TTENNISENNIS | Page 6 Murray could get extended deadline for Wimbledon

Wednesday, May 1, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 26, 1440 AH Messi’s motivation GULF TIMES spurs on Barca, says Rakitic SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Qatar and Al Sadd Brazil mourns star Afi f bags QFA’s Senna 25 years best player award aft er his AL SADD’S FERREIRA IS BEST COACH, AL-RAWI TOP UNDER-23 PLAYER death AFP Sao Paulo

master on the For- mula One racing track, triple world champion Ayrton SennaA was the pride of Bra- zil. Twenty-fi ve years after his tragic death in the San Marino Grand Prix, he remains one of the country’s biggest sporting legends. The anniversary of Senna’s death today — dubbed “Senna Day” — will revive the sense of loss and bewilderment that followed the shocking crash same intensity or emotion,” on the Imola circuit in Italy explained Grunwald. on May 1, 1994, that took the “With Senna, it was Sun- 34-year-old’s life. days with the family” in front It will also serve as a bitter of the television. reminder that since Senna’s Cultural and sporting events last title in 1991, there has are planned for “Senna Day” at never been a Brazilian world Sao Paulo’s Interlagos track. champion. Charismatic and controver- “There were some successes sial, Senna was crowned the after Ayrton Senna... but the F1 world champion in 1988, lack of an internal structure in 1990 and 1991 when he drove Brazilian motorsport did not for McLaren. He had already allow its development,” said switched to the Williams team Alexander Grunwald, a Brazil- when he was killed. ian motorsports journalist. It was at McLaren that Senna’s death sparked an Senna’s notorious rivalry with outpouring of grief around French driver Alain Prost be- Fom left: Best coach Jesualdo Ferreira of Al Sadd, best under-23 player Bassam al-Rawi of Al Duhail, best player Akram Afif of Al Sadd and Mansour Muftah award winner for top the world. But his loss was gan — a relationship that has scorer Baghdad Bounedjah of Al Sadd pose with their trophies during the annual QFA awards gala at QNCC yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil felt acutely in Brazil where the been scrutinized over and over sight of Senna, easily identi- by F1 observers for years. By Sports Reporter Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi. fi able by his distinctive yel- “It’s obvious that every- Doha A short video on former Qatar interna- low crash helmet, taking the thing was not perfect... there tional and media personality Obaid Juma, chequered fl ag, had been a rare was rivalry on the track,” said who passed away during the season, was source of joy for ordinary peo- Brazilian F1 journalist Fred atar and Al Sadd striker Akram shown at the ceremony. ple struggling to make ends Sabino. However, “the positive Afi f bagged the prestigious meet. aspects outweighed the nega- best player award at the Qatar OTHER AWARDS “In the 1980s we were liv- tive,” he added. Football Association’s annual Football For All Award ing with hyperinfl ation, the After years of public bicker- Qawards gala held yesterday evening at the This award is given to individual/indi- end of the military dictator- ing the two drivers appeared to Qatar National Convention Centre. viduals or institution who contribute to ship — it didn’t make sense to resolve their diff erences before Afi f played a stellar role in Qatar win- the growth of football culture in the so- be proud of Brazil,” explained Senna´s death. ning the Asian Cup in the UAE earlier this ciety. Grunwald. Prost helped carry the coffi n year and was a force to reckon with for The Yarmouk Preparatory School for “But Senna was carrying the of his deceased teammate. his club Al Sadd who won the QNB Stars Boys won the award for its role in organis- Brazilian fl ag around the world “Determination” and “ded- League title last month for the 14th time ing sports events and activities. The most like a symbol that made so ication” are the words often in history. notable among them was the schools’ many Brazilians proud.” used to explain Senna’s suc- “It’s a great honour to win the award football festival held on 21st November, Senna’s legacy was to cess on the track. especially because there are so many 2018, under the auspices of Ministry of “transform” F1 racing, said They are also the values ex- good players in Qatar,” Afi f, 22, said after Education and Higher Education, Su- Grunwald. Apart from his tolled by the Ayrton Senna In- receiving his award from QFA Vice Presi- preme Committee for Delivery and Lega- exceptional driving skills, his stitute, which his sister Vivi- dent Saoud al-Mohannadi. cy and QSL. More than 350 students, rep- attention to other elements of ane founded in 1994 to off er “I thank the QFA, my coaches (Felix resenting 30 schools, participated in it. the sport, such as physical and opportunities for disadvan- Sanchez of the national team and Jesualdo National team coach Felix Sanchez takes a selfie with Bassam al-Rawi and Akram Afif. QFA Board Member Ahmed Abdulaziz mental preparation, as well as taged children. Ferreira of Al Sadd) and of course my col- al-Boenain presented the award to school understanding the vehicle and Books and documentaries leagues for helping me win this honour,” many records in the tournament. Al Sadd Bassam has great technical as well as Principal Ibrahim al-Aidan. the technology that powered about Senna’s life show a man he added. scored a record number of 100 goals in 22 physical abilities and is a key member in Best Referees it, set him apart from other focused on his career almost to Afi f beat his club mate Baghdad matches, winning 18 of them, drawing Qatar national team coach Felix Sanchez’s Abdulrahman al-Jassim, Taleb Salem drivers. a mystical level. Bounedjah and national team colleague three and losing one. They conceded only scheme of things. al-Marri and Saoud Ahmed were ad- Such was his popularity Off the track, Senna’s two Almoez Ali for the top honour. Afi f scored 22 goals to have a goal diff erence of +78, Bassam was loaned out to Celta Vigo in judged the Best Referees. This award was among Brazilians that 25 years great loves were Brazilian TV 26 goals and provided 15 assists in 22 QSL the most by any team. 2015 and KAS Eupen in 2016 by Al Rayyan. fi rst instituted in the 2016-17 season in after his death Senna’s image star Xuxa and the model Adri- matches this season. Ferreira had won the same award in the He returned in 2017 to Al Rayyan and then recognition of the eff orts of referees. continues to be used in adver- ane Galisteu, with whom he An array of dignitaries who includ- 2016-17 season as well. moved to Al Duhail. The award was presented by Qatar’s tising and social campaigns. shared his last months. ed offi cials, celebrities, heads of clubs, The best under-23 player award was Stars League team coaches, Qatar na- former FIFA referee Rustam Bakr. A survey in 2014 showed 47 Before Senna, two-time coaches, players and media representa- bagged by Al Duhail and Qatar national tional team coach, Qatar Olympic team Top Scorer (Mansour Muftah Award) % of people in Senna’s home world champion Emerson Fit- tives attended the awards ceremony. team defender Bassam al-Rawi. He won coach, team managers, media representa- Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah of city of Sao Paulo ranked him tipaldi (1972 and 1974) and Meanwhile, Portuguese tactician Jesu- the competition ahead of Al Ahli’s Abdul- tives, representative of QFA, representa- Al Sadd won the Mansour Muftah Award as the biggest sporting name three-time world champion aldo Ferreira of Al Sadd was named as the rahman Fahmy and Al Gharafa goalkeeper tive of Qatar Stars League (QSL), as well for the top scorer, having netted a record in the country. Football great Nelson Piquet (1981, 1983 and best coach of 2018-19 season. He fended Yousef Hassan. as president and Board Members of QFA number of 39 goals in the QNB Stars Pele was a distant second. 1987) put Brazil on the F1 map. off the challenge from Al Sailiya’s Tuni- Bassam, who played an important role participated in the voting process. League. He played a crucial role in Al Pele, a three-time World In the past 25 years, Rubens sian boss Sami Trabelsi and Al Shahania’s in Qatar’s success in the Asian Cup early Al Sailiya’s coach Sami Trabelsi and Sadd’s triumph in the tournament. Cup winner, played at “a time Barrichello and Felipe Massa Spanish trainer Jose Murcia. this year, is a versatile defender. He is club’s Vice-President Ali bin Rashid al- Bounedjah received the award from when people listened to foot- — eleven podiums each but Ferreira, who guided Al Sadd to the known for putting up consistent per- Marri received Special Recognition me- former star Egyptian footballer Mohamed ball on the radio or read it in without a world title — were league triumph, helped The Wolves set formances. mentoes from QFA Vice President Saoud Aboutrika. the newspaper — it wasn’t the the best Brazilian F1 drivers. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, May 1, 2019 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Liverpool’s fl ying Captain Messi’s full-backs ready for Barcelona test

