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Tuesday, May 2, 2017 Sha’baan 6, 1438 AH Stokes smashes GULF TIMES century to set up Pune victory SPORT Page 7 ICC WORLD CRICKET LEAGUE - ASIA QUALIFIERS Qatar top qualifi ers for World Cricket League spot National team create history by making it to Division Five with a win over Saudi Arabia in a low-scoring aff air

Qatar’s Mohamed Nadeem (right) was the tournament’s top bowler with 20 .

for 9 after 40 overs. The then 25 and Qatar were soon 64 for 4 after 13 brought back Awais Malik to bowl at overs and well ahead on the run-rate Hammad Saeed, who was injured dur- required. ing the match against Thailand and was There was another twist in the match still eff ectively batting one-handed. as Zaheer was out bowled by Imran There was suddenly more drama as Arif, with 30 runs to win and fi ve wick- By Sports Reporter tie with their opponents at 10 points of fi rst-class cricket in Pakistan, had to bowled in tandem against Mohamed Nadeem was forced off the fi eld with ets left. Doha each but top the tournament on net retire hurt while batting when suff ering Afzal and Mohsin Shabbir. a cramp after bowling one ball of his The end came quickly thanks to Ta- run-rate. from cramp. Qatar’s Mohamed Nadeem was al- ninth over but Inam-ul-Haq took moor Sajjad (28 not out, 2 fours, 1 six) It was Bahrain who fi nished third on After Saudi Arabia won the toss and ready the leading -taker in the his third wicket to end the innings as and Dharmang Patel (15 not out, 3 fours) atar created history yesterday eight points as they defeated Bhutan batted fi rst, Qatar’s formidable fast tournament and it didn’t take him long Mohsin Shabbir was by Rizlan as Qatar shocked pre-tournament fa- making it to the International by 55. There had been heartbreak for bowler Awais Malik struck with the to make an impact with his left-arm for 23. vourites Saudi Arabia by beating them Cricket Council (ICC) World Thailand when they lost to Saudi Ara- third ball of the match as he had Abdul spin. Saudi Arabia were bowled out for 94 by fi ve wickets as they reached 96 for Cricket League for the fi rst bia on Saturday but delight today when Waheed lbw for nought. He was close to having Afzal caught and Qatar were required to achieve the fi ve in 18.1 overs. Qtime with a win in the Asia Qualifi ers in they beat Kuwait by seven wickets. Ku- Saudi Arabia lost their second with behind as he tried to cut but soon got target in less than 25 overs to gain the Having topped the high-octane Chiang Mai, Thailand. wait fi nished fourth in the table on six the score on 13 as Mohamed Tanveer him stumped by impressive Rizlan. advantage on net run-rate. tournament, champions Qatar will Qatar national team defeated Saudi points just ahead of hosts Thailand who had Saudi captain Shoaib Ali caught He followed by getting Imran Arif With a match and a competition to progress into Division Five of the ICC Arabia, who had stayed unbeaten in the also won three out of six matches and behind by wicket-keeper Mohamed Ri- caught and bowled for 5, and Saudi win, Qatar found batting diffi cult as World Cricket League. tournament coming into yesterday’s competed well in the tournament. Bhu- zlan for two from 16 balls. Arabia were precariously placed on 62 medium pacer Ibrar ul Haq took a wick- Qatar Board for Cricket, Rugby and game, by fi ve wickets in a low-scoring tan fi nished sixth and China seventh in Awais claimed his second wicket as for 6 after 25 overs. et in the fi rst over as he bowled Kamran Hockey president Yousef al-Kuwari aff air at the David Buck Oval to claim a a tournament that provided plenty of Shahbaz Rasheed was caught at second Nadeem was spinning the ball away Khan for nought. Tanveer fell in the congratulated the team for their excel- place in the sport’s main global struc- competitive cricket for the seven Asian slip by Iqbal Hussain and worse was from the right-handers at a good pace next over lbw to leg-spinner Imran Arif lent performance in the tournament ture for the fi rst time. teams. to follow for the Saudi team as opener and was proving diffi cult to play. He for one. It was 10 for 3 in the third over and for their achievement. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia had “This is a dream come true as we Inayat Saeed could no longer restrain took his third wicket when he also re- when Ibrar removed Qalandar Khan The Qatar national team had trav- clinched their fi fth victory in the tour- have been thinking for a long time himself and was caught at mid-off by moved Omar Imtiaz caught and bowled lbw for one. Ibrar followed with his elled to the tournament with assistant nament with a dramatic win over the about playing cricket at a higher level,” Qatar captain off Mohamed Tanveer. for 5. third wicket in a quality spell as Rizlan general secretary of the federation Eisa hosts with two balls to spare, and had Qatar captain Inam-ul-Haq told ICC- The advantage was with Qatar as Nadeem had 3 for 11 in 7 overs and was caught behind for 8. Ali Ghanem and Operations manager almost secured the promotion. Cricket.com after the match. they had Saudi Arabia in trouble at 22 Saudi Arabia were 74 for 7 in 33 overs. Qatar were reeling at 24 for 4 with Manzoor Ahmad. But yesterday, Qatar were able to “Luck was on our side as Saudi Ara- for 4 after 10 overs. Qatar were now looking favourites captain Inam-ul-Haq retired hurt so “It was an encouraging performance bowl out Saudi Arabia for 94 and bia chose to bat fi rst when we wanted to After Awais and Tanveer had claimed to win the match and possibly even to they were very much on the back foot. by the Qatar national team and we’re despite losing their first four wick- bowl. This gave us a great opportunity two wickets each in their opening win the tournament as captain Inam- Zaheer Ibrahim and Tamoor Sajjad quite optimistic about putting up a ets with only 24 on the board, they and the team did their job.” spells, two more medium-pacers, ul-Haq claimed two wickets with his stitched together a partnership for the good performance in the ICC tourna- achieved the target in just 18.1 overs to The captain, who has played 15 years Kamran Khan and Iqbal Hussain, off -spin to leave Saudi Arabia on 87 fi fth wicket. Zaheer hit fi ve fours in his ment,” Ahmad said.

FOCUS Top NBA offi cial says pre-season game in Qatar a possibility

By Anil John But despite the popularity of the past. This region is next on the agenda.” will be affi liated to an NBA team to give Doha NBA, fans in the region have never seen But there is good news for fans in the kids a sense of belonging and re- the stars of the game up close and per- Qatar even before they get to see a live sponsibility. sonal while those in Europe and South game here as Morel announced the “By involving the kids in the NBA atar could be the fi rst coun- America have had several opportuni- opening of an exclusive NBA store in they will learn how to win, how to try in the Middle East to get ties. Morel said this something the NBA Doha by the end of this year. lose and learn the core values of the a pre-season game involving would like to change in the near future “There is great demand for NBA mer- sport,” said Morel, adding that he has teams from the NBA, a top “The Middle East and the Gulf is one chandise and we plan to open a number had meetings with the Qatar Olympic NBA’s Ben Morel offiQ cial has said. region that has not yet had a chance of stores in the region with Doha the Committee and other bodies in Qatar to Ben Morel, NBA’s Managing Director to have an NBA game. In two or three fi rst city to have one,” he added. The discuss these proposals. and Senior Vice President for Europe, years we should be able to get a game store will come up at the Doha Festival NBA academies, along the lines of Middle East and Africa, was speaking here. It’s not easy but we are looking at City Mall. the ones in Africa and are also to the media on his visit to Qatar last ways to make it happen,” Morel said. Other initiatives include pro- in the pipeline. week during which he outlined a host While several cities in the Gulf like grammes to involve kids in the region so “I visit Qatar quite often and have of initiatives that would be undertaken Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have top that they take up the sport of basketball been involved in such discussions,” he as part of plans promote the game of class sporting facilities, the Qatari cap- seriously. said. “Qatar and this region have a great basketball by leveraging the popularity ital could well get preference when the “There is so much opportunity to appetite for the NBA.” of America’s highly competitive men’s plan actually materialises. grow the game of basketball here. That Morel said he understood that foot- league. “Obviously where the game would really is our focus. One of the key strat- ball is the mass sport in the Middle East “The NBA is becoming truly global. be held is the question but Doha has egies towards that end would be to have and Qatar but expressed the hope that There are more than a 100 players in a wonderful set-up. It has great ven- junior NBA programmes in the region. basketball could give it some serious the NBA who are from outside Amer- ues and we have BeIN Sports, our NBA Together with the basketball federa- competition. ica. This is bringing the league closer broadcast partners based here. That’s a tions we can really unite our eff orts to “It’s truly a popular team sport. to kids in various regions around the major plus for Doha,” said Morel. promote the game.” Every school has a loop. Every bas- world,” Morel said, urging people in the “Our teams enjoy travelling abroad. If the plan comes to fruition a Junior ketball loving kid dreams to become region to “bounce the ball” rather than We have had pre-season games in Chi- NBA League will be launched in Qatar a NBA star. We want just to help them “kick it”. na, Spain, Brazil and other places in the involving 30 teams. Each of these teams “bounce the ball.”’ Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, May 2, 2017 FOOTBALL

PREVIEW REAL MADRID VS ATLETICO MADRID 9:45PM QATAR TIME Four previous European Madrid derby clashes Real Madrid and Atletico with a towering header. Madrid face off for the fifth Los Blancos then ran riot time in a European tie when in extra-time with Gareth Atletico travel to the Santiago Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Bernabeu for the first leg of Ronaldo all netting to deliver Atletico aim for their Champions League semi- Los Blancos’ long-awaited 10th final today. European Cup. All four previous ties have been a story of near misses Champions League and heartbreak for Atletico quarter-final 2015 as Real have gone on to win Atletico bounced back from the trophy in three of the four their Lisbon disappointment years thanks to seeing off manfully and strung to- European revenge their neighbours. gether a run of seven derbies Here, we at those previous unbeaten as the sides met in four ties: the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, La Liga and again in European Cup semi-final 1959 the Champions League in the It says much about Atletico’s 2014/15 season. luck in these ties that even Yet, again they were undone a aggregate scoreline that on the European stage by a against Real today would nowadays seem them late goal as Javier Hernandez into the final wasn’t enough struck a minute from time at in 1959. the Bernabeu to edge a bad- Real have stopped Atletico adding a Champions League title under Simeone and for Real won the first leg 2-1 at tempered tie 1-0 on aggregate the Bernabeu before Atletico after Arda Turan’s red card had the fourth year running illustrious neighbours block their path to European glory levelled the tie two weeks left Atletico down to 10 men. later with a 1-0 victory. However, in the days before Champions League final 2016 the away goals rule, Real won And to complete the set of a play-off held in Zaragoza 2-1 Atletico hard luck stories, add thanks to goals from the leg- a penalty shootout to the mix. endary Alfredo di Stefano and In Milan, Atletico sought Ferenc Puskas on their way to revenge, but fell behind winning the competition for a early with Ramos again their fourth consecutive season. scourge from a set-piece. This time, though, it was the Champions League final 2014 red and white half of Madrid Atletico travelled to Lisbon eu- that forced extra-time in the phoric having broken Madrid San Siro thanks to Yannick and Barcelona’s dominance Carrasco’s equaliser. by winning La Liga for the first Extra-time became a war of time in 18 years. attrition as multiple players on The party looked set to both sides cramped up amidst continue with a first ever the hot and humid conditions Champions League when in a goalless 30 minutes. Diego Godin gave them a first- However, all five Real takers half lead they held until the kept their cool from the spot 93rd minute. as Juanfran’s miss gave Cris- In what has become a com- tiano Ronaldo the spotlight mon occurrence Sergio he loves to net the winning Ramos saved the day for Real penalty.

