Ashwin, Rahul’s 50 lead Punjab to 12-run victory over Rajasthan PAGE 19

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019

Spurs can beat favourites City, says Pochettino ahead of UCL clash PAGE 18 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MAN CITY VS TOTTENHAM ‘ welcomes all to Asian Athletics Championships’

RAAJIV TRIPATHI DOHA Coach will decide on EVEN as the excitement and momentum gather pace Barshim’s participation in ahead of the 23rd Asian Athletics Championships in Doha, the organising com- Asian athletics: Dahlan mittee reiterated its sporting stance of welcoming all the RAAJIV TRIPATHI said, “Barshim has recovered athletes and officials from the DOHA and is well on the track of continent, including the three getting into the competitive Gulf blockading nations. THOUGH Qatar’s high jump mode. He is ready but we The Asian Champion- icon and world champion want to wait until his coach ships, which is scheduled at Mutaz Essa Barshim is re- gives him the green light. the revamped Khalifa Inter- portedly fit and raring to re- “We want him to par- natinal Stadium from April 21 turn to action after recover- ticipate in the Asian meet but to 24, is the trial event for the ing from his ankle injury, his his coach knows better what upcoming prestigious IAAF coach Stanislaw Szczyrba will is the best for Barshim. For World Championships, being take a final call on his partici- hosted in the Middle East for pation in the upcoming Asian the first time. Athletics Championships in The 2nd highest high With the competition Doha. jumper in history, serving as an official test It may be recalled that Barshim is keen to event for the IAAF World 2016 Rio Olympics silver defend his title when Athletics Championships that medallist Barshim had hurt Doha hosts the IAAF Doha hosts in September, the his ankle during the Istvan World Championships LOC will test all major op- Gyulai Memorial in Szekes- erations, including the venue, fehervar, Hungary in July accreditation and ticketing to last year. Then he underwent him, I think the bigger goals ensure a smooth and spotless an operation on his ankle. are the Diamond League experience during the global Recently, the Qatar Athletics jumps and the World cham- showpiece in just a little over Federation announced that pionships. So we’ll wait for five months. he has regained fitness and his coach’s OK for him,” add- Dahlan al Hamad, Presi- Asian Athletics Association President and IAAF Vice-President Dahlan al Hamad (centre) with other members of the Asian Athletics Champion- started practising. ed Hamad. dent of the Asian Athletics ships 2019 organising committee during a press conferenece in Doha on Tuesday. (HANSON K JOSEPH) The second highest high Qatar have planned to Association and Vice-Presi- jumper in history after world field 29 athletes in the Asian dent of the International As- come here even from these Tuesday. ships for us is try and deliver tion for the young students record holder Javier Soto- meet and Hamad said, while sociation of Athletics Federa- three countries to cheer their Also present on the occa- a high-standard meet so that of Qatar. “We’ve already mayor, Barshim is more than expressing his expectations tions (IAAF), “We welcome athletes, will be our guests. sion were Eng. Fahad Ebra- it can live up to the expecta- contacted various schools, keen to defend the title at from the home squad, “In- all. Especially in Qatar, we “About 700 athletes and him Jumaa, Vice-President tions of the IAAF officials embassies and communities home when Doha hosts the shallah, we’ll have good re- don’t mix politics with sports. 400 officials from 43 nations and DG of the Asian Athlet- ahead of the world champi- and we hope to have a strong first-ever IAAF World Cham- sults from the Qatari athletes. Even the blockading coun- will gather in Doha for the ics Championships, Saad al onships. Also we wish to set turn-out of fans on all the pionships in the Middle East In this championship, all tries like Saudi Arabia, the Asian Championships. All the Saadi, Director of Venues a new benchmark here for four days. from September 27 to Octo- athletes will be coming well- United Arab Emirates and arrangements are in place for Committee, and Eng. Eman the future hosts of the Asian “Also we’ll take top ath- ber 6 at the Khalifa Interna- prepared to test their prepa- Bahrain all are coming to take the four-day meet. We’ll also al Emadi, Director of Plan- meets,” Hamad stressed. letes on visits to schools and tional Stadium. rations as this is the year of part and we will all welcome test the cooling technology ning and Operations Com- The IAAF vice-president colleges so that our new gen- Asian Athletics Associa- the world championships. them. extensively during the cham- mittee. also added that the hectic ef- eration can feel inspired, take tion President and IAAF Vice- We can’t underestimate any “We will not stop any fans. pionships,” he added during a “The main focal point forts are on to use the Asian to the sport and become stars President Dahlan al Hamad nation.” So all the spectators, who press conference in Doha on during the Asian champion- championships as an inspira- one day,” Hamad said. shut Al Sadd comeback Road to Qatar 2022: Asian teams set to run to claim Amir Cup title discover opponents