AFP motivation spurs on London either Trent Alexan- der-Arnold nor An- drew Robertson have Lionel Messi’s star Npower, but the buccaneering Liv- erpool defenders could play just Barcelona: Rakitic as vital a role as the Barcelona captain in their mouth-watering Champions League semi-fi nal. Virgil van Dijk has hogged the ‘Whenever our captain says something the rest of us follow’ spotlight among Liverpool’s de- fenders with a superb campaign that earned the Dutch centre- They are the kind of key con- Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (right) and Lionel back the Professional Football- tributions that have become Messi train at the Joan Gamper Sports ers’ Association player of the commonplace this season and City in Barcelona yesterday, on the eve of year award. Ahead of today’s fi rst Robertson admits the pair’s the Champions League semi-final first leg leg against Messi’s Barca, Rob- friendly rivalry is spurring them against Liverpool. (AFP) ertson and Alexander-Arnold to ever greater heights. “I always have emerged as essential con- try and go forward. Sometimes tributors to Liverpool’s bid for my passes don’t fi nd people. But Champions League glory. I do try and create. If I get two as- With 24 assists between them sists, I expect Trent to get three,” in all competitions, England Robertson said with a smile. “We right-back Alexander-Arnold all need to chip in with goals and and Scotland left-back Robert- assists. It’s not just the front son are pivotal fi gures in Jurgen three. It’s not just the defence Klopp’s game-plan. Robertson’s that keeps clean sheets, either. 11 assists have equalled the Pre- It’s a team game.” mier League record for a de- Liverpool’s unlikely heroes fender and Alexander-Arnold is have taken contrasting routes to not far behind, with nine, mak- the top. Liverpool-born Alexan- ing Liverpool’s full-backs are as der-Arnold is the soft-spoken much wingers as defenders. prodigy who still lived with his It has become the most de- mum at the start of this season, manding, tactically signifi cant such has been the rapid nature of position in the Liverpool team. his rise from the club’s academy Without Robertson, 25, doing Robertson started his career the job of two players with his in obscurity at Queen’s Park and lung-bursting runs up and down Dundee United before joining the fl anks, Senegal winger Sadio Liverpool from Hull for £8mn Mane would not have the free- ($10.3mn) in 2017 — a deal that dom to move infi eld, from where Klopp says came at a time when he has scored 24 goals this term. “there weren’t 500 clubs asking Mohamed Salah’s licence to about him”. roam from the wing is only pos- Now comes the acid test of sible because there is less need the duo against Barcelona in the to track back defensively while Camp Nou. Inspired by the sub- Alexander-Arnold, 20, tirelessly lime Messi, Barca have scored covers every blade of grass on more than 130 goals in all com- the right. Klopp’s bold system petitions already this term and AFP of us follow,” said Rakitic at a press con- Messi, whose four Champions League Nou is a diff erent thing, something spe- has reaped rich rewards as rivals wrapped up the Spanish title at Barcelona ference yesterday. titles include only one in the last seven cial and you have to respect that.” struggle to fi nd a way to turn off the weekend. “Leo has been a La Liga champion 10 seasons and still fewer than the fi ve of Valverde added: “Our fans can be deci- the supply line fuelled by Rob- But, while he acknowledges times in 15 years and of course, after see- Cristiano Ronaldo. sive. We feel it, our rivals have felt it and ertson and Alexander-Arnold. the threat posed by Messi, Luis van Rakitic has said Lionel Messi’s ing him lift the cup (on Saturday) with Asked if Messi has to win the Cham- we hope it will be the same tomorrow.” In producing perfectly Suarez and company, Robertson desire to win the Champions League such happiness, that motivates everyone. pions League this year, coach Ernesto Liverpool have lost only once in the Pre- weighted crosses for Mane’s believes Liverpool should stick to is proving an inspiration for Barcelo- If Leo is happy to win every title, it makes Valverde said: “Nobody has to do any- mier League this term and are still fi ght- double and a Van Dijk goal, their guns. “We know we’ll have na ahead of their Champions League us even more eager too. We know we’re thing. We embrace the challenge to win ing with Manchester City to win the title. Alexander-Arnold became the our hands full defensively but we Isemi-fi nal fi rst leg against Liverpool Barca, we have to give everything and fol- but there is no obligation. Every team Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Rob- youngest Premier League player all defend as a team and we at- today. At the start of the season, Messi lowing the best player in history gives us that starts in September wants to play in erto Firmino already boast 68 goals this to create three goals in a single tack as a team. If me and Trent stood on his home pitch and pledged to more confi dence to do that.” games like this.” season between them. “We need to stop fi xture when Liverpool thrashed have time to go forward, we will bring “that beautiful cup back to Camp A domestic double last season could Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has them running at our defence,” Rakitic Watford in February. do it. It’s not going to stop us,” Nou” after three consecutive years of not make up for failure in Europe, after caused a stir by dismissing the idea his said.”We are going there to score but we Then, when Robertson sup- Robertson said. Barca crashing out in the quarter-fi nals. a 3-0 defeat by Roma ensured Barcelona players could be intimidated at Camp mustn’t lose our heads.” plied Roberto Firmino with Liv- “We know that we can cre- They will host Liverpool this week, four were left watching Real Madrid triumph Nou, which he described as “just a sta- “We know how valuable a clean sheet erpool’s opening goal against ate goals and chances, so why days after celebrating winning La Liga on again. “We want to be in the fi nal but dium”. Rakitic believes Barcelona’s home is but our aim is to win,” said Valverde. Tottenham recently, Alexander- change that? But look, we will Saturday, and with a Copa del Rey fi nal we have to understand the last few years advantage is signifi cant. “I understand “We know in these ties one good game is Arnold matched him by cross- learn from the game and move to come next month against Valencia. It weren’t the best for us,” Rakitic said. “We he wanted to take a bit of pressure off his not enough, you need to play two great ing for Salah’s header that led to from that and see how it pans means a treble is in their sights. “When- have to learn from that.” players, he wants them to see it as another games. If you switch off for fi ve minutes Toby Alderweireld’s decisive late out. It’s a challenge we all look ever our captain says something the rest The pressure is particularly intense for stadium. All I can say is playing at Camp against Liverpool, they can fi nish you off .” own goal. forward to.”

QATAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION’S AWARDS NIGHT

Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira is all smiles as he poses with Winners of the Qatar Football Association’s Awards pose with their trophies with QFA Vice-President Saud Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi at Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil the best coach trophy.

Al Sadd striker Akram Afif (left) receives the best player award from QFA Vice-President Saud Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi. Qatar Football Association’s off icials, heads of clubs, coaches and players watch the awards night unfold at the Qatar National Convention Centre.PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed Gulf Times Wednesday, May 1, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Stones says Man Ferdinand in the City experience key in league race AFP and try to take everything in. It London makes everything exciting, keeps everyone on our toes.” frame to be United The England player said the ohn Stones says the expe- tightness of the race was “mak- rience in the Manchester ing us hungrier to keep winning, City dressing room will be keep the pressure on and keep vital as they aim to fi nish fi ghting until we can’t any more. aheadJ of Liverpool in the thrill- It’s exciting to be part of it”. ing race for the Premier League Stones feels winning this sporting director title. City will retain the Premier year’s title would be more spe- League crown if they win their cial than last year’s success be- fi nal two games against Leices- cause it would make City the fi rst ter at home and Brighton away, team to win two in succession The 40-year-old was a United teammate of the manager, Solskjaer, for five years but with Liverpool just a point for a decade. The 24-year-old behind there is no room for error. said: “It’ll be special because it By Jamie Jackson It is a totally diff erent sce- will be back to back, not because The Guardian nario from last season, when we’ve been pushed by Liverpool. City romped to the title with fi ve “I think it’s better for the football games to spare and went on to fans in general that it’s gone so io Ferdinand is among the can- fi nish a record 19 points clear of late in the season and nobody has didates being considered for nearest challengers Manchester won it yet.” a senior football role at Man- United. “Last season the league City have won their past 12 chester United. Ed Woodward, was done by now,” said defender Premier League games and theR executive vice-chairman, is seeking Stones. Stones realises there is still no to appoint a technical director whose “It’s a strange situation be- room to ease up. He said: “No- job will include long-term strategy of cause some of us haven’t been in body in our dressing room will United’s fi rst team. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this situation before. I think Vin- take these last games lightly and faces thankless task to revive Manches- ny (Kompany) said that these are say these are easy wins. Never ter United. Woodward has an ongoing the times when it brings the best underestimate any team that’s dialogue with Ferdinand and is known out of you as a player, but him lower in the league than you are, to have met him recently and to admire as a player, David (Silva), Sergio that’s when you start to become his football knowledge. The 40-year-old (Aguero) and a few of the others complacent and slip up your- Ferdinand was a United teammate of the have been in this situation be- selves. I think as players we go in manager, Solskjaer, for fi ve years from fore. They know what the feeling and attack the games as diffi cult, 2002, and there is a mutual respect be- is, how to get the best out of it. respect our opponents and try to tween the two. We’ve got to be guided by those play our game.” The former defender was captain of the United team that beat Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League fi nal and won six Premier League titles before he left for Queens Park Rangers in May 2014. Ferdinand, who remains a United fan, works for BT as a football expert and lives with his family in the south of England. Whether those circumstances would be an obstacle is unclear. He is among sev- eral people of interest to Woodward, but Solskjaer’s assistant Mike Phelan is un- likely to be considered.

