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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 CRICKET Rajab 18, 1439 AH Philander grabs GULF TIMES 6-21 as South Africa thrash Australia SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL/ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOLF/THE MASTERS Al Gharafa Tiger paired with Leishman, Fleetwood

AFP Justin Thomas, who won his fi rst major title in last year’s Augusta PGA Championship, and US Amateur champion Doc Red- man. A trio of major winners follows the traditional Mas- exit aft er ters-amateur champions pairing with two-time Masters iger Woods makes his much-anticipated return to winner Bubba Watson joined by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson the Masters alongside Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aussie Jason Day. and Australian Marc Leishman tomorrow in the Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth and Justin Topening round of the 82nd Masters, according to Rose highlight the four fi nal groups of the opening round. tee times released yesterday. Three-time Masters winner and fi ve-time major cham- Augusta National Golf Club will send off the 14-time pion Mickelson tees off fourth-from-last at 1:27pm Thurs- major winner, a four-time Masters champion who has day alongside fellow Americans Rickie Fowler and Matt home defeat missed the past two years battling back injuries, and his Kuchar. playing partners off the fi rst tee at 10:42am (1442 GMT). McIlroy, trying to complete a career Grand Slam by win- Al Duhail beat Zobahan to record fifth win in a row Excitement has swirled around Woods this week after ning his fi rst green jacket, follows at 1:38 alongside Spain’s strong Masters tuneup eff orts, including shares of sec- third-ranked Jon Rahm and Aussie Adam Scott, the 2013 ond at the Valspar Championship and fi fth at Bay Hill last Masters winner. month. England’s Fleetwood defended his crown at Abu Spieth, the 2015 Masters winner, goes off at 1:49 along- Dhabi this year while Leishman last won at the 2017 BMW side South African Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Championship. Each seeks his fi rst major title. Open winner, and Sweden’s Alex Noren. The Woods trio is scheduled to tee off at 1:27pm (1727 And the fi nal Thursday trio includes world number one GMT) in Friday’s second round. Dustin Johnson — who missed last year’s Masters after fall- Defending champion Sergio Garcia of Spain is in the trio ing down a staircase on the eve of the fi rst round — plus just behind the Woods group along with world number two England’s Rose and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello.

A tense moment from the Al Gharafa-Al Jazira match in the Asian Champions League yesterday.

By Sports Reporter Al Jazira instantly took advantage Doha and grabbed the winner with virtu- ally the last kick of the game. Mab- khout broke free and rounded the l Gharafa’s bid to qualify for goalkeeper before applying a calm the last 16 phase of the Asian fi nish to earn his side their second Champions League came win of the campaign. unstuck as they fell to a 2-3 Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Duhail Adefeat against the UAE’s Al Jazira in racked up a fi fth straight victory af- Doha yesterday. ter Ismail Mohamed’s late strike gave The result confi rmed the Emi- them a 1-0 win over Islamic Republic rati side’s spot in the knockouts from of Iran’s Zobahan in Isfahan. Group A where they join Saudi giants Having already booked a place in Al Ahli who defeated Iran’s Tractor- the Round of 16, Al Duhail rested the sazi 2-0 in Jeddah. star front duo of Youssef Msakni and Al Ahli have 11 points from fi ve Youssef El Arabi for the trip to Isfa- matches, while Al Jazira have eight han. Despite their absence, Al Duhail and Al Gharafa and Iran’s Tractorsazi managed to hold their own against a fi ve and two, respectively. Zobahan side that desperately need- Two teams each of the eight groups ed a win. qualify for the last 16 knockout phase Chances were far and few in be- of the prestigious continental tour- tween during the fi rst half with nei- nament. ther side managing to pose any real Al Gharafa were aiming for revenge danger for their opponents. Things yesterday after they were beaten improved after the break, with Zoba- by an identical scoreline when they han coming close to scoring on mul- clashed with Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi tiple occasions. earlier in the tournament, but a brace Kiros could have put Zobahan in from Ali Mabkhout, which included Al Gharafa’s Portuguese midfielder the lead in the 52nd minute. How- a goal in the fourth minute of sec- Diogo Carlos Amado (R) and Ahmed ever, his shot from inside the box was ond half injury time, put paid to their Alaaeldin celebrate after the latter saved by Al Duhail keeper Amine Le- hopes. scored against Al Jazira yesterday. comte. In the 76th minute, Morteza The visitors took an early lead in- Tabrizi set up Milad Fakhreddini side 14 minutes when Mabkhout ing half when Portuguese defender with a cross, but once again, Lecomte dribbled past Al Gharafa defender Diogo Amado controlled Sneijder’s showed fi ne refl exes to keep the eff ort Tameem al-Muhaiza in a narrow in-swinging corner kick and fi red be- out. space inside the box. tween Khaseif’s legs from close range Then, out of the blue, Al Duhail fi - Mabkhout then unleashed a pow- to take his side into the dressing room nally broke the deadlock in the 84th erful strike that rattled the crossbar with a valuable 2-1 half-time lead. minute with their fi rst shot on tar- which fell for Romarinho who was Twenty minutes from time, Ro- get, when Mohammad tapped into left with a simple header from point- marinho returned the favour for an empty goal following Sultan Al blank range into the empty net. Mabkhout, supplying a through pass Brake’s precise pass from the left. Ahmed Alaaeldin restored parity in for the number 7 who struck through Al Duhail sealed top spot in Group the 28th minute after he beat Al Jazira the legs of goalkeeper Qasem Burhan A with a perfect record after fi ve goalkeeper Ali Khaseif at his near from a narrow angle to equalise for Al games and will now host Al Wahda post to stab home Abdelaziz Hatem’s Jazira. in their fi nal group game. Zobahan, cross from the left wing following a Al Gharafa were reduced to 10 men on the other hand, will look to defeat Wesley Sneijder free-kick. in added time as Assim Madibo re- PFC Lokomotiv in Tashkent to se- Al Gharafa’s comeback was com- ceived his second yellow card for a cure their own place in the knockout pleted in the last minute of the open- late challenge on Salim Ali. stage. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 4, 2018 CRICKET

SA VS AUS, DAY 5, 4TH TEST PAK VS WI, 3RD T20I

South Africa’s Vernon Philander celebrates the wicket of Pakistan complete Australia’s Chad Sayers on Day 5 of the fourth Test in Johannesburg yesterday. (Reuters) series whitewash Philander over West Indies bowls SA to record win over Pakistan’s Hussain Talat (left) and Asif Ali celebrate their victory in the third T20 match against West Indies in Karachi yesterday. (AFP)

AFP who scored a 25-ball 31 with two Karachi sixes and as many boundaries. Denesh Ramdin cracked a fi ery 18-ball 42 not out with four Australia akistan produced anoth- boundaries and three sixes — er imperious perform- two in the last over from Usman ance to beat the West In- Shinwari — as the West Indies Paceman’s career-best 6-21 helps bundle out dies by eight wickets in scored 57 in the last fi ve overs. Pthe third and fi nal Twenty20 in- Leg-spinner Shadab Khan fi n- visitors for 119 as hosts win by 492 runs ternational in Karachi yesterday, ished with 2-27 while Mohamd completing a 3-0 clean sweep of Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem the series. Ashraf took a wicket each. The West Indies fared better Two players made their T20 with the bat compared with the debuts on Tuesday — teenage fi rst two matches, reaching 153- paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pa- 6 in their 20 overs after winning kistan and Andre McCarthy for the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher the West Indies. scored a 43-ball 52 — his team’s Pakistan won the fi rst match only half-century on this tour. by 143 runs and the second by It was not enough, howev- 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three er, as Pakistan got to the total T20s, the fi rst international comfortably, with opener Babar matches in the city in nine years. Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51. The series is the latest in a The hosts raced to 61 in the number of steps taken recently to Reuters appointed with the way we handled it,” cidents in this series, but after each day sixth over with left-handed help revive international cricket Johannesburg new captain Tim Paine told reporters. 10 heaviest Test I would sit in the dressing-room and opener Fakhar Zaman smashing in Pakistan, which was suspend- “This group had a chance to show sense that there was a calmness to our two sixes and six boundaries in ed for years after a 2009 militant some fi ght and determination today defeats by runs emotions and we were really just fo- his 17-ball 40. attack on the Sri Lankan cricket ernon Philander grabbed six and we weren’t able to because men- cused on winning games of cricket.” He miscued a drive off Rayad team in Lahore. wickets in a devastating spell tally we weren’t quite there. England beat Australia by 675 Tempers boiled over in the series on Emrit and was caught behind, The victory yesterday also of seam bowling as South “At the moment there is a fair bit of runs at Brisbane (Nov. 1928) a number of occasions, but Paine said but Azam and Hussain Talat strengthened Pakistan’s position Africa crushed Australia by disappointment and borderline embar- Australia beat England by 562 he was looking forward to sharing time continued Pakistan’s domina- at the top of the world T20 rank- Va record 492 runs to clinch the four- rassment in our change room.” with the South Africans. tion with a 52-run stand. ings, with a four-point lead over runs at London (Aug. 1934) match series 3-1 yesterday, leaving the Paine conceded that South Africa “We have been invited in (for a beer), Talat fi nished with 31, and Asif second-placed Australia. Australia beat South Africa by 530 tourists with much soul-searching to had been the better side since Australia though it’s a bit early, it might be a cof- Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan Since Sarfraz Ahmed took over runs at Melbourne (Feb. 1911) do. claimed a 118-run win in the opening fee,” Paine said. chased down the target in 16.5 as skipper in September 2016, The scandal-hit tourists had prom- test in Durban and that the tourists had South Africa beat Australia by 492 “We have got some young players in overs. Pakistan have notched up series ised to fi ght for a draw on the fi nal day wilted under the pressure. runs at Johannesburg (April 2018) our team who will learn a lot from go- Earlier, Fletcher added an in- wins over England, the West In- to end a controversial tour on a positive “The performance is concerning, Australia beat Pakistan by 491 ing to have a beer with some of the ex- valuable 72 runs for the second dies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, note but their resistance lasted just 83 no doubt about that. From the Durban runs at Perth (Dec. 2004) perienced players in the South Africans wicket with Marlon Samuels and a World XI side. minutes as Philander ripped through Test match, South Africa outplayed us have got. We are very happy to do that.” Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 465 the batting order to fi nish with career- purely on skill,” he said. runs at Chittagong (Jan. 2009) best fi gures of 6-21. “But we have also got some guys here SCORECARD SPOTLIGHT Australia were bowled out for a paltry who have played international cricket West Indies beat England by 425 SOUTH AFRICA 1st inn 488 119 in their second innings to succumb for a very long time and they will have runs at Manchester (July 1976) AUSTRALIA 1st inn 221 to their heaviest ever loss to South Af- to step up again now that we have lost Australia beat England by 409 SOUTH AFRICA 2nd inn 344-6 dec rica in terms of runs, their second big- two of the best players in the world for runs at London (June 1948) AUSTRALIA 2nd inn (overnight 88-3) Another big pay day gest defeat against any opponent and the foreseeable future.” West Indies beat Australia by 408 M. Renshaw lbw b Morkel 5 the fourth biggest loss in test cricket. runs at Adelaide (Jan. 1980) J. Burns lbw b Morkel 42 By contrast, South Africa completed MORKEL WICKETLESS U. Khawaja lbw b Maharaj 7 for Indian board their biggest victory over the Austral- Philander took six wickets for three Australia beat England by 405 P. Handscomb b Philander 24 runs at London (July 2015) ians in tests by runs, and sealed their runs in 32 balls to carve through the S. Marsh c Bavuma b Philander 7 Reuters rights to broadcast India’s home fi rst home series win over the demoral- tourists and keep fellow seamer Morne M. Marsh c De Kock b Philander 0 Mumbai matches for the 2012-2018 cycle. ised visitors since 1970. Morkel (2-28) wicketless on his fi nal that cannoned into his off -stump and T. Paine c De Kock b Philander 7 The BCCI had consolidated its The Australian side have been rocked morning of international cricket before Chadd Sayers (zero) edged to Dean El- P. Cummins b Philander 1 position as the world’s richest by a ball-tampering scandal in which his retirement. gar at gully as the Australian innings N. Lyon run out (Markram) 9 he world’s richest cricket cricket board in September with former captain Steve Smith, his deputy Australia resumed on 88 for three, but ended in a rush of failures. C. Sayers b Philander 0 board is poised to get even the game’s biggest TV deal when David Warner and batsman Cameron lost the Marsh brothers in the opening The match ended when Nathan Lyon J. Hazlewood not out 9 wealthier after media it sold Indian Premier League’s Bancroft were sent home after the third over as Shaun (seven) got an inside edge (nine) was run out, a chaotic end to Extras (lb1, nb7) 8 rights to Indian cricket for (IPL) global media rights to Star test before being slapped with hefty bans. on to his pad and was caught by Temba what has been a shambolic series for Tthe next fi ve years brought spirited India for a staggering $2.52bn. Total (46.4 overs) 119 Since that incident in Cape Town, they Bavuma, and Mitchell was snatched by the Australians. Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Renshaw), 2-34 bidding yesterday. Six companies, including Face- scored 447 runs for the loss of 30 wick- wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, both off “This means a lot to us,” South Africa (Khawaja), 3-68 (Burns), 4-88 (S. Marsh), The e-auction of television and book and Google, initially entered ets as the “mental disintegration” they Philander. captain Faf du Plessis said. “And I be- 5-88 (M. Marsh), 6-95 (Handscomb), digital rights, a fi rst in cricket, the fray to bid for 102 matches in are so famous for infl icting on opponents Peter Handscomb (24) was bowled lieve this is the best we have been right 7-99 (Paine), 8-100 (Cummins), 9-100 was not concluded but the Indian India from June, 2018 to March, proved to be their own downfall. after chopping on to his stumps and through a series. Credit to everyone (Sayers) board (BCCI) received a bid of 2023. “Following scrutiny, Star “I don’t think it was one day too Paine (seven) edged to De Kock as the that played their part, at various times a Bowling: Rabada 8-3-16-0 (4nb), Phi- 44.4bn Indian rupees ($683mn) India Private Ltd, Reliance Indus- many, it was probably a few … but there tourists struggled to cope with Philan- lot of guys put their hands up so we can lander 13-5-21-6 (1nb), Maharaj 13-2-47-1 for consolidated global rights from tries Limited, and Sony Pictures has been enough spoken about the der’s seam movement. say this was a collective team eff ort. (1nb), Morkel 10.4-5-28-2 (1nb), Markram an unidentifi ed bidder. The auc- Networks India Private Limited week that we have had and we are dis- Pat Cummins (one) left a delivery “We all know there were a lot of in- 2-0-6-0 tion will resume today. were found eligible to submit on- Star India paid Rs38.5bn for the line fi nancial bids,” the BCCI said.