AFC than right here in our great Lenny Daniel KUALA LUMPUR Continent. On behalf of the finished with a Asian football family, I wish all THE first step along the Road our teams the very best of luck double-double as to Qatar 2022 takes place on and I am confident we will wit- the Lions clinch Wednesday when the draw ness another thrilling qualify- for the FIFA World Cup Qa- ing campaign.” record-extending tar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup The Preliminary Joint ninth trophy 2023 Qualifiers - Preliminary Qualification Round 1 draw Joint Qualification Round 1 could revive the exciting con- takes place at the AFC House tests between familiar foes TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in Kuala Lumpur. four years ago when Bhutan DOHA Malaysia, Cambodia, Ma- defeated Sri Lanka 3-1 on ag- cau, Laos, Bhutan and Mon- gregate and Mongolia edged AL Rayyan snapped Al Sadd’s golia have been seeded as the past Timor Leste. The last edi- comeback to claim their first draw’s top six sides who have tion was also the launch pad Amir Cup Basketball trophy the challenging task of facing for the emergence of and since 2013 in a nervy 80-77 possible opponents – Bang- Yemen. finish at the Al Gharafa Sta- ladesh, Guam, Brunei Darus- The first leg of the Prelimi- dium on Tuesday. The victory salam, Timor-Leste, Pakistan nary Joint Qualification Round extends The Lions’ Amir Cup and Sri Lanka for a place 1 will take place on June trophies to nine. in the next qualifying 6 with the return leg Al Rayyan’s Lenny Daniel round. scheduled for June 11. led all scorers with 23 points AFC President The six winners will and 11 rebounds as all Rayy- Shaikh Salman bin join Asia’s top 34 an’s starters finished in double Ebrahim al Khalifa teams in the Prelimi- digits. said: “For only the nary Joint Qualifica- Al Rayyan ran out 17-7 second time in his- tion Round 2, which ahead after six minutes in the tory, the world’s big- will commence in Sep- first quarter forcing Al Sadd gest footballing stage tember. coach to call for a time out. The returns to Asia in Qa- With the anticipa- time out seemed to rejuvenate tar 2022. As we have tion building up, the the Wolves as they went on a Al Rayyan players and officials celebrate with the Amir Cup trophy after defeating Al Sadd 80-77 in the final at the Qatar Basketball Federations seen in the last year, AFC is also introducing a 12-2 run -- with scores at 19-19 Multi-purpose Hall at Al Gharafa Sports Club on Tuesday. Qatar is leaving noth- new preview programme, to end the quarter. ing to chance in staging featuring some of Asia’s Faisal Abuissa led Al Sadd lead with Mohamed Hassan -- stretching the lead to 45-40. and later give them the lead three-pointer to give Al Sadd a truly magnificent spec- most familiar faces who will resurgence as they found their and Tanguy Ngombo both hit- Al Sadd’s Dominic James but Lenny Daniel’s hustle a glimer of hope. Wright how- tacle. share their insights on all range from the three point line ting back-to-back three-point- and Miroslav Todic knocked play down the stretch gave ever sealed the win knocking “And what better the teams, final results early in the second quarter. Al ers. Akeem Wright nailed a down shots from downtown Al Rayyan a 78-74 lead but down late free throws for Al way to kick-start this and post reactions of the Rayyan fought back to take the pull-up jumper to end the half to bring the Wolves close Dominic nailed a pull-up Rayyan. exciting journey, draw. Sports Wednesday, April 17, 2019 17

News Djokovic overcomes in brief Colombian cyclist Jarlinson Pantano fails EPO test

PARIS: Trek-Segafredo’s Colombian Jarlinson Pantano has failed an out of competition doping test for the blood booster Kohlschreiber fright EPO, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Monday. “In accordance with UCI Anti-Doping Rules, the rider has been provisionally suspended until the adjudication of the af- fair,” the UCI said on Monday. Argentine Pella delivers a second-round blow to seventh seed Cilic American outfit Trek is one of road cycling’s top teams, and have riders such as Australia’s Richie Porte and Germany’s John Degenkolb on their books. EPO is a doping product which helps deliver oxygen by boosting the amount of red blood cells. It has been the culprit in high profile cases such as the ac- tion against former Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. The 30-year-old, who won a Tour de France stage in 2016, was provisionally also suspended by his team, on news of the out of competition test.

Retired Nowitzki could see himself as coach in a few years

BERLIN: Retired NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki, who spent 21 seasons at the Dallas Mavericks, could see himself returning to basketball as coach or manager in a few years time, the German said. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer ended his sparkling career last week after more than two decades at the Mavericks with whom he was crowned NBA champion in 2011 and was a 14-time All Star. “After one or two years I can see myself being happy... as a coach or a manager,” Nowitzki told Germany’s Die Zeit newspa- per in an interview to be published on Wednesday. “I would like to be a mentor for a young player and... ac- company them through their career in my very own way.” For now, Nowitzki is content to put his feet up and enjoy a glass of wine and a slice of cake, something he could not do for years as a professional player.

