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Sunday, May 7, 2017 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 11, 1438 AH Manchester City GULF TIMES boost top four bid, Hull remain in trouble SPORT Page 2 Emphatic 11th Jordan Rally title for al-Attiyah

By Our Correspondent has now taken 13 as a co-driver. Kuwait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri began and another fastest time pushed the Dead Sea, Jordan “The car was fantastic, no issues the event in strong contention for Qatari 11min 37.9sec in front of Abu at all and I was able to control my pace both the MERC and MERC 2 titles Samra, who had sustained a fl at tyre and take no risks,” said al-Attiyah. and third overall did the Mitsubishi three kilometres into the Shuna stage. e began the event as the “The future of this championship is Lancer driver’s chances no harm at Ongoing turbo charger issues fi rm favourite, and Qatar’s important to me and Jordan as a rally all. He now leads the MERC 2 Cham- wrecked Juma’s chance of threaten- Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah is one of the strongest anywhere with pionship outright by an unoffi cial ing al-Thefi ri’s hold on third. Ahmad Hwas in devastating form to its organisation and important to a 21 points and heads to Cyprus as the Shaban rolled his Mitsubishi Lancer completely dominate the FIA Jordan great many people. It has a proud tra- outright MERC leader. Evo VI out of the 2nd National Rally Rally in his new Autotek-run Ford dition and deserves a strong future.” All nine FIA cars and four runners and enabled Salamah al-Gammaz to Fiesta R5 Evo 2. The 12-time regional The all-Jordanian crew of Marouf in the 2nd National Rally began the take a massive lead into the remain- rally champion won all the special Abu Samra and navigator Malik Har- opening 15km Shuna stage that pre- ing fi ve stages. stages for the second successive year iri returned to the Jordan Rally for the ceded runs through the Jordan River Al-Attiyah reached service with a and reached the fi nish at the Dead fi rst time since 2014 and settled in and Baptism Site stages and the re- lead of 12min 14.5sec and there were Sea with a winning margin of 16min superbly, despite only running a brief turn to service at the Dead Sea. The large gaps between drivers inside the 09.3sec. pre-event test on the old Turki stage. opener was slightly delayed while top six after Juma dropped another It was the perfect result for the They produced an impressive career- some spectators were relocated and three minutes to al-Thefi ri through Qatari and French navigator Mat- best performance to seal second po- al-Attiyah increased his lead to 9min Baptism with his turbo charger woes. thieu Baumel after their retirement sition and victory in MERC 2. 49.6sec. “We had to complete two and a half in round one in February and keeps Abu Samra’s feat marked the fi rst Al-Thefi ri managed to fend off a stages like this,” groaned the Jorda- the Qatari in the hunt for a 13th ti- time in 36 years that a Jordanian driv- struggling Juma to strengthen his nian. tle, despite the fact that he still trails er had fi nished second in the Jordan hold on third place heading to the The road section between Jordan Kuwait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri by seven Rally – the late Nabil Dirani com- 31.01km of the renowned Jordan Riv- River and Baptism spelt the end of points in the unoffi cial championship pleted the event behind Lebanon’s er stage. Al-Attiyah just missed out the line for Essam al-Nejadi (over- standings. The victory was al-Atti- Michel Saleh at the wheel of a Renault on breaking the 23-minute barrier for heating) and Salem al-Thefi ri (me- yah’s 64th in MERC history; Baumel 17 Gordini in 1981. the longest timed section of the event chanical). Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (R) celebrates on the podium with Matthieu Baumel.

Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah races along the shores of the Dead Sea at the lowest point on earth.

