Motogp: Ducati’S Miller Triumphs in Spanish Grand Prix Quartararo Fades Spanish Grand Prix Top Ten from First to 13Th 1

Qatar’s Cherif QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Younousse QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune and Ahmed Tijan claim Cancun Hub beach volleyball MONday, MAY 3, 2021 gold page 15 Hamilton wins smooth in Portugal, extends title lead

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton jumps out of his car after winning the Portuguese F1 Grand Prix race at the Algarve International Circuit in Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Portuguese Formula Portimao, Portugal, on Sunday. (AFP) One Grand Prix race at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao on Sunday. (AFP) Briton Hamilton now leads the overall championship on 69 points with Verstappen, who Results (Top 10) 1: Lewis Hamilton...... Mercedes �� 1:34:31.421 secured the fastest lap bonus point, on 62 going into the Spanish Grand Prix on May 9 2: Max Verstappen.Red Bull Racing Honda �� +29.148s 3: Valtteri Bottas...... Mercedes �� +33.530s 4: Sergio Perez.....Bull Racing Honda �� +39.735s DPA behind Bottas until he over- fect so we will look at those the Mercedes garage holding from their stops but the Finn 5: Lando Norris.... McLaren Mercedes �� +51.369s Portimao (Portugal) took the Finn straight after points.” Bottas was under its breath. had an immediate wobble on 6: Charles Leclerc...... Ferrari �� +55.781s mid-race pit stops but Ham- pressure after crashing out “I had to try and reposi- cold tyres and paid the price. 7: Esteban Ocon...... Alpine Renault �� +63.749s 8: Fernando Alonso....Alpine Renault �� +64.808s Lewis Hamilton delivered a ilton had already built a gap last time at Imola but made a tion myself best I could, I think If Red Bull hoped Perez 9: Daniel Ricciardo.McLaren Mercedes �� +75.369s bold pass on Mercedes team- substantial enough to earn a clean start from pole and had Max made a mistake at some could aid Verstappen, they 10: Pierre Gasly...... Alphatauri Honda �� +76.463s mate Valtteri Bottas and drove second season win from three six laps cruising behind the point and that was perfect,” were to be disappointed as off into the Portimao sun to races and the 97th of his ca- safety car caused by veteran said Hamilton. “With Valtteri I the Mexican could offer no win the Portuguese Grand reer. Kimi Raikkonen inexplicably had to make the move early on resistance on worn out tyres the fastest lap to add to his while Alpine had their strong- Prix and increase his lead in Briton Hamilton now driving into the back of his before the tyres were destroyed when Hamilton passed him as fourth place. est race with Esteban Ocon the Formula One world title leads the championship on Alfa Romeo team-mate Anto- and I just managed to get him though he wasn’t there. He briefly held the bonus seventh and Fernando Alonso standings. 69 points with Verstappen, nio Giovinazzi. at Turn One.” As Verstappen “My race was pretty de- point only for Verstappen to eighth. Hamilton started second who secured the fastest lap bo- The restart was also fine was held up by Bottas, Hamil- cent,” said Hamilton. “At the seemingly steal this from Bot- Daniel Ricciardo took but had to regain a spot lost nus point, on 62 going into the for Bottas but Verstappen ton produced a series of fastest end, I think we just lacked a tas on the last lap after both his McLaren to ninth having to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Spanish Grand Prix on May 9. jumped Hamilton only to lose laps and though he emerged little bit of pace but overall, made late stops only for his started 16th while Pierre Gasly and secured victory by sweep- “That was such a tough the place following a lap 11 er- from his lap 38 pit stop behind Lewis got by again and once time to be deleted for leaving completed the top 10 for Alpa ing round pole sitter Bottas on race, physically and mentally, ror. the Red Bull of Sergio Perez - after the pit stop, the warm up the track. Tauri. the 20th lap of 66 around the keeping everything together,” Hamilton probed at Bottas who drove a massive 51-lap is super hard on this tyres. “That’s a bit odd because Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and 4.684-kilometre Autodromo said Hamilton. but was not gifted the lead and first stint - he was comfortable Perez had a big enough they were not checking track Giovinazzi were next, ahead of Internacional do Algarve on “There’s a lot to download swept around the outside with in the effective lead. lead to the McLaren of Lando limits at Turn 14,” said Ver- Sebastian Vettel of Aston Mar- Sunday. from today, improvements we just enough room in a move A lap earlier Verstappen Norris in fifth to don soft tyres stappen. “Whatever.” Charles tin who is still waiting on his Verstappen then struggled can make. It wasn’t all per- which would likely have had had come out behind Bottas for his final sprint and chase Leclerc was sixth for Ferrari first season point. MotoGP: Ducati’s Miller triumphs in Spanish Grand Prix Quartararo fades Spanish Grand Prix Top ten from first to 13th 1. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) �� 0:41:05.602 2. