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Friday, March 2, 2018 FOOTBALL Jumada II 14, 1439 AH Blatter appeals GULF TIMES for World Cup with video replays SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL SPOLTIGHT Duhail strike late Neymar set for surgery, to leave Al Sadd ruled out for three hopes in tatters months Youssef El Arabi scores with the last kick of the match to give Al Duhail a AFP thrilling 4-3 victory and a sniff of the title with just three matches remaining Rio de Janeiro

By Sports Reporter razilian superstar Neymar Doha fl ew into Rio de Janeiro yes- terday ahead of an operation Bon his fractured foot that will or more than 90 minutes of sideline him for up to three months, the match yesterday, Al Duhail casting a long shadow over Paris fans were left wondering why Saint-Germain and Brazil’s World Youssef El Arabi had not regis- Cup preparations. teredF on the score sheet. The world’s most expensive player, The highest scorer of the Qatar Stars 26, arrived on an Air France fl ight from League so far with 22 goals, El Arabi Paris and left in a wheelchair, a photo could only produce occasional sparks taken by one of his fellow passengers of brilliance during his team’s crucial showed. match against Al Sadd, while his cap- Dressed in a black hoodie, a black tain Youssef Msakni had already struck baseball cap and wearing sunglasses, twice. the PSG star smiled and took selfi es Brazilian superstar Neymar arrives Surely, something was wrong, they with passengers, before leaving on a in Rio de Janeiro after flying from felt, because the Moroccan’s scoring private jet to an undisclosed destina- Paris ahead of an operation on his ability had been key to their unbeaten tion. Surgery is booked for tomorrow, fractured foot. run in the season. said national team surgeon Rodrigo But El Arabi had other ideas. Pa- Lasmar, who will lead the procedure. the treatment. We were unanimous in tience, folks, he must have told them But despite the hurry to put Ney- agreeing that it would have to be sur- had he been reading their minds, re- mar’s right foot under the knife at a gical treatment. More conservative minding them there was still a minute hospital in Belo Horizonte, he won’t be treatment, without surgery, would of the four minutes of injury time re- back on the fi eld soon. present a far greater risk for refracture. maining. “The (recovery) period will be We can’t run that risk.” And sure enough, with the seconds around two and a half to three PSG lost 3-1 to Real in the fi rst leg of ticking fast and the teams tied 3-3, El months,” Lasmar told journalists after their European tie in Spain two weeks Arabi struck with the last kick of the arriving with the player on the same ago and are in danger of being knocked match to all but end nearest rivals Al Air France fl ight. out of the competition in the last 16 for Sadd’s hopes of winning the title. “It’s not a simple fracture, but a the second season running.The drama Al Duhail’s 4-3 win yesterday means fracture in an important bone in the is also a big personal setback for Ney- they have opened up a fi ve-point lead middle of the foot,” Lasmar said. mar who has been at the centre of the over Al Sadd (51-46) and with just three The injury has not only ruled Ney- world’s footballing attention since his matches in the season remaining, they mar out of PSG’s do-or-die Champi- 222 million-euro ($264mn) move from virtually have the title wrapped up. ons League clash with Real Madrid on Barcelona last August. He has scored The winning goal saw Duhail coach March 6, but now threatens the much 28 goals in 30 appearances in all com- Djamel Belmadi slump to the ground in fancied Brazilian national side’s build- petitions for PSG since arriving. But a prayer of thanks, while his opposite up to the World Cup, which starts in on Sunday he looked to be in tears as number Jesualdo Ferreira took out his Russia on June 14. he was stretchered off the fi eld at the frustration by slamming a water bottle The initial prognosis did not appear Parc des Princes. into the ground quite as serious on Sunday, when Ney- Brazilians care little about the im- Al Sadd, however, have only them- mar suff ered a hairline fracture of the pact on PSG. Their attention is entirely selves to blame after leading the match fi fth metatarsal, as well as a twisted trained on the World Cup, where they twice, only to surrender the advan- ankle late in PSG’s 3-0 win over Mar- have ambitions of walking away with a tage as Al Duhail struck two times in seille in Ligue 1. sixth title. the fi nal six minutes to clinch victory On Tuesday, the Brazilian’s father “We just might have lost the World and maintain their unbeaten run in the Neymar Senior had claimed the player Cup last Sunday,” one radio commen- tournament. would be out for “at least six weeks”. tator, Milton Neves of Bandnews FM, The match was widely billed as the Al Duhail’s Youssef Msakni celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal to equalise, while at bottom Youssef El Arabi shows PSG coach Unai Emery had said earlier said Wednesday. Images of Sunday’s one where the winners might go on to his joy after netting the winner with the last shot of the match. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil that there remained a “small chance” fateful duel between Neymar and become the eventual champions with of getting him back in time to face Real. Marseille player Bouna Sarr were be- only three more matches remaining. Al In another match Dutch attacking Lasmar’s assessment painted a ing shown incessantly on TV, often in Duhail could even aff ord to lose and still midfi elder Wesley Sneijder played an graver picture both in terms of the slo-mo, before he was stretchered off . have their chances. infl uential role as hosts Al Gharafa re- injury and the timing of Neymar’s re- “I don’t think we can really talk Instead, Belmadi’s men underlined corded a comfortable 6-1 victory over covery. “Yesterday we went back to about fears of him not being at the their status of being the best side Al Rayyan. the hospital (in Paris) and made new World Cup. But there is a noticeable around and notched up the winning Sneijder scored in the 15th (pen- exams that left the seriousness of the haste to fi nd a solution so that Neymar goal with the last kick of the game. That alty) and 25th minutes, and provided fracture very clear,” he told journalists will have recovered in time,” an ESPN really showed how entertaining and the assists for the goals by Abdelaziz in Rio. Brasil sports commentator, Mauro Ce- electrifying the encounter was. Hatem (22nd), Diego Amado (54th) “There was no doubt left regarding zar Pereira, told AFP. The match was fast-paced and even- and Mehdi Taremi (62nd). Muad Has- ly-fought, and Al Duhail had a slight san rounded off The Cheetahs’ tally in edge in ball possession (53 per cent). Al the 90th. FIFA boss says Saudi-Iran spat should keep out of football Sadd took the lead through Hamroun Abderrazzaq Hamdallah found the in the 11th minute and waged a spirited mark for Al Rayyan in the 27th minute Tehran: FIFA president Gianni Infan- between countries all over the world battle. to stay as third in the top-scorers’ list tino said yesterday that a two-year but this should not have an impact However, Ismaeel Mohamed equal- with 16 goals. diplomatic rift between Saudi Arabia on the football tournament. ised from close in the 37th minute and Al Gharafa showed purpose from and Iran should not be allowed to “The solution is always just to play Msakni scored from outside the area in the start and had more of the ball, with get in the way of football. home and away like in every compe- the 41st with a ferocious kick to help Al Sneijder orchestrating their game. Ob- Saudi clubs have refused to play in tition in every country.” Duhail go into half-time with a 2-1 lead. viously, they were spurred on by their Iran since the kingdom broke off The FIFA chief acknowledged that Al Sadd were not cowed down and new position (fi fth) in the table. relations in January 2016 forcing Saudi Arabia had voiced security hit back with the unstoppable Baghdad Al Markhiya’s 3-2 victory against Al AFC Champions League fixtures with concerns after protesters angry at Bounedjah making a mockery of the Al Gharafa last week was overturned by Iranian clubs to be played in neutral its execution of a top Shia cleric at- Duhail defence with goals in the 71st the Qatar Football Association’s Disci- Oman. tacked its embassy and a consulate and 80th minutes to put his team ahead plinary Committee and the latter was “It’s very clear that politics should in Iran, prompting it to cut ties. again. awarded a 3-0 win for breach of rules stay out of football and football “Obviously the guarantees must be But Al Duhail were not fi nished yet regarding fi elding resident players in should stay out of politics,” Infantino there, the safety must be there,” he as Msakni equalised with a cracker of a the QNB Stars League matches. said at a joint news conference in said. shot in the 88th minute and El Arabi’s Al Gharafa, who had Qasim Burhan Tehran with Iranian Sport Minister The Iranian minister denied there solo eff ort, capitalising on a loose ball returning to guard their goal, are now Massoud Soltanifar. were any legitimate security con- that resulted from a counter-attack, fourth with 29 points. Al Rayyan re- “There are of course political issues cerns. resulted in the winner mained third on 39 points. Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 2, 2018 FOOTBALL Blatter appeals for WCup without video replays LA LIGA Resurgent Atletico Reuters has already said it intends to use the sys- ricio Pochettino said VAR risked killing Bern tem at the World Cup in Russia in June emotion in the sport, echoing a senti- and July. ment which has already been expressed look to chase down “A personal appeal to IFAB the Guard- by some Serie A coaches. anned former FIFA president ians of the Laws of the Game: FIFA WC It was not clear if Blatter was appealing Sepp Blatter said yesterday that cannot be used as experiment for such a for IFAB to reject VAR outright or give it unbeaten Barca the World Cup should not be fundamental change: VAR,” said Blatter. more time. Bused as an occasion to experi- The latest confusion involving VAR Blatter quit after 17 years as FIFA presi- ment with video replay technology. was at Wednesday’s English FA Cup dent in June 2015 after the global soccer Blatter’s comment on Twitter followed desliga, the Portuguese league and match between Tottenham Hotspur and body was engulfed in a corruption scan- a series of confusing incidents involving other competitions around the world. Rochdale, where the London side had an dal. The 81-year-old was later banned the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system The sport’s law-making body IFAB is early goal disallowed and a penalty later from the sport for six years for ethics vio- which is being trialled in Italy’s Serie A, due to decide tomorrow whether to ap- awarded by the VAR. lations. the English FA Cup, Germany’s Bun prove VAR on a permanent basis and FIFA Afterwards, Tottenham manager Mau-

SPOTLIGHT Pochettino slams Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego ‘embarrassing’ Simeone.

