CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 NBA | Page 5 Bangladesh’s Warriors fall Shakib and to Kings with Nurul fi ned Durant out, for fracas Casspi hurt

Sunday, March 18, 2018 CRICKET Rajab 1, 1439 AH Salah star show GULF TIMES as Liverpool thrash Watford SPORT Page 4 HATHAB RECORD, Al-Emadi rides Zorro Z POLE FOR to victory ZARCO

French rider breaks Jorge Lorenzo’s 10-year-old lap record in stunning fashion By Sports Reporter (Zorro Z) Time: 65.49 secs. Prize Doha Money: QR7,500 2 Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (Bolan- dro) 69.66secs. QR6,000 alman Mohamed al-Ema- 3. Rashid Towaim AL MARRI (Be- di astride his trusted gelding yonce) 70.25secs. QR4,500 Zorro Z clinched the feature Open Class, Table A, One round Sevent during the ninth leg of against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, the Hathab Equestrian Series at the 115/125cm, Prize Money: QR15,000 Al Shaqab Indoor arena yesterday. 1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Jessico 4). Al-Emadi and the 16-year-old 58.81secs. QR3,750 Zorro Z hit the straps to clear the hur- 2. Mohamed Said Haidan (Corrado’s dles without much diffi culty to fi nish Coriana) 64.62. QR3,000 well ahead of rest of the fi eld. The 3. Mohamed Said Haidan (Damo- pair came home in 65.49 seconds as rano) 65.58. QR2,250 al-Emadi took home QR7,500 for his Future riders class, Table A, One victory. round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi was 85/100cm second with Bolandro, while Rashid 1. Tamim Nasser al-Qadi (GK Towaim al-Marri came third piloting Aqueena) 31.94 secs. Beyonce. 2. Kanz Azzam Abdulla Saleh (Cun- The Open Class title went to Saeed era). 38.13secs. Nasser al-Qadi, who emerged fastest 3. Abdulaziz Majid al-Ghanim (Zuno- Johann Zarco in action during his record-breaking eff ort at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. Inset, he with Jessico 4. Mohamed Said Haid- flaire) 44.15secs. celebrates with his teammates. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil an took both the second and third Future riders class, Table A, One with diff erent horses – Corrado’s round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, Coriana and Damorano respectively. 70/85cm By Sahan Bidappa “Johann was riding amazing, I follow him, he was 1. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani (Sita) Doha one step in front of us. But anyway tomorrow the RESULTS 33.26 secs. race is long, many laps, time to be constant and try to Big Tour, Table A, One round against 2. Fahad Abdulkarim Abed (Kashmir) manage,” the 22-year-old Spaniard added. the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 130/140cm, 33.93secs. aving taken a tumble during the fi nal prac- LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow too got the better Prize Money QR30,000 3. Barzan Azzam Saleh (Ilse) tice session, Johann Zarco threw caution of Dovizioso for fourth place. Alex Rins completed 1. Salman Mohammed al-Emadi. 39.14secs. to the wind in qualifying as the Frenchman the second row on the best of the Suzukis behind grabbed pole position in stunning fashion Dovizioso, ahead of Dani Pedrosa’s Honda and Valen- Hfor today’s Grand Prix of Qatar. tino Rossi, who was 0.709s off the pace on the quicker SPOTLIGHT At the Losail International Circuit last evening, the of the two works Yamahas. Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider set the track on fi re as Meanwhile, Marc VDS’ Alex Marquez claimed the he smashed Jorge Lorenzo’s ten-year-old lap record. pole in Moto2 ahead of Pons rider Lorenzo Baldas- Zarco showed why he his highly-rated as the sarri. In Moto3, SIC58 Squadra Corse rider Nico An- Morocco plans to 25-year-old produced best lap time of 1:53.680 sec- tonelli will start from the front after setting a fastest onds. The eye-catching lap beat the previous record lap by just a thousandth of a second. of Lorenzo set in 2008 by 0.247s. spend $15.8bn if it It was his third premier class pole by 0.202s ahead of reigning champion Marc Marquez’s Honda. Danilo Petrucci set a lap just 0.005s slower than Marquez Marc Marquez celebrates second position. gets 2026 World Cup to take the fi nal spot on the front row and end up the best of the Ducati runners on his Pramac-run GP18. QUALIFYING RESULTS Reuters able after the tournament and keeping Zarco later said the crash in practice was not on his Casablanca down construction costs. mind as he went for broke in the qualifying 2. “I am At least fi ve stadiums, termed legacy pretty happy, it’s the best way to start the season,” MotoGP modular stadiums and with largely said Zarco. 1st row: orocco has proposed using temporary capacity, will be downs- “I had a crash on FP4 but I didn’t have any doubts 1. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) 1min 53.680sec, 14 stadiums and budget- caled after the fi nals to meet the spe- over that crash. It’s not funny to be down before qual- 2. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) at 0.202sec, 3. Danilo ing to spend15.8bn dollars cifi c needs of their local communities. ifying. But then I knew that with a new tyre and light Petrucci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) 0.207 on infrastructure if it wins Casablanca and Marrakech will both bike I was feeling good. Since this morning, I got back 2nd row: theM right to host the World Cup soccer have two stadiums with other venues my feeling that I had during the test. And to beat the 4. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) 0.392, 5. Andrea fi nals in 2026, the country’s bid com- being the capital Rabat, Agadir, El Jad- lap record, that makes me really happy,” he added. Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 0.394, 6. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) mittee announced at a news confer- ida, Fez, Meknes, Nador, Ouarzazate The 2015 Moto2 champion admitted, despite being 0.659 ence yesterday. Oujda, Tangier and Tetouan. on front, a victory under lights was not a guarantee. 3rd row: But Morocoo will not build any new “The World Cup is a national prior- But starting from pole position would give him a best 7. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 0.688, 8. Valentino Rossi stadiums for the tournament, prefer- ity for our government and that is why chance to stand on top of the podium. (ITA/Yamaha) 0.709, 9. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) ring to renovate and modify existing it has guaranteed the required invest- “Tomorrow is the main thing. I will try to win, try 0.751 venues and add temporary capacity ment in our exciting and innovative to be on the podium. It looks the pace is not the best to others, said candidature chairman stadium plans,” added Elalamy. one, but at least to start from pole is the best chance MotoGP2 Moulay Hafi d Elalamy, who is also a “Our beautiful and welcoming na- to catch a good result,” Zarco said. 1st row: government minister. tion off ers players and fans something Marquez was quickest on the fi rst runs and led on a 1. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) 2min 00.299sec, 2. Loren- The North African country is up very special with just one timezone, 1m54.368s, but was then knocked off the top spot by zo Baldassarri (ITA/Kalex) at 0.308sec, 3. Francesco against a joint bid from Canada, Mex- one currency and all host cities are Andrea Dovizioso, who set a 1m54.074s on his Ducati. Bagnaia (ITA/Kalex) 0.544 ico and the United States when world within a 550km radius from Casablan- Dovizioso impressed the most in the practice ses- 2nd row: soccer governing body FIFA’s member ca, meaning limited travel and simple sion and looked good for pole heading into the fi nal 4. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 0.547, 5. Romano Fenati countries decide in Moscow on June logistics. stages. But the Italian was shunted down to fi fth in (ITA/Kalex) 0.600, 13 who will host the tournament eight “All host cities are also all located the fi nal order amid a late fl urry of improvements led 6. Danny Kent (GBR/Speed Up) 0.666 years from now. within an hour’s drive of an airport, so by Zarco and Marquez. 3rd row: Yesterday’s news conference re- players and fans need only focus on the “I am happy because normally in Qatar I have 7. Jorge Navarro (ESP/Kalex) 0.739, 8. Mattia Pasini vealed details of Morocco’s bid book, one thing that matters most — foot- struggled quite a lot. My target was to try and be on (ITA/Kalex) 0.763, which was presented to FIFA on Friday, ball.” Morocco bid unsuccessfully to the front row. I feel like I am on pole position,” said 9. Marcel Schrötter (GER/Kalex) 0.830 with the central theme being making stage the 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 Marquez. Valentino Rossi shows off his skills yesterday. their football infrastructure sustain- World Cups. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, March 18, 2018 SPORT Bangladesh’s Shakib, Nurul fined following Friday’s fracas

Reuters batsmen Mahmudullah and Rubel Hossain to come off the “I understand that it was a tense and an edge-of-the-seat Bangladesh team in certain instances was unacceptable on Colombo fi eld after the second bouncer was not called a no-ball. match with a place in the fi nal on the line, but the actions of a cricket fi eld,” BCB said in a statement on the ICC website Nurul, who had entered the playing area carrying a team the two players were unacceptable and cannot be condoned (www.icc-cricket.com). message, was seen pointing at Sri Lanka captain Thisara Per- as they clearly went overboard. “We understand that the events may have transpired due angladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and reserve era. Shakib was found guilty of “conduct that is contrary to “Had the fourth umpire not stopped Shakib and the fi eld- to the importance of the match and the pressure that comes player Nurul Hasan have been fi ned 25% of their the spirit of the game”, while Nurul displayed “conduct that ers remonstrating, and then the on-fi eld umpires not inter- with it but feel the expected level of professionalism was not match fees and handed one demerit point each for brings the game into disrepute”, the International Cricket vened between Nurul and Thisara, things could have become exhibited by the team while dealing with a tense situation in code of conduct breaches during Friday’s ill-tem- Council (ICC) said in a statement yesterday. worse.” the game.” peredB Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka. Mahmudullah smashed a six off Udana’s fi fth delivery to The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later issued an apol- BCB said it had reminded the players of their responsibil- Ugly scenes unfolded during the closing stages of Bangla- secure a thrilling two-wicket victory for Bangladesh and a ogy for the incident, accepting that their players did not dis- ity in upholding the spirit of cricket at all times. desh’s successful run chase when play was briefl y halted as place in Sunday’s tri-series fi nal against India. play the “expected level of professionalism” in a tense situ- “The BCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have a lasting bond the tourists remonstrated about two shoulder-high balls at “Friday’s incidents were disappointing as you don’t want ation. which has a deep-rooted history of support and cooperation the start of an eventful fi nal over from Isuru Udana. to see such player behaviour during any level of cricket,” “The BCB regrets the unfortunate happenings during and the players of both sides continue to share an excellent A furious Shakib was seen gesturing from the boundary to match referee Chris Broad said. Friday’s match... The Board accepts that conduct of the relationship that gets stronger by the day.”

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Former England star Pietersen India wary of appears to retire

AFP from cricket as he devotes more London time to his conservation work with rhinos. England’s second-highest run Bangladesh power evin Pietersen scorer across all three forms of dropped a strong hint the game, Pietersen won four that he has retired after Ashes series and hit 8,181 runs in the polarising former 104 Tests. EnglandK star decided not to join He has been away from the Quetta Gladiators in Lahore for sport’s top level since his Eng- their Pakistan Super League land exile started in 2014 when play-off . he was a high-profi le casualty of in sub-continent Pietersen helped Quetta an Ashes thrashing in Australia. qualify from the group stages in The fl amboyant Pietersen’s the Twenty20 tournament, but attitude on the tour was criti- India are third in the world T20 rankings, with Pakistan first and Bangladesh 10th with the event now moving from cised by some within the Eng- the UAE to Pakistan, he appears land camp. to have opted to bring down He tried to revive his Test ca- the curtain on his controversial reer, hitting an unbeaten 355 for playing career. Surrey, but it was not enough to The 37-year-old batsman convince the England and Wales hinted at his long-expected re- Cricket Board to take him back. tirement with a Tweet which He embarked on a nomadic simply read “Boots Up! Thank T20 career after that, taking in you” before expanding on his all corners of the globe. situation yesterday. Pietersen, who had a brief and “Someone just tweeted to tell ill-fated spell as England cap- me that I scored 30000+ runs tain, will be best remembered including 152 fi fty’s & 68 hun- for his sublime innings of 158 in dreds in my pro career,” he wrote the fi fth Test against Australia at on Instagram. The Oval in 2005. “4 Ashes wins. Home & away! That heroic eff ort ensured T20 WC win. Beaten India in England got the draw they need- India. Home & away 100’s in all ed to fi nally reclaim the Ashes, major Test nations apart from with he also produced epic Bangladesh. knocks of 227 against Australia “All dedicated to my fam- in Adelaide in 2010 and a bril- ily who have just been the most liant 186 against India in Mum- unreal supporters through thick bai in 2012. & thin! I’m super proud of eve- Given his often divisive na- rything! ture, it was fi tting that Michael “Thank you for all the quite Vaughan, a former England cap- lovely msgs! I loved entertaining tain, admitted his old interna- you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this tional team-mate was a tremen- game!” dous talent, even if he wasn’t A post on Quetta’s Twitter always easy to deal with. feed read: “You will be missed @ “Well done KP on an fantastic KP24 Great career!! Thank you career. Not everyone’s Cup of for everything. Wish you could Tea but you will do for me. Best stayed with us till PSL fi nal but Batsman I had the pleasure to we respect your decision.” play with. 1st England batsman South Africa-born Pietersen that put fear into the Aussies,” is believed to be ready to move on Vaughan tweeted.

India captain Rohit Sharma and his Bangladeshi counterpart Shakib Al Hasan at the nets in Colombo yesterday.

AFP Al Hasan-led team stunned Sri Lanka, that although we have a few of our other never beaten India in the shortest format Colombo beating the hosts by two wickets on Fri- players missing, we’re looking to play ex- of the sport. day to reach the fi nal. actly the sort of cricket that we’ve played “If you think about pressure, it is pres- “In sub-continent conditions, (Bang- in the past one year. We’re looking to win sure. If you don’t think about pressure, it ndia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Di- ladesh) are a very good team,” Karthik told every match,” Karthik said. is not pressure,” said the star allrounder, nesh Karthik yesterday said Bangla- reporters. India are third in the world T20 rank- who returned to lead Bangladesh in the desh are always a tricky opposition “When we play Bangladesh, if we win, ings, with Pakistan at the top, while last round-robin game after most of the and that his team would bring high it’s like ‘Ok, you’ve won against Bangla- Bangladesh are 10th below minnows Af- tri-series due to injury. Iintensity to the Twenty20 tri-series fi nal desh’, but if we lose, it’s like: ‘Dude, you’ve ghanistan.Meanwhile, Bangladesh skip- “I am sure everyone is relaxed, and if we between the two sides today. lost to Bangladesh. What are you doing?’” per Shakib Al Hasan said his side has put can be like this until tomorrow’s match, it Skipper Rohit Sharma’s team was the India went into the tournament with- the ill-tempered encounter with Sri Lan- will be good for us.” fi rst to book its place in the fi nal after out top guns Virat Kohli and Mahen- ka behind them and are fully focussed on Bangladesh have never won a T20 winning three of its four games at Colom- dra Singh Dhoni, and lost their opening the tri-series fi nal against India tournament since they started playing the bo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. match to Sri Lanka, but soon bounced “The two cricket boards have (had) format in 2006, but Shakib said he is con- India hold a psychological edge go- back to win three straight games. good relations for the last 10-15 years. fi dent his side will go into the fi nal with a ing into the tournament decider, with a Karthik, a middle-order batsman who Players have great relations too... We positive mindset. 7-0 record in T20s against lowly-ranked is mostly a second-choice wicketkeeper must move forward from this,” Shakib “If we think it is a big fi nal against In- Bangladesh. behind Dhoni, said the team has not lost told reporters. dia, then it is pressure. Rather, let’s think But Karthik insisted India would not focus in the absence of big names. Bangladesh, 10th in the world T20 about a bat v ball contest,” he said with a take Bangladesh lightly after the Shakib “The fi rst thing (Sharma)... said was rankings — below Afghanistan — have smile.

CYCLING ‘Shark’ Nibali claims Milan-San Remo classic AFP hind after the struggle that had gone I felt good and decided to go.” Filippo Pozzato in 2006. The 33-year- “He did sustain a new rib fracture San Remo, Italy to the wire. “This is the race I least expected to old Sicilian is one of the few riders to on the same side as the one that he As Nibali pulled away on the fi nal win, the one I’m least suited to win,” have won the three big Tours - Giro, damaged in the opening stage of Tir- climb, pre-race favourite Peter Sa- said the man renowned for his climb- Tour de France and Vuelta. reno-Adriatico,” said a statement. taly’s Vincenzo Nibali made a late gan just watched him go, refusing to ing and descent work. But he has already won ‘Monu- Meanwhile, the race marked the solo break and held off a desper- chase the Italian down after being Ewan, who made an impressive last ment’ classic races notably the Tour debut of a video review system fol- ate chase from the pack to win pipped on the line in 2017 by Michal thrust to try and catch Nibali, added: of Lombardy. lowing the row over Sagan’s exclusion the fi rst big classic of the season, Kwiatkowski as the Sky man again sat “I realise it’s a massive result but to The 109th edition of the race, from last year’s Tour de France. Ithe Milan-San Remo yesterday. on his wheel. come so close to winning it’s a pretty which is the longest in the cycling The 28-year-old was controver- The 2014 Tour de France winner, At the summit Nibali led by just big disappointment.” calendar, started under the rain be- sially kicked off the Tour for elbowing nicknamed ‘The Shark’, shook off the eight seconds, but his sheer mastery Three-time world champion Sa- fore the sun came out with 60km to Cavendish and causing a crash. sprint favourites on the Poggio hill on the descent earned him a lead that gan eventually settled for sixth place go. As a result of the fall-out, govern- 10km from home in the 294km race allowed him to hope for victory. as the Slovak, who came second last Britain’s Mark Cavendish, the 2009 ing body the UCI is introducing video through north-western Italy. “When I knew I was 20 seconds year, once again failed to seal victory winner, had a spectacular crash as he technology for all major races. Realising he’d won, Nibali cruised ahead I gave it the gas,” said the on his eighth attempt. hit a bollard and fl ew through the air An offi cial monitored television to victory with his arms aloft as Aus- 33-year-old, who still had almost Defending champion Kwiatkowski before landing hard on his back, 10km footage from diff erent strategically- tralian Caleb Ewan and France’s Ar- 5km to ride. “I’m speechless.” of Poland fi nished in eleventh. from the fi nish line. placed cameras - fi xed, on motorcycle Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali celebrates on the podium naud Demare led the chasing pack “We were racing for (teammate) Nibali’s victory ended Italy’s 12- His Dimension Data team later said and helicopter - to view any infrac- after winning the 109th edition of the Milan-San over the line a good bike length be- Sonny Colbrelli but in the last 15km, year wait for a home winner since that he had escaped major injury. tions. Remo cycling race yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, March 18, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT EUROPA LEAGUE Arsenal fans have nothing to fear, says Eriksen double Russian offi cial

AFP fans have nothing to fear. Moscow “It is a shame that the games will be played in such circum- stance,” said Sorokin, who is also ussia has issued a secu- a senior member of the Russian sends Spurs into rity guarantee to Arse- Football Union. nal fans who will visit “We will ensure security in Moscow for a Europa equal measures to all - from LeagueR clash in the heat of a dip- dignitaries to fans,” Sorokin told lomatic crisis over an ex-double TASS. But he also expressed a agent’s poisoning. hint of annoyance at Arsenal’s Moscow yesterday announced decision to put up the Foreign the expulsion of 23 British diplo- Offi ce travel advisory after Fri- FA Cup semi-fi nals mats in a tit-for-tar response to day’s Europa League draw. London’s “provocative” meas- “To us, there is no diff erence ‘If you watch the last three games, we won with a diff erent starting eleven and now today too’ ures over the nerve agent attack which country people come from on Sergei Skripal and his daugh- or what our diplomatic relations AFP ter in England. with them are,” he said. Swansea, United Kingdom Britain issued a travel warning “There are absolutely no to people in or planning to trav- grounds for such warnings.” el to Russia after expelling the Sorokin has been fi ghting an hristian Eriksen proved same number of Moscow diplo- uphill battle to clean up Russia’s Tottenham can thrive mats on Wednesday. image ahead of its fi rst World without Harry Kane as And Foreign Secretary Boris Cup at home. The June 14 to July the Dane’s double sent Johnson on Friday said it was 15 tournament has been associ- themC into the FA Cup semi-fi - “overwhelmingly likely” that ated closely with Vladimir Putin nals with a 3-0 win at Swansea Russian President Vladimir Pu- ever since the Russian strong- yesterday. tin personally ordered the at- man wrested the hosting rights With striker Kane sidelined tack. The Kremlin called his away from England in 2010. for several weeks due to ankle comments “shocking and unfor- Organisers are keen to resolve ligament damage, Mauricio givable”. all the controversies and the poi- Pochettino’s side received an All of which has left Arsenal soning case does not help. inspirational performance from fans alarmed about the pros- Preparations have already Eriksen at the Liberty Stadium. pects of playing CSKA in Mos- been shadowed by concerns The midfi elder rose to the cow on April 12 for the second leg ranging from racism to hooligan- challenge with a majestic strike of their Europe League quarter- ism and doping that saw Rus- to open the scoring early in the fi nal. One Arsenal supporters’ sia perform at the Pyeongchang fi rst half of the quarter-fi nal. group called it “a hot potato of Winter Games under a neutral After Erik Lamela increased a draw in view of the political Olympic fl ag. Tottenham’s lead before half- stand-off ”. British Prime Minister There- time, Eriksen struck again after The club itself reposted on its sa May decided to give the World the interval to make it seven website a Foreign Offi ce travel Cup itself a snub by announcing goals in 10 matches against advisory warning of possible that royals and ministers would Swansea. Tottenham, chasing “anti-British sentiment or har- not be attending. their fi rst silverware under Po- assment”. A boycott by the England team chettino, are back in the Wem- Russia’s World Cup organising is thought unlikely despite wide- bley semi-fi nals after losing committee chief Alexei Sorokin ranging speculations about it to Chelsea at that stage of the expressed disappointment about in the media and support from competition last season. the tensions and said Arsenal some British MPs. Pochettino was pleased with the way Tottenham took control without Kane and Dele Alli, who COMMENT was only a late substitute. “If you watch the last three games, we won with a diff erent starting eleven and now today Zidane admits liking too,” he said. “What is important is that everyone is available to play and for Champions League the team is not aff ected by the Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen (right) celebrates scoring their third goal with midfielder Lucas Moura in their FA names. We keep the same way, Cup quarter-final against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales, yesterday. (AFP) the same dynamic and that is so rivals Juventus important. fl ed and quickly settled into a up by Lamela. inevitable and it arrived on the Vorm parried a shot from Ols- “It was a very good perform- tempo that had the home side stroke of half-time. Once again, son, Abraham’s diving header ance. We fully deserved the outnumbered and second best Spurs stroll Swansea were chasing shadows fl ew straight back to the Spurs victory. Now, Wembley for the in midfi eld. Tottenham forward Son He- and when Sissoko played in keeper. semi-fi nal.” The visitors went ahead in the ung-Min crashed the ball into Lamela the Argentinian skipped Nordfeldt then kept his team Swansea never got going on 11th minute through a wonder- the net off the underside of the past Tom Carroll and calmly in the contest with a superb a freezing afternoon in south ful strike by Eriksen, although bar in the 23rd minute only for passed the ball into the corner save to turn away Erik Dier’s Wales and can now concentrate Swansea manager Carlos Car- the goal to be ruled out for off - of the goal before Nordfeldt had goal-bound long range eff ort. on trying to preserve their Pre- valhal appealed to the fourth of- side, correctly concluded the time to move. Just past the hour, Spurs mier League status. fi cial for VAR to overturn it. offi cials in charge of the VAR Swansea made a change at the sealed the victory. Swansea’s only chance to up- Carvalhal felt Martin Olsson technology. break, replacing Kyle Naughton The hard-working Lucas set the form book came when had been fouled in the build-up, Eriksen then found himself in with Luciano Narsingh, but the Moura played the ball back to they had an early appeal for but there was no debate about space again on the edge of the pattern remain unchanged as Eriksen, who claimed a de- a penalty turned down when the quality of Erikson’s fi nish box, but his curling shot was Spurs pressed for a third goal. served second goal with a low Tottenham goalkeeper Michel as the Dane curled the ball past brilliantly tipped onto the bar Tammy Abraham might have shot from the edge of the box Vorm upended Nathan Dyer. Kristoff er Nordfeldt from the by Nordfeldt. pulled a goal back with a rare that had suffi cient power to go But Tottenham were unruf- edge of the box after being set A second goal for Spurs felt Swansea opportunity, but when through Nordfeldt’s hands.

