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Wednesday, March 14, 2018 TENNIS Jumada II 26, 1439 AH Venus knocks GULF TIMES out sister Serena in Indian Wells SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL/AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Gharafa share the Xavi strikes fi rst AFC spoils with Al Ahli goal as Sadd avenge in Jeddah

AFC Jeddah

l Ahli of Saudi Arabia and Al Gharafa shared the spoils Nasaf defeat in style after a 1-1 draw in Group A of the 2018 AFC Champions ALeague yesterday. The big win sends Al Sadd to the top of Group C with nine points from four games, Al Gharafa came within a whisker of stunning their hosts in the sixth minute and leaves them needing four points to qualify for the Round of 16 when Abdelaziz Hatem rattled the right post after a cross from Wesley Sneijder. By Sports Reporter Al Ahli gradually grew into the game Doha and Saleh al-Amri took advantage of a misplaced pass to advance through on goal but failed to take his chance. At the four-goal blitz without reply put Al Sadd on the other end of the pitch, Moayed Hassan brink of the last 16 stage of the AFC Champions tested the goalkeeper from distance League yesterday as the Qatar giants avenged but Yasser al-Mosailem was well posi- their defeat to Uzbekistan’s Nasaf in sensational tioned to save. Astyle. Last week Nasaf had scored an upset 1-0 win as Al Sadd Al Gharafa came within a failed to get together in the southern Uzbek city of Qarshi whisker of stunning their in a match in which they clearly missed their inspirational hosts in the sixth minute when captain Xavi who was rested after picking up a back in- Abdelaziz Hatem rattled the jury. right post aft er a cross from Their troubles didn’t seem to end there as they also lost Wesley Sneijder to Umm Salal in a crucial QNB Stars League match to al- low Al Duhail to walk away with the title with two rounds The visitors came the closest to remaining. opening the scoring in the 19th minute But with the Spanish and Barcelona legend back in ac- when Mehdi Taremi found himself in tion yesterday, their luck changed dramatically as they front of an empty net after onrushing took the lead with just three minutes on the clock. goalkeeper al-Mosailem failed to clear a That the goal came from Xavi himself was the icing on ball from Assim Madibo but the Islamic the cake for the team, the skipper turning in a pass from Republic of Iran international some- Boaulem Khoukhi to put Al Sadd ahead in front of their how missed the target. home fans at the Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. After a goalless fi rst half, the Qataris It was Xavi’s fi rst-ever goal in the AFC Champions fi nally took the lead through Taremi League and it set the stage for Al Sadd’s complete dom- Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah also got onto the who converted a cross from Hassan in ination of the Uzbeks who rarely had a shot at goal and score sheet yesterday. the 56th minute. spent most of the time chasing shadows. Al Gharafa’s joy didn’t last for long Al Sadd doubled their lead in the 16th minute and this nine points from four games, and leaves them needing as Al Ahli responded instantly in simi- time it was a defender who got on the scoresheet. Full- four points to qualify for the Round of 16. They host bot- lar fashion after Saeed al-Muwallad back Abdelkarim Hassan fi nished off a surging solo run tom of the group Al Wasl on Matchday Five when Nasaf crossed for Moamen Zakaria, who from the halfway line with a fi erce strike that left Nasaf welcome Persepolis to Uzbekistan. headed home at the far post two min- keeper Sanjar Kuvvatov with no chance of saving. An Al Sadd win coupled with Nasaf failing to beat utes later. Baghdad Bounedjah then gave the Qatari side a com- Persepolis would see the Qatari and Iranian sides advance The hosts almost snatched a win- fortable 3-0 cushion at half time, with the Algerian net- with a game to spare. ner when Ioannis Fetfatzidis cut inside ting his fi fth goal of the tournament with an acrobatic Meanwhile, Iran’s Tractorsazi Tabriz continued their from the right fl ank and fi red a shot overhead kick in the 43rd minute. winless run after drawing 1-1 at home with Al Jazira of the that ricocheted off the far post. Zakaria Fellow Algerian Jugurtha Hamroun, who had provided UAE. found the rebound but failed to net the the assist for Bounedjah, got a goal of his own in the 71st Tractorsazi started brightly and had a number of op- second goal as his attempt sailed above minute, smashing in a low shot past Kuuvatov to round portunities to go ahead in the fi rst half, but were denied a the crossbar 15 minutes before the fi nal off a quick counter-attack. goal by some stellar goalkeeping by Al Jazira’s Ali Khaseif. whistle. “I have no complaints with the way we played today,” While the hosts enjoyed clear domination, it was Al The result keeps Al Ahli top of Group said Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira. “Xavi’s early goal set Jazira who opened the scoring against the run of play, in A with eight points ahead of Matchday the stage and inspired the boys. All in all it was a compre- the 44th minute. Brazilian star Romarinho latched on to Five against Tractorsazi Tabriz while Al Al Sadd captain Xavi (L) celebrates with Akram Afif after scoring the first goal hensive victory for us,” he added. an aerial pass from defender Musallam Fayez and slotted Gharafa are on fi ve points, level with Al against Uzbekistan’s Nasaf in Doha yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil The big win sends Al Sadd to the top of Group C with in the fi rst goal of the match. Jazira who they host next.

COURTESY CALL PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE Pollard blast in vain PSG president visits injured as Islamabad win

