FOOTBALL | Page 3 Real suff er shock home defeat to Girona, derailing title bid

Monday, February 18, 2019 CRICKET Jumada II 13, 1440 AH Windies great Gayle GULF TIMES to quit ODIs aft er World Cup SPORT Page 7

FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES FOCUS India’s cricket World Al-Attiyah to lead Cup stars of 1983 and 2011 invited to Overdrive’s title hunt, Qatar 2022 starting with Qatar Belgium-based team will be hoping to win back the overall title it last held in 2017

By Sports Reporter drive Racing team with whom Lusail he raced in the FIA World Cup in 2014. He will also have a new co- resh from clinching vic- driver reading his road book and tory in the gruelling navigational waypoints, with Dakar Rally in January, the former Dakar-winning Ger- champion Nasser Saleh man Dirk von Zitzewitz replac- al-AttiyahF and Overdrive Racing ing fellow countryman Timo will have a team of three Toyota Gottschalk in the passenger seat Hiluxes in the Manateq Qatar of the third Toyota. Cross-Country Rally. Overdrive Racing CEO For- The opening round of the tin said, “I am delighted to Nasser al-Khater, the CEO of the newly-established FIFA World Cup 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross- announce our programme of Qatar 2022 LLC. Country Rallies begins Thurs- events to enable us to challenge day, will be fought out over fi ve for honours in the FIA World By Sports Reporter 2022) is for all of us to celebrate. stages across the length and Cup this year. We will enter Doha I think I have to say, we look for- breadth of Qatar, before con- two or three cars at each round ward to welcoming you there (in cluding on February 26. and have a very strong line-up Qatar),” he said. Overdrive Racing will be hop- for Qatar, which is, perhaps, ndia’s cricket World Cup “I know that there are some ing to win back the FIA World the most challenging event in winning teams of 1983 and members from the 1983 World Cup title it last held in 2017 and the calendar for both the driver 2011 have been invited to Cup winning team, that beat will be entering two or three and co-driver with the naviga- attend the 2022 FIFA World the West Indies, are here (at the cars at each round of the series tion and numerous tracks in the ICup in Qatar, Indian news outlets awards function), and there are this year in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, desert. reported yesterday. members from the team that won Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and “The season got off to a per- The invitation was extended to the (cricket) World Cup in 2011. Morocco. The FIA has this year fect start with the team’s fi rst the teams by Nasser al-Khater, I extend you a special invitation split cross-country events into Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah won the Dakar Rally for the third time this year, handing Overdrive Racing win at the Dakar Rally, but we the CEO of the newly-estab- to come and attend the football two championships for longer their first title in one of the world’s toughest rallies. need to build on that success lished FIFA World Cup Qatar world cup in Qatar,” he added. distance marathon-type rallies now and win back the FIA World 2022 LLC, a company responsi- He also extended a special and the shorter Baja events. driver Tom Colsoul for the fi rst Cup for Toyota.” ble for the planning and delivery welcome to footballers from In- Al-Attiyah, Dutchman Bern- of two Middle Eastern events On Thursday, the rally will of operations and services for the dia. hard Ten Brinke and Saudi Ara- in the space of less than two get underway with a ceremonial tournament. Kapil Dev led India to victory bia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi will drive months. start on the iconic Pearl. Al-Khater, who was in India to in the 1983 World Cup, while the the three Toyota Hiluxes in Qa- Ten Brinke failed to fi nish the The competitive action then attend a sports awards function captain of the team which won tar, the trio off ering a wealth of recent Dakar Rally, but is rel- fi res into life with a 102km stage in Mumbai, said: “It is safe to say the 2011 honours was Mahendra international experience to the ishing the new challenge of the the next day and that will defi ne that this World Cup (in Qatar in Singh Dhoni. Belgium-based team that runs Qatar deserts and will need to the starting order for the fi rst under the management of Jean- call upon all his navigator’s ex- of four further desert selective Marc Fortin. perience to overcome the event’s sections. SPOTLIGHT Al-Attiyah is the Arab world’s notoriously tricky navigation The subsequent two timed leading off -road driver and is a and deceptive desert trails. sections run for 313km and three-time winner of the Dakar Colsoul is the defending FIA 338km and the fourth is planned Rally and a fi ve-time champion World Cup champion naviga- for 350km, with a short road on his home event in Qatar. He tor and fi nished fourth overall in liaison of 56km built into the QOC to celebrate and French navigator Matthieu Dutchman Bernhard Ten Brinke will drive one of three Toyota Hiluxes. the recent Dakar Rally. He was day’s timetable. Baumel missed out on the FIA also the winning co-driver in The fi fth and fi nal stage takes World Cup title in 2018 and are Attiyah. “It is a very diffi cult to give ourselves the best chance Qatar last season on the way to place on February 26 and runs keen to get the 2019 campaign event and throws up numerous of winning.” a memorable title success with for 270km before the ceremonial 40th anniversary underway with a potential sixth challenges. I have a good record Ten Brinke was al-Attiyah’s Jakub Przygonski and is look- fi nish on The Pearl-Qatar. victory for al-Attiyah at home. here but last year shows that an- teammate in the Toyota Gazoo ing forward to working with Ten In a route of 2,059km, teams “This is my home event and ything can happen and we need Racing South Africa team and Brinke again. will tackle around 1,367km that is always special,” said al- to be fully focused from the start is reunited with his former co- Al-Rajhi returns to the Over- against the clock. on March 14

QNA tised many forms of sports ac- Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and Doha tivity, including football, cricket, his French navigator Matthieu tennis, golf, etc, that were not Baumel in action in Qatar last year. common to citizens. he Qatar Olympic Com- These new activities attracted mittee (QOC) will cel- the attention of the popula- ebrate its 40th anniver- tion and their passion for these sary on March 14. sports and football in particular TThe anniversary coincides with increased. At fi rst, they took the the decision to form the com- foreigners to play, before forming mittee on March 14, 1979, under local teams based on neighbour- the chairmanship of His High- hoods (Al Furjan). Soon those ness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa teams emerged as sports clubs. al-Thani and membership of the In the absence of the sports presidents of the sports federa- federations, neighbourhood tions. The organisational and su- teams organised football matches pervisory bodies of Qatar Sports between each other and the win- went through several formations ner would get a cup. In 1963, the since the 1950s, under the chair- fi rst offi cial league was launched. manship of the Minister of Edu- Sports clubs in Qatar were es- cation then HE Sheikh Qassem tablished over a 30-year period bin Hamad al-Thani, until the between 1950 and 1980. fi rst Board of Directors was es- These clubs and teams had a tablished under the chairmanship prominent and important role in of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah developing sport at the time. The bin Khalifa al-Thani. emergence and development of The beginnings of the sports sports in the fi fties and sixties, movement in Qatar and football and the enthusiasm, and collec- in particular date back to the late tive and individual initiatives led 1940s. It all started with emer- to the fl ourishing of the sport gence of oil exploration com- movement and its steady growth panies in the country, where its even in the absence of modern foreign employees from Asia, regulatory bodies and institu- Europe and other regions prac- tions. Gulf Times 2 Monday, February 18, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Rayyan, Gharafa target Asian Champions League spots By Sports Reporter process, The Lions jumped from Saipa qualifi ed for play-off af- after extra time in the prelimi- Doha fourth to third in the table with ter fi nishing fourth in the Iranian nary stage. Al Gharafa, coached 30 points. league last season. They then by Frenchman Christian Gour- New recruit and Venezue- beat India’s Minerva Punjab to cuff , will look to put behind atar’s Al Rayyan lan striker Gelmin Rivas carries qualify for Al Rayyan. The win- the disappointment of losing are upbeat ahead of much of Al Rayyan’s hopes as he ners will enter Group B, which to Umm Salal in Week 16 of the their AFC Champi- made his debut in Qatar memo- includes the UAE’s Al Wahda, Al QNB Stars League. ons League play-off rable by scoring two goals and Ittihad of Saudi Arabia and Uz- The Cheetahs, who slipped againstQ Iran’s Saipa. setting up the other against Al bekistan champions Lokomotiv. one place to eight in the stand- The kick-off is at 18:00 at the Arabi. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Gharafa ings with 18 points, indeed have Al Sadd Stadium in Doha tomor- Al Rayyan will be bolstered by target a group-stage berth in this the potential to beat Zobahan, row. the presence of captain Rodrigo year’s AFC Champions League the runners-up in the Iranian Qatar’s Al Duhail and Al Sadd Tabata, who has been suspend- when they run into Zobahan of league. If Al Gharafa win, they directly qualifi ed for the group ed for two QNB Stars League Iran in play-off . The kick-off is will join teams such as Al Wasl of stage of 2019 AFC Champions matches as a result of the deci- at 18:00 at the Al Gharafa Sta- the UAE and Al Zawraa of Iraq in League by virtue of having fi n- sion against him by the Qatar dium in Doha tomorrow. Group A. ished as winners and runners- Football Association’s Discipli- Qatar’s Al Gharafa will look to Al Gharafa are expected to up of 2017-18 season QNB Stars nary Committee. confi rm their second successive fi eld a full squad, with the return League. Tabata had missed their Al appearance in the AFC Cham- of Vladimir Weiss and Diogo Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa, Arabi match and will also miss pions League. The Iranian side Amado from injury. who fi nished third and fourth in their Qatar Clasico against Al is attempting to qualify for the They will also be served by the standings, have gone into the Sadd on 23rd February. group stage for the fourth year in goalkeeper Yousef Hassan, play-off s. If they win, they will Al Rayyan, under Turk- a row after reaching the Round of Tamim al-Muhaysa, Abdulaziz book a berth in the group stage. ish coach Bulent Uygun, also 16 last year. Hatem, Fahd al-Shammari, Al Rayyan are on a high after have the likes of Lucca Borges, Iranian Pro League runners- Yousef Muftah, Mehdi Taremi, beating Al Arabi 3-1 in Week 16 Gonzalo Viera, Koh Myong-Jin up Zobahan saw off three-time Othman al-Yahri and Ahmed of the QNB Stars League. In the and Sebastian Soria. AFC Cup winners Kuwait SC 1-0 Alaaeldin. Al Rayyan (red and black) players in action during their QNB Stars League match against Al Arabi on Thursday.

