CCRICKETRICKET | Page 4 Chennai taste fi rst defeat, lose by 33 runs to Mumbai

Thursday, April 4, 2019 FOOTBALL Rajab 28, 1440 AH Racist abuse GULF TIMES against Moise Kean whips up storm SPORT Page 6

Italian PM visits Al Bayt Stadium

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (right) and Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Secretary-General Hassan al-Thawadi pose together during a tour of the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor yesterday. (Right) Conte and his accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival by al-Thawadi and a number of off icials in charge of the stadium’s construction. Conte listened to a detailed presentation on the progress of the construction process, in addition to viewing what has been accomplished so far. He was accompanied during the visit by ’s ambassador to Italy Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Malki al-Jahni and Italian ambassador to Qatar Pasquale Salzano.

QNB STARS LEAGUE ATHLETICS Six champions confi rm for Ferreira confi dent Diamond League By Sports Reporter Doha

xactly one month re- Al Sadd can seal mains before Doha once again welcomes the world’s best athletes – includingE IAAF Female Athlete of Sadd, who have 51 points, four the Year Caterine Ibarguen from Colombia – for the fi rst stage of more than defending champions the 2019 IAAF Diamond League Duhail, up against Ahli today which takes place at the state- title today of-the-art Khalifa International Stadium. By Sports Reporter Ibarguen is one of six reign- Doha ing world outdoor and Olympic Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) champions to be confi rmed across president Dr Thani al-Kuwari. the fi rst three events – long jump, l Sadd coach Jesu- pole vault and 100m hurdles – national Stadium.” aldo Ferreira emphati- with more top names to be un- One of the standout clashes of cally stated yesterday veiled in the weeks leading up the meeting will be the long jump that his team will beat to the May 3 spectacle, which which features two reigning AAl Ahli today and be crowned will be held under the lights next Olympic champions: Caterine the 2018-19 season QNB Stars month. Ibarguen and Tianna Bartoletta League champions. The Khalifa International Sta- from the United States. Leaders Sadd need a victory dium will launch the outdoor “I am thrilled to launch my at home against Ahli to win their season in earnest and will also season in Qatar,” said Ibarguen. 14th league title, the most in Qa- draw the curtain on the year “It is a country where athletics is tar’s history. But the past history when the IAAF World Athletics popular and I am confi dent I can suggests Ferreira’s men have Championships Doha 2019 are perform to the best of my abili- their task cut out against Ahli. held at the same iconic sports ties at the start of the season.” Sadd have been rampant venue from September 28 to Oc- The pole vault also features this season beating most of the tober 6, the fi rst time the IAAF two reigning global outdoor teams easily and have lost only World Championships will be champions: world champion one match. But that defeat in- staged in the Middle East. Sam Kendricks from the United cidentally was against Al Ahli in The Qatar Athletics Federa- States and Olympic champion the fi rst leg, so the Wolves have tion (QAF) president and Qa- Thiago Braz from Brazil who re- reasons to be wary of The Briga- tar Olympic Committee (QOC) turned to form during the indoor diers. second vice-president Dr Thani season with a 5.80m clearance. But ahead of the match, Fer- al-Kuwari said, “It gives us great In the fi rst track event to be reira was upbeat about his pleasure to announce that some announced, reigning Olympic team’s chances. of the leading names in the track 100m hurdles champion and “Al Ahli beat us in the fi rst leg Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (right) and defender Salem al-Hajri address a press conference yesterday. and fi eld world will be seen in 2018 Diamond League champion and that will not happen again. action on May 3, 2019. Qatar Brianna McNeal from the United I am confi dent in my players’ crown, even if second-placed new challenge for me and my to give all 12 teams equal advan- Qatar SC, 11th with 16 points, feels proud to host the names States will be looking to improve abilities to win the match and Duhail beat bottom-placed Al team. They are the team clos- tage. The fi nal round of matches face Al Arabi with relegation that matter in the track and fi eld on her runner-up fi nish from seal the title. We are ready to Kharaitiyat. est to the title. It will be a strong will be played either on 12th or threat in mind. Al Arabi are sixth world.” twelve months ago when she fi n- face Al Ahli,” the Portuguese The outcome will largely de- game and we will bring out our 13th April. The kick-off timings with 27 points. Al Rayyan and Al He added: “This year’s IAAF ished behind world record-hold- manager said. pend on how best the Al Ahli’s best. We will not focus on Al and venues will be decided later. Sailiya will take the fi eld with top- Diamond League opener will be er Kendra Harrison. “My message to our fans is defence tackles Sadd’s dynamic Sadd. Instead, we will focus on Tomorrow, four matches will four fi nish at stake as the latter the tenth time that Qatar will host Harrison is absent this year that the club management and duo and our team and our preparations be played at 6:10pm and two at have only one point more than the this prestigious one-day event. but McNeal, who is the fourth all staff of the team are behind us Akram Afi f. for a strong match. We will not 8:20pm, with Sadd and Duhail former (33 points). Al Shahania Also, this year’s IAAF Diamond fastest sprint hurdler of all-time in our match against Al Ahli and Meanwhile, Sadd left-back be easy opponents. We will do to play in early kick-off . will surely have a point to prove League opener will be held at Qa- with 12.26, will face a typically that we will win the title. We will was ruled our best,” the Spaniard said. In other match, seventh- when they play Umm Salal. tar’s iconic sports venue — the competitive line-up including do our best to make all Al Sadd out of the game as he has not Duhail, who will be hoping for placed Al Gharafa (25 points) Khalifa International Stadium. Australia’s reigning world cham- fans happy,” he said. recovered full fi tness following a Al Sadd to slip up against Ahli, take on Al Khor (10th with 18 FIXTURES The same venue will host the IAAF pion Sally Pearson and Jamaica’s Sadd have 51 points, four more knock he picked up in the game should have little problem in points) with an eye to improve 6:10pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Du- World Athletics Championships Danielle Williams, who preceded than defending champions Al against Al Sailiya last week. beating Kharaitiyat, who will be their position even though they hail at Al Ahli stadium, Al Khor vs Doha 2019 later this year.” Pearson as the world champion Duhail. They had a chance to Al Ahli also have much at relegated if they lose tomorrow. cannot fi nish among the top Al Gharafa at Al Khor stadium, The QAF president said: “We in Beijing in 2015. seal the title at Al Duhail sta- stake in the match as they are Al Kharaitiyat has only 12 points, four this season. On the other Al Sadd vs Al Ahli at Al sadd welcome all sports fans to Doha The fi eld also features Euro- dium last week, but were denied level on 33 points with fourth- six less than 10th placed Al Khor hand, Al Khor are still not com- Stadium, Qatar SC vs Al Arabi at to enjoy the best of athletics in pean champion Elvira Herman after being held to a 2-2 draw. placed Al Rayyan. Al Ahli coach and four less than 11th placed pletely out of danger zone and Qatar SC stadium what will be a memorable year from Belarus, African champion But having restored their four Ruben de la Barrera said his team Qatar SC. will look to sustain the winning 8:20pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya for us. Qatar is the sports hub of Tobi Amusan from Nigeria and point advantage at the top, Sadd will give their best to keep their The de- momentum, having defeated at Al Ahli stadium; Umm Salal vs the region and we can’t wait for Sharika Nelvis who won the US can control their destiny. A vic- top four chances alive. “The cided to hold all matches of the Kharaitiyat in the last round by a Al Shahania (20:20) at Qatar SC the action to begin at our special indoor 60m hurdles title in a tory today would hand them the match against Al Sadd is a great penultimate on one day in order big margin. stadium. sports venue – the Khalifa Inter- world-leading 7.85. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, April 4, 2019 SPORT

FORMULA 1 Qatar defeat Chinese Taipei in world junior tennis qualifi ers

The Qatari U14 tennis team defeated Chinese Taipei 2-1 on Tuesday in the Asia-Oceania Final Qualifying event for ITF World Junior Tennis Competition. The Qatari delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday to participate in the event New McLaren a step to conclude on April 7. Qatar is represented by Nasser al-Yafei, Rashed Nawaf and Meshari Nawaf. The event features the participation of China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Qatar, India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Syria, New Zealand, Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka. The four top teams will qualify to the ITF World Junior Tennis Competition to be staged in Czech forward in every Republic in August 2019. Men’s Olympic tennis fi nal to be best-of-three sets

The men’s tennis final at next year’s Tokyo Olympics will change format to a best-of-three tiebreak sets instead of five, the Inter- national Tennis Federation (ITF) said yesterday. The decision aspect, says Alonso brings the men’s gold medal match into line with other Olympic singles matches which are all played as best-of-three sets. The ITF said men’s and women’s doubles matches would feature a ‘There is still another step to make if you want to compete with the top three teams’ match tiebreak to 10 points when tied at one-set all, as is the case in mixed doubles. “These amendments reduce concerns Reuters of overplay for players who reach the latter stages of all three London events — singles, doubles and mixed doubles,” the ITF said in a statement.

