FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 CCYCLINGYCLING | Page 7 All roads lead Froome to Rome for suff ers in Sicily, double-chasing Wellens wins Juventus fourth stage

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 CRICKET Sha’baan 23, 1439 AH Paine to captain ODI GULF TIMES team in England as new Aussie era starts SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL / AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT We are capable Dominant Duhail of qualifying slam four goals to quarters: Al Sadd’s Khoukhi

By Sports Reporter and dominated the initial ex- Doha changes. against hosts Al Ain Al Sadd doubled the lead in the 28th minute with Khoukhi orward Boualem Khoukhi sending a powerful header past was confi dent Al Sadd goalkeeper Mohamed al-Owais Youssef El Arabi, Nam Tae-hee, Ismail Mohamed and Almoez Ali score for Duhail can win the AFC Cham- following an assist from Baghdad pions League Round of Bounedjah. 16F return leg against Al Ahli and Al Sadd carried their two goal enter the quarter-fi nals. cushion into the second half but Khoukhi’s brace at home saw their advantage cut within earned him the man of the match two minutes of resumption, with and Sadd a victory 2-1 in fi rst leg Mohannad Aseri heading in cross on Monday. The second leg will from Amir Kurdi. be played in Jeddah next Monday. “Al Sadd pushed forward from “Al Sadd pushed forward the beginning and we scored from the beginning and twice in the fi rst half. However, we scored twice in the fi rst we conceded in the second half half. However, we conceded and our determination was hit. in the second half and our Anyway, what is important is determination was hit. that we got a win in this game,” Anyway, what is important Khoukhi said after the match. is that we got a win in this He also expressed his hap- game,” Khoukhi said piness after performance, say- ing that it would help him give Al Sadd head coach Jesualdo his best in the second leg. “The Ferreira expressed his dissatis- match was tough, just as we ex- faction after conceding an away pected, but we had a lot of easy goal and said Al Ahli will be dif- chances, which could have been fi cult to beat at home. enough to put us in a strong po- “This is not a good result. Al sition for the away leg. Regard- Ahli will be tough to play against less, we are capable of achieving in front of their fans, especially a positive result with determina- as they need just one goal to tion and desire,” he said. qualify. This is a tough for us and At the Jassim bin Hamad I am very disappointed,” he said Stadium, Qatar international “We did not defend well. Khoukhi was on target as early as Pedro’s return will be a good in the third minute, coolly scor- thing for us in the away game. I ing from close range after a fi ne am not pessimistic, I’m realistic. pass from Xavi Hernandez as Al The game in Jeddah is going to be Sadd capitalised on a bright start extremely diffi cult.”

Al Duhail’s Almoez Ali (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against Al Ain during the first leg of their AFC Champions League Round of 16 match in Al Ain yesterday. (AFP)

By Sports Reporter hamed put his side further ahead in the Al Ain, UAE 48th minute with a fi ne chip over Eisa, after being set up by Tae-hee. Tae-hee was involved in Al Duhail’s atar’s Al Duhail continued their fourth goal just seven minutes later, impressive run in the 2018 threading a through ball for Almoez Ali, AFC Champions League with a whose fi erce low strike went in at the near dominating 4-2 away win over post to give the Qatari side a scarcely be- UAE’sQ Al Ain in the fi rst leg of their Round lievable 4-0 lead. of 16 clash at the Hazza bin Zayed Sta- Al Ain’s fi ghtback only gathered steam dium yesterday. towards the last half hour, with two sub- The QNB Stars League champions ran stitutes helping them reduce the defi cit. through their opposition after goals from Former AFC Player of the Year Ahmed Youssef El Arabi, Nam Tae-hee, Ismail Khalil was fi rst, heading in from close Mohamed and Almoez Ali. Substitutes range in the 68th minute to make it 4-1. In Ahmed Khalil and Ibrahim grabbed two the 86th minute, Ibrahim Diaky popped back for the hosts. The return leg takes up in the six-yard area to slam home a place in Doha next Tuesday. rebound after Amine Lecomte parried Last night’s victory meant Djamel Bel- Omar Abdulrahman’s free-kick. The madi’s men became only the second ever hosts went searching for a third goal but team in AFC Champions League history the night got worse for them as Caio was Al Sadd forward Boualem Khoukhi (centre) scored both the goals in to win their fi rst seven games in the com- shown the red card for violent conduct. his team’s 2-1 win over Al Ahli on Monday. petition. Four away goals means Duhail has one They had six wins from as many foot in the quarter-fi nals. Still the only matches in the group stage to become the UAE club to win the Champions League, fi rst team since Kashima Antlers in 2010 Al Ain will have their work cut out to Guangzhou held by Tianjin, Buriram to progress with a 100 percent record. progress to the quarter-fi nals. surprise Jeonbuk The Red Knights have never won the Al Ain now need to score three goals in premier Asian title before, but they Doha in the return leg and hope that Du- In other last 16 AFC Champions League matches, Guangzhou Ever- showed yesterday that they have it in hail doesn’t score, to keep their last eight grande were held to a goalless draw by fellow Chinese Super League them to create history in 2018. This was chances alive. side Tianjin Quanjian in the first leg of their Asian Champions League the fi rst ever encounter between these Al Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi (left) heads the ball during the match against Al Ain. (AFP) The match in Doha next week repre- round of 16 clash as Thailand’s Buriram United edged Jeonbuk Motors two teams in the AFC Champions League. sents Al Ain’s fi nal fi xture of a largely suc- in a five-goal thriller. Ahead of the match, Belmadi had spo- when Moroccan striker El Arabi struck in Qataris in the 39th minute with a mag- cessful season in which they secured the Buriram will take a one-goal advantage into the second leg in ken about how Duhail will approach the the 16th minute. nifi cent solo eff ort. The Korea Republic Arabian Gulf League title for the fi rst time South Korea against the two-time winners following a 3-2 win at match against UAE champions Al Ain Al Ain goalkeeper Khaled Eisa did well star nutmegged Ahmed Barman near the in three years and also clinched the Presi- the Thunder Castle, but Son Joon-ho’s late goal ensured Jeonbuk without any fear. And they walked the to save El Arabi’s initial header but the Al halfway line before sprinting away from dent’s Cup crown. It marked the fi rst time will go into the second leg confident of advancing. talk in what was the biggest real test of Duhail frontman pounced on the rebound Mohamed Abdulrahman and netting past in the club’s history that they completed In Isfahan, Giorgi Gvelesiani’s last-gasp penalty kick was the diff er- their title credentials. and hit a powerful eff ort that went in off Eisa to make it 2-0. that double in the same campaign. But ence as Zobahan overcome fellow Iranian side Esteghlal 1-0 in the The visitors started the game the more Mohamed Ahmed. Al Duhail picked up from where they against a dominant Duhail strike force the first leg. energetic side and stunned the home fans Tae-hee then doubled the lead for the left off in the second half and Ismail Mo- hosts had no answers on the night. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, May 9, 2018 FOOTBALL

ITALIAN CUP FOCUS FIFA fi nes All roads lead to Rome for Russia over racist double-chasing Juventus chants Reuters Moscow Milan have not won a major trophy since Allegri led them to the Serie A title in 2011 orld Cup hosts Rus- AFP sia have been fi ned Milan 30,000 Swiss francs for discriminatory Wchants by fans, FIFA said yes- ll roads lead to Rome this week terday, after racist abuse was for Juventus who will look to directed at French players dur- seal the Italian Cup and Se- ing a friendly in St Petersburg in rie A double in the space of March. A photographer at pitch fourA days at the Stadio Olimpico. Mas- level for France’s 3-1 win over similiano Allegri’s Turin giants take on Russia heard monkey chants di- his former club AC Milan in the Italian rected at French players on sev- Cup fi nal today, and on Sunday play AS eral occasions, including when Roma needing just one point to rubber- midfi elder N’Golo Kante came stamp a seventh successive Serie A title. to the touchline for a throw- Milan have not won a major trophy in. FIFA said it had conducted since Allegri led them to the Serie A title a “thorough investigation” of in 2011. Beaten twice by Juventus in the video evidence of the match in league this season, the club’s last Italian reaching its decision. Cup trophy dates back to the playing World football’s ruling body days of coach Gennaro Gattuso in 2003. said it recognised the gravity of “They want to start winning sil- the incident but added that only verware again and we want to bring a limited number of fans were this trophy back to Turin for a fourth involved. The Russian Football straight year,” said Bosnian midfi elder Union (RFU) referred questions Miralem Pjanic as his side target a 13th to its anti-discrimination in- Cup title. “We really wanted to win spector Alexei Smertin, whose every trophy available this year. Unfor- assistant declined to comment tunately, we are out of the Champions when contacted by Reuters. League, but we are well-positioned in Russia has pledged to crack the league and winning the Coppa Italia down on racism as the country is another goal of ours.” faces increased scrutiny ahead Milan are also looking to ensure Eu- of this year’s World Cup, which ropa League action next season as they it will host from June 14 to July sit sixth in Serie A and are one of three 15 in 11 cities including Moscow, teams fi ghting for the remaining Euro- St Petersburg and Sochi. There pean berth. Midfi elder Giacomo Bon- have been other reported cases aventura credited Gattuso with building of racist abuse, however, in the team confi dence since the former AC run-up to the tournament. Milan player took over last November. FIFA confi rmed in its state- “The coach has given me a lot of ment that it would use its three- confi dence, not only me but the entire step procedure at the World Cup team,” said Bonaventura. “He has be- in the case of racist incidents. lieved in us from the moment he arrived This gives referees the author- and we’re grateful.” ity to stop matches and request And Turkish midfi elder Hakan Cal- a public announcement warning hanoglu said his side were desperate for Juventus take on AC Milan in the Italian Cup final today, and on Sunday play AS Roma needing just one point to rubber-stamp a seventh successive Serie A title. (AFP) that all discriminatory behav- a win which would also ensure a Europa iour must stop. League spot next season. “We want to our outlook and the whole season. It strength well, they have great players but if we play as a team we can stop him. as Mario Mandzukic, Mattia De Sciglio If the trouble continues, the win this trophy,” Calhanoglu, who ar- would change everything,” he contin- but there’s a lot of quality in our group We can beat them with mentality, that’s and Stefano Sturaro have returned from referee can halt the match and rived from Bayer Leverkusen at the start ued. The match in Turin, but also the too. “A danger man? Douglas Costa. I the most important factor. With the injury while Milan midfi elder Lucas ask for another warning and, if it of the season said. one in Milan, showed that we can beat know him from my time in Germany, collective and with the heart.” Biglia looks set to return from a back still carries on, the game can be “It’s something that would change Juventus. We can do it. We know their he’s quick, smart and can change games Juventus have been handed a boost problem. abandoned.