Reuters The Catalans blitzed a usu- Barcelona ally solid Girona side 6-1 in their last Liga outing as record signing VAR aft er victory Philippe Coutinho fi nally showed tletico Madrid are in he can dovetail with Luis Suarez the same ferocious and Lionel Messi. 'The first half was a little bit embarrassing for everyone. I’m not sure that system is going to help' form that helped them That has set up a potentially win La Liga in 2014 thrilling duel between Barca and andA they return to the scene of Atletico’s attacks on Sunday. AFP London that famous triumph on Sunday, Messi and Suarez are the top needing to win at unbeaten table two scorers in the league with toppers Barcelona to boost their 22 and 20 goals respectively but ottenham Hotspur man- hopes of another title triumph. they have recently had competi- ager Mauricio Pochettino Diego Simeone’s side have tion from the free-scoring Anto- said the controversial overcome a diffi cult start to ine Griezmann and his new strike Video Assistant Referee the campaign, which saw them partner Diego Costa. (VAR)T system had been “embar- eliminated from the Champions France international Griez- rassing” after his side came League, by winning eight games mann has scored seven goals in through an incident-packed FA in a row in all competitions. his last two games, hitting all four Cup replay against Rochdale at In their last two league out- against Leganes and a hat-trick Wembley on Wednesday. ings, they thrashed Sevilla 5-2 against Sevilla, roaring back to Spurs, who eventually won 6-1 and Leganes 4-0 and sit on 61 life after a quiet early campaign on the back of a second-half hat- points after 26 games. with the help of the aggression trick from Fernando Llorente, That’s the same points total at and power of Costa. were twice denied goals, had one this stage of the season as when Costa may have only scored penalty claim rejected and an- they rattled their far richer ri- three league goals since returning other accepted on the word of vals Real Madrid and Barcelona to Atletico in January but it is the the VAR during an extraordinary to win the league four years ago, former Chelsea man’s persistent opening period at the national clinching the title with a 1-1 draw pressing and energy which has stadium. at the Nou Camp. made him the perfect partner for Fans at Wembley, Spurs’s tem- Atletico have not won away at Griezmann and helped his side to porary home while their succes- Barca since 2006, however, and thrive. sor ground to White Hart Lane is no team in La Liga or the Cham- “Costa doesn’t just improve built, had no way of knowing the Tottenham manager pions League has been able to Griezmann, he improves the reasons behind the VAR’s deci- Mauricio Pochettino beat Ernesto Valverde’s side this whole team because of every- sions as, unlike the systems in use reacts during his team's season. thing he transmits, and that’s for rugby and cricket, they were FA Cup replay against Atletico currently trail Barca what we’re seeing now,” Simeone not broadcast or displayed on a Rochdale at Wembley on by four points in the standings, told reporters after the win over giant screen. Wednesday. although the Catalans can re- Leganes. Moreover, there were several store their advantage to seven if “Griezmann has been at this occasions when it took the VAR a they beat Las Palmas on Thurs- level in previous seasons and lengthy amount of time to reach fi rst for Spurs at senior level deep There have been suggestions consulting VAR Graham Scott, Matt Done on Kieran Trippier. day. now the whole team is helping a verdict, while there were oth- into stoppage time. VAR could be deployed at this ruled it out for what appeared Son then put the penalty Victory against Diego Sime- him perform as he is now. Now ers when he appeared to be over- Pochettino’s joy at seeing year’s World Cup in Russia but to be the slightest of contacts by into the back of the net only for one’s side too would give them a we have to prepare in the best ruling an on-fi eld call that did not Spurs set up a quarter-fi nal with Pochettino insisted: “I think Spanish striker Llorente on Har- Tierney to disallowed the ef- seemingly unassailable 10-point way possible to face Barcelona, involve a clear and obvious error. Swansea was tempered by his football is about to make a mis- rison McGahey in the build-up. fort because Son had stopped in lead at the top with 11 games re- who have won everything and Once again, technology was concern about the impact on the take. Referees can make a mis- Tierney consulted the VAR his run-up. Inevitably in such a maining. still haven’t lost a game.” the main talking point of a match game of VAR, which is being tri- take. When we watched the ac- again to deny Lucas Moura a pen- match, the eventual decision was where Son Heung-Min put Spurs alled in English cup competitions tion at half-time it was diffi cult to alty but Spurs did take the lead preceded by yet more prolonged ahead only for Stephen Hum- this season. take some decisions. soon afterwards when Son slotted involvement of the VAR. CONFIDENT phrys to equalise before Roch- “The fi rst half was a little bit “The referee is the boss on the home in the 23rd minute. “The decisions the VAR make dale, bottom of third-tier League embarrassing for everyone,” he pitch and has the last word, al- With Harry Kane on the bench, need to be explained to the sup- One, hit the post through Andy said. “I’m not sure that system is ways. And my worry is now we Son was Spurs’ designated penal- porters,” said Rochdale manager Cannon. going to help. We love the game are talking about a machine and ty-taker. Keith Hill. Huddersfi eld better Llorente’s treble put the result we know, football is about emo- not football.” Spurs thought they He got a chance from the spot “I knew, and the players knew, beyond doubt, with South Korea tion but if we are going to kill had taken an early lead thanks to when, after another lengthy VAR but we have to come up with a star Son scoring a second goal and emotion then people who love Erik Lamela’s close-range fi nish. consultation, Tottenham were way to let people in the stadium prepared for Spurs substitute Kyle Walker-Peters his football will not be happy.” But referee Paul Tierney, after awarded a penalty for a foul by know what’s happening.” test, says Wagner BOTTOMLINE

Reuters Huddersfield

uddersfi eld Town VAR gets red carded aft er manager David Wagner said the Hpromoted Premier League side learned valuable lessons after their 4-0 hammer- ‘shambolic’ FA Cup clash ing by Tottenham Hotspur ear- lier in the season and are better Reuters fans cold. the VAR to confi rm the goal’s legality. League Cup ties, but it opened the offi cial prepared for tomorrow’s return London Tottenham left back Danny Rose called Minutes later Tottenham’s Kieran to heavy criticism. fi xture at Wembley. the tie “shambolic”. Trippier was bundled over and Tierney Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio A brace by striker Harry Kane Former England full back Stuart awarded a free kick outside the area, only Pochettino sympathised with Tierney, and goals from defender Ben s the snow obscured the Wem- Pearce, speaking on Sky Sports, said VAR for VAR to intervene and, after a long de- but said the fi rst half was “embarrass- Davies and midfi elder Moussa last two league games but face bley grass and confusion does not work for football. “There are so lay in which fans were left bemused, up- ing”. Sissoko helped the London club a daunting task against fourth- reigned on and off the pitch many grey areas in our game. Let the guy grade it to a penalty. “We love the game we know, football is beat Huddersfi eld at the John placed Tottenham, who come during Tottenham Hotspur’s FA in the middle make the decision and re- When Son stopped his run before scor- about emotion but if we are going to kill Smith’s Stadium in September. into the match on the back of a CupA replay against Rochdale on Wednes- spect that decision.” ing from the spot — a breach of the rules emotion then people who love football “We will see what we will do crushing 6-1 win over third-tier day the words of former Liverpool man- Ex-England striker Alan Shearer said — Tierney again checked via VAR before will not be happy,” he said. on Saturday but this was a big Rochdale on Wednesday in an FA ager Bill Shankly sprang to mind. on Twitter: “... VAR you were hopeless disallowing the goal and booking Son. Fulham midfi elder Tom Cairney said lesson we learnt in the fi rst game Cup fi fth-round replay. It was the tough-talking Scot who again.” A chorus of boos erupted at halftime as on Twitter: “We’ve got the best game in and has helped us over the next “In the fi rst game (against once said “football is a simple game, The video assistant was called into fans braving a freezing night witnessed a the world don’t try to fi x it if it’s not bro- games of the season,” Wagner Huddersfi eld) they showed us complicated by idiots.” action at Wembley after seven min- sport being complicated to death, not ken. Just let us play. The talking points, told reporters yesterday. how strong they are,” Wagner Fair to say had he been at the national utes when Tottenham had a routine Erik knowing what they were watching. controversy and human error is what Huddersfi eld are playing in added. stadium he might have turned the air Lamela goal disallowed when an offi cial The time taken for the VAR decisions makes it so special!!” their fi rst top-fl ight season in “They can use every micro- blue with his pronouncements on the watching on the video screen fl agged stripped all the raw excitement from Video technology has worked well in 45 years and began strongly but mistake and are able to score. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. up to match referee Paul Tierney a tiny what was a great match. tennis, while rugby also uses it. have since been plagued by in- You have to be focused every It should have been a night for under- shirt-pull by Llorente. Celebrating a goal, whether as a player Respected Welsh rugby referee Nigel consistency. single second and not give them dogs Rochdale to enjoy their moment to In the 22nd minute Tottenham’s Lucas of a fan, has always been sacrosanct, yet Owens warned that soccer must use VAR The West Yorkshire club are any little chance because they shine, or for Tottenham’s Spanish striker Moura was denied a penalty after Tier- fi ve of the seven goals on the night were intelligently. “The danger is that deci- 14th in the table with 30 points can hurt you. Fernando Llorente to savour scoring a ney, fi nger in ear, again consulted VAR. checked via VAR before Tierney awarded sions can become too technical,” he told — three points above the drop “We have found diff erent set- hat-trick in a 6-1 win. When Son Heung-min did fi re Totten- them. radio station TalkSport. zone — and need a strong fi nish ups against the top teams in the Instead, the talk was of how VAR, ham ahead a BBC Radio Five commen- The referee was merely doing what was “Referees must referee the game as if in the fi nal 10 games to secure past... what the players have which could be rolled out at the World tator said: “There can be no argument asked of him by those who have author- there is no technology there. Only rely on their survival. shown is that they are able to Cup this year, left players, managers and about that one.” Yet Tierney still went to ised the trial of VAR in some FA Cup and it for clear and obvious decisions.” Huddersfi eld have won their adapt quickly.” Gulf Times Friday, March 2, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

REPORT SPOTLIGHT Guardiola ready to give up ‘yellow Juventus face AC ribbon’ protest Milan for fourth at City’s request Cup title in a row ‘It was a night of suff ering. This is a very young team, we must get them back to being the team that made the fans dream’

Juventus’ midfielder Miralem Pjanic of Bosnia (L) celebrates after scoring against Atalanta during their Italian Cup match in Turin on Wednesday.

