CCRICKETRICKET | Page 6 Perera takes Sri Lanka to thrilling win over South Africa

Sunday, February 17, 2019 GOLF Jumada II 12, 1440 AH Local boy Mathiesen GULF TIMES claims Qatar Open amateur title SPORT Page 8

TENNIS / QATAR TOTAL OPEN Mertens shocks Halep for biggest win of her career Unseeded Belgian overcomes a forgettable first set and a back problem to beat Romanian top seed

By Anil John Doha

hat makes watch- ing sport an exercise well worth the time you invest is getting Wto see someone upset all calcu- lations predicated on form and pedigree, and walk away with the top prize. That was exactly how things unfolded at the Khalifa Interna- tional Tennis and Squash Com- plex yesterday as the unseeded Elise Mertens produced a stun- ning fi ghtback to deny top seed Simona Halep a second Qatar Total Open title with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory in two hours and 13 minutes. In fact, Halep’s tremendous form and amazing levels of fi t- ness had been dominating con- versations at player interviews throughout the week in Qatar, with many predicting the ti- tle was hers for the taking if she reached the fi nal. In the process they forgot that Mertens was not here merely for the sake of it and grab whatever crumbs came her way. As a pro in a cut-throat world, Mertens knew a defeatist attitude can be her biggest enemy. And she proved that she is made of sterner stuff , both physically and men- tally, as she shrugged off a Qatar Foundation vice chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani (fourth from right), Qatar dispiriting fi rst set, during Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation President Nasser al-Khulaifi (second from right), tournament which she didn’t win a sin- director Saad al-Muhannadi (right), Qatar Total Open runner-up Simona Halep (fourth from left) of Romania gle point from games seven and Total Qatar off icials applaud as champion Elise Mertens (third from right) lifts the winner’s trophy at the to nine, before matching Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURES: Jayan Orma Halep stroke for stroke in the second and then raising her game a notch in the third for her fi rst Premier-level victory and her fi fth career title. The 23-year-old Belgian also took a longish medical timeout to get treatment on her back in the second set, and that seemed to pay immediate divi- dends as she turned the match on its head. “Well, my back was a little bit blocked. Of course after play- ing so many matches, it could happen sometimes. So I really needed the physio on court. They did a tape on my back. So that Qatar Total helped for me to rotate better,” Open champion Elise said Mertens. Mertens of Belgium kisses the winner’s trophy “After that, I didn’t really want at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. to keep my mind on my — well, on my back, not really injury, but fourth, Mertens restored her ad- “But she deserved to win. She come back next year when the the blocked back — so I stepped vantage with another break in the was stronger. She was fresher. tournament would be moved to in the game again and just tried fi fth. I’m not making a drama. I’m just the third week of February to to focus on the points.” That left Halep trailing 3-5 and taking it. It’s a fi nal. After the Fed give players enough rest, she said Mertens added that she had no needing to hold her serve in the Cup, it’s is never easy to come she loved Doha so much that it option but to keep fi ghting in the ninth game, but before long she and play a tournament. So I’m doesn’t really matter. wake of Halep’s relentless purple was 15-40 down. A long forehand happy,” said Halep. “Even if it didn’t change, I will Hao-Ching Chan and Latisha Chan, from Chinese Taipei, won the Qatar Total Open doubles final defeating patch in the fi rst set when she gave Mertens the win and the Halep added that she felt she come. So I come every time here,” Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Demi Schuurs 6-1, 3-6, 10-6 yesterday. QTSBF secretary-general Tariq Zainal won three straight games at love. Belgian celebrated by with a few was “losing” her energy over the she said with a smile. presented the trophies to the players. “Of course, I was a set and a fi st pumps. past couple of days. break down. Yeah, I mean, she Halep said fatigue got to her in “Two days ago I felt that my played well at that time. I really the end when asked what went level is going a little bit down be- QTSBF holds general assembly to discuss development of the game had to step up in the court, play wrong in her 34th career fi nals. cause of the energy that I’m los- better tennis than before. She “My energy, and the fact that I ing every match. And over these QNA the Qatar Total Open. and increasing other develop- discussed the biggest future was really hitting the ball pretty was really tired in the third set. I two weeks it’s is not easy to stay Doha The meeting discussed ways ment programmes focusing on events, particularly the hosting clear and clean. couldn’t have the chance to win very high with the energy. to develop tennis, squash and the national coach programme. the squash World Championships “Yeah, I just kept on fi ghting. this match. I had to be 100 per- “But I didn’t want to give up. I badminton in Qatar as well as QTSBF secretary-general Tarek in Qatar at the end of the year. He I think holding serve was a big cent to be able to win such a big think it’s been a great week. I will he General Assembly of to improve the level of Qatari Zainal said after the assembly said that the federation is looking process, especially the fi rst set match,” said the Romanian, who take this fi nal, because I’m happy Qatar Tennis, Squash and players in these sports, either that they discussed the future to organise a special edition that didn’t really go well, but I think has won close to 30 million dol- to play fi nal here in Doha. To play TBadminton Federation by increasing the number of plans to develop tennis, squash reflects the status of the State of the positivity kept me going.” lars in her career so far, and will a fi nal is something special. It’s (QTSBF) was held on Friday un- international and local champi- and badminton in cooperation Qatar in the sports field, thanks Halep was broken in the very go up to World No.2 when the something big. I’m really happy der the chairmanship of Nasser onships or involving players in with Qatar Olympic Committee. to the unlimited support of the fi rst game of the third set and new rankings are issued tomor- and proud of that.” al-Khulaifi, on the sidelines of tournaments and outdoor camps He added that the meeting also country’s wise leadership. although she broke back in the row. Asked whether she would Gulf Times 2 Sunday, February 17, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS / ROTTERDAM OPEN GOLF Monfi ls rallies to Scott, Thomas lead at rain-hit Riviera AFP beat Medvedev Los Angeles ustralia’s Adam Scott and American Justin Thomas topped the leaderboard at 10-un- derA par on Friday when darkness halted play in the second round for fi nal spot of the weather-disrupted Gen- esis Open. Scott and Thomas both posted Frenchman avenged his loss to the Russian at Sofia a week ago fi ve-under par 66s on Friday, and each was fi ve-under for the Agencies second round when darkness fell Rotterdam, Netherlands on another rainy day at Riviera Country Club, where organis- ers were scrambling to get the ael Monfi ls returned tournament back on track for a to the fi nal at the Rot- Sunday fi nish after a seven-hour terdam Open as he weather delay on Thursday. overhauled Daniil Tournament host Tiger Woods GMedvedev 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 yes- made little headway on the mar- terday. athon day, struggling with the The French showman left it putter in a one-under fi rst round late but gave the Ahoy Arena and still one-under, tied for 55th, crowd a thrill as he broke in the through 12 holes of the second. penultimate game of the third “It was a tough day,” Woods set and served out the win a said. “I’m stiff right now. It got game later. pretty chilly towards the end, the Victory sent the 32-year-old ball wasn’t going very far.” into the fi nal here for the sec- Woods strung together four ond time after reaching the title birdies in a row in the middle of match in his last Rotterdam ap- his fi rst round, but his troubles pearance in 2016, when he lost on the greens kept him from to Martin Klizan. building any momentum. Monfi ls will take on either “I putted awful today,” said top seed Kei Nishikori or former Woods, whose 44-foot eagle champion Stan Wawrinka in to- putt at his 10th hole in the sec- day’s fi nal. ond round was an anomaly on a Adam Scott hits from the eighteenth hole tee box during the second Victory was quick revenge for day when he hit 17 of 18 greens in round of the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Monfi ls, who lost to Medvedev regulation in the fi rst round but California, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports) a week ago in the Sofi a semi-fi - France’s Gael Monfils celebrates winning the Rotterdam Open semi-final against Russia’s Daniil had four three-putt bogeys. nals, an event which the Russian Medvedev (not pictured) yesterday. (Reuters) No sooner had the eagle en- out there today,” he said. day along with half the fi eld. won. Medvedev’s defeat was livened his round than he had Spieth added two more birdies only his third loss of the season, A fl icked winner off the Mon- a 5-4 lead in the opening set and Isner will now face compatri- two straight bogeys before play AWESOME ACE to a bogey-free 64 as he played leaving his record at 14-3. fi ls racquet in the ninth game sealed the win in a well-mas- ot Reilly Opelka, who defeated ended. Thomas and Scott were one the last six holes of his fi rst round The contest featured several brought up two break points, tered tiebreak. Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez “I didn’t hit it that bad, felt like stroke clear of J.B. Holmes, who on Friday morning before having momentum shifts and a total of with the French player earning a Nishikori took a step closer 6-3, 6-4. I controlled it well enough and led after a fi rst-round 63 high- the afternoon off . nine breaks of serve in just over 5-4 margin. A Medvedev back- to claiming his second title of It will be a rematch from the just a terrible day on the greens,” lighted by a hole in one at the Scott, no stranger to disruptive two hours. hand into the net a game later the year by defeating Hungary’s Australian Open, when Opelka he said. par-three sixth. weather at Riviera where he won The 33rd-ranked Monfi ls at handed Monfi ls the win. Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 6-2. defeated Isner in four sets. Despite the long day in tough “It was awesome to see that,” the title in a 2005 edition short- times looked exhausted after On Friday, Wawrinka, who The other semi-fi nal will see conditions, Woods noted that Holmes said of the ace, which ened to 36 holes, said maintain- points, leaning on his racquet was seeking his fi rst title since ISNER IN NEW YORK SEMIS Sam Querrey square off against plenty of players — more than 70 landed past the hole and spun ing momentum amid the starts but quickly rediscovering his undergoing two knee surgeries Top seeded John Isner was one Canadian Brayden Schnur. — were under par. back some 20 feet. “I wanted and stops was tricky. legs seconds later. in 2017, subdued Canadian 10th of three Americans to reach Querrey defeated Jason Jung “You have to go get it, and JT to get it past the hole because I He played 25 holes without The Frenchman went up an seed Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 7-6 the semi-fi nals of the ATP New 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 and Schnur rallied did it and I just wasn’t able to do knew how much they were com- a bogey before dropping a shot early break in the fi nal set but (4) to set up an intriguing semi- York Open with a 6-4, 6-1 win to beat Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi 6-7 it,” Woods said, lauding playing ing back. Hit it exactly how I at his eighth hole of the second was hauled back by Medvedev, fi nal with top seed Nishikori. over Australian seventh seed (7), 7-6 (5), 7-5 in a pair of three- partner Thomas. wanted it and it went in.” round — the 17th, but fi red back- the fi fth seed. The Swiss wildcard broke for Jordan Thompson on Friday. set matches. “He made tough conditions At nine-under with nine to to-back birdies before play was look easy,” Woods said. play, Holmes was two strokes in halted. Thomas totalled 14 birdies in front of Luke List, who was sev- “I just got the momentum go- his day’s 30 holes — seven in the en under with three to play, and ing and I kept it going,” Scott Genia, Cooper partnership gives Cheika World Cup alternatives fi rst round and seven through American Jordan Spieth — who said. “I wasn’t really in much 12 holes in the second. “I’m just was seven-under and due to tee trouble, but I up-and-downed it Reuters on his return. which led to their only Super Cooper’s defensive frailties proud of myself the way I fought off in the second round on Satur- when I had to.” Sydney Former Wallabies fullback Greg Rugby title in 2011. were still evident, however, and Martin said it was the most A knee injury at the 2011 World he was again dropped back to commanding performance by Cup sidelined Cooper for more fullback when the Brumbies had he resurrection of an Australian flyhalf for three than six months, however, the ball. He also missed three Hotshot Korda vaults into LPGA Australian Open lead Will Genia and Quade years, while Rebels coach Dave and it appeared to shake his tackles and was penalised for a Cooper’s inside backs Wessels said he had proved his confidence, with the flyhalf high tackle on Pete Samu. AFP place at the Tour Championship Jeong-eun, who surged up the pairing paid dividends worth in his signing on a one- subsequently seldom seen Despite the defensive flaws Adelaide, Australia in Florida. leaderboard with a 67, are a Tfor the Melbourne Rebels on year contract. taking on the defensive line or Wallabies coach Cheika, who has She started her 2019 campaign shot further back. Friday and commentators said “(Cooper is) probably a once- creating any doubt. no natural alternative to Foley in a similar vein, finishing third “Great finish, hopefully I can the partnership may also give in-a-generation player, he can He was gradually surpassed by in the number 10 jersey, would ed-hot American Nelly at the Tournament of Champi- keep the momentum up tomor- Wallabies coach Michael Chei- do some things that make you Bernard Foley as the Wallabies’ have noted how assured Cooper Korda vaulted into a ons last month, also in Florida. row,” said Korda. ka options ahead of the Rugby go ‘gee, how did that happen,” first-choice flyhalf and last looked after his long absence, Rthree shot lead at the The composed Korda sunk “I’m hitting it really well. I strug- World Cup. Wessels told reporters. played for the national side as something that was spotted by LPGA Tour-sanctioned Austral- five birdies on the back nine in gled a bit with the putting on With Genia and Cooper reu- “He played to a framework that a replacement in the centres commentator Rod Kafer. ian Open yesterday as she re- Adelaide, including at the 18th, the front nine, but kind of got it nited at Super Rugby level for he’s helped create, that he be- against Italy in 2017. “How he’s managed the rugby inforced her credentials as the to card a 67 and be 12-under for going on the back nine.” the first time in four years, the lieves in, and I think he enjoyed On Friday, however, the flyhalf match, he hasn’t over played form player of recent months. the tournament. Asked what the key would be Rebels scored a 34-27 victory himself out there.” ran hard and straight at the his hand,” the former Wallabies Ranked 16 in the world, the She takes a handy cushion into for Sunday, she replied: “Just over the Brumbies in Canberra The pairing with his old Reds’ defence and hit the ball flat, utility back said. 20-year-old headed to Ad- the final day ahead of Japan’s consistency. I know everyone is in their season opener. team mate Genia no doubt giving his side the speed of “He hasn’t tried to do too elaide’s Grange Golf Club on the Naru Nomura, whose round was going to try to catch up so I just It was Cooper’s first Super eased his return, having spent game and momentum they much. He’s been a distributor, back of a win and two other top marred by a bogey on the 16th need to hit as many fairways Rugby appearance since all of 2018 playing lower-level were able to feed off . he’s taken the ball at the line, three finishes in her last four as she chased the American. and greens as possible.” 2017 after he was frozen out club rugby in Brisbane. The Rebels also looked the he’s got the guys outside him events. A group of three including joint Thailand’s world number one by Queensland Reds coach The pair had developed a more enterprising of the two running straight, running hard The victory — her first — came overnight leader Hsu Wei-ling Ariya Jutanugarn struggled Brad Thorn last year and the superb partnership with the sides with Cooper and Genia — he’s doing exactly what his at the Taiwan Championship of Taiwan, England’s Jodi Ewart with a 72, leaving her 13 behind 30-year-old did not disappoint Wallabies and at the Reds, driving them around the park. coach wants him to do.” last October, before a second Shadoff , and South Korea’s Lee Korda.