Griezmann belongs to us ‘as of today’: Atletico president SPOTLIGHT Madrid: Atletico Madrid president away from finishing the league season career, with his farewell testimonial later conditions as the men’s side, becoming Ronaldo will recover Enrique Cerezo has refused to clarify the unbeaten. They would be the first ever this month at the San Siro on May 21. one of the world’s first countries to do future of Antoine Griezmann, amid spec- invincible side in a 38-game La Liga Ancelotti, Pirlo’s former coach at AC so. Providing equality between the male ulation the striker is set for a move to campaign but some have suggested Milan, last week turned down the off er to All Whites and female Football Ferns was for Champions League Barcelona. Barca were forced in January key players could now be rested for the take over as Italy coach. Roberto Mancini “a landmark moment for football in this to deny publicly they had agreed a deal World Cup, in particular, Lionel Messi. is now the frontrunner to take the job country”, New Zealand Football said. to sign Griezmann, who has indicated which has been vacant since the four- The deal is unlikely to bring vast sums fi nal, says Zidane he wants his future resolved before the PIRLO MULLS ITALIAN time world champions failed to qualify to female players as the New Zealand start of the World Cup. COACHING ROLE for the World Cup last November. men’s side, ranked 133rd in the world, Reports in the Spanish press yester- Retired Italian great Andrea Pirlo earn only a fraction of their high-profile day suggested Cerezo had met Griez- revealed yesterday he would love to be GARITANO TO LEAVE LEGANES international counterparts. But Football mann for dinner in a bid to persuade the involved in the national team’s coaching AFTER FIVE YEARS Ferns striker Sarah Gregorius said it still Frenchman to stay at Atletico, with the staff , declaring “the blue shirt has always Leganes coach Asier Garitano has represented an important principle that promise of a bumper new contract. Ce- been a second skin”. The 38-year-old decided to leave at the end of his season recognised the eff ort women put into rezo has denied meeting Griezmann for former Juventus and AC Milan star said when his contract expires, the Madrid their sport. talks but the Atletico president was also he would like to follow many of his con- club said yesterday. The 48-year-old has The move comes after Norway’s foot- not definitive on the 27-year-old’s future. temporaries into coaching. been in charge for five seasons, oversee- ball association signed an agreement “I can tell you one thing: Antoine “We talked about it recently with Carlo ing promotion from the third tier of last year giving its men’s and women’s Griezmann is an Atletico Madrid player (Ancelotti),” he revealed after receiving Spanish football to La Liga, where they teams pay parity. In practical terms, the as of today,” Cerezo said. “I cannot tell the Facchetti Prize awarded annually to have remained for two campaigns. New Zealand deal means women will you anything else because I do not know a football personality. “We talked about Leganes are safe from relegation in receive the same match payments, equal anything else.” the possibility of coaching together, but 17th place and despite their league posi- fees on image rights and a similar pro- Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said right now I’m still young and there’s time tion will remember this as a fine season portion of tournament prize money. yesterday: “He is a great player, I have no to think about it.” after they knocked Real Madrid out of They will also enjoy the same travel doubt about that. But we have to be very Pirlo, who played the final two years of the King’s Cup at the quarter-final stage. arrangements, meaning women will no cautious about saying anything about a his career with MLS outfit New York City, longer have to fly economy to tourna- player that is not ours and making sure retired last November after winning the NEW ZEALAND WOMEN ments while male players enjoy business we respect our rivals.” 2006 World Cup, two Champions League GET SAME PAY AS MEN class. New Zealand Rugby announced Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (right) looks at Barcelona’s Lionel Barcelona host Villarreal today and titles and six Serie A trophies. But the New Zealand’s football body announced earlier this year that the Black Ferns, the Messi during the La Liga match on Sunday. (AFP) with the La Liga title already wrapped 116-times capped midfielder has yet to a new deal yesterday that gives the na- five-time women’s world champions, up, the Catalans now stand three games decide what to do in his post-playing tional women’s team the same pay and would be off ered professional contracts. AFP against Barcelona. He played on Madrid for 31 minutes until the interval but did not emerge for the second half. “It is a sprain, but there is no BOTTOMLINE inedine Zidane believes particular damage on the fi bula, Cristiano Ronaldo will be it is a small sprain and his ankle fi t to play for Real Madrid is stable,” Zidane said. in the Champions League “Ronaldo, in terms of his in- Zfi nal. Zidane also said yesterday jury, is incredible, that’s what Ferguson ‘showing signs of recovery’ that Mohamed Salah deserves he has this guy, he is already on great credit for Liverpool’s sur- the ground, walking, and feel- AFP a source told The Sun newspaper. debut as a 17-year-old in 1991, said: “I prise run in Europe but insisted ing positive 48 hours later. Even London One of the greatest managers in foot- know the operation has been a success — the match in Kiev will not be a if we do not know when he will ball history, Ferguson won 38 trophies in but he is a fi ghter and that is what makes contest of the Egyptian against resume with the team, the fact more than 26 years in charge of United, me think he will be able to make a recov- Ronaldo. that he is already there 48 hours ormer Manchester United man- including 13 Premier League titles and ery. Now is the time to pray and hope he Ronaldo was forced off at half- after shows his commitment, his ager Alex Ferguson was sitting the Champions League twice. Support can make a full recovery. He has been the time of Sunday’s Clasico be- desire to always want to play.” up and talking to his family, re- has fl ooded in from the football world and biggest infl uence in my career, both on tween Real and Barcelona, which Real visit Sevilla in La Liga to- ports said yesterday, as he recov- from those outside the game and United and off the pitch.” ended 2-2 at the Camp Nou, and day but with the title race settled ersF from emergency surgery following midfi elder Michael Carrick said that the Defender Phil Jones, one of a handful of Zidane has confi rmed the Portu- and their place in the top four a brain haemorrhage. The 76-year-old, response shows the esteem in which his players signed by Ferguson who is still at guese sprained his ankle. There safe, the key now is to avoid any who suff ered the haemorrhage on Satur- former boss is held. the club, added: “I know his character. I were fears the injury could af- further injury scares. Liverpool, day, remains in intensive care and there “The whole football world is incred- know he has that fi ght in him. Hopefully fect Ronaldo’s chances of facing still battling for Champions has been no offi cial update on his condi- ible but outside of that as well, from all he’ll recover well. He has got all his family Liverpool on May 26 but Zidane League qualifi cation in the Pre- tion from the Premier League club. corners of the globe and diff erent walks and friends around him, the support from is confi dent his star player will mier League, will not have the But Britain’s Mail Online said the Scot, of life, people have shown their support,” all the players and staff at Man United and recover, along with fellow absen- luxury of resting star players like who retired in 2013, was out of a coma he said. football around the world.” tees Isco and Dani Carvajal. Salah, who is considered key to and showing promising early signs of re- “That’s the eff ect he had on people. United have thanked the many well- “I think they will all be fi ne them beating Real. covery. “Surgery went very well and the It was the eff ect he had on everyone. He wishers, including Premier League man- for the fi nal — Cristiano, Isco, “Salah had a great season and 76-year-old’s response to treatment has means a lot to me, as he does to this club. agers Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola and Carvajal,” Zidane said. “The one I think he deserves a lot of credit given encouragement and cautious op- We were all praying for him and thinking Jurgen Klopp, who have spoke of their more injured is Cristiano be- for Liverpool being in the fi nal, timism to those close to him,” the report of him, Cathy and the family. It’s a tough admiration for Ferguson. Wenger en- cause it has just happened but it that’s for sure,” Zidane said. “But said. “However, they recognise it will still time for everyone but I’m thinking posi- joyed a long, and at times fractious rivalry is going well, he is walking nor- in the end, I don’t like to call this be a slow road to full recovery as he con- tive and hoping he will pull through.” with Ferguson as they battled for Premier mally and he will be fi ne.” a match of Cristiano against tinues to be assessed. The prognosis is Wales manager Ryan Giggs, who was League supremacy in the fi rst decade of Ronaldo was hurt during a Salah. It will be Madrid against good and his closest friends in football are part of all of Ferguson’s 13 Premier League the Frenchman’s long reign in charge of collision with Gerard Pique just Liverpool, as always, that is the being kept abreast of any developments,” title-winning teams after being given his Arsenal. as he bundled in Real’s equaliser most important thing.” Gulf Times Wednesday, May 9, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Guardiola dedicates Manager Conte coy Brighton game to departing Toure AFP sion last summer. Manchester This season, Toure has so far been limited to nine substitute appearances although Guardiola, over Chelsea future ep Guardiola has dedi- rightly, believes he should not be cated Manchester City’s judged on one season alone. “I fi nal home game of their am not going to judge Yaya for Speculation has been rife that Conte’s tenure will come to an end this summer championship-winning what happened this season,” he Pseason to Yaya Toure, a player he said. AFP pool play Brighton at Anfi eld on has described as one of the most “Maybe I was wrong in my de- London the fi nal day. important fi gures in the club’s cision this season, I don’t know. Chelsea have won their past history. We have to analyse a career, not four league matches but Conte The Ivory Coast international, just in Manchester, in Russia, ntonio Conte dodged bemoaned the lateness of the who turns 35 on the fi nal day of in Barcelona and Monaco. He is questions over his run, which means even wins over the season on Sunday, will start a a player with a huge personal- Chelsea future ahead relegation-threatened Hudders- Premier League game for the fi rst ity. Sometimes it doesn’t mat- of today’s clash with fi eld and Newcastle may not be time in the current campaign ter about his physical condition, HuddersfiA eld, which could be enough for the Blues. “The situa- when City play Brighton at the he doesn’t feel the pressure, it his fi nal home match at the helm tion is not in our hands,” said the Etihad. It is the manager’s way of doesn’t matter where he plays. of the deposed Premier League Chelsea boss. “Liverpool have to allowing Toure to bid farewell to “He loves to play football. Of champions. Speculation has win the last game against Bright- a club he joined when Guardiola course the decisions I took this been rife all season that Conte’s on and it’s the same for Totten- sold him to City from Barcelona season depended on what I saw tenure will come to an end this ham. They have two games at for £24mn ($32mn, 27mn euros) every day in the training sessions summer after periods of public home. The only way to put a bit in 2010. and, from what I saw, from what I disgruntlement from the Italian. of pressure is this, to get three Since then, Toure has been an saw about him, nothing changed Conte last summer signed an points in every game.” integral part of City’s success, my opinion. He was the only guy improved contract, but not an Conte is disappointed by how fuelled by the wealth of their Abu last season we extend the con- extension, to the three-year deal his team’s season has played out Dhabi owners, and has collated tract. His behaviour was good. that expires in June 2019 after and criticised the ‘stupid way’ in three league titles, two League Hopefully he can stay in football guiding Chelsea to the title in his which they had dropped points Cups and one FA Cup winner’s and come back maybe here.” fi rst season as boss. “My answer after dominating games. medal. That body of work has Guardiola stopped short of is always the same,” Conte said “For sure there is a bit of dis- led Guardiola to describe Toure predicting whether Toure will yesterday. “I’m very focused on appointment,” Conte said. “I as “an extraordinary person” look to continue his career al- the present, to do the job in the think this season we dropped and guarantee him an emotional though the City manager is in no best way for the players and the many points in a stupid way — farewell today. doubt that he could continue to fans. Our job is not simple, it’s especially in games where we “He has been big,” said Guar- play at the Premier League level not easy. But I’m totally focused dominated and created many diola. “Football players make the should he so choose. on the present. The present is chances but we were not able to clubs bigger and bigger and big- The City manager still has two now to fi nish the season in the score more goals.” ger and without doubt he was, games remaining — Brighton best possible way with my play- Alvaro Morata is in contention is, one of the most important and the visit to Southampton on ers. Also because I think our fans to face the Terriers after a minor players in our history. He helped Sunday — and was in no mood to deserve this.” injury ruled him out of Sunday’s this club make a step forward and discuss the future prospects of Fifth-placed Chelsea, who win against Liverpool. The Spain hopefully we can make a good players or his coaching staff , with play Manchester United in the striker has had an indiff erent fi rst game for him. We dedicate it to his coach Mikel Arteta one of the FA Cup fi nal later this month, season in England. him. Tomorrow we are going to names to have been linked with are playing catch-up in the bid After starting well, he took un- play for Yaya.” the soon to be vacant Arsenal job. to qualify for the Champions til March 18 to score his fi rst goal Guardiola’s early relation- “I don’t know what is going to League. of 2018 and has three strikes in ship with Toure when they were happen,” he said. Conte’s side are two points be- all this calendar year. “This sea- reunited in Manchester was not “In football today maybe a hind Tottenham and three adrift son was a diffi cult season, but an easy one, with the manager player comes and says I want to of Liverpool with two games to not only for Morata,” said Conte, angered by comments from the play more and we have to fi nd play. Spurs play Newcastle today who declined to address specu- midfi elder’s outspoken agent a solution. We will have to see. and Leicester on Sunday, both lation the striker could leave this Dimitri Seluk. However, Toure We are going to play these two games at Wembley, and Liver- summer. played his way back into Guar- games, try to win points and fi n- diola’s plans and was rewarded ish well. After, we will see what with a one-year contract exten- happens.” Wenger ‘surprised’ at job off ers as he prepares for farewell