AFP ing for exiled Catalan leader Manchester Carles Puigdemont. However, Guardiola insists that, even though his protest ep Guardiola has ad- aims to highlight the fates of a mitted he would aban- jailed group that includes Cata- don his ‘yellow ribbon’ lan politicians Jordi Sanchez and Pprotest if requested to do Jordi Cuixart, it is not a political so by his employers, Manchester issue. City, or if he thought the issue “When men and women put was negatively impacting upon on a pink ribbon it’s because of his players. the support for the breast cancer The Catalan manager has been initiative,” he said. charged by the Football Associa- “The same when I wear the tion over displaying the political the prostate cancer badge, it’s symbol on the touchline during the same, the idea is the same, games, in contravention of the there are a lot of ribbons. English governing body’s regula- “I’m pretty sure there are peo- tions and in spite of two offi cial ple all around the world in Spain warnings. and Catalunya who do not want The City boss has claimed his to be independent, but they are protest is not political, but hu- not agreeing with putting people manitarian, although it relates in ‘prevention’ jail. to four Catalans currently being “It’s not about the right or held in prison over the campaign left, the democracy or the re- for Catalan independence from publicans. If I wear the ribbon Spain. (as) support for the people with Although Guardiola has been Aids, it’s not for the right or left. backed in his position by City, “The people in Catalunya are he does concede that should that independent people, it’s not position change, he will abandon about a political issue. It’s for his ribbon protest. the people who say it’s not right And he would do likewise if he to have four people in the ‘pre- ever felt that the issue was be- vention’ jail when two of them ginning to aff ect his team, cur- are not politicians. rently a huge 13 points clear at “No, the ribbons are many the top of the Premier League. colours. It says something for “Yeah of course, the club is in humanity. The FA, I am open AFP age goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with Allegri’s side bidding for a 13th Cup “That penalty was non-existent,” front of (more important than) to talking to them, to express Turin, Italy for a spot in the fi nal in Rome on May in total. blasted Gasperini as his side missed out me,” Guardiola told a pre-match what I expressed in the last days 9 with centre-back Alessio Romagnoli “We will play in a historical stadium, on their bid for just a second Cup title af- news conference ahead of yes- and today.” Meanwhile, Guar- scoring the winning penalty. but it must not become an obsession,” ter 1963. terday’s league match with Ar- diola has also voiced his sup- olders Juventus booked their “It was a night of suff ering. This is a continued the Juventus coach of their bid AC Milan and Lazio battled for 220 senal — the team his side beat in port for Arsenal manager Arsene ticket to the Italian Cup fi nal for very young team, we must get them back for a record fourth Cup crown. minutes in total between the San Siro the League Cup fi nal at Wembley Wenger, widely criticised fol- the fourth year in a row to set up to being the team that made the fans “In the fi rst half we had diffi culty clos- and the Stadio Olympico in a tie between last weekend to give the man- lowing City’s emphatic 3-0 win a meeting with AC Milan after a dream,” said Milan coach Gennaro Gat- ing them down, after the break Douglas two ambitious sides who have rediscov- ager his fi rst trophy in English over his team in Sunday’s League H1-0 win over Atalanta in a semi-fi nal sec- tuso. Costa started playing in a centre-forward ered their form in Serie A and the Europa football. Cup Final at Wembley. ond leg tie played in the snow in Turin on The win extends Gattuso’s unbeaten role and that broke the game open.” League. “It’s more important what is There have been calls for the Wednesday. streak with AC Milan to 13 games, with six Higuain missed out as he recovers from Lazio threatened early with AC Milan happening with the team and the veteran French manager to be re- The fi rst leg ended 1-0 in Bergamo straight wins. a sprained ankle. staying in the game thanks to Donnarum- club than my personal opinion. placed by the Gunners at the end thanks to an early Gonzalo Higuain goal, But the former AC Milan midfi elder in- Atalanta had come out fi ring with Ale- ma who tipped over a Ciro Immobile shot Of course, I don’t want to dam- of the season but, in contrast to a and Juventus also won the second when sisted there was too much talk about him jandro Gomez sending over the bar with within the fi rst fi ve minutes and then age my team or club. They know number of his high-profi le peers, Miralem Pjanic slotted in a 75th-minute and how he has turned around the team. Gianluigi Buff on tested as he latched on to denied Sergej Milinkovic-Savic with his my opinion, it’s simple like that.” Guardiola insisted he will never penalty awarded after Blaise Matuidi was “I’m not a tactical guru. I’m just a lucky Josip Ilicic’s defl ected cross pushing over legs. Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha Guardiola, a former manager speak badly of a rival. fouled in the box. guy.” the top. Gomez thought he had scored the also did well to clear off Suso after a quar- of both Barcelona and Bayern “What happened with Arsene The three-time holders will play AC Five-time winners Milan last won the equaliser for Atalanta after the break with ter-of-an hour, but almost created an own Munich, added: “I think it’s not after the game has happened to Milan who battled past Lazio 5-4 on pen- Cup in 2003, with their last fi nal in 2016. Buff on off the line, lobbing the Juventus goal by badly clearing Hakan Calhanoglu going to happen but if they (the me. I always support my col- alties in the Stadio Olympico after their Earlier Juventus took on Atalanta, captain, only for the ball to bounce off the freekick. club) say that, I am going to ac- leagues,” said Guardiola. semi-fi nal remained goalless after extra whose Serie A game Sunday was snowed outside off the post. Both sides had their chances in the cept that. They are the bosses. “I don’t understand when time. off , with light snowfall still in the Allianz The breakthrough came when Juven- second half with Milinkovic-Savic again The club is more important than managers criticise the other Nikola Kalinic almost scored the win- Stadium. tus were awarded a penalty when Matuidi missing in the fi nal minute. my personal opinion. But my managers because we feel the ner after 117 minutes but sent the ball over “Compliments to the lads for what they went down under pressure from defender After their gruelling match both sides personal opinion is not a politi- same, when we win, when we the bar when alone in front of goal, send- did tonight and are doing this season,” Gianluca Mancini, with Pjanic slotting in face tough weekends in Serie A with Lazio cal opinion.” lose, we accept the opinions of ing the game to penalties. said coach Massimiliano Allegri. to the fury of Atalanta coach Gian Piero hosting Juventus and AC Milan a derby His much-publicised stance the fans and the people and you AC Milan could thank the saves of teen- It will be a record 18th fi nal for Juventus Gasperini. against city rivals Inter Milan. over the controversy in Catalo- feel alone. nia has become a major issue in “Believe me, you feel alone his homeland where, accord- because there’s a lot of pressure BOTTOMLINE ing to reports in Spain, the City on your shoulders. I understand manager’s private plane was completely. I’d like to tell him searched at Barcelona’s El Prat that I am close, I am on the same airport last week by police look- side as him.”

Liverpool post 39mn pound Aft er Neymar, PSG now sweat on Mbappe for Real profi t, vow to spend more

AFP will be allowed to make more new signings London when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season. “Performance on the pitch and the re- iverpool have pledged to back investment in our squad is always a prior- boss Jurgen Klopp in the trans- ity and following the club’s record signing fer market after their accounts last month we will look to invest again in Lreturned to profi t with a £39mn the summer,” Liverpool’s chief operating Paris: As if losing Neymar Real in Paris on Tuesday in the surplus recorded in the latest fi nancial re- offi cer Andy Hughes said. wasn’t bad enough, Paris Saint- second leg of their last-16 tie. sults. “Progress on and off the pitch is critical Germain’s hopes of overturning Earlier Wednesday, it was The Reds had made a £21mn loss for the to the growth of this football club — we all their 3-1 Champions League revealed that Brazilian superstar year ending May 2016, but they benefi ted want success and everything we’re doing deficit to Real Madrid took Neymar will undergo surgery from a £30mn increase in media revenue is geared toward fulfi lling our football am- another blow on Wednesday on his fractured foot in Brazil from the fi rst year of the new three-season bitions.” when striker Kylian Mbappe at the end of this week, ruling Premier League broadcast deal. Meanwhile, fi gures up to November picked up an ankle injury in the the world’s most expensive Liverpool’s commercial revenue grew 30, 2017 show that Arsenal Holdings plc 3-0 French Cup quarter-final win footballer out of the do-or-die by £20mn thanks to 12 new sponsorship nancial year to May 31, 2017 increased by Southampton and Philippe Coutinho’s now has cash reserves of £137.6mn — up over Marseille. duel with Real. The 26-year-old partnerships. £62mn to £364mn — a sharp rise of 20.5%. £142mn sale to Barcelona — both deals £37.1mn on their 2016 results. “Kylian Mbappe injured his suff ered a hairline fracture of the A fi rst season for Anfi eld’s expanded The fi gures do not take into account happened in January — are also not in- However, Arsenal’s football turnover ankle. He asked not to play the fifth metatarsal in his right foot Main Stand saw match day revenue in- Liverpool’s combined spend of £80mn on cluded. decreased £23.4mn after they failed to second half. I hope that it’s not as well as a twisted ankle late in crease by £12mn to £74mn mainly as a re- Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamber- Although bank debt rose from £22mn to qualify for the Champions League and are too serious,” said PSG coach PSG’s 3-0 win over Marseille in sult of increased hospitality sales. lain and Andrew Robertson last year. £67mn through spending on capital infra- instead competing in the less lucrative Eu- Unai Emery whose team host Ligue 1 on Sunday. Liverpool’s overall revenue for the fi - Virgil van Dijk’s £75mn arrival from structure and player recruitment, Klopp ropa League this season. Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 2, 2018 CRICKET

FIRST TEST PSL Sammy leads Zalmi Australian batsmen to thrilling victory Agencies South Africa bowled Sharjah with discipline on aptain Darren Sammy hit 16 runs off just four kept in check Day One in Durban balls to lead Peshawar Zalmi to a fi ve-wicket Cwin over Quetta Gladiators in a nail-biting contest in the Pa- kistan Super League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday. Australia’s opening batsman David Warner plays a shot Chasing 142 for victory, Zalmi during the day one of the first Test against South Africa were 125 for 5 in 18.3 overs, when at Kingsmead stadium in Durban yesterday. (AFP) Sammy walked into the middle. The West Indian all-rounder, who was hobbling with an injury, struck the fi rst ball he faced for a Shane Watson’s 47 went in vain six to bring the down target to 10 for Quetta Gladiators. off six balls. After Khalid Usman picked a the Man of the Match award. two and a single in the fi rst two “I always intended to bat to- balls of the 20th over, Sammy day, that’s why I didn’t go to the came on strike. The captain MRI already. I’ve been in this kept his nerves, tonking seamer situation before. Just had to look Anwar Ali for a six over square at the equation – it was just three leg and then fi nished it off with hits away. It happened today. down the ground shot for four as We’re gonna enjoy tonight and Zalmi sneaked to a famous win. come back again on Saturday,” he Tamim Iqbal (36) and Mohamed added. Hafeez (29) also played a key role Earlier, wickets in regular in- in Zalmi’s victory. tervals and impressing fi elding “We needed the win today. show kept things under control Quetta did well to bring it back for Zalmi as Gladiators’ batsmen after our start. Credit goes to our found it hard to score runs. bowlers. Gul, in his fi rst match, Despite Shane Watson’s 47 bowled excellent. And everyone and Rilee Rossouw’s 25-ball 37, else backed up. It was a good Gladiators could only manage to win,” Sammy said after picking post only 141.

