| Page 4 All-round thrash Kolkata to go top of table

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 5, 1440 AH Suarez returns GULF TIMES to England with nothing to prove SPORT Page 2

FOOTBALL/ AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Al Sadd draw with Injury-time heroics Pakhtakor despite earn win for 10-man superb Xavi brace Antlers AL RAYYAN SQUANDER LEAD TO GO DOWN TO AL WAHDA Reuters with a close range header to Hong Kong claim his debut Asian Cham- pions League goal for Shan- dong Luneng, and Graziano efending champi- Pelle doubled the side’s lead ons Kashima Antlers from the penalty spot seven scored twice in in- minutes before the break. jury time to secure a Safawi Rasid’s spectacular come-from-behindD 3-2 win curling eff ort just before the over South Korea’s Gyeong- hour mark gave JDT hope of nam FC despite fi nishing their salvaging a point, and Gonzalo Asian Champions League Cabrera hit the cross bar late clash with 10 men yesterday in the game as the Malaysian evening. side narrowly missed out on a The Japanese side trailed by draw. two goals with 19 minutes re- Cedric Bakambu, mean- maining after Tomoya Inukai while, scored a hat trick for headed into his own goal and Beijing Guoan, who claimed Jordan Mutch’s side-foot vol- their fi rst win in group G with ley doubled Gyeongnam’s ad- a 3-1 victory over Thailand’s vantage. Buriram United that pulls An own goal from Korean Roger Schmidt’s side into con- defender Woo Ju-sung halved tention for a place in the next the defi cit with 15 minutes re- phase of the competition. maining, only for Inukai to cap The Chinese side move on an eventful evening when he to four points and trail leaders was sent off six minutes from Jeonbuk Motors by two points time for a second bookable of- after Adriano scored the only fence. goal of the game, as the South Antlers looked destined to Korea champions saw off fel- slip to their fi rst defeat since low two-time champions winning the title last year, Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan. but Takeshi Kanamori lev- In the western half of the elled a minute into injury time draw, Iranian side Esteghlal from close range and Serginho hauled themselves back into smashed his shot into the top the running for a place in the corner two minutes later to next phase as they beat group give Go Oiwa’s side all three C leaders Al Hilal from Saudi points. Arabia 2-1 to secure their fi rst “I think we can be proud win. that we fought to win here The Tehran-based club with 10 men,” said Oiwa. move on to four points from “But we need to turn our three games with Al Hilal still sights to the next game, not leading the standings with six bask in this win for long. We points, while ’s Al Du- managed to keep our com- hail sit in second after their Al Sadd star Xavi is congratulated by teammates after he scored against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in Tashkent yesterday. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. posure when we were under 2-2 draw with former champi- pressure, and that led to the ons of the United Arab Agencies Meanwhile, an added-time goal from goals in the end.” Emirates. Tashkent Leonardo sealed a 2-1 comeback win for Kashima move on to seven Zob Ahan maintained their UAE’s Al Wahda against Qatar’s Al Rayyan points from their fi rst three unbeaten start to group A in Group B. games and lead group E by when they defeated UAE side pain and Barcelona legend Xavi The two sides went into the fi xture level two points from Shandong Al Wasl 3-1 to move on to seven rolled back the years with a superb on three points, with goal diff erence fa- Luneng, with the Chinese Su- points, and the Iranian side are fi rst-half brace only for Al Sadd to vouring Al Wahda. per League side securing a 2-1 three points clear at the sum- twice squander their lead and set- Al Rayyan looked to pump crosses into win — their fi rst of the cam- mit after Al Nassr from Saudi Stle for a 2-2 draw against Uzbek giants Pa- the box for Gelmin Rivas throughout the paign — against Malaysia’s Jo- Arabia handed second-placed khtakor in their AFC Champions League fi rst half with the Venezuelan striker see- hor Darul Ta’zim. Al Zawraa from Iraq a 4-1 encounter here on Tuesday. ing his header saved by goalkeeper Mo- Marouane Fellaini scored thrashing. Fresh from their record 14th league title hammed Al Shamsi at the 15-minute mark. in Qatar, Al Sadd seemingly had the match Rivas was again at the receiving end of a in control but defensive errors allowed the Mohammed Juma cross six minutes later, hosts to grab a vital point that helped them but he failed direct his header goalward. stay atop Group D with fi ve points from Korean defender Rim Chang-woo re- three matches. sponded with a headed eff ort for Al Wah- Al Sadd are second on four points, ahead da, but his ball sailed over the crossbar, Persepolis on goal diff erence, after the Ira- before Rivas again missed a header from a nians defeated Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli 2-0 Rodrigo Tabata cross. for their fi rst victory in on Tuesday. A last-ditch tackle from Mohamed At the Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium in Alaeldin denied the UAE side a certain the Uzbek capital, it was Xavi who was scoring opportunity before the half-time undoubtedly the star of the show as he Rayyan’s midfielder Rodrigo Tabata (L) vies for the ball with Al Wahda’s defender break. The Qatar defender snatched the silenced the partisan crowd by displaying Ahmed Rashed during their AFC Champions League Group B football match at the ball from underneath the feet of Leonardo glimpses of his class that had made him in Doha yesterday. as the Brazilian was set to pull the plug fol- the most feared midfi eld maestro during lowing a quick counter attack. his heyday. however, the advantage however lasted son, struck spectacularly from a 25-yard The match burst into life in the sec- Barely had the match settled into some only three minutes as Khojiakbar Alijonov free-kick in the 16th minute to restore the ond half as Rivas fi nally got his goal for Al sort of a pattern, when Xavi stamped his punished the visitors for a poor clearance Qatari side’s lead. Rayyan. The striker evaded his marker to authority with a sublime strike in the sixth with a powerful shot past goalkeeper Me- But once again they couldn’t hold on to get on the end of Lucca Borges’ cross from minute. shaal Barsham. the lead as Serbian Dragan Ceran made it the right wing and slip home the opener After receiving a fi ne pass from Baghdad With both sides intent on attacking, it 2-2 for Pakhtakor in the 42nd minute with eight minutes after the restart. Bounedjah, the highest scorer in last sea- was only a matter of minutes before an- a fi ne header past Barsham. Al Wahda restored parity in the 67th son’s AFC Champions League, the Span- other goal materialised, and sure enough it Both teams failed to make good of the minute through Sebastian Tagliabue. iard curled in the ball from the edge of the was Xavi once again who was in the thick chances that came their way in the sec- Ismail Matar supplied a superb penalty to beat the Pakhtakor goalkeeper of the action. ond half as the match eventually ended in through pass for the Argentine who latched Gyeongnam FC’s Kim Seung-jun (L) fights for the ball against Sanjar Kuvvatov all ends up. The Al Sadd skipper, who has an- a stalemate. They will clash in the reverse onto the ball and applied a composed fi nish Kashima Antlers during their AFC Champions League Group E Much to Al Sadd’s disappointment, nounced he will retire at the end of the sea- fi xture in Doha in two weeks’ time. past goalkeeper Fahad Younis. match in Changwon yesterday. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 10, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Qatar 2022 stadiums feature prominently Ronaldo at Arab football exhibition in Paris he FIFA World Cup Arab world and proud to con- Qatar 2022 features tribute towards this showcase of raring to go prominently in a new our region’s football history.” exhibition launched this The exhibition features 11 Tweek at the Institute of the Arab segments, including one de- World in Paris. voted to Qatar’s hosting of the The Supreme Committee for FIFA World Cup. The Qatari against Ajax & Legacy (SC), the body segment features all eight sta- tasked with overseeing the in- dium models, along with two Agencies teenager Moise Kean is in fi ne frastructure and legacy for Qatar videos which highlight the re- Rome form netting fi ve goals in the last 2022, has donated stadium mod- cent infrastructure progress. fi ve Serie A outings. els for the exhibition, which is ti- In addition, the Qatar Football “Kean also entered and scored tled ‘Football and the Arab World: Association has donated vari- ristiano Ronaldo is back [the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 de- The Revolution of the Round Ball’. ous memorabilia following Qa- from injury after be- feat of AC Milan],” Allegri said. Jean-Yves Le Drian, France’s tar’s victory in the AFC Asian ing named in Juventus’ “He is doing very well, but let’s Minister of Foreign Aff airs, was Cup earlier this year. squad for today’s away leave him to be calm. He needed the guest of the honour at the ex- Other highlights of the exhi- CChampions League quarter-fi nal to stay at Juventus to grow tech- hibition, which was also attended bition include a segment devot- match against Ajax. nically, train and play with the by Prince Ali bin Ali al-Hussein, ed to Larbi Benbarek, who was Ronaldo hasn’t played for the champions, but he can also im- and Sheikh Ali bin Jassem al-Tha- one of the fi rst players of Arab Serie A leaders — who are just prove mentally.” ni, Qatar’s ambassador to France. origin to be successful in Eu- one point away from sealing an Trouble could come from the SC secretary-general Hassan al- rope. The story of France-based eighth Italian league title — since absence of veteran centre-back Thawadi also attended the open- players who joined the Algerian scoring the sensational hat-trick Giorgio Chiellini, who reportedly ing and signed a partnership in SC secretary-general Hassan al-Thawadi (left) speaks to Prince Ali bin Ali al-Hussein (second from left) of independence movement is also that saw Juve come back from a left Monday’s training session support of the exhibition with Jordan, Institute of the Arab World president Jack Lang (centre) and French Minister of Foreign Aff airs documented, while there are 2-0 fi rst-leg defi cit to knock out with a pulled calf muscle. Defen- Jack Lang, President of the Insti- Jean-Yves Le Drian (right) during the ‘Football and the Arab World: The Revolution of the Round Ball’ specifi c features on football in Atletico Madrid last month. sive midfi elder Emre Can is nurs- tute of the Arab World. exhibition in Paris. Palestine, the women’s game in But the Portugal captain was ing a sprained ankle but Sami Al-Thawadi said the SC was Jordan and the passion for foot- named in Massimiliano Allegri’s Khedira is back and approaching proud to showcase its plans “We’re pleased to be part game,” said al-Thawadi. “Events regions together. We’re thrilled ball in Cairo. There are also seg- 21-man Champions League top form after heart surgery. for Qatar 2022 at the institute, of this enthralling exhibi- such as this help to illustrate the to have the chance to show how ments on Paris Saint-Germain squad. Tight defence will be crucial which is located near Notre tion which highlights the Arab power of football and how sport preparations are coming along and the best XI in Arab football Giorgio Chiellini misses out against the fast and aggressive Dame Cathedral. world’s passion for the beautiful can bring people, countries and for the fi rst World Cup in the history. (SC.qa) due to a left calf contracture Dutch, who boosted their repu- while Emre Can also stays in Italy tation with a 4-1 away hammer- after straining his right ankle in ing of holders Real to advance 5-3 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE the 2-1 Serie A victory over AC on aggregate. Milan on Saturday. “Ajax is a really strong team,” “Cristiano has been training, Cancelo said. “I watched the he is a professional and is doing match they played in Madrid all he can to help the team,” his with Real. They have so many compatriot Joao Cancelo told young players with so much tal- Sky TV on Monday. ent and we have to be very care- Allegri, however, has more ful. worries in defence than up front, “However, we are ready to Suarez returns where Mario Mandzukic, Paulo play our best possible match Dybala and Federico Bernarde- and bring home the win to make schi are available, Douglas Costa it more likely to go to the semi- to England with is back from a long lay-off and fi nals.” nothing to prove Messi’s talent stands alone but his partnership with Suarez is extraordinary too Stage set for Pogba to prove his worth to Man Utd

