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Friday, April 5, 2019 FOOTBALL Rajab 29, 1440 AH Valencia infl ict fi rst GULF TIMES defeat on Zidane’s new Real Madrid SPORT Page 6

FOOTBALL Bounedjah hat-trick seals Al Sadd’s 14th league title

Xavi finally lands Falcon Shield during his last season in Qatar Duhail suff er 1-0 defeat to Kharaitiyat, finish second

By Sports Reporter with his Spanish compatriot Gabi, Doha who joined Sadd from Atletico Madrid ahead of the season. And the two midfi elders have played a l Sadd blazed their way key role in Sadd’s ascension to the to a record 14th Qatar throne. league title and their Xavi had a couple of chances to fi rst in six seasons, after get into scoresheet but failed to hit thumpingA Al Ahli 7-2 in front of the target from close range. But raucous home fans yesterday. The the former Barcelona star played Wolves had a four-point advan- a key hand in Al Sadd increasing tage over defending champions Al the lead in the 24th minute when Duhail going into match and they he delivered a trademark through wrapped up the title, their 69th pass to al-Haydous, who beat across all competitions, with a Santos with his second try after match to spare after the emphatic his fi rst shot was blocked by the victory. goalkeeper. Striker Baghdad Bounedjah Bounedjah then added a third scored his seventh hat-trick of in the injury time of the fi rst half, the season, Hassan al-Haydous with a marvellous goal. After re- bagged a brace and Akram Afi f ceived a pass from al-Haydous, and Jung Woo-Young found the the 27-year old skipped past net once apiece. It was sweet re- crowded Ahli players in the box venge for Jesualdo Ferreira’s men, and then beat a hapless Santos. whose only loss this season had Al Sadd returned to the pitch Al Sadd’s Hassan al-Haydous been to Al Ahli in the fi rst phase. for the second half with the same celebrates scoring against And they did so in their typi- intensity and Akram Afi f scored Al Ahli yesterday. cal fashion, smashing seven goals, their fourth goal in the 53rd which took their total tally for the minute after some brilliant drib- season to 94 from 21 matches. bling. But with Xavi making way Astonishingly they averaged 4.5 for Ali Asad, Ahli took advan- League goals per game and were clearly tage in the 71st minute through winners the deserving winners of the Fal- De Jong. But Sadd restored the con shield. lead four minutes later, after the down Ironically, Sadd’s victory didn’t marauding Bounedjah was once matter much in the end as even a again fouled in the box. And this the years defeat would have given them the time it was al-Haydous who slot- title after Duhail were stunned by ted the ball in as Sadd lead 5-1. bottom-placed Al Kharaitiyat 0-1 In the 78th minute, Al-Ahli •1963-64: Al Maref yesterday. For the record, Al Sadd striker Abdulrashid Ibrahim •1964-65: Al Maref have 54 points while Duhail are on scored Al-Ahli’s second. Just a •1965-66: Al Maref 47 with just one match to go. couple of minutes later, Bounedjah •1966-67: Al Oruba Al Ahli knew they were up for completed his hat-trick and his •1967-68: Al Oruba a long night, when Bounedjah 39th goal of the season with a •1968-69: Al Oruba opened the scoring in the sixth fi erce shot from the edge of the •1969-70: Al Oruba minute. The Algerian forward was box. In the fi nal minute of added •1970-71: Al Oruba brought down by Ahli goalkeeper time, Jung Woo-young curled a Top: Abdelkarim Hassan •1971-72: Al Sadd SC •1972-73: Al Esteqlal Evanildo Santos in the box and low free-kick around the wall and holds the Falcon Shield, •1973-74: Al Sadd SC that resulted in a penalty, which past the Al Ahli keeper to com- the symbol of •1974/75: no champion Bounedjah duly converted. plete a commanding win, a fi tting supremacy in Qatar •1975-76: Al Rayyan SC Captain Xavi Hernandez ran way to seal the title. Meanwhile, football as Al Sadd •1976-77: Al Esteqlal the show from the midfi eld along Duhail crashed to humiliating a players celebrate their •1977-78: Al Rayyan SC loss to Al Kharaitiyat at the Al Ahli 14th title yesterday. •1978-79: Al Sadd SC Stadium. Mohamed Salam scored Results Right: Al Sadd coach •1979-80: Al Sadd SC the only goal in the 77th minute. Jesualdo Ferreira, Direc- •1980-81: Al Sadd SC Al Kharaitiyat ...1 Al Duhail ...... 0 The game was very much a tor of Football Mohamed •1981-82: Al Rayyan SC Al Khor ...... 0 Al Gharafa...... 0 low-key aff air, with Kharaitiyat Ghanem al-Ali, captain •1982-83: Al Arabi SC Al Sadd ...... 7 Al Ahli ...... 2 looking to starve a nervous Du- Xavi and Hassan al- •1983-84: Al Rayyan SC Qatar SC ...... 1 Al Arabi ...... 2 hail of their favourite possession- Haydous with the Falcon •1984-85: Al Arabi SC Al Rayyan ...... 2 Al Sailiya ...... 2 based football and thus off ering a Shield. PICTURES: •1985-86: Al Rayyan SC Umm Salal ...... 2 Al Shahaniya .....5 chance to the home team to sneak Noushad Thekkayil •1986-87: Al Sadd SC a surprise victory. •1987-88: Al Sadd SC •1988-89: Al Sadd SC •1989-90: Al Rayyan SC •1990-91: Al Arabi SC •1991-92: Al Ittihad •1992-93: Al Arabi SC •1993-94: Al Arabi SC •1994-95: Al Rayyan SC •1995-96: Al Arabi SC •1996-97: Al Arabi SC •1997-98: Al Ittihad •1998-99: Al Wakrah SC •1999-2000: Al-Sadd SC •2000-01: Al Wakrah SC •2001-02: Al Ittihad •2002-03: Qatar SC •2003-04: Al Sadd SC •2004-05: Al Gharafa SC •2005-06: Al Sadd SC •2006-07: Al Sadd SC •2007-08: Al Gharafa SC •2008-09: Al Gharafa SC •2009-10: Al Gharafa SC •2010-11: Lekhwiya SC •2011-12: Lekhwiya SC •2012-13: Al Sadd SC •2013-14: Lekhwiya SC •2014-15: Lekhwiya SC •2015-16: Al Rayyan SC •2016-17: Lekhwiya SC Baghdad Bounedjah, Al Sadd’s star player with 39 goals in the QNB Stars League, celebrates his •2017-18: Al Duhail SC hat-trick against Al Ahli yesterday. •2018-2019: Al Sadd SC Gulf Times 2 Friday, April 5, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar’s Mohamed al-Meer wins T2 title Aries donates world record spikes to IAAF SA’s 2012 London Ol- ympic Games 110m hurdles champion Ar- ies Merritt has become Uthe latest star athlete to give his support to the IAAF Heritage World Athletics Championships Exhibition which opens in Doha, Qatar on April 18. Merritt, the fastest man ever over the sprint hurdles, has generously donated to the IAAF Heritage Collection the pair of spikes (running shoes) which he wore when fl ying to the current 110m hurdles world record of 12.80 seconds in the IAAF Dia- mond League meeting in Brus- sels on 7 September 2012. The spikes will be on public display in the IAAF Heritage Ex- hibition in the City Center Doha shopping mall for six months leading into and through the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 (27 Sept to 6 Oct). In a special ceremony on the evening on April 18, IAAF Presi- Qatari driver Mohamed al-Meer won the T2 production class title at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge dent Sebastian Coe together yesterday. Al-Meer cruised to victory in Nissan Patrol with a huge winning margin over Latvian Aldis with Dahlan al-Hamad, IAAF will offi cially open the world’s knew I had to become involved attract the attention of sports Vilcans in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Stephane Peterhansel cruised to his sixth cars victory while Sam Vice President and Director largest ever display of athletics and help promote track and fans and the preservation of the Sunderland surged to his second bikes title in three years. Adding to his status as the world’s most General of the IAAF World Ath- artefacts and memorabilia. fi eld,” Merritt said. shoes will assist the telling of successful cross country rally competitor, Peterhansel claimed another distinction as he combined letics Championships Doha 2019 “When I heard about the IAAF “I hope that the display of my tracks’ incredible story to future with wife Andrea to become the first married couple to win an FIA World Cup rally. Local Organising Committee, Heritage project, I immediately world record spikes in Doha will generations.”

FOCUS EQUESTRIAN Asian U-21 Dressage Championship at Johnson spreads QEF from today

By Sports Reporter Dressage, the highest ex- Doha pression of horse training, is considered the most artistic of the equestrian sports and he Asian U-21 FEI can be traced as far back as message of hope to Dressage Champion- ancient Greece. The horse has ship will be held today to perform at a walk, trot and and tomorrow at the canter, and all tests are ridden TQatar Equestrian Federation’s from memory and a prescribed (QEF) outdoor arena. The two- pattern of movements. The day event will see some of Asia’s only exception is the Freestyle. promising riders and horses in which is specially choreo- action. The vet check for the graphed for each horse and is stroke survivors horses was held yesterday. performed to music. The championship has at- Today, the championship ‘Fortunately I was able to sort of get back into my Olympic mindset and really set my mind to the tracted 22 riders from Singa- will kick off with Test Level pore, India, Malaysia, China, for both Round 1 and Round challenge of getting up and walking again and getting back the mobility that I previously had’ Chinese Taipei, Thailand, In- 2: FEI World Dressage Chal- donesia and Malaysia, besides lenge Senior 1 Test (FEI In- Qatar. The qualifi ers for the dividual Competition Test championship were held Indo- Children). A separate draw for nesia last October. each round will be held to de- The organising committee cide athletes’ starting order of the championship, the QEF, in each round. will hold the event under the The fi nal competition will supervision of the Asian Eques- be a two round competition trian Federation (AEF) of which with diff erent horses provided Qatar’s Hamad bin Abdul Rah- by the organising committee in man al-Attiyah is the president. each round. The classifi cation Al-Attiyah was re-elected as for the Final Competition will the AEF chief recently and un- be decided by adding together der him equestrian has achieved the percentage scores attained remarkable developments in the in Round 1 and Round 2. Asian continent. Draw of starting order and Badr al-Darwish, General horses will be done today. Secretary of both AEF and Dressage Test ride and Round QEF, said that all preparations 1 Competition will begin at were in place to host the tour- 10am today and last till 4pm. nament. Al-Darwish said three Tomorrow Dressage Test ride Qatari riders will be participat- and Round 2 will be held from ing in the event. 9am onwards.