2020 Giro d’Italia to start in Hungary

BUDAPEST: The 2020 Giro d’Italia will begin in Budapest with another two stages also being held in Hungary, organisers an- nounced on Monday. It will the 14th time that the race will start outside of Italy with Athens, Amsterdam as well as Belfast among those cities to have hosted the Grande Partenza. Last year’s edition started in Jerusalem -- the first time one of cycling’s three major races began outside of Europe -- with two more stages held in Israel before a return to Italy. “After Israel we wanted to bring it back to a wonderful Eu- Novak Djokovic of in action during his second-round match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap ropean city, and Budapest has been becoming more and more Martin, France, on Tuesday. (EPA-EFE) popular for Italian visitors and tourists,” race director Mauro Regni told reporters. AFP needed to move, this kind of RESULTS knew I had chances,” the world rie was impressed with the Organisers said further details, including where the stages MONTE CARLO match can be expected. It was number 35 said. “But I had to dramatic setting of the iconic will be held, will be given in June. probably good for me to spend Results from the third day of the ATP Monte play well. Monte Carlo Country Club This year, the Giro -- the first of the year’s three Grand NOVAK Djokovic was se- so long on the court.” Carlo Masters on Tuesday “I was a bit nervous at the venue which overlooks the Tours -- starts in Bologna on 11 May and finishes on 2 June in verely tested before securing a Djokovic was able to avoid (x denotes seeding): start, it was my first time on Mediterranean from a cliff. Verona. 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Philipp a second straight loss to Kohls- 1st round this court. But playing here is “I like the conditions here. Team Sky’s Chris Froome won last year’s Giro but the Briton Kohlschreiber to survive his chreiber after the 35-year-old Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) a dream -- it’s unreal.” Everything is kind of on top of will not defend his title focusing instead on becoming only the 6-4, 2-0 retired fifth rider to win five Tour de France crowns. opening match at the Monte beat him last month in the In- Cameron Norrie (GBR) bt Adrian Mannarino Cilic was playing here for each other,” he said. Carlo Masters on Tuesday. dian Wells third round. (FRA) 6-4, 6-3 the 11th straight year, with “It’s pretty sick kind of The winner of the last three Djokovic, who lives in the Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt Fernando quarter-final showings in three playing tennis on the side of a Grand Slams made eight dou- Principality, is playing his Verdasco (ESP) 6-4, 6-4 of the previous four editions. mountain with a water view.” Kerber doubtful for Germany’s Fed Cup ble faults, dropped serve four ‘home’ event for the 13th time Gilles Simon (FRA) bt Alexei Popyrin (AUS) Left-hander Pella came to Canadian revelation Fe- relegation tie with Latvia times and smashed a racquet in 14 years, winning it in 2013 7-5, 6-1 the European clay with a title lix Auger-Aliassime advanced after losing the second set to and 2015 and losing in the final Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) bt Juan Ignacio this season in Sao Paulo. He into a second-round contest RIGA: Germany are sweating on the fitness of three-time grand his German opponent in the on two other occasions. Londero (ARG) 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) now stands 13-3 on the surface with third seed Alexander slam winner Angelique Kerber ahead of the Fed Cup relegation match with Latvia which begins in Riga on Friday. second-round encounter. Kohlschreiber lost his 12th 2nd round in 2019. Zverev after beating Argentine The world number one match from 13 played against Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Philipp Pella moved into a winning qualifier Juan Ignacio Londero “At the moment I think it looks like we will not get Angie was relieved to avoid defeat top-ranked opponents, but Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 position as he broke Cilic for 7-5, 7-6 (7/5). fit,” team chief Jens Gerlach told dpa on Tuesday. in his first match of the clay gave as good as he got against Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) bt Karen Khachanov the eighth time of the after- The 18-year-old Auger- The 31-year-old Kerber faces a race against time to recover season. an out-of-sorts Djokovic, who (RUS x8) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 noon, winning a six-minute Aliassime, who reached last from a cold. “It was a difficult match, needed five match points to go Guido Pella (ARG) bt Marin Cilic (CRO x7) 6-3, game before serving out the month’s Miami semi-finals as a Gerlach has called up Mona Barthel to the squad but at there were lots of breaks (a run through. 5-7, 6-1 upset, saving a break point in qualifier, now boasts a ranking 90th in the world she is not in the same class as the fifth- of eight straight during the sec- the final game and wrapping of 33rd -- up from 175th when ranked Kerber. ond and third sets),” Djokovic Pella pounds Cilic Australian Open, where he up victory as Cilic fired wide. he played here a year ago. Julia Goerges, Andrea Petkovic and doubles specialist said. Argentine Guido Pella went out in the fourth round. “I’m very happy to win my Anna-Lena Groenefeld round out the German team for the “There were lots of ups and dealt a second-round blow to Pella, who won his first Norrie wins debut match first match after Miami, be- indoor hard-court contest. downs. It was not the prettiest seventh seed Marin Cilic, beat- career match at the event in In the first round, Briton cause I didn’t know what to Latvia also have squad issues with world number 13 Ana- of matches. ing the Croatian 6-3, 5-7, 6-1. the first round on Sunday, Cameron Norrie advanced in expect,” he said. stasija Sevastova injured leaving French Open winner Jelena “He played well, but a win Defeat in just over two emerged a winner as he played his debut match at the event, Italian qualifier Lorenzo Ostapenko to lead their bid for a first ever place in the world is a win. This was a tough first hours left 2014 US Open win- on the idyllic centre court for with the 23-year-old defeating Sonego beat Russian eighth group. Germany must win to extend their six-year run in the match of the clay season. ner Cilic with just one win from the first time. Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 6-3. seed Karen Khachanov 7-6 elite eight countries of women’s tennis. “I had to figure out how I six matches since January’s “This is my best surface, I The 56th-ranked Nor- (7/4), 6-4. Clippers stage biggest comeback in playoff history