LUKAKU ADMITS HE MAY LEAVE UNITED BEFORE NEXT SEASON Romelu Lukaku has admitted he does not know whether he will still be at Manches- ter United next season. The striker has struggled to be a fi rst choice under Sol- skjaer, though he did start Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Traff ord. Lukaku signed from Everton two years ago for £75mn. His contract expires in Defender Rio Ferdinand was captain of the Manchester United team that beat Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final and July 2021 and, as reported by the Guard- won six Premier League titles before he left for Queens Park Rangers in May 2014. ian, he will consider departing if United fail to qualify for the Champions League. id de Gea’s latest error, the goalkeeper many times this. It happens to strikers, it ing room. Now it is up to us as a team to The club may listen to off ers regardless. palming a regulation 30-yard Antonio happens to midfi elders and now it is hap- help him and trust his abilities.” They are three points behind fourth- Rüdiger shot into the path of Marcos pening to him. He has to learn from it. We United’s last two games are at Hud- placed Chelsea, who have a superior goal Alonso, who equalised. are here to support him and he is strong. dersfi eld on Sunday and at home against diff erence of eight, with two games left. Lukaku defended the Spaniard. “He “He had a bad time at the start of his Cardiff a week later. The club have said Lukaku, asked whether he would stay has the been the best player at the club United career as I remember and he was Eric Bailly will miss those matches and at the club, said: “I don’t know, I am not since when? Seven or eight years consist- just a kid then but came through it. He did the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs here to entertain rumours. I am still under ently,” the Belgian said. “I don’t think we what he had to do then, turned it round, from 21 June to 19 July, because of a me- contract.” should discredit him and suddenly say he won trophies and became the best player dial ligament injury the Ivorian suff ered Chelsea’s goal came because of Dav- is a bad goalkeeper. He has saved us so at the club and he is a leader in the dress- in his right knee against Chelsea. WOMEN’S SPORT COMMITTEE FOCUS HOSTS GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL

Doha: Qatar Women’s Sports the attendance of the stu- Bamford charged with deception as El Ghazi red rescinded Committee organised, at its dents at the festival and said headquarters in co-operation its promps organisers to hold AFP see him miss the fi rst leg of Leeds’ play- with the Qatar Football As- more such events in the future. London off semi-fi nal as they bid to claim the sociation, the activities for the “The goal of the festival is third and fi nal promotion place. Grassroots Festival to discover to select football talents from “Anwar El Ghazi will be available for the talented players. Nearly 90 public and private schools eeds United forward Patrick Bam- Aston Villa’s next three matches after a female students under the age and raise the level of women ford has been charged with “suc- claim of wrongful dismissal was upheld of 14, representing six primary players and motivate them to cessful deception of a match of- by an Independent Regulatory Commis- schools – Al-Rifaa, Al-Shifa, practice football. The commit- fi cial”, the Football Association sion,” an FA statement said. Juwairiya, Mesaieed, Taiba and tee is working to encourage Lannounced yesterday as the fall-out from “The forward was sent off for violent Umm Salal Muhammad Primary girls to participate in such last weekend’s controversial 1-1 draw conduct during the EFL Championship Schools – participated in the festivals in order to motivate with Aston Villa continued. fi xture against Leeds United on Sunday. festival. them and their parents. This Sheffi eld United’s promotion to the Patrick Bamford has subsequently been The festival, in its fourth year’s festival is the fourth in Premier League was confi rmed when charged with ‘successful deception of a edition in Qatar, was organ- Qatar after it was held in 2010, Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa allowed As- match offi cial’. ized under the slogan “For the 2012, 2014,” she said. ton Villa to score in a remarkable match “It is alleged the Leeds United player’s Game. For the World”, which This year’s festival was at Elland Road on Sunday. Leeds fell fi ve behaviour in the 72nd minute of the fi x- is the slogan of FIFA and is held for girls born in 2005, points behind the Blades in the second- ture, which involved committing a clear organised in many countries 2006, 2007 and 2008. Maha tier Championship with just one game act of simulation that led to Anwar El with the participation of conti- pointed out that the festival remaining after the hosts stood aside to Ghazi being dismissed, amounts to im- nental federations and member is accredited by the AFC and let Albert Adomah run from kick-off and Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford (left) clashes with Aston Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi during proper conduct. The forward has until associations that have already organised by the committee in equalise after Leeds took the lead through the Championship match on Sunday. (Reuters) 18:00 (1700 GMT) on Wednesday to re- developed a football program order to discover the players Mateusz Klich, while Villa’s Jonathan spond to the charge.” for schools to discover talent. of the Qatari teams. It was also Kodjia was down injured. ing Klich’s controversial opener. Bamford But there was no contact between El Both Leeds and Villa were also charged Assistant Secretary of the attended by a large number of Bielsa had been confronted by Villa as- clutched at his face in the mass alterca- Ghazi, whose red card has been over- by the FA with failing to ensure their Women’s Sports Committee Qatari national team coaches to sistant boss John Terry as players on the tion that followed, with Villa’s Anwar El turned and Bamford — who now faces the players conducted themselves in an “or- Maha al-Abdul Jabbar praised choose the new players. fi eld and both benches clashed follow- Ghazi sent-off as a result. prospect of a two-match ban which could derly fashion”.

PREPARATORY CAMP Qatar team train in Slovakia ahead of U-20 FIFA World Cup QATAR U-23 TEAM By Sports Reporter more against Moldova and Iceland. Hammam al-Amin Ahmed, Abdullah Doha The Al Annabi will train in Slovakia until May 9th, before heading to France Saaie, Salah Zakaria, Khaled Walid - its last stop before going to Poland. Mansour, Mohamed Khaled al-Naimi, atar’s youth team left for Slo- During the training camps in Slovakia Shaheb Mamdouh al-Leithi, Nasser vakia for a preparation camp and France, Qatar will play a friendly Saleh al-Yazidi, Ahmed Mohamed Yasser ahead of the 2019 FIFA U-20 matches against Ivory Coast, Hondu- al-Sibai, Mohamed Emad Ayash Abbas, World Cup in Poland from ras, Albania and the Belgian Auben un- Issa Ahmed, Khalid Mohamed Salah MayQ 23 to June 15. Qatar are in Group der-23 team. and Yousef Ayman Farhat, Abdulrah- D alongside Ukraine, Nigeria and the This is the fourth time that Qatar is man Ibrahim, Karwan Sherif Badr al-Din, United States American and will play participating in the FIFA U-20 World Muhamad Wad al-Bayati, Ahmed Suhail, their matches in the Polish city of Cup. Hashim Ali Abdullatif, Yousuf Abdul Teche. The previous occasions being World Razzaq Yousif, Andrea Siabutra, Nasser Coach Bruno Miguel has named Youth Championship hosted by Aus- Abdel-Salam al-Ahraq, Bahaa Mamdouh a 26-member squad for the train- tralia in 1981, in Doha in 1995 and the Al- God, Abdullah Nasser al-Mursi, Nayef ing camp. Qatar recently played two FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted by New Abdul Rahim al-Hadrami. friendly matches against Mali and two Zealand in 2015. Times 4 Wednesday, May 1, 2019 CRICKET

IPL ACC WESTERN REGION U-19 TOURNAMENT Qatar to take on UAE in semi-fi nal Royal’s Gopal takes atar will take on the wicket haul. Qatar collapsed United Arab Emir- during the chase and suff ered a ates for a place in 126-run loss. the fi nal of the ACC Qatar, however, staged a su- WesternQ Region Under-19 perb comeback in the last pool Cricket Tournament at the match against Maldives as Dubai International Stadium they piled up 239 for eight af- today. ter Tameem smashed 90 runs. hat-trick in washout Qatar fi nished second in Though Faruhath Azyan Group B behind Kuwait with Yoosuf struck 131, Qatar con- two wins in three matches and trived a splendid 28-run vic- advanced to the last four stage, tory with Afsarullah Obaidul- while the UAE won all their lah grabbing fi ve for 49. three contests and topped Group A. BRIEF SCORES The other semi-fi nal pits Qatar beat Maldives by 28 tie, RCB eliminated Kuwait against Saudi Arabia. runs Kuwait also posted three wins Qatar: 239 for 8 off 50 overs Rajasthan spinner claimed the second hat-trick of this year’s edition in as many matches to fi nish (S.Tameem 90; M.Tholal 3-39) on the top of their pool, while Maldives: 211 all out off Saudi Arabia lost a match to 48 overs (F.Yoosuf 131; the UAE and fi nished with two A.Obaidullah 5-49) victories in three games. Player of the Match: Faruhath Qatar have had an excit- Azyan Yoosuf (Maldives) ing progress to the best four Qatar lost to Kuwait by 126 bracket. In the opening match, runs Syed Yousuf Tameem played Kuwait: 258 for 5 off 50 overs a brilliant knock of 78 in his (Gokul.Kumar 104, Govind. team’s pulsating one-run tri- Kumar 81; S.Agarwal 3-38) umph against Oman. Qatar: 132 all out off 37.2 overs Qatar, batting fi rst, made (H.Khan 68) 179 and Oman were restricted Player of the Match: Gokul to 169 by Bismillah Khan and Sunil Kumar (Kuwait) Shubh Agarwal, who picked three wickets each. Qatar beat Oman by 1 run Qatar were under tremen- Qatar: 170 all out off 49 overs dous pressure against Kuwait, (S.Tameem 78; M.Raza 3-35) who amassed 228 for fi ve in Oman: 169 all out off 50 overs 50 overs with Gukul Kumar (N.Poojari 46; B.Khan 3-34, cracking 104 and Goving Ku- S.Agarwal 3-34) mar hitting 81, despite Shubh Player of the Match: Syed Agarwal’s another three- Yousuf Tameem (Qatar)

Rajasthan Royals bowler Shreyas Gopal celebrates the dismissal of Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman AB De Villiers (right) during their 2019 Indian Premier League match at the M. Action from Qatar-Maldives match. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore yesterday. (AFP)

