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Wednesday, April 18, 2018 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 2, 1439 AH I have no problem GULF TIMES with Bale, says Real boss Zidane SPORT Page 2 FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al Duhail stay perfect; Al Gharafa end on a high Al Duhail beat Al Wahda 1-0 at home to clinch their sixth straight victory, Gharafa rally to beat Tractorsazi 3-1

By Sports Reporter Doha

atar’s Al Duhail completed the 2018 AFC Champions League group stage with an impressive 100 percent record,Q after Abdelrahman Fahmi’s goal gave them a 1-0 win over Al Wahda of the UAE at Abdullah bin Khalifa Sta- dium yesterday. Al Duhail head coach Djamel Belmadi handed starts to a number of young- sters and one of them almost repaid his trust in the 21st minute. Abdullah al-Ahrak had a free header following Mourad Naji’s cross, but it was saved by Al Wahda keeper Mohamed al-Shamsi. The reply from the visitors came through star man Balazs Dzsudzsak, who produced two brilliant attempts in the space of one minute. First, the Hungarian sent a scorching eff ort at goal from 30 yards out, and then, he tried to curl one in directly from a cor- ner. However, Amine Lecomte was alert on both occasions to keep the ball out. The hosts were handed an advantage in the 39th minute when Al Wahda de- fender Salem Sultan was sent off after pulling down Youssef El Arabi who was through on goal. Al Duhail took advantage of their numerical superiority and opened the scoring just two minutes into the sec- Al Duhail’s Abdelrahman Fahmi (third from left) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the AFC Champions League ond half, as young winger Fahmi netted match against Al Wahda at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil with aplomb following a fi ne give-and- go with El Arabi. Belmadi’s men will now play Group D they who made the breakthrough. Just tage up until the 70th minute, when Al The match saw little action at either runners-up Al Ain in the Round of 16. after the half hour mark, the Iranian Gharafa turned the game around in the half thereafter, and only came alive in side took the lead for the fi rst time in space of seven minutes. the 84th minute, when Al Duhail were GHARAFA WIN AT TRACTORSAZI this year’s campaign after Mohamed Bulent Uygun’s side had Moayed Has- also reduced to 10 men after Lucas Qatar’s Al Gharafa ended their 2018 Iranpourian dispatched a penalty, san to thank for it, with the winger fi rst Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi gives instructions to his players during the AFC Mendes was shown his marching or- AFC Champions League journey on a which had been awarded for a foul on curling in a free-kick over the wall to Champions League match against Al Wahda yesterday. ders. positive note after coming from behind Amir Arsalan Motahari. level the scores before turning provider The decision had no eff ect on the to register a 3-1 win over Iran’s Tractor- Al Gharafa’s attempts to get back into six minutes later. Taremi’s through ball show for his eff orts on the night, when Group A, but lost out on a Round of 16 result and Al Duhail held on to clinch sazi Tabriz yesterday. the game were led by Mehdi Taremi, sent Hassan racing through towards an he sent a fi erce strike past Karousian in spot due to an inferior head-to-head their sixth straight victory and become In a battle between two teams, who who eked out multiple openings but advancing keeper and he duly squared it the 87th minute to make it 3-1 and reg- record with their rivals. Tractorsazi just the fourth side in history to win all had already made their exit from the was denied by Tractorsazi custodian across for Abdelaziz Hatem to tap into an ister his fi fth goal of the campaign. ended up at the bottom of the group their group games in the AFC Champi- tournament, it was Tractorsazi who Farzin Karousian on each occasion. empty goal. Al Gharafa thus fi nished level on after failing to muster a single win ons League. showed urgency early on and it was Tractorsazi held on to their slim advan- Taremi then fi nally got something to points with second-placed Al Jazira in throughout the tournament.

SPOTLIGHT Al Sadd, Al Rayyan renew rivalry in Qatar Cup

By Sports Reporter their face-off . they lost out on the title in the second. Doha Al Sadd performed consistently well Michael Laudrup’s men were as inconsist- throughout the tournament, but for the oc- ent in a few matches as they were consistent casional slips. in many. l Sadd are seeking to do an encore, They made very limited changes to their Ahead of the Qatar Cup, they suff ered a set- while Al Rayyan are trying to be squad this season, with all four professional back when their top scorer Abderrazaq Ham- third time lucky when they clash in players — former Barcelona great and World dallah was ruled out for the rest of the season the fi rst semifi nal of Qatar Cup on Cup winner Xavi Hernandez of Spain, Alge- with an ankle injury. ASaturday. rians Baghdad Bounedjah and Jugurtha Ham- The Moroccan, the third best scorer in the The semi-fi nals will pit the QNB Stars roun, and Iran international Morteza Moham- just-concluded league with 18 goals (after Al League winners against the fourth-placed med — staying. Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi and Youssef Msa- team and runners-up against third-placed Al Sadd recruited a number of players kni), sustained the injury during their 4-1 win side. In case of a tie after regular time, match- during the winter transfer window, namely over Al Ahli in Week 22. es are decided in a tie-breaker without extra Hamed Ismail, Ali Faridoun, Sami Sabit, Ab- However, Al Rayyan have the likes of Rodri- time. dulkarim Hassan and Akram Afi f. go Tabata, Sebastian Soria, Mohamed Alaael- Al Sadd, runners-up in the QNB Stars Al Sadd won the most number of games din, Ahmed Yasser, Ahmed Abdelmaqsoud, League this season, have been a regular pres- (16), after Al Duhail (19). At the same time, Koh Myong-Jin, Mohsine Moutaouli and ence in the Qatar Cup and also in its earlier they had the best defence, conceding only 25 Daniel Goumou to deliver the goods. version, the Heir Apparent’s Cup. goals, two less than Al Duhail. Honours were even in the high-profi le Qa- The Wolves ended up on 49 points with 16 They were the second best in terms of the tar Clasico between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan. wins, one draw and fi ve defeats. number of goals scored (68) compared to Al While The Wolves lost 1-2 in the fi rst phase, In last season’s Qatar Cup, Al Sadd had Duhail’s 86. they won 2-0 in the second. defeated Al Rayyan 3-1 in the semi-fi nal and On the other hand, Al Rayyan are seeking Meanwhile, Al Sadd reached the Round erstwhile El Jaish 2-1 in the fi nal. The Lions their fi rst fi nal in the Qatar Cup after fi nishing of 16 in the AFC Champions League, where had lost to erstwhile Lekhwiya 1-3 in the 2015- third in the QNB Stars League with 43 points Al Rayyan failed to book their berth in the 16 season’s semifi nal. from 13 wins, four draws and fi ve defeats. knockout stage. Jesualdo Ferreira’s men were very much in It is against this backdrop that Al Rayyan Al Rayyan had won the tournament’s fi rst the QNB Stars League title race till Week 19, will embark on their Qatar Cup campaign this edition in the 1994-95 season when it was but the 3-4 defeat to Al Duhail after a thrilling time. And they will face Al Sadd for the sec- held as the Heir Apparent’s Cup, defeating Al game dashed their hopes. Had Al Sadd beaten ond year in a row. Arabi in the fi nal. Al Duhail, things might have been diff erent Al Rayyan had many positive results to show The match will kick off at the Al Sadd Sta- In this February 8, 2018, picture, Al Sadd players celebrate Jugurtha Hamroun’s goal in the QNB Stars as only two points separated them going into for their eff orts in the league’s fi rst phase, but dium at 7pm on Saturday. League match against Al Rayyan. Al Sadd had won the match, the last meeting between the two clubs, 2-0. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 18, 2018 FOOTBALL

