SPORT Tuesday 15 May 2018 PAGES | 26 PAGE | 27 Neymar wins Ligue 1 ACL: Unbeaten Player-of-the-Year Al Duhail eye Award Al Ain scalp French giants PSG hire Tuchel as new coach

AP I am joining this big club,” of the 2016-17 season. The Thomas is one of the best and most Tuchel said. “I can’t wait to 44-year-old Tuchel led competitive European coaches to have PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain start working with all these Dortmund to the German Cup emerged over the last few seasons: hired former Borussia great players who are all title in 2017 before getting PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi Dortmund coach Thomas among the best in the world.” fired three days later after Tuchel (pictured) yesterday, A strong disciplinarian, he falling out with club officials a day after the outgoing Unai could end up being an over the course of an incon- league’s history, and the and clinical football that has Emery was voted coach of the excellent choice for PSG, a sistent season. German Cup final. always been the foundation year in the French league. club where star players have Tuchel, a former Mainz “Thomas is one of the best of German football, especially Tuchel signed a two-year often enjoyed too many priv- coach who followed in and most competitive on the international scene.” contract with the French ileges in the past. Juergen Klopp’s footsteps by European coaches to have Emery, who was named champion, starting in July. Praised for his attractive taking over in Dortmund in emerged over the last few coach of the year after Financial terms were not style of attacking play and 2015, led the side to second seasons,” PSG President guiding PSG to a domestic disclosed. fine tactics, Tuchel was place in the Bundesliga in his Nasser Al Khelaifi said. “He treble, will be in charge of his “It is with much joy, without a club since he was first season, when Dortmund abides by very strong prin- final French league game this pride and ambition that sacked by Borussia at the end was the best runner-up in the ciples of playing spectacular weekend at Caen. Bounedjah on target as Al Sadd reach AFC Champions League quarter-finals

CHINTHANA WASALA Al Ahli received the first yellow card of THE PENINSULA the match following a reckless tackle. Boualem Khoukhi took his chance from DOHA: A superb brace by goal-machine the free kick from 35 yards away, but could Bhagdad Bounedjah (2 and 70) guided missed the target. former champions Al Sadd to a place in Seconds later, Morteza Pouraliganji, the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions assisted by Khoukhi, shot from the right following a fighting 2-2 draw against Saudi side of the box, but the ball slipped past giants Al Ahli in Jeddah yesterday. the goal post. Bounedja’s double sealed a 4-3 In the 39th minute, the home team lev- aggregate win for the Qatari football giants elled on aggregate when Mohannad Aseri who handed Al Ahli their first loss on home shot from the centre of the box to the soil in the AFC Champions League history. bottom right corner. Bounedjah gave them the perfect start In the 56th minute, Afif almost scored at a packed King Abdullah Sports City Al Sadd’s second goal when he shot from Stadium, striking within just two minutes close range but goalkeeper Al Owais was after the kick off. quick to block the shot. Bounedjah received a cross from Seconds later, Xavi shot attempted to Yasser Abou Baker and the Algerian made score from the right side of the box after sure he beat the Al Ahli goalkeeper receiving a through pass from Yasser Abou Mohammed Al Owais to score his eighth Baker, but unfortunately for the Barca goal of the AFC Champions League this legend, Al Ahli’s Aqeel Balghaith managed season, the most by any player so far. to intercept to spoil his effort. Al Ahli did not wait long to find the In the 69th minute, Al Sadd finally got equaliser as Claudemir’s header from the an opportunity to stay ahead in the centre of the box following a set-piece sit- aggregate when a penalty was declared uation sent the ball into the bottom right following a rough tackle on Hamid Ismaeil corner of the net. in the