FOCUS ‘VAR will be used at Russia WC’ Reuters FIFA’s technical criteria. Infan- Bogota tino also said he did not have any concerns surrounding political issues involving Russia. Rela- ideo assistant referees tions between Britain and Russia (VARs) will be used at have crashed to a post-Cold War the World Cup for the low after over an attack involv- fi rst time in this year’s ing a military-grade nerve agent Vfi nals in Russia, FIFA president on English soil. Moscow has de- happened to me there as a player AFP Gianni Infantino said on Fri- nied any involvement in the at- Madrid even if it’ll always be there in the day, and teams will be allowed tempted murder of former Rus- back of my mind.” a fourth substitute in matches sian double agent Sergei Skripal “They look as solid as they that go to extra-time. and his daughter. eal Madrid coach Zin- were last year,” said Zidane of The use of the VAR system However, Britain, the United edine Zidane says he the Juve outfi t renowned for was approved earlier this month States, Germany and France on would have preferred to rock-solid defending and clini- by the rule-making body IFAB, Thursday jointly called on Russia avoid Juventus in Fri- cal breakaway fi nishing. despite controversy in some of to explain the attack. Some of- day’sR Champions League draw Zidane was also quizzed about the competitions in which it has fi cials have said Britain may re- because of his attachment to the Gareth Bale’s state of mind and been trialled over the time taken consider the attendance of offi - Italian giant where he spent fi ve was asked if the Welsh winger to make decisions and lack of cial representatives at the World happy years. was depressed at Madrid after information for spectators. Cup, with England having quali- The match, to be played on missing selection for both legs of “We are going to have our fi ed for the tournament. 3-11 April, is a replay of last sea- the last-16 victory over PSG. fi rst World Cup with video as- “We are not worried at all, we son’s Champions League fi nal, “He’s a very important part of sisted refereeing,” Infantino are here to organise a football which brought Zidane back-to- our squad, he is happy to be with told reporters after a meeting of tournament,” Infantino said. back European crowns with a 4-1 us and he has showed that. You the FIFA Council. “I know the Russian people win in Cardiff . can think whatever you want but “It’s an essential decision, are looking forward to welcom- “I spent fi ve years over there he isn’t sad,” Zidane insisted. very important and historical ing people from all over the and it was an important club in Lucas Vazquez - himself the decision.” world. Political issues we leave my career as a player, so obvi- subject of transfer speculation The system allows the ref- FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a news conference after a FIFA Council meeting in Bogota, to the politicians.” ously it always has an eff ect on last year - was preferred to Bale eree or the video assistant to Colombia. (Reuters) FIFA said in its fi nancial re- me when we play Juve,” said Zi- for the last-16 second leg in Par- review decisions where a “clear port that it had made a net loss dane, who as a Juventus player is, and duly earned a Spain recall, and obvious” error is spotted. It sport”. one of his priorities since being Moscow in June, would be cho- of $192 million for 2017, al- lost the 1998 Champions League to the delight of Zidane. has been trialled in Germany’s “It’s not possible that, in elected FIFA chief in February, sen in an open vote by its mem- though it had budgeted for a fi nal to Real Madrid. “First of all, I’m very happy Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A 2018, everyone in the stadium 2016. FIFA later said in a state- ber national associations and bigger defi cit of $443 million. “I would have preferred to about Lucas,” Zidane said. “He this season and some English FA and their living room knows if ment that, where matches went details of how they voted would The world ruling body said avoid Juventus for many rea- deserves to be with Spain, he’s and League Cup games, among a referee has made a big mistake to extra-time, teams would be al- be published. “rigorous cost control meas- sons,” said the coach who joined a very professional player that is others. or not, and the only one who lowed a fourth substitute, a rule He confi rmed that there ures” had helped keep expenses Madrid as a player in 2001, scor- always ready to give 150 per cent Infantino said VAR had been doesn’t know is the referee,” In- change also approved by IFAB. were two candidates - Mo- below budget. It is still expect- ing a wonder-goal to clinch the of himself in everything he does. shown to reduce the number of fantino added. rocco against a joint bid from ing to achieve a $100 million Champions League fi nal with a “He’s in a great shape and we refereeing mistakes in match- Infantino had repeatedly NO CONCERNS the United States, Canada and surplus for the 2015-18 cycle as 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen. take advantage of it. He’s part of es where it has been used and promised that VAR would be Infantino said the hosts for Mexico. Both bids will be evalu- FIFA receives a large propor- “But we drew Juve and now I our team and I hope he will be for would help football become used at the June 14-July 15 the 2026 World Cup, to be de- ated fi rst by a task force and tion of its income in World Cup have to concentrate on that and many more years. As his coach, I “a fairer and more transparent World Cup and has made it cided at the FIFA Congress in disqualifi ed if they did not meet years. forget about everything that really appreciate Lucas.” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, March 18, 2018 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOLTIGHT Super Salah hits Chennaiyin win ISL title AFP Midfi elder Augusto scored in Bengaluru the 67th minute to cap off the game. “Yes, I got lucky two times in a row. It’s diffi cult but fortu- four as Liverpool hennaiyin FC clinched nately, with my teammates eve- their second Indian rything is possible and this year, Super League title yes- we were amazing all this season terday after beating and I think we deserve that. All Cdebutants Bengaluru FC 3-2 in a the guys they are amazing and mouthwatering fi nal clash. we’re very happy,” said Chennai Goals from Brazilians Mailson skipper Henrique Sereno. Alves and Raphael Augusto gave “This year we knew that our crush Watford 5-0 Chennaiyin FC their second ISL strength is from the defence and trophy after winning in 2015. we showed (that) in the games ‘It is vitally important. We have had a diff icult run of games and not got any points’ Bengaluru FC started in spec- and in the fi nal too.” tacular fashion when skipper Chennaiyin FC is now on par Sunil Chhetri led with 1-0 in the with Atletico de Kolkata as the eighth minute, creating a new most successful with two wins record by scoring the fastest goal each in the tournament. Bengaluru in an ISL fi nal. FC have enjoyed a dream run since Chhetri nodded in a cross switching from the rival I-League, from Udanta Singh past Chen- winning 13 of their 18 matches un- naiyin FC goalkeeper Karanjit der the stewardship of former Bar- Singh in front of home fans at celona defender Albert Roca. the packed Sree Kanteerava Sta- The Spaniard, who joined dium in southern Bengaluru city. the south Indian club as coach But minutes later Chennaiyin in 2016, was disappointed with FC defender Alves pulled one Saturday’s outcome but hopeful back as he nodded in a corner. for a quick revival. “I am for sure A hush fell on the home crowd really sad because we would have in blue when Alves delivered an- liked to give that trophy, that win other deft header from a corner to our fans that they deserve,” kick before the half-time break. Roca said.

Chennayin FC players celebrate after their 3-2 victory against Bengaluru FC in the final of ISL in Bengaluru yesterday. (AFP)

SELECTION Italy name Buff on in Liverpool’s midfielder Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal during the English Premier League match against Watford at Anfield in Liverpool yesterday. (AFP) squad for friendlies with Chelsea four years ago are when Luka Milivojevic stroked sive defeat equals their long- AFP Results & standings London a distant memory and Salah home a penalty after Andros est losing streak in the Premier AFP Mario Balotelli, who has not etched his name in the Liverpool Bournemouth ...... 2 West Bromwich Albion 1 Townsend was fouled by Mathias League. They have won just one Rome played for Italy since the 2014 history books in the 43rd minute Huddersfield Town ...... 0 Crystal Palace ...... 2 Jorgensen. Palace’s fi rst win in of their 17 league matches under World Cup, was again overlooked ohamed Salah’s stun- with a close-range fi nish from Leicester City Arsenal postponed eight league games leaves them Alan Pardew and lie nine points despite scoring 22 goals for Nice ning debut season Andrew Robertson’s cross. Stoke City ...... 1 Everton...... 2 two points above the bottom from safety with only seven taly have included veteran this season in all competitions. Swansea City Southampton postponed with Liverpool hit a Salah turned provider for Liverpool ...... 5 Watford ...... 0 three. Huddersfi eld are three matches left. “This was an op- goalkeeper Gianluigi Buf- Squad new high as the Egypt Roberto Firmino’s goal in the points clear of Southampton, who portunity to just get a win and fon in their squad for this Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buff on Mwinger’s four-goal spree set a 49th minute with a pin-point Standings P W D L F A Pts drop into the relegation zone. get our confi dence up, instead month’s friendlies, extend- (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarum- club record in a 5-0 demolition cross that the Brazilian guided Man City 30 26 3 1 85 20 81 “It is vitally important. We we have had a really hurtful Iing an international career that ma (Milan), Mattia Perin (Genoa). of Watford, while Crystal Pal- into the net with an audacious Man Utd 30 20 5 5 58 23 65 have had a diffi cult run of games blow,” Pardew said. appeared to have ended with Defenders: Leonardo Bonucci ace boosted their bid for Premier mid-air back-fl ick. Liverpool 31 18 9 4 73 34 63 and not got any points,” Hodg- Cenk Tosun’s double pushed their failure to qualify for the Tottenham 30 18 7 5 59 25 61 (AC Milan), Giorgio Chiellini League survival with a 2-0 vic- Salah wasn’t fi nished yet as Chelsea 30 17 5 8 52 27 56 son said. While Palace remain Stoke deeper into the relegation World Cup. (Juventus), Matteo Darmian tory at Huddersfi eld yesterday. he twisted past a group of be- Arsenal 30 14 6 10 55 41 48 hopeful of retaining their lucra- mire as Everton won 2-1 at the The 40-year-old, who has (Manchester United), Mattia De After a 2-1 defeat at arch ri- wildered defenders to complete Burnley 30 11 10 9 27 26 43 tive top-fl ight berth, bottom- bet365 Stadium. made 175 appearances, had con- Sciglio (Juventus), Gianmarco vals Manchester United in their his treble in the 77th minute. Leicester 30 10 10 10 45 43 40 of-the-table West Bromwich In a snow blizzard in the Pot- fi rmed his international retire- Ferrari (Sampdoria), Alessandro last game, Salah’s latest master- He is the fi rst Egyptian player Everton 31 11 7 13 37 50 40 Albion seem destined for rel- teries, Stoke midfi elder Charlie ment immediately after the 0-0 Florenzi (Roma), Daniele Rugani Bournemouth 31 9 9 13 37 49 36 class helped Liverpool get back to score a Premier League hat- Watford 31 10 6 15 39 55 36 egation after an agonising 2-1 Adam lost his cool in the 30th draw with Sweden in Novem- (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola on track with a fourth win in trick and capping a memorable Brighton 30 8 10 12 28 40 34 defeat at Bournemouth. minute when his reckless lunge ber which condemned Italy to (Atalanta), Davide Zappacosta their last fi ve league games. evening, Salah was on hand to Newcastle 30 8 8 14 30 40 32 on Wayne Rooney earned a watching the World Cup from (Chelsea). Midfielders: Giacomo Salah has scored 36 goals for slam in his fourth in the 85th Swansea 30 8 7 15 25 42 31 ‘Hurtful blow’ straight red card from referee the sidelines. But he subse- Bonaventura (AC Milan), Bryan Liverpool in all competitions minute after Karnezis spilled Huddersfield 31 8 7 16 25 52 31 Albion went in front in the Martin Atkinson. Everton had quently said he would accept a Cristante (Atalanta), Roberto since joining from Roma last Danny Ings’ shot. Crystal Palace 31 7 9 15 30 48 30 49th minute at Dean Court lost their last fi ve away league call-up from interim coach Luigi Gagliardini (Inter), Jorge West Ham 30 7 9 14 36 57 30 year - the most by any player in Liverpool move two points Southampton 30 5 13 12 29 44 28 when Salomon Rondon’s header games, but Tosun’s 69th- Di Biagio and was duly named in Luiz Frello Jorginho (Napoli), a debut season with the Reds. above Tottenham into third Stoke 31 6 9 16 29 58 27 was met by Jay Rodriguez with minute strike put them in front. the squad for the matches away Marco Parolo (Lazio), Lorenzo Spain striker Fernando Torres place as they aim to qualify West Brom 31 3 11 17 24 49 20 a fi erce fi nish for his fi rst goal Second-bottom Stoke, three to England on March 23 and Pellegrini (Roma), Marco Ver- netted 33 times for Liverpool in for next season’s Champions since January. points from safety after one win against Argentina in Manchester ratti (Paris Saint Germain). 2007-08. Salah took just four League via a top four fi nish. But Jordon Ibe levelled for in their last 12 league games, four days later. Forwards: Andrea Belotti minutes to shred the Watford After four successive defeats, Smith’s Stadium when James Bournemouth in the 77th looked like snatching a point in Veteran defender Giorgio (Torino), Antonio Candreva (In- defence as his clever turn left Palace climbed out of the rel- Tomkins struck from close minute and Junior Stanislas the 77th minute when Eric Max- Chiellini kept his place while AC ter), Patrick Cutrone (AC Milan), Miguel Britos sprawled on the egation zone with a victory that range after his fi rst eff ort was gave the Cherries their fi rst win im Choupo-Moting equalised. Milan forward Patrick Cutrone Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina), turf and opened space to drill dragged Huddersfi eld back into blocked by Jonas Lossl. in fi ve league games with an But Tosun had the fi nal word and Fiorentina forward Federico Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo past Orestis Karnezis. trouble. Palace took the lead Roy Hodgson’s team wrapped 89th-minute free-kick. with an agile diving header in Chiesa were included for the fi rst Insigne (Napoli), Simone Verdi The 25-year-old’s struggles in the 23rd minute at the John up the points in the 68th minute West Brom’s seventh succes- the 84th minute. time. However, maverick striker (Bologna).

LA LIGA BUNDESLIGA Schalke win at Wolfsburg, Valencia close on top-four Hamburg closer to fi rst drop Reuters fi nish with Alaves win Berlin Reuters gave Alaves a foothold in the automatically for next season’s may not be as electric as then, chalke 04 needed an 86th-minute own Madrid game by getting a goal back four Champions League by fi nishing perhaps we’re not as decisive, goal from Robin Knoche to beat hosts VfL minutes into the second half. in the top four. but we are a better team.” Wolfsburg 1-0 yesterday, tightening their Valencia began the season in Also on Saturday relegation- grip on second place and delaying title alencia continued their fearsome form and were consid- fi ghting Deportivo La Coruna celebrationsS for leaders Bayern Munich by at least Valencia are third in the impressive form by standings aft er 29 games with ered title candidates alongside drew 1-1 at home to fellow strug- one matchday. beating Alaves 3-1 at 59 points, two above Real Barcelona until December, when glers Las Palmas, leaving the two At the other end of the table the fi rst Bundesliga Schalke’s Swiss forward Breel Embolo celebrates home in La Liga yes- who host Girona today, and their form tailed off . They are sides seven and six points adrift relegation for league ever-presents Hamburg SV after instigating an own goal by Wolfsburg’s Vterday to climb above Real Ma- currently on a resurgent run of of safety respectively. edged closer after they lost 2-1 at home against 14 clear of fi ft h-placed Sevilla German defender Robin Knoche during the drid into third in the standings who go to Leganes six wins in their last seven league Getafe came from behind Hertha Berlin to stay anchored in 17th place. Bundesliga match in Wolfsburg. (AFP) and take another step towards games and Marcelino praised his to win 2-1 at Real Sociedad, Schalke substitute Breel Embolo cut back into returning to the Champions Hopes of a comeback from the side for getting back on track. prompting an angry reaction the box and Knoche defl ected the ball into his own Bundesliga every season since the league’s crea- League. Basque side were short-lived, “In January we went six games from supporters at a soaking wet net for the game’s only goal as the visitors moved tion in 1963, are seven points away from the rel- Spain international Rodrigo however, as defender Victor La- without winning but we have re- Anoeta stadium and piling more up to 49 points with seven games left. egation playoff spot occupied by Mainz 05, with Moreno put Marcelino’s side guardia diverted a cross into his covered very well and we are fl y- pressure on beleaguered coach Ten minutes earlier Schalke keeper Ralf Fae- just seven games left. ahead in the 19th minute by play- own net fi ve minutes later. ing right now,” he told reporters. Eusebio Sacristan, whose side sit hrmann had saved a penalty to keep them in the They have won only four Bundesliga games all ing a smart one-two off strike Valencia are third in the “I’ve been pleased with how 14th in the standings and have game. Bayern, top on 66, face RB Leipzig on Sun- season. Everything looked to be going well for the partner Simone Zaza and sliding standings after 29 games with we’ve played throughout the lost four of their last six games in day but will have to put the champagne on ice for former European champions and their new coach the ball home from close range. 59 points, two above Real who year. When you win many games all competitions. at least two weeks due to the league’s break for in- Christian Titz when Douglas Santos put them Italian forward Zaza turned in host Girona today, and 14 clear it looks easy but the coach and Leaders Barcelona host Ath- ternational matches, as they can theoretically still ahead in the 25th minute. But Hertha struck twice a free kick from Daniel Parejo to of fi fth-placed Sevilla who go to players know it isn’t. letic Bilbao today and second- be caught. Third-placed Borussia Dortmund, on in seven minutes in the second half, with goals consolidate his side’s lead in the Leganes. “I think we’re a better team placed Atletico Madrid play at 45, host Hanover 96 today. from Valentino Lazaro and Salomon Kalou, to 34th, although Ruben Sobrino Marcelino’s side will qualify than we were in October. We Villarreal. Hamburg, the only club to have played in the snatch the three points. Gulf Times Sunday, March 18, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Warriors fall to Kings with Durant out, Casspi hurt Buddy Hield came off the Sacramento bench to score 22 points to lead the Kings against a struggling Warriors squad

