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Monday, March 13, 2017 Jumada II 14, 1438 AH Warner bites his GULF TIMES tongue, wants bat to do all the talking SPORT Page 4 FOOTBALL Emir’s Sword Camel Race Festival Barcelona suff er Depor

low aft er President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani crowned the winners of the annual Arabian Thoroughbred Camel Race Festival for the Sword of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at Al Shahaniya racetrack on Saturday. HE Sheikh Joaan awarded Khalifa bin Hamad al-Attiyah and Nasser Saeed Mohaemed al-Eidah with the Silver Shelfa (arrow) for their win in the first and third races respectively. HE Sheikh Joaan also awarded Awadh Salem al-Aameri and Manae Khalifa Sultan al-Suwaidi with the Silver Dagger for winning the second and fourth PSG high races respectively. Shakespeare MOTORCYCLING Luis Enrique made five changes from the side that beat manager of PSG 6-1 on Wednesday to produce the biggest comeback Leicester until in Champions League history from a 4-0 first leg deficit end of season Vinales and Rossi impress in Losail test raig Shakespeare has been confi rmed as manager of Leicester City until the end of the season after winning Chis fi rst two games in charge as care- taker boss of the faltering champions, the club said yes- terday, AFP reports. Shakespeare, previously a Leicester Barcelona’s Gerard Pique reacts coach, took over after during the match. was sacked last month — less than a year after the Italian manager guided AFP the 5,000/1 outsiders to the most Madrid improbable Premier League title tri- umph. But under Ranieri the Foxes suf- arcelona suff ered a hango- fered a major slump this season and ver from their remarkable were just a point above the bottom Champions League comeback three when the club’s Thai owners against Paris Saint-Germain sacked the veteran manager. asB Alex Bergantinos’s winner 16 min- However, Shakespeare’s fi rst two Valentino Rossi crashes during testing at the Losail International Circuit on utes from time handed Deportivo la games in charge produced 3-1 wins Saturday night. However, the ace Yamaha rider escaped unhurt. Coruna a famous 2-1 win yesterday. over both Liverpool and Hull City as PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Joselu had fi red Deportivo into a the champions moved three points fi rst-half lead before Luis Suarez lev- clear of the relegation zone and into Losail to P8. The ‘Spartan’ was quick out elled in the fi rst minute of the second 15th place in the table. Motogp.com the blocks and went on to complete period. “Leicester City Football Club is 53 laps, despite suff ering a small However, Bergantinos rose highest pleased to confi rm Craig Shakespeare crash with no consequence. Fel- from a corner to seal Deportivo’s fi rst as its fi rst-team manager for the rest averick Viñales was low crashers on Day 2 included Cal victory over Barcelona since 2008. of the 2016/17 season,” said a club second on the fi rst day Crutchlow (LCR Honda), Jack Mill- Barca still lead Real Madrid by one statement. of testing in Qatar, er (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS), point at the top of La Liga, but the First-team and goalkeeping coach Mbut the fastest man in Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Rac- European champions now have two Mike Stowell remains on board, as do Valencia, Sepang and Phillip Is- ing), Alvaro Bautista (Pull&Bear games in hand and can go top with vic- the rest of the backroom staff . land struck back in style to top the Aspar Team), Bradley Smith (Red tory over Real Betis later on Sunday. Deportivo’s Joselu Mato is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Leicester’s fi rst match since the timesheets on Day 2 – edging Mo- Bull KTM Factory Racing) and the Barcelona boss Luis Enrique made Barcelona yesterday. 53-year-old Shakespeare’s elevation vistar Yamaha teammate Valentino Aprilia Racing Team Gresini duo of fi ve changes from the side that beat will be Tuesday’s Champions League Rossi with a lap quicker than And- Sam Lowes and Aleix Espargaro. PSG 6-1 on Wednesday to produce was one of those to miss out due to an It took Deportivo 40 last 16 second leg tie at home to Sevil- rea Dovizioso’s (Ducati Team) Fri- Crutchlow got in more running the biggest comeback in Champions abductor injury. minutes to force Marc-Andre la, where the Foxes will look to over- day best. after losing some track time to me- League history from a 4-0 fi rst leg However, Barca still had plenty of ter Stegen into a serious turn a 2-1 defi cit from the fi rst leg in The 2016 Silverstone winner did chanical gremlins on Day 1, ending defi cit. fi repower available with Suarez along- save as the German leapt Spain. a best of 1:54.455 after 49 laps, with the session in P4 despite the inci- Two-goal hero in midweek Neymar side Lionel Messi up front and Suarez to his left to brilliantly turn “Craig’s skills as a coach and the a much-improved Rossi 0.277 in ar- dent and managing 46 laps on the had the fi rst big chance when he head- Joselu’s volley behind high regard in which he is held by rears. The nine-time World Cham- second day of action. The two-time ed straight at German Lux. everyone at the club were well known pion also crashed on Day 2 but GP winner was also top Honda once It took Deportivo 40 minutes to force Joselu fi red a sweetly hit volley to us,” said Leicester vice-chairman emerged unscathed. again, this time with a 1:55.032. Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a serious straight down Ter Stegen’s throat. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. Despite the timesheets being Reigning Champion Marc Mar- save as the German leapt to his left to Alejandro Arribas then saw his “We always knew the team would dominated by blue, it was Ducati’s quez (Repsol Honda Team), how- brilliantly turn Joselu’s volley behind. header come back off the post, but once be in good hands when we asked him new “aero-fairing” that stole the ever, kept it clean after two falls on However, from the resulting corner again having survived the initial threat, to take charge a fortnight ago. headlines – with a drastic new de- Friday and ended the day in P6. The Ter Stegen was found wanting as he Barcelona conceded from the resulting “He has initiated the type of posi- sign unveiled in the latter stages of Spaniard set a 1:55.196 as his best, spilled Javier Mascherano’s miscued corner. tive response that we hoped change the second day on track. Dubbed completing 50 laps. Teammate Dani clearance and Joselu was on hand to This time Bergantinos got above Jor- would bring, showing great leader- the “Hammerhead” after MotoGP Pedrosa had a tougher day at a track smash into an unguarded net. di Alba to head into the bottom corner ship qualities and composure under asked fans on Twitter to name the he fi nds more of a challenge, ending Barca got off to a fl yer in the second- at the far post. considerable pressure to produce two new design, it was Andrea Dovizioso up P16 with a 1:55.875. Pedrosa was half as Suarez lashed home a loose ball Lux made a great save to deny Sua- very important results. We have asked charged with the fi rst public evalu- P3 at the end of the Phillip Island inside the area to equalise just a minute rez a second equaliser, but Deportivo him to continue to lead the team this ations of the innovation. The Ital- test and will be looking to move for- after the restart. held out to give their hopes of survival season and we are very happy that he ian put in a best of 1:55.583 on Day 2, ward on the fi nal day of Qatar. Enrique turned to Andres Iniesta a huge boost as they move eight points has accepted.” seven tenths down on his best from Jonas Folger kept his crown as and Ivan Rakitic for a winner in the fi - clear of the bottom three and up to 15th. Shakespeare joined Leicester as as- Friday. His Saturday laptime was set top rookie, putting in another stun- nal half hour as Arda Turan and Andre And Pepe Mel’s men should even sistant to then manager Nigel Pear- on the ‘traditional’ fairing tested thus ner to complete the top three on his Gomes were sacrifi ced. have capped their victory with a third son in 2008, spending a season with far and put him P13. Monster Yamaha Tech 3 machine. But Barca found it diffi cult to cre- goal as Ter Stegen denied Faycal Fajr Hull City in 2010/11 before the Sri- Teammate Jorge Lorenzo also Folger was the only rider able to join ate clear-cut chances against the mass deep into stoppage time before Jordi vaddhanaprabha family brought him impressed on Saturday with more the Movistar Yamahas in the 1:54 Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets (R) ranks of Deportivo defence, whilst the Alba cleared the Moroccan’s follow-up back to the club as part of Pearson’s progress as he dropped into the low bracket, putting in an incredible and Deportivo’s Emre Colak in action. hosts were always a threat on the break. eff ort off the line. reappointment in 2011. 1:55s, with a best of 1:55.344 to go 1:54.917. Gulf Times 2 Monday, March 13, 2017 FOOTBALL Rangers deny Celtic in Old Firm draw EPL Can the man