penalty area. Al Sadd had three opportunities within Bounedjah took the kick but ‘keeper a matter of four minutes but neither was Al Owais managed to stop the ball. successful. However, Al Sadd’s Algerian forward was In the 32nd minute, rising star Akram quick to grab the opportunity to flick the Al Sadd’s Xavi Hernandez vies for the ball with Afif fired from the centre of the box after ball into the second on his second attempt. Al Ahli’s Claudemir during their AFC Champions receiving a cross from Barca legend Xavi That also sealed Al Sadd’s 4-3 League Round Of 16 second leg match in Jeddah Hernandez but the shot was saved in the aggregate win and a place in the quarter- yesterday. centre of the goal by Al Owais. finals of Asia’s premier club Two minutes later, Motaz Hawsawi of tournament. Bangalore Ton-up O’Brien saves the day for Ireland crush Punjab by 10 as pacer Amir joins 100- club AP player to score a test for on 64 without loss after SCOREBOARD AP Ireland and he was there at the being asked to follow on and , 1st Innings 310 for 9 : Ireland has an outside close on 118 , with his still needing 116 more runs to IRELAND, 1st Innings 130 INDORE: Royal Challengers chance of winning its inaugural 114-run partnership with Stuart make Pakistan bat again, IRELAND, 2nd Innings Bangalore crushed Kings XI Punjab test after Kevin O’Brien Thompson (53) for the seventh Ireland slumped to 123-4 by c Ahmed b Amir ...... 32 by 10 wickets in a must-win Indian led a second-innings recovery wicket proving decisive. Tyrone lunch. When Amir removed Andy Balbirnie lbw b Abbas ...... 0 Premier League match yesterday and with an unbeaten century to Kane was with O’Brien on 8 not (12), caught by Niall O’Brien b Amir ...... 18 kept its hopes alive for a place in the lead Pakistan by 139 runs on out. Haris Sohail in the slips, and lbw b Abbas ...... 11 Kevin O’Brien not out ...... 118 playoffs. Monday heading into the final Mohammed Amir shrugged Paul Stirling (11) was trapped Gary Wilson c Sohail ...... 12 Umesh Yadav's short-pitched day. off a nagging knee problem to lbw by Mohammad Abbas, b Khan ...... 53 deliveries got the big wickets of Hours earlier on day four, be the pick of the bowlers, fin- Pakistan was close to clinching Tyrone Kane not out ...... 8 Lokesh Rahul (21) and Chris Gayle (14) the Irish were facing the ishing the day with figures of victory. Extras: (1b, 18lb, 1nb, 4w) ...... 24 TOTAL: (for 7 wickets) ...... 319 as Punjab was bowled out for 88 in Ireland’s prospect of an innings defeat 3-57 as he reached 100 test O’Brien’s circumspect Overs: ...... 122 15.1 overs after Bangalore won the Kevin but they lost only three wickets wickets. The left-arm pace- - his 118 has come from toss and opted to field. in the final two sessions to reach man’s turbulent test career was 216 balls and contained 12 fours Still to bat: , O’Brien (48 not out) stumps on 319-7 following on. interrupted by a jail sentence - has ensured Ireland stay alive Fall of wickets: 1-69, 2-69, 3-94, 4-95, 5-127, celebrates 6-157, 7-271 and Parthiv Patel (40 not out) then Even a draw would be a by an English court and a five- at Malahide. after : Mohammad Amir 25.2-8-57-3, Mo- piloted Bangalore to 92 without loss marvelous achievement for a year ban by the ICC for his Pakistan declared its first reaching hammad Abbas 25-9-54-2, Rahat Ali 23-3-75- in just 8.1 overs. country which was awarded involvement in a spot-fixing innings on 310-9 early on day his century 0, Faheem Ashraf 18-3-51-0, Shadab Khan Kings XI Punjab: 88 test status only last June. scandal in 2010. three. The first day was washed yesterday. 30.4-7-63-1. Royal Challengers Bangalore: 92/0 O’Brien became the first Resuming its second out. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018 ‘Mansoor’s services would be remembered forever’

