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Monday, April 23, 2018 TENNIS Sha’baan 7, 1439 AH Nadal swats aside GULF TIMES Nishikori to seal 11th Monte Carlo crown SPORT Page 4

FOOTBALL / QATAR CUP Duhail set up Sadd fi nale with big win over Gharafa Nam Tae-Hee scores a second-half hat-trick as QNB Stars League champion beat Gharafa 6-1 in the semi-final

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Duhail and hat-trick hero Nam Tae-Hee pulled off a second- half masterclass to convincing- ly brush aside Al Gharafa with a A6-1 victory in the Qatar Cup semi-fi nal at the Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. All goals came in the second half through Murad Naji (47th minute), Is- mail Mohamed (54th), Youssef El Arabi (76th) and Tae-Hee (69th, 79th and 86th minutes). Mehdi Taremi grabbed a consolation goal for Al Gharafa two minutes into stoppage time. The fi rst half was a battle through- out, best characterised by yellow cards awarded to both sides following some Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi sends out instructions to his players during the match. rash challenges on their counterparts. The only real chance of the half came from Khaled Muftah whose curled shot produced a smart save from Al Gharafa goalkeeper Qasem Burhan. What the fi rst half lacked in chances was quickly forgotten after the break when Al Gharafa went close to break- ing the deadlock, a missed opportunity that proved very costly. Moments later, Murad collected the ball from 40 yards out, advanced a few paces before strik- ing a thunderous shot from 25 yards (From left) Al Duhail’s Ismail Mohamed, Youssef El Arabi and Nam Tae-Hee celebrate their victory over Al Gharafa in the Qatar that fi zzled past a helpless Qasem. Cup football semi-final at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil and Shemeer Rasheed Ismail then cut in from the byline, deceived the keeper and coolly slotted El Arabi got in on the action as he lowing this up with a solo run and goal opposition. home from a tight angle. converted from close range following in the latter stages. Al Duhail will now be full of confi - With Al Duhail in the ascendancy, a nice interchange on the right side of Mehdi pulled one back from the pen- dence when they meet Al Sadd, who Tae-Hee stepped up to take a free-kick the fi eld. Nam, not content with one alty spot, but Al Gharafa will be disap- beat Al Rayyan 4-2 on penalties (2-2 af- on the edge of the area, curled it around wondrous free-kick, produced a carbon pointed with the result having started ter regular time) in the other semi-fi nal the wall and straight into the far corner copy of his fi rst goal as he struck again the game so positively, but ultimately on Saturday, in the Qatar Cup fi nal on Duhail’s Nam Tae-Hee (right) vies for the ball with Al Gharafa’s Assim Omer Madebo for goal number three of the night. into the corner of the net, before fol- collapsed under the pressure of great Friday at the same venue. during the Qatar Cup semifinal yesterday.

FOOTBALL / EMIR CUP QSC, Al Ahli to start their campaigns today

By Sports Reporter Second division teams will seek to aware that we will face a very strong said yesterday. Doha capture the spotlight from top-fl ight team with excellent players. But we Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez outfi ts although that usually proves a have studied our opponents well and praised Qatar SC and described their tall order as the gulf in class is far too know their weak and strong points. We rivals as an organised team with excel- he Emir Cup tournament will obvious. will try to exploit weaknesses to win,” lent players. However, he hoped that his kick off today with Mesaimeer Today, Al Ahli will be keen to make Tadek said. team will take advantage of any mis- locking horns with Al Ahli at up for the disappointment in the QNB Meanwhile, Qatar SC is gunning for takes made by Qatar SC players. the Suheim bin Hamad Stadi- Stars League, where they fi nished their fi rst appearance in the Emir Cup fi - Lopez conceded his players are still um.T In another fi rst round match today, ninth. It won’t easy against Mesaimeer nal since 2004. Once a formidable team, hurting from their loss to Al Kharaitiyat Qatar Sports Club will take on Al Wak- for Al Ahli though, with cup games tra- Qatar SC has fallen down the ladder and in the play-off s last week, which meant rah at 8pm. ditionally a diffi cult one to call and can is hoping to repeat the magic of 2004, they missed out on a place in the next The Emir Cup is the most prestigious swung in one way or the other in few when they lost to Al Rayyan in the fi nal. season’s QNB Stars League. The play-off domestic football tournament and brings moments of magic. Ahead of today’s fi rst round match was between the 11th-placed team in the down the curtains on the nine-month Ahli coach Youssef Ahmed said his against Al Wakrah, Qatar SC coach Ab- QNB Stars League and Second Division long football season in Qatar. The event players were ready for the tournament. dullah Mubarak said his team is looking runners-up, and Al Wakrah failed in their off ers a chance for lower division teams “Our goal will defi nitely be to win the forward to the tournament and have pursuit to get a promotion. to test their mettle against the big guns tournament, despite the absence of our been sweating out in training for the Lopez said: “My players were heart- as they bid to qualify for the fi nal at the key players Ahmed Fouad and Shikha- last ten days. broken after the lost in the play-off s. Khalifa Stadium on May 19. wi. But at the same time we have a large “It’s a prestigious tournament and But it’s not in past. We want to show The top four QNB Stars League teams number of young players who are ca- it’s every player’s and the club’s ambi- how good a team we are. We will be go- – Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al pable of fi lling up for their experienced tion to reach the fi nal. In a cup game, ing into the Emir Cup with confi dence Gharafa will kick off their campaigns teammates,” he said on the match eve Al Ahli coach Youssef Ahmed (right) and defender Hadi al-Masri addresses a press it’s not necessary that the strongest and believing in our capabilities.” directly from the quarter-fi nal stage yesterday. conference yesterday. PICTURE: Anas Khalid team will win the match. The team that After today’s two fi rst-round match- of the competition, where they will be On Mesaimeer, Al Ahli’s opponents, adapts well will go on to win the tour- es, two more matches are scheduled for joined by four other teams who will he said: “We know our opponents very qualify for the fi nal.” a diffi cult task against Al Ahli and was nament. Our preparations have been tomorrow. Al Markhiya will clash with have to work their way up from rounds well and will impose our style during On the other hand, Mesaimeer coach hoping for a surprise victory. excellent and we have all the players Al Shamal, while Al Kharaitiyat take on one and two. the game in order to win. Our aim is to Dragan Tadek said his team will have “We are well prepared and we are ready for the match against Wakrah,” he Al Shahania. Gulf Times 2 Monday, April 23, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Barcelona hammer Sevilla to clinch 30th Copa del Rey Messi scores once and Suarez twice before even the half-time whistle had blown at the Wanda Metropolitano

AFP Madrid