FOCUS ‘Nonsense’ in the past, Pietersen wishes Strauss well AFP tions with Straussy because he’s Sharjah, United Arab Emirates going through some real per- sonal hardships at the moment,” AFP 69. It was an indication of the slowness of after tea and with his fourth ball of a new SCOREBOARD Pietersen said. “And I’m being Durban, South Africa the pitch that Maharaj bowled 24 of the spell had Shaun Marsh caught at slip for AUSTRALIA I INNINGS evin Pietersen said serious when I say that cricket 76 overs sent down in the day. a patient 40. C. Bancroft c De Kock b Philander 5 he now gets on “re- is insignifi cant when Andrew Smith made his fi fth consecutive score Marsh had a let-off on 19 when a yorker D. Warner c De Villiers b Philander 51 ally well” with Andrew Strauss is feeling what he’s feel- avid Warner and Steve Smith of 50 or more as he continued the form he from Kagiso Rabada struck him low down U. Khawaja c De Kock b Rabada 14 Strauss as he wished ing, with his wife and cancer, so hit half-centuries but Australia showed in the Ashes series against Eng- and would have hit his leg stump, accord- theK wife of his fellow former you put all the nonsense to one S. Smith c De Villiers b Maharaj 56 were unable to dominate South land in which he scored 687 runs at an ing to television replays. Umpire Kumar S. Marsh c De Villiers b Maharaj 40 England captain a full recov- side.” Africa’s bowling attack on the average of 137.40. The Australian captain Dharmasena gave him not out. South M. Marsh not out 32 ery from cancer. Strauss had a It was announced in Decem- fiD rst day of the fi rst Test at Kingsmead gave a half-chance on 47 when AB De Vil- Africa had used up both of their reviews chequered relationship with star ber that Strauss’s wife, Ruth, T. Paine not out 21 yesterday. Australia, who won the toss liers at second slip could not hold a sharp, — also involving leg before wicket deci- Extras (b4, lb2) 6 batsman Pietersen after taking had been diagnosed with can- and batted on an easy-paced pitch, were low catch to his left off Philander. sions by Dharmasena — and could not Total (5 wkts, 76 overs) 225 over the England captaincy from cer. “I’ve actually spoken to 225 for fi ve when bad light ended play He faced 114 balls and hit 11 fours in challenge. South African hopes of press- Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Bancroft), 2-39 him and as an administrator ef- him quite a few times in the four overs before the second new ball was his innings. He had made 24 off 44 balls ing home their advantage were foiled (Khawaja), 3-95 (Warner), 4-151 (Smith), 5-177 fectively ended Pietersen’s in- last couple of months,” said Pi- due. With no assistance for the bowlers in his partnership with Warner, who was by Mitchell Marsh and Tim Paine, who (S. Marsh) ternational career in 2015. etersen. “Cricket, and all the from a slow surface, South Africa bowled caught at second slip off the last ball be- added an unbeaten 48 before the umpires To bat: P. Cummins, M. Starc, N. Lyon, J. But Pietersen insisted all the stuff that happened is gone, it’s with discipline to keep the batsmen in fore lunch, but was restricted after the took the players off the field. Hazlewood “nonsense” between the two insignifi cant because families check. Apart from a bright third-wicket interval as the South African bowlers The home side claimed two early wick- Bowling: Morkel 16-3-48-0, Philander 17-8- was a thing of the past after are a lot more important,” said partnership of 56 off 92 balls between worked hard to force him to play on the ets, having Cameron Bancroft and Usman 36-2, Maharaj 24-4-69-2, Rabada 16-4-58-1, making a man-of-the-match the 37-year-old Pietersen, who Warner (51) and Smith (56), it was largely off side instead of his favoured leg side. Khawaja caught behind, but Warner and Markram 1-0-2-0, De Bruyn 2-0-6-0 48 for the Quetta Gladiators as is winding down his illustrious attritional cricket between the second Smith showed some signs of frustra- Smith batted brightly before Philander South Africa XI: F. du Plessis, D. Elgar, A. they beat Islamabad United in career playing in the world’s and third-ranked teams in Test cricket. tion before he cut a ball from Maharaj came back into the attack just prior to Markram, H. Amla, A. de Villiers, Q. de Kock, a Pakistan Super League match Twenty20 leagues. “I’m good Vernon Philander bowled with excel- which bounced off wicketkeeper Quinton lunch and had Warner caught by De Vil- T. de Bruyn, V. Philander, K. Maharaj, K. on Wednesday. “I actually get on with Straussy. I just wish Ruth lent control to take two for 36, while left- de Kock’s gloves to De Villiers at slip. Ma- liers at second slip. Warner faced 79 balls Rabada, M. Morkel really well with Straussy and I’ve all the best and hopefully Ruth arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took two for haraj struck again when he switched ends and hit six fours. Toss: Australia had some real good conversa- can pull through. She’s a fi ghter.”

REGRET SPOTLIGHT Emotional Stokes Men in orange on red alert: Dutch reveals Ashes anguish

AFP Wellington set sights on cricket World Cup AFP It is then not without irony that the tar all-rounder Ben The Hague Dutch national team — which will now Stokes has revealed his also compete as the 13th country in the pain at missing England’s 2020-22 ODI League against the world’s Ashes campaign after be- n a fi ne summer’s day more top teams — still doesn’t have a main ingS sidelined over an alleged fi ght than a century ago, a local and sponsor. Nowhere is the battle for Dutch outside a nightclub. The incident British sports team bowled cricket more visible than at the VOC meant he was unable to join his what is widely believed to be training hall just outside the western port teammates in Australia, but the oneO of the fi rst-ever “international” overs city of Rotterdam. 26-year-old hit form Wednes- in a cricket game in the Netherlands. To- Being the country’s only full-time day with a man-of-the-match day, 136 years after the Dutch team lost by dedicated indoor training facility, it’s not display in England’s second ODI an innings and 56 runs against Uxbridge uncommon to fi nd a Dutch youth training against New Zealand. as I would have done playing Cricket Club, the men in orange are set- session followed immediately by the na- Stokes took two wickets then but there’s not a lot I can change ting their sights on competing in cricket’s tional squad. Because of limited training smacked an unbeaten 63 in the about that now. I’ve been follow- ultimate tournament — next year’s World times and bad Dutch weather, indoor ses- six-wicket win, saying after- ing all the cricket the lads have Cup in England. sions often run until late at night and take wards he was thrilled to be back been playing but what I have to The plucky Dutch are in Zimbabwe for place irrespective of rain or even snow. in an England shirt after fi ve do now is focus on going forward. the World Cup qualifying event starting Some believe that it perhaps best em- months out. “It was very satisfy- Stokes said he did not want Sunday — which will give two teams who bodies the spirit of Dutch cricket — a ing for me. I was quite emotional to be eased into the team after did not automatically make it like cricket small tight-knit community where young walking off there at the end,” he his long lay-off and was pleased giants Australia, India and South Africa, The Dutch are in Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifying event starting Sunday. (AFP) players have easy access to the expertise said after his teammates gave captain Eoin Morgan threw him the chance to compete in the 2019 show- of nationals like Dutch captain Peter Bor- him a standing ovation at the end straight into the fray. “I want to piece. “There is a lot on the line in the “I won’t deny that cricket is under the Netherlands’ top World Cup wicket ren and former greats like Tom de Grooth. of the match in Mount Maun- contribute every time I play for short-term,” admitted Dutch coach Ryan pressure in the Netherlands,” said top taker. The numbers tell a simple story: the The country’s selectors are now looking ganui. “Even walking on the fi eld England,” he said. “When that Campbell, a former Australian national KNCB offi cial Alex de la Mar. “This is KNCB counts some 5,500 members, the at these young and upcoming talent to the fi rst time and walking off opportunity came back round to player who took over the reins of the perhaps mainly because we have to com- Royal Dutch Football Federation (KNVB), carry the torch, said Campbell. made me understand how much represent England again I wasn’t Dutch national squad in April last year. pete more-and-more with football,” he over 1.2mn from a population of 17mn De Leede’s 18-year-old son Bas recent- of a privilege it is to represent prepared to let anybody down. Observers in the Netherlands agree, said. Many cricket clubs share their fi elds people. Fewer players mean less money, ly got his call-up, while the triplet sons your country.” I’ve been working hard at home saying that under Campbell’s careful eye, with their football counterparts and re- also internationally. of Pakistan-born Dutch international Stokes joined England in New making sure that when the op- working with the Royal Dutch Cricket cent measures have seen football being While main cricket-playing countries Ahmed Zulfi qar were all selected to the Zealand this month after plead- portunity came again to repre- Federation’s (KNCB) high performance extended into summer, eating up much like India, England and other Test nations 2017 squad. Also rising in the wings are ing not guilty in a British court sent England I wasn’t going to let manager Roland Lefebvre, the national of the already desperately short cricket get the lion’s share of funding, the Neth- other eager youngsters, some Dutch, but to a charge of aff ray. The case is anyone down,” he added. team has made impressive strides in less season. In the football-mad Nether- erlands and other International Cricket many from cricket-playing nations like ongoing. After his second match “Obviously it’s been a long than a year. lands youngsters who show talent in Council associate members get far less to India and South Africa “adding spice” to back, Stokes spoke for the fi rst time. Hopefully now this is a But the game of leather on willow has both sports “are often forced to make a see their teams play. Dutch cricket, as Zulfi qar puts it. time about missing the Ashes, stepping stone on the road to always seen its ebbs and fl ows in the choice at a very young age as sports are “It’s very simple... it’s money. I hate For now all eyes will be on the Neth- where his absence was sorely felt trying to keep on helping Eng- low-lying Netherlands and the country’s not played in schools but at clubs,” said to say it but money changes everything,” erlands when it faces Ireland on Sun- as England slumped to a 4-0 se- land win games. We’ve got a cricketing highs — although the stuff of former Dutch national player and inter- national coach Campbell said. “You need day. “This will be our chance to show ries loss. massive summer ahead and the legends — can be counted on one hand. national cricket coach Tim de Leede. cash for us to play more, to improve facil- the world that we want to be more than “It was obviously frustrating World Cup coming up after that And while Dutch cricket is again hoping “Unfortunately many of them choose ities and get the support of players if you just the 13th team,” said captain Borren. to watch the Ashes,” he said. “I as well, so hopefully this is just to rise in the international arena, there football,” said De Leede, regarded as one wish to compete constantly on the world “What better stage for us to shine,” he went through all the emotions the start of it.” are worrying signs for the sport at home. of the country’s greatest all-rounders and stage,” he said. asked. Gulf Times Friday, March 2, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL 49ers ‘liberated’ Rockets down by Garoppolo deal

Reuters 49ers. Garoppolo, who went 5-0 Indianapolis in games he started, didn’t want to put the contract talks off . “I wanted to get the deal done pending $137.5mn is, ap- as quickly as possible,” Garop- parently, a liberating ex- polo said when he signed the Clippers for 14th perience. contract on Feb. 9. “Having the San Francisco 49ers same common goal really helped, Sgeneral manager John Lynch and knowing I really wanted to be Victory keeps Rockets should know. The 49ers signed here. From the fi rst day I got here quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo I got the acceptance of the play- atop Western Conference, to a fi ve-year, $137.5mn contract ers and the coaches, and that’s last month following a fi ve-game rare in an NFL locker room. It leading champs Warriors run to fi nish the 2017 season. was an easy decision for me.” straight win After being rebuff ed in a trade Garoppolo had fi ve intercep- bid by the New England Patriots tions but completed 67.4% of his “before we could even ask” last passes for 1,560 yards and seven spring, the 49ers acquired Ga- touchdowns. roppolo in October 2017. Part of the plan Lynch brought “Some fortuitous things came to the team was to have a fran- our way last season with the chise quarterback in place by trade for Jimmy,” Lynch said. Year 2. Getting Garoppolo mid- “The best thing about it is now way through their fi rst season we have him signed going into could prove to be a franchise free agency. That’s attracting a turning point. lot of people who want to be a “Last year when we came part of us. That’s exciting.” here, we got to San Francisco and Lynch said adding Garoppolo didn’t have a quarterback on the was “liberating.” roster,” Shanahan said. “Jimmy “His personality, I think eve- was one of those guys going into ryone gravitated to,” coach Kyle the last year of his contract eve- Shanahan said. “I thought he was rybody knew was a trade possi- going into a real tough situation. It bility.... I think they tried to hold was hard for me to pull the trigger. onto it for as long as possible. A You don’t want to put a guy into a few days before the trade dead- tough situation.... We were trying line it came up, they were trying to wait as long as possible.” to improve their team, and fortu- The wait was worth it for the nately it helped us also.”