AFP Armstrong. With time running out, veteran minutes as they pressured the Hoops every later when Armstrong’s 20-yard free-kick Glasgow defender Hill popped up in the 88th minute time they had the ball. was turned on to the post by Wes Foder- as Liverpool to grab an equaliser as Celtic dropped Waghorn picked up a yellow card for a ingham with the keeper also tipping a fi erce points for the fi rst time since 18 September nasty challenge on Nir Bitton but worse strike from Kieran Tierney round the post lint Hill’s late goal rescued a point last year when they were held to a 2-2 draw was to come for the Rangers striker as he as the Hoops cranked up the pressure. beat Burnley for Rangers in the Old Firm derby with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. blew a golden chance to fi re his side in front There was nothing the keeper could do and ended a 22-match winning Celtic, however, remain unbeaten in 35 in the 25th minute. determination of Armstrong saw Celtic run for Celtic in the Scottish Pre- domestic matches and still hold a 25 point ’s headed knock-on sent take the lead. AFP miership.C Rangers, with under-20s coach advantage over Aberdeen, who are eight the Englishman clean through on goal but The midfi elder won possession from Jas- Liverpool Graeme Murty in charge as new man- clear of Rangers in the race for second Craig Gordon showed why Celtic handed on Holt on the edge of the box and fed Mikel ager Pedro Caixinha watched on from the place. The Rangers players looked eager to him a new three-year contract during the Lustig down the right before collecting the stands, started brightly but it was Celtic impress their new on-watching manager week as he blocked the eff ort with his out- return pass and lashing a shot beyond the mre Can’s superb shot who took a 35th minute lead through Stuart and pegged Celtic back in the opening 25 stretched foot.Celtic came closer moments keeper from the edge of the box. guided Liverpool to a 2-1 home win over Burnley Eyesterday and main- tained their bid to qualify for next FA CUP season’s Champions League. Ashley Barnes, with his club’s fi rst goal at Anfi eld since 1975, had given Burnley a deserved early lead only for Georginio Wi- jnaldum to equalise in fi rst-half injury-time. And Can struck just after the hour mark to secure victory for Son shines but Liverpool, although it was a far Burnley’s Ashley Barnes (R) in from convincing performance by action with Liverpool’s Emre Jurgen Klopp’s side. Can in the EPL yesterday. German international Can col- lected a short pass from Divock ball, fl icking out a boot and ben- Origi and was allowed space to efi ting from a fortunate rebound unleash a right-foot shot from from defender Ben Mee, before 25 yards which the Burnley goal- drilling home an unstoppable fi n- Kane injury mars keeper, Tom Heaton, might have ish from six yards. been expected to save before it Considering recent dominant reached the bottom left-hand home wins over Tottenham and corner of his net. Arsenal, it was a disappointing Liverpool had gone in at the start from a Liverpool side which half-time interval level although has struggled against the Premier it was a scoreline that even the League’s lower-placed clubs this most ardent home supporter term. Hotspur stroll would have admitted was harsh Unbeaten against the top six all on Burnley. season, Liverpool’s fi ve league de- With just two away points to feats this term have come against Kane limped off in the 10th minute at White Hart Lane after his ankle twisted awkwardly their name all season — from a teams currently in the bottom still impressive tally of 31 — Sean half of the table — including 12th- Dyche’s team opened the game placed Burnley, who won 2-0 AFP Tottenham pressed for the sec- aggressively and took the lead in when the sides met at Turf Moor ond goal, which arrived in spec- just the seventh minute. in August. tacular fashion from Son in the Right-back Matt Lowton The fi rst half off ered little evi- Tottenham’s Son Heung-min 41st minute. crossed low into the area from dence those troubles were about on Heung-Min’s hat- celebrates scoring their third Picked out by Eriksen on the the wing and, after Andre Gray to change. trick fi red Tottenham goal against Milwall yesterday. edge of the area, Son cut inside narrowly missed making contact, Even before the goal, Burnley’s into the FA Cup semi- and curled a sublime shot past Barnes slid in ahead of his marker crosses from the right had caused fi nals, but his side’s 6-0 King. to force the ball past Liverpool concern, with Gray’s chip almost victoryS against Millwall was Son’s fi rst goal since January goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. fi nding Barnes after fi ve minutes. overshadowed by Harry Kane’s was the perfect way to silence Burnley, without a victory at Solid at the back, Burnley also potentially serious ankle injury. some unsavoury taunts aimed Anfi eld since 1974, would have looked the more likely to score a Kane limped off in the 10th at him by Millwall fans, and the hoped to reach the interval with- second goal after Barnes’s opener. minute at White Hart Lane after South Korean wasn’t fi nished out conceding an equaliser and After 25 minutes, Barnes yet his ankle twisted awkwardly. yet. looked well on course for that tar- again slipped his marker, Ragnar The England striker was side- Making a perfectly-timed run get for the majority of the half. Klavan, but was off side as he vol- lined with another ankle prob- onto Kieran Trippier’s pass, Son Not until the 45th minute did leyed wide and Gray shot just over lem earlier this season and the got in behind the Millwall de- Liverpool enjoy a ‘shot’ on target from a diffi cult angle after a Low- injury is a major worry for Tot- fence in the 54th minute and vol- and that was actually an over-hit ton throw-in had fl icked off James tenham boss Mauricio Pochet- leyed a fi ne fi nish past King. defensive header from Burnley’s Milner’s head. tino. Alli tapped in Eriksen’s cross which forced Heaton But the second half opened England manager Gareth for the fourth in the 72nd minute into a comfortable diving save, his with Liverpool in far more de- Southgate will also be concerned and Janssen made it fi ve seven fi rst of the game. termined mood, although their as he is due to name his squad minutes later with his fi rst goal But a minute into fi rst-half suspect defending always gave for forthcoming fi xtures against from open play for Spurs since injury-time, Liverpool claimed Burnley hope. Germany and Lithuania. signing last year. an unlikely equaliser which raised Barnes sent a speculative Tottenham are looking to win There was still time for Son to the mood around the stadium. fi rst-time shot wide soon after the FA Cup for the fi rst time be gifted his treble in stoppage- Origi, starting in place of the the restart before Liverpool fi - since 1991 and close the gap on time when King let his shot slip injured Roberto Firmino, crossed nally started to threaten, with Joel Premier League leaders Chelsea, through his legs into the net. from the left and Wijnaldum Matip seeing a shot blocked from but those ambitions would be made a lazy attempt to control the a Philippe Coutinho cross. much harder to achieve without their leading scorer. Despite Kane’s absence, Tot- tion of Millwall’s support, much cluded FA Cup upsets of Bourne- ham given Kane’s red hot form PREVIEW tenham were too strong for third of the pre-match focus had been mouth, Watford and Leicester, had brought him eight goals in tier Millwall and they marked the on the possibility of crowd trou- but facing a team of Tottenham’s his last four appearances and 24 last FA Cup tie at the Lane before ble. class was a diff erent proposition for the season. the stadium is demolished, with There was a tense atmosphere altogether. As Tottenham regrouped, United confi dent of a commanding quarter-fi nal outside the stadium before kick Dominating possession with Millwall striker Steve Morison display. off , but a huge police presence ease, Pochettino’s side battered curled wide from 20 yards in a Christian Eriksen opened the managed to contain the threat of Millwall from start to fi nish as rare moment of alarm for the avenging Chelsea scoring and Dele Alli and Vin- serious violence despite bottle they cruised to a 16th win from hosts. cent Janssen were also on target, throwing and minor scuffl es. 18 home games this season. But Tottenham’s incessant but it was Son who took centre- Inside, a large segregated area Kane’s injury came early, the pressure was rewarded in the misery, says Fellaini stage with his treble. was used to keep Millwall and England star’s ankle twisting 31st minute when Alli chested Tottenham will discover their Tottenham fans apart, with a badly after Jake Cooper slid into down a high clearance and Erik- opponent for next month’s line of stewards wearing orange him. sen pounced to drill a low shot AFP “It will be tight, I think. It is the Wembley semi-fi nals on Mon- hard hats in case missiles were After several minutes of treat- into the far corner from just in- London FA Cup, it is one game. day, but news of Kane will be an- thrown. ment, Kane limped off to be re- side the area. “They are top of the league, they ticipated even more eagerly. Millwall arrived with a placed by Danish winger Eriksen. Victor Wanyama powered a Harry Kane walks off after have confi dence, they have great Given the notorious reputa- 17-match unbeaten run that in- It was a big blow for Totten- header against the crossbar as twisting his ankle yesterday. arouane Fellaini in- players, but we will show our qual- sists Manchester ity there and see what happens. United are confi - Of course they are confi dent so BOTTOMLINE Mdent of avenging let’s go there and see what we can the worst moment of Jose Mour- do.” Chelsea’s hopes of securing a inho’s reign when they return to club record 13th successive home Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter- win may have been boosted by the fi nals today. contrasting preparations the two Mourinho’s fi rst visit to Stam- teams have had this week. While ford Bridge since his sacking as Conte and his players have been My preference is to stay at Chelsea boss last season ended able to plot Mourinho’s downfall at in humiliation as his former club their training base since Monday’s romped to a 4-0 victory over win at West Ham, United were United in October. forced to embark on a draining trip United have used the memory to Russian club Rostov on Thurs- Arsenal, says boss Wenger of that painful loss to fuel a domi- day in the Europa League. nant period which has seen them Mourinho bemoaned the poor AFP let people talk and show them what we are to secure a Champions League berth for lose just twice in all competitions quality of the pitch in Russia London about. the 18th successive season, Lincoln’s own since then. and, with his players not arriv- “When I have a problem I try to just sort tilt at glory did not evaporate with the de- They lifted the fi rst major tro- ing home until the early hours of rsene Wenger revealed he it out. I am competitive and always focused feat. Five points clear of their rivals at the phy of the Mourinho era with a Friday morning, it would be no hasn’t ruled out extending his on solving the problems I face. Sometimes top of the National League and seeking League Cup fi nal victory against surprise if they showed signs of Arsenal reign after his side eased the size of the problem is bigger, but there a return to the league after six seasons in Southampton last month and fatigue at Stamford Bridge. the pressure on the troubled boss are always problems.” the non-league wilderness, they face the remain in contention for further Even so, Conte doesn’t antici- withA a 5-0 FA Cup quarter-fi nal win over Wenger admitted that selecting a fi rst FA Trophy semi-fi nal fi rst leg on Tuesday silverware in the FA Cup and Eu- pate an easy ride from a team with minnows Lincoln. choice line-up for Saturday’s game gave night in the more austere surroundings of ropa League. United’s strength in depth. Wenger has faced calls for his resigna- his players back their belief after the York City’s ground. Chelsea have been equally “Manchester United, together tion from angry Arsenal fans this week Champions League trauma. For impressive young Lincoln manager powerful, opening up a 10-point with (Manchester) City, has the and there were more protests against the “We were a bit nervous today because Danny Cowley, the lessons learned at Ar- lead at the top of the Premier best squad in the league,” Conte beleaguered Frenchman before Saturday’s confi dence drops when you don’t have a senal will be invaluable. League and advancing to the last said. “They have a lot, a number clash at the . “Let’s not talk about me too much be- result. The team was unjustly criticised af- “We have to take a lot from our fi rst eight of the FA Cup as boss An- of great players, with great talent Arsenal’s comfortable progress to next cause that has happened a lot recently. I ter our last game against Bayern,” said the half performance. We restricted Arsenal tonio Conte chases a double in and great experience to win. month’s Wembley semi-fi nals kept the have shown in my life that I try to serve this Frenchman. to limited chances in that fi rst 45 minutes his fi rst season as Mourinho’s “We have a good identity, our critics off Wenger’s back, days after they club with complete commitment and I will “I didn’t want to gamble today. I knew it and had a good one of our own. Unfortu- permanent replacement in west team. But for sure it will be a re- gave him a torrid time following Tuesday’s do that as long as I am here,” Wenger said. was very important to win and I wanted to nately in the second half you saw what London. Although United are 17 ally tough game for us and for Champions League humiliation against “How long? I don’t know at the mo- give the team the chance to get their con- world class players can do when they are points behind Chelsea, United them.” Conte’s wild touchline Bayern Munich. ment. I have shown a lot of loyalty and my fi dence back by winning the next game. confi dent,” he said. midfi elder Fellaini is adamant celebrations of his team’s goals The Gunners boss, who has yet to con- preference is here. That’s why I retained 90% of the players. I “It felt like Arsene Wenger brought 15 they can turn the tables with a irked Mourinho in October and fi rm if he will extend his contract when it “I focus on my job. I always do that. I let am happy that we won the game but I know players on to the pitch in the second half place in the semi-fi nals up for the United boss accused his ri- runs out at the end of this season, claimed other people judge my performances. that what is in front of us is more impor- and also that big clock defi nitely stopped grabs. “Obviously we lost there a val of deliberately stirring up it was his preference to remain in charge of “People talk and talk and talk, it doesn’t tant.” at some stages in the second half because few months ago, but now it is the the Chelsea fans, who taunted the Premier League club, but he declined mean they talk truth. We have to deal with While Arsenal now look forward to a that was one hell of a long 45 minutes for FA Cup and we will see what hap- their former idol with chants of to say how much longer that would be for. that and perform on the football pitch. We Wembley FA Cup semi-fi nal and striving us.” pens,” Fellaini said. “you’re not special anymore”. Gulf Times Monday, March 13, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