LIGUE 1 Balotelli strikes to give Monaco big helping hand

This combination of pictures shows Real Madrid’s French coach Zinedine Zidane (L) and Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone.

Reuters them twice in the King’s Cup and win- The winners of the tie will face Monaco “The team’s response fi lls me with Madrid ning four of their last eight league der- or Juventus, who play tomorrow. pride, I never tire of praising these play- bies, but not in Europe’s elite arena. ers, they are incredible,” he said. Real host Atletico in today’s semi- ATLETI INJURIES “Four days after that defeat they killed eal Madrid are the only team who fi nal, fi rst leg having beaten them 5-3 Atletico’s preparations for their fourth the game off in 18 minutes and that’s have stopped Atletico Madrid on penalties in the 2016 fi nal and 4-1 in consecutive European showdown with down to one word, the team.” adding a Champions League extra time in the 2014 showpiece when Real were hit by Jose Gimenez sustain- Atletico will need to magnify their col- triumph to their achievements defender Sergio Ramos’s 93rd minute ing a groin injury in Saturday’s 5-0 ham- lective eff orts if they are to finally topple underR Diego Simeone and for the fourth equaliser denied Atletico a fi rst Champi- mering of Las Palmas, leaving Simeone a Real Madrid side who have perfected year running the Rojiblancos’ illustrious ons League crown. missing three defenders for the fi rst leg the art of winning in this campaign with- neighbours block their path to European Real’s European dominance over as right backs Sime Vrsaljko and Juanfran out hitting top form. glory. Atletico runs as far back as Alfredo di are also out. Zinedine Zidane’ side shook off a Nice’s Mario Balotelli reacts after scoring a goal. Atletico under their charismatic Ar- Stefano and Ferenc Puskas deciding a Winger Yannick Carrasco hurt his col- dogged Valencia side 2-1 at the Berna- gentine coach have seen off the giants semi-fi nal in 1958/59, while Javier Hern- larbone in today’s 1-0 home defeat by beu on Saturday with a late winner by AFP game turned increasingly ugly, of the European game past and present, andez got the only goal in a quarter-fi nal Villarreal, Atleti’s fi rst loss in 13 games Marcelo, the 20th goal Real have scored Paris with several skirmishes break- beating AC Milan, Chelsea, Juventus, in 2014/15, the other two-legged aff air in all competitions, although the Belgian in the fi nal 10 minutes in the league this ing out. Bayern Munich and twice knocking out between them. returned to full training on Sunday to season, which kept their bid for a 33rd ti- Balotelli, 26, appearing to en- Barcelona, but they have repeatedly fall- While Atletico are waiting to win the boost his chances of facing Real. tle on track. ario Balotelli hit joy his football again after poor en to their neighbours. European Cup for the fi rst time, Real Simeone praised his team’s resilience “We showed great spirit and proved to his 14th league goal spells at Liverpool and Milan, Atletico have shaken off their inferior- want a 12th triumph to become the fi rst after they responded to the Villarreal everyone who we are,” said the Brazilian. of the season and was never far from the thick of it. ity complex against Real in every other team to retain the trophy in the Champi- loss by ruthlessly thrashing Las Palmas “With our fans behind us, it’s very diffi - Ricardo Pereira He was in a running row with competition under Simeone, beating ons League era. helped by three early goals. cult to beat us here.” Mscored a cracker as Nice blew a PSG striker Edinson Cavani, big hole in Paris Saint Germain’s the league’s top poacher with 31 title defence with a 3-1 win on goals this season, and then his BOTTOMLINE Sunday. attempts at showboating with PSG are chasing a third con- the ball came to an abrupt end secutive sweep of domestic when Blaise Matuidi cut him honours but fi nished the week- down and was booked. end three points behind Ligue 1 PSG were in danger of losing leaders Monaco, who also have a their heads as well as their ti- game in hand, and played the last tle, but out of nowhere grabbed Real Madrid look for rare double moments in Nice with only nine a lifeline when defender Mar- AFP Even this season the lure of a few star names deserve their men after they had two men sent quinhos helped in a header from Madrid becoming the fi rst side to suc- place in the team for Tuesday’s off in quick succession. his fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva cessfully defend the Champions semi-fi nal. Nice, still unbeaten at home after a corner sparked disarray in League has edged out that of Real smashed Deportivo la this season, stay third but are the Nice box on 64 minutes. eal Madrid welcome ending Barcelona’s dominance Coruna 6-2 on Wednesday with now just three points behind It was now all PSG, but Nice Atletico Madrid for of La Liga. a team containing nine changes PSG and both have only three were hanging on and after Thia- the fi rst leg of their That has been evidenced by from the side that lost El Clasico games left to play. go Motta was sent off for violent Champions League coach Zinedine Zidane’s line- to Barcelona days previously. Wayward Italian striker Balo- conduct for the visitors in the semi-fiR nal today hoping to do ups for a string of recent Liga Yet they laboured to beat Va- telli, restored to Nice’s starting 90th minute, Nice went up the something that has been beyond games sandwiched between big lencia 2-1 thanks to Marcelo’s line-up after a typically sticky other end and made it 3-1 with the reigning 11-time European European ties. late strike when Zidane resorted spell of injury and suspension, a close-range Anastasios Donis champions for six decades. None of Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, to largely his preferred XI on prodded over from close range header. Alfredo Di Stefano — not Cris- Karim Benzema, Luka Modric or Saturday. on 20 minutes after PSG’s off side In the dying minutes winger tiano Ronaldo — was Madrid’s Toni Kroos started any of Ma- “For me, it is harder to play trap failed. Angel Di Maria became the sec- star man the last time Los Blancos drid’s last three away games. against Madrid’s B team than He should have done bet- ond PSG player to see red when won La Liga and Europe’s top club In their absence the likes of their A team,” said Deportivo ter and six minutes later he did, he dived in deliberately and reck- prize in the same season. Isco, Alvaro Morata and Marco boss Pepe Mel. shrugging off a weak challenge lessly on Nice midfi elder Arnaud The eight times Real have Asensio have shone and Madrid Bale’s absence through injury before unleashing an unstop- Souquet. been crowned champions of Eu- won all three games, scoring 13 means that one of Isco or Asen- pable strike from the edge of the Monaco, who face Juventus in rope since they have always done times in the process. sio are likely to fi nally start one box that whistled into the bot- a Champions League semi-fi nal so happy to sacrifi ce La Liga for Real have already played 53 of Real’s biggest games of the tom corner. fi rst leg tomorrow, beat Tou- the tournament they see as de- games this season across fi ve season this week. Unai Emery’s PSG, who came louse 3-1 on Saturday with teen- fi ning their role as the biggest competitions and even two con- However, even for Real Ma- into the top-of-the-table en- age striking sensation Kylian and best club in the world. tinents after travelling to Japan drid, a squad of this size and tal- counter on an excellent unbeat- Mbappe again among the goals. “I won a Champions League for the Club World Cup. ent may be a one-season luxury. en run since their Champions Prolifi c Monaco — they aver- with Madrid in a year in which Yet they remain on course for Isco, Morata and James Ro- League collapse at Barcelona age nearly three goals a game in we trained horribly,” former the most successful season in driguez have all been heavily early last month, enjoyed plenty the league — are pursuing a fi rst Spanish international goal- the club’s storied recent history linked with moves away from the of the ball in the fi rst half but did French league crown since 2000. keeper Santiago Canizares told Real Madrid players run during a training session yesterday. thanks to the depth of their re- Bernabeu in the summer due to little with it. radio station Cadena SER of the sources. their lack of game time. If Balotelli’s strike was good, RESULTS 1997/98 season. Two years later he experi- horrible season for them. At 21 and 22 respectively, Asen- Pereira’s just minutes after half Nice 3 (Balotelli 26, Pereira 48, “There was very little com- enced the power of Madrid’s “They fi nished the league ter- ONE-SEASON LUXURY? sio and Mateo Kovacic have the time was even better, as the Por- Donis 90+2) Paris SG 1 (Marquin- mitment, but it was like there commitment to the Champions ribly, there were problems in the Which has thrown up a new di- time to be more patient, but they tuguese winger curled the ball hos 64) was psychological doping when League from the opposite side. dressing room... and then they lemma: the performances of too will expect to graduate to fi rst- beautifully into the top corner. Dijon 0 Bordeaux 0 we played in the Champions “Then I lost a fi nal with Va- arrived in Paris and played us off Madrid’s youngsters have left team regulars — or fi nd some- The reigning champions ap- Caen 1 (Santini 9) Marseille 5 League. Everyone performed.” lencia against Madrid in another the park.” question marks over whether where else where they will be. peared down and out and the (Thauvin 2, 63, 89, Lopez 5, 27) Gulf Times Tuesday, May 2, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT AIM Pochettino eager to tighten screw on Coach Conte warns leaders Chelsea Chelsea against complacency

