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Friday 17 Marchrch 20201717

PAGE | 21 PAGE | 222 PAGE | 23 Kyrgios stuns Djokovicokovic Smith, Maxwell drivee Guardiola faces again as Federer Australia in test of resolve races past Nadal Ranchi Test after City's exit

GCC ROAD CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS: RESULTS OF DAY THREE CADETS CLASS, 46KMS UAE riders seal top three Abdurrahman Al Sultan, Saudi Arabia, 1:18.14 Jassim Mohammed Hussain, Bahrain, same time Ali Nasir Ahmed, Bahrain, same time Abdullah Ibrahim Hassan, Bahrain, same time Rashid Al Mansoori, UAE, same time JUNIORS CLASS, 80.5 KMS spots in Junior Road Race Hamad Abdullah Al Mahri, UAE, 2:07.09 Rashid Abdullah Suwaidaan, UAE, 2:07.12 Rizwan Rehmat Abdullah Abdulkareem, UAE, same time The Peninsula Mohammed Ibrahim Abdullah, Bahrain, 2:10.50 Farhan Alfaraizi, Qatar, same time iders from the United OVERALL TIMES: Arab Emirates (UAE), UAE, 6:21.33 a cycling powerhouse Saudi Arabia, 6:46.03 in the region, clinched Bahrain, 6:50.37 the top three spots in Rthe Junior Class on the penulti- mate day of the GCC Road Race Championships. UAE's Hamad Abdullah Al Mahri clocked a time of 2:07.09 to grab the first spot in the 80.5kms race. He was followed to the finish line by compatriot Rashid Abdullah Suwaidaan (2:07.12). In the third place was Abdul- lah Abdulkareem, also representing the UAE. Bahrain's Mohammed Ibra- him Abdullah (2:10.50) and GCC Road Cycling Championships UAE riders clinch top three spots in the Riders compete on day three of the GCC Road Cycling Championships near the Losail international Circuit Junior Class. yesterday. Picture: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula

Saudi Arabia's Abdurrahman Al Qatar's Farhan Alfaraizi (same Bahrain's Abdullah Ibrahim by Qatar Cycling Federation "So far we have seen inter- fighting well until the end," Sultan wins Cadets time) completed the top five in Hassan (same time) and UAE's (QCF). esting battles in what has been another QCF official said. the Junior Class Road Race. Rashid Al Mansoori (same time) Today's Elite Class Road Race windy conditions," QCF Secre- Today regional cycling giant Class (46kms). Earlier in the day, the hon- finished in fourth and fifth spots will commence at 8:00am. In all, tary General Jamal Al Kuwari Yusif Mirza will be aiming to win ours in the Cadets Class (46kms) respectively. the Elite class riders will com- said. the Elite Class. UAE seal the top spot went to Saudi Arabia's Abdur- In the overall team standings plete a distance of 117.2kms. "These are not easy cycling The 28-year-old UAE cyclist in the overall team rahman Al Sultan (1:18.14). (cadets and junior), the UAE QCG President Dr Moham- conditions but we have wit- on Wednesday won the Elite standings (cadets and Bahrain's Jassim Mohammed (6:21.33) sealed the top spot fol- med Al Kuwari was present at nessed strong riding from the Class Individual Time Trial ahead junior), followed by Hussain (same time) sealed the lowed by Saudi Arabia (6:46.03) the prize distribution ceremo- UAE cyclists. They have done of his brother Badar Mirza. Mirza Saudi Arabia and second spot while compatriot Ali and Bahrain (6:50.37). nies yesterday. Top regional well," he added. has tasted success in events Bahrain. Nasir Ahmed (same time) com- Today is the last day of the cycling officials were also "Farhan (Qatar's best rider in before the on-going champion- pleted the top three. four-day event being organised present. the Junior Class) did well. He was ship, tasting success at will.