NZ VS ENG, DAY 5, 2ND TEST Sodhi stands fi rm as New Zealand hold on for series win

Reuters “Series victories, especially over last session, Sodhi and Neil Wagner Ross Taylor (13) blocked to prevent a “He’s a fi ghter when he bowls and Christchurch, New Zealand England, don’t come around that often — just a phenomenal eff ort. It was an hat-trick but soon became spinner Jack he showed it with the bat today and he and just to be part of this, especially amazing day of Test cricket.” Leach’s fi rst test victim with a reverse dragged me along with him.” when I was quite disappointed with my sweep straight to Alastair Cook at short ail-ender Ish Sodhi hit a gutsy performance with the ball, was massive DRIVING SEAT backward square. SCORECARD half-century as New Zealand for me,” Sodhi said. England, humiliated when dismissed Henry Nicholls also made 13 before ENGLAND 1st inn 307 fought a defi ant rearguard ac- “The whole time I was thinking for 58 in the fi rst innings in Auck- he became paceman James Anderson’s NEW ZEALAND 1st inn 278 tion on a tense fi nal day to hold about batting as straight as I could, land, had been in the driving seat in 531st test victim, miscuing a drive that ENGLAND 2nd inn 352-9 dec Ton for a draw in the second Test yester- they started bowling bumpers around Christchurch after scoring 307 in their took an edge into the hands of Cook in NEW ZEALAND 2nd inn (o/n 42-0) day and secure a fi rst series win over the wicket and I found them quite hard fi rst innings and 352-9 declared in the the slip cordon. T. Latham c Vince b Leach 83 England since 1999. to pick up so there were some tough pe- second after New Zealand’s fi rst knock BJ Watling scored a battling 19 before J. Raval c Stoneman b Broad 17 Winners of the fi rst Test in Auckland riods there.” of 278. getting across the crease to fl ick Mark K. Williamson c Bairstow b Broad 0 by an innings and 49 runs, New Zealand England skipper Joe Root tried every “We threw absolutely everything at Wood to Anderson at backward square R. Taylor c Cook b Leach 13 were 256 for eight when the umpires bowling option available to him and his New Zealand today, very proud how before Leach got his second wicket H. Nicholls c Cook b Anderson 13 off ered Sodhi the light, still 126 runs in team had their chances to take wick- we went about it as a group. Fair play to when Latham top-edged a sweep. B. Watling c Anderson b Wood 19 arrears but with the all-important draw ets throughout the day, even if none of New Zealand, they hung on very well.” Sodhi put on 47 runs for the seventh C. de Grandhomme c Leach b Wood 45 secure. them were clear cut. Root said. wicket with de Grandhomme and New I. Sodhi not out 56 England made the perfect start to the The draw brings an end to a tour “Bar that fi rst innings, we’ve played Zealand looked in real trouble when the N. Wagner c Vince b Root 7 fi nal day when Stuart Broad claimed Down Under that started in October some good cricket and especially in this all-rounder pulled a Wood bouncer to Extras (lb2, nb1) 3 wickets with the fi rst two deliveries but and also included a 4-0 Ashes defeat, game, I think we showed what we are Leach at fi ne leg. Total (for 8 wickets; 124.4 overs) 256 the tourists were unable to winkle out helping extend England’s run without a about.” Wagner came out and joined Sodhi at Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Raval), 2-42 (Wil- the fi nal few batsmen as the fading light Test win overseas to 13 matches. The hosts resumed on 42-0 on the crease, however, and the pair batted liamson), 3-66 (Taylor), 4-91 (Nicholls), cast long shadows over Hagley Oval. New Zealand’s success in the series Tuesday and seamer Broad removed through more than 31 overs until the 5-135 (Watling), 6-162 (Latham), 7-219 Opener Tom Latham scored a gritty was built on their new ball attack and Jeet Raval (17) with his loosener before paceman was dismissed after a 103-ball (de Grandhomme) 8-256 (Wagner) 83 but it was spinner Sodhi’s 168-ball Tim Southee was named Man of the over the two matches. coming up with a peach of a delivery to knock for seven runs in what turned out Bowling: Anderson 26-8-37-1 (1nb), 56 not out in partnerships with Colin Match for his 6-62 in England’s fi rst “The bowling attack has been bril- take the key wicket of Williamson for to be the last action of the series. Broad 24-6-72-2, Wood 22-10-45-2, de Grandhomme and then Neil Wagner innings, while his partner Trent Boult liant,” said New Zealand captain Kane a golden duck when the New Zealand “Waggy was really good, he got me Leach 32-15-61-2, Root 12.4-5-28-1, Stokes that most frustrated England. won the series award for his 17 wickets Williamson. “But those two guys in the captain edged behind. through the tough periods,” said Sodhi. 4-3-2-0, Malan 4-1-9-0 Gulf Times Wednesday, April 4, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Returning emperor Messi can put Roma Guardiola vows to to the sword

