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Thursday, May 3, 2018 TENNIS Sha’baan 17, 1439 AH I will work hard to GULF TIMES restore confidence, says Djokovic SPORT Page 6

ATHLETICS / Global superstars nurture next generation athletes ‘Being welcomed at Aspire Academy with such warmth shows how much appreciation has for ’

By Sports Reporter Doha

nthusiastic schoolchildren from across Doha were given the chance to try their hand in athletics with a masterclass hostedE by World and Olympic Champi- ons at Aspire Academy. Held ahead of tomorrow’s Doha Dia- mond League, the youngsters, aged 9 to 12, eagerly ran onto the track to be led in a warm-up by Olympic medallist Dawn Harper-Nelson alongside fellow Americans, Olympian , Indoor champion and 2017 Diamond League champion , and javelin world champion Jo- hannes Vetter and Canadian silver medallist . Utilising the state-of-the-art indoor athletics track at Aspire Academy, the champions shared their expertise with more than 50 eager youth in sprint- ing, hurdles, javelin and . Though demonstrations were kept to World champion of gives some javelin tips. a minimum, as the athletes begin fi nal preparations for their respective Dia- mond League events later in the week, Harper-Nelson, Lyles and De Grasse couldn’t resist a fun relay race at the end of the class. For Harper-Nelson, meeting the young children of Doha gave wider in- sight into the role of sport in the coun- try. “Being welcomed at Aspire Academy with such warmth from the smiling faces of the schoolchildren shows how much appreciation Qatar has for track Olympic silver medallist Sandi Morris demonstrates pole vaulting to a masterclass participant at the Aspire Dome yesterday. and fi eld. I’ve been motivated to put on a great show for Doha and its commu- met Andre de Grasse who was behind especially with the Diamond League the shy ones out of their shells and help nity and absolutely kill it on the track,” in Rio! Sport is very impor- season-opener in the city tomorrow them try something new. That’s what she said. tant for me, because as I see it, it’s not a and the IAAF World Championships on sport is truly about; being able to inter- Twelve-year-old Waleed from Lycée complete life without sport.” the horizon in 2019. act with people from all over the world Voltaire expressed his excitement at Organised by the Doha Diamond Speaking after the masterclass, Mor- and build confi dence,” she said. meeting De Grasse and spoke about the League Local Organising Committee, ris spoke about how much she enjoyed This year’s importance of sport in his life. “It was in collaboration with Aspire Academy, the morning and the impact sport can promises to be one of the best-ever and a great experience to see these athletes the masterclass aimed to engage and bring beyond the track. “Coming here will take place tomorrow from 5-9pm from all over the world, and even more inspire local schoolchildren in athletics today and meeting these children from at Qatar Sports Club. Tickets are priced being able to run, and try out javelin and celebrate the true spirit of the sport a diff erent background; I was able to from just QR40 and can be bought on- and pole vaulting with them. We even with the next generation of athletes, introduce them to pole vaulting, draw line now at https://bit.ly/2GVnHqN Schoolchildren get some tips from 100m Olympic medallist Dawn Harper-Nelson.

SPOTLIGHT Doha Diamond League rehearsal for 2019 Worlds: Dr Thani al-Kuwari

QNA champion Mutaz Barshim, the 2017 IAAF Ath- onships, will off er a world-class and fascinat- Qatari star athlete is following in the steps of Doha lete of the Year. ing world championship and will be a legacy Jamaican legend Usain Bolt, who retired last Dr al-Kuwari added that the Doha meet this for the fans of the sport around the world. year. The Qatari champion will be the next ma- year will work as a mini rehearsal for the 2019 Talking about tomorrow’s event, he said jor athlete after Bolt according to analysts as atar Olympic Committee (QOC) World Championships in athletics, which will this Doha Diamond League will see the larg- Barshim enjoys the same charisma, which fans second vice president and Qatar be hosted for the fi rst time in the Middle East. est Qatari participation with 10 track and fi eld adore, al-Kuwari said. Athletics Federation (QAF) presi- The 10th edition of Doha Diamond League next athletes, including Abdellelah Haroun running He added that the organising committee of dent Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman year, he said, will act as the fi nal rehearsal for the the 400m, 2017 winner the 2019 World Championships is planning to Qal-Kuwari said that the 2018 Doha Diamond championship and will be organised at Khalifa running the 400m hurdles, and Ahmed Bader invite Bolt to attend the event next year, along League is one of the most important meets of International Stadium, the venue of the World in the javelin. For the fi rst time, Qatari youth with the Doha Diamond League meet. It would the league given that it is the fi rst of the sea- Championships. The Suhaim bin Hamad Sta- Mohanad Khamis will participate in 3,000m strongly enhance the concept of sports tour- son and the oldest in the Middle East, with the dium will be used for training purposes only. steeplechase and Jamal Hairane in 800m run, ism in Qatar, he said. highest champion participation. In 2019 Doha will host three tournaments whereas the rest of the athletes will participate Asked if QAF intends to change the date of Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he before the World Championships in August, to gain experience and compete against world the Doha Diamond League meet from the be- said that the 9th edition, which will be held to- including the Gulf tournament in March, the champions, he added. ginning of the season to the middle or to the morrow at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, will be Asian tournament in April, and the Doha Dia- He hoped that Qatari athletes win more than end in order to witness season-fi nales, al- more special than the past editions as 20 global mond league in May. one title, al-Kuwari said. Kuwari said that May is better than August in champions, Olympians and 150 athletes will be Al-Kuwari said the federation, with cumu- Talking about Barshim, al-Kuwari said terms of weather, and that kicking off the sea- participating, led by Qatar’s world lative experience in hosting athletics champi- Barshim continues to progress and that the son in Doha motivates the crowd to attend. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, May 3, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Wenger wants to fi nish Arsenal ‘love story’ with Europa success Atletico are favourites, having secured a 1-1 draw and a precious away goal from the first leg in last week

AFP ates Stadium despite having Sime Vr- Madrid saljko sent off early on while Diego Costa will also return from injury for Arsenal manager Arsene the second leg. “In history Costa has Wenger (right) and Henrikh rsene Wenger wants a happy shown he can make the diff erence,” Mkhitaryan during training ending to his love story with Wenger said. “He played in England session yesterday. (Reuters) Arsenal and admits their and was very successful. It is our job to Europa League semi-fi nal keep him quiet.” againstA Atletico Madrid today will af- Simeone will not be on the touch- fect the future of the club. Arsenal, line at the Wanda Metropolitano after adrift of the Premier League’s top Atletico’s coach was sent to the stands four, will have to win the tournament last week. “I believe every manager to qualify for the Champions League has his own personality,” Wenger said. while defeat would mean Wenger’s 22- “He is doing extremely well at what he year tenure ending on a dull note. does.” Atletico are favourites, having se- In last week’s fi rst leg, Antoine cured a 1-1 draw and a precious away Griezmann’s 82nd-minute strike saw goal from the fi rst leg in London last Atletico fi ght back to claim a draw, after week. Diego Simeone’s side have also being reduced to 10 men early on in the not lost a La Liga game at home this fi rst leg following Sime Vrsaljko’s red season. card. “I would like to fi nish my job well,” Arsenal have their work cut out to Wenger said yesterday. “I believe a score at the Wanda Metropolitano as man has to give his best as long as he is Atletico have not conceded in their last somewhere. With all my commitment 11 matches at home. But Wenger is con- and energy, I would like to walk out of fi dent they can fulfi l their objective of Arsenal one day knowing that until reaching the fi nal provided they dem- the last day I focused only on Arsenal. onstrate the same spirit they showed in When my job at Arsenal is fi nished I last week’s fi rst leg at the Emirates. will see where I go from there but I want “The history (Atletico’s recent record to fi nish this love story well.” of not conceding at home) has to stop Despite his domestic achievements, somewhere and that is what we will try Wenger has never won a European tro- to do,” Wenger added. “In the fi rst game phy with Arsenal but perhaps just as we created the greater chances and that important will be the legacy he leaves is what we want to recreate. We just his successor. “The next game is al- have to keep exactly the same commit- ways the most important and this one ment and not focus too much on where because it infl uences the future of my we play, just focus on how well we at- club,” Wenger said. “It is a very, very tack and how well we build the game up big game for us because the future of from the back.” Arsenal football club is not exactly the Wenger confi rmed David Ospina will same if we qualify for the Champions continue in goal while Henrikh Mkhi- League or not.” taryan is hoping to overcome a knee Atletico avoided defeat at the Emir- problem.