FAWAD HUSSAIN the video message posted on social THE PENINSULA media. “Especially Mansoor’s last penalty DOHA: Former Pakistan captain save against (Dutchman) Jeroen Delmee Shahbaz Ahmed has termed Mansoor in the final was something we cannot Ahmed’s untimely death as a huge loss forget. Mansoor always served Pakistan for field hockey as condolences with his full energy and his services for continued to pour in for the man who the country would be remembered helped Pakistan clinch the 1994 World forever,” he added. Cup in Sydney. “I am heartbroken on his demise The retired goalkeeper, 49, passed like the rest of Pakistan and I pray Allah away in Karachi on Saturday after suf- may his soul rest in peace and his fering for weeks from complications family get the patience to bear this stemming from a pacemaker and stents irreparable loss.” implanted in his heart. Another former player and Man- Mansoor was a Pakistani sporting soor’s long-time roommate Rana icon since helping the country win their Mujahid said: “Mansoor’s services for last World Cup title win in 1994 with country’s hockey are second to none. A file photo of the late . RIGHT: Shahbaz Ahmed Senior. his stunning saves against the Nether- We won the last two major tournament lands in the final. because of Mansoor.” He played a total of 338 interna- years. For the first three years, we Hockey remains Pakistan’s national hockey with his overall goal tally at 348. Former players Anjum Saeed, tional matches and also featured in played together in the junior team and sport with the national team winning Pakistan won the 1994 World Cup Khalid Bashir and Khawaja Junaid also three Olympics and various other high- after that we were team-mates in the World Cup in 1971 (Barcelona), 1978 after a roller-coaster ride which saw were grieved and shocked over the sad profile events in a career spanning from national team for over 12 years. (Buenos Aires), 1982 (Mumbai) and 1994 them defeating Germany and the Neth- demise. 1986 to 2000. “He was a great guy both as a (Sydney). erlands in the semi-final and final Former Pakistan tennis star “Mansoor was not an ordinary person and a player,” said the legendary A powerhouse in field hockey, respectively on penalty strokes. Hameedul Haq who had a close asso- player. He truly was one of the great forward, who was also famous as ‘The Pakistan have also won three gold “The semi-final and final were very ciation with the deceased said Mansoor goalkeepers the game has ever pro- Man With The Electric Heels’. medals at the Olympic Games in 1960 close games and had to be decided on was a legend. duced,” Shahbaz, who led Pakistan to While Shahbaz was leading the (Rome), 1968 (Mexico City) and 1984 the penalty strokes. We won the semi- “I never have seen such a brilliant the famous 1994 triumph, said in an side, late Mansoor was serving as his (Los Angeles). final (5-3) and final (4-3), which means hockey goalkeeper. I pray to Almighty interview. deputy in Australia during the 1994 Pakistan’s is the it was Mansoor only who gave us the to rest his soul in peace. Indeed his “We played together for many World Cup. highest goal scorer in the history of field memorable victory,” Shahbaz said in services would be remembered forever.” Juventus wrap up 7th straight Serie A title AFP

ROME: Juventus coach Massi- miliano Allegri hailed his side’s winning mentality as they sealed a seventh straight Serie A title on Sunday after a goalless draw against ten-man Roma at the PSG’s Neymar poses with his trophy after receiving the Best Stadio Olimpico. Ligue 1 Player award on Sunday in Paris. The Turin giants had needed just a point to officially seal their 34th Scudetto title and become the first team to complete the Neymar claims Ligue 1’s league and Cup double for four consecutive seasons. Player-of-the-Year award Roma played the final twenty minutes a man down AP after Radja Nainggolan was sent cracking a metatarsal in his off for a second yellow card after right foot against Marseille a foul on Argentina striker Paulo PARIS: Neymar won the on February 25. He had Dybala. French League’s Player of surgery in Brazil in March Allegri’s side also won the the Year award on Sunday, and has resumed light Italian Cup in the Stadio ahead of Paris Saint- training and ball work as he Olimpico on Wednesday with a Germain team-mates bids to be ready for the 4-0 win over AC Milan. Edinson Cavani and Kylian World Cup. Juventus’ goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (foreground) celebrates