AFP have everybody back when it counts.” Los Angeles That means when the playoff s start April 14. The Warriors’ loss left the level for second overall in the NBA with the efending champion Golden Eastern Conference-leading Toronto State saw Kevin Durant side- Raptors, who matched the all-time best lined for two weeks, Israeli team win streak by winning their 11th forward Omri Casspi hurt and game in a row, downing Dallas 122-115 theirD bid to overtake Houston for the in overtime. NBA’s best record falter on Friday with The Raptors, who own the NBA’s a 98-93 loss to Sacramento. best home record at 29-5, had 29 points Buddy Hield came off the Sacra- from DeMar DeRozan, including a mento bench to score 22 points to lead short jump shot with 53.1 seconds left the Kings against a struggling Warriors in overtime that put the Raptors up 117- squad without Durant and star guards 115. Jonas Valanciunas then made fi ve of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. six free throws in the waning seconds to Before the game, Durant was put onto seal the victory, fi nishing with 21 points the injured list with a rib cartilage frac- and 12 rebounds for Raptors. “I’m not ture and set for re-evaluation in two completely happy, because I see the big weeks. The reigning NBA Most Valuable picture, but I like the fi ght,” Toronto Player ranks sixth among all NBA scor- coach Dwane Casey said. “I like the way ers this season with 26.6 points a game. the guys competed.” Durant also averages 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 The Boston Celtics, second to To- assists and 1.9 blocked shots a game. ronto in the East, downed host Or- Golden State was also without Curry, lando 92-83. The Magic connected on out with a sore right ankle, and Thomp- just 39.1 % of their shots from the fl oor son, sidelined by a broken right thumb. and were out-rebounded 55-40. Bos- Both will be evaluated next week. Join- ton pulled down 16 off ensive rebounds ing the injury list was reserve Casspi, and out-scored the Magic in second- who sprained his right ankle landing on chance points 20-8. Guard Terry Ro- a rival’s foot in the second quarter after zier, starting in place of injured Kyrie playing only six minutes. Irving, and reserve Greg Monroe scored Golden State’s Quinn Cook scored a 17 points apiece for the Celtics. career-best 25 points in 40 minutes on The Philadelphia 76ers rallied for a the court and Draymond Green added 120-116 home victory over Brooklyn, 14 points, 10 rebounds and seven as- closing with a decisive 7-1 run. sists. But the Kings (23-47) closed the Robert Covington’s 3-pointer with game on an 11-3 run to capture their 35.9 seconds remaining put the Sixers fi rst back-to-back wins since late Jan- ahead 116-115 and they wouldn’t trail uary. again. That dropped Golden State to 52-17 Philadelphia All-Star center Joel and 2 1/2 games behind Western Con- Embiid celebrated his 24th birthday ference leader Houston for the best with a game-high 24 points and a ca- record in the NBA. With injuries nag- reer-high 19 rebounds. Sixers’ rising ging them and the Rockets showing no Aussie star Ben Simmons fi nished two sign of misfi ring, the Warriors might rebounds shy of a third straight triple- not be able to overtake Houston for the double with 21 points, 12 assists and overall playoff home-court edge. eight rebounds along with three steals. “It’s a harrowing experience — I’m Russell Westbrook posted his fourth just trying to process it all,” joked War- successive triple-double to lead host riors coach Steve Kerr. “Second in the Oklahoma City over the Los Angeles conference would just be devastating.” Clippers 121-113, while Goran Dragic Then he turned serious, trying to put scored 30 points to power Miami over the injuries and best-record chase into the host Los Angeles Lakers 92-91. perspective. “We’re not really paying too much attention to the standings. RESULTS We are just playing,” Kerr said. Boston 92 Orlando 83; Philadelphia 120 “We’re in a good position big picture Brooklyn 116; Toronto 122 Dallas 115 (OT); no matter what happens because our Oklahoma City 121 La Clippers 113; injuries are all relatively minor. We’re Sacramento 98 Golden State 93; Miami 92 very hopeful and confi dent that we’ll LA Lakers 91 Sacramento Kings guard Frank Mason shoots during the NBA match against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, USA, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL MLB Sharks’ Kane dazzles with four-goal night Phillies lose Eickhoff Reuters for 8 weeks to injury Calgary, Canada Philadelphia: The Philadelphia fi ll the void, including right Phillies will be without right handers Ben Lively, Zach Efl in, vander Kane scored a career-high hander Jerad Eickhoff from their Mark Leiter Jr. and lefty Tom four goals to lead the San Jose starting rotation for six-to-eight Eshelman. Sharks to a crazy 7-4 victory over weeks because of a strained lat the Calgary Flames in NHL action muscle. Eickhoff , expected to OHTANI ROCKED FOR SEVEN FridayE night in Calgary. Kane, acquired slot in the middle of Philadel- RUNS IN TRAINING START from the Buff alo Sabres at the trade dead- phia’s rotation behind newly Japanese two-way star Shohei line, hadn’t posted a hat trick in the fi rst signed Jake Arrieta and former Ohtani surrendered seven runs eight-plus seasons of his career, but did Phils fi rst-round pick Aaron in 1 1/3 innings in a spring train- it and added one for good measure at the Nola, will begin the season on ing start for the Los Angeles Scotiabank Saddledome while running the disabled list. Angels against the Colorado his season goals total to 25. First-year manager Gabe Rockies on Friday in Arizona. He opened the scoring exactly six min- Kapler told reporters Friday that The 23-year-old right- utes into the aff air — a fortunate goal as the injury occurred in Eick- handed pitcher, whose power at his long shot ricocheted off the stick of hoff ’s March 9 outing against the plate has sparked compari- Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton the Pittsburgh Pirates when he sons to iconic slugger-pitcher and into the net — before tying the game pitched 3 1/3 innings. Babe Ruth, gave up seven hits 2-2 at the 6:29 mark of the middle frame. “There might be a blessing — including home runs to Ian Kane added another late in the second in disguise here,’’ Kapler said. Desmond and Nolan Arenado, period to break open a 3-3 tie and then “We’re always thinking about while walking one and striking stuck a dagger in the Flames’ collective keeping guys healthy and strong out three. hearts with his fourth goal at 1:02 of the and limiting their total innings He needed 50 pitches to third period to make it a 6-3 aff air. Sharks count. Those are things that record four outs in his biggest goalie Martin Jones made 30 saves in his are always on our mind, so it’s test against Major League hitters team’s third straight win. possible the innings are limited since arriving Stateside this year. on the front end and then in Ohtani started well enough, PREDATORS 4, AVALANCHE 2 September, October, he’s strong holding the Rockies scoreless in Colton Sissons and Filip Forsberg each and healthy and prepared to go the fi rst inning. had a pair of goals and Nashville became through a full season.’’ But he gave up a leadoff homer the fi rst team to clinch a Stanley Cup The 27-year-old Eickhoff is to Desmond to start the second Playoff berth with a victory over Colo- San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (left) shoot the puck as Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (centre) and right hoping for a rebound season then hit Chris Iannetta. Mike rado at Pepsi Center. Nashville has gone wing Garnet Hathaway defend during the NHL game in Calgary, Canada. (USA TODAY Sports) in 2018. Originally part of the Tauchman and Jordan Patterson 13-0-1 in the last 14 games, and extended mega-trade that sent long-time belted back-to-back singles to its point streak to 14 games, tied for the team to defeat the expansion Golden The contest was the second part of a the season. Marian Gaborik and Duchene Phillies southpaw Cole Hamels load the bases with no outs and longest in franchise history. Predators Knights three times this season. home-and-home series with the Island- also had goals for the Senators, who won to the Texas Rangers in the sum- Charlie Blackmon hit a two-run goalie Juuse Saros fi nished with 33 saves. Minnesota (40-24-7, 87 points) also ers. The Capitals beat them 7-3 in Brook- their third straight game. Craig Anderson mer of 2015, Eickhoff impressed single to tie the game. Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon extended its third-place lead in the Cen- lyn on Thursday night. Chiasson got his stopped 23 shots to pick up his 21st win in in his fi rst full MLB season in After another run-scoring had a goal, extending his points streak to tral Division to three points over Colora- goal in the third period and assisted on goal this season. 2016 when he went 11-14 with single by DJ LeMahieu, Arenado 11 games. Gabriel Landeskog also scored do and Dallas. Erik Haula scored his 28th one goal apiece in the second and third a 3.65 ERA with a repertoire connected for a three-run homer for Colorado, which snapped a three- goal of the season and Ryan Carpenter periods. The Capitals stretched their DUCKS 4, RED WINGS 2 including a strong fastball and a that put the rockies up 7-3 and game winning streak. also scored and Marc-Andre Fleury had winning streak to four. Anaheim took one step closer to a po- sharp curve. after he produced one more 26 saves for Vegas (45-21-5, 95) which tential playoff berth, while Detroit took However, hand and back inju- strikeout Ohtani was pulled by WILD 4, GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 dropped its fourth straight home game SENATORS 3, STARS 2 (OT) another step towards improving its odds ries limited him to just 24 starts Angels manager Mike Scioscia Jason Zucker had a goal and an assist and and saw its division lead shrink to eight Mike Hoff man slapped home the game- in the draft lottery. Nick Ritchie, Derek last season, when he fi nished pulled him. Prior to the game, Alex Stalock had 26 saves as Minnesota points over the San Jose Sharks. winner at 3:26 of overtime to lead Ottawa Grant, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler each 4-8 with a 4.71 ERA. In his three Scioscia sidestepped a ques- completed a season sweep of Pacifi c Di- over slumping Dallas in Ottawa. Hoff man scored to lift the Ducks over the Red seasons with the Phillies, Eick- tion about whether Ohtani had vision-leading Vegas with a victory at T- CAPITALS 6, ISLANDERS 3 one-timed a crossing pass from Matt Wings, helping Anaheim tie both Dallas hoff is 18-25 with a 3.87 ERA in work to do to secure his spot on Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Charlie Coyle, Alex Chiasson fi nished with one goal and Duchene from the faceoff circle to the left for the fi nal wild-card spot in the West- 65 starts and 376 1/3 innings. the Angels’ Opening Day roster. Matt Dumba and Zach Parise also scored two assists, and six Caps scored a goal as of goalie Ben Bishop and past the right ern Conference and Los Angeles for third The Phillies will likely con- “We’re not going to get into ros- goals for the Wild, who became the fi rst Washington defeated New York in DC. shoulder of Bishop for his 22nd goal of place in the Pacifi c Division. sider several young arms to help ter decisions,” Scioscia said. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, March 18, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS Sharapova withdraws from Miami Osaka ousts Halep to set Open Miami: Maria Sharapova’s troubled start to the season has continued with the Rus- sian having to withdraw from the Miami Open due to a left up clash with Kasatkina forearm injury, tournament organisers said on Friday. The five-time grand slam winner and former world Kasatkina wears down the 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in three sets number one has failed to re- discover her best form after AFP returning from a doping ban Indian Wells, United States last year and split with coach Sven Groeneveld following a first-round exit at the BNP apanese dynamo Naomi Osaka Paribas Open last week. punched her ticket to the Indian The loss in California Wells fi nal on Friday, routing world marked the first time that JNo 1 Simona Halep to set up a title Sharapova, whose 15-month clash with rising star Daria Kasatkina. ban for taking the banned World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the drug meldonium ended last top seeded Halep in stunning fash- April, had lost three consecu- ion with a 6-3, 6-0 win, while Russian tive matches since 2003. juggernaut Kasatkina wore down the “I am really sorry that I 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam have to withdraw from one winner Venus Williams in three sets of my favourite tournaments 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. with my left forearm injury. I The 26-year-old former champion am doing everything possible Halep dropped to 18-2 on the season to return to the tour as soon as she lasted just 64 minutes on the as possible,” Sharapova said. court with Osaka. “I just was not ready. The 30-year-old, who has I missed the ball a lot and I didn’t play yet to win a title this year, what I had to play,” Halep said. “I don’t will be replaced by American fi nd excuses. She was better. I just was Jennifer Brady in the Miami not ready and played wrong.” tournament, which is sched- Youth prevailed Friday night as both uled for March 21 to April 1. unseeded Osaka and world No. 19 Ka- “We were looking forward satkina are 20 years old while the com- to seeing her play Wednes- bined age of Williams and Halep is 63. day, but unfortunately inju- “I feel like there is a new generation ries are part of the game. We and we are trying to push through,” said hope she recovers quickly Osaka, who clinched the contest on the and is back on the court third match point. soon,” Tournament Director Osaka improved to 14-4 in 2018 as she James Blake said. came into the clash as the lowest ranked Top men’s players, Indian Wells semi-fi nalist since Kim including Rafa Nadal, Stan Clijsters in 2005. “I was kind of nervous Wawrinka and Dominic that entire (fi nal) game because it kept Thiem, have also withdrawn going back and forth,” Osaka said. “But due to injuries. Despite the I’m really glad I was able to fi nish on my Naomi Osaka whips a forehand pull outs, the event still serve instead of having to break her or en route to her win over Simona boasts a strong field. something like that. Yeah, it felt good.” Halep in the semi-finals of the The women's field includes Halep had three double faults, won BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, eight-time Key Biscayne just fi ve points on her second serve and California. (AFP) champion Serena Williams had her serve broken fi ve times. Halep, and No. 1-ranked Simona who had reached the semi-fi nals in all Halep. Serena and Victoria four of her tournaments in 2018, was former world number ones. “A match net to end the two hour, 49 minute mar- Williams had almost double the reigning Grand Slam champions in the Azarenka top the list of eight trying to repeat her Indian Wells suc- like this, you’re just speechless,” Kasat- athon showdown. number of unforced errors, 63-45, and past year, including US Open champ main draw wildcards in the cess of three years ago when she beat kina said. “Too many emotions and you Ultimately the young Russian proved broke Kasatkina six times but she also Sloane Stephens twice. She did it for the women's. Also rewarded with Jelena Jankovic to lift the trophy. cannot explain everything. Maybe one to be too strong for Williams, who ap- made fi ve double faults — some at cru- second time at Indian Wells, winning entry into the main draw is Meanwhile, Kasatkina rolled over her of the best nights in my life, for sure.” peared to hit a wall at about the two and cial moments in the match. “Anyone their third round match 6-4, 6-3. 16-year-old American prodigy third top-10 player in a row to reach her Serving for the match, Kasatkina a half hour mark. “As my coach said, who gets used to losses should give up After eliminating Stephens she beat Amanda Anisimova. fi rst Indian Wells fi nal. Kasatkina ral- clinched the victory on her second she’s 37 years old, I am 20, so I should go on life,” Williams said. two top 10 players to get to the semis — The men's field includes lied to claim the biggest victory of her match point as she raced out to a 40-0 for three sets,” she said. Kasatkina fi red Kasatkina continues her Cinderel- world number two Caroline Wozniacki defending champion Roger career and defeat world number eight lead. Williams hit a cross-court fore- one ace, hit fi ve double faults and broke la run through the California desert in three sets in the fourth round and Federer and six-time champ Williams, extending a year-long assault hand winner on the fi rst match point Williams’s serve seven times in the en- tournament as she goes for her second then No 10 Angelique Kerber in straight Novak Djokovic. on top players, Grand Slam winners and but then dumped a backhand into the tertaining match. WTA title. Kasatkina has beaten all four sets in the quarters.

SPOTLIGHT GOLF Raonic books showdown with Del Potro Sweden’s Stenson clings AFP Indian Wells, United States to share of Bay Hill lead ilos Raonic, coming off an inju- AFP ry-riddled 2017, booked a semi- Miami fi nal clash with comeback king Juan Martin Del Potro at the MATP Tour’s Indian Wells Masters on Friday. weden’s Henrik Stenson The 27-year-old Raonic defeated American birdied three consecu- Sam Querrey 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 to pick up just tive holes and clung to his fourth match win of the season and is a share of the lead on seeking to capture his ninth career ATP Tour FridayS as Tiger Woods slipped title. He’ll be up against the eighth-ranked back in the second round of the player in the world in Argentina’s Del Po- US PGA Tour Arnold Palmer tro, who beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber Invitational. Stenson, the 2016 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the day’s other quarters. British Open champion and Raonic lost in the fi nal of this event in Juan Martin Del Potro 2017 Rio Olympics runner-up, 2016 and has now made it to the semi-fi nals returns a shot to Philipp fi red a bogey-free three-un- in his last three appearances. Raonic didn’t Kohlschreiber in the der par 69 to stand alongside play in Indian Wells last year because of a quarter-finals in American Bryson DeChambeau string of injuries and surgeries that deci- Indian Wells. (AFP) on 11-under 133 after 36 holes at mated his season. Bay Hill. “It’s been a catastrophe,” he said of the a few events, tried to treat the issue. That of Raonic. “His game is so good. His serves Woods, a 14-time major win- time off due to injuries. The list of things wasn’t possible. I had surgery just before the are very strong. He’s very good player. So he ner and eight-time champion at that have put him in the infi rmary in the past US Open. And then in November I hurt my just needs a couple of weeks to improve his the Orlando course, opened and year is lengthy and might have sent another knee.” ranking and be where he deserves to be.” closed the front nine with bogeys person into permanent retirement. Del Potro can certainly sympathize with Former US Open champ Del Potro stepped but rallied late to shoot a level- “Let’s go down the list. Right adductor, Raonic. For Del Potro, reaching the semis is up his bid for a second straight tournament par 72 and stand seven shots left glut at the beginning of the year. Then I another feather in the cap of his comeback victory with his over two hour quarter-fi nal back on 140 after 36 holes as he tore my hamstring at the beginning of Feb- from injuries as he is back in the top 10 for win. Del Potro, who won a title earlier this works to fi nd consistent top form ruary. After Wimbledon I had to have wrist the fi rst time since 2014. “He has every- month in Acapulco, Mexico, fended off a ahead of next month’s Masters. surgery. Through the summer I tried to play thing to be in the top again,” Del Potro said stern challenge from Kohlschreiber. Stenson, whose only victory since his lone major title came last year at Greensboro, began LPGA on the back nine and saved pars from seven feet at the par-fi ve 16th and 15 feet at the par-three 17th after fi nding bunkers off the Henrik Stenson of Sweden putts for birdie during the second round Clanton seizes lead at LPGA Founders Cup tee. He also sank a nervy fi ve- of the US PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando. (AFP) footer for par at 18 after blasting AFP Uribe, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanu- a bogey in her three-under 69. out of a greenside bunker. left rough and led to a bogey. At nine with three consecutive Los Angeles garn and American Marina Alex. Alex climbed the leaderboard with “Today wasn’t as good as yes- nine, Woods had a three-putt birdies, starting the run with Clanton, seeking her fi rst win a bogey-free six-under 66 while terday obviously but the impor- bogey from 61 feet. an 18-footer at the par-three on the LPGA Tour, was even Uribe and Ariya both posted 68s. tant part for me was 16, 17 and “Today was just a bad day,” seventh. He put his approach ydney Clanton holed through the fi rst nine holes with It was a further stroke back to 18,” Stenson said. “I scrambled said Woods, who dropped his inches from the cup at 12 to out for eagle from the one bogey and one birdie. After Americans Mo Martin and Jes- for par on all three after hitting approaches at the 12th and 16th set up a birdie and dropped a fairway at 13 and rolled a birdie at the par-fi ve 11th, she sica Korda on 137. On a day when some not-so-good golf shots, inches from the cup for tap-in seven-foot eagle putt at the in a birdie at the last to posted an eagle two at the par- more benign conditions led to kept patient and made three in a birdies to reach level par for the par-fi ve 16th, then closed with seizeC the second-round lead at four 13th, where her wedge into lower scores, Choi was unable to row coming home. Three in a row day, then narrowly missing a a four-foot birdie putt that left the LPGA Founders Cup in Ari- the green took one bounce and build on her fi rst-round 67, her on this golf course is not bad.” 14-foot birdie putt at 18. “Today him level for the lead. American zona on Friday. Clanton shook found the cup. even-par 72 leaving her tied for Stenson sank four-foot bird- was a hard fi ght, it was a grind,” Talor Gooch was third on 135 off an early bogey and fi red four She added another birdie at 15 13th, four shots off the lead. ie putts at the par-four fi fth he said. “I didn’t hit the ball with South Korean An Byeong- birdies along with her eagle in a and took sole possession of the Former world number one and par-fi ve sixth holes then close. I didn’t hit the ball well hun fourth on 136 and Charley fi ve-under par 67. lead with her birdie at the last. Lydia Ko of New Zealand en- dropped a 20-footer at the par- but I was just hanging in there Hoff man another stroke adrift. Her nine-under par total of 135 Clanton, a rookie in 2012, has dured another tough day, follow- three seventh. trying not to shoot myself out of Rickie Fowler headed a group of put her one stroke in front of a four career top 10 fi nishes, but no ing up her fi rst-round 74 with Woods, again attempting to the tournament.” fi ve on 138 while four-time ma- quartet of players that included wins. Icher, who shared the fi rst- a one-over 73 that left her well return in the wake of four back DeChambeau, who won his jor champions Rory McIlroy and overnight co-leader Karine Icher round lead with South Korea’s outside the projected cut line of operations, stumbled at the fi rst PGA title at last July’s John Ernie Els were among those six of France, Colombia’s Mariajo Chella Choi, had four birdies and one-under par. start. His tee shot found the Deere Classic, closed the front strokes back on 139. Gulf Times Sunday, March 18, 2018 7 SPORT