Soria extends Al Rayyan contract Moto2 and Moto3 riders Chinthana Wasala in 2004. Soria joined Al Gharafa before former Spanish international Sergio Thehe PeninsulPeninsulaa movingmoving ttoo Qatar Sports CClublub anandd then Garcia.Garcia. gear up for Losail test Lekhwiya.Lekhwiya. Soria’sSoria’s contractco extention l Rayyan’sRayyan’s ccharismaticharismaticc sstrikertrikker SoriaSoS ria was sisignedgned bbyy Al comescomees justju a week after their SebastianSebastian SoriaSoria willwiill ccontinueonntinue to RayyanRayyann iinn 20201515 aandnd ssinceince talismanict captain The Peninsula compatriot Stefano Manzi charged Aplayplay forfor thethe reigningreigngnini g QatarQataar StarsStars then,then, heh hhasas bbeeneen onoonee RRodrigo Tabata with the challenge. 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Simon replaces injured Iker game.ggaamme Reigning Moto3 World Cham- Lecuona at GaragePlus Interwet- It has been a differ- pion Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM ten in the Qatar GP, so the entenent storyst for them in the Ajo) was still recovering from Spaniard could well be out on AFCAAFFC CChampions League. injury in Jerez, and the South Afri- track to test. AlAl RRayyanay registered an can should be further up to speed The racing fans in Qatar will emphaticeemmpha 3-1 win over in Qatar. Another two high profile be in for a treat during the testing PersepolisPPeerrsepo in Doha three debutants are Jorge Navarro (Fed- sessions as the grandstand entry daysddaaysy agoa when Tabata eral Oil Gresini Moto2) - the final has been made free. The track tionalonal aattackerttt acckek r wiwwillllll pplaylay fofforor AlAl baggedbabaggg eedd a brace and set up man under the pole lap record in activity will take place from Rayyanayyan ttillill thtthehe summersusummmmerr ooff anotherana ootthheer to take their team Jerez in P5 – and Fabio Quartararo 3.00pm to 10.30pm on all three 2019.019. toto thethhee toptop of Group D. in P8. days and fans will have the access TheThe 33-year33-yyeaear oldoolld Uru-UrUru-u Meanwhile, the Valentino to the paddock during the Moto2 guayanuayan bbornorn sststaraarr eemergedmmeerrggeedd iinn Al Rayyan's Rossi-backed Sky Racing Team / Moto3 Test by showing the thee worldworld footballfooottbaalll scenescceennee inin Sebastian Soria celebrates VR46 has expanded this year to MotoGP Ticket for the Grand Prix 2002,002, pplayinglaying ffoforor after scoring a goal during a include the intermediate class – of Qatar or purchasing the same LiverpoolLiverpoool dede Monte-Moonnttee- Qatar Stars League and it’s Moto3 race winner at the Losail International videodeo in a ttwo-yearwoo-yyeeaar stsstint,intt,, match in this file photo. Francesco Bagnaia and Circuit. beforeefore movingmovinng too QatarQattar SPORT 17 MARCH 2017 FRIDAY 21 Kyrgios stuns Djokovic again Melbourne and Perth lead Australian push as Federer races past Nadal for 2022 CW Games Indian Wells AFP Melbourne Birmingham and Liverpool Reuters have already made a pitch to ick Kyrgios over- step in for Durban, having powered Novak ity officials in Perth and already targeted the 2026 Djokovic for the Melbourne are leading event. second time in as C an Australian push to The northern city of Man- many weeks on host the 2022 Common- chester, which hosted the NWednesday to book an Indian wealth Games after Durban Games in 2002, also declared Wells quarter-final against was stripped of the right this its interest, British media Roger Federer, who swatted week. reported on Wednesday, cit- aside old foe Rafael Nadal. "An event of the scale of ing a city council Kyrgios put on another stel- the Commonwealth Games spokesman. lar serving display in a 6-4, 7-6 would further enhance Perth The Commonwealth (7/3) triumph that ended three- as a world-class city and des- Games Federation will invite time defending champion tination and greatly stimulate cities to host the Games Djokovic's 19-match winning the economy," said Perth rather than launch another streak in the first Masters tour- Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi. bidding process. nament of the year. Melbourne hosted the Victoria state capital Mel- Federer, who added another 2006 Commonwealth Games bourne has a long tradition chapter to a storied rivalry with and local residents would of hosting major sports Nadal with an epic Australian gladly welcome the 2022 events, including the Austral- Open triumph in January, dis- event, Melbourne Lord Mayor ian Open tennis and the mantled the Spaniard 6-2, 6-3. Robert Doyle said. series-opening Formula One It was the first time since "We are one of the few race at Albert Park. their first meeting in 2004 that cities in the world with exist- Perth, the capital of Federer and Nadal had met ing sporting infrastructure resource-rich Western Aus- Nick Kyrgios of Australia returns a shot to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the BNP Paribas before the quarter-finals of a that can cope with a major tralia state, also boasts tournament. An oddity of the Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Wednesday in Indian Wells, California. Inset: Roger world event like the Com- extensive sports infrastruc- rankings had them and Djoko- Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand during his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal monwealth Games," he said. ture and hosted the 1962 vic – with 44 Grand Slam titles of Spain in their fourth round match. English cities Commonwealth Games. among the three of them -- all grouped in the same quarter of good to kind of prove it wasn't a "It's a high percentage for me chances to win. Today, not. the draw. one-off thing," Kyrgios said. "It to go big under pressure," he Today he played better than me. Djokovic was the first to fall, felt good to back it up again." said. "That's my game style. If I These kind of matches, when in the face of relentless aggres- A break in the first game of miss, I miss, but I know I went you're not playing your match, Gold Coast organisers sion from world number 16 the match was enough to give down playing my game." it's impossible to win." Kyrgios. Kyrgios the opening set. Kyrgios, already the young- World number three Stan "The run was amazing," said Djokovic saved two break est player to record victories Wawrinka, the highest-ranked see a role for star Bolt Djokovic, who also won in points late in the second set as over Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, player remaining after the Indian Wells in 2008 and 2011 they battled to the tiebreaker Andy Murray and Stan departures of Djokovic and London before going on his roll from which Kyrgios dominated, seal- Wawrinka, now gets another world number one Andy Mur- Reuters 2014-2016. ing the win, fittingly, with a final crack at Federer, who needed ray, labored past lucky loser "I am very proud of it. It had monster serve." just 68 minutes to dispatch Yoshihito Nishioka 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 amaican sprint great Usain to end at some stage. Unfortu- "It's a gamble," Djokovic said Nadal. Federer broke Nadal to (7/4) to reach the quarters. Bolt (pictured) has already nately, it was today." of trying to anticipate Kyrgios's open the match, and seized a Nishioka, ranked 70th in the Jruled out competing at next Kyrgios, 21, couldn't match first serve. "His second serve, if second break and 4-1 with a blis- world, twice served for the year's Commonwealth Games the 25 aces he rained on Djoko- you think you're going to have a tering backhand service return match in the third set but was in Australia's Gold Coast but vic in a shock win in Acapulco look at it, you don't, because he winner. broken both times before organisers are still hoping he this month. But 14 aces were goes for it as well." A forehand volley sealed the Wawrinka subdued him in the will make an appearance of plenty as he kept Djokovic off- Kyrgios said that aggressive set, and another forehand win- tiebreaker. some sort. balance with a welter of second serve is a cornerstone of ner put Federer up a break at 2-1 "I'm really happy to get "He won't be competing, 100mph-plus serves. "That felt his game. in the second. through for sure," said you all know that, but we are Federer was firmly in con- Wawrinka. trying to get him to come in BNP PARIBAS OPEN RESULTS trol as Nadal served to save the "You have to be a little bit some capacity," Gold Coast match at 5-3. An unlucky net- lucky when he served twice for organising committee chairman and 4x100m Olympic titles at Men's fourth round cord bounce, when Nadal's the match." Peter Beattie told reporters on the 2016 Rio Games, said in Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP x21) bt Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) forehand clipped the net and Wawrinka will face eighth- Wednesday. February he had no plans to Pablo Cuevas (URU x27) bt David Goffin (BEL x11) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 rolled back, gave Federer a dou- seeded Dominic Thiem for a "(GOLDOC chief executive) extend his career beyond this Stan Wawrinka (SUI x3) bt Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) ble match point, and with a place in the semi-finals. The Mark (Peters) has met with the year's world championships in Dominic Thiem (AUT x8) bt Gael Monfils (FRA x10) 6-3, 6-2 backhand return down the line Austrian beat France's Gael (athlete's) manager on a couple London. Jack Sock (USA x17) bt Malek Jaziri (TUN) 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-5 the 36th meeting between the Monfils 6-3, 6-2. of occasions and we will con- The sport's great enter- Kei Nishikori (JPN x4) bt Donald Young (USA) 6-2, 6-4 two was his. Fourth-seeded Kei Nishikori tinue those discussions. tainer competed in Melbourne Roger Federer (SUI x9) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x5) 6-2, 6-3 The win marks the first time of Japan quietly reached the last "We will do everything we last month at the first Nitro Nick Kyrgios (AUS x15) bt Novak Djokovic (SRB x2) 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) in the rivalry that Federer has eight with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over can to get Usain Bolt to the Gold Series meeting with a team of Women's quarter-finals strung together three wins over American Donald Young. Coast for this event." international "All-Stars".