BOTTOMLINE Kuchar apologises to fi ll-in caddie and will make amends By Sam Farmer was his fi rst PGA Tour win in four hard. I am reaching out to you great week.” Los Angeles Times (TCA/DPA) years. to see if you can facilitate me re- Amid growing criticism, Ku- Because his regular caddie ceiving a fair amount for my help char backtracked in his apology. wasn’t available, Kuchar used with Matt winning 1,296,000 “This week, I made comments att Kuchar, who a local, David Giral Ortiz. He dollars. that were out of touch and in- drastically shortch- agreed before the tournament “I am not looking to disparage sensitive, making a bad situation anged a replacement to pay him $3,000, plus an un- Matt or give him a bad name. Fair worse,” he wrote. “They made caddie in a tourna- specifi ed bonus depending on is fair, and I feel like I was taken it seem like I was marginalis- Mment in Mexico three months ago how Kuchar played. It’s custom- advantage of by placing my trust ing David Ortiz and his fi nancial then made a series of insensitive ary for regular caddies to be paid in Matt.” situation, which was not my in- comments in trying to defend his 10 per cent of what a golfer wins Ortiz was seeking 50,000 dol- tention. I read them again and decision, apologised Friday and although a fi ll-in is normally less lars as fair compensation, and cringed.” said he intends to pay up. expensive. ultimately turned down Kuchar’s Kuchar said he planned to call “That is not who I am and not After winning the tournament off er of 15,000 dollars more for a Ortiz on Friday night and has what I want to represent,” Kuchar and 1.3mn dollars, Kuchar posed total of 20,000 dollars. “made sure he has received the said in a written statement re- for pictures with his caddie and Kuchar confi rmed that total to full total that he has requested”. leased as he was fi nishing his fi rst then reportedly handed him an Golf.com, and defended the dis- The golfer said he also will round at the Genesis Open. “My envelope fi lled with 100, 50, 20 count rate he paid Ortiz: “For a make a donation to the Mayakoba entire tour career, I have tried to and 5-dollar bills totalling 5,000 guy who makes 200 dollars a day, tournament to be distributed to show respect and positivity. In dollars — so a 2,000-dollar bo- a 5,000-dollar week is a really big various philanthropic causes in this situation, I have not lived up nus. Customarily, a regular cad- week.” the local communities. to those values or to the expecta- die would have received about He repeated that sentiment “For my fans, as well as fans tions I have set for myself.” 130,000 dollars. in an interview this week with of the game, I want to apologise The basics of a story that has Golf.com’s Michael Bamberger GolfChannel.com, saying: “I to you for not representing the gone viral in the golf world: The broke the story last month, and certainly don’t lose sleep over values instilled in this incredible ever-smiling Kuchar, who has subsequently reported that Or- this. This is something that I’m sport,” he wrote. “Golf is a game 46.6mn dollars in career win- tiz traded e-mails with Kuchar’s quite happy with, and I was re- where we call penalties on our- nings, posted a three-stroke vic- agent, Mark Steinberg, writing: ally happy for him to have a great selves. I should have done that tory in November at the Maya- “I am a humble man, who takes week and make a good sum of long ago and not let this situation Matt Kuchar (right) waits to hit a tee shot on the fourth hole during the continuation of the first round of the koba Golf Classic in Mexico. It care of his family, and works money. Making 5,000 dollars is a escalate.” Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, on Friday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, February 17, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA SPOTLIGHT Crowds fl ock to Bayern fi ght back Argentine village to pay tribute to Sala AFP well to his former teammates. Progreso, Argentina On the return fl ight across the English Channel, the single- engine private plane carrying to beat Augsburg he death in a plane crash Sala and pilot David Ibbotson of Cardiff City striker crashed near the British island Emiliano Sala was a cruel of Guernsey. Sala reportedly had blow to family, friends messaged friends from the plane, Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Champions League clash with Man City Tand supporters in his home vil- fl ying in rough weather, that he lage in Argentina, and yesterday was “so afraid” and that the craft they came, grieving, from miles “seems like it’s falling to pieces.” around to pay their respects. The player’s body was re- Through the morning, mourn- covered from the submerged ers gathered for a public vigil in wreckage on February 7 but a gymnasium in Progreso, the 59-year-old Ibbotson remains small farming town in Santa Fe missing. Thousands of sup- province which Sala left as a porters — including French star teenager to play in Europe. He Kylian Mbappe and former Eng- was “loved and admired by all,” a land captain Gary Lineker — had restaurant owner said. donated a total of more than Sala would come home on $400,000 to pay for a private breaks and would never fail to sea-bottom search after authori- kick the ball around with vil- ties had given up hope of fi nding lage youngsters, they said. Un- the plane. An inquest in England like some soccer stars, he would later concluded that the foot- keep a low profi le, not fl aunting baller died of “head and trunk his new wealth. As his heart- injuries.” broken father, mother and sister Cardiff City manager Neil watched yesterday, a giant poster Warnock and club executives of the 28-year-old hung behind Neil Warnock and Ken Choo his coffi n, which was draped in travelled to Argentina to attend the red and white colours of the the ceremony yesterday. Repre- San Martin de Progreso club senting Nantes, for whom Sala where he began his career. scored 42 goals in 120 league ap- Sala’s father, Horacio, was pearances, were defender Nico- devastated by his son’s death, las Pallois and general secretary family members said, and re- Loic Morin. Argentine President fused for days to leave his home. Mauricio Macri sent his condo- Outside the club, which was at lences via Twitter. the centre of the day’s commem- Before joining the Nantes side orations, was a banner reading: in 2015, Sala had played with “Emi, you will never walk alone.” Bordeaux and Orleans, gaining “He represented a lot for us,” a reputation as a prolifi c scorer. the club’s president, Daniel Rib- Sala’s former team paid tribute ero, said. “We’re a small village to him in a French league match and Emi was a celebrity, the only last Sunday. Each player wore a player to turn professional. He special all-black kit for the occa- was one of us. He meant a lot to sion, with the Argentine’s name us.” More than 3,000 mourn- in large white letters on the back ers came to pay respects. “We of each jersey. all carry Emi in our hearts,” said In Progreso, Mayor Muller said Bayern Munich players celebrate in front of the fans after their win over Augsburg in Bundesliga on Friday night. (Reuters) Mayor Julio Muller in an emo- that for the modest farming town tional tribute. there would now be a “before AFP then levelling at the half-time break after half when Coman fl icked the ball inside to ke woodwork twice in the second half Sala had played for Nantes, and an after” Sala. One mourner, Berlin South Korea international Ji Dong-won Alaba and the 26-year-old fi red a trade- through substitutes Jerome Gondorf and becoming one of the top strikers Miguel Angel Pereira, 68, made had restored Augsburg’s lead. mark low-shot inside the post which gave Luca Waldschmidt. in France, before being traded in the 70-kilometre (43-mile) jour- David Alaba scored Bayern’s winning Augsburg keeper Kobel no chance. Augs- RB Leipzig took their chance to stay in January to Cardiff City in Eng- ney from Santa Fe to pay his re- ayern Munich conceded the fast- goal early in the second half, but Bayern burg’s Reece Oxford headed over with a the title race as a 3-1 win at Stuttgart left land’s Premier League in a 15mn spects. “I wanted to be here. I est own-goal in Bundesliga his- will need to improve to trouble Liverpool. brilliant eff ort with 26 minutes left, but them fourth, just a point behind Borus- pounds (19.3mn dollars) deal. was a San Martin player myself in tory on Friday night and twice Bibiana Steinhaus, the fi rst female Bayern held on for victory. sia Moenchengladbach, who play today Just two days after making the the 1960s,” he said. Following the had to equalise before securing referee in Europe’s top fi ve leagues, had Yesterday, Schalke 04 warmed-up for at Eintracht Frankfurt. Yussuf Poulsen move, Sala had fl own back to memorial ceremony, Sala’s body aB 3-2 win at Augsburg in their fi nal tune- barely blown for kick-off when Augsburg the Champions League visit of Manches- netted two goals as Leipzig took the three Nantes on January 21 to pay fare- was to be cremated. up before their Champions League tie at winger Philipp Max put in a cross which ter City with a goalless draw at home to points. Wolfsburg climbed to fi fth with Liverpool. fl ummoxed the Bayern defence. Goretzka fellow strugglers Freiburg. Schalke are a 3-0 win at Mainz with goals by mid- Ahead of Tuesday’s last 16, fi rst-leg watched in horror as the ball ricocheted winless in their last three Bundesliga fi elder Maximilian Arnold, striker Wout clash at Anfi eld, Liverpool boss Jurgen off his boot and into the net as the in- games and sit just above the relegation Weghorst and defender Robin Knoche. Klopp will have watched with interest jury-hit hosts took a shock lead. It was places in 14th spot. Next up is a huge Hoff enheim also moved up after Algeria how Augsburg, who sit just above the short of the Bundesliga’s record fastest challenge at home to Pep Guardiola’s forward Ishak Belfodil, Brazilian striker Bundesliga relegation places, caused goal, just nine seconds, shared by Kevin Premier League giants City in their Joelinton and Germany midfi elder Ker- Bayern a few problems. The away league Volland, for Hoff enheim against Bay- Champions League last 16, fi rst-leg tie on em Demirbay netted in their 3-0 win at win means defending champions Bayern ern in 2015/16, and Karim Bellarabi, for Wednesday. second-from-bottom Hanover 96 to go trimmed the gap to just two points behind Leverkusen against Dortmund in 2014/15. In-tempered clash, both Schalke and seventh leaders Borussia Dortmund, who are at However, shell-shocked Bayern quick- Freiburg fi nished with ten men. The Royal bottom side Nuremberg tomorrow. ly regrouped. Serge Gnabry and Robert Blues played for nearly 50 minutes with- BUNDESLIGA RESULTS With one eye on Anfi eld, Bayern goal- Lewandowski went close, then Bayern out defensive midfi elder Suat Serdar, sent Schalke 0 Freiburg 0; Hoff enheim 3 keeper Manuel Neuer returned after three drew level on 17 minutes when a beauti- off for a fi rst-half foul, while Freiburg de- (Joelinton 5, Belfodil 14, Derimbay 80) fender Christian Guenter was dismissed games out with a thumb injury, but con- fully curling Joshua Kimmich cross found Hanover 96 0; Stuttgart 1 (Zuber 16-pen) Kingsley Coman, who tapped home at late on for a second yellow card. Schalke ceded two goals in the opening 24 min- RB Leipzig 3 (Poulsen 6, 74, Sabitzer 68); utes — the fi rst after just 13 seconds. Leon the far post. Augsburg restored their lead came close to conceding a penalty with Wolfsburg 3 (Arnold 4, Weghorst 70-pen, Goretzka claimed an unwanted record for with almost a copy of their fi rst goal when 10 minutes left when Spanish midfi elder Knoche 76) Mainz 0 the Bundesliga’s fastest own-goal when Max again fi red in a cross and Ji rifl ed an Omar Mascarell was suspected of a hand- he turned the ball into his own net. “I unstoppable shot past Neuer from 14 me- ball, but the video assistant referee (VAR) Playing today: Eintracht Frankfurt v can’t remember a worst start from us,” tres out on 24 minutes. Bayern still man- over-ruled the referee’s initial decision. Borussia Moenchengladbach (1430), admitted Bayern coach Niko Kovac. “We aged to go into the half-time break level Welsh teenage winger Rabbi Matondo, Bayer Leverkusen v Fortuna Duesseldorf have to play much better at Liverpool.” when Coman claimed his second goal. who Schalke signed last month from Man (1700) The win could have come at a price as Goretzka made up for his earlier mis- City, struggled to make an impact on only Tomorrow: Nuremberg v Borussia Kingsley Coman, who scored Bayern’s take with a pass to the French winger, his second Bundesliga appearance, his Dortmund (1930) fi rst-half goals, was injured but he was who fi red through the legs of Augsburg fi rst over 90 minutes. Cardiff City’s manager Neil Warnock (second right) and chief Played Friday: Augsburg 2 (Goretzka cleared yesterday for Liverpool’s match- goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to make it 2-2 The 18-year-old had a good chance executive Ken Choo (centre) leave after attending the wake of late 1-og, Ji 24) Bayern Munich 3 (Coman 17, es. Coman twice equalised in the open- just before the break. The winning goal with 16 minutes left but ballooned his Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala at Club Atletico Social San Martin ing half, cancelling out the own-goal arrived eight minutes into the second- shot over the bar. Freiburg hit the Schal- 45, Alaba 53) in Progreso, Santa Fe province, Argentina, yesterday. (AFP)

