QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune World No. 2 QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Nadal starts with a bang in Madrid as Casillas and Raul watch on page 14 THURSday, MAY 6, 2021 Guardiola reflects on Man City journey after reaching CL final McIlroy brands Super Golf League proposals ‘a money grab’ DPA for is to make as much money Berlin as possible. Totally fine, then go and do Rory McIlroy branded plans that if that’s what makes you for a Super Golf League “a happy. money grab” as he underlined “But I’m playing this game his opposition towards any to try to cement my place in breakaway competition. history and my legacy and to McIlroy, who said he win major championships and was first approached about a to win the biggest tournaments breakaway format seven years in the world. ago, compared the proposals “I honestly don’t think to football’s European Super there’s a better structure in League, plans for which were place in golf, and I don’t think largely abandoned 48 hours there will be. after it was announced due to A report in the Daily Tel- an outrcry from fans and key egraph this week outlined pro- Manchester City’s Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the figures in the sport. posals for the event, referred UEFA Champions League second leg semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Etihad Stadium in “Maybe the source of the to as the Premier Golf League, Manchester, England, late on Tuesday. (AFP) money has changed or the with high-profile players said people that are in charge have to have been offered hugely lu- DPA changed, but nothing has hap- crative incentives to join. London We did it, we made an incredible Champions pened [since 2014],” McIlroy, PGA Tour commissioner a four-time major winner, said Jay Monahan addressed play- Pep Guardiola believes Man- League season. We deserve to be there on Wednesday. ers ahead of the Wells Fargo chester City’s ultimate target is and we are going to play the final. “If you go back to what Championship this week, where now in sight after guiding the happened last week in Eu- McIlroy is playing, with a Sky club to their first Champions Pep Guardiola rope with the European Super Sports report indicating profes- League final. League in football, people can sionals have been warned they City produced a stunning Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola holds his hand out see it for what it is, which is will face immediate expulsion performance against Paris helps us to make the bigger we are going to play the final.” in the hail stones as Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian head coach a money grab, which is fine if from the Tour should they sign Saint Germain on Tuesday picture,” said the City man- PSG were weakened by the Mauricio Pochettino (R) gives a pre-match media interview ahead that’s what you’re playing golf up for closed-shop competition. to book their place in Euro- ager, whose past success in the absence of star striker Kylian of the UEFA Champions League second leg semi-final at the Etihad pean club football’s showpiece competition with Barcelona Mbappe from their starting Stadium in Manchester, England, on Tuesday. (AFP) event in Istanbul on May 29. made him a target for the club line-up due to injury but still Riyad Mahrez scored in years before he was finally ap- hit City with a barrage of pres- victory was the least City de- final. We have finally got there each half as City won 2-0 at pointed in 2016. sure as they looked to overturn served for an outstanding per- and it is full credit to everyone. Quick read the Etihad Stadium to com- “What we have done in their first-leg deficit. formance in what has been an “I think this club needed Sterling racially abused after Man City’s win plete a 4-1 aggregate triumph these four years is incred- Yet City withstood every- extraordinary season for the this final, the players needed in their semi-final. ible, in terms of the Premier thing on a pitch unexpectedly club. The Carabao Cup was this final. London: Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling Reaching the final has been League, Carabao Cup, FA covered in ice after a heavy won last month and the Pre- I’ve said it numerous has been racially abused on Instagram less than 48 hours after a chief aim of the club ever Cups, every competition we hailstorm before kick-off. mier League title is set to fol- times, with the amount of tal- English football’s social media boycott came to an end. The abuse since their takeover by Sheikh have played, but reaching the They snatched the lead low, possibly this weekend. ent we have got in the dressing was flagged up to Instagram by the Daily Mail and came in the wake Mansour began their acceler- final helps us to understand through Mahrez on 11 minutes Walker said: “We still need room, for us not to be in the of City’s Champions League semi-final victory vero PSG. A spokes- ated ascent to the game’s top what we have done. after a quick break initiated by to finish the job inI stanbul but Champions League final is a person for Facebook, which owns Instagram, said: “The racist table in 2008. “Reaching the finalin this Ederson and then doubled their it is the icing on the cake so far disappointment every year. abuse sent to Raheem Sterling is unacceptable and we do not want Guardiola has overseen the competition is so difficult. It’s advantage through the same this season. “For us to finally get there it on Instagram. We have removed the comment and taken action past five years of that journey, the toughest because of quality player – grabbing his third goal “Obviously we have an im- is fantastic and it’s down to all against the account that posted it. As part of our ongoing work winning seven other trophies of opponents, the composure of the tie - just after the hour. portant