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) �� + 1.912 DPA 3. Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) �� + 2.516 Berlin 4. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) �� + 3.206 5. Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) �� + 4.256 6. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) �� + 5.164 Jack Miller won the Spanish 7. Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) �� + 5.651 Grand Prix as the Ducati rider 8. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) �� + 7.161 9. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) ��+ 10.494 notched his first MotoGP vic- 10. Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) ��+ 11.776 tory since 2016. The Australian made a superb start to lead and, despite and his eighth overall. da) returned to the Jerez track being passed by Fabio Quarta- Quartararo lost further where he suffered a broken arm raro (Monster Energy Yamaha) ground as Italian duo Bagnaia last July - an injury that kept in the middle stages, he held his Ducati Lenovo Team’s Australian rider Jack Miller celebrates after win- with Morbidelli scrapped it him out for nine months - and nerve in the second half of the ning the MotoGP race of the Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez Circuit in Jack Miller celebrates on the podium. (AFP) out for second, with the former came through unscathed. race to return to the front. Jerez de la Frontera on Sunday. (AFP) edging it to make it a one-two Marquez, who had escaped Miller finished ahead of big result for us,” he said. seconds clear at the front. for Ducati. injury in a big fall on Saturday Ducati team-mate Francesco Miller. laps left and I was thinking The Frenchman started With 11 laps to go, a third Having scored his first po- and another accident in warm- Bagnaia with Franco Morbidel- “I thought when Fabio went that’s a long time out in front by poorly as he slipped from pole consecutive victory seemingly dium of the season, Morbidelli up, started the race in 14th spot li (Petronas Yamaha SRT) in past OK he’s got a bit better myself but I was able to do it.” position to fourth as Miller beckoned for Quartararo, but said, “It was pretty easy. I just and eventually ended in ninth in third spot. pace. I thought he was going to Bagnaia followed Miller surged ahead, but like the Por- he dropped two seconds on one gave more than the maximum, his second race since returning. Quartararo slipped down to bolt. home to give Ducati the first tuguese Grand Prix last time lap, allowing Miller to seize the always. I was really on the limit. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR finish 13th as he surrendered “I didn’t expect him to come two places and take the cham- out he initially recovered. advantage. I risk a lot. Finally we were re- Honda Idemitsu) claimed his place at the top of the world back to me he did. He started to pionship lead. Quartararo overtook his ri- Miller was able to hold on warded. This podium feels just fourth place as Joan Mir (Suzu- championship to Bagnaia. drop really off when I passed “I’m happy,” he said. “This vals on the final corner of suc- until the end as he secured like a victory.” ki Ecstar) and Aleix Espargaro It’s a flood of emotions: him. was a really tough track for us, cessive laps to regain the lead his first MotoGP win since the Six-time MotoGP champi- (Aprilia) both secured top-six happy sad, everything,” said “There were still 12 to 13 so to finish one two is a really before he pulled one-and-a-half Dutch TT at Assen in June 2016 on Marc Marquez (Repsol Hon- finishes. Sports Monday, May 3, 2021 13 Inter Milan clinch first Serie A title since 2010 as Atalanta fail to win DPA Berlin

Inter Milan are crowned Former Algeria captain and Italian football champions for now A team coach Madjid the first time in 11 years with Bougherra. four games to spare in the Se- rie A season, ending the nine- Qatar 2022 year title run of Juventus. Inter clinched their 19th will be national title without playing because their only remaining memorable, rivals Atalanta failed to win in a 1-1 draw at mid-table Sassu- says Bougherra olo and trail by 13 points. Hundreds of Inter fans QNA immediately started gather- Algiers ing in front of Milan’s cathe- dral, according to the club’s Coach of Algeria ‘A’ na- TV, to celebrate the big mo- tional football team Mad- ment, but the club also urged jid Bougherra underlined them not to violate coronavi- that the State of Qatar will rus restrictions. organize one of the best “Now is the time to cel- World Cup tournaments ebrate, for all Inter fans. An ever, whether in terms of emanating joy that we invite organisation with the highly you to express in the most successful infrastructure responsible way possible: we or in terms of technology, are champions in this too,” emphasizing that the FIFA Inter said. World Cup Qatar 2022 will Atalanta had goalkeeper be an unforgettable event. Pierluigi Gollino sent off early, In an interview pub- still led from Germany defend- lished on the official web- er Robin Gosens’ effort in the site of the Algerian Football 32nd, but Sassololo levelled in Federation (FAF), former the 52nd from Domenico Be- captain Bougherra said that rardi’s penalty and Luis Muri- his country’s national team el then failed to convert a late seeks to win the FIFA Arab penalty for Atalanta after Sas- Cup 2021 which Qatar will suolo’s Marlon was dismissed. host later this year. Inter, who won 2-0 at rele- The draw for the Arab gated bottom club Crotone on Cup has placed Algeria in Saturday, can now celebrate A FC Internazionale supporter holds a smoke canister as they celebrate at Piazza Duomo in Milan on Sunday, after their team won the Italian Serie A Championship title. Inter Milan Group D, along with Egypt their first Scudetto since the clinched the Serie A title for the first time since 2010 when their nearest rivals Atalanta drew 1-1 at Sassuolo.