Houston Rockets’ James Harden (centre) shoots against the LA Clippers defense during the NBA game in Los Angeles on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) San Francisco 49ers signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (centre) to a five-year, $137.5mn contract last month. (TNS) AFP Rockets star drained a three-pointer over ing the way with a game-high 21 points. PELICANS RALLY TO BEAT SPURS Los Angeles him. Kyle Lowry added 17 with 11 assists The New Orleans Pelicans, fuelled by 26 Harden wasn’t on the fl oor for the and seven rebounds. Reserve center Jakob points and 15 rebounds from Anthony Rockets’ January 15 loss to the Clippers, Poeltl fi nished with 13 points and eight Davis, rallied late to beat the Spurs in San Chargers GM uncertain of Gates’ return he NBA-leading Houston Rockets when on-court clashes spilled over and rebounds and Pascal Siakam added 14 Antonio 121-116. capped a perfect February with a a couple of Houston players tried to con- points for Toronto, who led by one point Davis sank a pair of free throws with Los Angeles Chargers general regular-season games in 15 NFL 105-92 victory over the Los An- front the Clippers in their locker room. going into the fourth quarter. 3.4 seconds left to seal the victory for the manager Tom Telesco is aware seasons. geles Clippers on Wednesday to This time there was no such drama as The Boston Celtics, battling to regain Pelicans, who trailed by as many as 15 in of Antonio Gates’ desire to play Coach Anthony Lynn said he Tstretch their winning streak to 14 games. the Rockets seized control early, taking a the Eastern Conference lead, won their the third quarter. at least one more season, but would “absolutely” be open to The Rockets, led by 25 points from 34-12 lead after one quarter. fourth straight since the All-Star break in The Pelicans won their seventh straight said yesterday that he doesn’t Gates’ return, calling him “one James Harden, finished February 12-0 The Clippers trailed just 83-72 going impressive fashion, beating the Charlotte and to make matters worse for San An- know if the future Hall of Fame of the greatest Chargers of all and with their second 14-game win into the fi nal period, but Houston pulled Hornets 134-106. tonio they saw star forward LaMarcus tight end will return to the time.” streak of the season became just the away inexorably in the fourth. Kyrie Irving scored 34 points, handed Aldridge depart in the fi rst half with a franchise in 2018. Gates’ role in the off ense has di- sixth team in league history to post “We just kept our composure and fi n- out fi ve assists and pulled down four re- sprained ankle. He joined Pau Gasol and “We’ll talk to his agents this minished with the emergence multiple streaks of at least 14 wins in ished the game off the right way,” Harden bounds for the Celtics, who halted the Kawhi Leonard on the Spurs’ injured list. week,” Telesco said at the NFL of Hunter Henry, but Telesco the same campaign. said. Hornets’ fi ve-game winning streak. “Tough loss,” said Spurs coach Gregg Scouting Combine. “There are said he “showed us at the end “Extremely important,” Harden said of In Washington, Warriors star and DC- In Dallas, Oklahoma City star Russell Popovich, who was ejected after receiv- still so many moving parts to of the year what he can still the victory over the Clippers, potential area native Kevin Durant celebrated his Westbrook scored 30 points as the Thun- ing two technical fouls early in the third free agency, and I will prob- do,” as Gates caught 10 passes early playoff opponents who had beaten homecoming by scoring 32 points. der spoiled a milestone night for Maver- quarter. “I couldn’t be more proud of our ably know more in a couple of for 127 yards and a touchdown the Rockets twice this season. Stephen Curry added 25 points and the icks veteran Dirk Nowitzki with a 111-110 group. Under very, very tough circum- weeks.” over the final two games of the The victory kept the Rockets atop the Warriors limited Washington guard Bra- overtime triumph. stances they keep fi ghting.” Gates, 37, caught 30 passes for season as the Chargers made a Western Conference, leading the reign- dley Beal to eight to notch their seventh Westbrook converted the go-ahead 316 yards and three touch- late playoff push. ing NBA champion Golden State Warriors win in eight games. three-point play in the fi nal minute of RESULTS downs last season. He is now headed for free who beat the Wizards 109-101 in Wash- Eastern Conference leaders Toronto overtime, driving for a layup and drawing Washington 101 Golden State 109 The former basketball star agency, and will turn 38 before ington. pulled away late to beat the lowly Magic a foul, then making the free-throw to cap LA Clippers 92 Houston 105 and undrafted free agent out the start of training camp. It is The Rockets led by as many as 27 117-104 in Orlando. the scoring with 38 seconds left. Dallas 110 Oklahoma City 111 (OT) of Kent St. has built a Hall of uncertain if Gates would con- points. Harden delivered the game’s sig- The Raptors capped a 9-2 February, Germany’s Nowitzki, sixth on the San Antonio 116 New Orleans 121 Fame resume that includes sider playing for another team nature moment in the opening quarter clamping down in the fourth quarter to NBA’s all-time scoring list, reached Atlanta 107 Indiana 102 927 catches for 11,508 yards if the Chargers aren’t interested when he wrong-footed Wesley Johnson force 10 misses by the Magic in their fi rst 31,000 points with a trademark fadea- Boston 134 Charlotte 106 and 114 touchdowns over 220 in bringing him back. with a quick cross-over dribble, Johnson 12 shots of the fi nal period. way jump shot in the second quarter. The Memphis 102 Phoenix 110 falling backwards to the court and receiv- Six players scored in double fi gures for 39-year-old, in his 20th NBA season, fi n- Detroit 110 Milwaukee 87 ing a long stare from Harden before the the Raptors, with DeMar DeRozan lead- ished with 12 points. Orlando 104 Toronto 117 SPOTLIGHT NHL NHL’s Seattle group Rangers clip Canucks on Gilmour’s OT goal eyeing NBA return Reuters Namestnikov drew the second assist as Reuters there will be revenue upside built New York Vesey defl ected home a Pionk slap shot New York in should the NBA ever consider 43 seconds later. Seattle,” Leiweke told ESPN. “We Hayes scored his second goal by tipping are committed to making sure ohn Gilmour’s overtime goal gave in a Pionk wrist shot at 12:29. Spooner he ownership group the building, all of our contracts, the Rangers a 6-5 win over the host also assisted on that tally as he fed the looking to expand the all of our partnerships and all of Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday puck to Pionk before the shot. NHL to Seattle might not our relationships, are done in a night as New York ended its losing With New York on top 3-0, Vancouver stop at bringing hockey way that we can maximise value. streakJ at seven games. starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom was Tto the Pacifi c Northwest. “There is no need to ultimately Gilmour roofed a shot home for only replaced by Anders Nilsson. Markstrom Is an NBA return to the Emer- build two (arenas) when you can his second career marker as the Rang- fi nished with just two saves on fi ve shots. ald City on their minds? make one work as long as you ers triumphed following a series of deals Less than two minutes after the switch, “The answer is absolutely,” have the foresight and the vi- at and just before Monday’s NHL trade Boeser converted a cross-ice pass from investment banker David Bon- sion to make sure you’re think- deadline. Horvat, reducing Vancouver’s defi cit to 3-1. derman told ESPN. “If there is ing through that at the beginning The Rangers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in Horvat brought the Canucks within a a franchise to be had from the of the process, and that’s what the fi rst 12 1/2 minutes, but the Canucks goal with 48 seconds left in the fi rst pe- NBA, we want to be up there we’re trying to do.” responded with three unanswered goals riod as he put in Daniel Sedin’s rebound fi ghting for it for Seattle.” The Oak View Group intends and later overcame 4-3 and 5-4 defi cits. during a power play. The Seattle SuperSonics were to remodel KeyArena, the former The visitors had three new players in Daniel Sedin created a 3-3 deadlock at part of the NBA from 1967-2008 home of the SuperSonics, in their lineup following the trade deadline, 11:01 of the middle frame as he one-timed before moving and becom- downtown Seattle in October while the Canucks had two. a pass from Henrik. However, Namest- ing the Oklahoma City Thun- and hopes to enter the NHL in Kevin Hayes led the new-look Rangers nikov restored the Rangers’ lead with a der. With the Oak View Group, the 2020-21 season. with two goals, while Vladislav Namest- breakaway goal about four minutes later. which includes Bonderman, An NBA spokesman told the nikov, acquired in a trade from the Tampa Goldobin forged a 4-4 tie on a power sports executive Tim Leiweke Louisville Courier-Journal in Bay Lightning, recorded a goal and an play at 12:17 of the third period on a pass and Hollywood producer Jerry January 2017 that the league has assist. Jimmy Vesey and Mika Zibanejad from Leipsic. However, a Goldobin givea- Bruckheimer, having submit- “no plans for expansion at this also scored for the visitors. New York Rangers’ John Gilmour (left) battles for the puck with Vancouver Canucks’ way enabled the Rangers to go ahead 5-4 ted paperwork and a $10mn time” and there is “no discus- Ryan Spooner, acquired by the Rangers Tyler Motte during the NHL game on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) on Zibanejad’s goal 2 1/2 minutes later. down payment to the NHL for sion of any teams relocating right from the Boston Bruins in the Rick Nash an expansion team, the idea of an now.” However, commissioner trade, earned three assists. Defenseman goals, while Daniel Sedin, Bo Horvat and Spooner and Namestnikov impressed RESULTS arena built to support more than Adam Silver told The Players Neal Pionk also had two helpers for New Nikolay Goldobin also tallied for the Ca- early as they assisted on New York’s fi rst Montreal 3 NY Islanders 1 a hockey team already has been Tribune in a video uploaded in York. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lun- nucks. Horvat had two assists and Daniel two goals just 2:05 into the game. Buff alo 2 Tampa Bay 1 (OT) considered. July that looking into expansion dqvist posted 50 saves as the Canucks Sedin had one. Brendan Leipsic, acquired After Spooner dumped the puck into St. Louis 2 Detroit 1 “The way we are going to is “inevitable” and put Seattle outshot the Rangers 55-27. Monday in a trade from Vegas, contrib- Vancouver’s zone, Hayes opened the Colorado 5 Calgary 2 structure all of our contractually on “on a short list of cities we’ll Brock Boeser led the Canucks with two uted two assists. scoring on a weak wraparound at 1:22. NY Rangers 6 Vancouver 5 (OT) obligated income is making sure look at.” Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 2, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY FOCUS South Africa face Jones to quit public huge task, says new coach Erasmus AFP The Springboks season be- Johannesburg gins on June 2 with a one-off Test against Wales in Washing- transport aft er abuse ton. Erasmus has chosen Jacques ew South Africa rugby Nienaber (defence), Pieter de coach Johan “Rassie” Villiers (scrums) and Mzwandile A Video shows Jones being verbally abused while posing for selfies with Scotland fans Erasmus acknowledged Stick (backs) as his assistants. De yesterday that he faces Villiers is a South Africa-born Na “huge task” reviving fallen gi- former France prop who worked AFP London ants South Africa. with the Springboks previously. The twice world champions Former national sevens team England head coach are ranked only sixth in the world star Stick assisted Coetzee for ngland rugby coach Ed- Eddie Jones. (Reuters) after winning just 11 of 25 Tests one season before being ditched. die Jones is to quit using in the past two seasons, during Ex-All Blacks coach John Mitch- public transport after which they twice conceded 57 ell, who is in charge of Pretoria- being on the receiving points to New Zealand. based Super Rugby side North- endE of verbal and physical abuse. Those humiliating losses cost ern Bulls, hailed the appointment The morning after Six Na- Allister Coetzee his job halfway of Erasmus. tions champions England’s through a four-year contract, “Rassie has always been an shock 25-13 defeat by Scotland opening the way for former impressive student of the game at Murrayfi eld on Saturday Springboks loose forward Eras- and he has always been inno- — just their second loss in 26 mus to take over. “It is a huge task vative as well. I think having Tests under Jones — the Aus- to coach the Springboks and I am taken time out has rejuvenated tralian travelled by himself on a very privileged,” Erasmus said in his thinking about the game and standard class train ticket from a SA Rugby statement. clearly he has hit the sweet spot Edinburgh to Manchester to be “I really believe we have the as a coach. Sometimes it is good a guest of retired Manchester players and the rugby intellectu- to get out of the game and fi nd a United manager Alex Ferguson al property to turn things around new way to do things — he cer- at Old Traff ord. and mount a serious challenge at tainly did that at Munster. He But the treatment he received the 2019 Rugby World Cup. We is not going to do it on his own. from some of his fellow pas- have 18 Tests and just under 600 The critical thing is who he sur- sengers, both before United’s days until Japan 2019 and a lot of rounds himself with... that is the 2-1 win over Chelsea and af- planning has already gone into key to his appointment.” terwards, convinced Jones to our Rugby World Cup prepara- Mitchell coached New Zealand change course. “I’m a human tions. It is very important that for two years before being sacked being,” he said. “I don’t consider we prepare thoroughly for the after they lost to hosts Australia myself any diff erent from any- matches against Wales and Eng- in the 2003 Rugby World Cup one else, so for me to travel on land in June.” semi-fi nals. public transport I thought was OK. But I’ll make sure I won’t in future. It’s as simple as that.” Former Australia and Japan coach Jones added: “I can’t be- cause it was shown on Sunday what happens when I do. That’s the world we live in. I was mas- sively surprised. It wasn’t com- fortable.” Asked if the abuse was physi- suff ered by Jones. “The disgust- Irish Lions captain, gave an in- certain behaviours and are they Ferguson on Saturday, Jones cal or verbal, Jones told report- ing behaviour of those involved terview in which he said: “As a the sorts of behaviours that we said: “He’s had a lot of diff er- ers at England’s training camp does not represent the values of supporter of one of his oppo- want to see?” ent experiences, some of them in Oxford: “A bit of both. It’s our sport or its fans,” the state- nents you just want to rub his Jones added he had enjoyed he shared with me and you just part of the challenge. As an ment said. “The dignity Eddie face in the dirt.” meeting fans but that this might keep learning. He mentioned Australian coaching England, and the England team showed Meanwhile current Scotland change in the light of his recent a lot of matches where things there were always going to be on Saturday is in stark contrast prop Simon Berghan said “eve- experience. “I never knock back went wrong and a lot of the challenges and that’s just one of to this ugly incident.” ryone hates England”. “It mag- a request for a selfi e unless I’m times you don’t have a solution them.” Jones had suggested on nifi es that if you’re in a position racing to somewhere,” he ex- to it and that’s the reality. Video footage obtained Wednesday that everyone con- of responsibility you’ve got to plained. “So I try and do the “We don’t have robots, we’re showed Jones being verbally nected with rugby needed to be careful what you say,” said right thing by the fans, but if this human beings and on a day, abused while posing for self- be careful about the language Jones. “Because if you talk about happens then you’ve got to have things can happen to people and ies with Scotland fans. Scottish they used. Prior to the Calcutta hate and you talk about rubbing a look at your own safety.” we don’t know why. If we knew, Rugby issued a statement saying Cup clash, Scotland great Gavin peoples’ nose in the dirt, and all As for catching up with legen- then everyone would have a South Africa’s new rugby coach Rassie Erasmus attends a media it was “appalled” by the abuse Hastings, a former British and those sorts of things, it incites dary Scottish football manager 100% record.” briefing in Johannesburg yesterday. (Reuters)