AFP eight for the first time in five Manchester, United Kingdom years and give Pogba another chance to shine on the Cham- pions League stage. head of Barcelona’s The arrival of Ole Gunnar Champions League Solskjaer to replace the Atrip to Old Traff ord, sacked Mourinho in Decem- the Catalans’ president has ber removed any excuses admitted even they could not that it was the Portuguese’s compete with Manchester straitjacket that was limiting United’s then world record of- the output of one his most Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (left) takes part in a training session in fer to bring back talented players. Turin, Italy, yesterday. (Reuters) to England in 2016. An upturn in form was immedi- “We couldn’t aff ord that ate. Pogba scored nine goals amount of money at the and created six more in his first time,” Josep Maria Bartomeu 12 games under Solskjaer. Tadic and Ajax set sights on told ESPN. “So he went to However, his form has cooled United, and he’s making them since, and not by coincidence Juve aft er Bernabeu heroics better as a team because he’s so has United’s with three de- one of the stars of the world feats in their last four games. AFP in Madrid will be best remem- of football right now.” Amsterdam bered for that moment in the However, nearly three years MADRID INTEREST? first half when he escaped Barcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates his goal during the La Liga match against Atletico Madrid at the Camp on, United can feel they have Pogba has also not done his Casemiro with a sensational Nou stadium in Barcelona on Saturday. (AFP) still to receive suff icient bang approval ratings among the In the wake of Ajax’s stunning turn. for the bucks they paid to Ju- United fans any favours by victory against holders Real “As time goes by we will realise AFP today in the last 16 of the Cham- spells, often in the late summer ventus for Pogba in an £89mn publicly flirting with Real Madrid in the Champions what we did, but now we just Barcelona pions League, the tournament months, when fi tness has been ($116mn) transfer fee. Madrid while away on inter- League last 16, the headlines want to enjoy our football and Barcelona crave success in this lacking, and in the Champi- The French World Cup winner national duty last month and across Europe were mainly these things will come. It’s season more than any other. ons League, where Suarez faces will start for just the second talking of his admiration for about the new golden genera- really special,” said Tadic after is goal against Atletico Two months before his clash United hunting only his second time in a Champions League Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. tion emerging in Amsterdam. that match. Madrid on Saturday with Chiellini, Suarez had been goal in 17 games. He has not knockout game for United “He’s capable of doing every- The club of Johan Cruyff , and of Formerly of Groningen and should prove Barce- named the Premier League’s scored away from Camp Nou in today. thing. There are midfielders Louis van Gaal’s side that lifted FC Twente, Tadic came back lona’s knock-out blow PFA Players’ Player of the Year the tournament since Septem- Benched for both legs of a bit- who know how to defend re- the trophy in 1995, are into their to the Netherlands in an 11.4 Hin La Liga and now Manchester and won the division’s Golden ber 2015. terly disappointing last 16 exit ally well, others who are very first Champions League quarter- million-euro (£10mn) move United are tasked with contain- Boot award after scoring 31 goals “It’s one of those things, a co- to Sevilla last season by Jose good in attack. He knows how final since 2003 with a team from Premier League strug- ing the might of Luis Suarez in for Liverpool. incidence,” said Valverde. Mourinho due to personal to do everything,” said Zidane. packed with products of their glers Southampton last year. Europe. In four seasons at Anfi eld, he But few can dispute Suarez’s diff erences and poor perform- United are entitled to want famed youth system. The image of ’s hit 82 goals in 133 games, a ratio part in what is now one of the ances, Pogba’s only previous Pogba to show the potential Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, ‘BIG FISH IN A SMALL POND’ partner-in-chief has been de- better than both Thierry Henry most dominant eras in the his- start ended in a red card and Zidane spoke of on a more aged 21 and headed for Barce- His signing, and that of Daley fi ned by his darker side, a relent- and Robin van Persie at Arsenal, tory of Spanish football. a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint- regular basis. lona at the end of the season, Blind, the defender rejoining less, ferocious and, occasionally, Alan Shearer at Newcastle and Messi’s talent stands alone Germain back in February. The signing of Pogba was and 19-year-old defender from Manchester United, high- misguided opponent, running Didier Drogba at Chelsea. but his partnership with Suarez, Without their suspended star, meant to signal United’s Matthijs de Ligt are the bright- lighted part of the strategy at defenders ragged for the best For Barcelona, who paid Liv- a close personal friend, is ex- a youthful United side pulled return to the elite. est young stars in a side that the Johan Cruyff Arena. part of a decade. erpool just over 80mn euros to traordinary too. off a miraculous 3-1 win in It is time for him to deliver on triumphed 4-1 at the Santiago The club’s decision-makers, When Barca’s coach Ernes- sign Suarez in 2014, his contri- Together they have 66 goals Paris to make it to the last the biggest stage. Bernabeu. with former players Ed- to Valverde is asked about the bution has been clouded less by in all competitions this season, However, the most decisive win van der Sar and Marc threat posed by Suarez, the de- indiscipline and more by Messi, 43 for Messi and 23 for Suarez, player in this Champions Overmars now respectively scription he oftens reverts to is the player around whom the while in the league they have 53, League campaign for Ajax — chief executive and technical “un dolor de cabeza”. A head- whole team revolves. more than every team in the di- which continues into today’s director, needed experience to ache. Suarez is Messi’s provider, vision, except Real Madrid. quarter-final first leg against surround the youngsters. Suarez’s reputation as one runner and foil but has managed When Messi broke his arm in Juventus — is a grizzled vet- The main goal for Ajax was of the game’s arch-villains is to perform the role without los- October and Barca were forced eran by comparison. reclaiming the Dutch title, last entrenched, perhaps nowhere ing sight of what he can bring to manage without the Argen- Dusan Tadic, at 30, was the old- won in 2014. Ten Hag’s team deeper than in England, where too. tinian, Suarez stepped up, scor- est member of coach Erik ten are level with PSV Eindhoven he was found guilty of racial ing six times in fi ve games. Hag’s line-up in Madrid, with the at the top of the table with five abuse for calling United’s Pa- LONG AWAY DROUGHT IN They are now within touching sole exception of 32-year-old games left, having recently trice Evra “negrito” in 2011 and, EUROPE distance of their eighth La Liga Dane Lasse Schoene. beaten their rivals 3-1 in Am- a season later, sank his teeth into Karim Benzema delivered 11 and title in 11 years, secured, surely, The Serbian international sterdam. They are into the the arm of Chelsea’s Branislav fi ve league goals in his last two by their 2-0 win over Atletico attacker scored one of their Dutch Cup final, too. Ivanovic. seasons in the shadow of Cris- last weekend, in which Suarez goals in Spain, and now has Tadic has scored 20 league Suarez was suspended for a tiano Ronaldo but in fi ve years scored the opener in the 85th nine altogether in a continen- goals, and has added nine as- combined 18 matches and there at Barca, Suarez’s La Liga tally minute. all season, after 30 previous at- perhaps domestic double, on tal campaign that started with sists — those figures make him were two further bites, on Ot- reads 27, 35, 35, 33 and 30, the It was a curling, long-range tempts. “We could only have its way, Barcelona can put the a second qualifying-round win the most decisive player in the man Bakkal in 2010 and Giorgio last still with seven games to shot into the corner, the fi rst scored with a goal like that one Champions League at the front over Sturm Graz. Netherlands since Luis Suarez Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup. play. that goalkeeper Jan Oblak had by Suarez,” said Valverde. and centre of their run-in. Sua- The goal apart, Tadic’s display with Ajax in 2009/10. Suarez returns to Old Traff ord There have been barren conceded from outside the box With another league title, and rez will be at the heart of it. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 10, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE RELIEF Argentina coach Chelsea fans savour Scaloni out of hospital aft er bicycle accident: Hazard magic, but for Argentine FA Reuters I’m off back home.” Mallorca, Spain Scaloni will oversee the team’s Copa America campaign this year, with Argentina bidding to rgentina’s national win their fi rst major trophy since soccer coach Lionel 1993. how much longer? Scaloni has been re- The 40-year-old made seven leased from hospital in appearances for his country as a MallorcaA after being hit by a car defender and had a long, varied ‘We have won three in a row. For the mentality, it is good to keep going’ while riding his bicycle, the Ar- career which began at Newell’s gentine football association said Old Boys, in Rosario in central Reuters yesterday. Argentina. London “The Argentina coach, Lionel His longest spell at one club Scaloni, suff ered an accident came at Deportivo La Coruna, today while cycling. He is now where he won the La Liga title ith Real Madrid re- on his way home after being in 2000, while he also played for portedly lining up a discharged from hospital,” the Racing Santander and Mallorca huge off er to tempt 10 -04 -2019 team’s Twitter account said. in Spain plus West Ham United Eden Hazard to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo and Lazio and Atalanta, retiring WBernabeu next season, Chelsea’s said earlier yesterday that Scalo- from playing in 2015. fans may wonder how many ni, who was named Argentina’s He became assistant to Jorge more times they will be able to permanent coach in November, Sampaoli at La Liga outfi t Sevilla savour watching the Belgian was taken to the Hospital Uni- in 2016 and followed him when maestro at his dazzling best. versitario Son Espases on the he became coach of Argentina in An inspired Hazard, whose Spanish island with multiple in- 2017. contract expires next season, juries. Sampaoli was sacked in the scored both goals in the 2-0 vic- Scaloni later posted a picture wake of the side’s disastrous tory over West Ham United on of himself on his offi cial Twitter 2018 World Cup campaign and Monday, the fi rst a dazzling solo account sporting tape above and their last-16 defeat to France, but eff ort that brought back memo- below his bruised left eye and Scaloni stayed on as caretaker ries of in his on his nose and forehead, with coach before being handed the pomp. the words: “Many thanks for the job on a permanent basis in No- His second, in the 90th messages, a few stitches and now vember. minute, capped a mesmerising display that took Chelsea to a third consecutive league win. Manager Maurizio Sarri said having Hazard in such unstop- pable form made winning “easy” but appeared almost resigned to losing him. West Ham’s fans might even have enjoyed Hazard’s display too, but they took pleasure in teasing the home faithful that the 28-year-old, who joined the club in 2012, might be perform- ing his tricks in front of a new audience next season. Hazard off ered a modicum of comfort afterwards but the fear remains, for Chelsea fans and to keep Hazard at the club if he anyone who enjoys watching a wants “another experience”. master craftsman at work, that “We are trying to become one his days in London might be of the best teams in Europe but I numbered. have to respect his decision,” the Assault trial of Russian “They are wrong,” Hazard, Italian said. who has scored 19 goals in all “Hazard played a wonder- footballers begins competitions for Chelsea this ful match. He did well against AFP They were then caught on season to equal his best haul, Brighton too. We are very lucky Moscow video attacking two Russian said. because it is very easy to win the trade ministry off icials in an “For now I am just focusing on match when he is able to make upscale cafe, hitting one, an Chelsea until the end of the sea- that kind of diff erence.” he trial of Russian foot- ethnic Korean, with a chair son. We are in good momentum. Asked about the fee of 100 mn ballers Pavel Mamaev while referring to his Asian We have won three in a row. For pounds ($130 mn) Real Madrid Tand Alexander Kokorin appearance. the mentality, it is good to keep are reported to be willing to pay, began in Moscow yesterday, Several days later, they were going. Top four and the Europa he added: “It is too cheap in this six months after their drunken ordered to be detained pend- League is our target so we need market! We have seen in the last night out in the Russian capi- ing trial for “hooliganism.” to do well in both.” few windows every price I think. tal ended in assault charges. Both are Russian internation- Victory lifted Chelsea into So it is very hard to get another Mamaev, a midfielder for als though Kokorin last played third place in the Premier player like him.” Krasnodar, and Zenit Saint Pe- for the national side in late League — above London rivals tersburg forward Kokorin — as 2017, while Mamaev was last Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (centre, well as two other defendants, selected in 2016. who both have played a game also above) in action against including Kokorin’s younger The attacks caused outrage in less. West Ham during the EPL match brother — have been held Russia, especially as Mamaev Sarri said he “can do nothing” in London on Monday. (AFP) in Moscow’s Butyrka prison and Kokorin have been in since October. trouble before after partying. Russian media on Tuesday The Russian Football Union aired footage of the four suspended the pair in July Revamped Copa America to take place in north-south zones in 2020 handcuff ed men rushed from 2016 after a video emerged a police van to the Presnensky from a Monte Carlo night- Reuters the South American Football Confedera- their groups, and the top four sides in each the Copa Libertadores final on a home- court, where the hearing is club in which Mamaev and Rio de Janeiro tion (CONMEBOL) said yesterday. group will then qualify for the quarter- and-away basis, and will this year play taking place. Kokorin allegedly spent Argentina will be in the southern group, finals. The final is to be played in Argentina. the final at a neutral ground for the first According to the Russian $296,000 (258,000 euros) on alongside Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, The changes are part of a widespread at- time, much like the Champions League. press, the trial could last up to a champagne-fuelled party he 2020 Copa America will mark Bolivia and an as yet undisclosed guest. tempt to revitalise South American club Next year’s Copa America will be the two months. following Euro 2016, where a tournament revamp, with six Brazil will feature in the northern group and international competitions and bring fourth in six years. Off icials want the In October the pair attacked Russia flopped. Tteams beginning the campaign in with Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru them more into line with Europe. tournament to be played at the same the driver of a television host, Earlier this month, a court a north zone in Colombia and six playing and another invited nation. CONMEBOL have abandoned their time as the European Championship, damaging her Mercedes. She again extended their deten- in a south zone in co-hosts Argentina, The teams will play each other once in six-decades long tradition of playing Europe’s equivalent. was hospitalised with injuries. tion until September 25.