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT FIFA probes Russia over racist chants I have no problem tions of the 50,000 crowd tar- AFP Paris geting Pogba. Scepticism IFA has opened discipli- The RFU’s initial response was nary proceedings against sceptical – claiming they had World Cup hosts Rus- heard nothing – but the coun- sia over monkey chants try’s governing body then did with Bale: Zidane Fheard during a friendly interna- launch its own investigation. tional against France, a spokes- FIFA followed suit after French ‘No I don’t think so, this is football. I don’t see either of them looking sad, they are training well’ man told AFP yesterday. Sports Minister Laura Flessel, Manchester United midfi elder a two-time Olympic fencing AFP Paul Pogba and Barcelona wing- champion, called for “European Madrid er Ousmane Dembele were al- and international” action. legedly targeted by racist chant- The Russian parliament’s ing during the match in Saint deputy speaker, Igor Lebedev, inedine Zidane in- Petersburg last month. blasted inaction in the country sists he has no problem “We have no further comment over racism and called on “fans with Gareth Bale de- at this stage,” the FIFA spokes- to stop this”. spite substituting him man told AFP. “This is not just a problem Zat half-time during Real Ma- The Russian Football Union with our fans’ perception of Af- drid’s Champions League clash (RFU) said it was ready to co- rican American and black play- against Juventus last week. operate with FIFA’s probe. ers,” he had said. Sources have told AFP that “We launched our own inter- “The problem is elsewhere: Bale was surprised and angry at nal investigation the day after none of this bad behaviour will Zidane’s decision to take him off the match,” RFU anti-discrimi- stop until we start punishing it.” at the Santiago Bernabeu, with nation offi cer Alexander Baranov Lebedev insisted that such in- Real trailing 2-0 in a match they said. cidents taking place during the went on to lose 3-1. The defend- “All international matches are World Cup would “embarrass ing champions progressed 4-3 played under the jurisdiction of the country”. on aggregate. FIFA. We opened it to under- But Deputy Prime Mister Vit- Bale was then not included stand what happened for our- aly Mutko played down the inci- in the squad for Sunday’s 2-1 selves. We have sent inquiries to dent, saying that monkey chants win over Malaga in La Liga but the interior department.” heard at the game “do not mean Real insisted the plan had al- Baranov added that the RFU that this was some sort of organ- ways been to rest players for the was “in dialogue with FIFA. ised act of racism”. match. We are ready to send them our “There might be elements of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Mo- fi ndings – there is no problem it,” said Mutko, who has tempo- dric and Raphael Varane were there”. rarily stepped down from his role also spared the trip to La Ro- Russian football chiefs are as RFU president. saleda. under pressure with just two “Around 50,000 people turn Real host Athletic Bilbao to- months to go before the start of up for games and there could day and Bale will be hoping for the World Cup on June 14 as the be some provocations,” Mutko another chance to state his case domestic game has been once added. ahead of the fi rst leg of their again tarnished by incidents of Black players have com- Champions League semi-fi nal racism and hooliganism. plained in the past of being sub- against Bayern Munich next “These people should not be jected to racial abuse in Russian week. allowed into stadiums. They football. Brazilian great Roberto Against Juve, Karim Benzema should not be giving the world Carlos, who played for Russian made way for Bale by dropping reason to think there is racism club Anzhi Makhachkala for one to the bench but Zidane says in our country,” added Alexei season, walked off the pitch in neither player feels sidelined by Smertin, head of the RFU’s anti- 2011 after a banana was thrown recent selections. discrimination department. his way during a match. “No I don’t think so, this is During last month’s friendly, Another Brazilian, Hulk, who football,” Zidane said yesterday. an AFP photographer heard imi- played for Zenit St Petersburg “I don’t see either of them look- tation monkey noises aimed at for four years, complained in ing sad, they are training well. Dembele, while Internet users 2015 that “nobody is paying at- “I spoke to the pair of them reported similar abuse from sec- tention to this problem”. the other day, they would both like to score more goals but eve- ryone is working well. Alonso charged with violent conduct by FA “It is always going to hap- pen in a side like ours. There are Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso has been charged with violent conduct players in good form and play- Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane (right) with Gareth Bale. by the Football Association after an incident during the Premier ing well but I have to be ready League match against relegation-threatened Southampton. always to evaluate who is the “We are not worried, we know solution is easy. He has to keep Real are chasing an un- on a knee problem and looks The left wing-back appeared to stand on the back of Southampton best players for the team at any the quality he has,” Zidane said. working. precedented third consecu- certain to miss the fi rst leg. “Vi- striker Shane Long’s leg during Saturday’s game but the incident given time.” “He has to score goals of course, “It is just a little blip he is in at tive Champions League crown dal is an important player but went unpunished by referee Mike Dean. Zidane has preferred Ben- he knows that – he knows he the moment – we had that as a and Bayern’s hopes of stopping nothing will change,” Zidane However, the FA has since reviewed footage and sanctioned the zema as a partner for Ronaldo can do other things but he has to team earlier in the season but we them have been dented by an said. “Bayern have a very big Spaniard, who has until 1700 GMT today to respond. up front this season but the score goals. kept working. If he keeps work- injury to key midfi elder, Arturo squad, with lots of good play- Alonso is facing a three-match ban if he accepts the charge, which Frenchman has managed only “He does suff er a little bit ing, I´m sure in a short time he Vidal. ers, and they will replace him would rule him out of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final, also against one goal in his last nine games. when he misses chances but the will be scoring again.” Vidal is set to undergo surgery for sure.” Southampton, and Premier League games against Burnley, tomor- row, and Swansea. “Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso has been charged with violent conduct FA CUP following an incident with Southampton’s Shane Long,” an FA state- ment said. “It happened in the 43rd minute of Saturday’s game... and was not seen by the match off icials but caught on video.” Off -the-ball incidents not seen at the time are referred by the FA to a panel of three former elite match off icials. For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision of the panel must be unanimous. Mourinho set to drop established Southampton boss Mark Hughes condemned the tackle at the time, players for United’s semi-fi nal saying it should have resulted in a red card. FOCUS Reuters that team.” Manchester Asked to clarify if he meant those who performed badly against West Brom would not European Leagues anchester United play against Tottenham, Mour- manager Jose Mour- inho said: “Yeah. What is the inho is ready to drop criteria for a manager to choose opposed to FIFA established play- a team? I only know one criteria: Mers for the FA Cup semi-fi nal (it) is the way you play. against Tottenham Hotspur on “Or do you want me to go for tournament Saturday after the Old Traff ord the price they cost, or their sal- club’s weekend defeat by Pre- ary, or their beautiful face? The mier League bottom side West only way is to go with perform- expansion plans Bromwich Albion. ance.” United suff ered a shock 1-0 Ander Herrera was substi- Reuters World Cup to be any longer.” home loss to West Brom on Sun- tuted at halftime against West London In 2015, FIFA announced that day, handing the title to Man- Brom, while fellow midfi elder the 2022 World Cup would be chester City, and Mourinho said Paul Pogba came off in the 58th staged in the last two months of his team were the “masters of minute, but Mourinho said that a op leagues across Europe the year in an eff ort to avoid is- complication”. They next visit yellow card had also been a fac- are opposed to FIFA’s ex- sues arising from the extreme Bournemouth today before fac- tor in the Frenchman’s replace- pansion plans for the 2022 heat in Qatar during June-July, ing Spurs at Wembley. ment. World Cup and future forcing most leagues to heavily Asked if he would rotate his “It was not just him and he Teditions of the Club World Cup, adjust their calendars. players for the midweek league had a yellow card, so he was in a the European Leagues president World soccer’s governing game on the south coast, Mour- more diffi cult position than oth- Lars-Christer Olsson has said. body are likely to decide on the inho indicated that some of those ers,” Mourinho said. FIFA plans to expand the expansion plan for 2022 during who played against West Brom “And playing with only two World Cup from 32 teams to 48 the next FIFA Congress in June. would feature again at Bourne- midfi eld players, you cannot play for the 2026 tournament but the Infantino also previously said mouth because they had lost with one player in risk of not be- global governing body’s presi- that several companies were in- their place for the semi-fi nal. ing able to make a foul. dent Gianni Infantino has said he terested in expanding the Club “Rotating is not the right “You can do it if your team is was open to introducing the pro- World Cup from it’s current word,” he was quoted as saying not losing the ball, but our team posal at the 2022 fi nals in Qatar. eight-team format to a grander by The Independent. “If I play was losing the ball so easy with The European Leagues, an 24-team event. a player against Bournemouth the complication, everything umbrella group for 32 profes- “There is also talk about ex- and the player is phenomenal, he was complicated, so we were sional leagues and associations panding the Club World Cup plays the semi-fi nal. losing lots of balls. from 25 European countries, is and we have serious reservations “So is not rotating, because “Paul was out because of the against the proposed expansion, about that too,” Olsson added. rotating looks like a player plays yellow card, because in terms which would add extra days and “FIFA seems to be on an ex- against Bournemouth to give a of the way he played, he was matches to the event. pansion drive. It’s time people rest to somebody that is going to not worse than some others “We are not prepared to make thought about the players – they play against Spurs in the semi- that were on the pitch for 90 any changes on the calendar for need time to rest. It cannot just fi nal. minutes.” expanding the 2022 World Cup,” be money deciding how football “So the word is not rotation, it Olsson told The Times in Britain. should be organised.” is an opportunity for people, for Manchester United manager “We have already been fl ex- The 2022 World Cup will be some people, to play and to try to Jose Mourinho during a Premier ible to allow the World Cup to held from November 21-Decem- get a place in the team for Spurs. League match against West be played in the winter and have ber 18, while the Club World Cup Some of the guys that played (on Bromwich Albion in Manchester agreed the dates, and we are not has been an annual event since Sunday) don’t have a place in on Sunday. (Reuters) prepared for the duration of the 2005. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 18, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Madrid penalty row has given Buff on Stoke’s Lambert boost he needed, says Juve coach

Reuters choice Wojciech Szczesny would Milan play in Wednesday’s Serie A upbeat despite late match at Crotone. Buff on, 40, widely expected he controversy over Ju- to retire at the end of the season, ventus goalkeeper Gi- has been widely criticised for anluigi Buff on’s furious failing to apologise to Oliver over reaction to the penalty the outburst. Allegri said the Tawarded to Real Madrid in the match with lowly Crotone will Champions League last week has have more infl uence on the out- West Ham equaliser done the player good, coach Mas- come of the title race than Sun- similiano Allegri said yesterday. day’s match at home to second- ‘I thought we deserved something. I thought we played a really good game’ Buff on was sent off for his an- placed Napoli. gry protests which followed the Crotone, who last season penalty decision and bitterly pulled off one of the great es- criticised referee Michael Oliver, capes in Serie A history, are again saying the English offi cial was fi ghting the drop and are stuck out of his depth and had a “gar- in the relegation zone, one point bage bin” instead of a heart. adrift of safety. “Between Cro- Juve were leading 3-0 in the tone and Napoli, the more deci- quarter-fi nal second leg, having sive match is the one against Cr- wiped out a three-goal defi cit otone,” Allegri said. “It would be from the fi rst tie in Turin, but a signifi cant advantage to reach were knocked out when Cris- the match against Napoli with a tiano Ronaldo converted to make six point lead. it 3-1 and send Real through 4-3 “I have heard talk of scudetto on aggregate. and celebrations. We are waiting “The evening in Madrid has until it’s mathematically won, done him good, it has given we need more wins,” he added. him the shot of adrenaline he “Napoli have a single objective, needed,” Allegri told reporters. there is more pressure on them “That’s how champions live.” and they will do anything to re- However, he said that second- open the title race.”