FA CUP SERIE A Fiorentina saved by VAR, captain Criscito Wolves and Palace stunner shocks Lazio

AFP relegation-threatened SPAL a Milan 2-1 advantage. But the referee immediately ordered a video review which enoa captain Domen- confi rmed Felipe had fouled ease into quarters ico Criscito scored Federico Chiesa in the build- deep into injury up to the goal which he disal- ‘I’m very happy, it was very tough, but I’m happy for fans and it was a moment of joy’ time to dent Lazio’s lowed and instead awarded GChampions League ambitions Fiorentina a penalty at the as his side came from behind other end of the fi eld. to win 2-1 in Serie A yesterday. Jordan Veretout stepped up Earlier on, Europa League and converted from the spot hopefuls Fiorentina were with the decision proving to saved by VAR amid controver- be a killer blow for SPAL who sy after the referee disallowed instead of being 2-1 up were rivals SPAL a goal and instead trailing by the same score. awarded a penalty which the The hosts scrambled to get Tuscans converted before back into the game but con- winning 4-1. ceded a goal with Giovanni Milan Badelj had given inju- Simeone adding a third min- ry-depleted Lazio a lift before utes later, and Brazilian Ger- the break in north-western son a fourth two minutes from Italy after their Europa League time as Fiorentina move up to round of 32, fi rst-leg defeat to eighth in the table three place Sevilla midweek. off the European places But Genoa punished the Ro- SPAL had originally taken mans late in the second half the lead through Andrea Pe- with Antonio Sanabria scor- tagna on 36 minutes before ing on 75 minutes and Criscito Edimilson Fernandes grabbed sealing victory with a stunning the equaliser for the visitors half-volley from a distance just before the break. three minutes into additional “They robbed us,” com- time. plained SPAL president Walter Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio re- Mattioli. main seventh, equal on points “If you have to cancel a goal with Atalanta and AS Roma, for a foul like that, it makes me who play Bologna today. laugh.” In the fi rst game of the day SPAL sit three points above Fiorentina kept in the running the relegation zone after their for European football next 12th defeat of the campaign. season with a win over SPAL, Elsewhere, Empoli just two amid VAR dispute in Ferrara. points above the drop zone, Mattia Valoti’s defl ected beat midtable Sassuolo 3-0 strike after 75 minutes had for their fi rst win of 2019, as been greeted with delight by Udinese squeezed past bottom the home crowd as it had given club Chievo 1-0.

Gladbach frustrated in Frankfurt stalemate

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder Ivan Cavaleiro (No 7) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup fifth round match against Bristol City at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters Schlupp ran through to fi re a fl owing move down the right. be fi ghting to save his job when are ill-suited to their strengths London home in the eighth minute and It was his trickery that opened crisis club Chelsea FAce Man- and so FAr Sarri’s lengthy de- Meyer’s eff ort on the stroke of up the home defence again be- chester United in the FA Cup briefs have had made little dif- halftime defl ated the hosts who fore his cut back picked out Cav- fi fth round today. ference. While ‘Sarri-ball’ was a had hoped for a fi rst-ever run to aleiro to fi re home. Sarri is in danger of being big hit with Napoli, Chelsea have Moenchengladbach’s Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria (left) olverhampton the last eight. The second half was a dif- sacked after a dismal fi rst season looked laboured for much of this celebrates his goal with Josip Drmic against Eintracht Wanderers’ impres- In the day’s other fi fth-round ferent story as City, sixth in the at Stamford Bridge and crashing season, struggling for cohesion Frankfurt in Frankfurt yesterday. (AFP) sive season contin- tie, Swansea City recovered from second tier, improved dramati- out of the FA Cup would push in midfi eld and lacking cutting ued as they moved a halftime defi cit at home to fel- cally and forced Wolves keeper the Italian closer to the axe. edge up front. Borussia Moenchenglad- bach off guard from a corner. Winto the quarter-fi nals of the FA low Championship outfi t Brent- John Ruddy into several sharp Chelsea suff ered their heavi- Demanding Chelsea owner bach were frustrated in their After receiving the ball on the Cup with Ivan Cavaleiro’s fi rst- ford to win 4-1 at the Liberty saves. Substitute Matty Taylor est defeat for 28 years when they Roman Abramovich and infl uen- attempt to force their way edge of the box, Jonathan half goal sealing a 1-0 victory Stadium. Bersant Celina’s free was twice denied and in stop- were thrashed 6-0 at Manches- tial director Marina Granovskaia further into the Bundesliga de Guzman miscued a shot at Championship (second-tier) kick rebounded off the post and page time, with City throwing ter City last weekend, an indig- are unlikely to spare Sarri unless title race yesterday when on goal. club Bristol City yesterday. in off keeper Luke Daniel to level the kitchen sink at Wolves, Rud- nity that came just weeks after a results and performances im- they were held to a 1-1 draw at The ball, however, was col- Portuguese Cavaleiro slot- it up before a wonderful solo goal dy reacted well to stop opposite humiliating 4-0 loss at Bourne- prove soon. Eintracht Frankfurt. lected by Danny da Costa ted home clinically in the 28th by Daniel James put the Welsh number Frank Fielding equalis- mouth. Amid claims Sarri has That means Sarri must lift The draw left third-placed who hammered home from minute after great work by Matt club ahead. ing after he had gone up for a lost the support of his players, Chelsea - beaten in seven of their Gladbach on 43 points, five close range. Doherty and it was enough for With Brentford down to 10 corner. the former Napoli boss held last 22 games -back into the Pre- behind champions Bayern The second half looked much Wolves to reach the last eight for men after a red card for Ezri “I’m very happy, it was very clear-the-air talks this week in mier League’s top four and keep Munich and seven off leaders like the first, with Gladbach the fi rst time since 2003. Konsa, Celina made it 3-1 and tough, but I’m happy for fans a bid to convince the squad to them on course for silverware. Borussia Dortmund who pressing and Hazard spurn- After a mass exodus of Premier George Byers added a late fourth and it was a moment of joy,” stick with him. They are still in the Europa travel to Nuremberg today. ing chance after chance. League clubs in the previous two goal to seal a second successive said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito It is not the fi rst time he has League, having beaten Malmo in The visitors dominated the But they finally broke through rounds, Wolves continued a good quarter-fi nal appearance for Santo, who has guided his team challenged Chelsea’s stars af- the last 32 fi rst leg on Thursday, match but were unable to in the 82nd minute, with weekend for the big boys which the Swans. Comfortably placed to seventh on their top-fl ight re- ter accusing them of being hard and FAce Manchester City in the convert their consistent Denis Zakaria latching on saw Manchester City, Brighton & in the Premier League and with turn. “In the fi rst half they gave to motivate, questioning their League Cup fi nal next Sunday. pressure into goals, with to a 30-metre Tobias Strobl Hove Albion, Watford and Crys- Liverpool’s scalp in the FA Cup us space but then they changed it mental strength and claiming But fi rst Sarri must focus on midfielder Thorgan Hazard pass to score past the out- tal Palace all send lower-league already, Wolves have emerged as and they are a tough team.” they don’t understand even the United’s visit to the Bridge as enduring a frustrating day in stretched hands opposition packing. dark horses to go all the way this Only seven of the 16 teams to basics of his game plan. holders Chelsea look to move front of goal. They were made of Frankfurt keeper Kevin Palace were far too good on season. reach the fi fth round were from Sarri’s players are said to be closer to a third successive FA to pay for their wastefulness Trapp. Frankfurt, who looked Sunday for third-tier Doncaster In the fi rst half at Bristol City the Premier League but with unhappy with the Italian’s un- Cup fi nal appearance. when Frankfurt, also chasing clearly fatigued after a Rovers, with fi rst-half goals by they certainly had the look of a Chelsea hosting Manchester inspiring training methods and “We know it’s a crucial mo- European Football next sea- mid-week trip to Ukraine in Jeff rey Schlupp and Max Meyer side who fancy their chances. United on Monday in a repeat refusal to adapt his tactics to the ment. We have some very im- son, went in at the break with the Europa League, were securing a 2-0 win to send Roy Doherty was a constant men- of last season’s fi nal, six of the players he has at his disposal. portant matches. The fi rst will a 1-0 lead. fortunate to hold on and grab Hodgson’s side into the last ace for the Bristol defence and he teams in the last eight will be Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos be United. It’s very challenging,” Frankfurt launched a counter a valuable point in the closing eight for only the second time in was unlucky not to score when from the top fl ight. Alonso and N’Golo Kante are all Sarri’s assistant Gianfranco Zola in injury time, catching Glad- stages. 24 years. his shot hit the woodwork after Meanwhile Maurizio Sarri will being asked to perform roles that said. Gulf Times Monday, February 18, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA Real suff er shock home defeat to Girona, derailing title bid ‘We have lost three points and our direct rivals won, it’s a shame because we were on a good run and we had reduced the gap’