ouble Formula One world champion Fern- ando Alonso tested SPOTLIGHT McLaren’s 2019 car for theD fi rst time on Tuesday and declared it a step up on the one he raced last year before leaving Prize money in the sport. The 37-year-old Spaniard last drove a Formula One car in No- women’s golf vember but he was at the Bah- rain circuit in a tyre testing role as well as to get a feel for the new nothing to complain car and provide feedback. “The car is a step forward in every aspect from last year,” he about, says Davies said. “The car has more grip, it’s less draggy on the straights, the Reuters fi nished in a tie for second at the engine is a step better, so over- Cary, North Carolina Founders Cup last year and be- all as a package the car is going lieves that she could win again, in the right direction and we’re which is why she plans to keep closer to the front. rize money in women’s playing for as long as she can. “We saw in the fi rst two races golf pales in comparison Davies still hits the ball further that there is still another step to the riches on off er for than many peers half her age, fl y- to make if you want to compete men, but Laura Davies ing it some 260-270 yards with with the top three teams, but Pthinks the $70mn up for grabs on her driver and sometimes not even as a fi rst step I think it’s a good the LPGA Tour this year repre- using a tee when she wants to hit a baseline and there’s a good pro- sents success by any reasonable fade, but acknowledges her short gramme of development.” measure. game often lets her down. Former champions McLaren Never mind that the PGA Tour “If my short game was better scored their fi rst points of the will distribute about $500mn to I’d be really competitive,” she said. season in Bahrain last Sunday its players in 2019. Women’s pro- “But my chipping is not as good. when British rookie Lando Nor- fessional golf is doing just fi ne, “And I don’t hole as many ris fi nished sixth. The 19-year- Former F1 driver and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso leans on the car in McLaren’s garage at the Sakhir circuit on Tuesday. (AFP) according to Davies. putts as I used to, and these old has qualifi ed in the top-10 in At 55, the Englishwoman, who young girls are phenomenal now both his races so far. at the Sakhir circuit. has more than 30 years on the tour, so I’ve got my work cut out, but Spaniard Carlos Sainz has His time, in warm and dry remembers the days when only a I’m still trying.” suff ered two retirements but conditions after Tuesday’s rain, couple of dozen elite LPGA play- It is what keeps her on the LPGA qualifi ed seventh in Bahrain. was the fastest over the two days ers made a decent living, while Tour, when she could be well ex- Champions Mercedes have of testing in Bahrain follow- the vast majority scraped by with cused for choosing instead to tend had one-two fi nishes in both ing Sunday’s grand prix won by barely enough to cover their ex- to her vegetable garden at home races with Ferrari and Red Bull Mercedes’ fi ve times champion penses. It is a diff erent story now. in Surrey and enjoying her career also on the podium. Lewis Hamilton. Last year 14 players had more earnings of more than $9mn. Mexican Sergio Perez was than $1mn in offi cial LPGA earn- “If I start shooting 77-plus RUSSELL BACK UP TO SPEED second fastest for Racing Point, ings, while 101 players cracked every round then obviously I’ll be WITH MERCEDES IN TESTING also on the softest C5 com- six fi gures. That does not take gone,” she said. “But while I can Williams driver George Russell pound, with Ferrari’s Sebastian into account off -course earnings still shoot under par and feel like swapped the slowest car in For- Vettel third on the harder C3. from sponsors and commercial I’ve got a chance, if I wake up on mula One for the championship- Mick Schumacher, the endorsements. Thursday morning and feel like I leading Mercedes yesterday and 20-year-old son of seven times “I think we’re doing great,” can win the event, I’ll keep going.” enjoyed a day back on top of the world champion Michael, drove Davies told Reuters ahead of next It has been tough going so far timesheets in Bahrain testing. for Alfa Romeo after making his month’s US Senior Open at Pine this year with four missed cuts The 21-year-old Mercedes- Formula One test debut in the Needles in North Carolina. in four starts, but at the 50-and- backed Briton, last year’s Formula Ferrari on Tuesday and ended “At the US Women’s Open this over senior level she is in a class Two title winner, has languished the day sixth fastest with 70 year, we play for $900,000 to the of her own. at the rear of the fi eld since he laps. winner. Alright, the guys are get- Last year she won the inaugu- made his F1 debut with struggling Thai driver Alexander Al- ting two mn, but who cares? ral US Senior Women’s Open by former champions Williams in bon completed the most laps, “If you’d told me back in my 10 shots over Juli Inkster at Chi- Australia last month. a whopping 143 for Toro Rosso, day when I was a genuine chance cago Golf Club and will defend Russell tested with cham- while British 19-year-old Dan that if you win you’re going to get her crown at Pine Needles from pions Mercedes last year, set- Ticktum did 135 on his test de- $900,000, I wouldn’t have be- May 16-19. ting a track record in Hungary but for Red Bull. lieved you.” And, no matter what, will be in August, and enjoyed being Canadian Nicholas Latifi , the While Davies has 20 LPGA back again next year. “I want to back up to speed with a best lap reserve driver testing the Wil- victories, including four majors, play 20 more (Senior Opens),” she of one minute 29.029 seconds liams, was slowest in 1:32.198. British driver George Russell steers a Mercedes during tests at the Sakhir circuit yesterday. (AFP) she has not won since 2001, but said. “I have no plans to retire.”

GOLF Augusta National opens doors to women... at least for one day

Reuters a silver and gold Tiff any-de- Augusta, Georgia signed cup on a magnolia base of made of wood taken from a mag- nolia tree at Augusta National, hen the fi ght for presented to the winner at the gender equality in Butler Cabin. golf is chronicled “I think women have always Augusta National sought the big spotlight,” said Wwill not be the key battle but it Paige MacKenzie, a former-top will be remembered as a provoc- ranked amateur who will be part ative fl ashpoint and the site of of NBC’s coverage of the fi nal another small victory this week round, during a conference call. when the club hosts a women’s “They want the centre court at tournament. Wimbledon, they want the main When the golfers tee it up for stage and now they have it. the fi nal round of the Augusta “There are people within Au- National Women’s Amateur on gusta National that believe that Saturday they will take a shot at women are worthy of this stage one of sport’s symbols of gender and have bought into what this segregation, playing on a course In this April 12, 2003, picture, chairperson of the National Council of event could be.” that seven years ago did not even Women’s Organizations Martha Burk speaks during a rally near The logical next step would allow female members. Augusta National golf course. (Reuters) be playing all three rounds at Once the sanctuary of some of In this April 7, 2018, picture, stormy skies loom over the Augusta National Golf Club during the 2018 Masters Augusta but many have bigger the world’s most powerful men Condoleezza Rice and fi nancier light in 2003 when the then golf tournament. (Reuters) dreams, including a women’s and home to the revered Masters Darla Moore becoming the fi rst chair of the National Council of Masters. tournament, Augusta National women to don the iconic green Women’s Organisations staged a But since then, she believes “Let’s call it what it is, they But tradition is the cornerstone “Things at Augusta don’t Golf Club for decades remained jackets that distinguish members protest. there has been remarkably little are trying to give the illusion of of Augusta National’s brand and happen very rapidly,” said Kay unmoved by outside infl uences. and Masters champions. While the demonstration fi z- progress and that it will take an- progress. It is still boys club.” the club will honour it when the Cockerill, a two-time US Wom- Former Augusta chairman While the word historic has zled, Burk’s determination did other 200 years for Augusta Na- women visit. en’s Amateur champion who William “Hootie” Johnson in been attached to the inaugural not as she and her group mount- tional membership to come close TRADITION Players will arrive by driving will also be part of NBC’s cov- 2003 declared the club would Augusta National Women’s Am- ed a campaign asking consumers to being evenly split between No green jacket awaits the winner up leafy Magnolia Lane and just erage team. “They’re sort of a not be forced into a decision on ateur, Martha Burk, an activist to boycott Masters sponsors and men and women. of the Augusta National Women’s like the Masters there will be a slow-moving wheel, and the women members “at the point of who was on the frontline in the companies whose CEOs were “I see it (Augusta National Amateur and only the fi nal round ceremonial tee shot with LPGA wheel is moving. a bayonet”. fi ght to get women into the club, members of Augusta National. Women’s Amateur) as a baby of the 54 hole tournament will be greats Nancy Lopez, Seri Pak, “You have to start somewhere. Nearly a decade later in 2012, has labelled it a public relations That pressure along with step, I wouldn’t even go as far played at Augusta on Saturday, the Lorena Ochoa taking the hon- “I don’t know if you have to in the face of mounting pressure, stunt. lawsuits, Burk says, eventually as to say small step,” Burk told fi rst two rounds set for Wednesday ours. have a women’s Masters but I’d the club opened its doors with Burk thrust the secretive club opened the doors at Augusta Na- Reuters. “There’s more to it than and Thursday at Champions Re- The trophy presentation will like to pipe dream and think that former US Secretary of State into the unwanted global spot- tional to women in 2012. that, it is a big PR deal. treat Golf Club in nearby Evans. also adhere to Masters tradition, would be the ultimate end point.” Gulf Times Thursday, April 4, 2019 3 CRICKET

FOCUS OPINION Settled England favourites to win Blundell called from World Cup: Cook

Reuters England failed to cope with London raised expectations at the 2017 Champions Trophy when they lost to eventual winners Paki- ormer captain Alastair stan in the semi-fi nals. wilderness into Cook believes England Cook is positive such blips have an “outstand- can only make a team mentally ing chance” to lift the stronger. WorldF Cup on home soil, hav- Since the start of last year, ing built a squad full of proven England have come out on top match winners. in bilateral ODI series against Eoin Morgan’s top-ranked World Cup holders Australia, side enter the tournament as New Zealand, Sri Lanka and NZ World Cup squad the one of the most consistent India. teams in the format and their “They had that blip in the Sodhi wins battle for second spinner’s role; De Grandhomme, Neesham, Santner named as all-rounders quest for a fi rst 50-overs title (2017) Champions Trophy, begins against South Africa at where they lost in the semi- The Oval on May 30. fi nal to Pakistan when they Since their shock group- were favourites, but you need stage exit from the 2015 World those lows to be able to grow as Cup, England have been par- a side,” he added. ticularly strong at home, win- “They are favourites. This ning 30 of their 42 ODIs while is a great opportunity for Eoin losing only nine. (Morgan) and the guys to play “England have an outstand- some fantastic cricket. ing chance,” Cook, who retired “There are match winners last year from international throughout the squad, there cricket, told Sky Sports. are batsmen that can win “This is fi rst time going into a games on their own, and over World Cup England have such a the last six or eight months settled squad. Everything looks the bowling has really come great from the outside, they have on. I think they are going to every option covered.” win it.”