ionel Messi and Luis Suarez in- spired Barcelona to what will surely be the fi rst part of a do- mestic double this season as Lthey thrashed Sevilla 5-0 on Saturday night to win the Copa del Rey. Messi had scored once and Suarez twice be- fore even the half-time whistle had blown at the Wanda Metropolitano, with the sublime Andres Iniesta and Philippe Coutinho later compounding Sevilla’s humiliation. Barca’s exhilarating display earns them their 30th triumph in this com- petition and fourth in a row, having reached the fi nal in each of the last fi ve years. But, despite hugs and high-fi ves at the end, the real celebrations will be put on ice until next Sunday, when victory over Deportivo La Coruna will confi rm Ernesto Valverde’s side as La Liga champions too. Even a clean sweep of the domestic trophies, perhaps polished by La Liga’s fi rst ever unbeaten season, will not eradicate the lingering disappointment from Barca’s Champions League exit to Roma. But this performance, as easy on the eye as it was emphatic, will certain- ly serve as a counter-point to those that believe Valverde’s team have been effi - cient, rather than exciting this season, Barcelona players and staff celebrate with their families after winning the Copa del Rey at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday night. (Reuters) and overly reliant on Messi. “Winning the Cup does not hide the last Barca fi nal before departing for looks an outside bet and there may ernment, Barca fans whistled during the ball alive with a backheel that Messi in the second half as the midfi elder’s disappointment in Rome,” Suarez said China, it was a fi tting farewell, with be repercussions for coach Vincenzo the national anthem before kick-off , slammed into the roof of the net. dummy-shot left Soria scrambling and after the match. “But at the beginning only goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen absent Montella and some of his players in the with king Felipe VI watching on. Their Messi could have had a second were an open net for the midfi elder to fi n- of the season anyone would have signed from the 10-man huddle that engulfed summer. “Barcelona has been superior jeers, however, were drowned out by it not for an incorrect off side call and ish into. Resigned to their fate, Sevilla’s for a double.” the Spaniard following his shimmying in everything, they have extra-terres- the chants of Sevilla supporters. then a cynical foul by Sergio Escudero, fans sang to the end, even as Coutinho Messi was, of course, superb again on fourth. By the time Coutinho converted trial players,” Montella said. “I’m very When the fi rst goal arrived it came for which he was lucky only to receive a despatched a penalty to make it fi ve af- Saturday but this was not a one-man his penalty in the 69th minute, Barca sorry for the fans who have been fan- from a long Cillessen punt downfi eld as yellow card. Both mattered little, how- ter the ball had struck Clement Lenglet show. Suarez scored his 31st and 32nd were simply sharing the goals around. tastic, sorry for the disappointments. Coutinho found himself free behind the ever, as Messi set Suarez free in the 41st on the arm. goals of the season while Iniesta deliv- For Sevilla, defeat was always the I have seen crying in the dressing room Sevilla backline and squared for Suarez minute, and the Uruguayan slid a third All that was left was for Iniesta’s ered one of those eff ortless displays, in most likely scenario but this was a but tomorrow, we have to work.” to stab home. Iniesta hit the bar with under David Soria. substitution to be given a standing ova- which at times he was virtually unplay- whitewash. Sitting eighth in La Liga, Amid ongoing political unrest be- a rasping shot from distance and soon It was another one-two, with Messi tion before the captain hoisted the tro- able. If this is to be the 33-year-old’s even Europa League qualifi cation now tween Catalonia and the Spanish gov- they were two up, Jordi Alba keeping again the pivot, that released Iniesta phy, perhaps for the fi nal time.

FOCUS SERIE A Iniesta says ‘emotional’ fi nal Lazio, Inter keep Champions League may be his last for Barca push alive; Benevento relegated AFP Madrid AFP Europa League places with a 2-1 Turin, Italy win over Torino at the expense of AC Milan who dropped to sev- ndres Iniesta hinted he may have played enth after a 1-0 defeat at home to his last fi nal for Barcelona after they azio and Inter Milan kept bottom club Benevento on Satur- crushed Sevilla 5-0 to win the Copa their push for Champions day. Benevento’s relegation from del Rey on Saturday. Barcelona captain League football alive yes- Serie A was confi rmed after just IniestaA said he would reveal his future plans “this terday with champions one year in Italy’s top fl ight and week” as the 33-year-old weighs up an off er from LJuventus and Napoli set to meet less than 24 hours after an im- China that would take him away from his boy- in a top of the table clash in Tu- pressive 1-0 win at AC Milan. hood club. There was no sign of age catching up rin late last night. Ciro Immobile Crotone’s 2-1 victory away to with the Spaniard at the Wanda Metropolitano scored a brace as Lazio crushed Udinese yesterday condemned where Iniesta capped a sublime performance by Sampdoria 4-0 to return joint Benevento to an immediate re- scoring Barca’s fourth goal. He looked tearful as third with Roma who warmed turn to the second division af- he departed to a standing ovation in the second up for next week’s Champions ter they were left 14 points from half, from some Sevilla fans too, before hoisting League semi-fi nal against Liver- safety with just four matches to the Copa del Rey trophy aloft. pool with a 3-0 win at SPAL on play. The club based some 60 “This week I will make my decision public but Saturday. kilometres to the east of Naples we will always have days like today,” Iniesta said. Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta celebrates after Roma and Lazio both have 67 began the season in disastrous Asked if this was his last fi nal with Barcelona, scoring against Sevilla in Copa del Rey final. (AFP) points from 34 games with Roma fashion, losing 14 consecutive Iniesta added: “It’s a possibility. In a few days I’ll ahead on head-to-head clashes. matches to break the record for make it public and nothing more. Today is a very years. Philippe Coutinho converted a late penalty Inter Milan are just outside the the worst start to a campaign in special and emotional day.” to make it 5-0. Champions League places in fi fth any of Europe’s top fi ve leagues. The top sponsor of China club Chongqing Dan- But Iniesta was the man of the moment, his one point behind after a hard The arrivals of Bacary Sagna, gdai Lifan said on Saturday he was “positive” they fourth goal a moment of individual brilliance af- fought 2-1 win over Chievo. Sandro and giant Malian striker would sign Iniesta, who had earlier this year also ter a superb shimmy left Sevilla goalkeeper David Lazio dominated Sampdoria Cheick Diabate — who has scored been linked with fellow Chinese Super League Soria helpless to save the fi nish. This was the in their Stadio Olimpico with Lazio’s Ciro Immobile (top) vies for the ball with Sampdoria’s Joachim seven goals in eight games — outfi t Tianjin Quanjian. “I will say what the deci- sixth time Iniesta has won the Copa del Rey, add- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic break- Andersen during the Italian Serie A match in Rome. (AFP) in the winter transfer window sion is this week,” said Iniesta. “I think it’s a little ing another trophy to a remarkable collection that ing through after 32 minutes and helped Benevento improve but clear but we will see.” already includes eight La Liga titles, three Cham- a Stefan de Vrij’s diving header to the end and hope to leave one ing a second six minutes later. couldn’t spare them from the in- Lionel Messi scored in between a fi rst-half pions League crowns and a World Cup. giving the hosts a second just be- of them behind us. We’ll give our Mariusz Stepinski pulled a goal evitable drop. double for Luis Suarez as Barcelona ran riot to se- He will win a ninth La Liga title if Barcelona fore the break. Immobile tapped heart and soul to make it.” back for Chievo who are just two cure their fourth Copa del Rey triumph in as many beat