SERIE A IN BRIEF Japan’s ‘Kazu’ fi rst Inter cruise as Icardi, player over 50 to score Banega hit hat-tricks in J-League Atalanta travelled to the San Siro having beaten Inter, Napoli and Roma at home this season

AFP Milan

rgentinians Mauro Icardi and Ever Banega struck a hat-trick apiece as Champions League- chasing Inter Milan demol- ishedA high-fl ying Atalanta with a defi - ant 7-1 romp yesterday. Atalanta travelled to the San Siro confi dent of causing an upset having beaten Inter, Napoli and Roma at home in a season that is turning out to be their Japan’s oldest professional foot- best to date. But Gian Piero Gasperini’s baller Kazuyoshi Miura tallied men, who have got used to being wel- another record yesterday, with comed back to Bergamo by hundreds of a match-winning goal making ecstatic fans whenever they play away, him the fi rst player over 50 to are set for a scolding after a dismal dis- score in the J-League. play that saw Atalanta drop two places Nicknamed “King Kazu” for to sixth. Gasperini said: “We got a lot of his spirited grit and style, Miura things wrong today, but in the kind of sent a left-footer fl ying into the season that we’re having, we can allow goal in the 40th minute, secur- ourselves the odd slip-up. We’re still ing Yokohama FC’s 1-0 victory targeting the Europa League.” against Thespakusatsu Gunma Icardi completed his hat-trick in nine in Tokyo. “I am always looking fi rst-half minutes — including one from for opportunities to score goals. the spot when he was tripped in the area I was feeling particularly good — to fi re the Nerazzurri 3-0 ahead by today, and had a hunch that I the 26th minute, with Banega netting might score,” Miura said. twice and Remo Freuler hitting a 42nd- The former international minute consolation as Inter took a 5-1 celebrated his 50th birthday in half-time lead. February and has since sprinted Inter twisted the knife seven minutes into footballing history, with after the restart when ex-Atalanta mid- several professional appear- fi elder Roberto Gagliardini slammed ances, eclipsing the record of the ball past stricken goalkeeper Etrit former England great Stanley Berisha and into the top corner, before Matthews who was 50 when he Argentina midfi elder Banega completed turned out for Stoke City against his hat-trick with a defl ected free-kick Fulham in 1965. on 68 minutes. Inter moved up to fourth Though the pin-up looks have to sit fi ve points behind Roma, who oc- been replaced by a few tell-tale cupy the third and fi nal Champions Inter Milan’s Ever Banega (right) celebrates with teammate Mauro Icardi after scoring during the Italian Serie A game against Atalanta in Milan yesterday. (AFP) wrinkles and greying hair, Miura League qualifying place, although the has signalled his intent to play capital club will pull eight points clear really happy,” said Pioli. “I’m happy for versial, last-gasp penalty for the hosts. Chievo got back to winning ways fol- RESULTS until he’s 60. Miura shot to fame of Inter with a win away to struggling everyone at the club, but now we have to Massimiliano Allegri’s men are now lowing a 3-1 reverse at AC Milan two Sassuolo 0 Bologna 1 (Destro 58); Chievo 4 in the early 1990s as Asia’s best Palermo later last night. Roma’s city face Torino (away). 10 points ahead of Napoli, who saw weeks ago with a 4-0 romp over Empoli (Inglese 22, Pellissier 40, Birsa 75, Cesar 89) known footballer, helping to put rivals Lazio, one point behind Inter in “We’ve got 10 games left, which is Lorenzo Insigne hit a brace, one from in Verona where Roberto Inglese, Sergio Empoli 0; Fiorentina 1 (Kalinic 90+2) Cagliari the Japanese game on the map fi fth, will leapfrog Inter if they account a lot. We have to keep our heads down the spot, and Belgian forward Dries Pellissier, Valter Birsa and Bostjan Ce- 0; Inter 7 (Icardi 17, 23-pen, 26, Banega 31, after the professional J-League for Torino at home tonight. and work hard. Today we had the per- Mertens add another from the penalty sar were all on target. Chievo remain in 34, 68, Gagliardini 52) Atalanta 1 (Freuler was launched in 1993. Inter’s fans showed their apprecia- fect approach, let’s keep it that way.” spot in a 3-0 home win over struggling midtable, with Empoli edging danger- 42); Napoli 3 (Insigne 32-pen, 70, Mertens He blazed a trail for Japanese tion of coach Stefano Pioli by belting out Champions Juventus took another Crotone. ously towards the relegation zone. 66-pen) Crotone 0; Pescara 1 (Muntari 83) players when he joined Italy’s a dedicated song just after the half hour. step towards a record sixth consecutive Elsewhere, Croatia striker Nikola Ka- They are only seven points ahead of Udinese 3 (Zapata 20, Jankto 51, Thereau Genoa in 1994 and scored 55 Although it gave him goosebumps, Pioli Serie A title with a controversial 2-1 win linic saved Fiorentina’s blushes when he third-from-bottom Palermo, although 55) Genoa 0 Sampdoria 1 (Muriel 71) goals in 89 games for Japan. said nothing has been achieved yet. over AC Milan on Friday, when Argen- struck in the dying seconds to secure a the Sicilians will start as underdogs On Friday: Juventus 2 (Benatia 30, Dybala “I got quite emotional, it made me tinian starlet Paulo Dybala hit a contro- 1-0 home win over Cagliari. against Roma. 90+7-pen) AC Milan 1 (Bacca 43) ANCELOTTI’S DELIGHT AS BAYERN’S RIVALS STUMBLE Carlo Ancelotti cautiously BUNDESLIGA LIGUE 1 admits the Bundesliga title is eff ectively Bayern Munich’s to lose after they opened a 10-point lead on Saturday as their two closest rivals slipped Bergstaller brace Depay halfway line stunner further behind. Robert Lewandowski net- ted twice in a 3-0 home win against Eintracht Frankfurt ends Schalke’s caps Lyon rout of Toulouse while second-placed RB Leipzig crashed to a 1-0 defeat at home AFP to Wolfsburg and Borussia Dort- Paris mund lost 2-1 at Hertha Berlin. winless streak Bayern have now hit 28 goals in their last six games, with AFP ter their 3-0 win over Eintracht emphis Depay scored from Lewandowski claiming 10 of Berlin Frankfurt on a red-letter day for near the halfway line as Lyon them, and the Bavarian giants the Bavarian giants as their near- rode their luck early before are on course to collect a fi fth est rivals lost. Second-placed RB crushing Toulouse 4-0 yes- straight German league title in ustria striker Guido Leipzig crashed to a shock 1-0 Mterday to remain in pole position for next Ancelotti’s fi rst season. Bergstaller netted twice defeat at home to Wolfsburg, season’s Europa League. “It was a good day for us with yesterday as Schalke 04 while Borussia Dortmund, who Toulouse struck the woodwork twice good results in other stadiums,” broke their six-match are third, suff ered a Champions through Andy Delort and Corentin Jean in said Ancelotti. “The fi rst half winlessA streak with a 3-0 victory League hangover in the capital as the fi rst half before defender Christophe was diffi cult and Frankfurt were at home to Augsburg in the Bun- they lost 2-1 at Hertha Berlin. Jallet hammered Lyon into the lead on 36 better than us. In all honesty, desliga. Schalke’s coach Markus minutes at Parc OL. Maxwel Cornet add- they didn’t deserve to be 2-0 Weinzierl had an enjoyable after- LEIPZIG’S KEITA RECOVERING ed a second shortly after half-time with down at the break. We were bet- noon against his former club as AFTER COLLAPSING a thunderous eff ort from the edge of the ter after the break and got our the Royal Blues wrapped up the RB Leipzig’s coach Ralph Hasen- area, while Depay ran onto an assist from control back. We have a good win with just over half an hour huettl said yesterday they are Jallet to stretch the advantage on 53 min- lead now (in the table), but we played in Gelsenkirchen. investigating why Guinea mid- utes. must stay focused, there are still “We put in a very strong fi rst fi elder Naby Keita collapsed in Depay then netted a stunning second a lot of games.” half — I must pay the team a big the dressing room area following late on as he received the ball just inside Despite Ancelotti’s cautious compliment,” said Weinzierl, a Bundesliga game. the Toulouse half before spinning away approach and with ten games whose team next face Borus- Having played the 90 minutes from a defender and launching the ball left, it will take a collapse for sia Moenchengladbach away in at Wolfsburg, the 22-year-old over goalkeeper Alban Lafont from inside Bayern to be denied a fi fth title the Europa League’s last 16 after Keita lost consciousness shortly the centre circle. in a row. The German giants are Thursday’s 1-1 fi rst-leg draw. after leaving the dressing room The Dutchman has now scored four also well-placed to complete a Burgstaller opened the scoring and was taken to hospital once times in his past three league outings, tak- treble of Champions League, when he stabbed home at the far his condition was stabilised. ing his goals tally to fi ve following his ar- Bundesliga and German Cup post from a corner, then grabbed Yesterday, the club said all his rival from Manchester United in January. titles. It is nearly four months his second after a cross from test results are in order and it is A fourth straight home win moved Lyon since Bayern’s last defeat – a 3-2 Cameroon’s Eric Choupo-Mot- thought the Guinea international fi ve points clear of Marseille with a game loss at Rostov in the Champions ing. Schalke Benedikt suff ered a circulatory collapse in hand in the race for an automatic Eu- League on November 23. Hoewedes, a World Cup winner brought on by exertion, but they ropa League qualifi cation spot, while Tou- with Germany, conceded a pen- want to fi nd out the exact cause. louse saw their six-match unbeaten streak RED BULLS BENEFIT FROM alty by fouling Augsburg’s burly RESULTS snapped. OPPONENT BLUNDER striker Raul Bobadilla. Schalke 3 (Burgstaller 4, 29, Caligiuri Earlier, Saint-Etienne skipper Loic Per- New York Red Bulls relied on Goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann 34) Augsburg 0; Hamburg 2 (Kostic rin headed a last-gasp equaliser in a 2-2 a second own goal in as many saved Paul Verhaegh’s spot kick 36, Wood 80) Borussia Moencheng- draw at home to Metz, although their Eu- games on Saturday night as they on 32 minutes but Schalke’s at- ladbach 1 (Christensen 23) ropean prospects are fading after a fourth stretched their unbeaten streak tacking midfi elder Daniel Ca- Played Saturday: Bayern Munich game in a row without a win. Lyon’s forward Memphis Depay (right) celebrates after scoring a goal as Toulouse’s Ola to 18 straight with a 1-0 win ligiuri netted the home team’s 3 (Lewandowski 38, 55, Douglas Paris Saint-Germain were returning to Toivonen looks on during the French Ligue 1 match in Lyon. (AFP) over the Colorado Rapids. After third goal just two minutes later. Costa 41) Eintracht Frankfurt 0; action for the fi rst time since their stun- winning their MLS home opener The victory reverses Schalke’s Hertha Berlin 2 (Kalou 11, Platten- ning collapse against Barcelona in the bled the principality side’s lead. They held Depay 53, 82) Toulouse 0 against the Rapids the Red Bulls slide down the table. They hardt 71) Borussia Dortmund 1 (Au- Champions League last 16, with a trip on to take all three points after a howler Played Saturday: Monaco 2 (Mbappe 68, are 2-0 on the season. They climbed two places to 11th, two bameyang 55); Darmstadt 2 (Sulu to Ligue 1’s bottom side Lorient late last from goalkeeper Danijel Subasic allowed Moutinho 74) Bordeaux 1 (Rolan 84); Guin- now boast an unbeaten 11-0-7 ahead of Augsburg. 5, Sam 12-pen) Mainz 1 (Quaison night. The reigning French champions trail Diego Rolan in to reduce the arrears. gamp 5 (Salibur 47, Deaux 56, Briand 69, Blas record in their last 18 games and It takes the pressure off Schal- 45+3); Freiburg 1 (Philipp 56-pen) leaders Monaco by six points after teen Nice lost ground on Friday despite com- 78, Mendy 86) Bastia 0; Montpellier 2 (Mounie are one shy of the Major League ke’s coach Weinzierl, who had Hoff enheim 1 (Kramaric 60); Leipzig prodigy Kylian Mbappe scored his 10th ing back from two goals down to draw 12, Boudebouz 84) Nantes 3 (Nakoulma 24, 68, Soccer record set by Columbus been under the cosh following 0 Wolfsburg 1 (Gomez 9); Ingolstadt league goal of the campaign in a 2-1 win 2-2 at home to Caen, Mario Balotelli and Sala 89); Nancy 1 (Dia 31) Lille 2 (De Preville in 2005. Elsewhere, Toronto FC last weekend’s 4-2 drubbing at 2 (Lezcano 42, Bregerie 69) over Bordeaux on Saturday to cement their Anastasios Donis getting their goals. 63-pen, Lopes 81); Rennes 1 (Said 57) Dijon 1 managed to tie host Philadelphia Borussia Moenchengladbach. Cologne 2 (Modeste 15-pen, 61) place at the top. (Tavares 42) Union 2-2 but the eff ort might At the top of the table, leaders Played Friday: Bayer Leverkusen Mbappe opened the scoring midway RESULTS On Friday: Nice 2 (Balotelli 71, Donis 77) Caen prove costly as they lost Italian Bayern Munich extended their 1 (Volland 6) Werder Bremen 1 through the second half at the Stade Louis Saint-Etienne 2 (Beric 53, Perrin 90+5) Metz 2 2 (Santini 36, Karamoh 50); Marseille 3 (Thau- playmaker Sebastian Giovinco lead to 10 points on Saturday af- (Pizarro 78) II and a beauty from Joao Moutinho dou- (Sarr 1, Falette 67); Lyon 4 (Jallet 36, Cornet 47, vin 9, 77, Cabella 20) Angers 0 to a leg injury. Gulf Times 4 Monday, March 13, 2017 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT REACTION Surprised with ICC’s handling of Smith Warner bites his and Kohli: du Plessis tongue, wants bat do all the talking ‘It’s just a rule of the cricketing world you keep everything on the field... but that’s up to them. At the end of the day we’re professionals and you have to move on...’ IANS the ICC to treat every team in an Dunedin, New Zealand equal manner. “I was (surprised that no one Reuters was charged) purely from the New Delhi outh Africa Test captain reason of what I went through for Faf du Plessis has criti- something I feel was a lot smaller cised the International and a lot less... whatever you ustralia’s David Warner is refus- Cricket Council (ICC) for want to call it. So yes, surprised ing to take the bait after being notS penalising Australia skipper with that,” he was quoted as say- publicly sledged by India’s crick- Steven Smith and India’s Virat ing by cricbuzz.com. eters, but even if he wanted to fi re Kohli following the controversy “It (ICC’s response to the in- Aback the struggling opening batsman has over improper use of the Deci- cident) was diff erent. I am sur- few runs to back up any fi ghting words. sion Review System (DRS) during prised by the way it happened. The lefthander has cobbled together the recent Test in Bengaluru. Maybe it’s just because I speak on just 98 runs from four innings in the Smith had looked at the Aus- from a personal point of view and fi rst two tests of the series in India and tralian dressing room apparently I felt that I was treated very harsh has fallen three times to spinner Ravi- asking whether to call for the but when you see something like chandran Ashwin — twice in last week’s DRS after being trapped leg be- that you hope that it would be defeat at Bangalore, which levelled the fore by Indian fast bowler Umesh exactly the same,” he added. series 1-1. Yadav during Australia’s second The 32-year-old also ruled out Warner has regularly punished India’s innings. the possibility of a similar con- bowlers on the seam-friendly That led to a furious reaction frontation between South Africa back home, belting them for nearly 50 from the Indians and Kohli had and New Zealand players during runs on average, but he has been neutered implied that Smith was cheating the ongoing three-match Test by the subcontinent’s fl at pitches where while talking to the media after series. he averages 24.41. the match. “Us and New Zealand are very India have seized upon Warner’s woes, Both boards had backed their similar in the way we play. We with top-order batsman Cheteshwar respective captains but the ICC respect each other on and off the Pujara poking fun at the vice captain’s tried to calm situation by decid- fi eld and we play a similar brand struggles against Ashwin, who has dis- ing not to take action against ei- of cricket. We don’t see that the missed him nine times in his career, the ther team. way you carry on off the fi eld will most by any bowler. But the decision of the game’s have an eff ect on the outcome,” “They were always under pressure global governing body has not du Plessis said. when they walk into bat,” Pujara said in gone down well with du Plessis. “When you play a team like In- a video interview with Ashwin posted on The South Africa captain, dia and Australia that can happen the Indian cricket board’s website. who was fi ned 100 percent of and it’s easy to see how that can “I wanted to make sure their bats- his match fee and received three blow up. For me it has been good men are thinking about it,” Pujara added. demerit points when he applied to be on the other side for a bit and “Especially David Warner. Whenever he an artifi cial substance to shine to see how things unfold. It would walks in to bat, Ash is always happy. the ball during a Test against have been interesting to see how “So I always keep reminding him that Australia in Hobart in November the Australian media would have Ash is the one.” last year, asserted that he expects reacted to me doing that.” Warner plundered India for 457 runs in the 2014/15 home series, which Australia won 2-0, and was involved in a number of verbal battles with the tourists, earning BRIEFS him a code of conduct fi ne in the second test in Adelaide. Nabi, Shahzad star as “It’s not so much the fact that Afghanistan beat I’m missing out on my teams ‘SPIRIT OF CRICKET’ Ireland by 28 runs winning (that’s frustrating), it’s Warner, who has since shed his image as in third T20I the fact that I’m not playing. “I Australia’s chief aggressor under cap- don’t think I’ve played this little tain Steve Smith, was unimpressed by File picture of Australia’s batsman David Warner celebrating after scoring a century against Pakistan in Sydney. Afghanistan completed a cricket in an 18-month window the video but said the tourists would not clean sweep against Ireland, since I was an 11-year-old kid respond in kind ahead of the third test in stuff . Hopefully both teams will come out land labelled the accusations as “outra- “There’s going to be a lot of niggles winning their third and final and was just starting out. Ranchi this week. and play with the spirit of cricket.” geous” and the aff air threatened to sour here and there around certain things, and (T20I) “That’s the most frustrating “It’s just a rule of the cricketing world The Bangalore test ended on a sour relations for the rest of the series before I think just a few people got out of hand cricket match by 28 runs here thing, not playing the game you keep everything on the fi eld... but note, with India captain Virat Kohli al- the rival boards called a truce on Friday. and I think everyone has reined it back in yesterday. that you love and your profes- that’s up to them. From our point of view, leging his counterpart Smith and Aus- Warner said he would be “pretty up- again,” he said. A blistering knock of 89 by Mo- sion. But mentally I’m pretty we’ll never do that,” he said. tralia had fl outed the rules when deciding set” if any Australian players aired griev- “So we’re looking forward to getting hammad Nabi and a quickfire 72 good. I’m in a good place and “At the end of the day we’re profes- to review umpire decisions. ances publicly in the manner Kohli had, out to Ranchi and playing a great brand by Mohammad Shahzad in the I’ve got some good people sionals and you have to move on from that Cricket Australia boss James Suther- but he was keen to move on. of cricket.” lower order helped Afghanistan around me who give me good post 233/8 in 20 overs. support,” he added. For Ireland, Kevin O’Brien Having broken down during the NEW ZEALAND VS SOUTH AFRICA, 1ST TEST scalped four for 45 runs while Perth Test last November, Siddle Jacob Mulder took two wickets had been confident of a return for 32. to the Australian squad ahead of Chasing the mammoth 234-run the ongoing tour of India. target, Ireland started the The back injury has kept him match on a good note as open- out of the India tour, but the ers Paul Stirling (49) and Stuart 32-year-old right-armer is aim- Rain forces draw in close battle Thompson (43) slammed 65 ing to make a comeback before Reuters runs in 4.2 overs. But the mag- the Ashes begin. Wellington Both captains claim a bit, purely on the match nitude of the target was big “I’ve shown that when I’m at edge aft er washout position if we got 50-60 more and Ireland were bowled out 100 percent (fitness), I’m one of runs, a 250 lead and set them for 205 in the 20 overs. the first picked and my record he fi rst Test between South Africa and New Zea- that in 50-60 overs, we’d fancy Apart from wicketkeeper- speaks for itself,” he said. New Zealand and South land’s captains both claimed our chances.” batsman Gary Wilson (59), who “So that stuff looks after itself Africa ended in a draw to have gained a psychologi- kept the Ireland hopes alive by and that’s what (this decision yesterday after heavy cal edge after rain washed out Broom to replace scoring at a strike-rate of over to rest) came down to. I need Train washed out the fi fth and fi - the final day of the first Test in Taylor in NZ squad for 170, no other batsman stepped to get the body right because nal day’s play in Dunedin, leav- Dunedin yesterday. second Test up to the challenge. next summer is massive for ing both sides frustrated at los- Despite New Zealand suff er- Wilson’s 39-ball knock was Australian and state cricket. So ing the chance to take a 1-0 lead ing the loss of batsman Ross Neil Broom has been called laced with five boundaries and it’s just a matter of being in a in the three-match series. Taylor for the second Test, into New Zealand’s squad for two sixes. He was dismissed good position and fit and that’ll The match had been delicately captain felt the second test against South spinner Rashid Khan. give me the best opportunity.” poised entering the fi nal day buoyed by the his side being Africa after batsman Ross For Afghanistan, Hamza (2 with South Africa 224 for six in able to establish a 33-run first Taylor was ruled out due to a for 39) and Karim Janat (2 for Tamil Nadu thump the second innings, a lead of 191 innings lead. torn calf muscle, New Zealand 34) made the crucial strikes Gujarat to enter Vijay runs, with captain Faf du Plessis “To put partnerships together Cricket (NZC) said yesterday. upfront, while Rashid (3 for 28) Hazare semis on 56 and Vernon Philander on against the very good attack Taylor retired hurt in New cleaned the lower-order bats- one at University Oval. they have was a good eff ort,” Zealand’s first innings of the men to clinch the match. Tamil Nadu defeated defend- Heavy rain that began early he said yesterday. first test while on eight, but ing champions Gujarat by five on Sunday, however, ensured “You always want more, which returned at number 11 to sup- Siddle itching to make wickets in the quarter-finals a delayed start and after the The covers lay over the as rain delays the start of play during never goes away no matter port Neil Wagner as the hosts comeback of the Vijay Hazare 50-overs scheduled lunch break was taken day five of the 1st Test between New Zealand and South Africa. how many you get, but it was eked out a 33-run lead. domestic cricket tournament at 1 pm (0000 GMT), umpires nice to get a little lead going The 33-year-old Broom, who Australian pacer Peter Siddle is at the Palam Ground in New Kumar Dharmasena and Bruce bowler Trent Boult is under an or 60 runs and on this wicket the into that second innings.” was recalled to the limited confident of braving a lingering Delhi yesterday. Oxenford decided there was no injury cloud. ball is turning nicely and (left- South African captain Faf du overs side late last year as a injury and making his way back Defending champions Gujarat chance of any play. “It’s a real shame to lose Ross, arm spinner) Keshav (Maharaj) Plessis felt the rain had ruined replacement for Taylor, will to the Australian team. needed a gutsy performance “I think the game was shap- our premier batter, but therein got fi ve in the fi rst innings. a potential victory, with the make his test debut at the Siddle played just five matches from middle-order batsman ing up quite nicely for all three lies an opportunity for someone “The nature of the wicket Proteas set to capitalise on Basin Reserve. last season thanks to a back Rujul Bhatt (83 ) to tally results,” New Zealand captain else,” Williamson added. was you could either get wickets New Zealand’s injury woes. Coach Mike Hesson said it was injury but the Victorian is stay- 211 as the western outfit failed Kane Williamson said.”The “(Trent) does have a little nig- quickly or it’s slow scoring and “When a Test match finishes Broom’s experience in 15-years ing resolute. to put up a strong partnership. game was certainly in the bal- gle but we don’t know how seri- we were favouring our chances on a day like today it’s very of first class cricket that had “I’ve been pretty positive. I’m With Vijay Shankar (3-45), ance and it’s just a shame not to ous it is yet. He will travel with because Ross was not going to frustrating,” he said. given him the edge over other good like that, nothing really Rahil Shah (2-34) and R. Sai get any play today. us to Wellington and hopefully bat and Trent was injured.” “If today was a full day of contenders for the spot. gets to me. I guess the years Kishore (2-35) picking wickets “But it’s nice going into the sec- he will recover. He is a big player South Africa’s opening bats- cricket, we felt with (New “We’ve got an inexperienced of playing cricket, you always regularly, the Gujarat inning ond match with both teams hav- for us.” man Dean Elgar, who scored Zealand) one seamer down batting line up so we were have little setbacks with injury was wrapped up for 211 in 49.4 ing played some good cricket.” Du Plessis felt his side could 140 in the first innings and 89 and one of their main batters keen to have somebody with and missing cricket at diff erent overs. New Zealand will enter the also have won the game had in the second, was named man out of the team we fancied our plenty of playing experience, stages. It makes it a little bit In reply, Tamil Nadu were second match at Wellington’s they set New Zealand a target of of the match. chances. It’s very disappoint- someone who can play pace easier to take in when you get driven by V. Ganga Sridhar Basin Reserve without batting about 250 runs in 60 overs. The second game in Welling- ing from that point of view. well and Neil has seen a little older. So I’ve been able to stay Raju’s 85 to overhaul the target stalwart , who tore “It was set up to be a great fi n- ton starts on March 16, before “We were 190 ahead on a bit of South Africa before,” pretty level,” Siddle told cricket. with five wickets and 7.4 overs his calf muscle during the fi rst ish,” du Plessis said.”We were the third match at Seddon Park wicket that was spinning quite Hesson told reporters. com.au. to spare. innings, while left arm pace looking to get about another 50 in Hamilton begins on March 25. Gulf Times Monday, March 13, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Devils rally but lose Spurs beat Warriors 10th straight game in battle of reserves ‘It’s a win we’re going to accept and keep, but it wasn’t a fair fight. They’re Golden State — their top four or five players weren’t there, if anybody didn’t notice’

