SPORT 16 FRIDAY 21 APRIL 2017 Al Sadd edge Al Rayyan to enter final

The Peninsula Qatar Cup: First area, leaving referee Abdulra- the restart. Moments later, Ser- ham Al Jassim little choice but gio Garcia also had a l Sadd held on to semi-final to point to the spot. oppurtunity to pull a goal back secure a narrow 3-2 Hamroun scores a Hassan Haydoos stepped up however his effort skimmed just win over rivals Al brace including a for his side and slotted the ball wide of the left hand post. Rayyan to secure goal in 55th second into the left hand for his side Rayyan eventually made their place in the of the match while second goal of the match. their possession count on the 2017A Qatar Cup final at the Jas- Two minutes Sadd were in 53rd minute when midfielder Haydoos was the sim bin Hamad Stadium dreamland,as they raced into a Koh Myong-jin tapped in to yesterday. other goal scorer for three goal lead. made the score 3-1. The Wolves raced into a the winning side A cross from And was mis- A low cross from Rodrigo three goal lead after just twenty handled by Omar Barry in the Tabata evaded the Al Sadd two minutes, however the game After conceding 3 Rayyan goal, the ball fell to Has- defence leaving Koh to score turned on the hour mark when goals in the first san Haydoos who picked out from close range. Sadd midfielder Sami Kasola half, Al Rayyan fight team-mate Jugurtha Hamroun Just on the hour mark, the was sent off for a second yellow back in the second who was left with the simplest tie swung in favour of Al Rayyan card. half through goals of finishes for Sadd’s third goal after Sadd midfielder Sami Sergio Garcia scored a spec- from Koh and Garcia of the match. Kasola picked up his second yel- tacular goal to set up a but fall short Al Rayyan again attemped low of the game after a rash grand-stand finish, however Al to find their way back into the challenge in the centre of the Sadd held out to secure their tie after conceding three goals park. With the extra man, Al place in the April 29 final. ball and placed their opponents in the space of twenty two min- Rayyan pushed hard eventually With the first attack of the under presser. utes. Michael Laudrup’s side finding their second goal in game Al Sadd opened the With four minutes on the could of easily pulled a goal spectacular fashion. scoring. clock,Musab Kheder’s well back had Sergio Garcia’s half With 73 minutes on the A cross from left back placed cross found Rodrigo volley not rattled the crossbar. clock Spanish attacker Sergio Abdulkarim Hassan found Tabata, but his snap header flew Whilst on the stroke of half- Garcia unleashed a fine curling Jugurtha Hamroun who over the bar. time Musab Kheder saw hit shot from just outside the box unleashed a drilled right footed Tabata again saw a headed effort scamper just wide of the which sailed into the top right- shot which snuck into the bot- effort loop wide on the seventh Al Sadd post. Al Sadd headed hand corner. tom right hand of the goal, minute as Michael Laudrup’s into the break with a comfort- Al Sadd will now play the getting the better of Al Rayyan side attempted to find parity. able three goal lead. winner of today’s second Qatar Al Sadd players celebrate after Hassan Haydoos (second left) keeper Omar Barry. On the twenty minute mark The Lions kicked into life Cup semi-final between QSL scores their second goal during the first Qatar Cup semi-final The Wolves had their early Al Sadd doubled their lead from from the very start of the sec- champions Lekhwiya and cur- against Al Rayyan at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. goal in just 55th second of the the penalty spot. Lions defender ond half, with Paraguayan rent Qatar Cup holders El Jaish, Al Sadd won the match 3-2 to enter the final which will be match. Shocked into action, Al Victor Casares was to adjudged international Víctor Cáceres in the showpiece Qatar Cup final played on April 29. Rayyan began to dominate the to have handled the ball in the heading just wide seconds after to take place on April 29. Sardor upbeat ahead of In-form Lekhwiya eye victory tough Lekhwiya clash The Peninsula over El Jaish in 2nd semi-final

l Jaish midfielder Sardor The Peninsula consistent side of the season. Rashidov (pictured) is However, assistant coach Econfident his side can atar Stars League (QSL) Jean-Marc Kuentz said the team overcome the odds to defeat champions Lekhwiya will has the potential to overcome local rivals Lekhwiya to Q be targeting a domestic the tough opponents. progress to the Qatar Cup final. double when they take on local “Lekhwiya is the strongest The defending champions rivals El Jaish in the second side in Qatar right now, we know are set to take on Lekhwiya semi-final of the 2017 Qatar Cup, that but we believe we can cause today at Al Sadd Stadium, with champions, and matches today at Al Sadd Stadium. them some problems. I hope we the match kicking off at 7pm. between the two sides are Red Knights boss Djamel can win and progress to the “We have the potential to always highly anticipated. They Belmadi said the Qatar Cup is a final.” reclaim the Qatar Cup again; we have a great squad full of strong whole new tournament and his “We have form as El Jaish in know what we need to do to players and they will push El team will have to put a clinical the Qatar Cup, and we are the against Lekhwiya and we are Jaish all the way. performance to overcome defending champions. The team confident that we can progress “Cup football is always a defending champions El Jaish in is well prepared for the game, to the final,” Sardor said ahead unique challenge especially the semi-final. and we have the history to of the match. when you know that if you lose “This is a new competition progress and lift the trophy for “The Qatar Cup is