Karolína Pliskova (CZE) bt Garbine Muguruza (ESP x7) 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5) Nadal. He'll face American Jack The 30-year-old world Bolt is also contracted to Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) bt Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, 6-2 "In Australia was a very close Sock, who beat Tunisia's Malek record holder, who completed bring his All-Stars to Australia match," Nadal said. "I had good Jaziri 4-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-5. a "treble treble" of 100m, 200m for the next two years.

F ormer world champion Celtics roll over Wolves; Blazers stun Spurs

Valdez dies Los Angeles NBA RESULTS and Allen Crabbe scored 10. AFP Milwaukee 97 LA Clippers 96 Portland was able to bounce Sacramento 107 Phoenix 101 back from a one-sided 100-77 Bogota l Horford delivered 20 Memphis 98 Chicago 91 loss to New Orleans on AFP points and nine rebounds HOUSTON 139 LA Lakers 100 Tuesday. Aas the Boston Celtics con- Portland 110 San Antonio 106 "Look, we laid an egg (in olombian boxer Rod- tinued their domination over the Boston 117 Minnesota 104 New Orleans) -- it was our worst rigo "Rocky" Valdez, Minnesota Timberwolves with a Miami 120 New Orleans 112 loss of the year. And then,

Clegendary opponent of 117-104 win on Wednesday. Utah 97 Detroit 83 tonight, we have our best win of