with team-mates at the end of the With one game left to play Mbappe. Cavani won the award Serie A match against AS Roma at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday in Rome. Juventus cannot be caught by Marseille winger Florian last season and is again the second-placed Napoli who are Thauvin, the other nominee, league’s top scorer with 28 four points behind after winning time to celebrate after four remaining united through diffi- minutes and from the 68th finished fourth in Ligue 1 goals, while Thauvin is next 2-0 at Sampdoria on Sunday. extraordinary years, it’s right culties. They are an example for minute Roma were down to 10 awards ceremony in Paris. with 22. Mbappe has netted “It’s not easy to keep the that everyone celebrates. other teams to follow.” men. But Juventus did not take “I would like to thank all 13 since joining from right mentality just a few days “If you get overwhelmed by Juventus had early chances advantage of their advantage as of my team-mates,” Neymar deposed champion Monaco. after winning the Italian Cup enthusiasm, you’re going to col- with Edin Dzeko firing over, a they game lost its momentum said on beIN Sports PSG coach Unai Emery, final,” said Allegri. lapse three days later.” Lorenzo Pellegrini right footer although Dybala did have television. who is leaving at the end of “I think the greatest strength Eusebio Di Francesco’s flying wide and Aleksandar penalty appeals. “I’m honoured and very the season, won Coach of was keeping calm in all situa- Roma, in third, had already Kolarov’s free-kick hitting the Juventus will play their final happy with our season. I the Year after guiding PSG tions. You reach the final sealed their Champions League side netting. game in Turin next weekend and couldn’t have won this to a domestic treble. objective with one small step at place next season after Inter Dybala threatened early and Allegri promised a big trophy without my team- However, PSG once a time. Milan’s 2-1 loss against broke through early in the celebration. mates.” Neymar scored 19 again fell short in Europe “It’s been really tough and Sassuolo. second half after an Alex Sandro “There are players here who league goals and set up after going out in the last 16 we have to compliment Napoli, “Juventus have a special cross but the goal was disal- won all seven titles and deserve another 13 in only 20 games of the Champions League as they kept the pressure on to mentality that has been built up lowed because the Argentina Saturday’s salute in front of their for French champion PSG. for the second straight the end and won at through the years,” said Di striker was offside. home fans. We want to celebrate He has not played since season. Sampdoria. Francesco. Nainggolan received two all together in Turin,” added “We work hard, but when it’s “It’s a club that succeeds in yellow cards in the space of five Allegri.

FROM LEFT: PK Mathew, Naeem Nanji, Allan Federer returns as World No.1 Menzies, Steve Brown, Boocha wins golf tourney AFP Cherehzade Boocha, Uzma Zverev remains in third, but WORLD RANKINGS (TOP 15) Mir and Arnav Jain pose the man he beat in Sunday’s for a group photo after 1. Roger Federer (SUI) 8,670 pts (+1) PARIS: Rafael Nadal’s surprise final, Dominic Thiem, dropped 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,950 (-1) the season-ending golf quarter-final exit at the Madrid a place to eighth despite 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,015 tournament organised by Masters has seen the Spaniard knocking out Nadal on his way 4. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4,870 Qatar Golf Lovers at the replaced as world number one to facing Zverev. Doha Golf Club, recently. by Roger Federer in the latest Thiem saw off Kevin 5. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4,770 Boocha emerged winner in ATP rankings published Anderson in the semi-finals 6. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 4,540 the event in which a total yesterday. and it is the South African who 7. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3,660 (+1) of 40 golfers participated. Federer returns to the top inherits his seventh spot, the 8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,545 (-1) Jain won the runner-up spot despite not having played 31-year-old’s highest ever 9. John Isner (USA) 3,305 prize while Brown claimed since March. ranking. 10. David Goffin (BEL) 2,930 the ‘longest drive’ award. Former world No. 1 Novak The highest mover in the 11. Pablo Carreno (ESP) 2,280 Mir secured ‘Closest to Djokovic slipped six places to men’s charts is Madrid semi- 12. Sam Querrey (USA) 2,220 (+1) Rope’ title while Menzies 18th after his second round finalist Denis Shapovalov with 13. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,210 (+1)

won the ‘longest putt’ defeat in Madrid, his lowest the Russian teenager jumping 14. Jack Sock (USA) 2,155 (+1) competition. ranking since October 2006. 14 rungs to a best ever 29th 15. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 2,130 (+1) Madrid winner Alexander position. TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018 SPORT 27 Unbeaten Al Duhail eye quarters berth

CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA minute. Nam Tae-Hee made attacking midfielder Youssef it 2-0 for the Qatari side in the Msakni, who recently 39th with an outstanding solo underwent a cruciate ligament DOHA: Qatar’s unbeaten effort before Ismail Mohamed knee surgery in the US. For Al football giants Al Duhail will put his side further ahead in Ain, both Hussein El Shahat take a commanding 4-2 lead the 48th with a fine chip after and Mohanad Salem are likely into the second leg of the AFC being set up by Nam. Almoez to return. Brazilian Caio is sus- Champions League (ACL) Ali added the fourth seven pended for Al Ain after his late Round of 16 against UAE’s Al minutes later. dismissal in the first leg. Ain at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al Ain managed to score Ahead of the crucial tie, Stadium today as they eye a two goals through Ahmed coach Belmadi said, “We’re berth in the quarter-finals. Khalil and Ibrahim Diaky. yet to advance to the quarter- Coached by Algerian tac- However, a comeback finals as the second leg is yet tician Djamel Belmadi, the with at least a three-goal to be played. Al Ain will do reigning QNB Stars League winning margin against the their best and we will’ve to and Qatar Cup champions will strong Al Duhail side on their remain focused and work be no easy kill for the own backyard today seems harder than before to secure visitors. highly unlikely. victory.” Al Duhail, who extended Lucas Mendes will return Al Duhail’s dream run also their incredible winning run from suspension for the hosts put Belmadi among the best this season with a 1-0 win who are also missing the coaches in Qatar this season. against archarch-rivals-rivals Al Sadd in servicesservices of their regular The QatarQa Football Asso- the Amir CupCup semi-final, are captaincaptain cciationiation hahass announced that justjust one step awawayay fromfrom and BBelmadi,elmadi, aalong with Al Sadd securing a domestic cup ccoachoach JesualdoJesu Ferreira and treble. Al Duhail have won all AAll Rayyan’sRayyan’ Michael Laudrup their AFC Champions League aarere in contestcont for the 2017-18 matchesmatches this season and thetheyy sseason’season’s BBeste Coach Award. seem unstoppable.unstoppable. Belmadi,Belma Ferreira and In thethe previous leg,leg, AlAl LLaudrupaudrup stoodst out among all DuhailDuhail stustunnednned tthehe hhomeome ffansans coaccoacheshes wwith their achieve- whenwhen Moroccan striker mmentsents as tthey guided their Youssef El Arabi, the top tteamseams to ttheh first three posi- scorer in the QNBQNB Stars ttions,ions, in ththata order, in the QNB LeaLeaguegue with 26 goals,goals, SStarstars LeagLeague.u struck in ththee The winnersw will be 116th6th announcedannounce at the end-of- sseasoneason cerceremonye at the Qatar NationalNatiN ona Convention CenterCenter in Education City Al Duhail’s Almoez Ali celebrates after scoring a goal against Al Ain during the AFC Champions League onon Thursday.Th Al Duhail’s coach Djamel Belmadi Round of 16 first leg match at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, on February 20, 2018.