TENNIS Toulouse sign World Cup winner Kaino Paris: All Black back-row on Wednesday that he was 26-year-old has won seven forward Jerome Kaino, a double retiring from the national team caps and made more than 50 Tunisian wildcard Jaziri into semis world champion, will join Tou- and would head to a French club appearances in the southern louse on a two-year contract, at the end of the Super Rugby hemisphere’s Super Rugby AFP club president Didier Lacroix campaign for his current team, competition. Venter made his Dubai announced yesterday. The sign- the Auckland Blues. Test debut against England in ing of a star player who was also November 2016 and he started being eyed by French Top 14 WORCESTER SIGN SOUTH in the narrow defeat to Wales unisian outsider Malek Jaziri con- rivals Toulon represents a coup AFRICA’S VENTER three months ago. “It’s a very tinued his surprise run at the Du- for Toulouse. English Premiership club exciting step for me to make the bai Championships by beating Kaino, who turns 35 in April, Worcester announced the sign- move to England,” said Venter. Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas yesterday played 81 times for New Zealand ing of South Africa international Worcester are second from Tto reach the semi-fi nals. The 34-year-old and won the World Cup in 2011 centre Francois Venter from bottom of the Premiership table, wildcard will next face third seed Roberto and 2015. Kaino had announced Pro 14 side the Cheetahs. The one place above London Irish. Bautista Agut, who beat Croatian Borna Co- ric 7-6 (7/4), 6-4. Jaziri overcame a second-set blip to see off qualifi er Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and SPOTLIGHT reach the third semi-fi nal of his career. Jaziri, who began his week by knocking out world number four Grigor Dimitrov in the fi rst round, is the fi rst Arab player to get this Wawrinka out of Indian Wells, far in Dubai since Moroccan Younes El Ay- naoui in 2002, who reached the fi nal and lost to France’s Fabrice Santoro. Miami as knee struggles continue The world number 117 is now just one win away from reaching his fi rst-ever ATP Tour AFP fi nal. “It was a big fi ght today, not that easy Los Angeles at all,” Jaziri said. “I fi nished very late yes- terday. I think I was in bed at 2:30am, so I didn’t sleep a lot. I tried to recover the most, wiss star Stan Wawrin- I had to get ready today. It wasn’t easy, i had ka withdrew from this less than 17 hours. “I was up and down little month’s ATP Masters bit today. But I’m happy to win this match.” events in Indian Wells French second seed Lucas Pouille beat andS Miami yesterday, saying he Japanese eighth seed Yuichi Sugita 3-6, needed more time to recuperate 6-3, 6-2. Bautista Agut overcame Coric, as he works his way back from who made his name in Dubai three years knee surgery. The 32-year-old ago when he knocked out three-time Grand world number 12 sat out the sec- Slam champion Andy Murray. ond half of 2017 after a knee op- The Spaniard, who won the Auckland ti- eration following a fi rst-round tle in January, broke the Croatian twice to exit at Wimbledon in June. ensure his eighth win of the season. “I am The Swiss ace spent eight happy, I played very good tennis,” Bautista weeks on crutches following Agut said. “It was not easy to beat Borna. surgery to repair the damage. He He’s very solid. He was playing very good Malek Jaziri of Tunisia hits a forehand en route to his win over Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece returned this year but has strug- serves. He was playing very aggressive — it’s during the ATP Dubai Championships yesterday. (AFP) gled and was forced to withdraw my best match of the tournament.” during a second round match Argentina’s del Potro, the sixth seed, In women’s action, top seed Sloane in Marseille last month against THIEM SETS UP SHOWDOWN needed three sets to get past Spain’s David Stephens saved a match point on the way world number 193 Ilya Ivashka of WITH DEL POTRO Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Second-seeded Ger- to a 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 6-0 victory over Dutch Belarus. Wawrinka said Tuesday Third-seeded Austrian Dominic Thiem man Alexandr Zverev had to battle through qualifi er Arantxa Rus. Rus had her chance he hoped skipping the hard court powered into the quarter-fi nals of the Mexi- the fi rst set en route to a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 vic- at 6-5 in the second-set tiebreaker, but tournaments of Indian Wells and can Open in Acapulco on Wednesday with a tory over compatriot Peter Gojowczyk. “The Stephens, the reigning US Open champion, Miami would enable him to re- Stan Wawrinka sat out the second half of 2017 after a knee operation 6-2, 6-3 triumph over rising Canadian star fi rst set was very tough, but I played with belted a forehand winner to make it 6-6, turn refreshed for the clay court following a first-round exit at Wimbledon in June. (AFP) Denis Shapovalov. Thiem, the 2016 cham- confi dence and after winning the tie-break won the next point on her own serve then season. “Unfortunately I need to pion in Acapulco, didn’t face a break point in I was able to do things better,” Zverev said. took the set when Rus dumped a forehand announce that I won’t be able to the progress and go back to prac- Wawrinka, the 2015 French his 75 minutes on court against the 18-year- South Korean Chung Hyeon, a surprise into the net. play in Indian Wells and Miami,” tice. “I’ve enjoyed being back on Open champion, said he was tar- old Canadian as he set up a last-eight clash semi-fi nalist at the Australian Open, didn’t “I am happy,” Stephens said. “I was match Wawrinka said in a statement. tour playing matches and this geting the clay court season. “I with former US Open champion Juan Martin face a break point in his 6-3, 6-1 victory over point down, and I was able to come back “They are both amazing events gives me even more motivation need to be patient and give my del Potro. “I’m very happy because every- 21-year-old American Ernesto Escobedo. and fi ght. For not having played for a while, but coming back from a big sur- to go back on the practice court. body the time it needs, but as of body knows how good he can play and how Chung reached his fourth quarter-fi nal of since Australia, it’s good progress,” added gery is complicated and after My goal is to fi nd my highest level now my goal is to come back on dangerous he is,” Thiem said of Shapovalov. the season and will next face fi fth-seeded the American, who until this week hadn’t having played a few tournaments again and in order to do that I will clay,” he said. “I love that part of “I was really on from the fi rst point. Today South African Kevin Anderson, a 6-3, 6-4 won a match since her triumph at Flushing I have discussed with my team keep working hard every single the season and hope to be ready was almost perfect.” winner over France’s Adrian Mannarino. Meadows. that it is best for me to build on day.” by then.” Gulf Times Friday, March 2, 2018 7 SPORT

MOTOGP F1 Hamilton sets week’s Vinales fastest on Day best in Barcelona One of testing at Losail AFP Montmelo, Spain

