16 SPORT SATURDAY 8 APRIL 2017 Al Khor secure lifeline after draw

The Peninsula YESTERDAY'S QSL RESULTS give Al Khor the lead. Al Sha- into the goal from close range to hania’s best chance of bagging make it 1-0 for the Orange l Khor claimed a hard a second came on the 77th Fortress. Al Khor 1-1 Al Shahania fought point against Al minute when they were Mohsine Moutouali then

AShahania to earn a lifeline Al Wakrah 2-2 Umm Salal awarded a free kick right on equalised for Al Wakrah in the

at Al Khor Stadium yesterday, a the edge of the 18 yard box. thirty-first minute. After bring- Al Kharaitiyat 2-0 Muaither point that secured their safety Their attempted corner ing down a cross from teammate from relegation. slammed straight into Al Khor’s Maher Yousef at the edge of the The draw also guaranteed two man wall at the near post box, the Moroccan midfielder them a place in next season's teammate evaded the offside though and Al Khor were able smashed the ball into the right Qatar Stars League (QSL). The trap, leaving him with an easy to clear their box and counter. side of the net to make it 1-1. result also meant that Al Sha- finish from just 12 yards out to Al Shahania continued to look Ten minutes later Al Wak- hania will be relegated along give Al Shahania a 1-0 lead. for the win and dominated the rah defender Mohammed Arafa with Muaither SC and Al Despite going behind, Al last 15 minutes of the game but brought down Umm Salal’s Wakrah. Khor didn’t let their heads drop were unable to find the back Mahmoud Mawas inside the box Both sides headed into the and continued to press deep of the net after some deter- to give away a penalty. Yannick fixture high on confidence fol- into Al Shahania’s half. On the mined defending from Al Khor. Sagbo stepped up for the pen- lowing big wins in round 24, but 34th minute, Al Khor’s Brazil- Al Khor guarantee their alty and coolly slotted it in the both were equally desperate for ian playmaker Madson split Al safety for next season with a bottom right corner sending the three points as they looked to Shahania’s defense in two with game to spare whilst Al Shaha- keeper the wrong way to score avoid relegation. a perfectly weighted through nia go into the final round of his second goal of the game. Al Khor knew that a point ball that Al Khor’s Mouhssin the season knowing they’ll be Al Wakrah did not give up would be enough to secure their lajour latched onto, taking one heading down and playing in the fight and were rewarded safety and see them playing in touch before skillfully stabbing the second division next with a goal in the second half. the QSL next season, while Al it over Al Shahania’s goalkeeper season. In the sixty-fourth minute, Shahania knew only three to take the game to 1-1. Elsewhere, already rele- Maher Yousef got his name on points would give their survival The game began to balance gated Al Wakrah and Umm the score sheet with a wonder hopes any chance going into the out in terms of possession but Salal shared points in a four- strike to bring his side level. The final round of the season. neither side was able to find the goal thriller at Al Wakrah Qatari forward was outside the Al Khor looked the brighter back of the net again and the Stadium. box on the left side before he of the two teams and began pil- first half drew to a close at 1-1. It was a highly entertaining sent the ball into the far bottom ing on the pressure from the The second half stared match with both sides showing corner of the net with a power- whistle, forcing Al Shahania to much like the first did, with Al some excellent attacking ful shot from distance to end the sit deep in their own half and Khor dominating possession prowess. match at 2-2. keeping their goalkeeper busy and pressing deep into Al Sha- A first half brace for Yan- Meanwhile, at Al Gharafa in the first 15 minutes. Despite hania’s half. On the 50th nick Sagbo helped Umm Salal Stadium, Al Kharaitiyat beat dominating, it was actually Al minute, Al Khor missed a gain a point from a battling Muaither 2-0. Shahania who found the back golden opportunity when Al Wakrah side, who came back After a goalless first half, The of the net first thanks to a coun- Shahania’s goalkeeper fumbled twice to end the match at 2-2. Thunders put two past Muaither ter attack against the run of a catch from a corner and the Umm Salal opened the scor- to ensure the three points. Even play. ball fell to Wellington Souza ing in the sixteenth minute though Muaither ensured their With 17 minutes on the who was just six yards out. courtesy of Yannick Sagbo. relegation in round 24. Philip clock, Al Shahania’s number 39, Despite being in front of a near Faouzi Aaish squared the ball Birrol's men were searching for Saoud Mohamed, found him- open foal, Souza managed to to Sagbo from the right and the a consolation win in order to end self two on one with Al Khor’s sky the ball over the cross bar Ivorian striker showed great their QSL Season on a happy goalkeeper after he and a and miss the opportunity to instincts and deflected the ball note. Shanghai mist wipes out Al Naimi takes Superpole and win in QSTK

first day of GP The Peninsula