Sri Lanka skipper fi ned aft er drink-driving crash

Sri Lanka’s cricket board yes- and fixed a trial for May 2. The terday fined captain Dimuth cricket star was also asked to Karunaratne $7,000 after take a medical test. he was arrested for drink- Police told the court that driving, with the player also Karunaratne went through ordered to stand trial next a red light and hit the taxi month. whose driver was hospital- Karunaratne, 30, has apolo- ised for minor injuries after gised for his “unbecoming” the pre-dawn crash. actions after he was detained “My actions were utterly for crashing into a three- unbecoming of a Sri Lankan wheel taxi on Sunday, leaving national cricketer and I do its driver injured. apologise to all of you for “Sri Lanka Cricket decided to this incident,” Karunaratne impose a fine of $7,000 on said in a statement on Dimuth Karunaratne, after Monday. the player was found to have The incident came as Sri violated the ‘Player Contrac- Lanka decides who will be tual Obligation,’” the board captain for the national team said in a statement. at the World Cup starting in However, the board will take England on May 30. no further action as he had Karunaratne, who led Sri maintained a “very high Lanka to a stunning Test Wicket-keeper Tom Blundell is the only surprise in the Black Caps World Cup squad. professional standard as a series victory against South player”. Africa last month, had been Reuters Munro still made the fi nal 15- A magistrate has suspended one of the favourites for the Wellington man squad with his ability to Karunaratne’s driving licence position. ISH SODHI also bowl medium pace but is more likely to be batting cover. icketkeeper Tom Ish Sodhi also won a tight se- Blundell was the lection battle with Todd Astle surprise selection as the second spinner, with all- ICC to join hands with Interpol in New Zealand’s rounder Mitchell Santner the to tackle corruption W15-man squad for cricket’s one- fi rst-choice slow bowler. day World Cup later this year, The choice of Sodhi over As- The International Cricket ment organisations and this despite never having played the tle was considered a far from Council (ICC) will work more makes Interpol an important format at international level. straightforward selection battle, closely with Interpol as part partner for us.” The 28-year-old Blundell has with both legspinners given op- of ongoing eff orts to combat Cricket has suff ered a series played just two Tests, making portunities to prove themselves corruption in the sport, the of corruption cases in recent a century on debut, and three in white-ball cricket over New governing body said years. In 2011, Pakistan’s Sal- Twenty20 internationals for Zealand’s summer. yesterday. man Butt, Mohammad Asif New Zealand, but will serve as Astle is the stronger batsman Alex Marshall, ICC’s general and Mohammad Amir were a backup to Tom Latham for the but Sodhi is considered the more manager of its anti-corruption found guilty of taking bribes May 30-July 14 tournament in attacking bowler and took 24 unit, met Interpol off icials in to fix part of a test match England and Wales. wickets at 21.17 in his fi nal three Lyon last week to seek closer against England in a case that “The key for us was fi nding fi rst-class games in March. James working relations, it added. prosecutors said revealed the right balance for the squad Neesham and Colin de Grand- “The ICC has an excellent rampant corruption at the and making sure we had our bas- homme were named as the all- relationship with law enforce- heart of international cricket. es covered for what is going to be rounders, while the four frontline ment agencies in a number Earlier this year, the ICC had a very competitive World Cup,” pace bowlers Trent Boult, Tim of countries but working granted Sri Lankan cricketers coach Gary Stead said. Southee, Lockie Ferguson and with Interpol means we are a 15-day amnesty to report “As a one-day unit we’ve been domestic one-day competition can bat up and down the order, had said he would prefer to select Matt Henry were never in doubt. connecting with their 194 previously undisclosed infor- pretty consistent over the past this season. showed his potential with quick- a specialist to back up Latham, members,” Marshall said in a mation relating to corruption few years and possess a very ex- His surprise elevation into the fi re scores of 84 and 43 while who only assumed the role in the SQUAD statement. in the sport. perienced group of core players, squad is at the expense of Tim opening against India in Twen- one-day squad two years ago. Kane Williamson (captain), Tom “Our focus is on education It was followed by former cap- proven at the top level.” Seifert, who had been the pre- ty20 internationals in February, Henry Nicholls had been Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de of players and prevention tain and chairman of selectors Blundell’s last appearance for ferred wicketkeeper in Twen- but broke his fi nger towards the previously mooted as a poten- Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, and disruption of corruptors. Sanath Jayasuriya being New Zealand was in a Twenty20 ty20 internationals this summer end of the season. tial emergency wicketkeeper if Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Where our enquiries reveal handed a two-year ban for international against Australia and made his one-day interna- While he would have recov- Latham got injured, but is now Latham, Colin Munro, James criminal off ences have been refusing to co-operate with in Sydney in early 2018. tional debut in January against ered for the World Cup, ques- expected to open the batting Neesham, Henry Nicholls, committed, we will refer this any investigation conducted He did not play a single game Sri Lanka. tions had been asked about his with Martin Guptill after Colin Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim to the relevant law enforce- by its anti-corruption unit. for Wellington in New Zealand’s The aggressive Seifert, who work with the gloves and Stead Munro fell out of favour. Southee, Ross Taylor.

WORLD CUP Ponting taps Carey as possible stand-in skipper Reuters Selector Trevor Hohns has really good strong leadership and at the crease. Carey has set Melbourne named test skipper Tim Paine qualities as well. his sights no higher than en- and the experienced Matthew “If anything happened to suring his spot in the 15-man Wade as wicketkeeping op- Finch through the World Cup World Cup squad, expected to ustralia assistant tions for the 50-over World or leading into the World Cup, be announced next week. coach Ricky Pon- Cup starting in May but Pon- then I think he’s really well- “I’d like to be at the World ting has backed ting feels Carey off ers the equipped to lead the side, even Cup fi rst,” the South Austral- Alex Carey to be “best package”. though he’s still relatively in- ian said. theA team’s wicketkeeper at “He’s dangerous at the top experienced and never cap- “We’ve got lots of leaders the World Cup and believes of the order or late in the in- tained Australia before.” around this group. the former Australian Rules nings because he does score Carey, who captained Aus- “Usman Khawaja is playing footballer could also step up to 360 degrees, he’s a deceptively tralian Football League ex- some really good cricket and lead the defending champions hard hitter of the ball and for pansion side Greater Western he’s taken his game and his if required. mine, he’s just the right char- Sydney before they joined leadership to the next level. Carey was named a co-vice acter, he’s the right person the top fl ight in 2012, only “(Fellow vice-captain) Pat captain of the limited-overs that you want to have in your made his international debut Cummins is another one who sides captained by Aaron team,” Ponting, an assistant to 14 months ago in a one-day has lots of respect around the Finch during the home sum- head coach Justin Langer for match against England. group. We’ve got lots of guys. mer, and has impressed with the World Cup, told Cricket But the 27-year-old has “Hopefully Finchy is fi ne his glovework during recent Australia’s website (cricket. played another 18 ODIs since and stays on the park and we series against Pakistan and com.au) and won acclaim for his calm don’t have to worry about that India. “I actually think he’s got demeanour behind the stumps one.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, April 4, 2019 SPORT

IPL FOCUS Zanetti waxes Chennai taste fi rst lyrical about avier Zanetti the former that a sportsman needs to de- Inter Milan and Ar- velop and prepare, and I con- gentine midfi elder vis- gratulate Aspire for everything ited Aspire Academy on you are doing here. defeat, lose by 33 Tuesday.J “I am a believer in the con- Zanetti who is currently Vice cept of youth academies be- President at Inter and a mem- cause preparing youngsters ber of the Organising Commit- for the future is important to tee for FIFA Competitions was sport therefore academies run met and welcomed by Aspire by ideal persons will ensure the Academy Director of Strategy, passing on of important values Markus Egger who along with among them that sport can Aspire Director of Football give and help them develop in runs to Mumbai the best they can be,” Performance & Science, Pro- fessor Valter Di Salvo led the Zanetti believes 2022 FIFA ‘I thought 170 was a fighting total because there was something in the pitch’ tour of the newly-constructed World Cup to be held in Qatar and completed Football Per- will one of the best ever. “From formance Centre. what l have seen, I think Qa- Speaking after the tour tar is ready to host the FIFA Zanetti said, “I am pleasantly World Cup in 2020. The fans surprised by everything that from across the globe will fi nd has been built in here at As- a country that is passionate pire Academy and its simply about football and l believe the the best training centre in the World Cup in Qatar will be a world. You have everything great edition,” he noted.