FOOTBALL Romarinho hat-trick powers El Jaish into semis

By Sports Reporter Qatar’s build-up to the FIFA World Romarinho took his tally to two just a Doha Cup in 2022. minute after half-time with a powerful El Jaish toyed with their Umm Salal shot from outside the box and achieved yesterday during the fi rst 45 minutes his hat-trick with a fi ne header from a razilian pro Romarinho struck but complacency almost got the better corner four minutes later. a superb hat-trick to power El of them in the second half when they Having taken a 4-0 lead, El Jaish ap- Jaish into the semi-fi nals of conceded three goals. peared to be heading for a massive win Bthe Emir Cup at the expense of The Army outfi t got ahead early in but shoddy defending allowed Umm Umm Salal yesterday. the match when Uzbek international Salal entertain hopes of a stirring Romarinho scored in the 33rd, 46th Sardor Rashidov swung in a power- comeback when Mahmoud al-Mawas and 50th minutes in a 5-3 win for Sabri ful free-kick in the ninth minute from and Yannick Sagbo scored a goal each Lamouchi’s El Jaish who thus stayed on May 14, a day after Al Rayyan meet 25 yards out beating Umm Salal goal- in a span of the next 10 minutes. on course for their fi rst trophy of the Lekhwiya in the fi rst semi-fi nal, the keeper Baba Malik all ends up. However, Abdulrazzaq Hamdalla season. last four line-up staying true to the top El Jaish consolidated through former killed off that possibility with a 90th It was the stocky forward’s second four Qatar Stars League placings. Corinthians player Romarinho when minute strike and although Ibrahima hat-trick against Umm Salal, having The winners of the semi-fi nals will he took a corner and passed to Rash- Nadiya got himself on the score sheet scored the fi rst early in the Qatar Stars clash for the prestigious trophy at the idov. The Uzbek played the ball back for Umm Salal in stoppage time, it League on October 27 last year. El Jaish’s Romarinho is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Umm Salal. redeveloped Khalifa Stadium on May to the Brazilian who beat Malik with a couldn’t stop El Jaish from coming El Jaish will now clash with Al Sadd At right, El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi reacts. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil 19, marking a landmark occasion in cracking shot in the 33rd minute. away comfortable winners in the end. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, May 7, 2017 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT DEJECTION Pochettino rocked Man City boost by Hammer blow top four bid, Hull remain in trouble Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. AFP “If you want to be champi- London ons you must win. How? I don’t ‘Today was important because we are playing for the future of the club. The League is know. But you have to win.” After a stylish victory over tough. There are four amazing teams fighting for the final two places in the top four’ auricio Pochettino north London rivals Arsenal on fears Tottenham have Sunday, Tottenham suddenly blown their chance lost their swagger at the worst of winning the Pre- possible time. Mmier League because they lack Pochettino refused to con- the ruthless streak required to demn his players’ lack of fi ght, succeed under intense pressure. but his defl ated tone when he Pochettino’s side crashed to faced the media in his post- a shock 1-0 defeat at West Ham match press conference told a on Friday that left their title bid diff erent story. in tatters and put Chelsea with- in touching distance of being BIG BLOW crowned champions. “It wasn’t our best day. The per- Rocked by Manuel Lanzini’s formance was just ok,” he said. second half strike, second- “We conceded the sort of goal placed Tottenham remain four you do not concede when you are points behind the leaders and a team fi ghting for big things. the title race could be over by the “I don’t change my vision of time they return to action against my players. I’m very proud. It’s Manchester United on May 14. so diffi cult sometimes to keep Chelsea need six points from your level.” four games to guarantee top spot It would take a collapse of epic and they would reach that tar- proportions to give Tottenham get with wins against Middles- fresh hope and, while he insisted brough tomorrow and West Bro- his side won’t give up, Pochet- mwich Albion on Friday. tino acknowledged it is almost It is a painful prospect for a certain Chelsea will fi nish on top. Tottenham side that had won “I’m calm but disappointed their previous nine league games of course because we missed a to spark dreams of a fi rst title chance to close the gap on Chel- since 1961. sea,” he said. But Pochettino knows they “Now it’s better to forget a lit- can have few complaints after a tle bit and see what happens. We strangely lethargic display lack- have only three games to reduce ing both poise and passion. the gap.” Tottenham’s tame surrender After a troubled campaign, recalled their collapse at the end this was a rare uplifting moment of last season when they squan- for West Ham. dered opportunities to catch A second win in their last 11 eventual champions Leicester. games secured their top-fl ight And Pochettino conceded his status for another year. players came up short when they Whether that will be enough most needed to show they could to spare boss Slaven Bilic from Manchester City’s Argentinian defender Nicolas Otamendi celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal during the EPL match against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. cope under duress. the sack remains to be seen amid “We have to analyse why it was reports his job could be in danger. AFP goal diff erence. Results utes into stoppage-time. diffi cult to get the points here,” “We deserved to win. It was London Pep Guardiola’s side also moved four If third bottom Swansea beat Everton Pochettino said. great in terms of character and points clear of fi fth placed Manchester Bournemouth 2 (Stanislas 62, Shaw- later on Saturday, then Hull will drop into “To win a trophy you have to determination,” Bilic said. United as the battle to fi nish in the top cross 81-og) Stoke 2 (Mousset 33-og, the bottom three with only two games re- show in a key moment you can “We had a game-plan, To beat anchester City improved four heats up. Diouf 73) maining. win. Today was a key moment. a team like Spurs you also need their prospects of qualifying United, who travel to Arsenal, and Liv- Burnley 2 (Vokes 56, 86) West Brom 2 “Ultimately there was big tension in “There are games you must quality and we showed that. for the Champions League erpool, who host Southampton, are both (Rondon 66, Dawson 78) some of the team. We need to be calm in win, it’s not about playing good “Beating them under the lights with a 5-0 demolition of in action today. Hull 0 Sunderland 2 (Jones 69, Defoe some moments,” Silva said. or bad, or running more or less. in front of 60,000, you can’t beat MCrystal Palace, while relegation-threat- “Today was important because we are “It’s an important moment for us. We We were missing a little bit. that feeling.” 90+2) ened Hull suff ered a damaging 2-0 defeat playing for the future of the club,” Guar- Leicester 3 (Ndidi 38, Mahrez 58, didn’t achieve what we wanted but we against Sunderland yesterday. diola said. The Premier League is tough. Albrighton 90+3) Watford 0 have two more games.” Frustrated by damaging draws in their There are four amazing teams fi ghting for Manchester City 5 (Silva 2, Kompany Bournemouth secured their top-fl ight previous two games, City got back on the fi nal two places in the top four.” 49, De Bruyne 59, Sterling 82, Ota- status for another year after a 2-2 draw Barcelona give Champions League games track and climbed to third in the table Palace’s third successive defeat left mendi 90+3) Crystal Palace 0 against Stoke at Dean Court. backing to Catalan has got Barcelona into trouble after a stylish display inspired by David them six points above the relegation zone When a Stoke corner curled into the independence with UEFA, European football’s Silva’s return from injury at Eastlands. and still not certain to stay up. penalty area in the 33rd minute, Bourne- referendum governing body fining them Silva, out for a fortnight after suff er- At the KCOM Stadium, already rel- as Hull boss, it was a shock to the Portu- mouth’s France Under-20 international 150,000 euros last year. ing a blow to his knee during the FA Cup egated Sunderland won for the fi rst time guese coach when his side fell behind in Lys Mousset, making his fi rst Premier Barcelona yesterday gave semi-fi nal defeat by Arsenal, opened the in 11 games to leave fourth bottom Hull the 69th minute. League start, glanced the ball into his their backing to a referendum Muntari says he scoring after two minutes. just two points above the relegation zone. own net, giving the visitors their fi rst for Catalan independence, was made to feel Vincent Kompany doubled City’s lead Hull boss Marco Silva had been un- Priceless point away league goal in more than 10 hours. which the region’s president like a criminal over in the 49th minute before Kevin De Bru- beaten in his previous 41 home league John O’Shea fl icked on a corner and Junior Stanislas equalised for Bourne- Carles Puigdemont wants to racist abuse yne’s long-range strike made it three 10 games, a record dating back to his time in Billy Jones launched into a diving header mouth in the 62nd minute before Stoke’s hold later this year. minutes later. charge of Portuguese side Estoril in 2014 that fl ashed past Eldin Jakupovic. Mame Biram Diouf bundled in his fi rst A brief statement released Pescara midfielder Sulley Raheem Sterling’s cool fi nish in the and encompassing spells with Sporting Abel Hernandez was denied an equal- goal for 12 months in the 73rd minute. by the reigning Spanish Muntari said he was made to 82nd minute was followed by Nicolas Lisbon and Olympiakos. iser by Jordan Pickford’s superb save and Eddie Howe’s side rescued their price- champions said they “agreed feel like a criminal after being Otamendi’s diving header in stoppage- Having taken 19 points from a pos- Jermain Defoe steered in from an off side less point thanks to an 81st minute own with the National Pact for the booked for complaining about time as City leapfrogged Liverpool on sible 21 at home during his four months position to add to Hull’s misery two min- goal from Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross. Referendum, the campaign to racist abuse during a match gather support from institu- at Cagliari and subsequently tions, organisations, those in suspended. The ban was over- BOTTOMLINE elected off ice and individuals turned on appeal on Friday. inside and outside Catalonia.” “I feel that someone has Catalonia is currently gov- finally listened and heard me,” erned by the Junts Pel Si (To- Muntari said in a statement gether for Yes) coalition that published by the world play- backs breaking away from the ers’ union FIFPro yesterday. Wenger, Mourinho in salvage mode rest of Spain. “The last few days have been Puigdemont has promised very hard for me. I have felt AFP tain a hamstring problem, while whereas his side can qualify for to hold a referendum in Sep- angry and isolated. I was London match-winner Marcus Rash- the Champions League by win- tember, regardless of whether being treated like a criminal. ford, whose second-half free- ning the Europa League, there is Spain’s Prime Minister Mari- How could I be punished when kick settled the game, came off no safety net for Arsenal. ano Rajoy agrees. I was the victim of racism?” here has been a telling late on with a pronounced limp. Arsenal may yet fi nish the Rajoy has already stated Serie A’s disciplinary commit- absence of mind games United’s defensive injury wor- season with a trophy, as they will several times that he will not tee did not take any action between Arsenal manager ries are easing, with Eric Bailly face Chelsea in the FA Cup fi nal permit a referendum, saying against Cagliari because it Arsene Wenger and his having overcome a problem he on May 27, but they are running the Spanish constitution does said only around 10 fans were ManchesterT United counterpart sustained in last weekend’s 1-1 out of time to avoid a fi rst season not allow it. involved in the chanting, Jose Mourinho ahead of today’s draw against Swansea City and outside the Champions League A non-binding vote was held although it described their encounter between the teams. Chis Smalling returning from in 20 years. by the Catalan government behaviour as deplorable. Arsenal-United games used a six-week lay-off with a knee “Of course every big game in 2014, with more than 80 “I hope it can be a turning point to be furious, season-defi ning complaint. boosts your confi dence,” said percent voting in favour of in Italy and show the world epics, while Wenger’s relation- But Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo Wenger, who is still to make an independence. what it means to stand up for ship with Mourinho has crackled and Zlatan Ibrahimovic remain announcement about his Arse- Former Catalan president your rights,” added the former with animosity for much of the sidelined, while Marouane Fel- nal future. Artur Mas was given a two- Inter Milan, AC Milan, Port- past 13 years. laini is suspended. “But for us, more than focus- year ban from public off ice for smouth and Sunderland player. But with both sides struggling The only player who Mour- ing on the fact it is Manchester organising the referendum, “This is an important victory to secure a top-four fi nish in the inho has confi rmed will start for United — a big club and a big which was illegal. to send a message that there’s Premier League — and eyeing United is goalkeeper David de rivalry over the years — what is Barcelona, who are currently no place for racism in football, silverware elsewhere — the order Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. Gea, who was rested for the trip important is to have the chance top of La Liga and whose or society in general.” of the day ahead of the contest at to Vigo. to achieve our target. motto declares they are “more FIFPro said it was surprised the Emirates Stadium has been pitch the next day is not a prob- change my team against Arsenal.” “We have no choice. We have than a club”, have always that Pescara themselves did contrition. lem at all. Mourinho’s most pressing ‘WE HAVE NO CHOICE’ to beat them.” maintained close links with not appeal, instead leaving it “He doesn’t need to make “In the last match at Old Traf- concern is what kind of team he Mourinho has never tasted de- After a brief upturn in for- Catalanism. to the player with the help of peace,” Mourinho said when told ford, we shook hands before, after. will be able to fi eld, following feat against Wenger in 12 league tunes, which included an im- In recent years the Catalan the Italian Players’ Union. that Wenger had expressed will- I remember that I met him in the United’s exertions against Celta games and the Arsenal manager pressive extra-time victory separatist flag, known as the “Many people and organisa- ingness to bury the hatchet. corridor for the press conferences Vigo on Thursday, when they may not get many better oppor- over Manchester City in the FA “estelada”, has become a tions such as FIFPro and the “When there is peace, we and we shook hands again. procured a 1-0 aggregate lead in tunities to alter that statistic. Cup semi-fi nals, Arsenal were frequent symbol among the U.N. supported me and I would don’t have to have problems. I “So for me, not a problem at their Europa League semi-fi nal. Mourinho has publicly writ- brought down to earth by last club’s fans. like to thank everyone who am a big boy. I’m in football all all and I think he will be really Ashley Young joined United’s ten off United’s chances of weekend’s 2-0 derby defeat at The display of these flags at assisted me,” said Muntari. my life. I know a problem on the pleased with me that I am going to injury list after appearing to sus- fi nishing in the top four, but Tottenham Hotspur. Gulf Times Sunday, May 7, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