Shanghai FIA safety procedures. Only 14 atari rider Mishal Al Naimi Reuters drivers completed timed laps, dominated yesterday's ses- with neither championship Qsions and took the he Shanghai weather all favourite Lewis Hamilton of Superpole of the fourth round of but wiped out the first two Mercedes nor Ferrari's Sebas- the Qatar Superstock 600 Cham- Tpractice sessions for the tian Vettel, winner of last pionship (QSTK) in the last lap at Chinese Formula One Grand month's season-opening race in the Losail International Circuit. Prix yesterday with poor visibil- Australia, setting times. With a lap time of 2:04.343, ity in the city forcing the Teenager Max Verstappen's Al Naimi will start in front of the grounding of the medical sup- opening session-topping effort grid today and will try to extend port helicopter. of one minute, 50.491 seconds the gap that now is only 5 points Drivers were only able to in damp and drizzly conditions ahead of Saeed Al Sulaiti. run for 22 of the scheduled 90 remained the fastest time of the Al Sulaiti, who is not fit 100% minute opening session while day. due to an injury, will start from Mishal Al Naimi (left) and second practice was wiped out The Dutchman's lap was the second place on the grid as Saeed Al Sulaiti in action altogether. more than 15 seconds slower he did a laptime of 2:04.600 in during the third round of Visibility at the track, on the than retired world champion the Superpole. the Qatar Superstock 600 outskirts of Shanghai, was good Nico Rosberg's pole position Young rider Abdullah Al Championship at Losail enough for helicopters to fly, effort last year, an indication of Qubaisi who did well in the International Circuit yesterday. with television choppers hov- the limited benefit of the cur- Superpole, will start in third posi- LEFT: Podium winners of the ering overhead throughout the tailed session. tion in the grid. QSTK Round 3, Mishal Al Naimi, day. Hamilton and Vettel are Later in the evening yester- Saeed Al Sulaiti and Nasser Al Foggier conditions in the city expected to battle for victory on day, the second race of the QSTK Malki pose for a photograph meant the medical helicopter Sunday but will only have a final Round 3 took place. The event after the presentation would have been unable to land hour-long practice session was postponed during last ceremony. at the designated hospital, 38km ahead of qualifying on Saturday month's MotoGP Grand Prix of from the circuit, a spokesperson to prepare for what is predicted Qatar, due to the weather from the sport's governing Inter- to be a wet race. conditions. timings and was the fastest with national Automobile Federation Hamilton, who has yet to Just in the first corner of the a lap time of 2:26.620 yesterday. (FIA) said. drive on the new rain tyres first lap, there was touch between The second fastest driver was Track action has to be halted introduced this year, expressed Ali Al Naimi and Soud Al Thani Mahmoud Al Khalaf, who did a if the medical helicopter cannot apprehension about racing in and both riders crashed without lap time of 2:26.792. fly or if an ambulance cannot the rain, while Vettel goes into major injuries but the race was didn’t have a good start and I will flag off at 11.30am and at Omran Karama was the third reach the designated hospital the weekend feeling more stopped to clean the track. As soon stayed in the back to keep the 2.30pm. fastest, followed by Mansour Al within 20 minutes, according to relaxed. as the race was restarted, Saeed tyre in good conditions and in the Meanwhile, in the free prac- Hajri who finished fourth in the Al Sulaiti, who was on pole posi- last corner of the last lap I felt I tices ahead of the third round of list. QTCC races will start at Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton drives during the tion for this race, took the lead am good in the entry, so I over- the Qatar Touring Car Champi- 1.00pm. and 4.00pm today. first practice session of the Formula One Chinese Grand from the start and maintained the take him and won the race. onship, the leader in the Entrance for all the fans at the Prix in Shanghai yesterday. same until the end. Mishal Al Congratulations to Saeed and standings, Abdulla Al Khelaifi grandstand as well as the Pad- Naimi was riding behind him so Nasser for their podiums and continued to dominate the dock will be free of charge. close during the whole race but in many thanks to QMMF, Losail the last corner of the last lap, Al Circuit Sports Club and to Oore- Naimi managed to overtake Al doo for their support," Al Naimi Sulaiti and took the victory. said. Mishal was very happy and The third in the podium was said that he enjoyed a lot during Nasser Al Malki. Abdullah Al his ride yesterday. Qubaisi finished in fourth posi- "I am very happy today, I tion. Trophies for the podium have been fast during all the ses- winners were presented by. Sul- sions and I feel good physically tan Zaher Al Morraikhi, Qatar Abdulla Al Khelaifi in but the bike still needs a good set Motor and Motorcycle Federa- action during yesterday's up. I tried to push from the begin- tion Executive Director. free practice. ning but Saeed was very fast. I Today, QSTK Round 4 races SATURDAY 8 APRIL 2017 SPORT 17 Chelsea won't crack under Spurs pressure: Fabregas EPL race hots up Meanwhile Tottenham have littered with epic collapses from can't stop pushing and dream- reeled off five successive victo- teams who thought the title was ing of the league. With just eight games ries, including an incredible theirs and, with Chelsea need- "They have a couple of diffi- remaining Chelsea are escape act at Swansea on ing 18 points to be certain of top cult games coming up. We have clinging to a Wednesday when they scored spot, Fabregas isn't getting car- to keep winning and hopefully seven-point lead over three times in the final minutes ried away yet. they get a bit stressed. second-placed to clinch a 3-1 success. "We've been saying it since "I don't know what is neces- Tottenham. With Chelsea playing today the beginning of the season: it's sary to win the league, maybe a at Bournemouth, Tottenham one game at a time," he said. bit of luck, but