Ferguson set for Man United SERIE A return in charity match Ronaldo on target as Juventus cruise past Frosinone Manchester: Former a regular visitor to Old Traff ord Manchester United manager on matchdays. AFP and 21st in all competitions on 62 min- Alex Ferguson will return to the “I’m really looking forward Milan utes with Rodrigo Bentancur crossing for dugout for a charity match to to what will be a special day at Mandzukic who provided the assist for celebrate the 20th anniversary Old Traff ord,” Ferguson told the the Portuguese striker. of the team’s treble-winning club website. “It will be great ristiano Ronaldo set up Paulo Ronaldo was then replaced by Federico season, the Premier League to catch up with some familiar Dybala to score early and added Bernardeschi with the tie against Atletico club said yesterday. faces and a great opportunity one himself with defender Le- in mind, with Sportiello denying Juventus The 77-year-old Scot will to support the work of Man- onardo Bonucci also on target as a fourth goal keeping out a powerful Ber- CJuventus surged 14 points clear in Serie A nardeschi free kick. “The game against take charge of a legends side chester United Foundation.” against Bayern Munich at Old Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, cur- on Friday night with a 3-0 win over lowly Atletico Madrid will be very diff erent. It’s Traff ord on May 26. Ferguson, rently United’s interim manag- Frosinone. Coach Massimiliano Allegri crucial that we get a goal there, otherwise who won the Champions er, scored an added-time win- was taking no chances, even against a side qualifi cation would be rather diffi cult to League twice, the Premier ner to secure a 2-1 victory over sitting second bottom of the table, ahead achieve. But this team is growing, we are League 13 times and five Bayern in the 1999 Champions of next week’s Champions League last even better than the fi rst weeks (of the FA Cups with United, had League final and complete an 16, fi rst-leg tie at Atletico Madrid. Dy- season),” said Allegri. emergency surgery for a brain unprecedented treble, which bala returned to the front line alongside AC Milan, in fourth, were playing Ata- haemorrhage in May last year included the Premier League Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic with key lanta, one place below in fi fth, late last but has since recovered and is title and the FA Cup. defenders Bonnucci and Giorgio Chiel- night in a battle for Champions League lini both back from injury. “The team is football next season. Napoli host Torino growing in terms of fi tness, it’s a decisive today, with Inter Milan, in third, hosting moment for the season,” said Allegri. ninth-placed Sampdoria. Roma play rel- Juventus are building towards next egation threatened Bologna tomorrow af- week’s game in Madrid and a top-of-the ter winning their Champions League last table clash against Napoli in the San Pao- Juventus’ midfielder Emre Can (top) and Frosinone’s defender Edoardo Goldaniga go 16, fi rst-leg tie against Porto 2-1. lo Stadium on March 3. “We struggled a for a header during the Italian Serie A match in Turin on Friday night. (AFP) bit after the winter break but now we are ITALIAN SERIE A RESULT ready to face this important moment of along with captain Chiellini who limped league goal since November 3. Juventus 3 (Dybala 6, Bonucci 17, Ronaldo the season both in the championship and off during their shock Coppa Italia exit on Ten minutes later Bonucci broke 63) Frosinone 0 the Champions League,” added Allegri. January 30. through after a desperate goalmouth Juventus remain unbeaten this sea- Ronaldo set up Dybala to rifl e in with scramble. Frosinone goalkeeper Marco Playing today: SPAL v Fiorentina (1130), Alex Ferguson (centre) watches the Champions League last 16 son but the reigning seven-time league his left foot after just six minutes in Turin Sportiello denied Mandzukic’s diving Empoli v Sassuolo, Genoa v Lazio, first leg match between Manchester United and Paris champions had been held 3-3 by Parma as the Argentina forward, who has been header with Bonucci in place to turn the Udinese v Chievo (all 1500), Inter Milan v Saint-Germain at Old Traff ord in Manchester on Tuesday. (Reuters) two weeks ago. Bonucci returned af- overshadowed since the arrival of the rebound into goal. Sampdoria (1700), Napoli v Torino (1930) ter three weeks out with an ankle injury former Real Madrid player, scored his fi rst Ronaldo slotted in his 19th Serie A goal Tomorrow: Roma v Bologna (1930) Gulf Times 4 Sunday, February 17, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT City end Newport’s run to reach FA Cup quarter-fi nals Guardiola’s side didn’t have an easy ride in a fifth round tie against a team 82 places below them in League Two