always you are eliminated immedi- for us this season," the coach a third time. Anything is possi- the hardest competition in ately. We will be looking to said ahead of the match. ble in football” added Kuentz Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi (right) during a press Qatar, as it involves the four reduce our errors in this match, "We are full of confidence when asked about Jaish’s best sides in the QSL. However and progress to the final again” after the league and of course conference ahead of the second Qatar Cup semi-final against chances of progressing to the El Jaish have won the Qatar Cup claimed the winger, who has are plan is to win both trophies. El Jaish. Qatar Cup final. twice in three seasons and that scored 15 goals in the QSL this It will be a challenge against El El Jaish midfielder Moham- fact gives the squad a big boost season. Jaish who want to retain their confidant sides in Qatar if we are “We are all looking forward mad Mothnani insisted that the ahead of the match against “We have had a difficult title.” to succeed” noted the Algerian to the Qatar Cup triumph, he knock out nature favoor of the Lekhwiya” added the time in the league this season, “We always aspire to win the coach. said. Qatar Cup could favour his side. Uzbekistan international. but the Qatar Cup is a special titles, and after a difficult season As for Lekhwiya midfielder "For us the league was the “The match will be a real When asked about competition for El Jaish. I think in the league, we enter a major Abdurahman Mohammed, he beginning of the season and we battle, as ever against Lekhwiya Lekhwiya, Rashidov revealed that we have the experience and important tournament in the believes his side have to desire are hungry to win the Qatar Cup we cannot make any mistakes. he expected a tough encounter and know how to progress to the Qatar Cup, the case as ever to cap off another title winning again for Lekhwiya." It’s a hard match to predict, any- against the Red Knights. the final and win the Qatar Cup is to win the trophy but we will season for the new QSL El Jaish are aware that they thing can happen,” said the “Lekhwiya are the current QSL again,” he added. have to best two of the most champions. will be up against the most midfielder. Chelsea still favourites for Cup semi-final, says Pochettino

London Chelsea side, who were 13 "We are talking about one of Tottenham but if trophies were and I was asked how we can "We have great momentum Reuters points clear a few weeks ago, the best teams in Europe. Play- awarded for progress the Argen- reduce the gap to the top four," and that is the most important have looked vulnerable in ers that in the past five years tine would be ahead of his rivals. he said. because that can change very helsea are favourites to win defeats by Crystal Palace and have won European competi- Since the start of last season "That was the main problem quickly." tomorrow's FA Cup semi- Manchester United, Tottenham tions and World Cups, a manager they have won 141 Premier that Tottenham had. Now after Pochettino said he was espe- Cfinal despite their recent have built up a head of steam who won the league in Italy. They League points -- 11 more than the three years not only have we cially proud of his work despite stutter and Tottenham Hotspur's with seven consecutive league are more experienced than us. second-best team, Manchester reduced the gap to the top four the greater spending power of irresistible form, Spurs manager wins. "But we are in a good City, and 16 more than Chelsea. we are fighting for the Premier the clubs around them. Mauricio Pochettino insists. "I think if there is one favour- moment, too, and we are hungry A late collapse last season League and to win titles. "It's a big thing that people Tomorrow's clash at Wem- ite it's Chelsea because they are to challenge this type of team. We meant they finished third despite "With six games to go we include Tottenham in the same bley creates a diversion from the top of the table, because of the are happy to fight with the best being the only club to push have 71 points. Last season we level as United, Chelsea, City, duo's Premier League title race, experienced players and the team in England for the Premier Leicester City for the title, and finished with 70. We have Arsenal and Liverpool," he said. which has burst to life after Tot- manager that they have," Pochet- League and (FA) Cup." they are poised to improve on improved -- that is a reality. The "It means a lot because we tenham sliced Chelsea's lead to tino, whose Tottenham side lost Former Espanyol and South- that. team is playing in a good way, are in a very different project. four points with six games the 2015 League Cup final to ampton manager Pochettino, in "I remember three years ago exciting football, scoring goals Today, to beat Tottenham is a big, remaining. Chelsea, told reporters his third season in north London, when we signed here I remem- and not conceding too many big challenge for everyone, While Antonio Conte's yesterday. is yet to win any silverware with ber the first few press conferences chances. which is good news for us." FRIDAY 21 APRIL 2017 SPORT 17 Misbah and Younis – big shoes to fill