Stoke City’s Peter Crouch scores a goal against West Ham United’s goal-keeper Joe Hart during their EPL match. (Reuters)

Reuters at home on Sunday. an incredible support behind us, prised by goalkeeper Joe Hart’s need one more victory to guar- London “I thought we deserved some- and I’m pretty sure come Sun- mistake that handed Stoke antee survival and said he would thing. I thought we played a re- day, there won’t be many sta- City the opening goal in Mon- not blame Hart for their failure ally good game and if we keep diums rocking the way ours can day’s 1-1 Premier League draw to take all three points. toke City manager Paul playing like that, we will win rock. but he defended the England “He had two very similar Lambert had nothing but games,” Lambert told a post- “If the supporters do what I player after his side had to settle shots in the fi rst half and he took praise for his team de- match news conference. think they’ll do, we just have to for a point. them quite comfortably in his Juventus’ Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on leaves the field after spite them conceding an “But we have been playing turn up and try and get a win. Hart was outstanding in the midriff . So it was a surprise that being shown a red card during the UEFA Champions League quarter- added-timeS equaliser at West really well of late. I keep saying Regardless of how we do it, we Hammers previous game against it spilt out. But, look, if you’re a final second leg match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Ham United on Monday and was it – if there is a little bit of Lady have to get a win but we certainly Chelsea and earned a man of the goalkeeper it’s going to happen,” stadium in Madrid on April 11. (AFP) convinced they could still pro- Luck, it has certainly not come will drag teams into it.” match display as his side came Moyes told a post-match news duce a great escape to maintain our way. But performance-wise West Ham had three eff orts away with a crucial point in a conference. their Premier League status. it was very good. ruled out after Marko Arnau- draw at Stamford Bridge. “For the team, for us, at the Stoke were heading for their “I think if the team had been tovic was twice off side and Car- The West Ham keeper would time it was diffi cult because it Bayern’s Vidal ruled out for remainder of season fi rst away win since October af- playing this way from August, roll handled inside the box but have been desperate to impress meant we had to go and look to Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal will miss their Champions ter substitute Peter Crouch capi- I wouldn’t be here and they Lambert said his team were due a once again ahead of the World change after we had been the League semi-final with Real Madrid and has been ruled out for the talised on a mistake from keeper wouldn’t be in the position they bit of luck and felt they deserved Cup, with England manager Ga- dominant team, apart from the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery, the Bundesliga Joe Hart after 79 minutes to tap are in. West Ham turned over to come away from east London reth Southgate watching from fi rst fi ve or 10 minutes of the champions said yesterday. The Chilean has not played since going home from close-range. Stoke a few months ago. They are with a point. the stands, but he produced a second half. off injured during the first leg of Bayern’s quarter-final tie with Victory would have moved still looking for points as well. He added: “I must have walked major error which led to Stoke “Last week after he made fan- Sevilla on April 3. He twisted his right knee during a training session second-bottom Stoke above With the atmosphere in stadium, under a ladder or broken a mirror scoring after 79 minutes. tastic saves at Chelsea, I said to on Saturday and underwent surgery on Monday. “Vidal underwent Southampton and three points it is a diffi cult place to come but I somewhere because I have not Hart had failed to hold a shot him: ‘Well done’. I didn’t go over surgery on his knee yesterday, ruling him out for the rest of the sea- from the safety zone but they thought we were excellent.” had any luck whatsoever. from Xherdan Shaqiri and sub- the top because I expect him son,” said a statement on Bayern’s off icial Twitter account yesterday. failed to hold on and Andy Car- The draw leaves Stoke on 28 “I was due it, the team was stitute Peter Crouch was on to do that. Tonight I’ll tell him: Vidal was sent off when Bayern met Real in last season’s quarter- roll came off the bench to show points from 34 games, level with due it, the football club was due hand to score from close-range. ‘You should have done better on final second leg, which the Spaniards won 4-2 after extra time to his quality with a superb volley Southampton and fi ve behind 17th it and, if it is off side, it doesn’t But striker Andy Carroll that one.’ clinch the tie 6-3 on aggregate on their way to winning the trophy. past Jack Butland. placed Swansea City who both matter if it is marginally off side, came off the bench to spared his “I think the points we’ve taken Bayern, who face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday in a German Cup Despite dropping two crucial have a game in hand, while West or close, it is off side.” blushes with a superb equaliser in recent weeks have been really semi-final, were crowned Bundesliga champions earlier this month points, Lambert said he still took Ham are 14th with 35 points. in added time to salvage a draw important, winning here against for a sixth consecutive season and are bidding to win the treble for a number of positives from the “If we can do that (beat Moyes surprised at keeper and move the Hammers a step Southampton (3-0) and taking the second time in their history. Jupp Heynckes’ side host Real in the result and felt his team would Burnley), it will set the cat right Hart’s costly error closer to safety. a point at Chelsea (1-1). I think first leg of their semi-final tie on April 25, then head to the Santiago stand a fi ghting chance of beat- among the pigeons,” said Lam- West Ham United manager West Ham have 35 points from the important thing was to make Bernabeu for the return game on May 1. ing the drop if they beat Burnley bert. “We’e playing well, we have David Moyes said he was sur- 33 games and Moyes feels they sure we didn’t lose tonight.

WORLD CUP Russia’s inside-out arena ‘doesn’t sway in wind’ AFP fi rst offi cial test match. burg itself since the stadium is in Moscow But he stressed that nothing went a central part of the city,” Sinara- wrong – and the stands stood rock Development CEO Timur Ufi mtsev solid in place. said at the time. Russia’s organising ussia’s inside-out World “We had concerns about Yekater- committee chief Alexei Sorokin said Cup arena with soaring inburg,” Meytin told reporters. many fans lingered on after Sunday’s temporary stands shooting “It was the fi rst time we used the Premier League match between Ural up into the sky has passed temporary stands and everything Yekaterinburg and champions Spar- itsR fi rst formal test: it doesn’t sway went well,” he said. tak Moscow to snap photos of the in the wind when fi lled with fans. “The fans were safely seated and new arena. The peculiar venue in the indus- (the stands) did not sway in the “The temporary stands withstood trial city of Yekaterinburg has at- wind.” being fi lled by supporters very well, tracted its fair share of fascination The nose-bleed inducing ad- just like any other stands would,” – and some ridicule – heading into ditions to Russia’s most easterly said Sorokin. the June 14-July 15 football extrava- World Cup stadium were erected to “Nobody complained.” ganza. fi t FIFA’s minimum stadium capac- Yet foreigner thrill seekers look- Its two 42-metre-tall (138-foot- ity requirement. ing for a World Cup adrenalin rush tall) extensions at each goal end The additions will make Yekater- are in for a disappointment – the stand on a mesh of rickety-looking inburg Arena into a 35,000-seater seats fall into the cheapest category metal poles built on plots of land ad- that will shrink back down in size reserved for Russian supporters. jacent to the stadium. to 23,000 once the stands are dis- Sinara-Development said it could The vertiginous seats at the very mantled after its four group stage not simply rebuild the existing top off er fans a direct view of the matches. 60-year-old arena from the ground outer edge of the arena’s circular The head of the construction up because it had to preserve its roof. One side of the stands over- company behind the additions told “historical” Soviet facade. looks a nearby highway. AFP in November that the stands The old arena featured six col- Russian Premier League security were completely safe and getting an umns topped by sculptures of com- offi cer Alexander Meytin admitted unfairly bad review in the press. munist factory workers and athletes. A file photo taken on April 1, 2018 shows a view of the Central stadium in the Russian Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Russia’s inside-out yesterday that he had some trepi- “In addition, you can see a beau- These will stay in place for pos- World Cup arena with soaring temporary stands shooting up into the sky has passed its first formal test: it doesn’t sway in the wind dations heading into last weekend’s tiful panoramic view of Yekaterin- terity’s sake. when filled with fans. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 18, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS CRICKET Stokes aims to restore England’s Test lustre Thiem saves match holding all nine bilateral Test AFP London trophies but were denied as Pakistan won at the Oval and squared the series. en Stokes is desperate “I just want to get us back to to inspire England back playing the way we want to play,” to the pinnacle of Test Stokes told Britain’s Guardian cricket, saying the team newspaper. “We were so close point in victory Bhas “slacked off ” in the past to being one of the best teams in two years, slipping to fi fth in the the world. world rankings. “We’ve slacked off in the past ‘I’m really excited to have won The 26-year-old all-rounder two years but knowing how close returned to international cricket we were gives you that desire to two matches here in Monte in February against New Zea- get back there.” land but could not prevent a 1-0 New Zealand-born Stokes Carlo, it’s an incredible feeling’ defeat for the tourists to extend said he had accepted the deci- over Rublev a miserable run that has seen sion of coach Trevor Bayliss not England win just one Test series to reinstate him as vice-captain overseas since 2012. for the New Zealand series. Stokes missed his side’s 4-0 Stokes, currently playing Ashes humbling after being sus- for Rajasthan Royals in the In- pended from playing for Eng- dian Premier League, pleaded land over a nightclub incident not guilty to a charge of aff ray and admitted he was “gutted” to over the nightclub incident that watch his teammates struggling forced him out of the Ashes tour. in Australia. He looks set to miss the sec- Just two years ago England ond Test against India at Lord’s, were one Test win away from with his trial set for August 6.

Stewart wants IPL cut-off date aft er Surrey lose Curran Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart wants a cut-off date for county players to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) after losing seamer Tom Curran to the Twenty20 tournament just days before the start of their championship campaign. Curran went unsold in February’s IPL auction but Kolkata Knight Riders recruited him for around $247,000 earlier this month to replace injured Australian paceman Mitchell Starc. Yorkshire suff ered a double blow with the similar late depar- tures of David Willey and Liam Plunkett, leading county coaches to discuss the issue at Edgbaston last week. “It’s far from ideal losing Tom so late,” former England captain Stewart was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo http://www.espncricinfo.com. “I hope in time this will be looked at. The IPL is not going anywhere - I fully understand play- ers wanting to be part of it because, one, it’s a good competition and, second, it helps your bank balance. The problem is when you get the phone calls I got for Tom, and Martyn Moxon (Yorkshire’s director of cricket) got for Willey and Plunkett, your planning goes out of the window. All I think needs to be looked at is a cut-off , ideally a month before the championship starts,” he said.