AFP Otamendi to lob home from the edge of London the area in the 88th minute. But young midfi elder Foden went straight down the other end to blast City’s third and anchester City powered Mahrez slammed in the fourth in the into the FA Cup quarter-fi - fi nal seconds. nals as the Premier League Brighton moved into the quarter- leaders survived a battling fi nals for the second successive sea- Mdisplay from Newport County to beat son as goals from Anthony Knockaert the fourth-tier minnows 4-1 yester- and Jurgen Locadia clinched a 2-1 win day. Pep Guardiola’s side didn’t have an over Frank Lampard’s Derby. Chris easy ride in a full-blooded fi fth round Hughton’s side have been sucked into tie against a team 82 places below them relegation danger in the Premier League in League Two. after six games without a win. Troubled by the rutted Rodney Pa- But Brighton opened the scoring rade pitch, City were indebted to Eder- after 33 minutes at the Amex Sta- son for a superb save to keep them level dium when Knockaert bent his fi rst- during a lacklustre fi rst-half display. time shot into the bottom corner. The City eventually hit their stride in the Seagulls doubled their advantage as second half and Leroy Sane’s powerful Locadia fi red home in fi rst half stop- fi nish put them ahead before Phil Foden page-time after Yves Bissouma’s eff ort doubled the lead. hit the post. Former Chelsea and Arse- Newport refused to surrender and nal star Ashley Cole set up a tense fi n- Padraig Amond’s late goal could have ish when the Derby defender headed in set up a tense fi nale, only for Foden to after 81 minutes. net again 79 seconds later before Riy- Championship strugglers Millwall ad Mahrez wrapped up the win. With are also through to the quarter-fi nals their Champions League last 16 fi rst leg after a 1-0 win at third tier AFC Wim- against Schalke to come on Wednes- bledon. Neil Harris’s side made it to the day, followed by the League Cup fi nal last eight for the second time in three against Chelsea, Guardiola made seven years thanks to a fi fth minute header changes to the side which hammered from Murray Wallace, who scored their Chelsea 6-0 last weekend. shock winner against Everton in the It was still a strong side featuring previous round. Sane, David Silva, Mahrez, Fernandin- ho and Gabriel Jesus. The gulf between FA CUP FIFTH ROUND RESULTS the clubs is enormous, with Newport’s Brighton 2 (Knockaert 33, Locadia 45) squad costing just £50,000 and City’s Derby 1 (Cole 81); AFC Wimbledon 0 Mill- totalling £450mn. wall 1 (M. Wallace 5); Newport 1 (Amond The average wage of Newport’s play- 88) Manchester City 4 (Sane 51, Foden ers, including some who had previ- Manchester City’s Phil Foden (left) and Newport’s Mickey Demetriou vie for the ball during the FA Cup fifth round match at Newport, Britain, yesterday. (Reuters) ously stacked shelves in supermarkets 75, 89, Mahrez 90) and warehouses, is around £750-a- Guardiola had warned City they close-range, only for Ederson to dive to throw ended with Joss Labadie’s lash- Jesus teeing up Sane for a fi erce strike Playing today: Bristol City v Wolves (1300 week, while City’s stars pocket up to would “suff er” at set-pieces against his right to make a brilliant one-handed ing wide. Mahrez couldn’t hit the target that smashed into Newport keeper Joe GMT), Doncaster v Crystal Palace (1600 £250,000-per-week. But Newport had Newport’s “taller, stronger” players save. with a series of half-chances and Sane Day’s face before looping into the net. GMT), Swansea v Brentford (1600 GMT) already knocked out Premier League and the Spaniard’s fears were nearly Bothered by the unpredictable sur- grazed the top of crossbar from an acute With 15 minutes left, Foden increased Playing Monday: Chelsea v Manchester confi rmed in the 14th minute. Failing face, left badly damaged by two heavy angle as Newport gamely reached half- City’s advantage as his low strike elud- side Leicester and Championship out- United (1930 GMT) fi t Middlesbrough in the previous two to deal with Mickey Demetriou’s long use from two rugby unions teams as time on level terms. ed Day’s weak attempt to save. rounds, while City crashed out at this throw, City left space for Tyreeq Bakin- well as Newport, City were unable to Newport’s brave resistance was fi - Amond punished woeful defend- Played Friday: QPR 0 Watford 1 stage last season against Wigan. son and he headed goalwards from get any momentum and another long nally broke in the 51st minute, with ing from Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas (Capoue 45+1)

LIGUE 1 LA LIGA Balotelli, Marseille step up Griezmann eclipses Torres as Atletico win AFP revival with Amiens win Madrid AFP ing that’s normal,” said coach Bruno Genesio, ntoine Griezmann Paris mastermind of the four points Lyon took off City scored a second-half in the group phase to squeeze into the last-16. winner as Atletico Ma- “We have some doubts still about who is playing drid defeated neigh- ario Balotelli scored for the third time on Tuesday, but you’ll have to wait until Monday boursA Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in La in four games for Marseille to seal a to fi nd out,” Genesio added. Liga yesterday to provide a time- 2-0 victory over Amiens in Ligue 1 Martin Terrier put Lyon ahead after a scram- ly boost ahead of next week’s yesterday. The Italian failed to fi nd ble on 15 minutes before defender Leo Dubois Champions League showdown Mthe net in 10 matches for Nice this season but was then overpowered fi ve minutes later by Gu- with Juventus. has found his goalscoring touch since arriving at ingamp’s Cameroon midfi elder Felix Eboa Eboa, The French forward surpassed Marseille last month. who rushed in for a header at the far post shoul- Fernando Torres with his 130th Florian Thauvin bagged his 12th goal this term dering the defender out of the way to make it 1-1. goal for the club — the fi fth most to give Marseille the lead on 19 minutes at the But then on 35 minutes Fekir controlled the ball in Atletico history — as Atletico Stade Velodrome, and Balotelli swept in a second on his chest, took a quick touch to set himself up shook off two successive defeats, on the turn just six minutes later. Balotelli ap- for the shot and curled a fabulous left-foot shot including last week’s 3-1 loss at peared to have grabbed a second midway through into the top corner from outside the box. home to Real Madrid, to reclaim the second half when he nodded in from a free- Fekir, however, will miss the game against Bar- second place in Spain. kick, but the goal was ruled out for off side fol- celona through suspension. “I’ll be in the stadium Griezmann struck for the ninth lowing a VAR review. Marseille have recorded supporting my teammates from the stands and time in his last 11 outings, forcing three straight wins for the fi rst time this season I’ll believe in them all the way,” said French inter- home from six yards on 74 min- and jumped to fourth, six points behind Lyon in national Fekir. One other worry for Lyon was the utes after Alvaro Morata laid off a the fi nal Champions League spot. Monaco were loss of lively striker Moussa Dembele, who was high, looping ball inside the area. bidding to pull clear of the relegation zone late replaced late on by Dutch forward Memphis De- “Griezmann is an extraordinary last night at home to Nantes, while leaders Paris pay. Earlier Friday, Nimes secured top fl ight sur- player, he always adapts to what Saint-Germain go to fi fth-placed Saint-Etienne vival with a 2-0 win over Dijon the team needs. He’s very impor- today. PSG still lead Ligue 1 on 59 points with Lille tant for us,” Atletico coach Di- second on 49 and Lyon third on 46. FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS ego Simeone said. The late Luis On Friday, Lyon edged rock-bottom Guin- Marseille 2 (Thauvin 19, Balotelli 25) Amiens 0 Aragones, who coached Spain Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring a goal against Rayo Vallecano during the gamp 2-1 with a fabulous winner from captain to the European Championship Spanish La Liga match at the Vallecas stadium in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) Nabil Fekir, just days ahead of Barcelona’s visit Playing today: Bordeaux v Toulouse, Caen v Stras- title in 2008, is Atletico’s record for a Champions League clash. Lyon consolidated bourg, Lille v Montpellier (all 1400), Reims v Rennes goalscorer with 172. “It’s always Simeone added. “Our second Atletico moved to within four Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo. third place in Ligue 1 while resting a couple of (1600), Saint-Etienne v Paris Saint-Germain (2000) tough at this stadium. We started half substitutions gave us more points of leaders Barcelona, who Real Madrid, two points behind key players and even taking their foot off the gas Played Friday: Nimes 2 (Savanier 28, Bobichon off well and we had chances in off ensive strength and that al- were hosting Real Valladolid late Atletico in third, could move with Barcelona in mind. “Many of the players had 83) Dijon 0; Lyon 2 (Terrier 15, Fekir 35) Guingamp 1 the fi rst 15 minutes such as Saul’s lowed us to get our goal. It was a last night, ahead of Wednes- back into second when they host Tuesday on their minds but with Barcelona com- (Eboa Eboa 21) header, but then they improved,” very tough match.” day’s visit of Italian champions Girona today.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Rangers slip-up against St Johnstone AFP hosts but the visitors also hit the ond time when Cosgrove vol- Nulty’s 39th-minute penalty af- Glasgow woodwork 11 minutes from time leyed home a cross from Andrew ter Lennard Sowah bundled over when a Blair Alston lob bounced Shinnie in the 77th minute but David Gray in the box. Mean- back off the crossbar. Third- the draw left the Dons fi ve points while Dundee leapfrogged Ham- angers were in danger of placed Aberdeen failed to make adrift of Rangers. ilton into 10th place with a 2-1 losing further ground in the most of Rangers dropping Elsewhere, Paul Heckingbot- win away at 10-man Livingston. the race for the Scottish two points, with the Dons were tom’s fi rst game in charge of Hi- Premiership title after held to a 2-2 draw by basement bernian ended in a 2-0 victory at RESULTS StevenR Gerrard’s side were held club St Mirren. The Buddies took home to Hamilton. The former Aberdeen 2 (Ferguson 32, to a shock goalless draw at home a 20th-minuted lead through Barnsley manager was handed a Cosgrove 77) St Mirren 2 (Nazon to St Johnstone yesterday. a Duckens Nazon penalty after three-and-a-half-year contract 20-pen, McAllister 61); Hibernian The Ibrox stalemate did see Paul McGinn was brought down on Wednesday following the exit Rangers cut arch Glasgow rivals in the box by Sam Cosgrove. of the controversial Neil Lennon 2 (Kamberi 17, McNulty 39-pen) Celtic’s lead at the top of the ta- Lewis Ferguson headed in an from the Edinburgh club. Florian Hamilton 0; Livingston 1 (Halkett ble to fi ve points but the reign- equaliser for the Dons after 32 Kamberi opened the scoring 17 18) Dundee 2 (Nelson 54, Wright ing champions could go eight minutes but St Mirren restored minutes into the action at Easter 83); Rangers 0 St Johnstone 0 clear with victory at Kilmarnock their lead through Kyle McAl- Road and Hibs, who had lost their Playing today: Kilmarnock v Marseille’s Italian forward Mario Balotelli (second right) scores during the French Ligue 1 match today. Rangers substitute Kyle lister on the hour mark. previous two matches, doubled Celtic (1600 GMT); Motherwell v against at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, yesterday. (AFP) Laff erty hit a post late on for the Aberdeen levelled for a sec- their lead thanks to Marc Mc- Hearts (1215 GMT) Gulf Times Sunday, February 17, 2019 5 SPORT

NHL FOCUS Kneeling protester Kaepernick agrees Hischier’s OT goal to confi dential NFL settlement