SPOTLIGHT BACKING Pele back in Brazil aft er hospital stay Sterling gets Van Dijk’s vote for

AFP Before he was discharged, PFA player of the year Sao Paulo current Brazil star Neymar, who plays alongside Mbappe for Paris Reuters Saint-Germain, paid him a visit Bengaluru ootball great Pele arrived at the hospital. Neymar posted back in Brazil yesterday a photo on his Instagram ac- after having surgery for count Monday of himself next to iverpool defender Virgil a “severe urinary infec- a smiling Pele in his hospital bed van Dijk says he voted tion”F during a six-day hospital with the two holding hands. for Manchester City’s stay in France. Brazil’s G1 reported that Pele Raheem Sterling to be The three-time World Cup had intended to come out of hos- Lnamed PFA player of the year. winner was discharged late Mon- pital on Saturday to return to his Van Dijk is one of the favour- day from the private American home country, but had been de- ites for the award after helping hospital in the Paris suburbs layed by further tests. Liverpool deliver a sustained where he had been taken after The infection was not serious Premier League title challenge, Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (left) and teammate Benjamin falling ill following an appear- and was under control, members while Sterling has scored 15 Mendy take part in a training session in London on Monday. (AFP) ance at a promotional event with of Pele’s entourage had said. league goals for City, their rivals France striker Kylian Mbappe. Pele has had several health for the league crown. PFA rules prohibit players on individual accolades. After arriving at the Sao Paulo- scares in recent years. “I voted for Raheem Ster- from voting for their team- “Individual trophies? I don’t Guarulhos airport in Brazil, the A similar infection put him in ling,” Van Dijk told reporters. mates. know,” the Dutchman added. 78-year-old was taken through intensive care in November 2014. “I did what I thought and I Liverpool, who have kept 17 “Of course, you’re going to be the terminal in a wheelchair and PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar (left) posted this picture with Pele on In 2016, Pele, who played 1,363 thought he deserves it. He’s had clean sheets in the league this proud, that’s something you was driven away in a van. social media on Monday. professional matches, scoring a fantastic season. I could have season, are also still in the hunt have to be, but all the hard work “Once again, thank God, eve- 1,281 goals, was unable to light voted for Bernardo Silva as well for the Champions League tro- in the training ground is some- rything went well. I’m alive. Long portunity to thank all the Brazil- In a statement on Monday on the fl ame at the Rio Olympics and another couple of players phy and play Porto in the fi rst thing we all did together. live Brazil,” said Pele, a gold cross ians and all those who called the the Globoesporte.com site, Pele because of severe pain in the hip. from Manchester City. leg of their quarter-fi nal later “It is to win something as hanging around his neck, after he hospital, who called me, for my said he had required “medical as- In January 2018, he cancelled a “But I’m just being honest. I on Tuesday. a team, a collective thing as a arrived in Brazil’s biggest city. operation, to wish me a rapid re- sistance and surgery” for a “se- trip to London fearing a “stress- think he has improved a lot as a Van Dijk said he was focused club. Hopefully that is some- “I would like to take this op- covery,” he added. vere urinary infection”. ful” and “tiring” journey. player.” on winning with the team, not thing that will happen.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 10, 2019 CRICKET

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW have home advantage against All-round Chennai in-form Punjab

