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Tuesday, April 9, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 4, 1440 AH Sterling says more GULF TIMES must speak out against racism SPORT Page 3

PREVIEW Al Sadd and Rayyan aim to improve positions

By Sports Reporter The Wolves, who reached the from injuries. However, the return of semi-fi nals last year, are currently Xavi from an injury layoff adds strength third in the standings in Group D, to the side. having opened their campaign Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Rayyan will ess than a week after being with a 2-0 defeat against Al Ahli of look to make it back-to-back home crowned Qatar’s league cham- Saudi Arabia before beating ’s wins when they host the United Arab pions for the 14th time, Al Sadd Persepolis 1-0 Emirates’ Al Wahda today in Group B at Lwill turn their focus to the con- the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. tinental stage when they take on Uzbek one point from their two games. Goals from Lucca and Gelmin Ri- giants Pakhtakor in a Group D match of Al Sadd are on a high and that confi - vas helped the Qatari side come from the AFC Champions League in Tashkent dence should help them stand in good behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Uz- today. stead in Tashkent. The squad includes bekistan’s PFC Lokomotiv on Matchday Al Sadd thrashed Al Ahli 7-2 to wrap Meshaal Barsham, Pedro Miguel, Jung Two as they rebounded strongly from up the QNB Stars League title with Woo-Young, Xavi Hernandez, Ali an opening-day defeat to Al Ittihad. one match to spare, but Pakhtakor are Asad, Hassan al-Haydous, Baghdad The hosts go into the game on the expected to provide a totally diff erent Bounedjah, Hamed Ismail, Tarek Sal- back of a 2-2 draw against Al Sailiya in challenge to the 2011 Asian Champions man, Boualem Khoukhi and Akram Afi f. the Qatar Stars League at the end of last who will be playing in front of a hostile “The league win is fi rmly behind us. week and they currently sit fourth in the crowd in the Uzbek capital We are now totally focused on our game standings. The Wolves, who reached the semi- against Pakhtakor,” Al Sadd coach Jesu- Leonardo scored twice as Al Wahda fi nals last year, are currently third in the aldo Ferreira said at his pre-match press secured an impressive 4-1 victory over standings in Group D, having opened conference. Al Ittihad four weeks ago to ensure their campaign with a 2-0 defeat “Everybody knows Pakhtakor are one all four teams in Group B are on three against Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia before of the leading sides in the continent points going into the third round of fi x- beating Iran’s Persepolis 1-0. and we will have to be our best to beat tures. Pakhtakor top the standings with them,” the Portuguese national added Like their opponents, Al Wahda also four points from two points, while Sau- First-choice goalkeeper Saad al- drew their last league game, with a di’s Al Ahli are second on three points, Dossari and left-back Abdulkarim 1-1 draw against Al Dhafra on Thurs- above Al Sadd on goal diff erence. Iran’s Al Sadd captain Xavi leads a training session in Tashkent yesterday. Al Sadd will take on Uzbek giants Pakhtakor in the Hassan, the best player in Asia, will be day leaving them sixth in the UAE Pro Persepolis are at the bottom with just Uzbek capital today. missing in action as they are recovering League.

FOOTBALL/AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Duhail blow two-goal lead to share spoils with Al Ain Despite controlling two-thirds of possession throughout, the Qatari side were profligate in front of goal

AFC form, helping his side limit the damage The UAE international was left with for El Arabi who swept home his fourth plied the fi nish from six yards out, but from hero to zero for the home crowd Doha at the back while their front line took little to do in the ninth minute as Al goal in three matches against Al Ain. Eisa produced a superb save to deny within two minutes after he spilled an two of the three chances that came Duhail captain Karim Boudiaf struck The home fans’ joy was cut short the striker and keep the margin at one attempt to handle Maroof’s cross and their way. the opener. Edmilson was again the though as Al Ain responded instantly goal. Marcus Berg punished him, stabbing in thrilling display of attack- Al Duhail got off to a fl ying start with dangerman down the right wing, fi nd- through Jamal Maroof. Eisa’s long ball After the restart, Al Ain were a re- the equaliser in the 58th minute. ing football saw Al Duhail of Edmilson forcing Eisa into a refl ex save ing space and crossing for Boudiaf who was nodded on by Tongo Doumbia into vitalised side, pressing higher up and The home crowd thought their side Qatar and United Arab Emir- within just three minutes of the start. hit on the half-volley from the edge of the path of Maroof who coolly slotted creating opportunities. They were had won the tie at the death when El Aates’ Al Ain play out a 2-2 The Brazilian received a cross-fi eld the box to put the hosts in front. home to half the defi cit just three min- rewarded with a penalty kick in the Arabi rose high to head Ali Afi f’s cross draw at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium pass and cut inside onto his left before Al Duhail’s dominance continued utes after Al Duhail’s second goal. 53rd minute after Maroof was brought from a free-kick in the last minute on Matchday Three of the 2019 AFC fi ring low, but Eisa dived to parry the and Rui Faria’s men were able to double Making his fi rst appearance this down inside the box by Musa. of added time, but Eisa produced yet Champions League Group C yesterday. ball away. their lead in the 32nd minute through campaign after returning from injury, Caio stepped up to take the penalty another top drawer save to keep the Despite controlling two-thirds of Right-back Mohamed Mousa fol- Youssef El Arabi. the 2019 AFC Asian Cup MVP and but goalkeeper Amine Lecomte picked scores level at 2-2 at the fi nal whistle. possession throughout, the Qatari lowed suit minutes later with a drilled Musa exchanged a quick one-two top scorer Almoez Ali thought he had the right side and made the save before The two sides meet again at Hazza side were profl igate in front of goal. Al eff ort from 30 yards out, but Eisa was with Boudiaf to free himself down the made it 3-1 just before the break when Amer Abdulrahman skied the rebound. bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain in two Ain goalkeeper Khaled Eisa was on top again live to the threat. right fl ank before sending a low cross he controlled Edmilson’s cross and ap- The Al Duhail goalkeeper turned weeks’ time on Matchday Four.

Al Duhail’s Karim Boudiaf is congratulated by teammates after he scored the team’s first goal against Al Ain yesterday. At right Youssel El Arabi (9) celebrates his goal with Mohamed Mousa. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, April 9, 2019 FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Liverpool ‘on fi re’ Son hopes new stadium boost as they chase will be a factor double: Klopp against Man City Reuters ‘People with a proper idea about football didn’t want to have Porto’ London ottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung- min hopes Manchester City’s players have un- Tderestimated the benefi cial ef- fect the club’s new stadium will have on his team mates in the Champions League quarter- fi nal, fi rst leg today. The long-delayed new 62,000-seater arena fi nally hosted a game last week when Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on an his- toric night for the club. Tottenham’s Son Heung-min (foreground) takes part in a training South Korean Son scored the session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against opening goal that evening and Manchester City in London yesterday. (Reuters) expects the noise-levels to be cranked up a notch on Tuesday when Pep Guardiola’s quadru- City can handle atmosphere at ple-chasing side arrive for the Tottenham’s new home: De Bruyne fi rst of three clashes in 10 days between the teams. Reuters don’t think there will be any City’s Kevin de Bruyne London diff erence.” poured cold water over any City are second in the Premier concerns his team mates might League, two points behind have over visiting what is now uch has been made Liverpool but having played London’s biggest club stadium of Tottenham a game less, and reached the — complete with a 17,500 ca- MHotspur’s new final of the FA Cup after beat- pacity single-tier South Stand stadium but Manchester City ing Brighton and Hove Albion that promises to be a wall of midfielder Kevin De Bruyne 1-0 on Saturday. sound. says his side have no fears Having already won the De Bruyne said it would be about playing there when League Cup this season, City just like playing at Totten- the clubs meet in the first leg are still on track for a quadru- ham’s adopted home Wembley of their Champions League ple but De Bruyne says there — where City won earlier this quarter-final. is “no point thinking about it”. season. “I don’t care about the sta- But Son says it will be an ad- dium,” the Belgium interna- AGUERO IN CONTENTION vantage for Spurs. tional told reporters ahead Manchester City striker “Of course, of course,” the of City’s first visit to the new Sergio Aguero has shaken South Korean told reporters, 62,062-seater venue today. off a muscle injury and could when asked if playing at the “I care about the team we play. return to action in today’s new ground would help Tot- Everybody talks about the Champions League quarter- tenham achieve a result to stadium like it’s something spe- final first leg against Totten- give them hope of a semi-fi nal cial. Everybody has a stadium, ham Hotspur, manager Pep berth. everybody has supporters. Guardiola said yesterday. “We’ll take these plus points. I “They’ll be up for it, they’ll “He trained with the team don’t think maybe the City play- probably be a little bit more for the first time and he feels ers realise, because they have al- excited, but in the end it’s a better,” Guardiola told a news ways been playing at home, but stadium with supporters. I conference. we’ve been nearly two years away from our home stadium. “What we have done in the two years is very positive but we missed home a lot and maybe we can show them tomorrow Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk (also inset) celebrate after the win over Southampton on Friday. Liverpool have largely night.” coped without injured Joe Gomez thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s towering presence at the heart of a much-improved defence (Reuters) With City in relentless form, winning 21 of their last 23 AFP But Klopp believes being in the goals scored and overcoming Liverpool have largely coped matches in all competitions, Liverpool running to win both competi- German giants Bayern Munich in without Gomez thanks to Virgil they are fi rm favourites to avoid tions is inspiring his squad not to the last 16, Porto were seen as a van Dijk’s towering presence at a repeat of last year’s quarter- give up late in games. softer draw in the last eight. the heart of a much-improved fi nal defeat by Liverpool. iverpool manager Jurgen “It’s such a good time. We get Liverpool thrashed the Por- defence. Klopp says his players up every morning and the weath- tuguese side 5-0 in last season’s And the Dutchman believes he CITY QUALITY Manchester City’s players take part in a training session at are revelling in the pres- er is good as well which is pretty Champions League last 16, but and his teammates will be able to Tottenham manager Mauricio Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London yesterday. (AFP) sure to win every game as rare. It’s warm outside, spring is Klopp said the tie is tougher than hold their heads high even if they Pochettino, who will almost Lthey chase a Premier League and coming and we are in the two big it seems. fall short of ending a 29-year certainly be without midfi eld- Champions League double. competitions, but we have to use “People around said so many wait to win the Premier League ers Eric Dier and Erik Lamela “Manchester City’s strength Pochettino, whose side looked Klopp’s men host Porto in the the situation,” he said on Mon- things, ‘you want Porto’, they due to City’s brilliance. today, described the game as is not the quality, of course they down and out after earning only fi rst leg of their European quar- day. only look at numbers and names, “Everyone is dreaming of it one of the biggest matches of have the quality, but fi rst of all one point from their opening ter-fi nal tie today after scor- “We have not fi nished the sea- stuff like that. and the unlucky bit for us is his managerial career. they have the desire, the will to three group games, told report- ing late winners to beat Fulham, son, we have not fi nished our de- “People with a proper idea another team in the league has He is all too aware of the fi ght, and to match every op- ers. Tottenham and Southampton to velopment. about football didn’t want to been amazing as well,” said Van quality in City’s ranks. ponent. “I think its going to be a edge two points ahead of Man- “We want to write a few proper have Porto, that’s the truth. But Dijk. “The fi rst thing we need to “Then because they have un- very tough game. We’ll start chester City in a titanic title race. things on the pages of that season nobody wanted Liverpool as well “For the neutral Premier do tomorrow is to run, because believable quality they can win the game very aggressively. We City still have a game in hand book. We are on fi re to be hon- by the way.” League watcher it is great view- Davis Silva, Kevin de Bruyne), more games.” want to be aggressive. on Liverpool, meaning the title est, you can see it in training, but Klopp will be forced into a ing, it is nice to see two good Raheem Sterling, (Gabriel) Je- Tottenham will be playing in “We can’t guess what the at- remains in the English cham- other teams as well. We all play change at left-back, with Andy teams challenging for the title. sus and Sergio Aguero, the fi rst only their second Champions mosphere will be like, it’s only pions’ hands, and there is pre- for a lot.” Robertson suspended, while Joe “Hopefully it can be some- thing they do before they start League quarter-fi nal, having our second game there. But we cious little room for error for After squeezing through a dif- Gomez will not be rushed back thing great at the end of the sea- to play is to run, to press, they lost 5-0 on aggregate to Real hope and wish that the atmos- the Reds in their remaining five fi cult group containing Paris into action despite returning to son, but we can hold our heads up fi ght for every single ball,” Po- Madrid in 2011. phere is going to be amazing league games. Saint-Germain and Napoli on training after a lower leg fracture. very high.” chettino told reporters. “It’s a massive bonus for us,” and tough for our opposition.”