SPOTLIGHT Pothas quits as Sri Lanka fi elding coach Austria’s Dominic Thiem returns the ball to Russia’s Andrey Rublev during their Monte Carlo ATP Masters match in Monaco yesterday. (AFP) AFP kistan for the fi nal Twenty20 AFP wide on his own serve late in the After Rublev had edged a ond week of the French Open. round for the fi rst time in his Colombo international of the tour, citing Monte Carlo, Principality of deciding set. tight fi rst set, Thiem clinched And Herbert, the world career. security concerns. Monaco “I had to fi ght from the fi rst to the second on his fourth set number 82, wrapped up the The world number 55 trailed After six months at the helm the last point, which of course I point before racing into a 4-1 opening set with another break 4-2 in the decider, but broke outh African Nic Pothas he was replaced by former Sri did well. But I was also lucky at lead in the decider. as Dimitrov mishit a forehand back immediately before has ended his coaching Lanka Test batsman Chandika ustrian fi fth seed Do- the end when he had a match His 20-year-old opponent into the stands. clinching the tie-break when a contract with Sri Lanka Hathurusingha, who was named minic Thiem saved point and missed a forehand cut loose, though, claiming four But Dimitrov stepped up his Pouille return dropped into the to spend time with his head coach in December. He re- match point in a grip- by 10 centimetres or so,” said straight games to serve for the game midway through the sec- base of the net. youngS family, the island nation’s mained as fi elding coach and had ping Monte Carlo Thiem. match. ond set, reeling off fi ve consecu- “I’m really excited to have cricket board said yesterday. been expected to stay until Au- MastersA second-round win “I was 10 centimetres from But Rublev struck wide on tive games to level the match. won two matches here in Monte The 44-year-old joined Sri gust but Sri Lanka Cricket an- over Russian youngster Andrey being out of the tournament.” match point and ran out of The 26-year-old, who won Carlo, it’s an incredible feeling,” Lanka in 2016 as fi elding coach nounced that the South African Rublev yesterday, while Grigor The 24-year-old Thiem could steam, double faulting to hand the Cincinnati Masters and the said the 30-year-old Zverev. but was unexpectedly elevated to called it a day on Friday. Dimitrov beat Pierre-Hugues also have to face defending Thiem a place in round three as ATP Tour Finals last season, Fernando Verdasco saved the top job after Graham Ford’s “After two incredible years Herbert in three sets. champion Rafael Nadal in the the world number seven won threw away an early break in the three match points to beat Uru- abrupt exit in June last year. with Sri Lanka cricket, this is the A two-time French Open quarter-fi nals if he can get past the last three games on the spin. third set, but quickly refocused guayan Pablo Cuevas in a fi rst- Under his stewardship Sri right time for me to move on to semi-fi nalist, Thiem recovered Djokovic or the in-form Coric to fi nish off the spirited Herbert. round match, while Briton Kyle Lanka were thumped in a home other opportunities, which will from a set down to book a last- tomorrow. Dimitrov sees off Herbert Earlier, French number one Edmund lost in three sets to An- series against India and humili- allow me to spend quality time 16 clash against either Novak “It’s a horrible draw for sure, Fourth seed Dimitrov came Lucas Pouille blew a one-set dreas Seppi, less than 48 hours ated by cricket minnows Zimba- with my young family,” Pothas Djokovic or Borna Coric with a from the fi rst round on,” con- from a set down to see off French lead to be dumped out by Ger- after a fi nal defeat in Marrakech bwe in a one-day international said in a statement issued by the 5-7, 7-5, 7-5 victory. ceded Thiem. qualifi er Herbert 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. man serve-and-volleyer Mischa by Pablo Andujar. tournament. cricket board. Thiem is playing in his fi rst “But I’m happy that I played Herbert started quickly, Zverev in a third-set tie-break. American Jared Donaldson The islanders did however “It has been an honour and a tournament since suff ering an two hours and forty (minutes)... breaking in game three as Dim- Seventh seed Pouille, a semi- was fi ned 5,000 euros ($6,172) record a 2-0 Test series win over privilege to be involved with Sri ankle injury at Indian Wells But I’m looking forward to itrov struggled. fi nalist last year, eased through by the ATP for his outburst at Pakistan last year in the United Lanka. It has given me the op- last month. Rublev spurned a watching Djokovic and Coric in The world number fi ve has the fi rst set but Zverev hit back French umpire Arnaud Gabas Arab Emirates. portunity to learn and improve as chance to seal the match when front of the TV and then playing often found life diffi cult on clay, to claim a 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) on Monday during a fi rst-round Pothas and several other play- a coach as well as to contribute to he fi red a forehand narrowly the winner on Thursday.” having never reached the sec- victory and reach the third loss to Albert Ramos-Vinolas. ers then refused to travel to Pa- a very talented bunch of players.”

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Mumbai Indians outplay Royal Challengers IANS fi ve sixes in his 42-ball innings. Mumbai Rohit, on the other hand, stayed till the last and made sure his team crossed the 200-run mark before getting out on the pe- kipper Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 92- nultimate delivery of the innings. run innings went in vain as Royal Put in to bat, Mumbai got off to a poor Challengers Bangalore lost by 46 start, losing opener Suryakumar Yadav (0) runs to Mumbai Indians in an Indian and Ishan Kishan (0) in the opening two PremierS League match yesterday. balls of the fi rst over. This is the fi rst win for Mumbai in this The fall of the wickets brought in Rohit, edition of the cash-rich league. who along with Lewis played sensibly and Kohli, who opened the innings with slammed the bowlers all around the park Quinton de Kock, remained unbeaten but before Lewis got out. Rohit slammed 10 could not guide his team to victory. In boundaries and fi ve sixes in his 52-ball in- his 62-ball innings Kohli slammed seven nings. boundaries and four sixes. After the fall of Lewis’ wicket in the 12th Chasing a mammoth 214, Bangalore over by Corey Anderson, Krunal Pandya (15) started off on a positive note, scoring 40 also tried to maintain the same pace but runs in 4.1 overs but after the fall of de failed and got run out in the 16th over. Kock’s wicket, the visitors never looked in Kieron Pollard then joined Rohit in the contention, losing wickets at regular inter- middle and let the in-form Rohit have vals. most of the strike. Taking full advantage, Apart from Kohli, no other batsmen rose the skipper paced up the innings through to the occasion and went back one after some beautifully crafted shots. In the proc- other. De Kock’s 19-run knock was the sec- ess Pollard was dismissed by pacer Chris ond highest among the other batters. Woakes. Soon, Rohit also got out on the pe- For Mumbai, left-arm spinner Krunal nultimate ball of the innings. Pandya scalped three wickets while Jas- Hardik Pandya (17 not out) and Mitchell prit Bumrah and Mitchell McClenaghan McClenaghan (0) then completed the pro- chipped in with two wickets each. ceedings. For Bangalore, Umesh Yadav and Earlier, Skipper Rohit Sharma (94) and Anderson scalped two wickets each. opener Evin Lewis (65) helped Mumbai In- dians to post a mammoth 213/6. Brief scores: After a disastrous start, Lewis and Ro- Mumbai Indians: 213/6 (Rohit Sharma 94; hit played a brilliant innings and forged a Evin Lewis 65; Umesh yadav 2/36) against 108-run partnership before Lewis was dis- Royal Challengers Bangalore: 167/8 (Virat Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma plays a shot against Royal Challengers Bangalore during their Indian Premier League match at the Wankhede stadium missed. Lewis slammed six boundaries and Kohli 92; Krunal Pandya 3/28). in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, April 18, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Vikings’ Kendricks Durant, Thompson lands reported $50mn extension he Minnesota Vikings him and that’s one of the things locked up standout mid- that we dreamed of growing up dle linebacker Eric Ken- playing this sport, so it’s been sink Spurs; Heat’s dricks to a multi-year cool. I can’t say it makes me any Textension, the team announced hungrier. I’ve been hungry. I just on Monday. ESPN reported the know what I want and I kind of deal is worth $50mn over fi ve just work to get it, period.” years, with $25mn guaranteed. “I like the defense we are on COWBOYS DL IRVING now, I like the group of guys we SIGNS $2.9MN TENDER Wade stuns Sixers have in the locker room,” Kend- The Dallas Cowboys have ricks said at a news conference retained David Irving after the announcing the deal. “I’m just defensive lineman signed his excited to get another opportu- $2.9mn restricted free agent Warriors power to a 116-101 win that puts the NBA champions 2-0 up nity to play with them. tender. After accepting the A crazy front in front of me, so team’s second-round tender, the AFP per hand.” The Warriors now head that’s another factor that came 24-year-old Irving is scheduled Los Angeles to San Antonio for game three to- into it. At the end of the day, I to become an unrestricted free morrow just want to be out there playing agent in 2019, unless he signs an In the Eastern Conference, football and winning champion- extension before then. evin Durant and Klay Dwyane Wade produced a vintage ships.” Kendricks is scheduled to Irving, who was present at the Thompson handed San performance as the Miami Heat make a base salary of $1.138mn Cowboys’ team headquarters on Antonio a painful shoot- ended Philadelphia’s 17-game in 2018 in the fi nal season of Monday for the start of Dallas’ ing lesson as Golden State winning streak to level their series his four-year rookie contract. off season training program, has Ktook a grip on their Western Confer- 1-1. Wade, 36, scored 28 points in Kendricks has recorded 314 provided strong production ence playoff duel on Monday. Du- 25 minutes as Miami stunned the tackles over his fi rst three NFL when he’s on the fi eld. In 2017 rant and Thompson both weighed 76ers’ home crowd into silence seasons, including a career-best he racked up 7.0 sacks — second in with 30-point games as the War- with a 113-103 victory. 113 in 2017. on the team — in eight games riors powered to a 116-101 win that It was a superb display from He also has 7.5 sacks and two while playing defensive end and puts the NBA champions 2-0 up in Wade, a three-time NBA cham- interceptions — returning both defensive tackle. their best-of-seven series. pion who started this season with for touchdowns. Kendricks, 26, He missed both the season’s The Warriors — still missing the Cleveland before re-joining Miami was a second-round pick (45th fi rst four games (suspended for injured talisman Stephen Curry — in February before the trade dead- overall) in 2015 from UCLA. He violating performance enhanc- outclassed a physical San Antonio line. Wade’s experience proved broke into the lineup in Week 4 ing drugs policy) and last four from three-point range in a dev- crucial throughout, inspiring a and has since been a mainstay as (concussion). Irving has 11.0 astating display of scoring. Golden fi rst-half fi ghtback to wipe out the the team’s top run stuff er. sacks in 23 games over the past State made 15 of 31 attempts from 76ers’ early lead before shepherd- His older brother, Mychal two seasons and 11.5 in 35 career three-point range, contrasting ing Miami to the win in a nervy Kendricks, is a linebacker for games, all with the Cowboys sharply with San Antonio, who fi nale. Wade, who also had seven the Super Bowl champion since 2015. could only muster four from 28 at- rebounds and three assists, was Philadelphia Eagles, who beat The Cowboys originally tempts. Spurs coach Gregg Popo- backed by 20 points from Goran the Vikings 38-7 in the NFC plucked Irving off the Kansas vich pinpointed his team’s failure Dragic and 18 points from James Championship Game. “That was City Chiefs’ practice squad in to threaten from distance as the Johnson. “I just came in with an a huge moment for my family,” 2015 after he went undrafted out principal factor in the loss. “The aggressive approach,” Wade said Eric Kendricks said. of Iowa State. The Cowboys also ball has to go in the basket,” Popo- afterwards. “Obviously, it didn’t end well announced the signing of long vich said. “I told myself that whatever for us. It ended very good for my snapper Scott Daly on Monday. “That’s the diff erence in the ball minutes I was going to play, I was brother, and he was able to go Daly has never played in the game. They shot 50% of threes; going to do it aggressively. Once on and win in the Super Bowl. NFL after starting all 13 of Notre we made 14%, four of 28 or some- the balls start falling for you then Going back home and talking to Dame’s games in 2015. thing. That’s tough to overcome. it just goes from there. I love the You’ve got to make shots. And it’s stage. I play the game for these mo- been like that the entire year on the ments. To be able to come through road for us, for whatever reason. for your team when they need you And it really showed up tonight. feels good.” That made it very diffi cult.” Philadelphia meanwhile were San Antonio started strongly, left refl ecting on their fi rst loss with LaMarcus Aldridge — who since early March, jolting their fi nished with 34 points — driving momentum as the series heads to the Spurs forward as they shaded Miami for game three tomorrow. the fi rst period 25-23. The visitors Ben Simmons led the Philadel- continued to rally in the second phia scoring with 24 points, with quarter and had moved into a 53- Dario Saric adding 23 and Marco 47 at half-time. But Golden State’s Belinelli 16. Sixers coach Brett relentless pressure and off ensive Brown later was forced to respond variety inevitably began to tell in to a profane social media post from the second half. injured star Joel Embiid, who wrote Durant fi nished with 32 points, of his frustration at being “babied” six rebounds and six assists while after watching the defeat from the Thompson had 31 points with fi ve sidelines. “He just wants to play assists. “They took it to us fi rst basketball, to be with his team, to half,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr play in front of the fans,” Brown said. “But in the second half we said. “When he’s not able to do that matched that eff ort level and phys- he gets frustrated and I respect his Kevin Durant (right) of the Golden State Warriors gets past Pau Gasol of the San Antonio Spurs icality and were able to get that up- frustration.” during the 2018 NBA Playoff s in Oakland, California. (AFP) Eric Kendricks of Minnesota Vikings.