Argentina's Carlos Monzon Boston won its 10th game in Dallas 112 Washington 107 the year," Trail Blazers coach and a former world middle- the last 11 thanks to a 21-6 run Indiana 98 Charlotte 77 Terry Stotts said. weight champion, has died at bridging the halves, a complete "It was one of our better 71, his wife said on game by Horford and a stellar games as far as staying focused Wednesday. Isaiah Thomas performance. Olynyk added six rebounds. and withstanding some of San Valdez, who won 68 of his Horford just missed his sec- Ricky Rubio led the Timber- Antonio's runs. I've always been 73 bouts including 42 by KO, ond career triple double as he wolves with 23 points and seven proud of the way our guys according to the World Box- also had eight assists. assists. bounce back." ing Council (WBC), died in his "We needed (Horford) to be Andrew Wiggins and Kawhi Leonard finished with hometown of Cartagena de locked in tonight because (Karl- Shabazz Muhammad each 34 points, nine rebounds and six Indias in Colombia. Anthony) Towns is a real talented scored 21 points and Towns fin- assists for San Antonio. LaMar- Colombian President Juan guy. So Al had that assignment ished with 17 points and 14 cus Aldridge, who missed the Manuel Santos paid tribute to on the other end for a lot of the rebounds for Minnesota. previous two games because of the former boxer, tweeting a game," Celtics coach Brad Ste- Elsewhere, Damian Lillard a heart arrhythmia, had 19 points picture of him with Valdez vens said. scored 36 points, including four for San Antonio. and the words: "Today we say It marked the 11th consecu- free throws in the final five sec- In Houston, Lou Williams farewell to Rocky Valdez, tive win for the Celtics over onds, as the Portland Trail scored 30 points off the bench who with his courage in the Minnesota at the Boston Garden Blazers stunned the San Antonio against his former team and ring filled the country with arena. Spurs 110-106. James Harden recorded his 17th Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (left) is glory and triumphs." Thomas scored 27 points, CJ McCollum added 26 points triple-double on the season as Born February 22, 1946, being defended by Boston Celtics forward Al Horford during Avery Bradley had 18, and Kelly for the Trail Blazers. Nurkic had the Houston Rockets crushed the Valdez began his boxing the third quarter of their NBA game at TD Garden in Boston, Olynyk and Marcus Smart both 16 points and nine rebounds, hapless Los Angeles Lakers career aged 16. Miami on Thursday. scored 10 off the Boston bench. Noah Vonieh scored 12 points 139-100. 22 SPORT FRIDAY 17 MARCH 2017 Late wickets trouble Smith, Maxwell drive Bangladesh in Colombo Colombo hitting six boundaries. He was AP beaten and bowled by a googly from left-arm wrist spinner Lak- Australia in Ranchi Test angladesh stuttered and shan Sandakan. lost three wickets close to Imrul Kayes made 34 before Bstumps yesterday after being trapped lbw by Sandakan. Ranchi JadejaJadejaa ggotot ttheheh bbreakthroughreeakthhrrough ini half-centuryhhalff--ccentut ryy stand.sttand. HandscombHandscommb Saumya Sarkar's fluent half- Night watchman Taijul Islam Reuters hishis firstfirsst overover whenwhen DavidDavid WarnerWarrner hadhah d adaadvisedvisesed SmSmithmitth tot ggestureesttuurree century gave them a dominant departed in the next ball after slappedslappped a juicyjuj iccy fullfull tosstoss backbab cck toto towardsttoowarrds thethhe dressingdresssisingng roomroom in start to their first innings on the Herath used another review ustralia captain Steveteve the bowlerbowller toto ddedepartpartr ffororo 119.99. BengaluruBBeengaalurru forffor adviceaddviice onon second day of the second cricket successfully to obtain a lbw Smith struck a ccul-ul- RenshawRenshaw looked goodgooood forfor hishhis whetherwwhethher ttoo rrevieweview a lellegg bebeforeefore Test. decision in his favour. tured unbeatenten thirdthird fififtyfty in the seriesseriees beforebefforee wicketwwickkeet ddecision,eeccisioonn, a mmoveovo e ththatat Sarkar made 61 and shared Sabir Rahman (42) gloved a century yesterdayay to edgingedging UmeshUmesh Yadav inin thethhe slipslip drewdreww eexplosivexxploosivee rresponseesponse frffromomm a 95-run opening stand for the rising ball from Lakmal to steer Australia too havinghaving playedplayyeed andannd KohliKKohlhli reresultingsuulttini g in cconsiderableonnsiderable first wicket in reply to Sri Lan- Dhananjaya de Silva at leg slip. 299A for four wickets on the survivedsurvviviveedd aann acrimonyaccrrimmoonyny inin thethhe four-Testfoour-TTest ka's first innings score of 338 all Shakib Al Hasan (18 not out) opening day of the third Test identicalideentiicac l series.seriiese . out. Bangladesh reached 192 los- was batting with Mushfiqur against India, signalling hee YadavYYadav trtrappedapped ing just two wickets before Rahim on 2. Earlier Dinesh has put the review controversyersy HandscombHaandndscs omb (1(19)19)9 llbwbw Sandakan (3-65) took two wick- Chandimal posted his eighth test at Bengaluru behind him. withwiw thh anan inswing-iinsswwinng- ets in successive balls and century to lift Sri Lanka to 338 Smith's 117 not out is onlyy thethe inginng yorkeryyorkrkerr butbut seamer Suranga Lakmal took a all out in its first innings. second century of the spin-dom-om- wicket in the next over to leave Sri Lanka resumed day two inated series -- following his 110909 Bangladesh 198 for five. on 238 for seven with Chandi- in the first test in Pune -- ass the Iqbal was one run short of a mal and Herath at the crease 27-year-old joined the 5000-00- half-century when he fell lbw and was bowled out by lunch, run club in his 53rd test. to left-arm spinner Rangana adding 100 in the session. Glenn Maxwell celebratedated Herath at the stroke of tea. He Chandimal faced 300 deliv- his return to Test cricket withth a SCOREBOARDSCOREBOARD was twice lucky in his innings eries and hit 10 boundaries and career-best 82 not out, his bbur-ur- Australia (I innings):innings): after Sri Lanka captain Herath a six for his 138 runs, and geoning partnership with Smithmith M RRenshawenshaw c KKohliohli b YYadavadav ...... 44.44 Australia's captain Steve Smith raises his bat while failed to review two lbw appeals received valuable support from already worth 159 runs. D Warner c&b Jadeja ...... 1919 celebrating after scoring a century during the first day of which the umpires had turned the tailenders as the last three Home captain Virat Kohli S Smith (batting) ...... 117 the third Test against India at the Jharkhand State Cricket down. Herath however success- Sri Lankan wickets added 143 injured his shoulder while div- S Marsh c Pujara b Ashwin ...... 2 Association (JSCA) Stadium Complex in Ranchi yesterday. fully reviewed a third not out runs before he was eventually ing to save a boundary in the P Handscomb lbw Yadav...... 19 decision. caught off Mehedi Hasan's bowl- 40th over and missed the rest of G Maxwell (batting) ...... 82 Sarkar made 61 off 121 balls ing in the 106th over. the day's play. Extras (B-4, LB-11, NB-1) ...... 16 Smith found an able partner in Maxwell surpassed in his Earlier, Smith won an Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 299 Maxwell, who shunned his nat- very first innings of the series SCOREBOARD important toss and had little hes- Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-80, 3-89, 4-140. ural aggression, and played the 48 runs that Mitchell Marsh Bowling: Sharma 15-2-46-0 (1nb), Yadav 19-3-63-2, Sri Lanka (II innings): Bowling: Mustafizur 21-6-50-2 (w5); Roy 17.3-2-53-2 itation in batting first, something judiciously to justify his selec- had totalled in his four during Ashwin 23-2-78-1, Jadeja 30-0-80-1, Vijay 3-0-17-0. D Karunaratne c Mehedi b Mustafizur ...... 7 (nb2, w1); Mehedi 21-2-90-3; Taijul 17-2-40-1; Shakib