AFP the Twitter account of attor- New York ney Mark Geragos, the law fi rm caps Devils’ big dealing with Kaepernick’s legal action against the NFL said the olin Kaepernick, two sides have come to terms whose kneeling pro- without indicating what those tests sparked a fi re- terms were. storm of controversy, “For the past several months, hasC reached a settlement with counsel for Mr. Kaepernick and the NFL over his collusion Mr. Reid have engaged in an comeback over Wild grievance against the league, ongoing dialogue with rep- his attorneys said Friday. resentatives of the NFL,” the ‘We really got along. This past summer we partnered up. He’s a great mentor, great goalie’ But a confi dentiality clause Geragos and Geragos fi rm’s will keep details of the ar- statement said. rangement private, the deal “As a result of those discus- being made ahead of a planned sions, the parties have decided fi nal arbitration hearing on the to resolve the pending grievanc- grievance that was to be heard es. The resolution of this matter later this month. is subject to a confi dentiality Kaepernick and former San agreement so there will be no Francisco 49ers teammate further comment by any party.” Eric Reid both fi led a lawsuit Mark Geragos’s past cli- against the NFL saying owners ents have included pop icon and offi cials colluded to keep Michael Jackson and musician them off NFL rosters for their Chris Brown. The NFL Players decision to make a kneeling Association supported the de- protest during the US anthem. cision by Kaepernick and Reid Reid signed a one-year deal despite not knowing exact de- as an injury replacement last tails of the settlement. season with the Carolina Pan- “Today, we were informed thers and on Thursday inked a by the NFL of the settlement new three-year contract with of the Colin Kaepernick and the same club but Kaepernick Eric Reid collusion cases. We has been unemployed since are not privy to the details of opting out of his contract in the settlement, but support March 2017, missing two full the decision by the players and NFL campaigns. their counsel,” the NFLPA said. Kaepernick, a 31-year-old “We continuously support- signal caller who guided the ed Colin and Eric from the start 49ers to the 2013 Super Bowl, of their protests, participated had said he was only interested with their lawyers throughout in a settlement if it meant a sol- their legal proceedings and id fi nancial deal was reached. were prepared to participate in But it could also mean that the upcoming trial in pursuit Kaepernick, who has signed a of both truth and justice for deal with Nike in the wake of what we believe the NFL and being ignored by the NFL for its clubs did to them. two seasons, might yet return “We are glad that Eric has to the league. earned a job and a new con- NFL offi cials denied collu- tract, and we continue to hope sion claims by Kaepernick and that Colin gets his opportunity Reid despite comments from as well.” US President Donald Trump One of the most respected that urged owners to fi re any elder statesmen of Ameri- “son of a *****” who kneeled can sport, NBA great Kareem New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (right) skates with the puck against Minnesota Wild left wing Jason Zucker in the third period at Xcel Energy Center. The Devils defeated the during the anthem after many Abdul-Jabbar, told CNBC on Wild 5-4 in overtime. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports NFL players followed Kaeper- Friday that he was “happy” nick’s lead in 2017. Kaepernick can now move for- over while trying to make a clearing pass Talbot, 31, will back up rookie Carter Kaepernick and Reid said ward. Reuters RESULTS Saint Paul, USA behind the Minnesota net. Hart for the Flyers, who have played seven they were protesting racial in- “He should be playing in the Kyle Palmieri, who picked off the pass, Rangers 6-2 Buff alo goalies already this season. equality and social injustice. NFL,” said Abdul-Jabbar, who missed an attempt to jam home a shot, but “Me and ‘Talbs’ skated together all Trump claimed their actions has long championed the quar- Carolina 3-1 Edmonton ico Hischier scored with 1:41 left the puck skittered to Hischier, whose shot summer,’” Hart said of off season work- were an insult to the fl ag, the terback’s right to speak out. “I in overtime Friday night to cap sailed into the open corner of the net. New Jersey 5-4 Minnesota outs they shared, per The Morning Call. nation and the military. hope it is settled to his satis- a big comeback by the New Jer- Marcus Johansson scored in the second Boston 3-0 Anaheim “We really got along. This past summer In a statement released on faction. It’s been too long.” sey Devils, who scored the fi - period for the Devils, who forced overtime we partnered up. He’s a great mentor, nalN four goals to stun the host Minnesota on unanswered goals by Will Butcher, fi ve minutes apart to extend Minnesota’s great goalie.” Wild 5-4. Palmieri and Ben Lovejoy. lead to 4-1 and chase Kinkaid just 7:19 into Talbot went 10-15-3 with a 3.36 GAA The Devils, who trailed 4-1 with fewer Cory Schneider earned his fi rst regular the period. for the Oilers this season, his sixth in the than two minutes left in the second pe- season win since December 27, 2017, by Butcher scored with 1:50 left in the sec- league. For his career, Talbot is 137-110-24 riod, salvaged the fi nale of a three-game stopping all 15 shots he faced in relief of ond to begin the comeback by the Devils. with a 2.59 GAA in 284 games. Western Conference road trip by winning Keith Kinkaid, who was chased after al- Palmieri’s power play goal 8:16 into the Hart, 20, is 11-6-1 with a 2.48 GAA in for just the second time in the last seven lowing four goals on 17 shots. third pulled New Jersey within one, before his fi rst NHL season and just came off an games (2-4-1). Brad Hunt, Joel Eriksson Ek, Nick Seeler Lovejoy’s goal forced overtime with 2:45 eight-game win streak. By virtue of the loser point, the Wild and Mikael Granlund scored for the Wild. to go. Talbot’s $4.2 million salary made him moved into sole possession of the second Dubnyk made 23 saves. expendable for the cost-cutting Oilers. wild card in the Western Conference de- Hunt and Eriksson Ek scored fewer than FLYERS LAND TALBOT IN GOALIE Stolarz played just 19 games for the Fly- spite falling for the seventh time in eight four minutes apart prior to the midway SWAP WITH OILERS ers since they made him a second-round games (1-4-3) – one day after head coach point of the fi rst for the Wild. The Philadelphia Flyers hope they have pick in 2012, going 6-4-4 with a 2.86 GAA Bruce Boudreau guaranteed the team Johansson scored an unassisted goal shored up their goalie situation at last by in his limited action. would make the playoff s. just 26 seconds into the second period to acquiring veteran Cam Talbot from the He’s also undergone two knee surger- The Wild dominated the overtime be- cut the gap in half for the Devils, but Seel- Edmonton Oilers in exchange for net- ies in the past 18 months and will be a re- fore goalie Devan Dubnyk turned the puck er and Granlund scored a little less than minder Anthony Stolarz late Friday. stricted free agent after the season.

CYCLING/ TOUR COLOMBIA Team USA rebounds to win 2019 Rising Stars contest Slam dunks and three pointers were the order of the day and defense disappeared completely as Team USA outgunned Team Jungels takes lead with stage 4 win World 161-144 in the NBA Rising Stars game on Friday night. AFP hind the winner. He started the RESULTS Los Angeles Lakers player Kyle Kuzma scored a game-high 35 Medellín, Colombia day in the top 10 but dropped 1. Bob Jungels (LUX) Deceun- points and was named MVP of the contest which features the 14 places to 23rd overall and is inck-Quick Step 03hr 04min league’s top first and second-year players and opens the NBA now 55sec off the leader. 38sec, 2. Mihkel Raim (EST) all-star festivities in Charlotte, North Carolina. uxembourg’s Bob Jun- Jungels doesn’t expect to Israel Cycling Academy at 2sec, Kuzma went 15-of-27 from the field and also had six rebounds, gels broke the locals’ hold onto the jersey during the 3. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) while Boston Celtics for- hegemony on the Tour next two days of hilly terrain Deceuninck-Quick Step same ward Jayson Tatum added Colombia on Friday, and tough climbing, all over time, 4. Cristian Villarreal (ECU) 30 points for Team USA. Lsecuring the overall lead af- 2,000-metres altitude. Ecuador National Team s.t., 5. The teams combined ter winning the 144km fourth “I’m more than happy with Hideto Nakane (JPN) Nippo for 37 three-pointers, 55 stage around Medellin. one stage victory for myself. Of Vini Fantini Faizane s.t., 6. dunks and shot a total of The 26-year-old Deceun- course we will honour Diego Ochoa (COL) Team Man- just 12 free throws. inck-Quick Step rider simply the jersey and try to defend zana Postobon s.t., 7. Weimar “Last year, the World team rode away from a reduced pelo- it, but I think there are Roldan (COL) Team Medel- kicked our butts,” Kuzma ton in the fi nal kilometer to win stronger climbers here than lin s.t., 8. Edwin Avila (COL) said. “They came in here by two seconds ahead of Esto- me,” he said. Israel Cycling Academy s.t., 9. and beat us by 30. A lot of nia’s Mihkel Raim and Julian One of those, Colombian Miguel Florez (COL) Androni us kind of remembered Alaphilippe of France. Miguel Angel Lopez, climbed Giocattoli-Sidermec s.t., 10. that.” “With a group of almost only up to 10th in the standings Daniel Munoz (COL) Androni Atlanta’s Trae Young fin- climbers I always had a chance after picking up eight bonus Giocattoli-Sidermec s.t. ished with 25 points and in a fi nal like this,” said Jungels. seconds during the stage as he 10 assists, Sacramento’s He became the fi rst foreigner was part of a six-man breaka- OVERALL STANDINGS De’Aaron Fox had 15 as- Kyle Kuzma of the US Team holds both to win a stage at this year’s way only caught 10km from the 1. Bob Jungels (LUX) Deceu- sists and Utah’s Donovan the MVP trophy after the 2019 ICE race, and to wear the leader’s fi nish. ninck-Quick Step 10hr 24min Mitchell added 20 points Rising Stars at Spectrum Center in orange jersey. He’s now 18sec behind Jun- 13sec, 2. Julian Alaphilippe and nine assists. Charlotte. (Getty Images/AFP) His victory margin and time gels. Former Giro d’Italia and (FRA) Deceuninck-Quick Step Ben Simmons, of the Phila- bonuses allowed him to relieve Vuelta a Espana winner Nairo at 2sec, 3. Rigoberto Uran delphia 76ers, led the World team with 28 points. Chicago’s Lauri Wednesday’s stage winner Rig- Quintana survived a puncture (COL) Education First 4, 4. Dan- Markkanen had 21 points and Dallas’s Luka Doncic had 13 points oberto Uran of the overall lead. midway through the race to iel Martinez (COL) Education and nine assists for the World Team, whose players came from He now has a two second ad- stay in contention, although he First s.t., 5. Lawson Craddock 10 diff erent nations. vantage over Alaphilippe, with is 48sec down in 19th overall. (USA) Education First s.t., 6. “As you can see, not much defense. Guys just want to get up and Uran four seconds behind in “Although the profi le looked Egan Bernal (COL) Team Sky play,” World guard Simmons said. third. It was a bad day for four- fl at these were days that will 12, 7. Jhonnatan Narvaez (COL) “It’s good to get out there and just get up and down with guys time Tour de France winner have taken their toll,” said the Team Sky 13, 8. Ivan Ramiro you don’t normally go up and down with.” Chris Froome, though. 29-year-old. Sosa (COL) Team Sky 14, 9. Rookie guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, of Canada, scored 15 The Briton was caught out “I think people will pay for Sebastian Henao (COL) Team Bob Jungels, from Luxembourg and Deceuninck Quick Step team, celebrates points. This was the fifth year of the Americans against World by a split in the peloton and that tomorrow and the day af- Sky s.t., 10. Miguel Angel Lopez after winning the fourth stage of the Tour Colombia 2.1 and becoming general format and the World now leads the all-time series 3-2. fi nished in a group 43sec be- ter. We hope to be on top form.” (COL) Astana 18. leader, in Medellin, Colombia. (AFP) GulfGulf TTimesimes 6 SundaSunday,y, FebruarFebruaryy 17, 20120199 CRICKET