ALYSJ emerge Qatar Community Football League champions THE PENINSULA Cup venue, Khalifa International Commenting on the league’s Stadium. success – and new partnership DOHA: ALYSJ FC defeated MTM Meanwhile, at half-time, Al announcement – Ali Al Khater, (Q Gym) to win the second Meera Consumer Goods (QSC) the SC representative and QCFL edition of the Qatar Community were confirmed as the official Chairman, said: “I am delighted Football League (QCFL) in an retail partner for the 2018/19 to welcome Al Meera to the QCFL exciting final at the Aspire Dome Qatar Community Football family. Aspire and Evolution on Friday. League (QCFL), during a pitch Sports have already played The tournament organisers, side shirt-exchange ceremony. hugely significant roles in taking partners and participants praised Since its inception the QCFL the league from inception to a the huge success and has partnered with two other higher level – now we welcome ‘remarkable’ growth of the com- local stakeholders. Aspire joined Al Meera on board as we strive petition following the final which the SC as main sponsors of the towards the next steps of our was witnessed by over 300 league, with the goal of enabling journey together. spectators. grassroots football to be available Mohammed Al Badr repre- The league – founded by the for all in Qatar. senting Al Meera Consumer Supreme Committee for In 2017, Evolution Sports Goods (Q.S.C) stated how the & Legacy (SC) in 2016 as part of partnered with the league to company was proud to support its ongoing commitment to help provide logistical support. the Qatar Community Football grow the game at grass-root level Thanks to the support of its League and to become a part of across Qatar. founders and partners, the Champion ALYSJ FC players and officials celebrate after defeating MTM (Q Gym) in the final of the this exciting initiative. The final match was pre- league has enjoyed spectacular Qatar Community Football League at the Aspire Dome on Friday. He said: “Al Meera is hon- ceded by a series of junior small- year-on-year growth. oured to support an initiative sided games on the pitch – as the This culminated in 2017/18, that brings to life the objectives next generation of young foot- with more than 1,500 registered uptake in the new amateur The onboarding of a third bottles of water for Friday’s final of health to the various commu- ballers from communities across players, across 36 teams and league, organisers are projecting key local partner – Al Meera – event, they have committed to nities of Qatar, as defined by the Qatar got their chance to three divisions – an increase in its growth will continue, even- signifies a further expansion supplying bottles for games leadership of the State of Qatar showcase their skills in the participation of over 100% since tually expanding to four within the local community. As throughout the 2018/19 in support of the National Vison shadows of the 2022 FIFA World its launch. Such has been the divisions. well as providing over 4,000 campaign. 2030.” Teppal wins dramatic Poule d’Essai des Pouliches in Paris THE PENINSULA

DOHA: H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Teppal stayed unbeaten after winning the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas) (Gr1) at Paris Longchamp on Sunday. The filly travelled along the inside rail not far from the leaders and accelerated well in the home straight. Even though she had only ran twice, she managed to resist the attacks of her rivals, imposing herself by a short neck. Coeur de Beaute took the Trainer David Simcock (right) and jockey Olivier Peslier (second from left) pose with their trophies on the podium after Teppalon w the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at second place, a head of Wind Longchamp in Paris on Sunday. RIGHT: Peslier guides Teppal (centre) to victory. Chimes while Capla Temptress came fourth. Following the victory, David Teppal has made her sea- and said: “This victory came at ticularly as it is a group 1 race.” Al Shahania Director, also extended congratulations to Simcock, trainer of Teppal, said: sonal comeback in this race and an excellent time for Qatari “QREC is pleased with such expressed his pleasure with this Sheikh Mohammed. “I’m made up. It’s just nice to get over a mile (8 furlongs). As a horses”, he said. victories. This victory sends a victory. “Teppal’s excellence adds to a horse good enough to compete two-year old, she won twice over “It gives an indicator that the good message for other horse “It is good to have a filly like our confidence that there will in a race like this and so to train seven furlongs. The filly has been season will see many Qatari suc- owners in the near future Teppal because she has run in be plenty of victories by Qatari a first Classic winner is fantastic. entered in the Coronation Stakes cesses overseas. It also confirms because we look forward to