of a ritual on India's low-bounce India: L Rahul, M Vijay, C Pujara, V Kohli (capt), A Ra- tion replacing the injured the first two tests and the all- U Tharanga c Soumya b Mehedi ...... 11 33-4-80-2; Mosaddek 4-0-11-0.

tracks, and Matt Renshaw led hane, K Nair, W Saha, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, I Sharma, U Mitchell Marsh. rounder is not done yet. K Mendis st Mushfiqur b Mehedi ...... 5 Bangladesh (I innings): D Chandimal c Mosaddek b Mehedi...... 138 Tamim Iqbal lbw Herath ...... 49 their brisk scoring with his Yadav. Known for his destructive Australia also brought in boundary binge. batting which makes him a lim- paceman Pat Cummins, who is A Gunaratne lbw Roy ...... 13 Soumya Sarkar b Sandakan ...... 61 With an extremely fast out- ited-overs asset, Maxwell playing his second test after D de Silva b Taijul ...... 34 Imrul Kayes lbw Sandakan ...... 34 N Dickwella b Shakib ...... 34 Sabbir Rahman c de Silva b Lakmal ...... 42 field at the Jharkhand State shot on the previous delivery. showed tremendous self- more than five years in the wil- D Perera c Soumya b Mustafizur ...... 9 Taijul Islam lbw Sandakan ...... 0 Cricket Association (JSCA) Sta- Renshaw's fluent 44 included restraint, taking 57 deliveries to derness, to replace the injured R Herath c Soumya b Shakib ...... 25 Shakib Al Hasan (batting)...... 18 dium hosting its first Test match, seven elegant boundaries. hit his first boundary. Mitchell Starc. S Lakmal c Soumya b Roy ...... 35 Mushfiqur Rahim (batting) ...... 2 Renshaw's first 24 runs came all Australia were reeling at 89 There were glimpses of his India welcomed back L Sandakan (not out)...... 5 Extras (B-4, LB-4) ...... 8 via boundaries as the tourists for three when Smith and Peter natural aggression as well, like opener Murali Vijay, who Extras (B-1, LB-13, W-6, NB-2) ...... 22 Total (for 5 wkts) ...... 214

cruised to the 50-run mark in Handscomb (19), protagonists of when he hit Jadeja for the first missed the tempestuous Ben- Total (all out) ...... 338 Fall of wickets: 1-95, 2-130, 3-192, 4-192, 5-198.

