MONDAY 27 MAY 2019 SPORT 18 I really was fighting with the spirit of (). I know he FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP IN POLAND will be looking down and taking (Kickoff at 19:00 Qatar time) (Kickoff at 21:30) his hat off. I was trying to stay After winning a nail-biting Group D: Qatar vs Ukraine Group D: USA vs Nigeria yesterday. focused and make him proud. ACTION Group C: Honduras vs Uruguay Group C: Norway vs New Zealand TODAY’S Federer makes winning return to

REUTERS Switzerland’s FRENCH OPEN RESULTS PARIS in action against Italy’s Men - 1st Round Lorenzo Sonego during his Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x6) bt Maximilian Marterer (GER) 6-2, Roger Federer made a stylish French Open first round 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) comeback to the French Open match at Roland Garros in Hugo Dellien (BOL) bt Prajnesh Gunneswaran (IND) 6-1, after a three-year hiatus as the Paris, France, yesterday. 6-3, 6-1 revamped, widely-acclaimed Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) bt Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) 6-3, 6-0, 3-6, Roland Garros burst into life 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 yesterday. Marin Cilic (CRO x11) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 6-3, 7-5, 6-1 The 20-time Grand Slam champion, back on the Paris Nicolas Mahut (FRA) bt Marco Cecchinato (ITA x16) 2-6, 6-7 clay 10 years after his only title (6/8), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 here, swept aside Italian Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Jirí Veselý (CZE) 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-0 Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 Matteo Berrettini (ITA x29) bt Pablo Andújar (ESP) 6-7 (3/7), in a graceful performance on 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 an expanded court Philippe Casper Ruud (NOR) bt Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 6-2, 7-6 (7/2), 6-0 Chatrier. Oscar Otte (GER) bt Malek Jaziri (TUN) 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 “The reception I got today Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 was crazy, it was really nice to Kei Nishikori (JPN x7) bt Quentin Halys (FRA) 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 see a full stadium for a first Alexei Popyrin (AUS) bt Ugo Humbert (FRA) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 round like this. It was a (12/10), 6-3 beauty,” the 37-year-old Swiss Laslo Djere (SRB x31) bt Albert Ramos-Vinolas(ESP) 6-3, 6-2, told reporters. 7-6 (7/2) Earlier, 2016 champion Garbine Muguruza inaugu- Women - 1st Round rated the new court Simonne Mathieu with a first-round Garbine Muguruza (ESP x19) bt (USA) 5-7, victory, describing the semi- 6-2, 6-2 sunken 5,000-seater as a ‘cosy’ Johanna Larsson (SWE) bt Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) place. 6-3, 6-4 Situated within a botanical Kateryna Kozlova (UKR) bt Bernarda Pera (USA) 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) garden at the East end of chance to enjoy the new as her attempt at completing a Marco Cecchinato of Italy, and seventh seed Sloane Elina Svitolina (UKR x9) bt Venus Williams (USA) 6-3, 6-3 Roland Garros, the court is stadium, with former world career Slam was cut short on seeded 16th, was at the Stephens eased into round two (SUI x15) bt Jessika Ponchet (FRA) 6-1, 6-4 cocooned by greenhouses fea- number ones Angelique her least favourite surface. receiving end of Nicolas while on the men’s side, Greek Laura Siegemund (GER) bt Sofya Zhuk (RUS) 6-3, 6-3 turing rare tropical plants. Kerber and Venus Williams Seven-time Grand Slam Mahut’s spectacular comeback sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas (RUS) bt Angelique Kerber (GER x5) “It’s a cute court. It’s in a sent packing along with champion Williams was also as the local favourite advanced and Japan’s Kei Nishikori also 6-4, 6-2 very different place. You don’t former winner Svetlana eliminated in straight sets by into the second round with a progressed. Markéta Vondrousová (CZE) bt Wang Yafan (CHN) 6-4, 6-3 feel like you are around a Kuznetsova. Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, the 2-6, 6-7(8-6), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 Top favourites Rafa Nadal, Petra Martic (CRO x31) bt Ons Jabeur (TUN) 6-1, 6-2 court. It’s like in a garden,” Opening proceedings on ninth seed and one of a dozen victory on court Simonne the 11-time champion, and Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) bt Fiona Ferro (FRA) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) Muguruza said. Chatrier, Germany’s Kerber contenders for the Suzanne Mathieu. world number one, Serbia’s Kristína Kucová (SVK) bt Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 6-4, 6-2 Some top players, was downed in two short sets Lenglen Cup. In the women’s draw, will be in first- Karolína Plísková (CZE x2) bt Madison Brengle (USA) 6-2, 6-3 however, will not get much by Russia’s Anastasia Potapova Last year’s semi-finalist second seed Karolina Pliskova round action today.