Rizwan Rehmat Test centuries and a star was his trade in a dutiful manner since claims of being Pakistan's finest wins as Pakistan and hander rarely miss-hits one. The Peninsula born. his Test debut, nudging for runs Test batsman. with a success ratio that puts his Captain Misbah brought up Misbah, a late starter at age without the bravado of an Misbah, with more ins and name above the legendary Imran his 10th Test hundred at Lord's ccumulating 23 runs 27, got into the Test side the fol- Inzamam Ul Haq or Mohammed outs of the squad than his 10 Test Khan. Misbah even smashed the last English summer and guided to complete a per- lowing year in New Zealand in a Yusuf, two of Pakistan's top Test centuries, was asked to lead the then join-fastest Test century - the team to an exciting 2-2 sonal milestone of game where Younis smashed a cricketers of the last couple of national team and resurrect Paki- just taking 56 balls for an result that left most cricket fans 10,000 runs wouldn't comeback 149 not out to seal decades. stan's cricket fortunes in October unbeaten 101 - against the Aus- convinced that Pakistan had be a problem for Pakistan's big win in Auckland. The 39-year-old did his rep- 2010, just three months after the sies in November 2014. buried the ghost of the 2010 Pakistan'sA Younis Khan this week. With a sedate batting display of utation no harm in compiling an spot-fixing scandal that eventu- For a man who has hit 73 spot-fixing scandal that brought Similarly, grinding out another 50 28 and 10, Misbah launched his incredible personal set of centu- ally saw three of teammates jailed sixes in (the highest the country - and the game - runs won't be much of a sweat for career with a win but clearly had ries against all Test playing in England. tally is owned by Brendon plenty of shame. Pakistan's ageless batting star promises to keep. nations including a Test-best of With Pakistanistan not getting to McCullum with 107), the ppower-ower- EnglandEngland captain AlAlaistara Misbah Ul Haq who looks set to Fast forward to 2017 and the 309 against Sri Lanka in 2009, play cricket on its soil since packedpacked hundred from Misbah Cook, puttingputting his arm aroundaro reach a mini-landmark of 5,000 two have carved a name for just three months before guiding March 2009, thehe United Arab againstagainst the Aussies came as Misbah's wide shoulders - ata the Test runs. themselves, helping Pakistan Pakistan to a T20 World Cup win Emirates becamecame 'home' no surprise as Pakistan end of the Oval Test wherew The problem, for Pakistanakistan tackle difficult times more often in England as captain. away from homeome for Paki- pushed for quickquick Younis smashed a series-equal-series-eq Cricket Board (PCB), in essence,ssence, than not. Along the way, Younis scored stan players andand more so runs.runs. CleanClean hit-hit- ling 218 - was the momentmomen of would be how to fill the vvacuumacuum Of the two, Younis plied Test double hundreds inin Ben- for Misbah whoho captained ting is the English summer. created by their impendingg retire- galuru, Abu Dhabi, the team withh authority Misbah's Just days later, MisbahMis ments from Test cricket followingllowing Chittagong, and calmnessss that the forte and proudly received the Test macem the three-match series againstainst the Harare and at side so desperatelysperately tthehe tall from ICC's Dave RichardsonRichardso for West Indies. the Oval last required. right- guidingguiding Pakistan to the ttopo of A couple of weeks ago,go, MisMis-- summer ttoo The 42-year-old-year-old world rankings in the longestlonges for- bah and Younis announcedced that firmly lay now proudly holds the mat of the game, the agagelesse the Test series startingg todatodayy record of mmostost Test battingbatting star's finest moment ini his between hosts West Indiesies aandnd finefine TTestest cacareer.reer. Pakistan will be final boww for the YounisYounis KhanKh Misbah Ul HHaqaq Younis needs 23 runsrun to team's batting stalwarts. becobecomeme PPakistan'sakistan's firfirstst mmana to With Misbah and YounisYounis YounisYounis KKhanhan neneeds reach 10,000 mark in Test ready to walk into their Misbah Ull HHaqaq cricketcricket aandnd tthehe 113th3th batsbatsman sunset of Test careers, 23 runsruns to bbecomeec is just 49 runs to do it worldwide. MisbahMisb is Pakistan fans - and the Pakistan'sPakistan's first manma to away fromm the justjust 49 runs awayaway fromfrom the cricket fraternity in gen- reach 10,00010,000 rrunsun in 5,000-markark 5,000-mark5,000-mark in Test crcricket.i eral - would do well to How these two per- appreciate what they gott Test cricket and the 13th in Test form in the West IndiesIn to savour since the duoo batsmanbatsman to dodo it world-wo cricket. - allall ofof a suddensudden - has won the green caps in 200000 wide.wide. AlongAlong tthehe way, The become all-too impor-im and 2001 respectively. YounisYounis hashas scoredscored Test 42-year-oldold tant for PakistanPaki Younis broke into ththee cricket fans sincesin in Pakistan Test side against tthehe doubledouble hundredshundreds in Pakistani stastarr this T20 eraer of visiting Sri Lankans in Bengaluru,Bengaluru, AbAbuu DDhabi,h holds thee recorrecordd power-hitting,power-hitt Rawalpindi in 2000 underder Chittagong,Chittagong, HarareHarare and of most TTestest wins as quality battersbatte in the captaincy of Saeedeed at thethe OvalOval lastlast ssum- Pakistan captain anandd TestTest ccricketricke are Anwar. The 22-year-old pro-ro- hard ttoo ffind. duced a dogged centuryy in mer to ffirmlyirmly lay with a successccess ratio the second innings thoughugh claims ofof beinbeingg PPaki- that puts hishis name Sri Lanka emerged winnersers stan'sstan's finest Test above thee llegendaryegendary by two wickets. batsman.batsman. Imran Khan.an. That was Younis' first ofof 34 Australia get pace boost for Champions Trophy Bangladesh Sydney Pattinson is currently play- their respective teams... as well hopeful they will be fit in time The selected players who recall Shafiul AFP ing for Nottinghamshire in as both contributing well with for the team's departure on are in Australia will depart for English cricket after taking part the bat," chief selector Trevor May 18," Hohns said. England on May 18 with the ast bowlers Mitchell Starc in Victoria's Sheffield Shield Hohns said. New South Wales batting remaining players in the IPL Dhaka and James Pattinson championship victory in the Big-hitting Queensland all-rounder Moises Henriques to join as their teams finish in AFP Fwere yesterday named in recently finished domestic batsman Chris Lynn has also has also been recalled to the the tournament. Australia's 15-man squad for season. been named in the squad as he side having last played for the angladesh yesterday recalled fit- next month's ICC Champions Selectors have boosted returns from a third shoulder national one-day squad AUSTRALIA SQUAD: Steve again fast bowler as Trophy in England and Wales. Australia's fast-bowling stocks injury inside two years, while against Sri Lanka in August last Smith (capt), David Warner, Bthey named a 15-man Champions Starc has recovered from for the Champions Trophy with playing for the Kolkata Knight year. Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Trophy squad ahead of the tournament in a stress fracture in his right foot Starc, Pattinson and John Hast- Riders in the Indian Premier But Tasmanian all-rounder John Hastings, Josh Hazle- England in June. which sent him home from ings joining Josh Hazlewood League. James Faulkner was omitted wood, Travis Head, Moises Shafiul, who last played for Bangla- Australia's Test series in India and Pat Cummins. "Our medical staff will from the side, with Hohns Henriques, Chris Lynn, Glenn desh in October, replaces Subashis Roy, last month, while Pattinson is "Both James and John have continue to monitor Mitchell describing him as an "unlucky Maxwell, James Pattinson, the only change to the squad that drew fit again after serious shin and made very good returns from and Chris' recovery from their omission" after other players Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, the recent ODI series 1-1 in Sri Lanka. back injuries. injury and are bowling well for respective injuries but we are returned to fitness. Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa. "Shafiul has been our one of the best bowlers of late, but we could not include him in the squad in recent tours because of fitness concerns," said chief selector Classy Williamson Jos Buttler Minhajul Abedin. smashed a Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan Buttler, Rana and all-rounder Shuvagata Hom, who 37-ball 77 were included in the extended squad in against Kings stands out amid Sri Lanka but did not play, missed out. power Mumbai XI Punjab Bangladesh will return to the Cham- IPL binge-hitting yesterday. pions Trophy after more than a decade, having last played the tournament in 2006 Mumbai in India. They will feature in Group A Reuters to easy win alongside hosts England, and Australia and New Zealand in the eight-team event. ane Williamson more than compensated Indore The Mashrafe Mortaza-led team will for his lack of raw power with character- IANS open their campaign against England at Kistic finesse to score 89 and set up the Oval on June 1. Bangladesh will hold a Sunrisers Hyderabad's 15-run victory against umbai Indians rode on destructive half 10-day training camp in Sussex and a tri- Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League centuries from Englishman Jos Buttler series competition against Ireland and on Wednesday. Mand young Nitish Rana to thrash Kings New Zealand ahead of the main tourna- The champions kept him out of their first XI Punjab (KXIP) by eight wickets in an Indian ment. Bangladeshi selectors added Nurul, five matches of the ongoing tournament but the Premier League (IPL) 2017 encounter at the Roy and batsman Nasir Hossain to their New Zealand captain provided a timely reminder Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore yesterday. squad for the tri-series event, which will of his worth in his first outing. Buttler's 37-ball 77, laced with seven fours be hosted by Ireland. He started off slowly but went on to hit six and five huge sixes and Rana's unbeaten 31-ball Nasir, who has played 17 Tests and 58 boundaries and five sixes in his 51-ball knock to 54, comprising seven mammoth punches over ODIs, will make his return after missing prove that he may not rival the power-hitting the rope, outshone South African star Hashim recent tours in New Zealand and Sri Lanka prowess of someone like West Indian Chris Gayle Amla's maiden T20 century for Kings XI, as the during a drop in form. but is technically adequately equipped for the visitors overhauled the massive target of 199, "He played well in recent competitions, short format. with more than four overs to spare. so we decided to take him to the tri-series "I wish I could smack a few like Chris Gayle, Earlier, the hosts were off to a steady start with to help him readjust in the national team but unfortunately not to be," he told the tourna- Amla (104 not out) and Shaun Marsh (26) putting set-up," said Minhajul. ment website (www.iplt20.com). on 46 runs before Maxwell took just one over from "I think it is about adapting to the best of pacer Mitchell McClenaghan, milking 28 runs, to BANGLADESH SQUAD: your abilities and playing around with your change the complexion of their innings. Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Tamim Iqbal, strong points. There are some incredible play- Brief scores: Imrul Kayes, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al ers that can whack it 120 meters. I do practise Mumbai Indians: 199 for 2 (jos Buttler 77, Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, hard in the nets to hit the ball long, but proba- Nitish Rana 62 not out, Parthiv Patel 37) beat Riyad, Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hos- bly it is not in my genetic make-up to do that. Kings XI Punjab: 198 for 4 (Hashim Amla 104 sain, Sanjamul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, "So, I try and find a different way, something not out, Glenn Maxwell 40) by eight wickets Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mehedi similar to the knock I played tonight." Hasan and Shafiul Islam. 