‘Now it’s important for us to prepare the right way for the next game. If we don’t win Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. against Middlesbrough then you lose this great win’ AFP home win and ensured they will London fi nish the season looking down on Arsenal in the standings for the fi rst time since 1995. ottenham Hotspur man- Pochettino said his players had ager Mauricio Pochettino not watched Chelsea’s 3-0 win at is relishing the opportu- Everton earlier on Sunday. nity to load more pres- While he admitted to person- Tsure upon Premier League leaders al disappointment over Spurs’ Chelsea following his side’s superb failure to eat into Chelsea’s lead derby win over Arsenal. more signifi cantly, he said noth- Chelsea took a step closer to ing could take the sheen off his the title by winning at Everton on team’s performance. Sunday, but Spurs are still snap- ping at their heels, their dazzling ‘SOFT DEFENDING’ 2-0 defeat of Arsenal leaving “Disappointed about Chelsea? them four points off the pace. After 2-0 here against Arsenal? Spurs can close the gap to a Do you believe we’re disappoint- slender point if they win at West ed?” he asked with a smile. Ham United on Friday, which “Of course I am disappointed, would leave Chelsea to stew for because it was a great opportu- three days before their home nity to reduce the gap. game with Middlesbrough the “We are four (points behind), following Monday. there are four games to play. All “We are in the race for the ti- is possible in football. We’ll see tle,” Pochettino told reporters at what happens next week. White Hart Lane. “Now it’s a moment to feel “We reduce again the gap with proud, happy, because the last Chelsea and that for us is the derby against Arsenal (at White focus now because we have an- Hart Lane), all that it means for other important game ahead on our fans, for everyone that loves Friday against West Ham.” Tottenham, it was a fantastic af- Asked if victory at West Ham ternoon.” would represent a psychological Arsenal lie six points off the blow in the title race, Pochettino Champions League places, but replied: “It will be. We’ll see after. have games in hand on fourth- “We will have the chance to place Manchester City and fi fth- play before them and if we are place Manchester United, both capable to win against West of whom also dropped points. Ham, which will be another Arsenal manager Arsene tough derby game, then we’ll see Wenger has asserted that talk of what happens with them against a north London power shift is Middlesbrough.” premature and he suggested the Dele Alli broke the deadlock 17-point gap that separates the Chelsea manager Antonio Conte celebrates with N’Golo Kante after his team’s English Premier League match against Everton. His team won the crucial tie 3-0. in the 55th minute, sliding home teams was misleading. the rebound after Petr Cech had “The points are the points,” AFP With four games remaining, Chelsea and Manchester United had the critics That’s good for our confi dence. saved from Christian Eriksen, said the Frenchman, who tasted Liverpool have a four point advantage over Totten- questioning whether Chelsea were set “We fi nished a crucial week very well. with Harry Kane adding a nerve- defeat for only the eighth time in ham and Mauricio Pochettino’s side can to stumble with the title within touching We all know there is this part of the sea- less penalty three minutes later. 50 north London derbies. temporarily trim that gap to one point if distance. son that is more important. Had it not been for the ac- “They don’t come from heav- ntonio Conte warned Chelsea they win at West Ham on Friday, before the But they have recovered impressively, “We are having a fantastic season, but robatics of Arsenal goalkeeper en. You earn them on the pitch. not to take the Premier League leaders host Middlesbrough on Monday. with last weekend’s FA Cup semi-fi nal we must be calm. I don’t know how close Cech, the home side might have “Often in the fi nal part of a sea- title for granted after the lead- Conte knows it would only take one slip win against Tottenham followed by league we are to the title.” won by a landslide. son, that can go one way or the ers cleared a major hurdle with to give Tottenham real hope of overhauling victories over Southampton and Everton. After winning their last eight home It was Spurs’ ninth straight other without really refl ecting the aA 3-0 win at Everton. them and he cautioned his players against league games, Everton were by far the victory, their 13th successive diff erence between the teams.” Conte’s side consolidated their posi- thinking the race is over, even if they do ‘KILL THE GAME’ strongest opponents left on Chelsea’s tion on top of the table thanks to a steely have an easier run-in than Spurs. On paper Chelsea appear to have a schedule and for 60 minutes they lived display at Goodison Park on Sunday, but “It is a great win but at this part of the smooth path to the title as, following the up to that billing. ALL IS WELL second placed Tottenham remain hot on season every win is a great win for us,” he clash with lowly Middlesbrough they In the end, they crumbled under the their heels. said. “For this reason we must celebrate face West Bromwich Albion, Watford and pressure of Chelsea’s relentless prob- Pedro’s brilliant strike and goals from in the right way, with my players, with relegated Sunderland. ing and Everton manager Ronald Koe- Gary Cahill and Willian secured Chel- the staff , with our fans. Conte tried his best not to look too man admitted the Blues have the look of Man City still just on sea’s fourth win in their last fi ve league “We have to have great enthusiasm far ahead, but even the cautious Ital- champions. games, sparking jubilant celebrations and great patience because we are having ian couldn’t completely hide his joy at a Asked if Chelsea have title quality, Koe- from Conte and his players. a great season but to become a fantastic result that moved Chelsea a step closer man said: “Yes, especially in the last 30 course for C’League Cavorting in front of Chelsea’s trav- season we must win (the title). to being crowned champions in his fi rst minutes. They are confi dent in having a elling fans, Conte had the look of a man “The message to the players was not season. good defence. They wait for chances and who felt his team had just delivered a de- words. Only hugs and enthusiasm. “For sure it’s a great result for us. To are really clinical. Without playing on the cisive blow in the title race. “Now it’s important for us to prepare win at Everton is not easy. My players highest level, they still won the game be- But while the Blues made their way the right way for the next game. If we showed me great patience to wait for the cause they have that attacking quality. back to London, Tottenham were secur- don’t win against Middlesbrough then right moment to hit,” Conte said. “One of the most diffi cult things is to ing a crucial victory over Arsenal that you lose this great win.” “It was important to keep the clean- create chances because they have a diffi - keeps them fi rmly in the hunt. Recent defeats against Crystal Palace sheet after a few games without one. cult system to play against.”

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Arsenal’s Cech ‘angry’ aft er loss Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola (C). AFP weekend. former Chelsea star added. London “I feel angry and disappointed “But Tottenham fi nishing AFP gled to make an impact and were because obviously this is not a above us or doing better is one Middlesbrough trailing midway through the game we wanted to lose and this thing, but I think the most im- second-half to a goal from their rsenal ‘keeper Petr is a very big disappointment for portant thing for the club, for former forward, Alvaro Negredo. Cech made no attempt us,” Cech told Arsenal’s website. the players, for everybody is to anchester City can The game changed dramati- to hide how “angry “It hurts because it was a reach your own targets, not to look forward to a run cally, though, when referee Kevin and disappointed” he huge game for both teams. They worry about what the others are of three successive Friend awarded a penalty for a feltA after a 2-0 defeat by Totten- needed to win to keep their title doing.” home games after just challenge by Marten de Roon on ham Hotspur on Sunday dealt a chances alive. We needed to win Sunday’s match was the last Mdoing enough to remain on track Sane, who “went down very, very huge blow to the Gunners’ bid to keep our Champions League derby ever to be staged at White for a place in next season’s Cham- easily”, according to Boro care- to qualify for the Champions fi nishing position [hopes] alive. Hart Lane after Tottenham con- pions League following Sunday’s taker-manager Steve Agnew. League. “Obviously we are very dis- fi rmed earlier last week they 2-2 draw away to Premier League De Roon, the Dutch midfi elder, Goals from Dele Alli and Har- appointed because it’s a north would play all their home games strugglers Middlesbrough. was far less diplomatic.”It was an ry Kane saw Spurs, second in the London derby, it means a lot at Wembley next season while Pep Guardiola’s men had to unbelievable decision from the Premier League, move a huge to the fans and it meant a lot to a new stadium, close to their twice come from behind to earn referee,” he said. “It was never a 17 points clear of Arsenal and the club, to us. We needed three home for more than a hundred a point at the Riverside, with the penalty. I go to him, but I don’t ensure they would fi nish above points and in the end we have years, was being built. draw helping them remain fourth step into him. I stayed in the their local rivals in the table for none.” “It was a very good game from in the table, a point and a place same place. the fi rst time since 1995. As for fi nishing below Tot- everyone, from start to fi nish,” above Manchester United. “It was clever, but I think a Tottenham are still very much tenham, Cech said that was the said Tottenham’s Jan Vertong- City manager Guardiola de- referee has to know if some- in the title race, with Mauri- least of Arsenal’s concerns. hen. served to take much of the blame one is clever or someone tries cio Pochettino’s side just four “Our target is to play for titles, “It was the perfect day to put for an unconvincing display in to get something out of it. If the points behind leaders Chelsea, so we are disappointed with our on a performance and I’m very the northeast, with the Span- ball went past me, and he walks with both the top two having season because we aren’t play- proud of it. We knew we had to ish boss making changes that through me and the leg is there, four league games left this sea- ing for a (league) title,” he ex- focus. It was the last north Lon- included leaving Leroy Sane and it’s probably a clearer penalty.” son. Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger (R) reacts during the plained. don derby at the Lane and that’s Raheem Sterling on the bench He added: “I have been By contrast, Arsenal are sixth English Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. “We have fi ve games to play so special for so many people. until the 50th minute. fooled. Of course it feels unfair. and six points adrift of fourth- and we are out of the title race. “I know what it means. It was It was a bold move by Guar- I couldn’t do anything else. The placed Manchester City, who clubs, although the Gunners do to Manchester United, who are It was not the objective (to fi n- a very big day and we’ve one diola and he almost paid a price ref had a clear view. I told him occupy the last Champions have a game in hand. fi fth and are fi ve points ahead ish below Tottenham), so we more to come. Let’s hope we can as City, lacking the pace and mo- he would watch it back and he League place on off er to English Arsenal next match is at home of Arsene Wenger’s side, this are disappointed with that,” the make that one special too.” bility of the missing pair, strug- would see it’s not a penalty.” Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, May 2, 2017 SPORT

GOLF / ZURICH CLASSIC SPOTLIGHT Nomura outlasts Smith holds nerve Kerr to win LPGA Texas Shootout

AFP She made a 12-footer to salvage a to claim maiden Los Angeles double-bogey at 17, but that left her a stroke behind Kerr who had made the only birdie of the day at the par-three apan’s Haru Nomura birdied the 17th. sixth hole of a sudden-death After Kerr had completed her three- playoff to beat Cristie Kerr on over 74 for a three-under par total of Sunday for the LPGA Texas 281, Nomura birdied the 18th for a fi ve- ShootoutJ title in suburban Dallas. over 76 that forced the playoff . win with Blixt Nomura was the last woman stand- “I had a great comeback to even get ing on a brutally windy day that turned into the playoff ,” Kerr said. “I had her into even more of a marathon as she on that second playoff hole when I was ‘I feel like I had the best partner here... He’s been playing great all week’ and Kerr both parred the fi rst fi ve play- behind the green, and I just made an off holes — all played at Las Colinas error and you can’t do that in playoff s. Country Club’s par-fi ve 18th hole. “You have to take advantage of when As they returned for one more time you have the chance, and I didn’t do before darkness fell, Nomura gave her- that, so I lost.” self an eagle chance and tapped in from The top two fi nished regulation two inches for the birdie. She then watched strokes in front of American Jessica as Kerr’s birdie attempt from outside 10 Korda, whose two-over 73 gave her a feet slid by. one-under total of 283 — the only other “I’m so happy to win again. I’m so under par total for the week. excited,” said Nomura, who captured South Korea’s Park Sung-Hyun was her third LPGA crown, to go with the fourth after a 74 for 284. Women’s Australian Open and Swing- World number two Ryu So-Yeon had ing Skirts LPGA Classic titles she won the best weekend (68-75) of anyone in last year. the fi eld — but her share of ninth didn’t She had to dig deep to do so on a day come close to the fi rst or second place when the scoring average was more than fi nish she needed to have a chance of fi ve strokes over par thanks to winds toppling Lydia Ko from the number one gusting up to 40mph (64.37kmph). ranking. Nomura started the day with a two- Third-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn of stroke lead and did well in the condi- Thailand also had a shot at unseating tions to fi nish the front nine in even par Ko with a victory this week, but fi n- after one bogey and one birdie. ished alongside Ryu on 286 — neither She led by fi ve heading into the back player able to take advantage after Ko nine, but she bogeyed 10 and 11, and withdrew from the tournament on Sat- dropped two more shots at 14 and 16. urday with an eye infection.