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-24, 3-35, 4-70, 5-136, 6-180, Bowling: Lakmal 11-2-32-1; Perera 19-5-50-0; Herath the 10th over. the review controversy in Ben- of his two sixes to bring up his galuru test with a shoulder 7-195, 8-250, 9-305, 10-338. 12-1-34-1; Gunaratne 4-0-25-0; Sandakan 14-1-65-3. Left-arm spinner Ravindra galuru, joined forces for a maiden test half-century. injury. Nicholls' century leads New Zealand recovery Ronchi replaces banned Wellington batsman, answered his critics let down. After Morne Morkel SCOREBOARD AFP with an innings of confident dismissed Tom Latham for Sharjeel at Leicestershire drives and cuts against the eight, Rabada captured the key New Zealand (I innings): J Raval c Amla b Maharaj ...... 36 maiden Test century by quicks and sure footwork wicket of Kane Williamson for T Latham c Elgar b Morkel ...... 8 London shared a century stand during Henry Nicholls hauled against spin. two and four balls later he had K Williamson lbw Rabada ...... 2 AFP Pakistan's crushing nine-wicket ANew Zealand off the In one notable over from debutant Neil Broom for a duck N Broom c de Kock b Rabada ...... 0 win over England in a ropes and back into the second Kagiso Rabada, a central figure which took Nicholls to the H Nicholls b Duminy ...... 118 ew Zealand's Luke Ron- Twenty20 international at Old Test against South Africa on day in the top order collapse, middle. J Neesham st de Kock b Maharaj ...... 15 chi is to replace Sharjeel Trafford. one in Wellington yesterday. Nicholls smacked three fours. Keshav Maharaj removed B Watling c de Kock b Duminy ...... 34 Khan as one of Leices- But with Sharjeel's cricket C de Grandhomme c Amla b Duminy ...... 4 N From reeling at 21 for three The second took him past Jeet Ravel (36) and Jimmy Nee- tershire's overseas players in future uncertain while a tribu- T Southee c Philander b Morkel ...... 27 inside the first hour, New Zea- his previous best of 98 and to sham (15) either side of the lunch J Patel (not out) ...... 17 English county cricket's nal considers his case, land were all out for 268 in the his breakthrough century, and break before Watling joined N Wagner lbw Duminy ...... 2 Twenty20 Blast following the Leicestershire will look to final session of the day with the the next four took his partner- Nicholls to add 116 before New Extras (LB-4, W-1)...... 5 Pakistan batsman's domestic wicket-keeper/batsman Ron- left-handed Nicholls providing ship with BJ Watling to 103 to Zealand's batting anchor was Total (all out) ...... 268 suspension for match-fixing, it chi, who has a strike rate of the backbone of the innings with better one of the longest stand- bowled by JP Duminy. Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-13, 3-21, 4-73, 5-101, 6-217, emerged on Wednesday. 141.33 in 32 Twenty20 interna- 118. ing New Zealand cricket records. Duminy added the wickets 7-221, 8-222, 9-266, 10-268. Both Sharjeel and Khalid tionals to provide similar Bowling: Morkel 18-3-82-2; Philander 15-7-29-0; Rabada His eventual dismissal trig- The previous best sixth- of Colin de Grandhomme for 19-6-59-2 (1w); Duminy 11.3-2-47-4; Maharaj 16-4-47-2. Latif were suspended and then fireworks. gered a brief collapse in which wicket stand by New Zealand four and Watling for 34 in the South Africa (I innings): charged last month by the Paki- Meanwhile Ronchi, 35, told three wickets fell for five before against South Africa of 100 was space of 11 balls and finished the S Cook c Neesham b Southee ...... 3 stan Cricket Board after being the club's website: "I am Tim Southee and Jeetan Patel set 85 years ago by Ted Badcock innings when he had Neil Wag- D Elgar c Neesham b de Grandhomme ...... 9 accused of meeting a suspicious delighted to have signed with lashed out with a whirlwind 44 and Giff Vivian. ner leg before wicket for two to K Rabada (batting) ...... 8 person linked to an interna- Leicestershire Foxes for the off as many balls. When South African captain have figures of four for 47. H Amla (batting)...... 0 tional betting syndicate during NatWest T20 Blast. Nicholls, who went into the Faf du Plessis won the toss he Morkel ended Southee's Extras (B-4) ...... 4 the Twenty20 Pakistan Super "I love playing county Total (for 2 wkts) ...... 24

Test with an average of 30.12 put New Zealand into bat not- brief cameo of 27 off 30 deliv- Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-12. League tournament. cricket and can't wait to get from 18 innings and his position ing conditions were ripe for eries while Patel was left not out Bowling: Southee 4-1-18-1, de Grandhomme 3-1-2-1. Last year, Sharjeel struck a started with my new team- under scrutiny as a number five seam and swing and he was not 17. blistering 59 as he and Latif mates," added Ronchi. Formula One: Verstappen to push Ricciardo to the max