AFP field and eight-of-10 from the done on it on Tuesday. fans’ booing in game one of LOS ANGELES line. “It is a significant quad the series, delivered a triple- Game three is Thursday in injury,” said Kerr without go- double of 18 points, 12 assists THE Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles. ing into detail. “We will get an and 10 rebounds. delivered the biggest come- The stretch drive featured MRI done tomorrow. He is go- He joined Wilt Chamber- back in NBA playoff history the Clippers’ consistent mid- ing to be out a while. It is sig- lain and Charles Barkley as on Monday, rallying from a range game against the War- nificant.” the only Sixers to get multiple 31-point deficit for a shocking riors’ inconsistent three-point Williams drained a key triple-doubles in the postsea- 135-131 win over the two-time shooting. But fouls and inju- jump shot over Klay Thomp- son, and this time he left to defending champion Golden ries also worked against the son with 46 seconds remain- a standing ovation from the State Warriors. Warriors in game two of the ing after Curry had put the home fans. Lou Williams scored 36 first round series. Warriors ahead 131-128 on a Philadelphia grabbed com- points and Montrezl Harrell Warriors coach Steve Kerr three-pointer 12 seconds ear- mand of the contest with a nailed a couple of clutch late described it as an epic melt- lier. 51-point third quarter, a team free throws as the Clippers down. After Klay Thompson record for most points in a surprised even themselves to “Once you lose momentum missed a shot from beyond the quarter. square the first round playoff in a game, it is hard to get it arc, Clippers Landry Shamet The Sixers also set a club series at 1-1. back,” said Kerr. “We lost this hit a three pointer with 16 sec- record for most points in a Clippers coach game in the middle of the third onds left for the game winner. playoff game, squaring their said he told his players at half- quarter when we stopped play- Harrell sank two free throws best-of-seven opening round time, when they were down by ing. with five seconds left to cap series 1-1. 23 points, to not give up. “We got up by 31 and we the scoring. Game three is on Thursday “I said ‘We are going to win shut down. We got exactly Elsewhere, Ben Simmons in New York. this game.’ I was honest with what we deserved.” heard cheers instead of jeers Ailing Joel Embiid fin- them. I said, ‘I don’t know The Clippers topped the LA Clippers guard Lou Williams (23) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Dray- Monday as the Philadelphia ished with 23 points and 10 how. Just hang in there with Los Angeles Lakers’ rally from mond Green (23) during the third quarter in game two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at 76ers set a franchise record rebounds to lead Philadelphia, each other,’” Rivers said. a 29-point deficit to beat the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA on Monday. (AFP) with 51 points in the third who shot 56 percent from the “This is who we are. We Seattle Supersonics in 1989. quarter en route to a 145-123 field. Embiid was a game-time hung in there long enough. We The Clippers also came “We changed a couple out for us.” Cousins suffered a serious in- playoff win over the Brooklyn decision due to a sore left knee. found a way to win the game.” back from being 27 points things offensively and defen- The Warriors got more jury. Cousins injured his left Nets. “Everybody’s got to bring Williams also had 11 as- down in a playoff win over the sively on the fly in the third,” bad news after the game when quad in the first quarter and is Australia’s Simmons, who it,” Embiid said. “We need sists, going 13-of-22 from the Memphis Grizzlies in 2012. Rivers said. “And it worked they learned centre DeMarcus expected to have an MRI scan had criticized the Philadelphia everybody.” 18 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Sports Qatar SC to treat playoff against Muaither like a final, says Batista The one-leg clash is held between the 11th-placed QSL team and runners-up of the Second Division