ROUND-UP FIFA proposes staging a new mini-World Cup every two years Brighton must Manchester, England: FIFA president domestic club leagues. UEFA’s inaugural Gianni Infantino has proposed staging competition will begin in September this what would eff ectively be a mini-World year. Other continents would have to set stifl e Man United’s Cup, featuring eight international teams, up similar competitions for the tourna- every two years in addition to the tradi- ment to be viable. tional event. Infantino suggested that similar rhythm: Hughton The tournament, known as the ‘Final intercontinental mini-tournaments to the 8’, would be the climax of a proposed Final 8 could also be organised for the righton and Hove Albion global Nations League competition, part top teams in the lower divisions. Infan- must work hard to spoil of an ambitious plan to reform interna- tino’s letter said that all revenue from the Manchester United’s tional football which FIFA believes could competition would be redistributed. momentum in tomor- be worth $25 bn in a 12-year cycle. “This means that FIFA as an organisa- row’sB Premier League match and In a letter seen by Reuters, Infantino, tion would not benefit financially from get a crucial win to secure their who has already overseen the enlarge- this competition,” he said. top-fl ight status for next sea- ment of the existing World Cup from 32 “We believe this off er is an excellent son, the hosts’ manager Chris to 48 teams starting in 2026, suggested opportunity for the confederations and Hughton has said. that the new tournament would take member associations as well as for foot- Brighton have lost three and place every October and/or November The plans were sent by Infantino to the for comment. ball in general.” drawn as many of their last six of every odd year starting from 2021. members of FIFA’s decision-making European soccer body UEFA and In a separate proposal for Europe, the league matches to drop to 14th He said that a “solid and serious” group Council which still has to approve them. its counterpart for North and Central letter suggested that member associa- in the standings on 37 points. of investors were willing to spend $25 The new competition would run paral- America and the Caribbean, CONCACAF, tions could receive up to $50 mn for Despite being fi ve points clear of bn on the competition and a revamped lel to existing international tournaments have already set up Nations League taking part in a single UEFA Nations the relegation zone, the Seagulls version of the Club World Cup, which such as the European Championship, contests in their own continents. League campaign although this amount are not yet completely safe. would also start in 2021 with 24 teams. Copa America, and African Nations Cup, In both cases, the competitions involve would only be for the top-five ranking United have narrowly beaten The Confederations Cup, currently plus the World Cup qualifying stages. all the national teams in their respective federations. Brighton in the league and FA staged every four years in a year before It could lead to criticism that FIFA is regions who are divided into divisions The next biggest five European coun- Cup earlier this season but the World Cup, would be abolished. The over-complicating international football based on their rankings. tries would receive $15 mn to $20 mn Hughton is confi dent his side Zabaleta has said. letter did not clearly indicate how many and devaluing its flagship World Cup. There is promotion and relegation be- while the 33 lowest-ranked associations can get a better result at the international Lanzini has been slots would be allocated to each region. FIFA could not immediately be reached tween the divisions, as in conventional would receive a more modest $7 mn. Amex Stadium. “You have to go battling a persistent knee injury into every game thinking you can and played over an hour for the get a result — we’ll be buoyed by fi rst time since March in last our previous matches but United weekend’s 4-1 defeat by league FOCUS are in a good rhythm — these are champions Manchester City. the challenges we’ve worked so The 25-year-old also notched hard for,” Hughton told a news an assist as a second-half sub- conference yesterday. stitute in the defeat by Arsenal Marseille within touch of European glory days “We have to be good on the earlier this month and Zabaleta ball and cause them problems — believes his compatriot’s gradual AFP champions coached by Marco Rose wiped for any side that has their quality resurgence can help West Ham Marseille the fl oor with Lazio 4-1 in the second leg you know they’ll be off ensive stay out of the relegation battle. to progress 6-5 on aggregate. and you know at times they’ll “Manuel is one of the most “Against Lazio a lot of people thought take chances going forward. We creative players in our team. He’s arseille face Salzburg today we were dead and buried but we knew have an opportunity on Friday not had a good time in terms within touching distance of how to turn things around,” commented to do ourselves a big favour... of injuries, but to have Manu their fi rst European fi nal in Salzburg’s Swedish-born Kosovo mid- if we can perform as well as we back in the team is good news, almost a decade and a half. fi elder Valon Berisha. Marseille though did against them on the previ- so hopefully he can help us get MGoals from Florian Thauvin and Clinton will be bitterly disappointed if they don’t ous two occasions then we give some points in the next games,” Njie in last week’s Europa League semi- hit the right notes in Mozart’s home city. ourselves a chance.” the 33-year-old defender said. fi nal fi rst leg kept alive the French club’s They breezed into the last four with a Brighton could still get The defeat by City left West quest for a fi rst continental title since 5-2 aggregate rout of RB Leipzig, con- dragged into trouble in the Ham in danger of being dragged their triumph in the inaugural Champi- fi rming they are on an upward trajec- closing stages as they travel to into the relegation battle as ons League fi nal in 1993. tory under former Lille and Roma coach champions Manchester City and they sit 15th in the league, three They subsequently reached the UEFA Garcia. On the pitch last week’s scorer third-placed Liverpool in their points and positions above Cup fi nal in 2004, losing to Rafael Be- Thauvin is in enjoying the form of his fi nal two matches of the season. 18th-placed Southampton with nitez’s Valencia in Gothenburg. Success life, playmaker Dimitri Payet is at his However, Hughton said he was as many matches left in the in Salzburg (kick-off 1905 GMT) would best again setting up both goals last week content with Brighton’s overall campaign. “Yes, Sunday’s result leave the American-owned Ligue 1 side while midfi elder Luiz Gustavo is campaign as the club have the wasn’t good, but we have to facing serious opposition in the shape of proving an inspired signing. chance to secure a mid-table forget that game, be positive and Atletico Madrid or Arsenal. They face off In attack Garcia is counting on Valere fi nish in their fi rst season in the move into the next game think- in today’s other semi-fi nal tied at 1-1 af- Germain to regain his form having scored Premier League. ing we can get the three points,” ter last week’s fi rst leg at the Emirates in only one goal in the past two months. The Brighton’s squad is fully fi t for Zabaleta said. London. Marseille-born striker, who is due to start the United clash with the excep- “One more win, or four In Marseille’s favour should they pre- Marseille players warm up during a training session on the eve of the Europa League in place of injured Kostas Mitroglou, told tion of midfi elder Steve Sidwell, points, could be enough to be vail in is the fact that the May 16 semi-final match against RB Salzburg in Marseille, , yesterday. (AFP) AFP he’d often experienced these fallow who has missed the entire sea- safe 100%. We cannot wait on fi nal is being staged in Lyon, just a cou- spells but that hasn’t diminished his con- son with a back injury. Swansea (City), Southampton ple of hundred kilometres inland from new players Marseille fi nished fi fth last ything for granted, declaring after last fi dence “because I’ve also had fantastic or Stoke (City) to keep dropping their Mediterranean headquarters. When season, and are now fourth, one point week’s win: “We have to remain humble, months, like last August, or between De- LANZINI RETURN CAN points. We have to think about American billionaire Frank McCourt behind third-placed with three nothing’s done yet. If we can take every- cember and February when I was scoring BOOST WEST HAM’S West Ham and getting three bought the slumbering French giants in games of the season remaining. one to the fi nal in France that would be all the time”. SURVIVAL BID: ZABALETA points.” October 2016 after their worst fi nish — But before their fans start booking ac- brilliant but we are not there yet.” He can take heart from the example set West Ham United midfi elder The London outfi t will be 13th — in Ligue 1 in 15 years he promised commodation for the fi nal their team Garcia has good reason to inject a note by his compatriot Karim Benzema, who Manuel Lanzini’s return to form aiming for just their third away to restore the glory days of the once- must see off a Salzburg side that have of caution, judging by Salzburg’s escape fi red Real Madrid into the Champions can propel the club towards se- win in the league when they dominant club. not lost at home all season and who beat act against Lazio in the quarter-fi nals. League fi nal on Tuesday with a double curing their Premier League spot travel to ninth-placed Leicester With Rudi Garcia’s arrival as coach on Marseille 1-0 in the Europa League group Trailing 4-2 after the fi rst leg in and after a miserable run when he scored only for next season, teammate Pablo City on Saturday. a three-year contract and investment in phase. Garcia for one was not taking an- seemingly done and dusted the Austrian once in 12 matches.