(AFP) while and the qualifiers for treble-winning 2009-10 sea- the group qualification will be son under Jose Mourinho. their best previous showing They trailed crosstown ri- seen them pull away, with Bel- 69 points each, dethroned dramatic finale for the remain- played between Libya and Su- Inter are unbeaten in 18 in the league in a remarkable vals AC Milan by two points gian Romelu Lukaku their top Juve, who played Udinese, ing three Champions League dan, and Lebanon - Djibouti. matches and with a tally of 82 season under coach Antonio after the first half of the season scorer with 21 goals. also moved to 69, while Napoli berths. Lazio on 64 also have a Bougherra reiterated the points have already matched Conte. but 13 wins and two draws has Atalanta and Milan have are on 67 in what promises a mathematical chance. determination to win the Arab Cup, noting that it will be a high-level tournament, and that the team must Ronaldo’s late double make every effort to prepare Elneny and Aubameyang seal routine for it properly. He admitted that Alge- secures Juve vital win ria are placed in a difficult group, noting that of Egypt, win for Arsenal at Newcastle Libya and Sudan have players who play in the first DPA fell fortuitously to Elneny, who teams and have made many London struck a half-volley past Mar- qualifications. tin Dubravka from 18 yards. Bougherra revealed that Arsenal returned to win- Mat Ryan – one of nine the Algerian team will par- ning ways as goals from Mo- changes from the defeat to ticipate in the Arab Cup with hamed Elneny and Pierre- Villarreal – tipped over Allan the best players who are ac- Emerick Aubameyang sealed Saint-Maximin’s deflected ef- tive in the domestic league, a comfortable 2-0 win over fort soon after, while Dubrav- and will be supported by the Newcastle United on Sunday. ka pawed away Granit Xhaka’s first team players who are The Gunners had picked up long-range drive at the other active in the various Arab just one point from their pre- end. leagues that will end on the vious two Premier League Miguel Almiron denied sidelines of the tournament. games against Everton and Elneny a second shortly be- He noted that the Arab Fulham before they suffered fore the half-hour, clearing the Cup constitutes a good op- a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal in the Egyptian’s header from a cor- portunity to prepare for the first leg of their Europa League ner off the line. African Nations Cup, which semi-final onT hursday. Arsenal doubled their has been postponed to the However, they sealed all advantage in the 66th min- Berlin: A late Cristiano Ronaldo double gave Juventus a 2-1 win beginning of 2022, and also three points at St James’ Park ute when Aubameyang over Udinese in Serie A at the Dacia Arena Stadium on Sunday a great opportunity for the thanks to Elneny’s early goal Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (R) scores his showed superb athleticism which boosted their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions teams which will have the and Aubameyang’s second- team’s second goal during the English Premier League match against to volley home Martinel- League. Udinese went into the break ahead when Juve’s defence chance to compete at the half finish, the fifth consecu- Newcastle United at St James’ Park in England on Sunday. (AFP) li’s left-wing cross inside the switched off after a free-kick was awarded and Nahuel Molina’s low 2022 World Cup stadiums. tive game in which the Ga- six-yard box. shot found its way beyond Wojciech Szczesny. He added that the Arab bon international has scored Steve Bruce’s side remain after just five minutes through Any faint hopes the hosts Juventus fleetingly showed moments of quality but equalised with an Cup will allow Qatar to put against the Magpies. 17th, nine points clear of the Elneny’s first Premier League had of setting up a grandstand 83rd-minute spot-kick from Ronaldo, awarded after the Portugal for- the infrastructure into real The result lifted Arsenal up relegation zone with four goal in his 66th appearance in finale were dashed in the 90th ward’s free-kick moments earlier struck the arm of Rodrigo de Paul. operation prior to the start to ninth, while Newcastle fin- games remaining. the competition. minute when Schar saw red, as Ronaldo added a second with one minute left when he headed in of the major event - the FIFA ished with 10 men after substi- Arsenal wasted little time Aubameyang horribly Bruce’s men fell to just a sec- Adrien Rabiot’s cross at the back post to secure a dramatic late win World Cup Qatar 2022. tute Fabian Schar’s rash lunge stamping their authority on miss-kicked Hector Bellerin’s ond defeat in their past nine for Andrea Pirlo, who raced down the touchline to celebrate with on Gabriel Martinelli. the game, opening the scoring right-wing cross but the ball Premier League games. Juve’s players. (DPA) Manchester United-Liverpool match postponed following protests