Mumbai Indians’ bowler Hardik Pandya (third left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the Indian Premier League match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) Former Argentina and Inter Milan midfielder Javier Zanetti IANS Chennai’s most depend- overs, Chennai’s lower middle ed an easy catch to Jadhav at off a Bravo delivery, but ended (second left) visited the Aspire Academy on Tuesday. Mumbai able batsman Suresh Raina also order couldn’t help their side square leg in the third over while up giving a catch to Jadeja at the couldn’t do much in the middle cross the line as Deepak Chahar trying to smash a delivery. long-on. It left the hosts at 125/5 after managing just 16 runs off and Shardul Thakur could only Rohit Sharma and Suryaku- in 17.6 overs. efending champions 15 deliveries. It was Behrendorff contribute with 7 and 12 runs re- mar then tried to repair the dam- Suryakumar’s fi ghting innings Sindhu advances, Saina out Chennai Super Kings who once again struck, giving spectively. age, adding 37 runs for the sec- contained eight boundaries and tasted their fi rst defeat the third blow to the visiting Earlier, despite a slow start, it ond wicket. But Jadeja cut short one hit into the stands. Pollard Shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Indian. In another women’s in the Indian Premier side, leaving Chennai reeling at was Hardik and Keiron Pollard’s the former’s stay, dismissing him and Hardik showed some quick H S Prannoy crashed out of singles match, Sindhu faced LeagueD (IPL) 2019 as they lost to 33/3 in 4.5 overs. quick-fi re play which propelled on 13 as Mumbai were 45/2 in the hands towards the end as they Malaysia Open 2019 yester- some challenge from Japan’s Mumbai Indians by 33 runs yes- Jadhav (58 off 54, including Mumbai to 170/5. While most eighth over. With the addition of hammered Bravo for 29 runs day, while P V Sindhu and Aya Ohori in the first game, terday. Chasing a target of 171, eight fours and a six) and Ma- Chennai bowlers, who main- just fi ve runs in the scorecard, in the fi nal over to help Mum- Kidambi Srikanth advanced but dominated the second none of the Chennai batsmen hendra Singh Dhoni (12 off 21) tained a tight economy rate in 18 Imran Tahir intensifi ed Mum- bai reach 170/5 in the allotted to the second round. game and defeated her 22- were able to show resistance ex- then anchored Chennai’s in- overs, went profl igate in the last bai’s troubles by sending Yuvraj 20 overs. “I thought 170 was a Saina, playing her first match 20, 21-12 in 38 minutes. cept Kedhar Jadhav, who played ning with a 54-run partnership. two overs as Pollard (17 unbeaten Singh back to hut at 4. fi ghting total because there was since withdrawing from In the men’s singles, Srikanth a fi ghting 58-run knock. However, the skipper couldn’t off 7) and Hardik (25 unbeaten Suryakumar and Krunal Pan- something in the pitch. If we Swiss Open due to acute gas- registered 21-18, 21-16 win For Mumbai, Lasith Malinga stay for much time in the middle off 8) hammered them all around dya (42 off 32) then showed some knock a few wickets with the troenteritis, didn’t show the over Indonesia’s Ihsan Maula- and Hardik Pandya rattled the as he fell to Hardik Pandya while the park. Suryakumar Yadav resistance and stitched a 62-run new ball, we’ll be in the game,” stomach for fight and went na Mustofa in 38 minutes. Chennai batting line-up, scalp- trying to accelerate the run-rate. (59) and Krunal Pandya (42) also partnership. Mohit Sharma fi - Rohit Sharma said. down to Thailand’s Pornpaw- Prannoy, however, crashed ing three wickets each. Jadhav tried to keep one end made valuable contributions to nally broke the partnership by ee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, out after suff ering 21-12, 16-21, Chasing the target, Chen- in control but Malinga ended his the team’s score. sending almost dangerous look- BRIEF SCORE 10-21 in 54 minutes in the 14-21 defeat against Thai- nai started on a poor note, los- laborious eff ort before Chen- Put to bat, the hosts were off ing Krunal back in the 17th over. Mumbai Indians 170/5 (Surya- women’s single match. land’s Sitthikom Thammasin. ing openers Ambati Rayudu and nai lost Ravindra Jadeja (1) and to a slow start with just three His knock was laced with fi ve kumar Yadav 59, Krunal Pandya Saina has played Chochu- The journey of men’s doubles Shane Watson cheaply. While Dwayne Bravo (8) in quick suc- runs coming from the initial two boundaries and a six. 42; Ravindra Jadeja 1/10) beat wong five times in the BWF pair Manu Attri-B Sumeeth Lasith Malinga accounted for cession as the scorecard read overs, before Chahar drew the While trying to shift gears and Chennai Super Kings 133/8 (Ked- tour. But Wednesday’s win Reddy also ended as they Watson (5), Jason Behrendorff 115/7 in the 18th over. fi rst blood for Chennai. With accelerate the run-rate, Surya- har Jadhav 58, Suresh Raina 16; was the Thai’s first over the lost their first round match. sent back Rayudu on a duck. With 56 needed of the last two runs not coming, de Kock hand- kumar tried to clear the fence Hardik Pandya 3/20) by 33 runs.

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Warner’s show a testimony of his I have worked on my resilience, says SRH coach Moody consistency: Krishna

IANS IANS New Delhi Bengaluru

avid Warner has made a brilliant oung Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer comeback in the Indian Premier Prasidh Krishna is looking to be con- League (IPL) after missing the 2018 sistent this season, an aspect he feels is season due to his involvement in the the biggest attribute a bowler can add to ballD tampering scandal in South Africa last Yhis arsenal. Krishna did not get too many games year, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coach last year but has been in the scheme of things this Tom Moody feels the opener’s current form season, playing in all the three matches so far. is a testimony of his resilience and determi- “Consistency is the best weapon. That’s one nation. With 254 runs from three matches at thing that I have worked on. Apart from that, I a strike rate of 175, Warner is the leading run- do work on the variations I bowl,” Krishna said. getter in this year’s IPL so far. “I would want to get more speed, because that is “We have seen over the course of his something not everyone can do. I want to do it (Warner’s) career what makes him unique consistently,” the 23-year old added. as a player. He had to sit out for 12 months, After going for 33 runs in his four overs, Krish- but he was preparing for six months for his na was picked by KKR captain Dinesh Karthik to comeback. He has been preparing more bowl the decisive Super Over against Delhi Capi- mentally. He is technically sound, so it was tals on Sunday after KKR clawed back into the all about getting prepared mentally,” Moody match from what looked like an impossible po- said of the fellow Australian. sition. He restricted Delhi Capitals to 10 runs in management supports you.” “He has come back full of enthusiasm and the Super Over, taking the wicket of Shreyas Iyer Bowling to Russell in the nets helps Krishna get determination. Warner has an unquenchable in the process. However, Rabada gave away only a lot of confi dence as he knows he is bowling to thirst for the game and that hasn’t been with- Sunrisers Hyderabad opener David Warner (right) is the leading run-getter at this year’s IPL seven runs while defending the score and took the the best T20 batsman in the world, he said. Rus- drawn. He has always had a positive mind- so far with 254 runs from three matches at a strike rate of 175. (AFP) wicket of the dangerous Andre Russell. sell has been in terrifi c form so far this season, set and has been resilient. To endure what Speaking about the faith shown in him to bowl with scores of 49, 48 and 62 in his three innings, Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft is prepared for days when the top-order will have or haven’t done doesn’t concern us. We the Super Over, Krishna said, “Initially I was helping KKR win on two occasions. KKR will take have endured over the last 12 months, they fl op. “There will be times when the middle- are looking forward to be eff ective in the con- very happy as the team trusted me to do the job. on a downbeat Royal Challengers Bangalore on have to be strong,” added Moody on the eve order will have to carry a substantial amount ditions that we are provided with.” I thought the result depended on that one over so Friday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Krishna of SRH’s clash with Delhi Capitals today. of the workload and we have full faith in our While Warner hasn’t led the team, Moody I was happy to take the responsibility. We ended was quizzed about getting an opportunity to bowl The former Australian all-rounder also middle-order. They will accept the opportu- said his contribution is invaluable. “Warner up on the losing side but we still have a lot of to Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. “I am coming up said that while the top three have been doing nity and challenge,” he said. is someone whose contribution is invaluable positives to take. DK (Dinesh Karthik) has always against the best two in the world today. It is going well for SRH (Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Vi- Asked about the inconsistent show from and we are lucky to have quite a few of such trusted me. I have bowled death overs last year as to be a challenge and if I do well, it will help my jay Shankar as the fl oater), the middle-order Delhi Capitals, Moody said: “What Delhi players,” he said. well. It feels nice as a youngster when the team confi dence,” he said. Gulf Times Thursday, April 4, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Harper homers to lead Phillies in return Westbrook dedicates to Washington