By Sports Reporter superstar Neymar in Brazil Sharjah AFP eiron Pollard’s 47-ball 73 Rio de Janeiro went in vain as defeated Multan Sultans by 33 runs to secure aris Saint-Germain president Nasser al- Ktheir playoff spot in the Pakistan Su- Khelaifi has visited injured superstar Neymar per League yesterday. at his luxury home in Brazil amid rumours Replying to a formidable Islama- swirling about the striker’s intention to quit bad score of 185/4, made with the PPSG. help of Luke Ronchi’s 58, ’ The star’s father, Neymar Santos Sr, posted pictures 46 and Hussain’s Talat’s 33, Multan of the meeting on Instagram. “Visit of the day at @ Sultans made the worst possible start neymarjr! Thanks @PSG,” he wrote. imaginable when they lost four wick- In one picture, Neymar gives the thumb’s up, fl anked ets for 20 runs in 5.1 overs. by al-Khelaifi and his father. Another picture shows the But West Indian Pollard gave them club president with Antero Henrique, sports director some hope, hitting six sixes and to a comfortable win. at PSG, and Jean-Martial Ribes, the club spokesman. fi ve fours in a calculated assault on , Amad Butt, Shadab They also visited Neymar’s charity centre, the Neymar French football team Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi (R) and Neymar Santos, the Islamabad bowlers. He was the Khan and Faheem Ashraf claimed Junior Institute, in Praia Grande, Sao Paulo state. father of Brazilian superstar and PSG’s footballer Neymar Junior, pose with children at the Neymar Junior eighth batsman out with 142 runs on two apiece for Islamabad as The world’s most expensive player broke a bone in his Institute project, in Praia Grande, Sao Paulo. the board and 14 balls remaining in Multan were bundled out for 152 in right foot on February 25 and faces weeks of recupera- the innings. 19.1 overs. tion following surgery in early March. Unconfi rmed also grown disenchanted with PSG, who crashed out of ond leg on March 6, and wants to return to Barcelona or However, Islamabad kept the Mul- Ronchi, whose 58 came off 36 balls, media reports are swirling in Europe that Neymar has the Champions League as the forward missed the sec- even join rivals Real Madrid. tan tailenders quiet to help their team was declared man of the match. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, March 14, 2018 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Forced absence from Europa Pep plays down League frustrates Aubameyang Reuters work hard, I work a lot in the last London weeks and I am happy because I hopes of clinching feel better,” he added. The 28-year-old will watch rsenal striker Pierre- from the stands as his team ‘The important thing is to Emerick Aubameyang mates take on AC Milan in said that his forced ab- the second leg of their Europa be champions. When and sence from the club’s League last 16 clash at the Emir- EuropaA League campaign this ates Stadium on Thursday. where it doesn’t matter’ season was the main reason for Arsenal beat AC Milan 2-0 in title in derby a “frustrating” start to life at the fi rst leg. AFP London. Striker Danny Welbeck, who Manchester Manchester City’s Spanish midfi elder David Silva leaps Aubameyang, who joined is tasked with leading Arsenal’s into the arms of Manchester City’s Brazilian striker Arsenal in January, played for line in Europe in the absence of Gabriel Jesus as he celebrates scoring his second goal former club Borussia Dortmund Aubameyang and the injured Al- ep Guardiola tried to of the English Premier League match against Stoke City in the Champions League this exandre Lacazette, said he was play down growing in Stoke-on-Trent, central England. (AFP) season and UEFA’s ‘cup-tied’ relishing the competition with excitement among rule prevents him from repre- his fellow forwards. Manchester City sup- senting his new team in Europe “It’s competition and I em- Pporters the possibility of for the rest of the season. brace it,” Welbeck said. winning the Premier League ti- “I am really frustrated be- “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve tle when they face bitter rivals cause the rules are a bit... I don’t been playing for an academy United in the derby early next know how to say in English but I with scouts all over the world month. am disappointed because I can’t that are looking for top players to Jose Mourinho’s side visit the help my team,” Aubameyang told come in. Etihad Stadium on April 7 for a British media. “You have competition game which could see City make “When I was in Dortmund, I throughout your whole life and mathematically certain of being was playing every three days but it only makes you better... gives crowned champions following now I play once a week or have you extra motivation.” their 2-0 victory at Stoke on a long time between games. It Welbeck has struggled with Monday. is not easy... that’s life. I have to hip and groin injuries this season First, City must win their deal with it.” and has not found the net since visit to mid-table Everton but, Gabon international Aubam- Arsenal’s 4-2 FA Cup third round should they do so, Guardiola eyang has scored three Premier defeat by Nottingham Forest in will win his fi rst league title in League goals in fi ve starts for the January. English football with victory club, including in the 3-0 league “My mindset’s focused on over his old rival Mourinho at win over Watford last Sunday. looking forward, bettering my- the Etihad. “I didn’t play a lot in Janu- self, getting on the pitch, on the “Everybody is always asking ary so it was diffi cult to fi nd the training pitch, doing what I can this question,” said Guardiola. rhythm. Now I’m feeling better. I do to improve myself.” “But the important thing is on March 12, we have 81 points, that is a lot of points. SERIE A “We want to be champions. We need three wins, but we are able to do it with two (if City beat United). Scudetto not over, “But before and after Unit- ed, we have the (Champions League) quarter-fi nals, and at warns Allegri as Juve the moment that is the most important thing to focus on. “I understand for the fans, look to pull clear okay, but the important thing is to be champions. When and AFP tell me that only 81 points to win where it doesn’t matter.” Turin, Italy the Scudetto are happy.” The in-form English team are “Right now Juventus have won also in with a strong chance of nothing yet, but we have an Ital- winning Europe’s premier prize uventus coach Massimil- ian Cup fi nal to play and right for the fi rst time in their history. iano Allegri warned the now we’re leading the League The draw for the Champions Football a ‘welcome relief’ story, it puts everything into Fernandinho promises no let-up in City title quest battle for the Scudetto against a Napoli I have to com- League last eight takes place on City’s victory at Stoke came perspective for us,” said the was not over even if the pliment because they’re having Friday and Guardiola will watch courtesy of two goals from defender. “It is a massive boost championsJ can pull four points a great season, otherwise the Fernandinho has urged Man- to winning the league but we it live, along with his fi rst-team David Silva, whose season has and relief to be able to play this chester City to remain ruthless have to keep working and clear after today’s Serie A game league would be over.” squad, at their warm weather been disrupted because of a game like we do. It gives us per- in their pursuit of the Premier keep focused, as we did since against Atalanta. AS Roma are third 14 points training camp in Abu Dhabi, family crisis, following the pre- spective and brings a moment of League title - which they could the first day, (going) game by Napoli lost 4-2 at home to AS behind Napoli. Atalanta, in where City fl ew immediately mature birth of his son Mateo in joy into our lives.” seal against Manchester United. game, step by step,” said City Roma eight days ago and were eighth, are six points off the Eu- following the Stoke win. December. City, meanwhile, can look City went 16 points clear at the midfielder Fernandinho. held by Inter Milan last weekend ropean places but are coming City’s shock exit from the The City forward has been forward to a memorable fi nale top of the table with just eight “By working hard every day, allowing Juventus to overtake off last weekend’s win at Bolo- FA Cup, at the hands of third- returning to Spain frequently to the season given their current games left in the league season every week, every game we Maurizio Sarri’s side on the top gna and have had good results tier Wigan, leaves them with- to visit his family and admitted form and dominance over the following a 2-0 win away to are going to go get there,” the of Serie A. this season with wins over AS out a game until the clash with after his superb performance Premier League although their Stoke on Monday. Brazilian added. “If we win tomorrow the Roma and AC Milan and hold- Everton on the fi nal day of the against Stoke that football has demanding manager is clearly David Silva scored two mag- For all Stoke’s reputation as a championship is absolutely not ing Napoli, Lazio and Juventus in month. “We are going to be to- been a welcome relief. not in the mood to allow his nificent goals as City moved hostile venue for opposition over,” insisted Allegri as Juventus Bergamo. Today’s game replaces gether and make three training “I think when I play football players to relax. a step closer to their first teams, City were rarely tested - unbeaten in the league since the February 25 tie which was sessions in fi ve days,” said the I forget everything, it’s good for “To motivate my players is re- Premier League title under Pep on Monday, a goal in each November 19 - target a seventh snowed off in Turin. City manager. me to play,” he said. ally easy, we are not champions Guardiola. half from David Silva securing straight title. “The numbers “We’ve been in the lead for “We are going to have lunch “I know in my private life it is yet, and when we are, we must Pep Guardiola’s men now need victory. speak for themselves. Napoli only a few days so we have to be together, dinner, some people not a very happy moment. But carry on, to focus on the next a maximum of three more “Of course it is a tough place to are still there, have 70 points good at not giving up the bone,” are playing golf. But the weather my son is fi ghting, you know, goals which is the Champions wins to make sure of lifting the come and play good football and can get to 100. That means said Allegri. conditions are better than here and I am very happy because he League quarter-fi nals,” said trophy but two will do the trick but we did it,” said Fernandinho. we need to be aiming above the “We have to take a step at a - the forecast in Manchester is is getting stronger, getting bet- Guardiola. if one of them comes against “We are happy for that and one 100-point mark.” time, there is still a direct clash rain, rain, rain! ter, so it is okay.” “There are always goals to cross-city rivals United. more step to the title.” Juventus have 71 points and with Napoli, many diffi cult “So we are going to go there City captain Vincent Kom- pursue, statistics to overcome, Should City defeat Everton on His comments echoed those of can break their record of 102 matches remain, until the end and do the training we should be pany off ered support to Silva, and we will carry on and then March 31, they could clinch the City manager Guardiola, who points for a season achieved un- Napoli will be there to fi ght. doing here. Last season we were who has been given permission work towards next season. title with a win at home in the was unconcerned as to when der Allegri’s predecessor Anto- “For us it will be diffi cult: we there and it was good and that’s to miss the Abu Dhabi trip to There is always room for im- Manchester derby on April 7. his side won the title as long as nio Conte in 2014. will have the Champions League why we’re going to the airport spend time in Spain. provement and that is what we “We cannot deny we are close they did indeed win it. “I don’t care about the quarter-fi nals and we also hope now.” “David just explained his will do.” records,” said Allegri. “If they for the semi-fi nals.”