Action during the match between Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals at the Staples Center.

MCT part of the evaluation process in Glendale, Arizona terms of determining who can help the rebuilding organisation next season at the NHL level. he losses, however close, Still, it’s these last 15 regular- however heartbreak- season games that management ing, keep coming for the will weigh most heavily when Devils, a season-high 10 making its off season decisions. Tstraight now. The plan is to return Blandisi But at least there’s the AHL and up to seven of his current playoff s ahead for a signifi cant Devils’ teammates to Albany for portion of this roster. The Dev- this season’s AHL playoff s. ils had seven rookies dressed for Fellow forwards Nick Lappin, Saturday night’s 5-4 loss to the Blake Coleman, Miles Wood, Coyotes at Gila River Arena to Kevin Rooney, Blake Pietila and conclude a three-game road trip. possibly Pavel Zacha and de- The Devils rallied from a four- fenseman Steven Santini – all goal defi cit as they suff ered their rookies – may all be key playoff seventh, one-goal defeat in their contributors for Albany. slump. “We’ll get most of the guys The Devils (25-31-12), in last back from here and I think we’ll place in the Eastern Conference, have a good team,” said Pietila, are in an 0-8-2 slide. 24, recalled on Saturday with “It’s tough to be in this en- Devante Smith-Pelly out with a vironment right now,” said lower-body injury. 22-year-old center Joseph Blan- “The more hockey the better,” disi, in his second professional added Blandisi, who received season. “Everybody is really the secondary assist as Hall, desperate and wants to win and from the right circle, set up Kyle we’re just not fi nding ways to do Palmieri’s power-play goal at that right now.” the far post to cut the Coyotes’ The Coyotes (24-35-8), with the lead to 4-1 at 5:47 of the second second fewest points in the West- period. “I was happy to do that ern Conference _ the Devils lost, last year. That was my favorite 3-2 to the NHL-worst Avalanche playoff run of my career to date. on Thursday night at Colorado So I think we’re all pretty excited _ scored three in the fi rst period to go back down there and have a and chased Cory Schneider, who long playoff run.” received minimal defensive help, after he allowed four goals on nine RESULTS shots. Keith Kinkaid came on to Predators 3 Sharks 1; Blue Jackets make 20 saves and Mike Smith 3 Sabres 5; Flames 3 Jets 0; stopped 26 shots for the Coyo- Panthers 2 Lightning 3; Maple tes as well as turning aside Taylor Leafs 3 Hurricanes 2; Senators 4 Hall’s penalty shot at 17:22 of the Avalanche 2; Devils 4 Coyotes 5; third period. Islanders 3 Blues 4; Penguins 3 San Antonio Spurs point guard Patty Mills (8) shoots the ball past Golden State Warriors small forward Matt Barnes (22) during the first half at AT&T Center. The AHL postseason will be Canucks 0; Capitals 2 Kings 4

AFP Golden State rested Stephen Curry, triple-double with 24 points, 13 assists season-high 30 points and DeAndre Jor- Los Angeles Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and and 12 rebounds as the Cleveland Cava- dan added 19 points and 20 rebounds as BASEBALL Klay Thompson, while Kevin Durant is liers defeated the Orlando Magic 116-104 the Los Angeles Clippers defeated Phila- still out with a knee injury. to end a three game losing skid. delphia 112-100. atty Mills scored 21 points as the San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard (concus- James recorded his second consecutive Los Angeles won its fourth game in San Antonio Spurs dominated sion), LaMarcus Aldridge (minor heart triple-double, his career-high ninth of its last fi ve. The victory was their 11th in Cruz missile lift s the Golden State Warriors 107- arrhythmia), Tony Parker (back stiff ness) the season and the 51st of his career. their last twelve games against Philadel- 85 Saturday in a NBA showdown and DeJounte Murray (left groin tight- “LeBron played at an unbelievable phia as they pulled to within one game Pthat lacked in star power. ness) did not dress. level once again, and we all just followed of the Utah Jazz for fourth place in the Dominican Republic Mills scored all his points in the fi rst “It’s a win we’re going to accept and suit,” said point guard Kyrie Irving.”We Western Conference. half for the Spurs, whose 20-point half- keep, but it wasn’t a fair fi ght,” San Anto- just did a great job being there for one Richaun Holmes had a career-high 24 time lead allowed them to cruise through nio coach Gregg Popovich said. another and communicating.” points and 10 rebounds with Dario Saric to 7-5 win over US the second half at the San Antonio AT&T “They’re Golden State — their top four The Magic tied the game once in the adding 16 points for the 76ers. Center arena. or fi ve players weren’t there, if anybody third quarter but that was as close as they The victory moved San Antonio to didn’t notice. We’re supposed to win a would get as Cleveland never trailed in RESULTS (HOME TEAM IN CAPS) within a half-game of Golden State for basketball game like that, and we focused the second half. Denver 105 SACRAMENTO 92; Washing- the top record in the league and the and we did it — we did our job.” J.R. Smith scored 11 points and Deron ton 125 PORTLAND 124 (OT); Atlanta 107 Western Conference. The victory was San Antonio’s second Williams scored 10 points, including sev- MEMPHIS 90; Phoenix 100 DALLAS 98; Both teams were missing their star of the season against Golden State and en in the fourth quarter. Channing Frye SAN ANTONIO 107 Golden State 85; MIL- players, either by plan or by injury. gives the Spurs the edge if a tiebreaker is tallied 12 points. Nikola Vucevic led the WAUKEE 102 Minnesota 95; MIAMI 104 The highly-anticipated battle between needed. Magic with 20 points and a game-high 16 Toronto 89; New Orleans 125 CHARLOTTE two of the league’s marquee teams had The Spurs and Warriors play once rebounds. Evan Fournier scored 15 points. 122 (OT); Cleveland 116 ORLANDO 104; playoff implications, but because of inju- more in the regular season on March 29 Aaron Gordon had 16 points and Ter- DETROIT 112 NY Knicks 92; LA CLIPPERS ries to key players, the contest ended up in San Antonio. rence Ross fi nished with 11 points. 112 Philadelphia 100; OKLAHOMA CITY being played mostly by the reserves. Elsewhere, LeBron James recorded a In Los Angeles, Chris Paul scored a 112 Utah 104

MOTOGP

Dominican Republic outfielder Nelson Cruz.