Cameron Smith (left) of Australia and Jonas Blixt of Sweden react after winning the Zurich Classic in a sudden-death playoff in Avondale, Louisiana, yesterday. (AFP)

AFP Kisner and Brown both squandered Miami birdie putts on the 18th to open with Haru Nomura (centre) of Japan is embraced by Caroline Masson of Germany (left) a pair of pars, leaving Smith with his and In Gee Chun of South Korea following her victory at the Texas Shootout in fi rst opportunity to roll in a birdie Irving, Texas, on Sunday. (AFP) ustralia’s Cameron Smith putt for the win. But the Australian’s clinched his maiden PGA nerves got the better of him and he Tour title yesterday, rolling sent his shot just wide, grazing the lip CYCLING in a birdie putt on the fourth of the cup on the way. holeA of sudden death to clinch victory It was Kisner’s turn to miss a birdie with partner Jonas Blixt in the Zurich putt to win on the second hole of sud- Classic. den death, again on the 18th. Australian Porte pips Smith, who had earlier missed a That sent the group to a third hole, birdie putt to win on the opening the par-three ninth. After Kisner and playoff hole, made no mistake at the Brown hit tee shots onto the green but Yates to victory in Tour second opportunity to seal a win over far from the pin, Blixt seemed to have Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown at the seized control with a superb fi ve-iron TPC Louisiana in New Orleans. which rolled up six feet short of the fl ag. of Romandie The Brisbane-born Smith, who But once again with victory beg- earned a PGA Tour exemption through ging, nerves struck again, the Swede’s Reuters do, who won the opening prologue, held to 2019 with the victory, was lost for putt trickling past to send it back to Lausanne, Switzerland on to fourth place overall, behind Roglic. words immediately after his triumph. Blixt (left) and Smith with the winners’ trophy. (AFP) the 18th for the fourth playoff hole and “I can’t even talk,” Smith told a tel- Smith’s chance for redemption. STAGE 5 RESULTS evision reporter on the green, his eyes ing the event through qualifying. the way he plays golf, the sky’s the Kisner and Brown had forced the ustralian Richie Porte 1. Primoz Roglic (Lotto-NL) 24:58 brimming with tears. “I feel like I had the best partner limit for him,” Blixt added. playoff after a sensational fi nale to snatched overall victory in 2. Richie Porte (BMC) +0:08sec It was left to partner Blixt to pay here,” Blixt said of Smith. The play-off had gone to a fourth Sunday’s fourth round which saw Kis- the Tour of Romandie from 3. Tejay Van Garderen (BMC) +0:34 tribute to the 23-year-old, who sig- “He’s been playing great all week. hole after players on both sides fl uff ed ner hole out for an eagle in near-dark- overnight leader Simon Yates 4. Ion Izagirre (Bahrain) +0:34 nalled his promise with a fourth-place He’s going to be a superstar one day. chances to win on the opening three ness on the 18th to deprive Smith and onA Sunday after out-performing the 5. Fabio Felline (Trek) +0:34 fi nish at the 2015 US Open after reach- I’m very proud of him. Having seen holes of sudden death. Blixt of the win. Briton in the fi nal time-trial stage. 6. Andre Amador (Movistar) +0:35 Porte, who rides for BMC, took sec- 7. Jonathan Castroviejo (Movistar) +0:41 ond place on Sunday’s 17.8-km course 8. Lennard Kämna (Sunweb) +0:42 TENNIS around Lausanne, behind Slovenian 9. Chris Froome (Sky) +0:46 Millions see Pauwels Primoz Roglic, to pip Orica’s Yates to 10. Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) +0:46 win Tour of Yorkshire the title by 21 seconds. “It’s a massive shock to be honest,” OVERALL STANDINGS Wimbledon to increase prize pot Porte, a former Australian time trial 1. Richie Porte (BMC) 17:16:00 Serge Pauwels won the Tour of Yorkshire champion, told cyclingnews.com. “I 2. Simon Yates (Orica) +0:21 after hanging on to win Sunday’s final didn’t think I’d be able to claw that 3. Primoz Roglic (Lotto-NL) +0:25 stage for the first title success of his much back.” 4. Fabio Felline (Trek) +0:51 to compensate for weak pound career with police estimating a million Britain’s Tour de France cham- 5. Ion Izagirre (Bahrain) +1:03 fans turned up to watch. Pauwels, riding pion Chris Froome of Team Sky, who 6. Tejay Van Garderen (BMC) +1:16 By Alice Ross champions. This year the Aus- for Team Dimension Data, attacked on dropped out of contention for a top 7. Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb) +1:21 The Guardian tralian Open off ered AUD$3.7mn the second of four climbs late in the 194.5 place on Saturday, fi nished the time 8. Bob Jungels (Quick-Step) +1:22 (US $2.8mn), which at current kilometre stage from Bradford to the Fox trial in ninth to end up 18th overall. 9. Jesus Herrada (Movistar) +1:22 sterling values (£2.2mn) would Valley, near Sheff ield. Italy’s Fabio Felline, of Trek-Segafre- 10. Emanuel Buchmann (Bora) +1:24 imbledon will an- push Wimbledon’s top prizes into He built a lead of more than 30 seconds nounce a steep rise in third place among the Grand Slam and that advantage proved decisive as prize money for this rankings. The French Open’s top the chasing pack started to close on the year’s tennis cham- prize is €2.1mn (£1.8mn). final climb. By the time he crossed the line Wpions as the tournament seeks to In 2017 both the Australian and Pauwels’s lead had been reduced to nine counter the pound’s fall in value French Opens made signifi cant seconds, with his teammate Omar Fraile following the Brexit vote, reports increases in their total prize pots, coming in second. suggest. with the Melbourne tournament “It feels a bit strange,” Pauwels said. “It is In 2016, champions Andy Mur- announcing a 14 percent rise, the first time I have had my hands in the ray and Serena Williams each took with much of the increase going to air. But I think people would not really be home £2mn, from a total pot of By the time Andy Murray lifted the those bumped out in early rounds, surprised that I take a win because I have £28mn. This was a 6.4 percent trophy on Centre Court on 10 July, and the Paris tournament’s fund been quite close. Last year I was second, rise on 2015’s prize money. But £1 was worth $1.29, down from rising by 12 percent. third, fourth, everything except a win, this year the increase could be sig- $1.48 on 23 June – before the ref- Nobody from the All England and now I get two wins at the same time nifi cantly larger as the All England erendum’s result was announced. Club was available to confi rm the which makes it more special.” Club aims to compensate for the This means his £2mn prize was reports to the Guardian on Mon- Police estimated Sunday’s crowd alone at falling pound, The Times reports. worth $2.6mn – $380,000 less day morning. one million fans, taking the total for the The amounts are expected to be than it would have been on the eve A spokeswoman for Wimbledon weekend to 2.2 million, an impressively announced tomorrow, and prize of the referendum. told the Times: “The All England high figure for the fledgling race. money would have to be £2.25mn The pound is currently at its Lawn Tennis Club always takes “I’ve ridden all around the world,” Pauwels to maintain its dollar value com- post-referendum level again. into account the business and said. “If I would make a top three of the pared to previous years. The All England Club would economic context of tennis world- most amazing crowds, of course you have Last year’s tournament took have to announce a signifi cant wide, including any currency fl uc- the Belgian Classics, the Basque people who place weeks after the referen- increase to match the US Open, tuations, when determining prize are amazing, but I think the people here in (From left) Second-placed Simon Yates of team Orica-Scott, winner Richie Porte dum’s shock result, which sent the which in 2016 gave $3.5mn (cur- money for each year’s champion- Yorkshire for sure are also top three. of BMC and third-placed Primoz Roglic of Lotto NL-Jumbo pose on the Tour de pound tumbling against the dollar. rently £2.7mn) apiece to its singles ships.” Romandie podium on Sunday. (AFP) Gulf Times Tuesday, May 2, 2017 5 SPORT

MILESTONE NHL Ducks withstand Oilers’ big rally, pull Thomas ignores back into series tragedy, lost tooth with 6-3 victory to fi re Boston “It was a team eff ort. We got down big. We didn’t give up. We didn’t put our head down. From the first guy to the last, everybody contributed and we got the win.”

Patrick Maroon (R) of the Edmonton Oilers takes a hit from Hampus Lindholm (47) of the Anaheim Ducks in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada, on Sunday.