A horse is going through Vet check on the eve of the Asian U-21 FEI Dressage Championship at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena.

Japan bans coach for bullying athletes

The Japan Fencing Asso- Gorbachuk had struck ath- Retired US athlete and Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson (centre) attends a promotional event ahead of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament. (AFP) ciation said yesterday it has letes during the event. banned Ukrainian coach “Following the event on the AFP ity work helped put his plight in about... how to get yourself back some sort of event like a stroke leading the standings for the fi rst Alexander Gorbachuk from 2nd March, in Buenos Aires Hong Kong perspective. “Fortunately I was to quality of life after an event makes you re-evaluate. I think time and eyeing the prospect of all fencing activities for one in Argentina... we provision- able to sort of get back into my like that.” about the work that I’ve been a maiden victory in the fl agship month after he was found to ally have decided to suspend Olympic mindset and really set privileged to do in the 17 years Hong Kong tournament, after have bullied athletes during the coach who has been S sprint champion my mind to the challenge of get- ‘A STROKE MAKES YOU since I retired up until I had a surge of funding for the sport the Epee World Cup in Bue- observed bullying for a Michael Johnson said ting up and walking again and RE-EVALUATE’ my stroke, that’s rewarding back home following its Olym- nos Aires last month. month,” the association said he hoped to inspire getting back the mobility that I Since hanging up his boots after enough,” he said. pics debut at Rio 2016. The association said it in a statement on its website fellow suff erers as he previously had,” he told AFP in winning 400m gold at the 2000 “I recognise the privilege that “It’s really been gaining a lot had also banned former yesterday. Udeclared himself fully recovered Hong Kong. Sydney Olympics, Johnson has I have to be able to do that work of awareness over the last several European team champion “He is also banned from ac- from a stroke that paralysed him “I was fortunate to have an been an ambassador for Laureus and the impact that we’re making years, certainly being an Olym- Gorbachuk, who has been companying to any competi- down one side last year. athletic background that al- Sport for Good, a charity fund- all along, and the sort of satisfac- pic sport in 2016 was fantastic to preparing the men’s epee tion for six months. Johnson told AFP he was now lowed me to really be able to ing junior sports development tion I had with life leading up to see,” Johnson said. team for the Tokyo 2020 “This suspension period “back to normal” after the stroke commit the type of focus that it programmes for underprivileged the stroke that allowed me to not “It’s very exciting. It’s very Olympics, from accompany- started on the 23rd March in September which left the takes to do that work every day, communities. The sprinter said be as aff ected by the stroke.” quick, which I like. ing athletes to competitions 2019. We aim to eradicate all former 200m and 400m world- and the patience as well to suff er the nearly two decades of phil- Johnson is in Hong Kong for “Rugby has never been a really for six months. bullying and we will treat this record holder unable to walk. through those minute, marginal anthropic work had allowed him this week’s rugby sevens tourna- big sport in America but I think He will now miss the Fencing accordingly.” The 51-year-old said the “Ol- improvements. to come to terms with having ment, which has adopted Lau- that with the Sevens, it really has World Championships in July Japan won their country’s ympic mindset” that took him to “I’m fortunate to be back to a stroke, and take the gruelling reus as its offi cial charity part- started to pick up. We’re seeing in Budapest. first team epee World Cup in four Games golds had aided his normal now and just to spread months of rehabilitation in stride. ner. With four fi xtures left in this more young kids picking it up Kyodo News reported that Argentina. recovery, while his years of char- the message to other people “It’s sort of cliche to say that year’s series, the US Eagles are and it’s really exciting to see.” Gulf Times Friday, April 5, 2019 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT IPL In-form Hyderabad beat lacklustre Neesham wanted to Delhi by 5 wickets

IANS Afghanistan spinners. Prithvi New Delhi Shaw looked to start aggres- sively as he hit Bhuvneshwar for a boundary off the rstfi onny Bairstow started ball of the match. But the SRH retire, but now he’s from where had he left skipper had the last laugh as he against Royal Challeng- sent Shaw’s (11) stumps for a ers Bangalore as he hit walk in the third over of the DC aJ whirlwind 28-ball 48 to set innings. the runchase for Sunrisers Hy- After that it was all about derabad (SRH) in their Indian spinning a web around the DC Premier League clash against batsmen as Nabi (opening the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Feroz bowling with Bhuvneshwar) off to World Cup Shah Kotla yesterday. sent back Shikhar Dhawan Chasing 129, SRH won by (12). The struggle of the Delhi ‘When I was the most driven, I played my worst. Trying too hard doesn’t seem to 5 wickets with nine balls to batsmen was refl ected on the spare. The start from the open- scoreboard as they managed help as a cricketer. Once I got over those feelings and began to enjoy myself again’ ing pair of Bairstow and David just 36 runs for the loss of two Warner set the platform for the wickets in the Powerplay. Reuters rest of the batting. Star batsman Rishabh Pant Wellington Looking to hit everything (5) fell while trying to up the out of sight, Bairstow put SRH ante as Deepak Hooda picked ess than 18 months ago, off to a fl yer as they reached up a smart catch at long-off off New Zealand all-rounder 62/0 in the fi rst six overs. Nabi with the scoreboard read- Jimmy Neesham had Even though SRH lost ing 52/3. Skipper Shreyas Iyer become so disaff ected 05 -04 -2019 Bairstow and Warner (10) did try to wage a battle, but he Lwith cricket he would open the in quick succession, Vijay didn’t fi nd much support from curtains on match day and hope Shankar and Manish Pandey the other end. it was raining. settled down to ensure that the Iyer (43 off 41 balls) was fi - A timely chat with Heath scoreboard kept ticking. nally cleaned up by Rashid as Mills, the head of the New Zea- However, Pandey (10) and the leg-spinner was fi nally land players’ union, however, Shankar (16) too fell in quick rewarded with a wicket for ended his thoughts about retire- succession to once again raise his quality eff ort. All-rounder ment and ultimately propelled the hopes of the Delhi players. Chris Morris tried to wield the him back into the national side However, it was too late in the long handle, but could only and then on Wednesday into the day as Mohamed Nabi (17*) and manage 17 off 15 balls as DC country’s World Cup squad. Yusuf Pathan (9*) took SRH scored 24 runs off the last two “Opening the shades and hop- home. Nabi fi nished things off overs with Axar Patel fi nishing ing it was raining is not the ideal in style with a six over third with a six off the final delivery. way to begin a day of cricket,” man. Neesham told reporters yester- Earlier, visiting skipper BRIEF SCORES day, the day after he was named Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the Delhi Capitals: 129/8 in 20 in the squad for the May 30-July toss and put DC in. The SRH overs (Shreyas Iyer 43, Axar 14 tournament in England. “I bowlers started well, stifl ing Patel 23 not out; Moham- think I needed to just have a full the home team batsmen on a mad Nabi 2/21, Bhuvneshwar overhaul in the way I was ap- wicket which wore a typical Kumar 2/27) lost to Sunrisers proaching the game. low and slow look. Hyderabad: 131/5 in 18.3 overs “I actually called Heath Mills Mohamed Nabi (2/21) and (Jonny Bairstow 48, Moham- 18 months ago and told him I was Rashid Khan (1/18) made full mad Nabi 17 not out; Rahul going to retire. He convinced me use of the conditions as the DC Tewatia 1/10, Axar Patel 1/18) to take a little break. batsmen failed to read the two by 5 wickets. “Luckily I took his advice... and obviously since then it’s been on the up and up.” With his ability to bat in the top order and bowl fast-me- dium pace, Neesham was once considered to be the answer to New Zealand’s search for an all-rounder when he made the side in late 2012. The early stages of his career were ham- South Africa close to knowing World Cup squad but doubts remain pered by injury, however, and in 2017 a decline with the ball saw South Africa coach Ottis Gibson knows the him dropped from the national players he wants to travel to England for the side. The following year he was Cricket World Cup, but injuries and loss of removed from the central con- form have complicated his 15-man selection. tracts list, with the message South Africa, who are due to name their Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Johny Bairstow (right) plays a shot during from selector Gavin Larsen that squad on April 18, have not lost a 50-over the IPL match against Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla he needed to “demand our at- series in the last 12 months, winning home cricket stadium in New Delhi yesterday. (AFP) tention again”. and away against Sri Lanka, in Australia, and The power-hitting left-hand- at home to Pakistan and Zimbabwe. er tried to respond by push- Captain Faf du Plessis has previously ing himself to score more runs, described what they see as their blueprint Tight Ashes schedule will force but only piled more pressure on for success - six specialist batsmen, an all- bowling rotation: Hazlewood himself. “I wanted to dominate rounder at number seven, three fast bowlers and score hundreds every game and a spinner. Australian pace spear- Hazlewood, who has been and once that starts going in a The bowling lineup picks itself with Imran head Josh Hazlewood sidelined since January with downward spiral and you’re not Tahir providing his controlled leg-spin, and a has foreshadowed bowler a back injury but is confident going well, you put more pres- seam attack of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, rotations during this year’s of being fit for the World Cup, sure on yourself,” he said. and one of veteran Dale Steyn or newcomer Ashes series, saying the tight admitted a long period of “When I was the most driven, Anrich Nortje. schedule will make it “near short-format Cricket leading I played my worst. Trying too Ngidi (side strain) and Nortje (shoulder) are impossible” for the top quicks up the five-day Ashes Tests hard doesn’t seem to help as a currently out with injuries though, missing South Africa’s captain Faf du Plessis (right) with coach Ottis Gibson. to play every Test. The team was not ideal. cricketer. the Indian Premier League, and both have a will face Joe Root’s England But he said it would at least “Once I got over those feelings history of breaking down in the recent past. stalwart at the top of the order for the last There are also questions over the number in five Tests in less than seven ensure the team was playing and began to enjoy myself again “I’ve had 15 (players in mind) for a while now, decade, but his form in all formats has been three position, with the same duo also in weeks, immediately after the at the highest level. then that’s when things started but we’ve got to sit with fingers crossed,” called into question in the past year. In ODI contention for that along with the inexperi- one-day World Cup. “I think we’ve got one four- to get better.” Gibson recently told reporters. cricket he has managed a single century in enced, but in-form, Rassie van der Dussen. Hazlewood said the workload day game between those Part of that process involved “We’ve asked the guys who have gone off (to his previous 16 innings, dating back to the Dussen made his debut less than three meant the chances of himself, two tournaments (World leaving Otago, where he had the IPL) to make sure that they still remem- start of 2018, at an average of 35.26. months ago but could be asked to play a piv- Mitchell Starc and Pat Cum- Cup and Ashes) and a couple spent seven years, and move ber what the biggest picture is with regards Counting in his favour though is an impres- otal role in one of the key batting positions mins playing every Test was of training sessions,” said to Wellington where coach to the Proteas setup. “We have a camp on sive average of 63.44 in England. in the lineup. JP Duminy, who provides a sec- slim. Hazlewood. Bruce Edgar, captain Michael May 12, and we want to make sure that there Those who have been given a run of games ond spin option as well as being a frontline “The last four Tests are back- “It’s going to be a pretty quick Bracewell and former New Zea- are no niggling injuries. We don’t want to be to contest his opening spot, Reeza Hendricks batsman, is undergoing strength training on to-back,” Hazlewood told turnaround.” land pace bowler Hamish Ben- taking injuries into a World Cup, so hopefully and Aiden Markram, have not grasped their a troublesome shoulder. Cricket Australia’s The Un- Hazlewood played in the first nett all helped him regain his that will take care of itself.” opportunities despite hugely impressive South Africa open their World Cup against playable Podcast yesterday. four Tests during the Ashes confi dence. Opening batsman Hashim Amla has been a domestic form. England at The Oval on May 30. “I think it’s going to be near in England in 2015 before an Since being recalled to the impossible for any quicks to injury forced him out of the national side in January, the comeback and scored 204 runs to convince selectors he should got back to scoring runs and tak- months together,” he added. play all five with it being such fifth. The first Test starts at 28-year-old has played eight at an average of 68, while tak- be on the plane for England. “It ing wickets I knew I wasn’t too “But to get the call, it’s pretty a tight schedule.” Edgbaston on August 1. one-day internationals in his ing 10 wickets at 22.90, enough was a long road back, but once I far away if I put a good couple of surreal.”