FOCUS PAOK president apologises aft er gun incident AFP vatisations. vidis was pictured jaw to jaw license, but for the pitch inva- He did not rule out the pros- Athens FIFA is demanding swift re- with AEK’s head of football op- sion, which is a misdemeanour pect of Greek clubs sitting out sults in the attempt to restore erations, while PAOK’s technical off ence not punishable in prison. next season’s European compe- order, the latest in years of initi- director Lubos Michel – a Slovak PAOK and AEK are in a neck- titions, but insisted the national he president of Greek atives to stamp out violence and former FIFA referee – is believed and-neck race for the Super team would not be aff ected. club PAOK yesterday murky dealings in Greece’s most to have threatened match referee League title, which would be FIFA said it “now expects ap- apologised after storm- popular sport. Savvidis himself Yiorgos Kominis. the fi rst for either team for more propriate measures to be taken, Ting onto the pitch with said yesterday that Greek foot- than two decades. and rapidly.” a holstered gun tucked in his ball is “completely sick.” Praise for Tsipras Tsipras has staked his political It warned a failure to take ac- belt, an incident that prompted “Despite attacks at all levels, Savvidis, a 58-year-old to- capital on resolving the crisis, tion “to eradicate” violence the indefi nite suspension of the I will continue to fi ght for fair bacco industrialist and a former insisting he would disregard any could lead to the suspension of championship. football and honourable referee- lawmaker with the party of Rus- “political cost” to restore order the Greek association from the “I am very sorry over what ing in all matches, so that games sian President Vladimir Putin, to the league. sport’s governing body. happened. I clearly had no right are won on the pitch and not in has applauded Tsipras for “pro- “We must all decide to ignore Dubbed “Ivan the Terrible” to enter the fi eld of play in this courtrooms,” he said. tecting investors”. the political cost... It’s a ques- by adoring PAOK fans, Savvidis fashion,” Greek-Russian busi- He denied claims that he had “Hold onto Tsipras. He is a tion of will. Personally, I am de- has put the club from the north- nessman Ivan Savvidis said in a bickered with the referee and an precondition for future success,” termined to go ahead,” Tsipras ern port of Thessaloniki back in statement. offi cial from PAOK’s opponents, Savvidis said in May. said. contention after decades of the Savvidis, who has extensive AEK Athens, and claimed his “When I saw his speech (in championship being dominated holdings in Greece and is ru- foray onto the pitch at his club’s parliament) I felt exactly like Powerful figure by clubs from Athens. moured to be close to the gov- Toumba stadium was solely when I heard Vladimir Putin in His deputy minister for sport, Adding to the complications ernment of Prime Minister Alex- aimed at preventing violence 2000. I want a president like Yiorgos Vassiliadis, had said af- for the government, companies is Tsipras, was on the run for 24 from breaking out. that,” he said. ter an emergency meeting with owned by Savvidis are the main hours after an arrest warrant was “My only aim was to pro- Flanked by bodyguards, Sav- Tsipras that the league would sponsors of the Greek league. issued following Sunday’s inci- tect tens of thousands of PAOK vidis stormed onto the fi eld in “not start again without a new Savvidis bought PAOK in dent. His antics have put pres- fans from provocation, clashes, the 90th minute after a goal that framework agreed by all.” 2012, followed by ailing state to- sure on Tsipras, who is accused human victims,” he said, even would have given PAOK victory Vassiliadis said the gov- bacco manufacturer SEKAP and by rivals of allowing Savvidis to though, owing to a ban on away in the top-of-the-table clash ernment was in close contact Thessaloniki’s top hotel Make- continue a rapid rise in the Greek fans, only home supporters were was disallowed for off side. Police with European football body donia Palace in 2013, under the A picture taken on May 6, 2017, shows PAOK’s Greek-Russian business world in return for po- present. have said Savvidis is not sought UEFA, which he said had been conservative administration that president Ivan Savvidis holding the trophy after the cup final match litical support and help with pri- The diminutive, bearded Sav- over the gun, for which he has a “shocked” by the incident. preceded Tsipras. between PAOK Thessaloniki and AEK Athens in Volos. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, March 14, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Barca will make late call on Iniesta before Chelsea – Valverde Barcelona will make a late decision on whether captain Andres Iniesta is fit to face Chelsea in the Champions League today, coach Ernesto Conte and Valverde go Valverde has confirmed. Iniesta sustained a hamstring injury against Atletico Madrid on March 4 but the midfielder took part in a light training session on Monday ahead of the last-16 second leg at the Camp Nou. The first leg head-to-head as Chelsea finished 1-1. “It’s clear when a match like this arrives, a player tends to risk,” Valverde said yesterday. “What we have to decide is whether the risk is excessive.” Iniesta could be replaced by Paulinho in the starting line- look to upset Barcelona up but the Spaniard’s absence would represent a major blow ‘This question is very diff icult to answer. I think we have to wait until the end of the season and then we’ll see’ to his team’s hopes of reach- ing the quarter-finals. AFP “We know what Andres brings Barcelona to the team, not only on the pitch but as a captain,” Barcelona midfielder Sergio ntonio Conte has Busquets said. said he will consult “You give him the ball and he his players ahead of always knows what he has to Chelsea´s Champions do to create chances. Every- LeagueA clash with Barcelona on thing that he contributes is Wednesday and after the game positive. He is training and we he might do better to seek out hope he plays.” Ernesto Valverde. Lionel Messi, however, is Both coaches faced chaotic available again, after the Ar- starting points this season but gentinian missed Saturday’s only Valverde heads into this last win at Malaga to attend the 16 second leg at the Camp Nou birth of his son, Ciro. with his domestic campaign still “He will be fine,” Busquets very much intact. said. “In fact he will be more Each began the campaign at motivated than what we are the end of a frenzied summer, in used to and physically he which key players were sold, less is going to be great, after wanted ones bought and with having an extra game’s rest. I the feeling overall of a squad hope that this is perfect.” weakened rather than bolstered. Busquets was also asked Asked in September to refl ect whether he thought Messi, on the club´s transfer dealings, who scored his team’s crucial Conte said: “This question is away goal at Stamford Bridge, very diffi cult to answer. I think would ever leave Barcelona we have to wait until the end of and move to the Premier the season and then we’ll see.” League. Valverde was even less dip- “He is at home here,” Bus- lomatic. “The best thing about quets said. “He has a great this window is that it is now changing room, he is winning closed,” he said. titles, has a great project, is Each had unexpectedly found winning collective and indi- a gaping hole in attack as Ney- vidual awards. mar was lured by Paris Saint- “In the end all these positive Germain while Conte was only things are diff icult to find else- too happy to let Diego Costa where, so the Premier League leave, but then watched Man- is a league that maybe you chester United walk off with would like to play in but if you Romelu Lukaku, the intended have to balance the positive replacement. and the negative out of here, Barcelona bought Ousmane it is very diff icult to leave.” Dembele, the club´s most ex- Barcelona’s defender Gerard Pique (second left), forward Lionel Messi (second right) and defender Samuel Umtiti (right) take part in a training session at the Joan Gamper Sports pensive signing, who limped off Centre in Sant Joan Despi near Barcelona on the eve of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match against Chelsea. (AFP) 55 minutes into his debut and would not return until January. Antonio Rudiger, for Chelsea. win the tournament to play in as well as 4-3-3, and tighter at winner against Atletico Madrid. “It makes me happy to see a Chelsea, meanwhile, plumped Paulinho and Gerard Deulofeu, it again next season. The Blues the back. They have conceded Conte, meanwhile, is yet to Barca so tight and strong defen- for Alvaro Morata, who lacked on a buy-back agreement, for could certainly beat Barca - they only one more league goal than fi nd a solution to his striking sively,” Simeone said. confi dence and gumption, and Barcelona. But, eight months on, were unfortunate only to come the miserly Atletico Madrid. problems, has given oxygen to “What Valverde is doing is then in January Olivier Giroud, and with the season’s end now away from the fi rst leg with a 1-1 When Valverde was asked his confl ict with the club´s hi- wonderful. He has reinvented who had already been failing to in sight, one coach allowed the draw - or still sneak into the Pre- about the possibility of Neymar erarchy and has succeeded only them.” get into the Arsenal team. frustration to fester and deepen, mier League´s top four. returning last week, he typically in alienating his own best player, They hope to have Andres There were the players missed. while the other has ensured it is But they are 25 points behind brushed it off with minimal fuss. Eden Hazard, who is disillu- Iniesta available again after the For Chelsea, Lukaku, Alex San- all-but forgotten. Manchester City and their mis- “It is a fantasy and we will not sioned with a lone role up front. midfi elder trained on Monday, dro, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Barcelona sit eight points clear erable title defence is likely to talk about speculation we know After Barcelona edged out following a hamstring strain. and Fernando Llorente. For Bar- at the top of La Liga, and are un- mean Conte departs in May. would not end here,” he said. Atletico 1-0 earlier this month, On Chelseam Valverde said: celona, Marco Verratti, Hector beaten after 28 games. Chelsea What Conte has complicated, And he has kept Messi happy, Diego Simeone said Messi was “They are very strong and de- Bellerin and Jean Michael Seri. are fi fth, four points adrift of the Valverde has simplifi ed. Barce- the Argentinian arriving this the decisive factor but also had fend very close together. We And the ones brought in. Ross Champions League qualifi ca- lona have become more func- week with fi ve goals in his last paid tribute to Valverde´s calm have a lot of hope and all is still Barkley, Tiemoue Bakayoko and tion spots, and perhaps need to tional this season, playing 4-4-2 four games, including the crucial and calculated Barca revival. to play for.”

EPL FOCUS Ribery in, Robben out, Coach Pellegrino sorry to leave Heynckes annoyed as ‘Initial refusal to sell Van Dijk cost Pellegrino’ Bayern go to Besiktas Southampton in danger Southampton’s refusal to sell player who burst onto the inter- AFP Reuters defender Virgil van Dijk in the Munich national scene at the 2006 Ger- London close season had disrupted many World Cup. their Premier League campaign Ribery’s contract is up on which ultimately led to manager undesliga leaders Bay- June 30, as is the contract of the auricio Pellegrino said he Mauricio Pellegrino being sacked, ern Munich take a com- 72-year-old Heynckes, whom was sorry to leave Southamp- former club captain Matt Le fortable lead to Besiktas club chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- ton in danger of relegation af- Tissier has said. Southampton today where fan favour- menigge suggested was annoyed ter becoming on Monday the iteB Franck Ribery and ageing at the speculation over his fu- dismissed Pellegrino on Monday Mninth Premier League manager this season coach Jupp Heynckes can make ture. after just one victory in 17 league to lose his job. games under the manager. a case for contract extensions by “I never said that I’d be stop- Southampton managed only one win Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Newcas- securing a Champions League ping on June 30,” Heynckes said in Pellegrino’s last 17 Premier League tle United had left them a place quarter-fi nal berth. last week. matches at the helm, sliding to fourth and a point above the relegation The 5-0 fi rst-leg advantage “He’s reversed the roles on from bottom in the table, one point above zone and sealed the Argentine’s will ease Bayern’s worries over us,” Rummenigge quipped back the relegation zone. The Argentine, who fate. Le Tissier suggested that the injuries which have ruled out as the team prepared for the trip replaced Claude Puel, wrote an open letter turmoil surrounding Dutchman Arjen Robben with a pinched to Turkey. to fans which was published on the club’s Van Dijk’s future amid interest nerve, adding to a list of long- “We are the ones worrying website yesterday. from Liverpool and Manchester er-term absentees including now. I spoke about a successor, “From the beginning I tried to do my City had aff ected the team’s per- striker Kingsley Coman, ’keeper but I never spoke about a date best every single day, I tried to give back formances early in the season. Manuel Neuer and midfi elder for that successor,” said Rum- to the club and tried to represent the club Van Dijk eventually moved to Corentin Tolisso. menigge, who is thought to be with pride,” the letter began. Liverpool in January for 75 million Club chairman Karl-Heinz lining up Thomas Tuchel. “Some moments we managed this, pounds ($104.24 million), accord- Rummenigge said Robben’s Heynckes won the Champi- some moments we couldn’t, but we have ing to British media reports. exclusion was “just a precau- ons League with Bayern before been living a diffi cult season for many rea- “I think that was probably some- tion”. being pushed aside to bring in sons.” thing that, looking back with Fiery French winger Ribery Pep Guardiola, and has been a Pellegrino did lead Southampton into hindsight, the club would prob- showed he still has a point to success since his return to gal- the FA Cup quarter-fi nals, where they will ably regret, trying to keep him in make when he scored twice in vanise the side that had lost its play third-tier Wigan Athletic on Sunday, the summer,” said Le Tissier, who the 6-0 trouncing of Hamburg way under Carlo Ancelotti. but the priority for whoever takes over for scored 209 goals for Southamp- at the weekend, one of which Besiktas, making their debut the rest of the season will be to preserve ton during his 16 years at the club. capped a run where he dribbled in the knockout stages of their top-fl ight status. “They tried to do the right thing past four defenders. the Champions League, face “I feel so sorry to leave the club in this by the fans, in terms of not selling “I’m still hungry and I want to a near-impossible task after situation, but when you don’t get results their best player every season, but stay at Bayern for as long as pos- Bayern club captain Thomas I understand the decision the club has to sadly that did appear to backfire, sible,” said Ribery, a month short Mueller and Robert Lewand- take,” he said. has everything required to move forward.” and two points better off in the table. and that situation probably didn’t of his 35th birthday. owski both netted twice as they “I wish everyone all the best for the rest Southampton face a huge relegation Mark Hughes, who had a short spell help the performances in the first “But they have given me no thrashed the 10-man Turks in of the season, I have enjoyed an amazing clash in their next league match when they at Southampton as a player, is one of the half of the season.” indication that I should expect the fi rst leg with the now-in- experience and I know that Southampton go to West Ham United, who are one place leading favourites to replace Pellegrino. anything, it isn’t easy,” said the jured Coman adding the fi fth. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, March 14, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT COMMENT Bangladesh want to create own ‘brand’ in Smith demands T20s: Mahmudullah