RUGBY GYMNASTICS All set for FIG Artistic Individual World Cup Ireland beat England ‘King Kohei’. By Sports Reporter Doha Uchimura has won six world all-around titles and the last two Olympic all-around titles, the his week’s FIG Artistic longest streak of dominance in Individual World Cup in gymnastics history. With both Doha will act as a dress the top gymnasts eyeing wins rehearsal for the World heading into important year of to seal Grand Slam TChampionships, which Qatar World Championships, the bat- will host this October. tle between the two will be treat ‘Words can’t describe how delighted we are. We knew it would be a tough task to come here and win’ “This World Cup is very spe- to watch for fans. cial for us as it will also serve as In addition, the oldest Olympic Reuters the test event for World Cham- Gymnast, the 43-year-old Oksa- Twickenham, United Kingdom pionships this year,” Qatar na Chusovitina from Uzbekistan Gymnastics Federation (QGF) will also be coming to Doha to president and chairman of the defend her vault title she won last reland secured their third organising committee Ali al- year. Besides, several other gym- Six Nations grand slam Hitmi said yesterday. nasts have confi rmed their par- in emphatic style yester- The Artistic Gymnastics ticipation for the contest. day when, on a St Patrick’s World Cup will be held at the As- As for Qatar, young gymansts IDay to remember, they over- pire Dome from this Wednesday, Jana Kiki and Ahmed Nabil will whelmed defending champions March 21 to 24, with gymnasts represent the host country. Al- England 24-15 to join the men of from 39 countries competing for Hitmi said expressed hope that 1948 and 2009 in the country’s the honours. The QGF is confi - they will achieve good results, rugby hall of fame. dent of organising the best-ever which will refl ect the extent of The Irish made light of sleet championship, with an eye on the development of gymnastics and biting wind and an Eng- the marquee event to be held in Qatar. land team desperate to avoid a later this year from October 25 to “Nabil is one of the exciting third successive defeat as they November 3 talents supported by the QGF deservedly led 21-5 at halftime “All the preparations for the and has won eight gold and two with tries by Garry Ringrose, CJ event have been completed and silver medals over the past three Stander and the prolifi c Jacob we are looking forward to a very years in the various regional Stockdale. successful edition this year,” al- events. Kiki is also a promising England, unbeaten at home Hitmi said. gymnast who won two bronze in the Six Nations since 2012, “We will leave no stone un- medals during the Arab Youth managed tries by Elliot Daly in turned to make it a blockbuster Championships in Morocco in each half and another in stop- as it will give us huge confi dence 2015,” al-Hitmi said. page time by Jonny May but al- ahead of World Championships,” The al-Hitmi thanked the FIG ways looked second-best. the QGF president said. for reposing its faith in Doha and Wales edged France 14-13 Like every year, top gymnasts lauded the great support provid- later to fi nish second in the Six including World and Olym- ed by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- Nations behind Grand Slam pic champions will be in action mad al-Thani, the president of winners Ireland. The win left over four days. The qualifi cation the Qatar Olympic Committee. Wales on 15 points, with Scot- rounds will be held on fi rst two “It’s a great a moment to or- land fi nishing third, France days of the championship, with ganise the 11th edition of the fourth, England fi fth and Italy eight best gymnasts making it Gymnastics World Cup in Qa- with the wooden spoon. to the fi nals and will strive for tar. This one particular event Scotland defeated Italy 20-27 medals on the last two days of had helped us win the bid for earlier in the day. England fi n- Ireland’s hooker Rory Best (second right) holds the Six Nations trophy and Ireland’s fly-half Jonathan Sexton (left) the Triple Crown as the competition. this year’s FIG World Cham- ished outside the top three for Ireland players celebrate their Six Nations Grand Slam victory after their match against England at the Twickenham, west London. (AFP) The mouth-watering con- pionships. I like to thank QOC the fi rst time in 12 years and end test is expected between world President HE Sheikh Joaan bin as low as fi fth - their worst per- with a Jonny Sexton drop goal page time with a knockout blow. Farrell uncharacteristically Conor O’Shea. champion Xiao Ruoteng of Chi- Hamad al-Thani for his support formance in 35 years. to snatch victory in their fi rst The TMO again ruled in their failed to convert any of them “There’s so many positives. na and Japanese legend Kohei to host the competitions,” said “Words can’t describe how match away to France. favour as Stockdale knocked on and the score did nothing other I’m really, really proud of our Uchimura, famously known as al-Hitmi. delighted we are,” said Ireland They had no need for such - legally - with his knee before than slightly delay the Irish cel- players they put in a great per- captain Rory Best. “We knew it heroics on Saturday, however, diving on the ball for his 11th ebrations. formance, and played some would be a tough task to come as they were rarely troubled at try in his nine internationals to “We gave them too many amazing rugby.” here and win. It was a ferocious a ground where they had lost on send Ireland in 21-5 ahead. penalties at the start of the Scotland’s slim title hopes test match. We had to make eve- three of their last four visits. England, seeking to avoid a game and allowed them to build had been extinguished with ry moment count and we knew It was all Ireland in the open- third successive defeat in the a lead,” Jones said. defeat to Ireland last week but the reward would be worth the ing 20 minutes as they built a competition for the fi rst time “They are a good tough team, they propelled themselves up massive eff ort required.” 14-0 lead that England could since 2006, came out full of fi re very worthy grand slam cham- the table from fi fth to third after A year ago in Dublin Ireland hardly complain about. in the second half but came up pions and they’ve performed home wins against France and ended English grand slam hopes against the disciplined, organ- extremely well today.” England. by handing Eddie Jones his fi rst BLASTED THROUGH ised and hugely motivated de- Italy coach Conor O’Shea “This win is as valuable as the defeat as England coach and on First the TMO ruled that fence that has been a key aspect conceded he was “destroyed” win against England,” said Scot- Saturday they rubbed it in by Ringrose had fairly reached in Ireland’s march to the title. as Scotland snatched a last- land coach Gregor Townsend, giving him his fi rst at Twicken- the ball after Anthony Watson As Ireland stood fi rm, the gasp 29-27 win to break Italian whose side claimed their fi rst ham. spilled a Sexton up and under thousands of their fans were hearts. Italy had dominated, away championship win since The Australian’s oft-stated before Stander skidded into the ensuring it was the St Patrick’s leading 17-12 at half-time but beating Italy two years ago. aim has been to build England base of a post after Bundee Aki Day of a lifetime as the sounds suff ered their 17th straight de- “Italy were in control for most into a team capable of challeng- had blasted through the Eng- of their “Fields of Athenry” an- feat after a 79th minute penalty of the game, but our fi tness was ing New Zealand as the best in lish midfi eld. England fi nally them rang around the ground by Greig Laidlaw handed Scot- a factor and we dominated the the world but at the moment roused themselves with a series and the volume was cranked up land third place in the tourna- second half,” he added. they have dropped so far off the of driving mauls that created further when a Conor Murray ment as the Italians fi nished “It’s good for us to get three pace that they are not even close space for Owen Farrell to fi nd penalty after an hour stretched with the wooden spoon for the wins. It’s not often that happens to being the best in Europe. with a deft kick for Daly to reach the lead to 19. A great backhand third time in fi ve years. in the Six Nations.” That honour goes to Ireland, on the left wing. pass by Mike Brown sent Daly “I’m destroyed for the lads Italy fi nish bottom of the ta- deserved champions - though But just as the crowd were over and May had the last word and the fans but we’ve seen our ble for the third straight year the grand slam looked a long getting ready for halftime with with England’s third try. future, the style and the game with fi ve defeats in fi ve games, Qatar Gymnastics Federation president and chairman of the FIG way away when they began the game delicately poised at But, summing up England’s that we want, the quality of our with captain Sergio Parisse suf- Artistic Individual World Cup organising committee Ali al-Hitmi the 41-phase move that ended 14-5, the visitors struck in stop- day and entire championship, young players,” said Italy coach fering his 100th Test defeat. addressing the media yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen

DOHA TRIATHLON BADMINTON Shi sets up all-Chinese Al-Romaihi emerges champion All England fi nal By Sports Reporter Doha AFP Birmingham brahim al-Romaihi emerged champion fast and enterpris- in the Qatar National ing performance from Championship held fl eet-footed 22-year- asE part of the Doha Triathlon old Shi Yuqi ensured 2018, which concluded at the thatA China will win back the Museum of Islamic Art Park on men’s singles title at the Bad- Friday. minton All England Open in China’s Shi Yuqi in action against Al-Romaihi clocked today’s fi nal. South Korea’s Son Wan Ho during 1hr12mins43secs, about four Shi overcame Son Wan Ho, the their singles All England Open minutes clear Mubarak al-Ajji fi fth-seeded Korean to reach the Badminton Championships who fi nished second, while fi nal of the famous 118-year-old semi-final in Birmingham. (AFP) Abdulla Shaheen al-Kaabi was tournament with a 21-17, 21-14 third. About 400 athletes in win. Two-time former champi- better than last year. This time various categories took part in on Lin Dan faces Chinese com- I will be playing one of my team the event in which athletes had patriot Huang Yuxiang in the mates, so I will be able to prepare to swim, run and cycle. other semi-fi nal later. for specifi c details.” Jamal Abdul Latif al-Kuwari, Son may have been blunted by By contrast Tai Tzu Ying’s Qatar Cycling and Triathlon two gruelling three-game tus- victory over Chen Yufei ensured Federation Secretary-General, sles in the past three days and that China cannot regain the ti- expressed his joy at the strength the fresher Shi was quick to take tle in a women’s singles event it of the competition. advantage once he was able to once used to dominate. “The race was excellent and Winners of the Doha Triathlon 2018 pose with their medals. snap out an error-strewn start The top-seeded defending All the participants benefi ted a lot that saw him fall 7-11 behind in England champion from Taiwan from the second edition com- in both the men’s Olympic Open fi nished in the fourth and fi fth pions (B Haithem, J Parker and plete the course. the fi rst game and 5-9 in the sec- won 21-15, 20-22, 21-3 against pared to the previous one. We’re and Overall classes. The TriClub spots, respectively. G Abate) in the men’s section, The Sprint Class was con- ond. the eighth-seeded Chen Yufei, a also happy to have a category athlete took 2:03.27 to fi nish Isora Sosa Caballero topped while the women’s title went tested by athletes in four sec- Shi hit top form with a seven- 20-year-old former world jun- for the Qatari athletes and we the course. He was more than 11 the Olympic Open Women’s to Team Awesome, represented tions – open men and women point sequence in the middle of ior champion, recovering from witnessed tough competition in minutes faster than teammate Class with 2:23.48, beating Toni by S Neeson, J Kaaoush and L and veteran men and women. the second game to decisively a temporary loss of concentra- that class for the Qatar National David Walsh in the Open class. Snoxell easily. Gerda Maria Du- van Gisbergen). Samuel Valdez TriClub’s pair of Bernard Mc- swing the match in his favour. tion in the second game and Championship,” he added. Ahmad al-Sharhan of 3Club was mitru was third. and Nadia Lie, both from Doha Cullagh and Carla Pregigueiro His success followed a surpris- re-asserting her reputation as Diff erent distances were ear- third with 2:14.50. Pia Sundsteadt, who is excel- College, put up a fi ne display bagged both the Individual and ingly comfortable victory over the world’s most skilful female marked for three categories: In the Olympic Overall Class, lent in bike and running, came and won the Super Sprint titles overall crowns. Andrew Buckley China’s Olympic champion Chen player. Super Sprint – 375m swim, De Ulzurrun was followed by on the top of the Veterans and in the individual category. Val- and Elizabeth Dunne topped the Long on Friday, and off ers the Her opponent in the fi nal will 10km bike, 2.5k run; Sprint – Joan Pedret Ruiz and Joady Olympic Overall. Caballero was dez (45:13) beat TriClub’s Ar- veterans class timesheets. chance of redemption after being be the World Super Series fi - 750m swim, 20km bike, 5k run Sanderson, who fi nished fi rst about four minutes slower to ran Cameron (48:49) and Lie Dr Mohamed Jaham al-Ku- blown away by Malaysia’s Lee nals winner from Japan Akane and Olympic – 1500m swim, and second in the Veterans’ Sundsteadt and Andrea Stadler clocked 53:32 to brush aside wari, QCTF President and Dr Chong Wei in last year’s fi nal. Yamaguchi, who defeated the 40km bike, 10k run. category. Ruiz was timed in was third with 2:32.19. the challenge of Rasha Sajeer Nasser al-Mohannadi were the “My form is getting better and Olympic silver medallist from Aday Alvarez Diez de Ulzurrun 2:12.35, while Sanderson was a The Olympic Class Team ti- Kalandan (Birla Public School), guests of honour at the awards better,” Shi said. India Pusarla Sindhu 19-21, 21-19 emerged as the strongest athlete close third. Walsh and Sharhan tles were claimed by The Cham- who required 1:02:11 to com- ceremony. “In the fi nal I hope I can do 21-18 in the semi-fi nal yesterday.

Sunday, March 18, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SWIMMING FOOTBALL/QNB STARS LEAGUE Double Dutch Gharafa’s hopes hit, delight in Doha Markhiya Rio Olympic champions Sharon Van Rouwendaal and Ferry Weertman live up to relegated reputation by winning the first leg of the FINA/HOSA Marathon Swim Series 2018 By Sports Reporter Results Doha (Home teams first) l Gharafa’s hopes of Al Arabi 3 Al Gharafa 1 fi nishing fourth in the Al Rayyan 2 Umm Salal 2 QNB Stars League suf- Al Kharaitiyat 3, Qatar SC 2 fered a huge blow when Al Sadd 0 Al Khor 1 theyA crashed to a 3-1 defeat Al Markhiya 2 Al Duhail 4 against Al Arabi in the penulti- Al Ahli 0 Al Sailiya 3 mate round yesterday. Diego Jardel (45+9) and Kwame Karikari (73rd and 81st minutes) match. The goal was scored with a scored the goals for Al Arabi, who shot from outside the Al Sadd box thus extended their incredible that was heavily guarded. winning streak to four matches Al Markhiya have been relegat- and took their points tally to 24. ed as any hopes of survival took a Al Gharafa’s goal was scored by heavy pounding when they lost Brazilian defender Rubert Jose in 2-4 to new Al Duhail. the 42nd minute. Al Markhiya scored in the 40th The defeat dealt a serious blow and 71st minutes through Mo- to the hopes of Al Gharafa, who hamed El Neel and Eric Pereira. stayed on 32 points, the same as Al Duhail’s goals were scored Umm Salal who held Al Rayyan by Youssef Msakni (27th and 85th 2-2 in the day’s another fi xture, to minutes) and Yousef El Arabi (75th fi nish among the top four and thus and 80th minutes). qualify for the Qatar Cup. It did not take long for the It was Al Gharafa who created relegation-threatened club to Qatar Olympic Committee First Vice President Dr Thani al-Kuwari, Qatar Swimming Federation President Khalial al-Jabir and other off icials pose with the men’s winners. more chances from the begin- fall behind via a mistake of their ning and they duly took the lead own making just before the half- By Sports Reporter Rasovszky went off and started leading, through Rubert. hour mark. Msakni latched onto a Doha leaving Fontaine fi ghting behind him, However, Brazilian midfi elder through ball before being clumsily who, half way through the second lap was Diego Jardel, who played an in- brought down by the goalkeeper again on his own towards the front-left strumental role in their 3-1 win for a penalty. Msakni stepped up lympic champions Sharon Van hand side, away from the pack, hoping for over Al Rayyan in Week 20, was at and dispatched with ease to help Rouwendaal and Ferry Weert- a better line. Germany’s number 43 Mar- it again when he converted from The Red Knights take an early lead. man, both of the Netherlands, cus Herwig, 22, was leading at this point. the spot in the ninth minute of With the half drawing to a close, were the big winners yesterday Brazil’s Diogo Villarinho took the early fi rst-half stoppage time. Al Markhiya got back on level inO Doha, the fi rst host of the FINA/HOSA lead of lap 3, which the referee had to The penalty was awarded af- terms, thanks to some incisive at- Marathon Swim World Series 2018. watch very carefully as the pack was start- ter Al Gharafa goalkeeper Qassim tacking play from Saleh al-Yazidi. Rio 2016 winner Van Rouwendaal ing to spread out. Last year’s overall win- Burhan made a lunging foul on His slide-rule pass through the touched home in 2h02m24s4, while ner Simone Ruffi ni of Italy was then 7th in Mudhir Abdurab. The play was centre was the perfect invitation Germany’s Leonie Beck was second in a very controlled pace. stopped for some time and Burhan for El Neel to emphatically level 2h02m25m2 and teammate Finnia Wun- Olympic champion Weertman slowly was shown a red card. the scores. Midway through the ram third in 2h02m26s7. but surely made his way from the back Meanwhile, substitute Salem second half, and against the run In the men’s race Olympic title holder of the pack to the middle. His teammate Khalifa produced a stunning sec- of play, Al Markhiya took the lead Weertman won his fi rst ever gold medal Marcel Schouten was still one of the fi rst ond-half strike to power Al Khor as Pereirra ran towards the op- in the World Series. He clocked a time of ones in turns with Fontaine. Fontaine end- to a 1-0 win over Al Sadd. position box unchallenged before 1h52m41s6, while France’s David Aubry ed up fi nishing 9th today in 1h52m48s90. After both sides ended the fi rst fi ring an unstoppable rocket into took silver in 1h52m42s5 and Italy’s Si- Aubry got back to the front in the fourth half without a goal, Al Khor man- the top corner. So often the archi- mone Ruffi ni, last year overall Series’ win- lap, when swimmers normally adjust their aged a late strike when Salem, after tects of their own downfall, the ner, took bronze in 1h52m24s7. position for the rest of the competition beating two rival defenders with home side let the lead slip minutes An array of open water swimmers (43 and were the gaps in-between the group his amazing speed, unleashed a later as El Arabi was able to power women, and 72 men), several of them Ol- increase. At this point, Jack Brunell (GBR), powerful shot that beat the goal- through the defence and fi re past ympic and/or World champions battled Mario Sanzullo (ITA) and Kristof Rasovsz- keeper and smashed into the net at the goalkeeper. for glory yesterday off Doha’s Coriche. ky (HUN) made their way to the front. high speed. Minutes later, the champi- The women’s race started this morning In a stunning sprint 100m away from It was a memorable outing for ons retook the lead when El Arabi at 8:30 with uncertain conditions. A light the turning bouy during the fi fth lap, tra- Salem, who had replaced Mowa- grabbed the rebound following wind was up and a slight fog made the vis- ditional indoor pool swimmer and 1,500m fak Awad in the 58th minute of the Hazem’s parried shot. ibility more diffi cult. However half way Olympic and World champion Gregorio through the race the sun came out and the Paltrinieri of Italy took the lead for the fi rst temperature went up. time of the race. He suddenly was side by The speed really started to pick up to- side with very experienced Alex Reymond wards the end of the race when the Ger- of France. The sixth and fi nal lap saw man swimmers Leonie Beck and Finnia Sharon Van Rouwendaal and Ferry Weertman of the Netherlands pose after winning Weertman coming back faster than ever to Wunman clearly showed their intention to the women’s and men’s race off Doha’s Corniche yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma touch home fi rst, closely followed by Au- keep their best pace within the frontrun- bry (1h52m42s5) and Ruffi ni (1h52m24s7) ners. best race ever… apart from the Olympics. I taine, 19 in a few days, from France, took who completed the podium today in Doha. While most swimmers skipped the last was really relaxed during the race. I started the lead together with teammate David Still out of breath, gold medallist feed opportunity at the pontoon, where behind and at each turn I tried to win a few Aubry, 21. We could observe a V-shape Weertman, said: “This is my fi rst win in they can refuel with energy gel and cool- places and at the end I just kept calm. I formation behind the two French leaders the World Series! I am very happy about ing water, the real sprint was visible in the tried to sprint the last 600m. which is a sign that the pace is steady. that! I have won some other races but it is last 19-20 minutes of the race. “Normally I am in front right from the But half way through the fi rst lap, seven nice to be this good that early in the sea- In the last straight line, Van Rouwendaal start but at the World Series I am trying to swimmers were side by side in the front to son. distanced herself from the pack to swim learn new tactics. I can see that this was form a spectacular group of frontrunners. “I felt strong in the fourth lap, so I over- clear with the defi nitive intention to grab my best tactic ever.” Leonie Beck (GER), Just like in the women’s race, Germany took in the front and immediately I saw a medal. At the last buoy, Van Rouwendaal silver medallist, added: “I am feeling very showed great form yesterday. Marcus Reymond coming. He is a very good 25km gave all she had and clinched the gold after good. I did not expect to do so well. When Herwig started to take the lead and dis- swimmer so I knew he was going to keep 2h02m24s4 of incredible eff ort in the wa- the Italians stopped I didn’t expect it so I tance himself from the pack. He swam up the pace and I knew I had to stay on his ter. Right behind her for silver was Leonie thought “ok well I’ll just go in front”.” on the left hand side of this huge group of feet. I could do that for a very long time. Beck (2h02m25s2) and Finnia Wunman for As opposed to the women’s diving start, athletes, which included 15 French swim- I also saw Paltrinieri come next to me and bronze (2h02m26s7). A very happy and it was a water start for the men’s race this mers, all standing out with their bright I know he’s the fastest man in the 1,500m smiling Van Rouwendaal commented after afternoon in Doha. blue cap. but I had to stay with him because I know I Al Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi and Youssef Msakni celebrate their win her race: “I feel very good. This is like my Right from the beginning Logan Fon- At the start of lap 2, Hungary’s Kristof have a good sprint.” over Markhiya yesterday.

