation from Miguel, Abdulkarim Hassan, mentum and build on their four the Union of Arab Football As- Salem ak-Hajri and Akram Afi f, consecutive victories, something sociations. QFA also unoffi cially who represented Qatar at the unheard of The Dream Team in contacted other clubs to par- tri-nation friendly tournament recent times. Al Arabi are sev- ticipate in the tournament after which Qatar won in Iraq, trained enth with 24 points. Al Rayyan’s apology, however, with the squad on Wednes- those clubs too declined the off er day evening. So did Meshaal HH THE EMIR TABLE TENNIS due to busy schedule. The Arab Barsham, Hatem Kamal, Hus- CUP TO BEGIN ON APRIL 20 Championship matches will be sein Behzad, Meshaal Ibrahim, The HH The Emir Table Tennis played with the knockout system Hassan Ahmed, Ahmed Suhail, Cup will begin on April 20. The By Sports Reporter and the fi nal will be held on 28 or Bahaa Leithi, Mohammed Waed draw of the event was held at Doha 29 April next year. and Yusuf Abdul Razak, who Ras Abu Aboud hallin the pres- were on Olympic and youth team ence of Mohammad Abdullah QATAR SC’S AL-HASHIMI duty for Qatar. Saleh, Secretary-General of the atari rider Saeed Nasser al-Qadi OUT FOR A MONTH Algerian striker Baghdad Qatar Table Tennis Association piloted his trusted gelding Jessico Qatar SC player Jassim al- Bounedjah and Iranian defender (QTTA), Naji al-Aji, the QTTA 4 to victory on the opening day of Hashimi will be out of action Morteza Mohammed too joined Board Member, Mohammad the 10th leg of the Hathab Qatar for a month after undergoing a the squad after honouring their al-Rumaihi, the QTTA Executive EquestrianQ Tour. knee surgery at Aspetar. That countries’ commitments. Mean- Director and Thani al-Zaraa, the At the Al Shaqab Indoor arena yesterday, means The Kings will be without while, Boualem Khoukhi, who QTTA Board Member. Al Gharafa al-Qadi and Jessico 4 combined in splendid his services when they face Al injured his foot during their QNB will take on Al Shamal in the fashion to win the Medium Tour class, the Gharafa in Week 22 of the QNB Stars League Week 21 match opening match. The fi nal match feature event of the day. The pair fi nished Stars League on 8th April and against Al Khor which they lost will be staged on April 26. their round in 61.39 secs to emerge fastest. A second behind of the winner was Mu- barak Yousuf al-Rumaihi, who guided Vivaldi K to runner-up fi nish. Mohamed Said Haidan came third with Damorano in 73.92 secs, well behind the top two. In the Small Tour, Abdulla Rashid al-Amri emerged triumphant with What A Lady Van In Small Tour, Abdulla Rashid al-Amri emerged triumphant with What A Lady Van De Smis. De Smis. The pair combined two fi nish fast- est in 33.09 secs. nationals and also to residents of Qatar. Prize Money QR20,000 Mohamed al-Ghazali (Casanova SCH) Organisers aim to improve the standard of 1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Jessico 4) Time: fi nished second, while Ghanim Nasser al- horse riding among Qatari youths through 61.39secs. Prize money: QR5,000 Qadi (Al Bareq) took the third spot. Hathab, while also encouraging the involve- 2. Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (Vivaldi K) 62.39 Today, the dressage events (Level 1 and 2) ment of private stables and individual horse secs. QR4,000 will be held in the morning and will be fol- owners to increase awareness of horseman- 3. Mohamed Said Haidan (Damorano) 73.92 lowed by the Open Class and Big Tour events ship as part of Qatar’s history and tradition. secs. QR3,000 later in the afternoon and evening. Results of the competition will be used in There are two more rounds of Hathab re- the selection process of riders to represent Comp. (1) Small Tour - Table A, Special two maining after the 10th leg. Hathab, mean- Qatar in future international competitions. phases, Art. 274.5.6, 100/115cm, Prize Money ing ‘Canter’ in Arabic, is an initiative of HE Each leg will carry points, with only top sev- QR10,000 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, presi- en results to be counted, and an overall win- 1. Abdulla Rashid al-Amri (What A Lady Van De dent of the Qatar Olympic Committee. The ner to be declared at the end of series. Smis) Time: 33.09. Prize money:QR2,500 championship is jointly organised by Al 2. Mohamed al-Ghazali (Casanova SCH) 37.82 Shaqab and Qatar Equestrian Federation. RESULTS secs. QR2,000 The series, which carries a total prize Comp. (2) Medium Tour - Table A, One round 3.Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (Al Bareq) 37.85 secs. money of QR1 million, is open for Qatari against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 120/130cm, QR1,500 Al Sadd players train ahead of their AFC Champions League match against the UAE’s Al Wasl on April 2.