Ramos racks up 25 red cards in Real defeat

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ram- os entrenched his reputation as the bad boy of Spanish football by earning a staggering 25th red card for the club in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at home by Girona which scuppered Real’s hopes of a late Girona’s players celebrate after defeating Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) push for the La Liga title. Ramos gave away the penalty Reuters Portu gave Girona an unlikely won, it’s a shame because we benching Bale. from which Girona equalised by Madrid lead 10 minutes later, nipping in were on a good run and we had But perhaps his biggest mis- appearing to block a goal-bound front of Madrid’s lacklustre de- reduced the gap, now we’re three take was handing the out-of- shot in the area, escaping a fender Marcelo to nod in on the points further away than we were form left back Marcelo a fi rst potential straight red card but eal Madrid’s resurgent rebound after Thibaut Courtois yesterday,” said Real coach San- league start since January 6. still earning a booking. La Liga run skidded could only parry a shot from vis- tiago Solari. Girona attacked Marcelo’s But the defender, who has been to a halt as they fell to iting forward Anthony Lozano. “We have played a lot of games right wing throughout the sec- sent off more than any player in a shock 2-1 defeat at Madrid substitutes Gareth recently and that leads to not ond half, with Portu enjoying Spanish football, still managed homeR by struggling Girona yes- Bale and Vinicius Jr each squan- just physical tiredness but men- particular freedom. They were to complete a quarter century of terday in which captain Sergio dered opportunities to level and tal tiredness too, and that may fi nally rewarded for their bold dismissals by getting a second Ramos was sent off in added things got worse when Ramos have played a part in us losing attacking approach when Ramos yellow for kicking Girona’s time, leaving them nine points earned a second yellow card in energy in the second half.” blocked a goal-bound shot with Pedro Alcala in the face as he adrift of leaders Barcelona. stoppage time and was sent off Madrid had eased to a 7-3 ag- his hand and a penalty was given. attempted an overhead kick. Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos (right and above) is shown a red card Real looked on course for a for the 25th time in club football. gregate win over Girona in the Girona’s confi dence rocketed The red card saw Ramos, 32, by referee Guillermo Cuadra yesterday. (Reuters) sixth consecutive league win Real goalkeeper Courtois came Copa del Rey last month, and after equalising while Madrid become the first player to be when Casemiro leapt high- close to salvaging an equaliser with the Catalans sitting one lacked composure in their at- sent off 20 times in La Liga but that he had received a yellow The Spain defender has played est to meet a Toni Kroos cross late on but headed wide, leaving point above the relegation zone tempts to fi nd a way back in the fortunately for him and Real, card in Wednesday’s Champions 601 games for Real since join- and head them in front midway Real third in the standings on 45 and having lost their six previ- game. “More than a historic vic- he will only serve a one-game League last-16 first leg at Ajax ing from Sevilla in 2005 for 27 through the fi rst half. But Gi- points, nine behind table top- ous games, a home win seemed tory, this was a vital victory as ban, missing next week’s trip to Amsterdam on purpose. million euros ($30.49 million), rona, who had not won in the pers Barcelona, who beat Real highly likely. we were on such a bad run,” said Levante but returning against Ramos denies the accusation, earning four red cards in his first league since November, came Valladolid 1-0 on Saturday and Solari made six changes from match winner Portu. Barcelona on March 2. The but if he is found guilty of inten- season with the club, including out with a vengeance in the sec- seven back from second-placed the team that beat Ajax Amster- “The key factor in this win was dismissal also completed a trou- tionally earning a yellow card he two in his first month. ond half, levelling in the 65th Atletico Madrid, 1-0 winners dam 2-1 in a Champions League the group’s mentality, it was so blesome week for Ramos, who is would be suspended from the However, he has never been minute with a Cristhian Stuani over Rayo Vallecano. last-16 fi rst leg, handing break- diffi cult to come here on such a the subject of a UEFA investiga- first leg of a potential quarter- sent off in 161 appearances for penalty after a handball by Ra- “It’s a real shame, we have lost out forward Vinicius Jr a rest af- bad run but the team always be- tion after appearing to admit final tie if Real progress. the Spanish national team. mos. Spanish striker Cristian three points and our direct rivals ter 12 consecutive starts and also lieved in the victory.”

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Sanchez worried over losing Neymar’s father denies any his spark at Man United

Reuters contact with Barca over return London AFP MOURINHO ON SCOUTING Paris MISSION AT LILLE GAME anchester United Jose Mourinho attended yes- forward Alexis terday’s 0-0 draw between Lille Sanchez is con- eymar’s father reit- and Montpellier to reportedly cerned people may erated yesterday that cast an eye over Ivorian star Mnot have seen his best at Old there has been no at- Nicolas Pepe, one of the leading Traff ord as he continues to fi ght tempt to contact Bar- scorers in Ligue 1 this season. for an extended run of playing Ncelona over a possible return to Mourinho was sacked by time this season. Spain for the world’s most ex- Manchester United in December The Chile international is a pensive player. in a move that cost the Premier shadow of the player he was Neymar joined Paris Saint- League club £19.6 million ($25 at Arsenal, having scored just Germain for a world record fee of million) in severance pay for the fi ve goals in 37 appearances 222 million euros ($251 million) Portuguese and members of his since moving to United in Janu- in August 2017 but has repeated- staff . ary 2018. “I would like to have ly been linked with a move back “He’s in the stands with (Lille brought more joy to the club,” to Barcelona. sporting advisor) Luis Campos. Sanchez told the BBC. “Barca are a huge club, we were He came to oversee Nicolas Pepe “Yes, it worries me because I very happy over there,” Neymar and Thiago Mendes,” a source believe in my abilities as a play- Sr told TF1 yesterday. “It’s im- told AFP. er, I want to show it.” possible to leave a player like him Campos is a friend of Mour- After struggling for form and out of these (transfer market) ru- inho’s and served as chief scout fi tness under former manager mours. But it’s a lie, there hasn’t when the latter was in charge at Jose Mourinho, Sanchez has been a call with Barca.” Real Madrid. Pepe, 23, is the third fallen further down the pecking “There are two people who leading scorer in France with 16 order under caretaker boss Ole speak for Neymar: himself and goals, trailing only Paris Saint- Gunnar Solskjaer. me. Neither of us has spoken Germain duo Kylian Mbappe and “He (Solskjaer) hasn’t spo- about this intention to return Neymar, and also has eight as- ken to me a great deal about Manchester United’s Alexis Sanchez. (Reuters) to Barcelona,” he added. “These sists for second-placed Lille. what I have to do on the pitch, rumours amuse us a lot. These United replaced Mourinho but I think I’m an experienced Germain. want to play in every game. journalists are funny. The fu- a metatarsal injury suff ered in ahead of the return leg at the with former striker Ole Gunnar player and I think I know what I Sanchez, however, con- You’re in, you’re out, and I’m ture is in Paris, the present is in a French Cup win over Stras- Parc des Princes in their last- Solskjaer halfway through his need to do and what I shouldn’t fi rmed he was injured after an used to playing. Paris.” bourg on January 23. PSG hope 16 tie. Neymar Sr also called on third season at Old Traff ord with do,” Sanchez added. assistant referee ran into him as “It’s not an excuse because if Neymar Sr took to social me- the 27-year-old, who suff ered referees in France to off er his son the club languishing in sixth and The 30-year-old is behind he warmed up on the sidelines. I go on for 10, 20 minutes, I have dia last month to brand a report a fracture to the same right foot more protection. “It’s not the 19 points off the pace. Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard “I’ve got bruising but that’s to perform because that’s what in Spain which claimed he had at the end of February last year, French league that is the prob- He has pledged to return to and Anthony Martial in con- not an excuse for not being on I’m here for, to make a diff er- begged Barca to re-sign his son will be back in time for a poten- lem, it’s the referees who must “top-level Football” with Real tention for fi rst-team spots and my game in the way that I nor- ence.” from PSG as “fake news”. tial Champions League quarter- protect the players,” he said. Madrid, the club he coached did his chances no good after mally am,” he said. United next face FA Cup The Brazilian forward is cur- fi nal. “If fouls aren’t whistled, if from 2010 to 2013, touted a an underwhelming display as a “I’m a player that, if I’m not holders Chelsea in the fi fth rently on the sidelines after he The French club hold a 2-0 unsporting behaviour goes un- possible landing spot for the substitute in Tuesday’s Cham- in contact with the ball, I lose round at Stamford Bridge on was ruled out for 10 weeks with lead over Manchester United punished... that’s the problem.” 56-year-old. pions League defeat by Paris St that spark, and sometimes I Monday. Gulf Times 4 Monday, February 18, 2019 GOLF