LIGUE 1 LA LIGA Saul fi res Atletico to Verratti goal helps top-four fi nish PSG keep pressure on leaders Monaco Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez celebrates his goal. AFP half to move Sporting to within Madrid three points of Leganes with two The win allowed Unai Emery’s side to move level on points with Monaco, although games remaining. the latter have two games in hand as well as a superior goal diff erence tletico Madrid secured Champions League foot- Simeone ‘convinced’ ball for a fi fth straight Atletico can pull off season as Saul Niguez’s Real miracle solitaryA strike earned a 1-0 home Atletico Madrid coach Diego win over Eibar yesterday. Simeone believes overturn- Diego Simeone’s men still har- ing a 3-0 Champions League bour outside hopes of returning semi-final first-leg deficit to the Champions League fi nal against Real Madrid would be for the third time in four years as “impossible” for others, but they host local rivals Real Madrid not for his side. for the second leg of their semi- Simeone’s men must pull off fi nal on Wednesday trailing 3-0 a remarkable comeback in from the fi rst leg. Wednesday’s second leg to However, they are at least now avoid being dumped out of guaranteed another shot at the the Champions League for a competition next season and, fourth straight season by their just as importantly, the fi nances cross-city rivals. that come with it, especially as “On Wednesday we have a they move into a new 67,000 ca- very diff icult game. For some pacity stadium. impossible, but not for us,” Victory moved Atletico 11 said Simeone after Atletico points clear of fi fth-placed Vil- secured a top-four finish in La larreal, who have just three Liga for a fifth straight season games remaining. with a 1-0 win over Eibar Atletico also just need one yesterday. more point to qualify directly “I’ve told the players it is very for the Champions League group diff icult, that we are facing the stages by fi nishing third as they best team in the world, who lead Sevilla in fourth by fi ve score goals in every game, but points. that it is possible. Simeone named a strong side “I am convinced of it. If I with just two changes from the wasn’t I wouldn’t say it. If we semi-fi nal, fi rst leg in midweek are united and understand as Thomas Partey and Nico that it is a semi-final at home Gaitan replaced Stefan Savic and we have a chance.” Kevin Gameiro. Wednesday’s clash is likely to After a quiet start Atletico be the final European game should have been in front be- at Atletico’s Vicente Calderon fore the break as Yannick Car- as they move to the new rasco and Saul blasted over great 67,000-capacity Wanda Met- chances from point-blank range. ropolitano next season. The hosts were dominant in Atletico were given a rousing the early stages of the second reception throughout at the period, but had to wait until 21 Calderon yesterday. Paris St Germain’s Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring against Bastia during their French Ligue 1 match at the Parc des Princes in Paris yesterday. minutes from time for the win- And Saul Niguez’s winner ner when a rare foray forward ensured they now need just AFP Monaco, the Champions League semi- referee but was booked for his troubles. Cavani had his penalty saved by Leca from Diego Godin teed up Saul to one more point from their Paris fi nalists realistically need just two wins By that point the home side had al- after being brought down by Alexander curl home his eighth goal of the final two games to guarantee from their fi nal four matches to become ready seen Lucas smash a shot against Djiku, but PSG were not fi nished there. season from the edge of the box. third place in La Liga ahead of champions for the fi rst time since 2000. the angle of bar and post before the Bra- First substitute Giovani Lo Celso, Godin was then sent off in Sevilla and avoid a Champions goal by Marco Verratti helped PSG are still hoping to win a fi fth con- zilian — standing in for the suspended making just his second league appear- stoppage time for two quickfi re League qualifier in August. Paris Saint-Germain to a com- secutive title but a vital victory was over- Angel Di Maria — was left with an easy ance after arriving from Rosario Central bookings as he was infuriated at “They have been nearly six fortable 5-0 win over bottom shadowed by the incident that saw Verratti tap in from a Matuidi assist. in January, clipped the ball over Leca and referee David Fernandez Borba- marvellous years. The fans club Bastia yesterday as the put them two goals up late in the fi rst half. A holiday weekend in France and the allowed Marquinhos to poke the ball over lan’s decision to award Eibar a are grateful and the players reigningA champions kept the pressure on With Blaise Matuidi down in the Bas- drab Parisian weather contributed to the line. late corner. continue to give their all, to Ligue 1 leaders Monaco. tia area and the ball having gone out for a more empty seats than usual at the Parc Lo Celso then battered a volley off the However, Atletico held on and fight and raise themselves Edinson Cavani scored twice and also throw, visiting goalkeeper Jean-Louis Leca des Princes, despite the importance of bar prior to Cavani making it 5-0 follow- were given a huge ovation by a after they’ve been knocked had a late penalty saved, with Lucas went to check on the PSG midfi elder. the match. ing a defensive error. full house at the Vicente Cal- down,” added Simeone, who Moura and Marquinhos getting the other However, the hosts took the throw It only really came to life again in the It was Cavani’s 33rd league goal of a deron at full-time in an attempt took over as coach in 2011. goals for the hosts at the Parc des Princes. quickly and Verratti smashed a shot into fi nal 20 minutes, with Cavani having two superb season, and his 47th in 47 games to inspire the most unlikely of “We had big diff iculties at the The win allowed Unai Emery’s side to the roof of the net from the edge of the eff orts disallowed before he made it 3-0 in in all competitions. comebacks against Real in mid- start of the season and situa- move level on points with Monaco, al- area, catching out Leca to make it 2-0 10 the 76th minute, fi nishing into an empty Bastia are a point adrift of Nancy at the week. tions that meant we lost our though the latter have two games in hand minutes before the interval. net after a lovely combination between Ju- bottom and two points from safety with At the other end of the table consistency that this team has as well as a superior goal diff erence. The goalkeeper ran to protest to the lian Draxler and Goncalo Guedes. two games remaining. Sporting Gijon kept their hopes always had. With two games of staying up alive with a 1-0 win to go we are in a strong posi- over Las Palmas. tion and we hope to be able to BUNDESLIGA Carlos Carmona got the only finish it off in the next game.” goal midway through the second

Bomb attack aftermath sparked Darmstadt relegated aft er loss tension with Tuchel: Dortmund CEO AFP Results Borussia Dortmund’s CEO ad- discussions on Wednesday Berlin mits his relationship with coach morning (the day of the Bayern Munich 1 Darmstadt 0 Thomas Tuchel is strained rescheduled game) that I Borussia Dortmund 2 Hof- over the decision to play their made it clear that every player pain defender Juan Ber- fenheim 1 Champions League quarter- who didn’t feel in a position to nat netted the only goal Bor. M’gladbach 1 Augsburg 1 final a day after a bomb attack play had until the afternoon of the game as champi- Ingolstadt 1 Bayer Leverkusen 1 on their team bus. to say so. ons Bayern Munich beat Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Wolfs- The squad was left shaken and “The coach obviously also had DarmstadtS 1-0 yesterday, a re- burg 2 defender Marc Barta needed the right to point that out, but sult that confi rmed their oppo- a wrist operation after three I was never confronted with nents’ relegation. bomb blasts hit the Dortmund such a scenario.” Bayern, Bundesliga champi- after Raphael Guerreiro hit the bus on the way to their first Watzke said he was irritated ons for the fi fth year in a row, post on 82 minutes, but Hof- leg at home to Monaco on when some players later com- were made to work for victory fenheim pulled a goal back when April 11. plained that they had been at the Allianz Arena and Torsten ex-Leicester City striker Andrej UEFA, in agreement with the made to play. Frings’ Darmstadt might have Kramaric slotted in a late penalty. two clubs, postponed the Defender Sokratis said he had snatched a point, but Hamit Al- Dortmund’s World Cup winner game to the day after and been made to feel “like an tintop’s late penalty was saved. Matthias Ginter wrestled Sandro Dortmund lost 3-2, eventually animal, not a human being”. Darmstadt had put their rel- Wagner to the fl oor after a cross bowing out 6-3 on aggregate. “I would take with a pinch of egation on hold by recording and Kramaric banged home his After the defeat Tuchel com- salt the words of players who three straight wins and they re- 13th league goal of the season. plained that he had not been were in the middle of such a fused to lie down in Bavaria. Hoff enheim are now two involved in the decision “at all” pressure situation and who Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern points behind Dortmund with while many players said they were physically and mentally broke the deadlock when Franck two games remaining. had not wanted to play barely completely exhausted after Ribery’s mazy run on the left Ingolstadt, 17th in the table, 24 hours after the attack. the game,” said Watzke. fl ank played Bernat into the area. Bayern Munich’s Juan Bernat celebrates after scoring against Darmstadt yesterday. still have a chance of staying up Dortmund chief executive Asked about Watzke’s latest The left-back beat two de- after their 1-1 draw with Bayer Hans-Joachim Watzke told comments Tuchel, who has fenders, then coolly chipped second-placed RB Leipzig, who er which proved the winner fuming when Germany winger Leverkusen. Funke Media Group yesterday one year left on his contract, Darmstadt goalkeeper Michael are at Hertha Berlin later. saw him join Bayern’s Robert Reus controlled the ball with his Sonny Kittel’s second-half that nobody in the Dortmund declined to comment. Esser for the 18th-minute goal Darmstadt are now an in- Lewandowski on 28 goals in the arm – which the referee missed goal for the hosts was cancelled squad had made it clear that “I do not want to go into that that proved to be the winner. surmountable nine points from race to be the Bundesliga’s top – before fi ring in a cross which out by Leverkusen’s 17-year-old they did not want to play. or think about it at this point. However, the Spaniard con- safety with just two games left. scorer. made contact with defender midfi elder Kai Havertz, leav- Asked if there was a clear We can’t allow ourselves to be ceded a penalty with fi ve min- Elsewhere, Borussia Dort- Marco Reus gave Dortmund a Pavel Kaderabek’s hand. ing Ingolstadt three points from diff erence in his and Tuchel’s distracted in this phase of the utes left by fouling Darmstadt mund took a big step towards a controversial lead after just four Referee Felix Brych, an inter- safety. version of events, Watzke said: season,” Tuchel told Sky. substitute Sven Schipplock. direct Champions League place minutes, replays showing he was national offi cial, pointed to the Winger Andre Hahn scored a “Yes, there is. It was too seri- “It’s just about reaching our Altintop, playing against his next season by climbing into a metre off side when Gonzalo spot, but justice was seen to be 94th-minute equaliser in mid- ous a matter for us to make a sporting goals. Something former club, had his spot-kick third with a 2-1 win at home to Castro’s fi nal pass put him be- done when Aubameyang fi red table Borussia Moenchenglad- decision above the heads of like this shouldn’t be a saved by Tom Starke in the Bay- Hoff enheim, who slip to fourth. hind the defence to tuck away wide on 14 minutes. bach’s 1-1 draw with Augsburg, everyone. subject and that goes for the ern goal. Pierre-Emerick Aubam- his shot. The Gabon hot-shot made whose Iceland striker Alfred “It wasn’t for nothing in the next game too.” Bayern are 13 points ahead of eyang’s second-half head- Hoff enheim were then left amends when he headed home Finnbogason netted their goal. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, May 7, 2017 SPORT