game at the weekend the hard work, not just from in this space, we’ll soon be rolling out new tools to help prevent along the way, and he feels the you have to have, the suffering PSG then crumbled, with against Chelsea but we need to the players but everyone sur- people seeing abusive messages from strangers. No single thing club’s trajectory is now clear in toughest moments. Angel Di Maria sent off and enjoy this moment, it doesn’t rounding the club. We’ve fi- will fix this challenge vernighto but we’re committed to doing what for all to see. “We did it, we made an in- three other players booked in a come around often. I can as- nally got there and hopefully we can to keep our community safe from abuse.” (DPA) “I think reaching the fi- credible Champions League sea- petulant, ill-disciplined finale. sure you that, I have been trying we can do Manchester City nal of the Champions League son. We deserve to be there and Defender Kyle Walker felt a number of years to get to the proud.” Neymar and Mbappe? I’m optimistic for the future: PSG’s Leonardo DPA tipped to join Real Madrid. Champions League. We must Berlin “Honestly, now is not the continue. It has been a very time to decide or announce complicated year. We must be Paris Saint-Germain sporting anything,” Leonardo told RMC satisfied.” PSG pair Marco Ver- director Leonardo said while Sport. “We must be proud of ratti and Ander Herrera both now is not the time to decide what we have done. accused referee Bjorn Kuipers what is next for Neymar and “Our goal is to win. We of insulting them on Tuesday. Kylian Mbappe, he is “optimis- played better in two out of Verratti and Herrera re- tic for the future”. four halves, we scored weird acted angrily to the decision Neymar was unable to goals. There are a lot of positive to send off Di Maria as PSG lead a comeback on Tuesday things. became just the third team to as Mbappe watched from the “We got out of very difficult receive a red card in both legs sidelines - PSG beaten 2-0 by situations during the competi- of a Champions League semi- Manchester City, who pro- tion. I’m optimistic for the fu- final after Deportivo La Coru- gressed to the Champions ture.” na-Porto (2003-04) and Lyon- League final 4-1 on aggregate. Riyad Mahrez scored twice Bayern Munich (2009-10). Last season’s runners-up for hosts City in Manchester, “The referee told me ‘f*** PSG failed to land a single shot where PSG star Angel Di Maria you’ twice,” Verratti told RMC on target against City - the was sent off for kicking out at Sport post-match. “If I do that, first time the French side have Fernandinho with 21 minutes I get a 10-man ban. Of course I failed to do so in a Champions remaining. talk a lot with the referee, but I League game since 2003-04. PSG - who will now turn never say f*** you.” After falling short of the their attention to defending Herrera added: “We talk Istanbul showpiece, attention their Ligue 1 crown - were hop- about respect with the referees. immediately turned to the fu- ing to reach back-to-back fi- The referee tonight said f*** off tures of star duo Neymar and nals, but Leonardo added: “We to (PSG midfielder) Leandro Mbappe, who are both out of cannot forget what we have Paredes. If we say that, we get a contract in 2022 amid ongoing done over the past two years. three or four-match ban.” speculation. We reached the final and lost On the incident, Leonardo Neymar has previously said 1-0 against a team that won said: “We talked about that. “everything is almost settled” everything. This year, we elimi- It’s so clear that I don’t even in regard to a PSG contract nated Barca and Bayern. comment. It’s a shame. I think renewal though he continues “The objective is always there were a lot of situations Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (C) vies with Manchester City’s German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan during the UEFA Champions to be linked with a Barcelona to win. Our form has made that weren’t possible - not be- League second leg semi-final at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, on Tuesday.(AFP) return, while Mbappe has been us a real candidate to win the ing well managed.” Sports Thursday, May 6, 2021 13

EUROPA LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS Emery insists Arsenal Man United to finish ‘still favourites’ ahead of his Emirates return

DPA vourites at this stage. The Roma job, Arsenal seek Berlin first-leg result is too narrow to make a big difference. insists Arsenal “We have to try to compete remain the favourites to reach with these types of teams. the Europa League final as he “When I analyse our op- prepares to return to the Emir- ponents, the first thing I do is Villarreal comeback ates Stadium with Villarreal. study them and try to prepare Former Arsenal boss Em- to play against them at their DPA ery holds a 2-1 lead over his best. “Arsenal are structurally Berlin old club in the semi-final tie solid, they can keep posses- going into Thursday’s second sion, combine well, and have Jose Mourinho can’t help leg. quick and technically-gifted Roma just yet as it is up to Manu Trigueros and Raul players. Paulo Fonseca to guide them Albiol had given Villarreal “We are going to see through their Europa League a two-goal lead in the first Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, semi-final return leg against leg and the Gunners looked so we will face the best Arse- Manchester United on Thurs- doomed when Dani Ceballos nal side, both collectively and day. was sent off. individually.” United scored five second- But a controversial penalty has either scored or assisted in half goals last week to lead the that was won by Bukayo Saka each of his seven starts in the tie 6-2 and it appears unlikely and scored by Nicolas Pepe Europa League this season, for that Roma can bounce back ensures that it is all