DPA initial unspecified delay to the “However, we regret the “We sympathise with the London 4.30 pm (1530 GMT) kick-off. disruption to the team and police and stewards who had The Premier League said actions which put other fans, to deal with a dangerous situa- Manchester United’s Pre- that “the safety of everyone at staff, and the police in danger. tion that should have no place mier League clash against Liv- Old Trafford is paramount” “We thank the police for in football. erpool on Sunday was called and confirmation came their support and will assist The rearrangement of the off after fans broke into Old through from United at 5.35 them in any subsequent inves- fixture will be communicated Trafford and invaded the pitch pm that the match had been tigations.” in due course.” during a protest against the postponed. The Premier League con- Liverpool – another Glazer family. “Following discussion be- firmedthe collective deci- founding member of the Su- The Red Devils were among tween the Police, the Premier sion to call off the game was per League – said they were 12 clubs that last month signed League, Trafford Council and taken with security and safety in “full agreement with the de- up for the breakaway Europe- the clubs, our match against in mind. cision to postpone” Sunday’s an Super League, which col- Liverpool has been post- “We understand and re- match at Old Trafford. lapsed within 48 hours due to poned due to safety and se- spect the strength of feeling “It is our position that pub- huge, unrelenting pressure. curity considerations around but condemn all acts of vio- lic safety must be the number Those plans brought anger the protest today,” a club lence, criminal damage and one factor in any such deci- against the Glazer family that statement read. trespass, especially given the sion, with the ability to pro- own the club to a new level, “Discussions will now take associated COVID-19 breach- vide a secure environment for with fans congregating at Old place with the Premier League es,” a statement from the the participants, staff and of- Trafford to demand change on a revised date for the fixture. league said. ficials being a particular prior- ahead of Sunday’s clash with “Our fans are passionate “Fans have many channels ity,” the Anfield club said. rivals Liverpool. about Manchester United, and by which to make their views “It was clearly not possible But hundreds of support- we completely acknowledge known, but the actions of a for this to be guaranteed today ers got into the stadium and the right to free expression Supporters protest against Manchester United’s owners at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, on minority seen today have no due to a situation which esca- on to the pitch, leading to an and peaceful protest. Sunday, ahead of their English Premier League fixture against Liverpool.(AFP) justification. lated rapidly.” 14 Monday, May 3, 2021 Sports Basilashvili claims Munich title hvili returned to wrap up the Ramos-Vinolas 35-minute opener without a problem. Basilashvili lost just wins Estoril epic three service points. In a competitive second DPA/ATP set, Struff was unable to con- Munich vert one break point in the sixth game. Both players Nikoloz Basilashvili won a served extremely well in the fifth ATP Tour title as he tri- tie-break, which turned at 4/4 umphed at the BMW Open on when Struff struck a back- Sunday. hand into the net. Basilashvili The Georgian completed completed his 14th win of the an impressive week in Munich season on his second champi- by beating Jan-Lennard Struff onship point with a forehand 6-4 7-6 (7-5) to clinch the tro- winner. He is now 14-2 on Al Capdamunt won the Prix Haras Des Elys – Prix Nicolas Dieu, a maiden for 3-year-olds over 1,350 metres phy without dropping a set in German clay, which includes at Wissembourg, France, on Saturday. (Pic: Frederic Diehl) his five matches. the 2018 and 2019 Hamburg The win continued what European Open titles. has been a solid 2021 for Basi- “It’s a very good boost and lashvili, who won the title in to win a lot of matches is very Al Shaqab Racing’s Doha in March after defeating important for the upcoming Roger Federer in his second tournaments,” said Basilas- match following his return hvili. “I was hungry to play Al Capdamunt gets off from injury. well at this tournament.... I’m After retiring from his not looking for a coach right opening match in Monte Carlo now, but I am travelling with last month before losing to a physio and a fitness coach.” the mark in France Jeremy Chardy in Barcelona, Meanwhile at the Estoril the world number 35 had Open, Albert Ramos-Vinolas Tribune News Network and facing a less competitive Storm). looked in fine form in Mu- emerged victorious