SPORTTuesday 6 March 2018

PAGEP | 32-33 PAGE | 34 PAGE | 36 Aussies wrap Stage set for ITTF Shastri sees up Durban World Tour Platinum shades of Khan win Open in Kohli

Matches of AFC ACL: Injury-time goal helps Al Cup in Iraq postponed Gharafa to draw with Al Ahli REUTERS BAGHDAD: Two AFC Cup ARMSTRONG VAS AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches involving Iraqi clubs THE PENINSULA have been postponed until Results and fixtures for the AFC Champions April in the hope that FIFA : A last-gasp equaliser League yesterday will lift a ban on the country from Robert Quijada earned Al Nasaf (0) 1 Al Sadd (0) 0 hosting competitive interna- Gharafa a 1-1 draw with Saudi Persepolis (2) 2 Al Wasl (0) 0 tional games, the Asian Arabia’s Al Ahli in the 2018 AFC Al Jazira (0) 0 Tractor Sazi (0) 0 Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Group A Al Gharafa (0) 1 Al Ahli (0) 1 said yesterday. match here yesterday while Today’s, fixtures (GMT) Al Zawraa were sched- another QNB Stars league (QSL) Sydney vs Kashima Antlers (0830) uled to host Bahraini side club Al Sadd went down fighting Suwon Bluewings vs Shanghai Shenhua Manama Club today, while 1-0 to Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf in (1000) Air Force Club’s home game Kawasaki Frontale vs Melbourne Victory (1000) an away match. against Malkiya of Bahrain

Shanghai SIPG vs Ulsan (1200)

Al Ahli came off the blocks was to be held a week later racing and nearly found an but now stand postponed in opener inside four minutes when a decision taken by the foot- striker Mohannad Assiri met ball governing body for Asia. Saeed Al Muwallad’s cross first cross from the left flank. The AFC and the partici- time, but saw his shot saved by As Al Ahli looked set for an pating clubs had given their goalkeeper Qassem Burhan. away win, Dutch midfielder consent to stage fixtures in Despite the quick start, the Wesley Sneijder sent a pinpoint Iraq but FIFA are yet to allow visitors had to wait until the 62th cross for Quijada who watched the country to host competi- minute to finally find a break- his header ricochet off the post tive club fixtures of Asian through. Defender Aqeel then followed through on the tournaments. Balghaith powered in a header rebound to drive home the “FIFA have emphasised into the top corner of Burhan’s equaliser in second half added that the lifting of the ban on goal following Taiseer Al Jassim’s time. playing matches in Iraq Al Gharafa’s midfielder Wesley Sneijder is challenged by an Al Ahli player during the AFC Champions applies only for international League football match at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in Doha yesterday. friendly matches and that the AFC Cup matches are not Al Gharafa travel to the King leaked more goals but for the Persepolis saw off Al Wasl. friendly games and therefore Abdullah Sport City Stadium in efforts of their defenders and Ahmadzadeh scored with a cannot be staged in Iraq Jeddah for the reverse fixture goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb. volley in the 36th minute without a change in the cur- next Tuesday. Al-Sheeb, however, couldn’t when a long throw-in by Hos- rent ruling by the FIFA In Qarshi, Azizjon Ganiev’s deny the Uzbeks in the 62nd sein Mahini was headed into Council,” the AFC said in a second-half penalty proved the minute when Azizjon Gainev his path by Jalal Hos- statement here yesterday. difference as Uzbekistan’s FC scored from the penalty spot seini and Alipour consolidated “As the next FIFA Coun- Nasaf beat Qatar’s Al Sadd 1-0. after Bobir Abdixolikov was in the 41st from the spot after cil is to be held on March Hosts Nasaf looked closer to fouled by Salem al-Hajri. he was felled while trying to 15-16, 2018, the AFC, in order opening the scoring in the first Ruzikul Berdiev’s men then get around Al Wasl goalkeeper to provide the Iraqi clubs half, while Al Sadd struggled. held on to their slender lead for Yousif Abdulla. with an opportunity to play Al Sadd, whose Qatar Stars their second win in the Australian midfielder the matches on home soil League title chances were competition. Anthony Caceres came close to and in accordance with the severely dented last week when Elsewhere,UAE’s Al Wasl reducing the deficit for Al Wasl AFC Cup Regulations 2018 they were beaten 4-3 by leaders suffered their third straight but his free-kick was tipped (Article7.3) have decided to Al Duhail, failed to get their act defeat yesterday as Iran’s Perse- away for a corner by Alireza postpone the affected together against Nasaf who dom- polis dominated Al Wasl for a Beiranvand. matches until April 16 and inated the game and created 2-0 victory at the Azadi Stadium Yesterday’s Group C results 17, 2018.” several scoring chances. in Tehran. leave Al Sadd, Nasaf and Perse- The AFC said it would Players of Al Gharafa celebrate after scoring a goal against Saudi With the injured not Meanwhile in Tehran, Far- polis level on six points, while Al decide venues for the two Arabia’s Al Ahli during the AFC Champions League football match playing the match, the Qatar shad Ahmadzadeh and Ali Wasl languish at the bottom hav- matches after the FIFA Coun- at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in Doha yesterday. giants were clearly short on Alipour were on target in a ing failed to open their account cil considers the issue in their inspiration and could have span of five minutes as from three matches. next meeting. Al Duhail and eye wins THE PENINSULA two weeks ago after Abdullah Al Hafith’s own A positive result in Al Ain would leave the goal. The 2017 runners-up have now not won Iranian side in a strong position at the mid- DOHA: Al Duhail are looking for their third on the continent since the first leg of last way point of the group stage. successive win in Group B of the AFC Cham- year’s semi-final and have yet to score in the Al Ain will have happy memories of the pions League when they host PFC current campaign. last time they met, in the first knockout Lokomotiv at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium Today’s visitors are only a point ahead round last year, when, after Esteghlal won today while Al Rayyan will be looking to pick of Al Hilal but will be far happier with their 1-0 in Tehran, the Emirati team stormed back pionts in the away match in Riyadh. start, having followed a 2-2 draw with to post a resounding 6-1 home victory to The table-toppers fell behind to Al Esteghlal with a 1-1 draw against Al Ain. They advance 6-2 on aggregate. Wahda last week but a Youssef El Arabi brace did, however, lose both group games – 2-1 In Jeonju, in Group E table-toppers Jeon- and a goal saw the Qatari and 4-3 – to the Saudi side in 2017. buk Hyundai Motors take on Tianjin team run out 3-2 winners as they built on The hosts will be without Ali Al Habsi Quanjian at Jeonju World Cup Stadium. their opening-day victory over Zobahan. after the goalkeeper was sent off against The 2016 winners Jeonbuk have returned Lokomotiv, meanwhile, lost 2-0 against Esteghlal, while Al Rayyan welcome back to the competition in fine style, following up Zobahan last time out to slip to third in the their talisman, captain , after a 3-2 opening-day victory over Kashiwa standings, having eased to a 5-0 victory over the playmaker was suspended for the draw Reysol with a comprehensive 6-0 win Al Wahda in their first game as their con- with Al Ain. against Kitchee SC two weeks ago in a game trasting home and away form followed a Meanwhile, the 2016 AFC Champions that saw Brazilian striker Adriano net a similar trend to their past three League runners-up Al Ain will be seeking hat-trick. campaigns. their first win of the 2018 campaign when Another Brazilian, Alexandre Pato, On Lokomotiv’s only previous trip to they entertain Esteghlal in Group D at Hazza scored a late equaliser away at Kashiwa on Doha, they suffered a 6-2 defeat to Al Sadd Bin Zayed Stadium today. Matchday Two as Tianjin secured a 1-1 draw in the 2015 group stage, although they did The Emirati side, who are without the to leave Japan with a point. The Chinese avenge that loss three weeks later by easing suspended Mohamed Abdulrahman, have Super League team have now won one and to a 5-0 victory in Tashkent. drawn their first two matches, after Al drawn one ahead of their visit to Korea In Riyadh, Al Hilal will be desperate to Rayyan left the UAE with a point following Republic. Defender Hong Jeong-ho is sus- Al Rayyan players bring an end to a five-game winless run in Swedish striker Marcus Berg’s opener from pended for the hosts, who kicked off their K get ready for the AFC the AFC Champions League ahead of the visit the spot two weeks ago. League 1 campaign with a 2-0 victory over of Al Rayyan to King Saud University Sta- Esteghlal drew their opening game 2-2 Ulsan Hyundai last Thursday. Tianjin, mean- Champions League dium on Tuesday. with Al Rayyan then claimed an impressive while, defeated Henan Jianye 4-0 as they match. Al Hilal drew their opening Group D fix- 1-0 victory over Al Hilal on Matchday Two got their Chinese Super League season off ture with Al Ain and then lost 1-0 to Esteghlal after Abdullah Al Hafith’s own goal. to a perfect start. 30 SPORT TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 Neymar-less PSG aim to oust Real Madrid