AFP in Test and one-day internation- Colombo als, but struggled to fi nd consist- ency in the shortest format of the sport, having lost nine of their last angladesh skipper Mah- 11 T20s. centuries from mudullah said yesterday Mahmudullah urged his bowlers they plan to hone their to learn from their Indian counter- “brand” of parts, who have utilised the bat- cricketB against India in a key tri- ting-friendly conditions at the R. series showdown. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The visitors staged a 215-run Rising Indian pacemen like chase to defeat hosts Sri Lanka in Jaydev Unadkat and Shardul their second match of the tourna- Thakur have been instrumental in Australia batsmen ment, rebounding from a loss in elevating India to the top of the ta- their opener against India. ble in the series. ‘...if we’re getting batters scoring big hundreds it certainly helps us out a hell of a lot’ Bangladesh, 10th in the world Spinners Yuzvendra Chahal T20 rankings behind Afghanistan, and Washington Sundar have also Reuters will be in strong contention for the chipped in with disciplined bowl- Johannesburg tri-series fi nal if they beat table- ing and crucial strikes. toppers India today. Bangladesh’s left-arm quick Mahmudullah, who was named Mustafi zur Rahman has picked up ustralia captain Steve captain after Shakib al-Hasan was fi ve wickets in two matches but Smith has demanded ruled out of the tri-series due to leaked close to 10 runs an over. his team’s batsmen injury, said they entered the series Mahmudullah backed his strike lift their output and wanting “to create a Bangladesh paceman to come good in the re- scoreA centuries against South brand of cricket”. maining matches in conditions he Africa in the wake of their “I think the skills are there. We believes are tough for bowlers. humbling six- loss in the need to be smart to take that calcu- “I think he is a great bowler for second Test at Port Elizabeth. lated risk,” he told reporters in Co- our team, he has been doing really Australia were restricted to lombo, saying his side had to com- well. It’s just the wicket that suits 243 in the fi rst innings at St. pensate for its lack of power hitters. the batsman most,” said Mah- George’s Park and were bowled “Taking on a particular bowler mudullah. out for 239 in the second to who we think can be targeted, “Mustafi z is in great shape and give the Proteas an easy victory these sort of things we need to is our strike bowler and I will al- chase of 101 to level the series apply when we are playing. These ways back him up.” at 1-1. things will give us that Bangladesh Bangladesh have never won a While no Australian has brand of T20 cricket.” T20 tournament since they started managed a , the home The Tigers have beaten top sides playing the format in 2006. side has had two — rookie opener Aiden Markram scoring a gallant 143 in the loss in Dur- ban and AB de Villiers setting the platform for victory at Port Elizabeth with an unbeaten 126. “We haven’t got a hundred so far in this series, so that’s not ideal,” Smith told Austral- ian radio station SEN. “Mitchell Marsh probably deserved a hundred in the fi rst Test to be fair, but if we’re get- ting batters scoring big hun- dreds it certainly helps us out a hell of a lot. “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to do that so far in this series, but we’ve got a good opportunity to turn it around in the next.” After a rollicking home sum- mer against England, the pro- lifi c Australia captain has also been down on his own lofty standards. His highest score was 56 at Durban and he was dismissed cheaply twice in Port Elizabeth. Smith has scored only one ton against South Af- Australia’s captain Steve Smith leads his team including David Warner (right) off the field after their defeat on the fourth day of the second rica — an even 100 in his fi rst Test against South Africa at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Monday. (AFP) match at Centurion in 2014 — and only three fi fties in 14 in- sometimes you have to work from a groin strain. giso Rabada, who was himself gave a clean bill of health to nings against the same oppo- really hard for your runs and The Western Australian, banned for the rest of the series Australia’s pace trio of Mitchell nents since. take a little bit longer, and some who scored 96 in Durban, had for repeated code of conduct Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat “I’ve played a lot more now days you come out and things a tough test at Port Elizabeth, breaches. Cummins. since 2014 and the more you happen really quickly for you.” battling a stomach complaint “In regards to Mitch Marsh, “I think all the quicks are go- play, the more people have The four-Test series resumes and dropping a catch in the it’s a good break now between ing really well. I haven’t heard plans to you to try to keep you in Cape Town from March slips. now and the next test match today, but before today they quiet and those kind of things,” 22 and Australia will be glad He was also fi ned 20% of and he’s telling me he’ll be were all feeling fi ne, so hope- Bangladesh captain Mohammed Mahmudullah (right) with teammate Smith said. for the extended break as all- his match fee for swearing at fi ne but we’ll wait and see how fully with a good 10-day break in the dressing room after rain delayed a training session “It’s just a part of , rounder Marsh races to recover South Africa fast bowler Ka- things go,” said Smith, who also they can freshen up a little bit.” at the R Premadasa stadium in Colombo yesterday. (AFP)

England cricket hopefuls Barbados-bound New Zealand’s Wright returning to Derbyshire Former New Zealand and India coach John Wright is to return to Derby- Forget net sessions in cold indoor schools in Bradford fixture list, moving from its recent home in the UAE to coach the teams while England’s head coach Trevor shire to oversee their upcoming campaign in English domestic cricket’s or Bristol — some of England’s most promising cricket- the . Bayliss and his deputy, Paul Farbrace, are on tour in Twenty20 Blast competition, the Midlands county announced yesterday. ers will instead prepare for the upcoming English As a result, Essex, the 2017 county champions, will New Zealand with the senior England squad. Wright knows Derbyshire well, having played for the club during his season with a series of matches in Barbados starting also be heading to the Caribbean. “This year’s series was always going to be a little dif- career as a New Zealand batsman. later this week. “We introduced the North-South Series last year as ferent given the schedule of the England team which Last season saw Wright guide Derbyshire to their first Twenty20 quarter- This will be the second edition of a one-day series that part of a concerted attempt to emphasise the impor- means Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace are both in final in more than a decade before they were undone Pakistan star Sha- pits representative teams from northern and southern tance of 50-over cricket in the countdown to staging New Zealand,” said Strauss, himself a former England hid Afridi’s blistering 42-ball century for Hampshire. Wright will be back counties against each other, following the South’s 3-0 the 2019 ICC World Cup,” said England and Wales captain. working alongside former Derbyshire and England seamer Dominic series sweep in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last year. Cricket Board director of England cricket Andrew “But the appointment of two members of the England Cork. “We saw great progress in the shortest format in 2017, securing The aim is to develop England’s white-ball depth Strauss in a statement issued Tuesday. coaching staff in and Paul Colling- a home quarter-final for the first time and playing a positive brand of ahead of the country staging next year’s 50-over “The series was successful in a number of ways, allow- wood to take charge of the teams underlines that the cricket throughout the competition,” said Derbyshire cricket advisor Kim World Cup. ing players to press their World Cup claims in front of stakes will again be high for the players selected,” Barnett. “John, Dominic and all the players are determined to build on But long-format county players will also be on show the England selectors and management.” added Strauss, who on Monday announced a shake- the successes from last summer and continue our progression in this in Barbados with the first-class match between MCC Two former England internationals in Paul Colling- up that will see James Whitaker leave his role as format,” the former Derbyshire captain added. “Our ultimate aim is to and the champion county, once a staple of the Lord’s wood (North) and Mark Ramprakash (South), will England’s head selector next month. reach Finals Day and bring silverware to Derbyshire.”

QATAR AIRWAYS DIVISION ‘A’ T20 Khetco and United Challengers make it to fi nal By Sports Reporter of his team’s total. He smashed fi ve ers by Farhan and Ahnaf with 17 balls Brief scores Doha sixes and seven boundaries to compile to spare. Khetco beat City Exchange by nine 78. Buhari (three for 30) and Rayees Ajay’s 59 off 36 balls with three runs grabbed fi ve wickets to be the most sixes and four boundaries lifted Regal Khetco: 182 for eight in 20 overs haleel’s electrifying 45- successful City Exchange bowlers. Strikers to a fi ghting 150 for nine in 20 (Khaleel 78 in 45 balls, Buhari 3/30, ball 78 was backed up well City Exchange put up a spirited overs. Aamin added 39 in 28 deliver- Rayees 2/34) by bowlers Musawir and chase, which was spearheaded by ies, blasting four sixes and two fours. City Exchange: 173 for nine in 20 overs Naveed, setting up a splendid Jackson. He cracked 61 off just 31 balls, Farhan, who got four scalps for 31 runs (Jackson 61 in 31 balls, Faisal 22 in 19 Knine-run triumph for Khetco against hitting two sixes and seven bounda- in four overs, and Niksy (two for 19 in balls, Musawir 3/24, Naveed 2/31) City Exchange in the semi-fi nals of ries. Faisal chipped in 22 with three three overs) managed to restrict the Man of the Match: Khaleel of Khetco the Qatar Airways Twenty20 Cricket fours in 19 balls. However, Musawir opponents. for 78 runs and one stumping. Tournament for Division A teams. and Naveed struck vital blows to have United Challengers batted stead- Qatar Airways, one of the young- the rivals falling short of the target ily and secured the win in 17.1 overs as United Challengers beat Regal est airlines in the world with a strong narrowly. Ahnaf smashed a six and six bounda- Strikers by four wickets presence in all six continents, is the Musawir grabbed three wickets for ries in his fi ne 27-ball 41. Imran con- Regal Strikers: 150 for nine in 20 overs sponsor of the tournament and has 24 in four overs and Naveed scalped tributed 18 , including a six and (Ajay 56 in 36 balls, Aamin 39 in 28 been supporting the Qatar Cricket As- two players for 31. Khaleel was named a four, to drive the chase, despite fi ve balls, Farhan 4/31, Niksy 2/19) sociation in the development of the the Man of the Match for his fi ne half- wickets by Sulah (three for 33) and United Challengers: 153 for six in 17.1 game in the country. century and one stumping. Shamsher (two for 24). overs (Ahnaf 41 in 27 balls, Imran 18 in After being put into bat fi rst, Khetco In the fi nal, Khetco will clash with Farhan was adjudged the Man of the 12 balls, Sulah 3/33, Shamsher 2/24) piled up a stiff 182 for eight in 20 overs. United Challengers, who were guided Match for his four-wicket haul and a Man of the Match: Farhan of United Khaleel batted solidly to lay the base to a four-wicket win over Regal Strik- catch. Challengers for four wickets. Khaleel of Khetco Farhan of United Challengers Gulf Times Wednesday, March 14, 2018 5 SPORT

NHL Ovechkin hits 600th goal of his career as Capitals win Ovechkin became the fourth player to reach 600 goals in less than 1,000 games, reaching the mark in his 990th game