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Thomas seizes ECGC aims to drive Riviera lead as Woods surges AFP day, noted that the forecast also up interest in golf, called for more rain and brisk Los Angeles winds. Featuring modern technology and facilities, ustin Thomas eagled ‘A LOT OF GOLF’ the fi rst hole of the third “I’m going to need to be patient newly-opened Education City Golf Club will round Saturday to open a because I’m playing so many one-shot lead over Adam holes,” he said, “stay in it emo- focus on growing the sport in Qatar ScottJ at the rain-hit Genesis tionally and stay patient, see says GM Open, where Tiger Woods was what we can do.” surging as darkness halted play. Scott, too, was bracing for a lot By Mikhil Bhat Thomas and Australia’s Scott of golf on Sunday, but said that Doha shared the 36-hole lead on also off ered an opportunity. 11-under par after both complet- “It’s a big day, a lot of golf,” ed six-under par 65s in the rain- Scott said. “It’s a great day to get ith lush greens be- delayed second round. your rhythm early and make a tween you and the Thomas, who had 14 birdies move... hopefully by the middle Education City in the 30 holes he played on Fri- of the fi nal round you’ve taken a World Cup Stadi- day, kept the momentum going whole bunch of guys out of the Wum, you take your position at the over six second-round holes on equation.” PowerTee station, an automated Saturday morning with a birdie Tournament host Woods, who apparatus that tees the ball up at the fi fth and a par at the par- made the cut with one stroke to for you. three sixth — where he used a spare, wasn’t ready to be counted If you have paid attention to wedge on the green to chip over out. what head coach Anthony Caira the distinctive bunker in the He was fi ve-under through his and Rachel Choi have been saying middle of the putting surface. fi rst four holes to vault into a tie about your grip, posture, position Hours later he rolled in a 13- for 14th at six-under par. and swing among other things, foot eagle putt at Riviera Country “Made a couple of putts,” said you will be up and going in no Club’s par-fi ve fi rst hole to move Woods, whose struggles this time. For that extra dab of compe- to 13-under par, separating him- week on the greens included four tition, the TrackMan system will self from Scott who birdied the three-putts in the fi rst round. tell you how far did your drive go, same hole before both parred the He rolled in a fi ve-foot birdie and for those with a nerdy bent second. putt at the 10th, followed that of mind, there are other angles, Americans Patrick Rodgers up with a 10-footer for eagle at speed and numbers that help you and JB Holmes were both 11-un- 11, a 21-foot birdie at 12 and a tweak your game. der par with 16 holes to play. 10-footer at 13. With an intention to grow the “It just is such a long day,” “I putted well,” Woods said. game of golf in Qatar, the Edu- Education City Golf Club (ECGC) general manager Michael Braidwood (left) and deputy general manager ECGC head golf professional Thomas said. “Hit a lot of good shots.” cation City Golf Club (ECGC) Mohamed al-Naimi demonstrate the functioning of the putting studio at the Centre of Excellence at club Anthony Caira leads a golfing “It’s good to get off to a good But Woods was short of the opened its doors to the people of yesterday. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed lesson. start and go home and get some green with his third shot from Qatar during a soft-opening peri- rest.” the rough at the par-fi ve 17th od that began in January this year. est in video and ball-fl ight tech- meeting rooms and dining op- Scotsman said that since the customers according to their The third round was set to when he departed the course, And the club, which is spread nology including putting analy- tions, it has it all. soft opening of the facility, as needs, and that’s how we hope resume at 6:45am (1445 GMT), as facing a tough up and down when over 127 hectares, is already buzz- sis and pressure plate systems to “At the forefront of our goals many as 50 members have already to achieve our goals. It can be organisers pushed to complete a play resumes. ing with activity. It hosted Na- track the golfer’s weight transfer is growing the game of golf, enrolled, with the club targeting pure sport, a lot of fun, family- tournament that lost seven hours “I’ve got some work to do,” tional Sport Day activities that among other things. engaging the community and as many as 500 members in two oriented; why should anyone to a rain delay on Thursday. Woods said. I’ve got to get up and saw as many as 11,000 swings at “Getting the base, hundreds getting the people enthusias- years. “That should give us stable head to the malls, or be lazy, in- “It’s not going to be light yet,” down at 17. Number 18’s not go- the range among beginners, be- of thousands of people, for in- tic about golf,” Braidwood ex- numbers, and enough space for stead be active and be healthy,” said Woods, noting that players ing to be playing short with these sides 96 players who took part in a stance, to play golf is the idea,” plained the approach. the visitors to come in and play,” al-Naimi said. warming up for a 7am start on temperatures. golf tournament over the 18-hole ECGC general manager Michael “What’s important is to have Braidwood said. Talking about sustainabil- Saturday could barely see. “It’s going to be a tough day for championship course. Braidwood said during a preview enough and more people inter- The club’s deputy general ity, the course uses 20 percent Thomas, facing the prospect all of us and one that we’re going The club also boasts of two yesterday. ested in the game, so that when manager, Mohamed al-Naimi, less water for maintenance of of playing 33-plus holes on Sun- to have to fi ght through.” other courses — a six-hole “We don’t care about produc- you bring in a big tournament, stressed on sustainability. “I the lush greens and other land- full-length course to facili- ing champions from the word there are spectators who are have worked in sport for a long scapes. While the base layers of tate a round of golf in under 90 go. We are focused on getting ready to come and watch some time,” said al-Naimi, who has sand and gravel were sourced minutes, and a nine-hole par as many people as possible into amazing players play, and not held various other positions in from within Qatar, the TE Plati- 3 course, which is also fl oodlit golf, and then through all these empty stands.” sports administration, including num Paspalam Turf, one of the to enable night play — besides numbers, there might be some- Braidwood added: “Qatar al- general secretary in the Asian most salt-tolerant turf grass, a centre of excellence, which is one who might decide to dedi- ready has Qatar Masters at the Gymnastics Union and Qatar was sourced from abroad. education-driven, combining cate their time to golf, and then Doha Golf Club. These are great Gymnastics Federation. With universities in the Edu- ultramodern technology with we can have champions of the events to showcase the country, “My dream is to bring in cation City around the course, expert, PGA golf training. future for Qatar.” and provide local community an something for community, a al-Naimi said, “We have facili- All three courses are designed ECGC is geared up for the avenue for entertainment. Now landmark example for other ties that are almost like a uni- by two-time Major winner Jose whole community-inclusive set that may come here or may stay sports clubs. We want to do it versity, where people come in Maria Olazabal of Spain. up. From a play area for kids near at the Doha Golf Club, that’s sustainably, environmentally as absolute beginners and we Five private swing studios and the clubhouse, practice greens, okay. We are not so concerned and fi nancially. We can provide can help them grow to become a a putting studio feature the lat- a dedicated ladies-only green to about it.” a range of facilities to clients and professional.”