FOCUS Buttler calls for clarity aft er ‘Mankad’ dismissal AFP for him to step forward before whipping get some runs in the win and get back London off the bails. to thinking about batting and not wor- “At the time, I was really disap- rying about how I back up at the non- pointed with it. I didn’t like the style of striker’s end.” os Buttler has broken his silence it,” Buttler told Britain’s Daily Mirror “I think if you look at the footage, after falling victim to a contro- newspaper. probably the wrong decision was made versial ‘Mankad’ dismissal in the The hard-hitting batsman was also because at the time he was expected to Indian Premier League, calling a victim of the unusual dismissal at the release the ball I was in my crease,” he forJ clarity in the laws of the game. hands of Sri Lanka’s Sachithra Senan- added. The England batsman, playing for ayake while playing for England at Edg- Buttler told ESPNcricinfo: “Of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, was run out baston in 2014. course, a ‘Mankading’ has to be in the for 69 on March 25 by Kings XI Punjab The 28-year-old was dismissed for laws of the game, because a batsman skipper Ravichandran Ashwin as he scores of just fi ve and six in his sub- can’t just run halfway down the pitch backed up. The method of dismissal, sequent two matches but returned to trying to get a headstart.” named after former India player Vinoo form on Tuesday against Royal Chal- “But I do think, the way the law is Mankad, is legal but is seen by many as lengers Bangalore, smashing 59 runs off written, there is a bit of a grey area in Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler going against the game’s values, unless 43 balls. that saying ‘when a bowler is expect- plays a shot during the Indian Premier the batsman has been warned fi rst. “What was more disappointing is ed to release the ball’. That is a bit of a League match against Royal Challengers The incident was particularly con- that suddenly over the next two games wishy-washy statement.” Bangalore at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium tentious as Buttler was still in his crease I found myself being really conscious Cricket’s lawmakers, the MCC, have in Jaipur on Tuesday. (AFP) when Ashwin arrived, only for the of it and it is quite distracting,” But- previously said the incident was “not bowler to pull out of his action and wait tler said. “That is why it was nice to within the spirit of the game”. Gulf Times 4 Friday, April 5, 2019 SPORT

GOLF TENNIS Sevastova stunned, seeds struggle at Park ready to sink Charleston Open

Reuters Caroline Wozniacki, seeded Los Angeles fi fth, had little trouble with Lau- ra Siegemund, beating the Ger- man 6-2, 6-2 in just under 90 ourth seed Anastasija minutes. or swim at ANA Sevastova was stunned by “Today, I played a pretty de- world No 81 Jessica Pegula cent match and I’m ready for to- 6-4, 6-2 in the second morrow again,” said 2011 cham- Fround of the Charleston Open on pion Wozniacki, who will next Wednesday as several seeds strug- face 12th seed Mihaela Buzar- 25-year-old South Korean is gled in South Carolina. nescu. Sixth seed Elise Mertens fell “Obviously the clay season you chasing her third major to Kaia Kanepi 0-6, 6-0, 7-5 and have the main goal, and that’s the Inspiration seventh seed Julia Goerges lost to French Open, and that’s what I American Taylor Townsend 6-4, try and peak for, and we’ll see AFP 7-6 (0). how it goes along the way.” Rancho Mirage, United States Pegula broke the Latvian fi ve Third seed Aryna Sabalenka times en route to an unlikely vic- narrowly escaped an upset, tory. “Super special, because I’m coming from a set down to ark Sung-hyun believes from the area,” Pegula told the beat Kateryna Kozlova 3-6, her world number one Post and Courier. 6-3, 6-3. ranking has left her in “I had a good feeling this week. American eigth seed Madison a more relaxed state of I kind of went in knowing that I Keys had to fi ght back from 4-3 Pmind as she prepares to tackle feel comfortable here, I feel good. down in the fi nal set to defeat the fi rst women’s major cham- I was just trying to ride that mo- Germany’s Tatjana Maria 7-6 (5), pionship of 2019 at the ANA In- mentum.” 4-6, 6-4. spiration in California. The 25-year-old South Ko- rean heads into this week’s tour- nament, which was scheduled to begin later yesterday at the Mis- sion Hills Country Club in Ran- cho Mirage, chasing the third major of her career following wins at the 2017 US Open and 2018 PGA Championship. A victory at last month’s HSBC Women’s World Champi- onship in Singapore and a share of second place at last weekend’s Kia Classic indicate Park is per- fectly poised to add to her major collection at this week’s show- piece in the California desert. However Park insists she is not feeling the pressure heading Seventh seed Julia Goerges of Germany lost to American Taylor into a tournament where she has Townsend (not pictured) in straight sets at WTA Charleston Open. posted two top-10 fi nishes in her three previous appearances. Park attributed her mindset in RUGBY part to her position on top of the rankings, which she has led for the past fi ve weeks. Park Sung-hyun of South Korea hits off the 5th tee during a pro-am prior to the ANA Inspiration on the Dinah Shore course at Mission Hills “Before I made number one in Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, on Wednesday. (AFP) Meals and boots: the world I did feel a lot of pres- sure,” Park said. SINK OR SWIM? number two Ariya Jutanugarn tory of her professional career at when you feel that way. “At the beginning of this year A victory on Sunday afternoon from Thailand, who claimed her last year’s tournament, but has “I’ve done some really good Zimbabwe get I played a lot more freely...so would leave Park ready to take second career major at the US not had a win since. work with my team the last few just being able to maintain that the now traditional leap into Pop- Open. The 32-year-old admitted weeks, and I’m very much back level of freedom, just feeling pie’s Pond, the relatively shal- Ariya has two top-10 fi nishes she had struggled to cope with to feeling very similar to how I helping hand at more comfortable out there,” low ater hazard surrounding the at Mission Hills, where she in- her new-found fame following felt coming into this week last she added. 18th green. “I don’t know how to famously blew a two-shot lead her maiden major win, but has year.” Park led at the halfway stage swim, and so if the level is deep with three holes to play in the gradually rediscovered the peace Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, mean- Hong Kong Sevens of last year’s ANA Inspiration, then I might drown,” Park joked. fi nal round of the 2016 tourna- of mind that helped her win a while, starts the tournament which was eventually won by The fi ercely competitive na- ment before losing to Lydia Ko. nervy playoff 12 months ago. brimming with confi dence after AFP It’s a familiar story for Zimba- Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg. ture of the women’s professional The 2018 ANA Inspiration “I had a lot more requests and her win in last weekend’s Kia Hong Kong bwe, who turned up with no kit The experience left Park de- circuit makes it likely that Park champion, Lindberg, is aiming opportunities coming my way Classic in Carlsbad. in 2015 and came within a heart- termined to go one better this will have to deliver a fl awless to become the fi rst woman since after my win,” Lindberg said. The 20-year-old enjoyed a beat of winning the qualifying year. display this weekend to prevail. fellow Swede Annika Sorenstam “I embraced it all, took ad- breakthrough season last year, imbabwe are hoping to tournament, losing narrowly to “The ANA Inspiration is a Last year, the fi ve majors in to successfully defend the title. vantage of all the great opportu- winning two titles on the LPGA snap up a berth on the Russia in the fi nal. major that I’ve targeted as a women’s golf all had diff erent nities, but it probably make me tour and suff ering a defeat in a World Rugby Sevens Se- “We always fi nd a visit to Hong tournament that I would like to winners. STRUGGLE WITH SUCCESS just higher stress level inside. playoff to Park Sung-hyun in the ries this week in Hong Kong a very interesting one and it’s win,” said Park. Those winners included world Lindberg claimed the fi rst vic- It’s hard to play your best golf women’s PGA Championship. ZKong — with a little help from always a helpful one in that we get their friends. welcomed by the Hong Kong com- The Cheetahs may be the Af- munity,” Zimbabwe coach Gilbert rican champions, but they have Nyamutsamba said. Kupcho shares lead at inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur arrived for the qualifying tour- “They do lots of charity work nament lacking basic amenities for us, they raise funds for us so AFP time for a trophy at Augusta called a “perfect” day. greens. I think that is the first women the chance to dream of and funding from their economi- that we can also be able to get ex- Washington National on Saturday after the “It was very off icial,” Kupcho perfect round I’ve ever played,” competing at Augusta National cally collapsing country. tra kit, and a little something for field is winnowed from 72 to 30 said. “I walked up, everyone Kupcho said. “I was just playing that aspiring male golfers have Hong Kong rugby fans have the boys.” for the final round. was very quiet, like no talking really well.” nursed for decades. rallied round to fi ll the gap, rais- This year a group of supporters he world’s top-ranked It’s a landmark move for the to each other at all. I was like, Campos birdied the last tie In addition to the final round ing money for essentials like raised HK$45,000 ($5,800) to help amateur Jennifer Kupcho club that didn’t admit any ‘Oh, my gosh, this is crazy.” for the lead and said she was on Saturday, all 72 entrants meals and boots for the Zimba- cover the players’ expenses during Tand 16-year-old Zoe Cam- women members until 2012. With Augusta National and Mas- pleased with the chance to see will play a practice round at bwean players. the competition, held alongside pos shared the lead Wednesday On Wednesday, Kupcho and ters Tournament Chairman Fred where her game stacks up “at Augusta National on Friday. “Zimbabwe’s not doing well the famous Hong Kong Sevens. as the inaugural edition of the Campos led the field at Champi- Ridley in attendance, Kupcho the highest amateur level”. “This championship is fantastic economically and we’ve been “They’re blown away by the Augusta National Women’s ons Retreat Golf Club, venue for admitted she was “a little nerv- “It is a really good experience,” for women’s golf,” said Swedish struggling ever since. The big support,” said Andrew Tasker, Amateur teed off . the first two rounds. ous”. she said. 10-time major champion An- problem is getting money out who organised the fundraiser and The tournament, announced to US collegiate champion Kupcho It didn’t show as she hit Creation of the event has nika Sorenstam. “Young girls of Zimbabwe,” senior player owns sportswear company Impact great fanfare last year by organ- was first on the first tee at 9am, every green in regulation in her been hailed by women golfers are going to be energised and Tafadzwa Chitokwindo told AFP. Prowear, the team’s supplier. izers of the Masters, will see conquering her nerves to drill bogey-free four-under round. past and present as a way of motivated by seeing this event “The (Zimbabwe rugby) union Ahead of the tournament, the women compete for the first her drive and launch what she “No three-putts and hit all of the finally giving girls and young unfold for years to come.” cannot buy players tickets to fl y Cheetahs are excited about the in or fl y wherever they have to go. chance of a spot on next year’s So it’s always been a challenge to world series, but realise compe- get everyone in one place and to tition will be tough. SPOTLIGHT train as a team. “We’re obviously going to “Every time we have to meet at a take each game as it comes. We tournament and train together in- haven’t come here under the il- stead of meeting at home... so it’s lusion of just winning it easily,” Surf’s up! Barty to ride wave of success into clay season always been a big challenge so far.” said Nyamutsamba.