Reuters Tyler Toff oli led the Kings with a goal Washington and an assist, while Anze Kopitar, Tan- ner Pearson also tallied for the Kings as they posted their eighth win in 12 vgeny Kuznetsov scored with games. 49 seconds left in overtime, and Alex Ovechkin collected SHARKS 5, RED WINGS 3 the 600th goal of his NHL ca- Timo Meier and Chris Tierney both reerE earlier as the Washington Capi- collected one goal and one assist and tals defeated the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 on goalie Martin Jones stopped 23 shots Monday night in Washington. as San Jose beat Detroit. Tierney iced it Kuznetsov got a breakaway and with an empty netter with 94 seconds beat goalie Connor Hellebuyck (40 remaining in regulation. The Sharks saves) with a high shot in an overtime fi nished a six-game homestand at SAP where Washington had all seven shots. Center with a 4-2 mark and sit second Ovechkin fi nished with two goals after in the Pacifi c Division. Jimmy Howard not scoring a point in the past three made 29 saves for the Red Wings, who games. However, he scored once in each have lost seven straight, including six of the fi rst two periods to become the in regulation. Tyler Bertuzzi collected 20th player ever to reach the 600-goal three assists in the loss. milestone. In addition, Ovechkin be- came the fourth NHL player to reach SENATORS 5, PANTHERS 3 600 goals in less than 1,000 games — Matt Duchene and Magnus Paa- this was the 990th game of his career. jarvi scored two goals each as Ottawa Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and snapped Florida’s franchise-record Brett Hull are the others. eight-game home winning streak. Florida’s Aleksander Barkov nearly gave GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3, FLYERS 2 the Panthers their fi rst lead of the game Erik Haula, William Karlsson and Ryan when he got a breakaway, shorthand- Carpenter scored one goal each to lift ed attempt with 5:51 left in the third Vegas past Philadelphia at the Wells period. But Barkov failed to fool Ot- Fargo Center. Golden Knights goal- tawa goalie Craig Anderson, a Broward tender Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 38 County resident and a former Panther. shots in earning his 400th career win, After Barkov came up empty, Duchene third among active players. It was Ve- and Alexandre Burrows scored for Ot- gas’ 45th victory this season, an ongo- tawa to snap a 3-3 tie. ing record for an expansion franchise in the National Hockey League. Claude RANGERS 6, HURRICANES 3 Giroux and Wayne Simmonds scored Jimmy Vesey scored a hat trick, includ- for the Flyers and goaltender Petr ing the go-ahead goal midway through Mrazek made 26 saves in the loss. Alex Ovechkin (left) of Washington Capitals skates past Josh Morrissey of Winnipeg Jets during the NHL match in Washington, DC, on Monday. (AFP) the third period, and Mats Zuccarello added two goals to lead New York to a BLUE JACKETS 5, CANADIENS 2 consecutive victories at Nationwide in Anaheim. Patrik Berglund gave the the Ducks within a marker at 6:15 with shots for his fourth shutout of the sea- win over visiting Carolina. The Rang- Alexander Wennberg notched a goal Arena, this one after falling behind just Blues valuable insurance with his ninth his ninth goal, defl ecting a Chris Kel- son as hometown Los Angeles blanked ers snapped a three-game losing streak and three assists, and Sergei Bobrovsky 34 seconds into the clash. goal at 11:28 of the third period, taking a ly shot, but Anaheim couldn’t avoid Vancouver. With the win, the Kings with the win, while the Hurricanes lost stopped 38 shots as Columbus claimed pass in the high slot from Kyle Brodziak its third straight loss. It stayed at 80 moved above the National Hockey for the third time in four games. a win over Montreal in Columbus. De- BLUES 4, DUCKS 2 and wiring a wrister by John Gibson. points, good for third in the Pacifi c Di- League playoff bar. Their 81 points put Vesey scored the go-ahead goal with fenseman Seth Jones, however, left the Four players scored a goal each and Jake It was the second straight win for vision, after going 7-1-1 in its previous two points behind San Jose for second 7:45 left in the game, beating Scott Dar- game after the second period due to an Allen made 20 saves for just his fourth the Blues, who moved within a point nine games. place in the Pacifi c Division. LA also ling short-side for his 14th goal of the upper-body injury. win in 21 games as St. of Colorado for the conference’s last moved a point ahead of both Colorado season. Vesey’s goal came less than four The Blue Jackets have won fi ve Louis dumped Anaheim in a matchup playoff spot, three days before they KINGS 3, CANUCKS 0 and Anaheim in the Western Confer- minutes after a Victor Rask goal tied the straight games and have claimed six of Western Conference playoff hopefuls host the Avalanche. Derek Grant pulled Goaltender Jonathan Quick stopped 35 ence wild-card race. score at three 8:23 into the period.

NBA MLB Harden powers Rockets to victory Phillies’ Arrieta thanks Cubs, fans in handwritten letter as Spurs problems deepen Young Award. He went 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA and Reuters Chicago 190 punch outs the next season to earn his lone All- AFP Star selection and help the Cubs end their infamous Los Angeles 108-year World Series drought. ake Arrieta was nearly ready to walk away Overall, Arrieta went 68-31 with 2.73 ERA in 128 from baseball when the Chicago Cubs came starts with Chicago. ames Harden scored 28 points as the calling. After four rocky seasons with the “Chicago was our home, and will forever be a Houston Rockets tightened their grip Baltimore Orioles, Arrieta was dealt to the special place for my entire family. We raised our on fi rst place in the Western Confer- CubsJ in 2013. The move couldn’t have worked out children in Wrigleyville, one of the most iconic ence on Monday with a 109-93 vic- any better for Arrieta, who became a Cy Young win- places in all of sports. Going to work everyday was toryJ over the San Antonio Spurs. ner, All-Star and a World Series champion. an honor for many reasons from the storied history Another inspirational display from MVP- On Monday, Arrieta left Chicago in free agency of the organization, to the high character individu- candidate Harden included six rebounds after fi ve seasons to sign a multi-year deal with als I was surrounded by year after year. and six assists as the Rockets delighted their the Philadelphia Phillies. The eight-year veteran “Three consecutive NLCS appearances, two NL home fans to improve to 53 and 14 at the top penned a heartfelt letter by hand to thank the Cubs Central titles, and a World Series Championship... of the standings. The Rockets now have a and their fans before leaving. The fi rst in 108 years, childhood dreams turned two-game advantage over the Golden State “In the midst of what felt like never-ending ad- reality, thanks to so many amazing people, all hold- Warriors as the playoff s approach, meaning versity and failure, I was traded to the Chicago ing one another to a very high standard.” they are in pole position to retain home ad- Cubs on July 2nd, 2013,” Arrieta wrote. “This day Arrieta signed a three-year, $75mn deal to join vantage through the postseason. was the beginning of a four and a half year stretch the Phillies, joining Carlos Santana as the second Harden was backed by 18 points from that would forever change our lives. On the verge high-profi le player to join the 2008 World Series point guard Chris Paul, who had nine assists of walking away from the game I love dearly, (Cubs champs in free agency this off season. and three rebounds. Trevor Ariza added 15 president of baseball operations) Theo (Epstein) “I send gracious thanks to the (Cubs owners) points while big man Clint Capela scored 13 called, and the transformation began. I looked my- Ricketts family and front offi ce for the commitment with nine rebounds. Gerald Green added 14 self in the mirror, as well as my two year old son and to winning at any cost. Going the extra mile to take off the bench. pregnant wife knowing in my heart that everything care of our families was never taken for granted. I The victory also means Golden State are was about to change.” was lucky to have dedicated teammates that will- assured of a playoff berth for a sixth straight Arrieta went 20-25 with a 5.46 ERA and 277 ingly shed blood, sweat, and tears to achieve our season. Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni paid strikeouts in 69 games with the Orioles from 2010 goals,” Arrieta wrote. tribute to his team’s stamina during a gruel- to 2013.He was shipped to the Cubs along with “I will miss going to battle with all of you, but ling recent run of fi xtures. “We’ve played a Pedro Strop and cash in exchange for Steve Clev- look forward to competing on opposite sides mov- lot of games in 10 days,” D’Antoni said. “To enger and Scott Feldman. ing forward. Lastly, thanks to all Cubs fans around have the legs and be able to do what they’re In his fi rst half-season with the Cubs, Arri- the world for standing with us, and investing in us doing and put the game away is pretty good.” eta showed marked improvement while going 4-2 even where times were tough. You will all be missed D’Antoni said his team would now be fo- with a 3.66 ERA in nine starts. Two years later, dearly. Thanks for the memories.” cused on fi nishing fi rst while ensuring their Arrieta posted a career-best record of 22-6 with a Arrieta closed out his letter by signing it “49”, his squad would be at full fi tness for the play- 1.77 ERA and 236 strikeouts en route to the NL Cy jersey number with the Cubs. off s. “We want to fi nish fi rst, get home court advantage, make sure everybody’s healthy,” D’Antoni told reporters. Injury-hit San Antonio, meanwhile, who Jake Arrieta signed a have struggled in the absence of Kawhi Le- James Harden (left) of Houston Rockets drives past Rudy Gay of San Antonio Spurs during three-year, $75mn deal to onard and LaMarcus Aldridge, mostly failed the NBA game in Houston, Texas, on Monday. (AFP) join the Phillies. to impose themselves on the Rockets de- fence. Bryn Forbes and Derrick White led the playoff s as the injury crisis eases. season in a 106-101 defeat of the Sacramen- the scoring off the bench with 14 points “Everybody tries to be the best they can to Kings. Westbrook fi nished with 17 points, each, while Rudy Gay was the leading scorer be by playoff time, and that will be our goal 10 rebounds and 11 assists as the Thunder out of the starters with 13 points. too — to be in the playoff s and be as good as improved to 40-29 to move up to fourth The loss saw the Spurs fall out of the we can possibly be, no matter what the cir- place in the Western Conference. playoff position in the Western Conference. cumstances are,” said Popovich, who was In the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Gregg Popovich’s team are now in 10th place pleased with the contribution of French Bucks cruised to a routine 121-103 win over in the standings, and will need to arrest a veteran Tony Parker, who underwent knee the Memphis Grizzlies, staying in eighth steep dip in form if they are to avoid missing surgery last year. place in the playoff seedings. Khris Mid- the postseason for the fi rst time since 1996- “I think he’s starting to feel in pretty good dleton had 24 points and Giannis Antetok- 1997. The Spurs have now lost 11 of their last shape, pretty confi dent about his knee, ounmpo 20. Brandon Jennings excelled off 14 games, and are in a battle to make the and starting to exert that leadership again, the bench with 16 points, 12 assists and eight playoff s in a crowded mid-table where only which we’ll need,” Popovich said.”I think rebounds. one game separates the teams placed sev- he’s on the right trajectory for sure.” RESULTS enth to 10th. The top eight teams reach the Elsewhere Tuesday, Russell Westbrook Houston109 San Antonio 93; Milwaukee 121 playoff s. Popovich meanwhile said he hoped had a triple double as the Oklahoma City Memphis 103; Oklahoma City 106 Sacramento his team could be revitalised by the time of Thunder brought up their 40th win of the 101; Portland 115 Miami 99 Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, March 14, 2018 SPORT