I think this group have the chance to turn up the "We have to worry about has massive quality and is very London pressure again by temporarily ourselves, not what the others special." AFP trimming the lead to four points are doing. As long as we keep The battle for Champions with a win against Watford at winning then we don't have to League qualification via the top esc Fabregas insists White Hart Lane a few hours worry." four seems certain to go down Chelsea won't buckle earlier. Tottenham's title hopes to the wire. under the strain of Chelsea midfielder Fabregas looked over until Dele Alli equal- Third-placed Liverpool, six Tottenham's relent- admits his team have been feel- ised in the 88th minute and Son points above fifth-placed Arse- less pursuit as the ing the heat lately, but he is Heung-Min and Christian Erik- nal, can't afford another slip Chelsea manager Antonio Conte addressing a press conference CPremier League title race ratch- confident the way they recov- sen struck in stoppage time to kill when they face Stoke after at the Chelsea Training Ground yesterday, ets up another notch this ered from the Palace setback off Swansea. allowing Bournemouth a late weekend. proved title nerves won't trigger The wild celebrations from equaliser in a midweek 2-2 draw. four points above Arsenal, who ENGLISH With just eight games a stunning meltdown in the final boss Mauricio Pochettino, his Reds boss Jurgen Klopp have a game in hand and travel remaining Chelsea are clinging weeks of the season. coaching staff and Tottenham's urged his team to emulate Chel- to Crystal Palace on Monday. Fixtures (GMT) to a precious seven-point lead "The result on Saturday put players and fans underlined their sea's steely streak when points Manchester United are sixth Today Bournemouth vs Chelsea (1630 ), Manchester over second-placed Tottenham, a lot of pressure on us. We know relief at a result that allows them are on the line. and head to bottom-of-the-table City vs Hull, Middlesbrough vs Burnley, Stoke but the Blues are showing a few we still have a good advantage, to continue dreaming of a first "Probably if it was Chelsea Sunderland aiming to add to vs Liverpool, Tottenham vs Watford (1130), glimpses of vulnerability. but this is the Premier League English title since 1961. for example the opponent would their former manager David West Brom vs Southampton, West Ham vs Antonio Conte's side ground and you don't want to be giving Having choked last season not have the ball three times in Moyes' problems. Swansea out a barely deserved 2-1 win points away, especially at home," when they failed to catch cham- the last 20 minutes, I think. We Home draws against West Tomorrow over Manchester City on Fabregas said. pions Leicester in the closing don't have this experience," Bromwich Albion and Everton TEverton vs Leicester (1500), Sunderland vs Wednesday just days after crash- "We have character. We can weeks, Pochettino's side are back Klopp said. have damaged United's chances Manchester United (1330) On Monday

ing to a shock 2-1 home defeat bounce back at anything that in the hunt and Tottenham Fourth-placed Manchester of making the top four and a win Crystal Palace vs Arsenal (1900) against struggling Crystal comes in front of us." defender Jan Vertonghen said: City, who host Hull, are without at the Stadium of Light is Palace. The Premier League era is "Chelsea look very strong but we a win in four games and sit only essential. FIFA announces $369m loss with worse to come Zurich 2018 rescues the accounts. 2018. Since a police raid on a years called for equally radical FIFA also spent $50m on 11,000 visitors a month, barely AFP FIFA's losses for 2015-2017 are FIFA congress hotel in May 2015 measures. Our response was to investigating the lingering half the target. set to hit $910m even though it when seven officials express our unshakeable com- scandals. The organisation also suf- IFA yesterday revised its 2015 deficit down were arrested, Blatter and his mitment to drawing a line under US authorities have charged fered a multi-million dollar loss announced a $369m from $122m to $52m. two top deputies, secretary gen- the events that had so tarnished about 40 individuals and com- on its investment in the Ascot loss for 2016, a second Revenues fell to $502m in eral Jerome Valcke and finance the image and reputation of the panies over more than $200m Hotel in Zurich which is near the straight annual deficit, 2016 from $544m in 2015. officer Markus Kattner, have organisation." in bribes paid for television and museum. as it recovers from FIFA said its reserves had been suspended or fired. Infantino's annual salary other commercial deals. Many Amid the scandal fallout, Fbribery scandals and acknowl- fallen from $1.4bn in 2015 to The three awarded them- was stated in the accounts at of the defendants, who are to go Infantino has had to find ways edged it had spent a huge chunk $1.04bn in 2016 and they are selves huge bonuses and pay $1.5m, less than half that of on trial in New York in Novem- to fund his promise to triple of its reserves in the past year. expected to crash to $605m this rises during their final years in Blatter. ber, are former FIFA executive payments to national federa- The game's world govern- year. power and all face criminal FIFA said the main cause of members. tions from $1.6m every four ing body blamed the cost of FIFA is banking on making investigation. the 2016 loss was new account- But the organisation also years to up to $5m. investigating the scandals, bad $1.1bn in profits in 2018 when New FIFA president Gianni ing rules. Before they booked admitted that it lost $50m on the