Reuters celona was in the Champions Barcelona League group stage in November 2015, with the Catalans register- ing a thumping 6-1 home win Welcome Romans, over the Italians. attack Liverpool 100,000 gladiators await Messi made his return from a you,” warned Barcelona two-month injury layoff in that in a preview video ahead game, running the show and Liverpool are the only side to beat runaway leaders City in the League this season of“ their Champions League scoring twice, as well as setting quarter-fi nal fi rst leg against AS up Gerard Pique. Roma today. Luis Suarez, who also struck One warrior stands head and twice against Roma in that shoulders above the rest. match, was pleased with the Lionel Messi is fi t again and team’s attitude against Sevilla. expected to start against the “It’s to Messi’s credit that he Italian side after rising from keeps on demonstrating (his the bench to rescue Barcelona a class),” the Uruguayan forward point in a 2-2 draw with Sevilla said. “But the work of the whole on Saturday. team, to keep going and not give Messi missed Argentina’s up, is what stays with me.” friendlies during the interna- Barcelona looked lost at Sevilla tional break with muscular prob- until Messi arrived, especially lems, a 2-0 win over Italy and without Sergio Busquets an- a humiliating 6-1 thrashing by choring the team and controlling Spain in Madrid. the game. Thrown on by Ernesto Val- The Catalan holding mid- verde just before the hour mark fi elder is back in training after as Barcelona trailed Sevilla 2-0, a toe injury and could also start Messi turned the tide in his as Barcelona welcome Roma to team’s favour and drove home their Colosseum for the fi rst leg. an 89th-minute equaliser from “Andres Iniesta, our outside the area. Michelangelo, Leo Messi, our “He didn’t start the game as a emperor,” Barcelona declared in precaution,” coach Valverde said. the video. “We think he will be fi ne for While veteran playmaker Ini- Wednesday but we will see how esta’s brush strokes in midfi eld Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp (right). (AFP) he feels after tonight’s eff ort. paint the path, it is only with Messi “Of course, he’s an important leading the charge Barcelona can AFP for City to reach just their second ever They try to attack and of course we are created at Anfi eld. player. He makes a diff erence be confi dent of putting Roma to Liverpool Champions League semi-fi nal, but the going to try to (do the same). I’m sure to- “This club is already so full of history every time he touches the ball.” the sword and taking another step eighth in his nine seasons as a top-fl ight morrow is going to be a good game.” and we have to write our own history,” The last time Roma faced Bar- towards a potential treble. coach. City midfi elder Kevin De Bruyne de- said Klopp when quizzed whether he was anchester City manager Pep “I know the way we play is perfect for scribed the sides’ January meeting as a seeking inspiration from Liverpool’s glo- Guardiola promised to stick Liverpool because they are a team that “crazy game” that was “beautiful for the ry days in Europe. by his principles and attack attack the space unlike any other team neutral”. “People meet me in the street and Liverpool in their Champions in the world, especially Mane, Salah, they can tell me each goal Liverpool who MLeague quarter-fi nal fi rst leg today, de- Firmino, they are so good,” said Guardiola ‘WE CAN BEAT THE BEST’ scored 37 years ago in the 56th minute... spite admitting he is playing into his op- yesterday. And Klopp called on his Liverpool team we need to be proud of our history but we ponents’ hands. “But I feel the best way to win is the to believe they can recreate those heroics need to create our own history.” Liverpool are the only side to beat run- way we try to do since we were here.” despite facing a team the German labelled Both sides have been struck by in- away leaders City in the Premier League No opposing manager has beaten as the best in Europe at the moment. jury problems as City’s top scorer Sergio this season in a 4-3 thriller at Anfi eld in Guardiola more times than Liverpool “I like the diffi cult jobs, that is the most Aguero hasn’t travelled with the rest of January. boss Jurgen Klopp. In 12 previous meet- interesting thing for a manager,” said Guardiola’s squad due to a knee problem The hosts’ fearsome front three of Mo- ings, Klopp has six wins to Guardiola’s Klopp. that has kept the Argentine sidelined for hamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio fi ve. “It’s really diffi cult, but I think we can the past month. Mane were all on target that day as part of Klopp was keen to play down the sig- beat the best. But only if we work really Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip will their combined tally of 75 goals this sea- nifi cance of that record, but Guardiola hard and smart.” miss the rest of the season with a thigh son. hailed their shared spirit to entertain. While City currently have the upper injury, while Adam Lallana will miss both Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez arrive for a training session However, Guardiola’s bold brand of at- “Both teams try to play. We are the hand domestically, fi ve-time European legs against City due to a hamstring inju- in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) tacking football has been accompanied by teams that scored the most goals in Pre- champions Liverpool have far more pedi- ry suff ered in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Crys- success everywhere he has gone in a stel- mier League this season by far,” added gree in continental competition. tal Palace. lar coaching career from Barcelona, Bay- Guardiola. However, the Reds haven’t reached the German midfi elder Emre Can missed ern Munich and now at City. “I think Jurgen Klopp teams are honest Champions League last four for a decade that match and remains a doubt with a Nearly one third of Champions And he believes that is the best way teams that respect what football means. and Klopp wants modern-day memories back injury. League matches one-sided: survey