Deportivo La Coruna next weekend. in a Milinkovic-Savic assist fi ve Sampdoria, meanwhile, are points above the drop zone. ITALIAN SERIE A RESULTS minutes from the end, quickly now four points off the Europa The battle for Europe could Cagliari 0 Bologna 0 adding a second to consolidate League places with four games go down to the wire with Lazio Lazio 4 (Milinkovic-Savic 32, de Vrij his position as leading Serie A to play. After being pegged back hosting Inter in their fi nal game 43, Immobile 85, 88) Sampdoria 0 scorer with 29 goals this season. in the fi rst half by 16th-placed of the season. “I don’t know if Atalanta 2 (Freuler 53, Gosens 64) NEYMAR EXPECTED BACK IN PARIS “We’re not in the top four by Chievo, Inter’s top scorer Mauro it’ll be the key, but this team has Torino 1 (Ljajic 56) chance, we’ve earned this on the Icardi broke through on 50 min- realised it’s in the running right Udinese 1 (Lasagna 5) Crotone 2 IN MID-MAY AT LATEST pitch,” said Lazio coach Simone utes — for his 26th Serie A goal to the end,” said Inter coach Lu- (Tochukwu Nwankwo 7, Faraoni 86) Inzaghi. “Roma and Inter are this season second behind Im- ciano Spalletti. Chievo 1 (Stepinski 90) Inter Milan 2 Paris: Brazilian superstar celebrations. success in regaining the Ligue also going strong, but we’ll fi ght mobile — with Ivan Perisic add- Atalanta moved sixth into the (Icardi 50, Perisic 61) Neymar is expected back in RMC radio, though, said he 1 title, winning the League Cup Paris a month before the World would be back in “early May” and perhaps also the French Cup begins in Russia, French to complete his rehabilita- Cup — they play third-tier Les BUNDESLIGA media reported yesterday. tion in Paris alongside his two Herbiers in the final on May 8. Paris Saint-Germain forward physiotherapists. His injury Earlier this week, Neymar Neymar has been recovering in sparked a club-versus-country said he was due to undergo his homeland since undergo- tug-of-war as PSG wanted to tests on May 17 to determine Finnbogason stars as Augsburg secure survival ing surgery on a broken bone try to get Neymar fit in time to whether he is fit to start play- in his foot on March 3. play against Real while Brazil ing again. AFP that ended any doubt Augsburg Finnbogason was part of the whistle, the burly Icelandic strik- He had been injured playing were eager to wrap him in cot- It means he is almost certain Berlin would remain in the top fl ight for Iceland side that reached the er fi red home his 12th Bundesliga for PSG in a league match ton wool to ensure he is firing to play no further part in PSG’s next season. quarter-fi nals of Euro 2016 and goal of the season before earning against Marseille on February on all cylinders at the World season but that would leave They are in the security of is set to be part of his country’s himself a yellow card as he ripped 25, just before a crucial Cham- Cup, starting on June 14. him a month to regain match celand international Al- mid-table, while Mainz remain squad at the World Cup in Rus- off his shirt in celebration. pions League last 16 second- Brazil won that battle as sharpness ahead of the World fred Finnbogason set up one level on points with Freiburg, sia. He produced a superb piece leg clash with Real Madrid. Neymar went under the knife Cup, something he said on goal and scored another as who occupy the relegation play- of skill to set up the fi rst-half GERMAN BUNDESLIGA RESULTS French newspaper L’Equipe as PSG were sent crashing out Tuesday he was confident of Augsburg beat relegation- off berth with three games re- opener, threading a pin-point Augsburg 2 (Gregoritsch 29, Ithreatened Mainz 2-0 in the maining. Hamburg and Cologne pass through for the unmarked said he will return to Paris in of Europe. PSG’s last match is doing. “I will arrive better than Finnbogason 90+2) Mainz 05 0 “mid-May at the latest” to take on May 19 against Caen, after I was before,” he said at a pub- Bundesliga yesterday. Michael sit in the bottom two and look set Gregoritsch, who had a simple Cologne 2 (Bittencourt 26, Risse 84) part in PSG’s end of season which they will celebrate their licity even in Sao Paulo. Gregoritsch got the opener be- to drop down automatically into tap-in. Schalke 2 (Embolo 4, Konoplyanka fore Finnbogason sealed the win the second tier. Then, just before the fi nal 24) Gulf Times Monday, April 23, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE FOCUS Wenger stepped Record seekers Man aside to unite City thrash Swansea Arsenal fanbase AFP London

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he decid- ed to bring his 22-year to celebrate title tenure to a close at the endA of the season because he didn’t like the image of a divided Only negative aspect of the occasion was a post-match pitch invasion by City fans fanbase being sent around the world. Wenger won three Pre- AFP mier League titles and a record Manchester, United Kingdom seven FA Cups during his time in charge. However, Arsenal haven’t ep Guardiola’s hope that his won the league for 14 years and team’s hunger to rewrite the languish in sixth in the Pre- English football record books mier League, on course for their would see them maintain their worst-ever fi nish under Wenger Arsenal manager Arsene Pchampionship-winning form proved despite beating West Ham 4-1 Wenger is greeted by West Ham well-founded as Manchester City swept on Sunday. “I was not tired,” said United’s defender Patrice Evra aside Swansea City 5-0 at the Etihad Sta- the Frenchman, 68, of the deci- during the Premier League dium yesterday. sion he announced on Friday. match yesterday. (AFP) The only negative aspect of the oc- “Personally I believe this club casion for the newly-crowned Premier is respected all over the world, in a very strong position on both League champions was a post-match much more than in England. The fronts and my target was always pitch invasion by several hundred City fans did not give me the image of to do that. My wish is that they supporters, who ignored pleas over the unity I want all over the world do even better in the next 20 loudspeakers to burst through stewards and that was hurtful because I years.” and onto the fi eld. Seven days after Man- think the club is respected. Over- Reports in the days since chester United’s shock home defeat to all, the image we gave is not what Wenger made his decision pub- West Bromwich Albion had made the title it is and not what I like.” lic suggest he could have been a mathematical certainty for Guardiola’s Fans have become increas- forced out by the club’s board at side, City returned to action before their ingly frustrated with Wenger’s the end of the season had he not own supporters. With the league safe- inability to mould a side capable walked on his own terms. And ly won, Guardiola had warned that his of matching the standards he set Wenger added credence to those players will fi nd next season far tougher in his fi rst decade in charge of the suggestions by continuously re- — both in terms of the opposition and club. Signs with “Wenger out” fusing to address why the deci- his own demands — and hoped that the had become commonplace at Ar- sion was taken now. chance to set new historical marks would senal matches in recent seasons, “I gave the best years of my prove an inspiration over the remainder whilst there were vast swaths of life to this club. I arrived at of this campaign. empty seats at the Emirates for 46-years-old and I worked seven And another emphatic victory cer- Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Swansea during the English Premier home games in recent months. days a week, not six or six-and a tainly left City, who have four games League match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, yesterday. (AFP) “I’m not resentful and I don’t half, for 22 years. You cannot just remaining against teams in the bottom want to make stupid