IANS Mumbai

aving won their last thrash Kolkata to three games at home, Kings XI Punjab will now head to the iconic HWankhede Stadium to take on in what is ex- pected to be a mouth-watering clash in the Indian Premier go top of table League. Both teams have defeat- ed Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last games. While MI thrashed Chahar scalps three , Du Plessis scores an unbeaten 43 in seven- win SRH by 40 runs, KXIP won by six wickets. IANS But today will be a new day Chennai and both teams know that car- rying the momentum forward is an integral part of the IPL and ll-round Chennai Su- while KXIP sit pretty on the third All-rounder has per Kings made short spot in the points table with four put on a consistent show for work of Kolkata Knight wins from six games, MI are fi fth Mumbai Indians. (AFP) Riders (KKR), thrash- with three wins from fi ve games. ingA them by seven wickets in a With the league closing in on the form that the likes of KL Rahul lopsided middle stage, each team will now and are in, they (IPL) encounter here yesterday. look to grab the advantage and would be waiting to put on their The victory saw the defend- surge forward. pads and take strike. ing champions replace KKR at Playing at home, it will obvi- All in all, it should be a good the top of the eight-team points ously be an added advantage for contest between two quality table with 10 points from six Mumbai as they know the ground units looking to keep the winning matches. conditions well. But the boys momentum going. KKR, meanwhile, dropped need to fi re in unison against a down to second spot, having quality KXIP outfi t and skipper SQUADS eight points from six outings. will look to lead by Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, After being asked to bat fi rst example. Having failed to put on , Suryakumar Ya- by home team skipper MS Dho- a quality show so far in this edi- dav, , , ni, the visitors managed just tion of the cash-rich league, Ro- , Hardik Pandya, Ben 108/9, riding ’s hit would be looking to use this Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, unbeaten yet uncharacteristic opportunity to strike some form. Rasikh Salam, , 44-ball 50. The rest of the squad has fi red , Evin Lewis, Aditya Deepak Chahar (3 for 20) in patches with all-rounder Tare, , Rahul scalped three wickets and was Hardik Pandya putting on a con- Chahar, Mayank Markande, Bar- well supported by veteran spin- sistent show. While he has pro- inder Sran, , Anukul ners (2 for 15) vided the fi nish in the business Roy, Siddhesh Lad, Pankaj Jaiswal and Imran Tahir (2 for 21). end of the innings, Pandya would Kings XI Punjab: , Chasing a paltry 109 for vic- defi nitely want the others to pro- Lokesh Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, tory, Chennai were never in trou- vide him an even better platform Sarfaraz Khan, , ble as South Africa captain Faf du to tee off in style. , Sam Curran, Plessis carried his bat with an un- For Punjab, it has been a slow- Ravichandran Ashwin, Moham- beaten 43 off 45 balls, his innings ish sort of display from the bats- med Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rah- studded with three fours. man. While it cannot be denied man, Ankit Rajpoot, , After the hosts lost Shane that they have played their last David Miller, Andrew Tye, Moises Watson (17) and Suresh Raina (14) two games on conditions that Henriques, Varun Chakravarthy, inside the powerplay with Sunil weren’t best for — in , Simran Singh, Narine (2 for 24) taking both the Chennai and Mohali — the Hardus Viljoen, Arshdeep Singh, wickets, du Plessis and Ambati Chennai Super Kings’ Deepak Chahar bowls during the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) match against at wicket in Wankhede should aide , Agnivesh Rayudu (21) stitched together a the MA Chidhambaram Stadium in Chennai, India, yesterday. (AFP) stroke play and considering the Ayachi, 46-run third wicket partnership, mostly scoring off singles. (9) then tried to Once Rayudu was out, caught stem the rot but just when the by at short extra cov- pair looked to have settled in, Pandya deposes before Jain; er off , Kedar Jad- Karthik hit straight to midwick- hav (8 ) joined hands with et where Harbhajan took a sharp Rahul to meet today du Plessis to take the team over catch off Tahir. the line with 16 balls to spare. Tahir removed Gill too with IANS board functionary said the om- Earlier, Chahar shaved off the a googly that slipped through New Delhi budsman is expected to submit KKR top order early as Chennai between inside edge and leg for his report to the Supreme never allowed the visitors to get Dhoni to take the bails off be- Court-appointed Committee an upper hand. hind the stumps. ndia all-rounder Hardik of Administrators (CoA) before Chennai even kept Russell Russell and Chawla (8) joined Pandya has deposed before the national selectors sit for the quiet as the big-hitting West In- hands for a 29-run stand for the Ithe Board of Control for selection of the Indian team for dian hit fi ve fours and three sixes seventh wicket but once Har- Cricket in India (BCCI) ombuds- the 2019 World Cup. but never got into the groove. bhajan sent the latter back with man and ethics off icer DK Jain “While there is no timeline KKR never really got going a delivery that spun sharply in Mumbai in connection with as such, but we are hopeful and it looked like they would away from the batsman for Dho- his controversial comments in the ombudsman will submit not cross the 100-run mark be- ni to eff ect an easy stumping, it a chat show. India opener KL his report on the duo before fore Russell — struggling with was all downhill for the visitors. Rahul is expected to depose MSK Prasad and his team sits niggles — hit Scott Kuggeleijn and Prasidh today morning. for the selection meeting in for one six and two fours as the Krishna did not trouble the While Pandya is a part of Mum- Mumbai on Monday. Nobody purple brigade managed to get 15 scorers with 1 not bai Indians in the ongoing Indi- can read the mind of another runs off the last over. out) staying till the end with an Premier League (IPL), Rahul individual, but the punish- Russell was dropped when he Russell. is plying his trade for Kings XI ment cannot be bigger than was batting on 8 by Harbhajan Punjab and the two teams are the crime. Let’s see what the which was a diffi cult chance. BRIEF SCORES: Kolkata Knight set to face each other at the ombudsman’s report says KKR were reduced to 24 for 4 Riders 108 for 9 (Andre Russell Wankhede Stadium today. about the two,” the function- inside the fi rst fi ve overs, largely Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell hit an unbeaten 50 to take the total past 100. (AFP) 50; Deepak Chahar 3 for 20, Speaking to IANS, a senior ary said. due to Chahar who bowled a su- Harbhajan Singh 2 for 15, Imran perb fi rst spell of 3-0-14-3. bati Rayudu at midwicket. up delivery that the West Indian the back of Robin Uthappa (11) Tahir 2 for 21) lost to Chennai He fi rst trapped In between those two wickets, top-edged to Chahar who ran who was guilty of trying to play Super Kings 111 for 3 in 17.2 (0) in front to then account for Harbhajan continued his rich backwards from point to com- one shot too many, and holing overs (Faf du Plessis 43 not out; SPOTLIGHT the wicket of Rana (0) who hit a vein of form with the ball by re- plete an excellent catch. out to Jadhav at deep square leg. 2 for 24) by seven rising delivery straight to Am- moving Narine (6) with a tossed The Rajasthan pacer then got (19) and wickets Buttler ends ‘Mankad’ COMMENT row with Ashwin Consistency key for dangerous WI at World Cup: Lara AFP of the game’s rules. New Delhi “I just asked him if he really Reuters fi ve-match ODI series against Indies and giving young players wishes to play the game that way. Mumbai top-ranked England 2-2 at home a platform to showcase their tal- Whether he thought it was the recently, in a timely boost before ent before they graduate to in- ngland’s Jos Buttler has right thing to do,” Buttler said. the May 30-July 14 showpiece ternational cricket. declared an end to his “And he obviously thought it est Indies are re- event. West Indies suff ered 2-0 loss- showdown with Indian was, in his opinion.” plete with match- The likes of opening batsman es both in India and Bangladesh spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been un- winners but con- Chris Gayle, all-rounder Andre late last year but staged a spec- AshwinE after being dismissed by repentant of his act, seemed to sistency will be Russell and spinner Sunil Nar- tacular turnaround in a 2-1 se- a “Mankad” runout in the Indian have waited for Buttler to leave Wkey to their success in English ine are also much in demand in ries win against England earlier Premier League. his crease before clipping off the conditions at this year’s World Twenty20 leagues across the this year. The Rajasthan Royals star had bails. Cup, batting great Brian Lara globe. The Test success augurs well a heated exchange with the cap- Buttler, who was a victim of a has said. “Look at the Indian Premier for the side, who are now gradu- tain of Kings XI Punjab after be- Mankad dismissal by Sri Lanka’s Teeming with tearaway fast League, look at the leagues ating to a level where they can be ing run out at the non-striker’s Sachithra Senanayake in 2014, bowlers and aggressive bats- around the world, we have got competitive against top sides at end while backing up in an in- said he “will make sure it doesn’t men, West Indies were once players that are the most wanted least at home, said Lara. cident that sparked an interna- happen again”. considered invincible and won in the world,” Lara, 49, told re- “We had a tremendous series tional debate on the “spirit of With minds already turning the opening two editions of the porters in Mumbai at a promo- against England. We are laying cricket”. to the World Cup which starts World Cup in 1975 and 1979. tional event last week. the foundation, the confi dence Buttler told the Times of In- May 30 soon after the IPL ends, Their glory days, however, are “We have got match-winners, is there,” Lara added. dia he had looked at replays and Buttler said the title was an open long over and the twice winners but we are going to need a lit- “India may have to worry was sure he should not have been race. had to go through a qualifying tle more than match-winners when they come there in July given out, “But it’s all done now “We are one of the favourites. tournament to book their spot in English conditions to win the to play against the West Indies and I have moved on.” Traditionally, in World Cup, In- in the 10-team tournament in World Cup. We need a team that because they have a team now The dismissal, named af- dia and Australia are up there as England and Wales. can create consistency. that understand the conditions, ter former India player Vinoo well,” the hard-hitting batsman- The last bilateral series win “If we can get to the knock- spirits are high, let’s see what we Mankad, is legal but is seen by wicketkeeper said. for West Indies, who are ranked out stages, we can knock out any can do against India. many as unsporting unless the “We are playing some re- ninth in one-day internationals, team. We have seen that in the Lara, considered one of the very also scored close to 12,000 runs “But, four months ago in Oc- batsman has been warned fi rst. ally good cricket. But World Cup came in 2014 but they showed past. But consistency is going best the Caribbean islands have in Tests. tober-November we were terri- Buttler said he did speak with tournaments, knockout tourna- signs of improvement against to take us right through to the ever produced, retired after the Lara credited franchise ble. So, I’m happy that we have Ashwin after the March 25 ru- ments are always high pressure England. fi nals.” 2007 World Cup at home with leagues like the IPL for creating made that little progress in our nout which even brought disap- situations,” he said of the tour- Jason Holder’s men drew a Former West Indies captain over 10,000 runs in ODIs. He interest among kids in the West cricket.” proval from the MCC, the arbiter nament. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 10, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT LeBron defends Walton record amid Led by Harden, job speculation