GAZOO Racing (GR) World Rally Team’s Ott Tänak in action in his Toyota Yaris WRC during the inaugural Rally Raptors rally Na takes two-shot Chile, the sixth round of the 2019 FIA’s World Rally Championship (WRC), in Talcahuano. lead into final past Bucks to reach first round at Colonial NBA final AFP LOS ANGELES AFP LOS ANGELES Kevin Na fired a one-under par 69 on Saturday to take a two-shot lead in the US PGA Tour Charles Schwab Chal- Kawhi Leonard finished with 27 lenge, where three-time major winner Jordan Spieth was points and a career high 17 among those in hot pursuit. rebounds as the Toronto Raptors Na, in search of a fourth US PGA Tour title, started advanced to their first NBA final the day one off the lead of Sweden’s Jonas Blixt -- who with a 100-94 win over the top- slid down the leaderboard with a four-over 74. seeded Milwaukee Bucks. Na seized the lead at 10-under par with back-to-back The Raptors won the series birdies at the first and second holes at Colonial Country 4-2 as Saturday’s contest at Sco- Club. tiabank Arena was a mirror An unlucky double-bogey at the par-five 11th cost image of game five, featuring a him the lead, but he steadied himself with a birdie at 13 strong start by Milwaukee to finish with a nine-under par total of 201. before Toronto came back in the That put him two strokes clear of Spieth, fellow Amer- fourth quarter to close it out icans Jim Furyk and Tony Finau, Taiwan’s Pan Cheng- with several clutch plays down tsung and Canadian MacKenzie Hughes, who shared the stretch. second on 203. The Raptors reached their “After the double-bogey I hit a bad tee shot at the next first finals in their 24-year hole and it looked like the wheels could fall off,” Na said. Toyota Yaris WRC wins history where they will face the The California, who carded a 62 on Friday, believes two-time defending champion Colonial is one of a handful of courses used on the PGA Golden State Warriors. Game Tour that gives him a good chance at a title. one of the best-of-seven final is “Over the years I’ve had some good rounds (at inaugural Rally Chile Thursday in Toronto. Colonial) and it’s a golf course you don’t have to over- Canadian Prime Minister power,” he said. “You have to keep it in play. THE PENINSULA Ott Tänak and GAZOO Yaris WRC, said: “It’s great to take Justin Trudeau said he will be Hughes posted a bogey-free 65, hitting his second TALCAHUANO, CHILE Racing World Rally this victory here on the first time in cheering on the Raptors. shot at the 18th to four feet for his fifth birdie of the day. Chile. It was a very demanding event, “History made! @Raptors, Pan, a month removed from his first PGA title at the GAZOO Racing (GR) World Rally Team dominate track and required a lot of focus to avoid it’s time to bring that champi- Heritage in Hilton Head, South Carolina, had four birdies Team and driver Ott Tänak clinched to claim second win of mistakes. Today wasn’t easy. With onship to Canada! #WeThe- in his first 10 holes and briefly held the lead, but closed their second victories of the season the season in round six our rivals pushing hard behind, we North,” Trudeau tweeted with back-to-back bogeys at 17 and 18 in a 68. Furyk and recently at the inaugural Rally Chile of the 2019 World Rally had to keep going and we collected Saturday. Spieth also carded two-under rounds while Finau signed in Talcahuano during the sixth round maximum points from the Power Leonard won the head-to- for a one-over 71. of the 2019 FIA’s World Rally Cham- Championship. Stage. To fight back like this fol- head battle against Giannis Spieth, seeking his first victory since the 2017 British pionship (WRC). lowing the last couple of events with Antetokounmpo, even dunking Open, opened his round with back-to-back birdies -- Tänak completed an outstanding a perfect weekend is very positive. over the mighty “Greek Freak” rolling in putts of 30 and 21 feet as his mastery of Colo- performance in the No. 8 Toyota congratulate Tänak and Järveoja on It was really important, especially with six minutes left in the nial’s greens continued. He drained another long one for Yaris WRC to secure the fastest time their exceptional second win of the for the team, to keep the motivation fourth to give Toronto a 87-79 a birdie at seven, although that