RUGBY Italy mull bid for 2026 Winter Wales boss Gatland wary Olympics Milan: Italy are considering a push to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, two years after Rome’s mayor scuppered the city’s bid for the 2024 Sum- of ‘disciplined’ France mer Games. In 2016, major Virginia Raggi’s anti-estab- lishment Five Star Movement killed off the Italian capital’s ‘I hope so. I hope they have been partying all night in Paris after that win — they deserve it!’ bid to host a first Summer Olympics since 1960. AFP But M5S party founder Cardiff , United Kingdom Beppe Grillo, a former stand- up comedian, has since done a U-turn and believes “the ales coach Warren Gat- Olympic Games are a great land jokingly said he hoped occasion for Turin and for the France had been “party- Movement”. ing all night” after beat- “We will prove we can Wing England ahead of their Six Nations have zero debts and (host) fi nale in Cardiff on Saturday. Wales will in a sustainable way,” said be assured of the runners-up spot be- Grillo. Turin’s M5S mayor hind already-crowned champions Ire- Chiara Appendino wants the land if they record a bonus-point win northern Italian city to issue over France at the Principality Stadium. a “manifestation of interest” But the French will arrive in Wales to the International Olympic buoyed by a 22-16 victory over England Committee. in Paris last weekend that ended the Meanwhile, the president visitors’ hopes of a third successive Six of the Veneto Region, Luca Nations title. This was France’s second Zaia, of the right-wing Lega straight victory following a 34-17 defeat Nord party, has put forward of perennial strugglers Italy and a sure the hypothesis of a candi- sign of their recovery under new coach dacy of the Dolomites. Milan Jacques Brunel, appointed after Guy is also being considered. Noves was sacked following a miserable Italian Olympic Committee two-year spell in charge that yielded (CONI) president Giovanni just seven victories in 22 matches. Malago said that any decision Asked if France might struggle to would depend on the future produce two “big” performances on government. consecutive weekends, Gatland told Italy was plunged into reporters: “I hope so. I hope they have uncertainty after the March 4 been partying all night in Paris after elections resulted in a hung that win — they deserve it!” parliament with no group in a On a more serious note, however, position to govern alone. The Gatland paid tribute to the infl uence of M5S became Italy’s leading Brunel. But for an extraordinary last- single party with 32.7% of ditch drop-goal from Jonathan Sexton, the vote. the former Perpignan and Italy coach Italy has twice hosted the would have won his fi rst game in charge Winter Olympics — Cortina of France in their Championship opener d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites against an Ireland side who are now just in 1956 and Turin in 2006. 80 minutes away from a Grand Slam. Sion in Switzerland has “You have to take your hat off to already announced it intends Jacques Brunel in terms of the discipline to bid, with Turkey also he has brought into the squad,” said considering throwing its hat Gatland. “They played like that — they France rugby union players take part in weight-lifting session, as part of the team’s preparation for the Six Nations match against Wales. (AFP) in the ring, along with Inns- played with discipline against England. bruck in Austria, Calgary in They deserved to win the match.” few more games under their belt, a win at home to Italy. Wales ran in fi ve tries, warned such indiscipline could prove lem, but he catches him high and it pos- Canada, Stockholm and the The New Zealander added: “Their against Italy, they are showing some co- including two from powerhouse wing costly against stronger opposition sibly could have been a red card.” Japanese city of Sapporo. defence looks strong at the moment, hesion now having been together for a George North, against the Azzurri but “He gave away what I thought was Former Ireland boss Gatland insisted: Almaty in Kazakhstan is it was good in the fi rst game against number of games. I thought they were they were down to 13 men early in the a penalty that did not need to be given “I don’t want him to lose that emotion. another possible candidate. Ireland. They were unlucky not to win exceptionally good against England.” second half after both Liam Williams away at the breakdown,” Gatland said. That what makes him as a good as he is Beijing will host the 2022 that, and then they started well against Gatland is set to revert to his fi rst- and Gareth Davies were shown yellow “The tackle at the end — I understand — he is physical, he has got great work Winter Games, after hosting Scotland (a match France eventually choice side, with regular captain Alun cards. Gatland was particularly an- what he was trying to do, he was trying rate, he has great energy and you don’t the Summer Games in 2008. lost 32-26 in Edinburgh). Wyn Jones in line to return to the sec- noyed by the way Williams got himself to hit him as hard as he could. There was want to take those things away from him. Paris won the right to host “Probably conditioning and fi tness ond row, after making 10 changes to sin-binned for a high tackle on op- just a bit of frustration, and if he makes When things aren’t quite going his way, the 2024 Summer Olympics. wise it cost them a little but having a his starting XV for Sunday’s 38-14 win posing fullback Matteo Minozzi and that tackle a bit lower there is no prob- he needs to keep control and keep calm.”

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT England’s Armand ready for Ireland Hamad al-Qadhi leads Hathab AFP London series ahead of ninth leg

on Armand is ready to play any- where in England’s back row after being called up as No. 8 cover for Exeter colleague Sam Simmonds aheadD of their Six Nations fi nale against Ireland. Back-to-back defeats by Scotland and France have wrecked England’s dreams of a third successive Six Nations title and now they will try to do to already-crowned champions Ireland what the Irish did to them in Dublin last season by denying the visitors a Grand Slam on Saturday. It is 12 years since England last lost three games in a single Championship campaign. This is in addition to the fact that loose “We took Don to Argentina. He’s a good But they have yet to be beaten at Twicken- forwards such as Billy Vunipola, Sam Un- solid player, who keeps on playing well for ham since Australian coach Eddie Jones took derhill and Tom Curry were already side- Exeter,” Jones said. charge following their fi rst-round exit on lined. Jones gave Armand his England debut “We’ve got a few injuries in that No 8 spot home soil at the 2015 World Cup. off the bench in Argentina last year, when so we’re relying on Simmonds and need an- But following a 22-16 loss to France last several fi rst-choice players were with the other back-up in that area.” weekend, England fi nd themselves con- British and Irish Lions in New Zealand. Armand has played most of club rugby fronting a back-row injury crisis with both But for all that Armand has been a re- this season at either openside or blindside Nathan Hughes and Courtney Lawes ruled spected performer for Premiership cham- fl anker, but the 29-year-old had no qualms out as a result of knee problems suff ered in pions Exeter, Jones had not recalled him for about moving to a central position in the Paris. England duty until this week. three-man back-row if needed.

FOCUS By Sports Reporter trian Federation (QEF) and Al tions. President of Qatar Boxing Doha Shaqab and will run until April Federation (QBF) Yusuf al-Kaz- 2018. im said that the aim of partici- Organisers aim to improve pating in Poland is to gain ex- QIA football tournament from next week amad Nasser al- the standard of horse riding perience for boxers as they will Qadhi is leading the among Qatari youths through up against Cuban, Russian and he 6th edition of the QIA Thursdays and Fridays at Doha nent Indian expatriate associa- football tournament for Indian Hathab Equestrian Se- Hathab, while also encourag- Ukrainian opponents. football tournament for Stadium. The Qatar Indian As- tions, working towards the em- expatriates, which is recognized ries standings, ahead ing the involvement of private He noted that the Polish the Indian expatriate sociation for Sports and Games powerment of Indian community by Ministry of Culture & Sports, Hof the ninth leg of the popular stables and individual horse tournament is one of the best community will be held (QIA) is conducting the event in State of Qatar by creating rec- Qatar Football Association and event, which will be held at Al owners to increase awareness of tournaments because it brings Tin the third week of March. The with the support from Qatar reational platform for of Indian Supreme Committee for Shaqab this Friday and Saturday. horsemanship as part of Qatar’s together a mix of the best coun- fi nal is scheduled for 2nd week of Football association. expatriates. QIA football tour- & Legacy. Around 12 teams will Nasser al-Ghazali is the second history and tradition. Results of tries in the world in the game May, with matches being held on QIA is one of the most promi- nament is the only national level battle it out for the trophy. place, followed by Rashed Tu- the competition will be used in in Asia, Europe, and South waim al-Marri in third. the selection process of riders to America. The QBF President In the junior’s, Saeed al- represent Qatar in future inter- expressed hope that the players Qadhi occupies the fi rst place. national competitions. Each leg will achieve good results in the Mohamed Sultan al-Suwaidi will carry points, with only top tournament so that they will be and Mohamed Saeed Haydan seven results to be counted, and motivated before competing in are in second and third place an overall winner to be declared the Arab championship sched- respectively. Hathab, meaning at the end of series. uled in Sudan from April 2 to 8. ‘Canter’ in Arabic, is an initia- Al-Kazim said that the na- tive launched by Qatar Olympic QATAR TO PARTICIPATE IN tional team is preparing for Committee President HE Sheikh POLAND INTERNATIONAL many important champion- Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani. BOXING TOURNAMENT ships, most notably the Asian The series, which carries a The Qatari boxing team is taking Games scheduled in Indonesia total prize money of QR1 mil- part in the Polish Feliks Stamm in August, as well as the Asian lion, is open for Qatari nationals tournament, which be held till Youth Championship in Thai- and also to residents of Qatar. March 17. Five Qatari boxers will land at the end of April, quali- The 12-leg event is being con- be in action as they prepare for fi ers for the Youth Olympics in ducted jointly by Qatar Eques- the upcoming major competi- Argentina in September. Gulf Times Wednesday, March 14, 2018 7 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Garcia ponders Masters return as Venus knocks out fatherhood looms