AFP Paris Saint-Germain’s Dani Alves gestures during a press conference ahead of their PARIS: Dani Alves insists Paris Saint-Germain Champions League match against Real have what it takes to beat Real Madrid in their Madrid at Parc des Princes, Paris, France, Arsenal supporters hold up anti-Wenger banners in Champions League showdown today even with- yesterday. the crowd after the English Premier League football out the injured Neymar. match at the American Express Community Stadium in “We always have two options -- either we Brighton, southern England, yesterday. sit down and cry, or we get up and do what we have to do,” said Alves when asked about the absence of his compatriot, who is back in Bra- Arsenal face zil recovering from a foot operation. “With Neymar PSG are stronger, and with- out ‘Ney’ we are still strong because there are other players,” added Alves, who was speaking major overhaul at yesterday’s eve-of-game press conference in Paris. REUTERS “For sure, we will feel his absence. But I insist that between sitting down and crying and get- MANCHESTER: After a week in which two 3-0 defeats ting up and getting on with it, I always opt for by Manchester City highlighted the gulf between Arsenal the second option.” The world’s most expensive and the Premier League champions-elect, Sunday’s loss player had an operation on Saturday in Belo Hor- at Brighton suggested even the Gunners’ membership of izonte on a small fracture to a metatarsal in his the “Big Six” is in question. right foot and is now recovering with the aim of The focus is again on the future of French manager being back towards the end of the season. Arsene Wenger, but whether he sees out the remaining The hope for PSG is that they might be able year of his contract or steps down at the end of this cam- to get their 222m-euro man back for the latter paign, it is clear the North London side need a major stages of the Champions League. overhaul. But in order to make it to the quarter-finals “When one player is missing, it opens the for Real in 2017-18 now depends entirely on their Arsenal are closer to seventh-placed Burnley than in mid-April, they will need to overturn a 3-1 door for someone else, and I know that whoever exploits in Europe. Zidane’s future as coach may they are to fifth-placed Chelsea. first-leg deficit in their last-16 tie against Real comes in through that door tomorrow (Tuesday) also be tied to them lifting the trophy in May. Wenger’s side are 13 points adrift of Tottenham following their defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu will do so with all their force,” said coach Unai It leaves the Frenchman with no room for Hotspur, who occupy the fourth Champions League last month. Emery. error at the Parc des Princes, where an absence spot, and a yawning 33 points adrift of the runaway Asked if he had been in touch with his inter- The Spaniard said he was confident centre- of Bale would represent the surest indication yet leaders. national colleague, Alves said: “I speak with him back Marquinhos, midfielder Marco Verratti and of a lack of trust when it matters most. Worse than the statistics is the clear sense that Spurs, practically every day, so yes we have agreed both Mbappe and Cavani would be ready for the Bale could hardly have done more in Satur- Liverpool and Manchester United are improving, evolv- between us that we would see each other again game after minor fitness concerns. day’s 3-1 win over Getafe. ing into quality teams who can compete at the highest later on in this competition.” They all trained on Sunday, but one man who He opened the scoring, his eighth goal in 13 level in Europe and with the potential to give City a real In Neymar’s absence, Angel Di Maria is likely didn’t was Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore, who league starts this season, and would have fin- challenge next season. to start for PSG against his former club, along- is a doubt. Midfield duo Toni Kroos and Luka ished with two but for a bending shot nicking Arsenal, in contrast, are drifting, still with more qual- side Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani in a front Modric have both been struggling with injury for the outside of the post. In the final rehearsal ity than the likes of Burnley and Leicester City, but no three at the Parc des Princes. Madrid, although they travelled to the French cap- before psg, he was brave, bold and longer with the aura of a team that is part of the elite CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES ital with the rest of Zinedine Zidane’s squad industrious. group. yesterday. It is no coincidence that this improved per- Those questioning Wenger’s suitability are no longer Champions League Round of 16 matches today: Gareth Bale became Real Madrid’s second formance came after Zidane deployed the restricted to the hardcore of hostile Arsenal fans who Liverpool vs FC Porto top-scorer for the season on Saturday night but Welshman in his more natural position of have long campaigned for him to leave the club where (Aggregate: Liverpool leads 5-0) it is in Paris today when he will discover where advanced midfield, rather than the lone striker he won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups Paris Saint Germain vs Real Madrid he truly sits in the pecking order. role he was mysteriously presented with in last in his 21 years in charge.

(Aggregate: Real Madrid leads 3-1) Bale is not guaranteed to start what is poten- week’s dreary defeat to Espanyol. Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness, now a Kick off: 10.45pm (Doha time) tially a season-defining match for Los Blancos. Real were poor, and Bale spent much of the pundit with Sky Sports, is one of those who believes the Adrift in La Liga and out of the cups, success game with his back to goal. club need a change of helmsman. “He is responsible for every single decision at Arse- nal and he has to hold his hands up and I think it is time for another voice. I come from a generation where Arse- nal were a very special football club and they have slipped a long way from that,” he said. “All the players are there because he wanted them there. For whatever reason a lot of them have not been anywhere good enough for Arsenal and the message is not getting across to them anymore.” But whether chief executive Ivan Gazidis or Ameri- can owner Stan Kroenke decide to pull the trigger or allow Wenger to see out the remaining 12 months of his con- tract, the same problem will confront them. Can Arsenal, without a Premier League title in 14 years, still attract the calibre of manager capable of bringing in top talent and transforming the team into one which can compete with Pep Guardiola’s City in the near future? The bookmakers’ favourite for the job is Italian Carlo Ancelotti, the former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich boss. But while the 58-year-old has vast experience at the highest level, including winning the Premier League in 2010 with Chelsea, and he is available, his strength has Paris St Germain players during been more in managing established top teams than lead- a training session at Ooredoo ing clubs out of mediocrity. Training Centre, Saint-Germain- Another Italian, Massimiliano Allegri, has been linked en-Laye, France, yesterday. with the position but is unlikely to see the Gunners as a step up from his current role with Italian champions Juventus. Free kick king Messi proves he has mastered the art

REUTERS wall, catching Barcelona’s derby rivals Fernando Signorini, in 2009 then- Barcelona by surprise during a 6-1 win. national team coach Diego Maradona BARCELONA: Lionel Messi in full flow forward Lionel On Thursday, in the 1-1 draw at Las offered him some advice which is one of the most exhilarating sights Messi (right) Palmas, Messi smashed a rising effort changed his style. in football and a threat that puts kicks the ball from the edge of the box into the top In an interview with Spanish televi- defences on red alert, but the Barce- and scores corner, bypassing the wall and leaving sion channel La Sexta, Signorini said lona talisman has become just as during the goalkeeper Leandro Chichizola with no Maradona saw Messi get frustrated after dangerous from dead ball situations Spanish league chance. missing three free kicks in training and too. football match His latest strike against Atletico was started walking away from the field. With a perfectly-placed dipping free against Club his fifth free kick goal in 2018 alone and “Maradona hugged him and said kick from 23 metres out on Sunday, Atletico de no other player in Europe has scored as ‘You can’t tell me that you, on your Messi beat Atletico Madrid’s wall and many this season. The No. 10 had pre- way to becoming one of the best play- Madrid at the towering goalkeeper Jan Oblak to earn viously scored a high of four free kicks ers in history, are going back to the Camp Nou Barcelona a vital 1-0 win over their La in a calendar year in 2012. dressing room because of this non- Stadium in Liga title rivals at Camp Nou. In February last year against Ath- sense?’ “Maradona told him ‘Listen to Barcelona on It was a sensational effort which letic Bilbao, Messi broke Ronald me, when you hit the ball don’t take Sunday. leaves the unbeaten Catalans eight Koeman’s club record of 26 set-piece your foot away so soon because if you points clear at the top of the standings. strikes. The forward now has 33 to his do, she doesn’t know what you want. Oblak got his fingertips to Messi’s name for Barcelona, 24 of those com- You have teach her what you want and strike but its power made it impossible ing in La Liga, and another six with then she will understand,’” Signorini to keep out, with the goal the Argen- Argentina. said. tine’s career 600th for club and Messi has scored from a free kick Nearly a decade on, Messi country. game Messi has scored a free kick, Girona on February 24, the 30-year- in every year since 2008 and accord- appears to have mastered the art It was also the third consecutive exhibiting three different styles. Against old struck a low effort underneath the ing to former Argentina fitness coach completely. TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31 ‘Excited’ Sneijder praises unifying potential of 2022 FIFA World Cup