ACHIEVEMENT New Zealand’s Fox wins European Tour’s World Super 6 LPGA TOUR AFP It set up the fi nal with two- Perth, Australia time European Tour win- ner Otaegui. The 32-year-old Korda keeps it in the family to win Australian Open jumped out into a 3up lead and ew Zealand’s Ryan Fox victory was his when the fourth AFP by winning the Australian Open in the air here, we love coming claimed his maiden Eu- hole was halved in pars. Adelaide, Australia tennis Grand Slam in 1998, beat- Down Under. ropean Tour title yes- “It’s starting to sink in, but it ing Marcelo Rios, and celebrated “I just got off the phone with terday, beating Spain’s still feels a bit surreal to be hon- with his trademark scissor kick. my Dad and he said ‘well, con- NAdrian Otaegui on the fi nal est,” said the aff able Fox after the elly Korda added to an Her sister Jessica then won gratulations, you’re part of the matchplay day at the World Su- biggest win of his career. amazing family tradi- the Australian Open golf in 2012, Korda Slam now’.” per 6 in Perth. “I just worked out I didn’t have tion of winning top duplicating her father’s celebra- Korda was the overnight lead- Under the tournament’s in- any bogeys in the matchplay to- titles Down Under by tion, as did brother Sebastian er and held her nerve despite a novative rules, there were three day, and played great in the fi nal. Nclaiming the LPGA Australian when he took out the Australian bogey on the 15th to beat Ko by days of stroke play, cutting the It felt like a home crowd out there Open by two shots in Adelaide Open tennis boys’ title last year. two and Taiwan’s Hsu Wei-ling fi eld, before the top 24 players for me today.” and celebrating with a scissors Not to be outdone, Nelly also by fi ve. qualifi ed for the knockout phase. Fox’s win, in his 79th Europe- kick yesterday. nailed the “Korda Kick” after Thailand’s world number one By fi nishing in the top eight af- an Tour event, followed two close The world number 16 Ameri- her fi nal round 67. Ariya Jutanugarn fi nished 15 ter the opening three rounds, Fox calls at the tournament. can has been the form player Just minutes after tapping in a adrift. earned a bye through to round Two years ago he failed to ad- of recent months, and has now par putt at the 18th hole, she was Korda headed to Adelaide’s two of the six-hole shootout vance to the matchplay portion scored two wins and two other handed a phone and her elder Grange Golf Club on the back competition. in a playoff and then 12 months top three fi nishes in her last fi ve sister was looking at her through of her fi rst LPGA victory at the But he still had to come ago missed out by a shot. events. Facetime. Taiwan Championship last Oc- through 25 holes to lift the trophy His victory was the fi rst by In carding a 17-under-par Korda put it in context: “I’m tober, before a second place fi n- at Lake Karrinyup Country Club. New Zealander on the European 271, holding off South Korean fi nally a part of the club. ish at the Tour Championship in He beat Thailand’s Jazz Tour since Danny Lee won the challenger Ko Jin-young, Ko- “She was pretty much Florida. Janewattananond on the third 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic as rda joined her father, sister and screaming congratulations, she She started her 2019 cam- shootout hole, then Norway’s an amateur. brother in being crowned an was so happy for me. I mean this paign in a similar vein, fi nish- Kristoff er Reitan 1up in the quar- Dunne, who won the British Open champion on Australian win was really special for my ing third at the Tournament of ter-fi nals before easing past Ire- Masters in 2017, beat Zimbabwe’s soil. family,” she added. Champions last month, also in Nelly Korda (centre) of the US poses with the winner’s trophy and land’s Paul Dunne by the same Scott Vincent in the third-place Dad Petr got the ball rolling “I think there’s something Florida. grounds staff following her Australian Open victory yesterday. (AFP) score in the semis. playoff . Gulf Times Monday, February 18, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA FOCUS LeBron says owning NBA club ‘would Thunder’s Diallo have to be right fi t’

AFP much knowledge of the game Charlotte that I don’t want to, once I stop playing, just to get away from the game. eBron James says that “Obviously I’m going to beats Knicks’ Smith following fellow NBA be along with my sons, be- superstar Michael Jor- cause they’re going to play the dan into owning an NBA game. But if I can give back to Lclub is “more of an aspiration” this league in any way shape than dream as he prepares for a or form, and continue to make 15th NBA All-Star Game. this league as great as it is to- The 34-year-old Los Ange- day, then I would love to.” les Lakers playmaker will cap- for Slam Dunk title tain Team LeBron against Team ‘TON MORE YEARS’ TO GO Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Forbes values an average NBA ‘Atmosphere was great. I just came out and gave the crowd what they were looking for’ Milwaukee Bucks in the an- club at $1.9 billion and says nual talent showcase Sunday at James has net worth beyond Reuters Charlotte, North Carolina. $450 million. The 34-year-old Charlotte Jordan, who won six NBA forward, a three-time NBA titles in the 1990s with the champion, also fi gures he has Chicago Bulls, now owns the many more years on the court ookie Hamidou Diallo showed Charlotte Hornets and while before ownership becomes a off his imagination and 44-inch James once said there was “no consideration. vertical leap to claim the NBA’s maybe about it” that he would “I got a lot more game to Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday. be the majority owner of a team play,” James said. “A ton more RThe Oklahoma City Thunder guard one day, he was more hesitant years to play this game and suit needed a 43 to win on his second and last about the prospects Saturday. up and be in a Lakers uniform. dunk of the fi nals to beat New York Knicks “It’s not that it’s intoxicating Once we get to that point, we’ll guard Dennis Smith Jr. for the crown. Di- to me, and I don’t think about it cross that path. Hopefully I can allo called on rapper Quavo to hold the on a day-to-day basis,” James sit up here and answer ques- ball just above his head, sprinted from the said. “It would have to be the tions as a player for a long time.” right corner of the court and crammed a right fi t. It would have to be the James ranks fi fth on the walk-off , two-hand jam. right city. It would have to be NBA all-time scoring list with The dunk received a 45. the right situation. It’s not like 32,082 points while Jordan is “Atmosphere was great,” Diallo said. it’s a dream of mine. It’s more fourth on 32,292. “It’s kind of “I just came out and gave the crowd what of an aspiration. hard to talk into the future. I they were looking for.” “See if it happens. If it don’t, kind of live in the moment,” There were props and propellers, guest I won’t be disappointed in any- James said regarding how it appearances and perfect 50s, but in the thing I’ve done off the oor.”fl would feel to pass Jordan. end the night belong to Diallo, a second- James said he feels that if he “One thing I can tell you is round pick out of Kentucky who was a decides ownership is what he anytime I’m mentioned with fi ve-star recruit out of high school. wants, he would be able to as- one of the greats, if not the Smith brought Dwyane Wade and semble the investors needed to greatest that ever played this Stephen Curry to the court needing to purchase a club. game, it’s crazy to me. It re- score at least 38 points after a botched “I believe if I wanted to, I ally is. You talk about MJ, who fi rst dunk in the fi nals. could own a team or be part of a I looked up to and always be- Smith stationed Wade in the middle basketball team. I know I got so lieved was the greatest.” of the lane facing the basket and Curry to Wade’s right. Curry lobbed the ball as Smith vaulted over Wade, caught the ball and put down a right-handed windmill Yankees southpaw Sabathia to for a perfect 50, to the rousing response of retire after 2019 season boos from the crowd. “I was a little nervous,” Diallo said, New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia announced Saturday he adding that he would give the golden bas- will retire at the end of the 2019 season, saying goodbye after ketball trophy to his mom. his 19th Major League Baseball campaign. The 38-year-old left- On his fi rst fi nals dunk, Diallo was eye- hander who helped the Yankees capture the 2009 World Series to-rim, taking the ball off a bounce to the will hang up his glove for the last time after 11 seasons with New right side of the rim and authoritatively York. He began his career from 2001-2008 with the Cleveland fl ushing it for a score of 43. Indians. Smith missed two dunks on his fi rst Sabathia announced his decision at the team’s training camp in turn in the fi nals and was given scores of Tampa, Florida, as his friends and family watched. “I wouldn’t seven across the board for a 35. be here today after 18 years in the big leagues without so many In the opening round, Diallo rolled a people – starting with my mom,” Sabathia said. “Her sacrificing ball rack into the middle of the lane pre- so much for me to be able to get to this point and live out my paring for his second dunk. He opted in- dream, I owe her the world.” stead to call for “the biggest person in the The Yankees signed Sabathia to a seven-year deal worth $161 building.” million after the 2008 season. “All I ever wanted for people to Shaquille O’Neal was positioned four remember me was as a good teammate,” Sabathia said. “I look feet from the basket, and Diallo skied over forward to 2019 being a championship season for us and I’m go- the 7-footer and fi nished with his right ing to give everything I have and leave it out on the field.” arm stuff ed inside the rim. Hamidou Diallo of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with the trophy after winning the AT&T Slam Dunk as part of the 2019 NBA Sabathia has 246 career wins and needs only 14 strikeouts to Diallo was given a 50, and he had a total All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Getty Images/AFP) become the 17th pitcher with 3,000 career Major League Base- of 98 on his fi rst two dunks. ball strikeouts. He won the 2007 Cy Young Award as top pitcher Diallo was a stuntman in the fi rst with his right hand for a powerful fi nish All-Star Kemba Walker cameoed, lay- off going to the air – and was given a 42. while with Cleveland. round, too. He pulled teammate Russell and perfect 50. On his fi rst dunk, Smith ing the ball off the side of the backboard. Collins opened the competition run- “CC has been a great ambassador for our game,” Yankees Westbrook out of the crowd and charged started from the right wing and lobbed the Bridges grabbed the ball and fl ushed a 360 ning on the baseline, grabbing the side managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said. “We are proud from the corner down the baseline, caught ball into the lane, catching the ball on the for a perfect 50. of the backboard with has left hand and that he has represented our organisation for the past decade. His Westbrook’s lob and stuff ed home a lefty bounce for a 360-degree slam. On his fi rst try, Bridges lobbed the ball cramming home a reverse with his right to competitive spirit is matched only by his devotion to family and windmill to put up a 48, including scores After halting on the fi rst and fourth at- off the backboard on the left side of the earn a 40. his relentless philanthropic pursuits. of 10 from three of the fi ve judges. tempts, and missing the second and third rim, caught it and pulled the ball under his Former Boston Celtics guard Dee “CC has always been a pillar in our clubhouse and we look for- Smith tallied a 95 total on his two fi rst- throw-down, Smith completed the dunk right leg before trying a windmill. Brown, former Hornets and Miami Heat ward to him further cementing his impressive legacy this season round tries. Smith put on J. Cole’s high on his fi fth try. He scored 45, with a 9 from He missed all three tries and scored center Alonzo Mourning, ex-Denver and contributing to our championship goals.” school number 15 jersey, and seated the all fi ve judges. 33. Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins Nuggets guard David Thompson, Los Retired Yankees star Derek Jeter said Sabathia “embodies what performer in a folding chair outside the Charlotte Hornets guard Miles Bridges wrapped a towel around his neck, wore an Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker and it means to be a professional athlete, and has been an incredible charge circle. Charging from the right donned a Larry Johnson jersey and made old-fashioned leather pilot’s cap and leapt reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year A’ja ambassador for baseball.” wing, Smith took a lob and reared back up for a botched fi rst round. over a wooden airplane – kicking the tail Wilson comprised the panel of judges.