NHL MLB Sharks crush Ducks for Yankees cruise past Marlins Reuters 3-0 series edge New York

Reuters sons, Austin Watson scored for uis Severino fi red six scoreless in- San Jose the Predators. MAPLE LEAFS 4, BRUINS 2 nings of one-hit ball, and Didi Gre- Patrick Marleau’s fi rst two gorius homered twice for the second DEVILS 5, LIGHTNING 2 goals of the Stanley Cup playoff s time this year as the New York Yan- arcus Sorensen and Taylor Hall produced a goal helped host Toronto get back into Lkees beat the Miami Marlins 12-1 at Yankee Joonas Donskoi both and two assists as New Jersey ral- its Eastern Conference quarter- Stadium on Monday. collected one goal lied for a victory over Tampa Bay fi nals series with a win over Bos- Severino (3-1) struck out eight and walked and one assist during in Newark, NJ. The Devils will ton. James van Riemsdyk and one. Aaron Judge and Gregorius slugged Ma four-goal second period that get a chance to even the series in Auston Matthews also scored their fourth homers as New York opened led the San Jose Sharks to a 8-1 Game 4 at home on Wednesday. goals for the Maple Leafs, who an 11-0 lead in the fi rst fi ve innings. Gre- thrashing of the visiting Anahe- Hall became the fi rst Devil to trail the best-of-seven series gorius added a solo shot in the seventh. im Ducks on Monday night. record a three-point postseason 2-1. Toronto goalie Frederik An- Gary Sanchez had three hits and three RBIs. San Jose, which benefi ted from game since Zach Parise on May dersen, who was pulled in the Judge, Gregorius, Miguel Andujar, Brett a 45-save performance by goalie 21, 2012, against the New York fi rst period of Game 2 after giv- Gardner and Tyler Austin had two hits each Martin Jones, holds a command- Rangers in the Eastern Confer- ing up three goals on fi ve shots, for the Yankees. New York Yankees’ Luis Severino pitches against the Miami Marlins. (USA TODAY Sports) ing 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven ence fi nals. Goalie Cory Schnei- fi nished with 40 saves. Adam Western Conference opening- der made 34 saves as the Devils McQuaid and Zdeno Chara each BRAVES 2, PHILLIES 1 hitting a total of 14 in that stretch. bat home run in the fi rst. round playoff series. The Sharks opted to use him after he stopped had his fi rst goal of the series for Julio Teheran struck out nine batters in six will look to sweep the series 10 shots in relief of Keith Kinkaid Boston. Bruins netminder Tu- strong innings, and Atlanta ended visiting RAYS 8, RANGERS 4 REDS 10, BREWERS 4 Wednesday night on home ice. in Game 2. ukka Rask made 26 saves. Philadelphia’s six-game winning streak. Te- Wilson Ramos had three hits and two RBIs, Luis Castillo pitched 6 2/3 innings and add- Eric Fehr and Tomas Hertl heran (1-1) allowed one run on fi ve hits, one and Mallex Smith had a career-high-tying ed a run-scoring single as Cincinnati broke also tallied during the second of them a solo homer from Odubel Herrera four hits to back the excellent pitching of an eight-game losing streak with a win at period as the Sharks blew open in the fi rst inning. The right-hander walked Blake Snell as host Tampa Bay Rays rolled Milwaukee. Castillo (1-2) allowed four runs what was a tied game. Donskoi three. Atlanta tied the game in the bottom past Texas. Snell (2-1) hurled 6 1/3 innings, and fi ve hits and three walks while striking and Logan Couture each fi nished of the fi rst inning when Freddie Freeman allowing just one run on fi ve hits with nine out eight. with a goal and two assists, and grounded into a double play that scored strikeouts and no walks, to help the Rays Leadoff hitter Billy Hamilton singled Timo Meier, Evander Kane and Ender Inciarte. The Braves got their other snap a four-game losing streak. Snell got twice and drove in three runs for the Reds. Joe Pavelski had a goal and an as- run in the fourth when Ozzie Albies scored plenty of early off ensive help as Tampa Bay Adam Duvall had three hits, including two sist apiece. Rickard Rakell scored on Kurt Suzuki’s sacrifi ce fl y. scored all eight of its runs in the fi rst four doubles, while Joey Votto and rookie out- for the Ducks, who pulled goalie innings off Texas starter Martin Perez (1-2). fi elder Phillip Ervin had two hits apiece for John Gibson after he allowed fi ve ROCKIES 6, PIRATES 2 Cincinnati. goals on 24 shots. German Marquez took a no-hitter into the NATIONALS 8, METS 6 fi fth inning, and Trevor Story and Char- Michael A Taylor worked a bases-load- THREE GAMES POSTPONED AVALANCHE 5, PREDATORS 3 lie Blackmon continued Colorado’s home ed walk to cap a six-run eighth inning by Kansas City’s scheduled game at Toronto Nathan MacKinnon scored two run parade as the visiting Rockies downed Washington, which stunned host New York. was postponed after falling ice from the CN goals, while Blake Comeau, Pittsburgh. Marquez (1-1) allowed two runs The Nationals appeared headed for their Tower damaged the roof of Rogers Centere. Gabriel Bourque and Gabriel on two hits in six innings with two walks and fourth loss in as many games this season The game will be made up as part of a tra- Landeskog added markers as six strikeouts. against the Mets, who led 6-1 with staff ace ditional doubleheader beginning today af- Colorado roared out to a 4-0 lead Chris Rusin allowed two hits in two score- Jacob deGrom still on the mound to begin ternoon. en route to a win over Nashville less innings of relief, and Adam Ottavino the eighth inning. St. Louis’ scheduled game at Chicago’s in Denver. The result cut Nash- pitched a clean ninth with two strikeouts. However, deGrom was lifted with two on Wrigley Field was also postponed due to ville’s series lead to 2-1. Story hit a three-run homer in the fourth and one out, and four relievers could not inclement weather. The game will be made The Avalanche ended a 12- and Blackmon added a solo shot in the stop the barrage. Washington’s Howie Ken- up as part of a day-night doubleheader on game losing streak to the Preda- Anaheim Ducks left wing Andrew Cogliano (right) shoots against San eighth for the Rockies, who lead the Na- drick homered leading off the ninth. Bryce July 21. And Baltimore’s scheduled game at tors that dated back to April Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones (left) during the first round of tional League with 26 homers. They have Harper accounted for the Nationals’ only Boston was postponed too due to inclement 2016. Ryan Johansen, Colton Sis- the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoff s in San Jose. (USA TODAY Sports) homered in seven of their past eight games, run in the fi rst seven innings with a broken- weather. The game will be made up May 17. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 18, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT BOXING Mary Kom denies Japan hails school retirement, dreams of Olympic gold AFP Rio 2016 Olympics and said she New Delhi was aiming for Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020. The mother-of- clerk who won three won a record fi fth Asian ndia’s best-ever boxer Mary women’s championship title in Kom said yesterday she has November last year — defying no plans to retire and is de- critics who suggested Kom was termined to defy her critics approaching retirement age. Iby winning an elusive Olympic “Who said my age is a factor? gold. Kom, 35, won gold on debut Come up and I will show what Boston Marathon at the Commonwealth Games I can do,” she said in jest when in Australia last week, comple- asked about boxing in her mid- menting a trophy cabinet packed thirties. This (age issue) should Kawauchi became the first Japanese runner to win the race since 1987 with fi ve amateur world cham- be taken out of the mind. I will pionship titles and an Olympic know when my body will not al- bronze from London 2012. low me to carry on.” But India’s most accomplished The veteran fi ghter and sub- pugilist, feted at home as “Mag- ject of a blockbuster Bollywood nifi cent Mary”, says the best is fi lm said she was preparing for yet to come and has rubbished the Asian Games, world cham- suggestions she could be close to pionship and more and “will try hanging up the gloves. my best” as she pursues gold in “I have never talked about Tokyo. retirement, they were just ru- Kom conceded she had a busy mours. Even I was shocked when schedule — as a professional I heard about my retirement,” athlete, parent, gym owner and Kom told reporters in New Delhi lawmaker — but warned her op- as India’s boxing team returned ponents against assuming she from the Gold Coast with three had too much on her plate. “I gold, three silver and three have taken this challenge to keep bronze medals. “An Olympic fi ghting at 35 or 36. No one can Gold is what I am still dreaming.” guarantee winning or losing, but Kom was devastated to miss when I train nobody can beat me out on a wildcard entry for the easily,” she said.