SPOTLIGHT Indispensable Pique returns ‘home’ to Old Traff ord with Barca Reuters to secure a regular starting spot, home. I want to go back. I hope fl ight, Barcelona shipped four Barcelona with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja you will let me go.’” goals in a 4-4 draw with Villar- Vidic ahead of him, but was sur- Pique returned to Barcelona real last week. rounded by elite players to glean for 5mn euros ($5.62mn) as a re- The defender returned to shut ll eyes will be on strike wisdom from. serve with low expectations, but out Atletico Madrid in a 2-0 win duo Lionel Messi and However, after a harrowing af- by the end of his fi rst season un- on Saturday that left Barca 11 Luis Suarez as Barce- ternoon at Bolton Wanderers in der Pep Guardiola he had become points clear with seven matches lona visit Manchester 2007 where Pique made a mis- a key player in the 2008-09 tre- remaining and attention now UnitedA in the Champions League take which handed Nicolas Anel- ble-winning side. turning to Old Traff ord. this week, but defensive lynchpin ka an easy goal, the defender lost There have been ups and “I’m coming back to my sec- Gerard Pique is proving equally the confi dence of then-coach downs since, but seven La Liga ond home,” wrote Pique on Twit- important to the Catalans’ treble . titles, three Champions League ter after the Champions League bid. He negotiated a passage back wins and multiple other trophies draw in March pitted Barcelona The centre back returns to to Barcelona, perhaps the fi rst decorate his honours list, as well and United together. Old Trafford for the first time sign that he would later turn into as the 2010 World Cup victory Pique denied United in Bar- since he left Manchester United an entrepreneur as well as an elite with Spain. celona’s 2-0 Champions League in 2008 to rejoin Barcelona, in footballer. Pique has been in sublime fi nal win in Rome in 2009 and is Wednesday’s quarter-final first “I arrived at Manchester form this campaign, driving his aiming to pull off the same trick leg. United a boy, and I left a man,” side towards another league title, again on Wednesday. Joining the Red Devils in 2004 Pique said in a Player’s Tribune although the trophy the squad With Suarez and Messi in scin- from Barcelona as a 16-year-old, article. wants to win most is the Cham- tillating form up front, the hosts Pique learned important lessons “I walked into (Ferguson’s) of- pions League. may need to try and out-score during some tough seasons in the fi ce, and I was honest with him. With coach Ernesto Valverde Barcelona, but they will fi nd the north of England. I said, ‘Listen, I feel like I’ve resting the 32-year-old for the man they let go so cheaply stand- Barcelona’s Gerard Pique (centre) congratulates teammate Lionel Messi (left) after the latter scored against The defender never managed lost your trust. Barcelona is my fi rst time all season in Spain’s top ing in their way. Atletico Madrid in Barcelona on Saturday. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, April 9, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS LIGUE 1 PSG miss chance Sterling says more to wrap up title AFP end and they fought back to lead Paris before half-time with Nuno Da Costa turning in a Lionel Carole cross to equalise and Anthony aris Saint-Germain Goncalves lashing home from 22 squandered the chance yards to make it 2-1 in the 36th must speak out to clinch the Ligue 1 title minute. in record-equalling time Mbappe came off the bench on Pafter being held to a 2-2 draw at the hour mark but it was another home by Strasbourg on Sunday. substitute who made it 2-2 with PSG were handed the oppor- eight minutes remaining. Julian tunity to win their sixth French Draxler sent in a corner from crown in seven seasons after the right and Germany defender second-placed Lille drew 1-1 at Thilo Kehrer headed home. against racism Reims earlier. However, having drawn at That left Thomas Tuchel’s home to PSG back in December, side knowing that three points mid-table Strasbourg then held City forward feels playing on can provide the adequate riposte instead of walking off at the Parc des Princes would see on for a point. them retain the title and wrap A huge 20 points clear at the Reuters it up with eight games to spare, summit and with a game in hand, London matching the speed with which PSG will now hope to secure the Laurent Blanc’s team became eighth league title in their his- champions in 2016. tory when they go to Lille next anchester City’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting weekend. London-born for- gave them an early lead, and it A point will be enough in that ward Raheem Ster- looked as though the home side game, but PSG should have fi n- ling has said more would get the job done despite ished the job here — Choupo- Mplayers need to speak out when Kylian Mbappe being left on the Moting somehow managed to they suff er racism if the prob- bench at kick-off and Neymar, turn a net-bound Christopher lem is to be eradicated from the Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Nkunku shot onto the post in game, but disagreed with the Maria all missing out due to injury. the fi rst half in one of the worst proposal of walking off the pitch However, Strasbourg came misses you are ever likely to see, in response. into this game fresh from win- and Dani Alves hit the bar after Sterling has earned wide- ning the League Cup last week- the break. spread support for his stand on the subject in the wake of racist abuse he encountered during England’s Euro 2020 qualifi er in Montenegro. Earlier this season, he also accused sections of the Brit- ish media of fuelling the prob- lem with a negative portrayal of young black players. “I don’t think I’m trying to make a diff erence, or making a diff erence,” Sterling told report- ers ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League quarter- fi nal fi rst leg at Tottenham Hot- spur today. “It’s about speaking about what you have experienced and some people have probably PSG’s Eric Choupo-Moting (right) misses out on scoring a goal against shied away from that. Strasbourg during the Ligue 1 match in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) “If more players speak up then the better it will be.” However, when asked if he In this March 25, 2019, picture, England’s Danny Rose (left) vies for the ball with Montenegro’s Adam Marusic during their Euro 2020 qualifier would support walking off the in Podgorica, Montenegro. Rose, who was also subjected to racial abuse in Montenegro, said he “could not wait to leave football”. (Reuters) Napoli draw puts Juventus pitch in response to any abuse, as several Premier League man- said last week he “could not wait he had spoken to Rose about his problem that reached beyond “With Danny and Sterling of coronation on hold agers have recently backed, to leave football” after becom- comments. football, even if the likes of Rose course we’re very sorry for them AFP only league defeat this season Sterling said it would be better ing frustrated with the way the “It’s a very delicate situation, and Sterling had brought it into but they have the capacity and Milan on Juventus last month. to stay on and let football pro- authorities are dealing with the it’s not easy, it’s very personal the spotlight. the power because they’re fa- Genoa went a man down vide the adequate riposte. problem. how you manage your emotion,” “It’s a thing in our society that mous people who can denounce when Stefano Sturaro was “I wouldn’t personally agree “I respect his comments and Pochettino said. we need to fi ght and be against it. How many people on the out- apoli drew 1-1 with ten- sent off on 28 minutes follow- with it (walking off ), because I it’s a shame to hear that,” Ster- “We’re here trying to help him all together to stop that happen- side cannot say anything, only man Genoa on Sunday ing a VAR review for a diving think to go out and win the game ling said. “It’s a shame to hear and everyone that can feel that ing again,” he said. can go home and cry?” Nto ensure that Juventus studs-up tackle on Allan. would hurt them even more. that really. emotion of being abused. It’s a “It’s not only that Danny suf- Tottenham’s South Korean will have to wait another week Dries Mertens blasted in the Score a goal or win the match, “For someone like him — and thing that we are of course fi ght- fered the other day with Sterling forward Son Heung-min has to seal an eighth consecutive opener on 34 minutes, but that’s a better feeling, that beats not everyone can take it the ing all together to try to stop.” and diff erent people. It happens also been a target for abuse and Serie A title. Darko Lazovic pulled Genoa them,” he added. same way — it’s not a nice thing with people in the street and you said players must fi ght together. The champions have a level just before the break. Tottenham defender Danny to hear.” BEYOND FOOTBALL and me, we don’t know about “We should just protect the 20-point advantage on Genoa goalkeeper Ionut Radu Rose, who was also subjected Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said the issue was it and maybe they suff er more player who gets racism and fi ght second-placed Napoli, who ensured his 14th-placed side to racial abuse in Montenegro, Pochettino was asked whether nothing new and that it was a than the people we know. all together,” Son said. they have beaten in both their went away with a point with a head-to-head clashes, with string of fine saves includ- seven games to go. ing two late on Mertens and Juventus, who beat AC Milan 2-1 Kalidou Koulibaly. US women rout Belgium in World Cup tune-up on Saturday, needed Napoli to “It was an unexpected lose to win the Scudetto for the performance that makes an Reuters a leaping header off a long pass from first start this year, told reporters after broke free of her defender, took a 35th time, ahead of their Cham- alarm bell ring, if we play like Los Angeles Tierna Davidson that found the bottom the match. pass from Lloyd, and chipped a shot pions League quarter-final first this in London, then we’re in corner of the goal in the 14th minute. Forward Lindsey Horan nodded in over Evrard’s head for her 101st career leg against Ajax next week. trouble,” said Napoli coach Five minutes later, the veteran mid- a goal off a corner kick past diving goal. A draw next weekend at Carlo Ancelotti ahead of next he United States women’s national fielder unleashed another header to a Belgian goalkeeper Nicky Evrard in the Forward Jessica McDonald completed lowly SPAL would be enough week’s Europa League game team pumped in four first half nearly identical spot in the net to send 26th minute and midfielder Samantha the rout with a header off a set-piece for Massimiliano Allegri’s against Arsenal. Tgoals en route to a 6-0 romp the nearly 21,000 fans at the Banc of Mewis eff ectively put the game out of move in the 90th minute as the team side to win the title which “We absolutely must wake up, against Belgium in a one-sided friendly California Stadium in Los Angeles into Belgium’s reach with a header to put the improved to 4-1-2 in 2019. would be the first in Italy for demonstrate the value and as the reigning World Cup champions a frenzy on a warm Southern California hosts 4-0 ahead. The match was the last for the US before Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite potential that this group has continue to build momentum ahead of night. Forward Alex Morgan came on as a the team selects its World Cup roster, their numerical advantage, and find our true identity. their title defence in France in June. “I know who I am. I know what I’m substitute to start the second half which will look to bring the team home Napoli struggled to contain “Luckily we have four days to Carli Lloyd opened their account with capable of,” Lloyd, who was making her and scored two minutes later when she its fourth title. the visitors who inflicted the fix things.”