London: Arsene Wenger said yesterday the job. “I think the earlier, the better,” he has been surprised at the number Wenger said when asked if an appoint- of job off ers he has received since his ment should be made ahead of the departure from Arsenal was announced, World Cup, but he refused to be drawn urging the club to appoint his successor on who he favoured. “People want hope as soon as possible. and they need as well to prepare for The Frenchman will step down as Gun- the next season. I must say the squad ners boss after Sunday’s Premier League doesn’t need much, because there’s a trip to Huddersfield, with Juventus huge potential in there. There’s a good coach Massimiliano Allegri reportedly spirit, a good basis. It needs two or three the first choice of the Arsenal board as additions and this team will compete for his replacement. Wenger will leave after the championship next year.” almost 22 years at the helm and was Arsenal’s last two games of the season handed an emotional tribute from the come on the road, with the club yet to club following Sunday’s 5-0 defeat of take a point away from home since the Burnley, his final game in charge at the turn of the year. Wenger is set to depart Emirates Stadium. with the club finishing in sixth, the low- The 68-year-old has said he will take a est position of his reign, and with no break from football before deciding on silverware following their Europa League his next move but revealed yesterday he semi-final exit at the hands of Atletico has not been short of suitors since last Madrid last week. month’s surprise announcement. Captain Laurent Koscielny was carried Asked if he had received any off ers, off on a stretcher early on in Thursday’s Wenger replied: “Yes, more than I ex- until the last day of my contract, and successive Serie A title with Juventus, 1-0 defeat in Spain and Wenger con- pected! At the moment I focus on doing then after, I will rest a little bit and go is reportedly the frontrunner but Carlo firmed the 32-year-old is “devastated” my job well. I didn’t analyse anything or from there.” Ancelotti and Luis Enrique, both cur- as he faces up to six months on the consider anything. I want to work well Allegri, who is set to deliver a fourth rently out of work, have been linked with sidelines with a ruptured Achilles. Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola lifts the Premier League trophy after the match against Huddersfield Town on Sunday. (AFP)

FOCUS ROUND-UP Klopp confi dent Liverpool will Koscielny ruled out of World Cup eteran French defender Laurent seal Champions League spot Koscielny is “devastated” at miss- ing out on this year’s World Cup AFP fi nals after undergoing surgery on Va ruptured Achilles tendon, said Arsenal London manager Arsene Wenger. The 32-year-old central defender is set to be sidelined for urgen Klopp is confi dent six months according to Wenger, bringing a Liverpool will recover sad end to his international career as he had from a disappointing Pre- planned to retire after the fi nals in Russia. mier League run to seal Koscielny, capped over 50 times and qualifiJ cation for next season’s a member of the France side that lost to Champions League in their fi nal Portugal in the Euro 2016 fi nal, was carried game against Brighton. off 12 minutes into Arsenal’s Europa League Defeat to Chelsea on Sun- semi-fi nal second-leg defeat by Atletico day, following damaging draws Madrid last Thursday. Arsenal’s Petr Cech (left) with Laurent Koscielny after the match against Burnley. (Reuters) against Stoke and West Brom, “He is of course devastated. He will be has taken the race for Champi- few times and it will be, for sure, injury blow after England de- out for six months. You will not see him with six matches to play. He drew his fi rst LEICESTER’S ALBRIGHTON ons League football next season exciting because Brighton is in a fender Joe Gomez was ruled out before the beginning of December at best,” game in charge against fellow strugglers BANNED FOR TWO MATCHES into the fi nal week of the season. good moment, they played fan- of the Champions League fi nal said Wenger. Koscielny revealed in May last Swansea City before overseeing wins against Marc Albrighton will be suspended for Unless Huddersfi eld can beat tastic against (Manchester) Unit- and the World Cup following an- year he would require daily treatment on an Manchester United and Newcastle United Leicester City’s fi nal two matches of the Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to- ed. But it’s all OK, as long as we kle surgery. Achilles injury for the rest of his career. and a draw with Liverpool. The 44-year-old Premier League season after he accepted day, Liverpool will go into Sun- have it in our own hands, life is A statement from the club According to the newspaper he was diag- said the team’s recent success was down a misconduct charge, the English Football day’s home game against Bright- good. We still have to take it then confi rmed Gomez’s season was nosed with chronic tendonitis in both feet to togetherness. “I am really delighted,” he Association (FA) said yesterday on knowing they must at least but we will try everything.” over, saying: “The surgery means by the French Football Federation during an said. “It’s been a wonderful joint-eff ort by The 28-year-old midfi elder appeared match Chelsea’s result against After fi ve matches, including the 20-year-old will play no part international break in October 2014. everybody here. We’ve just brought some to direct abusive language towards referee Newcastle, managed by former an emotionally draining two- in the remaining two fi xtures unity here and it’s helped the players put the Mike Dean after he was shown a straight Reds boss Rafael Benitez. legged Champions League semi- of the 2017/18 campaign, or the WEST BROM’S MOORE WINS performances together on the pitch.” red card in Leicester’s 5-0 league defeat at Should they fail, they would fi nal, in 16 days Klopp has a full World Cup fi nals with England. MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARD Moore fended off competition from Ever- Crystal Palace last month. have to beat Real Madrid in this week to prepare for the crucial However, Gomez will be ready for West Bromwich Albion caretaker boss Dar- ton’s Sam Allardyce, Manchester City boss The FA said Albrighton had also been month’s Champions League fi - fi xture. “I’m really happy that the start of Liverpool’s pre-sea- ren Moore was named the Premier League’s Pep Guardiola, Crystal Palace’s Roy Hodg- fi ned 25,000 pounds ($33,877) following the nal in Kiev to qualify for Europe’s this very intense period is over son training schedule in July fol- manager of the month yesterday after son and Manchester United’s Jose Mour- Independent Regulatory Commission hear- premier club competition. “It’s now because we have one week to lowing a rehabilitation period.” steering the relegation-threatened club inho to win the award. His West Brom team ing on Tuesday. my life, it’s our life, that we al- prepare for Brighton — that feels Liverpool midfi elder Alex Ox- through April unbeaten. Moore replaced beat fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in Albrighton will miss Leicester’s home ways make it a little bit more ex- like a year and we will use that,” lade-Chamberlain has already Alan Pardew at the start of April, taking their fi rst match this month on Saturday to league match against Arsenal on today, citing,” Klopp said. he added. been ruled out of the World Cup over with the club seven points adrift at the lift themselves off the bottom of the table as well as a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on “We had these situations a Liverpool have suff ered a fresh in Russia with a knee injury. bottom of the table and 10 short of safety for the fi rst time since January. Sunday. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, May 9, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Porterfi eld hopes conditions favour Paine to captain ODI debutants Ireland