Reuters at the home of Major League Miami Baseball’s Marlins. Lorenzo and Dovizioso attend “It was crazy, it was loud, the fans they never give up. They elson Cruz smashed a deserve it,” the Seattle Mariners three-run home run player said in an interview. in the bottom of the “We (Dominicans) love base- Alfardan Motorcycles party eighth inning to lift ball. We breathe baseball 24/7. Ayad As-Siaidi, General Man- NDominican Republic to a 7-5 vic- We have so much talent, it’s un- By Sports Reporter Doha ager of Alfardan Motorcycles, tory over the United States in the believable. It was nice to get it said: “It has been a delightful World Baseball Classic (WBC) in done today.” and enjoyable evening for our Miami on Saturday. lfardan Motorcycles, Ducati bike enthusiasts as we Cruz sent the pro-Dominican FIRST WIN FOR COLOMBIA the offi cial importer brought together all the ele- crowd of more than 37,000 at Earlier, Colombia recorded their of Ducati Motorcycles ments that make the Ducati a Marlins Park into a frenzy when fi rst WBC win, beating Canada 4-1 in Qatar, launched its bike of choice for our customers. he sent a line drive off left-hand- in Miami. Atlanta Braves pitcher DucatiA Party this year for VIP Food, music and their favourite er Andrew Miller rocketing into Julio Teheran was dominant for customers recently at the An- MotoGP riders made the evening the bleachers to give the Domini- fi ve innings for Colombia, retiring tica Pesa Italian Restaurant, another successful prelude to cans their fi rst lead of the game. the fi nal 13 batters he faced. Kempinski Marza Malaz hotel MotoGP 2017 which is set to Center fielder Starling Marte Canada struck fi rst, scoring in Doha. The event kicked off in start at the end of March. added a solo homer later in the their only run in the fi rst inning, a great atmosphere set by An- “Our exciting lineup of activi- inning to pad the margin as but they did not get another hit tica’s cozy ambience facing the ties in the run-up to the much- the reigning champions fought until the seventh and by then sea, with servings of authentic awaited event is certainly a roar- back from a 5-0 deficit in the Colombia were ahead 3-1. Italian dishes and live music as ing initiative for our fans as we sixth inning. In Pool D, Francisco Lindor guests enjoyed the presence of inch closer to race day at the Losail New York Mets closer Jeurys had three RBIs as Puerto Rico Ducati MotoGP Team and Rid- International Circuit. At Alfardan Familia pitched a clean ninth to beat Mexico 9-4. ers, especially Andrea Dovizioso Motorcycles, we always strive to seal the victory and put the Do- Javier Baez hit a three-run and the winner of Grand Prix create innovative ways for our minicans (2-0) top of Pool C ahead home run in the ninth inning to of Qatar 2016, the three-time customers to share their riding of the United States (1-1), Colom- give Puerto Rico some insurance world champion Jorge Lorenzo. Ducati MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo (third left) at the Ducati Party hosted by Alfardan Motorcycles. experiences as well as how to have bia (1-1) and Canada (0-2). in Jalisco, Mexico. Alfardan Motorcycles hosted fun with their motorbikes.” Cruz said he was delighted to Puerto Rico (2-0) heads the this year’s Ducati party as part of ing up for the fi rst race of the Losail International Circuit run- events since 2008, featuring Motorcycle enthusiasts were give the Dominican fans a mo- pool ahead of Venezuela (1-1) its exclusive opening activities MotoGP 2017 season to be held ning from March 24 to 26, 2017. some of the most spectacular also treated to a closer look at ment to remember with his home and Italy (1-1), with Mexico (0-2) for Ducati fans who are warm- during the Grand Prix of Qatar at Qatar has been hosting MotoGP racing events globally. select Ducati bikes at the venue. run, in front of the largest crowd eliminated. Gulf Times 6 Monday, March 13, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY BADMINTON Lee wins fourth All England title Captain Hartley won’t AFP Birmingham, United Kingdom

ee Chong Wei, Malaysia’s veteran world number one, captured the All-England Open yesterday with a trampling 21-12, 21-10 win over China’s unseeded Shi Yuqi. stand for England’s LIt was Lee’s fourth All-England title, which equals the achievement of Morten Frost, the Dane who is his coaching director in Kuala Lumpur. His tally is more than any singles player of the Open era except Lin Dan, the Chinese genius who is the only opponent consistently to get the better of him. And at 34 Lee is the oldest singles champion of the Open era. Grand Slam ‘failure’ Lee disclosed afterwards that he almost didn’t make it to Birmingham, unsure whether his dam- aged left knee heavily strapped would tolerate com- ‘We’ve set the bar pretty high and we will have to meet those expectations again next week’ petitive stresses. “When I decided to come — which was a very close decision — I never at all thought that I would AFP win the title,” said Lee. London “Yes, I am very surprised. I came because it might be my last, and I just wanted to come and enjoy it.” After two matches he was already feeling more ngland may have already re- confi dent about the injury, although he claims it was tained the Six Nations title but “never a hundred percent”. captain Dylan Hartley warned His 21-year-old opponent had found a path past it would represent a signifi cant Lin Dan, who appeared like an avuncular compatriot ‘failure’E for the side if they did not go on during their semi-fi nal rather than the most fear- to complete a Grand Slam next weekend. some player of his era. Hartley’s men overwhelmed Scotland It presented Shi with his fi rst major fi nal, whereas 61-21 at Twickenham on Saturday to win Lee has had seven at the All-England alone, and their second straight Six Nations crown many others, and the vast diff erence in experience under coach Eddie Jones and equal New showed cruelly. Zealand’s record of 18 successive Test When the newcomer tried to keep the shuttle wins by a ‘tier one’ or leading rugby un- away from the net, where Lee had scored so heavily ion nation. They now travel to Dublin in his earlier matches, he found the veteran as bril- for a match against Ireland on Saturday liantly light-footed as ever, punching clears and, for where a win would see them become the fi rst time this week, launching punishing aerial just the sixth team in the history of the attacks. Championship’s various guises, and fi rst From 8-7 in the fi rst game it was mostly one-way since France in 1998, to complete back- traffi c, with Shi trying diff erent ways to redirect the to-back Grand Slams. fl ow, but fi nding that Lee was now able to unleash a England will head across the Irish Sea complete and unstoppable all court game. in confi dent mood after a seven-try rout “I relaxed my mind,” Lee said, admitting it was a of Scotland, including centre Jonathan by-product of no longer expecting to win. Joseph’s impressive hat-trick, helped That is a mental skill he will try to re-create at them post the highest points total by ei- Glasgow in August for the world championships, a ther side in the history of rugby union’s title which has narrowly eluded him. oldest international fi xture. In the women’s singles fi nal, Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Australian boss Jones said completing Ying defeated Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon 21-16, two Grand Slams in a row would mean 22-20 to win the All-England Open Championship. his England side had achieved “great- ness” and the point was not lost on Hartley. “Eddie talked to us about that (greatness) a little bit. We talked about it as well,” Hartley said. “We have two options – there’s failure on one side or you can kick on and get better and hit those lofty heights,” the New Zealand-born hooker added. “The performance against Scotland was pretty ruthless so it was a good pro- gression for the team, but we’ve only equalled New Zealand’s record. We’d like to go one further. We want to be the best team in the world, but we’re not. That’s the reality – we’re not. But we’ve got something to aim for.” Only three England teams have won successive Grand Slams, with Will Car- England captain Dylan Hartley celebrates with the Calcutta Cup after beating Scotland in the Six Nations at Twickenham. (Reuters) ling’s men the last to do back in 1991-92. England had all but beaten Scotland at 30-7 come half-time – the fi rst occa- All Black boss Hansen hails Jones’s England sion this Six Nations they had been ahead New Zealand coach Steve Hansen Australian coach Jones, who has 2015 and included Hansen’s team Sunday: “I’d like to congratulate at the interval. Joseph was in scintillat- praised the renewed “work ethic” revitalised the team since taking lifting the World Cup before Ire- England on equalling the record. ing form, the speed and angle of his runs and “vision” shown by England over following their first-round land, achieving their first-ever vic- “It’s great for rugby because we proving far too much for a fragile Scot- under Eddie Jones after they exit on home soil at the 2015 tory over the All Blacks, stopped want competition and games land defence as he tormented opposing equalled the All Blacks’ record World Cup. Jones’s men now the run with a dramatic 40-29 that people want to watch and centres Alex Dunbar and Huw Jones. But of 18 consecutive Test wins by head to Dublin to face Ireland in success in Chicago in November. get excited by. Eddie has come in he was also the benefi ciary of excellent a major rugby union nation. the final match of the 2017 Six Many have questioned the exact and installed a want and a desire line-out work by lock Courtney Lawes England drew level with the Nations next weekend knowing a worth of England’s achievement that probably hasn’t been there and some precise passing by midfi eld col- world champions’ mark in style, win would see them become the given they have not played New before. We’ve always felt England leagues Owen Farrell and George Ford. thrashing oldest rivals Scotland first England side since 1992- Zealand, the world’s number have had plenty of talent but “People have been asking for a better 61-21 at Twickenham on Saturday, 93 to win back-to-back Grand one ranked side, in their winning not always been willing to work start from the team and we hit the ground with Jonathan Joseph’s hat-trick Slams. A win at Lansdowne Road sequence and are not due to face hard. But they seem to be doing running,” said Hartley. “There were some among their seven tries. Victory would also see England surpass the All Blacks again until 2018 that now under Eddie, and it’s no Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei celebrates after his good improvements, but we’ve set the saw England win their second New Zealand’s 18-match winning at the earliest. But a sporting surprise that they’re putting a run victory over China’s Shi Yuqi in the All England bar pretty high and we will have to meet straight Six Nations title under streak, which started in August Hansen told BBC Radio Five on together that’s pretty impressive.” Badminton Championships final in Birmingham those expectations again next week.” yesterday. (AFP)

GCC CLUB VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Bahrain’s Dar Kulaib defeated Qatar’s Al Rayyan 3-1 (25-16, 15-25, 25-22, 25-22) in their GCC Club Volleyball Championship match at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. (R) Oman’s Al Salam players celebrate after defeating Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal 3-2 (25-21, 14-25, 25-20, 22-25, 12-15) in their group match. PICTURES: Jayaram Gulf Times Monday, March 13, 2017 7 SPORT