Yuki Kawauchi of Japan celebrates after crossing the finish line as the winner of the 122nd Boston Marathon for Elite Men’s race in Boston, Massachusetts. (AFP)

AFP “It is a tremendous achievement to win school offi cial Yasuhiro Mitsui said. “The Kawauchi declared: “This is the greatest Tokyo Boston, which is one of the highest quali- principal told him ‘Congratulations, you day of my life.” ty races in the world,” Toshihiko Seko, the have done very well’,” Mitsui said, add- “There was no one who thought I Japanese runner who won the race in 1987 ing that the holiday extension had been would be the winner. I was able to prove apan yesterday hailed local school and 1981, told national broadcaster NHK. granted. No celebrations were being that marathon is a sport in which you clerk Yuki Kawauchi, the surprise “In the horrible conditions that every- planned at the school, Mitsui said, in cannot tell what happens until the fi nish.” winner of the Boston Marathon, one hates, Kawauchi managed to main- keeping with Kawauchi’s low-key ap- But while the Boston victory might be who called work after his victory to tain the toughest spirit, more than any- proach to his running. His training is the biggest of his career, but it is far from askJ for an extra day off to celebrate. When one else,” he said. In a country that values done outside working hours, and he com- his only marathon win. Kawauchi ploughed across the fi nish line modesty and hard work, Kawauchi’s qui- petes in races on weekends or on holiday. In fact, the 31-year-old has racked up on Monday, despite the coldest start in et dedication has garnered widespread “Generally he has kept his work and fi ve consecutive marathon wins with his 30 years and steady rain, he became the admiration. marathon separate. We support him, like latest victory, including races in Japan, fi rst Japanese runner to win the race since At the Kuki High School in Saitama we support others, by covering his work the US, and Taiwan. 1987. In a poetic twist of fate, that was the region, where Kawauchi works, offi cials while he is gone,” Mitsui said. Marathons Last month, he was recognised by the year Kawauchi was born. He fi nished the said he had been in touch — to ask about are hugely popular in Japan, and Ka- Guinness World Records for the highest punishing 26.2 mile (42.1km) course with an extra day off . Apparently not expect- wauchi is well known for juggling his day number of marathons run in under two a time of 2hrs 15min 58sec. The humble ing his win, Kawauchi had planned to fl y job with his running passion. hours and 20 minutes — 78 in all. And he bureaucrat, who has no coach and no back to Japan the morning after the race “I want to show that you can compete won’t be resting on his laurels long, with sponsor and trains on his free time, has and start working from today evening. at the world level even if you have a job plans to run a half marathon this weekend Indian boxer Mary Kom gestures as she arrives at a felicitation been hailed across Japan for the shock “He called to ask for an extra day off like I do,” he has said of maintaining the in the Japanese city of Gifu, he told Japa- ceremony for the Indian boxing contingent at the 2018 Commonwealth triumph. because he has to attend functions there,” balance. After his win Monday, a tearful nese media. Games, in New Delhi yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS RUGBY ROUND-UP Umaga feels the Blues Pakistan tees Paddy Jackson’s Test career over, of intense up fi rst Asian Super Rugby Tour golf event says Ulster rugby chief derbies AFP Wellington: New Zealand’s London highly competitive Super in 11 years Rugby derbies are begin- ning to take their toll on the AFP ly-half Paddy Jackson will teams, with the Auckland Karachi never play for Ireland again Blues coach Tana Umaga the after he and teammate Stu- worst hit as he scrambles to art Olding were sacked de- field a side missing 18 squad akistan will host its fi rst golf tournament spiteF being cleared in a rape trial, members through injury. with the Asian Tour in 11 years, organisers the Ulster chief executive said. Super Rugby realigned this announced yesterday, as international sports Jackson, 26, and centre Olding, year to ensure more inter- gradually returns to a terror-hit country 25, had their contracts with Ulster conference action with the Pwhere security has improved. The Chief of Naval Staff and the Irish Rugby Football Union New Zealand section proving Open Golf Championship is set to tee off from July 24 (IRFU) terminated after an internal the most competitive, as to 27 in Karachi, attracting a talented cast of Asian review following their acquittal. coaches, fans and players Tour stars to the US$300,000 (34.59mn rupees) event. The players were found not have all admitted that inten- “Our talented members are excited to return to Pa- guilty of raping the same woman in sity levels in those games are kistan,” said Josh Burack, Asian Tour Chief Executive June 2016. Jackson was also unani- bordering on the extreme. Offi cer, in a statement. Regular Asian Tour events have mously acquitted of sexual assault. That level of passion has been absent in the country since 2008, when a tour- The high-profi le trial, which ran been hard to sustain for the nament was cancelled over security concerns amid a for nine weeks at Belfast Crown Blues, who sit bottom of the wave of militant attacks across Pakistan. All interna- Court, brought to light a number of conference after just two tional sporting events were later suspended in Paki- sexually explicit and off ensive text wins in seven matches, while stan following an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team exchanges that sparked a wave of Umaga has lost five players bus in Lahore in March 2009. protest on social media and on the to season-ending injuries. But successful military operations in the country’s streets. denied the IRFU had caved in to expected of them.” land’s 25-13 Calcutta Cup win over Two more, fullback Michael northwest and urban centres have largely beaten back Before the trial Jackson had been pressure on social media or that the England the previous day. Collins (broken hand) and militant groups and dramatically improved security the stand-in for Irish number one decision was motivated by money. MEN TO APPEAR IN COURT One of the men shouted an ex- lock Josh Goodhue (shoul- nationwide. fl y-half Johnny Sexton but Ulster “No sponsor including Bank of OVER EDDIE JONES ABUSE pletive as the Australian got into der), were ruled out for at As a result, the country has hosted back-to-back chief executive Shane Logan said Ireland drove the decision,” he said. Four men have been summonsed to a waiting car and opened the car least a month after their Pakistan Super League cricket starting in 2017, in ad- he did not believe Jackson would “We have taken on board every- appear in court after England rug- door so the group could continue 24-10 over the Sunwolves. “It dition to a limited over series against Zimbabwe, the add to the 25 caps he had won. Old- body’s views right across society, by coach Eddie Jones was subject shouting abuse. Yesterday, Brit- seems all the New Zealand World XI and Sri Lanka. ing has four caps. “The position is right across our supporter group, to a barrage of foul-mouthed abuse ish Transport Police said four men Super teams are suff ering Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Zafar Abbasi, whom joint. It’s a joint Irish and Ulster our sponsor group, our players, following his side’s Six Nations de- from Scotland had been sum- from a high attrition rate and the tournament is named after, lauded the return of rugby position... The statement is clubs, volunteers, we are part of feat to Scotland. A group of men monsed to appear at Manchester we are no diff erent,” Umaga the Asian Tour. clear and it is not something that society. But at the end of the day, asked to have a photograph taken and Salford Magistrates’ Court on said in a statement. “It is test- “This is great news for golf in Pakistan. We are we are contemplating,” Logan said having looked at all those things, with the 58-year-old at a Man- May 16. ing the depth of the playing thrilled to welcome the Asian Tour and its talented when asked about the pair’s chanc- the decision was based on align- chester railway station on Febru- They were reported for an al- resources around the coun- members to our beautiful country,” said Abbasi. Pa- es of either playing for the province ment with what it is we stand for, ary 25. But footage released online leged public order off ence. Jones try.” The Blues have played kistan hosted its fi rst Asian Tour event in 1989, which or Ireland again. in particular the value of respect. showed the atmosphere turned said after the incident that he three New Zealand derbies was won by Filipino star Frankie Minoza. The coun- Logan, who refused to reveal “The players themselves admit- sour, with the men, two of whom would stop using public transport, and three matches against try’s only Asian Tour winner remains Taimur Hussain whether there had been a fi nancial ted in their own statements that could be seen with drinks in their adding that he “wasn’t comfort- South African sides. who triumphed at an event in Myanmar in 1998. settlement agreed with the players, they were way short of what was hands, taunting Jones about Scot- able” with what had happened. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 18, 2018 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT QOC President awards events), Abdulrahman al-Khater (100m and 200m events), Mohannad Khamis the winners at Arabian (3000m steeplechase and 1500m) Camel Festival along with other names in discus throw, Thrilling matches high jump and shot put. In a pre-event Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Presi- press release on Monday, Qatar Athlet- dent HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Tha- ics Federation Board member Khalifa open second edition ni crowned the winners of HH The Emir Abdulmalek said that the young Qatari Cup Sword events at the Arabian Camel athletes are looking forward to honour- Festival at Al Shahaniya Racetrack on ing the country in this prestigious event. of Aspire Embassies Monday. In Monday’s competitions, Al Shahaniya camels dominated the scene Al Rayyan and Duhail to win the titles of two main races in the Futsal Tournament morning. In the second half of the day, reach Qatar Handball Al Shahaniya camels kept their winning By Sports Reporter towards the knockout rounds. streak going to clinch the trophy of one Cup Final Doha We have received very positive main race. The hugely popular event feedback from the Ambassa- was scheduled to continue yesterday at Al Rayyan and Duhail teams confidently dors during the fi rst week of the the same venue. booked spots in the final match of the spire Zone’s Ladies tournament and we look forward prestigious Qatar Handball Cup Champi- Sports Hall hosted to welcoming more teams as we Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani onship 2018 on Monday. The Al Rayyan eight thrilling matches continue its development.” Qatar team ready for with the winners of HH The Emir Cup Sword events at the Arabian Camel Festival. squad qualified for the final match after on Friday and Saturday French ambassador to Qatar duringA the opening of the 2nd Eric Chevallier, talking following Arab Youth Athletics defeating Al Wakrah 31-26 in the last- cal and managerial arrangements to tomorrow. Qatar team is represented four stage clash held at Duhail Arena on Aspire Embassies Futsal Tourna- the match against Jordan, said, Championship participate in the upcoming Arab Youth by elite young athletes including Saoud Monday. In the other semi-final, Duhail ment, which is backed by senior “This is a well-organised tour- Athletics Championship 2018, which Abdulaziz al-Homaidi in (110m steeple- team defeated Al Arabi 26-20 to book representatives from foreign em- nament with a good atmosphere Qatar youth team completed all techni- will get underway in Amman, Jordan, chase), Jabir Hilal in (100m and 200m their place in the decider. bassies in Qatar in collaboration – that’s why we wanted to be with the Ministry of Foreign Af- part of it. The French and other fairs (MOFA). embassies are part of life here At 5pm on Friday, Group A in Qatar and, though we lost to- FORMULA 1 matches kicked off with Kenya day, we’re glad we participated. beating Ethiopia in a one-sided Shukran Aspire.” game that ended 7-1. A consid- Kenya’s deputy ambassador to erable number of Kenyan and Qatar Daniel Tanui added: “We Ethiopian fans watched from the participated in 2016 and really stands, demonstrating the level enjoyed it. It’s a good initiative of passion for sports that exists that gives us an opportunity to among Qatar’s diverse commu- enjoy sport while interacting nities. Meanwhile, India revealed with the local community. But Verstappen needs hidden football talent with a it’s not just this one – we par- fi erce off ensive against Kaza- ticipate in many of local events, khstan, running out 7-0 victors. including National Sport Day, Group B matches started at Qatar Community Football 7pm, with Jordan’s merciless Tournament and African Em- embassy staff defeating France bassies Football tournament. We 16-4, following four late conso- love these events because Kenya lation goals from France. In the is a sporting nation and they are to think more: dad last Friday fi xture, Sudan played always well executed.” a hard-fought match against Al- This coming weekend, eight ‘He just needs to fine-tune and take a little bit of aggression out’ geria that ended 8-4. group stage qualifi cations On Saturday, group stage matches will be played. On Fri- Reuters matches resumed with MOFA’s day, Kenya will compete against London team defeating Somalia 8-3 in India, and Ethiopia against Ka- Group C and Djibouti taking zakhstan. These matches will be three easy points against South followed by France vs Sudan and ax Verstappen’s father Jos has Africa. Jordan vs Algeria. On Saturday, advised the Red Bull driver to In Group D matches, Aspire South Africa will face Somalia, think more carefully after his Zone emerged 8-3 victors against Djibouti will play Qatar’s MOFA, recent botched overtaking Spain, while Syria defeated the Aspire will take on Syria, and Mmanoeuvres drew criticism and calls to UK 6-2. Spain will go up against the UK. calm down. Commenting on the opening All matches will be played from The 20-year-old Dutchman was matches, Tournament director 5pm to 8pm. handed a 10-second penalty in Sunday’s Mohamed Mubarak al-Kuwari, AZF has brought the tourna- Chinese Grand Prix for colliding with who also participated as part ment back for a second edition Ferrari’s championship leader Sebastian of the Aspire Zone team, said, after many participating em- Vettel, sending both cars spinning. “I’m delighted to see all these bassies requested its return. The “That wasn’t possible,” former racer enthusiastic diplomatic mission tournament is organised in line Jos told Dutch cable TV station Ziggo of members and local community with AZF’s eff orts to promote the rash move. “It was an error of judge- members play together. This a healthy and active lifestyle ment. In some circumstances Max just competition truly shows the di- among community members of has to think more. versity of the people who love the all ages, and to bring everyone “I don’t want him to change his driving beautiful game in Qatar.” together within an active envi- style. He passed two people at the start. Al-Kuwari added: “The per- ronment. Football fans are also He did that perfectly. That’s what we all formances were outstanding welcome to attend the tourna- want to see. and I can already tell that com- ment and cheer on their favour- “But we don’t want to see these kinds petition will build as we head ite teams. of actions. He needs to have it under con- trol. He needs to think.” Verstappen also lost ground when he tried and failed to pass Mercedes’ world champion Lewis Hamilton, with whom he had tangled in Bahrain a week earlier. The Dutchman had to retire from the race after that incident. Verstappen might have won in China had he been less impatient, with victory Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (also inset) in action during the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday. (Reuters/AFP) going instead to Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo who pulled it off with a should get more clever, especially when series of thrilling overtakes. you want to win or challenge for the Barrichello reveals he had stroke, tumour “He messed up, took out the world championship,” the Austrian said. “But championship leader and his teammate he is going the other way. He needs to sort AFP The former Ferrari driver said he went won it in an incredible way,” commented himself out. Nobody can help him.” Rio de Janeiro to hospital the same day. 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg on Verstappen held his hands up on Sun- He had suff ered a mild cerebrovascular Sky Sports television. day and accepted blame, seeking out Vet- accident, or stroke, he said. “When I got “This is going to be a tough lesson and tel to apologise. razil’s ex-Formula One driver out of hospital, they told me that barely maybe it’s those kind of days which are Team boss Christian Horner said the Rubens Barrichello has revealed 14 percent manage to recover the way I going to make a young driver like Max winner of three races, now in his fourth Bthat he recently had a mild did,” the 45-year-old Barrichello said. make that necessary progress. season, had made mistakes but that was stroke and underwent surgery to re- Doctors afterwards discovered a benign “But he’s an incredible driver,” the only to be expected. move a tumour from his neck, beating tumour in his neck. The tumour was German added. “He just needs to fi ne- “I remember when we had Sebastian the odds to recover. small but “they took it out quickly be- tune and take a little bit of aggression out. at a similar stage of his career, it wasn’t “I was at home taking a shower when cause although it was benign it had to be It’s just too much.” uncommon that he also made some mis- suddenly I felt pain in my head. On a removed because it was growing.” Niki Lauda, the retired triple world takes,” the Briton said. scale of zero to 10 it reached eight or The scare took place in late January. champion who is now non-executive “I’m fully confi dent that he’s a phe- nine,” he told Globo Television in an Barrichello, who retired in 2011 after chairman of Mercedes team, said Ver- nomenal talent and he’s smart enough to interview on Monday. “I thought, oh no, 11 Grand Prix wins, called himself “the stappen had to change his approach. recognise areas that he needs to work on. my motor’s broken.” luckiest man in the world”. When you compete in more races you I have no doubt that he will address it.”