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

QATAR Sports Club and Muaither SC will battle for a place in next season’s QNB Stars League in a one-off play- off match at the Al Duhail Sta- dium on Wednesday. Qatar SC finished 11th at the end of the QSL 2018/19 season while Muaither ended their Division Two campaign as runner-up to eventual Qatar Sports Club coach Sergio Batista (centre) and player Ali Saeed al Mohannadi (left) speak to the champions Al Wakhrah. media during a press conference. Muaither SC coach Philippe Burle and player Ayoub Ouadrassi. QSC coach Sergio Batista said his team would treat the are staying highly focused be- have worked well to deal with We are aware of the impor- with great experience, but we 11 players. We will face Qatar and we hope that our efforts match as a final. cause they consider this game them. We will try to stop them tance of this match, so our will focus on the strengths of SC in the Emir Cup as well and will succeed. “We did not have much as crucial. We are talking to from launching offensives and preparations are going well. our team. we hope to win,” said Burle. “We had made a strong time to prepare for this impor- the players about the impor- find gaps in their defence. We We are focused. We are count- “If we look at them as a Muaither finished ahead start in the Second Division tant game. There are things to tance of the game and we are are very confident that our ing on the support of our fans.” strong team with big stars such of Al Markhiya in the Second this season and we were in the work on, especially the physi- motivating them to play it as players will do their best,” said Meanwhile, Muaither SC as Samuel Eto’o, we will lose Division but could not get the lead at some stage. But in the cal and tactical aspects. We hard as they can as it will de- Batista. coach Philippe Burle said the match. But I have asked better of Al Wakrah. Burle end, the best team (Al Wak- consider this match as final,” termine the fate of the team.” Qatar SC player Ali Saeed his team will focus on their my players to think about the commented, “We have had rah) won. There is no com- Batista said to the media on On their opponents, the al Mohannadi said, “The strength rather than the might strong season we have had, the a good season, but it was dif- parison between us and them. Tuesday. Argentine said, “I see Muaith- chances of both teams are of their opponent. great games we played and the ficult and we could qualify Al Wakrah had strengthened “We will face a strong team er SC as strong competitors. equal. We did not want to “I think our team has made opportunities we took. I also for the Play-Off ahead of Al their ranks during the winter in Muaither SC and the players They have good players in de- reach this stage, but now we good progress. We will now told them not to look at the Markhiya. We must appreci- transfer period by recruiting are ready for the contest. They fence and also in attack. We have to deal with the reality. play against Qatar SC, a team names. It’s 11 players against ate the efforts of the players some good players.”