Nearly one third of matches The flagship Champions Aguero ruled out of City’s Liverpool clash in this season’s Champions League has become increas- League have been one-sided, ingly dominated by a handful Reuters scorer having notched 199 goals in all Aguero’s absence means a likely start due to a thigh injury, the Premier ending in a diff erence of three of elite clubs while many Liverpool competitions for the club. for Brazilian Gabriel Jesus in attack. League club said yesterday. goals or more, according to domestic leagues have turned “He has stayed in Manchester, he didn’t There was some good news on the The Cameroon international sustained a survey by a Swiss-based into one-horse races, such as come,” City manager Pep Guardiola told injury front for City with left back Fabian the problem in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier institute. the Bundesliga where Bayern anchester City striker Sergio a news conference ahead of training Delph, who has been out since February, League victory over Crystal Palace and The CIES Football Observa- Munich are cruising towards a Aguero has been ruled out of yesterday. “He’s been injured for the last fit again and in contention for a place in will definitely miss the Champions League tory analysed results in 29 sixth successive title. Mtoday’s Champions League two weeks and he still isn’t fit,” added the starting lineup. quarter-final against Manchester City. European competitions — 27 The CIES study said the quarter-final first leg tie against Liver- the Spanish manager, who was unable “The operation is likely to end the domestic leagues plus the Champions League had the pool at Anfield after failing to recover in to say if Aguero will be fit for Saturday’s LIVERPOOL’S MATIP TO MISS SEASON 26-year-old’s involvement in the remain- Champions League and Eu- highest number of games time from a thigh injury. Premier League derby clash with Man- Liverpool central defender Joel Matip der of the 2017-18 season,” the club said ropa League — and found that ending in a diff erence of three The Argentine is City’s all-time top chester United at the Etihad Stadium. will probably miss the rest of the season in a statement yesterday. the number of “very uneven” goals or more at 29.5 percent, games had increased in 20 compared to 21 percent at the of those compared to last same stage last season. season. Of Europe’s five biggest do- BOTTOMLINE “This analysis reveals the gen- mestic leagues, the figure was eral trend towards competi- highest in the English Premier tive imbalance in European League at 21.9 percent and football,” it said. was lowest in the Bundes- UEFA President Aleksander liga at 11.1 percent, down 5.6 Sudan’s ‘sister coach’ takes love of football to fi eld Ceferin has said that lack of percent on last season despite competitive balance was the a number of high-scoring AFP confi ned only to her home,” said Majidi, a biggest issue facing European games involving Bayern Gadaref, Sudan university graduate in accounts and man- club football. Munich. agement. “There was this one boy who refused n Sudan, where a women’s nation- to listen. He told me he belongs to a tribe al football team remains a distant that believed men should never take or- SPOTLIGHT dream, Salma al-Majidi knew the ders from women,” she said. only way to take part in her beloved It took months before he fi nally ac- Isport was to coach... and that the players cepted her as coach. “Today, he is a fi ne had to be men. player,” said Majidi, who works full-time Latin Americans Majidi, 27, acknowledged by FIFA as and receives a salary that is equivalent to the fi rst Arab and Sudanese woman to that of a male coach. coach a men’s football team in the Arab At fi rst, “people in the streets used to buying WC tickets world, is a pioneer in a sport that domi- call us ‘Salma’s kids!’” said Majid Ahmed, nates the region. a striker and an ardent fan of Barcelona “Why football? Because it is my fi rst superstar Lionel Messi. faster than Europeans and ultimate love,” said Majidi, clad in “In school we have female teachers, sports gear and a black headscarf, as she so what’s the problem having a female Reuters ers were Argentina (15,006), Co- led players of the Al-Ahly Al-Gadaref coach?” Zurich lombia (14,755), Mexico (14,372), club at a practice session in the town of Majidi said her entrance to what was a Brazil (9,962) and Peru (9,766). Gadaref, east of Khartoum. male preserve is just a start. Germany, whose team are the “I became a coach because there is still In this February 17, 2018, picture, Salma al-Majidi (left), acknowledged by FIFA as the “My message to men in general is to atin American fans are defending champions, was the no scope for women’s football in Sudan,” first Arab and Sudanese woman to coach a men’s team in the Arab world, instructs an give women a chance to do what they buying tickets for the top European nation with 5,974 said Majidi, who is aff ectionately called Al-Ahly Al-Gadaref club player during a training session in Gedaref, Sudan. (AFP) want,” she said as she prepared tea after a World Cup in Russia tickets allocated while China “sister coach” by her team. gruelling practice session. faster than Europeans, (6,598), Australia (5,905) and Daughter of a retired policeman, Majidi LIMITS ON WOMEN PLAYERS Sudan joined FIFA in 1948 and estab- Laccording to fi gures published India (4,509) completed the top was 16 when she fell in love with football. Questions like whether she understood lished the Confederation of African Foot- ‘SHE WAS DIFFERENT’ by global soccer body FIFA yes- ten. It came about as she watched her football or had the skills to coach men ball (CAF) along with Egypt, Ethiopia and Coming from a traditional family, it was terday. China and India have also younger brother’s school team be- were all put to rest over time, said Majidi, South Africa. It won the CAF trophy in a challenge for Majidi to prove herself to FIFA said that 394,433 tickets failed to qualify. ing coached. She was captivated by the speaking in a soft but confi dent tone. 1970. their relatives, recalls her father, Moham- were sold in the most recent sales FIFA did not give a breakdown coach’s instructions, his moves, and how Named in the BBC’s 2015 list of “100 Women do play football but there are ed al-Majidi. period and 216,134 of those were for the overall total of 1,698,049 he placed the marker cones at practice inspirational women”, Majidi has coached no competitions or women’s clubs, and “Then one day, her uncle who used to allocated to fans from the host tickets which have been sold so sessions. the Sudanese second league men’s clubs they do not play much in public. criticise her saw crowds shouting ‘Salma! nation. far. The fi nal batch of tickets will “At the end of every training session, of Al-Nasr, Al-Nahda, Nile Halfa and Al- “There are restrictions on women’s Salma!’ during a match,” he told AFP Fans from the United States go on sale from April 18, the or- I discussed with him the techniques he Mourada. football, but I’m determined to suc- at the family’s mud-and-brick home in were the biggest buyers among ganisation said. used to coach the boys,” Majidi told AFP, Nile Halfa and Al-Nahda even topped ceed,” Majidi, whose dream is to coach Omdurman. foreign supporters with 16,642 A number of European coun- as she watched her own players practising local leagues under her coaching. She an international team, said, as her play- “These same relatives now pray to Al- tickets, even though their team tries and the United States are on a hot day at a dusty ground in Gadaref. currently holds the African ‘B’ badge in ers kicked up clouds of dust practising lah to support her.” has not qualifi ed. However, as in a major standoff with Russia, “He saw I had a knack for coaching... coaching, meaning she can coach any free kicks. From early on, Majidi’s mother knew the numbers are based on coun- with expulsions of diplomats on and gave me a chance to work with him.” fi rst league team across the continent. her daughter was diff erent. try of residence, a proportion of both sides, over the poisoning of Soon Majidi was coaching the under-13 The only other woman to have gained ‘KIDS OF SALMA’ “She always preferred wearing trou- the US sales could come from the a former Russian spy in England and under-16 teams of Al-Hilal club in recognition in Sudan’s footballing world Majidi’s journey has not been easy. sers... And even when crossing the street, nation’s large Hispanic commu- last month. Britain has blamed Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum was Mounira Ramadan, who refereed “Sudan is a community of tribes and she would watch the boys playing foot- nity. the attack on Russia which has on the west bank of the River Nile. men’s matches in the 1970s. some tribes believe that a woman’s role is ball,” said Aisha al-Sharif. The next fi ve biggest purchas- denied responsibility. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 4, 2018 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SERIE A FA Cup win, Champs Gattuso says Milan derby League return will regaining signifi cance be success for Kane ity San Siro stadium. “We need to improve our Spurs went eight points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea with a 3-1 Premier League win mentality and desire, fi ght with a knife between our teeth.” Milan were on a 10-match Tottenham’s Harry Kane (left) in action with unbeaten run until losing 3-1 to Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen during their champions Juventus in Turin at Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, the weekend. London, on Sunday. (Reuters) In Inter’s last three games they’ve held title-chasing Napoli to a goalless draw and claimed back-to-back wins over Samp- doria and Verona, scoring eight goals in the process. Inter captain Mauro Icardi — who scored a hat-trick when Inter won the last Serie A derby meeting 3-2 in October — has hit top form again following an in- AFP jury, scoring six goals in his past Milan two games. “Inter have changed in the last three weeks, scoring 10 goals and C Milan coach Gen- conceding none (over their last naro Gattuso believes four matches). They’re a healthy today’s ‘Derby della team, as are Milan. It’s an impor- Madonnina’ against tant derby,” continued Gattuso bitterA city rivals Inter is begin- yesterday. ning to recapture its past glory “It’s a derby, a clash in which with Champions League qualifi - the team lower in the table often cation potentially at stake. wins.” “After so many years the derby Gattuso meanwhile brushed is back to being something sig- aside talk of his new contract with nifi cant, it will be a great game,” reports he is poised to pen a deal said Gattuso of the Serie A fi x- worth two million euros a year ture that was postponed last ($2.4mn) after Wednesday’s game. month after Fiorentina captain “The priority is AC Milan, not Davide Astori’s death. the contract of Rino Gattuso. I The two clubs have won 10 don’t like to waste time talking Champions League titles be- when there is a job to do. tween them — seven for AC Mi- “I feel great responsibility: I lan and three for Inter — but it is am the boss, coach, president, I fi ve years since either qualifi ed think only of Milan.” for Europe’s premier club com- Inter coach Luciano Spalletti petition and seven since they said victory would go some way were both involved. towards ruling their neighbours But with Inter currently out of Champions League con- fourth, in the fi nal qualifying tention. Reuters this year in the Champions League that Bournemouth last month, the English group stage campaign. place, and Milan eight points “Can we knock them out of the Bengaluru we can compete with the best. striker returned to the bench ahead of The commencement of a three-year back in sixth, there is renewed Champions League race? They “Obviously, it was disappointing to go schedule against Chelsea last weekend. Premier League domestic broadcasting hope that one at least might would remain in a good position out (against Juventus), but we had some Kane now hopes to rediscover his scor- deal helped Spurs earn 149.8 mn pounds make it through this season. in the table, and given the men- ottenham Hotspur can con- great results, so we want to be there again ing touch and reignite the race for the in TV and media revenue, up from the “We’re experiencing a diff er- tality of their coach it wouldn’t sider it a successful season if next year and do the same.” Premier League’s golden boot with Liver- previous year’s 94.8mn, in a season ent atmosphere now. The fans change anything,” he said. they become Champions League Spurs have reached the FA Cup semi- pool’s Mohamed Salah, who is fi ve goals where the club fi nished second behind have already done their share “But the points would defi - regulars and end their trophy- fi nals for the second consecutive season ahead of him on 29. champions Chelsea. by breaking the record for sales, nitely start to be diff erent.” Tdrought by winning the FA Cup, their tal- and Kane is determined to help the club “Salah’s done fantastically well. He’s Profi t from operations, excluding play- now we have to fi re them up with An Inter victory would leave ismanic striker Harry Kane has said. win their fi rst major trophy since their a great, great player,” Kane, who fi nished er transfers and before exceptional items a good start,” said Gattuso of to- Milan 11 points behind with just Mauricio Pochettino’s side went eight League Cup triumph in 2008. last two seasons as the league’s top scor- and depreciation, rose by 54.3mn pounds day’s game at the 80,000 capac- eight matches left. points clear of fi fth-placed Chelsea with Manchester United take on Spurs for a er, said. “It’s competition. I had the same to 177.6mn. a 3-1 Premier League victory at Stamford place in the fi nal at Wembley on April 21, last year. He’s obviously got a bit of a head Participation in the group stages of the Bridge last weekend, virtually securing while Chelsea face Southampton in the start now and we’ll see what happens.” Champions League and the round of 32 of CHAMPIONSHIP their third consecutive appearance in Eu- other semi-fi nal a day later. the Europa League resulted in gate receipts rope’s elite competition. “We’re trying to win a trophy and we’re TOTTENHAM ANNOUNCE RECORD and prize money of 44.6 mn pounds. “It’s important we maintain (Champi- in a good spot,” Kane said. REVENUE FOR 2016-17 SEASON Despite selling out every game, Premier ons League involvement). We don’t just “We’ve got a tough game against Man- Tottenham Hotspur have announced League gate receipts were down slightly Cardiff snatch point want to be a team that gets there for one chester United in the semi-fi nal, but if we record revenue of 306.3 mn pounds ($431 to 19mn pounds from 22.2mn following or two years and then falls off ,” Kane told can get through that we maybe play Chel- mn) for the year ended June 30, 2017, the demolition of the north-east corner British media. sea or Southampton and go from there.” boosted by their highest ever Premier of White Hart Lane midway through last while Derby end “We deserve to be there. We showed After twisting his ankle against League fi nish and a Champions League season. winless streak SPOTLIGHT Reuters could easily have shattered the Manchester confi dence of Gary Rowett’s side but they responded strongly. They were given a let-off , Footless goalie kicks home powerful message romotion chasing Car- however, when Alan Browne diff City needed an add- missed a fi rst-half penalty for AFP crowned the competition’s best goal- ed time goal from An- 10th-placed Preston and went Indramayu, Indonesia keeper. thony Pilkington to earn on to grab the win through Tom “It was unreal. My fi rst time ever being Pa 1-1 draw at Sheffi eld United in Lawrence’s 52nd minute free abroad and I was named the best goalie,” the Championship on Monday kick. hen Eman Sulaeman begged he said. “The crowds and even all the or- and open up an eight point gap The victory ended an eight- his parents to let him play ganising committee members clapped for on third-placed Fulham. match winless run for fi fth- football, the couple worried me. I was really touched.” Playoff hopefuls Derby County placed Derby. their young son — born with British media at the time praised Su- bounced back from their shock “I’m pleased, it feels like re- Wno feet and just one full leg — would be laeman and his “cat-like refl exes”. home defeat by Sunderland with lief. It didn’t matter how we won mocked. “Football really embraces every part of a 1-0 win at Preston North End. the game, we need to play better But two decades later, the 30-year-old our society,” he said. Sheffi eld United, who them- than that but, to be honest, I’m Indonesian goalkeeper is wowing crowds “People with disabilities like me and selves are hoping to get into the not bothered today,” Rowett said. at home and abroad with his “cat-like” poor people can all unite without being playoff mix, started strongly and “I don’t think it was about the refl exes, and sending a powerful message looked down upon or stigmatised.” took the lead through striker points today or where we are in about people with disabilities. Leon Clarke’s 28th minute shot the league, but more about the “I cried for days, begging them (my ‘DON’T BE DISHEARTENED’ which crept in the bottom cor- psychological angle because the parents) to buy me a ball,” he told AFP at Sulaeman’s talents have caught the at- ner. longer the winless run went on, a recent match in the small town of In- tention of West Java’s sports agency, But Cardiff fought hard af- the more pressure there would be dramayu, some 220 kilometres (135 miles) lifting hopes that the government might ter the break and fi nally broke on the players.” east of Jakarta. “They relented and went boost its so-far lacklustre support for through with Pilkington’s well- Sixth-placed Middlesbrough out to fi nd me a cheap plastic ball.” disabled athletes. taken volley from inside the area. needed a last-minute header Sulaeman’s fans came out in force at “We’ve recently learned that our disa- The Welsh side have a strong from Britt Assombalonga to take a recent match at a local court for futsal In this February 3, 2018, picture, Eman Sulaeman (left) attempts a save during a futsal bled athletes have extraordinary skills grip on the second automatic a point in a 1-1 draw from their — a fi ve-a-side game played on a hard match in Indramayu, West Java. (AFP) and they have opened our eyes that if promotion spot and will hope trip to bottom club Burton Albi- pitch with hockey-sized goals and a less they’re given equal opportunities, they they can close the gap with lead- on who took a sixth-minute lead bouncy ball. keeper Edwin van der Sar and Real Ma- team’s manager doubted me and asked if can achieve anything,” said agency ers Wolverhampton Wanderers through Marvin Sordell. They snapped pictures and cheered as drid star Cristiano Ronaldo — who had to I really could play,” he said. spokesman Dani Ramdan. when the pair meet on Friday. Bristol City, a point outside the Sulaeman protected his net by shifting train tirelessly to get where he is. Despite the challenges posed by his Sulaeman — who runs an electronics Wolves lead by fi ve points but playoff spots in seventh, failed to quickly on stumps and his one leg — the “I spent a long time learning to walk in birth defect, Sulaeman never considered repair shop — is determined to spread his were scheduled to face Hull City take advantage as they lost 1-0 other limb is missing from the knee down. balance before I was able to kick the ball,” wearing prosthetic legs. love for the sport by establishing a futsal later yesterday. at home to Brentford with Neal Cheers turned into a roar as he kicked he said. “I don’t even like wearing shoes. The lover’s community in his hometown Ma- “We were a lot better in the Maupay striking 10 minutes from the ball into the back of the other team’s only time I wore shoes was for a match in jalengka and coach football at several lo- second half. That’s what it’s all time. net, capping off a win for his side. ‘REALLY TOUCHED’ Scotland,” he said, adding that it was to cal junior high schools. about, hanging in there,” said Millwall, who are level on Young fans waited for a selfi e with their Sulaeman’s perseverance paid off , with allay organisers’ safety concerns. He dreams of competing in a major Cardiff manager Neil Warnock. points with City, drew 2-2 at Ips- hero. friends asking him to join the local foot- In 2016, he joined the Indonesian team event like the Paralympic Games one day, “When you equalise late on in wich Town with George Saville “He is very inspiring,” said 18-year-old ball team as he completed an electronic at the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow. and hopes that he will continue to be an a game like that, it’s a fantastic getting their 60th-minute Mohamed Faisal Bahri. engineering degree. The annual football tournament is inspiration for other disabled athletes. feeling. It sets us up great for the equaliser. “Although he’s physically very diff er- “Football for me is just like my wife. aimed at raising awareness about home- “We must stay confi dent and motivat- small matter of Wolves on Friday. Neil Harris’s Millwall are now ent from the rest of us, his spirit remains My girlfriend is even jealous of it because lessness and usually involves homeless ed to bring out the potential in ourselves,” We look forward to that.”. unbeaten in 14 league games. strong. He really motivates me.” I love it too much,” he laughed. players as well as drug addicts, asylum he said. “Although we (disabled people) Given Derby’s recent record of Sunderland came back down It hasn’t been easy for Sulaeman — a Still, some were not convinced. seekers and disabled athletes. have limitations, within those limitations late season collapses, the 4-1 loss to earth with a 3-1 home defeat big fan of former Manchester United “At my fi rst tournament, the other An instant sensation, Sulaeman was there are extraordinary things.” to lowly Sunderland on Friday by Sheffi eld Wednesday. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 4, 2018 5 SPORT