NHL Panarin scores twice as Blue Jackets top Blackhawks man for the longest point streak in the NHL Reuters RESULTS Chicago this season. It was also Kane’s 16th straight Philadelphia 6-5 Detroit game with an assist, tying Jaromir Jagr for the sixth-longest assist streak in NHL history. Calgary 5-4 Pittsburgh rtemi Panarin recorded two goals and an assist as the visiting Colum- St. Louis 3-0 Colorado JONES, SHARKS TOP CANUCKS AGAIN bus Blue Jackets notched a 5-2 win Arizona 2-0 Toronto San Jose’s Joe Pavelski scored the go-ahead over the Chicago Blackhawks on goal in the third period, and goalie Martin Ottawa 4-3 Winnipeg Saturday.A Jones beat his hometown team for the second Columbus won for the fi fth time in its past Tampa Bay 3-0 Montreal time in a week as the Sharks defeated the vis- six games, including four straight victories Islanders 5-2 Edmonton iting Vancouver Canucks 3-2 on Saturday. away from home. The Blue Jackets are 18-9-1 Carolina 3-0 Dallas Pavelski forced a turnover on the forecheck in road games this season, marking the fi rst in a 2-2 game, then cleaned up a rebound in time the franchise has won 18 of its fi rst 28 Columbus 5-2 Chicago the slot for his 31st goal at 13:06 of the fi nal road games in a season. Las Vegas 5-1 Nashville period. Vancouver rookie Elias Pettersson Ryan Murray recorded three assists for the San Jose 3-2 Vancouver had a shot hit the post in the last minute, and Blue Jackets, giving the defenseman the fi rst the Sharks held on. three-point game of his six-year NHL career. Boston 4-2 Los Angeles Pavelski, Timo Meier and Logan Cou- Trade rumours have swirled around Pan- on a two-on-one rush that ended with At- ture all registered a goal and an assist for the arin in recent weeks, though the speculation kinson’s 32nd goal of the season. The Black- Sharks, who have won seven of eight. Jones doesn’t seem to be aff ecting his play. The hawks outshot Columbus by a 20-9 margin made 32 saves to improve to 9-1-1 against the winger has 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in in the second period, fi nally breaking through Canucks. Antoine Roussel and Brock Boeser his past 23 games. at 19:26 on a goal from Jonathan Toews. tallied for Vancouver, which is 3-5-1 since The Blue Jackets’ top line of Panarin, Once more, however, the Blue Jackets an- the All-Star break, and Loui Eriksson played Pierre-Luc Dubois and Cam Atkinson each swered quickly. Just 12 seconds into the third in his 900th NHL game. Jacob Markstrom found the net in the fi rst period, highlighted period, Panarin made a no-look redirection stopped 23 shots. San Jose travelled north on by Dubois’ individual rush from his own end of a Seth Jones point shot for his second goal Monday and beat the Canucks 7-2. Jones, a at 12:36. Dubois got the puck and brought it of the night and 24th of the season. North Vancouver native, earned the win with deep into Chicago’s territory, fi nishing the Josh Anderson scored the Blue Jackets’ 25 saves in that one, and the teams’ third play with a high shot past Cam Ward for his fi nal goal, giving him fi ve scores in his past meeting of the season – all San Jose wins – 22nd goal of the season, giving the Colum- eight games and 20 for the season. started out in exactly the same manner. bus a 1-0 lead. After Patrick Kane’s power- Sergei Bobrovsky made 39 saves to earn his Just as he did in the previous contest in play goal for the Blackhawks tied the score fi fth victory in his past six starts. Vancouver, Meier opened the scoring early in at 16:14, Panarin put Columbus back in front Kane had a goal and an assist, extending a the fi rst period, taking a one-touch pass from just 17 seconds later. pair of notable streaks. Kane has recorded at Erik Karlsson and zipping in his 21st goal Panarin and Atkinson then extended the least one point in each of his past 17 games (13 from the low slot at 3:45 with San Jose on the Artemi Panarin of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks at the lead in the period’s fi nal minute, combining goals, 24 assists), tying Florida’s Mike Hoff - power play. United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Blue Jackets defeated the Blackhawks 5-2. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Monday, February 18, 2019 SPORT

TENNIS FORMULA 1 Williams to miss Osaka denies money is fi rst day of testing

Reuters the reason for splitting London illiams will miss the fi rst day of Formula One’s Wpre-season testing in Spain today because they have yet to fi nish their car, the former with coach Bajin champions said yesterday. The delays had already forced ‘I wouldn’t put success over my happiness — that’s my main thing’ the British team, last overall in 2018 with one of the worst-han- dling cars they have ever built, to cancel a fi lming day at Barce- lona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Saturday. “Unfortunately, we have had to delay the start of our pre- season Barcelona test to Tues- day morning,” deputy principal Claire Williams said in a state- ment. “We have had an incred- ibly busy winter at Grove getting the FW42 prepared for the sea- son ahead and, despite every- one’s best eff orts, we need some more time before it will be ready to run. “Our absolute priority is to al- ways ensure we bring a car to the track that is the best that it can be and sometimes that takes longer than you’d anticipate or like. It’s clearly not ideal, but equally it’s not the end of the world.” Williams scored just seven points from 21 races last year, de- spite having the same engine as champions Mercedes in the back of the car. They have a changed line- In this file photo taken on January 26, up for the new season starting 2019, Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts after in Australia on March 17, with a point against Czech Republic’s Petra British rookie and Formula Two Kvitova during the final of the champion George Russell part- Australian Open in Melbourne. nering Poland’s Robert Kubica, returning from a near-fatal rally accident in 2011. Russell will be fi rst to drive AFP “Everyone thinks it was a money-re- Osaka drew a line under the uncom- “I felt really happy. I’m surrounded who defeated Oman’s Fatma al-Nabha- the car tomorrow, all being well, Dubai lated issue, but it wasn’t,” the Japanese fortable topic by adding: “If anything, by people that genuinely care. They ni 6-1, 6-1 yesterday. with Kubica on Wednesday and player said. “That’s one of the most you would have to see or ask him.” have such positive energy. I’m really The fi eld is rich with talent, featuring both on Thursday. Canadian re- hurtful things I’ve ever heard. The introverted 21-year-old, who has grateful for everyone that’s around me nine of the world’s top 10 — only fourth- serve Nicholas Latifi will also be aomi Osaka said she would “I travel with everyone on my team, I turned the tennis hierarchy on its head at this time.” ranked American Sloane Stephens will in the car tomorrow afternoon not prioritise “success over see them more than my family. I would since standing 72nd little more than a She said that the search for a new be missing. and Wednesday morning. happiness” following the never do that to them. year ago before her breakthrough under coach will begin within weeks: “It’s “It’s a big tournament. Every tour- “We will obviously have our Nsurprise sacking of her coach “I think my reason is I wouldn’t put Bajin’s guidance, said there were rum- not really ideal to go to Indian Wells (in nament is diffi cult. And this one is work cut out to recover the time as she heads into the Dubai Champion- success over my happiness — that’s my blings of discontent in the arrangement March) without a coach. unbelievable. We have so many great lost but we still have seven days ships as top seed for the fi rst time. main thing.” during the Melbourne fortnight. “All the people that I have right now, players playing here. Of course, it’s al- of testing left and we will be The US and Australian Open cham- Osaka is trying to take the high road “It (the sacking) was kind of brewing they’re all willing to do the things that ways tough to win a tournament,” said maximising that time to prepare pion this week split with Sascha Bajin, in the aff air, concentrating on her ten- in Australia. I think some people could he (Bajin) does. I don’t think it will be Kvitova. the car for the fi rst race,” said who led her to a pair of Grand Slam ti- nis as she heads a Dubai fi eld with last see that if they saw how we interacted. that much of a big deal.” Two-time Wimbledon champion Williams. Formula One teams tles as well as the world number one month’s Australian Open fi nalist Petra “I would not want to split on really Osaka and Kvitova are seeded for a Kvitova, who gets a fi rst round bye, has always operate to tight margins ranking over the past year. Kvitova seeded second and former top- bad terms; he is the person who made repeat of their Australian Open fi nal at fond memories of Dubai, having won in designing and building cars, As she prepared to start as top seed ranked Simona Halep third. me open up more to people. I didn’t the weekend on the hard courts in the the title here in 2013. seeking to maximise develop- in Dubai, Osaka only sketched in a few “I’m not going to say anything bad want it to be really, like, hard stopping.” Gulf. “I missed Dubai last year. So I am ment time, and this year has seen details as to why she ended her hugely about him (Bajin), I’m really grateful for She confi rmed her decision is fi nal Osaka will begin in the second round happy to be back. You always have the signifi cant new aerodynamic successful partnership with Bajin. all the things that he’s done.” and she has moved on. against France’s Kristina Mladenovic, best memories when you win a title.” regulations come into play.