to play for six goals and three assists. two days after the announce- in the return fixture. While he thinks his side ment that Mourinho will re- Villarreal have progressed are underdogs, Emery is keen place fellow-Portuguese Fon- from 15 of their 16 two-legged to highlight the significance of seca for the new season. ties in major European com- this accomplishment. A second all-English final petition when winning the “It is a very beautiful mo- in three years looms in the first leg. ment for us,” he said. second-tier event on May 26 in Manchester United hold But the only exception was “We have been working Gdansk as Arsenal need just a a big lead against Roma against an English club at the throughout the year trying to 1-0 victory against Villarreal to while Arsenal must same stage of the same com- build on our confidence, re- return into the decider, having petition - in a tie against Liver- sults and objectives, and in lost the first game 2-1 inS pain. overcome a one-goal pool in 2016 - and Emery feels the Europa League we’ve had The Gunners lost the 2019 deficit against Villarreal Arsenal are the most likely a fairly solid campaign so far. final 4-1 against Chelsea. team to progress. “We are approaching the United won the Europa as an all-English final “The first-leg result doesn’t game in the same way we did League in 2017 and are taking is possible in the change my initial thoughts on the first leg. “We will build on nothing for granted despite Europa League. the competition,” Emery said our performance in the previ- the healthy lead against Roma. at his pre-match news confer- ous 90 minutes. We are 2-1 up, “It’s not finished. We have ence Wednesday. but that doesn’t change any- to stay focused and play the “Arsenal started as a fa- thing. We are going to try to be next game with the same men- Roma’s English defender Chris Smalling (R) vies with Manchester United’s French midfielder Paul Pogba during the UEFA Europa League vourite and they are still fa- ready for whatever lies ahead.” tality,” midfielder Paul Pogba semi-final first leg at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, on April 29, 2021.(AFP) warned. Manager Ole Gunnar Sol- owners. in order to do so.” times with Sevilla and has also skjaer struck a similar note, Roma meanwhile lost 2-0 Arsenal meanwhile have been in charge at Arsenal. saying: “I don’t feel the job at Sampdoria and in seventh only one real chance to play But Nicolas Pepe’s penalty is done, but it was a good job are below par in the Serie It’s not finished. We have to in Europe next season after a gave them hope to turn matters done. We did well but we know A which is to change in the stay focused and play the modest domestic campaign, around at the Emirates, and they have quality.” Mourinho era from summer next game with the same and that is winning the Europa winger Bukayo Saka has said United are well rested be- onwards. mentality. League which grants a berth in they have the class to do so. cause their Premier League Fonseca has pledged to the next Champions League. “We showed we are better match against Liverpool Sun- remain committed until the Paul Pogba of Man United They were also far from than them, even with 10 men, day was postponed after a pre- end of his term by saying: “We glorious last week at Villarreal so it is up to us. When we play game pitch invasion by fans still have some very important son that we want to win, and whose coach Unai Emery has properly we can beat anyone,” in a protest against the club games in front of us this sea- we will continue to give our all won the Europa League three Saka said.

Villarreal’s Spanish coach Unai Emery gestures during the Europa Arteta urges Arsenal players to ignore League semi-final first leg against Arsenal at the Ceramica Stadium in Vila-real on April 29. (AFP) takeover talk and ‘embrace’ EL DPA return fixture. Berlin Arsenal have progressed Mourinho will do a from each of their last two Eu- Mikel Arteta has urged his ropean knockout ties where Arsenal players to ignore talk of they lost the first leg. great job at Roma, a possible takeover at the club “We have to embrace the and “embrace the challenge” of challenge, the opportunity we overcoming Villarreal to reach have ahead,” Arteta said. “It is says Fonseca the Europa League final. only the 10th time the club is The build-up to last week’s in a European semi-final. We DPA 2-1 first-leg defeat in Spain was have to take the opportunity. Berlin dominated by suggestions that “It’s a massive game for Spotify CEO Daniel Ek is ready everybody but in particular for Jose Mourinho has been to buy out the Kroenke family. the club because we are repre- backed to do a great job at The current owners have senting the club and our fans Roma by Paulo Fonseca, the faced intense scrutiny in the and we want to do it in the best man he will be replacing at the wake of the Gunners’ ill- way by winning trophies. Serie A club. fated involvement with the Arsenal are relying on the Roma announced on Tues- proposed European Super Europa League to salvage their day that Fonseca will step League, leading to a large pro- campaign, with a place in next down from his role at the end Jose Mourinho. test two weeks ago. season’s Champions League of the season to make way for Thierry Henry this week their reward if they win the the arrival of Mourinho. is a sacred value. I am here confirmed Ek has reached out competition. It marks a swift return to today as on the first day: moti- to him, as well as fellow club Not since 1995-96 have Ar- management for the Portu- vated. I want to make the best legends Patrick Vieira and senal failed to qualify for Eu- guese, who was sacked by Tot- of Rome until the last day.” Dennis Bergkamp, to help ropean competition of some tenham on April 19 after a dis- Fonseca guided Roma to a with the takeover bid. sort, and