THE PENINSULA place, as I could see in the video continental football are just as (at the Legacy Pavilion). I never intense, and rewarding. DOHA: Wesley Sneijder says thought about Qatar being really “People in Holland think it’s he has settled into life in Qatar central. So many countries can (QSL) an easy league, but it’s not very easily, and revealed he is watch it. I think it’s time to do it as easy as they think it is,” he ‘excited’ to call the 2022 FIFA here.” explained. “The games are on a World Cup host nation his new Sneijder, a runner-up with good level, and when you play home. Holland at the 2010 FIFA World in the (Asian) Champions League In an interview with the Cup, also discussed matters closer every four days it’s really tough. Supreme Committee for Deliv- on the sporting calendar, includ- “At Al Gharafa, every week ery & Legacy (SC), the former ing his former team Real Madrid’s we try to improve and every Real Madrid, Inter Milan, chances of winning an unprece- week we want to go to the next Galatasaray and Ajax midfielder dented third consecutive UEFA level. That’s what I like and I see says even after a short period of Champions League title. it in all the guys I play with.” time living in Qatar, he knows “It’s going to be really tough Finally, when the season is Wesley Sneijder of Al the country will host a special for them this season,” he said. over, Sneijder admitted a tough Gharafa celebrates with FIFA World Cup. “It’s going to be hard, but they summer lies ahead – as he will “From the moment I arrived team-mates during their managed a great result in the be forced to sit out a FIFA World here I was really impressed,” he QNB Stars League (QSL) Bernabéu against PSG so I think Cup for the first time in his said. “I’d already been told all match in this file picture. they will progress. They have career, after Holland failed to the stories from the people that not been that good this season, qualify for Russia. I know who have lived here or but the Champions League is “It’s a shame,” he said. still play here – like Ronald de The 33-year-old, who has for Tournament Affairs Nasser many things together,” he con- always different and they know “We have always been there Boer or Anouar Diba,” Sneijder appeared at five major interna- Al Khater, he highlighted the tinued. “So it is good to change how to play in finals, so for sure and now, for the first time, we said. tional tournaments in three unifying power of the beautiful the location. We did it in South they will reach the final.” won’t be. That’s a big disap- “They told me a lot about different continents, also said it game and said the country is Africa in 2010, then we went to The midfielder has now pointment for the whole Qatar, but since day one I have is the Middle East’s time to wel- ideally situated in the centre of South America. Before we were swapped the UEFA Champions country, but not only for the been impressed. The organisa- come the world in 2022. the world, making it geograph- in Europe in Germany, now we League for the AFC equivalent, country, for the whole world. tion is amazing, the pitches are Speaking following a tour of ically accessible to more people go to Russia – another new part with his new club Al Gharafa – Holland needs to be at the some of the best in the world, the SC’s Legacy Pavilion, hosted than ever before. of the world. where he says the challenges of World Cup and I hope we will everything (is great).” by Assistant Secretary General “Sport in general brings “Qatar will be an amazing balancing domestic and be back here in Qatar in 2022.” No resting on Liverpool’s laurels for coach Klopp

AFP ramifications due to the rivalry fine form since dishing out Porto’s something, you only use players between the sides, but also in the heaviest ever European home that are in the best shape,” he LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager race to qualify for next season’s defeat three weeks ago by added. Jurgen Klopp ruled out making Champions League. strengthening their position in the “If it will be a different line-up wholesale changes when Porto “We respect Porto too much Premier League’s top four with to Saturday I don’t know, but only visit Anfield today despite holding and the competition too much that routine wins over West Ham and because we want to win the game. a massive 5-0 lead from the first we would think about real rota- Newcastle. We don’t rest players.” Champions leg of their Champions League last tion,” Klopp, who has rotated his And Klopp is keen to keep Barring a disaster, Liverpool 16 tie. side more than any other Premier that momentum going rather will book their place in the Cham- Klopp’s men travel to Man- League manager this season, said than give his key players the pions League last eight for the first League live and chester United on Saturday in a yesterday. night off. time in nine years. clash not only laced with huge Liverpool have carried on their “You don’t rotate to avoid And midfielder James Milner believes they are serious contend- beIN ers to win the competition for a exclusive on sixth time if they can eradicate the inconsistency that has let them DOHA: Four teams will secure their places in the quarter- down during the course of the finals of the UEFA Champions League this week and beIN campaign. will have the matches covered throughout the two days of Liverpool are the only side to action. beat runaway leaders Manchester Liverpool and Manchester City go into their second leg City in the Premier League this fixtures all but guaranteed a spot in the final 8, while Real season. Madrid, Paris-Saint Germain, Juventus and Tottenham will However, after edging out City battle it out for the other two spots. 4-3 in a thriller at Anfield in Jan- beIN English studio coverage gets underway at 22:00 uary, Liverpool went on to lose Mecca time on beIN SPORTS HD11 today and tomorrow. their next two outings to Swansea Presenter Angus Scott will be with studio analysts Ruud and West Brom. Gullit and Steffen Freund to cover all the main talking points. “At this stage of the tourna- Paris Saint-Germain will look to overcome a 3-1 deficit ment you need to have that belief against Real Madrid in the pick of the action today. As well you can go on and win it,” said Mil- as English studio coverage, the match will also be available ner of Liverpool’s Champions live from the Parc des Princes in both Arabic and French League chances. commentary on beIN SPORTS HD1 and HD14 respectively. “We are an exciting team to If you prefer, you can watch the night’s other game between watch, but I think we are learning Liverpool and Porto on beIN SPORTS HD12. to manage games better than we All tied up at 2-2, Juventus against Tottenham Hotspur have done in the past. is a fixture you surely won’t want to miss tomorrow. That “We’ve proved over the past will be the main game on beIN SPORTS HD11, with Arabic, few years we can beat anyone, French, Spanish and 4K coverage also available. Meanwhile but you have to be consistent. on beIN SPORTS HD12, you can watch Manchester City as We’re not looking too far ahead they take on FC Basel. and want to put in a good per- Fans can follow the heated action by following beIN’s Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp during the press conference ahead of their Champions League match formance and get through social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and against Porto at Anfield, Liverpool, Britain, yesterday. tomorrow night.” YouTube. Fans can also get all the latest on the beIN SPORTS website and mobile application. Fans can visit beIN.net/subscribe and picking one of many available packages to follow football’s top club competition one won’t want to miss. The packages includes the beIN Elite Italy mourns death of Fiorentina’s Astori package, which brings free connect subscription, beIN’s over the top (OTT) offering that allows viewers to watch matches anytime and anywhere. AA newspapers, FIFA, UEFA, Turkish Meanwhile, the Turkish Football Francesco Totti, Andrea Pirlo and Football Federation (TFF), many Federation (TFF) tweeted in Turkish Gianluigi Buffon, and Real Madrid CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES ISTANBUL: Italy is mourning the football clubs and players and Italian to commemorate Astori defender Sergio Ramos extended sudden death of Fiorentina foot- extended their condolences. and offered their condolences to the condolences on social media. On Champions League Round of 16 matches today and tomorrow: Liverpool vs FC Porto ball team captain Davide Astori as “Our thoughts are with the player’s family as well as Fiorentina March 4, Astori was found dead in (Aggregate Liverpool leads 5-0) several leading sports newspapers family and friends of Davide Astori and Italian Football Federation. a hotel room in which his club Paris Saint Germain vs Real Madrid in the country headlined the play- who has passed away at the age “We are deeply saddened Fiorentina stayed for their league (Aggregate Real Madrid leads 3-1) er’s death on their front pages of 31,” FIFA said on Twitter. about Fiorentina captain Davide match against Udinese. A prose- Tomorrow yesterday. “Our sincerest condolences to Astori’s sudden death. We are cutor in Udine said Astori’s death Tottenham Hotspur vs Juventus The newspapers, including La the family and friends of Fioren- offering our condolences to was due to suspected cardiac (Aggregate: Teams tied at 2-all) Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello tina captain and Italian Fiorentina, Italian Football Fed- arrest by natural causes. After his Manchester City vs Basel Sport and Tuttosport, mentioned international Davide Astori, who eration and family of Astori,” TFF death, Italian top-tier football (Aggregate: Manchester City leads 4-0)

the death of 31-year-old Astori on passed away suddenly last night,” stated. Many football clubs from league Serie A matches scheduled Kick off: 10.45pm (Doha time) their front pages. European football’s governing Turkey and Europe, famous Ital- to be played in 27th week has been In addition to Italian body UEFA said on social media. ian football figures such as postponed. 32 SPORT TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33 Starc’s swing MacLeod leads Scotland