AFP Grand Slam of the year at Roland Sydney Garros next month. “Yes it’s open but I also feel Prosecutors toss assault case like it’s stronger than ever be- iami Open winner fore. It’s about who can execute against Patriots’ Bennett Ashleigh Barty is best on the day,” she said. confi dent she can “I think for me, I’m moving in AFP “do some damage” the right direction. I feel great, Los Angeles Min the upcoming clay season, and I feel like I’ve got an op- and has hooked up with seven- portunity to achieve some of my time world surfi ng champion dreams.” rosecutors in Texas on Stephanie Gilmore to gain inspi- She made the quarter-fi nals Wednesday dismissed ration. at the opening major of the sea- Pcharges against New The 22-year-old Austral- son at Melbourne Park and this England Patriots player ian cracked the world top 10 week spent time with fellow Michael Bennett after ruling this week with her victory over Australian Gilmore to learn from there was insuff icient evidence Czech fi fth seed Karolina Plisk- her incredible success. he had assaulted a wheelchair- ova in the Miami fi nal on Satur- Gilmore is also on the Gold bound security guard. day. Coast for the season-opening Bennett, 33, was accused of Bennett had denied the It was a breakthrough title World Surf League event. shoving the then 66-year-old charges while his lawyer Rusty for the former Wimbledon jun- “It’s an opportunity for me to woman as he attempted to get Hardin told reporters after a ior champion as she became the learn from other elite athletes, onto the field to celebrate with court hearing last year that fi rst Australian woman since and Steph in particular. What brother Martellus after the prosecutors would end up Sam Stosur in June 2013 to be she has been able to do for wom- 2017 Super Bowl in Houston. dropping the case. ranked inside the top 10. en’s sport in Australia is abso- He was indicted by a grand On Wednesday, Hardin’s Now back on home soil, her lutely phenomenal,” Barty said. jury on a felony charge of prediction came true as Harris focus is on this month’s Fed Cup “I think I have the game on late Wednesday. With the WTA Tour seeing an “To see how she handles her- injury to the elderly, a charge County District Attorney’s Of- semi-fi nal in Brisbane against clay to be able to do some dam- “This clay-court season in incredible 14 diff erent winners self and goes about it is the big- which carries a maximum pen- fice announced in a statement Belarus, although she is already age, I just have to continue to particular is an opportunity to from 14 events so far this season, gest thing. When you meet gen- alty of up to 10 years in prison the charges against Bennett thinking about the clay season learn how to use it properly,” she go out and learn more about my- Barty knows she has as good a uine people, authentic people, and a $10,000 fine. had been dismissed. leading up to the French Open. told reporters on the Gold Coast self on that surface.” chance as anyone at the second they absolutely rub off on you.” Gulf Times Friday, April 5, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Nuggets rout Spurs as Toews, Kane set career ‘Pop’ tossed, Rockets marks in Chicago win thump Clippers It was the 378th career victory Reuters New York for Miller, increasing his record for most by a US born goaltender Western Conference contenders Houston and Portland also won their games in NHL history. The Ducks im- aptain Jonathan Toews proved 39-9-6 all time against AFP scored his career-high the Flames in games played at Los Angeles 35th goal and also con- Anaheim. verted in the fi rst round Derek Ryan scored the only ofC a shootout as the host Chicago goal for Calgary, which already ikola Jokic was just one assist Blackhawks skated to a 4-3 vic- clinched the Pacifi c Division and shy of a triple-double Wednes- tory over the St. Louis Blues on the No. 1 seed in the Western day as he led the Denver Nug- Wednesday. Conference for the Stanley Cup gets to a 113-85 NBA blowout of Patrick Kane collected a goal playoff s and thus rested their Nthe San Antonio Spurs — who saw coach and an assist to set a career high top four defensemen — Mark Gregg Popovich tossed just 63 seconds of his own with 107 points. Ar- Giordano, TJ Brodie, Travis Ha- into the contest. tem Anisimov also tallied for the monic and Noah Hanifi n — for “Pop” called a timeout with the Spurs Blackhawks, who won four of the the second straight game, as well trailing 5-0 and promptly started jawing fi ve meetings in the season series as regulars Sean Monahan, Elias with a game offi cial who called him for a with the Blues. Lindholm and Sam Bennett. technical foul. Vladimir Tarasenko scored Popovich didn’t let up, and was hit his team-leading 32nd goal, and SENATORS 4, RANGERS 1 with a quick second technical and ejected David Perron also tallied for the Rookie Brady Tkachuk had a goal at 1:03 of the fi rst quarter, in what the third-place Blues, who are 7-1-2 with an assist to help visiting Elias Sports Bureau said was the quickest in their past 10 games and moved Senators beat New York and take ejection of a coach since Flip Saunders of within one point of front-run- the season series between two the Wizards was tossed 1:46 into a game ning Winnipeg and Nashville in teams that will miss the playoff s. at Boston in 2012. the Central Division. Bobby Ryan, Zack Smith and Popovich had some fun with it when he Kane’s team-leading 42nd Brian Gibbons also scored, and crashed Nuggets head coach Mike Malone’s goal allowed him to surpass his backup goalie Anders Nilsson post-game press conference, feigning sur- point total from his Hart Tro- made 27 saves for the Senators. prise at Malone’s report that “Somebody phy-winning campaign in 2015- Though Ottawa will fi nish with got thrown out in 63 seconds.” 16. Toews’ 35th goal eclipsed his the fewest points in the NHL, it Otherwise there wasn’t much for the previous career-high mark set has won six times in the past 10 Spurs to smile about as the Nuggets, sec- during the 2008-09 season. games. ond in the West behind the Golden State New York is 3-8-1 over the Warriors, dominated. DUCKS 3, FLAMES 1 past 12 games. Henrik Lundqvist Jokic scored 20 points, pulled down 11 Ryan Miller had 25 saves, and also stopped 27 shots while los- rebounds and handed out nine assists. Ryan Getzlaf scored a goal as host ing his sixth consecutive start. Jamal Murray fi nished with 14 points, Anaheim continued its home He remains one win shy of 450 11 assists and six rebounds and Mon- dominance of Calgary. for his career. te Morris and Malik Beasley scored 19 points apiece as the Nuggets snapped a two-game skid. “My favorite stat tonight is 41 assists,” Malone said. “You make 47 shots with 41 assists, that’s what we stressed today. “Everyone was worried about our shooting struggles, but as long as we’re generating good shots and playing for each other, that’s all we care about.” Western Conference contenders Hou- ston and Portland also won. The Rockets crushed the Los Ange- les Clippers 135-103 in what could have been a preview of a fi rst-round playoff matchup. James Harden and Chris Paul com- Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic (left) tries to pass to guard Jamal Murray as he battles for position against San Antonio Spurs bined for 60 points, making 19 of 34 guard Patty Mills (not visible) in the second quarter of the NBA game in Denver, Colorado, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) shots with 14 assists. Clint Capela added 24 points with 15 rebounds as the Rockets points to pace the Boston Celtics in a 112- tons, but the Pacers took full advantage of RESULTS stayed a half-game in front of the Trail 102 victory over Miami that saw the Heat the continued absence of Blake Griffi n to Blazers for third place. drop out of playoff position. seize the win. Houston 135-103 LA Clippers The Trail Blazers, heading for the play- Kyrie Irving added 23 points and Al The defeat left the Pistons in sixth place Minnesota 110-108 Dallas off s without Jusuf Nurkic after the star Horford chipped in 21 for the Celtics. in the East, heading a quartet of teams sep- Atlanta 130-122 Philadelphia center’s catastrophic leg injury earlier this “It was a tough one,” Hayward said of arated by just one game as they fi ght for the month, notched their 50th win of the sea- the Celtics’ second win over the Heat this three remaining playoff berths. Toronto 115-105 Brooklyn son, 116-89 over the Memphis Grizzlies. week. “It’s tough to beat a team twice in a The Brooklyn Nets’ hopes took a hit Boston 112-102 Miami with their 115-105 loss to the Toronto Evan Turner posted his second straight row like that, especially at home, they’re Utah 118-97 Phoenix triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds desperate,” Hayward said. Raptors. and 11 assists off the bench. Enes Kenter Boston remained in fourth place ahead The Orlando Magic, meanwhile, did Portland 116-89 Memphis scored 21 points and pulled down 15 re- of the Indiana Pacers, who beat the De- themselves a world of good with a 114-100 Denver 113-85 San Antonio bounds and Damian Lillard chipped in 20 troit Pistons 108-89. victory over the New York Knicks that saw Charlotte 115-109 New Orleans points and 10 assists for Portland, who It was the Pacers’ second win over the them leapfrog over Miami into eighth. have won 11 of their past 13. Pistons in three games. Piling the pressure on Miami, the 10th- Indiana 108-89 Detroit Andre Drummond scored 28 points, placed Charlotte Hornets also kept their Orlando 114-100 New York Jonathan Toews (foreground) of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates TIGHT RACES IN EAST pulled down 19 rebounds and had three slim hopes alive with a 115-109 win over Chicago 115-114 Washington his shootout goal against the St Louis Blues with teammates at the In the East, Gordon Hayward scored 25 steals and three blocked shots for the Pis- the New Orleans Pelicans. United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday. (AFP)