Arteta has acknowl- appointing 17 months in charge. fifth-placed finish in the 2019- However, while talk of a Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta. (AFP) edged the importance of keep- Mourinho won two league 20 season but they sit seventh possible new era for Arsenal ing that run going. titles, the Coppa Italia twice and this campaign, 14 points adrift continues off the field, Arteta is pre-match news conference on right to express their views. purpose of the fans is to de- “Not being in the Champi- a Champions League during his of the Champions League only concerned about what hap- Wednesday. “I think that they have to fend the club and that they ons League is not something only previous spell in Italian qualification places. pens on it as his side prepare for “The best way to help the be able to do so,” he said. “If want the best for the team. We we want, but it’s the reality,” football, which was with Inter An impressive run to the Thursday’s visit of Villarreal. club is to win football matches it’s done in a specific way, then will try to do the same.” Nico- he said. between 2008 and 2010. Europa League semi-finals “We have to try to be away and be competitive at the high- they have the right to do it. We las Pepe’s penalty, after Manu “Nobody accepts the situa- Fonseca expects his suc- appears likely to come to an from all the rumours and est level.” More protests are have to prepare for the game Trigueros and Raul Albiol had tion as it is. We want to change cessor to do well during his end on Thursday, however, as everything that is happen- expected at Emirates Stadium in the best possible way. given Villarreal a two-goal it straight away and this sea- time in the Italian capital. United lead 6-2 heading into ing around the club and focus ahead of the Villarreal match “I wouldn’t like to use any lead in the first leg, ensures son we have the chance to “He is a great coach, we all the second leg in Rome. on the pitch,” Arteta said at a and Arteta respects the fans’ excuses. I know that the only that it is all to play for in the change it.” know that. I think he will do a Yet Roma famously over- great job,” Fonseca said at a turned a 4-1 first-leg deficit news conference on Wednes- to knock Barcelona out of the day previewing his side’s Eu- Champions League quarter- ropa League clash with Man- finals in 2018 and Fonseca is Quick read chester United. not ruling out another miracle Asked if the decision to step result. Manchester United face three games in five days as Liverpool match rescheduled down at the end of the season “It’s not easy to beat Man- was mutual, Fonseca replied: chester 4-0, but I’ve seen a lot London: Manchester United saw some supporters get into Old of Thursday’s Europa League ing Old Trafford dates, against will be broadcast live on “Speaking honestly, I thought of things in football. I believe will play three Premier League Trafford and onto the pitch. semi-final second leg atR oma Leicester City, Liverpool and Sky Sports. it was time to follow different in everything,” he said. matches in just five days after That match has now been to come first, with Ole Gunnar Fulham, have been rearranged, “The scheduling of that fixture paths with Roma. Roma have not lost both their postponed game against rearranged for May 13, which Solskjaer sure to be furious with the first two affected by means the visit of Leicester - “It is not one of the most legs of a two-legged knockout Liverpool was rearranged for follows hot on the heels of the about the scheduling as a Sunday’s postponement. already rearranged due to the difficult tests of my career, I tie in major European com- next Thursday. May 9 trip to Aston Villa and challenging season comes to a “United v Liverpool will now be Foxes’ involvement in the Emir- live this moment with normal- petition (excluding qualifiers) Sunday’s clash between the bitter home match against third- cluttered conclusion. played at 20:15 BST (1915 ates FA Cup final - has been put ity, as a professional focused since the 2015-16 Champions rivals was called off due to United placed Leicester on May 11. The club posted on their web- GMT) on Thursday 13 May and, back 24 hours to Tuesday 11 on my work until the last day. League last-16 meeting with fans’ anti-Glazer protest, which United have the small matter site: “Each of our three remain- as intended originally, the game May.” (dpa) “For me, professionalism Real Madrid. 14 Thursday, May 6, 2021 Sports MADRID OPEN Grosjean to have final F1 drive in Hamilton’s title-winning car

DPA diums, said: “I am so excited London to jump back in an F1 car. Nadal starts “It will be a special op- Romain Grosjean will com- portunity for me and to plete the final chapter of his drive a world championship- Formula One career by driving winning Mercedes will be a Lewis Hamilton’s title-win- unique experience. ning Mercedes. “The first I heard about the with a bang as The 35-year-old French- chance to drive a Mercedes man’s time in F1 ended pre- was in my hospital bed in Bah- maturely after he sustained rain when [team principal] severe burns in a remarkable Toto [Wolff] made the invita- fireball crash at last Novem- tion. Reading that cheered me ber’s Bahrain Grand Prix. up a lot.” Casillas and But Grosjean, who has not Wolff said: “The idea first driven a grand prix machine came when it looked like Ro- since the jaw-dropping acci- main would be ending his ac- dent, will take to the cockpit of tive career in Formula One, and Hamilton’s 2019 Silver Arrows we didn’t want his accident to for a specially-arranged Mer- be his last moment in an F1 car. cedes test at the Paul Ricard “I have known Romain Raul watch on circuit in France on June 29. since his days in Formula He will also complete a Three when he won the cham- demonstration run in Hamil- pionship. He enjoyed a long ton’s car ahead of