Gulf Times 4 Thursday, May 3, 2018

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS says weighing up Delhi Daredevils playing in Pakistan

Reuters Wellington

ew Zealand is weighing up playing cricket in Pakistan edge past Rajasthan for the fi rst time in 15 years after an invitation from the south Asian nation’s cricket board. New Zealand have not played in Pakistan since 2003 Ndue to security concerns but had been asked to play matches in the country later this year, governing body New Zea- land Cricket said. “NZC has received a request from the PCB chairman for New Zealand to play in Pakistan,” an NZC spokes- man said. “At the moment NZC is doing due diligence on the re- Royals to stay alive quest and consulting with security providers, the government, and the players. We will respond to the PCB when this process has ‘It’s been going great but I’m just happy with the win for my team’ been completed.” The Black Caps are scheduled to play tests and one-day inter- IANS nationals against Pakistan in November at the United Arab Emir- New Delhi Delhi Daredevils batsman Rishabh Pant ates, the country’s designated ‘home’ base. plays a shot during the 2018 Indian Premier No dates have been issued for those matches but the spokes- League match against at man said they would be played in the UAE. Pakistan has remained aptain Shreyas Iyer and The Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium in largely starved of international cricket since the 2009 attacks on a stumper Rishabh Pant New Delhi yesterday. (AFP) bus carrying Sri Lanka’s team in Lahore, which wounded six play- struck rollicking half ers and a British coach, and killed eight Pakistanis. centuries to keep Delhi But Sri Lanka returned to the country for a Twenty20 match in Daredevils’C play-off hopes alive Lahore in October and West Indies played a recent T20 series in in the Karachi. New Zealand abandoned their last test tour of Pakistan (IPL) after the hosts pipped Ra- in 2002 after a bomb exploded outside their Karachi hotel but re- jasthan Royals by four runs by turned to play an ODI series in 2003. D/L method in a rain-truncated Pakistan media, citing an unnamed source in the national clash at the Ferozshah Kotla yes- cricket board, reported that had also been approached terday. to play in the country. Australia are scheduled to play tests and With sporadic rain aff ecting limited overs matches against Pakistan at the UAE later in the the proceedings in the fi rst in- year, likely starting in September or October. Cricket Australia nings, Rajasthan’s target was declined to confi rm the approach but said their next series against curtailed to 151 from 12 overs Pakistan would remain in the Middle East. and the visitors were very much “The safety and security of Australian players is our number in the chase, thanks to a stroke- one priority,” a CA spokesman said. fi lled 26-ball 67 from opener Jos “From an Australia team perspective, we are not contemplat- Buttler. ing moving our current bilateral-tour arrangements from taking Pacer Trent Boult pulled back on Pakistan in the Middle East, when they host the next series.” things for the home side with a couple of and a brilliant last over where he defended 15 West Indies all-rounder Brathwaite joins Kent runs as Delhi rose one spot to the No 7 in the points table. West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has signed to play Buttler began the chase, clob- for Kent in their opening four matches of the Vitality Blast bering the Delhi bowlers merci- Twenty20 competition, the county announced yesterday. The lessly all over the park to bring up World T20 champion, who made his name hitting four succes- Rajasthan’s 50 in just 19 balls sive sixes in the final over of the 2016 final against England, will in the company of D’Arcy join the squad before the opening group match at Surrey on Short (44 off 24), who played July 6. Brathwaite, 29, who has played three Tests, 28 one-day the perfect second fi ddle to the internationals and 25 T20s for West Indies, said: “I’m delighted to Englishman. Buttler meted out be joining Kent Spitfires for my first taste of county cricket. special treatment to young pac- “I have a good relationship with Sam Billings, having played in er Avesh Khan, smashing him the same team at the IPL (Indian Premier League) and BBL (Big thrice over the boundary as he Bash League). Sam chatted to me about the opportunity to join got to his individual 50 off just and has told me a lot about the great support and atmosphere 18 deliveries as the home crowd on T20 nights.” began to lose hopes of a win. “Carlos is a proven match-winner,” said Kent director of cricket Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, Paul Downton. “He is an explosive ball striker and a skilful white- however, brought the smiles ball bowler with good variations and extensive experience in the back to the fans, who stayed well 20-over format. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will suc- past midnight braving the heavy ceed Brathwaite as the squad’s second overseas player ahead of rain, by getting Buttler a likely debut against Sussex on July 27. Derbyshire have signed with a top spinner. experienced Pakistan bowler Wahab Riaz, who will be available Boult then jolted the visitors for the county’s opening 10 T20 matches. with the quick wickets of Sanju Samson (3) and Ben Stokes (1) loss of opener Colin Munro in the Iyer soon joined the party, century in 34 balls even as Pant As Daredevils, we’re just being Sri Lanka’s Karunaratne in doubt for West Indies tour even as Glenn Maxwell ended opening over. After heavy rain belting leg-spinner leg-spinner continued his onslaught to bring positive. We know if we lose, Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne has fractured a finger Short’s resistance to reduce Ra- delayed the start of play by one Shreyas Gopal for two consecu- up his sixth IPL half century in 23 we’re out, so being positive for in practice, off icials said Wednesday, and is in doubt for a jasthan to 118/4. and a half hours, resulting in the tive sixes even after Prithvi fell to deliveries as Delhi looked set for every match. Intent is same in West Indies tour starting this month. Sri Lanka’s cricket board With 33 needed off 14 balls, match being reduced to 18 overs a simple caught and bowled ef- a massive total before rain halted every game, but the small things confirmed Karunaratne sustained the injury while batting in the Krishnappa Gowtham (18 not a side, pacer Dhawal Kulkarni fort from the same bowler. play one ball into the fi nal over. were important which got us the nets on Tuesday to prepare for a limited-overs tournament. It out) and Rahul Tripathi (9) failed provided the visitors a perfect The dismissal of the diminu- “It’s been going great but I’m win tonight.” did not comment on whether he would join the three-Test series to take the visitors home in what start with the of the Kiwi, tive right-hander brought in just happy with the win for my in the West Indies, but sources said the 30-year-old opener turned out to be a nail-biting af- caught behind on a duck. Pant, who started off with a mas- team. If anyone is retained, it Brief Scores was unlikely to be ready. The board said Karunaratne would fair towards the end. Rajasthan’s ploy of opting to sive six off Gopal before sending doesn’t matter, you have to just Delhi Daredevils 196/6 (Rishabh be examined by a specialist “to determine the injury manage- Earlier, Pant (69 off 29 balls; fi eld after winning the toss, was the other Rajasthan bowlers to perform for your team,” Rishabh Pant 69, Shreyas Iyer 50, Prithvi ment and return to play timeframe”. The left-hand opener has 4x7, 6x5) and Iyer (50 off 35; however soon dismissed by the the leather hunt even as the third Pant, the Man of the Match and Shaw 47; Jaydev Unadkat 3/46) played in 49 Tests and scored 3,186 runs. Sri Lanka have adopted 4x3, 6x3) capitalised on a bril- 18-year-old Prithvi, who com- wicket partnership with Iyer orange cap holder says. beat Rajasthan Royals 146/5 (Jos advanced software used by football club Barcelona to manage liant start by teenaged sensation bined with his skipper to smoke fl ourished to 92 runs off 43 balls. “I play the paddle well, so Buttler 67, D Arcy Short 44; Trent their injury-prone cricketers. The players wear devices during Prithvi Shaw (47 off 25 balls; 4x4, 73 runs for the second wicket in Iyer perished to Jaydev Unadkat since people are bowling me Boult 2/26) by 4 runs by D/L training and tournaments to monitor fitness and performance. 6x4) as Delhi overcame the early mere 40 balls. one ball after bringing up his half there, I’m pulling some tricks. method.