MLB Minnesota rally again to clip Kansas City 7-6

Bailey was added to the roster prior Reuters RESULTS New York to the game after starting spring train- ing as a non-roster invitee. The 12-year Milwaukee 1-0 Cincinnati MLB veteran — all with Cincinnati — Washington 9-8 Philadelphia he Minnesota Twins scored was 67-77 with a 4.56 ERA in 212 career three runs in the last two in- games coming into 2019. Colorado 1-0 Tampa Bay nings Wednesday to earn a To make room on the roster, the Roy- C White Sox 8-3 Cleveland 7-6 victory over the host Kan- als designated right-hander Chris El- Minnesota 7-6 Kansas City Tsas City Royals, their second straight lis for assignment. Ellis was signed as come-from-behind win. a Rule-5 selection from the St. Louis San Diego 4-1 Arizona Nelson Cruz led off the ninth with a Cardinals. Detroit 2-1 NY Yankees walk off Wily Peralta (0-1), the Royals’ Kyle Gibson got the start for the Toronto 5-3 Baltimore sixth pitcher of the day. Byron Buxton, Twins. He gave up six runs (fi ve earned) who didn’t start because of bruised ribs, in 4 2/3 innings. NY Mets 6-4 Miami pinch ran and stole second — his 30th The Royals got a run off Gibson in the St. Louis 5-4 Pittsburgh consecutive successful steal, dating back fi rst. Adalberto Mondesi lined a one- Atlanta 6-4 Chicago Cubs to 2018. Eddie Rosario then ripped a sin- out triple off the fence in left-centre gle into right, scoring Buxton. and scored on a single by Alex Gordon. Texas 4-0 Houston Trevor May (1-0) pitched 1 2/3 in- The Twins answered in the top of the Boston 6-3 Oakland nings for the win. Blake Parker faced second. Rosario led off with a double LA Dodgers 5-3 San Francisco one batter for his second save in as and scored on a single by Astudillo. many days. The Twins added two runs in the The Twins had tied the score in the fourth. Astudillo led off with a single. hitting streak to 25 games dating back eighth on a two-run single by Max Ke- Jake Cave followed with a walk. Garver to last season. He has hit safely in all pler, scoring Mitch Garver and Tyler short-hopped the wall in centre, driv- fi ve games this season. Mondesi beat Austin. ing in Astudillo, but Cave was thrown out an infi eld hit, and Gordon launched Willians Astudillo had three hits, two out at the plate. Garver advanced to a 411-foot home run to right centre. runs and an RBI for the Twins. Garver third on the throw and scored on a sac- Jorge Soler then reached on an error collected three hits, two runs and two rifi ce fl y by Ehire Adrianza. by shortstop Jorge Polanco. Soler went RBIs. The Royals unloaded on Gibson in to second on a hit by Ryan O’Hearn and Homer Bailey debuted for the Roy- the fi fth, all with two outs. Billy Ham- scored on a single by Chris Owings. als and pitched fi ve innings, giving up ilton drew a walk and stole his fi rst base Astudillo struck again with a double three runs on fi ve hits. He walked two as a Royal. Whit Merrifi eld then singled in the sixth. He scored on Garver’s sec- Kansas City Royals third baseman Hunter Dozier (left) is unable to make the catch as Minnesota Twins centre fielder Byron and struck out eight, all swinging. through the hole at short, extending his ond RBI hit of the game. Buxton steals second base during the MLB game in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Gulf Times 6 Friday, April 5, 2019 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA GERMAN CUP Ten-man Bayern survive cup scare Valencia infl ict fi rst in nine-goal thriller AFP anz Arena was silenced as Marc Berlin Schnatterer fi red Heidenheim in front. Mueller brought Bayern lev- obert Lewandowski el after half-time, turning in defeat on Zidane’s saved his team from a Lewandowski’s header with a humiliating German marvellous, swivelling fi nish. Cup exit as Bayern Mu- He then returned the favour nichR came from behind to beat three minutes later, setting up second-tier Heidenheim in a 5-4 Lewandowski to restore the lead thriller on Wednesday. Bayern for Bayern. were 2-1 down at half-time hav- Serge Gnabry added a fourth ing gone down to ten men early in for Bayern on 65 minutes, slot- new Real Madrid the game, and threw away a two- ting the ball in at the far post at goal lead in the second half. a corner. Yet Lewandowski’s late winner Yet Glatzel stunned Bayern ‘I am not going to criticise my players. They have tried and we played a good team’ ended a rollercoaster resistance again when he scored twice in from Heidenheim and sent Bay- three minutes to make it 4-4. AFP ern into the semi-fi nals. Having pulled a goal back on 74 Madrid “I don’t really know what to minutes, the Heidenheim striker think of this game,” said Bay- completed his hat-trick from the ern striker Thomas Mueller penalty spot. inedine Zidane dropped Gareth said. “After such a great start, It ended in disappointment Bale and endured his fi rst defeat it should have gone diff erently for Heidenheim, however, as a since returning to Real Madrid as for us. We didn’t play well, par- handball at the other end allowed his side were deservedly beaten ticularly after the red card, and it Lewandowski to score the win- Z2-1 by a resurgent Valencia on Wednes- doesn’t feel all that good.” ner with an 84th minute penalty. day night.The last time Zidane left Bale Everything seemed to be going Werder Bremen also reached the on the bench, the Welshman proved a according to script when Leon semi-fi nals after they eased to spectacular substitute against Liverpool Goretzka headed Bayern in front a 2-0 win over Schalke thanks in the Champions League fi nal 10 months from a corner on 12 minutes. to goals from Milot Rashica and ago but there was to be no rescue act at Yet the script went up in fl ames Davy Klaassen. Mestalla. when Bayern went down to ten Rashica’s dipping shot from Instead, Valencia surged to a convinc- men just minutes later. outside the area broke the dead- ing victory, Goncalo Guedes and Ezequiel Niklas Suele was initially lock just after the hour mark. Garay scoring in each half to leave Marce- booked for a challenge on Rob- Klaassen slotted in a second lino’s team within a point of La Liga’s ert Andrich, but a video review shortly afterwards to ensure top four. Karim Benzema headed in a late convinced the referee that Suele Werder’s place in the last four consolation in injury-time. “We lacked a had denied Andrich a goalscor- alongside Bayern, RB Leipzig and bit of spark up front,” Zidane said. “I am ing opportunity. The red card old rivals Hamburg. “We didn’t not going to criticise my players. They galvanised Heidenheim and they play very well today but we had have tried and we played a good team. But forced several chances before the quality to win anyway and losing always hurts.” Robert Glatzel headed in the we are very happy to be in the After a miserable start to the season, equaliser just before the half- semis,” Bremen captain said. The Valencia could yet enjoy a barnstorming hour mark. semi-fi nal draw will take place fi nish. Champions League qualifi cation Ten minutes later, the Alli- on Sunday. is now within touching distance while a Copa del Rey fi nal against Barcelona and Europa League last 16 tie against Villar- real still await. “The game played out how we hoped,” said Marcelino. “It was a complete performance.” For Zidane, after two opening victo- ries, this was perhaps something of a re- ality check, even if Madrid’s reappointed coach has insisted he is under no illusions regarding the task ahead. They now trail leaders Barcelona by 13 points, the exact same margin they were behind the Cata- lans under Zidane at this stage last sea- son. This was reminiscent too of the limp displays that have undone Madrid in Valencia’s Ezequiel Garay (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Real Madrid during the La Liga match. (AFP) recent months, blunt in the fi nal third, overly-generous in defence and bereft of took 35 minutes for them to score. Navas a sumptous pass to the far post, but it was SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS either snap or spark in midfi eld. Bale had punched a corner to the edge of the box cleared away from the waiting Benzema. Athletic Bilbao 3 (Berchiche 5, Aitor 27-og, started each of Zidane’s fi rst two games, where Guedes bounced the ball off Carlos Valencia should have wrapped it up with Muniain 90+3-pen) Levante 2 (Roger off ering hope there might yet be a future Soler, stopped it and curled between the 15 minutes left as fi ve sprawled forward 51-pen, Cabaco 89); Eibar 2 (Charles 64, for him in the new era, but his relegation goalkeeper’s right hand and the near post. on the break but Rodrigo miscontrolled Pedro Leon 74) Rayo Vallecano 1 (Pozo to the bench suggests the Frenchman’s Valencia unleashed a series of eff orts while his cutback was fl icked by Soler, 40); SD Huesca 3 (Gallego 63, Avila 71, old doubts may linger. in search of a second. Kevin Gameiro harmlessly into the hands of Navas. Pulido 73) Celta Vigo 3 (Mendez 14, Aspas Zidane’s press conference on Tuesday headed wide, Geoff rey Kondogbia half- If Madrid were more threatening they 57, Boudebouz 81); Valencia 2 (Guedes 35, had been littered with questions about volleyed over and Rodrigo’s bending shot might have capitalised but there was no Garay 83) Real Madrid 1 (Benzema 90+3) players’ futures but Raphael Varane and whistled inches past the post. Madrid had counter and instead victory was secured Played Tuesday: Atletico Madrid 2 (Godin Marcelo both started in defence, as did barely featured as Bale came on for Marco when Garay headed in Parejo’s cross with 76, Griezmann 90+4) Girona 0; Espanyol 1 Keylor Navas, restored in goal ahead Asensio in the 64th minute, along with seven minutes left. Sergio Ramos had a (Iglesias 56) Getafe 1 (Angel 72); Villarreal of Zidane’s son Luca and the injured Isco, who replaced the quiet Toni Kroos. late penalty taken off him, ruled out by 4 (Chukwueze 23, Toko Ekambi 50, Iborra Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (left) celebrates with Thibaut Courtois. Bale might have had an equaliser VAR, before Benzema nodded in a conso- 62, Bacca 80) Barcelona 4 (Coutinho 12, teammate Joshua Kimmich after scoring the winners against Valencia were far superior in the fi rst shortly after had it not been for Dani lation in added time. It was too little too Malcom 16, Messi 90, Suarez 90+3) Heidenheim in the German Cup quarter-final at the Alianz Arena, in half and the only surprise was that it Parejo’s sliding block and then the he sent late. Munich on Wednesday night. (Reuters)