EMIR CUP SHOOTING

Gold-medal winner Rashid al-Azbah (centre), silver-medal winner Saeed Abu Shareeb and bronze-medal winner Samir Sarkis (right) celebrate on the skeet podium of Emir Cup Shooting Championship at the Losail Shooting Range yesterday. At right, Hajar Mohamed, Reem al-Shershini and Fatimah al-Muraikhi pose with their skeet gold, silver and bronze medals respectively. CCRICKETRICKET | Page 2 NBA | Page 5 Bangladesh’s Warriors fall Shakib and to Kings with Nurul fi ned Durant out, for fracas Casspi hurt

Sunday, March 18, 2018 CRICKET Rajab 1, 1439 AH Salah star show GULF TIMES as Liverpool thrash Watford SPORT Page 4 HATHAB RECORD, Al-Emadi rides Zorro Z POLE FOR to victory ZARCO

French rider breaks Jorge Lorenzo’s 10-year-old lap record in stunning fashion By Sports Reporter (Zorro Z) Time: 65.49 secs. Prize Doha Money: QR7,500 2 Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi (Bolan- dro) 69.66secs. QR6,000 alman Mohamed al-Ema- 3. Rashid Towaim AL MARRI (Be- di astride his trusted gelding yonce) 70.25secs. QR4,500 Zorro Z clinched the feature Open Class, Table A, One round Sevent during the ninth leg of against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, the Hathab Equestrian Series at the 115/125cm, Prize Money: QR15,000 Al Shaqab Indoor arena yesterday. 1. Saeed Nasser al-Qadi (Jessico 4). Al-Emadi and the 16-year-old 58.81secs. QR3,750 Zorro Z hit the straps to clear the hur- 2. Mohamed Said Haidan (Corrado’s dles without much diffi culty to fi nish Coriana) 64.62. QR3,000 well ahead of rest of the fi eld. The 3. Mohamed Said Haidan (Damo- pair came home in 65.49 seconds as rano) 65.58. QR2,250 al-Emadi took home QR7,500 for his Future riders class, Table A, One victory. round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, Mubarak Yousuf al-Rumaihi was 85/100cm second with Bolandro, while Rashid 1. Tamim Nasser al-Qadi (GK Towaim al-Marri came third piloting Aqueena) 31.94 secs. Beyonce. 2. Kanz Azzam Abdulla Saleh (Cun- The Open Class title went to Saeed era). 38.13secs. Nasser al-Qadi, who emerged fastest 3. Abdulaziz Majid al-Ghanim (Zuno- Johann Zarco in action during his record-breaking eff ort at the Losail International Circuit yesterday. Inset, he with Jessico 4. Mohamed Said Haid- flaire) 44.15secs. celebrates with his teammates. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil an took both the second and third Future riders class, Table A, One with diff erent horses – Corrado’s round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1, Coriana and Damorano respectively. 70/85cm By Sahan Bidappa “Johann was riding amazing, I follow him, he was 1. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali al-Thani (Sita) Doha one step in front of us. But anyway tomorrow the RESULTS 33.26 secs. race is long, many laps, time to be constant and try to Big Tour, Table A, One round against 2. Fahad Abdulkarim Abed (Kashmir) manage,” the 22-year-old Spaniard added. the clock, Art. 238.2.1, 130/140cm, 33.93secs. aving taken a tumble during the fi nal prac- LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow too got the better Prize Money QR30,000 3. Barzan Azzam Saleh (Ilse) tice session, Johann Zarco threw caution of Dovizioso for fourth place. Alex Rins completed 1. Salman Mohammed al-Emadi. 39.14secs. to the wind in qualifying as the Frenchman the second row on the best of the Suzukis behind grabbed pole position in stunning fashion Dovizioso, ahead of Dani Pedrosa’s Honda and Valen- Hfor today’s Grand Prix of Qatar. tino Rossi, who was 0.709s off the pace on the quicker SPOTLIGHT At the Losail International Circuit last evening, the of the two works Yamahas. Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider set the track on fi re as Meanwhile, Marc VDS’ Alex Marquez claimed the he smashed Jorge Lorenzo’s ten-year-old lap record. pole in Moto2 ahead of Pons rider Lorenzo Baldas- Zarco showed why he his highly-rated as the sarri. In Moto3, SIC58 Squadra Corse rider Nico An- Morocco plans to 25-year-old produced best lap time of 1:53.680 sec- tonelli will start from the front after setting a fastest onds. The eye-catching lap beat the previous record lap by just a thousandth of a second. of Lorenzo set in 2008 by 0.247s. spend $15.8bn if it It was his third premier class pole by 0.202s ahead of reigning champion Marc Marquez’s Honda. Danilo Petrucci set a lap just 0.005s slower than Marquez Marc Marquez celebrates second position. gets 2026 World Cup to take the fi nal spot on the front row and end up the best of the Ducati runners on his Pramac-run GP18. QUALIFYING RESULTS Reuters able after the tournament and keeping Zarco later said the crash in practice was not on his Casablanca down construction costs. mind as he went for broke in the qualifying 2. “I am At least fi ve stadiums, termed legacy pretty happy, it’s the best way to start the season,” MotoGP modular stadiums and with largely said Zarco. 1st row: orocco has proposed using temporary capacity, will be downs- “I had a crash on FP4 but I didn’t have any doubts 1. Johann Zarco (FRA/Yamaha Tech3) 1min 53.680sec, 14 stadiums and budget- caled after the fi nals to meet the spe- over that crash. It’s not funny to be down before qual- 2. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) at 0.202sec, 3. Danilo ing to spend15.8bn dollars cifi c needs of their local communities. ifying. But then I knew that with a new tyre and light Petrucci (ITA/Ducati Pramac) 0.207 on infrastructure if it wins Casablanca and Marrakech will both bike I was feeling good. Since this morning, I got back 2nd row: theM right to host the World Cup soccer have two stadiums with other venues my feeling that I had during the test. And to beat the 4. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/LCR Honda) 0.392, 5. Andrea fi nals in 2026, the country’s bid com- being the capital Rabat, Agadir, El Jad- lap record, that makes me really happy,” he added. Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 0.394, 6. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) mittee announced at a news confer- ida, Fez, Meknes, Nador, Ouarzazate The 2015 Moto2 champion admitted, despite being 0.659 ence yesterday. Oujda, Tangier and Tetouan. on front, a victory under lights was not a guarantee. 3rd row: But Morocoo will not build any new “The World Cup is a national prior- But starting from pole position would give him a best 7. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) 0.688, 8. Valentino Rossi stadiums for the tournament, prefer- ity for our government and that is why chance to stand on top of the podium. (ITA/Yamaha) 0.709, 9. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Ducati) ring to renovate and modify existing it has guaranteed the required invest- “Tomorrow is the main thing. I will try to win, try 0.751 venues and add temporary capacity ment in our exciting and innovative to be on the podium. It looks the pace is not the best to others, said candidature chairman stadium plans,” added Elalamy. one, but at least to start from pole is the best chance MotoGP2 Moulay Hafi d Elalamy, who is also a “Our beautiful and welcoming na- to catch a good result,” Zarco said. 1st row: government minister. tion off ers players and fans something Marquez was quickest on the fi rst runs and led on a 1. Alex Marquez (ESP/Kalex) 2min 00.299sec, 2. Loren- The North African country is up very special with just one timezone, 1m54.368s, but was then knocked off the top spot by zo Baldassarri (ITA/Kalex) at 0.308sec, 3. Francesco against a joint bid from Canada, Mex- one currency and all host cities are Andrea Dovizioso, who set a 1m54.074s on his Ducati. Bagnaia (ITA/Kalex) 0.544 ico and the United States when world within a 550km radius from Casablan- Dovizioso impressed the most in the practice ses- 2nd row: soccer governing body FIFA’s member ca, meaning limited travel and simple sion and looked good for pole heading into the fi nal 4. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM) 0.547, 5. Romano Fenati countries decide in Moscow on June logistics. stages. But the Italian was shunted down to fi fth in (ITA/Kalex) 0.600, 13 who will host the tournament eight “All host cities are also all located the fi nal order amid a late fl urry of improvements led 6. Danny Kent (GBR/Speed Up) 0.666 years from now. within an hour’s drive of an airport, so by Zarco and Marquez. 3rd row: Yesterday’s news conference re- players and fans need only focus on the “I am happy because normally in Qatar I have 7. Jorge Navarro (ESP/Kalex) 0.739, 8. Mattia Pasini vealed details of Morocco’s bid book, one thing that matters most — foot- struggled quite a lot. My target was to try and be on (ITA/Kalex) 0.763, which was presented to FIFA on Friday, ball.” Morocco bid unsuccessfully to the front row. I feel like I am on pole position,” said 9. Marcel Schrötter (GER/Kalex) 0.830 with the central theme being making stage the 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 Marquez. Valentino Rossi shows off his skills yesterday. their football infrastructure sustain- World Cups. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, March 18, 2018 SPORT Bangladesh’s Shakib, Nurul fined following Friday’s fracas

Reuters batsmen Mahmudullah and Rubel Hossain to come off the “I understand that it was a tense and an edge-of-the-seat Bangladesh team in certain instances was unacceptable on Colombo fi eld after the second bouncer was not called a no-ball. match with a place in the fi nal on the line, but the actions of a cricket fi eld,” BCB said in a statement on the ICC website Nurul, who had entered the playing area carrying a team the two players were unacceptable and cannot be condoned (www.icc-cricket.com). message, was seen pointing at Sri Lanka captain Thisara Per- as they clearly went overboard. “We understand that the events may have transpired due angladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and reserve era. Shakib was found guilty of “conduct that is contrary to “Had the fourth umpire not stopped Shakib and the fi eld- to the importance of the match and the pressure that comes player Nurul Hasan have been fi ned 25% of their the spirit of the game”, while Nurul displayed “conduct that ers remonstrating, and then the on-fi eld umpires not inter- with it but feel the expected level of professionalism was not match fees and handed one demerit point each for brings the game into disrepute”, the International Cricket vened between Nurul and Thisara, things could have become exhibited by the team while dealing with a tense situation in code of conduct breaches during Friday’s ill-tem- Council (ICC) said in a statement yesterday. worse.” the game.” peredB Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka. Mahmudullah smashed a six off Udana’s fi fth delivery to The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later issued an apol- BCB said it had reminded the players of their responsibil- Ugly scenes unfolded during the closing stages of Bangla- secure a thrilling two-wicket victory for Bangladesh and a ogy for the incident, accepting that their players did not dis- ity in upholding the spirit of cricket at all times. desh’s successful run chase when play was briefl y halted as place in Sunday’s tri-series fi nal against India. play the “expected level of professionalism” in a tense situ- “The BCB and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have a lasting bond the tourists remonstrated about two shoulder-high balls at “Friday’s incidents were disappointing as you don’t want ation. which has a deep-rooted history of support and cooperation the start of an eventful fi nal over from Isuru Udana. to see such player behaviour during any level of cricket,” “The BCB regrets the unfortunate happenings during and the players of both sides continue to share an excellent A furious Shakib was seen gesturing from the boundary to match referee Chris Broad said. Friday’s match... The Board accepts that conduct of the relationship that gets stronger by the day.”

PREVIEW SPOTLIGHT Former England star Pietersen India wary of appears to retire

AFP from cricket as he devotes more London time to his conservation work with rhinos. England’s second-highest run Bangladesh power evin Pietersen scorer across all three forms of dropped a strong hint the game, Pietersen won four that he has retired after Ashes series and hit 8,181 runs in the polarising former 104 Tests. EnglandK star decided not to join He has been away from the Quetta Gladiators in Lahore for sport’s top level since his Eng- their Pakistan Super League land exile started in 2014 when play-off . he was a high-profi le casualty of in sub-continent Pietersen helped Quetta an Ashes thrashing in Australia. qualify from the group stages in The fl amboyant Pietersen’s the Twenty20 tournament, but attitude on the tour was criti- India are third in the world T20 rankings, with Pakistan first and Bangladesh 10th with the event now moving from cised by some within the Eng- the UAE to Pakistan, he appears land camp. to have opted to bring down He tried to revive his Test ca- the curtain on his controversial reer, hitting an unbeaten 355 for playing career. Surrey, but it was not enough to The 37-year-old batsman convince the England and Wales hinted at his long-expected re- Cricket Board to take him back. tirement with a Tweet which He embarked on a nomadic simply read “Boots Up! Thank T20 career after that, taking in you” before expanding on his all corners of the globe. situation yesterday. Pietersen, who had a brief and “Someone just tweeted to tell ill-fated spell as England cap- me that I scored 30000+ runs tain, will be best remembered including 152 fi fty’s & 68 hun- for his sublime innings of 158 in dreds in my pro career,” he wrote the fi fth Test against Australia at on Instagram. The Oval in 2005. “4 Ashes wins. Home & away! That heroic eff ort ensured T20 WC win. Beaten India in England got the draw they need- India. Home & away 100’s in all ed to fi nally reclaim the Ashes, major Test nations apart from with he also produced epic Bangladesh. knocks of 227 against Australia “All dedicated to my fam- in Adelaide in 2010 and a bril- ily who have just been the most liant 186 against India in Mum- unreal supporters through thick bai in 2012. & thin! I’m super proud of eve- Given his often divisive na- rything! ture, it was fi tting that Michael “Thank you for all the quite Vaughan, a former England cap- lovely msgs! I loved entertaining tain, admitted his old interna- you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this tional team-mate was a tremen- game!” dous talent, even if he wasn’t A post on Quetta’s Twitter always easy to deal with. feed read: “You will be missed @ “Well done KP on an fantastic KP24 Great career!! Thank you career. Not everyone’s Cup of for everything. Wish you could Tea but you will do for me. Best stayed with us till PSL fi nal but Batsman I had the pleasure to we respect your decision.” play with. 1st England batsman South Africa-born Pietersen that put fear into the Aussies,” is believed to be ready to move on Vaughan tweeted.

India captain Rohit Sharma and his Bangladeshi counterpart Shakib Al Hasan at the nets in Colombo yesterday.

AFP Al Hasan-led team stunned Sri Lanka, that although we have a few of our other never beaten India in the shortest format Colombo beating the hosts by two wickets on Fri- players missing, we’re looking to play ex- of the sport. day to reach the fi nal. actly the sort of cricket that we’ve played “If you think about pressure, it is pres- “In sub-continent conditions, (Bang- in the past one year. We’re looking to win sure. If you don’t think about pressure, it ndia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Di- ladesh) are a very good team,” Karthik told every match,” Karthik said. is not pressure,” said the star allrounder, nesh Karthik yesterday said Bangla- reporters. India are third in the world T20 rank- who returned to lead Bangladesh in the desh are always a tricky opposition “When we play Bangladesh, if we win, ings, with Pakistan at the top, while last round-robin game after most of the and that his team would bring high it’s like ‘Ok, you’ve won against Bangla- Bangladesh are 10th below minnows Af- tri-series due to injury. Iintensity to the Twenty20 tri-series fi nal desh’, but if we lose, it’s like: ‘Dude, you’ve ghanistan.Meanwhile, Bangladesh skip- “I am sure everyone is relaxed, and if we between the two sides today. lost to Bangladesh. What are you doing?’” per Shakib Al Hasan said his side has put can be like this until tomorrow’s match, it Skipper Rohit Sharma’s team was the India went into the tournament with- the ill-tempered encounter with Sri Lan- will be good for us.” fi rst to book its place in the fi nal after out top guns Virat Kohli and Mahen- ka behind them and are fully focussed on Bangladesh have never won a T20 winning three of its four games at Colom- dra Singh Dhoni, and lost their opening the tri-series fi nal against India tournament since they started playing the bo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. match to Sri Lanka, but soon bounced “The two cricket boards have (had) format in 2006, but Shakib said he is con- India hold a psychological edge go- back to win three straight games. good relations for the last 10-15 years. fi dent his side will go into the fi nal with a ing into the tournament decider, with a Karthik, a middle-order batsman who Players have great relations too... We positive mindset. 7-0 record in T20s against lowly-ranked is mostly a second-choice wicketkeeper must move forward from this,” Shakib “If we think it is a big fi nal against In- Bangladesh. behind Dhoni, said the team has not lost told reporters. dia, then it is pressure. Rather, let’s think But Karthik insisted India would not focus in the absence of big names. Bangladesh, 10th in the world T20 about a bat v ball contest,” he said with a take Bangladesh lightly after the Shakib “The fi rst thing (Sharma)... said was rankings — below Afghanistan — have smile.

CYCLING ‘Shark’ Nibali claims Milan-San Remo classic AFP hind after the struggle that had gone I felt good and decided to go.” Filippo Pozzato in 2006. The 33-year- “He did sustain a new rib fracture San Remo, Italy to the wire. “This is the race I least expected to old Sicilian is one of the few riders to on the same side as the one that he As Nibali pulled away on the fi nal win, the one I’m least suited to win,” have won the three big Tours - Giro, damaged in the opening stage of Tir- climb, pre-race favourite Peter Sa- said the man renowned for his climb- Tour de France and Vuelta. reno-Adriatico,” said a statement. taly’s Vincenzo Nibali made a late gan just watched him go, refusing to ing and descent work. But he has already won ‘Monu- Meanwhile, the race marked the solo break and held off a desper- chase the Italian down after being Ewan, who made an impressive last ment’ classic races notably the Tour debut of a video review system fol- ate chase from the pack to win pipped on the line in 2017 by Michal thrust to try and catch Nibali, added: of Lombardy. lowing the row over Sagan’s exclusion the fi rst big classic of the season, Kwiatkowski as the Sky man again sat “I realise it’s a massive result but to The 109th edition of the race, from last year’s Tour de France. Ithe Milan-San Remo yesterday. on his wheel. come so close to winning it’s a pretty which is the longest in the cycling The 28-year-old was controver- The 2014 Tour de France winner, At the summit Nibali led by just big disappointment.” calendar, started under the rain be- sially kicked off the Tour for elbowing nicknamed ‘The Shark’, shook off the eight seconds, but his sheer mastery Three-time world champion Sa- fore the sun came out with 60km to Cavendish and causing a crash. sprint favourites on the Poggio hill on the descent earned him a lead that gan eventually settled for sixth place go. As a result of the fall-out, govern- 10km from home in the 294km race allowed him to hope for victory. as the Slovak, who came second last Britain’s Mark Cavendish, the 2009 ing body the UCI is introducing video through north-western Italy. “When I knew I was 20 seconds year, once again failed to seal victory winner, had a spectacular crash as he technology for all major races. Realising he’d won, Nibali cruised ahead I gave it the gas,” said the on his eighth attempt. hit a bollard and fl ew through the air An offi cial monitored television to victory with his arms aloft as Aus- 33-year-old, who still had almost Defending champion Kwiatkowski before landing hard on his back, 10km footage from diff erent strategically- tralian Caleb Ewan and France’s Ar- 5km to ride. “I’m speechless.” of Poland fi nished in eleventh. from the fi nish line. placed cameras - fi xed, on motorcycle Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali celebrates on the podium naud Demare led the chasing pack “We were racing for (teammate) Nibali’s victory ended Italy’s 12- His Dimension Data team later said and helicopter - to view any infrac- after winning the 109th edition of the Milan-San over the line a good bike length be- Sonny Colbrelli but in the last 15km, year wait for a home winner since that he had escaped major injury. tions. Remo cycling race yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Sunday, March 18, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT EUROPA LEAGUE Arsenal fans have nothing to fear, says Eriksen double Russian offi cial

AFP fans have nothing to fear. Moscow “It is a shame that the games will be played in such circum- stance,” said Sorokin, who is also ussia has issued a secu- a senior member of the Russian sends Spurs into rity guarantee to Arse- Football Union. nal fans who will visit “We will ensure security in Moscow for a Europa equal measures to all - from LeagueR clash in the heat of a dip- dignitaries to fans,” Sorokin told lomatic crisis over an ex-double TASS. But he also expressed a agent’s poisoning. hint of annoyance at Arsenal’s Moscow yesterday announced decision to put up the Foreign the expulsion of 23 British diplo- Offi ce travel advisory after Fri- FA Cup semi-fi nals mats in a tit-for-tar response to day’s Europa League draw. London’s “provocative” meas- “To us, there is no diff erence ‘If you watch the last three games, we won with a diff erent starting eleven and now today too’ ures over the nerve agent attack which country people come from on Sergei Skripal and his daugh- or what our diplomatic relations AFP ter in England. with them are,” he said. Swansea, United Kingdom Britain issued a travel warning “There are absolutely no to people in or planning to trav- grounds for such warnings.” el to Russia after expelling the Sorokin has been fi ghting an hristian Eriksen proved same number of Moscow diplo- uphill battle to clean up Russia’s Tottenham can thrive mats on Wednesday. image ahead of its fi rst World without Harry Kane as And Foreign Secretary Boris Cup at home. The June 14 to July the Dane’s double sent Johnson on Friday said it was 15 tournament has been associ- themC into the FA Cup semi-fi - “overwhelmingly likely” that ated closely with Vladimir Putin nals with a 3-0 win at Swansea Russian President Vladimir Pu- ever since the Russian strong- yesterday. tin personally ordered the at- man wrested the hosting rights With striker Kane sidelined tack. The Kremlin called his away from England in 2010. for several weeks due to ankle comments “shocking and unfor- Organisers are keen to resolve ligament damage, Mauricio givable”. all the controversies and the poi- Pochettino’s side received an All of which has left Arsenal soning case does not help. inspirational performance from fans alarmed about the pros- Preparations have already Eriksen at the Liberty Stadium. pects of playing CSKA in Mos- been shadowed by concerns The midfi elder rose to the cow on April 12 for the second leg ranging from racism to hooligan- challenge with a majestic strike of their Europe League quarter- ism and doping that saw Rus- to open the scoring early in the fi nal. One Arsenal supporters’ sia perform at the Pyeongchang fi rst half of the quarter-fi nal. group called it “a hot potato of Winter Games under a neutral After Erik Lamela increased a draw in view of the political Olympic fl ag. Tottenham’s lead before half- stand-off ”. British Prime Minister There- time, Eriksen struck again after The club itself reposted on its sa May decided to give the World the interval to make it seven website a Foreign Offi ce travel Cup itself a snub by announcing goals in 10 matches against advisory warning of possible that royals and ministers would Swansea. Tottenham, chasing “anti-British sentiment or har- not be attending. their fi rst silverware under Po- assment”. A boycott by the England team chettino, are back in the Wem- Russia’s World Cup organising is thought unlikely despite wide- bley semi-fi nals after losing committee chief Alexei Sorokin ranging speculations about it to Chelsea at that stage of the expressed disappointment about in the media and support from competition last season. the tensions and said Arsenal some British MPs. Pochettino was pleased with the way Tottenham took control without Kane and Dele Alli, who COMMENT was only a late substitute. “If you watch the last three games, we won with a diff erent starting eleven and now today Zidane admits liking too,” he said. “What is important is that everyone is available to play and for Champions League the team is not aff ected by the Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen (right) celebrates scoring their third goal with midfielder Lucas Moura in their FA names. We keep the same way, Cup quarter-final against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales, yesterday. (AFP) the same dynamic and that is so rivals Juventus important. fl ed and quickly settled into a up by Lamela. inevitable and it arrived on the Vorm parried a shot from Ols- “It was a very good perform- tempo that had the home side stroke of half-time. Once again, son, Abraham’s diving header ance. We fully deserved the outnumbered and second best Spurs stroll Swansea were chasing shadows fl ew straight back to the Spurs victory. Now, Wembley for the in midfi eld. Tottenham forward Son He- and when Sissoko played in keeper. semi-fi nal.” The visitors went ahead in the ung-Min crashed the ball into Lamela the Argentinian skipped Nordfeldt then kept his team Swansea never got going on 11th minute through a wonder- the net off the underside of the past Tom Carroll and calmly in the contest with a superb a freezing afternoon in south ful strike by Eriksen, although bar in the 23rd minute only for passed the ball into the corner save to turn away Erik Dier’s Wales and can now concentrate Swansea manager Carlos Car- the goal to be ruled out for off - of the goal before Nordfeldt had goal-bound long range eff ort. on trying to preserve their Pre- valhal appealed to the fourth of- side, correctly concluded the time to move. Just past the hour, Spurs mier League status. fi cial for VAR to overturn it. offi cials in charge of the VAR Swansea made a change at the sealed the victory. Swansea’s only chance to up- Carvalhal felt Martin Olsson technology. break, replacing Kyle Naughton The hard-working Lucas set the form book came when had been fouled in the build-up, Eriksen then found himself in with Luciano Narsingh, but the Moura played the ball back to they had an early appeal for but there was no debate about space again on the edge of the pattern remain unchanged as Eriksen, who claimed a de- a penalty turned down when the quality of Erikson’s fi nish box, but his curling shot was Spurs pressed for a third goal. served second goal with a low Tottenham goalkeeper Michel as the Dane curled the ball past brilliantly tipped onto the bar Tammy Abraham might have shot from the edge of the box Vorm upended Nathan Dyer. Kristoff er Nordfeldt from the by Nordfeldt. pulled a goal back with a rare that had suffi cient power to go But Tottenham were unruf- edge of the box after being set A second goal for Spurs felt Swansea opportunity, but when through Nordfeldt’s hands.