Reuters Harper said about booing be- Washington fore the game. “So. I hope I get a great (reception). Unfortu- nately, I think there’ll be some ryce Harper had three boos and things like that, but ‘20-20-20’ to slain hits, including a home that’s part of the game. run, in his return to “I think there’ll be some Washington and the cheers as well. Like I said, I’ll ‘That was for my bro. That’s for PhiladelphiaB Phillies defeated always remember the memo- the Nationals 8-2 on Tuesday ries we had here and the ex- Nipsey – 20 plus 20 plus 20... that’s night. citement and things like that. After striking out in his fi rst All the screams and cheers, I’ll for my bro, rest in peace Nipsey’ two at-bats, Harper doubled, always remember that.” rapper Hussle singled in a run and blasted a In his second at-bat, Harper two-run homer into the up- missed on a 3-2 cutter. In the per deck in right center at the fi fth, he made solid contact off stadium he called home for Scherzer, doubling to right. seven seasons. Maikel Franco After Segura doubled to homered and reached base fi ve clear the bases in the sixth, times for the Phillies and Jean Harper followed with an RBI Segura (three hits) drove in single off Matt Grace. three runs with a bases-load- In the eighth, Harper con- ed double. nected with a Jeremy Hellick- Zach Efl in (1-0) pitched son fastball for his third homer fi ve scoreless innings, allow- of the season and emphatical- ing three hits and a walk while ly fl ipped his bat. striking out nine. The game Scherzer (0-2) allowed two was delayed 41 minutes by rain runs – one earned – on seven and when the lineups were an- hits and a walk in fi ve innings. nounced, Harper’s name was He struck out nine. greeted with boos as a brief Anthony Rendon hit a two- video tribute was played. run homer for Washington. Harper was booed loudly Washington lost shortstop when he came to bat against Trea Turner when he injured Max Scherzer in the fi rst in- his right hand attempting to ning with two on. The boo- bunt in the fi rst inning. ing changed to cheers when The Phillies took a 1-0 lead Harper struck out on a 2-2 in the second on Franco’s change-up. solo homer and Odubel Her- “It’s baseball. It’s part of rera scored on a passed ball to the game, it’s part of sports,” make it 2-0 in the fourth.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook dunks the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard Reggie Bullock (left) looks on during the second-half of their NBA game at Chesa- peake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 119-103. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP was already closing in on a third straight fi ve regular-season games remaining. RESULTS Los Angeles season averaging a triple-double – The Warriors also own the tiebreaker, thanks to winning three of four against achieving double digits in three key sta- Golden State 116-102 Denver tistical categories. the Nuggets in the regular season. klahoma City guard Russell “It’s huge, man,” he told reporters. “I San Antonio 117-111 Atlanta DeMarcus Cousins paced the Warriors Westbrook became only the can’t honestly – I’m not gonna try to put Houston 130-105 Sacramento with a season-best 28 points. second player after Wilt Cham- it into words, but like I said on the fl oor, Oklahoma 119-103 Lakers Kevin Durant added 21 points – includ- berlain to score a ‘20-20-20’ man, that’s who it’s for, and I’m going to ing two massive fi rst-half dunks – before triple-doubleO on Tuesday – and dedicated leave it at that.” and the eighth seed destined to take on the he was ejected in the third quarter after his achievement to slain rapper Nipsey Westbrook grabbed his 19th rebound number one seed in the fi rst round. receiving two quick technical fouls. Hussle. with 1:04 to play when Oklahoma City’s Durant was incensed at the lack of a foul Westbrook posted a remarkable 20 Kiwi center Steven Adams missed the sec- ‘WE HANDLED OUR BUSINESS’ call on a missed three-point attempt. His points, 20 rebounds and 21 assists in the ond of two free throws. The two-time defending champion Gold- 14th and 15th technical fouls of the season Thunder’s 119-103 victory over the Los Westbrook, who waved off coach Billy en State Warriors went some way to en- mean he is one away from an automatic Angeles Lakers, matching Chamberlain’s Donovan’s attempt to sub him out of the suring that top seed will belong to them one-game suspension. feat in 1968. contest, then pulled down his 20th in the with a 116-102 victory over the second- “I thought he deserved the fi rst techni- But he was emotional afterwards as he fi nal minute to put his name alongside ranked Denver Nuggets. cal, I didn’t think he deserved the second,” paid tribute to Hussle, a fellow southern that of Chamberlain, who had 22 points, “We handled our business,” said Gold- Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “I was California native who was gunned down 25 rebounds and 21 assists in a 1968 game en State star Stephen Curry, who fi nished very surprised... but, you know, we move in Los Angeles on Sunday. for the Philadelphia 76ers against Detroit. with 17 points, fi ve rebounds and fi ve as- on.” “That wasn’t for me,” Westbrook told Playoff -bound but losers of seven of sists. “We did what we were supposed to Elsewhere in the West, James Harden broadcaster TNT after the game. “That their last 10, the Thunder are locked in do – protect our home court. scored 36 points to lead the playoff -bound was for my bro. That’s for Nipsey – 20 combat for the seventh seed with the “Obviously we understand we’re chas- Houston Rockets to a 130-105 victory over plus 20 plus 20... that’s for my bro, rest in San Antonio Spurs, who beat the Atlanta ing that number one seed. I guess we con- the Sacramento Kings. peace Nipsey.” Hawks 117-111 on Tuesday. trol our own destiny now,” he added after Houston never trailed and led by as Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (right) and left Westbrook, holder of the record for Both teams own records of 45-33, with the Warriors stretched their lead over many as 30 points, matching their fran- fielder Rhys Hoskins (left) celebrate after defeating the Washington most triple-doubles in a season with 42, the Spurs holding the tiebreak advantage Denver atop the West to two games with chise record with 26 three-pointers. Nationals at Nationals Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Canucks come from behind to defeat Sharks lower-body injury. Pearson created a 2-2 tie Reuters RESULTS Vancouver at 11:18 of the second period as he jammed Nashville 3-2 Buff alo the puck under Jones. The goal was initially disallowed but allowed to stand on a video Boston 6-2 Columbus arkus Granlund’s goal at 13:39 of review. Sharks coach Peter DeBoer chal- the third period gave the Van- Carolina 4-1 Toronto lenged the ruling, but the goal was allowed to couver Canucks a 4-2 comeback Montreal 4-2 Tampa Bay stand after a second video review. home-ice victory over the San Linesman Lonnie Cameron, 54, offi ciated Detroit 4-1 Pittsburgh MJose Sharks on Tuesday night. his fi nal game before retiring after 23 NHL Granlund gave the Canucks an insur- Minnesota 5-1 Winnipeg seasons and a total of 42 in various leagues. mountable 3-2 lead, tapping in a rebound off Dallas 6-2 Philadelphia The Montreal Canadiens gained a critical the post during a scramble, as they rallied Colorado 6-2 Edmonton victory in their playoff chase with a 4-2 win from a 2-1 defi cit with goals two minutes and over the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning on 21 seconds apart. Vancouver 4-2 San Jose Tuesday. The win brings the Canadiens (43- The Canucks, who have missed the play- Los Angeles 3-1 Arizona 29-8, 94 points) even on points with the Co- off s for a fourth straight season, posted lumbus Blue Jackets for the second Eastern their third straight home win as they played game as he converted Bo Horvat’s backhand Conference wild-card slot. Both teams have their fi nal game of 2018-19 at Rogers Arena. pass from behind the end boards. Loui Eriks- 94 points, though Columbus is still ahead Granlund emerged the hero for the second son triggered the scoring play by sending a on a tiebreaker. The Carolina Hurricanes are straight game. He also scored the shootout long lead pass to Horvat. only a point ahead of Montreal and Colum- winner Saturday against Dallas. The Sharks Pearson netted his second regulation-time bus for the fi rst wild-card position. suff ered their ninth loss in 10 games. Tanner goal in four games. He also had a shootout After falling behind twice in the game, Pearson scored two goals for the Canucks, winner, against his former Los Angeles Kings Montreal fi nally took the lead on Artturi Le- while Granlund and Troy Stecher with an team, in that span but that marker did not hkonen’s goal 7:47 into the third period. A empty-netter in the fi nal two minutes, sup- count in his offi cial statistics. looping shot from Victor Mete was batted plied single markers. Both Loui Eriksson and Labanc drew the Sharks even at 5:09 of the out of the air by Lehkonen, then knocked in Bo Horvat posted a pair of assists. fi rst period, defl ecting Brenden Dillon’s shot on his second attempt for his 11th goal of the Kevin Labanc and Joe Pavelski tallied for and catching Demko going the other way. season. Lehkonen also had an assist in the the Sharks. Joe Thornton had two assists. Pavelski gave the Sharks a 2-1 lead on a game, while Jordie Benn contributed two as- Vancouver goaltender Thatcher Demko power play just over fi ve minutes later as he sists for the Canadiens. The Lightning must stopped 33 of 35 shots. San Jose netminder fl ipped in Tomas Hertl’s goalmouth pass. win their fi nal two games to equal the 1995- Martin Jones blocked 19 of 22. Pavelski returned to the Sharks lineup af- 96 Detroit Red Wings for the most wins in a Vancouver Canucks’ Markus Granlund (centre) scores against San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones Pearson opened the scoring 1:28 into the ter missing seven games with an undisclosed single season. (left) and Brent Burns (right) during the third period at Rogers Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, April 4, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FRENCH CUP Genesio future Kean racist abuse unclear as Lyon lose AFP Paris