18 SPORT FRIDAY 21 APRIL 2017 'Unbeatable' Juventus Al Attiyah secures clear hailed as Euro dream lead with stage victory takes shape Milan legs to merit another tilt at the AFP trophy they last won in 1996 The Peninsula with a 4-2 penalties victory Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action during the uventus can finally hand over Ajax. atar’s Nasser Saleh Al third stage of Qatar Cross-Country Rally goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon "Over the two legs, they Attiyah, Austria’s Mat- yesterday. Jan elusive Champions were better than us so they thias Walkner and League title after making five- deserve to go through to the Poland’s Rafal Sonik time winners Barcelona "cry" semi-finals. I think they can win Qclaimed victories in on their way to a spectacular the Champions League this sea- the third stage of the Qatar Champions League semi-final son," said Pique. Cross-Country Rally, but Al Atti- exit on Wednesday. Gazzetta dello Sport sug- yah, Dubai-based Briton Sam Those were the headlines gested Juve's virtually Sunderland and Sonik held the splashed across the front pages "impenetrable defence" should overall advantages in the car, a day after rock-solid Juventus also give 39-year-old club leg- motorcycle and quad categories followed their impressive 3-0 end Buffon the chance to add a after a windy day’s action in the first-leg win over the Spanish trophy from Europe's premier Qatar deserts yesterday. giants with a defensive master- club competition to his long list The day’s stage of 353.02km class that held Barca to a of titles and accolades. started near Sealine, passed the frustrating scoreless draw at the "It's your year. With a Inland Sea and then meandered Camp Nou. defence like this you can lift the across to the west coast before As Juve celebrated a 3-0 trophy," said an inside-page heading north to an eventual fin- aggregate win at a stunned but headline. ish at Mekaines. appreciative Nou Camp, Bar- Currently on their way to a Al Attiyah attacked through celona – who beat Juventus on record sixth consecutive Serie the early sand dunes and began their way to triumph in 2015 – A title and a third successive to eat into Yazeed Al Rajhi’s vir- crashed out of the competition league and Cup double, Juve tual stage lead. The Saudi had after seeing stars Lionel Messi, can also target an unprece- moved to the top of the rankings Luis Suarez and Neymar fail to dented club treble -- last when overnight leader Jakub find the net over 180 under- achieved by an Italian club by Przygonski lost time in the sand. whelming minutes. Inter Milan under Jose Mour- Al Attiyah continued to dom- "Fly Juve Fly" was the front inho in 2010. inate throughout the day and, page headline on Italy's biggest- "Henceforth, there's no when Al Rajhi withdrew from selling sports daily La Gazzetta doubt: there's a smell of the tre- the stage after 277km following dello Sport, which included a ble in the air," wrote Gazzetta suspension damage in a ditch, vignette showing teary-eyed columnist Alessandro De Calo. the Qatari stormed to the top of Barca star Neymar being com- While Allegri applauded the the leader board and now holds forted by former club defender achievement of keeping a clean an advantage of 3min 23.7sec Dani Alves. sheet against Barca, he believes over Toyota team-mate Leeroy see tomorrow what our start QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY POSITIONS Corriere dello Sport used there's more to come. Poulter, the South African mak- position will be and we will the same dramatic picture of "It's almost unheard of for 2017 Qatar Cross-Country Rally – positions on SS3 (unofficial) ing his first appearance in the push.” Alves and Neymar to fully illus- Barcelona to fail to score over Cars - FIA Middle East. Abu Dhabi Racing’s Sheikh trate the Brazilian starlet's two legs. But the lads need to 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 3hr 26min 53sec Al Attiyah said: “The car is Khalid Al Qassimi carded the disappointment. realise they can do even better. 2. Khalid Al Qassimi (ARE)/Khaled Al-Kendi (ARE) Peugeot 3008 DKR 3hr 36min 07sec working very well and we do our second quickest time to move 3. Mohammed Abu Issa (QAT)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) Mini All4 Racing 3hr 36min 30sec "You made them cry," We are slowly improving," job and our target to win the up to fifth overall behind third- screamed Corriere's headline, Allegri told Mediaset 4. Leeroy Poulter (ZAF)/Dirk von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux 3hr 36min 58sec Premium. stage. Now we are leading and placed Qatari Mohammed Abu 5. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Colsoul (BEL) Mini All4 Racing 3hr 44min 10sec while for Turin-based Tutt- try to keep going like this. The Issa and Przygonski. Dutchman Bikes osport Juventus are simply "I'm satisfied with what wind made it not easy and we Erik van Loon was sixth in a 1. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Rally 4hr 01min 25sec "Unbeatable". we're achieving but the onus is had a small mistake in the dunes third Toyota Hilux run by Over- 2. Paolo Gonçalves (PRT) Honda 450 CRF Rally 4hr 04min 39sec Even Barcelona, outdone by not on maintaining current and we lose around three min- drive Racing. 3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) Husqvarna 450 Rally 4hr 07min 31sec Paulo Dybala's impressive form. Instead, we should aim utes. But we came back strong.” KTM Red Bull Factory Team 4. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally 4hr 07min 43sec brace and Giorgio Chiellini's to improve it." “We broke the front left in a rider Sunderland made a storm- 5. Pierre Alexander Renet (FRA) Husqvarna 450 Rally 4hr 09min 29sec 55th minute header in Turin last After Real Madrid overcame ditch and tried to drive the stage ing start from the front in the Quads - FIM week, had to agree. Bayern Munich 4-2 on Tuesday slowly, step-by-step, but then motorcycle category and stayed 1. Rafal Sonik (POL) Yamaha YFM 700 R 5hr 10min 57sec "Compliments to @Juven- to send the Bundesliga giants we decided to (pull) out,” said Al- well ahead of his rivals through 2. Alexis Hernandez (PER) Yamaha Raptor 700R 5hr 13min 28sec tusfc for reaching the packing, Juve fans were