Despite the red ink head- investments and accounting the World Cup is held in Russia, Infantino took over promising profits when contracts were FIFA museum that was a pet lines, FIFA's leadership says changes. But there is worse to which would give a surplus of reform but also higher payments signed, now they can only be Blatter project. the organisation is not in come for the organisation, about $100m for the organisa- to the 200-plus national feder- counted when the contract, such FIFA spent 140mS wiss trouble. which is rebuilding after its near tion's four-year accounting ations that are now costing FIFA as the World Cup, is francs on the three-floor The organisation predicts collapse at the end of the tainted cycle. dearly. completed. museum in Zurich which has revenue of $5.65bn for the four- era. The organisation said the Hailing his moves toward Accounting experts said, become a huge white year cycle ending with the 2018 It expects to lose $489m, bumper profits, mainly from tel- greater transparency, Infantino however, this change would elephant. World Cup. It said there are con- before tax, in 2017 before a evision deals, would help bring said: "The gravity of the crisis only account for about $35m of Since opening last year, it tracts for 76 percent of this World Cup revenue bonanza in its reserves back to $1.7bn in that assailed FIFA in recent the 2016 loss. has attracted an average of figure. Italy and Scotland Volleyball: Al Rayyan, Al Arabi to to play test match in Singapore clash in today's Qatar Cup final

Armstrong Vas Duflos said a ‘difficult’ task Singapore Italian team manager Luigi The Peninsula awaits his team in the final. AFP Troiani said Singapore would “We are happy to be in final. be an ideal stop off point for the n interesting tussle for It is an important game and it taly and Scotland will play a teams to shake off jetlag. supremacy is on the cards will be a difficult one and we test match in Singapore June The Italians would look to Abetween Al Rayyan and Al must be ready mentally to con- I10 as the city-state seeks to test out Singapore as a poten- Arabi when the two teams meet trol our emotions to win it. And establish itself as a stopover for tial base for preparations for the in today’s final of the Qatar Cup I hope the final will be a good nations bound for the 2019 2019 World Cup, which would at the Women’s Sports Commit- day for us.” Rugby World Cup in Japan. mark the first time the quad- tee Hall at Aspire Dome. “The morale of the team is The two Six Nations sides rennial event is held in Asia, Al Arabi have a slight advan- very high and we are confident will make the stopover en route said Troiani. tage going into the final as they of a good show,” added the Al to Fiji and Australia for another The match adds on to the won the best of the three semi- Arabi trainer. series of matches, rugby offi- two existing events on Singa- finals in comfortable fashion Arabi professional German cials said at a media conference pore's rugby calendar. against El Jaish while in the sec- player Gyorgy Grozer said: “It yesterday. The city-state welcomes ond semi-final League winners is always interesting to be in Scotland are currently national rugby sevens teams Police took the challenge to Al the final and play in the final. ranked fifth in global rugby next weekend for the Singapore Rayyan forcing a decider. Finals are always something rankings, while Italy sit in 15th. leg of the HSBC World Rugby Al Rayyan won the first special. We have a very good The two countries last met Sevens Series.Singapore's match game of the three-match team and hope to win tomor- in the Six Nations in March, in National Stadium is also the series 3-1 before losing the sec- row. I was here two years ago A file picture of last year's Qatar Cup. The final of the Qatar which Scotland hammered Italy adopted second home of Super ond by an identical score but the also… this is my second time in 29-0. "Scotland are very keen Rugby team Sunwolves of won the decider 3-2. Cup will be played today. Qatar. The level of the game is to globalise the brand," said Japan. However, Singapore Al Arabi on the other hand very high in Qatar and I think Dominic McKay, chief operat- rugby chief Low Teo Ping said wrapped up proceedings by win- “We know it will be a tough We have played some relay it’s growing." ing officer of Scottish Rugby the test match will be the icing ning both their first two matches, final against Arabi, but I am con- tough game in the recent past, Another Arabi American Union. on the cake in the rugby calen- saving them from a decider. fident that we are ready for the but we have to be mentally ready professional player Taylor "An area where we are very dar, and that two more top Al Rayyan coach said Carlos title fight. It’s final and its always and give our 100 percent in the Sander: “I am excited to be in the interested in doing our partner- national teams have been lined Schwanke the final will be tough a special game. We all play for final,” the Brazilian said, while final. It will be a tough game and ships is in Southeast Asia, so this up to play in Singapore in and team which plays well on the title and for that you have to speaking on the eve of the final. I hope we will be able to put up lends to that." McKay and December. the day will win. provide something extra for that. Al Arabi coach Patrick a good show.” 18 SPORT SATURDAY 8 APRIL 2017

Rugby can Garcia takes share of Masters rival football in China: Chief