would prove to be his last on the rally-ending Power Stage season, which took place in Chile, high and keep pushing, and this kind lead. birdie of the day. during the demanding 4-day event, and thank all our fans worldwide of result definitely does that. Now Leonard also hit another gaining extra points to climb up to for their support. I am very pleased we are looking forward - we are dynamic three-pointer from his Kevin Na of the United second place in the drivers’ to see that the team ran through all back in the fight.” favourite corner spot on the States plays a shot during championship. the stages flat out and stood on the The WRC returns to Europe for floor with three minutes left to the third round of the Tänak finished 1.3 seconds faster top of the podium with smiles. The Rally Portugal from May 30 to make it 95-90. Charles Schwab than anyone else in the Power Stage, points earned by this big effort by June 2. He shot nine of 22 from the Challenge on as he and co-driver Martin Järveoja all the team members under Based in Matosinhos near Porto field and had seven assists for Saturday. clinched overall victory by 23.1 Tommi Mäkinen’s leadership will in the north of the country, the event the Raptors, who roared back to seconds. be highly valuable later this season. features classic stages on sandy and win four straight games after The result saw GR World Rally Now, the WRC will move to gravel rocky roads. falling into an 0-2 hole to begin Team maintain second position in rounds in Europe. We will work Grip can be hard to find on the the series. the manufacturers’ championship hard together with one heart to soft roads, while rocks may be Pascal Siakam tallied 18 and close the gap on the leading help the six drivers and co-drivers exposed and deep ruts can form on points, Kyle Lowry finished with team to just 29 points. and three Yaris WRC bring more the second pass, making for chal- 17 and Fred VanVleet came off Akio Toyoda, Team Chairman, good news to our fans.” lenging driving conditions and an the bench to score 14 points in commented: “I would like to Tänak, Driver of the No. 8 Toyota exciting contest. the win. MONDAY 27 MAY 2019 SPORT 19

Old warhorse Win over India means little Malinga keeps Sri for World Cup, says Taylor Lanka dreaming REUTERS LONDON AFP Malinga frequently COLOMBO hits speeds of over New Zealand have moved to 86 miles-per-hour temper expectations ahead of Lasith Malinga will be one of the (138 kph), while his the World Cup after their six- World Cup’s oldest players but devastating slower balls wicket victory over India in a the Sri Lanka paceman shows no were in evidence during warm-up match on Saturday, signs of slowing down as he bids with conditions likely to be the IPL, a welcome sign to prove his critics wrong. more conducive to batting Malinga was stripped of the for embattled Sri Lanka during the tournament. Sri Lanka one-day international ahead of the World Cup. New Zealand skittled India captaincy in April after losing all out for 179 in the 40th over at eight matches in a troubled reign But following the retirement The Oval with only all-rounder that lasted just four months. of Sri Lanka’s big guns, a new Ravindra Jadeja’s 54 saving the Sri Lanka’s selectors, led by crop of players made their way tournament favourites from an former fast bowler Ashantha de into the side, a group selector De embarrassingly lower total. Mel, said Malinga was unable to Mel believes did not fully back Ross Taylor then top scored unite the team, while he was also the quick bowler as skipper. with 71 as the 2015 finalists accused of falling out with other New captain Dimuth Karu- coasted to 180-4 in 38 overs. senior players. naratne’s first major goal will be The 35-year-old Taylor, That hammer blow to bring a hurting Malinga back however, said New Zealand had reportedly prompted Malinga to into the fold to ensure the team the benefit of exploiting a consider retirement, but he get the best out of the old green-topped pitch early on, opted to stay on after being warhorse. which saw them reduce Virat named in the World Cup squad. Some of Malinga’s most Kohli’s side to 39-4 in the 11th The 35-year-old recently memorable performances have over. reminded the world of his come at the World Cup, where “It is a