INTERVIEW Phelan’s study of success helps United on road back to glory Reuters Phelan wanted to look back to end, you fi nd they do the simple unsettled during the latter Another of those players is Burnley, England fi nd out exactly how United had things better than most people,” period of Mourinho’s time at left back Luke Shaw, who has enjoyed such dominance and added the former United player. the club but has shone since the signifi cantly improved in recent conversations with Ferguson and change. months. hen former United CEO David Gill COLLABORATION “I think that happened to “We think that there is more to was asked if he formed part of that process. As Phelan describes the conclu- quite a few players, they prob- come from Luke — he is young, would like to return But after a brief spell as sions he reached, it is also evident ably drew into themselves a little he is energetic and he has an at- to Manchester manager of Hull City in the they have been put into practice at bit and were very cautious,” says titude which is developing all the WUnited and assist Ole Gunnar 2016-17 season, with the club United since December. Phelan. “Paul had a spell where time. We feel that the world is Solskjaer in turning the club poorly resourced and heading “The (leaders) communicate all the eyes were on him and his oyster... he is a huge player,” around after the sacking of for relegation, Phelan took time better and they actually hand delivery of his best wasn’t there says Phelan. Jose Mourinho in December, he away from the game and decided over the reigns to people to get all the time, the consistency. barely paused for thought before to extend that investigation of on with their jobs. You bring “Now we are trying to apply GLORY DAYS agreeing. leadership skills. people into your environment, ourselves to Paul’s game. Ole has With United facing Barcelona in Having enjoyed plenty of “I thought I needed to fi nd out you communicate well, you done a terrifi c job at helping Paul a Champions League quarter- success at Old Traff ord as Alex more. I am quite an open-minded express your thought process through certain spells and he has fi nal fi rst leg tomorrow, there is Ferguson’s trusted right-hand sort of fella and the more people and then you hand it over and see embraced that. He is maturing the sense of the club being on the man, the chance to return after you meet, the more areas of ex- what comes back,” he said. all the time. right path to rediscovering their a six year absence was not an pertise you venture into, you fi nd A look at the technical area dur- “He is not the fi nished deal glory days. opportunity the 56-year-old was yourself searching for that com- ing games reveals that approach in In this March 30, 2019, picture, Manchester United assistant coach even though everyone looks Phelan certainly doesn’t feel going to let pass. mon denominator,” he said. action. Solskjaer is in charge but Mike Phelan (left) talks to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the at him and sees a World Cup the past is a weight on the club But while that was an instant Phelan talked to people in Phelan frequently is out on the EPL match against Watford at Old Traff ord in Manchester. (Reuters) winner already but he is not the nor has that success reduced his decision, there had been plenty rugby and other sports and touch-line guiding players and the fi nished deal, there is still a lot own personal hunger. of contemplation during his time looked at American coaching and other coaches, club, bringing back a sense of Norwegian has been appointed more to come and that is the “I want these players to enjoy away from the club. management methods as well as and Kieran McKenna, are also part enjoyment. “It was an instant re- the long-term manager, is to exciting bit about United. their own great moments for “I had a time of refl ection. I the world of business. of the collaboration. sponse,” he says, noting the way turn that ‘bounce’ into a more “There are players there who themselves but I also want to do felt that I needed to look back “What I found was that the “I like the idea of sharing, see- that Solskjaer created a “breath substantial improvement. Phelan haven’t achieved for the club it again — that is the drive,” he and examine the processes that simplicity in most things tends ing people grow, (then) the end of fresh air” around the club’s believes they are helped by hav- what they need to achieve and said. were in place. Because you just to be the most eff ective. We are product,” he says. Carrington training complex. ing players who still have plenty we want to make sure that they “It is diff erent this time don’t get the time when you are all looking for the secret ingredi- Still, Phelan has been sur- of scope for improvement, none relish that experience, embrace around, of course it is. It was six actually ‘in it’,” he told Reuters at ent but when you start to talk to prised how quickly Solskjaer was SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT more so than Paul Pogba. the opportunity to win things at years ago, but it is not impossi- his East Lancashire home. people at the elite level, the top able to change the mood at the The challenge, now that the Pogba looked unhappy and Manchester United.” ble, defi nitely not impossible.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, April 9, 2019 CRICKET