Hong Kong lead as Hoffman falters AFP ugby can grow from a Willett in danger niche sport to be as big Ras football in China and Reigning Masters eventually rival the cash-rich champion Willett in pop- scores a quadruple ularity, the head of the sport bogey on the in the world's most populous treacherous first hole. nation said. Wang Liwei, head of the Chinese Rugby Football Asso- Augusta, Georgia ciation, said China's President Reuters Xi Jinping was a rugby fan and Beijing had thrown its weight ergio Garcia made a red- behind the drive to popular- hot start to the US ise what is known as the 'olive Masters second round ball game'. to boost his hopes of a Although China has only maiden major title a small number of players, Swhile Charley Hoffman's over- e-commerce giant Alibaba night lead dwindled after a trio plans to plough $100 million of bogeys yesterday. into rugby over the next dec- The players were greeted by ade, setting up professional sunny skies, but chilly and windy men's and women's leagues conditions at Augusta National and expanding the playing made for another challenging base to one million in just five scoring day at the year's first years. major. Wang, speaking through Garcia, who has never fin- an interpreter at this week's ished higher than eighth at Hong Kong 10s, where Chi- Sergio Garcia of Spain watches his tee shot on the fourth hole in second round play during the 2017 Masters golf tournament Augusta and started the day six na's CRFA Gladiators were at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, yesterday. Right: Danny Willett of England reacts to his triple bogey on the shots behind Hoffman, made an competing, admitted it would early surge with birdies at the first hole during the second round of the 2017 Masters Tournament. take "years" to build rugby in first three holes before giving China but he said there was back a stroke at the par-three of bogeys starting at the par- Masters with a bogey-free final notoriously tough to putt and Johnson withdrew on Thursday, great potential. fourth. three sixth. William McGirt, who round of 67 at Augusta National, described as "really challenging" chipped in at the par-three sixth "We are still at the initial The 37-year-old Spaniard started the day alone in second fired his tee shot onto the lip of by former Masters champion to get to one under for the day. stage. We hope... we can picked up another shot at the place and four shots behind a fairway bunker at the decep- Adam Scott of Australia. Willet The Northern Irishman, who make rugby more popular in ninth to reach the turn in two Hoffman, offset two bogeys with tively simple slight dog-leg hole. was six shots over par after 13 needs a win this week to com- China -- of course as big as under 33, bringing him to four a pair of birdies before dropping His troubles continued when holes of the second round while plete the collection of golf's four the Super League," said Wang. under for the tournament and another shot at the 18th to slip to he fired into the rough on his the projected cut line stood at major titles, had two birdies and A top-level push to turn only one shot back of Hoffman. two under. approach shot and nearly tum- five-over -- which could mean two bogeys over his opening five China into a football super- Hoffman, who made nine Defending champion Danny bled into the bunker as he lost Willett will be the first defend- holes before settling down. power has prompted massive birdies in a brilliant opening Willett scored a quadruple bogey his balance. ing champion since Canadian Among the later starters investment by the country's round to lead a major for the first on the treacherous first hole and Before finally sinking his Mike Weir in 2004 to miss the were three-times champion Phil clubs and conglomerates, time, appeared in control as he could be heading home after just putt, the 29-year-old English- Masters cut. World number two Mickelson, Australian Jason Day, attracting elite players and birdied the second but he fell two rounds. man added to his woes by Rory McIlroy, the highest-ranked American Jordan Spieth and coaches. apart with a three-hole stretch Willett, who won the 2016 overshooting the green which is player in the field after Dustin Olympic champion Justin Rose. Whether rugby, which lacks football's traditional fol- lowing and club structure in China, can tread a similar path is open to question. The country of 1.3 billion Kyrgios fells Isner to put Australia 2-0 up has just 1,000 registered players and rugby will face competition from other Nick Kyrgios of Australia Melbourne roaring crowd, Kyrgios hugged pushed hard for a quick kill. sports, including American reacts during his Davis Reuters captain Lleyton Hewitt and his He landed a sumptuous football's NFL, which are also Cup world group quarter- thrilled team mates. cross-court forehand on the line trying to establish themselves ick Kyrgios eased past "That was unbelievable to bring up three break points in China. final match against John John Isner 7-5 7-6(5) today," 21-year-old Kyrgios said in the fourth game of the final Wang said China would Isner of the US at the Pat 7-6(5) in a duel of big of the crowd support. set but Isner saved them with make fast-paced rugby sev- Rafter Arena in Brisbane N servers to fire Australia to a 2-0 "Obviously I have to take all. ens a "priority" after its yesterday. lead over the United States in care of my serve (against Isner). Lacking his opponent's successful inclusion in the their Davis Cup quarter-final in "I've been playing great ten- court speed, Isner swung for Olympics, although the Chi- Brisbane yesterday. nis .. And I returned really well the fences and scrapped to nese failed to qualify for the The Australian number one today so I'm really happy to get within two points of forcing event at last