GOLF TENNIS Germany’s Barthel wins Prague title Johnson struggles in AFP ternational Tennis Federation Prague (ITF) events after making al- legedly racist and sexist com- ments during Romania’s Fed ermany’s world- Cup tie against Britain last ranked 82 Mona Bar- month. “Following the deci- thel clinched the WTA sion of his suspension by the Prague clay-court ti- @ITF_Tennis, Mr. Ilie Nas- wind at Wells Fargo Gtle after stunning Czech home tase won’t be accredited for hope Kristyna Pliskova in three #RG17,” French Open organis- topsy-turvy sets yesterday. ers said on Twitter. ‘It was tough to judge the wind. It’s swirling all over the place and it’s awfully strong’ Barthel, a qualifi er in the Nastase, who courted con- Czech capital, defeated the 58th- troversy throughout his career ranked Pliskova 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 for during which he won the US Reuters her fourth career title. It was and French Opens, is also not Wilmington, North Carolina the 26-year-old Barthel’s eighth welcome at this year’s Wim- match in as many days and she bledon championships. said afterwards: “I cannot believe Romania’s Fed Cup cap- merican Dustin John- it. I don’t even know how I won tain was booted out of the tie son was metaphorically given my fatigue.” Despite de- against Britain last month for bruised and battered by feat Pliskova, junior Wimbledon “unsportsmanlike” behaviour. brutal windswept con- champion in 2010, will enter the The singles rubber between ditionsA at the Wells Fargo Cham- top 50 in the world for the fi rst Britain’s Johanna Konta and pionship on Friday, slipping time next week. Sorana Cirstea was briefl y sus- fi ve strokes from the lead in the pended after remarks made weather-delayed second round Nastase to be denied by Nastase to Konta and Brit- in North Carolina. accreditation for French ish team captain Anne Keoth- Four weeks after being literally Open avong. Nastase had already run bruised by a fall that cost him Former Romanian tennis into trouble during the World participation in the Masters, the player Ilie Nastase will not be Group playoff tie in Constan- elements went to work on world given accreditation for this ta after making a derogatory number one Johnson at Eagle year’s French Open, organisers comment about the unborn Point in Wilmington. said yesterday. child of American Serena Wil- He dropped two strokes in 13 The 70-year-old is provi- liams, the 23-times grand slam holes to end the day equal 46th sionally banned from all In- singles champion. at even par, within sight of the leaders but not completely as- sured of making the cut, which is likely to fall at one-over when the round is completed early Saturday. Johnson, back in action after fi ve weeks off , is seeking to win in his fourth consecutive start. He was among 68 players un- able to complete the round after morning thunderstorms delayed the start of play by three hours. Competition will resume at 7.30am local time (1130 GMT). Skies cleared but gave way to strong, gusty winds that left most players in survival mode. Irishman Seamus Power (71) and American Billy Hurley III (69) had the clubhouse lead at fi ve- under 139, while Italian Francesco Molinari (11 holes) and Ameri- can John Peterson (12) were also fi ve-under, one stroke ahead of a group including Spanish duo Jon Rahm and Rafa Cabrera-Bello. German Mona Barthel poses with the trophy after defeating Power, a 30-year-old PGA Tour Czech’s Kristyna Pliskova in the Prague Open final in Prague. (AFP) rookie from Waterford, was asked whether he had played well in the wind because of his background growing up near the coast. Fallen Djokovic should ask Becker “Here it’s much tougher when to return, says Armenulic the wind blows like this,” the Dustin Johnson pitches up to the green on three during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Eagle Point 2016 Olympian told reporters. “A Golf Club. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports A struggling Novak Djokovic should bring past mentor Boris lot of links golf you can at least Becker back into the fold in order to rediscover his vintage run (the ball in to the green) and form after dismissing his entire coaching staff on Friday, a you don’t have to worry about Ariya wins sibling battle, Wie advances former Yugoslavia Davis Cup team captain said. “I expected landing it the perfect distance. Little sister beat her big sister, while Michelle old sibling Moriya — the lead was never more way I’m playing and just happy to survive.” this move because Djokovic’s results in the past few months “It was tough to judge the Wie advanced in the Lorena Ochoa Match than two holes. Ko defeated Jennifer Song 1-up to ensure have been well below par for the world’s former number one,” wind. It’s swirling all over the Play tournament on Friday in Mexico City. “Today we had fun because we are sisters that she’ll maintain the world No. 1 ranking Radmilo Armenulic told Belgrade’s B92 website (www.b92.net). place and it’s awfully strong. Ariya Jutanugarn got past her older sister and we always have fun anyways,” Ariya said. after this week. Her next opponent is South “Something had to change because this team had become his And greens like this that are fi rm Moriya 2-up in the second round at Club de “She plays so good. I can’t believe I beat her Korean Mi Jung Hur, who had to go 20 holes family of sorts and I think Djokovic has made the right deci- and fast, you slightly get a gust Golf Mexico in the first match-play event on today because she’s so good.” to knock out Norway’s Suzann Pettersen. sion. “He will now have to put together a heavyweight coach- the wrong way and all of a sud- the LPGA Tour since 2012. Moriya will head back to Florida to watch her Kerr, who lost a six-hole playoff in Texas ing staff headed by the likes of Boris Becker, Pete Sampras or den you’ve missed the green in Wie moved into the next round with with a sister, who next faces Pernilla Lindberg of against Japan’s Haru Nomura on Sunday, some other former top player. “In my opinion, bringing Becker the wrong spot or you’re 40-50 3-and-2 win over LPGA rookie Laura Gonzalez Sweden, try to win the tournament. dispatched Korean Jenny Shin 4 and 3. She back would be the best course of action as he played the best feet away and really struggling. Escallon of Belgium that included for the sec- “We don’t try to be easy on each other,” will face Cydney Clanton, a 19-hole winner tennis of his life after the German had joined his team,” added “Every hole you can drop a ond consecutive day an eagle on the par-5, Moriya said. “Hopefully, next time we are not over Germany’s Caroline Masson. the 76-year old, who steered Yugoslavia to Davis Cup semi- shot on very quickly if you’re 464-yard second hole. Also winning second- in the same pool and don’t have to see each Henderson rallied after trailing Ryann finals in 1988, 1989 and 1991. Djokovic said he had decided to out of position, so overall pretty round matches were top-ranked Lydia Ko of other so early in the week.” O’Toole 2-down after nine with a run of four part company with long-time head coach Marijan Vajda, fit- pleased.” New Zealand, 39-year-old Cristie Kerr and Wie took control of her match with a 20-foot straight birdies for a 2-and-1 win. ness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch, and physio Miljan Amanovic Co-leader Hurley was thrilled Canadian Brooke Henderson. birdie putt on No. 11 for a 3-up advantage. Her “I knew I had some work to do,” Henderson after last month’s Monte Carlo Masters quarter-final exit at the to sink a 10-foot par putt at his The Jutanugarn match went down to the last third-round opponent will be Marina Alex, a said. “I was able to do make four birdies in a hands of Belgian David Goff in. That setback completed a poor fi nal hole. “I’ve fi nished poorly hole before Ariya secured the victory. The 5-and-4 winner over Jessica Korda. row (starting at 12) that helped my momen- run stretching back to last July, when he crashed out in the in a lot of rounds of golf in the 21-year-old, who finished the round with four “I’m happy with how I played,” Wie said. “It tum.” Former world number one Inbee Park early stages of Wimbledon. He subsequently relinquished the last month or so, so that was re- birdies, could not pull away from her 22-year- was a fun but tough match. I am happy the fell 3 and 2 to Angela Staff ord. top spot in the rankings to Briton Andy Murray. ally big for me,” he said.

QATAR’S PEREIRA AND YOUNOUSSE ENTER QATAR MASTER BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINAL

Qatar’s top-seeded pair of Jeff erson Santos Pereira and Cherif Younousse marched into the final of the Aspire Qatar Master Beach Volleyball defeating New Zealand’s Michale Watson and Tom Hartles 2-0 (21-11, 21-19) in the semi-final at the Aspire Park yesterday. (R) In the second semi-final Australian pair of Chris McHugh and Damien Schumann defeated Indonesia’s Ade Candra Rachmawan and Mohamed Asfiya 2-0 (21-14, 21-15). PICTURES: Jayaram Gulf Times Sunday, May 7, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Ducks fi ght back aft er missed chances Cavs put Raptors to take Game 5 on brink, Spurs topple Rockets ‘When we’re getting stops, we’re a dangerous team’ Corey Perry #10 of the Anaheim Ducks scores on Cam Talbot #33 of the Edmonton Oilers for a 4-3 win in the Stanley Cup Playoff s at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