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Lynn gets lucky aft er another IPL bail fail Rahul, Mayank star catch it or the bails might come Reuters Mumbai off , but I got lucky. “I might actually go the ca- sino tonight!” ustralian Chris Lynn It was the third time in this was tempted to visit year’s IPL that a batsman had a casino to cash in on benefi ted from the bails refus- his luck after a mi- ing to be dislodged. in Kings XI’s victory raculousA reprieve while batting Rajasthan were also on the during Kolkata Knight Riders’ receiving end in an earlier Indian Premier League (IPL) match when Jofra Archer’s de- victory over Rajasthan Royals livery rolled onto the stumps on Sunday. but Chennai Super Kings cap- The 28-year-old was on 13 tain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, when he inside-edged a de- yet to open his account, sur- livery from paceman Dhawan vived as bails could not be dis- over Hyderabad Kulkarni onto his stumps and lodged. started walking off without Dhoni, who went on to ‘The way we bowled I am pretty happy given the dew. Still there are areas in our bowling bothering to look behind. make a match-winning 75 Kulkarni was celebrating off 46 deliveries, suff ered the we can improve. We were 20 runs short but what we all did believe in ourselves’ too but it was soon cut short heartbreak himself on Satur- when the bowler realised that day when bails did not fall de- IANS the ball had lit up the zing bail spite his direct hit with Punjab Mohali but failed to dislodge it, rico- opener Lokesh Rahul short of cheting off the leg stump to the his ground. fi ne-leg boundary for a four Rajasthan captain Ajinkya ings XI Punjab made instead. Rahane appeared as bewil- heavy weather of an Lynn went on to score 50 dered as the bowler and was easy run-chase but off 32 deliveries in Kolkata’s involved in a long conversation in the end rode styl- successful eight-wicket win with the on-fi eld umpire after Kish half centuries from KL Ra- chasing Rajasthan’s 139-3 that Sunday’s incident. hul and Mayank Agarwal to put them at the top of the IPL “The rules are what they are, edge-past Sunrisers Hyderabad table with four wins from fi ve but I told the umpire, at least by six wickets in a thrilling In- matches. don’t declare it a boundary,” dian Premier League encounter “I always like to ride my Rahane said. yesterday. luck,” Lynn told teammate “It’s already so tough for the Auditioning for a berth in the Harry Gurney in a video posted bowlers in T20, and in such a World Cup squad, opener Rahul on the IPL website. situation, a ball can, maybe, remained not out at 71 off 53 balls “I inside-edged it, and then I declared a dead ball. That to notch up his third half-century heard a second noise. I thought was my conversation with the of the season with the help of sev- (the wicket-keeper) might umpires.” en fours and one six as good friend Agarwal (55; 43 balls; 3x4; 3x6) matched him with equal gusto. Chasing a modest 151 for vic- tory, the pair added 114 runs for the second wicket after the hosts lost Chris Gayle (16) early to a Rashid Khan (1/20) deliv- ery which the southpaw tried to hit for a six, getting caught by Deepak Hooda at long on. It was all Rahul-Agarwal show from there on, as the Karna- taka pair paced their innings to perfection and played some de- lightful shots down the ground. While Rahul brought up his fi fty in 34 balls, Agarwal took 40 de- liveries to get there. Agarwal – who was dropped Kolkata Knight Riders Chris Lynn plays a shot against Rajasthan by Yusuf Pathan on 40 – holed Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur Sunday. (AFP) out to Vijay Shankar at deep midwicket off Sandeep Sharma (2/21) in the 18th over. But just when it looked like Kings XI Punjab batsman K L Rahul (right) plays a shot as Sunrisers Hyderabad wicket-keeper Johny Bairstow looks on during the 2019 Indian South Africa Women’s World Cup the damage had already been Premier League match at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali yesterday. (AFP) cricketer dies in double tragedy done, David Miller (1) and Man- deep Singh (2) threw their wick- eff ort to restrict Sunrisers to Warner joined hands with boured to a 49-run stand for ated to get to 150-run mark. Former South Africa Women’s the true sense of that word,” ets away to Sandeep in the same 150/4 after skipper R Ashwin Manish Pandey (19) for a 55-run the second wicket as Sunrisers “The way we bowled I am pretty World Cup cricketer Elriesa said Cricket South Africa (CSA) over and Siddarth Kaul in the asked them to bat fi rst. In-form fourth wicket partnership but trudged to 50/1 at the halfway happy given the dew. Still there Theunissen-Fourie and her chief executive Thabang Mo- 19th to leave the game on the Warner brought up his third IPL it never really took off . Asked to stage. are areas in our bowling we can child were killed in a car roe. “This is devastating news edge with 11 runs needed in the fi fty of the season as he scored an bat fi rst, the visitors lost Jonny Shankar lost his wicket just improve. We were 20 runs short crash this weekend, police for all of us. fi nal over. unbeaten 70 (62 balls, 4x6, 6x1), Bairstow (1) early, as the England after that, trying to guide a Ash- but what we all did believe in confirmed Sunday. The “Elriesa did so much for the Mohamed Nabi gave just fi ve but it was an uncharacteristic stumper-batsman fl icked Mu- win (1/30) carrom ball towards ourselves,” SRH captain Bhuv- fatal accident occurred in the community in which she lived runs away from the fi rst three knock where the destructive jeeb Ur Rahman (1/34) to Ravi- third man and feathering it to neshwar said. northwestern mining town of and gave excellent service balls before Rahul hit a mag- Australian left-hander struggled chandran Ashwin at short mid- wicketkeeper K.L. Rahul in the Stilfontein, a police spokes- both as a national player and nifi cent straight drive for four to with timing as he carried his bat wicket who took a smart catch. process. Nabi (12) was run out by BRIEF SCORES man told AFP. All-rounder in the work she did at grass- then score the winning runs off a through the innings. It took Warner 15 balls to Ashwin off his own bowling as Sunrisers Hyderabad: 150/4 Theunissen-Fourie, 25, repre- roots level. David Warner misfi eld as Pun- In the last two overs, Sunrisers hit his fi rst boundary in the Sunrisers could only get to 92/3 (David Warner 70 not out; sented South Africa in four in- “On behalf of the CSA family, I jab won with one ball to spare, managed 26 runs to up the ante fi fth over when the southpaw after 15 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin 1/30; ternationals -- three ODIs and extend our deepest sympathy putting up 151/4 in 19.5 overs. with Deepak Hooda (14*) hitting punched an overpitched Ankit Pandey and Warner then tried Mohamed Shami 1/30; Kings XI one Twenty20 -- and was part to her husband, her family, Earlier, Warner struck an un- Mohammed Shami (1/30) for 15 Rajpoot delivery past the diving their best to get some runs but Punjab 151/4 K.L. Rahul 71 not of the 2013 World Cup squad. friends and all her cricketing beaten half-century but Pun- runs in the fi nal over, including mid-on fi elder. it was only after the latter got out, Mayank Agarwal 55; Sand- “This is a dreadful tragedy in colleagues.” jab bowlers put in a disciplined two fours and a six. Warner and Shankar (26) la- out that Hyderabad acceler- eep Sharma 2/21)

WORLD CUP Hot English summer to aid subcontinent teams: KP Reuters Mumbai India selectors to pick WC squad on April 15 The national selectors led by M.S.K. Prasad will input will definitely be asked for before a final he English weather will play a major meet on April 15 in Mumbai to pick the squad for decision is made. role during the World Cup and teams the 2019 World Cup in England, starting May 30. from the Indian subcontinent stand to India are considered one of the favourites going IPL FINAL VENUE DECISION AFTER gain if hot and dry conditions prevail into this edition of the World Cup. CHECKING WITH CHENNAI Tduring the May 30-July 14 tournament, former The cut-off date is April 23 and the selectors The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) captain Kevin Pietersen has said. have been waiting to watch the performance has decided that a call on whether Chennai England, which last hosted the quadrennial of some of the players in the ongoing Indian will get to host the final of the 12th edition of showpiece in 1999, has witnessed more bats- Premier League considering that the position the Indian Premier League will be taken after men-friendly conditions in recent past with of the number four batsman and the fourth fast discussing the issue with the Tamil Nadu Cricket scores of 300 regularly posted in one-day in- bowler is still up for grabs. Speaking to IANS, Association (TNCA). ternationals held in the country. A hot English a senior BCCI off icial said that the selectors The closure of the three stands at the Chepauk summer will translate into dry pitches on which wanted to wait a bit before finalising the squad Stadium is the cause for concern as otherwise the batsmen and spinners from the subconti- and the ongoing IPL held them to take a look at the rule of the tournament says that the defend- nent teams are expected to thrive. some of the players who are in the radar to fill a ing champion gets to host the opening game as “It is going to be weather dependent,” Pi- couple of spots. well the final. etersen told reporters in Mumbai at a promo- “The selectors wanted to take it easy as they The Supreme Court-appointer Committee of tional event last week. had time till April 23 to send in the squad for the Administrators met in the capital yesterday, but “Last year was one of the most beautiful World Cup. With the IPL on, it always helps to see a decision was not reached. English summers since 1976. It was the hottest how some of the boys are playing,” the off icial Members of the board will have an interac- summer recorded in the UK with hardly any explained. tion with TNCA off icials before taking a call on rain at all, conditions were extremely dry. If While most of the players pick themselves, whether Chennai hosts the coveted final or the the conditions are like they were last summer, Ambati Rayudu and Rishabh Pant are the two hosting right is given to Hyderabad as they were then I think the subcontinent teams are going main contenders for the No.4 slot in the bat- runners-up last year. to have a massive role to play in the World Cup. ting department. While Rayudu has flattered Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI off icial said that “If they are not and it’s horrible and green to deceive in this edition of the IPL, Pant has it was important to speak to TNCA before a call and seaming, then it’s going to play in Eng- shown his brilliance in flashes. But his inability to is taken on the matter. land’s favour and the team that copes best in finish games has been something that pundits “It is important to meet the TNCA off icials since those circumstances.” have spoken about time and again in this IPL. Chennai should be the venue for the finals in the While many see it as England’s best chance “I think we are pretty much settled. There most. The last time when we were there the Vijay Shankar is another player who could be ordinary course. The BCCI-IPL must also make to win their maiden 50-overs World Cup, India are a few spots which everyone know about,” conditions were really dry. I don’t know if it looked at as an option considering that he has all eff orts to speak with the local authorities to will also be among the favourites. Rohit, Kohli’s deputy in limited-overs formats, will be the same again. If it is like that then we been looking to bat up in the order for Sunrisers ensure the requisite permissions are granted in Led by Virat Kohli, the two-time champions said. need to get an extra spinner, as simple as that. Hyderabad in this IPL. order for the cricket loving public of Chennai to have more or less a settled batting line-up even “It all depends on what the captain, coach If it’s not then we should probably get an extra The fourth pacer’s slot is something that the witness the IPL final,” the off icial said. though they continue to search for a reliable and selectors think about the combination. seamer.” selectors will be sweating over as someone like Last year Chennai lost on hosting Chennai Super number four in the batting order. Whether we need to go with the extra seamer, All 10 participating teams will have to sub- a Navdeep Saini has been very impressive in the Kings’ home games after the Cauvery water Opener Rohit Sharma agreed the English extra middle order batsman, extra opening mit their 15-member squads by April 23, while IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore. dispute saw their home games being shifted to conditions could have a big say on their team batsman or an extra spinner. injury replacements can be named until May Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri’s Pune. selection. “The conditions in England will matter the 23. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 9, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Steelers’ Juju slams ex-teammate Brown Warriors clinch top Pittsburgh teammates for the Reuters New York younger wideout’s fi rst two NFL seasons in 2017-18. Publicly, Smith-Schuster he Pittsburgh Steel- has supported Brown, but he ers’ former franchise has also voiced strong sup- receiver took a Twitter port for Brown’s former quar- swipe at the team’s new terback, Ben Roethlisberger. seed, Rockets set Tfranchise receiver on Sunday. Brown and Roethlisberger The Steelers’ newest top reportedly had a practice dis- wideout is not pleased, and pute heading into the Steelers’ not staying quiet. Nearly Week 17 game against Cincin- a month after the Steelers nati. That apparent argument traded seven-time Pro Bowl devolved into Brown missing wideout Antonio Brown to the Steelers’ fi nal game, de- the Oakland Raiders after a spite their playoff fates being record for threes contentious few months, in- on the line. cluding his absence from the Surrounding his trade to ‘Let me just say that for 47 years, Warriors fans have stuck with us through thick and thin’ team’s season fi nale, Brown Oakland in March, Brown has sparked a Twitter spat with often referenced his prob- ex-teammate Juju Smith- lems with Roethlisberger’s Schuster when commenting leadership style. Last month, on a fan post on social media. Smith-Schuster publicly Brown had been tagged on backed his quarterback amid a posted image with the head- the controversy, saying, “I was er touting the 22-year-old so blessed to enter the league Smith-Schuster as the Steel- and play with a Hall of Fame ers’ 2018 team MVP. Brown’s QB as a 20-year old. Ben has Twitter response blamed taught me so much, he’s a true Smith-Schuster for his crucial Leader and I can’t wait to rock fumble late in a Week 16 loss at with my guy this season.” New Orleans, saying he “fum- Brown tweeted the next bled the whole post season in day, “Do not listen to any NFL the biggest game of year.” player who haven’t got paid Smith-Schuster caught yet! They will do and say any- wind of the post and tweeted, thing to make sure they going “Keep your emotions off the to get paid even if it’s compro- internet,” followed by a series mising integrity or anything ! of tweets referencing Brown. sad but true.” “All I ever did was show that In late January, Smith- man love and respect from the Schuster appeared on ESPN’s moment I got to the league,” First Take and said the Steel- Smith-Schuster tweeted. “I ers needed to limit off -fi eld was genuinely happy for him drama and distractions, com- too when he got traded to paring the team to a family of Oakland with a big contract, reality TV stars. and now he takes shots at me “I think everyone just needs on social media?” to stop being divas,” Smith- Smith-Schuster continued, Schuster said. “I think we need tweeting, “Crazy how big that to stop being the Kardashians ego got to be to take shots at and just play ball.” people who show you love!” While the wideout wouldn’t Smith-Schuster then post- off er names at the time when ed a quote from famous au- asked about which teammates thor Mark Twain that read, he might be referring to, he “Never argue with a fool. said only, “I’ve learned a lot in Onlookers may not be able to that locker room, and I know tell the diff erence.” Brown, that I would never want to be a 30, and Smith-Schuster were problem to any franchise.”