GOLF SPOTLIGHT Venus battles back to beat Jankovic Chawrasia retains AFP saved with a volley winner. Indian Wells, United States Kerber in control There was no such drama for enus Williams saved second-seeded Angelique Ker- three match points ber, who raced into the third as she roared back round with a 6-2, 6-1 victory for a 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), over fellow German Andrea Indian Open crown V6-1 victory over old foe Jelena Petkovic. Jankovic on Saturday and a Kerber, who is assured of place in the third round at In- reclaiming the number one ‘This is a very tough course so I’m just trying to play straight and to the right place’ dian Wells. world ranking when the tour- The seven-time Grand Slam nament ends thanks to Serena champion, her right arm band- Williams’ injury withdrawal, Reuters aged and her serve speed down, reversed a run of poor fortune New Delhi surrendered the fi rst set in just in the California desert, where 20 minutes and was quickly she hadn’t made it out of her down a break at 3-1 in the sec- tournament opener since 2011. SP Chawrasia clinched his ond. “I defi nitely wasn’t able to Kerber next faces France’s fourth European Tour title do everything I wanted to,” she Pauline Parmentier, who oust- yesterday when he won the In- said. “Took me some time to ed 27th-seeded Yulia Putint- dian Open for the second suc- kind of get my head around that. seva of Kazakhstan 6-2, 6-3. cessiveS year with a seven-shot victory “You have to get disciplined Women’s fourth-seed Simo- over Malaysia’s Gavin Green. and just try to deal with what’s na Halep of Romania cruised Chawrasia, who became the fi rst at hand and try to use the tools through her opener, downing Indian to defend a European Tour ti- you have on this particular Croatian wild card Donna Ve- tle, started the day tied in fi rst, but day,” said Williams, who did so kic 6-4, 6-1. had opened up a two-shot lead by the with a vengeance. Sixth-seeded Agnieszka time he completed his weather-de- She broke Jankovic twice to Radwanska beat Spain’s Sara layed third round on Sunday morning. take a 5-4 lead in the second Sorribes 6-3, 6-4 and ninth- He struck his fi rst birdie of the fi nal set before the Serb veteran, seeded American Madison round on the fourth hole, but bogeyed like Williams a former world Keys made a successful return the sixth and the seventh before re- number one, broke in the 10th to competition with a 6-1, 7-5 covering with two more birdies before game to pull level at 5-5. Serv- victory over Colombian Mari- the turn. ing to save the match, Williams ana Duque. Keys was playing A birdie on the 13th was cancelled was on the ropes in the 12th in her fi rst match of 2017 af- out by a bogey on the fi nal hole as he game but she saved three match ter missing two months in the fi nished with a one-under-par 71 and points to force the decider. wake of left wrist surgery. a 10-under total of 278 for the tourna- Once she came through it, ment. she ran away with the third, “I’m winning back-to-back so I’m buoyed by an enthusiastic really very happy,” the 38-year-old, crowd. who won the 2008 Indian Masters “It ain’t over till it’s over,” and the Panasonic Open India on the she told her ecstatic fans of her Asian Tour at the Delhi Golf Club in determination to stick with it 2014, told reporters. until the end. “And I didn’t see “This is a very tough course so I’m no fat lady singing.” just trying to play straight and to the Williams next faces Czech right place. I played very consistently Lucie Safarova, a 4-6, 6-4, this week.” 6-1 winner over American Chawrasia has an excellent record Coco Vandeweghe. Safarova at the event, which is co-sanctioned denied Vandeweghe a chance with the Asian Tour, fi nishing second to avenge her semi-fi nal loss four times before beating compatriot to Williams at the Australian Anirban Lahiri to lift the title for the Open, where Williams fell in fi rst time last year. the championship match to her Delays caused by lightning on the sister Serena. fi rst two days meant Chawrasia had to Jankovic, meanwhile, could complete seven holes of his third round only regret her missed oppor- Venus Williams celebrates after on Sunday morning, but he made gains tunities, especially her fi rst defeating Jelena Jankovic. on the 13th, 4th and 15th to start his match point that Williams (Getty Images/AFP) fi nal round on nine-under, two shots ahead of Spain’s Carlos Pigem. Pigem’s hopes faded as he fi nished Sharapova should ‘start from bottom’ — Wozniacki with his worst round of the tourna- ment, racking up four bogeys and a SP Chawrasia poses with the trophy after he won the Hero Indian Open golf tournament at the Dlf Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon Maria Sharapova’s planned return from a 15-month drugs ban double bogey to end on a one-under yesterday. (AFP) at Stuttgart next month is “disrespectful” to other WTA players, 287 and a share of fi fth place with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki said. The tourna- compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello and last ment will already be underway when five-time Grand Slam year’s runner up Lahiri. Canada’s Hadwin stays ahead in search of first PGA win champion Sharapova’s suspension ends on April 26, and she’ll Green hit fi ve bogeys and two bird- play her first match that day. “I think it’s very questionable, allow- ies for a round of 75 that put him on Canada’s Adam Hadwin fired a bogey- roared into second with the day’s low shot and two-putting from there. ing — no matter who it is — a player that is still banned to play a three-under for the tournament. That free four-under par 67 Saturday to seize round, a 66, to reach Sunday’s final pairing “I felt really good on the golf course,” Had- tournament that week,” Wozniacki said. “I think it’s disrespectful was good enough for second place, a four-stroke lead over American Patrick on 203, one ahead of compatriot Jim Her- win said. “A little nervous on the putting to the other players and the WTA.” while Italy’s Matteo Manassero and Cantlay after the third round of the US man, who led Thursday after an opening green. Got over that pretty quickly, made Wozniacki said she had no problem with Sharapova, whose ban Scotland’s Scott Jamieson were tied in PGA Valspar Championship. 62, and two better than American Dominic a good drive, a good swing and two putts for a positive test for meldonium was reduced by the Court of third on two-under. The 29-year-old from Moose Jaw, Sas- Bozzelli. “I’m not going to worry about for a birdie. That relaxed me really quick.” Arbitration for Sport, returning to the game. But she said the katchewan — seeking his first PGA crown anything else, fairways and greens and Hadwin added a six-foot birdie putt at the Russian star, whose world ranking has been wiped out by her Scores after the final round — stood on 14-under 199 after 54 holes make as many putts as I can,” Cantlay said seventh, then dropped a 33-foot birdie absence, should play her way back into tournaments. “I think 278—SSP Chawrasia (IND) 72 67 68 71 over Innisbrook’s Copperhead course in of his Sunday strategy. putt at the par-4 12th thanks to some help everyone deserves a second chance, and I think that she’s going 285—Gavin Green (MAS) 72 73 65 75 Palm Harbor, Florida. “Try not to have too many expectations, from being able to read a similar putt from to come back and she’s going to fight her way back,” Wozniacki 286—Matteo Manassero (ITA) 68 73 “I’ve been really proud of myself grinding try to stick to my program, hit fairways playing partner Herman. said. “I’m sure she’s going to play well. But at the same time, I 72 73, Scott Jamieson (SCO) 70 74 things out. I just have to come out and do and greens, try to stick to my deal and not “He putted right on that line just before feel like when a player is banned for drugs, I think that someone 70 72 the same thing tomorrow,” Hadwin said. have a whole lot of doubts.” me,” Hadwin said. “I had a good look at it should start from the bottom and fight their way back, because 287—Rafa Cabrera Bello (SPA) 73 73 “I’m going to play well tomorrow if I give British Open champion Henrik Stenson of and judged the speed right.” it’s diff erent from an injury where someone is out because they 70 71, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 76 73 67 71, myself a chance to win on 18 — if I’ve Sweden and American J.J. Henry shared The Canadian followed with a 55-foot had hurt themselves. “When someone has been banned for drugs Carlos Pigem (SPA) 69 73 67 78 got to be 5-over or 2-under, I just want a fifth on 206. birdie putt at the par-3 15th and sank a and something that is performance enhancing, I think that you de- 288—David Horsey (ENG) 66 74 76 72, chance to win.” Hadwin eased his nerves with an opening testy six-foot par putt at the 18th to keep serve a second chance like everybody else, people make mistakes. George Coetzee (RSA) 73 74 69 72, Cantlay, also seeking his first PGA title, birdie, finding the fringe with his second his four-stroke advantage. But I think you should fight your way back from the bottom.” Michael Hoey (NIR) 71 71 71 75

TENNIS Pospisil sends Murray packing at Indian Wells

Agencies to put pressure coming into the seventh-seeded Frenchman in Indian Wells, United States net, using my strength, which is a match that stretched nearly my ability at the net and serving two hours and 30 minutes in the well.” blazing afternoon sun. orld number one Pospisil joked that his lowly “I am happy about my per- Andy Murray was current world ranking was due to formance. It’s a good victory for sent packing from a “mid-life crisis” that saw him sure,” Fognini told Tennis Chan- the second round of endure a lean 2016, after he had nel after beating Tsonga for the Wthe BNP Paribas Open on Satur- made the Wimbledon quarter- fi rst time in fi ve career meetings. day after losing 6-4 7-6(5) to Ca- fi nals in 2015. “Today was really hot so nadian qualifi er Vasek Pospisil. Pospisil was playing on the the ball was bouncing a lot. I Pospisil delivered the knock- lower-rung Challenger circuit as love playing with sun and good out punch in style, whipping a recently as February, honing his weather.” crosscourt winner on his fourth game under the guidance of new Fognini considered him- match point in front of the near coach Mark Woodforde and try- self fortunate even to make it capacity crowd at Indian Wells ing to build up a ranking that had to the second round. The Ital- that included former boxing slipped outside the top 130 in the ian dropped the fi rst set to love champion Mike Tyson. world. and was down 5-2 in the second Pospisil, ranked 129th in the He said Australia’s Wood- set of his fi rst-round encounter world, was rewarded for his ag- forde, a 12-time Grand Slam with Russian Konstantin Krav- gressive approach, rushing the doubles champion, had proved chuk, before roaring back to win net whenever the opportunity the perfect addition as he sought 0-6 7-5 6-4. arose and pouncing on Murray’s to rekindle the fi re he lacked last “It is a crazy sport,” Fognini second serve. year. said. Fognini’s wife, 2015 US “I knew I was a long shot. “He has a lot of wisdom,” Po- Open champion Flavia Pennetta, I’ve played Andy four times and spisil said. “He’s been around for is expecting a child in late May, didn’t win a set,” the 26-year- many years. He was a great sin- Vasek Pospisil of Canada celebrates a point during his straight sets victory against Andy Murray (R) of Great Britain in their second round while Tsonga is also set to be- old told Tennis Channel. gles player himself. match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP) come a father next month. “I felt like I had the ability to “Doubles, obviously, that goes In another upset on Satur- (win) but to actually go through without saying, one of the dou- Still glowing from his victory “I feel like I came out a little “The last few months I have won a battle of expectant fathers day, Japanese world number 70 is a whole new thing. I tried to bles greats. But he was a very ac- over Murray, Pospisil wasn’t in- bit more wise about life, about been kind of stopping myself when he beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Yoshihito Nishioka beat Croatian bring diff erent tactics... versus complished singles player, and terested in discussing the details myself,” he said. “I think that’s during matches and realizing 7-6(4) 3-6 6-4. veteran Ivo Karlovic 6-4 6-3, but the other times I played him. I felt like he could help me kind of the personal troubles that why I’m also now enjoying my how happy I am to even be com- Unseeded Fognini survived seeds Dominic Thiem, David “I didn’t want to give him the of discover more about my game played havoc with his career last time on the court so much more peting and playing tennis.” a fi rst-set tiebreak and a tense Goffi n and Tomas Berdych won same look each time. I wanted and how I want to play.” year. these days. Earlier, Italian Fabi Fognini fi nal set before upsetting the their matches to advance.