AFP Tiger ‘will do well’ Washington Woods, a 14-time major cham- pion and four-time Masters win- ner, appears to be peaking in his ergio Garcia began han- surgery comeback with the Mas- Serena, Wozniacki dling Masters champion ters looming on April 5-8. duties in astonishing “It has obviously been a big fashion yesterday, speak- impact,” Garcia said of Woods’ ‘It wasn’t very easy, obviously. ingS on a conference call from a return to form. hospital where his wife was about “We all know what kind of It was good to play and try to to give birth to their fi rst child. player he is and player he can be The 38-year-old Spaniard, when he’s healthy. The way he get in the rhythm’ who captured his fi rst major title has been able to swing doesn’t marches on last April at Augusta National, look like he’s in any pain - that’s AFP and wife Angela, whom he mar- the most important thing. Indian Wells, United States ried last July, were at a Texas “I’m sure he’s excited to come hospital awaiting a baby girl who back to Augusta. It’s a place was not expected to arrive until where he has done well. I expect erena Williams’ return Sunday. he will do well. I don’t know how to the WTA Tour came “It looks like she’s coming a well. I expect he will be a lit- to an abrupt end Mon- little early,” Garcia told reporters. tle nervous. He will have to deal day as she crashed out “It has been an eventful morn- with all those feelings again.” ofS Indian Wells with a 6-3, 6-4 ing. About an hour and a half Garcia, who has won at Valder- loss to her sister Venus. ago Angela’s water broke. We’re rama and Singapore and switched Venus closed out the 29th ca- at the hospital. Exciting. Nerv- equipment from TaylorMade to reer meeting between the two ous. It’s very exciting and nerve- Callaway since capturing the on her second match point as wracking at the same time.” Masters green jacket, isn’t con- Serena sailed a forehand long The situation left Garcia cerned about being considered a to end the third-round show- pondering one dream come 2018 Augusta favourite. down. true, matching Spanish idols “I don’t know if I should be,” It was the fi rst meeting be- Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Garcia said. “It doesn’t really tween the sisters since they Olazabal as a Masters champion matter to me. I like my game. I’m clashed in the fi nal of the 2017 last year, while another dream, happy with my new equipment. Australian Open, which Serena becoming a dad, was happening I’m as excited as I can be to come won before taking a 15-month around him. back there and defend my title.” hiatus due to her pregnancy. “It’s kind of surreal,” Garcia Garcia has asked Olazabal Serena said she is still easing said. “It has been unbelievable, about time management as a her way back into match fi tness. everything that has been going Masters champion but not in- “It wasn’t very easy, obvious- on. It has been great, every mo- quired to rival dads about how fa- ly,” she said. “It was good to play ment of it. I’ve been fortunate therhood could impact his game. and try to get in the rhythm and to have an amazing career, an “It can’t be that diff erent from get into the swing again. amazing life and now it’s getting what we deal with week in and “I can’t really replicate the even better.” week out. We can manage it,” situation no matter how much Garcia couldn’t compare the Garcia said of time constraints. I do in practice. I make those pressure of competing for a ma- “Every child is diff erent and shots 10 times out of 10 in jor title with that of expecting to every family is a diff erent one. practice. become a fi rst-time father. You’ve got to fi gure out what “It’s just the nerves, the an- “It’s a diff erent feeling. I’m works for you. It’s brand new for ticipation you feel naturally. not the one having it. I’m on the both of us. We’re not sure what It’s a little bit of everything outside looking in. I’m a little to expect. We’ll get the experi- that comes in a match that just nervous,” Garcia said. ence of being together with the doesn’t normally happen.” “I look forward to everything, baby in the best way for all of us.” The 10th seeded Venus moves to raise a little girl, make all the The baby has nursery walls on to the round of 16 where she decisions as best as we can. of light gray and pink plus some will face Anastasija Sevastova, Hopefully we have a healthy “cute little dresses” for the Mas- who defeated 12th seeded Julia baby girl that grows up to be an ters, where Garcia needs a new Georges 6-3, 6-3. Venus Williams and Serena Williams hug after their third round match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Venus amazing woman.” rental house. “We need a big- It is rare for the Williams sis- won the match. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports No golfer has won the Mas- ger place with the baby coming,” ters to play this early in a tour- ters twice in a row since Tiger Garcia said. “I’m not that super- nament and the earliest they Serena said. later. title at the Australian Open, be- the line judge mistakenly called Woods in 2001 and 2002, and stitious to try and do everything have faced each other since Despite the loss Serena still Asked about the incident coming the fi rst Danish woman the ball in. Woods, 42, had his best PGA fi n- the same. I don’t think it depends their fi rst encounter at the Aus- leads their career series 17-12. fi nally being put to rest, Ve- to win a major. Wozniacki said the court ish in nearly fi ve years last week, on that. It’s just a matter of going tralian Open in 1998. This was their fi rst encounter nus said, “It never crossed my The 27-year-old world No. conditions were diffi cult but sharing second at the Valspar back there and concentrating on They arrived outside the sta- with Venus as an aunt and Ser- mind.” 2 Wozniacki moves on to the she managed to make adjust- Championship where Garcia was what I’m doing and do it the best dium together on a golf cart ena as a new mother after giv- Serena said she is trying not fourth round where she will face ments. fourth. I can so I can defend my title.” then walked through the tunnel ing birth to her baby daughter, to look too far into the season. 20th seeded Russian Daria Ka- “These courts are really with Serena entering the court Alexis Olympia, on September “I have a lot to improve on,” satkina, who surprised reign- diffi cult to play on. That’s Sergio Garcia celebrates fi rst, as many in the crowd stood 1. she said. ing US Open champion Sloane also why you see a lot of upsets,” winning the Masters at and cheered. Venus’s victory also comes 17 Elsewhere, Australian Open Stephens 6-4, 6-3. she said. “The ball bounces re- Augusta National Golf Venus blasted six aces but years after an ugly booing inci- champ Caroline Wozniacki “I managed to get my feet go- ally high and it goes extremely Club in Augusta. (Reuters) had eight double faults in the dent led to a 14-year boycott of benefi ted from a challenge call ing more, and to start playing slow.” one hour 26 minute main sta- the tournament by the sisters. in the fi nal game en route to de- more steady, and that paid off In other women’s third round dium match in front of a crowd It brought closure to the once feating Aliaksandra Sasnovich today,” said Wozniacki. matches on Monday, French of about 13,000. testy relationship between In- 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. Wozniacki challenged a call seventh seed Caroline Garcia Serena is still shaking off the dian Wells and the sisters who in the fi nal game when the line defeated Australia’s Daria Ga- rust after the long layoff as she hail from the Los Angeles sub- First major judge ruled that Sasnovich’s vrilova 7-5, 6-4. hit four aces but had her serve urb of Compton. Wozniacki silenced the crit- shot caught the line. Danielle Collins also won her broken four times. Serena returned to the tour- ics earlier this year when she Wozniacki asked for a second third round match, defeating “I just have a long way to go,” nament in 2015 and Venus a year claimed her fi rst Grand Slam look and the review showed that Sofya Zhuk of Russia 6-4, 6-4.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Players champ Kim Federer rolls into fourth round eager to defend title AFP Indian Wells, United States Reuters like to come back and win this Seoul one and defend my title,” he added. Kim, ranked 53rd in the orld number one Roger Fe- world, said that while it was an derer stepped up his bid for fter becoming the honour to have won the same a sixth Indian Wells Masters youngest golfer to win title as Choi, he had a long way title with a 6-2, 6-1 demoli- The Players Champi- to go to matching the feats of the Wtion of Filip Krajinovic on Monday. onship in 2017, South South Korean trailblazer, who The 36-year-old marvel continues to Korea’sA Kim Si-woo has now has won eight times on the elite defy the ageing process as he needed just set his sights on being the fi rst US tour. 58 minutes to overpower the Serb with a to successfully defend the title “I don’t think I’m quite there brilliant display of Swiss timing. when he returns to TPC Saw- yet. Obviously K.J. has a lot “I was feeling like he was not loving my grass in May. more wins and a lot of experi- slice and I was also mixing in dropshots,” The Seoul native stunned a ence. I currently only have two said Federer who extended his perfect strong fi eld last year to win the wins. But I defi nitely hope to be record this season to 14-0. PGA Tour’s fl agship event when as great by having more wins and “I really I was able to mix up my game he was 21-years-old, his victory playing on the tour.” nicely, make it diffi cult for him. At the coming six years after compa- Kim also said he was glad to same time, have fun with my game, play a triot K.J. Choi also took the title. be returning to full fi tness after variation, but for the most part try to stay If Kim defends his title at the his form was hampered by a back on the off ensive.” $10.5 million tournament from problem. “I went back to Korea Federer blasted six aces, had one dou- May 10-13 this year, he would be last winter, and I think just hav- ble fault and won 89 percent of his fi rst the fi rst to do so since it was es- ing the cold weather there didn’t serve points, losing just three points on tablished in 1974. help, and I didn’t really exercise or his serve the entire match. “Someone told me there stretch as much as I should have, “I actually was explosive out there to- hasn’t been any back-to-back so looking back, I think that’s day and I felt good,” he said. “So I’m very champion, and I’ve noticed a lot what caused a lot of the injury,” he happy how things are turning out to be.” of champions who come back said. “Now it feels great. I’m able After handing back an early break to don’t play well,” the 22-year- to swing without any pain.” allow Krajinovic to draw level at two-all, old said at a media event at TPC He added that it was great to Federer moved into cruise control. Roger Federer of Switzerland attempts a running forehand in his match against Filip Krajinovic of Serbia during the BNP Paribas Sawgrass in Florida on Monday. see Tiger Woods, who won the At one point he won 17 straight points Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP) “I would like to change that, Players in 2001 and 2013, return- en route to taking a 6-2, 3-0 lead, win- and I’m already preparing to ing to the tour after recovering ning 10 of the fi nal 11 games in the match. a row doesn’t faze him. “You’ve got to be a row. I think I’m okay.” Federer has already his match with Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay come back and defend my title from back surgeries. Federer, who is the defending champi- ready for it. It’s what tennis players do. won two titles in 2018, claiming his 20th in the third set with a right ankle sprain. this year.” “To know that we’re both The on and trying to win a record sixth title in We wait, we play, we wait again, we play Grand Slam crown by winning the Austral- Cuevas was leading 3-, 6-4, 4-2 when Kim said returning to the Players and to know that we both the California desert, was on the centre again. ian Open in January. The other victory came Thiem packed it in. scene of his biggest victory con- won on this course, it’s pretty stadium for the third day in a row. His “In Rotterdam I played fi ve matches in in Rotterdam. In the next round he faces Also, American Taylor Fritz defeated jured up many happy memories. amazing, and to just see him out opening match on Saturday night against a row,” he said. “Back in the day, I used to Jeremy Chardy, who beat fellow Frenchman Fernando Verdasco of Spain, 4-6, 6-2, “To see my pictures up on there practising is just unreal be- Federico Delbonis carried over into Sun- play six matches in a row. Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 4-6, 6-1. 7-6 (7/1), Croatia’s Borna Coric breezed the wall and to drive up to this cause he’s such a legendary play- day afternoon after heavy rains forced a “At the Masters 1000s, when the format In other men’s matches, fi fth seeded past Roberto Bautista 6-1, 6-3 and Pablo course, it brings back a lot of er and I watched him growing up postponement of several night matches. was diff erent, it was the best-of-fi ve-set Dominic Thiem became the latest top Carreno-Busta of Spain, stopped Russian memories, and even though all and watched him just dominate He said playing matches three days in fi nals in the fi nals. Playing three matches in seed to fall as he was forced to retire from Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 7-5. tournaments are great, I would the sport,” said Kim.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTOGP Rossi’s quest for tenth crown begins this weekend in Losail At a stage in life when most riders have hung up their leathers, the 39-year old Italian continues to defy age and logic