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP ROUND-UP Thrown fi recracker Mandzukic extends Juventus contract to 2021 orward Mario Mandzukic Mauro Martin, both already serving mires Celtic march has extended his contract with stadium bans. The bans do not apply to Juventus until 2021, the Italian matches outside Argentina. champions confi rmed yesterday. to eighth straight title FThe 32-year-old arrived from Atletico LIVERPOOL TOP £261MN PREMIER Madrid in 2015 and has scored 43 goals LEAGUE SPLURGE ON AGENTS AFP motivation for anyone to bring a in 159 appearances for the runaway Serie Liverpool spent £44mn on agents’ fees Glasgow fl ashbang or pyrotechnic into a A leaders, in addition to delivering 19 over the past two transfer windows as stadium. The health and safety assists. This season he has scored nine overall payments to intermediaries by of the players and offi cials is par- goals in all competitions, including the Premier League clubs increased 25% to eltic took another step amount. It didn’t just spook the winner against Valencia that qualifi ed £261mn. For the second consecutive sea- closer to an eighth St Mirren keeper but some of our Juventus for the Champions League son, Liverpool led the way after the fees straight Scottish Pre- players too.” last 16, but has not found the net since involved big-money moves for Alisson miership title on Celtic’s Scott Sinclair had a December 22. Becker, Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Wednesday,C but a 2-0 victory glass bottle thrown at him in a Since Mandzukic’s move to Italy he Shaqiri. Chelsea (£27mn), Manchester over St Mirren was overshad- 2-0 win Scottish Cup win at Hi- has won three consecutive league and City (£24mn) and Manchester United owed by the throwing of a fi re- bernian last month, while Rang- cup doubles, and is poised for his fourth (£21mn) completed the top four. The fi g- cracker by the travelling support ers captain James Tavernier was ‘Scudetto’ as Juve close in on their eighth ures released by the Football Association which left the hosts’ goalkeeper also confronted by a Hibs fan in in a row. Massimiliano Allegri’s side come just a day before Premier League needing treatment for a suspect- February. And St Mirren boss could win the league title with seven clubs are set to meet to discuss ways to ed burst eardrum. Oran Kearney admitted he had games to spare — which would be the bring down the amount they spend on Timothy Weah headed in the been tempted to take his players earliest any team has ever sealed Serie middlemen. Including the lower leagues, opener after 14 minutes before off the fi eld. “It is crazy to think A — this weekend if they beat AC Milan everyone for the support. “Appreciate The country’s politicians have been the overall spending on agents in English Buddies goalkeeper Vaclav Hlad- we might have had to use an out- and nearest challengers Napoli lose at everyone standing behind me. WE ARE wrestling with the problem of football football rose £60mn to £318mn. ky saved an Olivier Ntcham pen- fi eld player in goal,” said Kearney. home to Genoa. They travel to Ajax in the ALL EQUAL.#SayNoToRacism.” hooligans, or barrabravas, for years. alty. The visitors did not seal the “It is mad to think of how that Champions League quarter-fi nals next Leicestershire Police said no offi cial The issue attracted international at- BELGIUM TOP FIFA RANKINGS points until fi ve minutes from possibly could have ended up. week as they target European glory for complaint had been made to them about tention last November when the second BUT ENGLAND ON THE RISE time when Ryan Christie’s strike “You are tempted to walk your the fi rst time since 1996. the incident. A number of racist inci- leg of the all-Argentine Copa Liber- Belgium hold on to top spot in the latest maintained Celtic’s 13-point team off the pitch.” dents of late at the top level of European tadores fi nal was cancelled after River FIFA world football rankings released lead at the top of the table with Rangers increased their grip AMATEUR CUP FINAL ABANDONED football has seen rising calls for games to Plate fans attacked the Boca team bus. yesterday while England are on the rise, just six games remaining. on second place by bouncing DUE TO RACIST ABUSE be halted when such abuse takes place. Salvemos, an Argentine group founded to snatching fourth place from World Cup However, another good night back from Sunday’s 2-1 defeat An English amateur cup fi nal was aban- England players were targeted during fi ght violence in football, lists 10 football fi nalists Croatia. The top three positions on the fi eld for Neil Lennon’s to Celtic with a comprehensive doned 12 minutes before the end of the a recent 5-1 win in Montenegro, while related deaths in 2018 and 143 in the last are unchanged with World Cup winners men was overshadowed by an- 3-0 victory over Hearts at Ibrox. match on Wednesday after alleged racist Juventus teenager Moise Kean took a 20 years. France in second spot ahead of Brazil, in other incident of crowd trouble Jermain Defoe, deputising for the remarks from the crowd. The Saturday stand against racist abuse after scoring Away fans have been banned at third. England move up one place on the in Scottish football as the fi re- suspended Alfredo Morelos after Vase Final between FC Wymeswold against Cagliari on Tuesday. “The best matches in the Argentine Superliga since strength of convincing Euro 2020 quali- cracker was thrown onto the his fi fth red card of the season at and Cosby United, watched by around way to respond to racism,” Kean posted 2013, and though the ban was relaxed last fi er wins against the Czech Republic and pitch after Christie’s goal. the weekend, opened the scoring 200 people, is being investigated by the on Instagram. August, it still applies to fans of the fi ve Montenegro last month while Croatia, Hladky had to be treated for and Connor Goldson put Rangers Leicestershire and Rutland County FA, biggest clubs. A bill intended to increase who reached the 2018 World Cup fi nal a suspected burst eardrum and two ahead inside 21 minutes. who said they would take the “necessary ARGENTINA HANDS 128 BOCA FANS the penalties for stadium violence, fi rst before losing to France, retreat one place Lennon condemned the behav- Scott Arfi eld fi nished off the discipline action”. FOUR-YEAR STADIUM BAN mooted in 2016 but then abandoned, was to fi fth. iour of the Celtic support. contest two minutes after the Linford Harris, the Wymeswold player Argentine authorities have banned 128 revived after the Libertadores fi nal and is Germany, rebuilding following their “It serves no purpose in a break as Steven Gerrard’s men who allegedly received the racist abuse Boca Juniors supporters from football being debated in Congress. humiliating exit from the 2018 World football ground,” said the care- opened up an eight-point lead tweeted: “So sorry to witness and suff er grounds for four years, according to a Among those banned are two leaders Cup after the group phase, are also mov- taker manager. “I don’t see the over Kilmarnock and Aberdeen. such racism in this day and age, thanks notice published in the offi cial journal. of Boca’s barrabravas, Rafael Di Zeo and ing up. They rise three places to 13th. Gulf Times Friday, April 5, 2019 7 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Holders PSG set up French Cup fi nal date with Rennes AFP fi cult. I think we deserved this controlled before fi ring low into Paris result even if it was diffi cult and the net from 25 yards. It was the we still deserved to be in the fi nal, Italian’s fi rst goal for PSG since which is important for the club.” November 2017, although he did olders Paris Saint-Ger- PSG are 20 points clear at the net for Italy just last week, against main will play Rennes in top of Ligue 1 with nine matches Liechtenstein in Euro 2020 quali- the French Cup fi nal lat- left and could be crowned cham- fying. er this month after beat- pions for the sixth time in seven The home side lost Marquin- ingH 10-man Nantes 3-0 in their seasons as early as Sunday, if hos to injury just before the break, semi-fi nal tie on Wednesday night they beat Strasbourg and second- but were then awarded a penalty as Kylian Mbappe scored one pen- placed Lille lose their game. shortly after the hour mark, the alty after missing another. The Qatar-owned club can referee pointing to the spot fol- Mbappe’s two spot-kicks came also win the French Cup for the lowing a VAR review on a handball after he set up Marco Verratti for fi fth year running, and a record appeal. Mbappe scored his pen- the opener in the fi rst half at the 13th time overall, when they play alty, but was ordered to retake it Parc des Princes, with substitute Rennes in the fi nal at the Stade de and this time his weak eff ort was Daniel Alves wrapping up the vic- France in Paris on April 27. saved by Nantes goalkeeper Cip- tory late on. Rennes reached the fi nal by rian Tatarusanu. The result keeps Thomas winning 3-2 at Lyon on Tuesday, However, Nantes then had gi- Tuchel’s team on course to win a but the Brittany club have been ant striker Kalifa Coulibaly sent domestic league and cup double, knocked out of the Cup in each of off for a second yellow card for a which would go some small way to the last two seasons after heavy foul on Silva, and Mbappe — who easing the pain of their exit from defeats against PSG. Paris might had also missed a penalty in a the Champions League in the last also have Neymar back for the fi - win over Marseille last month — 16 at the hands of Manchester nal after the Brazilian returned to was handed the chance to make United. training on Wednesday following amends from 12 yards after Alves “After the fi rst goal it was a little more than two months out with a was brought down. easier,” said PSG captain Thiago foot injury. This time he did score, taking Silva. “We had to try and score the The opening goal here arrived his tally for the season to 33 goals, second because if it had stayed at just before the half-hour mark, and Alves then made it 3-0 in in- Nantes’ goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu (right) clears the ball during the French Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. (AFP) 1-0 it would have been more dif- with Mbappe fi nding Verratti, who jury time with a delightful lob.