AFP forward is out. “I’m not talk- Los Angeles ing two or three games here, everyone is back in the lineup. We’re talking like 15, 20, 25 eBron James has de- games.” Rockets streaking fended Luke Walton’s The Lakers injury toll also record amid ongoing included James, who missed speculation concern- 17 games between the end of Ling the Los Angeles Lakers December and February after coach’s future with the fran- suff ering a groin strain. chise. The NBA superstar’s ab- Walton is widely expected sence – the longest injury lay- to be shown the door by the off of his career – triggered a into the playoff s Lakers at the end of the season slump which saw the team fall after a disappointing cam- out of playoff contention in With the NBA playoff s less than a week away, the Houston Rockets are playing their paign which saw them fail to the Western Conference. make the playoff s for a sixth James said that when all of best basketball of the season – which should have other teams worried straight year. the Lakers’ key personnel was However James said injuries fi t, the team had been a match DPA and suspensions through- for most other sides in the Washington out the campaign left Wal- league. ton short of resources for key “We had a defensive rating parts of the season. of fourth in the NBA, and we s the NBA playoff s arrive later James cited the suspensions were like seventh in off ense this week, no team is playing handed down to Rajon Rondo when we played together over better than the Houston Rock- and Brandon Ingram in the 23 games,” James said. ets. That should have every fi rst game of the season as well “As good as that is, it’s not Aother team worried – including the two- as a litany of injuries as rea- enough for Luke to even know time defending champion Golden State sons for the team’s problems. what he has on a consistent Warriors. “No one expects for a sus- basis, when you don’t have a Sunday’s 149-113 obliteration of Phoe- pension to happen on opening consistent roster every night nix was Houston’s sixth straight win, the night,” James told Spectrum during the season. longest current streak of any team. Led Sportsnet television in an in- “Like you said, control what by Most Valuable Player candidate James terview. you can control and you’ve got Harden, the Rockets have won 20 of their “No one expects for inju- to play the hand you’re dealt. last 23 games, with their only losses to ries to happen the way they I think he played the hand as conference leaders Golden State and Mil- did with our franchise this well as he could.” waukee and an overtime setback to Mem- year. Where your starting The Lakers wrap up their phis. And they are surpassing league and point guard is out for numer- campaign on Tuesday against team standards along the way. ous games. Your starting small the Portland Trail Blazers. “We understand that we’re playing for something and we’re all trying to stay sharp,” point guard Chris Paul said. Jordan the G.O.A.T for today’s NBA stars: poll A year ago, the Rockets won 65 games and were on the verge of dethroning the Warriors when Paul suff ered a hamstring injury in Game Five of the Western Con- ference fi nals. With Paul sidelined, Gold- en State won the fi nal two games and the series. The Rockets (53-28) sputtered to start this season. On December 9, they were 11-14 and next to last in the West. Since then, Houston is 42-14, the conference’s best mark. During their current streak, the Rock- ets are averaging 127.5 points and winning by 26.2 points. They tied their own NBA mark with 26 three-pointers vs Sacra- mento on March 30, then broke it with 27 vs Phoenix, when they also had a season high in points. On Thursday, Houston held New York to 16 fi rst- quarter points, its best defensive opening period of the season. Michael Jordan and not James Harden is most play- “We’re building very, very good hab- LeBron James is the greatest ers’ pick to win this season’s its no matter who we play,” Harden said. player of all time, according MVP honours. “That’s our mindset, that’s what we to a survey of NBA players Houston Rockets star Harden, preach, and that’s what we’ve been talk- published by The Athletic the 2017-2018 MVP, was cho- ing about.” on Monday. The sports news sen by 44.3% of respondents, And if you’re wondering whether the website polled 127 NBA play- with Milwaukee’s Giannis Rockets are just beating up on bad teams ers between March 16 and Antetokounmpo just behind recently, consider that since the All-Star April 1 for its inaugural anony- with 38.9% of the votes. break, they have the league’s best record mous player survey, asking Oklahoma City Thunder’s (20-4) and scoring margin (11.4) and are subjects a range of questions Paul George was third with second in points allowed per 100 posses- about the sport. 12.7%. sions (104.6). On the question of which Antetokounmpo however Leading the way has been Harden, who player deserved to be recog- was the clear favourite for likely will fi nish second to “Greek Freak” nised as the greatest players asked who they Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee in in history, the verdict of would attempt to build a new MVP voting despite averaging 36.1 points Most Valuable Player candidate James Harden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports the 122 players who answered franchise around. – the best since Michael Jordan’s 37.1 the question was unanimous. The towering Greek star was points in 1986-87 – with 7.6 assists and “We have a great group of veteran guys off -implication game.” second in the West or fall behind Portland According to the survey, 73% chosen by 36.4% of players 6.6 rebounds. that understand what’s at stake here,” as- The Rockets aren’t entirely healthy. (51-29) for fourth. But no matter where believe six-time NBA cham- asked who they would sign But Paul, Swiss centre Clint Capela and sistant Jeff Bzdelik said. “Continuing to Coach Mike D’Antoni has missed the last they fi nish, the Rockets are ready for the pion Jordan is the greatest first if they were building a guard Eric Gordon are healthy, forward build our championship habits because two games with stomach fl u and may skip playoff s. player the sport has seen. roster from scratch. Kenneth Faried and guard Austin Rivers the playoff s are going to be starting (soon), the season fi nale at Oklahoma City on “Just hooping and worrying about us,” James came in second with New Orleans Pelicans ace have been key in-season additions and so we need to make sure we continue to Tuesday. Every other West playoff team Paul said. “We’re one of the teams that, 11.9% of votes, ahead of Kobe Anthony Davis was second forward P.J. Tucker provides his nightly get better. It’s plays Wednesday. every night, as long as we play the way Bryant with 10.6%. with 10.4% of votes while Joel grit. understood that every game is a play- Houston could catch Denver (53-27) for we’re capable of, we should win.” The poll also revealed that Embiid (8.8%) was third.

MLB Encarnacion homers twice in an inning in Mariners win the sixth. The Mariners sent 12 batters to the Reuters RESULTS Kansas City plate in the sixth. Mariners 13-5 Royals DODGERS’ RYU HEADED TO IL WITH Orioles 12-4 A’s dwin Encarnacion hit a pair of home GROIN INJURY runs in the sixth inning and the vis- Cubs 10-0 Pirates Los Angeles left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu exited iting Seattle Mariners scored eight Braves 8-6 Rockies his Monday road start against the St. Louis times in the frame to earn a 13-5 vic- Astros 4-3 Yankees Cardinals due to a left groin strain, and he will toryE over the Kansas City Royals on Monday go on the injured list Tuesday, Dodgers man- night to open a four-game series. Angels 5-2 Brewers ager Dave Roberts said. Last year, a torn left The Mariners have scored fi ve or more Padres 6-5 Giants groin muscle sidelined Ryu from early May to runs in 11 of their fi rst 12 games and became Phillies 4-3 Nationals mid-August. “It was diff erent from the pain I the fi rst team in the major leagues to win 10 felt last year,” Ryu said Monday night through games. Rays 5-1 White Sox an interpreter, via MLB.com. “It was more of Encarnacion became the fi rst major leagu- Cardinals 4-3 Dodgers a precautionary measure to come out of the er to hit two home runs in an inning in almost game. So compared to the left groin injury I three years. Mark Trumbo of the Los Angeles extend his hitting streak to 29 games. It’s had last year, right now I feel better.” Angels did in on April 15, 2016, at Texas. the second-longest streak in Royals history, The 32-year-old South Korean entered The last Mariners players to do it were trailing only George Brett’s 30-game streak Monday’s game 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA through Bret Boone and Mike Cameron, who did it from 1980, the year Brett batted.390. two starts this year. The Cardinals got to him in the same game at the Chicago White Sox Mariners starter Felix Hernandez left the Monday for two runs on two hits and a walk on May 2, 2002. Cameron went on to hit four game after one inning with “virus-like symp- in 1 2/3 innings en route to a 4-3 victory. home runs that game, tying the major league toms.” He gave up two runs on three hits. Ryu went 7-3 with a 1.97 ERA in 15 starts record. Daniel Vogelbach’s leadoff home run in the for Los Angeles last year, then was 1-2 with a Roenis Elias (1-0) picked up the win for second inning gave the Mariners a home run 5.21 ERA in four postseason starts. For his ca- the Mariners. The left-hander pitched three in each of their fi rst 12 games, becoming the reer, Ryu is 42-28 with a 3.19 ERA in 100 ca- scoreless innings of relief, giving up no hits fourth American League team since 1908 to reer regular-season appearances (99 starts). and one walk. accomplish that feat. Homer Bailey (0-1) took the loss for Kan- They fi nished with fi ve home runs Mon- sas City, giving up seven runs on eight hits, day, giving them 32 for the season, the most Seattle Mariners designated hitter Edwin including three home runs, in fi ve-plus in- in major league history through the fi rst 12 Encarnacion watches his three run home nings. games. run in the sixth inning against the Kansas The Royals’ Whit Merrifi eld led off the Seattle grabbed its fi rst lead on Encarna- City Royals at Kauff man Stadium. bottom of the fi rst with an infi eld single to cion’s third home run of the year leading off PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 10, 2019 SPORT

DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE SQUASH Great results for Aspire Academy at Cheruiyot, Kipruto, Luxembourg Open and Obiri to headline Kenyan challenge ‘Of course I have great memories of Doha which is where I set my African 3000m record of 8:20.68 in 2014. I am excited to race in the Khalifa International Stadium next month’

By Sports Reporter Doha

our reigning Diamond League champions from Kenya includ- ing Hellen Obiri will be compet- ing at the Doha Diamond League –F the fi rst stage of the 2019 IAAF Dia- mond League – which will take place in the state-of-the-art Khalifa International spire Academy’s Waleed’s coaching staff were Stadium for the fi rst time on May 3. squash team gave a delighted to see him make such Obiri, who will contest the 3000m in strong performance a breakthrough. Doha, has already made a piece of his- at the Luxembourg In the Under-15 event, Grade tory this year by winning gold at the IAAF JuniorA Open with Waleed Za- 8 student Salem al-Malki also World Cross Country Championships in man winning in the U-17 cat- performed well to take 3rd Aarhus, Denmark. In doing so, she became egory and Salem al-Malki se- place. This included a win over the fi rst athlete – male or female – to win curing third place in the U-15s. the competition’s number two titles at the IAAF World Championships, As a regular junior tour seed and showed his growing IAAF World Indoor Championships, IAAF event, this year’s Luxembourg tactical prowess. With one year World Cross Country Championships as Junior Open saw an increase remaining in this age group, well as the IAAF World Relays. in participation from players Salem has made considerable “It was a diffi cult race but I was deter- across Europe. It was a well- improvement since the start of mined to win as it was one of the few titles run event, providing excellent this season. missing from my collection. However my competition for the six Aspire Ibrahim al-Darwish also did focus is now on the track,” said Obiri, who players competing as the tour- well to qualify for the main prevailed on what many observers rated nament looks to gain Grand draw of the Under-17 event. to be the toughest ever course for a World Prix status on the calendar He beat the number seven seed Cross Country Championships. next season. before being knocked out by Obiri is also the reigning world 5000m The highlight of the week- teammate Waleed Zaman. Un- champion and she will be looking to start end came from Grade 11 stu- fortunately, a hamstring strain her track campaign on a high as she builds dent Waleed Zaman, who won then forced Ibrahim to with- up to the IAAF World Championships Doha his fi rst European junior event draw from his fi nal two match- 2019 from September 27 to October 6. with victory in the U-17 age es to avoid further injury. “Of course I have great memories of group. After dominating the In the Under-19 event, Ah- Doha which is where I set my African opening two games of the fi nal, mad al-Meraikhi took 6th 3000m record of 8:20.68 in 2014. I am ex- Waleed withstood a comeback place. Yousef al-Kubaisi also cited to race in the Khalifa International from Belgian Antoine Allard to ranked 6th in the Under 15 Stadium next month and I also look for- narrowly take the fourth game category. Grade 7 student Ab- ward to returning for the World Champi- and claim the title 11-4, 11-6, dulrahman Ajineh managed to onships later this year when I plan to con- the home straight to clinch the Diamond once again. My aim is to be back here in Manangoi had the beating of Cherui- 6-11, 15-13. Having fought hard qualify for the U-13 age cate- test both the 5000m and 10,000m,” she League title – 8:10.15 to 8:10.19 – despite October for the World Championships yot at both the Commonwealth Games at previous European events, gory and fi nished in 14th place. said. losing his left spike on the second lap. so it’s a unique chance to experience the and African Championships last year but Obiri is unbeaten in 2019 but her win- “That was a victory I will never for- new track,” said Korir, who moved to sixth Cheruiyot overturned these results to ning streak will be put to the test in Doha. get. I had a lot of pain in my left foot but I on the world all-time list with 1:42.05 win the Diamond League fi nal in Zurich The Ethiopian contingent can always rely fought until the end,” said Kipruto. in London before winning the Diamond – 3:30.27 to 3:31.16. “I’m delighted to be Australia can be surprise package on raucous crowd support in Doha and “I am looking forward to opening my League title in Brussels. kicking off my Diamond League season in at World Cup, says Gregan their challenge is headed by world indoor track season here in Doha where I expect Korir faces opposition from Botswana’s Doha. I’ve had a long winter of training in record-holder Genzebe Dibaba, the win- another tough race against Soufi ane. My former Olympic silver medallist Nijel Nairobi and I can’t wait to race the best in Australia’s most capped player in a World Cup year, which is a ner of the last three titles over 3000m at main goal in 2019 is to defend my title at Amos – the joint third fastest 800m run- the world once again. George Gregan has backed unique year. It is about getting the World Indoor Championships. Obiri the World Championships but I want to ner in history – who handed Korir his sole “My aim is to be back here in October for the Wallabies to surprise it right when you get over also faces opposition from teammates start my track season with a victory here.” defeat of the 2018 season at the African the World Championships so it’s a unique a few people at this year’s here,” said Gregan in an inter- Caroline Kipkirui – who won in Doha The line-up also features fellow Ken- Championships in Asaba, Nigeria. chance to experience the new track,” said Rugby World Cup if they can view with Reuters in Sapporo. twelve months ago in 8:29.05 – as well as yans Amos Kirui, Benjamin Kigen and One of the in-form runners during Cheruiyot, who broke the 3:30-barrier for overcome the inconsisten- “I just see the margins now, world 3000m steeplechase record-holder Leonard Bett along with Ethiopia’s Chala the indoor season was the United States’ the distance twice on the Diamond League cies that have plagued them particularly amongst the top Beatrice Chepkoech and former world Beyo, who won the 3000m steeplechase Donavan Brazier who is making his rac- circuit in 2018. for the last three years. The eight teams, getting smaller cross country champion Agnes Tirop. when it was a non-Diamond League event ing debut in Doha. Only 21, Brazier set a Ronald Kwemoi, who won the 3000m Wallabies endured their worst and smaller. last year. national indoor 800m record of 1:44.41 in Doha two years ago, returns to action test campaign in 60 years “They can flip that switch, they KIPRUTO AND EL BAKKALI and also broke the world indoor 600m after a low-key season in 2018 while other in 2018, winning four out of have that in them.” TO RENEW RIVALRY KORIR, CHERUIYOT TO HIGHLIGHT record at his domestic championships leading runners on the start-line include 13 matches and slumping to However, Gregan, who is in Another eagerly awaited clash on the track MIDDLE DISTANCE ACTION with 1:13.77. Djibouti’s former world indoor cham- sixth in the world rankings. Japan in his role as ambas- is the men’s 3000m steeplechase which Emmanuel Korir began his unbeaten cam- Other standout names include multiple pion Ayanleh Souleiman and 2012 Olym- However, former scrumhalf sador for World Cup sponsor features both Kenya’s reigning world and paign on the Diamond League circuit last European champions Adam Kszczot and pic bronze medallist Abdelaati Iguider Gregan, who scored 99 points Land Rover, warned that Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto year with victory over 800m in Doha and Marcin Lewandowski from Poland and the from Morocco. Elijah Manangoi’s younger in 139 internationals, believes Cheika’s men will have to and Morocco’s Soufi ane El Bakkali, who he will be seeking a repeat performance recently crowned European indoor cham- brother George, the reigning world U18 Michael Cheika’s men can show improvement in the set a world-leading time of 7:58.15 in 2018. this year – albeit on a diff erent track. pion Alvaro de Arriba from Spain. and U20 1500m champion, also competes. peak come tournament time reduced Rugby Championship They were involved in one of the most “I’m delighted to be kicking off my DL There is also a strong Kenyan presence Tickets for the Doha Diamond in September, just as they did that begins in July to then dramatic and unforgettable races of the season in Doha. I’ve had a long build up in the 1500m with training partners Tim- League are available at https:// in 2015 when they reached be serious contenders at the 2018 Diamond League season in Zurich through the off -season in Nairobi and othy Cheruiyot and Elijah Manangoi both www.q-tickets.com/qoc/eventdetails. the final. “They do have time right time. where Kipruto overhauled El Bakkali in can’t wait to race the best in the world confi rmed. aspx?k1=nkN8dD2wwvc=