from a Doha field, won comfortably. From the first crop of AL nich before battling to victory marathon final against Cam- He is trained by Henri- Shaqab Racing sire Shalaa, Al against Struff in just under 86 Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili with the trophy after winning the final eron Norrie. Al Capdamunt (Shalaa x La François Devin in Chantilly Capdamunt was bred by Dun- minutes. against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff at the ATP tennis tournament in The 33-year-old was a set Pedrera) opened his scorecard and was ridden by jock- more Stud. He was bought as “It wasn’t easy and I was Munich, Germany, on Sunday. (AFP) and a break down but rallied on his second racecourse start ey Clement Lecœuvre to a foal at the Arqana Decem- super-tight at the end,” said to win 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in two when winning the Prix Haras 1½-length victory in front ber Breeding Stock Sale. Basilashvili. confidence for the upcoming quarter-finals. hours and 44 minutes in Por- Des Elys – Prix Nicolas Dieu, of the G. Geisler-trained and His dam, La Pedrera, is “It was very difficult.I t’s tournaments.” Basilashvili won eight of tugal. a maiden for 3-year-olds over Eva-Maria Geisler-ridden out of the Group 3 winner never easy playing Jan, he’s a Basilashvili, who was com- the first nine points against It was the Spaniard’s 1,350 metres at Wissembourg, DonTellYourMother (Biraaj Gay Hellene, dam of Group 1 very big fighter and serves re- peting in his seventh tour-level Struff, showcasing the kind of third Tour title and took him France, on Saturday. x Madda’s Force), with an- Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere win- ally well. final (5-2), captured the Qatar form that helped him beat sec- to a 16-5 record on clay this Owned by Al Shaqab Rac- other 4 lengths to the third, ner Naaqoos (Oasis Dream) “I am super happy. It ExxonMobil Open crown (d. ond seed Casper Ruud in the season. He has at least sev- ing, the bay gelding had fin- the R. Rohne-trained and and the Group 3 winner seems like German conditions Bautista Agut) in March. He semi-finals. Play was suspend- en more wins on the surface ished third on his debut at Nicol Polli-ridden Premero Barastraight (Barathea); both suit me. This is my fifth [ATP also recently beat Struff 7-5, ed due to rain with the Geor- than any other ATP player Saint-Cloud on the 6th April Pasado (Pomellato x Last are sires. Tour] title and it will give me 4-6, 6-3 in the Sardegna Open gian leading 4-2, but Basilas- this season.

Qatar team qualifies for FIFAe MADRID OPEN Nations Cup World finals Muchova shocks Osaka to reach Madrid Round of 16

WTA Madrid Karolina Muchova earned her third win over a Top 5 Karolina Muchova added yet another stunning win over player this season, as the a top player to her collection newest member of the Top with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 upset of 20 stunned World No.2 World No.2 Naomi Osaka in Naomi Osaka on Sunday. the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Sunday. “It was a tough match to- Halep is through to the day, but we had some prepara- third round in Madrid for the tion,” Muchova told the press sixth time in 10 career main- after completing her win. “I draw appearances in the was ready to play with all I Spanish capital, and will next had today, and to use all the face either No.13 seed Elise Ahmed Al Meghessib and Jassim Al Eid representing Qatar Football weapons I could and [do] what Mertens, who edged Elena Ry- Association (QFA) eNational Team have qualified for the final of the I can. I’m definitely happy it bakina, 7-6(4), 7-5. The Bel- Asian Cup and the World Championship in Copenhagen after their worked out today.” gian rallied from a 3-1 deficit victory over India in the eNations Qualifiers on Sunday. QFA congratu- The rising Czech captured in the first set, and saved four lated them in a tweet on their official account: “We congratulate our her third win over a Top 5 set points in the second as Ry- national team for electronic games, consisting of the duo Ahmed player this season, and her bakina served for a decider at Al-Mughiseeb and Jassim Al-Eid, for their qualification to the final of tenth Top 5 win in her career 5-4. the Asian Cup and the World Championship in the Danish capital of overall, with her one-hour and Elsewhere in Halep’s quar- Copenhagen after their victory today over India in the Nations Quali- 49-minute victory over reign- ter of the draw, two-time Ma- fiers,” QFA siad. The final tournament will pit 24 teams against each ing Australian Open champion drid finalist andN o.12 seed other (three players per team) on the biggest stage of competitive Osaka. Czech Karolina Muchova after defeating Naomi Osaka at the Madrid Open in Spain on Sunday. (WTA) Victoria Azarenka was forced FIFA. Within the FIFAe Nations Series, a total of 60 nations challenge “It’s not specific prepara- to withdraw from her second each other for a total prize pool of US$500,000. (TNN) tion if I play Top 10 players, point to cede a 2-1 lead to percent in the second set. mance in 37 minutes allowed round match against Jessica or Top 20 or Top 50 players,” Muchova. Osaka could