Quick read No increase in the number of clubs for next season: Abbassi Former United star Scholes charged with betting offences TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Commenting on the 2018- thing that serves and develops leg to listen to their comments DOHA 19 QNB Stars League, which the level of competition on all with a view to support them LONDON: Former Manchester United great Paul Scholes has been ended last Saturday, Abbassi fronts.” in a better way. Those sugges- charged by the Football Association (FA) for allegedly breaking AHMED Khellil Abbassi, Exec- said, “We congratulate every- On the co-ordination tions and observations have their betting rules, English football’s governing body announced on utive Director of Competition one on this successful season, meeting held with QNB Stars been taken into consideration. Tuesday. The charge levelled at the 44-year-old -- whose first foray into and Football Development during which our national League coaches recently, the “There’s no change in the management with Oldham lasted just 31 days earlier this season (Acting) at the Qatar Stars team won the 2019 Asian Cup QSL official explained that it league format next season as -- relates to bets allegedly placed between August 17, 2015, and League (QSL), reflects on the as a result of solidarity and was a continuation of the on- the championship will contin- January 12, 2019. The period covers when Scholes was a part-owner season that went by and the hard work. going communication process ue as it was this time, with 12 of non-league side Salford City, but before his appointment as Oldham 2019-20 season. “I would like to point out between the QSL and clubs’ clubs and two legs. Al Wakrah manager in February 2019. “The QSL is taking great that the league championship representatives. It was aimed will return to the QNB Stars “Paul Scholes has been charged with misconduct in relation to The efforts in co-ordination with this season saw the applica- at improving the mechanism League and we’re waiting for FA’s Betting Rules,” the FA statement read. “It is alleged he placed partners as well as stakehold- tion of Video Assistant Referee of work by taking into account the second team, which will 140 bets on football matches, contrary to FA Rule E8, between 17 ers and in co-operation with (VAR) technology and Live their experiences as well as ob- be determined through the August 2015 and 12 January 2019. He has until 26 April 2019 to clubs to continue the develop- Match Analysis system, the pi- servations, and discussed the playoff between 11th-placed respond to the charge.” ment of QNB Stars League. oneering technology and inno- Director of next season in general. team in the league this season Scholes’ spell in charge of Oldham started brightly with a win, but he It’s in the interest of national vation which was used for the Competition and Football Devel- “As part of the ongoing (Qatar SC) and Second Divi- failed to pick up another victory in his next six games and left with the teams and Qatar football,” he first time in Asia, confirming opment (acting) Ahmed Khelil communication process, we sion runners-up (Muaither),” side languishing in 14th place in the fourth tier. (AFP) said. the QSL’s keenness on every- Abbassi. visited clubs during the second he added. We can beat ‘favourites’ City PSG top guns missing for third tilt at title AFP without Kane, vows Pochettino PARIS AFTER stumbling as they reached for the French title not AFP once but twice, runaway Ligue MANCHESTER 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain can clinch the trophy by beating MAURICIO Pochettino has Nantes on Wednesday despite labelled Manchester City as an overcrowded sickbay. Champions League favourites, Despite two consecutive but the Tottenham manager defeats the defending champi- insists his side can end their ons are 17 points clear of sec- challenge even without Harry ond placed Lille and can still Kane. wrap up the title with six league can point at an astonishingly nat, (Thiago) Silva, (Thomas) Pochettino’s team will games to spare. crowded sickbay, a problem ex- Meunier and by the looks of it defend a slender 1-0 advan- But PSG are reinforcing a acerbated by the suspension of (Angel) Di Maria too,” Tuchel tage at the Etihad Stadium on reputation for choking. They Juan Bernat. said. “That’s not our squad for Wednesday. City are chasing went out of the Champions Beleaguered coach Thomas a Champions League match, it’s an unprecedented quadruple League with a horror show Tuchel joked on Tuesday that our injury list,” he said smiling. and many have tipped them to against Manchester United, the list of injured resembled Tuchel vowed to finish the win the Champions League for then missed their first chance to what might be mistaken for his job. the first time this season. wrap up Ligue 1 when they drew first-team line up. “We’ll find a solution for Although Tottenham have at home to Strasbourg before “We’ll be playing without tomorrow and looking at who the lead in the tie, the absence of Sunday’s 5-1 thumping at Lille. Marquinos, Neymar, (Edinson) we have we are fully capable of star striker Kane with his latest Tottenham Hotspur players during a training session at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday ahead of their UEFA In their defence, the club Cavani, (Marco) Verrati, Ber- beating Nantes,” he said. ankle ligament injury could tip Champions League quarter-final second leg match against Manchester City.(REUTERS) the scales in City’s favour. Pochettino agrees that Pep luck in important moments in training session today and then back to the pair’s time as man- Guardiola’s formidable squad the game. It will be an amaz- to decide if it’s possible he can agers of Espanyol and Barce- are worthy of the favourites’ tag. ing challenge. I’m so motivated be in the starting 11 or on the lona respectively. Guardiola calls on Man City fans But he is convinced Totten- and excited to play the game. At bench,” Pochettino said. But Pochettino, still wait- ham are capable of upsetting 8 o’clock tomorrow it will be a With Kane sidelined, the ing to win his first major trophy the odds. battle.” pressure will be on South Korea as a coach, doesn’t put himself to help side overcome Spurs test “Of course it is going to be Tottenham’s chances of forward Son Heung-min to fill on the same level as Guardiola, tough, Manchester City is one completing a famous victory the void. who has won every top prize in REUTERS in 2014 for breaching financial of the best teams in the world would be improved if England Son has thrived without his glittering career. MANCHESTER fair play rules. But Guardiola and a clear favourite to win the midfielder Dele Alli can start af- Kane this term and the Argen- “I think he won 25 trophies. is hoping the fans will put their Premier League and Champi- ter suffering a fractured hand in tine coach is confident he will He is the most successful man- MANCHESTER City manager animosity to one side and give ons League,” Pochettino told the first leg. rise to the challenge again. ager in the last 10 years for sure. Pep Guardiola called on the the team a lift on Wednesday reporters on Tuesday. Alli missed Saturday’s win “Of course, he is doing a For me, to win a title with Tot- home supporters to give his night. “It is difficult when Man- over Huddersfield, but has trav- fantastic job this season. After tenham is a massive dream,” players their full support as they “At this stage, without sup- chester City plays a final like elled with the team to Manches- November I am so happy with Pochettino said. look to overturn a 1-0 deficit porters, we cannot go through. they will play tomorrow. ter. him,” he said. “What he is doing is unbe- against Tottenham Hotspur in I’m expecting. I’m really curious “For us to beat them in the Pochettino will decide “It is not only Son. We have lievable. It shows his quality. Wednesday’s second-leg of the Manchester City manager to how our fans are going to re- first leg was an amazing result, whether to start Alli against City other offensive players. Now we But at Espanyol, Southampton Champions League quarter- Pep Guardiola. act tomorrow,” Guardiola told a but the tie is still open. What we after his squad’s training ses- need the quality, effort and the and now Tottenham, they are finals. news conference. have is the belief. We are going sion on Tuesday. belief to go and fight.” different projects than Barce- City fans take a poor view of matches, partly due to a hefty “The last 20 months, (the to fight and hope for a very good “We need to assess him. Pochettino has a friendly lona, Bayern Munich and Man- of UEFA and routinely boo its fine the club received from Eu- players) are so proud with what performance. You need a bit of We are going to have the last rivalry with Guardiola dating chester City.” anthem when it is played ahead ropean soccer’s governing body they have done.” Sports Wednesday, April 17, 2019 19 QATAR TO CONTEST IN WORLD CURLING I feel bad for Rayudu, says Gambhir