Rajhi, who arrived in Losail with the first two checkpoints. But his 3. Rodolfo Schippers (GUA) Yamaha Raptor 700R 5hr 17min 29sec semi-final," the Catalan club celebrating. a Mini sporting a puncture and pursuers managed to close in over 4. Kees Koolen (NLD) Barren Racer One 690 5hr 20min 58sec wrote on its official Twitter The Germans have stopped broken front-left suspension. the faster sections as the stage page. Juve in their tracks twice in “It got worse and worse. We progressed and Austrian Matthias Walkner claimed the second after day three behind To which Juventus replied: recent seasons, at the quarter- stage win and moved up to third the day’s stage winner Rafal "Thank @FCBarcelona, it's an final stage in 2013 then again overall. Sonik. honour to beat such a great in the last 16 last year. Walkner said: “I realise now Qatar’s Adel Abdulla lost his opponent." But after seeing his Juve that I won the stage. Sure, it T2 category lead in the sand Juve go into Friday's semi- side oust both Monaco, in the helps a bit when you start at the dunes south of Sealine and that final draw along with Real quarters, and Real, in the semis, back. It was so windy out there opened the door for Abu Dhabi Madrid, Monaco and Atletico on their way to a 3-1 final defeat and almost on the limits for the Racing’s Mansour Al Helai to Madrid -- all of whom have by Barcelona in 2015, Allegri safety reasons. Sometimes you claim the stage win and move faced Massimiliano Allegri's should be wary of Atletico. did not see any piste or nothing. ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Yasir men in recent European Runners-up to Real Madrid It was really hard, but I am Saeidan in the standings. campaigns. last year, the Spaniards have happy that I make up for the The duo are 12th and 13th For Barca defender Gerard beaten Juve once and held them time loss yesterday." overall. Qatar’s Mohammed Al Pique, though, the Italians to a draw on their previous two The dunes were okay Harqan is third. showed enough over the two meetings. because Sam did a great job to Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmajeed leave the lines to Al Khulaifi finished the shorter follow."underland continues to non-FIM section on his Yamaha lead outright by 6min 28.9sec quad for a second day, with fel- from Monster Energy Honda low countryman Sultan Al team rider Paulo Gonçalves. Masood running behind. Pablo Quintanilla of the Rock- Saudi driver Khaled Al- star Energy Husqvarna Team Feraihi was the unofficial winner holds fourth and Honda’s Kevin of the day’s National Baja stage Benavides is fifth. Ride to Abu that finished at PC2, after Dhabi’s Mohammed Al-Balooshi 152.5km. holds eighth place," he added. Qatar’s Mohammed Al-Har- “I saw that I was a bit too fast qan was second and Mohammed this morning and I had to ease it Al Mannai held third. off a bit for the strategy,” said Emirati driver Abdullah Al- Poland's Rafal Sonik on Sunderland. Ketbi was hospitalised after an Alexis Hernandez lost his accident just five kilometres into his way to winning the quad lead when he was penal- the day’s National Baja stage. His third stage yesterday. ised for missing two waypoints co-driver Rashed Al Ketbi was and the Peruvian slipped to not hurt in the incident. Handball: El Jaish, Al Gharafa reach final

Doha El Jaish overcame Al El Jaish. Al Rayyan improved in half one goal ahead on 16-15 QNA Rayyan 21-18 in a match that the second half but fell short of before Al Qiyada turning out for took place on Wednesday at turning the game in their favor the second half in style to open l Jaish and Al Gharafa Duhail Sports Hall to secure as El Jaish players tried to keep a three-goal gap at some points. made it to the final of their place in the final for the the gap and reach the final. In Al Gharafa, however, came Qatar Cup handball after third year in a row and get a the other semifinal, Al Gharafa back to the match and closed E Juventus' defender Giorgio Chiellini (right) celebrates their beating Al Rayyan and Al Qiy- step closer to retaining the title narrowly beat Al Qiyada 27-26 the deficit in the last minutes adah respectively in the that they won in the previous to book a date with El Jaish in to win the tie and reach their qualification with team-mates at the end of the UEFA semi-final stage of the two editions. tomorrow's final. first-ever final of the coveted Champions League quarter-final second leg match against competition. The first half ended 12-9 to Al Gharafa ended the first tournament. FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on Wednesday. Juve claimed a 3-0 win on aggregate. FRIDAY 21 APRIL 2017 SPORT 19 Motherhood no obstacle for Serena's return, says Court