REPORT PSL Multan Sultans open account with win over Islamabad

Perera takes Sri Lanka to

Evergreen Shahid Afridi claimed two wickets for Multan Sultans. (PCB)

ultan Sultans were 20 runs short. opened their ac- “We were some 20 runs thrilling count in the HBL short,” said Sami. “We lost PSL by upsetting wickets at regular intervals Mthe title holders Islamabad and that pushed us back.” United with a hard-earned It was Ronchi who dealt in fi ve-wicket win on day three sixes when Islamabad batted. in Dubai yesterday. Islamabad, who were off In a low scoring match Mul- to winning start with a vic- tan’s newest pace bowler Ali tory over Lahore on Thursday, victory Shafi q (2-11), evergreen Sha- raced to 58 by the eight over hid Afridi (2-18) and return but a cluster of wickets halted to his best Junaid Khan (2-33) their progress. ‘It was a superman eff ort. He restricted Islamabad to 125-7 After a four-run fi rst over, in their 20 overs after Shoaib Ronchi launched attack deserves all the accolades’ Malik won the toss and opted against spinner Chris Green, to fi eld fi rst. Luke Ronchi’s hitting him for two sixes but 33-ball 55 with fi ve sixes and wickets of Rizwan Hussain a single boundary anchored (four) and Cameroon Delport an otherwise unimpressive (nought) pulled them back. Islamabad innings as Multan But Ronchi – top scorer of kept taking wickets to check HBL PSL last year with 435 in Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera celebrates the win during the fourth day of the first Test between South Africa at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban yesterday. (AFP) Islamabad’s progress. 11 matches — was not bothered But Multan too fi nd the as he smashed two sixes and a AFP Scorecard sesecondcond ssliplip by SSouthou African going tough before skipper four off Andre Russell to com- Durban captain Faf du Plessis. Two balls Malik took the responsibil- plete his fi fty off just 31 deliv- SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 235 D. de Silva lbw b Maharaj 48 (Lakmal), 8-215 (Embuldeniya), later he caught Niroshan Dick- ity upon himself by scoring an eries. But once he fell, caught SRI LANKA 1st innings 191 S. Lakmal c Du Plessis b Maharaj 0 9-226 (Rajitha) wella off his own bowling. undefeated 29-ball 31 which at deep square-leg off Shahid usal Perera carried Sri SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings 259 L. Embuldeniya c Markram b Olivier 4 Bowlers: Steyn 18-1-71-2, Philan- Sri Lanka were still a distant had two sixes. When 12 runs Afridi, only 36 runs came in Lanka to a sensational der 8-3-13-1, Maharaj 20-1-71-3, 194 runs short of their target were needed off the last two the next eight overs. SRI LANKA, 2nd innings K. Rajitha lbw b Maharaj 1 one-wicket win on (overnight 83-3) Rabada 22.3-3-97-1 (1w), Olivier when Perera was joined by De overs Afridi – who fi nished Next over Hussain Talat fell the fourth day of the V. Fernando not out 6 16-3-35-2, Markram 1-0-4-0 Silva, Sri Lanka’s last recognised with eight-ball 16 not out — for seven while Phil Salt (four) Kfi rst Test against South Africa at D. Karunaratne lbw b Philander 20 batsman. South Africa, who smashed Waqas Maqsood two and Asif Ali ((two) left Islama- Extras (b2, lb11, w1) 14 RESULT: Sri Lanka won by one Kingsmead yesterday as he hit a L. Thirimanne c Du Plessis b Rabada 21 were without opening bowler sixes to seal the match. bad in a dire strait at 76-6. Total (9 wkts, 85.3 overs) 304 wicket career-best 153 not out. O. Fernando c Du Plessis b Steyn 37 Vernon Philander because of a Leg-spinner Shadab Khan Shadab Khan scored 15 but it Perera and Vishwa Fernando Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Thirimanne), SERIES: Sri Lanka lead the two- strained left hamstring, strug- was the pick of Islamabad were Samit Patel and Faheem put on an unbeaten 78 in a last- TK. Mendis c De Kock b Olivier 02-42 (Karunaratne), 3-52 (Mendis), match series 1-0 gled for the next two hours as bowlers with 2-20 and also ef- Ashraf (both scoring 20 not wicket partnership to secure K. Perera not out 153 4-110 (O. Fernando), 5-110 (Dick- REMAINING MATCH: Perera and De Silva brought the fected a run out of Shan Masood out) who took Islamabad to only Sri Lanka’s second win in 14 N. Dickwella c and b Steyn 0 wella), 6-206 (De Silva), 7-206 February 21-25, Port Elizabeth target down to single fi gures. who made 20-ball 26 with four 125-7, adding 29 — 13 in the Test matches in South Africa. Left-arm spinner Keshav Ma- boundaries. Malik said he was penultimate over. Victory seemed unlikely when ninth wicket fell but managed to and Kagiso Rabada before slash- Fernando (37) and 96 for the haraj took two wickets off suc- calm as he knew they had bats- Shafi q earned man of the the ninth wicket fell with the keep most of the strike and to hit ing Rabada to third man for the sixth wicket with Dhananjaya cessive balls, dismissing De Silva men who could change the match award for his excellent total on 226, with the tourists some telling blows in an innings winning boundary. de Silva (48) before his extraor- leg before wicket and having complexion of the game. bowling, mixing his slower chasing a target of 304. of 200 balls which included 12 Perera, who came into the dinary association with Vishwa Suranga Lakmal caught at slip. “I was calm which comes ones to the best eff ect in his But the left-handed Perera fours and fi ve sixes. match with a career batting av- Fernando. The next two wickets fell by playing and I knew that we debut HBL PSL match. successfully farmed the strike, “It was a superman eff ort,” erage below 30 and with his only “I’m a little tired now, I don’t quickly – but what seemed cer- have explosive batsmen at fi ve, “I had a good coordination with South African captain Faf said Du Plessis. “He (Perera) de- previous century in 14 previous know what to say,” said Perera tain victory for South Africa six and seven who could hit big with the skipper and I stuck to du Plessis persisting with wide- serves all the accolades.” Tests having been made against when he received the man of the turned into a triumph for the when needed and that’s what what he told me,” said Shafi q, spread fi elds for the in-form South Africa took the second Zimbabwe in Harare two sea- match award. “I did my part but tourists, who are assured of at I was clam,” said Malik. “We who was not played in team’s batsman, while Fernando only new ball with the total on 263 sons ago, shared three important we are winning as a team.” least a share of the honours in a bowled well and the credit loss to karachi Kings on Friday. had to face 27 balls during a 96- but still kept most of their fi eld- partnerships. The stand with Oshado Fern- two-match series. The second goes to the bowlers.” “You need to mix your slower ball partnership. ers on the boundary for Perera, He put on 58 for the fourth ando was broken by Dale Steyn, Test starts in Port Elizabeth on Islamabad skipper Moham- ones and that’s what I got that Perera was on 86 when the who hit sixes off both Dale Steyn wicket with debutant Oshado who had Fernando caught at Thursday. med Sami admitted his team rewards.” (psl-t20.com)

ODI Guptill run-fl ow sweeps New Zealand past Bangladesh AFP 88 deliveries he faced. After rolling vided some backbone for the innings, Scorecard Christchurch Bangladesh for 226, Guptill made a putting on 75 for the sixth wicket. fl ying start in New Zealand’s reply as Mithun again played the anchor BANGLADESH 338 din), 10-226 (Mortaza) they passed through 10 overs at 59 for role, as he did with his hard-fought T. Iqbal lbw Henry 5 Bowlers: Henry 10-2-30-1 (1w), Boult rejuvenated Martin Gup- one while Bangladesh were 32 for two 62 in the fi rst match. In game two, he 10-1-49-1, de Grandhomme 4-0-25-1 (8w), till wound back the clock at the same stage. scored 57 off 69 deliveries before he L. Das c Ferguson b Boult 1 Ferguson 10-0-43-3 (2w), Astle 10-0-52-2, with his second century in Mustafi zur Rahman claimed the was bowled by Todd Astle, while Sab- S. Sarkar c Taylor b de Grandhomme 22 Neesham 5.4-0-21-2 (2w) as many games as a clinical early wicket of Henry Nicholls for bir contributed 43 off 65. M. Rahim b Ferguson 24 NewA Zealand clinched their one-day 14, leaving Kane Williamson to part- New Zealand assisted the Bangla- NEW ZEALAND series against Bangladesh in Christch- ner Guptill in a 143-run stand for the desh cause with 23 extras and some M. Mithun b Astle 57 M. Guptill c Das b Rahman 118 urch yesterday. second wicket. When Guptill went in sloppy fi elding while Rahman had Mahmudullah c Latham b Astle 7 H. Nicholls c Das b Rahman 14 The long-serving opener, who had similar fashion to Nicholls, caught on fortune on his side when an edge off a S. Rahman c Neesham b Ferguson 43 a disappointing recent series against the boundary by Liton Das off Mus- Todd Astle delivery nicked the stumps K. Williamson not out 65 India, rated his 118 as a more satisfy- tafi zur Rahman in the 29th over, New but the bails stayed on. M. Hasan c Nicholls b Neesham 16 R. Taylor not out 21 ing knock than the unbeaten 117 when Zealand were 188 for two. Colin de Grandhomme had an M. Saifuddin b Ferguson 10 Extras: (b 1, wd 10) 11 he returned to form in the fi rst match New Zealand’s Martin Guptill celebrates Williamson and Ross Taylor then eventful fi rst over that lasted 11 de- M. Mortaza c Boult b Neesham 13 against Bangladesh. his century in the second ODI against guided the home side to the fi nish liveries, included fi ve wides and also Total: (for 2 wickets; 36.1 overs) 229 Guptill cut, drove and pulled the and Bangladesh at Hagley Oval in with Williamson not out 65 and Tay- produced the wicket of Soumya Sarkar M Rahman not out 5 Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Nicholls), 2-188 Bangladesh attack apart as New Zea- Christchurch yesterday. (AFP) lor on 21. After Williamson won the who was caught by Ross Taylor for 22. Extras (lb 6, wd 17) 23 (Guptill) land cruised to victory and went 2-0 toss and opted to bowl under cloudy But Taylor dropped two catches in the Total (all out; 49.4 overs) 226 Bowling: Mortaza 6-0-37-0 (1w), Saifud- up in the three-match series. by India. Against India’s tight bowl- skies, the Bangladesh top order again following overs. Ferguson fi nished Fall of wickets: din 6-0-44-0 (3w), Miraz 7.1-0-42-0, Rah- With the World Cup looming, New ing, Guptill was restricted to a top failed to fi re. as the most successful New Zealand 1-5 (Liton Das), 2-16 (Iqbal), 3-48 (Sarkar), 4-81 (Rahim), 5-93 man 9-0-42-2 (2w), Rahman 4-0-28-0, Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was score of 15. But against a less confi ning They were in trouble at 93 for fi ve bowler with three for 43. The third and Sarkar 1-0-10-0, Mahmudullah 3-0-25-0 pleased to see his side had taken les- Bangladesh attack, he scored freely, after 21 overs before Mohammad fi nal ODI is in Dunedin next Wednes- (Mahmudullah), 6-168 (Mithun), 7-190 sons from the 4-1 drubbing infl icted with 14 fours and four sixes from the Mithun and Sabbir Rahman pro- day, followed by three Test matches. (Hasan), 8-206 (Rahman), 9-211 (Saifud- Result: NZ won by eight wickets. Gulf Times Sunday, February 17, 2019 7 SPORT