SCOREBOARD Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood the difference, Australia (I innings) ...... 351 celebrates with team-mates after to stunning victory South Africa (I innings) ...... 162 taking the of Morne Morkel Australia (II innings)...... 227 in Durban yesterday. AFP 2019 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS South Africa (II innings) A Markram c Paine b M Marsh ...... 143 : Calum MacLeod struck a magnificent 157 not Group A says Du Plessis D Elgar c Paine b Starc ...... 9 out as Scotland stunned Afghanistan by seven In Harare H Amla lbw b Hazlewood ...... 8 A de Villiers run out (Warner) ...... 0 in their opening 2019 World Cup qualifier at Bulawayo Ireland 268-7 in 50 overs (Andy Balbirnie 68; Timm van der AFP Man-of-the-match Starc had F du Plessis b Cummins ...... 4 on Sunday. Gugten 3-59) v Netherlands 149 all out in 32.2 overs match figures of nine for 109, with T de Bruyn c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 36 Afghanistan, one of the pre-tournament favourites DURBAN: Mitchell Starc’s ability to six of his victims being lower order Q de Kock lbw b Hazlewood ...... 83 to qualify, made 255 all out first, but MacLeod (Tim Murtagh 3-28) blow away South Africa’s tail was the batsmen. V Philander c Paine b Starc ...... 6 hammered 23 fours and a six in his blistering 146-ball Ireland win by 93 runs (DLS) crucial difference between the teams, Du Plessis acknowledged that it K Maharaj b Starc ...... 0 knock to lead Scotland to victory with 16 deliveries K Rabada b Starc ...... 0 United Arab Emirates 221 all out from 49.4 overs (Rohan Mustafa South African captain Faf du Plessis was difficult for his tailenders. remaining. M Morkel () ...... 3 95, Ashfaq Ahmed 50; Norman Vanua 4-39) v Papua New Guinea said after Australia wrapped up a “Starc reverse swings the ball at Extras (B2, LB3, NB1) ...... 6 Hosts Zimbabwe lead the early Group B table, 118-run win on the fifth day of the pace and the only weapon we have Total (92.4 overs) ...... 298 though, after their 116-run thrashing of Nepal, while the 113 all out in 25.5 overs (Mohammed Naveed 5-28) first Test yesterday. right now is Kagiso. The tail are going Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-39, 3-39, 4-49, 5-136, 6-283, United Arab Emirates and Ireland got off to winning UAE win by 56 runs (DLS) It took Australia 18 minutes and to have to scrap it and get as many 7-290, 8-290, 9-290, 10-298 starts in Group A against Papua New Guinea and the Group B : Starc 18-2-75-4 (1nb), Hazlewood 15.4-2-61-3, 22 balls to claim the last South Afri- runs as possible but we know as the Netherlands respectively. In Bulawayo can wicket when Quinton de Kock top seven or eight batters that the Lyon 32-7-86-0, Cummins 15-3-47-1, M Marsh 7-2-21-1, The 10 teams in Zimbabwe are fighting it out for Smith 5-3-3-0 swung across the line and was leg responsibility lies with us.” only two places alongside the world’s top eight ODI Afghanistan 255 all out in 49.4 overs (Mohammad Nabi 92, Na- Result: Australia won by 118 runs before wicket to Josh Hazlewood for Australian captain Steve Smith Series: Australia lead the four-match series 1-0 sides at next year’s World Cup in England and Wales. jibullah Zadran 67; Brad Wheal 3-36, Richie Berrington 3-42) v 83. also identified runs from the lower A famous Scotland win looked unlikely when Scotland 256-3 in 47.2 overs (Calum MacLeod 157 not out, South Africa were bowled out for order as crucial. 16-year-old Afghan leg-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman dis- 298, adding five runs to their over- “Our tail played really well, it was missed openers Matthew Cross and inside Richie Berrington 67) night total of 293 for nine as Australia probably the difference in the end,” the first six overs. Scotland win by seven wickets took a 1-0 lead in the four-match he said. But Richie Berrington joined MacLeod at the crease Zimbabwe 380-6 in 50 overs ( 123, series. “It’s really satisfying to win the as the pair put on a 208-run stand to see off Afghani- 100; Solomon Mire 52) v Nepal 264-8 in 50 overs (Sharad Ve- The result is however likely to be first Test match of the series, espe- stan and gain a measure of revenge for their narrow

overshadowed by an unseemly row cially against quality opposition like defeat by the same opposition at the 2015 World Cup. sawkar 52, Aarif Sheikh 50; Sikandar Raza 3-48) between Australia’s tempestuous South Africa,” said Smith. Rising star Rashid Khan, the first teenager to cap- Zimbabwe win by 116 runs David Warner and South Africa’s The Australian captain said it was tain a men’s international side, was attacked by MacLeod Quinton de Kock as the players disappointing that none of the bats- and conceded 68 runs from his nine overs. returned to the clubhouse for tea. men had gone to make a hundred, The 19-year-old finally ended the partnership by Nepal battled bravely in reply but never threatened From the fall of the sixth wicket although he praised Mitchell Marsh, trapping Berrington lbw, but by then the game was gone Zimbabwe’s massive total of 380-6, as Raza added 3-48 in the four innings, Australia added whose 96 in the first innings, batting and Afghanistan will have to bounce back against Zim- with his off-spin in a virtuoso individual display. a total of 166 runs while South Africa with the tail, enabled Australia to cre- babwe on Tuesday, with only the top three teams from Ireland, who have beaten Pakistan, England and scored only 27 runs from the same ate the foundation for a 189-run first each group to reach the Super Six stage. the West Indies over the last three World Cups, got off stage. innings lead. “Reverse swing played Earlier, Afghanistan had recovered from 71-4 to to an impressive start with a comfortable 93-run win “There was a real difference in a huge part throughout the game,” post a challenging total thanks to 92 from all-rounder in a weather-shortened game against the Dutch. skill with the reverse swing,” said Du said Smith. Mohammad Nabi and the big-hitting Najibullah Zadran’s Andy Balbirnie’s 68 led the Irish to 268-7, before Plessis, who said Starc and South “The ball started reversing inside 67. Tim Murtagh took three wickets as the Netherlands Africa’s Kagiso Rabada were the two 20 overs in the first innings, which Elsewhere, Zimbabwe restored some confidence slumped to 149 all out in pursuit of 243 from 41 overs. stand-outs. you don’t see too often, but it was a after their 4-1 series defeat by Afghanistan last month The UAE, who gave two-time world champions the “One bowler in each team has the very abrasive surface.” by crushing Nepal as both Sikandar Raza and Brendan West Indies a scare in a warm-up match earlier in the potential to do that to the tail. We’ve Looking ahead to the second Test, Taylor hit hundreds. week, had little trouble in brushing aside Papua New got to find ways to eliminate their tail which starts in Port Elizabeth on Fri- Wicket-keeper Taylor managed an even 100, but Guinea to edge ahead of Ireland at the top of Group A a lot quicker. As I said before the day, Smith said: “For us it is about the headlines were grabbed by all-rounder Raza’s on net run rate. The Windies get their Group A cam- series, it’s going to be a real crucial ensuring we keep doing those basic 66-ball 123 that featured nine maximums. paign under way against the UAE today. part, the amount of runs scored things really well and keep winning between eight and eleven.” the big moments.” Aussies wrap up Durban win as PSL: A glimpse Warner, De Kock bust-up probed