London reputation as a fan favourite and race for the team in Spain in May Reuters with more records for the after switching from Toro Rosso. taking. As the season progressed, t takes some effort to wipe the A demon overtaker, com- "Mad Max" added consistency smile off Daniel Ricciardo's pared to the late Ayrton Senna to the mix. Verstappen was only Iface but Red Bull team-mate after lighting up last year's wet once out of the top four in the Max Verstappen will be hoping Brazilian Grand Prix, the last six races, but lost out 10-7 the breezy Australian has less to 19-year-old is widely regarded to Ricciardo in their 17 as team grin about this season. as a champion in waiting. mates.The Dutchman was only The battle between two of "There is a buzz around him 8-7 behind on podium finishes, Formula One's most popular that is growing and growing," however. drivers will be a leading sto- team principal Christian Horner "There was nothing between ryline of the new-look said during pre-season testing them over the second part of the championship starting in Mel- in Barcelona. year," Horner told inews.co.uk. bourne next week as they fight "You saw the people that "What’s going to be fascinating to be team top dog. turned out to see him at Spa last Daniel Ricciardo Max Verstappen for us to see is how Max, being Even if Red Bull currently year....there is a national follow- so young, continues to evolve appear to be behind Ferrari and ing behind him. and improve. Mercedes on pace, both can "But beyond that there is this a ferocious determination and sweaty shoe on the podium and pairing to qualify on pole posi- "Can Daniel go with him? Is expect to be jostling for podium raw talent. His potential is enor- will to win, was best of the rest urging others to partake, has tion last year. there more left in the tank? Was places. mous and that is what is so behind the Mercedes drivers in become a post-race hit. The Red Bull pair were also that the top rung last year? You Verstappen, the youngest exciting about him. He is so 2016 but faces a bigger challenge Ricciardo, who can count on the only non-Mercedes drivers suspect they both have more driver and race winner in the grounded." this time. strong home support for the to win last year, but Verstappen's evolution and it will be interest- sport's history, goes into his last Ricciardo, the "Honey His "shoey" celebration, opener, was the only driver arrival on the top step was more ing to see the battle between the teenage year with a burgeoning Badger" whose easy charm belies drinking champagne from his other than the Mercedes sensational - coming in his debut two of them this year." FRIDAY 17 MARCH 2017 SPORT 23

GCC Women's Games: Clean sweep for Qatar in table tennis Cricket: Eight teams to compete in Stallions Academy tourney

The Peninsula needed playing experience to completed several Cricket our youngsters. We believe tours to England, Sri Lanka s many as eight teams that through such tourna- and UAE during the past three will vie for honour at ments the players are able to years. The tour to Australia is A the third Intra-Acad- perform to the best of their already scheduled to be in emy Tournament of Stallions abilities and improve their July 2017. Cricket Academy (SCA) for skills.” The academy was U-15 players which begins Stallions Sports Services launched with the purpose of tomorrow at Qatar Cricket is one of the leading sports developing the game of Association Grounds. academies in Doha, affiliated cricket in Qatar, and to pro- The event which will con- to the Qatar Cricket vide opportunities to aspiring clude on April 8will be Association. young cricketers to have the sponsored by City The academy currently opportunity to learn from ICC Exchange, White Oceanic and provides coaching in cricket, and ACC qualified coaches. Nice Water Company. basketball and badminton for Further details regarding Commenting on the tour- juniors from the age of six the tournament and the Stal- Qatar's table tennis team players and officials pose for a group photo after the conclusion of nament, Sidath Tennakoon, years and above through a lions Cricket Academy can be table tennis events at the ongoing GCC Women's Games in Doha. The hosts made a clean sweep the head coach of Stallions well-qualified and experi- obtained by visiting www. in the discipline winning all the doubles, singles and team events. said: “Our aim in this tourna- enced team of coaches. stallionsqatar.com or calling ment is to provide much The academy has already admin number 70030491.

ENGLAND SQUAD Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Torino/ITA, on loan from Manches- Guardiola faces test of ter City), Tom Heaton (Burnley) Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liver- pool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Michael Keane (Burnley), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur) Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Ross resolve after City's exit Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Jake Livermore (West Bromwich Albion), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Nathan Redmond (Southampton), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), James London struggle to build a sold City Ward-Prowse (Southampton) AFP defence that earned him most A dejected Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Sunderland), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jamie