BASKETBALL NHL Avs’ loss DiVincenzo fi res sends Wild, Villanova to US Sharks to playoff s

Reuters 29th career shutout. Joel Eriks- collegiate title Los Angeles son Ek iced the game with an empty-netter with 44 seconds remaining. DiVincenzo’s 31 points were a record for a bench player in a championship game onathan Quick made 27 saves, and the Los Ange- PANTHERS 3, HURRICANES 2 and earned him the award of Most Outstanding player for the 2018 Final Four les Kings moved into third Alex Petrovic scored with 7:58 place in the Pacifi c Divi- left in the third period as Florida sionJ with a 3-1 victory over the defeated visiting Carolina. visiting Colorado Avalanche on MacKenzie Weegar and Evge- Monday. nii Dadonov also scored for Flor- The loss by the Avalanche ida, and goalie Roberto Luongo clinched Western Conference made 26 saves for the win. The playoff berths for both the Min- Panthers improved their points nesota Wild and the San Jose total to 88, fi ve behind the idle Sharks. The Kings, who host New Jersey Devils in the bat- Minnesota on Thursday and tle for the last wild-card playoff the Dallas Stars on Saturday, berth in the Eastern Conference. need to get just one point in Carolina got goals from Trevor their fi nal two games to guar- van Riemsdyk and Derek Ryan. antee themselves a Stanley Cup playoff berth. Colorado holds a MAPLE LEAFS 5, SABRES 2 one-point lead over the St. Louis Auston Matthews and William Blues, who have a game in hand, Nylander each had two goals and for the second wild-card spot. an assist as Toronto cruised to a Torrey Mitchell, Dustin Brown victory over visiting Buff alo. and Kyle Cliff ord scored for Los Andreas Johnsson also had a Angeles, which moved past the goal and an assist for the Maple idle Anaheim Ducks into third Leafs, who are already locked place with its fi fth straight win into the third playoff spot in the over Colorado. Alexander Ker- Atlantic Division but matched foot scored the Avalanche’s the team record for most points lone goal, and Jonathan Bernier (103) in a regular season. To- stopped 22 shots for Colorado. ronto’s Curtis McElhinney had “I cannot believe it. 32 saves. WILD 3, OILERS 0 Sam Reinhart and Jason Pom- I’m shaking right now, Zach Parise scored twice to inville scored for Buff alo. continue his torrid stretch, and maybe from the cold or Devan Dubnyk made 22 saves for CAPITALS 4, BLUES 2 his fi fth shutout of the season as Nicklas Backstrom fi nished the excitement, I don’t Minnesota beat visiting Edmon- with a goal and an assist as ton. Washington defeated host St. know. But I’m ecstatic. The news wasn’t all good for Louis to improve to 12-2-0 in its the Wild, though. The team an- past 14 games. I can’t believe it' nounced prior to puck drop that Backstrom now has 18 points Ryan Suter needs surgery for a in his last 13 games (four goals, 14 right ankle fracture sustained assists). Andre Burakovsky, Alex Saturday night at Dallas, and Chiasson and Alex Ovechkin also the defenseman will miss the re- found the net for the Capitals. mainder of the season. Goalie Braden Holtby, who is in a Dubnyk, who was drafted by battle with Philipp Grubauer for the Oilers in the fi rst round in the starting job, made 34 saves Villanova Wildcats guard Donte DiVincenzo (10) and Jalen Brunson (1) celebrate on the court following their victory over the Michigan Wolverines 79-62 in the championship 2004 and spent fi ve seasons in for Washington in the win. game of the 2018 men’s Final Four at Alamodome. PICTURE: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Edmonton, made his 400th ca- Patrik Berglund and Vladimir reer start a perfect night with his Tarasenko scored for the Blues. AFP college clinched their second crown in ines jump out to a 21-14 lead midway at the half-time break, with a 37-28 lead. Los Angeles 2016. through the fi rst half. Wagner reduced the defi cit early in the “I didn’t think that I was going to have However, DiVincenzo and Mikal second half, but Villanova were increas- this kind of a night,” DiVincenzo said af- Bridges hit back with jumpers to cut the ingly dominant, and a burst of scoring reshman Donte DiVincenzo came terwards. “I just kind of found myself in Wolverines’ lead to three points before soon had them a commanding 15 points off the bench to score 31 points as a rhythm.” two Colin Gillespie free throws put Vil- clear at 48-33. Villanova University outclassed Villanova coach Jay Wright said his lanova to within one at 21-20. Michigan attempted to staunch the the University of Michigan Wol- team had saved their best performance DiVincenzo then drained a superb fl ow of points but both Duncan Robin- verinesF to claim the prestigious US col- for last. three-point jump shot with just over six son and Jordan Poole missed jumpers legiate basketball crown on Monday. “I really can’t get my mind around it. I minutes of the half remaining to put Vil- before Bridges drained another three- Towering guard DiVincenzo dominat- never dreamed of this,” Wright told TBS lanova ahead. pointer to put the Wildcats 51-33 ahead. ed the Michigan defense with a devas- television. Although Michigan rallied through The Wolverines cut Villanova’s lead to tating fi rst half display as the top-seeded “We just took it one day at a time. Mohamed Ali Abdur Rahkman, DiVin- 12 points with quick scores from Wagner Wildcats cruised home for a 79-62 win We tried to get better every day, and I cenzo again took Villanova clear with and Matthews, but DiVincenzo deliv- at San Antonio’s Alamodome in Texas. thought we played our best game in the a three-pointer and a layup in quick ered a double-whammy with two unan- DiVincenzo’s 31 points were a record championship game.” succession to put the favourites 30-26 swered three-pointers as the Wildcats for a bench player in a championship Villanova were heavy favourites for ahead with 4min 7sec remaining in the opened up a 62-44 lead with eight min- game and earned him the award of Most Monday’s NCAA showpiece, the climax half. DiVincenzo traded dunks with utes left. Outstanding player for the 2018 Final of the “March Madness” knockout com- Michigan’s Charles Matthews but mo- From there, the Wolverines never Four. petition that is one of the highlights of ments later provided the assist for Omari looked like making up the lost ground DiVincenzo’s starring role sealed Vil- the US sporting calendar. Spellman to put Villanova 34-28 ahead. and Spellman put Villanova 21 points Buff alo Sabres goalie Chad Johnson (31) makes a save as Toronto lanova’s third national college basketball Michigan made a fast start, with Mo- A three-pointer from Jalen Brunson clear at 79-58 with just under two min- Maple Leafs forward Patrick Marleau (12) watches at Air Canada title, two years after the Pennsylvania ritz Wagner’s layup helping the Wolver- handed Villanova a nine-point cushion utes left. Centre. PICTURE: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

BASEBALL Morton, Houston Astros roll in home opener

Reuters jor league start since 2014 and also PIRATES 5, TWINS 4 Leonys Martin added two hits and a Houston cracked a tiebreaking two-run homer Colin Moran hit his fi rst career grand run scored in Ron Gardenhire’s fi rst win in the fi fth inning to give St. Louis the slam and Jameson Taillon struck out as the Tigers manager. The teams were lead for good in Milwaukee’s home nine in 5 1/3 innings as Pittsburgh re- playing the opener of a three-game se- harlie Morton reprised his opener. mained unbeaten with a victory over ries. dominant pitching from last Mikolas (1-0) worked 5 2/3 innings, visiting Minnesota. postseason, and the Houston becoming the fi rst St. Louis starter in Gregory Polanco reached base five BLUE JAYS 4, WHITE SOX 2 Astros rode a balanced off en- four games to get an out in the sixth times on a double and four walks as Russell Martin hit a go-ahead, two- Csive attack to a 6-1 victory over the Bal- inning. He permitted seven hits and the Pirates (4-0) prevailed in their run home run in the seventh inning, timore Orioles on Monday in the home four runs, walking none and whiffi ng home opener. Taillon (1-0) allowed and Toronto held on for a win over vis- opener at Minute Maid Park. fi ve. He also provided a stunning boost two runs and four hits and didn’t is- iting Chicago. Morton (1-0) continued what has with the bat, snapping a 2-2 deadlock sue a walk in his first start of the sea- Josh Donaldson and Aledmys Diaz been a sterling start for Astros start- in the fi fth when he turned on a fast- son. also homered for Toronto, which im- ers, twirling six scoreless innings ball right down the middle from Zach George Kontos worked a perfect proved to 3-2 on its opening home- while allowing three hits and two Davies (0-1) with Jedd Gyorko on base ninth for his fi rst save of the season stand. walks with six strikeouts. The Astros after Davies plunked him with two after regular closer Felipe Rivero reg- Welington Castillo homered twice in completed one turn through their ro- outs. istered two saves in a doubleheader on a losing eff ort as Chicago took its first tation allowing six earned runs over Sunday. loss in three games this season. 30 1/3 innings (1.78 ERA) with 36 REDS 1, CUBS 0 strikeouts. Raisel Iglesias struck out Anthony TIGERS 6, ROYALS 1 RED SOX 7, MARLINS 3 His eff ort dovetailed with the Astros Rizzo with the bases-loaded to escape Francisco Liriano gave up just one Boston won its fourth consecutive unveiling their 2017 World Series ban- an eighth-inning jam as Cincinnati run in his Detroit debut, Victor Mar- game in Florida, beating Miami. ner during a pregame ceremony. Mor- held on for a victory over visiting Chi- tinez drove in three runs and the Tigers Christian Vazquez went 2-for-4 ton was the pitcher of record in both cago. downed visiting Kansas City for their with a double and two RBIs for the Game 7s that Houston won last posts- Cincinnati’s Tyler Mahle (1-0) fi rst victory of the season. Red Sox. Hanley Ramirez had two eason, shining as the starter against matched a career best by pitching six Liriano gave up four hits in 6 2/3 hits and clubbed a two-run homer, the New York Yankees in the American innings in his fi fth career start. The innings with two walks and three Mookie Betts had two hits and a League Championship Series before re- only hit Mahle allowed was a two-out strikeouts. Nicholas Castellanos had solo homer, and Rafael Devers and lieving against the Los Angeles Dodgers triple to Javier Baez in the second in- two hits, two runs and an RBI while Xander Bogaerts added two hits in the World Series. ning.Eugenio Suarez scored the game’s Miguel Cabrera scored and drove in a apiece. Houston Astros catcher Brian McCann (16) celebrates with center fielder George lone run when he tripled and came run for Detroit, which was swept in a Boston left-hander Brian Johnson CARDINALS 8, BREWERS 4 Springer (4) after scoring a run during the fourth inning against the Baltimore around on Adam Duvall’s groundout in three-game weekend series by Pitts- (1-0) scattered six hits and allowed one Miles Mikolas won his fi rst ma- Orioles at Minute Maid Park. PICTURE: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports the fourth inning. burgh. run in six innings. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 4, 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