Melbourne agong. But she had no idea. Reuters "Our first child was with me on the centre court. My otherhood may coordination, my timing was do little to all out and I thought: ‘what’s slow Serena wrong with me?’ Williams's "Balls were dropping in pursuit of and I was letting them go. Mgrand slam success but more Nobody knew. I went to the hungry opponents, if they doctor and then I found out." emerge, could yet deny her Court promptly stopped the all-time singles record, playing and was initially the women who holds that unsure if she would return. Bubba Watson of the US watches his shot distinction told Reuters. But after giving birth, the Australian great Marga- former world number one's during the Shenzhen International golf tournament in Shenzhen, in China's southern ret Court won 24 grand slam Margaret Court Serena Williams mind was made up and she singles titles, one ahead of began jogging around a park Guangdong Province, yesterday. American Williams, who near her house with a pram confirmed she was pregnant Daniel I had one of my best "I don't know (if Serena win and they think 'well, to get fit. on Wednesday and will sit years ...(but) I was quite a few can win another) ... It will that’s it.' They’re made. It’s a Court and her husband out the rest of the season. years younger (than Serena)," depend whether she still feels bit sad in many ways. Barry juggled baby Daniel Watson takes Court, 74, who straddled Court told in an interview on like doing it. It’ll depend on "It was more open in my alone, and he was often wail- the sport's amateur and pro- Thursday. her," Court said. "It depends years with Billie Jean King, ing in the grandstands during fessional eras, was also the "And I think you’ve got to who’s coming through, too." (Martina) Navratilova and matches. clubhouse lead first mother to win a major know physically what you On that point, Court felt (Chris) Evert-Lloyd." That situates her a world as a professional. She took can do and how you can do women's tennis could still be Williams's "20 weeks" away from the comeback three of those titles in 1973, it. You put the baby first and at Williams's mercy, given no caption in a social media post that, in the age of social the year after giving birth to that to me was everything at players had emerged to pro- on Wednesday suggested she media and multi-million dol- in Shenzhen her first child Daniel. the time. But we’re all vide a sustained challenge to was two months' pregnant lar celebrity endorsements, But she rejoined the tour different." the American's dominance. when she won her 23rd would await Williams as a at 31 while Williams would The only other mothers to "There’s not the depth in grand slam at this year's Aus- playing mother. Beijing be 36 if she came back as win slams in the Open era are the women’s game like there tralian Open. "It was nothing like they AFP planned in 2018, a difference Court's compatriot Evonne is in the men’s. It’s not good Court was also well have today. They’ve got the Court thought might play a Goolagong and Belgian Kim for women’s tennis which is into her term with Daniel money to do it," Court said of wo-time Masters champion American role. Clijsters who were both 26 a shame," she said. when she lost the 1971 modern players with Bubba Watson led the first round of the "Coming back after when they came back. "It’s like they have one Wimbledon final to Gool- children. Tstorm-interrupted Shenzhen International yesterday after scoring six under par. The clubhouse leader, ranked 22 in the world, clinched an early lead by shooting an eagle and five birdies before storms in the area Murray, Wawrinka out of Monte Carlo Masters suspended play for two hours in the afternoon. "I hit a lot of good shots and a lot of greens, Monte Carlo match, I thought it was going so I'm pretty happy with six-under. All in all, a AP MONTE CARLO MASTERS RESULTS to be a big test for me." great day and a good start, especially as we Zverev conceded the thought it was going to rain early on," Watson Third round: ndy Murray blew a match tamely, double-fault- told reporters. Albert Ramos Vinolas (ESP x15) bt Andy Murray (GBR x1) 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 4-0 lead in the decid- ing on Nadal's third match The 38-year-old is competing against other Aing set and lost to Marin Cilic (CRO x5) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x9) 6-2, 7-6 (7/0) point. star players including South African duo Haydn Albert Ramos-Vinolas 2-6, Pablo Cuevas (URU x16) bt Stan Wawrinka (SUI x3) 6-4, 6-4 "It was probably a little Porteous and Dean Burmester, Germany's Max 6-2, 7-5 in the third round of Lucas Pouille (FRA x11) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 3-0 -- retired bit (of a) surprise for him that Kieffer, Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and the Monte Carlo Masters Diego Schwartzman (ARG) bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 6-3, 6-0 I started with that high inten- France's Grégory Bourdy. yesterday. Rafael Nadal (ESP x4) bt Alexander Zverev (GER x14) 6-1, 6-1 sity, playing that well," said Play was halted for the night shortly before Former French Open David Goffin (BEL x10) bt Dominic Thiem (AUT x6) 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3 Nadal, who reiterated his 7PM (1100 GMT), meaning 56 players will com- and Monte Carlo champion belief that Zverev has the plete their first round early Friday morning Stan Wawrinka followed potential to become a future before the second round begins for Murray out after losing to No. 1. "(It) was probably little everybody. Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay bit tough for him to accept Porteous, Burmester, Kieffer, Jaidee and 6-4, 6-4. the way the result was going." Bourdy were hot on Watson's heels after they Meanwhile, defending Nadal, who is chasing a all completed the first round at five under par. champion Rafael Nadal beat 10th title here, next faces "Well that was interesting...It's not often you Alexander Zverev, spoiling unseeded Argentine Diego birdie more than half the course!" 