FOCUS ‘VAR will be used at Russia WC’ Reuters FIFA’s technical criteria. Infan- Bogota tino also said he did not have any concerns surrounding political issues involving Russia. Rela- ideo assistant referees tions between Britain and Russia (VARs) will be used at have crashed to a post-Cold War the World Cup for the low after over an attack involv- fi rst time in this year’s ing a military-grade nerve agent Vfi nals in Russia, FIFA president on English soil. Moscow has de- happened to me there as a player AFP Gianni Infantino said on Fri- nied any involvement in the at- Madrid even if it’ll always be there in the day, and teams will be allowed tempted murder of former Rus- back of my mind.” a fourth substitute in matches sian double agent Sergei Skripal “They look as solid as they that go to extra-time. and his daughter. eal Madrid coach Zin- were last year,” said Zidane of The use of the VAR system However, Britain, the United edine Zidane says he the Juve outfi t renowned for was approved earlier this month States, Germany and France on would have preferred to rock-solid defending and clini- by the rule-making body IFAB, Thursday jointly called on Russia avoid Juventus in Fri- cal breakaway fi nishing. despite controversy in some of to explain the attack. Some of- day’sR Champions League draw Zidane was also quizzed about the competitions in which it has fi cials have said Britain may re- because of his attachment to the Gareth Bale’s state of mind and been trialled over the time taken consider the attendance of offi - Italian giant where he spent fi ve was asked if the Welsh winger to make decisions and lack of cial representatives at the World happy years. was depressed at Madrid after information for spectators. Cup, with England having quali- The match, to be played on missing selection for both legs of “We are going to have our fi ed for the tournament. 3-11 April, is a replay of last sea- the last-16 victory over PSG. fi rst World Cup with video as- “We are not worried at all, we son’s Champions League fi nal, “He’s a very important part of sisted refereeing,” Infantino are here to organise a football which brought Zidane back-to- our squad, he is happy to be with told reporters after a meeting of tournament,” Infantino said. back European crowns with a 4-1 us and he has showed that. You the FIFA Council. “I know the Russian people win in Cardiff . can think whatever you want but “It’s an essential decision, are looking forward to welcom- “I spent fi ve years over there he isn’t sad,” Zidane insisted. very important and historical ing people from all over the and it was an important club in Lucas Vazquez - himself the decision.” world. Political issues we leave my career as a player, so obvi- subject of transfer speculation The system allows the ref- FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a news conference after a FIFA Council meeting in Bogota, to the politicians.” ously it always has an eff ect on last year - was preferred to Bale eree or the video assistant to Colombia. (Reuters) FIFA said in its fi nancial re- me when we play Juve,” said Zi- for the last-16 second leg in Par- review decisions where a “clear port that it had made a net loss dane, who as a Juventus player is, and duly earned a Spain recall, and obvious” error is spotted. It sport”. one of his priorities since being Moscow in June, would be cho- of $192 million for 2017, al- lost the 1998 Champions League to the delight of Zidane. has been trialled in Germany’s “It’s not possible that, in elected FIFA chief in February, sen in an open vote by its mem- though it had budgeted for a fi nal to Real Madrid. “First of all, I’m very happy Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A 2018, everyone in the stadium 2016. FIFA later said in a state- ber national associations and bigger defi cit of $443 million. “I would have preferred to about Lucas,” Zidane said. “He this season and some English FA and their living room knows if ment that, where matches went details of how they voted would The world ruling body said avoid Juventus for many rea- deserves to be with Spain, he’s and League Cup games, among a referee has made a big mistake to extra-time, teams would be al- be published. “rigorous cost control meas- sons,” said the coach who joined a very professional player that is others. or not, and the only one who lowed a fourth substitute, a rule He confi rmed that there ures” had helped keep expenses Madrid as a player in 2001, scor- always ready to give 150 per cent Infantino said VAR had been doesn’t know is the referee,” In- change also approved by IFAB. were two candidates - Mo- below budget. It is still expect- ing a wonder-goal to clinch the of himself in everything he does. shown to reduce the number of fantino added. rocco against a joint bid from ing to achieve a $100 million Champions League fi nal with a “He’s in a great shape and we refereeing mistakes in match- Infantino had repeatedly NO CONCERNS the United States, Canada and surplus for the 2015-18 cycle as 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen. take advantage of it. He’s part of es where it has been used and promised that VAR would be Infantino said the hosts for Mexico. Both bids will be evalu- FIFA receives a large propor- “But we drew Juve and now I our team and I hope he will be for would help football become used at the June 14-July 15 the 2026 World Cup, to be de- ated fi rst by a task force and tion of its income in World Cup have to concentrate on that and many more years. As his coach, I “a fairer and more transparent World Cup and has made it cided at the FIFA Congress in disqualifi ed if they did not meet years. forget about everything that really appreciate Lucas.” Gulf Times 4 Sunday, March 18, 2018 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOLTIGHT Super Salah hits Chennaiyin win ISL title AFP Midfi elder Augusto scored in Bengaluru the 67th minute to cap off the game. “Yes, I got lucky two times in a row. It’s diffi cult but fortu- four as Liverpool hennaiyin FC clinched nately, with my teammates eve- their second Indian rything is possible and this year, Super League title yes- we were amazing all this season terday after beating and I think we deserve that. All Cdebutants Bengaluru FC 3-2 in a the guys they are amazing and mouthwatering fi nal clash. we’re very happy,” said Chennai Goals from Brazilians Mailson skipper Henrique Sereno. Alves and Raphael Augusto gave “This year we knew that our crush Watford 5-0 Chennaiyin FC their second ISL strength is from the defence and trophy after winning in 2015. we showed (that) in the games ‘It is vitally important. We have had a diff icult run of games and not got any points’ Bengaluru FC started in spec- and in the fi nal too.” tacular fashion when skipper Chennaiyin FC is now on par Sunil Chhetri led with 1-0 in the with Atletico de Kolkata as the eighth minute, creating a new most successful with two wins record by scoring the fastest goal each in the tournament. Bengaluru in an ISL fi nal. FC have enjoyed a dream run since Chhetri nodded in a cross switching from the rival I-League, from Udanta Singh past Chen- winning 13 of their 18 matches un- naiyin FC goalkeeper Karanjit der the stewardship of former Bar- Singh in front of home fans at celona defender Albert Roca. the packed Sree Kanteerava Sta- The Spaniard, who joined dium in southern Bengaluru city. the south Indian club as coach But minutes later Chennaiyin in 2016, was disappointed with FC defender Alves pulled one Saturday’s outcome but hopeful back as he nodded in a corner. for a quick revival. “I am for sure A hush fell on the home crowd really sad because we would have in blue when Alves delivered an- liked to give that trophy, that win other deft header from a corner to our fans that they deserve,” kick before the half-time break. Roca said.

Chennayin FC players celebrate after their 3-2 victory against Bengaluru FC in the final of ISL in Bengaluru yesterday. (AFP)

SELECTION Italy name Buff on in Liverpool’s midfielder Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal during the English Premier League match against Watford at Anfield in Liverpool yesterday. (AFP) squad for friendlies with Chelsea four years ago are when Luka Milivojevic stroked sive defeat equals their long- AFP Results & standings London a distant memory and Salah home a penalty after Andros est losing streak in the Premier AFP Mario Balotelli, who has not etched his name in the Liverpool Bournemouth ...... 2 West Bromwich Albion 1 Townsend was fouled by Mathias League. They have won just one Rome played for Italy since the 2014 history books in the 43rd minute Huddersfield Town ...... 0 Crystal Palace ...... 2 Jorgensen. Palace’s fi rst win in of their 17 league matches under World Cup, was again overlooked ohamed Salah’s stun- with a close-range fi nish from Leicester City Arsenal postponed eight league games leaves them Alan Pardew and lie nine points despite scoring 22 goals for Nice ning debut season Andrew Robertson’s cross. Stoke City ...... 1 Everton...... 2 two points above the bottom from safety with only seven taly have included veteran this season in all competitions. Swansea City Southampton postponed with Liverpool hit a Salah turned provider for Liverpool ...... 5 Watford ...... 0 three. Huddersfi eld are three matches left. “This was an op- goalkeeper Gianluigi Buf- Squad new high as the Egypt Roberto Firmino’s goal in the points clear of Southampton, who portunity to just get a win and fon in their squad for this Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buff on Mwinger’s four-goal spree set a 49th minute with a pin-point Standings P W D L F A Pts drop into the relegation zone. get our confi dence up, instead month’s friendlies, extend- (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarum- club record in a 5-0 demolition cross that the Brazilian guided Man City 30 26 3 1 85 20 81 “It is vitally important. We we have had a really hurtful Iing an international career that ma (Milan), Mattia Perin (Genoa). of Watford, while Crystal Pal- into the net with an audacious Man Utd 30 20 5 5 58 23 65 have had a diffi cult run of games blow,” Pardew said. appeared to have ended with Defenders: Leonardo Bonucci ace boosted their bid for Premier mid-air back-fl ick. Liverpool 31 18 9 4 73 34 63 and not got any points,” Hodg- Cenk Tosun’s double pushed their failure to qualify for the Tottenham 30 18 7 5 59 25 61 (AC Milan), Giorgio Chiellini League survival with a 2-0 vic- Salah wasn’t fi nished yet as Chelsea 30 17 5 8 52 27 56 son said. While Palace remain Stoke deeper into the relegation World Cup. (Juventus), Matteo Darmian tory at Huddersfi eld yesterday. he twisted past a group of be- Arsenal 30 14 6 10 55 41 48 hopeful of retaining their lucra- mire as Everton won 2-1 at the The 40-year-old, who has (Manchester United), Mattia De After a 2-1 defeat at arch ri- wildered defenders to complete Burnley 30 11 10 9 27 26 43 tive top-fl ight berth, bottom- bet365 Stadium. made 175 appearances, had con- Sciglio (Juventus), Gianmarco vals Manchester United in their his treble in the 77th minute. Leicester 30 10 10 10 45 43 40 of-the-table West Bromwich In a snow blizzard in the Pot- fi rmed his international retire- Ferrari (Sampdoria), Alessandro last game, Salah’s latest master- He is the fi rst Egyptian player Everton 31 11 7 13 37 50 40 Albion seem destined for rel- teries, Stoke midfi elder Charlie ment immediately after the 0-0 Florenzi (Roma), Daniele Rugani Bournemouth 31 9 9 13 37 49 36 class helped Liverpool get back to score a Premier League hat- Watford 31 10 6 15 39 55 36 egation after an agonising 2-1 Adam lost his cool in the 30th draw with Sweden in Novem- (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola on track with a fourth win in trick and capping a memorable Brighton 30 8 10 12 28 40 34 defeat at Bournemouth. minute when his reckless lunge ber which condemned Italy to (Atalanta), Davide Zappacosta their last fi ve league games. evening, Salah was on hand to Newcastle 30 8 8 14 30 40 32 on Wayne Rooney earned a watching the World Cup from (Chelsea). Midfielders: Giacomo Salah has scored 36 goals for slam in his fourth in the 85th Swansea 30 8 7 15 25 42 31 ‘Hurtful blow’ straight red card from referee the sidelines. But he subse- Bonaventura (AC Milan), Bryan Liverpool in all competitions minute after Karnezis spilled Huddersfield 31 8 7 16 25 52 31 Albion went in front in the Martin Atkinson. Everton had quently said he would accept a Cristante (Atalanta), Roberto since joining from Roma last Danny Ings’ shot. Crystal Palace 31 7 9 15 30 48 30 49th minute at Dean Court lost their last fi ve away league call-up from interim coach Luigi Gagliardini (Inter), Jorge West Ham 30 7 9 14 36 57 30 year - the most by any player in Liverpool move two points Southampton 30 5 13 12 29 44 28 when Salomon Rondon’s header games, but Tosun’s 69th- Di Biagio and was duly named in Luiz Frello Jorginho (Napoli), a debut season with the Reds. above Tottenham into third Stoke 31 6 9 16 29 58 27 was met by Jay Rodriguez with minute strike put them in front. the squad for the matches away Marco Parolo (Lazio), Lorenzo Spain striker Fernando Torres place as they aim to qualify West Brom 31 3 11 17 24 49 20 a fi erce fi nish for his fi rst goal Second-bottom Stoke, three to England on March 23 and Pellegrini (Roma), Marco Ver- netted 33 times for Liverpool in for next season’s Champions since January. points from safety after one win against Argentina in Manchester ratti (Paris Saint Germain). 2007-08. Salah took just four League via a top four fi nish. But Jordon Ibe levelled for in their last 12 league games, four days later. Forwards: Andrea Belotti minutes to shred the Watford After four successive defeats, Smith’s Stadium when James Bournemouth in the 77th looked like snatching a point in Veteran defender Giorgio (Torino), Antonio Candreva (In- defence as his clever turn left Palace climbed out of the rel- Tomkins struck from close minute and Junior Stanislas the 77th minute when Eric Max- Chiellini kept his place while AC ter), Patrick Cutrone (AC Milan), Miguel Britos sprawled on the egation zone with a victory that range after his fi rst eff ort was gave the Cherries their fi rst win im Choupo-Moting equalised. Milan forward Patrick Cutrone Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina), turf and opened space to drill dragged Huddersfi eld back into blocked by Jonas Lossl. in fi ve league games with an But Tosun had the fi nal word and Fiorentina forward Federico Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo past Orestis Karnezis. trouble. Palace took the lead Roy Hodgson’s team wrapped 89th-minute free-kick. with an agile diving header in Chiesa were included for the fi rst Insigne (Napoli), Simone Verdi The 25-year-old’s struggles in the 23rd minute at the John up the points in the 68th minute West Brom’s seventh succes- the 84th minute. time. However, maverick striker (Bologna).

LA LIGA BUNDESLIGA Schalke win at Wolfsburg, Valencia close on top-four Hamburg closer to fi rst drop Reuters fi nish with Alaves win Berlin Reuters gave Alaves a foothold in the automatically for next season’s may not be as electric as then, chalke 04 needed an 86th-minute own Madrid game by getting a goal back four Champions League by fi nishing perhaps we’re not as decisive, goal from Robin Knoche to beat hosts VfL minutes into the second half. in the top four. but we are a better team.” Wolfsburg 1-0 yesterday, tightening their Valencia began the season in Also on Saturday relegation- grip on second place and delaying title alencia continued their fearsome form and were consid- fi ghting Deportivo La Coruna celebrationsS for leaders Bayern Munich by at least Valencia are third in the impressive form by standings aft er 29 games with ered title candidates alongside drew 1-1 at home to fellow strug- one matchday. beating Alaves 3-1 at 59 points, two above Real Barcelona until December, when glers Las Palmas, leaving the two At the other end of the table the fi rst Bundesliga Schalke’s Swiss forward Breel Embolo celebrates home in La Liga yes- who host Girona today, and their form tailed off . They are sides seven and six points adrift relegation for league ever-presents Hamburg SV after instigating an own goal by Wolfsburg’s Vterday to climb above Real Ma- currently on a resurgent run of of safety respectively. edged closer after they lost 2-1 at home against 14 clear of fi ft h-placed Sevilla German defender Robin Knoche during the drid into third in the standings who go to Leganes six wins in their last seven league Getafe came from behind Hertha Berlin to stay anchored in 17th place. Bundesliga match in Wolfsburg. (AFP) and take another step towards games and Marcelino praised his to win 2-1 at Real Sociedad, Schalke substitute Breel Embolo cut back into returning to the Champions Hopes of a comeback from the side for getting back on track. prompting an angry reaction the box and Knoche defl ected the ball into his own Bundesliga every season since the league’s crea- League. Basque side were short-lived, “In January we went six games from supporters at a soaking wet net for the game’s only goal as the visitors moved tion in 1963, are seven points away from the rel- Spain international Rodrigo however, as defender Victor La- without winning but we have re- Anoeta stadium and piling more up to 49 points with seven games left. egation playoff spot occupied by Mainz 05, with Moreno put Marcelino’s side guardia diverted a cross into his covered very well and we are fl y- pressure on beleaguered coach Ten minutes earlier Schalke keeper Ralf Fae- just seven games left. ahead in the 19th minute by play- own net fi ve minutes later. ing right now,” he told reporters. Eusebio Sacristan, whose side sit hrmann had saved a penalty to keep them in the They have won only four Bundesliga games all ing a smart one-two off strike Valencia are third in the “I’ve been pleased with how 14th in the standings and have game. Bayern, top on 66, face RB Leipzig on Sun- season. Everything looked to be going well for the partner Simone Zaza and sliding standings after 29 games with we’ve played throughout the lost four of their last six games in day but will have to put the champagne on ice for former European champions and their new coach the ball home from close range. 59 points, two above Real who year. When you win many games all competitions. at least two weeks due to the league’s break for in- Christian Titz when Douglas Santos put them Italian forward Zaza turned in host Girona today, and 14 clear it looks easy but the coach and Leaders Barcelona host Ath- ternational matches, as they can theoretically still ahead in the 25th minute. But Hertha struck twice a free kick from Daniel Parejo to of fi fth-placed Sevilla who go to players know it isn’t. letic Bilbao today and second- be caught. Third-placed Borussia Dortmund, on in seven minutes in the second half, with goals consolidate his side’s lead in the Leganes. “I think we’re a better team placed Atletico Madrid play at 45, host Hanover 96 today. from Valentino Lazaro and Salomon Kalou, to 34th, although Ruben Sobrino Marcelino’s side will qualify than we were in October. We Villarreal. Hamburg, the only club to have played in the snatch the three points. Gulf Times Sunday, March 18, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA Warriors fall to Kings with Durant out, Casspi hurt Buddy Hield came off the Sacramento bench to score 22 points to lead the Kings against a struggling Warriors squad