FOCUS

AFP Kohli (25 off 7), AB de Villers (10 nine runs, Riyan Parag packed New Delhi off 4) and Marcus Stoinis (0) in off Gurkeerat Singh Mann (6 off the second over to apply brakes 3), who was followed by Parthiv Not out! Aussie on a fi ne start by Bangalore. Patel (8 off 5). While trying to ain had the fi nal say With the match being reduced go for the maximum, Heinrich guiding a fast-paced to fi ve overs per side aff air, Virat Klaasen (6) and Pawan Negi (4) cricketer clarifi es fi ve-over IPL game Kohli and AB de Villers started also fell soon, leaving Bangalore between Royal Chal- the Bangalore innings on a high at 61/7 in fi ve overs. While Os- lengersR Bangalore (RCB) and Ra- as they clobbered Varun Aaron hane Thomas (2/6) accounted ‘boyfriend’ post jasthan Royals (RR) into an anti- for 23 runs in the fi rst over. The for the wicket of Klaasen and climactic no-result yesterday. Bangalore skipper then ham- Negi, Jaydev Unadkat (1/9) AFP As a result Royal Challengers mered Gopal for 12 runs in his picked Parthiv in the fourth over. Sydney Bangalore became the fi rst team fi rst three balls before becoming to be eliminated. Despite a fl ying a victim of the leggie. BRIEF SCORES start, Royal Challengers Banga- Kohli while trying to clear the Royal Challengers Bangalore ustralian cricketer lore could only manage to put fence handed a catch to Liam 62/7 (Virat Kohli 25, AB de James Faulkner clar- 62/7 against Rajasthan Royals Livingstone at long-on. Gopal Villiers 10; Shreyas Gopal 3/12). ifi ed that he was not as Shreyas Gopal (3/12) starred then went on to add more sor- Rajasthan Royals 41/1 in 3.2 gay yesterday after a with the ball for the visitors. rows in the Bangalore camp as postA about his “boyfriend” on overs 9 (Sanju Samson 28). Gopal was the star for the visi- he scalped de Villiers and Stoinis Match abandoned. social media was widely inter- tors after he claimed the second in the next two deliveries to put preted as a landmark coming- hat-trick of this year’s edition. the hosts in deep trouble, leav- RCB captain Virat Kohli plays a out statement. The leg-spinner accounted for ing them reeling at 35/3. Just as shot against Rajasthan Royals in Faulkner shared the post Australian all-rounder the wicket of RCB skipper Virat Bangalore could add another Bangalore yesterday. (AFP) late Monday, showing him James Faulkner celebrating his 29th birthday with his mother and friend forget love is love,” he wrote. SPOTLIGHT Rob Jubb. Cricket Australia denied “Birthday dinner with the Faulkner’s post was a mis- boyfriend (bestmate!!!)... guided attempt at humour, #togetherfor5years,” said on saying both the player and the his verifi ed Instagram ac- organisation recognised com- Smith plays down elbow scare ahead of WC count, quickly racking up ing out could be “an incredibly 20,000 likes and around 1,000 emotional time”. Reuters Warner sees run-packed World Cup comments. “The post was not in any Bangalore Most believed the message way meant to make light of Australia batsman David “We are playing in England, they was the allrounder’s way of this and, though the sup- Warner yesterday predicted a are a fantastic team. We are the revealing his sexuality, which port from the community was teve Smith said his el- high-scoring World Cup in the reigning champions and for us would have made him the fi rst overwhelming and positive, bow was fi ne after land- uncertain English conditions. it is going out there backing our male professional cricketer in Cricket Australia apologises ing on it heavily despite Warner headed off to the abilities and being at our best.” the country to confi rm they for any unintended off ence,” still recovering from Australian camp after ending Warner and former Australian were gay. it said. surgery,S as he prepares for his fi - It prompted hundreds of Faulkner has played one his Indian Premier League with captain Steve Smith served nal Indian Premier League (IPL) a 56-ball 81 to help Sunrisers 12-month bans for cheating positive messages, including Test, 69 one-dayers and 24 game of the season before join- Hyderabad thrash Kings XI in a Cape Town Test in March from fellow Australian crick- Twenty20 matches for Aus- ing Australia’s World Cup squad. Punjab by 45 runs on Monday. last year along with teammate eters Glenn Maxwell, Brett tralia, last representing his Rajasthan Royals captain His knock, laced with seven Cameron Bancroft, who missed Lee and Shaun Tait. country in late 2017. Smith took a brilliant diving fours and two sixes, capped nine months. Warner and Smith “Great courage mate, bet u He was man-of-the- catch to dismiss compatriot off a successful return to top- both performed well in the IPL feel better,” Tait wrote. match when Australia won David Warner, but in the process Smith underwent an operation in “The start of the tournament did level competitive cricket from to boost their confidence ahead But as reaction to Faulkn- the Cricket World Cup fi nal gave the Australian camp a scare January to repair a ligament in his not go as well as I would have a ball-tampering scandal. The of joining Australia’s World er’s post gained momentum, against New Zealand in 2015, when he appeared to injure his right elbow while he was serving liked,” he said. “But I think the 32-year-old left the IPL on top Cup training camp in Brisbane he took to social media again taking three crucial wickets. elbow again. He received medi- his 12-month international ban more I have padded up, the bet- of the batting rankings with 692 tomorrow. Smith was made Ra- saying “there seems to be a Faulkner still plays T20 for cal treatment and returned to for ball tampering that ended last ter I have felt as the tournament runs from 12 innings, including jasthan Royals captain midway misunderstanding”. the Hobart Hurricanes in bat as the Royals chased down month. “From the surgery I have has gone on. I’ve been able to eight fifties and a century. Warn- into the league despite not be- “I am not gay... (Jubb) is Australia and Lancashire in the target to beat Sunrisers Hy- still got some scar tissue and contribute to a couple of wins er predicted the World Cup, ing eligible to lead the national just a great friend. Last night England. derabad with fi ve balls to spare. stuff in there, and just the impact in the last two matches and felt where Australia are defending side. Warner said the break marked fi ve years of being The incident comes as Aus- “I just landed on it quite of the landing aff ected it a little very good.” champions, will be more IPL away from cricket had given house mates!” he wrote. tralian rugby moves to sack heavily, more heavily than I had bit. But there is nothing wrong Smith said he is not yet able to style high-octane cricket. “This him time to reflect on his game. He also praised the re- Wallabies star Israel Folau landed on it previously,” Smith with it – all good.” throw with full force and has had World Cup, you’ll see some high “I have had time off to work sponse to the coming-out that over a social media post say- told reporters ahead of his side’s The 29-year-old has shown to take close fi elding positions scores,” Warner said. “For the harder at my game. I put the bat never was. ing “hell awaits” gays, with game against the Royal Chal- signs of returning to his best in the IPL this season, although batter, hopefully the ball isn’t down for 16-18 weeks and tried “It has been fantastic to see the matter set to go before a lengers Bangalore yesterday. with two fi fties in his last four that aspect of his game is fast swinging too much.” to be the best man I can be.” the support from and for the code of conduct hearing this Former Australian captain innings for the Royals in the IPL. improving. LBGT community. Let’s never weekend. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 1, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Odorizzi outduels Verlander as Twins Sixers down Raptors beat Astros 1-0