22-year-old Spain's Albert Ramos Vinolas the German's 20th birthday, Schwartzman — who eased Porteous commented on Twitter earlier yester- 6-1, 6-1. celebrates his victory over Britain's past Germany's Jan-Lennard day. If the veteran Watson wins, it would be his Later yesterday, two- World number one Andy Murray Struff 6-3, 6-0. Nadal beat second European Tour title and first tourna- time champion Novak during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Schwartzman in straight sets ment victory in over a year. Djokovic played No. 13 Pablo Series tennis tournament yesterday. in their two previous The father-of-two had lost over 15 pounds Carreno Busta. matches. after making adjustments to his diet this year. Murray, returning from Ramos-Vinolas faces "I've been working so hard with my putting a right elbow injury which French Open runner-up to went out. Cuevas hit a sweet five sets in the third round fifth-seeded Marin Cilic in the on getting more speed and getting the ball to sidelined him during the Djokovic. "I haven't lost forehand winner down the of the Australian Open but quarterfinals. The Croatian the hole, to at least give it a chance to go in. Miami Open and Davis Cup many matches like that in line on the next point and the only fire Zverev showed reached the last eight after That's what I did better this first round com- quarterfinals, struggled on my career. raised his arms in the air here was when he smashed beating No. 9 Tomas Ber- pared to the last couple of years here," Watson his serve in a scrappy match "He started playing bet- after beating Wawrinka in his racket clean in two dur- dych 6-2, 7-6 (0). said. lasting more than 2 1/2 ter toward the end of the set. their first-ever meeting. ing the second set. It drew No. 10 David Goffin of Local favourite Li Haotong, ranked 151 in hours. The match featured I should have been able to Three-time Grand Slam jeers from the centre court Belgium and No. 11 Lucas the world and winner of the Volvo China Open 13 service breaks, including do enough to sort of weather champion Wawrinka said he crowd basking in the Medi- Pouille of France also last year, completed the Shenzhen first round seven against Murray, who that storm a little bit and fin- felt a bit leg-weary, which terranean sun. advanced. at three over par. struggled with Ramos-Vino- ish the match off." left him vulnerable against "Australia was five sets. Goffin downed No. 6 After today, there will be an elimination and las' heavy forehands in his Wawrinka never found a clay-court specialist. Last year in Indian Wells was Dominic Thiem of Austria only the top half best-performing players will first meeting with the his touch or range and con- "If you hesitate a little, he very close in the third (set), 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3; while compete during the weekend for the title. Spaniard. ceded match point when his will get you," Wawrinka said. he had match point," Nadal Pouille was leading 3-0 This is the third edition of the Shenzhen "I'm disappointed to lose backhand pass — normally "When you're not at your top said. "We (were) supposed when countryman Adrian International at the Genzon Golf Club -- the first from the position that I was one of the best shots in men's level, he knows what to do." to play a tough match, that's Mannarino retired with a hip Chinese course to host multiple European Tour in," said Murray, last year's tennis — clipped the net and Zverev pushed Nadal to what I thought. Before the problem. events. Farah's injection before 2014 London Marathon not recorded: Doctor

LondonLondon Dr Robin Chakraverty, you travel to those ath- banned infusions of sup- him was an explanation Freeman at the Criterium ReuterReuterss former chief medical letes," Chakraverty, who plements to his athletes, not an excuse. It is du Dauphine race in officer at UK Athletics, told now works with the Eng- citing what the newspaper recorded on his record, as France in 2011 for former oubleouble Olympic British legislators he land football team, told the said was a leaked US Anti- it should be." rider Bradley Wiggins, chchampionam Mo injected Farah with 13.5 Culture Media and Sport Doping Agency (USADA) Last month, British who went on to win the DFFaraharah (pictured) millilitres (ml) of L-carni- select committee. report. Cycling acknowledged 2012 Tour de France. was givengive a legal dose tine prior to his London "If you don't record it Farah has denied any "failings" in its record- Warner denied there ofof a controversialc Marathon debut but had straight away -- which I wrongdoing. keeping system after it were any similarities supplementsu "forgotten" to record it in didn't in this case -- then UK Athletics chairman emerged during an inves- between the Farah case before the the necessary forms. it can get forgotten Ed Warner criticised tigation that Team Sky did and the one involving 2014 London L-carnitine is a legal because you have all these Chakraverty. not keep complete medical Wiggins. Marathon, supplement but adminis- other things." "It was disappointing, records for their riders. "Please don't tar us butb the treat- tering a quantity greater In February, Farah's definitely. It is what hap- Team Sky are at the with the same brush," he mentment waswas not properly than 50ml within six hours coach Alberto Salazar pened. It shouldn't have centre of an investigation said. "I think they are both recorded,recorded the doctor is prohibited. issued a rebuttal of a Sun- happened," Warner told into the contents of a inexcusable. We should who gave hhim the injec- "When you are con- day Times article alleging MPs. "You got a lot of package delivered to then have the same gold-plated tion hhasas sasaid.i stantly on call for athletes he had administered regret. What you had from team doctor Richard standard for all athletes."