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots the basketball against LA Clippers guard Landry Shamet (right) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

is yet to be determined. There is a chance it fi rst half - means Miami were now sweat- AFP RESULTS Los Angeles could be the Clippers when the playoff s be- ing on results elsewhere to have any chance gin next Saturday. They are battling Okla- Orlando 116-108 Boston of progressing. Sunday’s loss left Miami homa City (47-33) and San Antonio (47-34) with 38 wins and 42 defeats for the season. he Golden State Warriors clinched - both won on Sunday - for the sixth, sev- New York 113-110 Washington Miami icon Dwyane Wade, who could the Western Conference’s top enth and eighth playoff spots in the West. Lakers 113-109 Utah grace an NBA court for the last time when seed with a victory in their fi nal Elsewhere, the Houston Rockets con- Portland 115-108 Denver the regular season draws to a close on regular-season contest at the Or- tinued their three-point assault on the Wednesday, fi nished with 21 points. Tacle Arena, beating the Los Angeles Clip- NBA as they drained a record 27 from New Orleans 133-129 Sacramento In Minnesota, Russell Westbrook and pers 131-104 on Sunday. beyond the arc in a 149-113 win over the Houston 149-113 Phoenix Paul George combined for 54 points and Stephen Curry led the charge with 27 Phoenix Suns. The Rockets broke their Milwaukee 115-107 Atlanta Dennis Schroder had 14 in the fourth Juju Smith-Schuster (left) and Antonio Brown. points and Kevin Durant added 16 as the own league single-game record with the quarter in Oklahoma City Thunder’s 132- Golden State 131-104 Clippers Warriors won their fi fth straight game. help of 30 points from James Harden. 126 victory over the Timberwolves. They wore throwback “We Believe” jer- It came just fi ve days after they tied the Dallas 129-127 Memphis Westbrook added 10 rebounds and 15 Sabres fi re Housley as playoff drought continues seys in a move designed to honour the past mark, initially set against the Los Ange- Brooklyn 108-96 Indiana assists for his 32nd triple-double of the at Oracle, which has been their home ven- les Lakers in January, with 26 against the Charlotte 104-91 Detroit season as the Thunder remained a half- Phil Housley became the 22 during his tenure with ue for 47 years. The team is moving across Sacramento Kings. They now have four of game ahead of San Antonio for seventh second NHL coach fired on Buff alo, where he played for the bay from Oakland to a facility in San the top 10 three-point games. San Antonio 112-90 Cleveland place in the Western Conference. Sunday as the Buff alo Sabres the first eight seasons of his Francisco where they will play next season. The Rockets made 27 of 57 threes and Oklahoma City 132-126 Minnesota “That’s just what he does,” said Tim- cut ties with the coach after 21-year career. “Let me just say that for 47 years, Warriors seven players hit at least two threes, in- Toronto 117-109 Miami berwolves guard Josh Okogie, who was two seasons. He was inducted into the fans have stuck with us through thick and cluding Eric Gordon who had a career- given the unenviable task of guarding The Florida Panthers fired Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 thin,” Kerr told the crowd moments after high eight, Harden who had fi ve, and P.J. Sunday after a 117-109 defeat to the To- Westbrook.“He has great teammates Bob Boughner, also after two as a player. the fi nal buzzer. “Let’s be honest, most of Tucker with four. Austin Rivers broke the ronto Raptors. Miami entered the game around him that can make plays. He’s seasons, earlier in the day. The Sabres finished their those years have been a little thin.” record with 69 seconds remaining after with their destiny still in their own hands, a playmaker himself. He’s aggressive, General manager Jason Bot- season with a 7-1 rout of The win gives them home fi eld advan- Gary Clark had tied it two minutes earlier. knowing that victories in their three fi nal rebounds and can get to the rim.” Karl- terill was expected to discuss the Detroit Red Wings on tage throughout the West playoff s. Elsewhere, the Miami Heat edged clos- regular season fi xtures would carry them Anthony Towns led Minnesota with 35 the decision at an afternoon Saturday, but failed to reach The Warriors’ fi rst-round opponent, er to being eliminated from the playoff s into the postseason. But an agonising loss points, while Andrew Wiggins scored 24 press conference. the playoff s for the eighth which will be the eighth seed in the West, for the second time in three seasons on - they were leading by 13 at one point in the and Dario Saric added 23. Housley, 55, went 58-84- straight season.

MLB Sanchez homers three times as Yankees pound Orioles off of infi elder Hanser Alberto, who came in Reuters RESULTS Baltimore to pitch during that frame. Yankees 15-3 Orioles TROUT HOMERS YET AGAIN AS Angels 7-2 Rangers ary Sanchez homered three times ANGELS TOP RANGERS while Clint Frazier homered twice Dodgers 12-6 Rockies Mike Trout homered in his fourth consecu- as the visiting New York Yankees Brewers 4-2 Cubs tive game, and the Los Angeles Angels scored belted seven homers in defeat of the Astros 9-8 Athletics seven unanswered runs in a 7-2 victory over GBaltimore Orioles 15-3 on Sunday afternoon. the Texas Rangers on Sunday afternoon in Sanchez fi nished with six RBI in his fi rst Red Sox 1-0 Diamondbacks Anaheim Calif. It was the Angels’ third win career three-homer game while Frazier drove Braves 4-3 Marlins in a row after dropping the fi rst game of the in four runs. The victory completed a sweep Nationals 12-9 Mets four-game series to the Rangers. The Rangers of the three-game series. New York also got certainly will be happy to avoid facing Trout homers from Gleyber Torres and Austin Cardinals 4-1 Padres for a while, after the Angels centre fi elder de- Romine and fi nished with 14 overall dur- Rays 3-0 Giants stroyed Texas pitching throughout the series. ing this sweep. The fi rst 18 runs the Yankees Phillies 2-1 Twins In the four games, Trout hit fi ve home runs, scored in this series came via the long ball. drove in nine, and reached base in 13 of 18 New York now has won three straight. Tigers 3-1 Royals plate appearances (6-for-11, six walks). Domingo German (2-0) carried a no-hitter Mariners 12-5 White Sox For the season, Trout is hitting .393 with a into the sixth inning and gave up two runs on .581 on-base percentage and 1.000 slugging two hits in six innings plus two batters. it started with his second two-run homer of percentage. Texas took a 2-0 lead in the sec- Baltimore got off to a surprising 4-1 start the afternoon to give the Yankees a 7-0 edge. ond inning against Angels starter Chris Strat- on the season but have dropped four straight. Later in the inning, DJ LeMahieu (double) ton on Joey Gallo’s two-run homer, his fourth David Hess (1-1) threw 6 1/3 no-hit innings and Gio Urshela (single) each added RBI hits of the season. But the Angels got the runs in his fi rst start, in Toronto, but gave up four to push the lead to 9-0. back and more in the bottom of the inning runs in fi ve innings in this game. Baltimore scored three in the seventh but against Rangers starter Shelby Miller (0-1). On Sunday, the Yankees took the lead with missed a chance at more when Chris Davis In the inning, the Angels had two hits, three two runs in the second inning and two more got called out on strikes with two runners walks (including an intentional walk to Trout), in the third, thanks to their power. Torres and on base. He fi nished the day 0-for-4 and is and a hit batter that led to four runs and 4-2 Frazier both hit solo shots in the second in- now 0-for-23 this season and, going back lead. Jonathan Lucroy drove in one run with ning. Sanchez added a two-run homer in the to 2018, 0-for-44. Sanchez added his fi nal an infi eld single, Zack Cozart drove in one third for a 4-0 lead. Frazier made it 5-0 with two-run homer in the eighth before Frazier when he was hit by a pitch with the bases an RBI single in the sixth. New York then and Romine both did the same thing in the loaded, David Fletcher had an RBI single and New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez hits a two run home run during the third inning against the scored four times in the seventh. Sanchez got ninth for the 15-3 lead. Romine’s shot came Tommy La Stella had an RBI groundout. Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, April 9, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Save the Dream in focus on International Day of Sport ‘I wish to congratulate Save the Dream and its partners for taking the initiative of this forum and for creating an opportunity for debate, exchange and inspiration on how to break down walls through peaceful means such as sport’