By Helene Elliott crowd at Honda Center. Los Angeles Times “Playoff s are a funny thing. You can never really predict it,” Oilers center and NHL scoring orey Perry’s season- champion Connor McDavid said long scoring struggles after his team’s morning skate melted away Friday in Friday, and that had a ring of the wake of a goal that prescience. No one could have Cput the Ducks in the driver’s seat predicted that the Ducks’ of- of their second-round playoff fense, which had produced 10 series against he Edmonton Oil- goals in the previous two games, ers. Perry lifted the puck over would be stifl ed until Getzlaf, the left of goaltender Cam Tal- Fowler and Rakell brought the bot six minutes and 57 seconds Ducks even so late in regulation into the second overtime Fri- time. All things little and big day to give the Ducks a 4-3 vic- that the Ducks had done right to tory and complete a remarkable win the previous two games at rally. In becoming the fi rst home Edmonton they did wrong in a team to win a game in this series, nightmarish second period Fri- the Ducks took a 3-2 lead in the day, and the Oilers jumped on series and can advance to the them. Western Conference fi nals with Game 6 will be played today a win today at Edmonton. at Edmonton; a seventh game, It was an unlikely fi nish to a if necessary, would be played game that appeared bound to be Wednesday at Honda Center. a loss for the Ducks. The winner of this series will face Down by three goals with the winner of the Nashville-St. slightly more than three minutes Louis series in the Western Con- left in the third period, victims ference fi nals. of their own inability to capital- The Oilers won Games 1 and 2 ise on some golden breaks early at Anaheim and they’re grasping in the game, the Ducks on Fri- the concept that a higher price day used the experience and the must be paid to win playoff games poise they have so carefully cul- than to win regular-season exer- tivated this season to take the cises. The Oilers don’t always get game to overtime and to prevail it right for entire games but they on their 64th shot on goal. were in control on Friday until The Ducks had been fl at for they became worn down physi- much of regulation time. But cally and couldn’t fend off the goals by Ryan Getzlaf with 3 more experienced Ducks. minutes 16 seconds left in the “Both teams are comfortable third period, Cam Fowler with playing on the road, and they 2:41 left and Rickard Rakell with certainly have a little more ex- 15 seconds left in the third period perience with it but we’re gain- brought them to even footing ing as we go,” Oilers coach Todd with the young Oilers, who were McLellan said Friday morning, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) passes the ball as Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) looks on during the first half of game three of the second round unable to handle this late and another sentiment that proved of the 2017 NBA Playoff s at Air Canada Centre. PICTURE: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports potent pushback. to be true. Until then, the Oilers had been The Ducks did win the third AFP The Raptors played without star point sidering his team was looking at this Game four is scheduled for today dominant. Precocious but not and fourth games last week in Los Angeles guard Kyle Lowry who sprained his ankle game as an important opportunity to play in Houston. Kawhi Leonard added 26 playoff -tested, down a couple of Edmonton to regain home-ice in Wednesday’s loss in Cleveland. their way back into the series. points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. defensemen because of injuries advantage, but they made poor Toronto led by three points at halft- Their playoff exit appears to be nearing Trevor Ariza tallied 17 points for Hou- and put on the defensive by two use of their familiar surround- eBron James scored 35 points as ime but the Cavaliers kept pressing in the as they have no answer for James, who ston but had just two after halftime. penalties and a penalty shot that ings in the early going on Friday. the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated third and seized command in the fourth. scored 39 points in game two on Wednes- The Rockets’ three-man bench of Eric was awarded to hot-scoring Get- However, their late scoring spree the Toronto Raptors 115-94 Friday James was instrumental in the come- day to move past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Gordon, Nene and Lou Williams com- zlaf, the Oilers could have folded brought roars from the crowd to take a 3-0 stranglehold lead in back, scoring 13 points in the fi nal quarter. into second place on the all-time playoff bined for 10 points on three-of-19 shoot- in the fi rst period Friday. Instead and fans watched the waning Ltheir second-round NBA playoff series. Lowry took part in the warm-up and scoring list. ing. they took a 3-0 lead into the third seconds on their feet, too nerv- James also tallied eight rebounds and was listed as active for the game, but “We couldn’t get anything to fall for us Houston shot just 36% from the fi eld period, silencing the sold-out ous to sit. seven assists as Cleveland will seek to Cory Joseph started in his place. Lowry and they turned it on off ensively and ran and couldn’t keep pace with San Antonio, clinch the series with a win in game four remained on the bench for the whole away with it,” said DeRozan. who were playing without injured point today in Toronto. game. Kevin Love delivered 16 points and Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 points guard Tony Parker. BASEBALL “When we’re getting stops, we’re a 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers, and Kyrie and eight rebounds, with Norman Pow- Parker will miss the remainder of the dangerous team,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn Irving also scored 16 while Kyle Korver ell chipping in with 13 points and Serge 2017 postseason after suff ering a rup- Lue said. “It was an all-round good game had 14 points. Tristan Thompson added Ibaka adding 12 for Toronto. tured left quadriceps tendon in the fourth for us rebounding, off ensively and defen- nine points and 12 rebounds. In Houston, Aldridge was especially quarter of game two. Reds rout Giants in sively, so we just have to keep that up.” DeMar DeRozan rebounded from a dangerous from in the paint in game three Elsewhere, LaMarcus Aldridge scored poor performance in game two to lead as the Spurs took a 2-1 lead in the second- Eastern Conference 26 points as the San Antonio Spurs used a Toronto with 37 points. round Western Conference series. Cleveland ...... 115 Toronto ...... 94 series opener barrage of late three pointers to overcome “I liked our fi ght, I loved the way our He shot 12-of-20 from the fi eld, a (Cleveland leads series 3-0) James Harden’s 43-point performance to guys competed,” Raptors coach Dwane much better performance than the four at Houston beat the Houston Rockets 103-92 in their Casey said. “There was no back down.” points he scored in Houston’s one-sided San Antonio ....103 Houston ...... 92 By David Jablonski which was great.” playoff series. Casey was unusually optimistic con- win in game one. (San Antonio leads series 2-1) Dayton Daily News, Ohio The Reds (15-14) moved above .500 for the fi rst time since they were 10-9 on April 23. They are BOTTOMLINE y the time the Cincinnati tied for second place with the Reds fi nished blasting Milwaukee Brewers (15-14), one the San Francisco Gi- game behind the Chicago Cubs Bants to start Star Wars (16-13) in the National League Weekend at Great American Ball Central Division. Park, Cinco de Mayo had almost The Reds are three wins bet- become Seis de Mayo. ter than they were last season Hard-working LeBron still The Reds, wearing Los Rojos through 29 games and nine jerseys, scored at least one run games closer to fi rst place. They in the fi rst six innings and added improved to 4-1 on this nine- another run in the eighth on their game homestand that contin- way to a 13-3 victory in the series ues with games Saturday and hungers to add to his legacy opener Friday. The game started Sunday against the Giants and at 8:30pm, 1 hour and 50 minutes a two-game series Monday and Reuters James had a team-high 35 points, leav- James reached his fi rst NBA Finals in later than scheduled, because of Tuesday against the New York Toronto ing him 176 points shy of surpassing 2007 as a 22-year-old with the Cavs and rain. Yankees. Michael Jordan as the all-time playoff after being swept by a veteran San Anto- The Reds had 16 hits and left 15 The Reds scored three runs in scoring leader, as Cleveland improved to nio Spurs team declared that he had to be runners on base. Giants pitchers the fi rst, two in the second, one in he remarkable workload that 7-0 in the 2017 postseason. “10 times better.” walked 12 batters. Giants starter the third, three in the fourth, one LeBron James has endured With the victory, the 32-year-old He eventually left for Miami, saying Matt Cain’s ERA jumped from in the fi fth and two in the sixth. over the last seven seasons has James also moved fi ve wins away from he needed to learn how to win, and along 2.30 to 4.70. He gave up seven Jose Peraza drove in three runs Tbeen unlike any other in NBA reaching his seventh straight NBA Finals with a cast of All-Stars won two NBA ti- earned runs in fi rst fi ve starts and with a triple and had one more history and the greatest player on the dating back to his time with the Miami tles in four seasons before returning to nine earned runs in 3 1/3 innings RBI. He was 3-for-4, raising his planet remains as hungry as ever to con- Heat from 2010-2014. Cleveland. in this game. average to .265. tinue winning titles. His current streak of NBA Finals appear- “At 22 I wasn’t mentally ready for this. “I think everybody in the reg- Billy Hamilton went 3-for-4 James, who entered the league out of ances is already a total unmatched since the You dream about it, you want it but you ular lineup was on base at least with a triple, drove in two runs, high school in 2003, has long since secured Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1960s. don’t have the experience to actually twice,” Reds manager Bryan Price scored four runs and walked his status as a surefi re Hall of Famer but the Those Celtics, however, did not have to know,” said James, whose Cavaliers can said. “We laid off some pitches twice. According to the Elias Cleveland Cavaliers forward still shifts into log the same mileage as James since the wrap up the series today in Toronto. early in the game from Cain and Sports Bureau, he is the fi rst Red a higher gear come playoff time. bulk of their reign came during a period “Mentally I had never been a part of it made him work, and I think that since the RBI became a statistic “It’s the best part of the year. This is, when the NBA had fewer than 10 teams, so I didn’t know exactly how much com- was really the diff erence. Guys in 1920 to produce three hits, one they say, where legends are made,” James, meaning fewer playoff rounds. mitment and how much sacrifi ce that you were taking what he was giving triple, two RBIs, two walks, four a three-time NBA champion, said on Fri- While a dominant James has made got to make not only for yourself but for them and extended some at-bats runs and two stolen bases. day in Toronto where his Cavs beat the “I am just trying to put myself in a po- Cleveland’s run in the playoff s look easy, your team. and drew some walks and came Bronson Arroyo (3-2, 6.53) al- Raptors 115-94 for a 3-0 lead in the best- sition where I can be, I guess, remem- he credits past postseason failures for “But without that experience I up with some big hits, scor- lowed three earned runs on fi ve of-seven Eastern Conference semi-fi nal. bered when I am done playing.” preparing him. wouldn’t be where I am today.” ing each inning and tacking on, hits in 5 1/3 innings. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, May 7, 2017 SPORT

MOTORCYCLING/ SPANISH GRAND PRIX AZLAN SHAH HOCKEY Britain triumph, India fi nish third Pedrosa takes pole Agencies Kookaburras pulled one back Ipoh, Malaysia through Eddie Ockenden sec- ond goal of the tournament. A hit from half way was defl ected reat Britain won the into Ockenden’s path and he the Sultan Azlan Shah kept his cool before turning the Cup hockey tour- ball home. nament after beat- Three minutes after the ahead of Marquez Ging Australia 4-3 in Malaysia break and GB had their third yesterday. goal. Barry Middleton was able India thrashed New Zealand to fi nd Ollie Willars who found ‘So far good, I’m happy especially in this qualifying because it’s been quite a long time’ 4-0 to fi nish third in the tour- himself high up the pitch and nament. he slammed fi rmly past the on No side from the British Isles rushing keeper. had won the title since England Once again though Australia in 1994 and GB saw off the nine- fought back instantly as Dy- time champions in an incredible lan Wotherspoon broke into fi nal. Goals from Alan Forsyth the GB circle, his perfect pass and David Goodfi eld put GB into found Pollard who pushed in an early lead before Eddie Ock- from close distance. enden pegged one bag, but Ollie However the scoring wasn’t Willars was on hand to extend fi nished for the third quarter. the lead once again. With two minutes remaining Joshua Pollard and Dylan Sam Ward and Forsyth com- Wotherspoon netted either bined to fi nd Goodfi eld who side of Goodfi eld’s second goal smartly lifted past the keeper. of the game to make for a tense With just over ten minutes to fi nale but GB held fi rm to en- go the seventh goal of the game sure a memorable victory. was scored. Australia ensured The opening exchanges were it would be a nail biting fi nish understandably tense as both as Dylan Wotherspoon tapped sides felt their way into the past Gibson following a goal- contest, but after ten minutes mouth scramble. GB found another gear and The Kookaburras piled on were soon ahead. some late pressure but some Alan Forsyth was found all dogged defending from GB alone at the top of the circle kept them at bay and the fi nal and fi red home his fourth goal whistle sparked joyous scenes. of the tournament and just Defender Rupinder Pal Singh minutes later the lead was dou- (17th, 27th minutes) slammed bled. A clever penalty corner home two penalty corners in move freed up David Goodfi eld the second quarter before SV who taped into an empty goal. Sunil (48th) and Talwinder Australia responded strong- Singh (60th) scored fi eld goals ly but found Harry Gibson at in the last period in India’s win his very best in the GB goal to over New Zealand. deny them at three penalty India had fi nished runners- corners before the end of the up in last year’s edition when fi rst quarter. they had lost 0-4 to Australia Just before half-time the in the fi nal.