not re- Halep to hand out a 6-0 open- Pegula with a low back injury. Muchova said. “It’s usually cover that break, as Muchova Halep holds off Zheng; er for the second match in a The American advances very similar, but I’m just try- punched away a volley in the Azarenka withdraws row, though Zheng earned to face Azarenka’s compatriot ing to prepare as much as I next game to save the only herself unconverted opportu- No.5 seed Aryna Sabalenka, Ajax clinch a 35th can and as best I can, and then break point she faced in the Later in the day, Roma- nities to get on the scoreboard. who advanced over Daria Ka- I just try to play my best on the set. nian Simona Halep booked a The World No.57 had four satkina earlier in the day. court.” Muchova eased to the spot in the third round hold- break points in the set, includ- In the decider, though, Dutch football title Fresh off her Top 20 debut one-set lead, ending the opening off a late-match surge from ing three in the first game of Muchova got back on track. At in the WTA singles rankings ing frame with another unre- an unseeded opponent for the the match, and also had two 1-0, the Czech fired a passing on Monday, Muchova contin- turned serve. second straight match. game points on serve in the winner to set up break point, ued to impress in her Madrid Muchova took control The No.3 seed won the first set’s final game before surren- then used a deep return to tournament debut, as she early in the second set as well, nine games against China’s dering the bagel. earn an early break. Muchova plays only her second event breaking for another 2-1 lead Zheng Saisai — and served for Zheng continued to com- was untroubled the rest of the since her breakthrough semifi- with continued aggression. the match at 6-0, 5-3 — before pete well in the second set: she way, zipping home from there nal run at the Australian Open However, Osaka was up to the ultimately wrapping up a 6-0, held from 15-30 down at 0-6, to notch her tenth match-win earlier this year. task, increasing the intensity 6-4 victory in one hour and 19 0-3 to win her first game of the of the season and claim her Muchova struggled with with her stellar forehand and minutes. match and broke Halep in the spot in the Madrid round of an abdominal injury after her earning her first break of the In her opening victory next game, and later, saved a 16. Melbourne exploits, which in- day with that wing to level the against Spain’s Sara Sorribes match point while serving at “I was trying to move cluded a win over World No.1 set at 3-3. Tormo on Friday, Halep also 0-6, 2-5 and again broke serve [Osaka] as much as possible,” Ashleigh Barty. Osaka grabbed the mo- led 6-0, 5-2, but needed to es- as the No.3 seed served for vic- Muchova said. “That was the But the Czech looked in mentum and dominated be- cape late in the second set in tory. tactic. It sounds easy like that, fine form against Osaka, as she hind that shot, knocking off an eventual 6-0, 7-5 win. “I knew from the previous but, you know, she’s playing survived a second-set come- five games in a row to sweep “It was almost the same [as match that I had to just stay really fast so it’s not that easy back by the No.2 seed. Mucho- through the rest of the set and the first round]... I was really there and to stop missing, be- on the court. va had 29 winners, two more tie up the match at one set focused in the last game and I cause she changed the rhythm. “In the second set espe- than Osaka, and converted apiece. just wanted to finish it,” Halep She changed the tactics,” Ha- cially, she started to be very half of her eight break points While the players had said in her on-court interview. lep said. aggressive. I got back to what on the day. roughly equivalent success “I think she played really Twelve of Halep’s 19 win- I did in the first set in the third Both players displayed behind their first serve in each well in the second set. It’s a ners for the match came in the set, and again, tried to move Ajax’ players celebrate winning their 35th national title after the powerful serving in the first set, Muchova’s first-service great victory and I’m really opening set, and she converted her left, right, dropshots, but Dutch Eredivisie match against FC Emmen which they won 4-0 set, but Osaka faltered early, percentage dropped from 73 happy about it.” six of the 11 break points she still in a fast way. In the third at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam on Sunday. (AFP) double faulting down break percent in the opener to 52 A pitch-perfect perfor- created overall. set, it went my way.” Sports Monday, May 3, 2021 15

QATAR BEACH VOLLEYBALL STARS YOUNOUSSE AND AHMED CLAIM CANCUN GOLD