A group picture of the International Youth Conference for Peace and Development participants. A group picture after the conclusion of the Peace Walk at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

n a tribute to the 30th an- the others, by Wilfried Lemke, Over 80 youth leaders, from spiration on how to break down co-operation with Save the Save the Dream Sport Am- life and I fi nd it in football” niversary of the fall of the former United Nations secretary- across the globe, gathered to walls through peaceful means Dream aims at bringing young bassadors Tegla Loroupe, Massimiliano Montanari, Berlin Wall, and on the occa- general’s special adviser on Sport support the positive message such as sport.” leaders from diff ered back- marathon champion, captain Executive Director at Save the sion of the International Day for Development and Peace, Te- of unity within society while Mohamed Hanzab, ICSS grounds together and teach them of the Refugee Olympic Team Dream concluded, “Since the Ion Sport for Development and gla Loroupe, marathon champion, focusing on the power of sport Chairman and Founder of Save how to disseminate the message at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Wall of Berlin came down in Peace, Save the Dream, in part- UN and Save the Dream Sport to inspire and empower peo- the Dream said: “Sport breaks of peace in their respective com- and Honey Thaljieh, Corporate 1989, so many new walls have nership with the International Ambassador, captain of the Refu- ple across nations, regardless of down all walls starting with munities.” Communications Manager, been built all around the world. Olympic Truce Center (IOTC) gee Olympic Team at the 2016 faith and socio-economic status. those built in the minds of some Speaking of the role of sport FIFA, respectively said: “High- In tribute to the 30th Anniver- held an international youth fo- Summer Olympics, Constan- Delivering the welcome mes- people. Today, we look to you as for peace talks, Wilfried Lemke, lighting the power of sport for sary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall, rum ‘When Sport Breaks Down tinos Filis, Director-General of sage, Sheikh Saoud Abdulrah- ‘Agents of Change’ – young lead- former United Nations secre- unity and peace, we organised, we celebrate today, 6th of April, Walls’ with the support of the the International Olympic Truce man al-Thani, ambassador of ers who can promote, through tary-general’s special adviser on the eve of the forum, a peace the International Day on Sport United Nations Alliance of Civili- Center (IOTC), Kjetil Siem, Gen- the State of Qatar in Germany sport, a new way of thinking, on Sport for Development and walk from Brandenburg Gate to for Development and Peace, zations (UNAOC) and Qatar Air- eral Secretary of the FIFA Founda- said: “There have been many one grounded in the values of Peace, said: “We should not Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin trusting sport will break down ways, offi cial airline of the event. tion, Honey Thaljieh, Corporate moments, in the history, when integrity, respect and inclusion. work with violence, hate, walls Wall crossing point between the next wall. Sportpersons are The forum was hosted at Der Communications Manager, FIFA, the universal language of sport We are happy to be a part of this and sanctions. We must respect East Berlin and West Berlin architects of peace who do not Diwan, Arab Culture House in Save the Dream Ambassador, and has spoken to the world, and movement towards making a each other, our customs and our during the Cold War. We will build walls but bridges.“ Berlin under the patronage of Patrick Hausding, German diver, when sport has broken walls social change with sport driving history. We should have friend- keep walking and running for The Youth Forum pledged Sheikh Saoud Abdulrahman Olympic medallist. among nations and in the minds towards a better future” ship all over the world.” all those affected by walls and its support to the #WhiteCard al-Thani, ambassador of the The forum highlighted several of people. I wish to congratulate During his intervention, Con- Fatma Samoura, secretary- promote the use of sport to campaign promoted by the Mo- State of Qatar in Germany who examples of sport diplomacy, Save the Dream and its partners, stantinos Filis, Director Gen- general of FIFA, pointed: “Fight- build bridges among individu- naco-based foundation “Sport opened the event jointly with some of which were shared by particularly the International eral of the International Olympic ing for equality and promoting als and nations.” and Peace” and launched a Mohamed Hanzab, ICSS Chair- the same persons involved, such Olympic Truce Center, the Unit- Truce Center (IOTC) said: “We diversity is a moral choice and a “If we believe in something, long-term global advocacy ini- man and Founder of Save the as Hans Grodotzki, East Ger- ed Nations Alliance of Civiliza- believe in the power of the young commitment that we must make we can make it happen. If we tiative to raise awareness on the Dream and a message from FIFA man long-distance runner who tions and Qatar Airways, for tak- generation. As we believe in the together as a society, and sport, care, we can make a big diff er- role of sport to break down the Secretary-General Fatma Samba competed for the United Team ing the initiative of this forum power of sport to change our not least football, is a unifi er we ence. Sports gives us self-es- walls which still exist despite the Diouf Samoura. of Germany in the 1960 Summer and for creating an opportunity perception of the other and learn must use to breakdown social teem, self-confi dence. I wanted demolition of the Berlin Wall in The event was attended, among Olympics in Rome. for debate, exchange and in- to respect diversity. Our strong barriers and heal divisions.” a story about the celebration of 1989.

TENNIS RUGBY Muguruza retains Monterrey French federation to pay Noves 1mn euros title as injured Azarenka retires for wrongful dismissal Reuters AFP out serious misconduct”. Madrid Toulouse, France The tribunal added that it did not accept that there had been “moral harassment”, but pain’s Garbine Muguruza he French rugby fed- noted the harm done to Noves’ successfully defended eration was ordered by reputation. her Monterrey Open title an industrial tribunal Noves, 65, was capped seven on Sunday when Victoria yesterday to pay 1.0 times by France as a winger AzarenkaS retired injured from Tmillion euros in compensation and followed up a 12-year play- her fi rst WTA singles fi nal in to sacked national coach Guy ing career with Toulouse by three years. Noves. becoming assistant coach and Second seed Muguruza was Noves, who had sought 2.9 then head coach of the Top 14 leading the match between the million euros ($3.7 million) giants between 1993-2015. two former world number ones in damages, became the fi rst Under Noves, Toulouse won 6-1 3-1 when Azarenka decid- France coach ever to be sacked, four European Cups and nine ed she was unable to continue in December 2017, after a mea- domestic titles, a startling because of an injury to her right gre seven wins from 22 match- coaching record he was unable leg. es alongside 14 defeats and a to mirror with France. “It’s unfortunate I couldn’t humiliating home draw with “It’s been 15 months we’ve give my best today, but I tried my 2019 World Cup hosts Japan. been working on this,” said hardest,” a tearful Azarenka, who Under Noves, France lost six Noves. “We were hoping for had not previously reached fi nal consecutive games between this result and for the moment since the birth of her fi rst child in June and November 2017, a we’re happy. December 2016, said at the pres- string of results that federation “When we turned to the entation. chief Bernard Laporte deemed industrial tribunal, it was to “I want to say thank you to unacceptable. clean the honour of a person. my son Leo, who is not with me Noves, who had been ap- “I was accused of serious here. I would love him to be here pointed by Laporte’s pred- misconduct and the tribunal to share this with me because it Spain’s Garbine Muguruza celebrates with the trophy after winning the Monterrey Open. (Reuters) ecessor Pierre Camou, was was very clear on that subject: is special.” replaced by former Italy coach there wasn’t serious miscon- The crowd responded with a Jacques Brunel in time for the duct.” chant of “Vika! Vika! Vika!”. Keys defeats Wozniacki for first time to claim Charleston title 2018 Six Nations. Despite a disappointing Six Muguruza’s victory never The industrial tribunal in Nations campaign this season looked in doubt and ensured Madison Keys overpowered on Saturday that playing on clay The big-serving Keys trailed I had to go for it. I think that’s the southwestern city of Tou- in which France lost three of that the record run of diff erent Caroline Wozniacki 7-6(5) 6-3 to would be beneficial in her bid to 5-6 in the opening set before how I have to play... 100 percent louse ruled yesterday that their fi ve matches, the federa- women winning WTA titles this win the Charleston Open and defeat Wozniacki. forcing the tiebreak, which re- believing in my game.” there had been an “abusive tion has told Brunel he can re- season would be extended to 16 defeat the former world number “I also felt I kept a lot of pressure mained close until 4-3 when the Keys broke Wozniacki in the early termination of (Noves’) main in his role until the end of tournaments. one for the first time on Sunday. on her, making a lot of returns fifth-seeded Wozniacki double sixth game of the second set to employment contract with- the World Cup. The former French Open and The win, her first on clay court, and keeping rallies going and faulted. Keys won the next point go up 4-2 and when she made Wimbledon champion broke the broke a nearly two-year drought not going for things too early,” but twice had backhand errors it 5-2 that all but clinched the pained Belarusian three times in for the eighth seeded American, said the world number 18, who to allow Wozniacki to pull within match. the fi rst set and again in the fourth who claimed her fourth career won 76 percent of points on her 6-5. A backhand down the line “It’s definitely been a really great game of the second. title. Her previous two losses to first serve, and fired six aces. enabled Keys to finally claim week for me, especially after “It’s a great feeling to come Denmark’s Wozniacki had been “More than anything I really the set. “I just knew the games having some really tough losses back and defend a title,” Mugu- on hard courts when Keys failed trusted my game and went for I was losing in the first set I was the last couple of weeks,” Keys ruza said in a courtside interview. to win a set. my shots.” just being too tentative and not said. “It definitely is a very good “It’s never easy.” “I think I served really well today, That was most evident late in really trusting my shot,” said the springboard for heading over to Azarenka received treatment said Keys, who had predicted the first set and the tiebreak. 24-year-old American. “I knew Europe.” on her leg during a medical time- out between sets, but it became Azarenka was grimacing and tralian Open champion decided ique Kerber 6-4 4-6 6-1 in Sat- ruza in the round of 16 at the apparent as the second set began stretching after nearly every to call it quits. The Belarusian urday’s semi-fi nals. Miami Open in April 2016, when that her movement had become point and, after Muguruza broke had entered the fi nal full of hope Azarenka had won her only she went on to win the title in her signifi cantly hampered. for a 3-1 lead, the two-time Aus- after surprising top seed Angel- previous meeting with Mugu- most recent fi nal before Sunday. Gulf Times Tuesday, April 9, 2019 7 GOLF