warm-up and you enduring qualities when he the bowler frequently raises his have to take what you want out New Zealand’s Ross Taylor (left) congratulates team-mate Kane Williamson after he reaches 50 claimed 16 wickets for the game. of it,” Taylor told reporters. during the 2019 World Cup warm-up match against India, yesterday. Mumbai Indians in the Indian Malinga first burst into global “Time out in the middle for Premier League. prominence after claiming four most of the batters is crucial.” He produced a sensational wickets in four balls against Taylor added that famili- said. “They know these condi- Boult, who took 4-33 off 6.2 other wickets look quite dry,” final over in the Twenty20 final at the 2007 World arity with conditions should tions very well. overs against India, added that Boult said.“The biggest chal- against Chennai Super Kings to Cup. benefit tournament hosts “But there is a lot of cricket pitches around England and lenge will be when its not hand Mumbai a record fourth IPL In the 2011 edition, Malinga England, with New Zealand and some good cricket needing Wales were already starting to swinging or nipping around a title. grabbed another hat-trick experiencing a similar boost in to be played before we even look dry, which would aid little bit, then how do we take Malinga frequently hits against Kenya, and went on to 2015 when they played all of think about semi-finals and batters as the tournament wickets... (because) we know speeds of over 86 miles-per- bowl a memorable new-ball their pool matches, quarter- finals. progressed. what early wickets does to any hour (138 kph), while his devas- spell in the final against India, final and semi-final at home “If you get off to a good “It was nice to see it batting side.” tating slower balls were in evi- when he grabbed the prized before the final in Melbourne, start and get onto a bit of a roll swinging around a little bit New Zealand play West dence during the IPL, a welcome scalps of Sachin Tendulkar and which they lost by seven and make the semi-finals then and I would like to see that Indies in another warm-up in sign for embattled Sri Lanka Virender Sehwag in quick wickets to Australia. you’re only two wins away everywhere but there are Bristol while India face Bang- ahead of the World Cup in succession. “I think that’s what makes from lifting the trophy.” some good wickets around ladesh in Cardiff, with both England and Wales, which starts If Sri Lanka are to have any England the favourites,” Taylor Opening bowler Trent the country... (and) I think the games scheduled tomorrow. on May 30. chance of repeating their 1996 With several inexperienced magic, when they won the tour- bowlers in Sri Lanka’sLanka s squad, nament under Arjuna Rana-Rana Malinga, with 322 ODI wickets tunga, they need Malinga fit and ICC World Cup warm-ups abandoned due to rain to his name, is expeexpectedcted to be the firingfiring in what is likelylikely to be cuttingcutting edge to the team’s attack. hishis finalfinal WorldWorld A general view of the ground as rain delays ICC World Cup warm-up match between South Africa and West Indies in Bristol, Once hehe got over thethe shockshock Cup.Cup. yesterday. The ICC World Cup warm-up matches between South Africa and West Indies, and Pakistan and Bangladesh were of losing the captaincy,captaincy, MalMalinga’singa’s both abandoned due to rain yesterday. South Africa had reached 55-0 before play was halted for the first time as rain began appetite for the game returned to fall. Although there were two more brief interludes when play was able to resume, the match was eventually called off just as hhee sshuttledhuttled betbetweenween SSriri LLankaanka after 1500 GMT. South Africa had scored 95-0 in 12.4 overs, with Hashim Amla making 51 and Quinton de Kock 37. In the other and India to play in the domestic warm-up game, Pakistan against Bangladesh in Cardiff was abandoned without a ball being bowled. tournament and fulfil his IPL Lasith Malinga commitments.commitments. MalingaMalinga was SriSri Lanka’sLanka’s captaincaptain whenwhen they won the 2014 World T20 titletitle wiwithth a hoshostt of stalwarts by his side includingincluding MahelaMahela Jayawardene,Jayawardene, Kumar SangakkaraSangakkara andand TillakaratneTillakaratne DilDilshan.shan.