Qatar’s beach volleyball stars Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan made it third-time lucky as they clinched gold winning the final of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 4-star Cancun Hub 3rd Event defeating Russians Konstantin Semenov and Ilya Leshu- kov 21-15, 21-12 at the Playa Delfines beach in Cancun, Mexico, late on Sunday. The Qatar duo had earlier won successive silver in the first two Cancun Hub events. Rahul diagnosed with acute Sri Lanka sniff victory as appendicitis, is hospitalised ANI in an official statement. Ahmedabad “It will be resolved surgi- cally and for safety measures, Indian Premier League he has been transferred to Bangladesh lose wickets (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings the hospital for the same,” he on Sunday informed that their added. ANI skipper KL Rahul has been KL Rahul currently holds Pallekele (Sri Lanka) diagnosed with acute appen- the Orange Cap in the ongoing dicitis. season as he has scored 331 Ramesh Mendis scalped The Punjab skipper had runs from seven matches. three while Praveen Jayawick- complained of severe abdo- Punjab Kings is currently rama picked two wickets as men pain on Saturday night at the fifth position in the Sri Lanka dismantled Bangla- and as a result, he was taken points table with 6 points from desh’s top-order to sniff vic- to the hospital for scans. “KL 7 games. The side will next tory on day four of the second Rahul complained of a severe take on Delhi Capitals at the Test on Sunday. abdomen pain last night and Narendra Modi Stadium later Bad light and a light drizzle after not responding to medi- today. forced early stumps in Palle- cation, he was taken to the In the last game against kele on the penultimate day as emergency room for further RCB, Rahul had played a Bangladesh scored 177/5 in the tests which revealed that he knock of 91 as his side gained second innings. Liton Das and was diagnosed with acute ap- a victory by 34 runs over Virat Mehidy Hasan are unbeaten pendicitis,” Punjab Kings said Kohli’s side. Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul. on 14 and four runs respectively with the visitors needing 260 more runs to win the second Test. Sri Lanka needs five wickets to seal the Test series on day five M( onday) as Buttler slams sizzling the first game of the tour had ended in a draw last week. Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz (R) watches as Sri Lanka’s Oshada Fernando (C) makes an unsuccess- In the first session onS un- ful attempt to catch the ball during the fourth day of the second and final Test cricket match between Sri day, Sri Lanka lost half their Lanka and Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, on Sunday. (AFP) ton as RR defeat SRH side with a lead of just over 360. The hosts resumed their In the second session, ANI innings at 17/2 on day four but chasing the target, Bangladesh Scoreboard New Delhi lost Angelo Mathews early. attacked, but Sri Lanka struck Sri Lanka (1st innings): 493 for 7 declared Bowling: Mehidy Hasan 14-3-66-2, Shoriful Karunaratne and Dhanan- to reduce the visitors to 112/3 Bangladesh (1st innings): 251 all out Islam 1-0-8-0, Taijul Islam 19.2-2-72-5 (1nb), Jos Buttler’s masterful 124- jaya de Silva then carried the before tea. Sri Lanka began the Sri Lanka (2nd innings Overnight 17-2) Taskin Ahmed 4-0-26-1, Saif Hassan 4-0-22-1. run knock was followed by a Sri Lanka innings before both final session on a high picking Lahiru Thirimanne c Shanto b M. Hassan 2 Bangladesh (2nd innings): spirited bowling performance Dimuth Karunaratne c Ali b Hassan 66 Tamim Iqbal c Dikwella b Mendis 24 batsmen went to the dugout. skipper Mominul Haque and Oshada Fernando st Liton b T. Islam 1 Saif Hassan c Lakmal b Jayawickrama 34 as Rajasthan Royals (RR) de- Dhananjaya de Silva played a Mushfiqur Rahim as Bangla- Angelo Mathews c Ali b T. Islam 12 Najmul Shanto b Jayawickrama 26 feated SunRisers Hyderabad counter-attacking knock as Sri desh lost half of their side with Dhananjaya de Silva c Shanto b T. Islam 41 Monimul Haque b Mendis 32 (SRH) by 55 runs in an Indian Lanka’s lead crossed 350. still needing more than 250 Pathum Nissanka c Shoriful b T. Islam 24 Mushfiqur Rahim c de Silva b Mendis 40 Premier League (IPL) encoun- Niroshan Dikwella c T. Islam b Ahmed 24 Liton Das not out 14 Sri Lanka lost a flurry of runs for a win. Ramesh Mendis c Tamim b T. Islam 8 Mehidy Hasan not out 4 ter here at the Arun Jaitley wickets against the run of play Mushfiqur, who was look- Suranga Lakmal b T. Islam 12 Extras: (3b) 3 Stadium on Sunday. which saw the hosts declaring ing good, was dismissed on 40 Praveen Jayawickrama not out 3 Total: (For 5 wkts, 48 overs) 177 For RR, Chris Morris and their innings at 194/9 to set a as Ramesh Mendis picked his Extras: (1nb) 1 Bowling: Lakmal 4-2-14-0, Mendis 20-0-86-3, Mustafizur Rahman scalped target of 437 for Bangladesh in third wicket to reduce Bangla- Total: (For 9 wkts, 42.2 overs) declared 194 Jayawickrama 20-5-58-2, de Silva 4-0-16-0. three wickets each. For SRH, the second Test. desh to 171/5. Manish Pandey was the top scorer after playing a knock of 31 runs. With this win, Rajasthan has moved to the sixth spot with 6 points from 7 games while SRH remains at Dhawan guides DC to win over Punjab Kings the bottom spot with just two points. Chasing 221, SRH got ANI the first six overs and the side’s off to a steady start as openers Ahmedabad powerplay score read 39/2. Jonny Bairstow and Manish Kagiso Rabada took the first two Pandey put on 57 runs inside Jos Buttler of Rajasthan Royals celebrates his century against Shikhar Dhawan played a wickets for the Delhi Capitals. the first six overs. Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League match played at knock of 69 runs as Delhi Capi- Dawid Malan then joined Mustafizur Rahman pro- the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. (BCCI/IPL) tals defeated Punjab Kings by Mayank Agarwal in the mid- vided the breakthrough to Ra- seven wickets in an Indian Pre- dle and the duo mixed cau- jasthan as he bowled Pandey the bat as RR posted a score answers to stop the duo. mier League (IPL) encounter tion with aggression to revive (31) in the seventh over. Soon of 220/3 in the allotted twenty The 150-run stand for the here at the Narendra Modi Sta- the innings for Punjab. Both after, Rahul Tewatia removed overs. Buttler and Samson second wicket finally came to dium on Sunday. batsmen put on 52 runs for Bairstow (30) reducing SRH played knocks of 124 and 48 an end in the 17th over as Vi- Along with Dhawan, Prith- the third wicket, but as soon as to 70/2 in the 8th over. respectively for the Royals. Ri- jay Shankar sent Samson (48) vi Shaw also played a quickfire Punjab started to gain an up- Kane Williamson and Vijay yan Parag also played a useful back to the pavilion, bringing knock of 39 runs. For Punjab per hand, Delhi stormed right Shankar were not able to get cameo of 15 runs from eight Riyan Parag to the crease. But- Kings, Chris Jordon, Harpreet back as Axar Patel bowled Ma- on with it and the asking run- balls. For SRH, Rashid Khan, tler registered his century off Brar, and Riley Meredith re- lan (26). In the very next over, rate increased substantially. In Sandeep Sharma, and Vijay just 56 balls and he brought turned with one wicket each. Deepak Hooda (1) was run-out trying to hit a big one, Shankar Shankar returned with one up the feat in the 17th over With this win, Delhi Capitals and as a result, Punjab was re- (8) perished in the 11th over wicket each. of the innings. In the final has moved to the first spot in Wicket-keeper Prabhsimran Singh of Punjab Kings, who replaced the duced to 88/4 in the 14th over. off the bowling of Chris Mor- Asked to bat first, RR was three overs, Parag (15*), But- the points table with 12 points unwell skipper and stumper KL Rahul, attempts to stop a ball during After Hooda’s dismissal, ris. Kartik Tyagi got the big- given a blow in the third over tler (124), and David Miller from 8 games while Punjab the Indian Premier League 2021 match against Delhi Capitals played Mayank took on the mantle gest wicket in the 13th over as of the innings as Rashid Khan (7*) managed to add 48 more Kings remain in sixth place in Ahmedabad on Sunday. (BCCI/IPL) of being the aggressor and he he dismissed Williamson (20) had Yashasvi Jaiswal (12) ad- runs to the total and as a re- with six points. Chasing 167, even dispatched Ishant Shar- and this left SRH staring down judged leg-before wicket. Skip- sult, Rajasthan registered a Delhi Capitals got off to a flying second wicket but with just 50 played an unbeaten knock of ma for 15 runs in the 16th over. the barrel at 105/4. per Sanju Samson next joined score of more than the 215-run start as openers Prithvi Shaw runs away from the target, Del- 99 runs as Punjab Kings posted Shahrukh Khan (4) and Chris Mohammad Nabi played a Buttler in the middle and the mark. Buttler was dismissed and Shikhar Dhawan put on 63 hi ended up losing the wicket a score of 166/6 in the allotted Jordon (2) disappointed with quickfirecameo of 17 runs from duo Rajasthan’s score to 42/1 by Sandeep Sharma in the pe- runs inside the first six overs. of Smith (24) in the 13th over. twenty overs. Along with Agar- the bat, but Mayank ensured just five balls, but his wicket in at the end of the sixth over. nultimate over, but Parag re- The introduction of Har- Rishabh Pant then came to the wal, Dawid Malan also chipped that Punjab posts a score of the 15th over proved to be the Buttler and Samson continued mained unbeaten. preet Brar paid off immediately middle and he played a useful in with a knock of 26 runs. For more than the 160-run mark. final nail in the coffin.A bdul to frustrate Hyderabad bowlers Scores: Rajasthan Royals as he clean bowled Prithvi (39) 14-run cameo. In the end, Dha- Delhi Capitals, Kagiso Rabada Scores: Punjab Kings 166/6 Samad (10) and Kedar Jadhav and in the process, the right- 220/3 (Jos Buttler 124, Sanju in the seventh over of the in- wan along with Shimron Het- returned with three wickets. (Mayank Agarwal 99*, Dawid (19) added some runs to the to- handed Buttler brought up his Samson 48, Rashid Khan 1-24) nings. myer (16*) took Delhi over the Asked to bat first,Punjab Malan 26, Kagiso Rabada 3-36) tal, but in the end, SRH had to half-century in the 13th over vs SunRisers Hyderabad 165/8 Steve Smith then joined line with seven wickets in hand Kings got off to a bad start as vs Delhi Capitals 167/3 (Shi- stumble to a 55-run loss. of the innings. Both batsmen (Manish Pandey 31, Jonny Dhawan in the middle and and 14 balls to spare. the side lost Prabhsimran Singh khar Dhawan 69*, Prithvi Shaw Earlier, Jos Buttler and continued with their carnage Bairstow 30, MustafizurR ah- the duo put on 47 runs for the Earlier, Mayank Agarwal (12) and Chris Gayle (13) inside 39, Harpreet Brar 1-19). Sanju Samson starred with and SunRisers bowlers had no man 3-20).