THE MASTERS SPOTLIGHT Korea’s Ko claims ANA Inspiration Excitement builds title in style

AFP at fi ve under, fi ve strokes back of Los Angeles Ko. Ko started the round with a one shot lead. She played steady golf on the front nine with two eigning rookie of the birdies but saw her lead slip to for year’s 1st major year Ko Jin-young cap- just one stroke over Lee when she tured her fi rst major made bogey on the 15th hole. She Rchampionship on Sun- landed her approach in the bun- ‘The buzz is unbelievable, it gets me excited for next week’ day, holding off fellow South ker and then two-putted on the Korean Lee Mi-hyang to win green. It was her second bogey in the ANA Inspiration by three three holes. strokes. But Ko got one back by sinking The 23-year-old Ko fi nished a superb putt for a birdie on the in style by draining a long birdie par-four 16th. She parred 17 then putt on 18 for a two-under 70 iced the win with an emphatic 20 fi nal round in the fi rst major of foot birdie putt on 18. the season at the Mission Hills Not only is she the fi fth South Country Club near Palm Springs, Korean to win here, Ko is the 15th California. in history to win a major. The “I won the tournament and only country that has more major that’s a happy moment,” Ko said. wins is the United States. “I thank God, I thank my parents, “I can’t believe it,” said Ko. “I I thank my grandparents. It is an was nervous on all my shots.” honour for me to join so many Thompson also made a run at great Korean players. I’m hon- Ko but her seven-stroke defi cit oured to be here.” was too much to make up. Ko, who is in her second year, “It feels amazing,” Thompson fi nished with a 10-under 278 said. “I birdied the fi rst hole and total for her fourth LPGA title. actually hit a ball out of bounds She also won the Hope Founder’s on number three but still man- Cup last month. aged to make bogey. My caddie Ko celebrated her win by tak- helped out tremendously.” ing the traditional dip with her In addition to the profession- caddie Dave Brooker in Poppie’s als, fi ve amateur players com- Pond — the water hazard locat- peted in the event continuing ed off the right and back of the a longstanding tradition of ex- green on 18. emptions for top women ama- Lee fi nished alone in second teurs. after shooting a two-under 70 Patty Tavatanakit, who is while American Lexi Thompson ranked third in the world, fi n- was third with a brilliant fi nal ished as the top amateur in the round of 67 to reach a six-under fi eld after closing with a four 282 total. under 68 a tie for 26th with nine Kim In-kyung and Carlota others — including fellow Thai Ciganda, of Spain, tied for fourth Pornanong Phatlum.

A general view of the leaderboard during a practice round prior to The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.

AFP sixth player to have won each of the ma- pare for their Masters debuts. ing champion is going to be an awesome Augusta, United States jor titles at least once in his career, join- “Coming to Augusta I feel good. I love experience. Just can’t wait to cherish all ing legends Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, the place,” said two-time Masters cham- the moments.” Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sara- pion Bubba Watson. “I’m thankful just to Anticipation is building outside the ewcomers, past winners and a zen. be here.” course as well. host of green jacket hopefuls “It would be a massive achievement. Watson was on hand for the start and Signs are already posted saying “Golf made fi nal preparations Sun- It would be huge,” McIlroy said during fi nish of the Augusta National Women’s Tickets Needed” in hotels and on the day at Augusta National on the his run-up to Augusta. “But I can’t think Amateur on Saturday and was among sides of the road with people looking for Neve of offi cial practice rounds for the 83rd about it that way.” presenters in Sunday’s Drive, Chip and a deal on one of the toughest tickets in Masters. Among those driving down Magnolia Putt Championship for youth. sport. The year’s fi rst major championship Lane to Augusta National’s clubhouse “The buzz is unbelievable,” said Aus- Along Washington Road, the highway begins Thursday at the famed course un- early was 22-year-old Aaron Wise, a tralia’s Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters golfers take to reach Magnolia Lane, sev- der the Georgia pines with Rory McIlroy South African-born American who won champion. “It gets me excited for next eral restaurants have their party tents as- making his 11th Augusta National start last year’s PGA Byron Nelson title to week.” sembled and ready for the visitors from and fi fth attempt to complete a Career claim his fi rst Masters berth. The biggest excitement is coming for around the world to arrive. Grand Slam by winning the Masters. “Right now I’m just soaking it all in,” defending champion Patrick Reed, who The most exclusive meal of the week The 29-year-old Northern Ireland Wise said. “We can all remember the is now based out of the Champions Lock- will be Tuesday’s Champions Din- star, a four-time major champion, has great moments and great shots just from er Room. ner, where Reed serves the menu he has fi nished between fourth and 10th in having watched on TV.” “This year, having all the extra activi- dreamed about having since he was a each of the past fi ve years at the Masters, Wise, whose family moved to the Unit- ties, extra things going on, it’s going to be teenager — ribeye steak, macaroni and sharing fi fth last year, and is a Las Vegas ed States when he was three, was last a lot of fun,” Reed said. “I honestly can’t cheese, creamed spinach and creamed oddsmakers pick to win this time. year’s US PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. wait. corn. If he dons the green jacket next Sun- He missed the cut in three prior major “To come back and experience what “I’m defi nitely going to fatten everyone day, McIlroy would become only the starts as he and 16 other newcomers pre- it’s like to be on the fi rst tee as defend- up,” Reed said.

BOTTOMLINE

Ko Jin-young of South Korea poses with the Dinah Shore Trophy after winning the ANA Inspiration on the Dinah Shore course at Mission Conners headed to Augusta Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. FOCUS aft er winning Texas Open Women and

Reuters powered to a four-shot lead af- San Antonio Corey Conners of Canada ter just fi ve holes as the birdies kids take over poses with the trophy after fl owed. winning the 2019 Valero Texas But what the golfi ng gods give, anadian Corey Conners Open at TPC San Antonio Oaks they also take away, and the Ca- Augusta National clinched an astonishing Course in San Antonio on nadian lost those four strokes as two-shot victory over Sunday. quickly as he had gained them Reuters stand in stark contrast to Augusta American Charley Hoff - as Hoff man took the lead with a Augusta National’s darker days when nei- manC at the Texas Open on Sun- birdie at the ninth. ther seemed particularly wel- day to punch the fi nal ticket to “Got off to a great start, bird- come. the Masters. ied number fi ve and walked to day after Augusta Na- Founded by Bobby Jones and Conners, ranked 196th in the sixth tee thinking, ‘wow, this is tional crowned a fi rst Cliff ord Roberts and opened for world, compiled a crazy, roller- really awesome’ and then reeled women’s champion it play in January 1933, Augusta Na- coaster six-under-par 66 that off four bogeys,” Conners said. was Kid’s Day at the tional for decades was unmoved included 10 birdies in the fi nal “I didn’t get too down on my- Ahome of the Masters on Sunday, by outside forces and events. round at TPC San Antonio. self. I knew I was playing really one of world’s most exclusive But it seems even at Augusta He followed four early birdies well. It was nice to have a little clubs taking on an amusement National things are a changing. with four consecutive bogeys on break between nine and 10 and park vibe. With Masters week set to kick the front nine before storming give myself a bit of a pep talk.” Once the private sanctuary for off on Monday, there were few home with six birdies and three Although Hoff man did not some of world’s richest and most signs, aside from the presence of pars to claim his fi rst PGA Tour drop a shot on the back nine and powerful men, Augusta National a few former champions in green title. picked up three more birdies, it shed some of its stodgy old boy jackets, that the year’s fi rst major “It just doesn’t seem real,” that was not enough to stop a image during a 24-hour goodwill was about to be contested as kids Conners told reporters after fi n- rampant Conners, whose putter blitz. competed while others tumbled ishing at 20-under 268 to secure was running hotter than a Texas First the club hosted the fi nal and cartwheeled down the fair- his second shot at the Masters summer as wife Mallory watched round of the inaugural Augusta way. after playing as an amateur in on nervously from the gallery. National Women’s Amateur The rules that will be strictly 2015. Conners came to the last with championship on Saturday and enforced next week — when no Hoff man birdied the par-fi ve a three-shot lead and held his then on Sunday it was invaded running will be allowed on the 18th to shoot 67 and claim sec- nerve to book the fi nal seat on by 80 boys and girls between the manicured landscape — were ond place, a shot ahead of fellow the Sunday night charter fl ight ages of seven and 15 for the Drive, relaxed as youngsters playfully American Ryan Moore (64). to Augusta, where the fi rst major Chip and Putt National Champi- scurried around, with security South Korean overnight leader helped today,” said Conners, the that he was not even exempt into off for the fi nal berth, and Con- championship of the year will tee onship. personnel turning a blind eye. Kim Si-woo (72) faded to equal 15th Canadian to win on Tour. the Texas Open. ners was the man to emerge off on Thursday. The images of women com- “Everything seems to have fourth with American Brian Stu- “I couldn’t be more excited Instead, he had to run the triumphant and he went on to “The last few holes are a bit of peting at a club where just seven evolved around here — in a good ard (66) on 15-under. to get over the edge. There’s so gauntlet of a Monday qualifi er, become the fi rst Monday quali- a blur,” he said. years ago they had been denied way,” Canadian Mike Weir, who “I’ve been close a few times many perks that come with it.” among 73 players competing for fi er to win since 2010. “Big change of plans. It was membership and the sight of will be making his 20th Masters and feel like I’ve learned a lot in The 27-year-old from Ontario four spots. Conners started the fi nal just going to be an off week but smiling kids cavorting and play- start this year and won the Green those situations and that really was so low on the pecking order Six players ended up in a play- round a shot behind Kim, but it’s not now.” ing for trophies on the 18th green Jacket in 2003, told Reuters.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