By Eric Stephens the goal after Oilers coach Todd The Orange County Register McLellan challenged that the winger was originally off side as the Ducks’ Shea Theodore en- onnor McDavid lit up tered the zone with the puck. an orange-clad Rogers A three-point night was Place with a stunning capped when his shot on cut against the grain created a rebound that Ryan Kes- moveC and score and the Edmon- ler put in. Theodore and Manson ton Oilers had erased a three-goal each had two assists. defi cit to put the Ducks back on The Ducks had the ideal start the ropes in a must-win Game 3. for a team in need of one that’s Instead of facing the Cam dealing with a daunting task. Talbot that put up a brick wall They turned a faceoff victory in Game 2, the Ducks faced a into a goal just 25 seconds in after goalie that was eminently beat- Ryan Getzlaf hit Rickard Rakell able Sunday night. And they did with a length-of-the-ice stretch so often in getting back into the pass to the Edmonton blue line. best-of-seven Western Confer- Rakell, who snuck in behind ence semifi nals. Oilers defenseman Andrej Sek- Chris Wagner scored a game- era, went in along on goalie Cam winning response goal in the sec- Talbot and scored the fastest goal ond period and the Ducks got two by a Ducks player from the start Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots over Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) during the second half of their game against the Washington Wizards on from winger Jakob Silfverberg of the game in their playoff histo- Sunday. Picture: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports to grab a 6-3 win over the Oil- ry. The winger’s fi rst of this series ers to set up a pivotal Game 4 on and third of the postseason was AFP all I can do. That’s all I can do.” my tooth... I’ve always had teammates his left ankle when he landed on Hor- Wednesday night. only the start. Washington In the weekend’s only other playoff that I’ve always clowned them about ford’s foot after a second-quarter jump McDavid’s highlight-reel score Silfverberg followed with a game, the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles their tooth being out, and now I’m one shot. Morris said he will play in game two past Ducks goalie John Gibson at rebound goal created off a long- Clippers 104-91 to win their fi rst-round of them. Hopefully, we can replace it as today after medical tests. 8:40 of the second pulled the Oil- distance shot from Hampus saiah Thomas shook off having a Western Conference series 4-3. They soon as possible.”The eff ort by Thomas At Los Angeles, Utah’s Derrick Favors ers into a 3-3 tie. And it appeared Lindholm as Andrew Cogliano tooth knocked out and the heart- will face NBA win leader and defending left both coaches awestruck. came off the bench to score 17 points the Ducks were in deep trouble, created enough havoc in front of ache of his sister’s funeral to score 33 conference champion Golden State in the “I don’t know (how Thomas does it). and grab 11 rebounds after Rudy Gobert with the Edmonton faithful glee- Talbot for his goal-scoring lin- points Sunday, powering the Boston second round starting today. I wish I had that kind of character,” Ste- got into early foul trouble while Gordon fully chanting “Gib-son” in deri- emate to jump on the loose puck. ICeltics over Washington 123-111 in an Thomas napped at home and on the vens said. Hayward added 26 points as the Jazz sion. Getzlaf made it 3-0 as he col- NBA playoff game. fl ight to Boston and ignored coach Brad “Just been in continual amazement pulled away in the third quarter to oust But while Talbot outplayed lected a turnover by Oilers de- Thomas went 11-of-23 from the fl oor, Stevens saying he didn’t have to play. the last couple of weeks with his ability the Clippers from the playoff s. Gibson in stealing Game 2, it fenseman Darnell Nurse and 6-of-7 from the free throw line and con- “It’s tough, but it’s the playoff s,” Tho- to function and excel on the basketball The Jazz, who had not won a playoff was Gibson who made the criti- quickly deposited into the net. tributed nine assists as the Celtics bat- mas said. “No excuses. I decided to play court. Today is just another chapter of series since 2010, led 96-80 with 5:30 cal saves that steadied the Ducks. The three goals also tied a club tled back after surrendering the game’s and I just tried to give it all I got for my that.He’s one of the biggest winners in remaining before the Clippers made a After McDavid’s goal, Gibson playoff mark for a first period. fi rst 16 points to beat the visiting Wizards team, and we came out with the win.” this league,” Wizards coach Scott Brooks closing charge, pulling within 98-90 on made two acrobatic bang-bang It seemed as it would be a per- in their best-of-seven Eastern Confer- Thomas also had his left front tooth said. “He plays with everything he has. I J.J. Redick’s 3-pointer with 3:28 remain- saves on Patrick Maroon and fect opening 20 minutes for the ence second round opener. knocked out after being struck in the can’t imagine being able to do it myself if ing but coming no closer. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins after foil- Ducks but they couldn’t get out “It was a team eff ort,” Thomas said. face by an elbow from Washington’s Otto I were in the same situation.” ing Darnell Nurse and Leon Drai- of it unscathed. Patrick Maroon “We got down big. We didn’t give up. We Porter midway into the fi rst quarter. The Celtics outscored Washing- Results from Sunday’s NBA playoff saitl the shift before. hut his old team again as he got didn’t put our head down. From the fi rst Thomas saw his tooth pop out and fall ton 36-16 in the third quarter, in which games (all series best-of-seven): Wagner got the Ducks back in credit for a goal when Nugent- guy to the last, everybody contributed onto the court and, not missing a beat, they seized their fi rst lead at 73-71 and front as he took a shot from the Hopkins’s defl ection went in off and we got the win.” went over and picked up the tooth off stretched it to 95-80 entering the fourth Second round right circle that Talbot tried to him in front of Gibson. The Boston guard fl ew across the the fl oor and later handed it to a Celt- before holding off the Wizards down the Eastern Conference make a stick save on but saw the country to play after speaking Saturday ics trainer, broadly displaying a bloodied stretch. Boston 123 Washington 111 puck defl ect inward behind him. RESULTS at his sister Chyna’s funeral in Washing- gap-toothed smile on the bench after go- Jae Crowder added 24 points for the (Boston leads series 1-0) It would be the forward’s fi rst EDMONTON 1 2 0 3 ton state. She was killed two weeks ago in ing 3-for-3 following the dental mishap Celtics while center Al Horford had 21 goal in 11 NHL playoff games. Anaheim 3 1 2 6 (Edmonton lead a car accident. and leading all fi rst-half scorers with 19 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. First round Silfverberg delivered some in- the best-of-seven series by 2-1) “Basketball, when I’m on the court, it points. Bradley Beal scored 27 points while Western Conference surance in the third with a one- NASHVILLE 1 1 1 3 just keeps me going,” Thomas said. “I do “It just bothers me to talk,” Thomas John Wall added 20 points and 16 assists. Utah 104 Los Angeles Clippers 91 time shot for his second of the St. Louis 0 1 0 1 (Nashville lead everything for my sister now and that’s said. “My tongue goes right through Washington’s Markieff Morris injured (Utah wins series 4-3) night, with a review holding up the best-of-seven series by 2-1)

BASEBALL Red Sox get best of Uehara, take series from Cubs

By Jason Mastrodonato ing the reliever’s evening. Uehara, who like the pitcher the Red Sox always hoped Boston Herald entered with a 1.86 ERA and 10 strikeouts he could be.Making his fourth start of Results in 92/3 innings this season, clearly had an the year, Rodriguez struck out National off night. League MVP Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo ARIZONA 2 Colorado 0 t some point this season, the The Red Sox kept the rally going and World Series MVP Ben Zobrist in or- (13 innings) Red Sox might look back and against Pedro Strop. They scored the go- der in the third inning, then started the LA DODGERS 5 Philadelphia 3 think, “We should have re- ahead run on a wild pitch with Hanley fourth by fanning Addison Russell and San Diego 5 SAN FRANCISCO 2 Asigned Koji Uehara.” Ramirez at the plate and added three Jason Hayward. Rodriguez struck out (12 innings) But that time is not today. more on a groundout and throwing error nine and held the world champs to one LA Angels 5 TEXAS 2 The former Red Sox closer and current to seal the win. The off ense bailed out run over six fl ashy innings. Cincinnati 5 ST. LOUIS 4 Chicago Cubs set-up man got the weak Joe Kelly, who was exceptional late last “It doesn’t matter if they’re the MVP Minnesota 7 KANSAS CITY 5 ground ball to fi rst base he needed to start season (21 strikeouts, fi ve walks, 1.02 or the hitter with the lowest average in MILWAUKEE 4 Atlanta 3 a tie game in the eighth inning last night, ERA out of the bullpen) but hasn’t had the league,” Rodriguez said. “They can HOUSTON 7 Oakland 2 but Marco Hernandez beat him to the the same eff ectiveness this year. After still get a base hit or homer so I treat eve- WASHINGTON 23 NY Mets 5 bag. The infi eld single sparked a four-run walking two and allowing the tying run rybody the same.” DETROIT 7 Chicago White Sox 3 inning and led to the Sox’ 6-2 win against to score on a wild pitch last night, Kelly The only run Rodriguez allowed was MIAMI 10 Pittsburgh 3 the Cubs as they captured a juicy series has eight walks to fi ve strikeouts in 131/3 a solo shot to Bryant, whose dad Mike CLEVELAND 12 Seattle 4 victory at Fenway Park. Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi (R) reacts with designated hitter innings. played in the Red Sox minor league sys- TORONTO 3 Tampa Bay 1 “I saw him slowing down,” said Hern- Hanley Ramirez after Ramirez’ s two run home run during the first inning against “At times it looked like he was trying tem in the 1980s. The younger Bryant Baltimore 7 NY YANKEES 4 andez, who said what the Red Sox might the Chicago Cubs at Fenway Park. Picture: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports to get a little extra velocity, particularly smacked his second homer of the series 11 innings) have been thinking when they passed on against left-handers,” manager John Far- in the fi fth inning, connecting on a high Uehara after trading for Tyler Thornburg Uehara then tried throwing a two- single. Andrew Benintendi lifted one of rell said. fastball and lifting it to dead centre. in the off season. “And I just ran as hard as strike slider off the plate to Xander Uehara’s splitters to the right fi eld for an- Kelly relieved Eduardo Rodriguez after Rodriguez entered the night having al- then allowed just fi ve hits in his six in- I can.” Bogaerts who poked it to centre for a other single, loading the bases and end- a brilliant start in which he started to look lowed only two hits to his last 45 batters, nings of work. Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, May 2, 2017 SPORT Plan revealed to reset existing European records Intense battle AFP In a nod to the stain that doping has events and if the athlete concerned “has proposal. Paris left on athletics, he also said that “per- been subject to an agreed number of “I like this because it underlines that formance records that show the lim- doping control tests in the months lead- we have put into place doping control looming as Formula its of human capabilities are one of the ing up to the performance”, a statement systems and technology that are more he European Athletics Council great strengths of our sport, but they are said. robust and safer than 15 or even 10 years has come up with a radical plan meaningless if people don’t really be- All records set before a date that has ago,” he said. One heads home that would wipe out existing Eu- lieve them”. yet to be defi ned will remain but only on “There will be athletes, current record ropean and world records and set “It’s a radical solution for sure, but a list of old records. holders, who will feel that the history aT clean slate as part of the fi ght against those of us who love athletics are tired of The plan will be put forward to the we are recalibrating will take something doping. the cloud of doubt and innuendo that has council meeting of world governing body away from them but I think this is a step The proposal was adopted during hung over our records for too long.” the IAAF in August. in the right direction and if organised the Council’s meeting in Paris over the The project proposes that world and IAAF president Sebastian Coe, who and structured properly we have a good weekend, and president Svein Arne European records only be recognised attended the Council meeting in Paris, chance of winning back credibility in Hansen admitted it was “revolutionary”. if achieved at approved international indicated that he was in favour of the this area.”

BOXING

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel celebrates his second place finish in Sochi, Russia on Sunday.