yon president Jean- Michel Aulas said he will wait until the end of the whips up storm, season to decide the fu- Lture of coach Bruno Genesio following Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Rennes in the French Cup semi-fi nals. Rennes twice led at the Groupama Stadium through goals from Mbaye Niang and but not in Italy Benjamin Andre, but Lyon hit back with a Bertrand Traore goal and Moussa Dembele penalty. Lyon are third in Ligue 1 and Algeria defender Ramy Bense- trail Lille by four points in the Kean along with teammates Matuidi and Sandro had been targeted by monkey chants baini drilled home the winner for race for the second automatic Rennes on 81 minutes to send his Champions League qualifying AFP side through to the fi nal and a spot. “I’m very disappointed Milan possible showdown with holders we’re not through to the fi nal,” Paris Saint-Germain. said Genesio, who has been in Bensebaini’s strike allowed charge at Lyon since December uventus starlet Moise Kean has Rennes to avenge Friday’s 1-0 2015. whipped up a storm by taking league defeat by Lyon and de- “There are eight games left in a stand when targeted by racist nied Genesio’s side the chance to the league and I’m going to do chanting during his team’s Serie A claim their fi rst silverware since everything to lead the team into matchJ against Cagliari on Tuesday night, lifting the trophy in 2012. “It was the Champions League. My per- but his actions raised barely a murmur in agreed that if we were in the fi nal sonal situation is not the prior- Italy, where racist abuse has become a re- — which is no longer the case — ity. We’re not in control of our curring problem which football authori- and if we were in the top three, destiny because we’re third. The ties remain reluctant to tackle. there would be a two-year exten- goal is to be less than three points Even Kean’s Juventus teammate Leon- sion,” Aulas said afterwards. adrift of Lille when they come to ardo Bonucci and coach Massimiliano Al- “The deal that was reached play us (in early May).” legri partly blamed the 19-year-old, born with Bruno is that there will not Rennes will face either four- in Italy to Ivorian parents, for provoking be a contract renewal between time reigning champions PSG Cagliari fans with his celebrations after now and the end of the season. It or Nantes, who were playing in scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win. will stay like that. It’s really sad Paris last night, in the French Kean — along with his French team- not to be able to say that Bruno Cup fi nal at the Stade de France mate Blaise Matuidi and Brazilian Alex will extend his stay.” on April 27. Sandro — had been targeted by monkey chants throughout the match, but they increased in intensity after the Italy in- ternational bagged his fourth Serie A Controversial Champions League strike of the season. The youngster celebrated with his revamp summit set for May hands outstretched on front of the Cagliari fans, drawing a barrage of racist Lausanne: A meeting in which firmed that European football’s abuse. World Cup winner Matuidi pro- UEFA and Europe’s football governing body “will meet tested furiously at the stadium where he leagues are expected to discuss league representatives in the was targeted in January last year. controversial reforms to the coming weeks”, but didn’t Then the Sardinian club had apolo- Champions League will be held say what they would discuss. gised, but this time Kean was cast as the on May 8, multiple sources said Another source said there were villain, with even fellow Italian interna- yesterday. The meeting will “no concrete projects yet, only tional Bonucci saying that “the blame bring together UEFA President ideas that come from discus- is 50-50. Moise shouldn’t have done Aleksander Ceferin and his sions between UEFA and the that and the Curva (where the hardcore counterpart from the European ECA”. Cagliari fans stand) should not have re- Leagues organisation Lars- The wide-ranging proposals acted that way.” Christer Olsson. were reportedly put forward Afterwards Kean’s posted on Insta- They will meet either at UEFA by Juventus chairman Andrea gram that it was “the best way to respond headquarters in Nyon or in Agnelli during a meeting held to racism”. Kean’s agent Mino Raiola, who Geneva to discuss a range of on March 19 between UEFA and also manages Matuidi, said: “Nobody radical changes to the conti- ECA, which represents Europe’s should justify racism in any way or form”. Juventus’ Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo (centre) comforts teammate Moise Kean, who was racially abused by Cagliari fans nent’s top football competition major clubs and is chaired by “A country like Italy should be leading during the Italian Serie A match at the Sardignia Arena in Cagliari on Tuesday night. (AFP) from 2024, the sources said. Agnelli. on this. You cannot be racist and Italian. One source said that “the aim is The ideas were blasted last I am with my players until the end. If in dents at Cagliari with (Ghanian Sulley) Sterling, who said of Bonucci’s com- a cultural problem. Even the anti-racist to discuss Champions League month by senior off icials in the the team or the club there are people who Muntari and Matuidi,” sociologist and ments: “All you can do now is laugh.” movements have never been interested reforms developed by the Euro- Spanish and German leagues. are not willing to fi ght racism they should writer Valeri said. But there has been little support in in this problem. In Italy, it is more serious pean Clubs Association (ECA)”. Alberto Colombo, spokesman be leaving.” “It concerns a small group of people, Italy, with no comments from the fed- to insult the mother, we still have the idea Those reforms reportedly for European Leagues, which Allegri called for the culprits to be the (club) president might decide to crack eration or the Italian League, nor Cagliari that you can go to the stadium and make include the introduction of represents domestic competi- identifi ed and banned for life, but agreed down and punish, as is done in England, or Juventus. Sports newspaper Corriere monkey noises for an hour and a half, weekend fixtures, four groups tions across the continent, said Kean “shouldn’t have celebrated in that but he chooses to defend his fans,” con- dello Sport estimated there were “a few then you go home and you’re not racist.” of eight instead of the current that the members “absolutely manner”. “We’ve got the technology, if tinued Valeri. “It’s easier to do that, to say isolated buu (monkey chants)”, while In December, Inter Milan was punished eight groups of four, and a want to protect our weekend the authorities want to they can identity that Cagliari is not a racist city, which no- the Gazzetta dello Sport counted “more with two games behind closed doors fol- tiered system with relegation games and our leagues”. them. The problem is, they don’t really body says anyway.” whistles than buus”. lowing sustained racist abuse of Napoli’s and promotion that would see The reforms are also set to be want to,” Allegri said. Bonucci’s reaction “totally underes- “The diff erence with other countries Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly. the top six teams of each group discussed at another meeting, Mauro Valeri, the head of Italy’s ob- timates the problem of racism,” added is that in Italy, this issue is never faced But this severe sanction is more the ex- automatically qualify for the fol- this time of the UEFA Club Com- servatory on racism in football, believes Valeri. Kean received support from play- as a real problem,” said Valeri. “For many ception than the norm. Most often, clubs lowing year’s competition. petitions Committee, which is there seems to be a reluctance to tackle ers including fellow Italian international people it is not racism and nobody wants get away with a fi ne or a suspended stand A UEFA spokesman con- scheduled for May 14 in Nyon. the problem. “There were already inci- Mario Balotelli and England’s Raheem to take responsibility for tackling what is closure.

GERMAN CUP Halstenberg penalty We showed we want to win this league: Suarez AFP snatches dramatic Madrid victory for Leipzig ionel Messi and Luis Suarez led Barcelona to a stunning come- AFP back against Villarreal on Tuesday Berlin night and may have ensured there Lwill be no return for Atletico Madrid in La Liga’s title race. Atletico play Barca at the arcel Halstenberg’s Camp Nou on Saturday and were given last-gasp pen- fresh hope of a resurgence when strug- alty saw RB Leipzig gling Villarreal, inspired by the brilliant snatch a 2-1 victory , led the Catalans 4-2 going Mover Augsburg in a nerve-shat- into the fi nal minute. tering German Cup quarter-fi - But Messi, who had started on the nal tie on Tuesday. After Alfred bench, drove in a free-kick in the 90th Finnbogason’s equaliser had and in the 93rd, Suarez fi red in a dev- rescued Augsburg in injury time astating half-volley to earn Barca a 4-4 of normal time, Halstenberg re- draw and an unlikely point. Combined stored the lead in injury time of with Atletico’s earlier 2-0 victory over extra time to send Leipzig into Girona, the result means the gap at the the fi rst German Cup semi-fi nal in the German Cup as he grabbed top is reduced to eight points ahead of of their history. both goals to fi re his side into this weekend’s top of the table meeting The hosts held Leipzig at bay the semi-fi nals for the fi rst time but Ernesto Valverde’s side celebrated for long periods and looked dan- in ten years. Lasogga has now Suarez’s goal like it was a winner. Barcelona’s forward Luis Suarez (third left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Villarreal on Tuesday. (AFP) gerous themselves until a mo- scored six goals in the competi- “In the end it is only a point but there is mentary lapse in concentration tion this season, equalling a club a certain feeling after coming back from refuse to give in, to come back in the last the break, where Villarreal broke through what seemed like the win. Instead, Alvaro allowed Werner to break away and record set by Ivica Olic the last two goals down in the last minute,” Val- minute — we showed that we want to win almost at will. Toko Ekambi’s equaliser Gonzalez was sent off for a second yellow slot in the opener on 74 minutes. time Hamburg reached the last verde said. Cazorla, meanwhile, sank to this league,” said Suarez. shortly after half-time looked like a fl uke card in the 86th minute and Messi lashed Leipzig were left shellshocked, four in 2009. his knees, a chance spurned for Villarreal Rested along with Gerard Pique and but perhaps he meant it. a free-kick in off the post to give Barca however, when Finnbogason After a handful of chances to pull four points clear of the relegation Ivan Rakitic, it seemed Barcelona would He tore down the right wing and cut hope. When Suarez drove in his thunder- snatched an equaliser four min- after half-time, Lasogga gave zone, with Celta Vigo, now only two be- not need Messi as Coutinho tapped in a inside, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen step- ing half-volley from the edge of the box, utes into injury time. Hamburg the lead on 54 minutes, hind, still to play Huesca last night. pass by Malcom, who then headed in Ar- ping out to block what he expected to be there were four seconds of the three add- Yet it was Leipzig who had rising high at a corner to nod the They had come from two down, as turo Vidal’s cross for a 2-0 lead after 16 a cutback. Instead, Toko Ekambi stabbed ed minutes remaining. Cazorla dropped the last laugh in a jaw-dropping ball in from close range. Four- Samuel Chukwueze and Karl Toko Ekam- minutes. But Villarreal sprung into life, the ball inside the goalkeeper and into the down as Barca’s players ran to the corner. game, as Michael Gregoritsch’s teen minutes later, he smashed bi cancelled out early goals from Philippe revived by Chukwueze, who pulled one far corner. Messi warmed up and then Atletico were putting the fi nishing late handball in the box broke a powerful shot into the bottom Coutinho and Malcom. Vicente Iborra back seven minutes later. came on in the 61st minute but it was Vil- touches to their victory when Barcelona Augsburg hearts and gifted corner to seal Hamburg’s passage and Carlos Bacca looked to have sealed an A sumptuous fl ick by Iborra launched larreal that pulled away. A minute later, kicked off but they had to wait until the Leipzig victory. Leipzig will be to the semi-fi nals. incredible win, only for Messi and Suarez the counter-attack and Cazorla sent the Iborra nipped onto Manu Morlanes’ pass 76th minute for Diego Godin’s opener joined in the last four by Ham- The other two semi-fi nalists to intervene. striker clear. Chukwueze’s shot struck and prodded it home before Bacca made against Girona. They had VAR to thank burg, who beat Paderborn 2-0 were to be decided last night, The pair have now scored 51 goals be- the post but cannoned back to him and it four with 10 minutes left. too as the Argentinian’s header was only earlier in the evening. Hamburg as Bayern Munich were hosting tween them in the league this season, just this time, he guided it into the far cor- Cazorla was again the instigator, his allowed to stand after Antoine Griezmann striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga Heidenheim and Werder Bremen one shy of the total managed by Real Ma- ner. Any control Barcelona had increas- curled pass creating the chance, as Bacca had initially been ruled off side. Griez- continued his fi ne scoring form travel to Schalke. drid. “The spirit we showed at the end, to ingly gave way to chaos, particularly on skipped round Ter Stegen and slid in for mann added a second in injury-time. Gulf Times Thursday, April 4, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE Man United have no margin for error, admits Solskjaer 'I said we need 15 points from our last seven games and now we need 15 from our last six'