headlines,” walk away and say ‘bye bye’ like eight of the league, well placed to do pre- the home of the Premier League champi- David Silva who juggled the ball skilfully month absence with a knee injury as a added Wenger. “I just feel if my nothing happened. I know I will cisely that. They stand one victory short ons” was unfurled across the East Stand. before volleying into the Swansea goal. 75th-minute substitute, handing the personality is in the way of what I face that challenge. It will be dif- of Chelsea’s Premier League record tally City, and their captain Vincent Kom- Five minutes later, an even better French international a fi fth appearance think our club needs, for me that fi cult for me, but I got through of 30, set last season, and with 90 points, pany, must wait a further two weeks be- move saw David Silva and Fabian Delph of the season and, with that, a Premier is more important than me.” other diffi culties in my life.” are also well on course to break the record fore physically getting their hands on the play a series of one-twos before the lat- League winner’s medal. And Jesus fi nally Wenger, though, defended his Wenger didn’t rule out con- of 95 points, again set by Chelsea in 2010. trophy — their third Premier League title ter crossed for Sterling to calmly slot in claimed his goal two minutes from time, record at the club and believes tinuing his coaching career else- That season also saw the London club set in the last seven years — with the author- the ball from four yards. It was the start appearing on the end of Yaya Toure’s chip Arsenal are in a far better shape where, although he accepted it the current best for goals scored with 103, ities having decided that a formal pres- of a monotonous procession towards the to head in the fi nal goal of a game that to succeed than when he arrived is unlikely he will manage an- a mark City now trail by just fi ve. entation will be made when Huddersfi eld Swansea goal with De Bruyne scoring the served as an emphatic statement by club at the club in 1996. other club in England due to his In short, Guardiola has presided over a Town visit the Etihad on May 6. pick of the bunch on 53 minutes with a and manager alike. “Every decision I made in my attachment to Arsenal. “If you season for the ages in his second season in Still, Swansea provided City with a magnifi cent 25-yard right-foot shot. 22 years is for the good and sake speak about emotions that would England, even if there was a slightly anti- guard of honour before kick-off and the Nine minutes later, Federico Fernandez ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS of Arsenal,” he said. “I tried to be, for me, emotionally diffi cult,” climactic feeling about the way in which visitors were largely reduced to watching brought down Sterling and, after Gabriel Arsenal 4 (Monreal 51, Ramsey 82, Lacazette infl uence the club on the struc- he added. “I don’t know how well City clinched the title just days after a and admiring as City showed them why Jesus’s penalty was touched onto the post 85, 89) West Ham 1 (Arnautovic 64) tural side, on the development I will live about that. It’s diffi cult Champions League quarter-fi nal exit to they are setting records this season. After by Lukasz Fabianski, Bernardo Silva re- Stoke 1 (Ndiaye 11) Burnley 1 (Barnes 62) of players and of course the style for me to say never, but at the Liverpool. But there was still no denying just 11 minutes, and relentless City pos- sponded quickly to net fourth from the Manchester City 5 (David Silva 12, Sterling 16, of play and the results, and to minute I speak to you I’m too at- the triumphant air around the Etihad as session, Kevin De Bruyne’s superb pass rebound. There was time for Benjamin De Bruyne 54, Bernardo Silva 64, Jesus 88) combine the three is not always tached to this club to say I will go a huge banner proclaiming “Welcome to was played back by Raheem Sterling for Mendy to make his return after a seven- Swansea 0 easy. I believe I will leave the club to another club.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Beric keeps Saint-Etienne Bayern must be Chelsea face Man Utd in FA Cup run going Paris: Robert Beric scored a fearless against second-half brace as Saint- fi nal as Giroud sinks Saints Etienne came from behind to beat Troyes 2-1 in Ligue 1 AFP yesterday, continuing their Real: Robben London remarkable revival since the turn of the year. Adama AFP Niane had given relegation- Berlin helsea booked an FA Cup fi - threatened Troyes the lead nal showdown with Manchester early on at the Stade Geoff roy- United as Olivier Giroud tor- Guichard, but Beric headed in rjen Robben says mented Southampton again with the home side’s equaliser in Bayern Munich can Ca sublime strike in yesterday’s 2-0 win at the 69th minute. ill aff ord to show Real Wembley. Giroud has made a habit of scor- The Slovenian striker, who Madrid any fear if they ing against Southampton and the France had been introduced as a half- wantA to avoid a second-straight forward was their nemesis in a one-sided time substitute, then turned Champions League exit against semi-fi nal. Opting to select Giroud instead in a low centre by Romain the Spaniards. Bayern host Real of Alvaro Morata proved a shrewd move Hamouma six minutes later at Munich’s Allianz Arena in by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte as the to make it 2-1. That was his Wednesday’s blockbuster semi- former Arsenal star produced a tremen- seventh league goal since fi nal, fi rst leg, in a repeat of last dous piece of skill to break the deadlock being recalled from a loan year’s quarter-fi nal. early in the second half. spell at Anderlecht in January, Cristiano Ronaldo scored Giroud has feasted on Southampton this and the win allowed Les Verts twice in each leg of the 2017 win the Champions League for season, scoring twice to spark Chelsea’s to extend their remarkable quarters, after Bayern had failed the third straight season. 3-2 win last weekend and also netting a unbeaten run to 12 games. to capitalise on their chances at It is easy to understand any late equaliser against them for Arsenal Jean-Louis Gasset as head home, as Real won 6-3 on ag- nervousness in Bayern’s ranks in December. His fourth goal for Chelsea coach has taken a team who gregate. “Last year we did not do facing superstar Ronaldo. Real’s since his January signing was followed by were 16th in the table less well in the home game and played goal-machine has hit seven goals a late header from substitute Morata, set- than three months ago, up with a bit of fear,” said Robben. in his last three appearances ting up a heavyweight fi nal against United Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the English FA to sixth, just a point off a “That should not happen on against Bayern. The Portugal su- at Wembley on May 19. That will be Chel- Cup semi-final against Southampton at Wembley Stadium in London. (AFP) Europa League berth with Wednesday. We’ll be ready. They perstar has scored 15 goals in the sea’s last chance to win major silverware four matches remaining. can also be vulnerable and we can Champions League this season at the end of a troubled season. “The most demanding training sessions and intense ing Southampton another headache and Troyes remain in the bottom go into the game with our heads alone. Real had no match this important thing is to reach the fi nal. This is personality. he went close to breaking the deadlock three having gone nine games high.” A year ago, Bayern lost weekend, but Bundesliga cham- the second FA Cup fi nal in a row for us. I’m The Blues face a tough task to qualify with an acrobatic volley before half-time. without a win now. the fi rst-leg 2-1 in Munich, then pions Bayern warmed up with delighted for our fans,” Conte said. “For for the Champions League via a top-four Chelsea’s dominance was fi nally rewarded went down 4-2 away. a 3-0 win