IANS bowl a few overs of medium Rayudu doesn’t. NEW DELHI pace and is also a good fielder. “Why speak about only one Speaking to IANS, on the player? There is Ambati Ray- INDIA skipper and sidelines of the CricPlay media udu who missed out as well. the five wise men – selectors – round table, Gambhir said it He is averaging 48 in ODIs, led by M.S.K. Prasad may have was for Prasad to show faith in why focus only on Pant? I feel decided to back experience the youngsters and back them. it is far more disheartening for while picking the 15-member However, the 2011 World someone like Rayudu because squad for the World Cup in Cup winning opener also add- Pant has age on his side. England and Wales, but former ed that if the current selectors “Rayudu doesn’t have age India opener Gautam Gamb- feel this is the best team, then on his side and we should be hir feels they may have missed others should support them. talking about Rayudu because out on thinking out-of-the-box “I don’t know. It is ulti- Pant is at least playing one for- and bringing in a few unknown mately about MSK because it is mat of the game,” he pointed. faces to take the opponents by not about people who have ex- Commenting on the cur- surprise. perience. It is about what you rent squad, Gambhir said that Despite getting Virat Kohli’s think is right and that doesn’t this time the unit backing as India’s No. 4 bats- come with experience, it comes Ambari Rayudu: WC hopes looks better than the one which man months earlier, Ambati with belief. dashed helped India win the World Rayudu was not picked for the “If your belief is strong Cup in 2011. World Cup, a move that did not enough, it doesn’t matter if you and win the World Cup. If they “We have the experience go down well with the batsman. have played 100 Test matches think this is the best 15 that can of Dhoni, who is playing his In a tongue-in-cheek tweet, or you haven’t played a single achieve that, we have to sup- fourth World Cup. We also clearly aimed at his non-selec- Test. It is your belief and con- port them. I love thinking out- have who has tion, Rayudu said: “Just or- fidence that matters more than of-the-box and that is what I an X-factor, but we have a bet- dered a new set of 3d glasses to anything else. always did,” he said. ter bowling attack this time watch the World Cup.” “Whether they have picked Asked if it was unfair on than what we did in 2011. All-rounder Vijay Shankar bits and pieces players -- that as the selectors “We have Jasprit Bum- was preferred over Rayudu, is what the selectors, the cap- picked over rah who is at present the best Qatar curling team in Oslo on the way to the 2019 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Sta- with Chairman of selectors tain and the team management the youngster, Gambhir said white-ball bowler and that is vanger, Norway. The tournament will run from April 20 to 27. Leading the team is coach Lajos Belleli M.S.K. Prasad saying they needs to decide. that he was equally sad for why I think this bowling at- with female player Mubarkah al Abdulla and male player is Nasser Alyafei. Team doctor is Dr. Abdelhafid wanted a “three-dimensional” “Ultimately we want the and that Pant tack is far better than the one Merzouk. option who can bat at No. 4, Indian team to do well and try still had age on his side, but in 2011.” Tokyo 2020 Ashwin, Rahul spark marathons to Punjab to fine victory start early due The off-spinner strikes crucial blows to derail the chase of Rajasthan Royals to heat fears REUTERS the IAAF athletes commission, IANS start, as his whirlwind 12-ball TOKYO (so) it is understood we have MOHALI 26 cut was short by Ish Sodhi approval from athletes,” said with Archer taking a brilliant NEXT year’s men’s and wom- Olympic gold medallist Koji SKIPPER Ravichandran Ash- catch at long on. en’s Olympic marathons will Murofushi, who is Sports Di- win struck at crucial times Rahul and Miller then start at 6 a.m. local time to try rector at Tokyo 2020. while KL Rahul scored a ma- upped the ante in the 14th and to avoid the worst of Tokyo’s The schedule was also no- tured half-century to help 15th overs with 39 runs com- blazing summer heat, organis- ticeable for the number of fi- Kings XI Punjab return to ing from them. ers said on Tuesday. nals taking place in the morn- winning ways with a 12-run Rahul brought up his 14th The marathons had been ing, partly due to the heat as victory over Rajasthan Royals fifty in the IPL in the 17th over, scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. well as considerations for U.S. in an milking Archer for a sublime but with temperatures reach- broadcasters wanting show- (IPL) clash here on Tuesday. boundary between cover and ing over 40 degrees Celsius piece events in prime time. Chasing 183 for victory af- mid-off but Unadkat made (104 Fahrenheit) last year or- Nine athletics finals will ter KL Rahul helped Kings XI amends for getting spanked by ganisers were under pressure be held in the morning while post 182/6 with a well-paced the