Yamaha rider opened the three-day testing in Qatar on top of the timesheets, beating Dovizioso orld champion Lewis Hamilton set amaha rider Maverick Vinales far up the timesheets so far in Qatar on the fastest time of set the pace on the fi rst day of Day 1, taking P12. Alvaro Bautista (An- the week in pre- MotoGP’s fi nal 2018 pre-sea- gel Nieto Team) was only a tenth and a Wseason Formula One testing yes- son test at Losail International half of Miller in thirteenth, with Scott terday as Mercedes gave a pow- CircuitY yesterday. Vinales opened the Redding (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) erful illustration of why they will three-day testing in Qatar on top of the completing the fastest fi fteen just be- once again be the team to beat in timesheets, with last year’s victor at hind quickest rookie Nakagami. Red- 2018. After Wednesday’s test- Losail putting in a 1:55.053 to narrowly ding was the fastest Aprilia as another ing at Montmelo was wiped out beat Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati Team who, like Iannone at Suzuki, turned the by the snow, Hamilton made up to the top by less than half a tenth. tables on his teammate on Day 1 – with for lost time with a lap of 1 min Even closer than that, Andrea Ian- fellow Noale machinery rider Aleix Es- 19.333 sec. none (Team Suzuki Ecstar) took third pargaro two positions further back. Belgian driver Stoff el Van- and was just 0.003 off Dovizioso ahead Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, mean- doorne, in a McLaren, was of him. The Grand Prix of Qatar is one of while, were glad to have Pol Espargaro 0.521sec off the Briton’s pace the most spectacular events on the Mo- back in action alongside Bradley Smith, while former world champion toGP calendar and will take place under working on smaller updates to the chas- Sebastian Vettel in a Ferrari fi n- the fl oodlights at Losail International sis and engine, as well as defi ning their ished at 0.908sec back. Circuit from March16-18. aero package. Espargaro ended the day It was a bumper day of action Action was a little sluggish to get in in P19 but only just over 1.2 seconds yesterday as the snow and rain gear on Day 1 as some waited for condi- off the top, with Smith for close com- fi nally cleared with 1,101 laps tions to become more similar to those pany just behind – and both riders put a racked up by the teams com- that will prevail during the race week- combined total of more than 100 laps on pared to 725 on Monday, 736 on end, but by the end of running the ma- the counter for the Austrian factory as Tuesday and just 17 on Wednes- jority of the fi eld had racked up half a their progress keeps rolling on. The sec- day, 11 of which were claimed century on the lap counter. ond day of the testing today will begin by carefree two-time world For Vinales and the Yamaha, it’s Yamaha rider Maverick Vinales in action during the first day of MotoGP’s final 2018 pre-season test at Losail yesterday. at 1pm. (motogp.com) champion Fernando Alonso in a important track time after the Iwata McLaren. Testing was briefl y in- marque struggled at Buriram, with up the timesheets. and mixing it up with his fellow rook- terrupted after Sauber’s Marcus much to test. One thing that is defi ned Meanwhile at Ducati, ‘DesmoDovi’ ies. Of those, Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Ericsson and Max Verstappen in for Yamaha, however, is aero – with showed more of his hand on Day 1 as he Honda Idemitsu) was the quickest once a red Bull went off the track and electronics and grip issues the key fo- blasted up the timesheets and was top more – ending Day 1 in P14. into the gravel. cus. On top on Day 1, Spaniard Vinales Borgo Panigale machine. And team- Nakagami’s teammate Cal Crutchlow Vettel lamented the lack of put in 64 laps, with teammate Valentino mate Jorge Lorenzo, who set the fastest (LCR Honda Castrol) was the fast- proper testing time. “When it’s Rossi not far behind on lap count or lap ever lap at Sepang and then struggled est Honda overall on Day 1 as he took very cold, it’s very hard to bring time. Rossi’s best was a 1:55.432 to put in Thailand, shot back into contention P9, with Repsol Honda Team’s Marc the tyres up to temperature. If him in P7, but with exactly the same on Thursday at Losail as he ended the Marquez and Dani Pedrosa just 0.009 you fi nd it diffi cult to get the fastest lap as Alex Rins (Team Suzuki day in P5; a 1:55.423 his best eff ort and and 0.010 further back respectively as tyres working, you’ll just slip Ecstar) ahead of him. Rossi was positive around half a second of his own race lap the three men lined up in a row on the around, “ Ferrari driver Vettel after Day 1, as was Vinales. record. timesheets. Marquez concentrated on said. “It’s a shame if you lose all Rins was the fastest Suzuki machine Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech electronics yesterday and was positive, day,” said Vettel. at Buriram, but at Qatar, teammate An- 3) was the man who just beat Lorenzo to with teammate Dani Pedrosa making The German is hoping to end drea Iannone turned the tables on Day 1. the top four, fastest Independent Team some diff erent headlines with two tum- four years of Mercedes domi- Iannone was third fastest and so close to rider and once again a presence in the bles, but rider ok. nance this season and although Dovizioso ahead of him, with his best a top echelons of the timesheets after go- Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Rac- the fi rst test has been of little 1:55.107 and Rins a couple of tenths fur- ing second fastest in Buriram. His new ing) slotted into eighth on the fi rst day benefi t, he still likes the feel of ther back. The ‘Maniac’ put in 58 laps, teammate Hafi zh Syahrin also put in a as the top Independent Team Ducati the 2018 Ferrari even if the fi rst with Rins racking up 67 and a late mover good performance once more, going P22 rider, with teammate Jack Miller not as Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso was the early pacesetter at Losail International Circuit. race in Melbourne on March 25 may be a leap into the unknown.

BOXING FOCUS Wilder eager to Alfardan hosts exclusive Ducati Party lfardan Motorcycles, the offi cial importer of Ducati Motorcycles prove he is the in Qatar, held its Ducati Party this year for VIP customers on Wednesday.A The event kicked off in a great atmosphere as guests enjoyed the most dangerous presence of Ducati MotoGP team and rid- ers, especially Andrea Dovizioso and the Reuters 15 seconds into the 12th round. I winner of Grand Prix of Qatar 2016, the New York have that ability to do anything three-time world champion Jorge Loren- I want. I am the most danger- zo and the Ducati Team’s Sporting Direc- ous man in the division, hands tor, Paolo Ciabatti. BC heavyweight down.” Alfardan Motorcycles hosted this year’s champion Deontay Promoter Eddie Hearn said Ducati party as part of its exclusive open- Wilder believes he in November that talks were ing activities for Ducati fans, who are is the most danger- underway to arrange a fi ght be- warming up for the fi rst race of the Mo- Motorcycle enthusiasts were also treated Wous man in the division, say- tween Wilder and Joshua in 2018 toGP 2018 season to be held during the to a closer look at selected Ducati bikes ing that he could beat anybody but the bout is yet to be con- Grand Prix of Qatar at Losail Internation- showcased at the venue. at any time ahead of his title fi rmed with the Briton taking on al Circuit running from March 16 to 18. defence against Luis Ortiz to- WBO champion Joseph Parker on Qatar has been hosting MotoGP events day at the Losail International Circuit. At morrow. Wilder, nicknamed the March 31 instead. since 2004, featuring some of the most Alfardan Motorcycles, we always strive to Bronze Bomber, has won all 39 of Wilder played up his power, spectacular racing events globally. create innovative ways for our customers his professional fi ghts, with only saying that opponents he had Ayad as-Siaidi, General Manager of Al- MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo at Ducati Party hosted by Alfardan Motorcycles. to share their riding experiences as well one of those victories being by a knocked out in previous bouts fardan Motorcycles, said: “It has been a as supporting the sport of motorcycles in points decision. had failed to make a successful delightful and enjoyable evening for our Food, music and their favourite MotoGP “Our exciting lineup of activities in the State of Qatar.” The 32-year-old has held his comeback to the ring. “It’s not Ducati bike enthusiasts as we brought riders made the evening another success- the run-up to the much-awaited event Motorcycle enthusiasts were also heavyweight title since 2015. just that I knock them out, it’s together all the elements that make the ful prelude to MotoGP 2018 which is set to is certainly a roaring initiative for our treated to a closer look at selected Ducati The American is raring to take on the way I knock them out. It’s Ducati a bike of choice for our customers. start at the mid of March. motorcycle fans as we inch closer to race bikes showcased at the venue. WBA, IBF and IBO world cham- how I knock them out, it’s what pion Anthony Joshua, who has they do after I knock them out — said former champion Tyson that’s what makes me unique...” UCI WORLD TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS Fury was his biggest threat. Wilder said. Wilder, however, believes that “So if he (Joshua) says that, the 28-year-old Joshua needs to and he needs to keep that in his think again. “Everyone knows mind to feel confi dent because that Tyson Fury isn’t the biggest we know this fi ght will happen. British star Kenny second on world return threat in the heavyweight divi- If that gives him the confi dence sion. Everyone knows who is the he needs to try and beat me, he AFP But becoming parents has renewed man in the heavyweight division, is entitled to his own opinion. Apeldoorn, Netherlands their passion for the sport. “When Laura hands down,” Wilder said. But I think the fact remains: I returned to training some months ago “Everybody knows who has am the most dangerous man in with the world championships, I also got the power to beat anyone at any the heavyweight division. I can’t ritain’s six-time Olympic gold back into training and here I am,” added given time, in the fi rst round or wait to prove it...” medallist Jason Kenny returned Jason Kenny. “I think I can get back to to the saddle after an 18-month the top next year, certainly in two years.” sabbatical to get married and The Netherlands dominated the startB a family and claimed second place opening day of the world championships in the team sprint at the world champi- with two golds and a silver medal. As onships. The 29-year-old teamed with well as the men’s team sprint title, com- Jack Carlin and Ryan Owens to secure patriot Kirsten Wild opened the action silver behind Dutch riders Nils van ‘t by winning the scratch just as she had Hoenderdaal, Harrie Lavreysen and Jef- done in 2015. To add to home delight, frey Hoogland in his fi rst appearance Kyra Lamberink and Shanne Braspen- since winning three golds at the 2016 nincx won silver in the women’s team Olympics in Rio. sprint behind Germany’s Miriam Welte “After Rio, I thought I was fi nished and Kristina Vogel. Wild beat Belgium’s with competing,” said the 29-year-old Jolien D’Hoore and Denmark’s Amalie who married fellow rider Laura Trott, a Dideriksen to take gold. four-time gold medallist. They are now The 35-year-old Wild was the defend- the proud parents of a baby boy, Al- ing champion and is also entered in the bie, born six months ago. Laura is also points race, the Madison and the four- competing in the Netherlands and on event Omnium. “I focussed all my win- Wednesday helped Britain qualify sec- ter training on being ready for this,” said ond fastest in the women’s team pur- the powerful sprinter. “I’m in the form of suit behind defending champions the my life.” United States. “After Rio, he told me that Wild made a break for victory with Undefeated heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder throws punches he wasn’t getting the same pleasure out four laps to go and with the peloton clos- during a media workout in New York ahead of his tomorrow’s fight of cycling any more,” said 25-year-old ing the fans cheered her home in a thrill- Netherland’s Laurine van Riessen (right) celebrates after beating France’s Mathilde Gros against unbeaten contender Luis Ortiz. (Reuters) Laura. ing fi nale where she just held on. in the women’s Sprint during the UCI Track Cycling World Championships. (AFP)