three races so far and has won horses overseas this season. We We were hopeful beforehand as (Gr1) to be run on 22 June at the high standard of horses ongoing success and to confirm them all and this latest one is in always look forward to realising she’s very streetwise and she was Ascot. running in such races, especially Qatar’s pioneering standing and a group 1 race, so she will a results up to the standing and in good shape. We weren’t overly Issa bin Mohammed Al as the French 1000 Guineas is ability to go very high in the bright future in her coming standard of Qatari racing and fussed when the course was Mohannadi, QREC Chairman, one of the most important races world’s top races,” Al outings,” Al Mansour said. the talents and skills showcased changed and Olivier gave her a extended congratulations on the run in Paris and the runners are Mohannadi said. Nasser bin Sherida Al Kaabi, by Qatar’s horses in various great ride.” big victory to Sheikh Mohammed known for this high calibre, par- Abdulrahman Al Mansour, QREC General Manager, also races,” Al Kaabi said. TUESDAY 15 MAY 2018 SPORT 25 Mansoor Ahmed was not an Legendary hockey player ordinary player. He truly was Shahbaz Ahmed ‘Senior’ FOOTBALL CRICKET one of the great goalkeepers praises services of late Asian Champions League, IPL: Kolkata Knight the game has ever produced. goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed Round of 16, Second leg: Riders vs Rajasthan for Pakistan. LIVE ON Al Duhail vs Al Ain in Doha TUBE Royals in Kolkata Celtics open East Finals by ripping Cavaliers 108-83 REUTERS play Cleveland. You give them credit -- they were the better NEW YORK: Jaylen Brown had team. 23 points and eight rebounds, “This year, we were able to and Marcus Morris added 21 close the series out with Phila- points and 10 boards as the delphia, have a couple days. I Boston Celtics stunned the feel like the coaches came out LeBron James-led Cleveland with a great game plan for our Cavaliers 108-83 in Game 1 of group, and you know we just the Eastern Conference Finals bought in and did what we were on Sunday. supposed to do.” James has Al Horford finished with 20 appeared in seven consecutive points and six assists, and NBA Finals series, including Jayson Tatum scored 16 for the three straight with Cleveland. undermanned Celtics, who Boston is seeking its first Finals Qatar’s Yousef shines in Japan reached the East finals without berth since 2010, when it lost injured stars Kyrie Irving and in seven games to the Los Qatar’s Yousef Riyadh (right) along with other athletes poses after winning the bronze medal in the Kumite 76kg at AKF Cadet, Junior and Gordon Hayward. Angeles Lakers. U-21 Championships in Okinawa, Japan on Sunday. Qatar’s Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation Secretary General, Eid Al Mureikhi “I just try to lead ‘em the Boston shot 51.2 percent (43 appreciated Riyadh’s performance and described the achievement as new boost for the game in the country. best way that I can and really of 84) from the field and 36.7 lead by example,” Horford told percent (11 of 30) from 3-point the ABC broadcast about the range while outrebounding the Celtics’ young roster after the visitors 48-40. Cleveland was game. held to 36 percent shooting (31 “We’re just out here playing of 86) from the floor. hard and having fun.” James JR Smith’s buzzer-beating totaled 15 points, nine assists jumper had the Cavaliers within Simpson lifts Players and seven rebounds as the Cav- 78-64 after three quarters, but aliers’ five-game playoff a Tatum finger roll put the winning streak ended. Kevin Boston lead over 20 at 85-64 Love led the Cavs with 17 points with 10:52 remaining. Cleveland and grabbed eight rebounds. trailed by as many as 29 after Championship trophy Rodney Hood added 11 points that. and Jordan Clarkson had 10. The Celtics were up 61-35 REUTERS Game 2 is tonight in Boston. at halftime. Brown’s 3-pointer “Just as confident going into with 32.4 seconds left in the a series no matter if it’s a 0-0 second quarter gave Boston its PONTE VEDRA, FLORIDA: series or if I’m down 0-1,” James biggest lead of the half at 61-33. Webb Simpson heard the roars said. The Cavaliers never came echoing across TPC Sawgrass as “We have another oppor- closer than 15 in the period. Tiger Woods made a charge but tunity to be better as a ballclub, Boston led 36-18 after one in the end he had a large enough come in Tuesday night and we’ll quarter after going up by as cushion to clinch a comfortable see what happens.” many as 21, matching the four-stroke victory at the Players Cleveland swept the biggest first-quarter deficit Championship on Sunday. Toronto Raptors and Boston James has ever faced in a The 2012 US Open champion beat the Philadelphia 76ers in playoff game. Boston went on was never seriously challenged five games to set up a rematch a 17-0 run midway through the after starting the day