year's Rio Games. carried on from the early work the win." another set, but two fierce China are also absent of underdog compatriot Jordan Kyrgios gave up only two returns off the Australian's rac- from this week's Hong Kong Thompson who stunned Jack break points, dropping serve quet stole the momentum and Sevens but Wang said China Sock in four sets to give the hosts once early in the first set to hand set up Kyrgios for his match- would host a series of sevens a flying start at a packed Pat Isner a 3-0 lead. winning 20th ace. competitions this year in cit- Rafter Arena. But the world number 16 Thompson earlier fed off the ies including Shenzhen, In ominous form during last Australian stormed back, break- rowdy home crowd to edge Sock which sits on the border with month's US hardcourt swing, ing his opponent to love at 5-5 6-3 3-6 7-6(4) 6-4 for the big- semi-autonomous Hong Kyrgios blasted 20 aces to Isn- and serving out the set with an gest win of his career. Kong. Despite the emphasis er's 15, largely defusing the ace. The 79th-ranked Australian on sevens, Wang insisted towering American's serve to Another barrage of huge clubbed 14 aces and 17 winners China would not "give up" on close out a slow-burning match serves saw Kyrgios steal a as he ground down the Ameri- the 15s version of the game, in two hours and 24 minutes. march in the second set tiebreak can world number 15. adding: "We will learn from Isner battled to the end, sav- and after the big Amer- Wayward Sock sprayed 66 other countries to set up pro- ing a match point at 6-5 to take ican all over the court, he unforced errors and he ham- fessional 15s clubs." the third set into a tiebreak, then grabbed the set with a cheeky mered a forehand wide of the But he admitted there was charging into a 5-2 lead. But drop-shot. line to give up match point no firm deadline for establish- Kyrgios wrapped up the match Although there was some before surrendering the contest ing a men's professional 15s in style, mowing through five carping at the chair umpire and with a backhand over the league, with the CRFA only straight points and sealing vic- muttering between points, there baseline. aiming for at least four clubs tory with a thundering ace. were no histrionics from the Australia are seeking a first from 2018. China's rugby fan- Hammering a ball into the combustible Australian who Davis Cup title since 2003. base is small, Wang said, with foreign fans and university stu- dents set to provide the bulk of support. He said World Rug- by's 'Get Into Rugby' project Djokovic shrugs off injury with Davis Cup victory would help build interest among schoolchildren, and hoped that one day, homeg- Belgrade Belgrade with just seven wins on "It worked well today and I consecutive Davis Cup wins, match in Nicosia. Baghdatis's rown rugby players would AFP the tour this year, wrapped up won a lot of points off my first which stretched back 14 years, last Davis Cup loss was in 2003 become popular heartthrobs. the rubber in style, dropping just serve. At this level that's was ended yeserday when the against Irakli Labadze of Wang said Chinese par- orld number two one point on serve in the final important." Cypriot veteran lost to Tunisia's Georgia. ents were increasingly willing Novak Djokovic set against his 24th-ranked Five-time winners Spain Moez Echargui. In Paris, Lucas Pouille and to let their children play the Wshrugged off his recent opponent. are without Rafael Nadal after Baghdatis, the 31-year-old Jeremy Chardy moved France to game, despite concerns about elbow injury to give Serbia a Viktor Troicki, the world 39, the 14-time Grand Slam cham- world number 56, had passed the the verge of the Davis Cup semi- injuries on the field. winning start in their Davis Cup then made it 2-0 for Serbia by pion opted to stay at home to previous best in the competition finals with straight sets wins "Even though they maybe quarter-final against Spain yes- seeing off 19th-ranked Pablo prepare for the clay-court of 33 wins in a row, held by against a British team missing have a little concern about the terday with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. season. Swedish legend Bjorn Borg, in injured world number one Andy strong confrontation between victory over Albert Ramos "I am satisfied with my The winners of the tie will March 2016. Murray. the players, (parents) hope Vinolas. game, especially with the face either France or Great Brit- But his luck ran out on Fri- Pouille gave hosts France a through the game and com- Djokovic, who skipped the serve," said Djokovic, who led ain in the semi-finals. day when he lost 7-5, 7-6 (7/2,), winning start in the quarter-final petition children can build up Miami Masters because of the Serbia to their only Davis Cup Meanwhile, Marcos Baghda- 4-6, 4-6, 6-1 to Echargui in a with a 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory the spirit of teamwork and injury and came into the tie in title in 2010. tis's record-breaking run of 36 Europe/Africa zone play-off over Kyle Edmund. make friends," Wang said. SATURDAY 8 APRIL 2017 SPORT 19 Olympic champ Sumgong fails dope test