AFP Markram, with Warner playing a captain Graeme Smith, who told Starc sent South Africa tumbling to key fielding role in securing the cru- Australia’s cricket.com.au 162 in reply. DURBAN: Australia wrapped up a cial wicket. website in Durban that Lyon as an South Africa fought back in the 118-run win on the fifth day of the The vice-captain then led experienced cricketer would “prob- second half of the match, bowling first Test against South Africa yester- It took Australia 18 minutes and 22 balls to claim ecstatic celebrations with his team- ably say (his action) was with more purpose to bowl out the day but the result is likely to be the last South African wicket when De Kock swung mates as Nathan Lyon, who had unnecessary himself”. tourists for 227, then recovering overshadowed by an ugly bust-up across the line and was to Josh knocked off the bails, dropped the “We’ve got used to Davey from a nightmare start to their sec- between David Warner and Quin- ball towards a sprawled De Villiers (Warner) over the years. I think the ond innings, largely through ton de Kock. Hazlewood for 83. as he ran over to join them. less interest you take in him the bet- Markram, who made 143, and De It took Australia 18 minutes and In a statement issued by Cricket ter,” Smith added. Kock. Australia’s bowler 22 balls to claim the last South Afri- firebrand Warner pointing and statement. “CA is working to estab- South Africa yesterday, team man- “He can be a bit of a fool at The batting of the lower order Mitchell Starc can wicket when De Kock swung directing a verbal barrage at De lish the facts of what has occurred ager Mohammed Moosajee said: “It’s times. It’s best just to let him be.” of the teams was a significant celebrates after across the line and was leg before Kock during Sunday’s play at Kings- and will not be commenting further rather unfortunate that the incident The match was effectively won difference. taking the wicket wicket to Josh Hazlewood for 83. mead before he was restrained and until that has been done.” took place and certainly not in the and lost in the first innings when Australia’s last five wickets fell of South Africa’s South Africa were bowled out pulled away by his team-mates. The Australians had earlier been spirit of the game. Australia took a lead of 189 runs. for a total of 166 runs overs the two TOP: (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi (second batsman Keshav for 298, adding five runs to their The incident reportedly took criticised for their ebullient celebra- “The match referee had spoken Half-centuries by Warner and innings, while South Africa could right) along with PCB and security officials visiting the National overnight total of 293 for nine. place as the players were returning tion of the dramatic run-out of to us after the day’s play. We will skipper Steve Smith and 96 by muster only 27 runs over the same Maharaj during Stadium in Karachi to assess renovation work yesterday. The venue The win gave Australia a 1-0 to their dressing rooms at tea. Proteas’ star batsman AB de await any further communication Mitchell Marsh enabled Australia to period. their Durban Test is scheduled to host the Pakistan Super League final on March 25. lead in the four-match series. “CA (Cricket Australia) is aware Villiers. from the ICC around this make 351. Starc had match figures of nine on Sunday. Just before the rapid conclusion of reports of an incident between De Villiers was run out for incident.” Early wickets by off-spinner for 109 and was particularly effec- RIGHT: Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim clean bowled during the of the match, however, video foot- players in Durban,” a Cricket Aus- nought after being involved in a The Australians’ behaviour was Lyon and a devastating spell of fast tive against South Africa’s PSL match against Islamabad United on Sunday night in Sharjah. age emerged showing Aussie tralia spokesman said in a mix-up with opening batsman Aiden slammed by former South African reverse swing bowling by Mitchell tailenders. BELOW: Islamabad United’s Luke Ronchi (left) and JP Duminy during the PSL match against Karachi Kings in Sharjah on Sunday night. Islamabad United won the match by eight wickets following a swashbuckling knock of 71 off 37 balls by Ronchi. Australia’s David Warner and captain ‘Personal insults’ behind Warner-De Kock row Steven Smith leave at the end of play AFP “Quinton got personal and evoked “The fact that it spilled over after the remaining three Tests would be played but I expect a tough series and I look yesterday. an emotional response from Davey. field shouldn’t have happened.” - ‘Very in the right spirit. “We play our best forward to the battle.” According to DURBAN: Personal insults were at the Those things are not on from both chirpy’ - The CCTV footage shows cricket when we’re aggressive, when Du Plessis, De Kock was unaffected by root of a row between Australia’s sides. Getting personal on the field is Warner being restrained by team- we’re in the fight together and hunt- the incident. David Warner and South Africa’s Quin- crossing the line in my opinion.” mates Usman Khawaja and Nathan ing as a pack as one. We’re working “Quinny’s fine. I don’t think you ton de Kock during the tea break of Smith’s version was disputed by Lyon before being persuaded to go into for each other and backing our mates get a reaction from him most of the the fourth day of the first Test, their South African manager Mohammed the dressing room by Smith. up in the field. That’s part of being an time. When you look at him now it’s captains said. Moosajee, who blamed Warner. Du Plessis said he had been aware Australian.” like nothing happened.” The incident is in the hands of “There were words said out on the of the incident. He said there had been “regretta- Meanwhile, Australian off-spinner match referee Jeff Crowe, with no field. If you are saying something “I heard the commotion and went ble incidents from both parties” but Lyon was charged with conduct con- immediate clarity about when a deci- you’ve got to take it and that’s the outside and just asked David to go into hoped for better behaviour in the next trary to the spirit of the game after he sion could be expected. CCTV footage opinion of Quinton. Let the investiga- his dressing room. It needs to stay on three Test matches. dropped the ball next to AB de Villiers showed Warner apparently turning on tions begin and let the match officials the field when you are chirping each “I’m not going to say nothing will after completing a runout of South De Kock as the players walked up a decide,” said manager Moosajee. other. There need to be boundaries on ever happen again but as far as I’m Africa’s star batsman, an incident cap- narrow staircase leading to the dress- South African captain Faf du Ples- that.” concerned we’ve just got to try and tured on television. ing rooms at the start of the interval sis said the umpires needed to ensure Smith acknowledged his players play within the spirit of the game.” Du Lyon was expected to be fined or in Durban in a match won by proper behaviour on the field. were “certainly very chirpy on the Plessis said he expected aggression penalised with a demerit point for Australia. “From what I’ve heard there was field”. from the opposition when he played what is classified as a level one offence. “What was said and done during a lot of personal stuff being said, to But he said that as far as he aware against Australia. He was said to have apologised to that interval was regrettable on both and from. Who started it, I don’t know. his players had not got personal with “I’m certainly not sitting here com- De Villiers and the pair were seen sides,” said Australian captain Steve If it was happening on the field it De Kock. plaining about it. I was disappointed shaking hands while the teams Smith. should have been nipped in the bud. Smith said he hoped the to see the way it unfolded yesterday warmed up yesterday. 34 SPORT TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 Qatar win 13 medals at Dortmund meet THE PENINSULA Abdullah Al Ghamri took the of the Qatar Swimming Associ- gold medal of 400m freestyle ation hailed the results made by DOHA: Qatar’s swimming team event while Ibrahim Al Hilal the Qatari swimmers in Dort- claimed 13 medals in Dortmund grabbed the gold medal of 200m mund International International Swimming Cham- backstroke event. Championships. pionships on Sunday. Moreover, Abdulaziz Al Al Jabir told reporters that Omar Ashraf claimed the Obaidli clinched the gold medal the results reflect the efforts of gold medal of 200m butterfly of 200m backstroke event for the association to prepare its event and the bronze medal of boys under 18 years old. athletes for international 50m butterfly event. Khaleel Al Jabir, President championships.

Stage set for ITTF World Tour Platinum Qatar Open

THE PENINSULA 2020 Tokyo Games, they are Prize Money keen on promoting juniors,” said DOHA: The ITTF World Tour Al Mohannadi, President of the Platinum Qatar Open, one of the Men’s Singles and Qatar Table Tennis Association top events on the international Women’s Singles: (QTTA). Zhendong and Timo Boll table tennis calendar, will Winner: $28,000 are seeded second and third feature world’s top players from Runner-up: $14,000 respectively. 43 countries. Semi-finalist: $6,750 In the women’s category, Doha is the first stopover of Quarter finalist: $3,500 Chen and Zhu Yuling are the top the six Platinum events, which Round of 16: $2,000 two seeds followed by Singa- The Organizing Committee was only a part of ITTF World Round of 32: $1000 pore’s Feng Tianwei, Japan’s of the FINA Marathon World Tour, and Qatar will be hosting Kasumi Ishikawa and Wang. the 23rd edition at the Ali bin Men’s Doubles and “The strong presence of top Series 2018 (Open Water) Hamad Al Attiyah Arena from Women’s Doubles: players is a testimony to Qatar is chaired by Khalil Al March 8-11, with qualifying Winner: $8,000 Open’s importance. Even a cou- Jaber, President of Qatar rounds on March 6-7. Runner-up: $4,000 ple of editions ago, the Swimming Association China’s Olympic champion Semi-finalist: $2,000 organisers used to pay for the (QSA), along with members Ma Long won the men’s singles Total: $235,000 players’ lodgings and travel of the committee. During the title last year, beating compa- expenses, but since the last cou- meeting, issues relating to triot and No.2 seed Fan 12-10, 11-9, 11-6, 2-11, 11-6 in an ple of years they borne their the event were discussed. Zhendong 11-8, 11-8, 11-7, 5-11, all-China final. Germany’s Dim- own expenses to participate in The one-day event will 6-11, 11-4 in a gruelling final. itrij Ovtcharov will lead the the tournament,” said Al Mohan- be held on March 17 with Among the women, Chen men’s pack in Ma’s absence. nadi, who is also heads the Arab competitions for men and Meng defeated Wang Manyu “As China is focussed on the Table Tennis Federation women in the 10-km class. Main round of Qatar F2 Futures begins; Qatar juniors prep up for qualifiers