Hurdler Harrison breaks hand, still wins race

World record holder Keni Harrison broke a bone in her left hand warming up but still dominated the Doha Diamond League 100m hurdles, winning in 12.59 seconds into a headwind. The break oc- curred during “a final push out” in practice, the American said on her Twitter account. “Doctors said she would need six weeks to recover,” Juanita Bryan of Harrison’s management company told Reuters. “But they want her to have a more thorough exam when Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Dani Pedrosa (C) poses with Repsol Honda Team’s Spanish rider Marc Marquez (L) and LCR Honda’s British rider Cal Crutchlow after winning the she returns to the states tomorrow.” Her coach, Edrick Floreal pole position at Jerez de la Frontera race track for the Spanish Red Bull Grand Prix. Pedrosa grabbed the pole ahead of Marquez second and Crutchlow. (AFP) posted a picture of the bandaged Harrison after they had taken her to hospital following the race. “Nothing but God’s strength AFP ly,” said Pedrosa. rupted by repeated stings from Starting grids for Sunday’s (ITA/Kalex) at 0.046, 3. Domin- and my determination that got me through that race,” Harrison Jerez de la Frontera, Spain “Since the return of the a wasp that got inside his racing Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez: ique Aegerter (SUI/Suter) 0.232 added. The 24-year-old set the world record of 12.20 seconds in Michelin tyres (in 2016) I’ve leathers. “After doing my fast lap MotoGP 2nd row London last July, just days after failing to make the US team for found it hard to get on the fi rst I felt something go inside,” said 1st row 4. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) the 2016 Rio Olympics. The record had stood for 28 years. ani Pedrosa narrowly row,” he Pedrosa. Crutchlow. “Then it started to 1. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 0.329, 5. Mattia Pasini (ITA/Ka- edged out world cham- “I had a good feeling and I sting me fi ve times or something 1min 38.249, 2. Marc Marquez lex) 0.518, 6. Francesco Bagnaia pion Marc Marquez to tried to make the most of my I had to stop to get it out.” (ESP/Honda) at 0.049, 3. Cal (ITA/Kalex) 0.624 start from pole for to- second lap. I had Marc right be- It was a disappointing yes- Crutchlow (GBR/Honda LCR) 3rd row day’sD Spanish Grand Prix after a hind me so I knew it would be terday for Yamaha duo and the 7. Xavi Vierge (ESP/Tech3) 0.683, Greipel wins Giro’s stage two 0.204 thrilling duel between the Honda hard for him to set a faster time leading two riders in the cham- 2nd row 8. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/ German Andre Greipel took his seventh win on the Giro teammates. than me.” pionship standings Valentino 4. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yama- Kalex) 0.754, 9. Marcel Shrotter d’Italia when he claimed the second stage in a bunch sprint Despite a late fi nal attempt The two Hondas had left the Rossi and Maverick Vinales. ha) 0.428, 5. Andrea Iannone (GER/Suter) 0.790 finish yesterday. from Marquez to claim his third garage almost side by side to set Italian veteran Rossi leads (ITA/Suzuki) 0.495, 6. Johann The Lotto Soudal rider passed Australian Caleb Ewan, whose pole of the season, he fell 0.049 their fl ying laps. Vinales by just six points after Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) Moto3 chances were ruined when his left shoe came off its clip, and seconds short of Pedrosa’s best However, after Pedrosa set the three races as he goes for a long- 0.612 1st row never looked back as he also snatched the overall leader’s time of 1min 38.249sec. time to beat, Marquez had one awaited 10th title, but will start 3rd row 1. Jorge Martin (ESP/Honda) pink jersey. Italian Roberto Ferrari (UAE Team Emirates) took Pedrosa has been in fi ne form last go at bettering his teammate from seventh. Vinales, who won 7. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 1:46.004, 2. Aron Canet (ESP/ second place ahead of Belgian Jasper Stuyven (Trek Sega- all weekend at the Jerez track as and may even have landed pole the fi rst two races of the season 0.659, 8. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ Honda) at 0.437, 3. Romano fredo) at the end of an undulating, 221-km stage between he also topped the timesheets but for a slight wobble before in Qatar and Argentina before Ducati) 0.661, 9. Jonas Folger Fenati (ITA/Honda) 0.514 Olbia and Tortoli in Sardinia. in three of the four practice ses- entering the home straight. crashing out at the Grand Prix of (GER/Yamaha Tech3) 0.859 2nd row “There was no trouble with Caleb’s bike. He collided with an- sions before claiming his fi rst “Where I normally like it on the Americas last time out, leads 4th row 4. Nicolo Bulega (ITA/KTM) other rider and it caused the incident and ruined his sprint,” pole since the Malaysian Grand the straight, I came in too fast the second row from fourth. 10. Jack Miller (AUS/Honda) 0.651, 5. Marcos Ramirez (ESP/ said Ewan’s sports director at Orica-Scott, Matt White. “It was Prix in 2015. and nearly went fl ying off , but Andrea Iannone and Johann 0.876, 11. Scott Redding (GBR/ KTM) 0.696, 6. Nicolo Antonelli not an easy day, six hours on the bike. I owe it to my team “So far good, I’m happy espe- even so it was a good lap and I am Zarco complete the second row. Ducati Pramac) 0.903, 12. Aleix (ITA/KTM) 0.753 mates who worked hard all day,” said Greipel, who is leading cially in this qualifying because happy,” said three-time world Three-time Spanish GP win- Espargaro (ESP/Aprilla) 1.151 3rd row a grand tour for the first time in his career. it’s been quite a long time. I was champion Marquez. ner Jorge Lorenzo’s poor start to Moto2 7. Tatsuki Suzuki (JPN/Honda) Eritrean Daniel Teklehaimanot will wear the blue jersey for struggling in qualifying, not be- Britain’s Cal Crutchlow com- life with Ducati continued as he 1st row 0.784, 8. Andrea Migno (ITA/ the best climber as he gained decisive points on the final ing able to do the good lap times pletes the front row despite his could only manage eighth 1. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) KTM) 0.831, 9 Joan Mir (ESP/ ascent after spending the day in the breakaway. to be in the front row constant- qualifying session being inter- fastest. 1:42.080, 2. Franco Morbidelli Honda) 0.834

ATHLETICS Kipchoge narrowly misses sub-2hr marathon goal

Reuters months hard preparation. It has runners in their own right, includ- Monza, Italy been history in the world of sport,” ing former world champion middle he added. distance runner Bernard Lagat of the Kipchoge and the only other com- United States. liud Kipchoge ran the quick- petitors, Eritrean Zersenay Tadese A total of 30 pacemakers split est recorded marathon yes- and Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa, ran into groups of six, taking turns to terday, crossing the line at behind an arrow-head formation of set a tempo in a race run 63 years the Monza Formula One pacemakers, to reduce drag, and a to the day after Briton Roger Ban- trackE in two hours and 25 seconds car beaming a green line on the road nister became the fi rst man to run a but missing out on an ambitious at- behind it to show the required speed mile in less than four minutes. The tempt to break the two-hour barrier. for the sub-two hour target. Monza track was chosen for its wide, The 32-year-old’s time smashed Amid deep scepticism, Nike sweeping curves, lack of undulation the offi cial mark of 2:02:57 set by pitched the attempt as sport’s “moon and cool, low-wind environment. fellow Kenyan Dennis Kimetto in shot”, with a keen eye on sales of its The runners were also delivered es- Berlin in 2014 but will not enter the running shoes. It designed a light- sential fl uids on the move by moped record books largely due to a non- weight shoe, Zoom Vaporfl y Elite, in order to prevent them slowing compliant system of pacemaking. with a carbon-fi bre insole as part of down at feeding stations. “The is not the end of the attempt the meticulous preparations. Nike’s The sub-two hour mark required of runners on two hours,” the Ol- arch rival, German fi rm adidas, also a pace below four minutes and 35 ympic champion said after the race, has its own ‘Sub2’ project, also with seconds per mile, which the deter- likening the challenge to climbing a a new shoe. mined Kipchoge managed to match tree. “When you step on the branch- until falling behind the pace car in es... immediately you go to the next 30 PACEMAKERS the last two laps of the 2.4km circuit. one.” In 2014, “Runners World” maga- Kipchoge completed the fi rst half of Kipchoge rated it as the fi nest per- zine predicted a sub-two under the race in 59:57, just one and a half formance in a career that includes a normal race conditions would not minutes off the offi cial half-mara- gold medal at the Rio Games last happen until 2075, based on analysis thon world record set by yesterday’s year and a personal best offi cial time of more than 10,000 top marathon second-place fi nisher, Tadese. of 2:03:05, the third-fastest in his- performances. The 35-year-old Eritrean, the old- tory. The race began in pre-dawn est competitor yesterday, fi nished in “This journey has been good, it gloom at a brutal speed behind 2:06:51, followed by the youngest, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge celebrates with pace-makers after an attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier at the Monza circuit in has been hard, it has been seven pacemakers, who were world class 26-year-old Desisa, in 2:14:10. Italy yesterday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Sunday, May 7, 2017 7 CRICKET

IPL Stokes and Unadkat star in Pune’s win over Hyderabad Steve Smith-led Supergiant vaulted to the second spot in the standings and almost booked their place for the play-off s