Nairobi natural hormone that stimu- 28 degrees Celsius (82F) to eradicate the use and abuse warned that any athlete who AFP lates red cell production. For a claim an historic gold medal of prohibited substances." failed to comply would not be runner, injecting an artificially in a race that finished at the Earlier this year, Sumgong selected to represent the emima Sumgong, the first produced version increases city's famed Sambodromo. was one of a number of top country in international Kenyan woman to win an oxygen absorption which "I was never worried that Kenyan athletes who wel- competitions. Olympic gold in the mar- allows them to run harder and I'd lose," said Sumgong, who comed a new initiative to In 2012 Sumgong tested athon when she faster without tiring. added that victory made up eradicate doping, which has positive for steroid Pred- Jtriumphed in Rio last Sumgong, who also tested for a disappointing showing tarnished their image, agree- nisolone following the Boston year, has failed an out-of- positive for a banned sub- at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. ing to be monitored by marathon. She only served competition dope test, stance in 2012, starred at the "At the 40 kilometre mark I doctors appointed by the IAAF half of a two year ban after a athletics officials said last year, knew the gold was mine." and Athletics . successful appeal blamed the yesterday. defying the odds to win said that The move came after an failed control on treatment for The 32-year-old, who is despite suffering a bruising if it was true that Sumgong investigation by German tel- a hip injury. also the reigning London Mar- fall. Steeled by her success in had failed the dope test it was evision channel ARD and athon champion, tested London, she then became the "extremely shocking and dis- Britain's Sunday Times news- Kenya's Jemima Jelagat Sumgong reacts during the podium ceremony positive for the banned blood first Kenyan woman to win appointing" to the whole paper last July alleging that of the Women's Marathon during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 booster EPO in a test by the Olympic marathon gold, nation. In a statement the doping was rife at the elite Olympic Games in this file photo. Sumgong, the first Kenyan woman to International Association of defeating Ethiopia's world body said that it had worked training centre in Iten. win Olympic marathon gold when she triumphed at Rio in 2016, has failed Athletics Federations (IAAF) champion in Rio "tirelessly to put in place Kenyan athletics boss an out-of-competition dope test, reports claimed yesterday. in her native Kenya. to confirm her status as the measures to fight and chief Jackson Tuwei has "The IAAF can confirm world's top marathon runner that an anti-doping rule vio- of 2016. lation case concerning the Before news of her posi- athlete Jemima Jelagat Sum- tive drugs test emerged, Sumgong saga to delay naming of series champion gong (Kenya) has commenced Sumgong had vowed to this week," the IAAF said. defend her London title on Nairobi by the sport's governing body. the April 17 . "To that end, we recently, in "The athlete tested posi- April 23. Reuters "While we are distressed to conjunction with the IAAF, built tive for EPO following a London Marathon organ- learn of the reports of Jemima (WMM) rules state that athletes and funded one of the largest tar- no-notice test conducted by isers said they were he Abbott World Marathon Sumgong's positive drug test, if found guilty of breaking anti- geted testing pool of athletes, with the IAAF in Kenya," the sport's "extremely disappointed" at Majors (WMM) will hold true, they indicate that we are doping rules enforced by the an aim of requiring more than 150 ruling body added. Sumgong's failed test. Tback on naming a women's gaining ground in our long-stand- governing body IAAF, World Anti- individuals to submit to out-of- "This was part of an "She is currently sus- champion until after the conclu- ing fight against doping," Tim Doping Agency (WADA), national competition testing a minimum enhanced IAAF out-of-com- pended from competition sion of the doping case involving Hadzima, general manager of the federations or any of the series' of six times a year." petition testing programme pending the B test and the series leader Jemima Sumgong. consortium, said in a statement. individual races cannot win a If Sumgong's B sample is con- dedicated to elite marathon outcome of the investigation. Sumgong, who last year "Given our policies, until the title. firmed as positive and she is runners which is supported by Sumgong will therefore not became the first Kenyan conclusion of Jemima Sumgong's "The Abbott World Marathon subsequently banned, it would be the Abbott World Marathon run in London on 23 April to woman to win Olympic gold in case and any potential appeal Majors is committed to eradicat- a massive blow for Kenya, where Majors group. The IAAF will defend the title she won last the marathon, tested positive process, we will not name a Series ing doping and we will continue her Rio victory was greeted with make no further statement year," announced the race's for the banned blood-booster X women's champion," he added. to lead the way in introducing and near-delirium after a long bar- about this case until its chief executive Nick Bitel. EPO (erythropoietin) in an out- Sumgong leads the standings campaigning for aggressive ren spell over the classic distance conclusion." At the Rio Olympics, Sum- of-competition test carried out for Series X, which concludes at measures," Hadzima said. at the Olympics. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a gong defied temperatures of

Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Chris Lynn plays a shot Afghanistan during the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match against Gujarat Lions at the Saurashtra Rossi reaches 350 races to make Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot yesterday. Buenos Aires circuit in Argentina last year when you become 38 every sea- Lord's debut AFP having taken victory 12 months son is tougher than the one earlier. before; that's something Rossi alentino Rossi (pictured) But his former teammate recognises himself. You don't London races in a record-setting Jorge Lorenzo, whose decision see many 38-year-olds as fast AFP V350th grand prix in to move to Ducati opened the as Rossi. Argentina tomorrow, deter- door for Vinales at Yamaha, "It's not something easy and fghanistan are set for mined to prove that at 38 he will believes that the flying Spaniard even less when you have an out- another milestone not be overshadowed by team- could end up making Rossi feel standing and strong teammate Aafter it was mate Maverick Vinales, who his age this season. like Maverick." announced yesterday that blitzed the season-opener in "It's nothing easy for Valen- However, former Suzuki they will play their first Qatar. tino to keep racing MotoGP at pilot Vinales, who became the match at Lord's, taking on a Rossi, a nine-time world his age,"g Lorenzo told www.mot- second ygyoungest rider to win in side led by former New Zea- champion,champion, was third in the rain orsports.comorsports.com. thethe prpremieremier class for two differdiffer-- land captain Brendon andand wind of the QatariQatari desert "The"The sec-sec- ent manufacturers, justjust behind McCullum. afterafter starting fromfrom 10t10thh on tthehe ondond oldest MikeMike HailwoodHailwood withwith hishis Qatar Now one of the world's gridgrid on a weekend when rriderider is triumph,triumph, recognises that he is leading associate, or junior Vinales,Vinales, 16 years his jun- maybemaybe 32, already a marked man.man. cricket, countries Afghani- ior,ior, dominated on his andand he's "We"We have the ddifficultifficult chal- stan are closing in on firstfirst outingouting for Yamaha. 338.8. I gguessuess lengelenge to continue ggettingetting ggoodood becoming a Test match "It wasn't an easyeasy results,results, QQataratar was ononlyly tthehe ffirstirst nation. startstart to the champi-champi- racerace of 18," ssaidaid the Spaniard.Spaniard. They are top of the onshiponship butbut I waswas "I"I can feelfeel thethe pressure a lit-lit- International Cricket Coun- veryvery happyhappy to be tletle bit becausebecause the levellevel of mymy cil's Intercontinental Cup ableable to get on tthehe rivalsrivals is very hhigh,igh, bbutut tthathat standings, with the winner Record breaking Kolkata podium,"podium," ssaidaid motivatesmotivates me eveneven more toto set to gain Test status next Rossi.Rossi. keepkeep worworkingking hhard.ard. WWee year. "Now we go hhaveave to bbee ccautious,autious, Their 50-over match too good for Gujarat Lions to AArgentina.rgentina. workwork step by stepstep and against MCC at Lord's, "the ThThisis isis a trtrackack raracece bbyy rarace."ce."" home of cricket", will take The Peninsula seven boundaries. Wicket- thatthat I likelikke veryvery The ArgentinaArgeg ntina place on July 11. keeper-batsman Dinesh muchmum ch aandndd II'm'm raceracee isis alsoalso a keykey Two Afghan players, olkata Knight Riders Karthik supported the GL cap- hahappyppy to ggoo testtest fforor ddefendingefenndingg Mohammad Nabi and Hamid chased down a target of tain and scored causative 47 there.theree. I hhopeopo e ththatat worldworrld chchampionhama pion Hassan, were previously on K184 with all their wick- runs off 25 balls. therethere arearre goodgoodo MMaMarcrc MarquezMarqquez afterafter thethe the MCC Young Cricketers ets intact, setting up a world With a remarkable strike asphaltassphala t cocconditionsondittiions SpanSpaniardiard mmanagedanaged just scheme. record in T20 cricket, thanks to rate of 188, Karthik lifted the becausebecause lastlal stst yearyear fourthfourth placeplacec inin QatarQatar on hishis MCC president Matthew an amazing opening wicket home crowd off their feet, itit wwasas ddifficultififfiicultl fforor Honda.Honda.a Fleming said: "I am thrilled stand by Big Bash star Chris slamming two sixes and four us."us." "I mmustusst fightfif gght forfor thethe that we will be welcoming Lynn and Gautam Gambhir. boundaries. RossiRoosssi camecamee podium,"podiumm,"" saidsaid thethhe Spaniard,Spaniardd, Afghanistan to Lord's this Lynn struck a 19-ball half For the fourth-wicket, homehomee inin secondsecoc nd placeplace a two-timetwwo-o-tiime winnerwinnnner at thethhe summer. century - and put on the IPL's Raina and Karthik put an atat thethe dustydusty andandd hothot raceraacee aandndd wworldoorld cchampionhah mpion I have seen first-hand highest opening partnership, an 87-run partnership stand that TermasTerrmmaass dede RioRiR o HondoHoH nddo ini 22013,0133, 22014014 anaandd 2016.20161 . the talent and passion for unbroken 184 against the laid a strong foundation for the cricket the nation has and Gujrat Lions, with Gautam last year table-toppers. this fixture can only be a Gambhir who made 76 off 48 Kuldeep Yadav led the good thing for the ongoing balls himself. bowling attack for KKR as he development of Afghan The duo ensured the victory claimed two big wickets in cricket. is secured with 31 balls to spare. shape of Brendon McCullum "It is the latest landmark Earlier, skipper Suresh (35) and Aaron Finch (15). on a very exciting journey Raina hit 68 runs (not out) to lift Brief scores: for Afghan cricket and MCC Gujarat Lions to their total of Kolkata Knight Riders: 184 will need to field an 183 runs for the loss of four for 0 (Chris Lynn 93 not out, extremely strong side in wickets, which seemed like a Gautam Gambhir 76 not out) order to compete," the competitive total against the Gujarat Lions: 183 for 4 former England one-day Knight Riders. Raina's knock (Suresh Raina 68, Dinesh international all-rounder was measured as it came off 51 Karthik 47, Kuldeep 2-25) by 10 added. balls and well-decorated by wickets