QNA raising their international rankings and qual- drawn in group A alongside Pakistan and ifying them for strong international Philippines. DOHA: The main round of Qatar F2 Futures, tournaments. Competitions are conducted in the group organised by the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Scott Griekspoor of the Netherlands league system, with two teams from each Badminton Federation (QTSBF) in cooper- claimed the title of Qatar F1 Futures singles group ascending to the qualifying stage of ation with the International Tennis event after beating Fajing Sun of China 6-4 the Asia-Oceania Davis Cup competition in Federation (ITF), kicked off yesterday. 6-3 in the final match. (QNA) Thailand from March 26 to 31, according to The six-day event ends on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Qatar junior tennis team the regulations of ITF. Qatar’s Giorgi Sakandelidze claimed the silver medal at the 2018 The tournament will feature 32 players is featuring in the pre-qualification round Head of the national teams’ committee Asian Wrestling Championships which came to an end on Sunday. in singles and 16 doubles teams represent- of the Davis Cup Under-14 for the first time, of the QTSBF Khalid Al Khelaifi said that ing several Arab and foreign countries. in the Asia-Oceania group, which is being Qatar’s debut participation reflects the hard In the 120kg event, Sakandelidze defeated Natsagsurengiin QTSBF awarded invitation cards to a hosted in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, work that has been done over the years to Zolboo of Mongolia in the semifinals before losing to Davit number of Qatari players; Mubarak Shanan, details showed yesterday. build strong teams in all age groups. Modzmanashvili of Uzbekistan in the final match. Yousef Al Mousa Shanan, Jabor Al Mutawa and Rayyan The event, that started yesterday, is Al Khelaifi told media reporters present Kazem, President of the Qatar Wrestling Federation (QWF) Al Jufairi. being held under the auspices of the ITF. in Colombo: “The QTSBF has great confi- congratulated Sakandelidze on his achievement and said that Future championships are a major step The Qatari junior team comprise Ibra- dence in the national team’s players who the medal came as a fruit for federation’s efforts to develop for tennis players, who seek to qualify for him Al Sulaiti, Rashid Nawaf, and Nasser Al will participate in the pre-qualification round wrestling in the state of Qatar. the professional level, participating in the Yafei. of the Davis Cup to deliver their best per- tournaments allow them to earn points in The 10 participating teams are divided formance to qualify for the next round in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), into three groups and the Qatar team is Thailand.” Scotland ring changes Serena’s comeback her greatest New British number for Six Nations clash

one Edmund wants AFP challenge: Coach Mouratoglou ‘legitimate’ battle REUTERS LONDON: Scotland head coach has picked fit- with Murray again Richie Gray for the remainder of the Six Nations, the Scottish NEW YORK: Serena Williams’ return to the WTA Tour following the birth of her first child announced yesterday. will be the “greatest challenge” of her career, but the American can get back to her best in REUTERS The experienced second-row forward returns from long-term time for the French Open, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou. back and calf injuries to be named in Townsend’s revised squad Williams, who won her 23rd Grand Slam title at last year’s Australian Open before going LONDON: Kyle Edmund is proud to ahead of their final two fixtures against Ireland and Italy, with 10 on maternity leave, pulled out of this year’s tournament in Melbourne. have become Britain’s top ranked players added in total. She represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match last month and is sched- tennis player but the 23-year-old says Alex Dunbar, , Darryl Marfo and Fraser Brown uled to take part in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells this week. he would have preferred to have are also recalled after injuries, while George Horne has been handed Asked if her latest comeback represented the biggest test of her career, Mouratoglou said: beaten Andy Murray fair and square a first senior call-up. “It probably is... now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year for the honour rather than inherit it Scotland, who play unbeaten Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest from the injured Scot. are third in the Six Nations table after beating England 25-13 at challenge.” While a hip issue has kept Murray Murrayfield on February 24. Former world number one Williams, who returned in 2012 from surgery for a life-threat- on the sidelines since Wimbledon last Squad: ening blood clot on her lung and climbed back to the top of the rankings, said she almost died year, Edmund progressed to his first Forwards (22): John Barclay, capt (Scarlets), after giving birth to her daughter in September. grand slam semi-final at the Austral- (Edinburgh), (Glasgow), Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), Mouratoglou said fans had to give Williams time to adjust to the rigours of the sport. ian Open in January and has risen to a Fraser Brown (Glasgow), David Denton (Worcester), Cornell du “I think she’ll be ready for Roland Garros. The competitions she will play until then will career high 24th in the latest ATP rank- Preez (Edinburgh), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow), help her and every day she ings released on Monday. (Edinburgh), (Glasgow), Richie Gray (Toulouse), Luke progresses on her fitness,” he told Three-times Grand Slam winner Hamilton (Leicester), John Hardie (Edinburgh), Scott Lawson (New- the Women’s Tennis Association Murray, who took over as Britain’s castle), Darryl Marfo (Edinburgh), Stuart McInally (Edinburgh), website. number one in 2006, has slipped to Willem Nel (Edinburgh), Gordon Reid (London Irish), Tim Swin- “Serena’s target will be to win 29th in the world. son (Glasgow) (Edinburgh), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), grand slams. She knows that com- “As proud as I am, I would have Ryan Wilson (Glasgow) ing back might take some time, but been much happier had Andy stayed Backs (18): her level of expectation is high as healthy and occupied his place at the Mark Bennett (Edinburgh), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow), always. There are three grand slams very top where he belongs,” Edmund (Glasgow), Chris Harris (Newcastle), (Glasgow), George left this season. told British media. Horne (Glasgow), Pete Horne (Glasgow), Ruaridh Jackson (Glas- “They will be her three main “It is humbling to become the Brit- gow), Huw Jones (Glasgow), Lee Jones (Glasgow), goals for 2018.” ish number one and perhaps (Edinburgh), (Clermont Auvergne), RIGHT: Serena Williams and her unwittingly, as Andy has dropped down (Saracens), Byron McGuigan (Sale), (Glasgow), Henry Pyr- baby girl are seen on the cover of in rankings due to his injury. gos (Glasgow), (Glasgow), Vogue magazine, February issue. (Glasgow) TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35