AFP Pakistan, however, have London been acclimatising with two warm-up matches against English county clubs Kent and reland captain William Northamptonshire. team in England as Porterfi eld hopes a com- “It’s in Ireland, it’s in May, bination of local condi- so it’s in our own conditions,” tions and English county Porterfi eld told the Irish Inde- Icricket experience will work pendent. “Historically, when in his side’s favour when they subcontinental teams come make their Test debut at home to conditions like those, it has to Pakistan later this week. taken them a bit of time to ad- Both the Ireland and Af- just,” he added. new Aussie era starts ghanistan teams were elevated Porterfi eld is also one of to Test status last year, making several players in the Ireland Decision on permanent ODI skipper to be made later, Finch to captain T20 side them eligible for the fi ve-day squad to have played fi rst- format. class county cricket giving Reuters But it is Ireland who will them high-level experience Melbourne become the 11th men’s cricket of a long-form game, albeit Test nation when they face that County Championship Pakistan in a one-off match matches last for a maximum of ricket Australia said starting in Malahide, near four days rather than fi ve. yesterday that Test Dublin, on Friday. “You face Test bowlers in skipper Tim Paine will No side has enjoyed a vic- Championship games in Eng- also captain the one- tory in its fi rst Test since land, and in white-ball crick- dayC international team during Australia beat England in the et,” said Porterfi eld, a former next month’s tour of England, foundation Test at Melbourne Gloucestershire and Warwick- but selectors are yet to decide back in 1877 and it would be an shire batsman. who will lead the side’s title de- upset were Ireland to get off to “The biggest diff erence I fence at the 2019 World Cup. a winning start. found is that they are just a Paine was named skipper of a Ireland, however, did spring bit more relentless, they don’t 15-man squad for the fi ve-match a huge surprise when they give you as many bad balls,” he series as they look to open a new knocked Pakistan out of the added. era after the ball-tampering 2007 World Cup in the Carib- “Scoring opportunities are scandal which led to lengthy bean, although that was in a few and far between; you’ve bans for former test and ODI one-day international tourna- got to be ready to capitalise captain Steve Smith, his depu- ment. when they miss that length. ty David Warner and batsman But what encourages Por- “It’s the same when you’re Cameron Bancroft. terfi eld ahead of Friday’s game bowling against top players: Selectors have installed Aaron is that early season conditions They put you under a lot of Finch as the ODI team’s vice- in Ireland, which can aid swing pressure; you don’t have any captain in place of the disgraced bowling and present a par- margin for error. Warner and named the Victorian ticular challenge to batsmen, “But all our batsmen have as captain of the Twenty20 side could prove tough for a Paki- scored runs against those at- also released yesterday. stan side brought up on slower, tacks, and all our bowlers have Australia will play fi ve one- lower and more spin-friendly taken wickets against those dayers and a T20 match against pitches in the sub-continent. batters.” England from June 13-27, a war- mup for the global tournament in the same country next year, before ANNOUNCEMENT heading to Zimbabwe for a T20 tri-series against the host nation and Pakistan starting on July 1. “Tim is a strong leader and Rahane to lead India will captain the side for this se- ries, supported by Aaron,” selec- Tim Paine’s appointment appears likely to be a temporary posting, with selectors yet to settle on a permanent skipper. tor Trevor Hohns said in a media against Afghanistan release. “A decision on a permanent English tampering taunts won’t make Australia cry: Lyon one-day captain will be made in in Kohli’s absence due course.” Australia’s cricketers will just have to bear The series will be Australia’s first since the ill- move on and a good chance for Australian Smith-led Australia across English taunts over the ball-tampering aff air fated tour of South Africa, where the scandal- players to rebuild the trust and faith of the all three formats but there are on tour next month for the one-day interna- plagued visitors slumped to a 3-1 loss. Australian public and earn back their re- concerns that such a burden tional series, spinner Nathan Lyon has said. The tampering case resulted in year-long spect,” added Lyon, echoing comments from could be too heavy for wicket- Australia will bring a new-look squad led by bans to Smith and Warner, with batsman Langer’s first media conference as coach last keeper Paine, who was hurried test captain Tim Paine for the five-match Cameron Bancroft suspended for nine week. in as a replacement for Smith as series, with former skipper Steve Smith and months. Head coach Darren Lehmann, who Lyon has been picked to test England’s left- test captain after the tampering vice-captain David Warner suspended for was cleared of wrongdoing, resigned and handed batsmen on their home pitches in scandal broke during the third their parts in the scandal in South Africa. was replaced last week by Justin Langer. a warmup for next year’s World Cup in the test of the South Africa tour. Off spinner Lyon, who was recalled to the ODI The damage to Australia’s reputation was same country. South Australia’s Alex Carey, squad for the first time since 2016, said he far-reaching, with local fans disgusted and a “It’s well documented that I want to play a wicketkeeper batsman, has expected England fans to take full advantage major sponsor abruptly ending its support of in all three formats for Australia, that’s my been included in the ODI squad of recent events. the team. goal,” said Lyon, who has played most of his but Paine will retain the gloves in “I’ve never played in England where they Cricket Australia has launched reviews into international cricket in tests. England. haven’t given it to us,” Lyon told reporters the players’ behaviour and its own opera- “To get this opportunity and be included The squad features an un- yesterday . “There’s no point taking some tis- tions, and Lyon said he hoped the England in the squad and to head over to England, capped player in D’Arcy Short, sues out with us, we’ve just got to stand out tour could be a fresh start. where the World Cup is is being played that’s a left-handed opener who im- there and cop it.” “It’s a good chance for Australian cricket to going to be a massive advantage.” pressed in his debut T20I series against New Zealand in Febru- ary, while test spinner Nathan Pat Cummins, who were injured tures a pair of uncapped players, Maddinson returns to the T20I Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Lyon has been recalled for the during the calamitous series in with Queensland all-rounder frame for the fi rst time in four Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, fi rst time since 2016. South Africa and are not ex- Jack Wildermuth and his spin years, with Carey appointed the Andrew Tye. “England potentially have a pected back until the test tour bowling team mate Mitchell squad’s vice-captain. T20: Aaron Finch (captain), Reuters number of left-handers in their against Pakistan in the United Swepson. Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Travis Mumbai side and we look forward to see- Arab Emirates. Josh Hazlewood Swepson, who was a surprise SQUADS: Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn ing what (Lyon) can produce will instead lead a rookie pace inclusion in Australia’s test ODI: Tim Paine (captain), Aaron Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane with the white-ball in English battery which includes Kane Ri- squad for the tour of India last Finch, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy jinkya Rahane will lead India against Afghanistan, who conditions,” said Hohns. chardson, Jhye Richardson, An- year but never played, replaces Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch- play their maiden test in Bengaluru in June, in the ab- Australia will be without lead- drew Tye and Billy Stanlake. fellow leg spinner Adam Zampa. Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, ell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack sence of regular captain Virat Kohli, the country’s crick- ing pacemen Mitchell Starc and The Twenty20 squad also fea- Hard-hitting batsman Nic Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Wildermuth. et board (BCCI) said yesterday. AKohli will represent Surrey in June after signing a one-month contract with the English county side to prepare for the test series INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE against England later this year. He will return to lead India in the limited-overs series in Ireland in June before they head to England for three T20 internationals, three ODIs and a fi ve-test series starting in August. Afghanistan will play their inaugural test match from June 14 in Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The South Asian country and Ireland joined the ranks of full Rajasthan keep play-off hopes alive member nations of the International Cricket Council last year, IANS fi fty of the season in the same over. With easy catch to Manoj Tiwary at long on in taking the total number of test-playing countries to 12. Jaipur the issue going fi nal over with Punjab the seventh over. India also decided to manage the workloads of other test regu- needing 32 runs, Marcus Stoinis (11) de- With two wickets down, in-form Sanju lars, opting to rest batsman Rohit Sharma and pace duo Bhuv- parted while trying to go for the maximum Samson (22) joined Butler to forge a 53- neshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah for the Afghanistan test. n impressive show by Rajas- off a Jaydev Unadkat over. run partnership for the third wicket, but Batsman Karun Nair, seamer Shardul Thakur and left-arm than Royals’ bowlers kept the Rahul tried his best to to take his side departed in the 15th over off a Mujeeb wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav were drafted in. Thakur is yet to side alive in the Indian Premier home, smashing 14 runs of the fi nal over, ur Rahman delivery with the Rajasthan play in the fi ve-day format for India. League as they defeated Kings which was however, not good enough as scorecard reading 117/3. The world’s top-ranked test side last played the longest format XIA Punjab by 15 runs at the Sawai Mans- the visitors could only manage to reach Buttler was then accompanied by in January in South Africa, where they lost a hard-fought three- ingh Stadium yesterday. It was the host’s 143 runs losing seven wickets. Stokes (14) and the duo shared a 15-run test series 2-1. bowlers, who helped their side defend a For the hosts, Gowtham emerged with partnership for the fourth wicket. Mujeeb Uncapped medium-pacer Siddarth Kaul made it into both In- moderate 158 run total against the third- Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler impressive fi gures of 2/12 off his three struck again in the 17th over to pack back dia’s T20 and 50-over sides for the tour of Ireland and England placed Punjab side. plays a shot against Kings XI Punjab in overs while Archer, Unadkat, Stokes and a good looking Buttler, whose knock was after impressive performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the In- Despite hunting a chaseable total, Jaipur yesterday. (AFP) Sodhi bagged a wicket each. laced with nine boundaries and a six. dian Premier League. seven of the Punjab batsman didn’t even Earlier, Punjab’s Andrew Tye (4/34) After his fall, no other Rajasthan bats- Batsmen Lokesh Rahul and Ambati Rayudu were also rewarded touched the double digits and it was only ing Punjab to 45 runs. However, just when came with a clinical bowling show to re- man could off er any sort of resistance as with spots in the ODI side after strong showings in the IPL. their opener Lokesh Rahul, who single the combination was settling, Ish Sodhi strict Rajasthan Royals to 158/8. Rajasthan the hosts lost their next four wickets of handedly fought till the last ball of the struck to make the damage bigger after would not have even crossed the 100-run Stokes, Stuart Binny (11), Archer (0) and Test squad against Afghanistan: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), match, slamming an unbeaten 95 off 70 sending back Akshdeep in the ninth over. mark but thanks to a blistering 58-ball 82 Unadkat (0) with the addition of just 26 Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, balls, laced with 11 fours and couple of Manoj Tiwary and Rahul then tried to by opener Jos Buttler that propelled the runs. Of the last four wickets, Tye was Karun Nair, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra sixes. Chasing the target, Punjab were off repair the damage but once again their ef- hosts to a moderate total. involved in dismissing three of the Rajas- Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, mesh Yadav, Mohamed Shami, Hardik to a poor start as off -spinner Krishnappa fort went in vain as Tiwary gave an easy Opting to bat, Rajasthan were off to a than batters. Other than Tye, Afghanistan Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Shardul Thakur Gowtham struck twice in the second over catch to Ajinkya Rahane off a Ben Stokes quick start, accumulating 35 runs in the spinner Mujeeb bagged a couple of wick- T20 squad against Ireland and England: Virat Kohli (captain), to pack back a dangerous Chris Gayle (1) delivery in the 12th over. fi rst three overs. Tye drew the fi rst blood ets conceding 21 runs in four overs while Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, and skipper Ravichandran Ashwin (0) Despite wickets falling at regular in- for Punjab as his knuckle ball played the Stoinis chipped in with one wicket. Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, with the visitors managing to reach just tervals, Rahul kept one end secured but trick to dismiss opener Rahane (9) in the Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit 14 runs. lacked support from others. fourth over. Brief Scores Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Siddarth Kaul, Umesh Yadav Punjab’s situation worsened further as Incoming batter Axar Patel (9) too, Buttler however, continued to fully uti- Rajasthan Royals 158/8 (Jos Buttler 82, India ODI squad against England: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Jofra Archer dismissed an in-form Karun failed to show some fi ght and departed in lise the powerplay to take his side past the Sanju Samson 22; Andrew Tye 4/34) beat Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ambati Nair (3) to leave the visitors reeling at 17/4. the 14th over after adding 15 runs with the 50-run mark in fi ve overs. Stoinis gave the Kings XI Punjab (Lokesh Rahul 95 not out, Rayudu, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Akshdeep Nath (9) then joined Rahul opener to take his side to 81 runs. second blow to the hosts when Gowtham Marcus Stoinis 11; Krishnappa Gowtham Yadav, Washington Sundar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, to add 26 runs for the fourth wicket, tak- Meanwhile, Rahul bought up his fourth (8) misread a slower delivery and gave an 2/12) Hardik Pandya, Siddarth Kaul, Umesh Yadav. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 9, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Predators shut out Jets, force Game 7 LeBron leads Cavs Upon video review, McCauley Reuters Winnipeg reversed his call that Arvidsson played it with a high stick. The goal gave the Predators an im- he NHL’s two best reg- mediate lead and forced Winni- ular-season teams will peg into chase mode. need a Game 7 to settle Nashville gave the Jets three their Western Confer- power-play chances in the fi rst sweep; Sixers dump Tence semi-fi nal series. period but killed each with little Filip Forsberg and Viktor trouble. Those failures hung like Arvidsson each scored two a millstone around Winnipeg’s goals, and Pekka Rinne turned collective neck, particularly away 34 shots for his fi fth career when Forsberg began working playoff shutout Monday night as his magic. the visiting Nashville Predators Moments after breaking a blanked the Winnipeg Jets 4-0 stick, Forsberg went back to his Celtics, avoid sweep at Bell MTS Place. bench for another. A long pass The result equalled the series from Craig Smith found him at ‘It was a great series for us. We had a lot of challenges, considering the dominance at three games each. The de- the blue line. Forsberg powered ciding game will be Thursday through Ben Chiarot’s attempt- (Toronto) had in the regular season. But we had a great gameplan and we executed it’ night at Bridgestone Arena in ed tackle and beat Hellebuyck at Nashville, Tenn., the fi rst time 8:16 of the second period. AFP the Predators will have hosted a Forsberg outdid himself with Los Angeles Game 7 in franchise history. his seventh playoff goal at 5:55 It will be the fi rst Game 7 for of the third period. He pulled the Winnipeg since the Atlanta puck between his legs in front of eBron James led the way Thrashers franchise moved to Hellebuyck and fl icked a wrister as the Cleveland Cava- Manitoba prior to the 2011-12 that caromed off the goalie and liers wrapped up a series season. into the net. sweep with a ruthless “I think we can gain a lot of Arvidsson added an empty- Ldemolition of the Toronto Rap- confi dence from this game,” netter at 15:58, his fi fth of the tors on Monday to book their Predators center Ryan Johansen postseason, to cap the scoring. It place in the NBA Eastern Con- said, according to the Tennes- was the fourth time in six games ference fi nals. sean. “It wasn’t like we snuck that the road team has won in the James, the buzzer-beating away with one or weaselled a series. Hellebuyck fi nished with hero of Cleveland’s epic vic- game out or whatever you want 25 saves. tory in game three on Saturday, to call it. We controlled the game Winnipeg wasn’t able to trou- scored 29 points as Toronto’s tonight. With our backs against ble Rinne enough, according to bid to avoid the ignominy of a the wall, we went out and we Jets coach Paul Maurice. 4-0 series loss ended in a 128- controlled the game. “Most of our best off ense nev- 93 pounding. “I think we need to recognise er got to the net. Good sticks on Toronto had entered the that and understand when we’re them, great job blocking shots,” playoff s as the number one seed all on the same page, that’s how Maurice said. “We need to get from the Eastern Conference, we can execute on a daily basis.” a little faster, a little quicker. I and were desperate to avoid a In what was billed as the big- know you get tired of me saying third straight series defeat to gest game in Winnipeg’s NHL that, but it’s the foundation of James and the Cavs after losses history, Nashville needed just what we do. For whatever rea- in 2016 and 2017. 1:02 to spoil the mood. A spin- son, we didn’t have that tonight. But their fragility was under- ning Arvidsson defl ected Ro- “We didn’t move the puck scored by a rampant Cleveland man Josi’s point shot past goalie particularly well on (the power on Monday, with James lead- Connor Hellebuyck, although play), but that was also in the ing a blowout win that ensures the tally was waved off quickly fi ve-on-fi ve game, not just the the Cavs will be well rested for by referee Wes McCauley. fi ve-on-four game.” the Eastern Conference fi nals, where they will play either Bos- ton or Philadelphia. Yankees, Red Sox to clash in London in 2019 “It was a great series for us,” James said afterwards. “We had The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will clash in two regular- a lot of challenges, considering season games in London next year – the first ever Major League the dominance (Toronto) had Baseball matches played in Europe, MLB commissioner Rob Man- in the regular season. But we fred announced yesterday. had a great gameplan and we The 2019 series will be played on June 29 and June 30 at the executed it. We want to con- London Stadium, the site of the 2012 Olympic Games, which will be tinue to improve. I think we’ve configured for baseball, with an estimated capacity of 55,000. done that from the seven-game Britain will follow other international venues that have hosted series against Indiana to these regular-season Major League games, joining Mexico, Japan, Puerto four games.” Rico and Australia. James was once more the A two-year deal has been agreed that will include another series in tormentor in chief for Toronto, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James drives against Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby during the game four of the second round London in 2020, with participating teams to be announced, contributing eight rebounds at the 2018 NBA Playoff s at Quicken Loans Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports and other initiatives that will aim to establish a footprint in the and 11 assists in addition to his city. 29 points. Four other Cavaliers at right now.” and game three,” Casey said. “I their 103-92 win over the Bos- have had to this point,” Brown “Major League Baseball is excited to be bringing one of the most starters cracked double dig- Toronto’s miserable night thought we could bounce back, ton Celtics. The Celtics could said afterwards. “There’s no storied rivalries in sports to the passionate fans of London,” said its, with Kevin Love scoring 23 saw DeMar DeRozan ejected in but we didn’t.” have clinched a 4-0 sweep but better player to help catapult Manfred. points and Kyle Korver 16 points. the fourth quarter while Kyle DeRozan meanwhile was at a instead the Sixers’ win ensured that kind of mindset than TJ “In our ongoing eff orts to grow baseball, there is nothing as impact- JR Smith added 15 points Lowry was restricted to just fi ve loss to explain yet another de- there will be a game game fi ve in He’s like a throwback kind of ful as bringing live games and our talented players to fans. This is while George Hill added 12. points. feat to the Cavs. “They’ve just Boston today. player. A tremendous team- our most significant endeavour ever in Europe and we look forward Cleveland coach Tyronn Jonas Valanciunas was a no- got our number. Things just McConnell’s introduction mate, an incredible competitor.” to showcasing Major League Baseball in one of the world’s great Lue said the Cavs’ defense and table beacon of resistance, pro- don’t seem to go right for us,” into the starting line-up proved McConnell meanwhile salut- cities.” all-round off ensive display viding 18 points off the bench. DeRozan said, adding that the crucial for the Sixers, with the ed the Sixers’ mental resilience. London Mayor Sadiq Khan hailed the “historic agreement”. had been crucial factors in the But it was too little, too late for James-inspired Cavs were any- point guard scoring a career- “We showed a lot of maturity “This is a major coup demonstrating, once again, that London is the sweep. Toronto, who were comprehen- thing but a one-man band. high 19 points. Croatian power today and came up with a win,” sporting capital of the world and I am excited about a new partner- “I think defensively we’re sively outplayed in every de- “It’s not just him going out forward Saric added 25 points said McConnell, adding that the ship with MLB and the long-term future of this sport in our great playing pretty good,” Lue said. partment. there and scoring 128 points,” while Ben Simmons fi nished team was unfazed by the statis- city,” he said. “And I think in this series, we DeRozan said. “The things he with 19 points and Joel Embiid tical improbability of overturn- Boston Red Sox Principal Owner John W Henry said: “For several made shots, a lot of diff erent ‘Emotionally drunk’ does for his teammates get them 15. Sixers coach Brett Brown said ing a 0-3 series defi cit. years the Red Sox and Yankees have discussed playing in London guys stepped up. Raptors coach Dwane Casey going. It’s been a challenge for McConnell had been brought in “We had nothing to lose. Our as the first-ever Major League Baseball regular season game in “Four or fi ve diff erent guys said his team had paid the price us over the years.” for his positive mindset as the coach told us that the team that Europe.” getting double fi gures for us for not being able to recover In Monday’s other playoff Sixers attempted to stave off a is down 0-3 is 0-129. So we’re “This series will surely be the most significant international event to every night – that was big for from shattering losses in games game, TJ McConnell and Dario clean sweep. just trying our hardest to be date for Major League ball. I can’t wait to hear someone shout ‘play us. We’ve got to continue get- one and three. “We were emo- Saric combined to give the Phil- “We wanted to remind the that one team that comes back,” ball’ at London Stadium,” he added. ting better but I like where we’re tionally drunk after game one adelphia 76ers a lifeline with team of how good a season they he said.