AFP have everybody back when it counts.” Los Angeles That means when the playoff s start April 14. The Warriors’ loss left the level for second overall in the NBA with the efending champion Golden Eastern Conference-leading Toronto State saw Kevin Durant side- Raptors, who matched the all-time best lined for two weeks, Israeli team win streak by winning their 11th forward Omri Casspi hurt and game in a row, downing Dallas 122-115 theirD bid to overtake Houston for the in overtime. NBA’s best record falter on Friday with The Raptors, who own the NBA’s a 98-93 loss to Sacramento. best home record at 29-5, had 29 points Buddy Hield came off the Sacra- from DeMar DeRozan, including a mento bench to score 22 points to lead short jump shot with 53.1 seconds left the Kings against a struggling Warriors in overtime that put the Raptors up 117- squad without Durant and star guards 115. Jonas Valanciunas then made fi ve of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. six free throws in the waning seconds to Before the game, Durant was put onto seal the victory, fi nishing with 21 points the injured list with a rib cartilage frac- and 12 rebounds for Raptors. “I’m not ture and set for re-evaluation in two completely happy, because I see the big weeks. The reigning NBA Most Valuable picture, but I like the fi ght,” Toronto Player ranks sixth among all NBA scor- coach Dwane Casey said. “I like the way ers this season with 26.6 points a game. the guys competed.” Durant also averages 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 The Boston Celtics, second to To- assists and 1.9 blocked shots a game. ronto in the East, downed host Or- Golden State was also without Curry, lando 92-83. The Magic connected on out with a sore right ankle, and Thomp- just 39.1 % of their shots from the fl oor son, sidelined by a broken right thumb. and were out-rebounded 55-40. Bos- Both will be evaluated next week. Join- ton pulled down 16 off ensive rebounds ing the injury list was reserve Casspi, and out-scored the Magic in second- who sprained his right ankle landing on chance points 20-8. Guard Terry Ro- a rival’s foot in the second quarter after zier, starting in place of injured Kyrie playing only six minutes. Irving, and reserve Greg Monroe scored Golden State’s Quinn Cook scored a 17 points apiece for the Celtics. career-best 25 points in 40 minutes on The Philadelphia 76ers rallied for a the court and Draymond Green added 120-116 home victory over Brooklyn, 14 points, 10 rebounds and seven as- closing with a decisive 7-1 run. sists. But the Kings (23-47) closed the Robert Covington’s 3-pointer with game on an 11-3 run to capture their 35.9 seconds remaining put the Sixers fi rst back-to-back wins since late Jan- ahead 116-115 and they wouldn’t trail uary. again. That dropped Golden State to 52-17 Philadelphia All-Star center Joel and 2 1/2 games behind Western Con- Embiid celebrated his 24th birthday ference leader Houston for the best with a game-high 24 points and a ca- record in the NBA. With injuries nag- reer-high 19 rebounds. Sixers’ rising ging them and the Rockets showing no Aussie star Ben Simmons fi nished two sign of misfi ring, the Warriors might rebounds shy of a third straight triple- not be able to overtake Houston for the double with 21 points, 12 assists and overall playoff home-court edge. eight rebounds along with three steals. “It’s a harrowing experience — I’m Russell Westbrook posted his fourth just trying to process it all,” joked War- successive triple-double to lead host riors coach Steve Kerr. “Second in the Oklahoma City over the Los Angeles conference would just be devastating.” Clippers 121-113, while Goran Dragic Then he turned serious, trying to put scored 30 points to power Miami over the injuries and best-record chase into the host Los Angeles Lakers 92-91. perspective. “We’re not really paying too much attention to the standings. RESULTS We are just playing,” Kerr said. Boston 92 Orlando 83; Philadelphia 120 “We’re in a good position big picture Brooklyn 116; Toronto 122 Dallas 115 (OT); no matter what happens because our Oklahoma City 121 La Clippers 113; injuries are all relatively minor. We’re Sacramento 98 Golden State 93; Miami 92 very hopeful and confi dent that we’ll LA Lakers 91 Sacramento Kings guard Frank Mason shoots during the NBA match against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, USA, on Friday. (USA TODAY Sports)

NHL MLB Sharks’ Kane dazzles with four-goal night Phillies lose Eickhoff Reuters for 8 weeks to injury Calgary, Canada Philadelphia: The Philadelphia fi ll the void, including right Phillies will be without right handers Ben Lively, Zach Efl in, vander Kane scored a career-high hander Jerad Eickhoff from their Mark Leiter Jr. and lefty Tom four goals to lead the San Jose starting rotation for six-to-eight Eshelman. Sharks to a crazy 7-4 victory over weeks because of a strained lat the Calgary Flames in NHL action muscle. Eickhoff , expected to OHTANI ROCKED FOR SEVEN FridayE night in Calgary. Kane, acquired slot in the middle of Philadel- RUNS IN TRAINING START from the Buff alo Sabres at the trade dead- phia’s rotation behind newly Japanese two-way star Shohei line, hadn’t posted a hat trick in the fi rst signed Jake Arrieta and former Ohtani surrendered seven runs eight-plus seasons of his career, but did Phils fi rst-round pick Aaron in 1 1/3 innings in a spring train- it and added one for good measure at the Nola, will begin the season on ing start for the Los Angeles Scotiabank Saddledome while running the disabled list. Angels against the Colorado his season goals total to 25. First-year manager Gabe Rockies on Friday in Arizona. He opened the scoring exactly six min- Kapler told reporters Friday that The 23-year-old right- utes into the aff air — a fortunate goal as the injury occurred in Eick- handed pitcher, whose power at his long shot ricocheted off the stick of hoff ’s March 9 outing against the plate has sparked compari- Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton the Pittsburgh Pirates when he sons to iconic slugger-pitcher and into the net — before tying the game pitched 3 1/3 innings. Babe Ruth, gave up seven hits 2-2 at the 6:29 mark of the middle frame. “There might be a blessing — including home runs to Ian Kane added another late in the second in disguise here,’’ Kapler said. Desmond and Nolan Arenado, period to break open a 3-3 tie and then “We’re always thinking about while walking one and striking stuck a dagger in the Flames’ collective keeping guys healthy and strong out three. hearts with his fourth goal at 1:02 of the and limiting their total innings He needed 50 pitches to third period to make it a 6-3 aff air. Sharks count. Those are things that record four outs in his biggest goalie Martin Jones made 30 saves in his are always on our mind, so it’s test against Major League hitters team’s third straight win. possible the innings are limited since arriving Stateside this year. on the front end and then in Ohtani started well enough, PREDATORS 4, AVALANCHE 2 September, October, he’s strong holding the Rockies scoreless in Colton Sissons and Filip Forsberg each and healthy and prepared to go the fi rst inning. had a pair of goals and Nashville became through a full season.’’ But he gave up a leadoff homer the fi rst team to clinch a Stanley Cup The 27-year-old Eickhoff is to Desmond to start the second Playoff berth with a victory over Colo- San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (left) shoot the puck as Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (centre) and right hoping for a rebound season then hit Chris Iannetta. Mike rado at Pepsi Center. Nashville has gone wing Garnet Hathaway defend during the NHL game in Calgary, Canada. (USA TODAY Sports) in 2018. Originally part of the Tauchman and Jordan Patterson 13-0-1 in the last 14 games, and extended mega-trade that sent long-time belted back-to-back singles to its point streak to 14 games, tied for the team to defeat the expansion Golden The contest was the second part of a the season. Marian Gaborik and Duchene Phillies southpaw Cole Hamels load the bases with no outs and longest in franchise history. Predators Knights three times this season. home-and-home series with the Island- also had goals for the Senators, who won to the Texas Rangers in the sum- Charlie Blackmon hit a two-run goalie Juuse Saros fi nished with 33 saves. Minnesota (40-24-7, 87 points) also ers. The Capitals beat them 7-3 in Brook- their third straight game. Craig Anderson mer of 2015, Eickhoff impressed single to tie the game. Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon extended its third-place lead in the Cen- lyn on Thursday night. Chiasson got his stopped 23 shots to pick up his 21st win in in his fi rst full MLB season in After another run-scoring had a goal, extending his points streak to tral Division to three points over Colora- goal in the third period and assisted on goal this season. 2016 when he went 11-14 with single by DJ LeMahieu, Arenado 11 games. Gabriel Landeskog also scored do and Dallas. Erik Haula scored his 28th one goal apiece in the second and third a 3.65 ERA with a repertoire connected for a three-run homer for Colorado, which snapped a three- goal of the season and Ryan Carpenter periods. The Capitals stretched their DUCKS 4, RED WINGS 2 including a strong fastball and a that put the rockies up 7-3 and game winning streak. also scored and Marc-Andre Fleury had winning streak to four. Anaheim took one step closer to a po- sharp curve. after he produced one more 26 saves for Vegas (45-21-5, 95) which tential playoff berth, while Detroit took However, hand and back inju- strikeout Ohtani was pulled by WILD 4, GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 dropped its fourth straight home game SENATORS 3, STARS 2 (OT) another step towards improving its odds ries limited him to just 24 starts Angels manager Mike Scioscia Jason Zucker had a goal and an assist and and saw its division lead shrink to eight Mike Hoff man slapped home the game- in the draft lottery. Nick Ritchie, Derek last season, when he fi nished pulled him. Prior to the game, Alex Stalock had 26 saves as Minnesota points over the San Jose Sharks. winner at 3:26 of overtime to lead Ottawa Grant, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler each 4-8 with a 4.71 ERA. In his three Scioscia sidestepped a ques- completed a season sweep of Pacifi c Di- over slumping Dallas in Ottawa. Hoff man scored to lift the Ducks over the Red seasons with the Phillies, Eick- tion about whether Ohtani had vision-leading Vegas with a victory at T- CAPITALS 6, ISLANDERS 3 one-timed a crossing pass from Matt Wings, helping Anaheim tie both Dallas hoff is 18-25 with a 3.87 ERA in work to do to secure his spot on Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Charlie Coyle, Alex Chiasson fi nished with one goal and Duchene from the faceoff circle to the left for the fi nal wild-card spot in the West- 65 starts and 376 1/3 innings. the Angels’ Opening Day roster. Matt Dumba and Zach Parise also scored two assists, and six Caps scored a goal as of goalie Ben Bishop and past the right ern Conference and Los Angeles for third The Phillies will likely con- “We’re not going to get into ros- goals for the Wild, who became the fi rst Washington defeated New York in DC. shoulder of Bishop for his 22nd goal of place in the Pacifi c Division. sider several young arms to help ter decisions,” Scioscia said. Gulf Times 6 Sunday, March 18, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS Sharapova withdraws from Miami Osaka ousts Halep to set Open Miami: Maria Sharapova’s troubled start to the season has continued with the Rus- sian having to withdraw from the Miami Open due to a left up clash with Kasatkina forearm injury, tournament organisers said on Friday. The five-time grand slam winner and former world Kasatkina wears down the 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in three sets number one has failed to re- discover her best form after AFP returning from a doping ban Indian Wells, United States last year and split with coach Sven Groeneveld following a first-round exit at the BNP apanese dynamo Naomi Osaka Paribas Open last week. punched her ticket to the Indian The loss in California Wells fi nal on Friday, routing world marked the first time that JNo 1 Simona Halep to set up a title Sharapova, whose 15-month clash with rising star Daria Kasatkina. ban for taking the banned World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the drug meldonium ended last top seeded Halep in stunning fash- April, had lost three consecu- ion with a 6-3, 6-0 win, while Russian tive matches since 2003. juggernaut Kasatkina wore down the “I am really sorry that I 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam have to withdraw from one winner Venus Williams in three sets of my favourite tournaments 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. with my left forearm injury. I The 26-year-old former champion am doing everything possible Halep dropped to 18-2 on the season to return to the tour as soon as she lasted just 64 minutes on the as possible,” Sharapova said. court with Osaka. “I just was not ready. The 30-year-old, who has I missed the ball a lot and I didn’t play yet to win a title this year, what I had to play,” Halep said. “I don’t will be replaced by American fi nd excuses. She was better. I just was Jennifer Brady in the Miami not ready and played wrong.” tournament, which is sched- Youth prevailed Friday night as both uled for March 21 to April 1. unseeded Osaka and world No. 19 Ka- “We were looking forward satkina are 20 years old while the com- to seeing her play Wednes- bined age of Williams and Halep is 63. day, but unfortunately inju- “I feel like there is a new generation ries are part of the game. We and we are trying to push through,” said hope she recovers quickly Osaka, who clinched the contest on the and is back on the court third match point. soon,” Tournament Director Osaka improved to 14-4 in 2018 as she James Blake said. came into the clash as the lowest ranked Top men’s players, Indian Wells semi-fi nalist since Kim including Rafa Nadal, Stan Clijsters in 2005. “I was kind of nervous Wawrinka and Dominic that entire (fi nal) game because it kept Thiem, have also withdrawn going back and forth,” Osaka said. “But due to injuries. Despite the I’m really glad I was able to fi nish on my Naomi Osaka whips a forehand pull outs, the event still serve instead of having to break her or en route to her win over Simona boasts a strong field. something like that. Yeah, it felt good.” Halep in the semi-finals of the The women's field includes Halep had three double faults, won BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, eight-time Key Biscayne just fi ve points on her second serve and California. (AFP) champion Serena Williams had her serve broken fi ve times. Halep, and No. 1-ranked Simona who had reached the semi-fi nals in all Halep. Serena and Victoria four of her tournaments in 2018, was former world number ones. “A match net to end the two hour, 49 minute mar- Williams had almost double the reigning Grand Slam champions in the Azarenka top the list of eight trying to repeat her Indian Wells suc- like this, you’re just speechless,” Kasat- athon showdown. number of unforced errors, 63-45, and past year, including US Open champ main draw wildcards in the cess of three years ago when she beat kina said. “Too many emotions and you Ultimately the young Russian proved broke Kasatkina six times but she also Sloane Stephens twice. She did it for the women's. Also rewarded with Jelena Jankovic to lift the trophy. cannot explain everything. Maybe one to be too strong for Williams, who ap- made fi ve double faults — some at cru- second time at Indian Wells, winning entry into the main draw is Meanwhile, Kasatkina rolled over her of the best nights in my life, for sure.” peared to hit a wall at about the two and cial moments in the match. “Anyone their third round match 6-4, 6-3. 16-year-old American prodigy third top-10 player in a row to reach her Serving for the match, Kasatkina a half hour mark. “As my coach said, who gets used to losses should give up After eliminating Stephens she beat Amanda Anisimova. fi rst Indian Wells fi nal. Kasatkina ral- clinched the victory on her second she’s 37 years old, I am 20, so I should go on life,” Williams said. two top 10 players to get to the semis — The men's field includes lied to claim the biggest victory of her match point as she raced out to a 40-0 for three sets,” she said. Kasatkina fi red Kasatkina continues her Cinderel- world number two Caroline Wozniacki defending champion Roger career and defeat world number eight lead. Williams hit a cross-court fore- one ace, hit fi ve double faults and broke la run through the California desert in three sets in the fourth round and Federer and six-time champ Williams, extending a year-long assault hand winner on the fi rst match point Williams’s serve seven times in the en- tournament as she goes for her second then No 10 Angelique Kerber in straight Novak Djokovic. on top players, Grand Slam winners and but then dumped a backhand into the tertaining match. WTA title. Kasatkina has beaten all four sets in the quarters.

SPOTLIGHT GOLF Raonic books showdown with Del Potro Sweden’s Stenson clings AFP Indian Wells, United States to share of Bay Hill lead ilos Raonic, coming off an inju- AFP ry-riddled 2017, booked a semi- Miami fi nal clash with comeback king Juan Martin Del Potro at the MATP Tour’s Indian Wells Masters on Friday. weden’s Henrik Stenson The 27-year-old Raonic defeated American birdied three consecu- Sam Querrey 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 to pick up just tive holes and clung to his fourth match win of the season and is a share of the lead on seeking to capture his ninth career ATP Tour FridayS as Tiger Woods slipped title. He’ll be up against the eighth-ranked back in the second round of the player in the world in Argentina’s Del Po- US PGA Tour Arnold Palmer tro, who beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber Invitational. Stenson, the 2016 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the day’s other quarters. British Open champion and Raonic lost in the fi nal of this event in Juan Martin Del Potro 2017 Rio Olympics runner-up, 2016 and has now made it to the semi-fi nals returns a shot to Philipp fi red a bogey-free three-un- in his last three appearances. Raonic didn’t Kohlschreiber in the der par 69 to stand alongside play in Indian Wells last year because of a quarter-finals in American Bryson DeChambeau string of injuries and surgeries that deci- Indian Wells. (AFP) on 11-under 133 after 36 holes at mated his season. Bay Hill. “It’s been a catastrophe,” he said of the a few events, tried to treat the issue. That of Raonic. “His game is so good. His serves Woods, a 14-time major win- time off due to injuries. The list of things wasn’t possible. I had surgery just before the are very strong. He’s very good player. So he ner and eight-time champion at that have put him in the infi rmary in the past US Open. And then in November I hurt my just needs a couple of weeks to improve his the Orlando course, opened and year is lengthy and might have sent another knee.” ranking and be where he deserves to be.” closed the front nine with bogeys person into permanent retirement. Del Potro can certainly sympathize with Former US Open champ Del Potro stepped but rallied late to shoot a level- “Let’s go down the list. Right adductor, Raonic. For Del Potro, reaching the semis is up his bid for a second straight tournament par 72 and stand seven shots left glut at the beginning of the year. Then I another feather in the cap of his comeback victory with his over two hour quarter-fi nal back on 140 after 36 holes as he tore my hamstring at the beginning of Feb- from injuries as he is back in the top 10 for win. Del Potro, who won a title earlier this works to fi nd consistent top form ruary. After Wimbledon I had to have wrist the fi rst time since 2014. “He has every- month in Acapulco, Mexico, fended off a ahead of next month’s Masters. surgery. Through the summer I tried to play thing to be in the top again,” Del Potro said stern challenge from Kohlschreiber. Stenson, whose only victory since his lone major title came last year at Greensboro, began LPGA on the back nine and saved pars from seven feet at the par-fi ve 16th and 15 feet at the par-three 17th after fi nding bunkers off the Henrik Stenson of Sweden putts for birdie during the second round Clanton seizes lead at LPGA Founders Cup tee. He also sank a nervy fi ve- of the US PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando. (AFP) footer for par at 18 after blasting AFP Uribe, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanu- a bogey in her three-under 69. out of a greenside bunker. left rough and led to a bogey. At nine with three consecutive Los Angeles garn and American Marina Alex. Alex climbed the leaderboard with “Today wasn’t as good as yes- nine, Woods had a three-putt birdies, starting the run with Clanton, seeking her fi rst win a bogey-free six-under 66 while terday obviously but the impor- bogey from 61 feet. an 18-footer at the par-three on the LPGA Tour, was even Uribe and Ariya both posted 68s. tant part for me was 16, 17 and “Today was just a bad day,” seventh. He put his approach ydney Clanton holed through the fi rst nine holes with It was a further stroke back to 18,” Stenson said. “I scrambled said Woods, who dropped his inches from the cup at 12 to out for eagle from the one bogey and one birdie. After Americans Mo Martin and Jes- for par on all three after hitting approaches at the 12th and 16th set up a birdie and dropped a fairway at 13 and rolled a birdie at the par-fi ve 11th, she sica Korda on 137. On a day when some not-so-good golf shots, inches from the cup for tap-in seven-foot eagle putt at the in a birdie at the last to posted an eagle two at the par- more benign conditions led to kept patient and made three in a birdies to reach level par for the par-fi ve 16th, then closed with seizeC the second-round lead at four 13th, where her wedge into lower scores, Choi was unable to row coming home. Three in a row day, then narrowly missing a a four-foot birdie putt that left the LPGA Founders Cup in Ari- the green took one bounce and build on her fi rst-round 67, her on this golf course is not bad.” 14-foot birdie putt at 18. “Today him level for the lead. American zona on Friday. Clanton shook found the cup. even-par 72 leaving her tied for Stenson sank four-foot bird- was a hard fi ght, it was a grind,” Talor Gooch was third on 135 off an early bogey and fi red four She added another birdie at 15 13th, four shots off the lead. ie putts at the par-four fi fth he said. “I didn’t hit the ball with South Korean An Byeong- birdies along with her eagle in a and took sole possession of the Former world number one and par-fi ve sixth holes then close. I didn’t hit the ball well hun fourth on 136 and Charley fi ve-under par 67. lead with her birdie at the last. Lydia Ko of New Zealand en- dropped a 20-footer at the par- but I was just hanging in there Hoff man another stroke adrift. Her nine-under par total of 135 Clanton, a rookie in 2012, has dured another tough day, follow- three seventh. trying not to shoot myself out of Rickie Fowler headed a group of put her one stroke in front of a four career top 10 fi nishes, but no ing up her fi rst-round 74 with Woods, again attempting to the tournament.” fi ve on 138 while four-time ma- quartet of players that included wins. Icher, who shared the fi rst- a one-over 73 that left her well return in the wake of four back DeChambeau, who won his jor champions Rory McIlroy and overnight co-leader Karine Icher round lead with South Korea’s outside the projected cut line of operations, stumbled at the fi rst PGA title at last July’s John Ernie Els were among those six of France, Colombia’s Mariajo Chella Choi, had four birdies and one-under par. start. His tee shot found the Deere Classic, closed the front strokes back on 139. Gulf Times Sunday, March 18, 2018 7 SPORT