SPOTLIGHT AMIR CUP SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP ICSS INSIGHT highlights the challenges of protecting intellectual property rights CSS INSIGHT joined glo- bal leaders of sport and tel- ecommunication, gathered at the World Summit on Ithe Information Society (WSIS) Forum hosted by World Intel- lectual Property Organisation in Geneva, which provided a plat- form for exchanging informa- tion, knowledge and best prac- tices while identifying emerging trends in ICT. The forum which was themed “Information and Communica- tion Technologies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals” brought together the world’s largest annual gather- ing of the ‘ICT for development’ community. During a thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘Creating Value in the Sport Industry: The Delegates pose at the summit. Role of IPRs’, ICSS INSIGHT raised the issue of emerging challenges faced by sport me- approach at a global level to re- sport and IP, which is fair com- threats and risks which chal- dia institutions, Diogo Guia, spect and protect IP rights. IP petition. We must strive to work lenge sport media during Major Director, Sports Public Policy, Rights play a central role be- together, addressing the multi- Sport Events (MSE) and high- International Centre for Sport yond the fi nancial sustainabil- ple challenges with optimism, lighted the increasingly impor- Security said: “To ensure long- ity of major sport events, as it creativity and ambition so sport First-placed Zainab Buftaim (centre), second-placed Dana al-Mubarak (left) and third-placed Nasra tant role of intellectual property term protection of the integrity is directly linked through pat- continues delivering to soci- Mohamed celebrate on the podium for the 10m Air Pistol at the Amir Cup Shooting and Archery rights. and values of sport in its vari- ents, copyrights, trademarks, ety in the unique way it does, as Championship at the Losail Shooting Ranges yesterday. Elizaveta Shakhova won her third gold Speaking of protecting the ous dimensions, it is absolutely designs, trade secrets and so wanted and legitimately expect- medal of the championship by winning the 10m air rifle event. intellectual property rights and critical to adopt a co-ordinated forth to the very essence of both ed from citizens.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 10, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Davies, Mir emerge champions in Mercedes golf asser Bin Khaled Auto- tions Offi cer–Auto, at Nasser Bin tional performance, including represent dailies, magazines and mobiles, the Authorized Khaled Group said: “Nasser Bin Paul Kelly for the longest drive, online portals, along with social General Distributor of Khaled Automobiles continues Arnav Jai for longest putt holed, media infl uencers enjoyed a full Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, its legacy in promoting sports while Saad Awan for the nearest and comprehensive golf training Nhosted the fourth Mercedes Tro- and hosting social events that to the rope, and Nguyen Anh for session under the supervision of phy Golf Tournament that took enhance the relations among the nearest to the pin. professional trainers. place on April 6 at Education City Mercedes-Benz cars owners, to All participants got valuable 2019 marks the 29th Anniver- Golf Club, with the participation celebrate together in a relaxing gifts from NBK Automobiles and sary of the prestigious Mercedes of Mercedes-Benz car owners & ambience away from work stress. event while the winners received Trophy Golf Tournament glo- golf enthusiasts in Qatar. This fourth edition of the tro- their trophies and prizes during bally. Following three successful phy complements our successful the gala awards ceremony. It is an exclusive series of in- tournaments, the fourth edition record of three editions to pro- The tournament refl ects NBK vitational golf tournaments of the Mercedes Trophy Golf mote sports and social engage- Automobiles and Mercedes- conducted over the world for Tournament gathered 88 players ment with our valued customers Benz’s appreciation to patrons of Mercedes-Benz Owners. in three main categories: Men A and golf enthusiasts in Qatar. the luxury brand and is designed Each year, over 60,000 play- (0-12 handicap), Men B (13-28 “We thank our partners and to create an interactive com- ers from more than 60 countries handicap) and Women. sponsors: Ziebart, Total and Edu- munity sports event that brings tee off at the Mercedes Trophy Organised and hosted by cation City Golf club, all the play- people together to celebrate the in local, regional and national Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, ers for their participation, and values and ethos of the brand events, competing to qualify for the Authorized General Distrib- also congratulate the winners known for excellence, luxury the Mercedes Trophy World Fi- utor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, of the fourth edition of the cup and quality. nal at the ‘home of the automo- the annual Mercedes Trophy which is now a key event in Qa- This year, Ziebart, Total and bile’, Stuttgart, Germany. Golf Tournament was inaugu- tar’s social and sports calendar”. Education City Golf club are the This venue underlines the rated in 2016 to promote sports The sessions witnessed sponsors of the fourth Mercedes close relations between the and act as a gathering platform healthy competition in three Trophy Golf Tournament. brand Mercedes-Benz and golf, for Mercedes-Benz owners in a categories, where Simon Roger The fourth Mercedes Trophy and refl ects the values of luxury relaxing and interactive atmos- Davies won the fi rst place in Golf Tournament also gathered and elegance that they repre- phere. The tournament is a part Men’s Category A, while Paul media from Qatar who attended sent. Nasser Bin Khaled Auto- of the International Mercedes Kelly and Shehryar Arshad got Winners of the Mercedes Trophy Golf Tournament pose with their trophies. a full day of joy and excitement. mobiles has built its success by Trophy Golf Tournament that is the second and third places re- Starting with the open-air establishing solid, longstanding organised by Mercedes-Benz in spectively. lowed by Tassaduq Bandey in the egory, Nada Mir won the trophy, the second runner-up. breakfast with NBK Automo- relationships with its customers, diff erent countries. In Men’s Category B, Sanjay second place and Jake Couper in while Beth San Jose was the fi rst Besides, four players received biles team among Mercedes- and by off ering a wide range of Ihab El Feky, Chief opera- Jain reserved the fi rst place fol- the third. In the women’s cat- runner-up and Tasnin Kaz was special prizes for their excep- Benz cars, the reporters who quality products.