MLB Springer collects 6 hits in Astros’ rout of A’s Reuters run support than he had enjoyed total in out four. Seeking to extend Oakland’s Oakland his fi ve losses this season. winning streak to four games, Anderson The Astros gave Keuchel a two-run lasted just three-plus innings, allow- lead before he took the mound, with ing 10 hits and nine runs (seven earned). eorge Springer lashed a ca- Gonzalez getting his big night started He walked three and did not strike out reer-high six hits, including a with a two-out, two-RBI single. A dou- a batter. Derek Fisher had a solo home three-run home run, and Mar- ble by Springer and two walks by A’s run, his third of the year, and Gonzalez, win Gonzalez capped a six-run starter Brett Anderson (0-1) had loaded who had three hits in the game, capped Gfourth inning with a two-run homer the bases. a career-best-tying, fi ve-RBI game with Monday night, helping the visiting Hou- In the second inning, Springer fol- an infi eld out in a two-run eighth. ston Astros pull away from the Oakland lowed a single by Josh Reddick and dou- Gonzalez’s previous fi ve-RBI game Athletics early en route to an 16-2 victo- ble by Max Stassi with his three-run occurred last season against Texas, a ry in the opener of a three-game series. home run for a 5-0 advantage. game in which he hit two home runs. Springer fi nished 6-for-6 to become Houston ended Anderson’s night The Astros capped their scoring in the the fi rst Astro ever to collect six hits in a with three consecutive hits to open the ninth on an RBI single by Yuli Gurriel nine-inning game. The only other time a fourth, with a double by Stassi, his sec- and a two-run single by Alex Bregman. Houston player produced a six-hit game ond of the game, and a single by Jose Al- The 16-run explosion was fi ve more was when Joe Morgan went 6-for-6 in a tuve producing runs. runs than in any previous game this sea- 12-inning game against the Milwaukee After an error and a double play made son for the Astros, who had lost fi ve of Braves on July 8, 1965. it 9-0, Gonzalez hit his homer, his third their previous six. Pinder and Jonathan The centre fi elder paced a 20-hit of- of the season, against A’s reliever Chris Lucroy each had two of Oakland’s eight fense with a performance that included Hatcher, completing the six-run up- hits. his eighth home run of the season, his rising and increasing the lead to 11-0. Mark Canha and Lucroy had back-to- ninth double and four singles. He scored Keuchel had received a total of four runs back doubles to produce Oakland’s fi nal four runs and drove in three. of off ensive support in his vefi earlier run in the last of the ninth. The six-hit game was the second in losses. He was beaten 8-1 by the A’s last the majors this season. Andrew Mc- month, allowing six runs in seven in- RESULTS Cutchen had six hits, including a walk- nings.The left-hander lost his shutout Astros 16 Athletics 2 off , three-run home run, against the Los bid in the sixth when a double by Chad Nationals 8 Padres 5 Angeles Dodgers last month. Pinder and two infi eld outs put the A’s on Phillies 11 Giants 0 Dallas Keuchel (2-5) got a measure of the board. Mets 7 Reds 6 revenge against the team that bombed Keuchel was pulled after eight in- Cubs 14 Marlins 2 him in an April start. He threw eight nings, having allowed just the one run Twins 6 Cardinals 0 Houston Astros centre fielder George Springer (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Oakland strong innings, taking advantage of more on fi ve hits. He walked two and struck Rangers 7 Tigers 6 Athletics during the fourth inning at Oakland Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, May 9, 2018 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT India’s Lahiri eyes redemption at Players Woods gets Sawgrass Championship