SWIMMING Daley reveals concussion drama ahead Australia can ride wave of gold bid Gold Coast, Australia: English diving star Tom Daley missed weeks of training with concussion and was cleared to compete just days before the Commonwealth Games, of home crowd to glory he said yesterday. The triple world gold medallist, a major drawcard for the diving com- Olympic and world champion breaststroker Adam Peaty will lead a fired-up England squad petition in Australia’s Gold Coast, said he was knocked Reuters dizzy and nauseous after a Gold Coast, Australia bad landing in training. Daley, the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth champion in fervent home crowd is expect- the 10m platform, said he has ed to help propel Australia’s only just been cleared of the swimming team to the top of eff ects of concussion to take the medals table in the pool his place in the England team. forA the 10th successive Commonwealth “I haven’t had the best of Games but also banish memories of a preparations, actually,” Daley poor return at last year’s world cham- told AFP, a day ahead of the pionships. opening ceremony. Locals are expected to comprise “I have had a few illnesses much of the 10,000-strong crowds in that have prevented me the temporary stands at the Gold Coast from training as much as I Aquatic Centre for the April 5-10 com- would like. But training is petition, which Scotland coach Alan going well now, which is the Lynn said would provide a psychologi- most important part. I had a cal boost for the home team. “This is concussion, so I was out of the spiritual home of swimming as the pool for a little bit. “It was far as we’re concerned,” he said of the concussion just from diving. open-air venue. “It’s like playing rugby I missed my hands on a dive against New Zealand in Auckland.” and smashed my head on the Defending women’s 100m freestyle water and then that was me champion Cate Campbell, who lives out for a little bit to get over and trains in nearby Brisbane, added the nausea and the dizziness. that she had witnessed how the Glas- It wasn’t nice.” gow crowd had lifted the Scotland team Daley, who turns 24 next four years ago. “There was something month, said the mishap kept in the air that got them ready to swim him out of the training pool fast,” Campbell said. “I’m really hoping for a few weeks. “I had to that we feel that same energy out there have a few weeks where I on pool deck in a couple of days.” wasn’t able to do very much Campbell took last year off after and that was only a few missing out on a medal in her signa- weeks ago,” he said. ture event at the Rio Olympics and her “I was cleared four days absence was sorely missed at the world ago. So I am coming back championships in Budapest. Australia, and doing the best I can with traditionally one of the sport’s pow- what I’ve got. But I’m feeling erhouses, fi nished eighth on the table good now, which is the most with 10 medals, their lowest tally since important part.” 1991, with a solitary gold to backstroker Daley sees the Common- Emily Seebohm. Swimmers train at the Optus Aquatic Centre, ahead of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games yesterday. (AFP) wealth Games as perfect While the Games should provide a preparation for a shot at his massive boost for coach Jacco Verhaer- pic champion Penny Oleksiak are ex- the swimmers, particularly the back- will also aff ect the swimmers, with the for the distance swimmers. fourth Olympics in Tokyo in en’s planning as they build towards the pected to provide some thrilling racing. strokers, who have no visual cues to light-skinned Peaty jokingly worrying “It’s just about managing my body 2020. “For me the Common- 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, they are not “There are always a lot of medals in- follow. “It’s a huge challenge and is a bit about his complexion. “I’m a ginger kid temperature, trying to stay cool before wealth Games is a very pres- expected to have it all their own way. volved in a campaign like this,” Verhaer- frustrating,” said Masse, who has been from Uttoxeter, so it might be a bit dif- I race and cooling down faster after tigious event, it means a lot Olympic and world champion breast- en said. “(But) to think it will be an easy incorporating outdoor training to grow fi cult in the heat,” he said. heats,” said Horton, who will race the to compete in a multi-sports stroker Adam Peaty will lead a fi red-up run would be underestimating what is accustomed to the conditions. “You can The water temperature, however, 200m, 400m and 1500m freestyle. “I event and to be able to have England squad, while the rejuvenated coming towards us.” be doing a really fast set then all of a has created some issues with Olympic think we will have ice baths at the pool three Commonwealth Games Canadian women’s team that includes The outdoor venue, a rarity for a ma- sudden, wham, you hit the lane rope, its 400m freestyle champion Mack Horton and we’ve got some in the basement of where I have been successful, 100m backstroke world record holder jor international championship, is also a bit frustrating, to say the least.” overheating during the Australian trials the village as well, so when we get back would be awesome,” he said. Kylie Masse and 100m freestyle Olym- likely to throw up some challenges for The wind, sun and expected rain and the team looking to utilise ice baths we can cool down.”

SPOTLIGHT CWG ROUND-UP Welsh table tennis whiz-kid, India team doctor reprimanded 11, eyes Games history for needle infringement n India boxing team doctor was found by a Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)A Court to have breached the event’s “No Needle Policy” by failing to store syringes properly in the run-up to the quadrennial showpiece in Australia. The needles, which are banned without specifi c medi- cal exemptions as part of the fi ght against doping, were discovered in a plastic bottle over the weekend. The doctor, Amol Patil, had administered a Vitamin B complex injection to an unwell boxer and left needles in the room in contravention of CGF rules, the authority said in a statement yesterday Eleven-year-old table tennis player Anna Hursey of The Court added that the Wales hitting a return during training ahead of the doctor had failed to provide a 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. (AFP) mandatory declaration form for the needles but had provided “information substantially AFP for Anna as well — she doesn’t To reach her potential, similar” to what was required. Gold Coast, Australia want to be the baby. But the girls Hursey’s short-term future is “In the circumstances, the England cycling team train in preparation for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the have been fantastic. Charlotte likely to involve regular training Federation Court’s decision Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane yesterday. (AFP) was in a similar position to Anna trips to China, birthplace of her is that CGF should issue a leven-year-old Anna once and knows exactly what mother Phoebe. strong written reprimand to the 25-year-old is New Zealand’s her events ever since. left the British Virgin Islands Hursey is set to make she’s going through.” Anna experienced a baptism of Doctor for the breaches,” the most successful para-sports with only one functioning Commonwealth Games Standing just 1.60 metres (5ft fi re on a previous visit to China, statement added. “A copy of the athlete having won 15 Paralym- THE FATHER OF SEVEN squash court. “We’ve got one history this week when 3in), the Cardiff schoolgirl is a where she observed how Chinese letter of reprimand should be pic medals and 16 at the world MAKING GAMES SQUASH court. There were four courts theE pint-sized Welsh table tennis tenacious competitor, having al- coaches beat young players with served on the Chef de Mission championships. She won two and three have still got no roof DEBUT AT 55 player hopes to punch above her ready broken records by appear- bat handles to punish them for of the Indian Team, who should gold medals at the last Com- He started playing at 40 and and no fl oors,” said Sorrentino. weight and win a medal. Hursey, ing at last year’s European cham- missing shots. be advised to ensure that no monwealth Games in Glasgow. he’s making his Common- “We’ve managed to put one who fi rst picked up a bat at fi ve, pionships. “This is on slightly a “It was a bit scary because if further infractions of CGF Poli- “I wasn’t considered as wealth Games squash debut at back together, but getting time will become the youngest athlete bigger scale and she knows that,” you get something wrong, they cies occur by any member of a Paralympic athlete, I was 55 — and has struggled through on the court has been diffi cult to represent Wales at the Com- said Jenkins, as Hursey smashed just hit you,” she told local me- the Indian Team.” considered as just one of the hurricane destruction to do it. with 30 other (social) squash monwealth Games and is thought balls past a male opponent in dia. “I felt really sorry for my The matter was not defi ned athletes of the New Zealand Meet Neville Sorrentino of the players wanting to use it. We’ve to be the youngest athlete, of any training. friend because when she missed as an anti-doping rule viola- team so to lead that team out British Virgin Islands, a father also got a coach in for the last nationality, ever to compete at “But she’s not expected to win the ball, they’d use the bat handle tion, the CGF said on Monday. is very special and it’ll be a of seven and a beacon of hope two weeks to help us out and the quadrennial event. a medal so it sort of takes the to whack her hand.” India’s boxing high perform- moment to remember forever,” for mature athletes everywhere. we’ve trained as much as we “She’s taking it in her stride pressure off . I know what she can But Jenkins believes China ance director Santiago Nieva Pascoe said at a ceremony. “It’s “To be able to participate could.” really,” Welsh coach Stephen do when she plays her best — the holds the key to Hursey’s devel- told local media on Monday very humbling to have been at the Games is fantastic,” the Sorrentino will play Paki- Jenkins said. “She is actually real- future’s looking good for her.” opment as she targets a place at that one of his athletes felt ill chosen out of the many world British-born world number stan’s Tayyab Aslam in the ly mature for her age. It’s just in- Jenkins believes Hursey, who the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “She’s and received a “vitamin sub- champion athletes that we’ve 477 said at Gold Coast, where men’s singles tomorrow, and side her — she’s mentally strong.” trains four to six hours a day and defi nitely going to have to go stance” from a doctor. created in New Zealand.” he will compete in singles and will partner with Joseph Chap- Hursey’s teammates, includ- wakes up early to go running back to China,” he said. “We’ve Pascoe was injured in an doubles. “I would never have man in the doubles. However, ing Welsh number one Charlotte before school, has what it takes got good training facilities in PARA-SWIMMER PASCOE accident with a lawnmower as dreamt it (20 years ago). My he is a long way from being the Carey, have taken her under their to climb up the world rankings. Wales but we’re also limited in TO CARRY NZ FLAG IN a toddler and began swimming children think it’s fantastic that oldest competitor at the Games. wing to help protect her from “She can be top 50 in the world if what we can give her. She has to OPENING CEREMONY at seven. I can come here and compete.” That honour goes to Canadian the glare of publicity. “They she wants it,” he predicted. go abroad and learn from the best Para-swimmer Sophie Pascoe She was 15 when she won Age may not be a factor for shooter Robert Pitcairn, 78, don’t want to baby her,” insisted “If she keeps that desire to and China is so far ahead of eve- will carry New Zealand’s fl ag three gold medals and a silver at Sorrentino but Hurricane Irma while the lawn bowls competi- Jenkins. “It’s more that she’s a want to be a top player, she can ryone in the world, so she’s got to at the Commonwealth Games the Beijing Paralympics in 2008 was, after it tore through the tion has a number of athletes in teammate, and that’s important go a long way.” learn from them really.” opening ceremony today. The and has continued to dominate Caribbean in September and their 70s Gulf Times Wednesday, April 4, 2018 7 GOLF