at Hanover. Thomas sure, Olivier has been a good signing for us. fi nish in the Premier League as they trail in the 46th minute. Cesc Fabregas lofted a LAS PALMAS RELEGATED In Munich, Arturo Vidal scored Mueller and Robert Lewand- I needed a player like him, strong physi- fourth-placed Tottenham by fi ve points. pass towards Eden Hazard and he control- AFTER ALAVES ROUT early for Bayern, but then failed owski both came off the bench to cally, to hold the ball up. Today I decided Against that backdrop, winning the Cup led brilliantly in mid-air before slipping Las Palmas were relegated to convert a penalty with the score second-half goals. Bayern to start with Olivier because I knew we would at least provide an uplifting conclu- the ball through to Giroud. There was still from La Liga yesterday with a Germans controlling the game fancy their chances against Real. were playing against three strong central sion to a frustrating campaign. work for Giroud to do and he side-stepped crushing 4-0 home defeat by and Real on the ropes. However Lewandowski, their top-scor- defenders, but when Morata came on the For Southampton, the focus returns to three defenders with surprising grace, his Alaves in the rain. the match turned as Ronaldo er who was injured for last sea- impact was impressive as well.” their desperate battle to avoid relegation, nimble footwork giving him just enough Munir El Haddadi struck netted two second-half goals and son’s fi rst leg against Real, has Chelsea’s 13th FA Cup fi nal appearance with just four games left to climb out of the space to slot home from close range. twice with Alvaro Medran and Bayern had Javi Martinez sent off hit 39 goals, compared to Ron- will be a repeat of the 2007 showpiece, bottom three. Saints boss Mark Hughes After Caballero got away with his slop- Ruben Sobrino also netting for a second booking. aldo’s 42, in all competitions in when Jose Mourinho’s men won 1-0. The claimed the crucial moment was the of- py handling, Austin appealed in vain for as four second half goals Bayern went down fi ghting in 2017/18. Bayern have scored 14 Blues, back in the fi nal after losing to Ar- fi cials’ refusal to use the video assistant a penalty when Giroud left his arm out to from the visitors consigned the return, losing 4-2 away hav- times in their last three games — senal in May, last won the competition in referee when Chelsea keeper Willy Cabal- block the forward’s header. But it was too Las Palmas to their fate in a ing played extra time with a man with Lewandowski and Mueller 2012 and are bidding to lift the trophy for lero may have dropped the ball over the line little, too late and Morata came off the mostly-empty Estadio Gran down after Vidal was sent off late claiming four goals each. the eighth time. Winning the FA Cup might under pressure from Charlie Austin. bench to wrap up the win with just his third Canaria. Paco Jemez’s side on and Ronaldo wrapped up his “The chances (against Real not be enough to convince either Conte or “We are disappointed with the offi cials. goal in his last 19 appearances. have 21 points from 34 games hat-trick. The Germans face a Madrid) look good,” said Mueller. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich that Their goalkeeper has thrown the ball into Morata, who has failed to impress since and are 13 short of Levante in daunting task again. “We’ve hit a purple patch and the their two-year partnership should be ex- the back of the net,” Hughes complained. his move from Real Madrid last year, was 17th with only four matches Madrid have won their last fi ve game is coming at the right time. tended. Conte has spent much of the sea- “If ever there was a case for VAR to review, furious after being hauled off at Burnley. left to play. They will join bot- matches against Bayern, scoring I’m sure we won’t be gifted any- son complaining about Chelsea’s failure to that was the moment. Why it wasn’t re- Just days later, he was all smiles when he tom side Malaga in the second 13 goals and conceding four in thing, but there’s something in back his transfer plans, while several of his ferred I’ve no idea.” nodded home from Cesar Azpilicueta’s division next season. the process, and are bidding to the air right now.” players are believed to be unhappy with his Giroud was warming to the task of giv- 82nd-minute cross. Gulf Times 4 Monday, April 23, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Keys sets up ‘crazy’ Fed Cup fi nal for US Nadal swats aside with Czech Republic

AFP brief lifeline by beating Karolina Paris Pliskova 6-4, 6-2 before Kvi- tova’s decisive win. “I am very relieved. I was get- adison Keys pre- ting nervous before this game,” Nishikori to seal 11th dicted “a crazy” Fed admitted Kvitova after the 30th Cup fi nal against the win of her Fed Cup career. Czech Republic after “We had a great position from Mseeing off Pauline Parmentier to yesterday, I think Julia played a fi re the United States past France really good match. in yesterday’s semi-fi nal. “I knew we still needed one Keys, 13th in the world, de- point from our last two games feated the 122nd-ranked Par- and I just did my best.” Monte Carlo crown mentier 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 to earn In yesterday’s concluding the defending champions a 3-1 dead doubles, Barbora Strycova ‘I’ll enjoy the moment and then tomorrow we’ll start to think about the next tournament’ win in Aix-en-Provence. and Katerina Siniakova took the Waiting for the US in the No- fi rst set 7-5 before being award- AFP vember fi nal are the Czechs, who ed the match when Goerges, Monte Carlo, Principality of swept past Germany 4-1 in the playing alongside Anna-Lena Monaco other semi-fi nal in Stuttgart. Groenefeld, retired hurt. The US match winner Keys, It was a bitter end to the day who battled back after trailing for Goerges. afael Nadal romped to a Parmentier 4-1 in the fi rst set, She had pulled the Germans record-extending 11th said: “It feels amazing, but not back into the tie with a deter- Monte Carlo Masters for me - but to do that for this mined win over Pliskova only title by brushing aside team and help us back to the fi - for Kerber to fail to maintain the anR outclassed Kei Nishikori in nal. momentum against Kvitova. today’s fi nal to retain the world “I knew (Pauline) would play “It will take a while to get over number one ranking. well, she was so good against it,” admitted Kerber. The 31-year-old saw off Sloane (Stephens) yesterday. “We all know that was a great Nishikori 6-3, 6-2 to become “I love playing in atmospheres opportunity for us,” she added, the fi rst man to win a single like this, even if they are not all as the Germans missed out on a tournament 11 times in the Open cheering for you it still makes for fi rst appearance in the Fed Cup era with his 76th ATP Tour title. a great game. It is going to be a fi nal since 2014. The Czechs, Nadal’s 31st Masters title is crazy fi nal.” who have home advantage over also an outright record, pull- US Open champion Stephens the Americans in the Novem- ing him out of a tie with Novak had put the US on the verge of ber 10-11 fi nal, had won the title Djokovic. the fi nal after brushing aside three times in a row until the US “We’ve had some tough Kristina Mladenovic 6-2, 6-0 in dethroned them last year. moments over these last fi ve yesterday’s fi rst rubber. months,” said Nadal, who was “She (Stephens) had an an- RESULTS playing at his fi rst ATP event swer for everything,” shrugged In Aix-en-Provence since retiring from an Austral- the world number 20. France 1 United States 3 Sloane ian Open quarter-fi nal against It was Mladenovic who Stephens (USA) bt Kristina Mlad- Marin Cilic with a hip injury in had given France a fi ght- enovic (FRA) 6-2, 6-0 January. ing chance when ending Coco Madison Keys (USA) bt Pauline “I’ll enjoy the moment and Vandeweghe’s 13-match Fed Parmentier (FRA) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 then tomorrow we’ll start to Cup win streak to pull France On Saturday think about the next tourna- level at 1-1 on Saturday. Sloane Stephens (USA) bt ment. But now I’ll enjoy win- But she was unable to repeat Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 7-6 ning a Masters 1000 tourna- those heroics against Stephens (7/3), 7-5 ment which doesn’t happen who had given the Americans Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) bt every day.” their fi rst point when defeating Coco Vandeweghe (USA) 1-6, The 16-time Grand Slam Parmentier 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 in Sat- 6-3, 6-2 champion’s era of utter domi- urday’s opening match. In Stuttgart nance on clay looks unlikely to France were always going to Germany 1 Czech Republic 4 end any time soon after Nadal face an uphill task, missing a Petra Kvitova (CZE) bt Angelique took his run of consecutive sets posse of established stars like Kerber (GER) 6-2, 6-2 won on the surface to 36. world number seven Caroline Julia Goerges (GER) bt Karolina Nadal had to win the tourna- Garcia in captain Yannick Noah’s Pliskova (CZE) 6-4, 6-2 ment to remain at the top of the Fed Cup swansong. Barbora Strycova/Katerina Sini- world rankings ahead of Roger Earlier, Petra Kvitova put the akova (CZE) bt Julia Goerges/ Federer, who is skipping the Czech Republic into a sixth Fed Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 7-5 clay-court season, and he did Cup fi nal in eight years following - Goerges retired hurt just that without losing more her 6-2, 6-2 win against Angel- On Saturday than fi ve games in a match. Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series tournament in Monaco yesterday. (AFP) ique Kerber. Petra Kvitova (CZE) bt Julia The Spaniard will next set After the Czechs had surged Goerges (GER) 6-3, 6-2 his sights on an 11th Barcelona seven more sets than Nadal in a strong service hold, be- But he failed to build on that volley, Nadal clinched it on the 2-0 up on Saturday, Julia Goerg- Karolina Pliskova (CZE) bt Angel- Open victory next week, and it the tournament. It was still an fore quickly putting Nishikori glimmer of an opening, double second with a punch of the air es had given hosts Germany a ique Kerber (GER) 7-5, 6-3. is hard to see anyone preventing excellent week for the former under pressure as a fl icked pass- faulting himself on break-back celebrating a pair of blistering him from extending his record world number four, who only ing shot brought up break point. point. forehands. number of 10 French Open titles returned from a four-month But the Spaniard missed a That costly error knocked Nishikori was staring down at Roland Garros at the end of absence with a right wrist injury forehand up the line by a matter the early aggression out of the barrel of defeat at the start the clay-court season. in January and will rise from of millimetres, with Nishikori Nishikori’s groundstrokes, and of the second set, but staved off He was pushed by Japan’s his current ranking of 36 to the clinging on after an 11-minute Nadal sped through the next a break point to hold serve. Nishikori early on and fell a brink of the top 20. game that left him looking two games to take command of But the last rites had long break down, but roared back “Tough day today playing physically exhausted. the fi rst set. been written, and Nadal broke against an opponent who al- Rafa. He was a little too good But that hold showed Nadal, Nishikori forced a break to 15 in each of the Japanese’s ready appeared beaten midway today,” added the 28-year-old. who fi rst won the event in 2005, point in the seventh game but next two service games to close through the fi rst set. “But I think I’ve been playing that his opponent was up for the fi red long with the court wide on victory. “My legs were very heavy well this week, and I think I’m fi ght. open as Nadal kept his nose in The greatest player to ever today, playing three sets three almost there.” The top seed was even dis- front. step foot on a clay court secured days in a row, playing with playing rare signs of nerves, and He struggled a little to serve his 24th Masters title on the (L-R) USA’s Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, CoCo Vandeweghe, tough players. It wasn’t easy Nadal snuff s out Nishikori broke for a 2-1 lead out the opener, but although surface with a venomous back- Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and Kathy Rinaldi-Stunkel pose with a US physically, obviously,” admit- early threat with a backhand up the line af- Nishikori saved one set point hand that fl ew past the hapless flag after their victory in the Fed Cup semi-final against France at the ted Nishikori after playing Nadal got on the board with ter a Nadal double fault. with an exquisite backhand Nishikori. Arena Stadium in Aix en Provence, France, yesterday. (AFP)

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Super Kings pip Sunrisers to return to the top IANS Shardul Thakur sent back a dangerous Gowtham powers Royals to win over Mumbai Hyderabad Pathan in the 19th over. Incoming batter Rashid Khan then Rajasthan Royals clinched a thriller at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium slammed a four-ball 17 to make the game to beat Mumbai Indians by three wickets with two deliveries still to hennai Super Kings (CSK) pipped more interesting but the hosts failed to be bowled in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match yesterday. Sunrisers Hyderabad by four runs cross the line by four runs. K Gowtham was the hero for Rajasthan Royals as he played a at the Rajiv Gandhi International For Chennai, Chahar was the pick of the match-winning innings under pressure. When all hopes were lost, Stadium yesterday to return to bowlers after bagging three wickets and he snatched the game from Mumbai Indians with a 11-ball 33 and theC top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) conceding just 15 runs. Thakur, Sharma finished the game in style with a massive six off Hardik Pandya. This table. and Bravo took a wicket apiece. after Mumbai Indians had clinched three quick wickets to change Chasing a challenging 183-run target, Earlier, put in to bat, Chennai were off to the face of the game in their favour. But it was not the day for Rohit Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson (84) a shaky start as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Sharma’s team, but rather for the Ajinkya Rahane-led team. Earlier, and Yusuf Pathan (45 off 27) put up a good Rashid struck early to send back both the Mumbai Indians rode on half-centuries from Suryakumar Yadav and fi ght but fell short. visiting openers, Shane Watson (9) and Faf Ishan Kishan to post a challenging total of 167/7. Coming together SRH were off to a disastrous start losing du Plessis (11) with 32 runs on board. after the early departure of Mumbai opener Evin Lewis, Yadav and three wickets for just 22 runs in 4.2 overs. Suresh Raina (54 not out off 43) and Kishan put on an excellent batting display to add 129 runs between Young medium pacer Deepak Chahar Ambati Rayudu (79 off 37) then gath- them off 82 deliveries. Yadav scored a whirlwind knock of 72 runs, gave the early jolts to the hosts after bag- ered 112 runs for the third wicket, putting smashing six boundaries and three hits into the stands during his ging the wickets of opener Ricky Bhui (0), things in order for Chennai. 