23RD ASIAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Bragging rights on the line at Asian athletics meet China hope to reclaim the top spot that India won in the last edition; hosts Qatar aim to move up the pecking order

QNA Doha

everal world and Asian champions will go head- to-head in Doha in two weeks’ time to compete forS top honours in Asian athletics when Khalifa International Sta- dium hosts the 23rd Asian Ath- letics Championships from April 21-24. Nearly 700 elite Asian athletes from 44 nations will be compet- ing for 186 medals in 21 events each for men and women, be- sides a mixed relay event that will make its debut in the showpiece. As the competition brings to- gether the usual Asian power- houses in athletics, China is set to go all the way in attempts to maintain its continental domi- nance and reclaim the top posi- Syrian high-jumper Majd Eddin Ghazal, who celebrates his 32nd India’s Hima Das will try to build on her performance from the 2018 tion that India won in the previ- birthday on the opening day of the competition, is a 2017 World where she won a gold medal in the 4x400m event. The Chinese shot-putter Gong Lijiao is a 2017 World Championships gold ous edition. Championships London bronze medallist. promising sprinter is also the reigning world U20 champion in 400m. medallist and two-time Olympic medallist. China’s ranks at the 23rd Asian Athletics Championships boast Hosts Qatar will be aiming to it is to build on our success at the Federation president Dr Thani sprinter is also the reigning world very important competition for where. Please come and watch female shot-putter Gong Lijiao, a fi nish as high as possible in the Asian Games and brace ourselves Abdulrahman al-Kuwari. U20 champion in 400m. our athletes as it will serve as a athletics and support your 2017 World Championships gold competition’s medal table, and for the World Championships in Meanwhile, last edition’s win- Mohamed Anas Yahiya is an- build-up not just for the World team,” Sumariwalla added. medallist and two-time they have the personnel to back September,” said Qatar Athletics ners India will be another team other Indian athlete with po- Championships 2019 but also Among the top athletes featur- Olympic medal- list, that bid up. to watch thanks to the pool of tential to reach the podium. provide a good competition to ing in the competition as well is and Li Ling, Asian Qatar’s two-time Olympic talent they have, which was The sprinter, who specialises our athletes who are pre- Syria’s Majd Eddin Ghazal. The Games champion medallist Mutaz Barshim will able to fi nally dethrone Chi- in 400m, claimed three sil- paring for high jumper, who celebrates his in 2014 and 2018 in lead a line-up of 29 athletes rep- na who had won a record ver medals in last year’s Asian qualifi- 32nd birthday on the opening day pole vault. resenting the home nation in the 17 consecutive editions Games in the individual 400m, cation of the competition, is a bronze Lu Huihui, a Asian showpiece. since 1983. men’s 4x400m and for Tokyo medallist in World Champion- two-time world The 27-year-old high India’s 19-year-old the mixed 2020 Ol- ships London 2017 and Asian medallist in javelin jumper, who holds the Asian sensation Hima Das 4x400. ympics. We Athletics Championships Bhu- throw; Chen Yang, Asian will try to build on “Asian are expect- baneswar 2017. Games title holder in discus her performance Athletics ing a similar throw; and Wang Chunyu, the from the 2018 Cham- show from our Asian Athletics Asian Games reigning champion Asian Games pion- athletes as was Championships is a very in 800 metres, will all feature at where she won ships in 2017 where important competition Khalifa International Stadium. a gold medal in Doha India topped for our athletes as it the 4x400m 2019 the overall med- ‘ will serve as a build-up Our athletes are ready to event. The is a als tally with a not just for the World make the country proud. promising total of 29 med- Championships 2019 but We prepared well for als. This time too also provide a good this competition and we record we are expecting competition to our athletes ‘ and the to win between 25 realise how great an oppor- who are preparing for tunity it is to build on our third-best to 30 medals,” said qualifi cation for Tokyo jump of all Athletics Federation success at the Asian Games — Adille J. Sumariwalla, and brace ourselves for the time at 2.43m, is of India President Adille J. fi t again after suff er- Sumariwalla. Athletics Federation of India World Championships in President September ing an injury last year. With a huge Indian expat com- munity based in Doha, the Indian — Dr Thani al-Kuwari, Team Qatar for the 23rd Asian Athletics Championships Hosts team will be counting on their Hossein Keyhani is another Qatar Athletics Federation will also include 400m sprinter Qatar compatriots to gain a home ad- athlete who will be looking to President Abdalelah Haroun, 400m hur- will be vantage in bid to retain their title. build on his recent successes. dler Abderrahman Samba and represented “We expect Indians staying in The Iranian runner secured gold On the men’s side, China’s hammer-thrower Ashraf El Seify, by 29 athletes Qatar to turn up in big numbers medal in the 3000m steeplechase team includes the likes of Xie who all won gold medals at the including star to support Indian athletes. Fans event at the Asian Games 2018, Wenjun, Asian Games cham- 2018 Asian Games. high-jumper turned out in large numbers in which he followed on from win- pion in 2014 and 2018 in 100m The team also boast promising Mutaz Barshim the last edition of the competi- ning the same race in the Asian hurdles, who will be looking to female sprinter Mariam Farid and (left) and tion in Bhubaneswar, India, and Indoor Championships. maintain his continental domi- hammer-thrower Rania al-Naji 400m hurdler it really pumped up our Athletes Asian Athletics Champion- nance. who will attempt to make their Abderrahman to give their best. ships is an offi cial test event for China’s path to the top place mark on the continental stage. Samba (right). “Our message to Indian ex- the IAAF World Championships will not be easy though as the “Our athletes are ready to make pats in Qatar is: We need you; Doha 2019, which will be held team are likely to face strong the country proud. We prepared we want you to fill up the sta- from September 28 to October 6. competition from other elite ath- well for this competition and we dium and we wish to see Indian It will be held in the Middle East letes taking part in the event. realise how great an opportunity tri-colour flying high every- for the fi rst time.

SPOTLIGHT Amir Cup Shooting and Archery Jordan opens Aspire embassies futsal with win Championship

By Sports Reporter nadi, said, “This is an excellent Doha initiative developed by AZF as well as its partners and spon- sors. Organising this event and he Aspire Embassies bringing together so many em- Futsal Tournament bassies is a huge achievement. kicked off with eight We’re delighted to take part yet thrilling matches last again, now for the third year. We TThursday and Saturday. The look forward to taking part in tournament, which concludes future editions.” on April 27, features 16 teams He added: “This is a great op- from foreign embassies in Qatar portunity for all of us to get out of and is organised in collaboration the offi ce and enjoy the informal with the Ministry of Foreign Af- atmosphere of friendly compe- fairs (MOFA). titions between embassies and The Jordanian Embassy team diplomatic missions operating in made a perfect start to the tour- the country. We thank all the of- nament with a comprehensive fi cials at Aspire Zone who worked 8-0 victory over the Indian Em- so eff ectively together to facilitate bassy in the opening match of everything that is needed to make group A. The same group saw a the event a success.” team representing the Embassy The tournament, which is of Mali defeat a team represent- sponsored by Vodafone Qatar, ing Syrian embassy 5-2. was developed on the back of In Group B, a team from the the mini Aspire Ramadan Festi- Embassy of South Africa se- Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Aff airs beat the French embassy team. val edition in 2015. It presents an cured a 8-2 victory over a team excellent opportunity for diplo- from the Iraqi Embassy, while match, the Second Secretary of sporting activities. This tourna- the eff ectiveness of Aspire’s ap- mats and representatives of the Bosnia lost to Eritrea 7-1. the Embassy of Jordan, Fadeel ment provides us with an oppor- proach. The Jordanian Embassy country’s embassies to interact In Saturday’s matches, the al-Moqbel said, “The Aspire tunity to contribute to the diplo- and all that work here are ac- with one another in an entirely Spanish Embassy team defeated a Embassies Futsal tournament matic community in Qatar.” tive partners in contributing to diff erent setting other than the team from the Japanese Embassy demonstrates the productive He added: “We are proud of the broader growth, develop- offi ce, and to make the most of a (9-0); a team from the Embassy of co-operation between the em- all that Aspire Zone Founda- ment and progress that the State lively and competitive sporting Oman lost to a team representing bassies in Doha and the Ministry tion (AZF) has achieved. The of Qatar is making. And we’re atmosphere. the Embassy of Azerbaijan (15-0); of Foreign Aff airs. The involve- organisation’s progress is char- committed to being active and The next matches are on April First-placed Ahmad al-Shammari (rear centre), second-placed Portugal beat Djibouti (4-2); and ment of the Jordanian Embassy acterised by careful planning engaged members of the broader 11 and April 13, and the action Ali al-Hassan Morshed (rear left) and third-placed Rashid al-Marri the MoFA for the State of Qatar during this tournament refl ects and a fi rm commitment to cater community.” will begin at 4pm. The mem- (rear right) celebrate on the podium for 25m Standard Pistol at defeated France (6-2). our keenness to make a positive to the interests of the commu- Representing the protocol de- bers of the public are open to at- the Amir Cup Shooting and Archery Championship at the Losail After the victory by the Jor- social and cultural contribution nity. The recent success at AFC partment at the MoFA, Mosaed tend matches and cheer for their Shooting Ranges yesterday. danian team during the opening as well as engage in athletic and Asian Cup 2019 demonstrates Eid Abdullah Salem al-Mohan- team.