AFP sure built that we expected, so we kept Wolverhampton, United Kingdom possession well but then they scored with the fi rst chance they put the ball in the box.” le Gunnar Solskjaer admit- United fi nally caved to Wolves’ nu- ted Manchester United have merical superiority 20 minutes later, no further margin for error when Raul Jimenez rose above Phil in their bid to secure a top- Jones and headed a Joao Moutinho fourO fi nish after a damaging 2-1 defeat cross goalwards. The awkward attempt against Wolves on Tuesday night. saw Smalling and goalkeeper David de Ashley Young’s needless dismissal Gea become entangled, with the former and Chris Smalling’s farcical own goal making the fi nal touch as the ball rolled were the low points of a disappoint- over the line. ing evening for Solskjaer’s side at Mo- McTominay’s memorable fi rst ever lineux. United had been set a target of goal in professional football had come 15 points from their remaining seven after just 13 minutes. A patient left- games by the manager before their visit wing build-up ended with Jesse Lin- to Molineux. gard playing the ball centrally to Fred, That total is now 15 points from six with the Brazilian quickly moving it matches, with games to come against sideways to Scotland international Mc- both Manchester City and Chelsea at Tominay. Old Traff ord, a target which Solskjaer The 22-year-old unleashed a bril- admits leaves no room for mistakes. liant, right-foot fi nish from 25 yards “I’m as confi dent as I was three hours that beat the diving Rui Patricio and ago,” joked Solskjaer after the defeat. nestled in the far left-hand corner. It “I said we need 15 points from our last might have been an even healthier po- seven games and now we need 15 from sition with Romelu Lukaku having al- our last six. It’s diffi cult but then again, ready headed a good chance directly we’re a very good team and it’s going at Patricio and Lingard doing likewise to be diffi cult for anybody who plays from Lukaku’s chip forward. against us. This was a tough game but a But, as Wolves fi nally began to take performance that deserved a win.” control of midfi eld, United struggled Scott McTominay’s fi rst goal for to cope; fi rst when an unfortunate re- United was equalised by Diogo Jota be- bound off Diogo Dalot allowed Willy fore the interval, but the game’s turning Boly to play through Jimenez who hur- point proved to be a second yellow card ried a 24th-minute shot wide. collected by Young with just 57 minutes Just seconds later, United were not gone. Young was booked twice in the so lucky after a poor clearance from De space of fi ve minutes for fouls on Jota, Gea, and even worse control by Fred, the second a particularly unpleasant saw him lose the ball to Moutinho with high challenge. Jimenez pouncing on it and playing in “When you’re on a yellow you’re al- Jota. The Portuguese forward did not ways in danger of it being a yellow card need a second invitation to advance and again,” said Solskjaer. “Probably it was calmly beat De Gea for the equaliser. As a bad decision by Ashley but in the heat Wolves fans, warming up for Sunday’s of the moment he reached for the ball FA Cup semi-fi nal with Watford, cel- and was a little bit too high, it made it ebrated, De Gea had to save to prevent more diffi cult. We didn’t get the pres- Smalling scoring a second own goal. Manchester United’s Ashley Young (second right) is sent off by referee Mike Dean during the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. (Reuters)

Cardiff await Nantes response over Sala talks SPOTLIGHT London: Premier League club had signed the Argentinian note yesterday issuing a state- Cardiff have requested a meet- striker for a club record £15mn ment to say they were willing to Klopp relaxed about Salah’s goal drought ing with French outfit Nantes ($19.7mn) from Nantes. talk directly to the French side. to resolve their dispute over Since the tragedy both clubs “Cardiff City has requested AFP are still a lot of games to come. But it was Emiliano Sala’s transfer fee, have engaged in an unedifying and been granted an extension London never a problem. We have 79 points — you the Welsh-based side said war of words over the fee with to the deadline to respond to cannot have that with a lot of problems over yesterday. a source close to Cardiff telling FIFA on this matter. Cardiff City the year.” Cardiff also obtained from last week they do not owe recently wrote to FC Nantes iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is re- Liverpool travel to Southampton tomor- world governing body FIFA — to anything as they consider the proposing a meeting to discuss laxed about Mohamed Salah’s goal- row and Klopp reported a clean bill of health whom Nantes had referred the contract to be “null and void”. issues surrounding the Emiliano scoring drought, saying the Egyptian after a minor injury worry over defender case — an extension to yester- The Daily Telegraph said Sala tragedy and planned trans- forward remains a key part of the ti- Virgil van Dijk following the win over Tot- Ltle chasers’ attacking armoury. Salah, who tenham. Klopp also said Southampton day’s deadline for the two clubs Sala signed a contract with fer, in line with Fifa’s request for to hand over evidence, so they Cardiff that was rejected by the our two clubs to come to a reso- scored 44 times in his maiden season at An- manager Ralph Hasenhuettl has done an could rule on it, to April 15. Premier League and died before lution directly. To date, Cardiff fi eld, has gone eight matches without fi nding “incredible” job to turn around the club’s Sala, 28, died along with the a revised one could be signed, City has not received a response the net but still has 20 goals in 2018/19 and fortunes and was brave to trust young play- pilot David Ibbotson when the adding there is a dispute about from FC Nantes.” played a pivotal part in the last-gasp winner ers in their bid to avoid relegation. Hasen- Piper Malibu aircraft they were whether he had agreed to sign a Nantes reportedly plan to against Tottenham on Sunday. huettl was appointed in December when travelling in came down in the new deal. dispute Cardiff ’s case, saying “When everybody is talking about ‘he former manager Mark Hughes was sacked English Channel on Janu- The Premier League club the club completed the required didn’t score in I don’t know how many goals) and Roberto Firmino (14) taking on following a dismal run of results where they ary 21, two days after Cardiff sounded a more concliatory paperwork. games’, he doesn’t seem to be bothered some of the burden. had only one victory in 14 league games. about it. I’m not,” Klopp said yesterday. “Sometimes you need a bit of time to Since then Southampton have won seven “For sure we didn’t really speak about it. I adapt to the new situations and I don’t think games as the Austrian manager lifted the think if something is clear and obvious you he really needed that,” said Klopp on Salah’s south coast club out of the relegation zone FOCUS do speak about it. How do you deal with a overall value to the side and how he has and into 16th place with the help of young- situation when he scored 40 goals last year? coped with the close attention. sters and academy graduates who were His career’s not over. It’s like if he can score “He’s a threat. He helps us a lot. He deals handed their Premier League debuts. this year 20 goals then he’s scored 60 in the with all the new situations for him really “I have to say the job he (Hasenhuettl) is Relegated Fulham count the last two. Wow, that’s not too bad.” well. If you have only one (goalscorer), you doing there is incredible,” Klopp said. “He Salah’s success last season means he has think maybe you rely a bit too much on that. brought young players in, academy players, attracted more attention from opponents in This year we don’t rely on Mo’s goals, but a pretty brave decision. We have to see the cost of money ill spent the current campaign, often being double- he’s still in a very good position in com- time Ralph Hasenhuettl is in at Southamp- marked. It has had the eff ect, though, of parison to all the other players. Seventeen ton. I think they are eighth in the form table, AFP failed to meet the huge expecta- benefi ting teammates, with Sadio Mane (20 (league) goals is a good number, and there last 15 games at least.” London tions which had seen him linked with a move to one of the big six after a sensational campaign in ulham owner Shahid the second tier. Khan must have looked Jokanovic’s successor Clau- QSL CEO receives Iranian Football Federation delegation at Tuesday night’s Pre- dio Ranieri fared little better, mier League results with the amiable Italian unable andF wondered where he went to conjure up a miracle escape wrong and how fellow promot- before he too was replaced by in- ed club Wolves got it so right. terim manager Scott Parker. Khan’s gamble on investing over Although he said he was look- £100mn ($131mn) in new play- ing for leaders to sign in the Janu- ers ended in relegation after an ary transfer window — Chelsea’s abject defeat by Watford on the veteran central defender Gary same night Wolves, who also Cahill was a prime target — all he spent heavily after coming up Fulham’s Calum Chambers (left) came up with was much-trav- from the Championship, beat and Maxime Le Marchand look elled Dutchman Ryan Babel and Manchester United to consoli- dejected after their team was Liverpool fl op Lazar Markovic, date their place in the top 10. relegated from the Premier who has played just 45 minutes The ‘Cottagers’ dire campaign League on Tuesday. (Reuters) since he joined. “When a club rounded off an awful year for gets relegated you know there are Khan — also owner of the NFL rated players like Diogo Jota and some serious issues,” said Parker franchise Jacksonville Jaguars — the vastly-experienced Joao tellingly after the Watford defeat. as his bid to buy Wembley Sta- Moutinho. “I have ideas, but it’s not the time dium also bit the dust. Wolves Fulham’s recruitment policy to broadcast it.” Chinese owners meanwhile have by contrast looked incoherent, Whether the former England been helped by a talented man- and it did not help that one of and Fulham midfi elder will be ager in Nuno Espirito Santo, who the more talented purchases — entrusted with the job full-time adapted well from the second Ivory Coast international Jean- rests with Khan, who issued his tier Championship to the stiff er Michael Seri — had hoped to go own mea culpa to the fans. challenges of English football’s to Barcelona instead. Manager A clear out will probably be top elite. Slavisa Jokanvoic was unable of the fans list. Several players Qatar Stars League (QSL) CEO Hani Taleb Ballan (centre) received an Iranian Football Federation (IFF) delegation at its headquarters The former Porto goalkeeper to blend the new arrivals with who came on loan, such as Ger- at Al Bidda Tower yesterday. The delegation included IFF General Secretary Dr Ebrahim Shakouri and Competition Department has also been aided by a close re- the mainstays of the promotion man World Cup winner Andre Director Amir Hosein Fattahi. The meeting was attended by Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, QSL's Executive Director of Competition and lationship with his countryman side, and just as Jokanovic’s star Schurrle, will leave automati- Football Development. Ballan, while welcoming the Iranian delegation, expressed his interest to enhance co-operation between the and super agent Jorge Mendes, dimmed so did that of teenager cally under the terms of their entities for the benefit of professional football in both countries. who was able to secure highly- Ryan Sessegnon, who largely contracts.