SPOTLIGHT Alfardan Premier Motors Friendly fi re as Monfi ls beats adds a touch of elegance to Wawrinka for Rotterdam title

AFP Qatar Total Open 2019 Rotterdam ael Monfi ls defeated good friend Stan Sports Reporter 45 luxurious Jaguar and Land Rover vehi- vide the highest standards of luxury and Wawrinka 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 yesterday to win Doha cles. These chauff eur-driven vehicles fer- excellence to the tournament through our his eighth career title at the Rotterdam ried the tennis stars as well as staff to and world-class fl eet.” Open. from the Khalifa International Tennis and He added: At Alfardan Premier Motors, GMonfi ls, the runner-up three years ago, held off lfardan Premier Motors Co., the Squash Complex in luxurious style and the we strive to play an important and vital Wawrinka’s second-set surge to ease through the offi cial retailer of Jaguar Land highest level of comfort. role in supporting sporting events held decider. Rover in the State of Qatar, cel- Samer Bou Dargham, General Manager in Doha to support Qatar in becoming a “It was an unbelievable week, a pleasure,” said Aebrated its renewed partnership for Alfardan Premier Motors, said: “This state-of-the-art destination for major in- Monfi ls. for the 9th consecutive year with Qatar year’s Qatar Total Open is considered to be ternational sporting events. Jaguar Land “Stan is a part of this win. We’ve been talking a Total Open – the prestigious international the best to date in terms of participation Rover cars are known to be the perfect lot and practising a lot. You’re my brother,” he told tennis tournament that was held from as it witnessed the participation of fi ve of partner for this high calibre globally rec- his Swiss opponent. February 11 to 16 at the Khalifa Interna- the world’s top fi ve players taking part in it ognised event as they refl ect its elite stat- “This has been a good week for Stan and a good tional Tennis and Squash Complex with alongside with a good number of interna- ure.” week for me. I hope we can have many more bat- the participation of the best tennis stars in tionally ranked contestants. The tournament witnessed an excit- tles.” the world. “Moreover, we are honoured to be part ing star-studded line up of some of the Wawrinka, the 2015 champion in the Dutch port As the offi cial transport provider for of this unprecedented success through world’s greatest women tennis players. city who is continuing an 18-month comeback tennis players and offi cials at Qatar To- our partnership with Qatar Tennis, Squash This year’s tournament culminated with from double knee surgery, was playing in his fi rst tal Open 2019, Alfardan Premier Motors and Badminton Federation for the 9th the triumph of Elise Mertens of Belgium fi nal since Roland Garros in June 2017. added a touch of elegance with a fl eet of consecutive year as we were able to pro- who bagged the championship trophy. “It was great for sure to be in the fi nal,” Wawrinka said. “I’m pleased with the way I played in it and the way I arrived to the fi nal. “I played four good matches here, I kept my level up all week.” Three-time major winner Wawrinka said he hopes to build on his run this week. “I need to keep doing what I’ve been doing the last few months. I need to play events to gain confi - dence. Keeping going is the only way to get back my ranking,” said the world number 68. It was the fi rst championship match in 11 years at Rotterdam to feature two unseeded players. Monfi ls, 32, showed no hard evidence of the left France’s Gael Monfils celebrates winning the wrist injury which has bothered him all week and Rotterdam Open yesterday. forced him onto a regime of pain-killers. “I struggled with the wrist all week,” he said. “I against three-time major winner Wawrinka as he came out running hard in the fi rst game to make claimed his fi rst title since Doha last year. him feel I was there. The Frenchman took the opening set with two “But when I hit as hard as I could with the back- breaks of Wawrinka, but the 33-year-old Swiss im- hand — ‘ohhh’,” he said in reference to the wrist pain mediately returned the favour with a 6-1 second he was feeling. set. “I’ve been in worse shape, but I’m really exhaust- In the third, Monfi ls broke for 2-1, taking control ed after this week.” of his opponent’s mighty backhand. The world number 33 triumphed in one and The Frenchman moved to 5-2 and saved a break three-quarter hours with four service breaks point a game later as he closed out victory. Gulf Times Monday, February 18, 2019 7 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT BIG BASH LEAGUE Windies great Renegades champions Gayle to quit ODIs as Stars implode

AFP Nic Maddinson followed for aft er World Cup six and then Seb Gotch for two. Melbourne Dwayne Bravo was the next to go Gayle needs 677 more runs to surpass Lara as the Windies’ all-time highest ODI run-scorer for three. aron Finch’s Mel- It turned the game on its head bourne Renegades and there was no way back for clinched their fi rst Big the Stars. Bash League title yes- “We played some great cricket Aterday after city rivals the Stars this tournament, to fall short at imploded during a tense run the end is disappointing,” said a chase. gutted Maxwell. Chasing 146 to win at Dock- “Hopefully we win it next lands Stadium, Glenn Maxwell’s year. Congratulations to Ren- men were 93 without loss and egades, we’ve had some great cruising before losing an incred- tussles. To my boys, I’ve asked a ible seven wickets for 19 runs. lot of you and you’ve delivered in They fi nished on 132 for seven, spades.” losing the fi rst ever all-Mel- The Renegades, sent into bat bourne BBL fi nal by 13 runs at in front of 40,000 fans, made 145 the end of the near two-month for fi ve off their 20 overs. tournament. Test opener Marcus Har- “It’s unbelievable,” said Finch. ris clubbed 12 runs off Jackson “I thought when we got (Ben) Bird’s fi rst four balls but he then Dunk caught and we had two rashly went for another big hit new batters in we had a chance. and top-edged to wicketkeeper It’s a wicket that was so hard to Handscomb. chase runs on, that’s why I was The tenacious Bird, recalled to happy to bat fi rst. the side in place of all-rounder “The boys just executed well Evan Gulbis, struck again in his under pressure. Very special to next over to take an easy catch off win in front of our home fans,” his own bowling and send Sam he added. Harper packing for six, leaving After some tight bowling to the Renegades struggling. restrict the Renegades, the Stars Veteran Cameron White signalled their intentions early joined Aaron Finch and they with left-hander Dunk smacking took 11 off spinner Adam Zam- Agencies in 2014, and most recently played in the me and try and get me the trophy. I’ll be in me and I’m still enjoying it.” a boundary off the fi rst ball of the pa’s first over before the Ren- St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda Bangladesh Premier League earlier this looking to put my input in as well.” Gayle said he was happy for the West innings from Kane Richardson. egades skipper was out in bi- month. Gayle, however, has not ruled out ap- Indies after their beat England 2-1 in the But he and fellow opener Mar- zarre fashion for 13 just as he Since making his debut in 1999, Gayle pearing in the World T20 in Australia in Test series. cus Stoinis weren’t taking any was hitting his stride. eteran West Indies batsman has also scored a Windies record of 23 late 2020 – when he will be 41. He also “It was a great Test series,” he said. chances, knowing that wickets White hit a straight drive and Chris Gayle will retire from ODI hundreds, including the fi rst ever hopes to play in the ECB’s inaugural “It was fantastic to watch from the side- in hand could be vital in the fi nal it defl ected off bowler Bird’s one-day international cricket World Cup double century against Zim- season of The 100, which will take place lines and I think it was one of the greatest overs. Instead, they picked off boot to hit the stumps, with Vafter this year’s World Cup in babwe four years ago. ahead of the world event. things to happen in ten years. runs when they could to keep the Finch stranded outside his England and Wales, Windies Cricket an- The game in Barbados on Wednesday “If I don’t start it, it won’t be a tourna- “I was the captain for the last home se- scoreboard ticking over coupled crease, leaving the Renegades 47 nounced yesterday is the fi rst of a fi ve-match series against ment,” he said. “I guess England should ries win against England and to see Jason with some extravagant shots, for three off six overs. The big-hitting 39-year-old opener, World Cup favourites England. invite me over. Then I’ll explode the tour- Holder lifting that trophy ten years later including a Dunk six off Cam- When White went soon after who has scored 9,727 runs in 284 ODIs, is “Yes, I’m looking to draw the line af- nament and say ‘thank you guys; bring in was fantastic, so hopefully as a unit we eron Boyce and Stoinis smash- for 12, lbw to Zampa, they were set to play his fi rst international since last ter the World Cup,” he said. “Or should I a youngster now.’ I’ll set the trend like I can get the better of England again in the ing an even bigger one down the in big trouble, managing just 65 July against England on Wednesday. say cut the string? Defi nitely, in 50-over did in all tournaments around the world. ODI series. ground from the same bowler. runs by the halfway mark. Gayle needs 677 more runs to surpass cricket, the World Cup is the end for me. “I’m in good condition. The body is “Yes, I’m positive about the future of Dunk brought up his 50 off 38 The pace was picked up over the great Brian Lara as the West Indies’ I’ll let the youngsters have some fun and I feeling good and I’m pleased with that. Test cricket. It’s always been the ulti- balls with a four before Stoinis the fi nal 10 overs with Christian, all-time record ODI run-scorer, a feat he can sit back in the party stand and watch I’ve lost a bit of weight and I don’t want mate. I know the youngsters coming up fi nally fell for 39 after 93-run their semi-fi nal hero, and Tom will be hoping to achieve at his fi fth World them have some fun. to get too big. I’m still working on my are all looking at T20 cricket, but I would stand, bowled by Boyce to spark Cooper sharing an 80-run un- Cup, which starts on May 30. “Winning the World Cup would be six pack. I’m trying to keep up with the urge them to try to play Test cricket. the incredible collapse. broken partnership to push the He has been mainly a T20 special- a fairy-tale fi nish. The youngsters owe youngsters in the fi eld who are like cats It will give them a chance to challenge Test batsman Peter Hands- total into respectable territory, ist since making his last Test appearance it to me to win. They have to do that for the way they chase the ball. I still have it themselves. Defi nitely they should try.” comb came to the crease but only with the 29 runs bludgeoned lasted two balls and then Dunk from the last two overs proving holed out to Dan Christian off vital.Cooper ended on 43 not SENSATIONAL Boyce for 57 before Maxwell was out and Christian was unbeaten out for one. on 38.