MOTORSPORT TENNIS Granollers upsets fi ft h seed Fritz Basic beginnings to in Houston Reuters Kerber and Goerges Houston return for German Fed Cup tie ormer champion Mar- Wimbledon champion Angel- global exposure: F1 cel Granollers used the ique Kerber and Julia Goerg- drop shot to good eff ect es return into Germany’s Fed as he surprised fi fth- Cup team for a relegation/ seededF American Taylor Fritz promotion Fed Cup tie next in three sets at the US Men’s week in Latvia, the German Clay Court Championship in Tennis Federation (DTB) said. Houston on Monday. World number five Kerber The 32-year-old Spaniard and 18th-ranked Goerges reaches 1,000 races claimed a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 vic- missed the first-round tie in tory over Fritz, the only seeded February which the Germans ‘Every year we find something new, we go quicker, that’s Formula One’ player in fi rst round action at lost 4-0 at home against the River Oaks Country Club. Belarus. The two will lead AFP “Taylor is a player who can a German team which also Shanghai hit very hard. He hits very hard features Andera Petkovic from the baseline and I need- and doubles specialist Anna- ed to change rhythm,” said Lena Groenefeld for the April rom the fi rst race at a Granollers, who won the tour- 19-20 tie on hard court in converted World War nament in 2008. Riga. “I am very happy that II airbase in rural Eng- “If I hit good drop shots, Angie is available for this tie. land to this weekend’s I think it’s a good option She is a world class player 1,000thF grand prix at the $240 against him and I think today and diff icult to beat,” captain million international circuit it worked.” Jens Gerlach said. He added in Shanghai, Formula One has Granollers reeled off three in the direction Goerges: come a long way since it all be- consecutive games, including a “She has often won deciding gan in 1950. Silverstone held the break at 5-2, to claim the open- points in Fed Cup and is fi rst race 69 years ago and the ing set. World number 58 Fritz always a reinforcement.” British Grand Prix has remained, bounced back in the second, Latvia is yet to announce with the Italian GP, the only ev- surging ahead after Granollers its team but it could feature er-present races on the calendar. had tied the set at 4-4. 13th-ranked Anastasija Seb- In 70 seasons, Formula One The deciding set was all vastova and former French has visited 32 countries across Granollers after Fritz, the 2018 Open champion Jelena fi ve continents and a street cir- semi-fi nalist, took the open- Ostapenko. cuit in Vietnam will be the new- ing game. Granollers won fi ve est addition next year. consecutive games before Fritz Formula One’s organisation held at 5-2. Australian Bernard Tomic was bought for $8 billion in 2017 Earlier, Norway’s Casper and Chile’s Christian Garin by US media giant Liberty Media Ruud made his River Oaks de- also advanced. and is now listed on Wall Street but by defeating Bolivian Hugo Tomic, fi ring 11 aces, out- – a long way from the early days Dellien 7-6(7), 6-4. lasted American Denis Kudla when tyre and oil companies His father, Christian, won 7-6(8), 7-5 and Garin came supplied their products for free the tournament in 1996 when from a set down to top Uru- in return for having their logos it was a non-ATP Tour event. guayan Pablo Cuevas 4-6, on drivers’ overalls. Former champion Ivo Kar- 6-4, 6-2. Top seeded Ameri- Italian Giuseppe Farina was lovic was not as fortunate as can Steve Johnson is seeking to victorious in May 1950 and went In this file photo taken on July 16, 2017, winner Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton is celebrated by fans after the British Formula One Ruud and the 40-year-old become the fi rst player to win on to clinch the world champi- Grand Prix at the Silverstone motor racing circuit in Silverstone, central England. (AFP) Croat, who won in 2007, fell to three consecutive titles in the onship four months later in his American Ryan Harrison 6-3, tournament since Bobby Riggs home country. A season now 10 KEY MOMENTS 6-4. did in 1936-38. lasts more than twice as long. Michael Schumacher holds 1950 First Formula One world championship weeks earlier, decides it is too dangerous ing confidential information from rivals Ferrari. the record of seven drivers’ race held at Silverstone in England. The Alfa and pulls out, handing the title to Hunt. Their CYCLING world championships and there Romeo team dominate with Italian Giuseppe rivalry inspires the acclaimed film Rush. 2008 The lights go on as F1 holds its first is a poignancy that his last race Farina winning and going on to take the night race. Glitzy Singapore is the destination win came in Shanghai, in 2006. inaugural world title. 1994 Sporting world is plunged into grief after and the Marina Bay street grand prix in the Schumacher has not been triple world champion Ayrton Senna is killed heart of the Lion City quickly establishes itself Alaphilippe wins dirt seen in public since suff ering 1963 Formula One gets serious about safety aged 34 when his Williams crashes at the San as one of the circuit’s most glamorous races. life-threatening brain injuries in with fireproof suits made compulsory and Marino Grand Prix, to the horror of millions of a skiing accident in 2013. cockpits restructured so drivers can evacu- television spectators round the globe. 2012 Michael Schumacher retires, aged 43, road Basque stage At the peak of his career, the ate quickly in the event of an accident. for the second and final time. The German German summed up the essence 1995 Racing great Juan Manuel Fangio dies departs the sport the most successful driver AFP Kwiatkowski was strong, so I of the sport. “Every year we fi nd 1972 Briton Bernie Ecclestone buys the Brab- aged 84. The Argentine, winner of five world of all time, winning seven world titles. A year Gorraiz, Spain followed him,” Alaphilippe ex- something new, we go quicker, ham team and goes on to become the most championships in the 1950s, will be forever later he suff ers a life-threatening brain injury plained after beating Bjorg Lam- that’s Formula One,” he said. influential figure in the history of the sport, remembered as a pioneering legend inspir- in a skiing accident. He survives but has not brecht and Sky’s Kwiatkowski One of Schumacher’s former reigning over it for more than four decades. ing generations of drivers. been seen in public since. n-form Frenchman by a single second. Ferrari teammates, the Brazilian Julian Alaphilippe “I’m really happy to take Rubens Barrichello, holds the 1976 Championship ends in a showdown 2007 Formula One is roiled by a damaging 2017 US-based Liberty Media takes control of burst to a hilltop win another win,” added the one record for most race starts but between Ferrari’s Niki Lauda and McLaren’s “Spygate” scandal. Leading team McLaren are F1 One for just over $8 billion, signalling the on stage 2 of the Tour day specialist who won the failed to win a world title in his ofO the Basque Country yes- Milan-San Remo classic two James Hunt in a soaking wet Japan. Lauda, fined $100 million and eff ectively thrown out end of the reign of colourful ringmaster Ec- 18-year career. who had suff ered life-threatening injuries of the constructors’ championship for obtain- clestone and a new chapter for the sport. terday while overnight leader weeks ago. Defending champion Lewis Maximilian Schachmann held In another incident Alap- Hamilton is closing in on Schu- on to the overall lead. hilippe said sorry after the race macher’s all-time mark after The 1970s featured the ri- ing changes to improve safety the International Cup for For- mainly due to sweeping rule On a hilly stage which fea- to Schachmann for clipping winning his fi fth world title valry between James Hunt and which meant there were no fur- mula One Manufacturers. The changes. Hamilton is now a fi ve- tured several dirt road sec- him in the fi nal struggle for the last year at the age of 34 to edge Niki Lauda and the 1980s saw ther fatalities until Jules Bianchi fi rst winners were British team time champion and could match tions a select group of around stage win. Schachmann of the ahead of great rival Sebastian the emergence of the great Alain died in 2015 from head injuries Vanwall and Europeans have Schumacher’s seven during his 40 formed even before going Bora-Hansgrohe team won the Vettel, who won four champion- Prost and legendary Brazilian sustained at the 2014 Japanese dominated with a trio of Brit- Mercedes contract which runs up the fi nal short climb with a 11.2km opening day individual ships with Red Bull before mov- Ayrton Senna before Schumach- Grand Prix – a tragedy which ish manufacturers Williams (9 until 2020. The Briton is among tricky eight percent gradient. time trial and still holds an ing to Ferrari. It was Argentine er began his dominance in the led to the development of the titles), McLaren (8) and Lotus the favourites Sunday in Shang- One man not in that group overall lead of fi ve seconds on great Juan Manuel Fangio who mid-1990s. More than 20 driv- distinctive “halo” cockpit head (7) claiming 24 constructors’ hai, but for Herrmann it is not was Adam Yates, whose recent Alaphilippe. dominated the opening decade ers of the 772 who have started protection system. crowns between them. the same sport anymore when run of poor luck in fi nishing with fi ve world championships a Grand Prix have died behind Ferrari are the only manufac- Next on the all-time list come the cars line up on the grid. “In runner up twice in one-week OVERALL STANDINGS in seven seasons from 1951. the wheel, including Senna and turer to have competed in every Germany’s Mercedes with fi ve the past it was very high risk and tours, continued when the 1. Maximilian Schachmann He was succeeded in the Austrian Roland Ratzenburger campaign and the Italian outfi t while Austria’s Red Bull enjoyed little fee. British climber lost 1min 10sec (Ger-Bora) 03hrs 36mins 1960s by multiple world cham- on one dark weekend in 1994 have won a record 16 titles since four golden years with Vettel Now it is very high fee and no due to a puncture. “The fi nal, 44sec, 2. Julian Alaphilippe pions Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, at the San Marino Grand Prix. the constructors’ championship leading them to a clean sweep risk,” he says, not as an accusa- with a climb like this, was per- (Fra-QST) at 05sec, 3. Michal Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart. Their deaths led to wide-rang- was fi rst introduced in 1958 as from 2010 to 2013. but that is tion but simply as a statement. fect for me I knew that Michel Kwiatkowski (Pol-Sky) 10.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 GULF TIMES GOLF

ALL TO PLAY FOR SPOTLIGHT Many happy returns as No.1 Rose’s caddie World’s top 10 is back in action