COMMENT OPINION Australia chief sees way Azhar adamant Pakistan back for disgraced Warner AFP ‘want more’ from Amir Sydney AFP years out,” the former Pakistan bury jail, stood out on Tuesday isgraced David Warn- Canterbury, all-rounder added. “He needs when he demolished the stumps er still has a future in to take a bit more responsibility of Alex Blake with a late-swing- Australian cricket, and get more wickets for us. ing yorker. the sport’s chief ex- akistan bowling coach “If he’s the leader of this at- ecutiveD James Sutherland says, Azhar Mahmood “wants tack, he needs to show us a bit ‘Imagination’ handing the explosive opener a more” from Mohamed more. I’m sure he will do that It certainly caught the admir- lifeline after a cheating scandal. Amir, a challenge he be- and that’s what we want from ing attention of Kent assistant Warner was identifi ed as the Plieves the paceman will rise to in him.” coach Allan Donald, the former mastermind behind the plan to upcoming Test matches against Mohamed Amir Given his lengthy absence fast bowler. use sandpaper to tamper with Ireland and England. it is unsurprising that the now “When I saw this kid a few the ball during the third Test Amir was the hottest property against England at the behest of 26-year-old Amir has not quite years ago, he’s one of the most in South Africa this year that in world cricket after bursting on then Pakistan captain Salman scaled the heights he reached skilful that’s going around,” shocked the sport. David Warner the scene as a teenager in 2009. Butt. In 2011 Amir was given a earlier in his career. Donald said. While former skipper Ste- He was soon earning compari- fi ve-year ban by the Interna- Nevertheless, there have been “When you saw him knocking ve Smith was charged with remained open. and I want to see them all come sons with fellow Pakistan left- tional Cricket Council and sen- some memorable moments since over those ‘poles’ that’s exactly knowledge of the plot, Warner “I think everyone deserves back and play their best cricket. arm fast bowler Wasim Akram, tenced to six months in jail by his return, with Amir taking a what you expect from him - so was charged with developing it their chance and their own per- I believe they all can,” he said. with Wasim himself declaring an English court. Amir returned superb three for 16 in six overs as much skill, so much imagination and instructing Cameron Ban- sonal redemption story is very “Part of the design within the Amir a better bowler than he had to international duty in 2016 but Pakistan thrashed arch-rivals In- and creativity to produce that croft to carry it out. much in their own hands now,” sanctions was to allow them to been at the same age. his 16 Tests since his comeback dia by 180 runs in the fi nal of last sort of thing on fl at pitches.” Smith and then vice-captain he told Melbourne radio station stay connected with the game. At 18, Amir was the youngest have yielded 44 wickets at a rel- year’s Champions Trophy one- He added: “When it gets fl at, Warner were banned for 12 SEN late Tuesday. I also see part of our role is to bowler to have reached the land- atively expensive 37.25. day tournament at The Oval. you have to think out of the box months while Bancroft was ex- “Each of them have to go support them with their state mark of 50 Test wickets. “We want more from Amir, as Amir’s fi gures against Kent on and to see that happening was an iled for nine months. about that during the time associations and their clubs, His fi rst 14 matches in the bowling coach I want more from a cool, if sunny, day were noth- eye-opener.” All three held emotional they’re out of the game and to help them stay hungry and fi ve-day game saw him take 51 Amir,” Mahmood told AFP after ing like as spectacular. Meanwhile Donald predicted press conferences to apolo- prove that they’re worthy (and) come back and play their best wickets at just a fraction over 23 the paceman took one wicket for This, however, was a warm- Pakistan, whose last Test series gise, with public sympathy for prove to the Australian selec- cricket.” apiece - fi gures that had Amir on 45 runs in 15 overs during Paki- up match, with Pakistan next in England ended in a highly a contrite Smith and Bancroft. tors that they should want Cricket Australia on Tuesday course to be an all-time great. stan’s drawn tour opener against facing Northamptonshire be- creditable 2-2 draw in 2016, Warner, who was also banned them back. They deserve that appointed an ethics guru to re- But Amir’s world was turned Kent at Canterbury on Tuesday. fore providing the opposition would impress again this year. from ever holding a leadership opportunity.” view the sport’s culture in the upside down in 2010 when he for Ireland’s inaugural Test and “There are some seriously role again in Australian cricket, Sutherland added that he felt wake of the scandal to ensure and Mohamed Asif became in- ‘Responsibility’ then returning to England for a good players in this Pakistan admitted he was “resigned to for the players, whose reputa- there is never a repeat. volved in a spot-fi xing scan- “If you see his record since two-Test series. And one deliv- team,” he said. “I think it’s go- the fact” he may never play for tions have been trashed. It will run in tandem with a dal after deliberately bowling he came back it’s not great, but ery from Amir, who served part ing to be a great series - I hope it his country again. “I feel forgiveness for all of separate probe announced last no-balls during the Lord’s Test he was coming back after fi ve of his prison sentence in Canter- warms up for them though.” But Sutherland said the door them. I feel sympathy for them month into player behaviour. Gulf Times Thursday, May 3, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Ovechkin lift s Capitals over Pittsburgh as Cavs stun Raptors in Wilson hit enrages Pens