IANS hosts the wicket of Rashid (3) off a simple caught Hyderabad and bowled chance before Bhuvneshwar (0) gave Unadkat the hat-trick and his 100th IPL wicket on the fourth ball. ising Pune Supergiant (RPS) rode on an Earlier, Hyderabad kept it tight at the begin- all-round eff ort from Ben Stokes and a ning as Pune got off to a poor start. In-form hat-trick from left-arm pacer Jaydev opener Rahul Tripathi (1) was run out by a direct Unadkat to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad throw from Bipul Sharma from short fi ne-leg byR 12 runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) tie after he fl icked a delivery from left-arm pacer at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here Ashish Nehra in the fi fth delivery of the second yesterday. over and decided to run but was sent back by With the win, the Steve Smith-led Supergiant Ajinkya Rahane. Stokes took his time to settle vaulted to the second spot in the IPL standings, in before deciding to tear into the home bowling and almost booked their place for the IPL play- attack as Smith opted to anchor the innings as off s while the Sunrisers remained fourth after he got two lives after being dropped at his per- their second successive loss. sonal scores of fi ve and 22 by Bipul and Bhuv- Unadkat returned with fi gures of 5/30 from neshwar Kumar respectively. his four overs, including the hat-trick in the fi - Bipul was carted for another six towards long- nal over, which saw the dismissals of Bipul Shar- on in his next over as Stokes made his intentions ma, Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The clear. It took a faster delivery from leg-spinner left-armer also accounted for the wickets of the Rashid Khan to break the dangerous looking in-form Yuvraj Singh and stumper Naman Ojha partnership as the ball ran through Stokes’ de- to get to his fi ve wicket haul. The left-armer was fence, with Pune at 99/3 in 14.3 overs. Medium complimented well by Stokes, who fi rst helped pacer Siddharth Kaul dealt two big blows to Pune reach 148/8 with a 25-ball 39, before tak- the visitors by getting rid of Smith and Daniel ing three wickets to dent the hopes of the hosts. Christian (4). While Smith was caught by Bipul Stokes struck with the wickets of the in-form at short third man, Christian was holed out at Shikhar Dhawan (19) off his fi rst delivery be- long-on by Rashid. fore packing New Zealander Kane Williamson Later, Mahendra Singh Dhoni showed fl ashes (4) one ball later as the Sunrisers lost their fi rst of his old devastating self as he bludgeoned me- match on home soil this season. dium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for two sixes Skipper David Warner (40 from 34 balls) did and a four in the 19th over. He bagged another well to get to 500 runs in this edition of the IPL, four against Kaul in the fi nal over. striking four fours, including three off tweaker Rising Pune Supergiants’ Ben Stokes (second left) celebrates with teammates after dismissing Sunrisers Hyderabad’s David Warner during the Indian BRIEF SCORES Washington Sundar besides clobbering Imran Premier League at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) Rising Pune Supergiant 148 for 8 in 20 overs Tahir for a massive six. The Australian added (Ajinkya Rahane 22, Steve Smith 34, Ben Stokes 54 runs for the third wicket with Yuvraj (47 from Moises Henriques (4) with a googly, which the Ojha (9), before slicing a short and wide ball ball for Stokes to take a brilliant running catch. 39, Mahendra Singh Dhoni 31; Siddharth Kaul 4-29, 43) before Stokes returned to see Warner’s back batsman tried to cut but instead crashed onto from Unadkat only to land in Rahul Tripathi’s Requiring 13 off the fi nal over from Unadkat, Rashid Khan 1-18) bt Sunrisers Hyderabad 136 for with a short ball to be caught by Shardul Thakur the stumps. With the asking rate mounting, Yu- hands. Unadkat once again struck on the last left-hander Sharma (8) failed to connect the 9 in 20 overs (David Warner 40, Shikhar Dhawan 19, at sweeper cover. vraj, who got a life on 32 belted a few boundaries ball of his over to pack back Ojha, who repeated fi rst ball before holing out the second to Stokes Yuvraj Singh 47; Jaydev Unadkat 5-30, Ben Stokes Tahir then jolted the hosts with the wicket of and sixes to step up the gas and add 21 runs with the same mistake as Yuvraj did to slice a wide at deep midwicket. The third delivery cost the 3-30, Imran Tahir 1-24) by 12 runs

Sachin Tendulkar receives Asian Awards Fellowship SPOTLIGHT Pollard, Simmons fashion Mumbai’s win over Delhi

IANS New Delhi

utting up a horrendous show with both the bat and ball, Delhi Daredev- ils posted their lowest Ptotal of 66 all out in 13.4 overs as they lost to the Mumbai Indians by 146 runs – biggest defeat in terms of runs in the Indian Pre- mier League (IPL) yesterday. Facing one of their remaining must-win matches after having eight points from 10 games, Del- hi allowed Lendl Simmons and Kieran Pollard to hit blistering half-centuries as Mumbai posted a huge total of 212/3 in 20 overs at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium. The home side’s batting was Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was honoured with the Fellowship award at The Asian Awards in London. The master blaster, even more horrifi c than their who is looking forward to the release of his upcoming biographical drama “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”, attended The Asian Awards bowling as they were bowled out ceremony on Friday at the London Hilton on Park Lane. The event honours Asian excellence, and past awardees of the Fellowship for 66 – one run short of match- honour include Indian musician Ravi Shankar, and actors Jackie Chan and Ben Kingsley. Tendulkar’s journey to international stardom ing their lowest total of 67, posted through cricket is an interesting tale told through his much-awaited biographical drama, “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”. Produced by Ravi earlier this edition against Kings Bhagchandka of 200 Not Out and Shrikant Bhasi of Carnival Motion Pictures, and helmed by Emmy-nominated James Erskine, the XI Punjab on April 30. It was the film is releasing on May 26. (AFP) third lowest total in the history of IPL – the infamy belonging to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 49 against Kolkata Knight Riders LOCAL CRICKET last month. Even though the target was huge, no one expected Delhi to surrender meekly, especially af- ter the way they chased down Hanan emerge champions 209-run target set by Gujarat Li- ons in their previous match here. Mumbai Indians’ Kieron Pollard made an unbeaten 63. (AFP) n the 3rd M. Pallonji cricket tournament But Delhi lost fi ve batsmen 2017 – division -1 Hanan XII scored a in the Powerplay overs (six) slim chance of qualifying for the mons was caught by Marlon well-fought victory over hosts M. Pal- with only 35 on the board. Pacer play-off s. Samuels off , with Mumbai at lonji by 30 runs to win the title. The fi nal Mitchell McClanaghan deliv- Earlier, Simmons, playing 116/2 in 12.3 overs. Imatch was played at the West Bay Cricket ered in the fi rst ball of the in- his fi rst match of the campaign, Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma Complex, Losail on Friday nings, removing Sanju Samson, starred from the start with a (10)’s wicket, however, gave some M. Pallonji is sponsoring the Veterans’ who was caught by Simmons at knock of 66 off 43 deliveries, fea- relief to the hosts. The right- Cricket League for the 3rd time with the co- deep square leg. In the next over, turing fi ve fours and four sixes, hander unsuccessfully pulled operation of Chidananda Nayak, Regional Shreyas Iyer top-edged a short while Pollard scored a belligerent Rabada and the ball landed in the General Manager of M. Pallonji. ball from Lasith Malinga and 63 not out off 35 balls, milking hands of Mishra at short fi ne- Pallonji after winning the toss elected to was caught by Harbhajan Singh four sixes. Asked to bat, Sim- leg, as Mumbai lost their third fi eld. Hanan put up 70 runs for the loss of at midwicket, reducing Delhi mons and Parthiv Patel (25) gave wicket for 153 runs in 15.3 overs. 2 wickets in the fi rst 6 overs and totalled a to 6/2. Next to go was Rishabh the visitors a fl ying start, putting Meanwhile Pollard completed massive 231 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in Pant (0), who pulled pacer Jasprit up 79 runs for the fi rst wicket in his fi fty in 29 balls with a power- the allotted 20 overs. Bumrah to deep midwicket. Delhi 8.4 overs. West Indian Simmons, ful straight drive off Cummins. Parvez was the star batsman who scored vice-captain Karun Nair (21 off who replaced Jos Buttler in the He later got good support from a century off only 35 deliveries with 13 sixes 15) too soon perished, off ering a team, was particularly impres- Hardik Pandya (29 not out off 14) and a boundary. Niyamath also chipped in catch to Rohit at short midwicket sive, using the long handle to as they helped Mumbai register a with 33 runs with 4 sixes and a boundary, off a delivery from off -spinner good eff ect against Delhi pacers mighty total – which they easily Aswar scored 32 Runs while Zameer 19 Runs. Harbhajan Singh, as the hosts Zaheer Khan, Kagiso Rabada and defended. Firdous took 3 wickets, Dinesh, Ayub, reeled at 31/4 in 4.4 overs. Pat Cummins. Sandesh and Naveed took 1 wicket each Malinga struck again, getting Parthiv (25 off 22) played a BRIEF SCORES from Pallonji. rid of Corey Anderson (10) as perfect foil to Simmons till leg- Mumbai Indians 212 for 3 in 20 In reply Pallonji started strongly and Hanan XII team members receive the winners trophy of Division I from Chief Guest Chidan- the left-handed batsman off ered spinner Amit Mishra ended his overs (Lendl Simmons 66, Parthiv scored 70 in the fi rst 6 overs for the loss of anda Nayak – Regional General Manager of M.Pallonji. an easy catch to Karn Sharma innings when the left-hander Patel 25, Keiron Pollard 63 not out, 2 Wickets. After that Pallonji batsman could at dep midwicket. Leg-spinner stepped out and missed a googly, Hardik Pandya 29 not out; Kagiso not maintain the momentum and were all the other contributors. INDIVIDUAL AWARDS Sharma too revelled in Mum- only to be stumped by wicket- Rabada 1-33) bt Delhi Daredevils out for 201 runs in 18.5 Overs. Radiq was the Husni, Rizlath and Samir claimed 2 wick- Best Batsman: Rauf of Hanan XI bai’s party, bagging the wickets keeper Rishabh Pant. Simmons 66 all out in 13.4 overs (Karun Nair main batsman from Pallonji contributing 54 ets each while Imran, Zamir, Aswar and Sa- Best Bowler: Thisaru of Pallonji of Marlon Samuels (1) and Kagi- then completed his fi fty off 38 21; Lasith Malinga 2-5, Harbhajan with 5 sixes and 2 boundaries. Ibrahim 29 hir took 1 wicket each for Hanan. Best All-rounder: Niyamath of Hanan son Rabada (0). Eventually, Delhi deliveries, as he and Pollard took Singh 3-22, Karn Sharma 3-11) by runs, Talha 28 runs and Ayub 27 runs were Best Wicketkeeper : Neeraj of Pallonji folded up for 66 and now have a Mumbai innings forward. Sim- 146 runs