RUGBY GYMNASTICS All set for FIG Artistic Individual World Cup Ireland beat England ‘King Kohei’. By Sports Reporter Doha Uchimura has won six world all-around titles and the last two Olympic all-around titles, the his week’s FIG Artistic longest streak of dominance in Individual World Cup in gymnastics history. With both Doha will act as a dress the top gymnasts eyeing wins rehearsal for the World heading into important year of to seal Grand Slam TChampionships, which Qatar World Championships, the bat- will host this October. tle between the two will be treat ‘Words can’t describe how delighted we are. We knew it would be a tough task to come here and win’ “This World Cup is very spe- to watch for fans. cial for us as it will also serve as In addition, the oldest Olympic Reuters the test event for World Cham- Gymnast, the 43-year-old Oksa- Twickenham, United Kingdom pionships this year,” Qatar na Chusovitina from Uzbekistan Gymnastics Federation (QGF) will also be coming to Doha to president and chairman of the defend her vault title she won last reland secured their third organising committee Ali al- year. Besides, several other gym- Six Nations grand slam Hitmi said yesterday. nasts have confi rmed their par- in emphatic style yester- The Artistic Gymnastics ticipation for the contest. day when, on a St Patrick’s World Cup will be held at the As- As for Qatar, young gymansts IDay to remember, they over- pire Dome from this Wednesday, Jana Kiki and Ahmed Nabil will whelmed defending champions March 21 to 24, with gymnasts represent the host country. Al- England 24-15 to join the men of from 39 countries competing for Hitmi said expressed hope that 1948 and 2009 in the country’s the honours. The QGF is confi - they will achieve good results, rugby hall of fame. dent of organising the best-ever which will refl ect the extent of The Irish made light of sleet championship, with an eye on the development of gymnastics and biting wind and an Eng- the marquee event to be held in Qatar. land team desperate to avoid a later this year from October 25 to “Nabil is one of the exciting third successive defeat as they November 3 talents supported by the QGF deservedly led 21-5 at halftime “All the preparations for the and has won eight gold and two with tries by Garry Ringrose, CJ event have been completed and silver medals over the past three Stander and the prolifi c Jacob we are looking forward to a very years in the various regional Stockdale. successful edition this year,” al- events. Kiki is also a promising England, unbeaten at home Hitmi said. gymnast who won two bronze in the Six Nations since 2012, “We will leave no stone un- medals during the Arab Youth managed tries by Elliot Daly in turned to make it a blockbuster Championships in Morocco in each half and another in stop- as it will give us huge confi dence 2015,” al-Hitmi said. page time by Jonny May but al- ahead of World Championships,” The al-Hitmi thanked the FIG ways looked second-best. the QGF president said. for reposing its faith in Doha and Wales edged France 14-13 Like every year, top gymnasts lauded the great support provid- later to fi nish second in the Six including World and Olym- ed by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- Nations behind Grand Slam pic champions will be in action mad al-Thani, the president of winners Ireland. The win left over four days. The qualifi cation the Qatar Olympic Committee. Wales on 15 points, with Scot- rounds will be held on fi rst two “It’s a great a moment to or- land fi nishing third, France days of the championship, with ganise the 11th edition of the fourth, England fi fth and Italy eight best gymnasts making it Gymnastics World Cup in Qa- with the wooden spoon. to the fi nals and will strive for tar. This one particular event Scotland defeated Italy 20-27 medals on the last two days of had helped us win the bid for earlier in the day. England fi n- Ireland’s hooker Rory Best (second right) holds the Six Nations trophy and Ireland’s fly-half Jonathan Sexton (left) the Triple Crown as the competition. this year’s FIG World Cham- ished outside the top three for Ireland players celebrate their Six Nations Grand Slam victory after their match against England at the Twickenham, west London. (AFP) The mouth-watering con- pionships. I like to thank QOC the fi rst time in 12 years and end test is expected between world President HE Sheikh Joaan bin as low as fi fth - their worst per- with a Jonny Sexton drop goal page time with a knockout blow. Farrell uncharacteristically Conor O’Shea. champion Xiao Ruoteng of Chi- Hamad al-Thani for his support formance in 35 years. to snatch victory in their fi rst The TMO again ruled in their failed to convert any of them “There’s so many positives. na and Japanese legend Kohei to host the competitions,” said “Words can’t describe how match away to France. favour as Stockdale knocked on and the score did nothing other I’m really, really proud of our Uchimura, famously known as al-Hitmi. delighted we are,” said Ireland They had no need for such - legally - with his knee before than slightly delay the Irish cel- players they put in a great per- captain Rory Best. “We knew it heroics on Saturday, however, diving on the ball for his 11th ebrations. formance, and played some would be a tough task to come as they were rarely troubled at try in his nine internationals to “We gave them too many amazing rugby.” here and win. It was a ferocious a ground where they had lost on send Ireland in 21-5 ahead. penalties at the start of the Scotland’s slim title hopes test match. We had to make eve- three of their last four visits. England, seeking to avoid a game and allowed them to build had been extinguished with ry moment count and we knew It was all Ireland in the open- third successive defeat in the a lead,” Jones said. defeat to Ireland last week but the reward would be worth the ing 20 minutes as they built a competition for the fi rst time “They are a good tough team, they propelled themselves up massive eff ort required.” 14-0 lead that England could since 2006, came out full of fi re very worthy grand slam cham- the table from fi fth to third after A year ago in Dublin Ireland hardly complain about. in the second half but came up pions and they’ve performed home wins against France and ended English grand slam hopes against the disciplined, organ- extremely well today.” England. by handing Eddie Jones his fi rst BLASTED THROUGH ised and hugely motivated de- Italy coach Conor O’Shea “This win is as valuable as the defeat as England coach and on First the TMO ruled that fence that has been a key aspect conceded he was “destroyed” win against England,” said Scot- Saturday they rubbed it in by Ringrose had fairly reached in Ireland’s march to the title. as Scotland snatched a last- land coach Gregor Townsend, giving him his fi rst at Twicken- the ball after Anthony Watson As Ireland stood fi rm, the gasp 29-27 win to break Italian whose side claimed their fi rst ham. spilled a Sexton up and under thousands of their fans were hearts. Italy had dominated, away championship win since The Australian’s oft-stated before Stander skidded into the ensuring it was the St Patrick’s leading 17-12 at half-time but beating Italy two years ago. aim has been to build England base of a post after Bundee Aki Day of a lifetime as the sounds suff ered their 17th straight de- “Italy were in control for most into a team capable of challeng- had blasted through the Eng- of their “Fields of Athenry” an- feat after a 79th minute penalty of the game, but our fi tness was ing New Zealand as the best in lish midfi eld. England fi nally them rang around the ground by Greig Laidlaw handed Scot- a factor and we dominated the the world but at the moment roused themselves with a series and the volume was cranked up land third place in the tourna- second half,” he added. they have dropped so far off the of driving mauls that created further when a Conor Murray ment as the Italians fi nished “It’s good for us to get three pace that they are not even close space for Owen Farrell to fi nd penalty after an hour stretched with the wooden spoon for the wins. It’s not often that happens to being the best in Europe. with a deft kick for Daly to reach the lead to 19. A great backhand third time in fi ve years. in the Six Nations.” That honour goes to Ireland, on the left wing. pass by Mike Brown sent Daly “I’m destroyed for the lads Italy fi nish bottom of the ta- deserved champions - though But just as the crowd were over and May had the last word and the fans but we’ve seen our ble for the third straight year the grand slam looked a long getting ready for halftime with with England’s third try. future, the style and the game with fi ve defeats in fi ve games, Qatar Gymnastics Federation president and chairman of the FIG way away when they began the game delicately poised at But, summing up England’s that we want, the quality of our with captain Sergio Parisse suf- Artistic Individual World Cup organising committee Ali al-Hitmi the 41-phase move that ended 14-5, the visitors struck in stop- day and entire championship, young players,” said Italy coach fering his 100th Test defeat. addressing the media yesterday. PICTURE: Thajudheen

DOHA TRIATHLON BADMINTON Shi sets up all-Chinese Al-Romaihi emerges champion All England fi nal By Sports Reporter Doha AFP Birmingham brahim al-Romaihi emerged champion fast and enterpris- in the Qatar National ing performance from Championship held fl eet-footed 22-year- asE part of the Doha Triathlon old Shi Yuqi ensured 2018, which concluded at the thatA China will win back the Museum of Islamic Art Park on men’s singles title at the Bad- Friday. minton All England Open in China’s Shi Yuqi in action against Al-Romaihi clocked today’s fi nal. South Korea’s Son Wan Ho during 1hr12mins43secs, about four Shi overcame Son Wan Ho, the their singles All England Open minutes clear Mubarak al-Ajji fi fth-seeded Korean to reach the Badminton Championships who fi nished second, while fi nal of the famous 118-year-old semi-final in Birmingham. (AFP) Abdulla Shaheen al-Kaabi was tournament with a 21-17, 21-14 third. About 400 athletes in win. Two-time former champi- better than last year. This time various categories took part in on Lin Dan faces Chinese com- I will be playing one of my team the event in which athletes had patriot Huang Yuxiang in the mates, so I will be able to prepare to swim, run and cycle. other semi-fi nal later. for specifi c details.” Jamal Abdul Latif al-Kuwari, Son may have been blunted by By contrast Tai Tzu Ying’s Qatar Cycling and Triathlon two gruelling three-game tus- victory over Chen Yufei ensured Federation Secretary-General, sles in the past three days and that China cannot regain the ti- expressed his joy at the strength the fresher Shi was quick to take tle in a women’s singles event it of the competition. advantage once he was able to once used to dominate. “The race was excellent and Winners of the Doha Triathlon 2018 pose with their medals. snap out an error-strewn start The top-seeded defending All the participants benefi ted a lot that saw him fall 7-11 behind in England champion from Taiwan from the second edition com- in both the men’s Olympic Open fi nished in the fourth and fi fth pions (B Haithem, J Parker and plete the course. the fi rst game and 5-9 in the sec- won 21-15, 20-22, 21-3 against pared to the previous one. We’re and Overall classes. The TriClub spots, respectively. G Abate) in the men’s section, The Sprint Class was con- ond. the eighth-seeded Chen Yufei, a also happy to have a category athlete took 2:03.27 to fi nish Isora Sosa Caballero topped while the women’s title went tested by athletes in four sec- Shi hit top form with a seven- 20-year-old former world jun- for the Qatari athletes and we the course. He was more than 11 the Olympic Open Women’s to Team Awesome, represented tions – open men and women point sequence in the middle of ior champion, recovering from witnessed tough competition in minutes faster than teammate Class with 2:23.48, beating Toni by S Neeson, J Kaaoush and L and veteran men and women. the second game to decisively a temporary loss of concentra- that class for the Qatar National David Walsh in the Open class. Snoxell easily. Gerda Maria Du- van Gisbergen). Samuel Valdez TriClub’s pair of Bernard Mc- swing the match in his favour. tion in the second game and Championship,” he added. Ahmad al-Sharhan of 3Club was mitru was third. and Nadia Lie, both from Doha Cullagh and Carla Pregigueiro His success followed a surpris- re-asserting her reputation as Diff erent distances were ear- third with 2:14.50. Pia Sundsteadt, who is excel- College, put up a fi ne display bagged both the Individual and ingly comfortable victory over the world’s most skilful female marked for three categories: In the Olympic Overall Class, lent in bike and running, came and won the Super Sprint titles overall crowns. Andrew Buckley China’s Olympic champion Chen player. Super Sprint – 375m swim, De Ulzurrun was followed by on the top of the Veterans and in the individual category. Val- and Elizabeth Dunne topped the Long on Friday, and off ers the Her opponent in the fi nal will 10km bike, 2.5k run; Sprint – Joan Pedret Ruiz and Joady Olympic Overall. Caballero was dez (45:13) beat TriClub’s Ar- veterans class timesheets. chance of redemption after being be the World Super Series fi - 750m swim, 20km bike, 5k run Sanderson, who fi nished fi rst about four minutes slower to ran Cameron (48:49) and Lie Dr Mohamed Jaham al-Ku- blown away by Malaysia’s Lee nals winner from Japan Akane and Olympic – 1500m swim, and second in the Veterans’ Sundsteadt and Andrea Stadler clocked 53:32 to brush aside wari, QCTF President and Dr Chong Wei in last year’s fi nal. Yamaguchi, who defeated the 40km bike, 10k run. category. Ruiz was timed in was third with 2:32.19. the challenge of Rasha Sajeer Nasser al-Mohannadi were the “My form is getting better and Olympic silver medallist from Aday Alvarez Diez de Ulzurrun 2:12.35, while Sanderson was a The Olympic Class Team ti- Kalandan (Birla Public School), guests of honour at the awards better,” Shi said. India Pusarla Sindhu 19-21, 21-19 emerged as the strongest athlete close third. Walsh and Sharhan tles were claimed by The Cham- who required 1:02:11 to com- ceremony. “In the fi nal I hope I can do 21-18 in the semi-fi nal yesterday.

Sunday, March 18, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

SWIMMING FOOTBALL/QNB STARS LEAGUE Double Dutch Gharafa’s hopes hit, delight in Doha Markhiya Rio Olympic champions Sharon Van Rouwendaal and Ferry Weertman live up to relegated reputation by winning the first leg of the FINA/HOSA Marathon Swim Series 2018 By Sports Reporter Results Doha (Home teams first) l Gharafa’s hopes of Al Arabi 3 Al Gharafa 1 fi nishing fourth in the Al Rayyan 2 Umm Salal 2 QNB Stars League suf- Al Kharaitiyat 3, Qatar SC 2 fered a huge blow when Al Sadd 0 Al Khor 1 theyA crashed to a 3-1 defeat Al Markhiya 2 Al Duhail 4 against Al Arabi in the penulti- Al Ahli 0 Al Sailiya 3 mate round yesterday. Diego Jardel (45+9) and Kwame Karikari (73rd and 81st minutes) match. The goal was scored with a scored the goals for Al Arabi, who shot from outside the Al Sadd box thus extended their incredible that was heavily guarded. winning streak to four matches Al Markhiya have been relegat- and took their points tally to 24. ed as any hopes of survival took a Al Gharafa’s goal was scored by heavy pounding when they lost Brazilian defender Rubert Jose in 2-4 to new Al Duhail. the 42nd minute. Al Markhiya scored in the 40th The defeat dealt a serious blow and 71st minutes through Mo- to the hopes of Al Gharafa, who hamed El Neel and Eric Pereira. stayed on 32 points, the same as Al Duhail’s goals were scored Umm Salal who held Al Rayyan by Youssef Msakni (27th and 85th 2-2 in the day’s another fi xture, to minutes) and Yousef El Arabi (75th fi nish among the top four and thus and 80th minutes). qualify for the Qatar Cup. It did not take long for the It was Al Gharafa who created relegation-threatened club to Qatar Olympic Committee First Vice President Dr Thani al-Kuwari, Qatar Swimming Federation President Khalial al-Jabir and other off icials pose with the men’s winners. more chances from the begin- fall behind via a mistake of their ning and they duly took the lead own making just before the half- By Sports Reporter Rasovszky went off and started leading, through Rubert. hour mark. Msakni latched onto a Doha leaving Fontaine fi ghting behind him, However, Brazilian midfi elder through ball before being clumsily who, half way through the second lap was Diego Jardel, who played an in- brought down by the goalkeeper again on his own towards the front-left strumental role in their 3-1 win for a penalty. Msakni stepped up lympic champions Sharon Van hand side, away from the pack, hoping for over Al Rayyan in Week 20, was at and dispatched with ease to help Rouwendaal and Ferry Weert- a better line. Germany’s number 43 Mar- it again when he converted from The Red Knights take an early lead. man, both of the Netherlands, cus Herwig, 22, was leading at this point. the spot in the ninth minute of With the half drawing to a close, were the big winners yesterday Brazil’s Diogo Villarinho took the early fi rst-half stoppage time. Al Markhiya got back on level inO Doha, the fi rst host of the FINA/HOSA lead of lap 3, which the referee had to The penalty was awarded af- terms, thanks to some incisive at- Marathon Swim World Series 2018. watch very carefully as the pack was start- ter Al Gharafa goalkeeper Qassim tacking play from Saleh al-Yazidi. Rio 2016 winner Van Rouwendaal ing to spread out. Last year’s overall win- Burhan made a lunging foul on His slide-rule pass through the touched home in 2h02m24s4, while ner Simone Ruffi ni of Italy was then 7th in Mudhir Abdurab. The play was centre was the perfect invitation Germany’s Leonie Beck was second in a very controlled pace. stopped for some time and Burhan for El Neel to emphatically level 2h02m25m2 and teammate Finnia Wun- Olympic champion Weertman slowly was shown a red card. the scores. Midway through the ram third in 2h02m26s7. but surely made his way from the back Meanwhile, substitute Salem second half, and against the run In the men’s race Olympic title holder of the pack to the middle. His teammate Khalifa produced a stunning sec- of play, Al Markhiya took the lead Weertman won his fi rst ever gold medal Marcel Schouten was still one of the fi rst ond-half strike to power Al Khor as Pereirra ran towards the op- in the World Series. He clocked a time of ones in turns with Fontaine. Fontaine end- to a 1-0 win over Al Sadd. position box unchallenged before 1h52m41s6, while France’s David Aubry ed up fi nishing 9th today in 1h52m48s90. After both sides ended the fi rst fi ring an unstoppable rocket into took silver in 1h52m42s5 and Italy’s Si- Aubry got back to the front in the fourth half without a goal, Al Khor man- the top corner. So often the archi- mone Ruffi ni, last year overall Series’ win- lap, when swimmers normally adjust their aged a late strike when Salem, after tects of their own downfall, the ner, took bronze in 1h52m24s7. position for the rest of the competition beating two rival defenders with home side let the lead slip minutes An array of open water swimmers (43 and were the gaps in-between the group his amazing speed, unleashed a later as El Arabi was able to power women, and 72 men), several of them Ol- increase. At this point, Jack Brunell (GBR), powerful shot that beat the goal- through the defence and fi re past ympic and/or World champions battled Mario Sanzullo (ITA) and Kristof Rasovsz- keeper and smashed into the net at the goalkeeper. for glory yesterday off Doha’s Coriche. ky (HUN) made their way to the front. high speed. Minutes later, the champi- The women’s race started this morning In a stunning sprint 100m away from It was a memorable outing for ons retook the lead when El Arabi at 8:30 with uncertain conditions. A light the turning bouy during the fi fth lap, tra- Salem, who had replaced Mowa- grabbed the rebound following wind was up and a slight fog made the vis- ditional indoor pool swimmer and 1,500m fak Awad in the 58th minute of the Hazem’s parried shot. ibility more diffi cult. However half way Olympic and World champion Gregorio through the race the sun came out and the Paltrinieri of Italy took the lead for the fi rst temperature went up. time of the race. He suddenly was side by The speed really started to pick up to- side with very experienced Alex Reymond wards the end of the race when the Ger- of France. The sixth and fi nal lap saw man swimmers Leonie Beck and Finnia Sharon Van Rouwendaal and Ferry Weertman of the Netherlands pose after winning Weertman coming back faster than ever to Wunman clearly showed their intention to the women’s and men’s race off Doha’s Corniche yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma touch home fi rst, closely followed by Au- keep their best pace within the frontrun- bry (1h52m42s5) and Ruffi ni (1h52m24s7) ners. best race ever… apart from the Olympics. I taine, 19 in a few days, from France, took who completed the podium today in Doha. While most swimmers skipped the last was really relaxed during the race. I started the lead together with teammate David Still out of breath, gold medallist feed opportunity at the pontoon, where behind and at each turn I tried to win a few Aubry, 21. We could observe a V-shape Weertman, said: “This is my fi rst win in they can refuel with energy gel and cool- places and at the end I just kept calm. I formation behind the two French leaders the World Series! I am very happy about ing water, the real sprint was visible in the tried to sprint the last 600m. which is a sign that the pace is steady. that! I have won some other races but it is last 19-20 minutes of the race. “Normally I am in front right from the But half way through the fi rst lap, seven nice to be this good that early in the sea- In the last straight line, Van Rouwendaal start but at the World Series I am trying to swimmers were side by side in the front to son. distanced herself from the pack to swim learn new tactics. I can see that this was form a spectacular group of frontrunners. “I felt strong in the fourth lap, so I over- clear with the defi nitive intention to grab my best tactic ever.” Leonie Beck (GER), Just like in the women’s race, Germany took in the front and immediately I saw a medal. At the last buoy, Van Rouwendaal silver medallist, added: “I am feeling very showed great form yesterday. Marcus Reymond coming. He is a very good 25km gave all she had and clinched the gold after good. I did not expect to do so well. When Herwig started to take the lead and dis- swimmer so I knew he was going to keep 2h02m24s4 of incredible eff ort in the wa- the Italians stopped I didn’t expect it so I tance himself from the pack. He swam up the pace and I knew I had to stay on his ter. Right behind her for silver was Leonie thought “ok well I’ll just go in front”.” on the left hand side of this huge group of feet. I could do that for a very long time. Beck (2h02m25s2) and Finnia Wunman for As opposed to the women’s diving start, athletes, which included 15 French swim- I also saw Paltrinieri come next to me and bronze (2h02m26s7). A very happy and it was a water start for the men’s race this mers, all standing out with their bright I know he’s the fastest man in the 1,500m smiling Van Rouwendaal commented after afternoon in Doha. blue cap. but I had to stay with him because I know I Al Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi and Youssef Msakni celebrate their win her race: “I feel very good. This is like my Right from the beginning Logan Fon- At the start of lap 2, Hungary’s Kristof have a good sprint.” over Markhiya yesterday.

EMIR CUP SHOOTING

Gold-medal winner Rashid al-Azbah (centre), silver-medal winner Saeed Abu Shareeb and bronze-medal winner Samir Sarkis (right) celebrate on the skeet podium of Emir Cup Shooting Championship at the Losail Shooting Range yesterday. At right, Hajar Mohamed, Reem al-Shershini and Fatimah al-Muraikhi pose with their skeet gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.