Reuters night for Cody Bellinger in the New York opener of a three-game series. The outcome ended two streaks, with the Giants snap- hire Adrianza homer- ping a three-game skid, while to level series 1-all, ed and Jake Odorizzi the Dodgers saw their four-game pitched seven shutout winning streak end. innings to outduel Jus- The Dodgers came up short tinE Verlander as the Minnesota despite Bellinger’s 37th RBI of Twins edged the Houston As- the season, the most in ma- tros, 1-0, on Monday night in jor league history before May 1. Minneapolis. His sixth-inning single broke a It was the third consecutive three-way tie for the record that Nuggets beat Blazers win for Odorizzi (3-2) including he temporarily shared with Mark two in a row over the West Divi- McGwire and Juan Gonzalez. ‘When we let our defense dictate our off ense we’re such a great team’ sion leading Astros. He allowed Thanks in part to Bellinger’s four singles and a walk while striking out seven. Taylor Rogers pitched a RESULTS scoreless eighth and Blake Twins 1-0 Astros Parker erased a leadoff sin- gle to Carlos Correa to start Giants 3-2 Dodgers the ninth by getting Yuli Reds 5-4 Mets Gurriel to hit into a double Cardinals 6-3 Nationals play and then got Josh Red- dick to ground out to end Red Sox 9-4 Athletics the game for his sixth save. Rays 8-5 Royals Odorizzi retired 13 in a Brewers 5-1 Rockies row after yielding a lead- off single to Reddick in the White Sox 5-3 Orioles second and set down 18 Braves 3-1 Padres of the fi nal 20 batters he faced. He left after throw- ing 86 pitches, 57 of which were hit, Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead strikes. into the last of the seventh be- Verlander (4-1), who lost for fore reliever Ross Stripling (1- just the third time in his last 21 2), the third Dodgers pitcher, starts (14-3) against Minnesota, allowed a single to Joe Panik, a gave up two hits and two walks double to Yangervis Solarte and and a run over six innings be- a walk to Brandon Belt to load the fore departing after throwing bases with one out. 100 pitches, 66 of which were Dylan Floro came on to strike strikes. He struck out seven. out Buster Posey for the second Adrianza gave the Twins a 1-0 out before Longoria hit his liner lead when he led off the bottom to left fi eld, driving home all of the third with his fi rst home three baserunners for a 3-2 Gi- run of the season, a 397-foot ants lead. drive into the plaza behind the The Dodgers threatened in the right fi eld bleachers. It was just eighth when Reyes Moronta, the the 12th home run of his career. fourth Giants pitcher, walked Houston threatened in the Bellinger and Max Muncy with sixth when Alex Bregman two outs. walked and then went to second Moronta then got Enrique on a single to center by Michael Hernandez to line out to centre Brantley. But Odorizzi got of fi eld to retain the one-run lead. the jam with back-to-back Giants closer Will Smith strikeouts of Correa and Gur- worked around a one-out sin- riel. Bregman reached second gle by Austin Barnes to throw again in the eighth inning when a scoreless ninth inning and he walked and took second on a record his seventh save. wild pitch by Rogers. But Rog- After starters Kenta Maeda of ers bounced back to strike out the Dodgers and Jeff Samardzija Brantley to end the threat. of the Giants were removed at the end of fi ve shutout innings LONGORIA RALLIES GIANTS apiece, Los Angeles went up PAST DODGERS 2-0 against San Francisco re- Philadelphia 76ers guard Jimmy Butler (No 23) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (No 43) defends in the fourth quarter in game two of the second Evan Longoria cleared the bases liever Tony Watson in the sixth. round of the 2019 NBA Playoff s at Scotiabank Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports with a seventh-inning double Singles by Joc Pederson, Jus- Monday night, rallying the San tin Turner and Bellinger pro- AFP in the third quarter. But they “That was James Butler,” from James Ennis, 10 from Greg 12-point defi cit to 101-96 with Francisco Giants to a 3-2 victory duced the fi rst run before Muncy Los Angeles missed six of their fi rst seven Brown said. “That was the adult Monroe and three from Jonah 8:02 left in the game. over the visiting Los Angeles stroked a double to make it 2-0, shots in the fi nal period and the in the gym.” Bolden. The Denver Nuggets, Denver responded with an Dodgers on a record-breaking still with just one out. 76ers held on for the win. Embiid, battling a stomach two days removed from their 8-0 scoring run, ignited by Ma- immy Butler scored 30 Butler scored 12 of his 30 ailment as well as the nagging fi rst-round, game-seven victo- son Plumlee’s dunk. points as the Philadel- points in the fourth quarter. knee pain that troubled him in ry over the San Antonio Spurs, Portland’s CJ McCollum was phia 76ers turned the ta- That included a three-pointer the fi rst round, scored just two opened their Western Confer- then whistled for a fl agrant foul bles on the Raptors in To- off an assist from centre Joel baskets. The second couldn’t ence second-round series with when he caught a driving Jo- rontoJ on Monday with a 94-89 Embiid that put the Sixers up have been better timed as he a 121-113 home victory over the kic in the face, and the Serbian victory that knotted their NBA 88-81 with 2:14 to play. drove to bank in a shot that put Portland Trail Blazers. made both free throws. playoff series at one game each. “My team had a lot of faith the 76ers up 92-89 with 24.3 Serbian center Nikola Jokic Plumlee then slammed home The 76ers, beaten 108-95 in in me tonight,” said Butler, who seconds remaining. scored 37 points, pulled down a miss by teammate Malik Bea- the Eastern Conference second- scored just 10 points in game Toronto’s Danny Green then nine rebounds, handed out six sley and Beasley rebounded round series opener, thwarted one. “I told them I had to come missed a potential game-tying assists and blocked two shots. another miss and made a layup the Raptors’ second-half come- out and redeem myself. three-pointer and Philadel- Both teams came out fi ring, as the Nuggets seized a 109-96 back bid, notching their fi rst “More than anything we got phia’s Tobias Harris grabbed the Trail Blazers connecting on lead with 6:11 left to play. win in Toronto since Novem- back, we guarded,” Butler add- the rebound. Harris was fouled 63.6 percent of their fi rst-quar- ber 2012 to head home for game ed, saying defense would be key and sealed the win with two ter shots and Denver making RESULTS FROM THE SECOND three on Thursday all square. going forward in the series. free throws. Toronto’s Kawhi 61.9 percent of their shots as the ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS Butler added 11 rebounds and “When we let our defense Leonard led all scorers with 35 fi rst period ended tied 32-32. (all series best-of-seven): handed out fi ve assists for the dictate our off ense we’re such a points. Pascal Siakam added 21 Denver, up 58-55 at halftime, Eastern Conference Sixers, who led 51-38 at halftime great team,” he said. “We can’t and Kyle Lowry scored 20. pulled away after the break, Philadelphia 94 Toronto 89 despite 13 fi rst-half turnovers. let it be the other way around.” But the fi ve total points taking a 93-84 lead into the (Series tied 1-1) The Raptors, who trailed by Sixers coach Brett Brown for Toronto’s reserves were fi nal period. Portland, led by Western Conference as many as 19 in the fi rst half, praised Butler as the team’s dwarfed by the production of 39 points from All-Star guard Portland 113 Denver 121 (Denver Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (12) delivers a pitch in the closed the defi cit to 61-60 late “rock.” Philadelphia’s bench: 13 points Damian Lillard, trimmed a leads series 1-0). first inning against the Houston Astros. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Maroon caps wild third period as Blues seize lead AFP a penalty for delay of game with on the road is due to their belief Dallas 44 seconds to go. in each other and commitment With the goalie pulled they to sticking to their game plan. had a six on four skater advan- “We found a way to win and at Maroon scored the tage but they couldn’t get the that is what we are doing right game winner to cap a puck to the front of the net for now,” said Pietrangelo. “We be- wild third period and lift good scoring chance before the lieve in the process and we play the St. Louis Blues to a clock ran out. the same way (at home or on the 4-3P win over the Dallas Stars in Dallas will have an opportu- road).” their second round NHL playoff nity to square the series when The game was tight checking series on Monday. they host game four Wednesday for the fi rst 53 minutes with the The Blues and the Stars traded at home. Blues using their strong defence four goals in the fi nal seven min- Jaden Schwartz, Tyler Bozak to counter the Stars superior size utes of game three, but Maroon and Alex Pietrangelo also scored and speed. had the fi nal say as St. Louis took for the Blues, who improved to But Cogliano would score a a 2-1 lead in the best of seven 4-0 on the road in the playoff s shorthanded goal with 6:54 left Western Conference series. and regained home ice advantage in the third to tie the game 2-2 Maroon took a pass behind the in the series. and set off a chain of events that Stars’ goal, then moved out front Alexander Radulov, Andrew would electrify the crowd as the and threaded a shot under the Cogliano and Tyler Seguin teams would trade four goals blocker of Stars goaltender Ben scored and Bishop stopped 30 over a 5:16 span. Bishop from a sharp angle with shots for the Stars. Blues captain Pietrangelo and 1:38 left in the third. Schwartz opened the scoring Dallas forward Seguin traded “I managed to outmuscle my for St. Louis just 87 seconds into goals just 88 seconds apart to tie guy and I knew I had an oppor- the fi rst period for the Blues who it at 3-3 with just over four min- tunity to take it to the net,” Ma- wanted to get off to a better start utes remaining in the third. roon said. than game two when they fell That set the stage for Ma- Dallas had a chance to tie it up behind 2-0 in the fi rst period. roon’s winner, which was his Pat Maroon (No 7) of the St. Louis Blues celebrates his goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period of Game Two of the Western when Blues Colton Parayko took Pietrangelo said their success second goal of these playoff s. Conference second round of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Getty Images/AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, May 1, 2019 SPORT

NFL TENNIS Murray could get extended Cards GM Keim on wildcard deadline for Wimbledon