Reuters he hooked all three balls into Washington the water hazard that lines the left side of the hole, failing to advance when a double-bo- nirban Lahiri’s two gey six would have still been focus, but Australian Players Champion- enough to stay involved. ship appearances “I don’t even remember if it have been largely was an eight, 10 or a 12,” Lahiri forgettableA but the Indian feels said. “It was a big number. I’ve he has prepared well enough already decided I’ll hit two- to make it third time lucky at iron off that tee regardless of TPC Sawgrass when this year’s the pin and regardless of the tournament tees off tomorrow. wind. Day brings heat The 30-year-old missed the “There are holes that don’t halfway cut in 2015 and re- fi t your eye and you’ve got to ‘That’s a golf course you can’t fake it around there, and you have to hit the ball well’ peated the feat last year after adjust. If you shoot a three fi nding the water three times there, it’s a bonus but I’ll be DPA on the par-four 18th hole as aiming for a four. There may be Washington an ugly sextuple-bogey 10 an occasion I might have to hit in the second round left him driver if I’m in contention or if four shots adrift of making the I’m one back.” ormer world number one weekend. The two-time Presidents Jason Day has vaulted “I’m defi nitely looking for- Cup International Team mem- back into the top 10 and ward to this week. I think I’ve ber made a strong start to the into the conversation for got some demons to exor- year with top-10 fi nishes at thisF week’s Players Champion- cise,” Lahiri told the PGA Tour. the CIMB Classic in Malaysia ship - the most important annu- “Played pretty well last year and the CJ Cup in Korea. al tournament outside golf’s four except for 18 and it’ll be nice But his form has dipped majors - with his second victory to get back out there and exact since and Lahiri hopes he will of the season on Sunday. some revenge. be in top shape ahead of the But at least as much attention “I feel I can play good on $11 million showpiece event, heading into The Players is on this golf course. It’s also good considered within golf as the the world’s 92nd-ranked player, I’ve already played here a few sport’s ‘fi fth major’. who fi nished with a share of 55th times, I know what to do, “I feel a lot of departments place at the Wells Fargo Cham- know what the conditions are are working but my scoring pionship. and know where the misses hasn’t been as good as I would Tiger Woods, the 14-times should be. It’s a week where I like it to be,” Lahiri added. major winner, continues to feel well prepared for.” “That’s where I’m going to mount a comeback from years Last year, Lahiri arrived at be focusing on my work over lost to back problems, boosting his 36th hole on even par for the the next two days here, in and crowds and media attention for tournament, fi ve strokes behind around the greens and work- the PGA Tour in the process. the clubhouse leaders and on ing on getting the speed right The 42-year-old’s second- course to make the halfway cut on the greens and making sure place fi nish at a tournament in in Ponte Vedra, Florida. I’m comfortable with some of March fuelled hopes for an im- Three bad swings later and the shots that you get around probable return to glory. his tournament was over as here.” But while producing impres- sive club speed in the wake of his April 2017 spinal fusion surgery, RUGBY Woods has struggled to keep his drives on the fairway. Last month, he made the cut but fi nished 32nd in the Masters Hill, Jenkins named at Augusta National. Last week at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina, Wales co-captains Woods fi nally dialled in his driv- er at the Wells Fargo, only for his Reuters under their belt and face Rugby previously sharp short game to Cardiff Championship opposition,” falter. Gatland said in a statement. On Sunday, he looked ahead to “It shows the depth we The Players at the Tournament ales coach Warren have built in recent years that Players Club at Sawgrass, where Gatland has named we have just one uncapped play begins tomorrow in Ponte Cory Hill and Ellis player in the squad in Tomos, Vedre, Florida. Jenkins as co-cap- but he has been in a number of “That’s a golf course you can’t Wtains of the 31-man squad for squads so knows the environ- Tiger Woods plays his second shot from the second fairway during the final round of the 2018 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club fake it around there, and you on May 6, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Getty Images/AFP) the tour to the US and Argentina ment well. have to hit the ball well,” Woods next month, the Welsh Rugby FULL SQUAD said. “The putts are very simple But the 30-year-old knows he tire top 50 from the World Golf on Sunday. After becoming the young- Union said yesterday. Forwards: Rob Evans, Wyn there if you hit the ball in the still has work to do in Sawgrass, Ranking is expected at Sawgrass, The runner-up will settle for est winner in the tournament’s Wales will take on South Jones, Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee, correct spots.” which lies along northern Flori- with nobody injured or sitting 1.188 million dollars. Kim was 44-year history, Kim would set Africa in Washington, DC on Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Woods is one of only six mul- da’s Atlantic Coast, just outside out. just 21 when he won the 2017 another milestone as the fi rst- June 2 before they travel to Ar- Samson Lee, Dillon Lewis, ti-time winners at The Players, Jacksonville. After basking in his Masters Players, his second career vic- ever back-to-back winner at the gentina for two tests against Adam Beard, Bradley Davies, lifting the trophy in 2001 and “I’d like to be able to hit it a championship last month, US tory on the PGA Tour. Players if he can defend his title. the Pumas on June 9 (San Seb Davies, Luke Charteris, 2013. Australian Day overcame little bit straighter,” he conceded player Patrick Reed, ranked 10th, A year ago, he started the fi nal He has not won a tourna- Juan) and June 16 (Santa Fe). Cory Hill, James Davies, Ellis some wild fi nal-round drives to Sunday. returned to the tour last week at round two stokes off the pace but ment since Sawgrass, which Cardiff Blues scrumhalf To- Jenkins, Ross Moriarty, Josh win by two strokes Sunday at Day won The Players two years Quail Hollow, fi nishing eighth. shot 69 to fi nish with a three- vaulted him to a career-high mos Williams was handed his Navidi, Aaron Shingler Quail Hollow, fi nishing 12-un- ago, during his career peak when The tournament’s purse is up shot cushion at 10-under 278 28th in the World Golf Rankings. fi rst call-up and Scarlets wing- Backs: Aled Davies, Gareth der. On top of a trophy from a he held the world number one from 10.5 million to 11 million after 72 holes. Kim slipped out of the top 50 er Tom Prydie returned to the Davies, Tomos Williams, Gareth play-off at the Farmers Insur- ranking for most of an 18-month dollars this year. Kim followed the break- in March but arrives in Florida international scene after a fi ve- Anscombe, Rhys Patchell, ance Open in January at Torrey span from late 2015 to early 2017. The winner’s share of 1.89 through victory with his career- at 40th, after reaching a play- year absence. “This summer Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Pines in La Jolla, California, the He won his only major trophy in million dollars, collected a year best major performance a month off last month at Hilton Head, is a great opportunity for this Scott Williams, Josh Adams, victory lifted Day to seventh in 2015 at the PGA Championship. ago by Si Woo Kim of South Ko- later, taking a share of 13th place South Carolina, where he ended squad to build on their experi- Hallam Amos, Steff Evans, the world. In a rarity on tour, the en- rea, is up to 1.98 million dollars at the US Open. as runner-up. ence, get test match game time George North, Tom Prydie.