criticism. Manchester

City manager Vardy (Leicester City) ep Guardiola faces the "They were too high, it's biggest crisis of his pathetic defending," former Pep Guardiola managerial career Manchester United and England walks after game after spluttering Man- centre-back Rio Ferdinand said against Monaco on chester City hit a new on BT Sport. Wednesday. Defoe back in England Plow in their dismal Champions "You have to give yourself League exit against Monaco. the chance to see the ball. If you City's woeful defending cost stay that high you give the guy them dearly as Monaco recov- taking it an area to hit. squad after four years ered from a 5-3 first leg deficit "There is no one in there with a 3-1 win on Wednesday who is commanding that box, Burton-on-Trent that took them through to the dictating to the line of defence UK AFP quarter-finals on away goals. telling them where to be. There Having fallen 2-0 down in is no commander in there. That's eteran Sunderland the first half, City were given a the problem." striker Jermain Defoe lifeline by Leroy Sane's goal, Languishing 10 points behind Vearned a first England which would have been enough Premier League leaders Chelsea, call-up in four years yesterday to send them into the last eight. City are now reduced to focusing for the forthcoming friendly However, City's star-stud- on securing a top four finish and against Germany and World ded and expensively assembled beating Arsenal in the FA Cup Cup qualifier against side were badly lacking in tac- semi-finals next month. Lithuania. tical discipline as they allowed That would be a meagre Defoe, 34, has been drafted Monaco to score again, con- return given the hype that in after captain Wayne Rooney, demning Guardiola to his earliest greeted Guardiola's appointment Tottenham Hotspur striker Champions League exit. last year to replace Manuel Pel- Harry Kane and Liverpool's Nathan Redmond and James As Guardiola blamed him- legrini, the Chilean who Daniel Sturridge were ruled out Ward-Prowse, both of whom self for failing to convince his managed to lead City to the by injury. played under him at under-21 players to attack more effec- Champions League semi-finals He won the last of his 55 level. tively during a lethargic first half, with much less fanfare. caps in November 2013, but has "We are definitely nodding it was the 46-year-old's Guardiola was hailed as a continued to score regularly for towards the future with some Sunderland, netting 14 times in of the decisions we are mak- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16 (2ND LEG) RESULTS revolutionary who would daz- the first 10 matches of Guardio- the Premier League this ing," Southgate said. zle the Premier League with his la's reign, his ruthless decision season. There was also a surprise In Madrid purist principles when he arrived to axe goalkeeper Joe Hart fore- "I didn't want to just look at return for West Bromwich Atletico Madrid (ESP) 0 Bayer Leverkusen (GER) 0 at City from Bayern Munich. shadowed the turmoil to come. his age and think he's finished Albion midfielder Jake Liver- Atletico win 4-2 on aggregate The Spaniard had impecca- When it became apparent with England," more, who won his sole In Monaco ble credentials after winning La that Claudio Bravo, Guardiola's England manager Gareth England cap in 2012. Monaco (FRA) 3 (Mbappe 8, Tavares 29, Bakayoko 77) City (ENG) 1 (Sane 71) Liga three times and the Cham- hand-picked replacement for Southgate told reporters at the Manchester United trio Phil 6-6 on aggregate; Monaco win on away goals pions League twice at Barcelona, Hart, was even more flawed than St George's Park football cen- Jones, Luke Shaw and Marcus Played on Tuesday then adding three more league his predecessor, the Spaniard tre in Burton-on-Trent, central Rashford earned recalls, but In Leicester titles at Bayern. immediately lost credibility. England. there was no place in the squad Leicester City (ENG) 2 (Morgan 27, Albrighton 54) Sevilla (ESP) 0 But Guardiola has found it Then, on a chastening after- "I think you get young play- for Arsenal forward Theo Leicester win 3-2 on aggregate much harder to thrive in Eng- noon in north London, ers with a point to prove and Walcott. In Turin land, where the competition Tottenham manager Mauricio older players with a point to Tottenham left-back Danny Juventus (ITA) 1 (Dybala 42-pen) Porto (POR) 0 provided by a host of mega-rich Pochettino out-witted Guardi- prove. Rose, Liverpool skipper Jordan

Juventus win 3-0 on aggregate top clubs is far stronger than the ola in a 2-0 victory that Southgate's 26-man squad Henderson and Leicester City opposition provided in Spain or underlined the blueprint for included first call-ups for midfielder Danny Drinkwater Germany. Even though City won beating City. Southampton pair also missed out through injury. Gold Camp: Aspire Academy welcomes future stars

The Peninsula life will be like if they are chosen training, the Academy chooses a Talent Identification, Andrew to join the Academy but also test- select number of students to join Douglas, said on day one (1) of this atar’s Aspire Academy ing them on their academic and its ranks on scholarships. year’s Gold Camp. hosted the gruelling sporting potential. On Wednesday, Academy "While it’s too early to say final stage of the year- 130 eleven-year old appli- officials welcomed 100 hopefuls who will be offered places at the long assessment cants were invited to the Gold to the Aspire Dome, where they Academy, one thing for sure is Q process that young Camp this year out of an initial were congratulated for reaching that the standard of sporting abil- Qatar residents eager to join the pool of 3,000, giving some idea this stage in such a competitive ity is very high. I wish all world renowned Academy must of the level of competition at this process and given a session to participants the best of luck,” he undergo stage in the process. introduce them to the Academy’s added. The Gold Camp represents the Upon joining the Gold Camp, facilities and the training pro- By its very nature, the Gold final stop in the Academy’s com- each participant’s prior perform- gramme they will be following. Camp helps Aspire Academy prehensive talent scouting system ance is used to allocate them to Another 30 potential students achieve its mission to identify and all the would-be athletes who their strongest sports section, such were put through their paces promising sporting talent and reach it should be proud to have as squash, throwing, fencing, table yesterday. develop young people into suc- made it so far through such a tennis, gymnastics, athletics and “We have double the number cessful but educated Champions. challenging process, according to multi-sports. of students compared to this stage By inspiring other young people the Talent Identification Team at At the end of the camp, fol- last year, which demonstrates the to take-up sport, the Camps also Aspire. lowing a rigorous assessment increased scale and rigor of our help to foster a sports culture in A young athlete in action during Aspire The Camp ran over two days, process that follows would-be scouting operations," Aspire Qatar. Academy's Gold Camp yesterday. giving participants a taste of what students throughout their Academy Head of National