AFP Sidney Crosby gave the Pen- Los Angeles guins a 3-2 lead at 16:27 of the second period, and Niskanen tied it 3-3 when his slap shot lex Ovechkin scored the bounced off Murray’s glove and OT, Curry triumphs game-winner with 1:07 that set the stage for Ovechkin. left to play on Tues- “I hit the post, and it’s a good day as the Washing- thing I didn’t raise my arms up,” tonA Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Ovechkin said. “I fi nished up the Penguins 4-3 to gain the upper play and got lucky.” hand in their NHL playoff series. Ovechkin knocked his own Jets grab series lead with rebound out of midair and past 7-4 win over Predators in Warriors return Penguins goaltender Matt Mur- Blake Wheeler’s tiebreaking ray to lift the Capitals to a vic- goal at 15:01 of the third period ‘It was an all-around team win for us. Everybody contributed tonight, and we needed it’ tory that gave them a 2-1 lead Tuesday night led the Winnipeg in the best-of-seven Eastern Jets to a 7-4 win over the visiting AFP Conference second-round se- Nashville Predators in Game 3 of Los Angeles ries against the reigning Stanley the Western Conference semi- Cup champions. With the win, fi nals at Bell MTS Place. Washington regained home-ice The result gave the Jets a 2-1 eBron James’s “worst” advantage against the team that series lead in a matchup of the was too much for To- has eliminated them in each of NHL’s top two regular-season ronto on Tuesday as the the past two seasons. teams. Game 4 is Thursday night Cleveland superstar and “This was a big win – it was in Winnipeg. Lhis Cavs teammates rallied to tough sledding out there,” said The Jets trailed 3-0 after one stun the Toronto Raptors 113- Washington defenseman Matt period before scoring the only 112 in overtime in game one Niskanen, who tied the game with four goals of the second period. of their NBA playoff second- a goal 5:06 into the third period With the score 4-4 late in the round series. after the Caps had trailed 2-1. third and Nashville’s P.K. Sub- It was a heart-breaker for the But the Penguins were infu- ban in the penalty box for high- Raptors, who led throughout riated by another high hit from sticking, the Jets converted the regulation only to see James Washington winger Tom Wil- third of their four man advan- knot the score at 105-105 with son – a shoulder-to-head hit in tages in the period. Wheeler 30.9 seconds left in regulation. the second period that left Zach roofed a wrister from the bottom Toronto, the Eastern Confer- Aston-Reese with a broken jaw edge of the right circle. ence top seeds for the fi rst time and a concussion although no Wheeler and Brandon Tanev in franchise history, missed penalty was called on the play. added empty-netters in the fi nal their last 11 shots of regulation. Braden Holtby made 19 saves minute to continue Winnipeg’s Cleveland’s Kyle Korver for his sixth win in seven starts run of home dominance. The Jets opened overtime with a three- this post-season. haven’t lost at home since Feb. pointer and the Cavs held on for After John Carlson gave the 27, when Nashville rallied for a the victory and a 1-0 lead in the Capitals a 1-0 lead 48 seconds 6-5 victory. Nashville tied the best-of-seven Eastern Confer- into the second period, Jake game at 7:40 of the third when ence set. Guentzel and Patric Hornqvist Filip Forsberg wired a wrister “It was an all-around team scored less than three minutes over Connor Hellebuyck for his win for us,” James said after apart to put the Penguins up 2-1. fi fth playoff goal. five Cavs players scored in Chandler Stephenson scored double figures. “Everybody from the left face-off circle on a RESULTS contributed tonight, and we one-timer at 11:04 of the second Washington 4 Pittsburgh 3 needed it.” period to make it 2-2. Winnipeg 7 Nashville 4 After the high drama in To- ronto, all eyes were on Stephen Curry in Oakland, where the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player scored 28 points in his return from a 16-game injury absence to help the reigning champion Golden State Warri- ors to a 121-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Warriors took a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference series, with Curry looking fi t and confi dent as he came off the bench late in the fi rst quarter. Jordan Clarkson of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball as Jonas Valancianas and Fred VanVleet (left) of the Toronto Raptors defend in “Everything changed as soon the second-half of Game One of the Eastern Conference semi-finals during the 2018 NBA Playoff s at Air Centre in Toronto. (AFP) as he walked on the fl oor,” War- riors coach Steve Kerr said of rebounds with two assists and tion. Once Korver put them in “I defi nitely wasn’t as effi - land coach Tyronn Lue, whose Curry’s impact. three steals. Kevin Durant paced front at the start of overtime, cient as I like to be,” James said. Cavs trailed by as many as 14 Curry had not played since the Warriors with 29 points, they wouldn’t relinquish the “I missed a lot of open looks. It in the fi rst half. “We stayed the suff ering a sprained left knee seven assists and six rebounds lead. Kyle Lowry converted a was probably one of my worst course.” ligament on March 23. and Draymond Green fell one three-point play to pull Toronto games of the season. But he got off to a confi dent rebound shy of a triple double within 113-112 with 57 seconds “But at the end of the day the RESULTS start, quickly draining a three- with 20 points, 12 assists and remaining but Toronto’s Fred only thing that matters is that Playoff games pointer, and the Warriors, who nine boards. VanVleet missed a potential my team-mates stepped up and (series best-of-seven) trailed 18-11 when Curry en- “Big win for us,” Curry said game-winner. got the win when I wasn’t at my Eastern Conference tered the game, were up 58-55 after a game that saw 13 lead James, who said he was best.” 2nd rd by halftime. changes, 11 of them in the fi rst “burnt” after the Cavs clinched JR smith scored 20 points At Toronto “He was Steph,” Kerr said. half. a seven-game fi rst-round win and Korver added 19. Tristan Cleveland 113 Toronto 112 (OT) “He doesn’t take long to warm over Indiana on Sunday, made Thompson came off the bench (Cleveland lead series 1-0) up, that’s for sure.” Cavs play tough just 12 of 30 shots from the fl oor to add 14 points and 12 rebounds Western Conference Curry connected on eight There was no such back- but still recorded the 21st play- for the Cavs and Jordan Clark- 2nd rd Washington Capitals players celebrate after winning the Game of 15 shots from the fi eld and and-forth in Toronto, where the off triple-double of his career son chipped in 16 points. At Oakland Three of the Eastern Conference second round during the 2018 NHL fi ve-of-10 from three-point Raptors led until James tied it with 26 points, 13 assists and 11 “We didn’t play great, but Golden State 121 New Orleans 116 Stanley Cup Playoff s against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS range. He pulled down seven up in the fi nal minute of regula- rebounds. we played tough,” said Cleve- (Golden State lead series 2-0) Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB Sanchez homer in 9th lift s Yankees past Astros Reuters fallible, save for Gregorius’ bunt side in the bottom of the ninth. hind shortstop Jean Segura, who New York single against the shift in the broke behind second base to third. Cruz homers as Mariners where the ball was headed before Verlander followed the Gre- top A’s Vincent touched it. ary Sanchez broke a gorius hit by retiring the fi nal 16 Nelson Cruz hit a three-run By the time Segura chased scoreless tie with a batters he faced, recording two homer to back a strong start it down, he had no play, with three-run home run in strikeouts in the fourth and fi fth by Felix Hernandez, giving the Davis scoring and Olson moving the ninth inning, and innings while punching out the Seattle Mariners a 6-3 victory to third. Chad Pinder brought Gthe New York Yankees downed leadoff batter in the sixth and Tuesday night against the visit- home Olson on a groundout to the host Houston Astros 4-0 on seventh. He fanned Gardner to ing Oakland Athletics. fi rst, but Vincent struck out Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. cap the eighth inning and com- Cruz’s fi fth-inning blast to Jonathan Lucroy to end the in- Sanchez smashed the fi rst plete his 105-pitch masterpiece. center fi eld snapped a 1-1 tie and ning with the Mariners holding pitch from Astros closer Ken Before Sanchez struck the de- gave the Mariners the victory in a 5-3 lead. Seattle’s Juan Nicasio Giles 423 feet to straightaway cisive blow, the Yankees were the opener of the three-game pitched a perfect eighth, strik- center fi eld, plating Aaron Judge saved by their bullpen. series at Safeco Field. ing out two, for his major-league and Didi Gregorius. Yankees left-hander Jor- Hernandez (4-2) allowed three leading 11th hold, and Edwin Judge opened the ninth with dan Montgomery logged a per- runs on three hits in six-plus in- Diaz worked the ninth for his a leadoff single, and Gregorius fect fi rst inning but departed nings, with two of the runs scor- MLB-best 12th save, also strik- followed with a double to left- with left elbow tightness. He is ing after he exited. Hernandez ing out two. center off Giles, who struck out scheduled to return to New York walked four and struck out sev- the side in the ninth inning of the on Wednesday for an examina- en. Trailing 5-1, the A’s scored RESULTS series opener Monday to earn his tion by the team doctor. twice in the seventh. Yankees 4 Astros 0 third save. Right-hander Domingo Ger- Khris Davis, who has three Marlins 2 Phillies 1 (10 inns) Giles (0-1) had not allowed a man was called upon in an emer- home runs in six previous games Diamondbacks 4 Dodgers 3 baserunner in his past seven ap- gency situation in the second against Seattle this season, led Rangers 8 Indians 6 (12 inns) pearances and was scoreless over inning yet responded by allow- off with a walk. He moved to Nationals 12 Pirates 4 his past eight. ing just four hits and one walk third on Matt Olson’s double to Braves 3 Mets 2 The Astros wasted an excep- while recording four strikeouts right fi eld. Brewers 7 Reds 6 tional eff ort from starter Justin over four innings. Right- That was all for King Fe- Royals 7 Red Sox 6 (13 inns) Verlander, who worked eight handers Chad Green, Dellin lix, who was replaced by Nick Mariners 6 A’s 3 shutout innings and matched his Betances, and David Robertson Vincent. Vincent caught Matt Angels 3 Orioles 2 career high of 14 strikeouts. He (2-1) followed with a scoreless Chapman on a called third strike Padres 3 Giants 2 plunked the fi rst batter he faced, inning apiece, combining for six for the fi rst out of the inning. Rockies 3 Cubs 1 Brett Gardner, with a pitch and strikeouts while allowing two Mark Canha then hit a ball up Tigers 2 Rays 1 allowed a pair of singles in the hits and no walks. Yankees closer the middle that defl ected off Blue Jays 7 Twins 4 (10 inns) New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (left) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run during second. Beyond that, he was in- Aroldis Chapman struck out the Vincent’s glove and rolled be- Cardinals 3 White Sox 2 the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, May 3, 2018 SPORT