Monday, March 13, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT GYMNASTICS We’re proud to host ICSS’ Save the Dream FIG Artistic World Cup, says al-Hitmi By Sports Reporter Bruno Grandi, who was in Doha Doha last December, had opined that QGF, formed in 2000 and be- celebrates women in came affi liated to the world body s Doha gears up for the in 2002, had developed very fast. FIG Artistic World Cup, Meanwhile, Qatar’s pommel the Qatar Gymnastics horse specialist Ahmed al-Day- Federation (QGF) pres- ani will be the one to watch out identA Ali Ahmed al-Hitmi said it for in the World Cup. The local is an honour to host the prestig- lad he fi nished seventh last year sport at GCC Games ious annual event. and will be hoping to do better The 10th edition of champion- this time too. The Qatari accu- ship will be held from March 22- mulated 14.600 points to qualify 25, with the qualifi cation rounds from a star-studded line-up, Female athletes share experiences and highlight the positive values of sport taking place on the fi rst two which included Armenian Haru- days. Eight gymnasts will qualify tym Merdinyan and Azerbaijan’s By Sports Reporters for the fi nal in each apparatus, Oleg Stepko. Doha which will take place on March The 23-year-old al-Dayani 24th and 25th. had tallied 13.475 in the fi nal, but “It’s a matter of pride that we can do much better than his sev- t a special ceremony to celebrate have earned the trust of the FIG enth-place fi nish if he gets better the ongoing 5th GCC Women’s to host an important event like international exposure. Though Games, Save the Dream – the this,” said al-Hitmi. “Qatar has it will be a little diffi cult to win a global movement established by the necessary infrastructure and medal in the presence of Europe- theA International Centre for Sport Secu- personnel to host any world- an and world champions, he will rity (ICSS) in partnership with the Qatar class event. We have profes- be keen to improve his standings. Olympic Committee – highlighted the sionals who can work for such a “There’re several memora- powerful role that sport plays in educat- big event and that made us am- ble moments in my career, but ing and empowering women and young bitious to go for bigger events. qualifying for the pommel horse girls around the world. We are also prepared to host a fi nals last year was my best,” said Hosted just a few days after Interna- successful 2018 Artistic World the former Aspire Academy stu- tional Women’s Day, Save the Dream and Championships,” he added dent, who is rated as the best ar- female athletes from across the Middle More than 100 gymnasts from tistic Qatari gymnast. East united at a special ceremony to share 30 countries will participate in But al-Dayani, who bagged their personal experiences about the in- the competition and the QGF six gold medals and a bronze at spiring and powerful role sport can play president thanked FIG for re- the 12th GCC Championships in empowering women from all cultures ‘Save the Dream’ and female athletes from across the Middle East united at a special ceremony to share their personal experiences posing faith in Doha, which fi rst in Doha last September, said: “I and communities, as well as the role it has about the inspiring and powerful role sport can play in empowering women from all cultures and communities. hosted the World Cup in 2008. want to qualify for the 2020 To- in cultivating creativity and innovation in “With the experience of hav- kyo Games. The FIG competi- society. As part of the ceremony, several Dream empowers women and young girls ing organised several World Cups tion is a place from where we can athletes and high-level representatives through sport were highlighted during in the last one decade, this one learn a lot from the top stars. I’ve from across the Middle East shared their the session, including the ‘Delhi Dreams’ too will be a successful one. As gained lot of experience from experiences of how sport can teach posi- programme developed with Save the a pioneer in organising several participating in this event,” he tive values, as well as the important role Dream and Aston Villa Football Club, the gymnastics disciplines in the added. sports programmes and initiatives can ongoing TASEM project training athletes region, the QGF has also shown When asked about his favour- play in empowering and benefi ting wom- from Mena countries to become sport eff orts to promote the sport in ite gymnast, he said: “I started en and young girls around the world. event managers and the upcoming Save the country as well as in the Arab following Japan’s Hiroyuki Tom- Introducing Save the Dream, Montan- the Dream Symposium. region,” al-Hitmi added. ita after I had watched him at the ari, Executive Director of Save the Dream, Hosted during the 14th International The former FIG president 2004 Athens Olympics.” said: “On behalf of Save the Dream, I Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) World would like to thank the Qatar Women’s Congress in July 2017 the Save the Dream Sport Committee and its President Lolwa participation at the ISSP World Congress H. al-Marri for its support to Save the will aim share outstanding examples of Dream and giving us the opportunity to how female athletes overcome obstacles present our work to female athletes from to make their dreams come true. across the GCC. During the closing remarks, Siham “As we continue to develop as a global Alawami, Director of Special Projects – movement, Save the Dream encourages Former volleyball player Haya al-Ahmad addresses the athletes. Save the Dream, invited athletes compet- female athletes competing in the GCC ing at the GCC Women’s Games to make Women’s Games to share the positive and Rosa Mota.” empowering and educating women of all use of the Save the Dream social media impact sport can make in society and Speaking on the panel, former vol- ages across the Middle East and beyond platform to create an online community the role sport can have in inspiring both leyball athlete and specialist at Save the about the benefi ts of sport, as well as the and share information on their respective young girls and boys through their pas- Dream, Haya al-Ahmad, said: “Sport vital role it plays in society. activities to empower youth and commu- sion and commitment to sport and its provides an incredible platform to em- “By breaking down barriers, embrac- nities through sport. Held under the pa- values. “The GCC Women’s Games pro- power women and young girls of all ages. ing our culture and traditions as well as tronage of HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad vides a unique opportunity to Save the It can inspire, provide new opportunities encouraging more women and commu- al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Dream to connect with leading female and experiences to grow and develop, nities to play sport through programmes Qatar Foundation for Education, Science athletes and representatives from across as well as off ering a unique avenue for like Save the Dream, I believe that Arab and Community Development, the 5th the GCC and expand our activities and women to express their individuality and women can achieve at the very highest edition of the GCC Women’s Games is ambassador programme, which already creativity. level and fulfi l their potential by harness- underway in Doha till 17th March, bring- involves leading athletes including Penny “As a former athlete, I am passion- ing the power of sport.” ing together over 891 athletes from four Heyns, Honey Thalijeh, Giusy Versace ate about highlighting the importance of Several examples of how Save the Gulf countries across 10 sports. Qatar’s Ahmed al-Dayani will be in action at the World Cup,

THOMAS WINS AMMICO GOLF TOURNAMENT FOCUS Zekreet named Ooredoo Temba’s champion at Aspire he Ooredoo Temba Championship, organ- throughout the year and hope to collaborate with ised by the Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) Aspire Zone Foundation again. Huge congratula- in partnership with Ooredoo, concluded tions go to the Zekreet team for their well-deserved on Saturday evening as Zekreet Team were win and thank you to everyone who took part, Tcrowned champions after a tough 8-6 win against whether participating or cheering on the teams.” One Team. All seven members of Zekreet have se- Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, Director of PR and cured an all-expenses paid trip to Spain to watch Communications at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: a La Liga match with the win, which was earned “I’m very happy with the way this tournament has at AZF’s new state-of-the-art 5-a-side pitches in been handled by our team at Aspire Zone Founda- the Aspire Zone. In the penultimate match for third tion. With over 200 participants competing on our place, Qatar Al Khairiya came out victors in a thrill- new 5-a-side pitches, it was a logistically challeng- ing penalty shootout against Al Quds that followed ing endeavour but has been pulled off with great an 11-11 draw. Meanwhile, second and third place success. This championship is one of many events winners, One Team and Al Quds respectively, re- organised by Aspire Zone Foundation to promote ceived cash prizes awarded from Aspire Zone Foun- healthy and active lifestyles among community dation and Ooredoo. members and we’re happy for the support of Oore- At the closing ceremony, Sheikh Nasser bin Ha- doo, who make such events possible.” mad bin Nasser al-Thani, Chief New Business Of- Ahmad Abdulaziz al-Neama, Chief Sales and fi cer, Ooredoo Qatar, handed the championship Service Offi cer, Ooredoo Qatar, handed medals to trophy and medals to fi rst-place winners Zekreet. third-placed Qatar Al Khairiya while Abdullah al- He said: “We’re delighted to see that the fi rst Khater, Events Manager at Aspire Zone Foundation, Ooredoo Temba championship was so success- handed the Best Player Award to Mohammed Obai- ful and inspired so many to do sports. In line with dat from the fourth-place team Al Quds and the Melanie Thomas (third from left) carded an impressive 4-under par to emerge victorious in the Ammico golf tournament. Around 40 our mission to support a well-rounded and healthy Best Goalkeeper Award to Hammam Khalid from golfers participated in the tournament, organised by Qatar Golf Lovers over the weekend and was sponsored by Ammico and played society, we support a host of sporting activities Ooredoo Team 2. on a strokeplay format. Jean-Dominique Lucas who scored 3-under par was declared the runner-up while Fazal Kazi finished in third place. Johann Pedder won the prize for ‘Best Gross’. Arnav Jain won the ‘longest drive’, Cherie Pedder won the ‘longest putt’, Uzma Mir won the ‘closest to rope’ and John Rodney won the ‘closest to pin’ awards. Fazal Kazi, Managing Director of Ammico hosted a prize distribution function and dinner for all golfers and their families and gave away prizes to all winners.

GT3 CUP CHALLENGE Qatar-based Frijns fi nishes fourth reland’s Ryan Cullen secured back-to-back race wins in the end’s results have damaged Frijns’ ambitions to secure his fi rst penultimate round of Season 8 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Chal- drivers’ championship but his hopes have not been extinguished lenge Middle East at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to completely. extend his lead in the drivers’ championship. Back to back wins are monumental for the Irishman. It sees Cul- ICullen crossed the line 0.555 seconds ahead of Britain’s Tom len take a sizable step forward and potentially unstoppable mo- Oliphant in second and third-placed Dylan Pereira of Luxemburg. mentum towards claiming his fi rst driver title in the region’s most Doha-resident Charlie Frijns narrowly missed out the vital podium professional and competitive series. he needed to fi nish fourth and as a result has fallen further behind For Cullen the textbook double victory has set up the mouth- in the race for the driver’s title. watering prospect of clinching a maiden title on the ultimate stage With only two races of Round 6 remaining Cullen (238 pts) is as the fi nal round of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East now 33 points clear of closest rival Frijns (205 pts) in second and will support the showpiece Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, Oliphant (198 pts) in third, 40 points behind the leader. This week- April 15-16th 2017. All seven members of Zekreet have secured an all-expenses paid trip to Spain to watch a La Liga match.