SPOTLIGHT FRESH START Rose shakes off All eyes on Tiger at last year’s playoff loss to Garcia

AFP self to learning where to hit shots Augusta, United States and where not to hit them along Masters practice the famed layout. “If you let your guard down for a second because wo-time runner-up Jus- you think you’re hitting a safe 'When Tiger walked onto the range there was an anticipation and excitement' tin Rose has set aside shot here, you end up making the disappointment of more of a mistake than trying to AFP last year’s Masters play- hit an aggressive shot,” Rose said. Toff loss to Sergio Garcia and set Rose won the WGC HSBC Augusta, United States his sights upon fi nally winning Champions in Shanghai last year a green jacket. The 37-year- and had two top-fi ve PGA fi n- iger Woods excited fans and ri- old Englishman, who has never ishes last month. “I’ve been very vals alike by practising on Mon- missed a cut in 12 starts at Au- happy with the way my game has day at the Masters, the 14-time gusta National, made his peace been trending,” Rose said. “I feel major champion totally healthy with the course in a practice certainly tournament sharp and Tat Augusta National for the fi rst time in round last month after fi nishing I’ve had some good results.” fi ve years. Woods, and the potential for third at Bay Hill. Rose also faces a world-class his fi rst major victory since the 2008 US “After losing in the playoff , fi eld where a dozen top players Open and fi rst Masters win since 2005, it was just important to come are on strong form, including 14- was the talk of the course, even with a and walk the grounds,” Rose time major winner Tiger Woods dozen other stars on peak form ahead of said. “Clearly you’re going to go after years of back trouble. “I’m Thursday’s start of the year’s fi rst major through memories and shots you coming in with high confi dence championship. hit and shots that didn’t come but also low expectation, in “When Tiger walked onto the range off , et cetera, et cetera. So I just the sense that I can’t control so there was an anticipation and excite- wanted to have that walk before many variables that are going to ment from the crowd to watch him com- tournament week.” be out there,” Rose said. pete again,” said Britain’s Justin Rose, last Rose, the 2013 US Open cham- “But my skill set should pro- year’s Masters runner-up and the 2013 pion, said he has never watched duce a chance to win if all goes US Open champion. the video of his dramatic back- well. I need to execute really well Woods hasn’t won a title since 2013 nine Sunday duel with Garcia, this week to have a chance.” but after failed comebacks and four back who captured his fi rst major title Rose says that while he has surgeries, the last a spinal fusion, he’s a by overcoming the British star. nothing he feels he needs to contender again at age 42. “I got a second “I haven’t watched. There’s prove, he senses his legacy de- chance on life,” Woods said on his web- no need really,” Rose said. “I did pends on his results in major site. “I am a walking miracle.” everything well last year. Just to events over the next few years. Woods shared second at the PGA Val- win a championship you need to “I’ve won at the highest level. I spar Championship and fi fth at Bay Hill make a key putt at the right time, don’t have anything to prove to in his Masters tuneups. “This year is go- and that’s what didn’t happen.” anybody,” Rose said. ing to be diff erent,” Woods said. “This Rio Olympic champion Rose, “But I think how I’m going to year I’m healthy. I can play and I can who also shared second in 2015 be remembered in the game is re- compete.” behind Jordan Spieth, has fi ve ally what happens from here on- Former world number one Woods, now top-10 Masters fi nishes. Since wards. If I go on to achieve some ranked 103, practised with Fred Couples 2012 he has the most birdies and other major championships from and 2017 PGA Championship winner Jus- eagles of any Masters player. this point on, then my career tin Thomas as fans fl ocked to watch every “It starts by just driving up becomes more a ‘special’ career shot for a hint of the magic that brought Magnolia Lane and having good than a great career.” him Masters titles in 1997, 2001, 2002 energy and feeling good about Even so, Rose looks back to and 2005. Yesterday, he shared a practice the place,” Rose said. “That sort 2017 with no regrets. “I don’t feel round with another US great Phil Mick- of love aff air started my very first bad about it,” Rose said. “But still elson. Masters in 2003. I had positive clearly, whenever you lose a play- “When it comes to Tiger and the Ti- experiences here so it has be- off in a major, it’s one of those germania that comes with it, that eve- come a happy hunting ground.” moments you look back on and ryone wants to see him win and play the Rose has also dedicated him- think what might have been.” way he did before,” said Australian Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson of the United States share a light moment on the 11th hole during a practice round prior to the “Everyone’s kind of champing at the bit start of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, yesterday. (AFP) for him to get here and see how he’s mov- ing and everything.” grounds and it’s going to be exciting to tion. Now that he’s back and he looks His game is amazing. I think he’s ahead Thomas, Rose and top-ranked Dus- see, but everyone else has got a game plan kind of where he was before, everyone’s of schedule. How he has found fi ve more tin Johnson plus multiple major winners to do. They’ve got to try and be the person getting that taste back in there, like, oh, mph in clubhead speed in his 40s after a Rory McIlroy — seeking a career Grand that’s going to slip on that green jacket on let’s see what he can do.” fused back is unbelievable.” Slam with a win — and Jordan Spieth all Sunday.” Woods and Spieth are Las Vegas odd- Two-time winner Bernhard Langer enter the Masters playing well. But the Day said the 10-year major drought smaker favourites with McIlroy, Thomas noted that Woods’s return was just one biggest roars are for Woods. had people forgetting what Woods has and Johnson just behind followed by of the week’s great storylines. “You’ve “There’s a number of guys that are done, his major title total four shy of Rose, Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson. got great champions at all ages and they playing really nice,” Day said. “But every- the all-time record of Jack Nicklaus and “We’re all favourites,” two-time Mas- all seem to have a possible chance,” the one is kind of solely focused on Tiger and his 79 PGA wins three off Sam Snead’s ters winner Watson said. “We’re all good 60-year-old German said. “That’s fan- what he’s going to do here and seeing if he record. “I think a lot of people quickly enough to win out here.” tastic leading up to the tournament.” can get to number 15. That’s fi ne with us. forgot what he had accomplished in his But Woods has wily veterans admiring Sergio Garcia, who won his fi rst major I can just focus on what I need to do to try career as he got injured and was out for a how he is hitting the ball further off the title after 73 failed attempts at last year’s and win. while,” Day said. tee despite spinal fusion. “He’s going to Masters, will try to join Woods, Faldo and “There’s going to be a buzz around Au- “That’s just life. Everyone lives fast threaten,” three-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus as the only back-to-back gusta this week with Tiger being on the now. Everyone wants instant gratifi ca- Nick Faldo said. “He has the potential. Masters winners. Justin Rose has never missed a cut in 12 starts at Augusta. (AFP)

HOT CONTENDER FOCUS Watson escapes ‘dark place’ to Thomas seeks back-to-back majors in another run at No 1 contend again at Masters AFP Augusta, United States AFP Augusta, United States Bubba Watson plays a shot from a bunker during a practice round at ustin Thomas chases the Augusta National Golf Club. (AFP) world number one ranking wo-time Masters champion Bubba and his second consecutive Watson, considering retirement last major title this week at the year over an undisclosed health is- Masters,J taking a huge confi dence sue, suddenly has two triumphs in boost from winning the 2017 PGA Tsix weeks and is a hot contender again at Championship. The 24-year-old Augusta National. “Life’s in the right spot American tees off Thursday at and golf’s in the right spot,” Watson said on Augusta National after PGA Tour Monday. “Golf is really easy when you free it wins this season in South Korea up. It’s very diffi cult when you’re not think- and at the Honda Classic plus a ing properly.” WGC Mexico playoff loss to Phil The 39-year-old American left-hand- Mickelson and a WGC Match er was in free fall last year, having lost 30 Play fourth-place fi nish. pounds (13.6kg) and seen his formidable “I feel like my game is a lot bet- Justin Thomas practised with boyhood idol, 14-time major champion golf game wither. Watson said he couldn’t ter,” Thomas said. “If you know Tiger Woods on Monday at Augusta National Golf Club. (Reuters) have dreamed to be on the form he now en- how to get around here, you don’t joys. “Seven months ago I did not believe it,” need your A-game to contend... win the PGA and the next year’s “And that’s very immature Watson said. But citing the support of his you need to see where your game Masters back-to-back, joining of me. That’s very not mentally wife, agents, caddie Ted Scott and “father is at and adjust accordingly.” legends Tiger Woods, Phil Mick- strong. It’s just unlike me. So that fi gure” and clubmaker Ping president John His game has been sizzling elson, Jack Nicklaus and Sam was frustrating. But it is a huge Solheim, Watson said he overcame his set- since won a fi nal-round shootout Snead. If he does, second-ranked deal and when and if it’s meant to backs. “They have cheered me on,” Watson last August in the PGA Champi- Thomas will also overtake com- be, and however long, that it will said. “And they have helped me come out of onship at Quail Hollow, barely patriot Dustin Johnson for the happen. I just need to go out and a dark place.” a two-hour drive away in Char- world number one spot. try to play well this week.” Watson off ers no more details on his is- lotte, North Carolina. “It’s big “I’s very important to me. It’s Spain’s third-ranked Jon Rahm sues, except to note that life’s major private fi rst and foremost from a con- a huge goal of mine,” Thomas and fourth-rated American Jor- moments — family births and deaths, mov- fi dence standpoint, not to get said. “But at the end of the day, dan Spieth can also overtake ing homes and marrying — impact the golf questions like when are you go- if I just continue to play well and Johnson this week but need Tho- game people watch. “There are things that week to relax with family. “I had last week Monday and yesterday and the par-3 con- ing to win a major or do you feel be in contention and win tourna- mas to struggle even if they win we don’t ever talk about that causes some- off and a little vacation, a little rest,” Watson test tomorrow. “I can sit back and only play like you’re one of the best players ments, it’s something I feel like to reach the summit. body not to play good or somebody to play said. “So hopefully get the energy going, get nine holes a day,” Watson said. “It has just without a major,” Thomas said. that’s going to take care of itself.” Thomas could fi nish as low as great,” Watson said. “There are things be- the nerves out and get ready to play some changed that way of trying to just save some “When I have a chance to win Thomas missed a chance take fi fth and still move to number hind closed doors that people don’t know golf and just focus on quality shots. Hope- energy and mental preparation. That’s what I’m able to look back at the PGA the top spot two weeks ago when one with help. To have a chance, about that we don’t talk about that can fully on the weekend I have a chance to fi ght I did diff erent the two times I won.” Championship and just remem- he lost a WGC Match-Play semi- he stressed mental toughness. cause you to be in a good or bad frame of and try to put on a (green) jacket.” As much as resting his body is crucial for ber the things I went through and fi nal to Bubba Watson. “I was “You need to be mentally sharp. mind. I’ve never been in a bad frame of mind Watson won green jackets in 2012 and the Masters, Watson says the mental game is emotions I had and just try to a little upset that I got kind of You need to not make any stupid and still beat everybody else.” 2014, the former coming in a playoff when vital. “You’ve got to be mentally prepared,” learn from that and use it to my wrapped up, because I was playing mistakes,” Thomas said. “Just Watson ended a two-year win drought he hooked an astonishing approach from the Watson said. “The mental part of it is what advantage.” my match to become number one try not to win so much. I want- in February at Riviera and added the WGC right trees to land 15 feet from the cup. drains you around this place. So you’ve got This week, Thomas will draw in the world instead of playing my ed it too much for a while. I was Match Play crown last month in his fi nal Watson saves energy for the tournament to be mentally prepared and focused on eve- upon the memories to try and match to have a chance to win the pressing too much to make things Masters tuneup, after which he took off a by playing only nine holes in practice rounds ry shot and committed.” become only the fourth golfer to tournament,” Thomas said. happen in the fi nal round.”