BOXING ROUND-UP ‘Dwarf giant’ Wanheng equals Mayweather’s record Zverev survives AFP Oscar De La Hoya. , Wanheng’s rivals have been a mixed bag — one last year had 44 losses, while scare in Munich another in 2014 had 24. hai boxer Wanheng Menayothin In December, he tied ’s clinched his 50th straight victory 49-0 tally with a win over Japanese con- yesterday, stopping a - tender . to reach quarters nian challenger to hold onto his Still, presi- TWBC minimumweight belt and tie the dent Mauricio Sulaiman, who attended problems, saving all fi ve break undefeated record of boxing great Floyd Wednesday’s bout, applauded the “tre- points he faced and converting Mayweather Jr. mendous fi ght” and record-equalling fi ve of his seven break opportu- The 32-year-old Thai nicknamed the feat. nities. “dwarf giant” reached the milestone in “The world is going to get to know him In the quarter-fi nals, Chung the fi fth round as Leroy Estrada failed to much better, and great opportunities will will play Martin Klizan, the 2014 recover from a powerful upper cut. open for him,” he told AFP. Munich champion. The Panamanian was the busier of the That may bring a boon to Wanheng, The Slovakian qualifi er recov- two fi ghters in the opening rounds, leav- who has fought since he was 12 and de- ered from 3-0 down in the decid- ing a cut above Wanheng’s left eye. spite his prowess is signifi cantly less ing set to beat Bosnian Mirza Ba- But the veteran Thai was unruffl ed, wealthy than Mayweather, who briefl y sic 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in just over two knocking down Estrada twice in round emerged from retirement last year to hours in his second-round tie. three with withering right hands and fi ght MMA star Conor McGregor for a again in the fourth, before the stoppage $100-million purse. BRITAIN’S EDMUND BEAT DE in the fi fth. Given the lack of fi nances, fi ghters in MINAUR IN ESTORIL Wanheng’s quest to equal “Money” Thai boxer Wanheng Menayothin (left) lands a blow against Panama’s Leroy Estrada to Thailand often compete under the label Britain’s Kyle Edmund knocked Mayweather has stirred intrigue between win his 50th straight bout and retain his WBC title yesterday. (AFP) of their gym — Menayothin is Wanheng’s out Australian teenager Alex de the unheralded, soft-spoken Thai and the gym. Minaur with a 6-2, 7-5 win to brash, vastly more wealthy American. heng level with Mexican fl yweight Ricar- and air conditioning — of Mayweather’s The Thai boxer’s legal name is Chaya- reach the quarter-fi nals of the “I’m happy that I can make the same do Lopez, who retired with 51 wins, one favoured Las Vegas. phon Moonsri. Estoril Open yesterday. record as him (Mayweather),” the cham- draw and no losses. Boxing analysts have taken note of his But he is better known by the nickname De Minaur is based in pion said ringside after the fi ght. The bout was hosted in a parking lot, achievement but point out that Wanheng “dwarf giant” — on account of punching and clay is his favoured surface Asked about his next move, he said he under an awning in the blistering late af- has dominated undistinguished rivals power that belies his size — and “Five- but he had few answers as Aus- was not yet thinking about a 51st bout. ternoon heat of the northeastern city of compared with Mayweather, who took Star Grilled Chicken” because of a spon- tralian Open semi-fi nalist Ed- But one more win would bring Wan- Nakhon Ratchasima, far from the glitz — out greats including Manny Pacquiao and sorship deal with a Thai food company. mund advanced in 97 minutes. Edmund, ranked a career-high 23rd, achieved his best Estoril TENNIS showing after losing in the sec- ond round last year to Benoit Paire. “I felt really good with how I played throughout,” the third seed said. “I faced a tough oppo- nent, who is very resilient. AFP “He didn’t give away a lot of I will work hard to Munich, Germany points, I had to work for this win. But I enjoyed winning a tough test, delivering in a pressure efending champion Al- match. exander Zverev had “I’ve trained with Alex. I know to dig deep to win his he has a diffi cult game. He likes second-round match at to counter-attack and use the restore confi dence, theD ATP tournament in Munich pace to defl ect. yesterday after a scare against “I knew how the match would fellow German Yannick Hanf- go. I had to execute and impose mann. my game to win it.” The 26-year-old Hanfmann, The Briton will next tackle ranked 118th in the world, took Portuguese number one Joao the fi rst set, which lasted an hour, Sousa, who needed two and a in a marathon tie-break before half hours to knock out name- says Djokovic Zverev clawed his way back for a sake and compatriot Pedro Sousa 6-7 (12), 6-4, 6-2 victory. with a 4-6, 7-6 (1), 7-5 win. The 21-year-old Zverev, Edmund broke De Minaur fi ve ‘A few good matches and one good tournament and it will come back’ ranked third in the world, will times as he played for the fi rst now face his Davis Cup team- time since a fi rst-round loss in mate Jan-Lennard Struff in Fri- Monte Carlo. day’s quarter-fi nals. De Minaur, 19, is still alive A potential opponent in the in the doubles alongside his last four is Australian Open 37-year-old Davis Cup captain semi-fi nalist Chung Hyeon, who Lleyton Hewitt. cruised into the quarter-fi nals The fi eld in is headed with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Germa- by US Open runner-up Kevin ny’s Matthias Bachinger. Anderson, with the South Afri- Chung, 21, lost only three can to start his campaign today fi rst-service points, needing less against Greek rising star Ste- than an hour to record his 19th fanos Tsitsipas, the losing fi nalist win this season. last weekend to Rafael Nadal in The South Korean had no Barcelona.