India right-hander earlier, to make changes to ensure the Basketball and swimming will 52, Royals were on course with by removing him in the 18th safety of athletes and support- also feature medal events in 94 needed off 60 balls. over, with Archer taking the ers. the morning. But Ashwin (2/24), whose catch at point. The 50 kilometre race walk “By looking at the Olympic 4-ball 17 run cameo proved to Archer then removed final has also been moved to schedule as a whole it should be the difference in the end, (5) and 5.30 a.m. local time to avoid be observed that one gave con- removed Sanju Samson (27) in (0) in the 19th the midday sun. sideration to local, Japanese, the 12th over to break the 59- over before Dhawal Kulkar- A record heatwave last as well as global audiences,” run second stand with ni accounted for Miller, the year killed over a dozen peo- Murofushi said. Rahul Tripathi (50 off 45 balls; South African trying to clear ple in Tokyo with July average “Also, I hear that ath- 4x4) and then got the back of wide long on and instead giv- temperatures reaching more letes are saying it is possible Tripathi in the 16th over to Kings XI Punjab (left) celebrates with teammates after a wicket during the ing wicketkeeper Jos Buttler than 30 degrees for the first to condition if they know the further dent Royals’ charge. 2019 IPL match against Rajasthan Royals in Mohali on Tuesday. (AFP) an easy catch in the final over. time since 1998, according to schedule in advance, so I think After Tripathi’s dismiss- But just when it looked like the Japanese Meteorological that they should condition al, the visitors needed 56 off Cup call-up, KL Rahul struck balls; 2x4; 2x6) also played a and was 13 off 23 balls at the Kings XI would finish with a Agency. themselves to do their best at 24. But (26) a well-timed fifty but Archer vital role as the pair stitched halfway stage. But then he whimper, Ashwin led from the Athletes focus on develop- Games time.” Women’s soft- failed to lead from the front stole the limelight from him together a 85-run stand for the shifted gears seamlessly be- front by smashing a four and ing a strong circadian rhythm ball will be the first event of once again and ’s with splendid figures of 3/15 third wicket. fore getting out to Jaydev Un- two back-to-back sixes off the to perform at their best during the Olympics, in Fukushima unbeaten 11-ball 31 too proved as Kings XI Punjab posted But Archer bowled a bril- adkat (1/48). last two balls to finish on a competition and will have to on July 22, two days before the futile in the end as Kings XI 182/6 after being asked to bat liant second spell to not only Kings XI lost high. amend their schedules for this Opening Ceremony. won easily at the end. Royals first. snare two in the same 30 (22b; 2x4; 3x6) early, with ultra-early start time. The women’s 10 metres air managed 170/7 in 20 overs. Rahul, who was included over but check the run flow, the veteran southpaw edging a BRIEF SCORES: Tokyo 2020 organisers rifle is the first medal event of Besides Ashwin, Moham- in the 15-member World Cup before Kings XI skipper Ash- Jofra Archer to Sanju Kings XI Punjab: 182/6 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 52; said the changes had been the Games, starting at 8.30 med Shami (2/46) and Arsh- squad on Monday, took 47 win played a 4-ball 17 run Samson behind the stumps. David Miller 40; Jofra Archer 3/15) beat Rajasthan ratified by the International a.m. on July 25. deep Singh (2/43) also got two balls to score 52 with the help cameo to take the score past After the Powerplay overs, Royals: 170/7 in 20 overs (Rahul Tripathi 50; R Association of Athletics Fed- The Opening Ceremony wickets. of three fours and two sixes. the 180-run mark. the home team were 39/1. Ashwin 2/24, 2/46, Arshdeep erations (IAAF). will take place at 8 p.m. local Earlier, buoyed by a World David Miller (40 off 27 Rahul started very slowly Agarwal could not convert his Singh 2/43) by 12 runs “We have an approval from time on July 24.

QVA HOLDS WORKSHOP FOR COACHES & TRAINERS QATARI PLAYERS PRACTISE WITH AUSTRIANS

The Qatar Volleyball Association is hosting a workshop “Examination of the Functional Performance of the Players” for coaches and trainers at the QVA Indoor Hall in Doha. At the initiative of QVA President Ali Ghanim al Kuwair, the 11th workshop is aimed at upgrading the technical level of the coaches, besides sharing modern training methods using social media platforms , sports marketing and school activities for the promotion and success Qatari players Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan are preparing for the Four-Star Xiamen Open with of the event. Dr. Evo Dimitrov, Austrian players Martin Ermacora and Moritz Pristauz at the Al Gharafa courts. The Austrians will start doctor of the QVA national teams, their campaign in the qualifying rounds of the event, which is scheduled in China from April 24 to 28. The conducted the workshop. Qatari players are seeded seventh and will play in the main round.