Wednesday, April 4, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar’s new technology will make 2022 World Cup unique: Makelele ‘Football has developed over the last few years due to the use of technology and Qatar’s eff orts will further contribute to the growth of the sport’ rance football legend Claude sponsible for delivering the infrastruc- Makelele believes the 2022 FIFA ture required for the 2022 FIFA World World Cup will make a positive Cup, launched the Challenge 22 com- diff erence to the long-term de- petition in 2015 to inspire innovation. Fvelopment of football due to Qatar’s use The SC also set up the Qatar Innova- of cutting-edge technology. tion Community in order to acceler- The iconic defensive midfi elder, who ate Qatar’s innovation capability and helped France reach the 2006 FIFA knowledge capital. World Cup fi nal, is renowned as a pio- Makelele, who won the UEFA Cham- neer in his position, and the 44-year- pions League with Real Madrid, also old was quick to identify the innovative praised the compact nature of Qatar’s elements of Qatar’s tournament prepa- tournament. Players, fans and offi cials rations during an exclusive interview will stay in one place throughout the with www.sc.qa. tournament, while the maximum travel Makelele, currently the coach of time between stadiums will be just one Belgian side KAS Eupen, said Qatar is hour. If they wish, fans will be able to at the forefront of football’s evolution attend more than one game a day in the due to the technology being developed early stages of the tournament. ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. “It will be a dream World Cup for the “Every World Cup has distinct, unique coaches of all 32 participating teams,” elements and I believe the use of tech- said Makelele. “Players who get nig- nology will make 2022 special,” said gles in Qatar can recover while stay- Makelele, who won 71 caps for France. ing at the same venue as their team- “Last year, the football world took mates. This means coaches could get notice of the stadium cooling at Khalifa continuity in team selection and their Stadium. I also understand that Qatar is pre-tournament strategy will there- using technology to give visiting fans a fore work better.” Makelele also praised connected tournament experience.” Qatar’s passion for football and said Makelele continued: “Football has he was looking forward to the second developed over the last few years due FIFA World Cup to be held in Asia af- to the use of technology – both on and ter playing in the fi rst, jointly hosted by off the pitch – and Qatar’s eff orts will the Korea Republic and Japan, 16 years further contribute to the growth of the ago. “The people of Qatar are passion- sport. During my playing days, I was a ate about football and the World Cup benefi ciary of technology and I admire will be a dream for people living there,” Qatar’s eff orts in this area.” said Makelele. “In 2002, I witnessed In addition to developing cooling the World Cup’s rich fl avour being en- technology, the Supreme Committee hanced in Asia and I am sure the world for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the body re- will see it again in 2022.” (sc.qa) French legend Claude Makelele said Qatar is at the forefront of football’s evolution due to the technology being developed ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

BASKETBALL QATAR ROUND-UP Pacquiao ‘can’t wait’ Shamal and Khor record Qatar beat Syria in Davis Cup to take atar handed a 3-0 defeat to Syria in the opening match of the 2018 Davis Matthysse wins in Emir’s Cup Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group III in Hanoi, Vietnam on Monday. Jabor al- world title MutawaQ clinched the opening rubber, crushing By Sports Reporter Doha Rabee Sleem 6-1, 6-2. Manila: Boxing legend Manny Mubarak Shannan Zayid made it 2-0 as he Pacquiao said yesterday overpowered Yacoub Makzoume in three sets. he “can’t wait” for a crack athew Bryan-Aman- In the decider, Zayed was dominant and easily at another world title as ing scored 31 points completed a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory. Lucas Matthysse’s promoter and Mansour Elhad- The doubles match was a bit tough but the confirmed the Argentine will ry chipped in with Qatari pair of Essa Shannan al-Harrasi and stake his belt against the Fili- M20 as Al Shamal strolled past Al Mousa Shanan Zayed came through, beating pino in Kuala Lumpur in July. Sadd in the Emir’s Cup basketball Makzoume and Sleem 6-4 7-6 (3). Qatar next Promoter Oscar De La tournament yesterday. play Jordan. Nine countries are competing in Hoya announced on Twitter At the Gharafa Sports Club, two groups. Cambodia, Pacifi c Oceania, Ma- in the US that the contest was Al Shamal made a fast start and laysia and Vietnam are in Pool A. Kuwait, Qatar, now confirmed. led for 39 minutes to completely Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan form Group B. “Signed, sealed, and dominate their rivals who failed The Qatar is represented by; Mousa Shanan, delivered: Proud to off icially to mount a fi ght at any stage. Mubarak Shanan, Essa Shanan, Jabor al-Mu- announce that WBA welter- Dominic James with 16 and tawa and the team Captain Mohammad Khenji. weight world champion @ Elhag Ali Saleh with 14 also Qatar’s Coach Younes al-Aynoui was delighted MatthysseLucas will put his ti- made useful contributions for Al by the level of our national team in their match tle on the line against @man- Shamal who won all quarters and against Syria. nypacquiao in Kuala Lumpur, led 76-55 going into the fi nal 10 Malaysia on Saturday night minutes. Darrius Shabaaz Old- QATAR SHOOTERS TO TAKE PART IN Qatar’s Mubarak Shannan Zayid in action July 14 (US time),” De La Hoya ham’s waged almost a lone battle ARAB CHAMPIONSHIP IN MOROCCO during the 2018 Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone said on Monday. for Al Sadd but his match-high 35 Qatar spearheaded by Nasser bin Saleh al Atti- Group III match in Hanoi, Vietnam. Pacquiao then responded points were to no avail in the fi nal yah-led left for the Arab Shotgun Champion- through social media. “It’s analysis. ship, which is scheduled to start in Rabat today. Qatar Shooting and Archery Association on! Can’t wait to challenge Oldham excelled from the Attiyah, a former Olympic Games skeet Secretary-General Majid al-Naimi is the head Lucas Matthysse for another three-point mark, drilling six bronze medallist and triple Asia champion, is of the squad and Al Anoud al-Naimi is the ad- world title on July 15 in Kuala out of eight attempts. Captain one of the 14 members representing Qatar. ministration manager. Lumpur, Malaysia — July 14 Musfata Fouda had 16 points and US time,” said Pacquiao. Nasser Khalifa al-Rayes 11 for Al The De La Hoya announce- Sadd. At one stage of the match Action from the match between Al Shamal and Al Sadd in the Emir’s FOCUS ment appeared to clear in the third session Al Shamal led Cup basketball tournament yesterday. lingering doubts about the by a whopping 24 points (67-43). contest taking place since Their bench also excelled with led after the fi rst two quarters Franklin was the match’s highest the Filipino icon, winner of an 16 points, while no substitute but Al Khor sneaked ahead 57- scorer with 29 although he ended Al-Yafei and Nawaf enter quarters unprecedented eight world scored a point for Al Sadd. 52 after the third and held on to up on the losing side. Sammy titles in diff erent weight divi- In another match, Al Khor clinch victory. Khobi Williamson Monroe with 26 made a substan- sions, first announced the edged out Al Gharafa 77-74 in a top scored for Al Khor with 18 tial contribution but none of the of Qatar Asian Junior tennis contest last month. tense match which was decided points while Mustafa lasheen had other players could manage dou- Pacquiao, 39, had said in the fi nal minute. Al Gharafa 16 and Dominique Lacy 15. Travis ble digit scores. atar’s Nasser al- the fight against Matthysse Yafei and Rashed would take place on June Nawaf made it to the 24.Pacquiao, an elected sena- doubles quarter- tor in the Philippines, has not fiQ nals at the Qatar Asian Junior Al Khor edged fought in the ring since being out Al Gharafa under-14 tournament yester- defeated on points by Aus- 77-74 in a day. The event is organised by tralia’s Jeff Horn in Brisbane tense match. the Qatar Tennis, Squash and last July, a loss that cost the Badminton Federation (QTS- Filipino star his World Boxing BF) in co-ordination with the Organization crown. Asian Tennis Federation. The 35-year-old Matthysse, Alyafei and Nawaf secured who has 39 wins including 36 their last eight spot after beat- by knockout against four de- ing the Indian duo of Sannigdh feats, won the vacant World Raghavan and Callistus Britto Boxing Association belt after Veerakumar 6-0, 6-0 in the beating Thailand’s Teerachai fi rst round. Sithmorseng in January. In the semi-fi nal, the Qatari “This is going to be a tough duo will take on Aryan Giri and fight. Matthysse is also a Aarav Hada of Nepal. Qatar’s Nasser al-Yafei whips a forehand. knockout artist,” Pacquiao In singles, Nasser al-Yafei had said last month. Pacquiao sailed into the second round 6-0, 6-0. Around 100 players QTSBF has invited a number has 59 wins to his name in- after his 6-3, 6-3 victory from Pakistan, Jordan, Leba- of Qatari players to participate cluding 38 KOs against seven over Amin Ashkar of Austria. non, Nepal, Iran, Uzbekistan in the main draw including Ali defeats and two draws. His Rashed Nawaf also made it to and hosts Qatar are competing Al-Yafei, Adel Ghanim, Nasser last victory inside the dis- the second round after blank- in the tournament. al-Khelaifi , Amna al-Qaet and tance was back in 2009. ing Mohamed Kitouh of Syria As a host federation, the Taima Hasiba.