the French and successful F1 career and Grand Prix two days later, it we wanted to make sure that was announced on Wednesday. his final memories would be at Grosjean, who competed the wheel of a championship- in 179 races and scored 10 po- winning car.” Spaniard Rafael Nadal serves to compatriot Carlos Alcaraz during their 2021 ATP Tour Madrid Open match at the Caja Magica in Madrid on Wednesday. (AFP) World No. 2 cruises past birthday boy Alzaraz in impressive start to his campaign DPA win the Barcelona Open last greats Iker Casillas and Raul in “The first set wasn’t easy Schwartzman 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, Berlin month and continued his mo- the crowd to watch him. and I thought it was going to having also defeated the mentum in this round-of-32 Nadal will play Alexei Pop- be where I had another 25 French Open semi-finalist at Rafael Nadal cruised to vic- clash. yrin, a straight-sets winner break points and I wouldn’t the Australian Open this year. tory over birthday boy Carlos As wildcard Alcaraz turned against rising star Jannik Sin- win. “I finally played quite In-form Karatsev will face Alcaraz to start his Madrid 18, the spectators sang happy ner, in the next round. well and did well in the third Alexander Bublik next after Open campaign in impressive birthday to him but he could Elsewhere, second seed set. Madrid is a little faster his fourth top-10 win of the fashion. not mark the occasion with a Daniil Medvedev came from than other clay tournaments, year. The world number two famous result against his idol, behind to defeat home hope so it is better for my game.” Fifth seed Alexander moved into the last 16 with a with Nadal broken just once on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina The win means Medvedev Zverev said he was “clinical” in 6-1, 6-2 victory on Wednesday. his way to a 78-minute victory. 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. It was his first has an 18-3 record this season dispatching Kei Nishikori 6-3, After being knocked out Five-time tournament win- win in seven ATP Tour match- and faces Chile’s Cristian Ga- 6-2 in just 74 minutes, while of the Monte Carlo Masters ner Nadal converted five of his es on clay. rin next. fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas by Andrey Rublev in the last seven break points in a ruth- “I am happy with the win,” Medvedev’s compatriot will play Benoit Paire later on Romain Grosjean is returning to the sport to complete a special eight, Nadal bounced back to less showing, with Real Madrid said the Russian. Aslan Karatsev beat Diego Wednesday. Mercedes test drive in France next month.

Page to make Wales Barty holds off Kvitova, Badosa upsets Bencic again WTA straight. Today’s result pushes decisions for Madrid Barty ahead of the 14-match career-best streaks set by Ve- Euro 2020 No.1 seed Ashleigh Barty under- nus Williams in 2004 and Si- lined her dominance of the Tour mona Halep in 2018-19. DPA with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 defeat of By contrast, Kvitova has London No.9 seed Petra Kvitova in one now lost nine of her last 10, hour and 48 minutes to reach and 15 of her last 20, matches Wales caretaker boss Robert her first Mutua Madrid Open against Top 10 opponents. In- Page said on Wednesday he semi-final late on Tuesday. deed, Barty is the only player has taken full control of the There, she will face a re- in that echelon whom the national team’s preparations match against the only player Czech has defeated since 2019, for Euro 2020 in the absence to have beaten her since Feb- in the 2020 Doha semifinals. of manager Ryan Giggs. ruary - wildcard Paula Badosa, “Petra and I, we respect Giggs stepped back from who became the first Spanish each other as tennis players,” his role in November and is woman to reach the last four said Barty. “And I respect her due to appear at Manchester in Madrid with a 6-4, 7-5 upset immensely as a person. I love Crown Court on May 26 after of No.8 seed Belinda Bencic. who she is as a person, and on being charged with assaulting Barty’s reign is borne out the court it’s more than just two women and controlling or in the numbers. The Austral- Paula Badosa celebrates beating about the result. I think we coercive behaviour. He denies ian has extended her winning Belinda Bencic. (AFP) love to compete, we love to the charges. streaks on red clay to 15, and test each other, we love to test Page said: “Of course against Top 20 opponents to keep chipping away and trying ourselves. they’re difficult circumstances, 10. Her season record is 24- to find a way - and then give “I think that brings in a there’s no hiding away from 3, and she has won five of her Australian Ashleigh Barty returns the ball to Czech Petra Kvitova during their 2021 WTA Tour Madrid Open yourself time to do that.” really healthy kind of compe- that, but it is what it is, the past six meetings with Kvitova match at the Caja Magica in Madrid on Tuesday. (AFP) Among active players, only tition and relationship on the situation we’ve been put in, to tie their overall head-to- Serena Williams and Sara Er- court that at the end of the day so we’re dealing with it in the head at 5-5. her record in deciding sets. yourself the best chance to do they play on the court. I have rani have compiled longer the result doesn’t always mat- best way possible. Moreover, Barty has also “Always staying in the hunt what you do and to figure it always been quite calm on the streaks on red clay. Serena ter. I think being able to enjoy “The previous two camps now won 11 of the 12 three- and never letting it slide away. out and to find your way. court. That’s just always been won 32 matches in a row on it and have a smile on your the boys have reacted in a posi- setters she has played in 2021. That certainly doesn’t guaran- “I think it’s important not my