Australia’s Smith blocks out jeers Kohli sees positives in and warns of more runs to come lower order despite REUTERS New Zealand drubbing Australia’s Steve to treat people but it’s just water LONDON Smith celebrates off a duck’s back to me. I was just REUTERS his century against trying to keep my head down, have your top order out for LONDON Chants of ‘cheat’ accompanied England during move straight ahead and do my not too many, so the lower Steve Smith as he came out to their ICC World Cup job.” order has to look forward to bat against England on Saturday warm-up match in Smith, who played mostly in India skipper Virat Kohli that and I think Hardik batted but the Australia batsman was domestic Twenty20 tournaments preferred to highlight the really well,” Kohli said. Southampton on unfazed by the hostile reception around the world and some club positives from their six-wicket “MS (Dhoni) absorbs the Saturday. and says he is focused firmly on cricket in Sydney before his ban defeat to New Zealand in a pressure really well and Jadeja maintaining his form ahead of ended in late March, had elbow Cricket World Cup warm-up got a few runs as well, so I the Cricket World Cup. surgery earlier this year and he on Saturday and was partic- think from that point of view, Smith, who was stripped of said it was still on the mend. ularly pleased with the we got a lot out of this game, the captaincy and served a “The elbow is coming along performance of the lower which is what we wanted to. 12-month ban for ball-tam- pretty well,” Smith said. order. The lower order getting some pering, scored a century in Aus- “I haven’t really had to test Twice champions India runs that was the biggest tralia’s 12-run win over England it yet throwing-wise. slumped to 39-4 in the 11th positive.” in a warm-up game in South- “I’d say I’m about 80 percent over before all-rounders Jadeja said they were not ampton, continuing his run of throwing-wise but I’m hoping it Hardik Pandya (30) and worried despite the batting good form since returning to the can progress a little bit more in Ravindra Jadeja (54) offered collapse: “The wicket was soft side. well below his career average of “I am feeling composed and the week leading up to the World some resistance. in the first 15-20 overs but it The 29-year-old scored 89 41.84. calm at the crease and hitting the Cup.” All out for 179 in the 40th got better and better. not out and 91 not out against “I was actually a little bit dis- balls I want to the boundary. Smith added that the injury over, India were then unable “Coming from India New Zealand in warm-up games appointed with my one day form Hopefully I can keep it up.” would not affect him bowling his to contain New Zealand’s where you play on flat, low- in Brisbane earlier this month (before the ban),” Smith told Smith’s composure did not legpsinners if required during batsmen and a 114-run stand bounce wickets, suddenly before scoring 116 from 102 balls reporters. slip even when the home crowd the tournament in England and from skipper Kane Wil- you’re in England and batting on Saturday. “So it was nice to spend a bit heckled him over the ball-tam- Wales. liamson (67) and Ross Taylor first on a spongy wicket,” the Prior to his ban for his role of time in the middle. pering scandal. Five-times champions Aus- (71) helped them to victory left-hander added. in a ball-tampering scandal “But I’m not reading too “I heard a few things when I tralia face Sri Lanka in their final with nearly 13 overs to spare. “It was difficult... but during a test series against South much into it. They are just went out to bat but it didn’t get warm-up match in Southampton “The one thing we spoke nothing to worry, we’ll do Africa, Smith had scored 383 practice games but hopefully I to me,” Smith said. today before their World Cup about in a tournament like the whatever little bit of tuning is runs in 15 one-day internationals can keep up the form as we head “I guess everyone is entitled opener against Afghanistan in World Cup is, you could easily needed.” innings at an average of 29.46, into the real stuff. to their opinion in how they want Bristol on June 1. SPORT Monday 27 May 2019 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Federer makes Win over India winning means little for return to World Cup, French Open says Taylor FIFA U-20 World Cup: Al Annabi positive ahead of second Group game Qatar take on Ukraine in crunch match