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Manchester City back on Van Dijk key as top as Spurs party in style

AFP London Liverpool eye anchester City brushed aside strug- gling Cardiff to leap- frog Liverpool at the Mtop of the Premier League on Wednesday night as Tottenham opened their glittering stadium home straight in style. City’s 2-0 victory over Cardiff took Pep Guardiola’s quadruple-chasers to 80 points — one clear of Jurgen Klopp’s 'He’s so important to us not only as a player but as a person' Liverpool, with both sides hav- ing six matches to go. Tottenham marked their long- delayed move into their state- of-the-art new home with a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace, while Chelsea thumped Brighton 3-0. Kevin De Bruyne put City ahead in the sixth minute at the Etihad Stadium, fi ring in from a tight angle and Leroy Sane doubled the lead for the defending cham- pions with a sharp fi nish just be- fore half-time. Guardiola, whose team take on Brighton at Wem- bley in the FA Cup semi-fi nal tomorrow, made seven changes to his starting line-up, handing teenager Phil Foden his fi rst Pre- mier League start. Despite the win, Guardiola said his side, who Cardiff City’s Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (left) clashes with Manchester had 11 shots on target, needed to City’s Phil Foden during the Premier League match. (AFP) be more clinical. “We played really well,” he win was so important to us. To- the season and praised Hudson- said. “We started really well. day we touched the glory. Now Odoi. City’s victory against Car- A magnifi cent goal from Kevin we need to touch the glory of lift- diff was their eighth consecutive De Bruyne. Unfortunately we ing trophies. Now is the start of Premier League win and puts missed a lot of chances, we need a chapter. We close one chapter them back in pole position in the to score more goals. Phil Foden and open another chapter and Premier League. With the League played excellent. He did every- bring victory to our fans.” Cup already in the bag, City are thing, arriving in the right posi- Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri struggling to quell growing talk tions with the right tempo. He made multiple changes from the of a historic quadruple even as always has chances, has a sense team that started Sunday’s tense Guardiola attempts to keep his of goal. He’s ready, we know it, 2-1 win at Cardiff , with Eden players’ feet on the ground. to play any game in any position.” Hazard and N’Golo Kante back After this weekend’s match The defeat leaves Neil War- in the starting XI. But the main against Brighton at Wembley, nock’s Cardiff third from bot- talking point was a fi rst Premier they will take on Tottenham in tom, fi ve points from safety, with League start for 18-year-old the fi rst leg of the Champions only relegated Huddersfi eld and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has League quarter-fi nal, with a Fulham below them. Spurs, who already impressed for Gareth maximum of 13 games to make were on the edge of the title race Southgate’s young England side. history. The race for the top four for a large chunk of the season, Sarri has angered Chelsea fans is tight, with just three points started their match at home to with his refusal to start the wing- separating third-placed Spurs Palace in fourth spot, behind er and they vented their feelings from Manchester United, in sixth north London rivals Arsenal. at Cardiff on Sunday. Hudson- position. Ole Gunnar Solsk- But Son Heung-min and Odoi was in the thick of the ac- jaer’s team suff ered their second Christian Eriksen made sure tion at Stamford Bridge, setting Premier League defeat in three the celebrations did not fall fl at, up Olivier Giroud for just his sec- games on Tuesday, losing 2-1 to scoring second-half goals that ond Premier League goal of the Wolves. Virgil van Dijk's (left) displays last season answered many of the doubters and his form has been even more impressive this season. (Reuters) enabled Spurs to end a wretched season in the fi rst half. run of four defeats in fi ve league Hazard doubled Chelsea’s lead PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS AFP pool to snatch a dramatic last-gasp winner. with disbelief by many as he became the games. Spurs boss Mauricio Po- in the 60th minute and mid- Chelsea 3 (Giroud 38, Hazard 60, most expensive defender in the history of chettino said it was a “special fi elder Ruben Loftus-Cheek Liverpool “Of course,” said teammate Andy Robert- Loftus-Cheek 63) Brighton 0; Man- son when asked if that one moment show- the game. night” as they re-energised their put the game beyond doubt just chester City 2 (De Bruyne 6, Sane cased Van Dijk’s skills to their utmost. “He But his displays last season, in helping bid to fi nish in the top four. three minutes later. Sarri said his 44) Cardiff 0; Tottenham 2 (Son irgil van Dijk returns to his former made the right decision there. Look, it’s get- Liverpool reach the Champions League fi - “The emotion was amazing team had returned to the good club Southampton today with a ting to the point of the season where both nal, answered many of the doubters and from the beginning,” he said. “To form they showed at the start of 55, Eriksen 80) Crystal Palace 0 growing reputation as one of the teams wanted to win it. If it’s maybe in the Van Dijk’s form has, if anything, been even most infl uential fi gures in the Pre- fi rst month of the season, it probably sees more impressive this season. Manchester mierV League title race between his Liverpool out as a 1-1 draw. City’s Raheem Sterling is another strong side and Manchester City. For all their at- “But they’re fi ghting for Champions candidate for the end-of-season individual Wolves complete record deal for Jimenez tacking threat, Jurgen Klopp’s men owe a League spots and they needed three points awards but Van Dijk has made a strong case huge debt to their Dutch defender, signed and we needed three points. That’s why we and the only slight concern for Klopp after London: Wolves broke their club the Premier League and face old takes Wolves’ spending to from Southampton 15 months ago for an brought on extra attackers and we went for the Tottenham victory was the sight of his transfer record yesterday to Watford in the semi-finals of around £164 mn since Chinese eye-watering £75mn ($99mn) fee, the size it and tried to get the three points and luck- key defender using an ice pack on a muscle ensure top scorer Raul Jimenez the FA Cup on Sunday. Jimenez owners Fosun took charge of of which raised eyebrows. ily we did. But these situations are going to injury after the game. remains at Molineux on a per- scored in the first of those the club in 2016. But now the investment looks one of the happen. We’re maybe going to get a wee bit However, concerns he could be a fi tness manent deal worth a reported victories over United and was “The impact Raul has made wisest in recent Premier League history, exposed at the back but there’s nobody bet- doubt for the return to his old club were £30mn ($39mn) from Benfica. also on target in memorable during his short time at the club with one Van Dijk moment in particular, ter to deal with it. Luckily we got away with quickly dispelled when Liverpool showed The Mexican has scored 15 wins over Chelsea, Liverpool and has been fantastic and we’re during the weekend win over Tottenham, one there and they’ve not got away with it.” footage of the 27-year-old taking part in a goals in his debut season in Tottenham. delighted that he’ll be part of being held up as an example of his peerless Robertson was not the only admirer fol- full training session on Wednesday. England as the Midlands “Since I’ve arrived here it’s the club’s long-term future,” said form. With the game fi nely poised at 1-1 at lowing the Dutchman’s role in that vic- “He’s so important to us not only as a club have enjoyed a fine first all been so good,” Jimenez told Kevin Thelwell, Wolves sporting Anfi eld last Sunday, Tottenham had a two- tory and, with every passing week, the case player but as a person. I couldn’t say a bad campaign back in the Premier the club’s website. “We’ve had director. on-one break, featuring Moussa Sissoko for Van Dijk to be named as the Premier word about him even if I wanted,” said League. some good moments, some bad “Raul’s permanent signing and Son Heung-min against the Liverpool League’s player of the year is gaining mo- Klopp. “Yes he has improved us and he has Nuno Espirito Santo’s men moments; but the best ones shows the ambition of this foot- centre-half. Van Dijk took the decision to mentum. improved since he came here as well. He is beat Manchester United for the have been so good and I’m very ball club and the determination leave Sissoko with the ball, forcing him into Liverpool’s protracted bid to sign the de- a diff erent player to when he was at South- second time in three weeks on happy for that.” to make sure the future is an a shot that the nervous Tottenham man fender from Southampton, which had been ampton. Champions League quarter-fi nals, Tuesday to remain seventh in The signing of the 27-year- exciting one.” missed hopelessly, paving the way for Liver- thwarted the previous summer, was met semi-fi nals and fi nal help you as a player.”