Wiggins vows to hit back as lawmakers accuse him in drugs report

AFP

LONDON: British cycling great Bradley Wiggins said it was “so sad” after he and his former team were accused by MPs of manipulating drug rules before major races, including Wiggins’ 2012 Tour de France victory. A report by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee of the Brooklyn Nets’ forward DeMarre Carroll (9) lands on the court side seats as he goes for a loose ball in the second half of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers House of Commons published at Staples Centre. RIGHT: Los Angeles Clippers’ forward Tobias Harris (34) hangs on to the rim after a dunk. Monday, accused Wiggins and other Team Sky riders of using the drug triamcinolone not for its recognised purpose as an asthma treatment, but Sixers blow lead, fall to Bucks because it helped them lose weight without compromis- REUTERS Embiid (seven), Simmons (six) even the game with 16.6 seconds three-point play in the final three Victor Oladipo finished with ing their power in the and Redick (five) combined for remaining. minutes, enabling host Toronto a game-high 33 points as Indi- saddle. NEW YORK: Giannis Antetok- 18 turnovers. The 76ers led by Clippers 123, Nets 120 to hold off Charlotte. ana snapped a four-game losing Russian computer hack- ounmpo registered 35 points, 20 points in the first quarter, Austin Rivers scored 27 points Charlotte had cut a 13-point streak against host Washington. ers revealed three years ago nine rebounds and seven assists and the outcome marked the and drilled a 3-pointer with 33.8 deficit to 88-86 with 5:11 left on Oladipo, who grew up in that Wiggins had applied for and the Milwaukee Bucks over- team’s fourth setback of the seconds left to give host Los Ange- a three-point play by Jeremy nearby Silver Spring, Md., scored therapeutic use exemptions came a 19-point third-quarter season after holding a lead of les the lead for good in a win over Lamb, but the Raptors’ corner- 19 in the first half as Indiana never (TUEs), which allowed riders deficit to post a 118-110 victory 20 or more points. Milwaukee, Brooklyn. Tobias Harris added stone backcourt of DeRozan trailed and took a 10-point half- to have injections of other- over the visiting Philadelphia which shot 49.5 percent from the 26, while Lou Williams scored 21 and Kyle Lowry kept the visi- time lead. wise banned drugs, 76ers on Sunday at the Bradley field, moved within a half-game points, including a jumper with tors at bay. Overall, four Indiana play- permitting him to take the Center. of sixth-place Philadelphia in the 8.9 seconds remaining to give Los Kemba Walker poured in a ers finished in double figures. powerful corticosteroid. Eric Bledsoe contributed 22 Eastern Conference race. Angeles a three-point advantage. game-high 27 points for Char- Bojan Bogdanovic (20 points) was United Kingdom Anti- points and seven assists as Mil- Kings 102, Knicks 99 DeAndre Jordan contributed lotte, which fell 5 1/2 games the only other Pacer to reach the Doping (UKAD) launched an waukee halted a four-game slide. Skal Labissiere hit a tiebreak- a double-double of 17 points and behind Miami for the last East- 20-point level. inquiry in September 2016 Jabari Parker scored 13 points, ing 3-pointer with 1.6 seconds 15 rebounds, while Miles Teodosic ern Conference playoff spot with Hawks 113, Suns 112 after British newspaper the Tyler Zeller and John Henson had remaining as Sacramento squan- chipped in 14 points and Mont- 18 games left. Taurean Prince scored 22 Daily Mail reported a mystery 11 apiece and Khris Middleton dered a 19-point lead in the fourth rezl Harrell netted 11. Pelicans 126, Mavericks 109 points, including a go-ahead package meant for the now- scored 10. quarter and escaped with a nar- Caris LeVert came off the Jrue Holiday scored 30 points 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds to retired Wiggins had been Dario Saric scored 25 points row win over visiting New York. bench to score 27 points for and Nikola Mirotic added 24 as play, to help Atlanta nip visit- delivered to Team Sky during on 9-of-11 shooting for Phila- The Kings needed Labissiere’s Brooklyn, while DeMarre Car- New Orleans beat host Dallas to ing Phoenix. a 2011 race in France. delphia, which committed a 14th career 3-pointer in 38 career roll hit for 20, going 6-for-11 on capture their eighth straight win. TJ Warren scored a game- It was alleged the pack- season-worst 26 turnovers while attempts because they gave up a 3-pointers. Three other reserves Holiday and Mirotic com- high 35 points and gave the Suns age in question contained losing for just the third time in 12 24-5 run after appearing to be in had big scoring games for the bined for 13 points during a 15-2 a 112-110 lead with a layup with triamcinolone but Wiggins’ games. Joel Embiid had 19 points command in the opening min- Nets, with Joe Harris adding 19 run early in the fourth quarter 20.8 seconds to play. Prince got to then doctor, Richard Free- and eight rebounds, JJ Redick utes of the fourth. points, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson that gave the Pelicans a comfort- the left wing on the Hawks’ ensu- man, insisted it was the added 17 points and Ben Sim- Labissiere, who finished 15 and Dante Cunningham 14. able lead after Dallas had pulled ing possession and hit a tough, decongestant fluimucil, a mons recorded 12 points and 15 with 14 points, put Sacramento Raptors 103, Hornets 98 to within 91-87 at the beginning lean-in 3-pointer for the win. It legal substance. assists for the 76ers, who shot ahead for the final time after Kyle DeMar DeRozan canned of the period. was Prince’s sixth 3-pointer of Freeman revealed he 55.7 percent from the field. O’Quinn hit two free throws to a 3-pointer and converted a Pacers 98, Wizards 95 the day, a career-high. had lost a lone written record confirming this when his laptop was stolen while he was on holiday and after Winnipeg Jets’ NBA star more than a year UKAD defencemen Ben dropped its investigation, Chiarot (7) with Bryant wins saying it had been hampered forward Patrik Laine by a lack of “contemporane- (29) battle over Oscar for ous evidence”. the puck against But the DCMS report, cit- Carolina Hurricanes’ animated ing new evidence from an defencemen Jaccob short film unnamed source, as well Slavin (74) during Freeman and Wiggins’s the third period REUTERS former coach Shane Sutton, of their NHL game dismissed the legal decon- at PNC Arena. gestant defence and said Sky, The Winnipeg LOS ANGELES: Retired which had made much of its Jets defeated the basketball star Kobe Bryant commitment to be drug free has won five NBA titles, but Carolina Hurricanes in a sport long tainted by dop- taking home an Oscar on his 3-2. ing scandals, had broken its first attempt was a bigger own in-house rules. thrill than the victories earned Australian coach Sutton, with the Los Angeles Lakers, who quit as the performance the 39-year-old future Hall of director of British Cycling in Famer said on Sunday. the run-up to the 2016 Rio “I feel better than winning Olympics following an unre- the championship, to be hon- lated sexism row, told the est with you. I swear I do,” committee that “what Brad Bryant told news media back- was doing was unethical but stage after accepting the not against the rules”. Academy Award for “Dear And the committee said: Basketball,” the animated “We believe this powerful short film he wrote and corticosteroid was being used produced. to prepare Bradley Wiggins, Panthers run win streak to 6 “To be here right now and and possibly other riders sup- to have like ... a sense of val- porting him, for the Tour de REUTERS San Jose. Columbus netminder Sergei 37 saves as host Anaheim scored the first idation is ... this is crazy, man,” France. The purpose of this Bobrovsky made 33 saves, 14 in the third four goals and cruised to a victory over Chi- Bryant added. “It’s crazy.” was not to treat medical need, NEW YORK: Evgenii Dadonov scored twice period, for the win at SAP Center which snaps cago. Rickard Rakell and Marcus Pettersson “Dear Basketball” is based but to improve his power-to- as the Florida Panthers completed a 6-0-0 his team’s two-game losing skid. -- with the first goal of his NHL career -- on the NBA great’s 2015 poem, weight ratio ahead of the race. win streak, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno opened also scored for the Ducks, who are on a roll published on the Player’s The application for the TUE... 4-1 on Sunday afternoon at the BB&T Center the scoring 9:12 into the affair, as the visi- with a 6-1-1 mark in their last eight games. Tribune website, announcing also meant he benefited from in Sunrise, Fla. The Panthers are 13-3-0 in tors turned the tables on the hosts for failing Golden Knights 3, Devils 2 his final NBA season. Bryant the performance-enhancing their past 16 games, making them the hottest to score on a power play. Foligno came out Marc-Andre Fleury had 33 saves and narrated the five-minute film, properties of this drug during team in the league since Jan. 30. of the penalty box and finished an odd-man David Perron had a goal and an assist as which was directed by Glen the race.” Florida’s win, at the moment the game rush by wristing a shot from the top of the Vegas snapped a three-game losing streak Keane and scored by Oscar But the 37-year-old Wig- ended, put the Panthers in playoff position left circle past Sharks goalie Martin Jones. with a victory over host New Jersey. Tomas winner John Williams. gins, a five-time Olympic gold for the first time all season, and they have Predators 4, Avalanche 3 (OT) Tatar and Deryk Engelland also scored for The film shows top medallist, said in a statement: games in hand in their battle with all of their Filip Forsberg scored 1:07 into overtime Vegas, which improved to 18-11-3 on the moments from Bryant’s “I find it so sad that accusa- closest competitors, including the Carolina as Nashville won its eighth straight game, road and 7-5-1 against Metropolitan Divi- career animated in hand- tions can be made, where Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets. rallying past Colorado in Denver. sion teams. drawn images while he recites people can be accused of The Blue Jackets beat the San Jose Sharks It was the 18th goal of the season for Jets 3, Hurricanes 2 the letter about his devotion things they have never done later to reclaim the lead by one point. The Forsberg, who beat Semyon Varlamov with Patrik Laine scored twice and assisted to the sport from a young age which are then regarded as Flyers lost their third consecutive game, but a wrister as Nashville closed out a perfect on newcomer Paul Stastny’s goal as Winni- and a body that will no longer facts. I strongly refute the they are still 26-10-4 since Dec. 4. They are 4-0-0 road swing. The Predators also won peg defeated host Carolina. Stastny, who was allow him to compete at the claim that any drug was used in second place in the Metropolitan Division, their ninth consecutive game against Colo- in his second game with the Jets, also posted highest level. without medical need. I hope but they might have been worn down on rado, dating back to April of 2016. Nashville an assist. Bryant, who played 20 to have my say in the next few Sunday, playing their second game in 24 forced overtime when Ryan Ellis tallied his Wild 4, Red Wings 1 seasons, has started his own days.” hours. sixth goal at 18:54 on a slapper with a sixth Jason Zucker scored two third-period production company in British Cycling chief exec- Blue Jackets 4, Sharks 2 attacker on the ice. goals, Devan Dubnyk stopped 28 shots and retirement, Kobe Studios. utive Julie Harrington said the Artemi Panarin scored twice as Colum- Ducks 6, Blackhawks 3 host Minnesota defeated Detroit. Zach Parise The short can be seen DCMS report was “thorough bus nearly let a three-goal lead slip away Jakob Silfverberg and Corey Perry each fired in the go-ahead goal in the second here: https://www.go90.com/ and timely” before holding on for a 4-2 win over host scored twice and goalie John Gibson made period for Minnesota.. vib=details TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018 SPORT 36 I think that we need games like this and to beat these 10:45PM 10.45PM teams to take a step forward Dani Alves, says ahead FOOTBALL FOOTBALL and so that our opponents of PSG’s do-or-die clash Champions League: PSG Champions League: against Real Madrid at Live on really take notice of PSG. Champions League vs Real Madrid (2nd Leg) Liverpool vs Porto (2nd Leg) TUBE Round of 16 Round of 16