THE PENINSULA TYCHY, POLAND Italy, Senegal

Qatar will take on Ukraine in advance as a crucial clash today in their second match of the FIFA U-20 Japan triumph World Cup. On Friday, Nigeria beat Qatar 4-0 while Ukraine edged over Mexico past the US 2-1 in the opening matches of the 24-team event FIFA.COM for the Group D sides. GDYNIA, POLAND Today, in another Group D match, Nigeria face the US and Italy overcame ten-man Ecuador 1-0 to ensure the ‘Flying Eagles’ could book their qualification to the next round at the FIFA their berth in the round of 16 U-20 World Cup 2019. It was an absorbing with a victory. and incident-heavy contest in front a full Coached by Bruno Miguel, Bydgoszcz crowd. Qatar conceded two goals in Azzurri captain Andrea Pinamonti scored each half on Friday to arrive the lone goal in the 15th minute with a piece for the Ukraine clash seeking of technical skill, guiding in a half-volley with their first points. his right foot after Gianluca Scamacca teed him On Friday, coach Miguel up perfectly with a cushioned header. Luca said his team’s fighting spirit Pellegrini provided the initial service with a high, was the positive he was lofted cross. looking from the young Qatar Senegal also joined Italy in the next stage players. by making it two wins from two with a victory “We played against against Colombia at the Lublin Stadium Nigeria who are one of the yesterday. Qatari U-20 players taking part in a training session in Tychy, Poland. PICTURE: @QFA/TWITTER best teams in the World Cup,” Les Lions de la Teranga had the ball in the Miguel said. net on 21 minutes and even though Ibrahima TODAY’S GROUP C AND D “We still have two matches the Qatari coach said three best to work with the boys New Zealand (5-0 over Hon- Niane’s header was ruled offside, Senegal were FIXTURES: to go. We fought well and our days ago. ahead of the next two duras) could secure their spots soon celebrating a one-goal lead 13 minutes fighting spirit was good,” he Qatar arrived in Poland matches,” Abdulrasaq said. in the Round of 16 with wins later after converting from the penalty spot. GROUP C added. after undergoing training “We want to reach the next over Honduras and Norway Colombia’s Anderson Arroyo fouled Niane “You have to attack and camps in France and Slovakia, round of the tournament and respectively. Honduras vs Uruguay inside the area, and the forward made no defend at the same time. playing several practice for that to happen, we must While those four are (Lublin, 18:00) mistake from the spot – firing past Kevin Mier Nobody thinks this is an easy matches. win the next two matches,” the eyeing up their Round-of-16 Norway vs New Zealand and registering his first goal of Poland 2019. tournament. It is tough and we Qatar forward Yousif centre forward added. tickets, that does not mean the (Lodz, 20:30) Senegal doubled their lead on 85 minutes can learn so much,” Miguel, 42, Abdulrasaq yesterday said his Meanwhile, wins today for end of the road for the others, – another goal coming from the penalty spot. said in an interview broadcast team remains focused to get Nigeria and Ukraine will take even if they suffer a second GROUP D Ousseynou Niang was brought down by Andres on beIN sports. their first win of the then to the knockout stage defeat. Qatar vs Ukraine Reyes before Dion Lopy converted his spot- “We did not stop attacking tournament. with a round to spare. The tournament’s 24-team (Tychy, 18:00) kick to seal the deal for the African side. despite the fact that we con- “I know we will fight in our In Group C matches today, format allows the four best USA vs Nigeria Elsewhere, Japan registered a com- ceded goals. We remained remaining group matches. Our Uruguay (after a 3-1 win over third-placed countries from (Bielsko-Biala; 20:30) prehensive 3-0 triumph over Mexico in positive and that is important,” coaching staff is trying their Norway in the opener) and the groups to also progress. Group B. Hamilton wins Monaco GP in the spirit of Lauda