BADMINTON Malaysian pair banned 20, 15 years for match-fi xing

AFP tivities. Kuala Lumpur He said the punishment hand- ed down to the pair, who played independently and were not af- wo Malaysian badmin- fi liated with BAM, was “reason- ton players have been able and appropriate considering hit with career-ending the off ence”. bans of 20 and 15 years BAM will now present a re- Trespectively after being found port on the incident to Malaysian guilty of corruption and match- anti-corruption authorities, who fi xing, the sport’s governing will consider whether to take ac- body said yesterday. tion. The Badminton World Fed- Their suspension began from eration (BWF) said former world January 12, the date on which junior champion Zulfadli Zulkif- both players were provisionally fl i, 25, was banned for 20 years suspended by the BWF. and fi ned $25,000, while Tan Tan was in Malaysia’s squad Serbian player Novak Djokovic speaks to journalists during a training session in Belgrade, , yesterday. (AFP) Chun Seang, 31, was barred for 15 for the prestigious Thomas Cup years and fi ned $15,000. in 2010. Reuters major honours. we are used to but coming back is a proc- The were found guilty of He was banned by the BAM Belgrade A string of below-par performances ess and all I can do now is knuckle down Federer to start breaching the BWF code of con- from competing in Asian tourna- were followed by Djokovic having to re- to some hard work. duct in relation to “betting, wa- ments for two years after quit- tire against Czech Tomas Berdych in last “I have had some similar situations in grass-court season in gering and irregular match re- ting the national team in 2011. ovak Djokovic said yesterday year’s Wimbledon quarter-fi nals with an the past but not one quite as challenging Stuttgart sults”, said a statement from the In 2011 Zulfadli beat current his confi dence had been rocked elbow injury which kept him sidelined as this, so I have to accept it as part of a body. world champion Viktor Axelsen by a string of poor results after until January’s Australian Open. learning process.” Roger Federer announced yester- A BWF ethics panel, which of to clinch the World a premature return from elbow After a last 16 defeat by South Korean Judging by the ferocity of his shots day that he will start his grass-court held hearings in February in Sin- Junior Championships. Nsurgery but the former world number one upstart Hyeon Chung in Melbourne, in training and the vehement exchange gapore into the case, found both Badminton has been hit by season at the ATP tournament in vowed to work hard to get back to win- Djokovic had another spell on the side- of instructions with his coaching staff , Stuttgart in June, after skipping the players “engaged in corruption cheating scandals before. ning ways. lines following elbow surgery and said he Djokovic, currently the world number 12, clay-court swing. The 20-time Grand off ences over a signifi cant period At the 2012 Olympics, eight Having exchanged a few shots with a had come back too early because he was is determined to break back into the top Slam champion decided to miss and a signifi cant number of tour- women’s doubles players were young prospect after an intense training hungry to play again. echelon of the men’s game. the clay-court season, as he did last naments” dating back to 2013. disqualifi ed for trying to lose session in searing heat at his own tennis Mobbed by primary school children as year, in order to be fully prepared for Zulfadli committed more vio- group games to gain an easier complex in central Belgrade, the 30-year EARLY EXITS he posed with them for photos after the Wimbledon, where he won a record lations over a longer period and it quarter-fi nal draw. old Serb conceded that the last 18 months Since returning he has suff ered early ex- claycourt practice session, Djokovic cut a eighth title last season. The week-long was proven he had manipulated And in 2014 the BWF asked have been testing. its in Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Miami and relaxed and confi dent fi gure ahead of up- Stuttgart event starts on June 11, the the results of four matches, the police to investigate claims by “I have always believed in myself and Indian Wells. coming tournaments. day after the men’s French Open final BWF said. two Danish players, Hans-Kris- that’s why I was able to make all my “That was my decision because I He also rubbished suggestions made at Roland Garros. “On grass, my ex- Norza Zakaria, president of the tian Vittinghus and Kim Astrup, childhood dreams come true, but right missed playing tennis so much but I was by several local nutritionists, who were pectations are naturally high, so, I’m Badminton Association of Ma- that they were approached by a now my confi dence is not at the highest not ready and it backfi red,” he said. quoted by Belgrade media in recent looking forward to once again playing laysia (BAM), said it was a “sad Malaysian man to throw match- level,” he told reporters. “After everything I have been through weeks, that his meat-free diet was ham- in Stuttgart,” Federer said in a state- and shocking day for Malay- es. “That’s not surprising given the lack in the past year or so, I have had to lower pering his fi tness. ment on his website. The 36-year-old sian badminton, to know a sport Malaysian badminton was of results and all I can do is knuckle down my expectations but my motivation and “I don’t want to elaborate because peo- also played the 2017 tournament, so close to our hearts has been previously hit by controversy in to hard work to restore it. A few good my ambitions remain unchanged. ple have been twisting facts in the past where he suff ered a surprise loss in tainted by match-fi xing”. 2015, when former world number matches and one good tournament and it “After this year’s Australian Open I two years and all I’ll say is that I reckon I his first match to German veteran “BAM has a zero tolerance one Lee Chong Wei received an will come back.” wasn’t sure whether I’d have elbow sur- know what’s best for me as an athlete and Tommy Haas, who has since retired. policy towards match-fi xing,” he eight-month ban for doping. The Djokovic’s slump began after he won gery or not. I was reluctant but then I re- a person,” he said. The Swiss is currently second in the said, adding programmes would panel which imposed the pun- his maiden French Open title in June 2016 alised it was the best long-term solution. “It doesn’t aff ect me what people say, world rankings behind Rafael Nadal. be organised for those involved ishment said he had not intended to complete a career slam and amass 12 “The recent results have not been what but it does aff ect those who are close to me.” in the sport to counter such ac- to cheat.

Thursday, May 3, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

PREVIEW With an eye on treble, Duhail kick off Amir Cup campaign Djamel Belmadi’s men take on Umm Salal in the quarter-finals at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium today

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

NB Stars League and Qatar Cup champions Al Duhail will begin their Amir Cup campaign today as they aim forQ a treble of trophies. Djamel Belma- di’s men are one of the top four teams from the QNB Stars League – along with Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa – which received a bye to the quarter- fi nal stage of the competition. First up for Duhail, as they bid for a historic treble is Umm Salal, with the quarter-fi nal tie to be held today at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium at 8pm. The last two times these two sides met, Duhail thrashed Umm Salal 4-1 and 5-0 and it’s no surprise who will go into the match as overwhelming fa- vourites. But a Cup match can always spring a surprise. If Umm Salal can grit out in regulation time and keep Duhail’s goal scorers at bay, then with no extra time to be played, anything is possible in penalty shootout. But to get past Belmadi’s boys, who went unbeaten to clinch the league ti- tle and came back from a goal down to beat Al Sadd in the Qatar Cup fi nal last week, Umm Salal players will have to play match of their lives. Belmadi is just not ready to rest on his laurels and is eager to win the Amir’s Cup and AFC Champions League, Umm Salal’s Moroccan coach Talal El Karkouri admits that it will be a very diff icult where they have reached last 16 as Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi (right) and defender Mohamed Musa address a press conference on the eve of the Amir game against league and Qatar Cup champions Al Duhail. group toppers. Cup quarter-final against Umm Salal yesterday. PICTURES: Anas al-samaraee Meanwhile, Umm Salal, who fi nished stop them. But any team in team in the “I’m happy to win the QNB “I’m happy to win these two tourna- With the line-up consisting of South side, Belmadi was wary of Umm Salal an impressive fi fth place in the QNB world has strengths and weaknesses. Stars League and the Qatar ments — the QNB Stars League and the Korean playmaker Nam Tae-Hee, Qatar and said the prestigious Amir Cup can Stars League, had a bye to the third We have to exploit their weaknesses Cup. But the season isn’t over Qatar Cup — with Al Duhail. But the internationals Almoez Ali and Karim bring out the best in any team. round. They outplayed Al Kharaitiyat and play to our strength,” he said. yet. We’ve the Amir’s Cup season isn’t over yet. We’ve the Amir’s Boudiaf and Moroccan striker Youssef “We have to forget what has hap- 5-0 to advance into the quarter-fi nals “Duhail has players who are able to and AFC Champions League Cup and Champions League remain- El Arabi, who emerged as the QNB Stars pened so far. We were suff ering from of the Amir Cup. But against Duhail, pass the ball effi ciently. They play with remaining. We’ve been working ing,” said Belmadi League’s top scorer with 26 goals, Bel- fatigue after a diffi cult Qatar Cup nal fi they won’t fi nd it that easy. a good system both when they are in hard, preparing in earnest and “We’ve been working hard, prepar- madi can dream of lifting the Amir Cup against Al Sadd. But it’s a new tourna- Umm Salal’s Moroccan coach Talal El possession of the ball and also when doing our best. I’m happy to be ing in earnest and doing our best. I’m at the Khalifa Stadium on May 19. ment and we have to be on top of our Karkouri conceded it will be a very dif- they don’t have the ball,” added Kark- coaching this set of players. The happy to be coaching this set of players. Duhail though will continue to miss game. The schedule is a bit hectic but fi cult game for his side and was hoping ouri. most important factor is result. The most important factor is result. I’m the services of Tunisian star midfi elder in any case we must be ready,” he said to exploit any weakness in Duhail. The Umm Salal defender Khalid al- I’m here to win trophies. The club here to win trophies. The club is im- Youssef Msakni, who sustained a knee yesterday. Moroccan said Umm Salal will go into Zekiba said: “The match will not be is improving and the players proving and the players are performing injury during their last league match “We respect Umm Salal and respect the game in a positive mode and fi ght- easy and we will fi ght to win. It is true are performing well. We’ve had well. We’ve had a wonderful season, against Al Sailiya and is ruled out for all out opponents. Our goal is to win the ing spirit. that Al Duhail are a top team, but there a wonderful season, but we can but we can defi nitely win more titles,” the rest of the season. title and qualify for the fi nal at the Kha- “We respect Duhail, who have had a is no team in the world that cannot be defi nitely win more titles” added the Algerian. Despite a plethora of quality in his lifa stadium,” he added. great season so far. It won’t be easy to defeated.”