CYCLING / TOUR OF THE ALPS SCOOP Action from the match between Aspire Zone and Spanish embassy. Former Armstrong doctor Lopez wins second stage; FOCUS provided drugs to Spanish Froome fi nishes fourth track team: report Al Shaqab to host fi rst AFP over the fi nal metres to come happy with how I’m feeling. As AFP Spanish track cyclists with cor- Milan out on top. a team it was a very good test for Madrid ticosteroids during this period, equine foot conference The victory was the second us. I’m really happy with how Del Moral replied: “That was not for the Astana team after Span- the guys performed, especially the main thing. The main thing By Sports Reporter function of the foot so that horse olombian climber iard Pello Bilbao took the open- Kenny Elissonde in the fi nal. pain’s Olympic track was EPO and growth hormones.” Doha owners and trainers will be able Miguel Angel Lopez ing stage. “The guy were really impres- cycling team from At- El Pais said Del Moral support- to make management decisions won the Tour of the The 20-year-old Sosa of the sive today. lanta 1996 was supplied ed his claim with a spreadsheet on the care of the hooves, farri- Alps second stage yes- Androni-Sidermec team takes “I’m racing as hard as I can banned substances by dated July 15, 1996 — four days l Shaqab will be hosting ers and veterinarians will learn terdayC with Britain’s four-time the overall race lead from Bilbao and I’m not going to give up just LanceS Armstrong’s disgraced before the start of the Atlanta the fi rst Qatar Equine evidence based strategies to suc- Tour de France winner Chris with Froome moving up from because I came fourth today. former doctor Michele Ferrari, Olympics. Foot Conference from cessfully manage a myriad of Froome fi nishing fourth. fi fth to fourth. There’s still a lot to race for.” El Pais newspaper reported yes- The document registered May 3-5, 2018, at Qatar hoof problems in foals, horses in Astana rider Lopez timed The 32-year-old Froome has Froome has already fi nished terday. 12,866,729 pesetas, around NationalA Convention Centre and training and breeding horses. his attack well to pip France’s been allowed to continue com- 10th in the Ruta del Sol and 34th According to a 2016 testimo- 80,000 euros, being reim- Al Shaqab. Internationally renowned ex- Thibaut Pinot and fellow Co- peting despite his case pending in Tirreno-Adriatico this year ny, seen by El Pais, from Span- bursed to Ferrari by the RFEC, The fi rst in a series of planned perts in the fi eld of equine limb lombian Ivan Sosa on the line with the International Cycling and is using the Tour of the Alps ish doctor Luis Garcia del Moral, and 6,195,245 pesetas, around continuing education seminars anatomy, biomechanics, loco- after the 145km ride between Union’s anti-doping unit after an — formerly the Giro del Tren- the Spanish Cycling Federation 36,000 euros, declared as ex- and short courses by the Equine motion and lameness are being Lavarone to the summit fi nish adverse analytical fi nding for the tino — as his last warm-up for (RFEC) took part in a doping pro- penses spent in a pharmacy. Veterinary Medical Centre of Al specially fl own in to lecture and of l’Alpe di Pampeago in Italy. asthma drug salbutamol at the the Giro d’Italia, which starts gramme between 1993 and 1998. Del Moral’s testimony was Shaqab, the conference aims to conduct practical sessions for Team Sky’s Froome crossed Vuelta a Espana last September. on May 4. Del Moral, who was the track made during an appeal case re- inform and educate horse own- participants. The conference will four seconds behind Lopez as “I think I’m in a great posi- Today’s third stage cov- cycling team’s medical manager garding Johan Bruyneel, the ers, trainers, farriers and veteri- be conducted in English but Ara- he continues his preparations tion considering my main ob- ers 138km from Ora to the the at the time, told the Court of Ar- former sporting director of Arm- narians on common equine foot bic translations will be available. for next month’s Giro d’Italia. jective for this fi rst part of the southern Tyrol town of Merano bitration for Sport (CAS) in 2016 strong’s US Postal Service team, ailments such as limb imbalance, The fee for the conference is All four riders were involved season is to be ready for the with two diffi cult climbs along that Ferrari had provided banned who was handed a 10-year sus- foal podiatry, laminitis and cor- QR2,300. However, those who in a late dash for the fi nish line, Giro,” said Froome. the way and a fi nal summit doping products. pension by the US Anti-Doping rect horseshoeing methodology. register before April 25, 2018, with the Colombian clinging on “I’m on track for that and I’m 25km from the fi nish. Asked if Ferrari supplied Agency (USADA) in 2014. It will focus on the form and need to only pay QR2,000.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES Al-Attiyah hopes to claw back in standings at home ‘I believe in myself and I will do my best to win the race and come back into the championship race’