Shastri sees shades of Khan in Kohli

IANS Indian captain Virat Kohli (left) and coach Ravi Shastri during a training session in this file photo. KOLKATA: Heaping praise on skipper Virat Kohli and his recent exploits in South Africa, India Kohli wants to lead by example. He reminds me cricket team coach Ravi Shastri a lot of Imran Khan. He is still very young but has compared the mercurial he has got lot of qualities that Imran had when player to Pakistan’s World Cup it came to leading a side. Which is great, says winning captain Imran Khan. “It’s still early days for Virat. Ravi Shastri He is still very very young. But he is already there among the very best. He wants to lead by batsman, and one fifty in six among the other players as well. example. He reminds me a lot of innings. Kohli’s six innings in the And that was very similar to the Imran. He is still very young but series are - 112, 46*, 160 not out, way Imran led.” he has got lot of qualities that 75, 36 and 129 not out. “I think he was fantastic on Imran had when it came to Imran led Pakistan to the the last trip. It was a tough trip,” leading a side. Which is great,” 1992 World Cup and was argu- Shastri said on Kohli’s leadership Shastri told Anandabazar ably the best cricketer produced and performance in South Africa. Patrika. by Pakistan. India lost the Test series 1-2 Kohli, ranked No.1 batsman Asked about the similarities but came back strongly in the in One Day Internationals, was between Imran and Kohli, Shastri 50-over format, winning the six- in imperious form against the said the desire to always be on match series 5-1. In the T20Is, Proteas becoming the first top and having an infectious India edged past the hosts 2-1. batsman ever to score 500 or energy level made him draw the “When you are the leading more runs in a bilateral ODI comparison. batsman in the side plus the cap- series. “Just the ability to always tain, plus the conditions you get, The dashing right-hander, want to dominate, want to com- plus the side that you are playing If there was a problem, the batting performances ever,” the pitches that were on offer to us, rated as one of the finest in pete, irrespective of whatever which is formidable, you need to umpires are there. The match- 55-year-old opined. it is chalk and cheese when you modern times, finished the series conditions you get, believe that be on top of your game. referee is there to sort it out. “Not only in the history of look at the track that has been with 558 runs racking up three you can do it and when you have “Mentally and physically. What are they there for? He is Indian cricket, but in the history given against Australia A. centuries, a record for an Indian that kind of quality it spreads And he did just that. For someone hardly been called by the match- of the game. Absolutely no ques- “When you look at the track to score 870-plus score on a referee for going over the top in tion about that because the con- now in Durban and looked at the single tour in two months, is an his career. So where is the ditions was such and with the tracks we played on, they look unbelievable achievement. problem?” kind of attack they had, it needed like chalk and cheese. And on Pakistan great Really unbelievable achieve- Shastri also rated India’s bat- a lot of guts, courage, applica- those tracks, to perform the way Imran Khan ment,” said Shastri who has ting performance in the third tion, determination to do what they did, I think, was simply out- played 80 Tests and 150 ODIs for Test at the Wanderers in Johan- they did. And above all, belief. standing,” Shastri said. India. nesburg as “one of the most cou- And there is a reason why I give Australia are currently Shastri lashed out at former rageous and bravest batting per- them credit. playing their first Test against cricketers asking Kohli to cut formances ever.” “On that track, everyone was South Africa in Durban. down on his aggression on the India braved hostile batting surprised that we batted first. But Shastri signed off by priding field, saying they should allow conditions to win the game by the end result shows we were that they don’t shy away from him and his captain to go about 63 runs with batting salvos from right,” the former all-rounder playing in any condition and their business. Cheteshwar Pujara (50) and added. The South Africa sojourn, never whine. “My only advice to them is to Kohli (54) in the first innings, Shastri said, was the toughest of “I have always said that we mind their own business. I will then Ajinkya Rahane and (48) all, owing to the surfaces the don’t want a team that would keep it very simple. Whoever is and Kohli (41) again in the second tourists played on and still fought complain about the tracks. We saying that, mind your own busi- being the highlights. hard.” will play on whatever is on offer. ness. Let us get on with our job. “It has to go down as one of “It is one of the toughest And we will try and get the right “I think he is absolutely fine. the most courageous and bravest tours and if you look at the combination to counter that.”

Aspire Qatar aim for strong start at Katara Academy, THE PENINSULA the rankings, which help you to This file photo shows action at get automatic spots in major Katara. OFC sign DOHA: Two of hosts Qatar’s events,” Pereira added. three pairs will start charting Do Nascimento is the player new life on the FIVB Beach to have teamed up with him. agreement World Tour through the prestig- Earlier, Thiago Santos was ious four-star Katara Beach the partner with him from QNA Volleyball Cup 2018 starting December 2013 to November today at the scenic sandy beach 2014. Younousse then played DOHA: Aspire Academy and at Katara. along side with him. Assam Oceania Football Confeder- This is the first time that a Ahmed Mahmoud figured in just ation (OFC) signed a new four-star status event is being one event with Pereira before partnership agreement to organised in the Middle East and Younousse returned to pair up promote the performance Qatar has fielded a trio of Cherif with him again. and development of youth Younousse & Ahmed Tijan, Jef- Both Pereira and Younousse players. ferson Santos Pereira & Julio had indeed formed a potential Through this agreement, Cesar do Nascimento and new- combo. Besides clinching the the confederation will be able comers Benlouaer Ziad & Ahmed three-star Kish Island Open in to provide planning, training, Ali Nassir – with an eye on the 2016, they figured in two World testing and follow-up infor- 2020 Olympic Games. Championships and the 2016 Rio mation in accordance with The final of the event will be Olympic Games. Three years ago best practices in a number of played on March 10. in the Netherlands worlds, they areas related to sports sci- Earlier, Jefferson and You- had amazed the entire beach ence, including power, adap- nousse were treated as the No. 1 volleyball community and nar- tation and sport movement team of Qatar. But towards the team bagged the title, while problem in terms of event,” he added. rowly missed out on a semi-final science, enabling trainers to close last year, the Qatar Volley- Pereira and do Nascimento fin- adjustments. Pereira however feels that if spot. improve the physical and ball Association decided to ished third. Ahead of going for a “When we were young, we he had started the World Tour a Then in the Rio Olympics, mental aspects of football change the top pair and replaced practice session in Katara, played a lot of junior tourna- bit earlier, it would have given Pereira and Younousse earned players in international Jefferson with Tijan. Pereira said he was keen to have ments in Brazil together. We his team more competition time. a creditable ninth place. Last competitions. Todate, Younousse and Tijan a strong start to the World Tour know each other well and have “We’re going to start the year, they were on the way to Under the agreement, have already got the taste of two after the change in the team. been sharing practice sessions World Tour in the Katara tour- forming a dangerous duo, fin- Aspire Academy will provide events on the World Tour after “This is our first event for long. So I hope we should be nament, while other teams have ishing ninth in four World Tour scholarships for the best reuniting first time since the 2014 together on the World Tour. After able to find the necessary cohe- already got a head start on us by events in a row, including the players to benefit from its Doha Open, while Pereira and Julio joined me in the new team, sion and unity required in the playing a couple of events. five-star Gstaad Open and the world-class facilities to pre- do Nascimento have yet to it is indeed going to be a new beach volleyball. “We can’t afford to miss big Vienna worlds. pare for major competitions, launch the New Year together. experience for me and let us see “The Katara tournament is a events like four-star or five-star With a new test coming up as well as its support in the Both the Qatari teams appeared how it goes.” big opportunity for all of us to tournaments on the World Tour. at home, Pereira and do Nasci- fields of training, young in the Palembong AVC Beach The two used to play showcase our talent and I’m con- There are lot of points at stake mento would be more than keen talent development, per- Tour Event in November last together when they were young fident that we’ll will put up our and the more you play, the to give it a good shot and make formance analysis and year in Thailand. Younousse and so Pereira doesn’t forsee much best-ever show at the home chances are better to improve up for the lost time on the Tour. sports science.