Joshua ponders Reuters In 2016, Mercedes were domi- Sochi nant and won all but two of the races with 20 pole positions from 21 starts but resurgent Ferrari — ormula One heads home who won nothing — have already after four opening long- recast the 2017 landscape. haul races with the cham- Vettel’s pole in Sochi was Fer- Fpionship fi nely balanced rari’s fi rst since 2015 and the front going to the US between champions Mercedes row lockout the fi rst grid since and Ferrari and the prospect of 2008 with both red cars at the an intense battle stretching out front. There can be no doubt now Joshua revived what for so long has seemed a bygone time by rising from a ahead. that the sport’s oldest and most With the European season successful team are back with a sixth-round knockdown to stop former longtime champion Wladimir Klitschko proper starting in Spain next vengeance. The split between the week, and teams promising up- Mercedes drivers has favoured By Lance Pugmire 'Sugar Ray Leonard said grades and a faster pace of de- Vettel, whose own Finnish team- Los Angeles Times without showing that velopment, the two frontrunners mate Kimi Raikkonen has scored character and the ability to go into return to their factories with two 49 points to the German’s 86 the trenches, you’ll never go on to wins apiece. Mercedes have a one while Hamilton and Bottas are nside a packed Wembley Stadi- do great things in the sport' point lead in the constructors’ separated by just 10. um on Saturday night, England’s championship while Ferrari’s Se- Red Bull are a distant third at heavyweight boxing champion last couple of hours. And deservedly so.” bastian Vettel, with two wins and present, with Max Verstappen IAnthony Joshua delivered heart- Espinoza said he understands “that two second places, is 13 clear of and Daniel Ricciardo fi fth and stopping drama for a new generation of the Brits and other territories resent Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. sixth in the standings, but they sports fans. that the US is the end-all and be-all. “It’s going to be extremely too could get back into the mix if Turning in a courageous, power- ... But there are fi nancial and other re- close,” said Mercedes team boss impending upgrades to their en- ful performance, Joshua revived what wards in exposing Anthony to this vast Toto Wolff . “More than very. gine and chassis are as good as for so long has seemed a bygone time population of 300 million people, most “They (Ferrari) came out of they hope. by rising from a sixth-round knock- of whom have not yet discovered him. the winter with a good car and it “I think it will be a very close down to stop former longtime cham- “No matter what success he enjoys seems to suit Sebastian a lot. And race between Mercedes and us... pion Wladimir Klitschko by 11th-round in Britain, there’s always the allure of we just need to stretch ourselves and I also hope that Red Bull fi nd technical knockout. the US and the cultural and fi nancial to perform as good as we can,” some pace,” said Vettel, who won “You get knocked down anytime, you signifi cance that it so enjoys. Anthony added the Austrian. his four world championships get up,” the 27-year-old Joshua (19-0, grew up listening to American music, So far success has alternated with that team before joining 19 knockouts) said afterward. “That’s watching American fi ghters, so there’s between the two teams, with Vet- Ferrari. “There’s lots of rumours what life’s about.” that ‘conquer the unconquered’ (think- tel winning the opener in Aus- around. They are a strong team, Until Saturday, his division’s popu- ing) to break into a new frontier that’s tralia, Hamilton in China, Vettel they know how to build a quick larity had been on the canvas for an ex- uncharted. again in Bahrain and Valtteri Bot- car so I expect it’s a question of tended period. “For most of the American audience, tas taking his career fi rst success when rather than if. But the soon- The weight class that generated this was their introduction to him, and in Russia for the team he joined in er, the more exciting it will be for Louis, Marciano, Ali, Frazier, Foreman, you couldn’t have asked for a better in- January. us.” Tyson and Holyfi eld had gripped the troduction.” world’s attention with each fi ght, but It’s uncertain whether Klitschko, 41, interest waned with the calculating will invoke the rematch clause he has OPINION dominance of Klitschko and his cham- with Joshua after being knocked down pion brother, Vitali, over uninspired three times before being stopped late in competition since the late 1990s. the 11th round. Joshua embraces the challenge of en- After the bout, Joshua touched hands First win hardest, livening the legacy built by the Ameri- with guest ringside analyst and un- can greats. beaten World Boxing Council heavy- “Sugar Ray Leonard said without weight champion Deontay Wilder and Lauda tells Bottas showing that character and the abil- then called out Tyson Fury, the troubled ity to go into the trenches, you’ll never former champion who vacated his three go on to do great things in the sport,” belts after beating Klitschko by decision Reuters of the podium but the man he Joshua said. “I never want to be in those in late 2015 because of problems with Sochi replaced in January, retired 2016 kinds of fi ghts,” like Saturday’s, “but if drugs. world champion Nico Rosberg, I have to, I don’t want to crumble. I’m Hearn says he anticipates Joshua took his fi rst victory in his 111th willing to do whatever I have to do to fi ghting again during the September- altteri Bottas waited 81 grand prix start after also start- win.” December window. races for his fi rst For- ing out at Williams. The question now is when he’ll do so Espinoza is building toward a Josh- mula One win to come Fellow-Finn Mika Hakkinen, in the US. And the posturing over that ua bout with fellow Showtime fi ghter Valong but it will get world champion in 1998 and prospect began immediately from Josh- Wilder, but the unique trappings are easier for the Finn after Sunday’s 1999 with McLaren, took 96 ua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, who noted that 2012 Olympic champion Joshua success in Russia, according to races. Only last week, reporters the largest post-World War II boxing is setting pay-per-view and live-gate former world champion Niki were asking Bottas about having crowd in England of 90,000 on Satur- records at home while Wilder (39-0, 38 Lauda. to accept so-called ‘team orders’ day and said, “I’m not sure you can do KOs) felt so victimised by the extended “To win the fi rst Grand Prix... and help triple champion team that in the US. heavyweight malaise that he’s fought is always the most diffi cult one,” mate Lewis Hamilton in the title “I think China’s more likely than recently at his hometown arena in Bir- the retired triple champion and battle against Vettel but it looks America for the next fi ght. We’ve had mingham, Ala. non-executive chairman of Bot- diff erent already. some conversations out there. Huge “We could see an undisputed cham- tas’s Mercedes team, told re- Bottas is now just 10 points market, huge money,” Hearn said, add- pion within a couple fi ghts, an interest- porters. adrift of Hamilton and, having ing, “Who’s making it in America?” ing style matchup between two likable, “This I know out of my own started the season as an emer- When Canelo Alvarez was men- charismatic personalities, as well as two experience. So every one that gency stopgap, can now quite tioned, Hearn sniff ed, “Yes, but ... tremendous athletes. It’ll be a fi ght that comes next, for him his life is legitimately see himself in the (Joshua’s) looking at everyone.” could set a new high watermark in terms easier. He has proven that he can championship mix. The contention is timed perfectly as of recent history,” Espinoza said. win. As soon as you win the fi rst That situation poses another Showtime’s US television rights deal Until his US debut, Joshua said he Grand Prix, a big load comes off ,” headache for Hamilton but is with Joshua has just two fi ghts remain- wants Americans “to be excited about added the Austrian, who was one that Mercedes are relaxed ing. The network’s executive vice presi- the division, the characters in the sport. surprised Ferrari did not win in about having to manage. They Britain’s Anthony Joshua celebrates in the ring after his victory over Ukraine’s dent, Stephen Espinoza, said, “We’re in They know we can fi ght now. We don’t Sochi given their race pace and do not expect the relationship to Wladimir Klitschko in the eleventh round of their IBF, IBO and WBA, world discussions for extensions beyond that. back down, and now we’re back at the having both cars starting on the turn sour as it did between the Heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium in north west London on Saturday. I’m sure the price just went up in the forefront.” front row. Briton and Rosberg. Instead, Bottas roared past “He (Bottas) took up that both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi risky move to be Lewis Hamil- ROWING Raikkonen to seize the lead into ton’s teammate, to take over the the fi rst corner in a move that reigning world champion’s car, decided the outcome. and I think that he has done a The Finn has had to wait long- very good job,” said team boss Murray retires, ending unbeaten streak of ‘Kiwi pair’ er than most to scale the top step Toto Wolff .

Reuters a year off to weigh their careers more.” lose, that we go out on the wa- Bouhanni escapes with concussion aft er fall Wellington before a possible tilt at the 2020 World record holders Bond ter and win,” the more mild- Games in Tokyo. and Murray also won a world ti- mannered Bond said of his team Paris: French sprinter Nacer unconscious 25km from the fin- But Murray, who will turn 35 tle in the coxed pairs in 2014. mate after their Rio triumph. Bouhanni is recovering in ish line at Sheff ield, in northern ne of rowing’s most on Saturday, said in an interview Bond, 31, paid tribute to his “I tend to worry about what hospital after being knocked England and lay motionless on dominant partner- with New Zealand’s Woman’s rowing partner. will go wrong.” unconscious during a heavy fall the road where he had fallen. ships has ended with Day magazine that his time had “Eric’s retirement from row- Bond has yet to make up his on cycling’s Tour of Yorkshire, The powerful sprint specialist the retirement of come. ing signals the end of an era,” he mind about Rio, having shed his Cofidis team said yesterday. had won the second stage to Odouble Olympic champion Eric “I always said as long as my wrote on his Instagram account. more than 10 kg and reinvented “Nacer Bouhanni has no Harrogate the day before easily Murray, who won back-to- mind, my body and my heart “I am very proud of all that we himself as a road cyclist. broken bones. Our sprinter dominating a bunch sprint on a back gold medals for New Zea- were in it, then I could do this have achieved as a combination He fi nished third in the men’s has bad concussion. He’s still slight upward incline. land in the men’s coxless pair for as long as I like,” he said. over the last eight years, far ex- time trial at the national road stunned this Monday morn- with Hamish Bond. “My mind’s been pretty good, ceeding my wildest dreams. championships in January. ing with headaches and vision Murray’s exit from the sport my body’s been pretty good, but “I have always respected “I haven’t blocked out row- problems,” Cofidis said in a ends the pair’s eight-year un- it was my heart that was on the Eric’s ability as a rower and will ing, but I’m committed to cy- statement. beaten streak at 69 races, a fence. So, it’s time to go. forever be in awe of some per- cling to take me through this “A neurological examination period in which they captured “We made a legacy in the formances that seemed beyond season,” he told local media last will take place after 48 hours if six world titles, took gold at sport and we got to the point human.” month. Nacer doesn’t suff er from any the 2012 London Games and where we were always winning, Although both were driven to “If it’s clear I don’t have the new symptoms between then romped home in their Olympic but it was playing on our minds sustain their astonishing run of ability I’m not going to bang my and now,” the French team title defence in Rio last year. and wearing us down. When we success, Murray and Bond were head against a wall and come up added. The ‘Kiwi pair’ announced won a race, it was like, job done. diff erent personalities. short. I can’t be pedalling in cir- The 26-year-old was knocked after Rio that they would take We didn’t get that elation any- “He basically thinks we can’t cles.” Gulf Times Tuesday, May 2, 2017 7 CRICKET