47-ball stay in the middle. Kishan posted a steady 58 off 42 balls Manish Pandey (0) and Deepak Hooda (1). Rayudu’s bizarre run out in the 17th over which included four boundaries and three sixes. For Rajasthan, However, Williamson kept Hyderabad’s saw Dhoni coming in the middle, who then young West Indies pacer Jofra Archer was the most successful hopes alive after a 49-run stand with shared a 38-run stand with Raina. bowler with figures of 3/22. Fellow pacer Dhawal Kulkarni returned Shakib Al Hasan (24 off 19) for the fourth While Rayudu’s innings was guided by 2/32 while Jaidev Unadkat also got a wicket. Kulkarni struck the wicket. With Shakib falling in the 11th over nine boundaries and four sixes, Raina hit first blow for the hosts in the very first over when Lewis dragged an on a Karn Sharma over and Hyderabad fi ve fours and a couple of sixes. inside edge on to his stumps. But that was the only bit of success reeling at 71/4, the skipper was then joined Dhoni’s quick unbeaten 12-ball 25 in the Rajasthan managed as Yadav and Kishan took their bowlers to the by Yusuf Pathan. fi nal moments propelled Chennai to a re- cleaners. However, while Yadav and Kishan laid the foundation for a With everything going Chennai’s way, spectable total of 182/3. big total in the vicinity of 200 runs, the rest of the Mumbai batting Williamson and Pathan staged a terrifi c For Hyderabad, both Bhuvneshwar and line-up failed to provide the big final push. fi ghtback with their 79-run partnership, Rashid scalped a wicket each. The Rajasthan bowlers did well to stage a strong comeback by pick- punishing every Chennai bowler. ing up quick wickets in the late overs. Kulkarni finally brought the Pacer Dwayne Bravo fi nally got the bet- Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 182/3 partnership to an end when Kishan botched up a cheeky reverse ter of the Hyderabad skipper in the 18th (Ambati Rayudu 79, Suresh Raina 52 not scoop from outside the off -stump, only to hand an easy skier to over with the hosts needing 32 off the last out; Bhuvneshwar 1/22) beat Sunrisers Rajasthan wicket-keeper Jos Buttler. Kishan’s dismissal seemed to two overs. Williamson’s knock was deco- Hyderabad 178/6 (Kane Williamson 84, Chennai Super Kings’ Deepak Chahar (left) celebrates with teammates after taking break Mumbai’s momentum as Rajasthan staged a strong come- rated by fi ve fours and as many sixes. Yusuf Pathan 45; Deepak Chahar 3/15) by the wicket of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Deepak Hooda during their IPL match at the back with two quick wickets in a span of three balls. Just when it was anybody’s game, pacer 4 runs. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, April 23, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Lightning beat Devils to reach 2nd round Davis, Holiday team Patrick Maroon scored for the Reuters New York Devils, who stayed in the game by keeping the Lightning score- less in fi ve power plays. Hall en- ndrei Vasilevskiy made dured a frustrating game, high- 26 saves as the Tampa lighted by breaking his stick on a Bay Lightning elimi- one-timer attempt with about 14 nated the New Jersey minutes left. up for 88 points, lead DevilsA with a 3-1 victory in Game “It’s a tough pill to swallow,” 5 of the Eastern Conference Palmieri said. “Doesn’t matter if quarter-fi nals on Saturday af- you lose in Game 5, 6 or 7. If you ternoon. lose your last game of the season The Lightning won the series it sucks.” four games to one and await the Schneider was pulled with winner of Boston-Toronto. The 3:32 left, and Maroon tipped a Bruins lead the series 3-2 after Palmieri slapshot from the point sweep of Blazers losing to the Maple Leafs 4-3 on by Vasilevskiy’s stick. Schnei- Saturday night. der went to the bench again with Vasilevskiy did not see much about two minutes remaining but ‘We put the ball in these guys’ hands and they delivered for us’ action until the third period as returned seconds later and made the Lightning controlled posses- an acrobatic save on a breakaway sion throughout the second due chance by Tyler Johnson. to four straight power plays. He “It never ends when you want stepped up with saves on Tay- it to unless obviously you go lor Hall, Kyle Palmieri and Pavel all the way,” Schneider said. “I Zacha during New Jersey’s fi rst thought we took a big step for- power play midway through the ward as a group, as an organi- third. sation. Disappointed that we The stop on Palmieri occurred couldn’t do more, go further in when Vasilevskiy sprawled the playoff s. Obviously that’s through the crease and stretched going to sit with us for a while his right foot to secure the puck here, but I think we got a lot out before it crossed the goal line of a lot of guys here and we have with 10:31 remaining. to make sure that we keep turn- Nearly two minutes later, Va- ing upward.” silevskiy made a point-blank For the fourth time in the se- stop on a partial breakaway ries, the Lightning struck fi rst, chance by Jesper Bratt. using an aggressive forecheck “He just came up huge in every to get Sergachev’s fi rst career big situation,” Lightning coach postseason goal 8:07 into the Jon Cooper said. “There were game. Yanni Gourde pressured times in this series he’d go seven Travis Zajac into a turnover be- to nine minutes without seeing hind the net near the right corner a shot, and then all of a sudden and quickly moved the puck to have to face a power play or face Anthony Cirelli. a big-time chance. Cirelli quickly dished it off “The timely saves were phe- to Sergachev, whose shot from nomenal for us. He just played above the left circle sailed with confi dence.” Mikhail Ser- through traffi c and by Schneider. gachev scored his fi rst career The Lightning fi nally scored goal in the fi rst period, Nikita the second goal with 7:33 left Kucherov netted the game- when Kucherov’s long shot near winner with about 8 1/2 minutes center ice trickled through Sch- remaining and Ryan Callahan neider’s legs. added an empty-net goal. Kucherov set a team record “We wanted to make sure we with 10 points in the series, sur- took care of it here,” Callahan passing the mark of nine points said. “I loved the way we did it by Johnson in the 2015 Eastern defensively, we were sound.” Conference fi nals against the Cory Schneider kept the Dev- New York Rangers. ils in the game with a 35-save performance. He made 11 stops RESULTS Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second-half of Game Four of the first round of the Western Conference during four straight Tampa Bay Maple Leafs .....4 Bruins ...... 3 playoff s at the Smoothie King Centre in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Pelicans defeated the Trail Blazers 131-123 to sweep the series 4-0. (Getty Images/AFP) power plays in the second when Capitals ...... 4 Blue Jackets ..3 the Devils were outshot 18-4. Lightning ...... 3 Devils ...... 1 AFP Scottie Pippen’s best total to- double in a playoff game, help- Johnson took issue and shoved Oklahoma City Thunder and a Miami gether by one point. ing spark the Philadelphia 76ers Covington, which prompted 2-1 lead in their series. “Their stars really put on over the Miami Heat 106-102. Simmons to confront Johnson Also, Jimmy Butler scored a show tonight,” said Blazers Simmons scored 17 points, as coaches and players entered 28 points and Karl-Anthony nthony Davis and Jrue coach Terry Stotts. The pair grabbed 13 rebounds and passed to contain the melee. Towns fi nished with 18 points Holiday combined to scored 28 of the Pelicans’ fi nal off 10 assists while J.J. Redick Simmons received a personal and 16 rebounds as the Min- post one of the great- 29 points in Saturday’s contest. had 24 points to lead seven dou- foul for his trouble while Cov- nesota Timberwolves toppled est duo performances Holiday nailed an 18-foot pull- ble-digit scorers for the Six- ington and Johnson were hit the Houston Rockets 121-105 in inA NBA history as the New Orle- up jumper that gave the Peli- ers, who seized a 3-1 edge over with technical fouls. game three for their fi rst playoff ans Pelicans beat Portland 131- cans a six-point lead with 40 the Heat in their best-of-seven Joel Embiid, a 7-foot Cam- win in 14 years. 