AFP England Club chairman Philip London Brook yesterday. “It’s too soon QB Murray: ‘Wow’ to know the answer to that one. “Should he wish to apply he ‘I know it’s a lot to put on his back, but that’s why we drafted him’ imbledon chiefs would do so in the normal way. have suggested We have a scheduled meeting Reuters they may extend on June 18 ahead of the cham- New York the deadline for pionships to decide on wild- WAndy Murray to apply for a cards. wildcard to compete at this “We have a process which rizona general man- year’s championships as the applies to all players.” ager Steve Keim said two-time winner battles to re- As to whether that deadline he remembers the mo- gain fi tness. could be extended for Murray, ment he decided the The British former world chief executive Richard Lewis CardinalsA would make former number one, currently ranked said: “If Andy came forward Oklahoma quarterback Kyler 218th in the world, is recover- with a strong case I am sure we Murray the fi rst pick of the 2019 ing from hip surgery and has would work with him.” NFL Draft. yet to set a date for a potential Murray has not played com- “When I closed my eyes and I return. petitively since the Australian visualised Kyler Murray running Murray, Wimbledon cham- Open in January, where he lost around State Farm Stadium in pion in 2013 and 2016, has an in fi ve sets to Roberto Bautista red and white, for whatever rea- offi cial deadline of June 18 to Agut in the fi rst round. son, all I saw was just fi reworks, apply for a wildcard for this He said before the tourna- excitement, a must-see where year’s event, which begins on ment that he planned to retire fans have to go and show up and July 1. after this year’s Wimbledon, see this thing. Him being the ar- If he is fi t enough, the but also revealed the Austral- chitect was a phenomenal fi t for 31-year-old Scot could use ian Open could prove to be his me,” Keim told NBC’s Peter King. his protected ranking to enter last event. That makes two seasons in a the tournament but he might Murray had a hip resurfac- row that Keim has picked a quar- apply for a wildcard in order ing operation in London in terback in the fi rst round, trad- to use that ranking for future late January and says he is now ing up in 2018 to draft UCLA’s events. pain-free, although he has Josh Rosen, who was dispatched “There have been no discus- only been hitting balls from a to the Miami Dolphins in a trade sions with Andy yet,” said All stationary position so far. on Friday night. New coach Kliff Kingsbury recruited Murray, a Texas na- tive, when he was a college coach recruiting in the state. But Keim and Kingsbury both said the coach didn’t insist on the selec- tion. “The thing I respect the most about Kliff is he never once in- terrupted the process,” Keim said, with Kingsbury sitting at the table with him and King. “He never once came down and put his fi st on the table and said, ‘I want Kyler Murray. I have to have him.’ I knew that he loved him as a player, but he allowed the process to take care of itself. To me, that was the only way we were going to get it right.” Keim said he put off watch- ing tape of Murray until just six weeks ago. And when he did watch, he was mesmerised by Andy Murray of Great Britain the quarterback, who measured nals’ Week 1 starter. the Giants. Ballentine, a cor- Thank you for being a true friend Browns are bringing in some 5-foot-10 1/8 at the NFL Scout- “We didn’t draft him No. 1 nerback who was drafted 180th who uplifted me, corrected me competition for punter Britton ing Combine. overall to ride the pine,” Keim overall on Saturday, sustained when i was in the wrong, and ac- Colquitt. “I was reluctant to study said. “I know it’s a lot to put on a single gunshot wound to his cepted my fl aws. Thank you for The team worked out undraft- Wimbledon prize him because I knew what we his back, but that’s why we draft- glutes but he is expected to make being a brother to me. Thank you ed Scottish free agent punter had in Josh Rosen,” Keim said. ed him. He’s a fi erce competitor, a full recovery and make it to for letting me experience your Jamie Gillan before the NFL draft money rises 11.8 % “As I watched the fi rst game, and that’s what he did at Okla- rookie minicamp on Thursday. life,” Ballentine wrote, fi nishing and they are on the verge of sign- I watched the second game, I homa this year. He put the team “He’s a really bright kid and with a yellow heart emoji. ing him. Gillan, nicknamed “The London: Wimbledon prize the singles will rise by 10 % couldn’t put down the control- on his back. They didn’t have a he’s a great kid,” Giants general Washburn will hold a can- Scottish Hammer,” averaged money will total 38mn with 45,000 pounds now the ler. All I wanted to do was keep great defense, and he knew he manager Dave Gettleman said on dlelight vigil Tuesday night for 42.9 yards per punt last season pounds ($49.4mn) for this compensation for a first- watching this kid on tape. I don’t had to score almost every series SiriusXM NFL radio, via NJ.com. Simmons. After the shooting at Arkansas-Pine Bluff . year’s championships, a rise round singles exit. know if I wrote down ‘wow’ 100 to give them a chance to win.” “What happened is tragic and Sunday, the Giants released a Born in England, Gillan played of 11.8 %, the All England Club The Championships, which times, or 500 times, but my hand unfortunate. statement. “We are aware of the rugby growing up in Scotland announced yesterday. this year will see a roof on got tired of writing it. In the time BALLENTINE HOSPITALISED, That’s his best friend he was tragic situation and continue but began playing football after The men’s and women’s sin- Court One, will not employ I’ve been doing this, I haven’t PAYS TRIBUTE TO TEAMMATE with. We spoke to him on Sun- to gather information. We have his father, a member of the Royal gles champions will receive the ‘shot clock’ used at this seen a guy who could throw like New York Giants sixth-round day. He’s coming along fi ne. spoken to Corey, and he is re- Armed Forces, was transferred to 2.35mn pounds — 100,000 year’s Australian Open, al- him and run like him. I’ve seen pick Corey Ballentine remains in He’ll be here Thursday for the covering in the hospital. Our the United States. more than in 2018. though it is likely to be rolled guys who could do one of each, the hospital after Sunday’s early minicamp this weekend.” thoughts are with Dwane Sim- He attended high school in Continuing a theme of recent out in 2020, according to club but I’ve never evaluated a guy morning shooting that also took On Monday, the 23-year-old mons’ family, friends and team- Leonardtown, Md. Colquitt was years, organisers have again CEO Richard Lewis. who possesses the skill set to do the life of former Washburn Uni- Ballentine paid touching tribute, mates and the rest of the Wash- a Pro Bowl alternate last sea- significantly raised prize This year’s tournament will both things at such a high level.” versity teammate Dwane Sim- below four photos, to his fallen burn community.” son when he established a team money for early-round losers. also see tiebreaks employed Speaking on The Rich Eisen mons. The two were shot outside friend and college roommate on Topeka police are still investi- record with 32 punts inside the Prize money for qualifying at 12-12 in the deciding sets of Show Monday morning, Keim an off -campus party as they cel- Twitter. “God gives his toughest gating the incident. 20 and averaged 45.4 yards per and rounds one to three in all matches for the first time. said Murray will be the Cardi- ebrated Ballentine’s future with battles to his strongest soldiers. Meanwhile The Cleveland kick.

MLB The Braves can’t go much longer without Kimbrel By Mark Bradley two hits. He threw a wild pitch. fourth-place Washington. They him until Memorial Day? That The Atlanta Journal-Constitution His team lost, 9-5. He took both can really hit - they lead the in mind, why not stick it out a blown save and the loss. league in OPS - but they’ve lost until the draft is done and keep On Sunday, Minter started eight of their past 12. In three of your pick and slot money? And f the Atlanta Braves are in- the ninth with the Braves lead- those four victories, they scored if you’ve waited that long, why terested in signing Craig ing 8-7. He retired one batter. He eight or more runs. even bother? Kimbrel - and this remains yielded two hits. He was pulled With Mike Foltynewicz and Answer: The longer the Braves a major “if” - they’d prefer before he could blow another Mike Soroka back in the rotation, go without a for-real big-league Ito do it after the MLB draft. That save and suff er another loss. the starting pitching should be- closer, the more they risk falling way they wouldn’t lose the 60th Rule of thumb: When a man- gin to do its bit. This being the so far behind that a closer won’t overall pick and the slot money ager is forced to pull his closer on 21st century, every game will make any diff erence. They’ve that comes with it, which is a consecutive days, he might need involve the bullpen to some ex- been lucky that nobody in the major consideration for a club a diff erent closer. tent, and the addition of Blevins East has caught a fl ying start, still hamstrung on the interna- It’s possible the Braves could tells us how desperate the Braves but they can’t ride that luck for- tional market by MLB sanctions. turn to Luke Jackson, who hasn’t have become. He’s 35. He’d had a ever. If it costs a draft pick, so be That said, the draft com- been touched for an earned run useful career as a LOOGY - left- it. Even if Kimbrel isn’t available mences June 3, and we’re still since March 28. He has struck handed one-out guy - but last until the end of May, that’s bet- in April. And this bullpen gets out 15 in four innings. His WHIP year lefties hit him pretty hard, ter than the end of June. worse with every week is down to 1.21, which is pass- which is why he began this sea- Maybe Jackson or Blevins Much of the club’s initial re- able. Still, this is a 27-year-old son with the Las Vegas Aviators. will do so well as to assuage all sistance to Kimbrel had to do with two career saves, one of The point being: The every- doubts. Maybe Minter will get with need. He’s a ninth-inning which came Sunday. He worked day eight is fi rst-rate, and the himself squared away. Maybe guy, and the Braves believed they 35 games here last season but rotation looks good enough. The Touki Toussaint and Sean New- had a competent ninth-inning was omitted from the NLDS ros- bullpen, alas, has become the Is- comb can be converted into re- guy at less than one-third the ter. To suggest that Jackson, who land of Misfi t Toys. Somebody is lievers. The trouble with such price of what was believed to has never been asked to take a going to wind up with Kimbrel scenarios is that, minus Viz- be Kimbrel’s reduced demand. regular turn as closer, is now the before the season is done, and caino, a good team has been re- But Arodys Vizcaino underwent answer requires more than a leap ing last) in walks and 12th in save from Oakland for the princely season. there’s a chance that team could duced to hoping against hope. shoulder surgery 12 days ago, of faith; it requires a bound of percentage and OPS. sum of $1. They put him to use, As Braves general manager reside in the NL East. As we Even if Kimbrel costs a bun- closing the door on the closer’s Bob-Beamon-in-Mexico-City Now for Minter: His ERA is inserting him in the seventh in- Alex Anthopoulos told the AJC: speak, it’s hard to make the case dle, which he will, and even if 2019 season. proportions. 9.35, his WHIP 2.08. His Base- ning. He recorded one out and “He was someone who was that the Braves’ need for a closer he’s no longer Peak Kimbrel, That left the job, albeit briefl y, We’ve reached the point where ball-Reference WAR value is mi- walked a man. He’d signed a mi- available, and we could get him isn’t the most pressing in the di- which he mightn’t be, there’s a to A.J. Minter, who was slowed bullpen stats should start to sta- nus-0.7. Maybe he’ll round into nor-league contract with the A’s pretty fast.” vision if not the entire sport. still a better chance of him mak- by a sore shoulder in spring bilize, assuming your bullpen is form, or maybe Jackson will be- and had been working for their The Braves have played 27 Another argument against ing it through the ninth inning training. On Saturday night, he any good. As of Monday morn- come the new Kimbrel. But what Triple-A affi liate. The Braves games, losing 14. They awoke signing Kimbrel is that he’d need on a consistent basis than with started the ninth with the Braves ing, the Braves relievers are 11th if neither thing happens? will pay him $1.34 million _ this Monday 2-{games out of fi rst three/four weeks to get himself any of the in-house alternatives. leading 5-4. He retired two bat- among National League teams in On Sunday, the Braves ac- according to the Associated place in the NL East; they into game shape. Why sign him If the Braves are going hire him, ters. He walked two and yielded ERA, 13th in WHIP, 15th (mean- quired left-hander Jerry Blevins Press _ for the remainder of the were also a half-game ahead of now if you won’t be able to use they need to do it now. Gulf Times Wednesday, May 1, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT DAY OF RECKONING Sports court to rule in Semenya’s ‘Our history is ‘Our rivalry was incredible but it testosterone case