demeanor. But for me, it’s it between 2013-14, as well as face is a massive part of why I tive way, they’ve not been affect- “It’s just always staying tee results, doesn’t guarantee to panic, but everyone emo- more about just trusting my- 15 in a row in 2002-03, while feel the tennis is always a re- ed by it whatsoever and I think in the fight,” said Barty about success. It guarantees you give tionally has different ways that self and knowing that we just in 2012 Errani captured 16 ally good level.” common sense prevails and it’s a continuity that the players want as well.” Page said he had been in touch with Giggs, who has missed the last two training Solskjaer: United protests went ‘too far’, confirms Glazers apology camps in November and March, and the former Manchester DPA outside the ground. dealt with, there’s friction. and I’ve always had a good re- United winger has offered his Berlin Solskjaer feels that - cou- “Others have started dis- lationship and they listen to support from a distance. pled with the trespassing at cussing with fan groups al- me, they listen to the fans and “It’s great to hear that, but Manchester United man- Old Trafford - meant some ready, which will be massive I’m sure there’ll be better com- ultimately now the decisions ager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took their actions too far. for us going forward. munication coming.” moving forward will be from believes supporters’ protests “It was a difficult day for “I would be sad if all the But Solskjaer’s focus is myself and (coaches) Albert against the club’s owners went us,” Solskjaer said ahead of good work the players have building on the 6-2 defeat of (Stuivenberg) and Tony Strud- “too far” as they led to the post- Thursday’s Europa League done got disrupted. Our focus Roma last week and secur- wick, Tony Roberts and the col- ponement of Sunday’s Premier semi-final second leg against is on playing well and getting ing a first final appearance as lective as a group,” Page said. League clash with Liverpool. Roma. “Of course we wanted to a final now.” United co-own- United boss, which he hopes When asked if Giggs would The club’s involvement in to play and beat Liverpool, for er Joel Glazer issued a public can at least temporarily serve have any involvement leading the breakaway European Su- the fans, even. apology to United fans in the as a welcome distraction. up to the tournament, Page per League, which swiftly col- Our job has to be getting wake of the Super League’s col- “Sometimes frictions and said: “No. I had a great con- lapsed, had reignited lingering good results on the pitch, lapse, and Solskjaer has now challenges can move things versation with Ryan last week. resentment of the ownership that’s the players’ focus, my revealed he received a personal forward,” he said. “The last “Obviously we’ve been in at Old Trafford. focus, but as I said before the message from the owners. few weeks have been tough. touch. You don’t go from being The Glazers, who acquired game, we have to listen, hear Manchester United’s Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thanks “I’ve been communicating “I’ve had backing, I have friends and work colleagues, the club through a leveraged the fans’ voices, it’s everyone’s the officials after the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg at with owners, I got a personal to say. I’ve been put in charge working in a close environ- buyout in 2005, have long right to protest. Old Trafford on April 29. (AFP) apology, they apologised to and I’m responsible for the ment, to then not speaking.” been unpopular but became “But it has to be in a peace- fans for how this came out,” footballing matters, and I un- Page added: “Of course the subject of increased criti- ful manner. Unfortunately, not about opinions anymore.” be better, Solskjaer understands he continued. “I know they’ve derstand fans want to see tro- I will speak with him. He cism in recent weeks. when you break in, when po- Other clubs involved in the United are taking such steps. started communications with phies and progress. wants what’s best for Wales. Protesting fans gained ac- lice get injured, scarred for attempted breakaway are try- “Of course, my focus has to other individuals. “Hopefully we can get to Yes, with regards to decisions cess to the pitch on Sunday life, that’s one step too far, and ing to build bridges with sup- be on the results, but you don’t “As I said, it’s a difficult po- a final tomorrow, that’s the and finalising things, that will and a minority of United fans when it gets out of hand like porters, and while accepting the have to be a rocket scientist to sition for me to be in because short-term fix, then we’ll take be me.” clashed with police officers this, it’s a police matter, it’s communication with fans has to see we have challenges to be I’ve got to focus on the football it from there.” Sports Thursday, May 6, 2021 15 Ichiyama and Kipkoech win Olympic test events

DPA nese podium sweep in the Frankfurt women’s race with 1 hour 8 minutes 28 seconds while ’s Mao Ichiyama and Kipkoech dominated the Twice world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri and world record Hillary Kipkoech of Kenya men’s race in a personal best holder Letesenbet Gidey will resume their rivalry in the 3000m won races 1:00:46 hours. No spectators at the Wanda Doha Diamond League in Doha on May 28. in Sapporo on Wednesday were allowed. which served as test events presi- for the Olympic dent Sebastian Coe was pre- Obiri and Gidey later this year. sent and quoted as saying The course was similar to that the races “demonstrated the first half of the Olympic the highest level of capability ready for 3000m marathon course, with the to organise these successful marathons and race walks marathon events during this moved to the northern city summer’s Games.” Doha