Friday, April 5, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Yazeed and The Blue Eye

Trebles for trainers Ghazali grab the big features and De Mieulle

By Mikhil Bhat Doha

he drama was there, all with lightning and thun- der at the start of the race. Almost three min- Tutes later, there were also cheers and ecstatic faces in the Umm Qarn camp as Alban de Mieulle- trained Yazeed capped his Qatar season with a thrilling victory in the USD250,000 Qatar Gold Sword (Group 1 PA) at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yesterday. In the thoroughbred feature, Qatar Gold Trophy (QA Group 1), Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s The Blue Eye capped a treble for champion trainer Jassim Mo- hamed Ghazali, who further tightened his grip on yet another trainers’ championship. Yazeed had missed out on Qatar’s fl agship Arabian race in February, the million dollar HH The Amir Sword (Group 1 PA), by barely a length. But yester- day, the determined six-year-old and jockey Olivier Peslier were in no mood to let go in the 2000m, a distance which is right in the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) chairman Issa al-Mohannadi (centre) and CEO Nasser Sherida colt’s sweet spot. al-Kaabi (right) applaud as Alban de Mieulle lifts the trainer’s trophy after Yazeed won the Qatar Gold QREC chairman Issa al-Mohannadi (centre) and CEO Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi (right) applaud as Khalifa bin At the post, under a slight Sword (Group 1 PA) yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Sheail al-Kuwari lifts the owner’s trophy after The Blue Eye won the Qatar Gold Trophy (QA Group 1) yesterday. drizzle, they had beaten His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin RESULTS Khalifa al-Thani’s Gazwan by half-a-length for a memorable Race 1: 1. Gold Amer (Ronan Thomas), 2. an Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. Naif (Harry Bentley), 3. Sharesa (Theo Bach- win. Julian Smart’s ward fi n- Fuwairat (Eduardo Pedroza), 3.Rodina (Harry Race 4: 1. Anima Rock (Theo Bachelot), 2. elot), 4. Rassan (Al Moatasem al-Balushi). Won ished second under Theo Bach- Bentley), 4. Ibn Al Ameed (Olivier Peslier). Top Face (Faleh Bughanaim), 3. Itorio (Tomas by: Nk, 2 ¼, 4 ½. Time: 1:43.90. Owner: Umm elot ahead of another Umm Qarn Won by: ½, Nk, 1 ¾. Time: 1:30.67. Owner: Umm Lukasek), 4. Darkanna (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. horse, Tayf. Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Won by: No, Nk, 1 ½. Time: 1:09.57. Owner: Race 7: 1. The Blue Eye (Harry Bentley), 2. “We know he is a nice horse, Race 2: 1. AJS Moaddie (Ronan Thomas), Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Heshem (Olivier Peslier), 3. Alignement (Theo and he has beaten Gazwan and 2. Tabouk (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Di Oco Py Mohamed Ghazali. Bachelot), 4. Galactic Prince (JP Guillambert). Ebraz before, but this time he (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Al Junood (Theo Won by: 1 ½, No, Shd. Time: 2:14.19. Owner: was better on the distance,” De Bachelot). Won by: 1, 1, 1. Time: 2:04.71. Race 5: 1. Luchador (JP Guillambert), 2. Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Mieulle told Gulf Times yesterday. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser Arabic Channel (Maxime Guyon), 3. Ferro Mohamed Ghazali. “We know this distance is good al-Ramzani. Grande (Tomas Lukasek), 4. Rex Place (Ronan Race 8: 1. Yazeed (Olivier Peslier), 2. Gazwan for him as compared to 2400m. Race 3: 1. Al Lusail (Ronan Thomas), 2. Surra Thomas). Won by: 1 ¼, 1 ½, 1 ½. Time: 1:55.54. (Theo Bachelot), 3. Tayf (Ronan Thomas), 4. Olivier was very confi dent go- Man Raa (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Sraab (Ryan Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Ebraz (Maxime Guyon). Won by: ½, ½, 2 ¼. ing into this race. He thought he Curatolo), 4. Moaddie (Theo Bachelot). Won Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Time: 2:10.24. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: could do better if he waits a little by: 3 ½, Nk, 1 ½. Time: 1:52.78. Owner: Al Jery- Race 6: 1. Aahil (Ronan Thomas), 2. Molheb Al Alban de Mieulle. more. We missed HH The Amir Sword, but the rest of the season Olivier Peslier (left) rides Yazeed to Qatar Gold Sword (Group 1 PA) was very good and there are still victory ahead of Gazwan, ridden by Theo Bachelot at Al Rayyan Park to edge out Ghazali’s Molheb Al three more weeks to get more yesterday. Naif, having beaten the Bentley- wins for (His Highness) Sheikh ridden seven-year-old in the Abdullah (bin Khalifa al-Thani).” Three of my horses came into the once again for the Sealine Sprint Gulf Cup in February. In the penultimate race of the ring. So a great day,” Ghazali said Trophy yesterday and the result The day began with a hat-trick day, The Blue Eye was back in after the win. Al-Kuwari was un- was no diff erent. for Thomas. In the card-opener, the winner’s circle after missing derstandably excited too. “The Luchador showed her versatil- Umm Qarn’s Gold Amer shed his out in HH The Amir Trophy (QA Blue Eye is the champion of Qa- ity over distance, having fi nished maiden status on his third career Group 1) in February, much to tar. He had a bit of problems but I second in top quality Al Biddah outing. the joy of the connections. Rid- think it was a statement from him Mile fi eld, before winning a six- Next up were two charges of den by Harry Bentley, the seven- that there is still more to come furlong sprint two weeks ago. Qatari trainer Hadi Nasser al- year-old beat Al Shaqab Racing’s from him,” he said. Yesterday, the three-year-old Ramzani – AJS Moaddie and Al Heshem by a length and a half in The al-Kuwari-Ghazali com- fi lly topped the Al Wajba Trophy Lusail – both owned by Al Jeryan the 2200m USD250,000 Thor- bine also had Anima Rock and under a confi dent ride by JP Guil- Stud. oughbred feature. Luchador enter the winner’s cir- lambert. While AJS Moaddie built up “The champion has come cle earlier in the day. Ronan Thomas was in top form on his form to go one better than back. He did not come into the Anima Rock stamped his au- in the saddle, riding four win- his last outing to win the 1850m Amir Day in the best of condi- thority as a sprinter racing to his ners on the day, including Umm Qatar Silver Sword, Al Lusail tions but he still fi nished fourth fi fth victory from seven outings. Qarn’s Aahil in the Qatar Silver raced to his second consecutive behind three European horses. Theo Bachelot, who had helmed Trophy for local Arabians. For victory, both under Thomas, in But today he has given his best on the colt in the Dukhan Sprint win the second consecutive time, the the 1850m Local Thoroughbreds the last big day of racing in Qatar. in February, was in the saddle De Mieulle ward had managed event. Harry Bentley rides The Blue Eye to Qatar Gold Trophy (QA Group 1) victory yesterday.

SPOTLIGHT Rugby: Qatar ‘A’ beat Jordan Barshim to lead Team Qatar at Asian Athletics Champinship QNA Ogunode, Jamal Hairane, Owab Doha Barrow and Hamza Driouche and Abu Baker Abdullah too will wow the crowds at the state-of- atar Athletics Federa- the-art venue later this month. tion (QAF) announced The four-day tournament will the list of Team Qatar bring together nearly 1,000 ath- athletes for the 2019 letes and up to 450 offi cials from AsianQ Athletics Championship, 45 countries. Over morning and which will be held later this month evening sessions, athletes will at Khalifa International Stadium. compete for 186 medals across 21 The event, which will run from events each for men and women, in April 21-24, are a test event for addition to a mixed relay event that the IAAF World Athletics Cham- will debut at the championships. pionships Doha 2019, which are The tournament will see scheduled for September. The the usual continental power- list includes Qatar’s star high- houses go head-to-head for the jumper and world and Olympic number one spot in Asia’s ath- champion Mutaz Barshim, who letics. After an initial period of has recovered from an ankle in- Japanese dominance over the jury he had suff ered last year championship, China took over while attempting for a world as undisputed champion for 17 record height in Hungary in July. consecutive editions until it was Yesterday, the 27-year-old unseated by last edition’s hosts tweeted a picture from a training and eventual winners, India. session where he was checked up With top Asian athletes de- on by Qatar Athletics Federation scending on Doha from the dif- president Dr Thani Abdulrah- ferent regions of the continent, man al-Kuwari. Joining Barshim the Championships will surely for the Asian championships is produce promising athletes who 400m hurdles star Abderrahman can then return to Doha in Sep- Qatar’s star high-jumper Mutaz Barshim (second from right) and his coach Stanislaw Szczyrba Samba, who was undefeated in tember and shine on the global (second from left) were joined in a training session by Qatar Athletics Federation president and Action from the Asia Rugby West Women’s Sevens match between Qatar ‘A (in nine races last season. Ashraf stage when the city hosts the Qatar Olympic Committee second vice-president Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari (left) and maroon) and Jordan yesterday. Qatar ‘A’ won 34-0. PICTURE: Othman Khalid El Seify, Femi Ogunode, Tusin World Championships. deputy manager of national teams Khalid al-Marri yesterday. (Twitter/mutazbarshim)