AFP Augusta

ustin Rose was excited all seeking fi rst to reclaim golf’s world number one ranking on Monday but the most meaningfulJ comeback for him this week at the Masters is by caddie Mark Fulcher. Fulcher, Rose’s regular caddie for more than a decade, will be green jacket back on the bag at Augusta Na- tional for the fi rst time since un- dergoing heart surgery in mid- ‘I think it’s just a coincidence that nobody in the top 10 has won the Masters’ January. Britain’s Rose, the 2013 US AFP Open winner and twice a Mas- Augusta, United States ters runner-up in the past four years, says “Fooch” could be just the edge he needs to become only here’s a major hole the fourth man to win the green draw on together — that’s where on the career accom- jacket while atop the rankings. Fooch is going to come into his plishments list for the “He has been champing at own for me,” Rose said. Tworld’s 10 top-ranked the bit to get back,” Rose said Fulcher has stayed in close golfers this week at Augusta Monday. “Where Fooch is go- contact with Rose and Lord, who National — none of them owns ing to earn his money and earn fulfi lled the one task Fulcher re- a Masters champion’s green his position on the bag and earn quested. jacket. his importance on the team is on “Fooch said to Lordy, ‘You’ve It’s the fi rst time since the Saturday and Sunday. got one job, just give him back to global rankings began in 1986 “Basically when emotions me as world number one,” Rose that the entire top 10 arrived start to get more intense and said. “The fact that the ranking at the year’s first major tour- there’s more variability from switched this week was kind of a nament and none of them had that point of view, that’s when nice touch.” ever won the Masters, includ- I’m going to rely on him more It’s not necessarily a good ing new world number one Jus- and more.” omen for Rose. The only Mas- tin Rose of England. While Fulcher was off having ters winners who were atop the “If you look at the skill sets of his mitral valve repaired to allow rankings, which began in 1986, the guys at the top of the world blood fl ow between chambers were Welshman Ian Woosnam in rankings, Augusta really should of the heart, Rose was aided by 1991, American Fred Couples in suit most of us,” Rose said. “So I Fulcher’s pal Gareth Lord, who 1992 and US star Tiger Woods in would say that this year there’s had caddied for Sweden’s Henrik 2001 and 2002. probably a very good probabil- Stenson. Lord was bagman for Rose, the 2016 Rio Olympic ity that one of those guys will Rose’s win in January at Torrey champion, says his margin atop get it done.” Third-ranked Rory Pines. the rankings is so slight that McIlroy of Northern Ireland, a Fulcher made an informal re- he won’t take on the 17-year four-time major winner, needs turn two weeks ago at the WGC drought of number ones, drag- a Masters win to become only Rory McIlroy of Northern Match Play Championship, ging in past top-spot holders like the sixth golfer to complete a Ireland and Dustin Johnson of carrying bags for two practice Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson career Grand Slam. the United States walk on the rounds and walking with Rose and Brooks Koepka. There’s a trio of top-10 second hole during a practice during the competition, han- “No one is really being that Americans with major wins round prior to The Masters at dling the comeback emotions dominant right now,” Rose said. lacking one at Augusta Nation- Augusta National Golf Club in before getting down to the busi- “I think if anyone’s been domi- al, including second-ranked Augusta, Georgia. ness of winning a Masters. nant, it has been Rory in the last Dustin Johnson, three-time “When the going gets tough, sort of couple of months. Hence, major winner Brooks Koepka that’s when I think someone who the ranking between Brooks, (fourth) and 2017 PGA Cham- his second Masters start, and Rahm said. “I feel strong in Open winner, uses his ranking in 1991, Fred Couples in 1992 knows you so well — and we have myself, Dustin, even going back pionship winner Justin Tho- there’s an element of extra every part of my game. I just to motivate not pressure, es- and Tiger Woods in 2001 and so many positive experiences out to Justin Thomas, it has bounced mas (fifth). hunger under the Georgia pines want to make a few more putts pecially after winning as world 2002. there under pressure that we can around a lot.” “I think it’s just a coinci- this week. than I did last year.” number one at Torrey Pines in Players examined the re- dence that nobody in the top 10 “The most important thing I The only golfer among the January. vamped fi fth hole, now a 495- has won the Masters,” Thomas learned last year is that Augus- world’s top 16 who has won the “I use it as maybe a little in- yard par-4 test after the tee was FOCUS said. “It definitely speaks to ta National, expect for the par- Masters is 14-time major win- spiration, certainly not as an moved back 40 yards. the new wave of players.” 5s, plays over par,” Rahm said. ner Tiger Woods. And the 12th- expectation,” Rose said. “Clear- “Number fi ve is probably go- Three more US players seek “So if you make par, don’t get ranked American, now 43, won ly to win a major as number one ing to play the toughest hole their first major title: Bryson frustrated. That’s just the way his most recent of four Masters would be even more fantastic. now for sure,” Rose said. “If you DeChambeau DeChambeau (sixth), Rickie it is around this course.” crowns in 2005. “Confi dence is up there for can get it through six holes even Fowler (ninth) and Xander Rahm, 24, could not claw Thunderstorms closed the sure. I’ve had enough good golf par, it’s a great start.” Schauffele (10th). back from an opening 75 last course Monday afternoon with to give me confi dence and I’ve “It’s great,” Woods said. digging for insight Mix in reigning seventh- year despite firing the lowest more severe weather fore- had enough poor golf to keep me “I love it. It’s still between a ranked reigning British Open Masters third-round score of cast later, but most players in working hard, which is some- 3-wood and a driver off the champion Francesco Moli- 65, but won the Spanish Open the field of 87 — matching the times a good place to be.” green,” Thomas added. “The at Augusta National nari of Italy and sixth-ranked the following week. smallest since Woods won in The only Masters wins for diff erence is having a longer Spaniard Jon Rahm, who “I hope my putting is a lot 1997 — practised before the players who topped the rankings club into the tee. That’s going to AFP shared fourth last year in only better than it was last year,” rain struck. Rose, the 2013 US that week were by Ian Woosnam be a tougher shot.” Augusta

CONFIDENT olf’s “mad scientist” Bryson DeChambeau is taking Augusta Na- tional Golf Club’s more Gtraditional approach in stride as he prepares for the 83rd Masters. “I would say that this week is Fowler ‘more ready’ than ever unique with the history, the golf that’s been played out here, the Reuters But such talk does not discourage the kling back nine, which included a birdie at rules that are out here are a lit- Augusta 30-year-old American, who comes into the last, saw him card a fi ve-under-par 67. tle diff erent than each and every the year’s fi rst major in solid form and The strong fi nish was not enough as Reed week,” DeChambeau said. “My among the favourites to claim a Green managed to hang on for a one-stroke vic- dedication to fi guring things out ickie Fowler returned to Au- Jacket. “Compared to four, fi ve, whatever tory but Fowler, after getting over the pain is the exact same.” gusta National on Monday with years ago, yeah, I’m more ready than I’ve of another near miss, was able to take plen- DeChambeau, like all in the the heartbreak of last year’s ever been,” Fowler told reporters. “Not ty of positives from his performance. Masters fi eld, has to make do runner-up Masters fi nish fi rmly saying that I can sit up here and tell you “The way I executed on the back nine without green contour books behindR him and brimming with confi - I’m defi nitely going to go win, but I like Sunday last year was defi nitely some- available at US PGA Tour events. Chambeau, who was three- dence that a breakthrough major win my chances. thing I pull from, and it was a lot of fun Augusta does not allow de- under par and in second place is closer than ever. Fowler, a fi ve-times “I love this place. I know I can play to be in the mix, birdieing 18, to make vices to gauge distance or slope coming to the 18th hole on Fri- winner on the PGA Tour, has three run- well around here. For me, every time I get Patrick earn it a bit,” said Fowler. during practice rounds. day — when he pulled his drive ner-up fi nishes to show from 36 ma- to play it, it’s fun... I get to use my imagi- “But I was just a little bit too far back, “I prepare as much as I pos- into a holly bush. jor appearances and as a result fi nds his nation around here.” and Patrick put together a strong week sibly can with what’s allowed “Unfortunately, that holly name on the list of the best players who Last year Fowler started the fi nal round of golf. So it was fun. It was great to be here,” DeChambeau said. “I have bush, the 36th hole of the tour- have never won one of golf’s four blue at Augusta National fi ve shots behind in the mix, and like I said, have a chance. to work harder to get some in- nament kind of cost me a little riband events. overnight leader Patrick Reed but a spar- But time to do one better.” sight than at other places, but bit,” said DeChambeau, who re- that’s fi ne. turned to the tee and promptly “That’s a part of the process, pulled another drive. BOTTOMLINE and I think the person who digs “But other than that it was a it out of the dirt the most should fantastic ride and being the low have a little bit of an advantage.” amateur champion was fantas- DeChambeau, 25, will be tee- tic.” ing it up at the Masters for the Certainly the world number third time — and just the second six will be looking for more this as a pro. week. Since fi nishing tied for Mexicans serve up Latin fl air He was an amateur in 2016, 38th in his return to Augusta last Reuters ring back-nine battle with the American “People were so proud that I was going “Making the cut would be a really good when he was coming off a 2015 year, DeChambeau has won fi ve Augusta on Saturday. to be able to put a Mexican fl ag up there.” fi nish too but if you give me a top 10 right collegiate campaign that saw times. Now Ortiz steps into the spotlight as he Ortiz said he had received plenty of ad- now, I’ll sign it for sure.” him win both the US Amateur That includes his fi rst inter- becomes the fi rst player from his country vice ahead of tomorrow’s opening round While a top 10 fi nish would guarantee a and NCAA collegiate title in the national victory at the he Mexican fl ag has been wav- since Victor Regalado in 1979 to play at with most people telling him to relax and Masters invite next year, Ortiz is soaking same year. Desert Classic in January — ing proudly at Augusta National the Masters and only the second Mexican enjoy the experience. up every moment of his experience now. “I’d say the coolest part of where he won by a record seven with amateur Alvaro Ortiz tak- amateur following Juan Antonio Estrada But the 23-year-old, showing no fear He spent Monday night in the Crow’s that experience was being able strokes. Ting the baton from Maria Fassi who featured at Augusta from 1962-64. and more than a little cockiness, said he Nest above the Augusta National club- to step up on that tee (in) 2016 Two of the last three winners and carrying it into this week’s Masters The determined Ortiz fi nished run- would be trying to win a Green Jacket like house, where amateurs have traditionally with everyone thinking I’m of the Dubai event — Danny Wil- with his eyes on a Green Jacket. ner-up in the two previous Latin Amer- everyone else, although admitting if giv- slept, and promised to bite into the local pretty darned nervous and I get lett in 2016 and Sergio Garcia in After a four-decade absence, Augusta ica Amateur Championship tournaments en a chance to sign for a top 10 right now delicacy — a pimento cheese sandwich — up there and I just smiled be- 2017 — went on to win the Mas- National is getting a fresh taste of Latin before this year claiming the title and his he would take it. at some point. cause I was prepared,” he said. ters in the same year. fl air served up by a new generation of Masters invite at the third attempt. “In my mind, I’m out here to compete “Yeah, everybody was talking about “I had played over a dozen The mathematically minded Mexican golfers primed to battle for ti- “It was a huge deal for my family and and I want the Green Jacket,” he said. “I that,” Ortiz said with a smile. “Actu- rounds here in 2016 and was re- DeChambeau said he couldn’t tles. me for sure and the whole country,” said think every player is thinking like that. ally, I received more arguments about ally, I thought, ready to win the really make that add up to a pre- Fassi provided Ortiz with a tough act Ortiz, who will turn professional imme- “Of course, winning the low amateur the... chicken barbecue sandwich, which tournament. diction. to follow by fi nishing runner-up to Jen- diately after the Masters. “When I came would be nice,” he said referring to the I think is pretty good. I already tried “I had a chance to win it and “I think a lot of it’s coinci- nifer Kupcho in the inaugural Augusta back to Mexico after winning, it was all Silver Cup awarded to the lowest amateur that one, but I’ll have to try the pimento I knew I did and after 35 holes I dence,” he said, “but defi nitely National Women’s Amateur after a stir- cheers and people were so happy. to make the cut. cheese.” was right there,” recalled De- makes me feel good.”