was also related AFP Africa, where the government Lausanne has accused the IAAF of seeking to the whole to violate women’s bodies and levelled racism charges against context and, he world’s sports court the athletics governing body. linked,’ says will decide today on Experts have meanwhile ar- unfortunately, South African runner gued that barring certain women Caster Semenya’s chal- from competition due to natu- Ayrton’s death Tlenge against rules regulating rally high testosterone levels testosterone in female athletes, would be like excluding basket- left it frozen’ a verdict expected to have a pro- ball players because they are too found impact on the future of tall. women’s sport. Multiple scientists have not- Prost of Senna Semenya, a double Olympic ed that achieving excellence in champion, is fi ghting regula- sport is a combination of train- tions imposed by the Interna- ing, commitment as well as ge- tional Association of Athletics netics and that excluding people Federations (IAAF) that compel from competition over a single “hyperandrogenic” athletes — or genetic factor has no scientifi c those with “diff erences of sexual basis. development” (DSD) — to lower However, the IAAF is not their testosterone levels if they alone with athletes of the cali- wish to compete as women. bre of World marathon record- The IAAF says the rules are holder Paula Radcliff e backing essential to preserve a level play- the world body. ing fi eld and ensure that all fe- “It’s a very, very diffi cult and male athletes can see “a path to complex situation and I don’t success.” feel there is an outcome that is But Semenya’s cause has perfectly fair to everybody,” the earned widespread support, in- now-retired British runner told cluding by a global coalition of AFP last month. But she said she nations and scientifi c experts believed the IAAF “are trying to who argue that testosterone is an protect female sport and create arbitrary and unfair measure for fair competition.” determining gender. The IAAF rules capping tes- The Court of Arbitration for tosterone levels in women ath- Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland letes at fi ve nanomoles per litre heard a week of arguments in (nmol/L) of blood were insti- the case in February. A panel of tuted in November 2018 but three arbitrators is due to deliver have been suspended pending its verdict today at 4pm Qatar Wednesday’s verdict. Time. The IAAF, led by British track Semenya, who has dominated champion Sebastian Coe, has the 800m race over the last dec- maintained that its case is sim- ade, has remained largely silent ply about fairness. through the court battle, ex- DSD athletes with male levels cluding statements from her le- of testosterone “get the same gal team condemning the IAAF’s increases in bone and muscle tactics and policies. size and strength and increases But scores of others have vo- in haemoglobin that a male gets cally rallied behind her. when they go through puberty,” In a rare intrusion into the the federation has said. world of sport, the United Na- Ensuring that all women ath- tions Human Rights Council letes have female levels of tes- adopted a resolution last month tosterone is therefore necessary branding the IAAF rules “un- “to preserve fair competition in necessary, humiliating and the female category,” it added. harmful.” Semenya’s testosterone levels With unanimous support are not publicly known, but if from the council’s 47 member- the IAAF rules are approved she states representing every con- is likely not the only athlete who Former Formula One racing champions carry Ayrton Senna’s coff in to his grave during the funeral service in Brazil on May 5, 1994. From left to right Alain Prost, Emerson Fit- tinent, the resolution marked a will be aff ected. tipaldi, Rubens Barichelo and Gerhard Berger. At bottom, Senna (L) with McLaren manager Ron Dennis after winning the 1993 Monaco Grand Prix on May 23, 1993. (File photos) stunning rebuke for the IAAF. The two athletes who fi nished Tennis legend Martina Na- behind her in the Rio Olympics AFP races and titles without him, “There are some cases of vratilova is among a long-list of 800m, Francine Niyonsaba of Paris but our history is completely animosity, of people who have athletes who have backed Se- Burundi and Kenya’s Margaret linked. There is not a moment seen the fi lm which is totally menya. Wambui, have also faced ques- when, if you talk about Prost, idiotic. It’s a shame.” But her most fervent support tions about their testosterone wenty-fi ve years after Senna will not come up, or the “When I go to Brazil, I’m has come from her native South levels. Ayrton Senna’s death at other way around. perhaps better known than in Imola, one of his great “Not only my career but also France. There is an incredible rivals, French driver my life is related to him. I have passion and something that has TAlain Prost said: “Not only my lived with this for 30 years.” grown into respect because I career but also my life is tied to “When we raced against each am part of the Senna Founda- Ayrton Senna”. other, logically roughly 50 per tion and I have always been very “These are things that can be cent of people adored you and close to the family. “ explained, but not completely,” 50 per cent hated you, it was re- Senna died on a black week- Prost told AFP. ally amazing. end for Formula One. “There is not a day when we “After my retirement in 1993, “There is a before and after,” do not talk about this... On so- it changed. Fortunately, there Prost said of the aftermath. cial media, practically every was almost a six-month friend- “It’s hard to say because, day there is something. It’s ship from the moment I pulled there was Roland Ratzenberg- phenomenal. We made a big diff erent cultures and diff erent The pair were team-mates, out of F1 until the accident. er’s fatal accident on Saturday impression on people’s spirits, education.” and rivals, with McClaren in “After Ayrton’s death, I and Rubens Barrichello’s crash although we did not necessarily “Our rivalry was incredible 1988 and 1989. Senna won the would say the vast majority on Friday. realise it at the time.” but it was also related to the drivers title the fi rst year, with have rallied to a shared story, “Without Ayrton’s accident “We had gone from a world whole context and, unfortu- Prost second. The next year not Prost against Senna, and on Sunday, there would have where Formula One was for nately, Ayrton’s death left it Prost won with Senna only that’s beautiful.” been no big change — Ayrton’s specialists to a completely open frozen.” fourth. Prost condemned the highly- crash completely shook things world. The big media came in Prost, who started racing in “I actually only drove two acclaimed movie “Senna” by up in terms of safety for the because there was this human Formula One in 1980, had re- years with him on the same team the British director Asif Kapa- better. It has fundamentally battle with drivers of diff erent tired in 1993. Senna drove his and we overlapped for only four dia for focusing on the pair’s changed F1 and how people see characters, diff erent charismas, fi rst Grand Prix in 1984. or fi ve years in all. I won lots of feud. it.” File photo of Caster Semenya.

BOTTOMLINE How Senna’s death made Formula One safer AFP A head and neck support than 200 km/h, the right front wheel was remodelled in 1995 to become a Paris system (HANS), which and suspension were hurled into the chicane. attached the helmet to the cockpit. More than a third of the courses on he death of Ayrton Senna 25 shoulders and is designed A piece of metal hit Senna’s head this year’s Formula One calendar are years ago changed Formula to protect the spine, was and killed him. In the following days, “Tilkedromes”, tracks designed, or One’s attitude to safety to introduced in 2003 drivers, including Michael Schu- renovated since 1995 by the German Tsuch an extent that only one macher, Niki Lauda and Berger, re- engineer Hermann Tilke. driver, Jules Bianchi in 2014, has since rybody formed the Grand Prix Drivers’ As- They are wider, have bigger run off suffered a fatal accident. sociation and called for a reduction in areas on the curves and move the fans In 1994, Formula One had gone joined forces together with the FIA speed, which was introduced for the further away. eight years without a death. in the lead and it came to a very good Spanish Grand Prix at the end of May. Senna’s death also altered the atti- After 10 drivers died in the 1970s, result.” By Canada in mid-June, the cockpit tude of the public. only four were killed in the 1980s, the An Italian court eventually blamed had been lengthened and reinforced “The biggest difference between last was Elio de Angelis in 1986. a break in a hastily adapted steering and the suspension strengthened. the death of Jim Clark on the 7th of Then came the black weekend at column on Senna’s Williams car for The next season, 1995, brought April 1968 and Ayrton Senna on the Imola at the start of May 1994 when the crash. higher norms for crash tests. 1st of May 1994 is that the world Roland Ratzenberger died in qualify- “Regardless of whether that steer- In 1996, the protection round the needed to know the answers as to ing on the Saturday and Senna in the ing column caused the accident or driver’s head was reinforced. In 1998, why it had happened, why is this man race on the Sunday. not, there is no escaping the fact the wheels were attached to the car by dead, why is motor racing so danger- Those deaths rocked the drivers that it was a bad piece of design that tethers to stop them flying off. ous?” Maurice Hamilton, the long- and the international motorsports should never have been allowed to get A head and neck support system time Observer motorsports corre- federation (FIA). on the car,” said Adrian Newey, who (HANS), which attached the helmet spondent said in 1: Life on the Limit “We got too confident that the helped design the car and is consid- to the shoulders and is designed to a 2013 documentary on the history of dangerous times were over,” Senna’s ered the best F1 engineer, wrote in his protect the spine, was introduced in safety in the sport. former teammate Gerhard Berger, autobiography in 2017. 2003. It was followed last season by “The death of Ayrton Senna was told AFP. He also wrote that the crash was the halo to protect a driver’s head. relayed by television in the living “We realised that it had not linked to the instability of the Wil- Senna’s crash also changed atti- rooms of millions of people around changed at all and that we had got Blood-stained medical equipment is seen surrounding liams. tudes to track layout. the world, to people who didn’t really lucky for a while. That shook the FIA, Ayrton Senna’s Williams Renault car at the San Marino After the car hit a concrete wall Formula One continued to race at know about motor racing but knew of the teams, the drivers. After this, eve- Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, on May 1, 1994. (Reuters File on the Tamburello corner at more Imola until 2006, but the Tamburello him. Somebody had to be blamed.”