IPL SPOTLIGHT Stokes slams ton Bangalore crash in Pune’s win IANS Pune

en Stokes smashed a quick-fi re century to guide Rising Pune Su- out of playoff race Bpergiant to a fi ve-wicket victory over Gujarat Lions here yesterday. Electing to fi eld fi rst on win- ning the toss, Pune dismissed the visitors for 161 runs in 19.5 overs but chasing the target, initially made heavy weather of their as Mumbai win chase before reaching it with one ball left. Stokes played a starring Faulkner delivery towards long- Sharma, who slammed six boundaries and one six in his 37-ball knock, role, plundering 103 runs off just on and completed the fi rst run 63 balls producing seven bound- comfortably. But attempting a and Jos Buttler (33) were the major contributors to Mumbai’s cause aries and six hits into the stands second run proved to be disas- along the way. trous as Finch produced some Pacers Basil Thampi and Pra- superb fi elding to hit the stumps deep Sangwan bowled well for at the non-striker’s end. the visitors, returning fi gures of Stokes was then involved in 2/35 and 2/38 respectively. another crucial stand with Ma- Young leg-spinner Ankit Soni hendra Singh Dhoni as the duo also bowled well, conceding just added 76 runs between them off 16 runs in his four overs although 64 balls to take Pune to a com- he was unlucky not to get a wick- fortable position. et. Pune were off to a shaky start, Thampi brought the partner- losing three wickets in the fi rst ship to an end with a back of the two overs. hand slower ball which Dhoni hit Sangwan struck the fi rst blows into the hands of Brendon Mc- for Gujarat, sending back Ajinkya Cullum at long-off . Rahane and Steven Smith in the However, Daniel Christian opening over, while Thampi joined Stokes in the middle and trapped Manoj Tiwary leg before the duo proceeded to carry Pune in the next over with a faster de- across the line. captain Rohit livery pitched on a fuller length, Pune thus bolstered their Sharma (R) and teammate Hardik which surprised the right-hand- claim to a play-off spot, as they Pandya celebrate after winning er by the extra pace. strengthened their grip on the their match against Royal Chal- Rahul Tripathy and Stokes fourth spot with 12 points from lengers Bangalore at The Wankh- then got together and attempted 10 matches. ede Stadium in to bring the innings back on track Gujarat are at the sixth place Mumbai yesterday. with a 32-run stand which came on the eight-team table with six off 24 balls. points from 10 matches. But the partnership was bro- Earlier, leg-spinner Imran ken thanks to an accurate direct Tahir (3/27) and medium pacer hit by Aaron Finch which caught Jaydev Unadkat (3/29) starred for Tripathy short of the his crease. Pune as they bowled out Gujarat Stokes had pushed a James Lions for a moderate total.

FOCUS Champions Trophy pullout by India unlikely

Reuters and the India board will discuss New Delhi the off er at Sunday’s special gen- eral body meeting. IANS and Buttler then added 61 runs in 7.2 the fi rst four balls and then the skipper One over later, Kohli, who by now The operations of the BCCI are Mumbai overs to stabilise Mumbai’s innings be- slammed a boundary to give the hosts a had struck two sixes and faced 14 balls, he Indian cricket board currently being supervised by fore the latter was sent packing by spin- comfortable victory. was undone by a slower one from pacer (BCCI) will meet on four court-appointed adminis- ner Pawan Negi. Buttler played 21 balls For Bangalore, Negi scalped two wick- Mitchell McClenaghan which Mumbai Sunday to consider an trators and the head of the com- kipper Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten and slammed four boundaries and one ets while Choudhary, Chahal and Shane skipper Rohit Sharma caught at short additional revenue off er mittee, Vinod Rai, told Reuters 56 guided Mumbai Indians to a six. Watson chipped in with one wicket each. midwicket. With the team once again in fromT the game’s world governing last week that it was “too early” fi ve wicket victory against Royal After one over, in-form Rana was also Earlier, a late surge from Kedar Jad- deep trouble, RCB now needed a special body but regardless of what de- to comment on a possible pullout Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a sent back to the pavilion by Negi to re- hav and Pawan Negi helped Bangalore to from South African star AB de Villiers cision they come to, a Champi- Champions Trophy. thrillingS encounter of the Indian premier duce the hosts to 70/3 in 10 overs. Rana’s 162/8 against Mumbai. (43) and Travis Head (12) , who chipped in ons Trophy pullout by the hold- Another of the quartet, Ram- League (IPL) here yesterday. 28-ball knock comprised of four bound- Joining forces in the 15th over, Negi with a 45-run third wicket stand before ers looks unlikely. chandra Guha, has since made Sharma, who slammed six boundaries aries. (35 from 23 balls) and Jadhav (28 from left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya ended Unaccustomed to being it clear he wants India to defend and one six in his 37-ball knock, and Jos Unperturbed by the fall of Rana’s 22) raised a 54-run stand for the sixth Head’s 15-ball stay. snubbed at the International the title they won in 2013 at the Buttler (33) were the major contributors wicket, skipper Sharma and Kieron Pol- wicket to rescue the visitors, who lost De Villiers, though raised RCB’s hopes Cricket Council (ICC) meetings, June 1-18 tournament in England to Mumbai’s cause. lard (17) punished the Bangalore bowlers the top fi ve players with just 108 runs on of amassing a healthy total by meting the BCCI was outvoted 13-1 last and Wales. With this result, Mumbai now sit atop all around the park as they slammed 28 the board. South African big-hitter AB out special treatment to Krunal and Mc- week in its bid to stall a new rev- “Speaking in my personal the IPL standings with eight wins and runs in 3.4 overs before the West Indian de Villiers was the other major contribu- Clenaghan before the left-arm spinner enue model which considerably capacity, as a cricket fan, I be- two losses while Bangalore have lost hitman was dismissed by Chahal. tor with a 27-ball 43 for the Bangalore once again struck to send back the Protea slashes India’s share from global lieve the Indian cricket team eight matches and are now decidedly out Krunal Pandya (2) and Karn Sharma franchise. right-hander. events in the 2015-2023 cycle. absolutely must take part in the of the play-off race. (9) also failed to step up to the situation Electing to bat, RCB were reduced to Before being dismissed, the 33-year- Unimpressed by the $293mn Champions Trophy,” Guha, a Chasing 162/8 posted by Bangalore, and the latter was dismissed on nine runs 40/2 with skipper (20) and old de Villiers faced 27 balls and helped forecast, down from the $570mn historian, tweeted. Mumbai started off on a poor note as while Pandya was retired hurt. his new opening partner Mandeep Singh the ball to the boundary on three occa- it would have received under the “Boycotting or threatening to opener Parthiv Patel (0) was dismissed The fall of wicket brought in all- (17) failing to get a decent start for the sions and thrice over it. 2014 arrangement, the BCCI re- boycott a prestigious interna- on the very fi rst ball of the fi rst over by rounder Hardik Pandya, who along with visitors. sponded by refusing to name the tional tournament does not be- Aniket Choudhary. Rohit Sharma played some good shots to RCB’s decision to open with Mandeep BRIEF SCORES squad for next month’s Cham- come a great cricketing nation.” While trying to pull a short ball, entertain Mumbai’s crowd. backfi red as the Punjab batsman after Royal Challengers Bangalore: 162/8 in 20 pions Trophy before the April 25 Under the Members Participa- Parthiv mistimed it and Yuzvendra Cha- In the process, Rohit completed his 50 facing 13 balls, failed to get to the pitch overs: de Villiers 43, Negi 35. McClena- deadline. tion Agreement for the Champi- hal took a brilliant catch at short mid- with a single at the end of the 19th over. of a tossed up delivery from leg-spinner ghan 3/34 ICC president Shashank ons Trophy, there is no scope for wicket. With seven runs required in the last Karn Sharma to be comfortably caught Lost to Mumbai Indians: 165/5 in 19.5 Manohar, a former BCCI chief, sanctions for missing the dead- Incoming batsman Nitish Rana (27) over, Pandya and Sharma took singles off by Hardik Pandya at deep midwicket. overs: Sharma 56 not out, Buttler 33 has tabled an additional $100mn line for naming squads.

SECOND TEST Shehzad rides luck aft er Windies out for 312

AFP Mohamed Abbas led the visiting Devendra Bishoo played in his usual Extras (b-4, lb-10, w-2) ...... 16 Bridgetown bowlers’ eff ort with two more wickets pugnacious manner but Abbas’ insist- Total (all out, 98.5 overs) ...... 312 to fi nish with four for 56, the best fi g- ence to captain Misbah ul Haq for an- Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Brathwaite), 2-13 ures by a Pakistan fast bowler in Test other over reaped immediate rewards (Hetmyer), 3-37 (Hope), 4-102 (Powell), zhar Ali and an extremely innings at the venue, bettering Wasim when Bishoo lifted an on-drive to Yasir 5-107 (Singh), 6-154 (Dowrich), 7-286 fortunate Ahmed Shehzad Akram’s four for 73 in 1988, as the home Shah at mid-on. Shah then wrapped up (Holder), 8-286 (Chase), 9-312 (Bishoo), navigated the afternoon ses- team lost their last four wickets for the the innings when Alzarri Joseph was 10-312 (Joseph) sion for an unbroken opening addition of 26 more runs. bowled missing a heave at a full-toss Bowling: M. Amir 26-5-65-3, M. Abbas standA of 106 in reply to the West Indies West Indies’ hopes of pushing to- in the leg-spinner’s fi rst over of the 23-6-56-4 (2w), Y. Shah 25.5-2-83-2, S. fi rst innings total of 312 at tea on the wards a total closer to the 400-run morning Khan 23-3-90-1, A. Ali 1-0-4-0 second day of the second Test at Ken- mark were dashed within the fi rst nine sington Oval in Barbados yesterday. deliveries of the morning as their fi rst- SCOREBOARD AT TEA Pakistan 1st Innings Dropped at mid-on by Vishaul Singh day heroes, Chase and , West Indies 1st Innings A. Ali not out ...... 54 off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel at the were dismissed without any addition to (overnight 286 for 6) A. Shehzad not out ...... 40 start of his innings before lunch, She- the overnight total of 286 for six. K. Brathwaite c wkpr Ahmed b Amir .9 Extras (b-2, lb-3, nb-7) ...... 12 hzad benefi ted from two even more Holder was the fi rst to go, his late K. Powell lbw Amir ...... 38 Total (0 wkts, 39 overs) ...... 106 outrageous reprieves after the interval Roston Chase of the West Indies celebrates his century in Bridgetown, Barbados. decision to pull away from an Abbas S. Hetmyer c Ali b Abbas ...... 1 To bat: B. Azam, Y. Khan, Misbah ul to be unbeaten on 40. His unconvinc- delivery resulting in an inside-edge to S. Hope c wkpr Ahmed b Shah ...... 5 Haq, A. Shafiq, S. Ahmed, M. Amir, S. ing innings has been in stark contrast to Gabriel when on 21 only for the deci- when he was summoned by the um- wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed. Mohamed R. Chase c Younis Khan b Amir ...... 131 Khan, Y. Shah, M. Abbas opening partner Ali, who will resume sion to be overturned television replays pires to return to the crease as the re- Amir then removed Chase, whose 131 V. Singh c Younis Khan b Abbas ...... 3 Bowling: S. Gabriel 10-2-31-0 (6nb), A. on an assured 54 in the day’s fi nal pe- determined the delivery to be a no-ball. plays again showed the bowler to have was the fi rst Test century by a Barbadian S. Dowrich c Younis Khan b Shadab Joseph 7-2-16-0, R. Chase 9-1-25-0 (1nb), riod of play having stroked six fours off Lightning then struck twice for the transgressed the front crease. on home soil for 18 years. Drawn forward Khan ...... 29 J. Holder 7-4-7-0, D. Bishoo 6-1-22-0 109 deliveries. same man after he was stranded down Those lucky moments consolidated by a full-length delivery, his indetermi- J. Holder c wkpr Ahmed b Abbas .....58 Toss: West Indies With the two batsmen labouring to the pitch and stumped to the bowling what has been Pakistan’s day so far af- nate prod resulted in a thick outside edge D. Bishoo c Shah b Abbas ...... 14 Umpires: Richard Kettleborough keep the score moving along on a warm of off -spinner Roston Chase on 32, the ter they wrapped up the West Indies for Younis Khan to snare his third catch A. Joseph b Shah ...... 8 (ENG), Bruce Oxenford (AUS) afternoon, Shehzad was ruled LBW off batsman almost reaching the pavilion fi rst innings within an hour of the start. of the innings at second slip. S. Gabriel not out ...... 0 Match Referee: Chris Broad (ENG)