showdown of Sapporo from the Olympic Another athletics test host city of to avoid event is scheduled for Sun- World athletics 2020 Monaco Diamond the intense heat there. day in Tokyo’s National Sta- Doha League, said: “After my Wednesday’s races fea- dium. half marathon debut in tured mainly Japanese run- The Olympics are to go Two-time world 5000m April (she ran 1:04:51 in ners but some international ahead July 23-August 8 de- champion Hellen Obiri and Istanbul) I’m looking for- athletes were also present, spite Tokyo being in another world record holder Le- ward to getting back on the having to isolate in their ho- state of emergency and more tesenbet Gidey will resume track, especially at the Doha tel rooms apart from training than 70 per cent of the Japa- their rivalry when they line Diamond League meeting and the race owing to coro- nese the Games will be post- up over 3000m at the Wan- where I will be going for my navirus regulations. Mao Ichiyama of Japan crosses the finish line to win the women’s half-marathon of Hokkaido-Sapporo Marathon poned again or cancelled ow- da Doha Diamond League fourth 3000m win. I ran Ichiyama led a Japa- Festival 2021, a testing event for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics marathon race, in Sapporo on Wednesday. (AFP) ing to the pandemic. on Friday 28 May. the Kenyan record there in Obiri, the world cross- 2014 (8:20) and the sec- country champion, set a ond-fastest 3000m in my Kenyan 3000m record of career there last September 8:20.68 in Doha in 2014. (8:22). She also won over the same “Doha is also the place People keen to see rest of IPL 2021 staged, distance at the Doha Dia- where I won my last world mond League in 2019 and title in 2019, but this year 2020. it is all about the Olympic but logistics very tricky, says Atherton Gidey smashed the Games as that is the only world 5000m record in major gold medal that I’m ANI India, the IPL was providing a Valencia last year, clock- missing and I’m work- London bit of daily respite for people to ing 14:06.62. Although ing hard to change that watch in the evening. That ar- Obiri leads their career this year. The 3000m and Former England opening gument held water, just about, head-to-head record at 9-5, 5000m races are very com- batsman Michael Atherton but it didn’t once the bubbles Gidey has finished ahead petitive at the moment and reckons that staging the re- were breached,” he added. of Obiri twice in Doha: at I expect we will see some maining matches of the Indian The England and Wales the 2018 Diamond League fast times in the next few Premier League (IPL) 2021 Board (ECB) has al- meeting and at the 2019 months and in Tokyo.” season will be a logistical issue ready confirmed that eight World Championships over The 2021 Wanda Dia- for the Board of Control for of the 11 English players who 10,000m. mond League comprises 14 Cricket in India (BCCI). were playing in the 14th edi- “I’m happy to start meetings – starting with The Indian Premier tion of the IPL have returned my season in Doha,” said Gateshead (replacing Rabat League Governing Council home after the season was Gidey, who in 2019 broke as the first host city on this (GC) and the Board of Con- postponed on Tuesday. Obiri’s African 3000m re- year’s circuit) on Sunday trol for Cricket in India (BCCI) Speaking to ANI, Danny cord with 8:20.27. “It will 23 May – leading to a sin- on Tuesday, in an emergency Reuben – head of team com- be my first race as a world gle final across two days in meeting unanimously decided munication for the England record-holder and I feel ex- Zurich at the end of the sea- to postpone IPL 2021 season, cricket team – confirmed that cited to see where I am in son. Each meeting will be with immediate effect. while 8 players are back in the terms of condition. It will be broadcast globally in a live “The IPL is obviously worth UK, the remaining three play- a very important stepping two-hour programme. a lot of money to the global ers are set to leave India in the stone towards the Olympic The 2021 calendar re- game - I think it brings in a third next 48 hours. Games later in the season.” mains subject to change of the game’s global revenue - As many as 30 matches of the IPL 2021 season were played out and 30 matches still remain. “I can confirm that 8 of Obiri, who defeated depending on the global so people will be keen to see it the 11 England players in In- Gidey in their most recent health situation in the com- staged, but the logistics are very ers Varun Chakravarthy and Saha and ’ Amit franchises’ bubbles - three or dia managed to get on a flight clash over 5000m at the ing months. tricky for the tournament now,” tested posi- Mishra also tested positive for four franchises had to go into to Heathrow last night and Atherton told Sky Sports. tive for COVID-19. the virus and these cases and quarantine or isolation - and, have landed this morning. As many as 30 matches CSK’s bowling coach L Bal- the safety of those involved in once that happened, the tour- They will now quarantine in of the IPL 2021 season were aji, batting coach Mike Hussey the league saw the BCCI put nament became impossible re- government-approved hotels. played out and 30 matches and one bus cleaner also test- an end to the ongoing season ally,” said Atherton. The remaining three – Jor- SL vs Ban: Three-match ODI were still remaining in the ed positive for the virus. of the IPL. “Up until that point, they dan, Malan, Morgan – should season. Over the course of the On Tuesday, SRH’s - “It became inevitable once could make an argument that leave India within the next 48 series to be played in Dhaka last two days, two KKR play- keeper-batsman Wriddhiman the Covid cases got inside the in a pretty horrendous time for hours,” he said. ANI playing a practice match on Dhaka May 21. After the conclusion of the Bangladesh Cricket