REUTERS MONACO GRAND PRIX MONACO RESULTS 1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1hr Lewis Hamilton withstood lap 43min 28.437sec after lap of intense pressure on 2. (GER/) at 2.602 worn tyres to win a nail-biting 3. (FIN/Mercedes) 3.162 Monaco Grand Prix yesterday in 4. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) a triumphant tribute to his 5.537 Mercedes team’s late Formula 5. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Red Bull-Honda) 9.946 One great Niki Lauda. 6. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/McLaren-Renault) The Briton, who now has 77 53.454 career wins and a 17-point lead 7. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso-Honda), over team mate Valtteri Bottas The reigning champion 54.574 in the championship, had called pays triumphant tribute 8. Alexander Albon (THA/Toro Rosso- for a miracle as Red Bull’s Max to late F1 great Niki Honda) 55.200 Verstappen filled his car’s Lauda 9. (AUS/Renault) 1:00.894 mirrors, with the pair banging 10. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas-Ferrari) wheels late on. 1:01.034 The five times world Mercedes’ run of champion held on, taking the successive one-two chequered flag for his fourth win finishes comes to an end vowed to be aggressive after a of the season and third in Ferrari strategy blunder messed Monaco, with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel second for Ferrari up his qualifying, paid the price Vettel the runner-up after a time as Bottas finishes third when he tried the same move on penalty demoted Verstappen to Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton points at the name of late legend Niki Lauda Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg at fourth. for Mercedes on his helmet after winning the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Monaco Street Circuit, yesterday. Rascasse. Bottas, who was involved in Leclerc spun and picked up a pitlane collision with Ver- a right rear puncture, limping stappen on lap 12 that led to the the Austrian, a triple world Dutchman tried to pass, but hard rubber and doing all he is notoriously difficult to home on a rim and flailing Dutch driver’s penalty for an champion and non-executive stewards took no further action. could to pass. overtake on but Hamilton still rubber, losing a lap to the leaders unsafe release, finished third. chairman of the Mercedes team The Briton was forced to cut The ‘miracle’, with Hamilton made all the difference. and flinging out debris that led “That was definitely the who died on Monday, aged 70. the corner but kept his wearing a retro red helmet Ferrari’s had to a safety car period for mar- hardest race I’ve had,” said Mercedes, who extended advantage. sporting Lauda’s name and created much of the early shals to sweep the track. Hamilton, before cooling down their winning run to six, lead Hamilton, who started on colours while the car carried a excitement of an entertaining Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly fin- with a plunge into the trackside Ferrari by 118 points in the con- pole, had earlier had some variety of tributes, duly hap- race but was also the sole ished fifth, with Carlos Sainz swimming pool in his sweat- structors’ standings. Hamilton anxious and angry exchanges pened as if by the late cham- retirement, stepping out of the sixth and consolidating fourth covered overalls after the has 137 to 120 for Bottas, with with his team who admitted they pion’s celestial command. car in the pits with 19 laps gone. place overall for McLaren. They podium ceremonies. Vettel moving up to third place had made a mistake with their “It was a world champion’s The Monegasque, starting were followed by Toro Rosso “I really was fighting with the on 82. tyre selection. drive for a world champion who 16th, was up to 12th by the end pairing Daniil Kvyat and Alex- spirit of Niki. Hamilton and Verstappen “I don’t know what you’re is not with us any more,” of lap seven after overtaking ander Albon. “I know he will be looking finished under investigation thinking by keeping these tyres declared team boss . McLaren’s and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, down and taking his hat off. I after they banged wheels going on, man. You need to hope for a “Niki would have loved it.” Haas’s Romain Grosjean at the last year’s winner for Red Bull, was trying to stay focused and into the chicane at the tunnel exit miracle,” Hamilton said, with Monaco, with its twisty hairpin and Rascasse. was ninth and Romain Grosjean make him proud,” he added of two laps from the end when the Verstappen on longer-lasting streets and unforgiving barriers, The youngster, who had collected the final point for Haas.