with a of last year’s East finals. James period. seven-shot lead, though Woods and the Cavaliers eliminated Celtics reserve Shane briefly got within four strokes the Celtics in a five-game series Larkin (left shoulder sprain) did after making six birdies in the last May. not play. Larkin is already ruled first 12 holes. “Last year we came off of a out for Game 2 and is likely to “There’s so much noise in grueling, seven-game series miss the entire series. Boston front of us with Tiger,” said against Washington,” Horford started Morris in place of Aron Simpson. said. Baynes to match up against “His roars are definitely a “One day rest, we had to James. different sound than everybody else’s but I knew he started 10 or 11 shots back, so he would have to do something really special,” he added. Former champ Woods Webb Simpson (left) of the United States celebrates with the trophy with PGA Commissioner Jay Jaylen Brown would stall later in the round, Monahan after the final round of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on Sunday. (right) of the dropping three shots. Boston Celtics Simpson did not hit the in action against high notes of his previous three island-green 17th and ended nally I was celebrating.” George Hill of the rounds, but he was able to equal 11th on 11-under. Simpson Simpson dedicated the Cleveland Cavaliers enjoy his victory march down was not expected to blow a lead victory to his parents -- his late during their Game the 18th fairway and even a bigger than anyone had ever father Sam who died last One of the Eastern double-bogey took nothing Over four years blown in the final round of a PGA November, and his mother Conference Finals away from the quality of his without a win, I never Tour event but he said it was not Debbie back home in Raleigh, on Sunday in performance. as easy as it looked. North Carolina. Boston. He carded a 73 to finish at doubted myself but at “Over four years without a “My dad got me started in the 18-under 270 for his fifth victory the same time that’s a win, I never doubted myself but game,” Simpson said. on the PGA Tour and first since long time: Simpson at the same time that’s a long “He kept me in other sports late 2013. time,” he said. but he could tell that I was better South African Charl “(Today) was harder than I in golf.” Schwartzel (67) and Americans second on 14-under. thought. You don’t feel relaxed “I also felt unconditional Xander Schauffele (67) and Woods shot 69 after a until that ball finds land on 17. love from my mum no matter Jimmy Walker (67) tied for double-bogey at the So once that happened, inter- how I played.”

NHL: Capitals crush Lightning to seize command of series

AFP the net at the end of the second two decades. They are playing give the Capitals the extra punch hit his blocker and went in at Just five minutes later period to make it 4-2, helping for a spot in the Stanley Cup they needed. Eller was instru- the buzzer to give the Capitals Washington forward Brett Con- LOS ANGELES: Evgeny the Capitals take a two games finals against either the Las mental on both plays when the a two-goal lead. nolly took a pass on his blade Kuznetsov scored off a lucky to none play-off series lead. Vegas Golden Knights or Win- turning point came in the final Tampa tried to battle back and then, like a lacrosse player, bounce late in the second period The series now shifts to nipeg. The Jets have a 1-0 series minute of the second period. but the Capitals did a good job whipped the puck into the upper as the Washington Capitals Washington where the Capitals lead. The Capitals were given a of slowing them down and not half of the net to round out the seized command of their will try to take a 3-0 stran- The Capitals are also powerplay after netminder allowing them to utilize their scoring. Eastern Conference final with a glehold tonight. winning without their top Vasilevskiy tripped up Wash- speed and skill around the net. Point and Steven Stamkos lopsided 6-2 win over the Kuznetsov also had two two-way player Nicklas Back- ington’s Andre Burakovsky, Holtby also made clutch scored goals for Tampa, who Tampa Bay Lightning on assists, Lars Eller finished with strom who is out with a hand sending the Swedish forward saves when he had to. He had may have dug a hole too deep Sunday. a goal and two assists and injury. hard into the end boards. back-to-back stops from in to climb out of by losing the first Goaltender Andrei Vasi- Braden Holtby made 33 saves His place in the lineup has Vasilevskiy then attempted close on Tampa forward two games at home. levskiy misplayed a Kuznetsov for the Capitals, who are in the been taken by Eller who has to intercept Kuznetsov’s cen- Brayden Point twice on the Vasilevskiy finished with 31 centring pass that deflected into semi-finals for the first time in stepped out of the shadows to tring pass to Eller but the puck powerplay with the score 5-2. saves.