Wednesday, May 1, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Ooredoo to sponsor Amir Cup for tenth year running oredoo yesterday announced it will kicks off at 10:30pm. Marketing and Communication, QFA, said: continue its sponsorship of the Ooredoo is set to host two activations dur- “There is no doubt that the partnership be- popular Amir Cup for the tenth year ing the event; a Shop On Wheels at the fi nal tween Ooredoo and the Amir Cup is a long- in a row, acting as Offi cial Telecom- match at Al Wakrah stadium, and a giant standing, mutually benefi cial partnership, Omunications Sponsor again this year. screen at Katara showing all the matches of with this being our 10th year of working to- The announcement was made at a press the event. There will be a drive-through food gether. conference held at Ooredoo’s Headquarters in festival – Ghabka Ramadan – along with the “Our presence today refl ects the im- West Bay, in the presence of Mustafa Jameel giant screen, also sponsored by Ooredoo. portance of the ongoing co-operation be- al-Qatami, Senior Director Marketing Com- Speaking of the event, Mustafa Jameel al- tween the two entities, and we are looking munication at Ooredoo, and Khalid Mubarak Qatami, Senior Director Marketing Commu- forward to extending the scope of our joint al-Kuwari, Director of Marketing and Com- nication at Ooredoo, said: “We’re delighted work, especially with the services Ooredoo munication at QFA. to be sponsoring the Emir Cup for yet another is providing during this even, which will The Amir Cup – one of Qatar’s most pop- year, and proud to be associated with the add value to the tournament from a com- ular sporting events – pits Qatari football event as Offi cial Telecommunications Spon- mercial, marketing and media perspective. teams from the fi rst and second divisions of sor for 2019. We are delighted to be continuing this part- the Qatari football league against one anoth- "Supporting sporting events that promote nership, and are looking forward to working er, in a tournament being held from 11 April to a healthy, active lifestyle and benefi t the with Ooredoo, not only for the Amir Cup but 16 May 2019. The fi nal will held at the Wakrah communities in which we operate is a key part also for other local tournaments and our na- Stadium, the newly-built Al Wakrah Stadium of our corporate social responsibility strate- tional team as well.” – one of the eight venues for FIFA World Cup gy. We’re looking forward to some awesome This is the latest in a line of sporting events 2022, which will be held in Qatar. football from Qatar’s top teams, and wish Ooredoo has supported so far in 2019, as the Mustafa Jameel al-Qatami (right), Senior Director Marketing Communication at Ooredoo and Khalid The inauguration ceremony of state-of- them all the best of luck in the competition!” company continues to invest in inspiring Qa- Mubarak al-Kuwari, Director of Marketing and Communication at Qatar Football Association at the-art venue will take place before the game Khalid Mubarak al-Kuwari, Director of tar’s next generation of sporting heroes. yesterday's press conference.

FOOTBALL Sports stars in Qatar present Aspetar campaign for a ‘healthy Ramadan’ Doha: Every year, Aspetar, the The ‘Healthy Ramadan’ orthopaedic and sports medi- campaign will be led by Qatar cine hospital in Qatar, aims to national team footballers and encourage professional ath- Aspire Academy Graduates, Aspire Academy letes and members of the com- Almoez Ali and Abdelkarim munity to sustain their physical Hassan; Qatar’s Ambassador activity levels during the holy for Doha 2019 and Olympic month of Ramadan and will athlete, Mariam Farid; Qatar’s launch this year its ‘Healthy national team volleyball player, Ramadan’ campaign for both Mubarak Dahi; Qatar’s national professional and recreational team Squash star, Abdullah al- holds season-ending athletes on its social media Tamimi; Qatari handball player, channels using the hashtag Abdulla al-Karbi; Qatar’s foot- #HealthyRamadan. ball team’s goalkeeper, Yousef As part of this 2019’s Hassan; and the renowned campaign, a number of a sports anchor, Mohamed Saa- multidisciplinary professional doun al-Kuwari. Qatari athletes and celebrities The expert video series will event for schools in football, handball, volleyball, be available through Aspetar’s athletics, squash and sports YouTube, Facebook, Twitter media personalities have and Instagram channel starting Simaisma Primary Independent School clinched the grade 1 age group title joined Aspetar’s experts to from today. Ramadan-related present a range of innovative health articles will also be large number of enthusiastic health and fitness tips. available on Aspetar website. young footballers representing Through a range of short Aspetar produces a wide 16 independent and interna- videos, Qatari athletes and range of videos designed to tional schools in Qatar took part Aspetar’s experts will provide encourage people to be active inA a tournament and closing ceremony guidance for people fasting and healthy year-round, featur- to mark the end of the season for Aspire on a range of topics, such as: ing topics such as useful ex- Academy’s Football Skill Development Iftar and Suhoor, eating habits, ercises and common diseases Centre (FSDC). drinking fluids, Eid preparation, related to sedentary lifestyles. The tournament was organised in part- sleep patterns,, physical activ- People who are interested to nership with the Supreme Committee for ity for non-athletes, exercises learn more and benefit from Delivery & Legacy, the Ministry of Inte- for professional athletes and Aspetar’s expertise can visit rior (MoI), Community Policing Depart- oral health. social media platforms. ment at MoI and the Qatar Football Asso- ciation (QFA). The tournament provides a platform for the country’s passionate young players to showcase their football- LOCAL CRICKET ing skills and fulfi l their sporting poten- tial. It refl ects Aspire Academy’s com- mitment to supporting the development of local athletes. Orxy Challengers In a series of closely fought, com- petitive matches young footballers from grades 1 and 2 took part in a series of emerge champions matches. Amongst the grade 1 age group, Simaisma Primary Independent School emerged as overall winners, with Abu Hanifa school coming second and Arab International school coming third. Amongst the grade 2 age group, Sima- isma Primary Independent School also triumphed, with Al Khor Independent school attaining second place and Com- pass International School coming third. School children take part in Aspire Academy’s Football Skill Development Centre (FSDC) tournament. The ceremony was attended by a number of senior offi cials from Aspire competitive skills. We’re very pleased Academy including Badr al-Hay, Director with the standard of football and the suc- of Education and Student Care; Ali Sul- cess of all the teams this year. This year’s tan Fakhroo, Director of Corporate Serv- event has introduced us to a number of ices; Edorta Murua, Technical Director very talented young players.” of Football Department; Jassem al-Jaber, Aspire Academy’s football programme Orxy Challengers players pose with the trophy after winning the 30th Academy’s School Principal; as well as is considered to be one of the strong- CDC Cricket tournament Division II title. a number of coaches from the Academy est in the world in terms of identifying who refereed the matches and oversaw and nurturing talent, as well as training rxy Challengers won fi rst 9 overs, losing 3 wickets. But the students’ participation. players and providing them with varied the 30th CDC Cricket a fi ne bowling performance from Commenting on the tournament, opportunities to develop their competi- tournament 2019 Di- Nikhil, Akshay, Manjil and Ma- Saeed Ali al-Marri, Football Operations tive instincts. The Academy’s training vision II title after de- haveer restricted McDonalds to Manager, said: “This year’s tournament philosophy is tailored to the capabilities, featingO McDonalds by 15 runs at 165 in 19.4 overs. has reached a fantastic conclusion and talents and goals of Qatar as a football- the Losail Cricket Complex. For Orxy, Nikhil took 4 wickets this closing ceremony is the ideal way to ing nation and it follows a strategy that McDonalds won the toss and for 9 runs (including a hat-trick), celebrate the distinguished footballing is geared towards the development of in- opted to bowl fi rst. Orxy Chal- while Akshay and Jiga picked up champions of our 2018 – 2019 season. It dividual players. The Academy’s Scout- lengers batsmen Divyesh (43 two wickets apiece. provides young players with great oppor- ing Department combines a team of in- runs off 19 balls) and Jiga (45 runs Jiga of Orxy was declared Man tunities to showcase their talents to the ternational scouts with football analysts off 23 balls) guided their team to of the Finals. country’s top clubs.” who are together responsible for scouting 180 in 19.3 overs. For McDonalds, Construction Development Bruno Pereira, Coach of the Football talent locally, regionally and internation- Riyaz took 3 wickets for 22 runs, Co (CDC) has the distinction of Skill Development Centre (FSDC) Ad- ally. The team also identifi es and moni- Lasantha 2 wickets for 24 runs being the oldest and most sup- ministration said: “At Aspire Academy, tors players in clubs throughout Qatar, and Nova 2 wickets for 32 runs. portive sponsor of the Qatar Vet- we’re focused on providing youngsters tracking their progress and performance In reply, McDonalds had a very eran’s Cricket League since the with the best opportunities to hone their throughout the football season. Children pose with the Amir Cup trophy. good start and put up a 93 in the start of the League in 1988.

FOCUS Olympic Stars conduct annual Rhythmic Gymnastics championship lympic Stars, a Qatari professional centre of rhythmic gymnastics and ballet for girls, held their second Rhythmic Gymnastics champi- onship recently. The competition was aimed to encourageO more girls, from Qatar and the Arab world, to take up rhythmic gymnastics, which is the only Olympic sport that is only for women. “We are developing the next Olympic champions in Qatar. There are many talented young girls in Qatar and we want to give them the opportunity to become cham- pions. Our coaches include Jade Faulkner, who repre- sented Great Britain in 2012 Olympic Games in London,” said Tatiana Yakimova, founder of the centre. The event was attended by Peter Chamberlain, Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy, Ildus Ilishev, Min- ister-General of the Russian Embassy and Yasmian al- Sharshani, Qatari female golfer, who inspired the young gymnasts. Olympic Stars is accredited by the Ministry of the Culture and Sports of Qatar.