SNOOKER Williams rolls back years to claim third world title AFP fi rst four frames but Higgins pocket to let Higgins in with London fought back to avoid heading a chance at 47-0. Showing Wales’s Mark Williams celebrates with the trophy home early. nerves of steel Higgins nicked aft er beating Scotland’s John Higgins in the World Higgins said: “Today I was the frame with a break of 82. Championship Snooker fi nal at The Crucible in ark Williams fought 13-7 behind and I was worried if A pensive Williams, biting Sheffi eld, England. (AFP) off a stunning I would take it to the fourth ses- his lip, could only sit and suff er, comeback from sion, I didn’t want to lose with his lead now cut to two. John Higgins to a session to spare. It was a good Higgins steamrollered the Mclaim his third world snooker match to watch but obviously next 91-0 to leave the fi nal tan- crown on Monday and become I’m disappointed. He is a great talisingly poised at 15-14 as the at 43 the oldest champion since champion.” players took a 10 minute time Ray Reardon 40 years ago. The two fortysomethings out. The Welshman won a grip- received a standing ovation at After a much needed cuppa ping fi nal 18-16 to add to his Sheffi eld’s Crucible Theatre as the two veteran stars of the titles in 2000 and 2003. they emerged for the conclud- green baize resumed hostilities, Higgins, 42 and seeking a ing evening session. with ice-cool Higgins drawing fi fth title, fought back from a And Higgins had the capti- level at 15-15. seven-frame defi cit to draw vated crowd on the edge of their Williams fi nally stopped level at 15-15, but Williams held seats as he compiled a stunning Higgins’s miraculous march to on to take the sport’s showcase. 131 break after a costly error by take the 31st and 32nd frames It capped a remarkable late- Williams to take the 27th frame to leave ‘the Welsh potting ma- career revival as he did not even to make it 15-11. chine’ just one shy of the great- qualify for the championships That was the Scot’s fourth est prize in the sport. in 2017, and last reached the century in the fi nal. Williams was one pot away fi nal 15 years ago, when he de- And he clawed back to within from victory but he missed a feated Ken Doherty. three frames when taking the pink in the next. “Last year I watched this in next. Williams then seemingly Higgins, 63-0 behind, yet a caravan having some beers. I had it for the taking, but anoth- again defi ed the odds to steal just can’t believe it. Last year I er mistake at 58-1 saw Higgins the frame with a clearance of 65 was seriously thinking of giving return to the table with a clear- and get back to within one. up” Williams told the BBC. ance of 67. Snooker great Steve But Williams wasn’t to be He was 15-10 up, three Davis, a six-time world cham- denied, sealing the champion- frames away from the title, af- pion and commentating now ship in the next frame in what ter Monday’s afternoon session for the BBC, said Higgins had Davis called “the best fi nal having started the day 10-7 up “thrown a hand grenade into ever”. following Sunday’s opening ex- Mark Williams’ brain” with Williams is the oldest world change. those two quickfi re frames. champion since his fellow He stormed seven frames And so it proved as he rat- countryman Reardon won in clear when taking Monday’s tled a red around the jaws of a 1978 at the age of 45. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 9, 2018 7 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT Resounding success for fi rst Equine Foot Froome suff ers Conference

By Sports Reporter sions on the care of their horses’ Doha hooves. Farriers and veterinarians learnt about evidence-based he fi rst conference in strategies to successfully man- in Sicily, Wellens Qatar organised by the age a variety of hoof problems Equine Veterinary Medi- in foals, horses in training and cal Centre (EVMC) and breeding horses. Common foot TAl Shaqab specifi cally dedicated ailments involving limb imbal- to the education of horse foot ance, foal podiatry, laminitis and and lower leg, saw some 90 horse correct horseshoeing method- owners, farriers and veterinar- ology were also expounded. In ians from major equine organi- addition to lectures and demon- wins fourth stage sations and stud farms in Qatar strations, foreign companies set coming together at QNCC and Al up exhibition booths to market BMC’s Australian rider Dennis retains the overall leader’s pink jersey Shaqab from May 3-5, 2018. their equine products during the Internationally-renowned ex- conference. AFP perts in the fi eld of equine limb EVMC director Dr Mats H Tro- Caltagirone, Italy anatomy, biomechanics, loco- edsson said, “This is the fi rst of motion and lameness from Great many educational seminars and Britain, Italy and Germany, were short courses that the EVMC is ritish race favourite Chris specially fl own in by EVMC, to planning to organise. I was very Froome’s Giro d’Italia hopes suf- conduct lectures and practical pleased with the turnout and fered in Sicily on Monday as the sessions for participants. Fo- support of the local equine com- four-time Tour de France cham- cusing on the form and func- munity towards the conference. pionB lost time in a fourth stage won by tion of the foot, the conference It provides us with the motiva- Belgian Tim Wellens. was meant to help owners and tion to conduct the conference Froome’s bid for a third straight Grand trainers make management deci- on an annual basis.” Tour victory took a hit on the fi nal climb and the Team Sky star now trails Rohan Dennis by 55 seconds in the general clas- sifi cation. On the Giro’s arrival in Italy after start- ing in Jerusalem followed by two stages in Israel, Wellens won a sprint on an up- hill fi nish, holding off Canadian Michael Woods and Italy’s Enrico Battaglin fol- lowing the 202km ride between Catania and Caltagirone. Australia’s Dennis retained the overall leader’s pink jersey after the fi rst of three days on the Mediterranean island when crossing the line four seconds behind Wellens. The BMC rider retained his one-sec- ond advantage over last year’s winner Tom Dumoulin with Froome’s fellow Briton Simon Yates — fourth in the stage — now in third overall at 17sec. “It’s great to keep the jersey for a bit FOCUS longer. The guys did everything possible to put me in the right position,” Dennis said. “Everyone knows it’s pretty common Nadal and Murray I’ve lost it (the leader’s jersey) after one Lotto’s Belgian rider Tim Wellens crosses the finish line to win the fourth stage of the Giro d’Italia in Caltagirone, Italy, yesterday. (AFP) day in every other Grand Tour (the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana). Now I’ve kept reeled in with three kilometres to go. tween Agrigente and Santa Ninfa. 10. Esteban Chaves (MIT) +4sec head strongest ever it for two days. It’s all thanks to my team- For 26-year-old Lotto rider Wellens OVERALL CLASSIFICATION (top 10) mates — they’ve been great around me.” it was a second stage success in the Giro STAGE 4 RESULTS (top 10) 1. Rohan Dennis (BMC) 14hr 23min 08sec The stage was built around a fi ve-man two years after his fi rst. 1. Tim Wellens (Lotto) 5hr 17min 34sec 2. Tom Dumoulin (SUN) +1sec Queen’s line-up breakaway — Enrico Barbin, Jacopo Mo- The Belgian has claimed one-day race 2. Michael Woods (EFD) same time 3. Simon Yates (MIT) +17sec sca, Quentin Jauregui, Maxim Belkov wins such as the Montreal GP in 2015 and 3. Enrico Battaglin (LNL) s.t. 4. Tim Wellens (LOT) +19sec AFP outside the top 10 such as Aus- and Marco Frapporti — who opened up stage races including the Eneco Tour and 4. Simon Yates (MIT) s.t. 5. Pello Bilbao (AST) +25sec London tralian fi rebrand Nick Kyrgios a four-minute lead before being caught the Tour of Poland. 5. Davide Formolo (BOR) s.t. 6. Maximilian Schachmann (QST) +28sec and Switerland’s Stan Wawrinka 13km from the line and the climb towards “The fi nish suited me but it wasn’t 6. Roman Kreuziger (MIT) +4sec 7. Domenico Pozzovivo (BAH) +28sec — who needs the Wimbledon ti- Caltagirone. easy. After this whatever happens in this 7. Patrick Konrad (BOR) +4sec 8. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) +34sec pain’s world number one tle to complete a sweep of Grand In the fi nal push, Italy’s Valerio Conti Giro will be a bonus,” he said. 8. Luis Leon Sanchez (AST) +4sec 9. Patrick Konrad (BOR) +35sec Rafael Nadal heads what Slam titles — have also con- showed his ambitions up front but was Today’s fi fth stage will cover 153km be- 9. Domenico Pozzovivo (BAH) +4sec 10. Carlos Betancur (MOV) +35sec organisers say is the most fi rmed they will play as will last formidable line-up for year’s champion Feliciano Lopez. Queen’s,S the historic grass tour- “To see six of the world’s top 10 TENNIS nament in London that is a key players on our entry list before you warm-up event for Wimbledon. even get to the names Andy Mur- Aside from Nadal and fi ve ray, Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic, others from the present top 10 Feliciano Lopez, Nick Kyrgios and the tournament is likely to see the British number one Kyle Ed- Britain’s two-time Wimbledon mund really whets the appetite champion Andy Murray — a fi ve- for a fantastic week of tennis,” said Halep marches on in Madrid time winner of the Queen’s title tournament director Stephen Far- — play as he makes a comeback row. “We can’t wait to get started.” after hip surgery. The tournament runs from with win over Mertens Other stars who are presently June 18-24. Reuters Al Arabi beat Al Etihad in GCC Club Bengaluru Basketball Championship orld number one Simona Qatar’s Al Arabi recorded a comfortable victory over Al Etihad of Halep trounced an out of Saudi Arabia on Monday in the prestigious GCC Club Basketball sorts Elise Mertens to reach Championship 2018 taking place at Sultan Qaboos Sports Com- the third round of the Ma- plex in Oman. Al Arabi displayed a highly technical performance Wdrid Open yesterday and stay on course to secure a convincing 107-82 victory over their opponents in the for her third consecutive title at the event. Gulf competition. The event brings together 7 clubs distributed The Romanian top seed wrapped up into two groups, A includes Al Arabi (Qatar), Al Etihad (Saudi victory in an hour and 11 minutes, hitting Arabia), Al Muharraq (Bahrain), while group B includes Nizwa 23 winners and limiting herself to 18 un- (Oman), Al Rayyan (Qatar), Al Sharjah (UAE) and Manama forced errors as she ended her Belgian op- (Bahrain). The event is a qualifying tournament for the Asian ponent’s 13-match winning streak. Champions Cup, which will take place from September 25-30. Mertens, who has won titles in Mo- Top three teams from the tournament in Oman will get spots in rocco and Switzerland this year, previ- the continental event. ous form deserted her as she struggled to cope with Halep’s combination of power, Qatar’s sailing star al-Nasr lauds guile and relentless court coverage. She found her feet at the start of the QOC support second set and fought gamely to the end, saving four match points while serving in the fi nal game before netting a routine forehand to cough up a fi fth and conced- ing the match with a tame double fault. Halep will face Kristyna Pliskova in the last-16 after the Czech beat Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-5, 6-2. Petra Kvitova, who is seeded 10th in Madrid, edged out wild card Monica Puig 6-3, 7-6 (8) in the day’s early encounter and will face either Belarusian Aliaksan- dra Sasnovich or Estonia’s Anett Kon- taveit in the next round. Romania’s Simona Halep in action during her second round match against Belgium’s Elise Mertens in Madrid yesterday. (Reuters) Kvitova dished out nine aces, but made an equal number of double faults as she held on to extend her winning streak to Big-hitting Shapovalov denies Paire birthday win in Madrid seven matches despite her opponent’s aggressive brand of tennis. Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov triot Milos Raonic or third seed Grigor Coric was leading 5-2 in the second The two went toe-to-toe as the ad- produced a relentless display of big- Dimitrov in the last 16 tomorrow. set when heavy rain interrupted play Qatar’s sailing star Abdulrahman al-Nasr confirmed that his big- vantage swung back and forth, but Puig hitting to deny France’s Benoit Paire Earlier yesterday, Croatia’s Borna Coric at Caja Magica, and after a 40 minute gest ambition is to qualify for the Olympic Games and represent paid the price for not getting enough fi rst the perfect 29th birthday present with upset ninth seed Pablo Carreno Busta delay he returned to complete his 16th Qatar in the biggest sport event in the world. In a statement on serves across the net and failing to take a 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4 victory in the second 6-4, 6-2 in the opening round. match win of the season. Monday, al-Nasr highly appreciated the Qatar Olympic Commit- her opportunities when they arose, al- round of the Madrid Open yesterday. Coric fought back from 4-3 down to win Dutchman Robin Haase snapped a four- tee’s support, adding that all his sport achievements came as an lowing the Czech to prevail. World number 43 Shapovalov struck 38 five straight games en route to a second match losing streak to record the 200th outcome of QOC’s continuous support. Now, al-Nasr is preparing With the score tied at 8-8 in the winners, including 18 on his forehand, to straight victory over the Spaniard, who match win of his career, defeating South to begin his new season with a number of regional and interna- second-set tiebreak, Kvitova secured a seal victory in just over two hours. he also beat at the Qatar Open earlier Korean Chung Hyeon 6-2, 6-0 in the tional participations, including Asian Championship in June and match point with an ace, before sealing The 19-year-old will next face compa- this year. other first round match. Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia. victory with a powerful forehand.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