FOCUS ATHLETICS Ethiopia’s Tefera Stunned Japanese breaks world indoor 1,500m record

Reuters charged to the fi nish line. Birmingham, England Kejelcha fi nished second in a personal best of 3:31.58. Kejelcha, the 21-year-old swimmers back thiopian teenager Sam- two-time world indoor 3,000m uel Tefera outduelled champion, had come within 0.01 compatriot Yomif Ke- of the world indoor mile record jelcha to break the world last week in New York. He had indoorE 1,500 metres record in announced before Saturday’s Birmingham yesterday. race he would be going for the Tefera, 19, clocked three min- 1,500m record. utes, 31.04 seconds at the IAAF Scotland’s Laura Muir became stricken pin-up Ikee World Indoor Tour meeting to the third-fastest indoor miler take down Moroccan Hicham El of all-time at the same meet- Guerrouj’s 1997 record of 3:31.18. ing when she broke the British ‘With the Olympics on the horizon, people will be urging her to get well and compete’ It came on the same Birming- record. The European champion ham track where Tefera had won clocked 4:18.75. AFP the world title last year. The world record is 4:13.31 by Tokyo Tefera kicked past Kejelcha Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba in after the bell for the fi nal lap and 2016.

apanese swimmers have vowed to step up their eff orts in support of Ri- kako Ikee, the poster girl Jfor the 2020 Tokyo Olympics who has announced she is suf- fering from leukaemia. Earlier this week, the 18-year- old swim queen tweeted that she had cut short a training camp in Australia after feeling unwell and had been diagnosed with the illness on her return to Japan. The news sent shockwaves around the sport and well- wishes have fl ooded in for Ikee, a genuine title contender at the 2020 Olympics in her home city. “I was shocked,” two-time world champion Daiya Seto said at the Konami Open in Tokyo yesterday. “With the Tokyo Olympics on the horizon, people will no doubt be urging her to get well and compete. “But obviously life is more important,” added the Rio Ol- ympic bronze medallist. “I just pray she gets better soon and we can see her cute smile again — all we can really do is pray.” Ippei Watanabe promised to Ethiopia’s Samuel Tefera wins the men’s 1,500m in a new world indoor break his own world record in record time at Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix yesterday. (Reuters) the men’s 200m breaststroke at the Japanese championships in push hard on several other fronts. have imagined she was sick. when I read the news about my positive and concentrate on April to help encourage Ikee in When she left (Australia), she friend (Rikako Ikee) being diag- the treatment, trust in your life her battle to recover. BOMBSHELL NEWS just told me she had to leave nosed with leukaemia. Sending force.” Breathless Shiff rin wins record “I’m confi dent of setting But her bombshell announce- early. I couldn’t believe it when I all my strength and love to you!” Doctors believe they detect- a new world record,” he said. ment has left her fellow swim- saw the news. We will all have to Hollywood actor Ken Watan- ed Ikee’s leukaemia in its early fourth straight world slalom title “Hopefully that will off er her a mers stunned. put in an extra shift while she’s abe, who survived acute myeloid stages. AFP mattered,” Shiff rin said of the little encouragement at least.” “It looked as if she was really away.” leukaemia in the 1990s, also The swimmer, who has been Åre, Sweden second run which she blitzed Ikee, who shot to fame by cap- struggling,” said Suzuka Haseg- Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom, Ol- tweeted a message of support hospitalised in Tokyo, tweeted: in uncompromising style. turing a record six gold medals awa, who was also training on ympic champion in the women’s for his countrywoman. “If treated properly it’s a dis- “I really felt like I had to lean at last year’s Asian Games, was Australia’s Gold Coast when 100m fl y and expected to be “You may be feeling desper- ease that can be beaten. I will coughing Mikaela on my coaches and my team a genuine contender to win the Ikee’s health problems began. Ikee’s rival for the gold medal ate,” wrote the Last Samurai star. devote myself to my treatment Shiff rin snapped up a to help me find the energy for women’s 100m butterfl y at the “We went shopping together next year, posted: “You might be wondering and strive to be able to show an A record fourth con- these 60 seconds. Tokyo Olympics and tipped to in our free time and I couldn’t “My eyes are fi lled with tears ‘Why me?’ I hope you will be even stronger Rikako Ikee.” secutive world slalom title “Me and my team were able to yesterday, giving a glimpse concentrate on our true task of the steel-edged approach and the reason we’re here. The SPOTLIGHT that has propelled her into the skiing that I did was the best I spotlight as one of the world’s could do, sick or healthy. I don’t best alpine skiers. know about the best, but it’s The American raced with a one of the sweetest,” she said “small lung infection” that of the victory, which followed saw her struggle to breathe at gold in last week’s super-G and Mini me: ‘Doctor’ Rossi fi nds times, but reality struck for the bronze in the giant slalom. second run after she’d come in Sweden’s Anna Swenn-Larsson third fastest in the first leg. took silver and newly-crowned “I wasn’t nervous today at all, I giant slalom champion Petra just wasn’t feeling good all day Vlhova of Slovakia claimed fountain of youth in his academy apart from the 60 seconds that bronze.

AFP stand how to live like a rider. So Tavullia, Italy everything that Valentino does, OLYMPICS every minute, is worth following.” “He’s been in this sport for talian motorcycling legend the past 23 years and I’m 22. All Valentino Rossi says he has the diffi culties, he has already Unifi ed Korean discovered the fountain of experienced them. And thanks youth in his VR46 Riders to him we know immediately IAcademy as he aspires to con- how to resolve them,” Bagnaia teams at 2020 tinue competing at the highest told AFP. level past his 40th birthday “I’ve grown up with Valentino yesterday. as my idol. It’s obvious to see he Games in four sports “Working with young people can’t live without this. The sim- keeps me young,” said the nine- ple fact he’s the fi rst to arrive in AFP The initiative will have to be time world champion who set the morning and the last to leave Lausanne ratifi ed at the next IOC executive up the Academy near his home training, that tells you a lot. It’s an commission in Lausanne March town of Tavullia in 2013 to help all-consuming passion.” 26-28. aspiring young riders and revive The Academy students’ suc- he two Koreas are pre- The move comes after the two the ailing MotoGP sector in cess has, however, resulted in a paring to fi eld unifi ed Koreas marched under a joint Italy. unexpected confl ict of inter- teams for the 2020 Tokyo fl ag at the 2018 Pyeongchang Five years on, the Yahama est — riders who train together Olympics in basketball, Winter Games, where they also rider, also known as ‘The Doc- compete for rival stables, in- Tjudo, fi eld hockey and rowing, sent out a unifi ed women’s ice tor’, is competing against two of cluding Rossi’s Sky Racing Team the International Olympic Com- hockey team. his proteges — Franco Mor- by VR46 which takes part in mittee said on Friday. The ice hockey team sparked bidelli and Francesco Bagnaia. Moto2 and Moto3. The IOC are insisting the joint a media sensation despite los- Three of the six Italians who In this January 29, 2019, picture, Antonio di Girolamo, main steward of the motor ranch, holds Valentino “They guys know our teams take part in Olympic qual- ing all fi ve of their matches by a will line-out in the fi rst Grand Rossi’s motorcycle racing suit at the VR46 Valentino Rossi Riders Academy in Tavullia, Italy. (AFP) philosophy. We’re very happy ifying stages, with the participa- combined scoreline of 28-2. Prix of the season on March 10 in to have Team Sky and some tion of the various international The last 12 months have seen Qatar train on a dirt track circuit Academy was to bring Italian afterwards did it become the two junior world champions, results, but we also give the federations. a series of joint Korean sides fol- at Rossi’s “Motor Ranch” at motorcycling back to where it Academy,” explains Salucci. two Moto2 world champions maximum for Marco Bezzecchi The move was revealed af- low in the tracks of the ice hockey Tavullia, a village in eastern Italy was 15 years ago, when we were “Valentino worked out at a (Morbidelli in 2017, Bagnaia in (an Academy member but also ter the two sports ministers and project, including judo and bas- where the local hero grew up. on top,” Alessio Salucci, a child- gym at Pesaro. Local kids Nic- 2018) and we’re going to have a Red Bull KTM rider). And if the Olympic representatives of ketball. Forming two oval circuits, hood friend and right-hand colo Antonelli, Andrea Migno, two MotoGP riders,” Alberto Bezzecchi wins a race, we’ll be North and South Korea met Ol- A men’s handball team lost the 2.4km (1.5-mile) track man of Rossi, now the Acade- Franco Morbidelli used to tag Tebaldi, another of Rossi’s very happy,” insisted Tebaldi. ympic supremo Thomas Bach at all but one of its matches at the stands out in the valley against a my’s sporting director, told AFP. along because they knew he friends who oversees the VR46 For Rossi, who fi nished third IOC headquarters in Lausanne. world championships in Janu- backdrop of vineyards and olive “It was a lot of work, listen- trained there. project, told AFP. last season in MotoGP, his 18th In all, a women’s basketball ary, but the women’s dragon boat groves. ing to Valentino and going full “They would say: ‘Vale (Val- podium fi nish in all categories team, a women’s fi eld hockey squad won Asian Games gold in In this unlikely location 11 throttle.” entino) we don’t have gloves; ‘ALL-CONSUMING PASSION’ in 23 years, it’s a win-win situ- team, a mixed judo team in four the 500m last year. aspiring riders train alongside The ranch is located on the Vale, we don’t have a riding suit’. Rossi’s lifestyle provides the ation. weight categories and for the The women’s table tennis team their idol, during long “Amer- site of an abandoned gypsum “We helped them, but in a model for the aspiring riders. “Training on your own is bor- men in three rowing events, the also reached the world champi- ican-style” sessions — two quarry, where Rossi used to basic way. So Vale off ered to start Eleven mini-Valentinos work ing,” said Saluccio. coxless fours, the quadruple onship semi-fi nals. eliminations on each passage train with his friends. the Academy, to help these boys, out and compete alongside the “Now he’s training with guys sculls and the team of eight. Pyongyang and Seoul have an- before a fi nal four. Rossi enjoyed working within but to do so in a serious way.” maestro and have assess to his who go fast and who want to “We believe this a great example nounced plans for a joint bid to Next season, they will all be a group so much that he decided The business has grown to personal doctors, dieticians and beat him. He wants to beat them of the Olympic spirit,” said Bach. host the 2032 Summer Games. competing at the world cham- to convert an abandoned farm- such a point that there are now trainer Carlo Casabianca. too and it’s not easy. Competi- In a separate press release, the The two countries remain pionships in MotoGP, Moto2 or house and start the Academy on 12 riders working at the Acad- “Valentino’s lifestyle revolves tion, day in, day out, that’s IOC said: “These unifi ed Korea technically at war after they Moto3. 65 hectares of his father’s land. emy. “It has become a success- around the bike,” said Saluccio. what Valentino gets out of the teams will have to qualify for the fought each other to a standstill “The original idea of the “First there were riders, only ful project because we’ve had “The others need to under- Academy.” Olympics.” in the 1950-53 Korean War.