Sunday, May 7, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Ramadan sports events and activities return to Aspire ‘We’re always looking for opportunities to incorporate a broad range of activities and some of the most popular sports’

inal preparations are underway for As- pire Zone Foundation’s (AZF)’s annual Ramadan Sports Festival (RSF). Community members keen to take Fadvantage of the exciting line-up of activities covering football, indoor hockey, cricket and more can fi nd the full details on the ‘Life in As- pire’ website. The two-week festival will run from the 6th to 19th day of Ramadan (June 1st to June 14th), from 9:30pm until midnight. It will feature 11 exciting sporting events that cater to all mem- bers of the community and people of all ages. Such activities provide the ideal opportunity for people looking to maintain an active lifestyle during Ramadan whilst also enjoying a welcom- ing and fun-fi lled environment. Commenting on the preparations for RSF, Abdullah Aman al-Khater, Events Manager at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “Year after year, our Ramadan Sports Festival has showcased Aspire Zone Foundation’s ability to cater to the varying interests of sports enthusiasts in Qatar and people of all ages and sporting abilities. “We’re always looking for opportunities to incorporate a broad range of activities and some of the most popular sports in Qatar into our programme. The events were carefully selected after a thorough assessment process designed to identify the most popular sporting activities in the country and those most likely to engage the highest number of people. The festival is a key part of Aspire Zone’s annual Ramadan activi- ties designed to encourage people to stay active, maintain a healthy lifestyle and spend qual- ity time with friends and family throughout the Holy Month.” As in previous years, Aspire Zone Founda- The two-week festival will run from the 6th to 19th day of Ramadan (June 1st to 14th) from 9:30 pm until midnight. It will feature 11 exciting sporting events that cater to all members of the community . tion is once again including a new activity for the fi rst time in the Ramadan Sports Festival Separately, a fi ve-day futsal tournament is on the same day under the supervision of Aspire programme. This year the festival will include a also being organised for employees of Aspire Zone’s highly trained female coaches. new indoor hockey tournament for men, which Zone Foundation and takes place in the multi- Aspire Zone Foundation is once again col- runs for four days from the 9th until the 12th of purpose hall in Aspire Dome. Boys aged between laborating this year with the Qatar Paralympic Ramadan. The tournament will take place in the 14 and 16 years of age will also be able to partici- Committee to organise table tennis competi- multipurpose hall in Aspire Dome, the largest pate in the junior futsal tournament, which will tions for people with special needs. The compe- indoor multipurpose dome in the world. take place from the 15th to the 19th day of Ram- titions will be held on the 8th day of Ramadan Back by popular demand following the enor- adan and feature eight teams. in the multipurpose hall in Aspire Dome, and mous success of last year’s event, Aspire Zone Aspire Zone is also organising volleyball tour- will be divided into three categories – for people Foundation is bringing back the cricket tourna- naments for men and women in Aspire Dome. with learning disabilities, as well as visual and ment for a second year. The tournament will be The men’s volleyball tournament will take place hearing impairments. held across three days and take place inside As- from the 6th until the 12th day of Ramadan, fea- The Ramadan Sports Festival is an annual pire Zone’s Warm-up Track, from the 6th until turing eight teams with each made up of nine sport and fi tness festival that coincides with the 8th day of Ramadan. players. the Holy Month of Ramadan. During the two The football tournament will resume this year Meanwhile, the ladies’ volleyball tournament, weeks, thousands of members from the local and will take place over seven days (from the organised in partnership with the Women’s community are expected to participate in sports 12th – 19th day of Ramadan) inside the Warm- Sports Committee, will run over fi ve days from tournaments taking place across Aspire Zone’s Up Track. The tournament will feature 16 teams the 8th until the 12th day of Ramadan. Abdullah al-Khater, Events Manager at Aspire Zone Foundation. world class sporting facilities. organised into various groups, with each squad Elsewhere, 12 teams each made up of eight Interested parties looking to register or fi nd made up of 12 players. The team at the top of players will compete in the basketball tourna- Aspire Zone is designating the 13th day of Ra- Club. The events are ideal for women looking to out more about the activities taking place this each group after the fi rst round of games will ment, which is running from the 15th to the 19th madan as a family day with events for ladies and engage in sporting activities in a private setting. year can do so through Aspire Zone’s social me- qualify for the fi nal stages of the competition. day of Ramadan and takes place in Aspire Dome. children taking place in Aspire Zone’s Ladies The Ladies Fitness Challenge will also be held dia channels and website: www.lifeinaspire.qa

FOCUS Aspire Zone Foundation and INSEP ink new Jordan beat Lebanon to clinch Asian partnership Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) benefit to the members of the and the French National Aspire Zone Foundation family, Communities football tournament Institute of Sport expertise and including Aspire Academy, a performance (INSEP), a training leading sports school for young he fi fth Asian Communities Foot- institute and centre for excel- athletic talent, Aspetar, the ball Tournament 2017 (ACFT) lence in sports that trains elite region’s first orthopaedic and concluded at the Al Ahli Stadi- athletes, signed a Memoran- sports medicine hospital, and um where Jordan were crowned dum of Understanding (MoU) Aspire Logistics, which organ- Tchampions and took home the trophy for on Thursday, May 4th, further ises world-class local, regional the second time since 2013, year of which cementing AZF’s commitment and international sporting the tournament was inaugurated. to elevate the expertise of its events.” Jordan registered a 1-0 win against members as part of its mission Ghani Ylaouz, CEO of INSEP, Lebanon, while India and Nepal record- to become a global leader in said: “We’re pleased to come to ed a 2-2 draw in the third place decider elite athletic management by Qatar on this happy occasion match which took place earlier in the 2020. as we develop our co-operation evening at 5pm. The MoU was signed by with Aspire Zone Foundation’s The third place decider match saw In- Abdullah Nasser al-Naemi, premier experts and find ways dia beat Nepal in the penalty shootout af- Director General of Aspire of supporting international ter a diffi cult match. An award ceremony Logistics (on behalf of Moham- sporting talent. To pursue its was held to honour the fi rst, second, and mad Khalifa al-Suwaidi, CEO of development, INSEP has cho- third place teams, along with the Qatar AZF) and by Ghani Ylaouz, CEO sen to further broaden its in- Football Association (QFA) referees. Five of INSEP. ternational horizons in order to special prizes were presented, including The signing was also at- enrich its knowledge and share Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, Best Player, tended by French ambassador experiences with best centres Best Fan Engagement Team, and Best to Qatar Eric Chevallier, Nasser from all five continents whose Team Management. Abdullah al-Hajri, Director of eff orts are shaping the sports Jordan received the trophy, gold med- PR and Communication at of tomorrow and contributing als, and a cash prize of QR10,000, while Aspire Logistics. Senior off icials to growth and development. Lebanon received silver medals and a from INSEP, including, Director That’s why we look forward to cash prize of QR5,000 and India received Particia Delesque, International working with AZF’s specialists bronze medals. Relations Deputy Director and coaches and welcoming Jordan’s Charge d’Aff aires and Minister Victor Dechelette and Second them in France soon.” Plenipotentiary Soufi an al-Qudah, Leba- Counsellor Samuel Ducroquet, French ambassador to Qatar, non’s ambassador to Qatar Hassan Najim also attended the ceremony. Eric Chevallier, added: “The and Hilal al-Mohannadi, Chairman of Speaking about this new signing of this agreement the Sub-leagues Committee at QFA con- partnership, Abdullah Nasser between two institutions (INSEP gratulated the teams during the crowning al-Naemi, Director General of and Aspire Zone Foundation) ceremony. Aspire Logistics, said: “We are committed to excellence il- The ACFT is one of the many events very pleased to be collaborat- lustrates this will. I am eager to that are organised to run along the period ing with a centre of excellence see the fruits of this partner- of the Emir Cup and acts as a way to ex- in sports like INSEP, as partner- ship in the future and believe cite the fans ahead of the Emir Cup fi nal ship is a key approach in our it will bring significant benefits match on 19 May. It also reinforces QFA’s way to excellence. This is a big to both sides.” As part of this commitment in providing a platform step for Aspire Zone Founda- partnership, Aspire Zone Foun- to create a football culture amongst the tion as we constantly look for dation and INSEP will facilitate Asian communities across Qatar while Jordan team members pose after winning the fifth Asian Communities football tournament 2017 at the Al Ahli Stadium. new ways to extend our reach opportunities for all those in- focusing on the positive values and social regionally and internationally volved in elite-level athlete and benefi ts it generates among the commu- one stop in the lead up to the Emir Cup fi - & Legacy (SCDL) as the Offi cial Partner, and learn from the expertise of sports management to improve nities nal match aims to involve the Asian com- and Nike. SPECIAL PRIZES those who’ve been working in their knowledge and skill-sets The Emir Cup Trophy Tour made a stop munities who are loyal fans to the Emir Best Fan Engagement Team: Nepal the field of sports for decades. through internships, confer- at Al Ahli Stadium ahead of the matches Cup. FINAL RESULTS Best Team Management: Indonesia “We believe that sharing ences, as well as participation to give the teams the opportunity to take Organised by the Qatar Football As- Champions: Jordan (Jordan 1, Lebanon 0) Best goalkeeper: Hussain Hamdan, Lebanon knowledge between both insti- in training camps and collabo- pictures with the iconic trophy. The Tro- sociation (QFA), the ACFT is sponsored Runner-up: Lebanon Best player: Hassan Sheet, Lebanon tutions will bring tremendous rative research initiatives. phy Tour, which is set to make more than by the Supreme Committee for Delivery Third place: India Top scorer: Fahed al-Qawasmi, Jordan