Friday, March 2, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

IBSF-ACBS WORLD SNOOKER TEAM CUP 2018 FOCUS Aspire’s Goalkeeper Advani-Chandra External Potential Programme concludes

By Sports Reporter Teams Football Co-ordinator Doha at Aspire Academy, said: “The programme’s main objective is set up semis against to nurture and develop goalkeep- he Aspire Academy-run ers in Qatar so they can represent Goalkeeper External their clubs and country proudly Potential Programme in major tournaments. This (GEPP) held an awards programme off ers these young Tceremony on Wednesday evening goalkeepers a platform to grow, to celebrate the young goalkeep- thanks to the joint eff orts of eve- unbeaten Iran ers and mark the conclusion of ryone involved. The programme programme’s activities this year is a testament to Aspire Acad- with the distribution of congrat- emy’s fruitful partnership with Pakistan’s Asif and Masih face Hong Kong’s Lee and Fung in the other semi-final ulatory graduation certifi cates. various local sporting organisa- Running since 2014, the GEPP tions and clubs. Parents also play By Sports Reporter is an annual programme or- a vital role in this programme, Doha ganised by the Aspire Academy because they motivate their chil- Football Department in collabo- dren to attend the sessions.” ration with the Qatar Football He added: “The programme ndia-2 team of Pankaj Advani and Association and the country’s mainly invests its time and en- Manan Chandra ended the winning top 18 sports clubs. The pro- ergy on improving the per- streak of the Irish team of Brendan gramme seeks to hone the skills formance of goalkeepers still in O’Donoghue and Michael Judge to of young goalkeepers in Qatar the developmental phase. This Iset up a semi-fi nal against Iran in the in line with the Academy’s goal year, we had goalkeepers within IBSF-ACBS World Team Cup at the Qatar of elevating sports performance the age range between 10-16 Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) and producing elite athletes able (born between 2002-2008) who Hall yesterday. to compete on the national and showed great promise.” The Indians had opened the international levels. Aspire Academy’s Football USD60,000 tournament with a 2-3 loss More than 15 goalkeepers Programme is recognised as one to Pakistan-2, comprising Asjad Iqbal from various sports clubs were of the strongest in the world in and Mohamed Sajjad, but have since awarded certifi cates for taking terms of detection and selection won against Poland (group stage) and the part in this year’s programme, of talent as well as training, com- teenaged Chinese team of Zhang Jiankang including: Yousef El-Sherif, petition and evaluation of ado- and Fan Zhengyi (quarter-fi nals) to reach Saleh Hamad, Abdullah Haidar, lescent players. the semi-fi nals, where they will take on Abdulmajeed NK, Yousef Ahmed The training philosophy of Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh and Ehsan Heydari Mohamed, Hamad Majed, Ali the Academy is tailored to the Nezhad. Asghar Abadai, Abdulrahman capabilities, talents and goals Advani and Sarkhosh had faced off Nasser Haidar, Adnan Ali, Ab- of Qatar as a footballing na- in the fi nal of the IBSF World Snooker dulrahman Atef, Farid Ibrahim, tion and follows a strategy that Championship in Doha in November and Saeed Essa, Ghanem Mohamed is geared towards the develop- the former had won his 18th world title. Ahmed, Ali Asfar and Abdulrah- ment of the individual player, Today, however, the Indians will be up Pakistan-1’s Babar Masih lines up for a shot during the last-16 match against Qatar-1 in the IBSF-ACBS World Snooker Team Cup 2018 man Nasser al-Sheiba. who should be able to know against an in-form Iran team, who have not at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) Hall yesterday. PICTURE: Ram Chand Speaking on the side-lines what the game demands in any only stayed unbeaten in the tournament so of the event, Inaki Ulloa, Elite given situation. far, but have also been breaking impressive- the Asif-Masih in the quarter-fi nals. ly. Sarkhosh put together a 124-point break Boosted by a 53-point break in the fi rst in the doubles frame as the Iranian duo beat frame, Masih put his team up 1-0, before the ABSF team from Egypt, comprising Hirani beat Asif to level things up. How- Wael Talaat and Hesham Shawky, 3-0 for ever, the Pakistanis registered wins in the their last-eight spot. doubles and the reverse singles for a 3-1 In the quarter-fi nals, they beat a teen- win and a spot against Hong Kong-1 in aged Russian team of Ivan Kakovskii and the semis. Mikhail Terekhov 3-2, with Nezhad clos- Hong Kong’s Lee and Fung bounced ing the game out with a 64-point break. back from a 0-2 defi cit in the quarter- In the quarter-fi nal against Ireland, fi nals tie against Australia’s Steve Mif- India-2 went 2-0 up as both Chandra sud and Ryan Thomerson for their spot and Advani notched up frame wins over in the last four. Fung’s 56-point break O’Donoghue and Judge respectively. The helped them win the doubles frame and Irish then fought back in the doubles Hong Kong-1’s Lee Chun Wai put together a 107-point break in the quarter-final win keeping the game alive, before Lee’s blaz- frame with a 68-2 win, keeping the game against Australia yesterday. ing 107-point break gave Thomerson no alive. Advani, however, armed with an chance whatsoever in the fourth frame. 87-point break in the fourth frame con- Russians, but have not looked back since. bles frame helped keep the game alive Fung then took the fi fth frame 63-14 fi rmed India-2’s place in today’s semi- Yesterday, in the afternoon session, the but former world snooker champion Asif against Mifsud to win the tie. fi nals. Pakistanis, who had won the world title in closed the game with a 79-23 win in the The Australians had made it to the The other semi-fi nal today will be August 2017 in Hurghada, Egypt, quelled fourth frame. quarter-fi nals after beating India-1 team played between Pakistani world cham- the local challenge, beating Qatar-1 team, Pakistan’s other team, Iqbal-Sajjad, of Shahbaz Adil Khan and Malkeet Singh, pion team of Mohamed Asif and Babar comprising Ahmed Saif and Bashar Ab- were up against Wales-2, comprising Kis- while Hong Kong-1 had beaten Isle of Masih, and Hong Kong’s Lee Chun Wai dulmajeed. han Hirani and Jamie Clarke, for a quar- Man’s Darryl Hill and Sean Corkish in the and Fung Kwok Wai. Masih opened big with an 82-16 win ters spot, but the latter did just enough fi rst stage of the knockouts. The Asif-Masih combine too had start- over Abdulamajeed before Asif made it to pick up a 3-2 win in the afternoon ses- The semi-fi nals will be played at 1pm, ed the tournament with a loss, 1-3 to the 2-0. A 54-point break by Saif in the dou- sion. However, the Welsh were halted by while the fi nal will be held at 5pm.

SPOTLIGHT Al Adaid Desert Challenge stars take part in community ride at Losail circuit

By Sports Reporter Doha

ome of the top international riders, who are set to take part in the third edition of Al Adaid Desert Challenge, participated in the weekly community cyclingS ride organised by Qatar Cyclists Center at Losail International Circuit on Wednesday. Dutch legend Erik Dekker, winner of last year’s challenge, and the women’s defending champion Pia Sundstedt were among the big names who joined Dr Jamal Rashid al-Khanji, managing director of Al Adaid Desert Chal- lenge, and members of Qatar Cyclists Center in a lap around the 5.38km track, before stop- ping for a photo opportunity, and a chat with local media and representatives of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge sponsors. The list of international riders also includ- ed, last year’s runner-up, Roman Van Uden (New Zealand), Frederic Gombert (France), who fi nished third in the UCI Elite category, in addition to veteran rider and national team Dutchman Erik Dekker (left), winner of last year’s Al Adaid Desert Challenge, takes part in the Women’s defending champion Pia Sundstedt (second from left) of Finland rides around the Losail coach Szymon Wasiak (UK), experienced MB community ride at Losail International Circuit on Wednesday. International Circuit. rider Sophie Giovane (France) and Firaz Shokri (Iran), Asia’s top UCI-ranked MB rider. organise a separate ladies-only ride every was special. My biggest rivals last year did not ty ride at Losail. Hundreds of ladies from Qatar Qatar’s al-Shammari, who is one of the top More than 60 Qatari riders are set to com- Tuesday at the same circuit, and the event has have the right tyres, so it was much easier for join us here and many of them are getting into contenders for the Qatar MB Cross-Country pete in this year’s edition, which will also seen tremendous success over the past couple me. This year they are ready, and we have a this sport. That’s just fantastic for the future of Championship title, said, “I cannot wait for count as the fi rst Qatar National Mountain of years. Coaches from Qatar Cyclists provide more challenging route. That will change the cycling in here.” the race. Al Adaid Desert Challenge is one of Bike Cross Country Championship. Many assistance and safety tips to beginners, and a game a little bit,” he said. Wasiak, former professional rider and cur- the most beautiful races that all local riders ea- of them, including Fawaz al-Shammari, one bike renting service is available for a small fee. Sundstedt of Finland will be looking for her rent Qatar national team coach, added: “The gerly wait for every year. It will not be an easy of Qatar’s top road cyclists, were present at “I have visited Qatar many times before as third straight Women’s elite title at Al Adaid future of cycling in Qatar looks bright. We race, but I trained well for this, and the more Wednesday’s event, where they had an oppor- a rider and manager at Rabobank Profession- Desert Challenge. “I have been living in Qatar have a talented group of people at the cycling challenging route will add to the excitement. I tunity to pick up some tips from experienced al Cycling Team. It is really nice in here, the for six years. Taking part in Al Adaid Challenge federation working together to develop and will do my best to register a good result.” riders like Dekker. weather is perfect at this time of the year; it’s became a tradition for me and my family, it is a implement a long-term strategy in order to Mohamed al-Juaidi, Qatar Cyclists member The 2018 Adaid Desert Challenge is expected minus 10 degrees right now in my hometown,” good opportunity to have fun,” she said. build a team for the 2028 Olympics. At the mo- and coach, said, “Qatar Cyclists weekly activities to see more than 350 participants, in the cycling Dekker, former Olympic-silver medallist, said. The two-time Olympian is impressed by the ment the number of events in Qatar is growing have been attracting a lot of participants, and race and a newly-introduced running race. The Dutch legend expects more competition fast growth of cycling in the country especially so fast and it is a good sign that cycling is de- the number of cyclists in Qatar is rapidly grow- Qatar Cyclists Center’s Weekly Commu- this year after comfortably winning last year’s among women. “Cycling has changed a lot veloping very quick. We have more and more ing. We have tested the new route, it is just over nity Ride at Losail International Circuit at- title in an impressive time of around 1 hour 11 over the past few years. There is a big cycling young riders signing up for cycling sessions, 38kms, and we added the required signs to help tracts hundreds of cycling enthusiasts from minutes. community, and what really impressed me and the most important thing is that we attract riders to follow the route. We hope that all the all around Qatar every Wednesday. They also “Last year was really fun, riding in the desert most is what I see during Tuesday’s communi- a lot of Qataris to participate in every event.” participants will have a good race.”