FOCUS SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT Depleted Al Sadd take Ooredoo Amir Cup Trophy Tour: More named schools welcome QFA delegation on Al Khor in quarters telecom By Sports Reporter Doha partner of depleted and heartbro- ken Al Sadd will have to Amir Cup sum up their confi dence and fi ghting spirit when oredoo has announced theyA launch their Amir Cup de- that it is once again the fence against Al Khor in the offi cial telecommuni- quarter-fi nals at the Abdullah cations partner of the bin Khalifa Stadium today. AmirO Cup, which will conclude Last Friday, Al Duhail came on May19th. from behind to seal a 2-1 win over As the main telecommunica- Al Sadd in the Qatar Cup fi nal, Al Khor coach Nassif al-Bayawi. tions partner for the Amir Cup, courtesy of a controversial stop- Ooredoo is hoping to build ex- page-time penalty from Moroc- citement for the contest by or- can Yousef El Arabi. ganising a virtual reality football To add insult to injury, Qatar game at Qatar Mall from 10 May Football Association’s Disci- – 18 May, to countdown to the plinary Committee suspended fi nal of the competition, which Spanish midfi elder Xavi Hern- will take place on 19 May at Kha- andez and Algerian striker Bagh- lifa International Stadium. dad Bounedjah for one and two The VR game will see mem- matches respectively. bers of the public become virtual Further bad news awaited Al goalies. The player who saves the Sadd ahead of their Amir Cup most balls in the allotted time, Students of Othman Bin Aff an Model School for Boys pose with the QFA delegation. quarter-fi nal match against Al will be the winner. Khor, when midfi elder Jugurtha Ooredoo will also produce an he Amir Cup Trophy As part of its’ mission to ed- of Othman Bin Aff an School Hamroun was ruled out due to advertisement dedicated to the Tour visited Oth- ucate the students about the commented: “It is a pleasure injury. Hamroun will be out of Amir Cup encouraging all fans to man Bin Aff an Model importance of taking part in for the school to host the Amir action following a knee ligament go along and cheer on the teams. School for Boys in sports and adopting a healthy Cup Trophy Tour; this tourna- injury he sustained during a To make sure everyone is con- Twhich a large number of stu- lifestyle, visited Othman Bin ment is of utmost importance Al Sadd’s assistant coach Nuno Miguel (right) and striker Ali Faridoon. training session on the eve of the nected to the Supernet at the dents and staff members took Aff an Model School for Boys to us and the school children last eight clash. Hamroun, who ers have prepared well. “Al Khor of action for a month. venues, Ooredoo will also pro- part and gathered around the celebrated the Amir Cup Tro- and we are all excited to be will now undergo comprehensive is a strong team and it won’t be Al Khor coach Nassif al-Baya- vide the latest network technol- trophy for a memorable photo phy Tour by organising a mini part of the fi nal match on 19 medical tests to determine the easy for us. But we are prepared wi expressed his happiness and ogy to the tournament organis- opportunity with the most football tournament for the May. This tournament is one extent of his injury, played a key well hope to secure a palace in the pride for his side having reached ers. coveted prize, the Amir Cup students along with countless of the most signifi cant tour- role in Sadd fi nishing as runners- semis,” he said. the quarter-fi nals. He said they Talking about the event, Ma- trophy. sports activities. naments in Qatar in which all up in this season’s QNB Stars Al Sadd striker Ali Faridoon want to achieve more and are nar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, Direc- The visit to Othman Bin Af- Asim Madibo and Yousif clubs are competing to win, League with 49 points, 11 less said his team was aiming to de- gunning for a place in the semis. tor of PR and Corporate Com- fan Model School included a Hassan of Al Gharafa and Ab- to have the honour to meet in than champions Al Duhail. Sadd fend their Amir Cup title, espe- Al-Bayawi denied any pres- munications, Ooredoo Qatar, fun-packed day in which the dullah Taleb Afi fa of Al Ahli person His Highness the Amir will miss injured Ali Asad as well. cially after fi nishing runner-up sure on his players and said they said: “We’re delighted to be students performed a spe- shared the pitch with the stu- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Al Sadd’s Portuguese manager in league and Qatar Cup. “We ob- would play without any stress, once again supporting such an cially choreographed dance dents as an impassioned series Thani.” Jesualdo Ferreira was conspicu- viously want to win the title. But knowing that Cup matches exciting and important sporting to celebrate the fact that the of matches were at the epi- Organising the Trophy ous by his absence yesterday in we will take it match by match. would always be open to all odds. event for Qatar. The Amir Cup Amir Cup Trophy Tour made centre of a memorable foot- Tour illustrates QFA’s objec- the press conference, with his First we will have to get past Al “Sadd are a big club in in Asia, is a Qatar tournament, featuring a stop in their school ahead of ball day. The day also involved tive to instil a football culture assistant Nuno Miguel address- Khor, who are a good team,” he not only in Qatar. I don’t they our players and people and we the fi nal match. organising a small exhibition amongst school students at a ing the media. said. will be aff ected by injuries and encourage you all to go along and The QFA delegation con- in which health advisors gave young age. Miguel acknowledged the dif- Meanwhile, Al Khor will go suspension two or three players. cheer them on.” sisted of Ali al-Salat, Head of advice and tips to the school The tour will continue until fi culty of playing an Amir Cup into the match with no injury They still have enough quality in This is the latest in a line of Media, Noora al-Tammimi, children about healthy eat- the day of the fi nal as football match, with Al Sadd missing concerns. Their Brazilian playe- their side,” al-Bayawi said. sporting events Ooredoo has Head of Social Responsibil- ing and lifestyle, importance fans across the country inter- several player to injury and sus- maker Madison, who took part In the other quarter-fi nals, supported in 2018, as the com- ity, Abdulrahman AbdulJabar, of taking part in sports and act with players and offi cials pension. But he was confi dent in the second half of their match Mesaimeer will take on Al Ghara- pany continues to invest in in- Social Media Specialist, Nabil staying active during and after and engage in conversations of his progressing further in the against Al Markhia on Sunday, is fa and Al Arabi will face Al Rayy- spiring Qatar’s next-generation Qayed and Mohamed Hashim, school hours. related to the country’s popu- tournament and added the play- likely to start. Madison was out an tomorrow. of athletes. Schools Co-ordinators. Aisha al-Ahbabi, Principal lar football event.