Thursday, April 4, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Opera Baron edges Topsy Turvy for yet another feature victory Alban de Mieulle saddled two winners on the day, including Umm Qarn’s Sealine and Saif Ali Owaida al-Hajri’s Adhab

By Sports Reporter Doha

halifa bin Sheail al- Kuwari’s Opera Baron capped a treble for champion trainer Jas- Ksim Mohamed Ghazali, who tightened his grip on yet anoth- er trainers’ championship win, with a victory in the Al Huwaila Cup for Thoroughbreds at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. The results also meant that JP Guillambert’s mount beat Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani’s Topsy Turvy for the second straight outing, with Ib- rahim al-Malki-saddled gelding settling for second place under Eduardo Pedroza in the 1,700m feature on dirt. Queen Shaahd and Qate’e were the other win- ners for Ghazali on the day. There was little stopping Ryan Curatolo and his mount Baker De Saularie as the two registered a Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (third from left), and Racing manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (second from right) pose with the winners of the Al Huwaila Cup after Opera fantastic win for the colours of Baron won the 1700m race at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Osama Omer al-Dafea yesterday. The colt had only shown glimpses of his abilities since his maiden victory in October. Yesterday, in the nine furlong handicap for Arabians, the fi ve- year-old had little trouble beat- ing the competition by two-and- a-half lengths with Alban de Mieulle-trained Diese fi nishing runner-up, the latter continuing his run of top three fi nishes. Mohamed Jassim Ghazali- schooled Al Hasnaa denied the elder Ghazali, Jassim, another victory as Harry Bentley guided the Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s owned fi lly to a thrilling victory in the Thoroughbed Handicap event for horses rated 80 and below. Al Moatasem al-Balushi was astride champion trainer’s ward, Sacred Way, in the 1,700m race but had to settle for the runner- up spot by a head. Frenchman Alban de Mieulle saddled two winners on the day, including Umm Qarn’s Sealine, who was in top form in the nov- ice race for Arabians for his sec- JP Guillambert rides Opera Baron to victory in the Al Huwaila Cup yesterday. Action from the Al Sabiq races at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. ond straight victory under Ronan Thomas, and Saif Ali Owaida al- trained Acclaimed Dancer, which third-placed Truancy. 3. Saab Al Manal (JP Guillam- Beach Samba (Ivan Rossi). Won by: 1 ¼, 1 ¼, Shd. Time: 2:02.16. Jassim Ghazali. Hajri’s Adhab, who registered her was ridden by yet another Qatari Ghazali-trained Queen bert), 4. Barq Al Shajaa (Meteb by: ¾, ½, Shd. Time: 1:04.58. Owner: Al Mugheerat Stud. Race 8: 1. Baker De Saularie fi rst handicap win in the local Ara- jockey, Rashid Ali al-Marri, by a Shaahd was the only Thorough- Ali al-Marri). Won by: 1 ½, 1 ¼, 3 ¼. Owner: Dr Ebtesam Abdullatif Trainer: Wasim al-Sahn. (Ryan Curatolo), 2. Diese (Ronan bians race with apprentice jockey little less than a length. bred to shed her maiden status, Time: 1:17.88. Owner: Umm Qarn. al-Muslamani. Trainer: Abdullatif Race 6: 1. Adhab (Damien Morin), Thomas), 3. Bsheer (Faleh Bugha- Damien Morin in the saddle. Al-Marri is in his best season with Marco Casamento helming Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Saad al-Muslamani. 2. Aneeq (Jimmy Quinn), 3. Khor naim), 4. Celeste De Ghazal Abdullatif Saad al-Muslam- so far, with the apprentice jockey the fi lly in the 1,700m run. Race 2: 1. Queen Shaahd (Marco Race 4: 1. Qate’e (Harry Bentley), Al Adaid (Ivan Rossi), 4. Teriaaq (Harry Bentley). Won by: 2 ½, ¾, 3 ani’s Thorndyke registered his having notched 12 wins already Injaaz Stud’s Qate’e was the Casamento), 2. Istibdad (JP 2. Dhergham Bu Thaila (Ryan (Tomas Lukasek). Won by: Nk, 4, ½. Time: 2:06.21. Owner: Osama second straight victory with so far with 50-odd other top-fi ve other winner for the champion Guillambert), 3. Al Hisaar (Al Curatolo), 3. Khoud (Marco 2 ½. Time: 1:59.37. Owner: Saif Ali Omer al-Dafea. Trainer: Osama Qatari jockey Yousef al-Hajri in fi nishes. trainer, ridden by champion Moatasem al-Balushi), 4. Doha Casamento), 4. Sly Fly (Edu- Owaida al-Hajri. Trainer: Alban de Omer al-Dafea. the saddle, when they won the Al-Marri was a runner-up yet jockey Harry Bentley in Local Incanto (Ivan Rossi). Won by: 2 ardo Pedroza). Won by: ½, 3 ¼, Mieulle. Race 9: 1. Opera Baron (JP 1,100m Thoroughbred Gradua- again on the day, when al-Balushi Thoroughbred Graduation Plate ½, 2 ½, 1 ¼. Time: 1:48.50. Owner: 3 ¾. Time: 1:12.75. Owner: Injaaz Race 7: 1. Al Hasnaa (Harry Guillambert), 2. Topsy Turvy tion Plate sprint. guided Wasim al-Sahn-schooled event. The close victory was the Shaheen bin Khalid Shaheen Stud. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Bentley), 2. Sacred Way (Al (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Aluqdah The victory was al-Hajri’s fi fth Shadow Game to a fi ne handicap four-year-old’s second victory al-Ghanim. Trainer: Jassim Mo- Ghazali. Moatasem al-Balushi), 3. Criss- (Gerald Avranche), 4. Rich this season, his best haul so far win over 1,900m. this season. hamed Ghazali. Race 5: 1. Shadow Game (Al crossed (Marco Casamento), 4. History (Jean Baptiste Hamel). since the 2013-2014 when he had Al-Marri was in saddle for Zu- Race 3: 1. Thorndyke (Yousef Moatasem al-Balushi), 2. Al Barbarous Relic (Faleh Bugha- Won by: 2 1/4, 1/2, 8 1/4. Time: raced eight winners. hair Mohsen-trained Al Mikdam, RESULTS al-Hajri), 2. Acclaimed Dancer Mikdam (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 3. naim). Won by: Hd, 1, 1. Time: 1:47.33. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Al-Hajri and his mount edged and also had his brother Meteb Race 1: 1. Sealine (Ronan Tho- (Rashid Ali al-Marri), 3. Random Truancy (Meteb Ali al-Marri), 4. 1:48.06. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mo- out Salem Fadgham al-Hajri- join him in the paddock astride mas), 2. Lekhraib (Harry Bentley), Decision (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Verstappen (Harry Bentley). Won al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohamed hamed Ghazali.

FOOTBALL You can reach 1,000 goals: Pele to Mbappe AFP Pele undergoes treatment in Paris hospital Paris Football legend Pele was taken was still in hospital yesterday to a Paris hospital as a precau- afternoon. Pele, who won the ootball legend Pele told tion yesterday after suff ering World Cup in 1958, 1962 and Kylian Mbappe on Tues- from an “infection” but is “doing 1970, was in Paris for a promo- day that he believes the well”, according to members of tional appearance for Hublot French World Cup winner his entourage. watches. canF emulate his own achievement The 78-year-old Brazilian three- Previously, Pele had admitted of scoring 1,000 career goals. time World Cup winner was to not being up to the task The 78-year-old Brazilian being treated for “a light fever” of lighting the flame at the claims to have netted over 1,000 prior to the long flight back to opening ceremony of the 2016 goals in his career, while Mbappe his home country, the sources Rio Olympics. Before that, Pele has so far managed 103 in total, said, confirming earlier reports spent time in intensive care in with 92 of those coming at the by French radio station RMC. Brazil in late 2014 following a top level. The sources indicated that he kidney complaint. “It’s possible, I scored exactly 1,025, so 1,000 goals is possi- ble for him,” Pele said in Paris, insists that he is not focused country, bar a spell in the United where he met Mbappe at a spon- on becoming the best player of States with the New York Cos- sor event for Hublot watches. modern times. mos shortly before his retire- Mbappe, who last year be- “When Pele was playing, he ment. came only the second teenager didn’t think he wanted to be the He told Mbappe, who has been to score in a World Cup fi nal af- best player in history, he wanted repeatedly linked with a move ter Pele in France’s 4-2 victory to have fun, help his country and away from PSG, that the key to over Croatia, played down Pele’s his club, which he did,” he said. smashing goalscoring records is comments. “What I want is to help PSG, playing in the very best teams. “I think that even if we count PSG and France forward Kylian Mbappe (right) and Brazilian football legend Pele shake hands during their meeting in Paris on Tuesday. (AFP) the France team and afterwards it “People tend to say that goals the goals on inter-city pitches will be other people who tell you are the most important thing — and goals on the PlayStation, I off it at the end of my career.” his second World Cup in 1962, my national side. The compari- parisons with Pele, after a rush that you are the best. Everyone I thank God for having scored so won’t be able to reach the 1,000- Mbappe has scored 32 goals adding a third eight years later. sons are fl attering but I know to crown him a future football- says that he is the best, but if you many in my career — but we must goal mark,” said the 20-year-old in all competitions for PSG this “There’s only one ‘King’ and very well that I will never do ing great during the World Cup are (the best), there’s no need to know that we need to be well- Paris Saint-Germain forward. season, including 27 from only he’s there,” said Mbappe. what he did.” in Russia, where he scored four say it. It’s not a goal for me.” supported, you can’t score on “We will try to get as close as we 24 Ligue 1 appearances. “I’m just Kylian, I’m trying to It was not the fi rst time that goals in total. Pele spent the majority of your own, you need good team- can, but I think I’ll be a long way Pele was only 21 when he won do my best to help my team and Mbappe has had to temper com- But the former Monaco striker his career at Santos in his home mates, that’s very important.”