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

ATHLETICS / DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE FOOTBALL Jordan, Lebanon community teams Qatari Olympian qualify for fi nal

By Sports Reporter six. Group A included Indonesia, Doha Lebanon, Jordan, India, South Korea and China, whereas Group B included Malaysia, Singapore, Bader dreams of ebanon and Jordan com- Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, and munity football teams Philippines. have qualifi ed for the fi nal Group A showed that it con- of the fi fth Asian Com- sists of the toughest teams as Lmunities Football Tournament three of its’ teams qualifi ed for (ACFT) after beating India and the semi-fi nals (Lebanon, India Nepal community teams in the and Jordan), whereas only one semi-fi nals respectively. team (Nepal) went through to the Diamond Trophy Lebanon beat India 1-0 while semi-fi nals from Group B. Jordan crushed Nepal 6-0 in the Organised by the Qatar Foot- semi-fi nals at Al Ahli Stadium. ball Association (QFA), the ACFT Javelin thrower will be up against world and Olympic champs Yego and Rohler Hundreds of fans and families is sponsored by the Supreme fl ocked to the stadium to cheer Committee for Delivery & Lega- By Sports Reporter for their community teams dur- cy (SCDL) as the Offi cial Partner, Doha ing the semis, and enjoyed a fun and Nike. and exciting community football Organising this tournament environment. reinforces QFA’s commitment hmed Bader’s story is unlike The third place decider match in providing a platform to cre- that of most javelin throwers. will take place on Friday at 5pm ate a football culture amongst The 21-year-old’s qualifi ca- in Al Ahli Stadium, while the fi - the Asian communities across tion to the Rio 2016 Olympic nal will follow at 7pm. Qatar while focusing on the AGames was remarkably his fi rst-ever sen- The tournament draw, which positive values and social ben- ior participation and he was the youngest took place in February, saw 12 efits it generates among the competitor in the discipline. He also be- teams divided into two groups of communities. came the fi rst-ever Qatari to compete in the javelin throw at an Olympic Games. For now, Bader has his eyes fi rmly set on the Doha Diamond League tak- ing place at Qatar Sports Club on Friday, where he will go up against world and Ol- ympic champions Julius Yego and Tho- mas Rohler respectively. The young javelin thrower has proven to be a formidable competitor after quali- fying to Rio with an incredible throw of 84.74 metres, defi nitely a labour of love for Bader, who had his heart set on javelin since he was a child. “It always fascinated me when I was a kid,” he said, adding, “The fi rst time I saw a javelin throw competition I was awed. I couldn’t comprehend how you could throw a javelin close to 100 metres – it left a big impression on me.” Bader’s natural talent was quickly identifi ed and he soon joined Aspire Academy, a world-class sport and edu- cational establishment based in Doha whose alumni include two-time Olympic medallist high jumper Mutaz Barshim, as well as two-time Junior world champion and Olympian Ashraf Elseify. “I was in high school when I joined Aspire Academy and it benefi ted me in so many ways,” Bader said. “The abil- ity to organise my training alongside my education was vital and something that I would not have gotten anywhere else. The importance given to sport in this Action from the Asian Communities Football Tournament semi-final country is phenomenal. between Lebanon (in green) and India (in maroon) at Al Ahli Stadium. “Especially since I’m a javelin thrower, we really need to incorporate science and technology in our training. I’ve defi nitely learned so much thanks to Aspire Acad- Omega, Offi cial Timekeeper of emy’s biomechanical research. We need this information to develop as javelin Doha Diamond League throwers.” No amount of science is a substitute for When the IAAF Diamond League reaches Doha this Friday, hard work, a fact that Bader is fully aware Omega will be on hand as the event’s Off icial Timekeeper. The of, training twice a day from 10am to Swiss brand is widely known for its expertise in athletics time- 12:30pm and from 4pm to 6:30pm – al- keeping, especially through its role as the Off icial Timekeeper of ternating cycles between weight training, the Olympic Games. throwing, and speed training. Omega has been the Off icial Timekeeper of the IAAF Diamond “One of the hardest things about the League ever since the event was founded in 2010. In addition javelin throw is improving yourself. One to its timekeeping and data handling activities at some of the metre can take you years – not just one or world’s highest-profile sporting events, the company has also two years, but fi ve or more. Javelin needs Qatar’s Ahmed Bader had qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics with an incredible throw of 84.74 metres. been responsible for the development of much of the key speed, strength and fl exibility; so in a technology in sports timing, including the modern starting sense it’s a mixture of many disciplines.” “It’s the only way to improve. Some- the 14-meet series, and he has his hopes “I’m incredibly happy that the Diamond pistol, state-of-the-art starting blocks and false start detection Bader’s gruelling training schedule, times it’s good to lose, as that is how you set high. League will be hosted in Doha because I systems and the latest version of its photofinish camera, the which he juggles alongside his education can truly learn and grow as an athlete. My “Competing in the Diamond League know my friends and family will be out Scan’O’Vision Myria, which records up to 10,000 digital images in Qatar University, has continued to pay biggest lesson from Rio was to keep my was once just a dream for me but now it’s there supporting me from the stands – it per second. dividends. The javelin thrower recently nerves in check – that’s the reason why become a reality,” Bader said. “Now my will give me that extra push to do my abso- To complement its partnership with the IAAF Diamond League, qualifi ed for the London 2017 World I didn’t make it to the fi nals but thanks dream has changed and I want to win the lute best and to make them happy.” Omega off ers a mobile application. The app, available for Championships in Athletics during the to that experience I can now compete Diamond League Trophy.” Bader will be competing in the Doha iPhones and Android smartphones, transmits live results during 16th GCC Athletics Championship in against the best athletes in the world and The javelin thrower’s future is grow- Diamond League at 19:05 on Friday at IAAF Diamond League events and makes timetables, schedules, Saudi Arabia. still stay focused.” ing brighter with every competition, but Qatar Sports Club, alongside multiple ticketing details and news available to users in advance of the “I love competing against the greatest The 2017 Doha Diamond League will competing on his home turf is particu- Olympic and world champions. Tickets meetings. in the world,” he said. mark Bader’s fi rst ever participation in larly special for him. are on sale now at q-tickets.com

FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP Al-Attiyah to debut new Evo2 in Jordan

Agencies between the R5 and the RRC (Re- Finnish Rally Championship with Dead Sea, Jordan gional Rally Car) is that the R5 has Jouko Puhakka — found time to a 32mm air restrictor rather than visit the Dead Sea and enjoy some the 30mm on the RRC car. I guess relaxation time in between work- atar’s Nasser Saleh al- the RRC is a detuned World Rally ing on the Mitsubishi. Attiyah will debut his Car and is much stronger compo- “We have been working on the new Ford Fiesta R5 Evo 2 nent wise. car and rebuilding it since last at this week’s FIA Jordan “On smooth surfaces, we expect Wednesday at the Dead Sea,” said Rally,Q the second round of the FIA the R5 cars to be faster than the Vallimaki. “Rakan is looking for- Middle East Rally Championship RRC but, of course, when it gets ward to pushing for the win in (MERC), taking place on Thursday rough, or if the driver slips off the MERC 2 and is aiming for the po- through to Saturday (May 4-6). road, then the R5 is more fragile. dium. He came to the Arctic Rally The Qatari, who is bidding for The car has only recently been ho- in January. I guess that’s very dif- a record-breaking 11th victory in mologated by the FIA.” ferent to the dry, dusty stages we the Hashemite Kingdom’s premier Meanwhile, a Finnish team will have here at the Dead Sea.” motor sporting event, realises the look after a Mitsubishi Lancer Al-Rashed fi nished 49th on his importance of achieving a top fi n- Evolution X for the talented young debut on ice in Finland ish at the Dead Sea after failing to Saudi Arabian driver Rakan al- and will be hoping to reach the fi n- fi nish the opening round of the se- Rashed. Running under the man- ish in Jordan on this occasion after ries in Qatar. agement of former top Finnish star an accident forced him out on the Autotek Motorsport will run the Jussi Vällimäki, the Lancer has fi nal day last year. car for the winner of 63 MERC ral- been re-prepared by the team at The Saudi’s best results in 2016 lies and team principal Ken Skid- the Dead Sea over the last few days were sixth overall in Kuwait and more is relishing the challenge of and al-Rashed will test for the fi rst 34th overall in Finland’s 300 Lakes continuing the Qatari’s winning time today (Monday) with Finnish Rally. streak at the lowest place on earth. navigator Jarkko Kalliolepo. The event gets underway with “Nasser will use the new car, it’s Vallimaki and his crew, who in- a new timed super special stage one of only eight built so far,” said clude chief mechanic Risto Tuom- on the shores of the Dead Sea on Skidmore. “The main diff erence inen — a fi ve-time winner of the Thursday.