APPRECIATION NEW BEGINNING QFA selects fi nal Qatar Airways announces partnership nominations for with Argentine football giants Boca Juniors end-of-season awards

By Sports Reporter brand to be seen by millions of football Juniors as we enhance our sport- for championing sport as a means of QNA Duhail striker Youssef El Arabi Doha fans around the world, while champi- ing sponsorship portfolio with the connecting communities around the Doha (26 goals). oning the airline’s belief of sports as a world’s best teams. We are excited to world. Qatar itself celebrates a dedi- For the Best Player Award, the means of bringing people together. further expand our presence in South cated National Sport Day each year, three fi nalists are Al Duhail’s atar Airways is further Qatar Airways has long celebrated America with our brand represented while the airline already partners with he Qatar Football Asso- Nam Tae-Hee and Youssef Msa- strengthening its sport- strong ties with the South American on the club’s jerseys, and look forward other football giants, including Ger- ciation’s (QFA) Awards kni, and Al Sadd’s Xavi Hernan- ing partnerships around the continent, where it fl ies daily to Sao to supporting the Boca Juniors in their many’s Bayern Munich, of which it is a Committee Board held a dez. world with the announce- Paulo and to the capital of Argentina, forthcoming seasons.” Platinum Partner, and as announced in meeting yesterday and Al Duhail duo Bassam Al Rawi mentQ that from the upcoming season Buenos Aires, since 2010. Qatar Air- Boca Juniors president Daniel Ange- April, as Main Global Partner of Italy’s Tselected the fi nal nominations and Almoez Ali, and Al Sadd’s (2018-19) it will become the Offi cial ways Group further strengthened these lici said, “We are very proud and grate- Roma, with the airline’s logo appearing for end-of-season honours. Salem al-Hajri are the nominees Jersey Sponsor of the Argentinian foot- ties in December 2016 through a strate- ful that one of the most prestigious on the team’s shirts. Forms were sent out after the for the Best Under-23 Player ball club, Boca Juniors, for fi ve seasons gic investment by acquiring 10 per cent airlines in the world has chosen Boca Qatar Airways is also the Offi cial Air- conclusion of the recent season Award. through the 2022/23 season. of South American LATAM Airlines Juniors as part of their regional expan- line Partner of FIFA, which includes of QNB Stars League. Al Rayyan’s Michael Laudrup, The new partnership further Group. sion strategy in South America. We are 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, the FIFA Of a total of 52 forms that were Al Sadd’s Jesualdo Ferreira and Al strengthens Qatar Airways’ global part- Qatar Airways Group chief ex- sure this agreement will be very fruitful Club World Cup, the FIFA Women’s sent out, 42 complete forms Duhail’s Djamel Belmadi are the nership portfolio and will see the air- ecutive Akbar al-Baker said, “Qatar for both institutions in fulfi lling their World Cup and the 2022 FIFA World came back. The winners will be contenders for the Best Coach line’s logo proudly appear on the club’s Airways is delighted to partner with objectives and goals.” Cup Qatar, as well as the Formula E announced at the end-of-season Award. jerseys, allowing the Qatar Airways world-renowned football club Boca Qatar Airways is already known electric street racing series. ceremony at the Qatar National QNB Stars League team coach- Convention Center in Education es, Qatar national team coach, City on May 17. Qatar Olympic team coach, team ‘Football for All’ and the Best managers, media representatives, FOOTBALL Referee awards will also be an- QFA representative, Qatar Stars nounced at the gala event. League Management representa- The Mansoor Muftah Award tive, and President and Board for the QNB Stars League’s top- members of the QFA participated Amir Cup trophy scorer will be presented to Al in the fi nal voting process. makes a stop at AAB ‘We value this partnership as they have been present with us for a long period’

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Amir Cup Trophy tour was given a grand reception at Al Ab- dulghani Tower by Abdullah Ab- dulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB), sole Tagents for Toyota vehicles in the State of Qatar. The grand ceremony was attended by Qatar Football Association offi cials, including Ali al-Salat, Head of Media, Abdulrahman Abdul Jabar, Social Media Specialist, and Fadala al-Fadala. The Trophy was received by AAB’s act- ing CEO RK Murugan and other senior offi cials. Amir Cup is the most popular tourna- ment in the country which is watched by large number of people across all ages Al Sadd’s Xavi (foreground) is a finalist for the Best Player Award. and nationalities. Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. has been supporting this popu- lar game for the many years in the capac- FOCUS ity of ‘Offi cial Car’. AAB will be providing a fl eet of Toyota vehicles comprising sedans, SUVs and buses for the transportation of spectators Aspire Academy to the stadium during the fi nals which will be held on May 19. Since the very beginning, the Amir Cup concludes Life Skills has enjoyed a special place in the county’s national sports calendar. A dream for any football player, Amir Cup matches bring Qatar Football Association off icials, including Ali al-Salat, Head of Media, Abdulrahman Abdul Jabar, Social Media Specialist, and competition for schools out the best in every team and coaches. Fadala al-Fadala, AAB acting CEO RK Murugan, other off icials and members of AAB staff pose with the Amir Cup Trophy. The chance of receiving the trophy from By Sports Reporter “We’re happy to conclude yet none other than His Highness The Amir partnership we have with Abdulla Ab- provision of a number of Lexus vehicles with us for a long period while supporting Doha another successful event this is often described as a dream by players. dulghani & Bros. Toyota – Lexus, who for the transfer of VIP spectators to Khalifa the QFA’s various tournaments, specifi - year. The competition was or- “The sponsorship of Abdulla Ab- has become one of the most important International Stadium, as well as a number cally the Amir Cup.” ganised as part of the Academy’s dulghani & Bros. Toyota – Lexus of the sponsors of the prestigious tourna- of buses to transport volunteers and media AAB as part of its corporate policy, has spire Academy’s Lead- ‘Ehteraf’ (‘becoming a pro’ in Ar- Amir Cup is the perfect example of a ment,” al-Salat said. from the parking to stadium gates. This been supporting major activities in the ership Department abic) programme – an important fruitful partnership. Having Abdulla He added: “The sponsorship of Ab- is not unusual of Abdulla Abdulghani & country, be it sports, cultural, social, ed- successfully concluded initiative that teaches young kids Abdulghani & Bros. Toyota – Lexus on dulla Abdulghani & Bros. Toyota – Lexus Bros. Toyota – Lexus, they have been our ucational, etc., with an intention to pro- its 5th Aspire Life Skills valuable life skills such as re- board as the Official Car of the Amir is a unique type of sponsorship, and this is partner for many years and we value this vide a strong national feel and show their competition,A an annual event sponsibility, respect, time man- Cup is a continuation of the great refl ected in the fi nal match through their partnership as they have been present respect to the great nation of Qatar. that features boys’ teams from agement, teamwork and goal- local schools and comprises sev- setting. The competition aims eral sporting activities that teach to fulfi l Aspire Academy’s role of SPOTLIGHT teamwork and decision making. sculpting Qatar’s future leaders In addition to Aspire Acad- in various fi elds. This competi- emy, seven other local independ- tion inspires not only our stu- ent and private schools took part dents, but all young boys taking in the tournament. Participat- part in Doha.” Jordan, MOFA in Aspire Embassies futsal fi nal ing schools included Hamza Bin This competition builds on Abdulmouttalib Boys School, Aspire Academy’s existing ef- By Sports Reporter Al Andalus School, Al Jazeera forts to turn young talents into Doha Academy, who were this year’s future leaders by equipping them fi rst-, second- and third-placed with strong teamwork and lead- teams respectively, and Al Maha ership skills in a safe and sup- he Aspire Embassies Futsal Tourna- Academy. portive learning environment, ment 2018 will conclude its activi- Speaking about this year’s in line with the Qatar National ties on Friday after teams represent- tournament, Mohamed Vision 2030 which aims to create ing Jordan and Qatar’s Ministry of Alsherooqi, Senior Offi cer Life well-rounded citizens academi- TForeign Aff airs (MOFA) successfully booked Skills at Aspire Academy, said, cally, psychically and mentally. their seats for the fi nal. The fi nal is due to be held at 8pm at the La- dies Sports Hall in Aspire Zone. Qatar’s MOFA team secured the fi nal spot after beating Aspire Zone 11-6 in the quar- ter-fi nals last week, before defeating Sudan 6-4 in the semi-fi nals. Meanwhile, their op- ponents, Jordan, advanced after overcoming a tough match against Kenya in the quarter- fi nals which ended in a score of 9-8, and beating Syria’s team in the semi-fi nals 6-0. The other two semi-fi nalists, Syria and Sudan, will play each other in the third-place playoff . The game is due to be played on the same day at the same venue prior to the fi nal, at 6:30pm. The tournament is in line with AZF’s ef- forts to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for people of all ages. Football fans are wel- come to attend the tournament and cheer on their favourite teams. This year, the tournament featured 16 teams representing Algeria, Djibouti, Ethi- opia, France, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syria and the United Kingdom, as well as a team from MOFA representing Qatar and As- Action from the match between Qatar’s MOFA (in maroon) and Sudan (in yellow) during their Aspire Embassies Futsal tournament pire Zone. semi-final match on Friday. MOFA won the match 6-4.