Board ODI series on May 28, the Sri NBA ‘Bayern have (BCB) on Wednesday con- Lankan team will depart on firmed that thethree-match the following day. gathered ODI series between Sri Lanka This will be Bangladesh’s and Bangladesh will be played third ODI series within the Giannis leads Bucks into playoffs, hunger for in Dhaka. ICC’s World Cup qualifying The three-match series campaign. They are currently in title again’ which is a part of the ODI Su- sixth place after defeating West as Curry breaks more records per League will be held on May Indies 3-0 at home in January. DPA 23, 25, and 28, within a bio- Bangladesh then lost to DPA The high-flying Phoenix Munich bubble stretching between the New Zealand 3-0 in March. Berlin Suns produced a 20-4 over- team hotel and Shere Bangla Sri Lanka who lost to West In- time run to outlast the Cleve- Bayern Munich will have National Stadium in Dhaka, re- dies 3-0 last month, are now in Giannis Antetokounmpo land Cavaliers 134-118, helping their second chance to wrap up ported ESPNcricinfo. Sri Lanka 12th place. scored 36 points with 12 re- them return to the top spot in a ninth consecutive Bundesliga will arrive in Dhaka on May 16, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh bounds to lead the Milwaukee the Western Conference. Devin title on Saturday against Borus- and then the side will complete recently played a two-match Bucks to a 124-118 win over the Booker (31 points), Chris Paul sia Moenchengladbach and for- a three-day quarantine. Test series, which was won by Brooklyn Nets and secure their (23 points and 16 assists) and ward Thomas Muller says the The visitors will then be the former. NBA playoff spot on Tuesday. Mikal Bridges (22 points) led team are determined to take it. Milwaukee’s victory moved the Suns in Cleveland. “We want to settle the the Bucks to 41-24, narrowing Lonzo Ball equalled his championship as soon as pos- in on the Nets (43-23), who career high with 33 points, in- sible,” Mueller told the Bayern CWI hand all-format retainer are second behind the Phila- cluding a crucial late jumper to webpage on Wednesday. delphia 76ers (44-21) in the keep the New Orleans Pelicans “We have gathered the hun- contract to Holder Eastern Conference, with the and their postseason hopes ger again in the two weeks we postseason fast approaching. alive via a 108-103 win over didn’t have a game.” Bayern ANI ball and white ball cricket re- The triumph was also a the Golden State Warriors. missed their first opportunity St John’s (Antigua) spectively. tie-breaker win for the Bucks, Hamidou Diallo had 35 to seal the deal away to Mainz who also beat the star-studded points but the Detroit Pistons on April 24 when they lost 2-1 Cricket West Indies (CWI) West Indies Men International Nets 117-114 on Sunday too, in still lost 102-99 to the Char- but retain a seven-point lead on Wednesday confirmed the Retainer Contracts 2021-2022: a boost in the race for seedings. lotte Hornets, who were led by over RB Leipzig with just three international retainer con- All-Format Contracts: Jason Two-time reigning MVP rookie LaMelo Ball and his 23 games remaining. tracts for the West Indies Holder; Red Ball Contracts: Antetokounmpo was crucial but points, seven rebounds, six as- Leipzig could even surren- Men’s Team for the 2021- Kraigg Brathwaite, Jermaine Khris Middleton came up big in sists and two steals. der their lingering hopes before 2022 season. Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner*, the final quarter, finishing with Stephen Curry scored 37 Bayern’s late kick-off should A total of 18 players have Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da 23 points and Jrue Holiday (23 points, including eight from be- they lose away to Borussia been offered contracts for the Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kyle points and 10 assists) made a yond the arc to create history, Dortmund earlier Saturday in a upcoming 2021-22 season Mayers and Kemar Roach; key stop late in the contest. joining Ray Allen as the only cup final dress rehearsal. which runs from July 1, 2021 White Ball Contracts: Kieron Nets star Kyrie Irving had players in NBA history to make “We had time to recover to June 30, 2022. Pollard, Fabien Allen, Dar- a game-high 38 points, while 2,800 career three-pointers. physically and mentally,” said For the first time Nkru- ren Bravo, Shai Hope, Akeal Kevin Durant added 32 with The two-time MVP also became Mueller, who along with the mah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Hosein*, Evin Lewis, Alzarri nine rebounds and six assists. the fastest player to reach 300 departing David Alaba is on the Akeal Hosein and Kyle May- Joseph, Nicholas Pooran and The Los Angeles Clippers three-pointers in one season, brink of a record 10th national ers have been awarded Inter- Hayden Walsh Jr. stormed home after a sluggish needing only 58 games. championship. national retainer contracts, All players who are no longer on start to secure a 105-100 over- Tim Hardaway Jr. was feel- “If you look back to when I whilst newly appointed Test International retainer contracts time win against the Toronto Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after scoring a ing it in the Dallas Mavericks’ first got properly into the first captain Kraigg Brathwaite are offered an A* grade Regional Raptors. Paul George finished three point basket during the third quarter of an NBA game against 127-113 win over the Chicago team in 2009 and the develop- and Darren Bravo receive in- Franchise Contract for the with 22 points, nine rebounds the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Bulls, shooting down 10 three- ment of my career, of course it ternational contracts for red following year. and four assists. Louisiana, on Tuesday. (Getty Images/AFP) pointers in his 36-point display. is insane,” said Mueller.