Sunday, February 17, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

GOLF Local boy Mathiesen claims Qatar Open amateur title In the professional category, Poland’s Adrian Meronk triumphed with a 72 in the final round

By Yash Mudgal Doha

he kid who used to play at the Doha Golf Club will return next month to take on the world’s best in Commercial Bank Qatar TMasters. Danish boy Mikkel Mathiesen, who has been a junior member at Doha Golf Club (DGC) for the last ten years, clinched a European Tour event berth by winning Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship yesterday. The 18-year-old played remarkably well over the last three days and his fi - nal round 70 with a birdie and a bogey earned him a seven-shot victory. He aggregated one-under 215, with the next closest player, England’s William Shucksmith, at six-over. “It’s great. It is a big win for me. To win in Doha in front of my people is in- deed a big win,” Mikkel told Gulf Times. Talking about his last round per- formance, the rising star said, “I had a two-shot lead to start the day and I did not really give that up. I am happy to win today. The fi eld was very strong this year as 22 professionals were also Professional category winner Poland’s Adrian Meronk tees off during the third participating. and final round at the Doha Golf Club. “I know so many of these guys; they all are good golfers and to beat them He made his professional debut in the best among the Qataris in conten- and to come out as winner gives me a 2016 at the Alfred Dunhill Links Cham- tion and will get to play in the Masters. lot of confi dence before the Qatar Mas- pionship, and fi nished runner-up in the Al-Kaabi, who fi nished second in the ters,” the Doha College student said. Pro-Am competition. He and his part- 2017, carded 73 his best of the tourna- Mathiesen’s victory means a lot for ner shot an impressive -37 at St. An- ment, for a seven-over 223 to fi nish DGC, where he nurtured his golf skills. drews which left them only one behind joint 15th overall, while al-Kuwari was a “It is a very big win for our club. the eventual winners. The 24-year-old joint 22nd after a third-round 77 to ag- Mikkel is our boy… he is one of us. He Meronk earned QR7,000 and will also gregate 11-over 227. has won many tournaments at our club. Mikkel Mathiesen (centre) poses with his trophy and Qatar Golf Association general secretary Fahad al-Naimi (left) and board get to play the Commercial Bank Qatar The third wild card for Qatar Master We all are very proud of him,” DGC gen- member Mohamed Faisal al-Naimi after winning the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram Masters as a reward for his eff orts. was been given to Ali al-Shahrani, who eral manager Gary McGlinchey said. Sweden’s Nicklas Johansson and missed the tournament as he was under Mathiesen has recently secured a golf In the professional category, it was 208. “I played really well from the be- “I am very excited to play in Qatar the Netherlands’ Mike Toorop came the weather. The prizes were given by scholarship in the US; he will start at Poland’s Adrian Meronk who tri- ginning and today was the toughest day Masters. The set up will be diff erent second and third to book their Qatar Qatar Golf Association general secre- Wright State University in Ohio in Sep- umphed with a 72 in the fi nal round, for sure and I tried to stay focused and and it will be tougher. It is a big chal- Masters spots. As expected Saleh Ali al- tary Fahad al-Naimi and board member tember 2019. taking his aggregate to an eight-under be patient,” Meronk said. lenge and I think I am ready for it.” Kaabi and Jaham Jassim al-Kuwari were Mohamed Faisal al-Naimi.

QNB STARS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Cunha and Wellbrock win Al Sadd ease past Al Khor, Marathon Swim World Series By Sports Reporter El Arabi rescues Duhail Doha

Al Sadd’s Akram Afif (centre) scores na Marcela Cunha against Al Khor during the QNB Stars of Brazil and Florian League match at the Al Sadd stadium Wellbrock of Germany yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed emerged as winners of theA FINA Marathon Swim World Series, which took place on Do- ha’s iconic Corniche yesterday. The athletes competed over the 10km course, which was di- vided into four laps of 2.5km, with the Corniche skyline form- ing the stunning backdrop for the opening race of the FINA Mara- thon Swim World Series 2019. Cunha, the overall winner of FINA Marathon Swim World Se- ries in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018, clocked 2:03:51.5 seconds and Men’s winner Florian Wellbrock (centre), runner-up Kristof Rasovszky won the exciting women’s race, (left) and third-placed Jordan Wilimovsky pose with their medals which ended in a close fi nish. after the FINA Marathon Swim World Series in Doha yesterday. The winner was hard to predict till the last moment as Australia’s Kareena Lee, fi nished second with a time of 2:03:52.0, just 0.5 seconds behind the Brazilian star. Rio Olympic silver medal- ist Rachele Bruni of Italy claimed the bronze medal by completing By Sports Reporter striker Rachid Tiberkanine, also through an the race in 2:03:53.0. Doha injury. Both teams created opportunities in Swimmers faced windy condi- Ana Marcela Cunha the fi rst half, reigning champions Al Duhail tions and tides from the opposite of Brazil won the more of them. They were unlucky not to direction throughout the event, women's race. eaders Al Sadd scored a convincing have scored despite dominating possession with Cunha leading the contest 6-2 win over Al Khor, while Yousef way more than their rivals. right from the start. She main- El Arabi scored the all-important After Al Duhail’s Paolo Edmilson tested tained her lead for most part of goal as second-placed Al Duhail goalkeeper Saoud A Khater, who had a good the race and fi nished as the win- Lscraped past Al Sailiya 1-0 at the QNB Stars game overall, Al Sailiya’s Abdulqadir Ilyas ner. “It was my plan to lead the the bronze medal after clocking Open Water Challenge. He said League yesterday. Sadd were in smashing came up with a cracker of a shot, after he race from the beginning because 1:52:24.4. “The race was really that Qatar has become a capital form as goals rained at the Al Sadd stadium, capitalised on a defensive mistake, only to last year I used to stay behind. I tough. It’s my third World Cup for international sporting events with Akram Afi f (seventh, 10th and 64th be blocked by goalkeeper Amine Lecomte. tried to be a bit faster in the fi nal and also my third gold so I am re- and competitions. minutes), Hamed Ismail (41st), Jung Woo- Al Duhail’s top scorer Yousef El Arabi and lap, which was part of my plan. It ally happy. The conditions were He noted that 2019 will see Young (55th) and Baghdad Bounedjah (57th) Al Duhail’s Yousef El Arabi celebrates after Al Sailiya’s Nadir Belhadj too made attempts was a tough race and I am happy hard. I didn’t have many races the hosting of 50 diff erent sport- scoring for the hosts. Wagner Ferreira (15th scoring against Al Sailiya. at the goal. Soon after the restart, there were to win as there were many con- like this before so I had to change ing events, the most notable of minute) and Thiago Queiroz (90+2 penalty) brisk activities at the Al Sailiya goal as The tenders, who were very close till my tactics in the middle,” said which will be the World Champi- scored Al Khor’s goals as they remained on Al Khor defender Khaled Radwan. Akram Red Knights upped the ante. The Al Duhail the last moment,” Cunha said. Wellbrock. onships in Athletics that is set to nine points. Al Sadd, with 41 points, thus completed his hat-trick with an assist from ranks thought they were in the lead when El Rio Olympic gold medalist Qatar’s Abdelrahman Moham- take place in September. On the kept their two-point lead over Al Duhail. Bounedjah. Arabi sent a cracker of a shot against the bar Sharon Van Rouwendaal of the ed and Ahmad Samara showed Doha Open Water Challenge, he Akram scored his fi rst goal off a pass from Even as it looked easy for Al Sadd came in the 54th minute. Netherlands, who won in Doha a lot of determination as they said that the current year’s edi- Qatar national team captain Hassan al- another consolation for Al Khor when Jung Soon, El Arabi came close off a free-kick, last year, could only manage to completed the challenging race tion saw a large number of par- Haydous. He scored his second after Gabi ‘handled’ a free-kick taken by Thiago in but was thwarted again. Japanese profes- get 12th position after fi nish- with impressive times. Mohamed ticipants. He congratulated all Fernandez did the spadework. Hamed Is- stoppage time. Referee Abdulhadi al-Ru- sional Shoya Nakajima, whom Al Duhail ing the race in 2:04:05.2. All the clocked 1:53:11.6, while Samara swimmers who won and those mail found the net with a long rising shot as aile pointed to the spot and Thiago himself signed recently in place of injured South 52 competitors in the women’s fi nished the race in 1:55:58.7. The who completed the challenge. Al Sadd went into the half-time break with converted from it past a diving goalkeeper Korean playmaker Nam Tae-Hee, rose to the event, completed the race. second leg will be held in Sey- He also thanked the Qatar a 3-1 lead. Al Sadd continued from where Meshaal Barshim to make the fi nal scoreline occasion on his debut. It was Nakajima who It was also a very tough race chelles on May 12. Swimming Association (QSA) they left off . Jung, tournament top scorer read 6-2 in Al Sadd’s favour. set the stage for the goal by giving a through in the men’s event. Wellbrock for their good organisation they Bounedjah and Akram again were on target Meanwhile, El Arabi scored in the 70th pass to Edmilson before the latter cut the grabbed the gold medal af- QOC SECRETARY-GENERAL held in co-operation with FINA. in the space of 19 minutes. Jung sent in a minute for Duhail at home against third- ball squarely for El Arabi to score. Before the ter reaching the fi nish line in PRAISES FINA EVENT Al-Buenain also highlighted the free-kick past the defensive wall and goal- placed Al Sailiya. Duhail missed the serv- goal, Ilyas got another chance. However, Le- 1:52:21.6. Kristof Rasovszky Secretary-General of Qatar Ol- fact that Qatari teams and ath- keeper Mohammed al-Bakri. ices of Qatar’s Asian Cup-winning heroes comte showed good refl ex to block his shot of Hungary was second with a ympic Committee (QOC) Jassim letes are making great gains from Bounedjah found the mark as his shot Almoez Ali and Bassam al-Rawi due to inju- from close range. Al Sailiya made desperate time of 1:52:22.8, while Jordan bin Rashid al-Buenain praised hosting such distinguished in- landed in the goal off a defl ection from ries, while Al Sailiya sorely missed their ace eff orts for an equaliser, but in vain. Wilimovsky of the USA clinched the success of the FINA Doha ternational events.