By Sahan Bidappa Doha

asser Saleh al-Attiyah is the over- whelming favourite for the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally champi- onship, which will begin today, with Nthe Qatari ace driver aiming to close the gap on his rivals for the overall championship title race. Having decided to skip the two rounds of this year’s series in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in March, al-Attiyah lost crucial points and is lagging behind for the World Cup title. In his absence, Czech driver Martin Prokop and Poland’s Jakub Przygonski seized the advantage. Prokop, driving a Ford F-150 Evo, currently leads his X-raid MINI rival Przygonski by nine points heading into their Qatar showdown. Al- Attiyah is 63 points adrift of the series leader. But the Qatari icon said he does not regret skip- ping the two rounds of the series in the UAE and is confi dent of taking full 60 points on off er this week and bounce back into contention. “I was not interested in competing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi because of what is happening to my country. I prefer to start here in Qatar. We won the fi rst round of the World Cup, this will be the fourth round of the championship. I am happy. I believe in myself and I will do my best to win the race and come back into the champion- ship race,” he said yesterday, on the sidelines of the Ceremonial Start in Katara. “It’s a pleasure to race at home. We did a good Home advantage will certainly be on al-At- job in 2016. We were leading in Qatar for a long tiyah side, with him having won all but one of time but suff ered some technical issues. So we the six Qatar Cross-Country Rallies that have are hoping to win the race this time and take run since it joined the FIA World Cup calendar 50 points and lead the championship,” Abdulla in 2012. The last four victories have been earned said. with French co-driver Matthieu Baumel and Spain’s Jose Luis Pena Campo currently holds the duo is the clear favourites to give the two- a one-point lead over French veteran Claude time Dakar Rally winner a sixth victory on home Fournier in the T3 category and the two Pola- sand. ris RZR 1000 drivers will renew their rivalry in “Of course I have the home advantage,” said Qatar. The dusty and rocky deserts are not ide- al-Attiyah with a beaming smile. ally suited to the lightweight T3 vehicles and “Everyone knows I have a good experience. Qatari star Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel arrive at the ceremonial start of the Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally at the likes of Spaniard Santiago Navarro, Russian We have a good car – the V8-engined Toyota Katara – the Cultural Village in Doha yesterday. Manateq CEO Fahad al-Kaabi and QMMF president Abdulrahman al-Mannai flagged off the contestants. Ravil Maginov and Italy’s Michele Cinotto will Hilux and we will prepare well for the race. We (Right) Qatar’s Adel Abdulla will be looking to take the lead in the FIA T2 Championship. PICTURES: Ram Chand need to err on the side of caution if they are to need to be clever to take 60 points. It’s a big reach the fi nish of each of the demanding desert challenge every year, with top drivers coming for by several riders in an FIM cross-country rally ings – 24 points behind Prokop. Saudi Arabia’s Arabia’s Ahmed Shegawi. The Toyota Land stages. the championship. It will not be easy. I am fo- and a strong line-up of Middle East competitors Yasir Seaidan and 2009 Dakar winner Giniel de Cruiser and Nissan Patrol drivers will continue The Super Special Stage will be held at 4:15pm cused on this race because it’s a very important taking part in the Manateq Qatar Baja. Villiers of South Africa are the other contenders. their dusty duel through the Qatari deserts. at the Motocross Track of the Losail Interna- one and it’s our aim to win. It will not be easy but The strong line-up also features Russia’s Meanwhile, Qatar’s Adel Abdulla will be look- Russia’s Yuliya Migunova-Khegay and Ro- tional Circuit. Tomorrow the Stage 2 will start I believe in myself that I can win. I have a lot of Vladimir Vasilyev, who has been consistent this ing to take the lead in the FIA T2 Championship mania’s Laurentiu Claudiu Barbu will also be at 7:30am, with Stage 3, Stage 4 and Stage 5 to experience in this kind of races,” he added. season and scored some useful points in the for series production cross-country vehicles. scrapping for points in T2. be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respec- The FIA-sanctioned event will be supported UAE. The MINI One driver is third in the rank- Abdulla is currently six points behind Saudi Abdulla was confi dent going into the race. tively.

SPOTLIGHT Manateq, Katara, Milaha join forces with QMMF for Qatar Cross-Country Rally

By Sports Reporter Doha

his year’s Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally would not have been possible without the support of crucial sponsors Twho have off ered vital backing to the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) for the fourth round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies and round two of the FIM Cross-Coun- try Rallies World Championship, taking place this week. Representatives of Manateq and Ka- tara were present at the fi rst of two pre- event press conferences being hosted by the QMMF at the Katara – the Cul- tural Village late yesterday afternoon. Milaha is also a vital sponsor of this year’s event. Manateq’s CEO Fahad al-Kaabi joined QMMF president Abdulrahman al-Mannai at the pre-event sponsors’ press conference. This opportunity for members of the media to meet senior offi cials from the three companies preceded a second press conference for a selection of lead- ing drivers taking part in the event. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and Adel Abdulla, South African Giniel de Drivers Martin Prokop (left), Vladimir Vasilyev (second from left), Jakub Przygonski (third from left), Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah Villiers, Czech Martin Prokop, Russian (fourth from right), Adel Abdulla (second from right) and Giniel de Villiers (right) pose with QMMF president Abdulrahman Vladimir Vasilyev and Poland’s Jakub QMMF President Abdulrahman al-Mannai (left) and Manateq CEO Fahad al-Kaabi. al-Mannai (fourth from left) and Manateq CEO Fahad al-Kaabi at the press conference yesterday. Przygonski were in attendance at the drivers’ press conference. Thani, the Minister of Economy and tional Vision 2030 and would always the Pearl, north of Doha, and opened in shipping agent in Qatar. The company requires a considerable amount of lo- Manateq is a Qatar government or- Commerce, and is a vital cog in the promote the nation’s aim to become October 2010 during the Doha Tribe- gathered impetus through various joint gistical expertise and co-operation be- ganisation and has formed a strategic eff ort of achieving economic develop- a global sports’ destination and to ca Film Festival. It features an opera ventures, mergers and acquisitions and tween many diff erent companies and partnership with the QMMF to support ment under the Qatar National Vision host world class sporting events. We house, cinema, conference hall, beach, underwent a strategic transformation Government departments,” said al- all motor sporting events and activities 2030. One of the policies is to look way extend our best wishes to all the com- a souq, a maritime museum and nu- into Milaha in 2011. Mannai. for the next couple of years. The com- beyond the 2022 World Cup and to es- petitors who will be taking part in the merous restaurants and up-market re- A fi rst direct container service be- “We are delighted to be working pany has a vision to promote economic tablish non-oil related industries in Qatar Cross-Country Rally and the tail stores. tween Qatar and India was launched closely with Manateq, Katara and Mila- diversifi cation for the benefi t of Qatar Qatar. Baja this week.” Milaha (Qatar Navigation) runs un- in 2015, an off shore offi ce was opened ha this year and look forward to seeing and a mission to create a world-class Manateq’s CEO Fahad al-Kaabi said: Katara is Qatar’s cultural village and der the chairmanship of Sheikh Ali bin in Singapore in 2016 and warehous- the event continue to develop as part of business environment that enables do- “We are proud to sign the sponsorship hosted the ceremonial start and the Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani and is ing facilities were set-up in Oman last the portfolio of motor sporting events mestic and foreign investors to deliver agreement with the QMMF to be title pre-event press conference for the fi rst one of the Middle East’s largest diver- year. The company now has an expand- that are staged by the Qatar Motor and products and services to local, regional sponsor of all its rallies for the coming time, with competitors lining up at the sifi ed maritime and logistics services ing fl eet, state-of-the-art equipment, Motorcycle Federation.” and international markets. two years. These events attract thou- start podium in front of Katara’s re- companies. well-trained manpower and world- The competitive action gets under- The company was established in 2011 sands of fans of all ages. nowned amphitheatre. It began life as the Qatar National class partners. way with a 4.50km super special stage under the chairmanship of HE Sheikh “Manateq always demonstrates its The impressive facility was built on Navigation & Transport Company “Running an event as complex as the at the Losail International Circuit from Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al- continuous support for Qatar Na- the eastern coast between West Bay and (QNNTC) back in 1957 and was the fi rst Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally 16.15hrs today afternoon.