sk even the most fervent MotoGP fan what hap- pened on October 25, 2009 and the response maybeA nothing more than a wild guess or shrug of the shoulders. It was the day in Malaysia when Valentino Rossi last won a Mo- toGP World Championship. Ever since, the question of whether Rossi can win an elusive 10th title has been asked a gazil- lion times and then some. As the wild celebrations subsided in the early hours of October 26, 2009, nobody thought for a nanosec- ond that nearly a decade later, Rossi wouldn’t have managed to take his title tally into double fi g- ures. Likewise, very few waking up with tired eyes and sore heads in Kuala Lumpur could have en- visaged Rossi maintaining the desire and motivation to be at- tempting to capture wins and ti- tles less than a year from his 40th birthday. But here we are counting down the hours to Grand Prix of Qatar, Valentino Rossi is tipped to sign a new two-year deal with Yamaha to race until 2020, by then he’ll be 41. with Rossi poised to start his 23rd season in the World Champion- two-year deal with Yamaha to success in Assen last June. The ing 89 premier class wins, only 12 ship, and the end of his illustri- race until the end of 2020. By M1 still stresses the rear tyre too have come in the 139 races since ous career nowhere in sight. then he’ll be 41! much, which means Rossi runs he was crowned World Cham- The 15th edition of the Grand The broken bones of 2010 and out of grip in the crucial latter pion in 2009. Prix of Qatar will be held at Losail 2017 and the shattered dreams of stages of races. Stressing the rear That’s a winning average below International Circuit this week- 2015 haven’t diminished his love tyre compromises durability and 10% and only one win more than end. And Rossi, the old warhorse for racing. Anyone doubting how generates wheelspin. That means the 11 achieved by Marc Marquez is still clinging onto a dream that far his passion for MotoGP ex- more traction control cuts, which on his way to title success in 2016 he can gallop to one last title suc- tends need look no further than kills Rossi’s acceleration. Worry- and 2017. Since Marquez began cess before new pastures beckon. last September’s MotorLand ingly for Rossi, there has been no blazing his way through the Mo- So, will that dream have a Aragon round when he heroically progress made by Yamaha during toGP record books in 2013, Rossi fairytale ending, or was the fi - raced to a top-fi ve fi nish just 24 the off -season to improve tyre has won 10 races compared to nal chapter of Rossi’s MotoGP days after smashing his right leg life and acceleration with the the Spaniard’s 35. And Andrea title success written nine years in an enduro accident. controlled Magneti Marelli elec- Dovizioso won the same number ago in Sepang? As American au- It might be that Rossi’s age tronics. Not negligible progress, of races (6) in the last 13 of his thor Mark Twain once famously and speed aren’t weak links in but zero progress. breakthrough 2017 than Rossi did said: “Age is an issue of mind his title challenge in 2018, but it’s Yamaha’s woes may have in the previous 51. over matter. If you don’t mind, clear that mentally and physi- dampened his optimism about If Rossi is to win that elusive it doesn’t matter.” Age has not cally Rossi is still on his A-game. the start of 2018, but nothing can 10th title in 2018, then those stats dulled Rossi’s competitive edge. And he undoubtedly still has the suppress his insatiable enthusi- alone prove it will be his greatest At a stage in life when most rid- speed after concluding the last asm. And only a fool will dismiss accomplishment. But if 2018 is ers have hung up their leathers, pre-season test at Losail Inter- Rossi as a genuine title threat. not the year, then Rossi, known Rossi continues to defy age and national Circuit in Qatar with the Rossi is no fool himself though popularly as ‘The Doctor’, has an logic. His voracious appetite for second fastest time. and he’s not oblivious to the appointment with a 10th title, speed and competition means But is Yamaha ready? The last monumental task he faces to win well there’s always next year. And Valentino Rossi won last of his nine MotoGP World Championship title back in 2009. he is widely tipped to sign a new time a YZR-M1 won was Rossi’s that 10th title. Of his astonish- the next. (Motogp.com)

ROUND-UP SPOTLIGHT Qatar Junior tennis team Artistic Gymnastics World Cup to returns to warm welcome be held in Doha from March 21

he delegation of Qatar defeated Philippines 2-1 in the ment, spectacle and inspiration By Sports Reporter junior tennis team, quarter-fi nals before edging past than most sporting events. Doha which qualifi ed for Malaysia in the semi-fi nals. Ib- the 2018 Asia Oceania rahim al-Sulaiti, Rashed Nawaf CANADIAN TEAM ARRIVES TQualifying event of Junior Davis and Nasser al-Yafei represented he 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World TO TAKE PART IN MARATHON Cup, returned home to a warm Qatar in the event. SWIM WORLD SERIES Cup will be held from March 21 to 24 welcome. The Canadian swimming team in Doha, with 40 countries partici- The Qatari delegation was QATAR TO PARTICIPATE IN arrived in Doha on Monday to pating in the annual championship, received by Ibrahim al-Khelaifi , participate in the opening round Tthe organisers said yesterday. SPECIAL OLYMPICS MENA Deputy Chairman of National GAMES IN ABU DHABI of the 2018 FINA Marathon Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) Teams Committee of the Qatar Qatar’s special Olympics team Swim World Series to be staged President and chairman of the organising Tennis, Squash and Badminton will leave Doha today to Abu at the Doha Corniche this Friday committee Ali al-Hitmi said that the prepa- Federation and Ahmad Batti, Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to and Saturday. rations are underway and all working com- Chairman of Public Relations participate in the Middle East Doha will open the FINA mittees are currently fi nalising the details to Committee in addition to a large North Africa (MENA) Special Marathon Swim World Series stage the championship at the Aspire Dome. number of administrators and Olympics Regional Games 2018. 2018, which features nine meet- The four-day event will feature some of coaches. The MENA Special Olympics ings taking place in some of the world’s top names,including reigning all- The Qatari team secured their Regional Games will take place world’s most scenic waterways, around Olympic champion Kohei Uchimura place in qualifying event after from this Thursday till March including the Seychelles, Portu- of Japan. Uchimura has won six world all- fi nishing second in the 2018 Asia 23rd in Abu Dhabi, with events gal, Canada and China. around titles and the last two Olympic all- Oceania Pre-Qualifying in Co- being held at the same venues Over 350 athletes from over 50 around titles, the longest streak of domi- lombo, Sri Lanka last Saturday. and facilities that will be used national federations all over the nance in gymnastics history. In the fi nal, Qatar suff ered a 1-2 during the 2019 World Games. world will compete in the one- The Doha leg of FIG Individual Apparatus defeat against hosts Sri Lanka. With more than 1,200 athletes day competition programme World Cup for men and women is celebrat- Jana Kiki and Ahmed Nabil will represent Qatar in the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup The Qatari team began their from 27 countries competing in from March until November, ing its 11th edition this year. With unstinted from March 21 to 24 at Aspire Dome in Doha. campaign in the event with a 16 diff erent sports, the regional with a total of $30,000 prize support from the Qatar Olympic Commit- 2-1 victory over Pakistan then Games will provide more excite- money available per event. tee, the QGF is leaving no stone unturned in making the event a truly world class one. The al-Hitmi thanked the FIG for repos- ing its faith in Doha and lauded the great support provided by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, the president of the Qatar Olympic Committee. “It’s a great a moment to organise the 11th edition of the Gymnas- tics World Cup in Qatar. This one particu- lar event had helped us win the bid for this year’s FIG World Championships. I like to thank the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani for their sup- port to host the competitions,” said al-Hitmi. The QGF President said that this year’s edition of the World Cup will be a dress rehearsal from the organisational point of view for the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnas- tics World Championships scheduled for to be held this October in Doha. The QGF’s Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali al-Hitmi. decade-long experience and excellent in- frastructure at the Aspire Dome were im- While gymnastics continue to be a low- achieve good results to refl ect the extent of portant factors that earned them the right in profi le sport, the competition has earned the the development of gymnastics in Qatar. 2013 to host the FIG Artistic World Cham- reputation as one of the best in the world, he The qualifi cations will be held on fi rst two pionships. “This year’s competition will be said. He pointed out that two players of the days of the championship, with eight best a test event for the Worlds in October and Qatari national team – Jana Kiki and gymnasts making it to the fi nals and will we plan to have a gala competition,” added Ahmed Nabil – will participate in the strive for medals on the last two days of the Qatar junior tennis players Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Rashed Nawaf and Nasser al-Yafei. al-Hitmi. event, expressing hope that they will competition.