Sri Lanka’s Perera hailed for Test-winning heroics Boult, Mahmudullah AFP Durban on Saturday “unreal”. Perera scored 67 in an unbroken last- fi ned for misconduct Colombo “What an amazing win,” Sangakkara wicket stand with Vishwa Fernando said on Twitter. “One of the best if not which gave his underdog team a sen- THE best overseas win by (Sri Lanka). sational victory.Sri Lanka’s President Christchurch: New Zealand fence with his bat while leaving usal Perera became a national Kusal Janith Perera was unreal.” Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister bowler Trent Boult and Bangla- the field after his dismissal, the hero in Sri Lanka on Sunday Sangakkara stood by Perera when he Ranil Wickremesinghe also took to Twit- desh all-rounder Mahmudullah International Cricket Council after scoring an unbeaten 153 was wrongfully accused of doping in ter to hail the win. have been fined for breach- said Sunday. to guide his country to a sensa- 2015. The International Cricket Council “Congratulations to our cricket team ing cricket’s code of conduct Both players had one demerit Ktional fi rst Test victory in South Africa. lifted the suspension in 2016 and apolo- on snatching a victory from the jaws of during the second one-day point added to their disciplinary The country’s cricket legends and poli- gised for the botched testing. defeat,” Sirisena said. “Kusal Janith Per- international in Christchurch on records of a first off ence. ticians lauded Perera, who has become a Another former Sri Lanka skipper Ma- era makes mother Sri Lanka very proud Saturday. New Zealand won the match by linchpin for the ailing national side since hela Jayawardena said on Twitter: “What today! Keep fi ghting! Boult was fined 15% of his eight wickets to take an unbeat- fi ghting off doping charges in 2016. a beauty! One of the best innings under “Great spirit by @kusaljperera and all match fee for an “audible able 2-0 lead in the series with Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara, pressure.” the youngsters #SAvSL,” added Wick- obscenity” while Mahmudul- the third and final match to be who had staunchly defended Perera when Jayawardena said Perera, who put on a remesinghe while thanking the national lah was fined 10% for “abuse” played in Dunedin on Wednes- he was suspended in December 2015, last wicket partnership of 78 had shown side which has been the butt of jokes due of equipment for striking the day. called the performance at Kingsmead in “intelligence and mental strength”. to poor recent results.

PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE Tanvir and Watson shine as Quetta Gladiators rout holders Islamabad

Agencies ten but Watson ensured bowlers’ good making him the highest wicket-taker Babar and promoted Rizwan added Dubai work is not spoiled, fi rst building the in the shortest format’s fi rst phase of 47 for the second wicket but they con- innings in company of Umar Akmal as six overs. sumed too many balls with Karachi’s the duo added 62 for the third wicket. In Saturday’s late match, fi ery pace- total reading 55 after ten overs. Babar eft-arm paceman Sohail Tanvir Umar, who made a winning 75 in man Haris Rauf took four wickets and was bowled by Hardus Viljoen in the grabbed four wickets and Shane Quetta’s fi rst win over Peshawar Zalmi, Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed two to 12th over, hitting just two boundaries. Watson struck a masterful 81 off struck two sixes and fi ve boundaries in change Lahore Qalandars’ fortunes as Rain briefl y halted play with Kara- 55 balls to lead Quetta Gladi- his 28-ball 44 with fi ve boundaries and they downed Karachi Kings by 22 runs. chi Kings 14 behind on Duckworth- Lators to a seven-wicket rout of title two sixes..When Umar was dismissed, Rauf grabbed 4-23 while Shaheen Lewis par score. When play resumed, holders Islamabad United on day four caught and bowled by Cameroon Del- returned with fi gures of 2-20 as Kara- Shaheen bowled a superb 16th over of the HBL PSL in Dubai yesterday. port 64 were needed for victory. chi Kings failed to chase down a modest conceding just two runs while dismiss- Tanvir’s 4-21 helped Quetta restrict Watson added a further 67 for the 139-run target, primarily due to slow ing Colin Ingram for 16. the reigning champions to 157-8 before fourth wicket with Sarfraz Ahmed who batting by Mohamed Rizwan (33-ball Rauf was equally devastating at the Watson’s undefeated knock steered made 15 not out, smashing the winning 34) and Babar Zman’s 28 which came other end, bowling Rizwan and then them past the target with 10 balls to boundary off pacer Rumman Raees. off 38 deliveries. having Imad Wasim caught in the deep spare. Islamabad, put into bat by Quetta, Karachi were bundled out for 116 in for a ten-ball 17 with a four and six. Former South African Wayne Parnell lost their top order in a jiff y, as Twen- 19.5 overs. Rauf then dismissed Sohail Khan fi rst was a surprising top-scorer for Islama- ty20 expert Tanvir got rid of the danger Openers Sohail Akhtar (39) and Fa- ball but Mohamed Amir avoided a hat bad United with a 20-ball 41, inclusive man Luke Ronchi off the very first ball khar Zaman (26) were the major con- trick. of seven boundaries and a six while Asif of the match. Ronchi drove straight into tributors while Anton Devcich made 28 Man of the match Rauf said he Ali scored 36 and Hussain Talat made the hands of Shehzad at covers, before in the fi nal overs as Lahore Qalandars bowled as per the advice of his coach. 30 in a total of 157-8. trudging back to the pavilion. scored 138-6 in their allotted 20 overs. “It was not important to be the man The win — second in as many games It became 0-2 with the promoted Karachi lost their in-form opener of the match, but what was important — lifts Quetta to the top of the ta- Shadab Khan’s wicket off the last de- Liam Livingstone for 11 in the second was to win the game for my team with ble with four points while defending livery of the fi rst over as Tanvir’s slower over. Livingstone had made a polished good bowling and I am happy that I champions are pushed back to fourth one was driven straight back into the 82 in their win over Multan Sultans achieved that,” said Rauf, a product of with just points after one win and two bowler’s hands. Tanvir had a double on Friday. Shaheen had the Lanca- Lahore’s development programme. losses. wicket maiden to give Quetta an ideal shire batsman bowled off a quicker Lahore’s win is their second in seven Quetta too were jolted early on, los- start. one which Livingstone tried to pull for games against Karachi in HBL PSL his- ing another Pakistan hopeful Ahmed Tanvir now has 120 wickets in the a boundary but missed it completely, tory, with four losses and a tied game. Quetta captain and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed (R) and bowler Tanvir Shehzad for two and Rilee Rossouw for power-plays of Twenty20 cricket, only to see his stumps rattled. Sohail celebrate the fall of an Islamabad wicket yesterday.