123 to sweep the Trail Blazers seconds remaining. opening round series. Simmons eroonian center, added 14 from the playoff s. Rondo added 16 assists and became the fi rst rookie since points, 12 rebounds and fi ve RESULTS Davis delivered a franchise Davis also had 11 rebounds and Magic Johnson to manage a tri- blocked shots for the 76ers in Playoff games (all series best- playoff -record 47 points and three blocks for New Orleans. ple double in a playoff game and his second game back after an of-seven): Holiday tallied 41 to equal the The Pelicans series sweep of at 21 is the third-youngest to ac- orbital bone fracture around his Eastern Conference NBA record (88) for most points the Trail Blazers moves them complish the feat after Johnson left eye. He missed the fi rst two At Miami by a pair of teammates in a sin- into the second round for only and Cleveland’s LeBron James. games of the series but returned Philadelphia 106 Miami 102 gle playoff game as the host the second time since the NBA wearing a protective face mask. (Philadelphia leads series 3-1) Pelicans eliminated Portland in returned to the city 16 years Triple double Dwyane Wade came off the Western Conference four straight games. ago. C.J. McCollum led Port- He’s also the fi rst 76er with Miami bench to score a game- At New Orleans “We put the ball in these land with 38 points. Al-Farouq a playoff triple double since high 25 points, but the Heat face New Orleans 131 Portland 123 guys’ hands and they deliv- Aminu scored 27, Damian Lil- Charles Barkley in 1991. elimination in game fi ve Tues- (New Orleans wins series 4-0) ered for us,” said Pelicans point lard added 18 points and Jusuf And it came in a game where day at Philadelphia. At Minnesota guard Rajon Rondo. Nurkic had 18 points and 11 re- he was involved in a second- In Utah, Ricky Rubio had 26 Minnesota 121 Houston 105 The 88 points allows them bounds. period scuffl e. After Philadel- points, 11 rebounds and 10 as- (Houston leads series 2-1) to join John Havlicek and Jo Jo Elsewhere, Australian Ben phia’s Robert Covington in- sists and Donovan Mitchell At Utah Andrei Vasilevskiy of Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save against Kyle White in the 1973 postseason Simmons became the fi rst fl icted a hard foul upon Miami’s added 22 points to lead the Utah Utah 115 Oklahoma City 102 Palmieri of the New Jersey Devils in the game five of the Eastern and it beat Michael Jordan and rookie since 1980 with a triple Goran Dragic, the Heat’s James Jazz to a 115-102 win over the (Utah leads series 2-1) Conference Stanley Cup playoff s first round match. (Getty Images/AFP)

MLB A’s Manaea no-hits Red Sox to end their 25-year streak

AFP ruled that the Red Sox runner leased a statement saying: “If he there. It wasn’t until a few in- Oakland, United States illegally ran into foul territory to goes more than three feet avoid- nings later that he caught on. try and avoid the tag from Olson. ing the tag, he’s declared out. He “I didn’t even think about it Manaea tossed the fi rst no- was more than three feet away.” until I looked up in the seventh akland ace Sean Ma- hitter of the Major League Base- or eighth,” Manaea said, “and naea tossed the fi rst ball season and the fi rst against ‘Best-executed game’ I was like, ‘Oh my God, why is no-hitter of the 2018 the Red Sox since 1993. Manaea’s feat was all the more there still a zero on there?’” season, getting some The Red Sox had the second special because he was able to “So after that, my adrena- helpO from an overturned call in longest streak (3,987 games) strongarm the hottest team. The line started pumping a little bit the A’s 3-0 victory over the Bos- without surrendering a no-hit- Red Sox had won 17 of their last again, and I really wanted to fi n- ton Red Sox on Saturday night. ter, dating back 25 years when 19 games but he slashed his way ish this thing out.” Manaea masterful perform- Seattle’s Chris Bosio no hit through their batter order like a He also got some help from the ance saw the left hander strike them. Oakland is the only team knife through butter. Athletics’ batters. Semien blast- out 10 batters and walk just two with a longer streak. “I told him, ‘I’ve caught a lot ed a home run and Stephen Pis- as he clinched the no-hitter by It was the seventh no-hitter in of pitchers in eight years in this cotty and Jed Lowrie delivered getting Red Sox designated hit- A’s franchise history and the fi rst league and that was the most RBI doubles. ter Hanley Ramirez to bounce since Dallas Braden did it against well-pitched, best-executed into a forced out at second in the Tampa Bay eight years ago. game I’ve ever had behind the RESULTS ninth inning. “Oh man, my heart “I just kept telling myself, plate,’” catcher Jonathan Lucroy Oakland Athletics .3 Red Sox .....3 was beating out of my chest,” keep everything the same, and said. Indians ...... 4 Orioles ...... 0 Manaea said. not let anything get too big for Manaea walked the fi rst bat- Phillies ...... 6 Pirates...... 2 Boston appeared to get a hit in me,” the 26-year-old American ter he faced but then settled in, Cardinals ...... 4 Reds ...... 3 the sixth inning when Andrew Manaea said. getting the next 14 consecutive Rays ...... 10 Twins ...... 1 Benintendi smacked a ground Red Sox manager Alex Cora batters out. Brewers...... 6 Marlins .....5 ball to the right side of the infi eld was unhappy with the umpires’ With two outs in the fi fth Tigers ...... 12 Royals ...... 4 in front of the crowd of 35,000 decision to call Benintendi out. inning, Red Sox Sandy Leon Braves ...... 4 Mets ...... 3 at the Oakland Coliseum. He “Do I agree with it? No,” Cora reached base when A’s shortstop Yankees ...... 9 Blue Jays .. 1 sprinted to fi rst where he tried to said. “It is what it is.” Marcus Semien bobbled a pop Rockies ...... 5 Cubs...... 2 swerve to avoid A’s fi rst baseman Benintendi was fuming after fl y. The umpires ruled it an error. Astros ...... 10 White Sox .1 Matt Olson’s tag. the call was reversed. Manaea was so focused on Diamondbacks ..... 6 Padres...... 2 Initially Benintendi was called “It’s just a missed call,” he throwing strikes that he didn’t Angels ...... 4 Giants ...... 3 safe but the umpires confer- said. pay attention to the call and just Dodgers ...... 4 Nationals .0 Oakland Athletics pitcher Sean Manaea celebrates with teammates after throwing a no-hitter against the enced on the fi eld and it was After the game the offi cials re- assumed his no-hitter ended Mariners ...... 9 Rangers ....7 Boston Red Sox at Oakland Coliseum. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, April 23, 2018 SPORT

MARATHON BOXING Khan beats Lo Greco in 39 seconds on Kipchoge, Cheruiyot British return

AFP a point coming back – I was Liverpool trained to fi ght for 12 rounds, I had to make some changes and Phil lo Greco is a dangerous op- mir Khan’s fi rst bout ponent,” Khan told the BBC. celebrate Kenyan in a British ring for fi ve “Enjoy my victory. Khan’s years saw him knock back. I was a little nervous, but I out Canada’s Phil Lo am back with a big bang. I want GrecoA in a mere 39 seconds on to become a world champion this Saturday. year or next year.” The 31-year-old British boxer Khan, however, added: “I had not fought anywhere for two want to fi ght the best guys. If it years since being beaten by Saul means going up a division I will.” double in London ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas in As for a bout with Brook, May 2016. Khan, most famous recently for ‘My aim is to run another marathon in autumn and then see what happens in the summer of 2019’ And the 2004 Olympic silver his ‘jungle’ appearance in the medallist wasted little time in British television show I’m A Agencies sending Lo Greco tumbling with Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, London a quick one-two punch com- said: “That fi ght is something I bination inside the opening 30 am not rushing and not running seconds. away from. I will fi ght Kell Brook lympic champi- Khan then pinned Lo Greco and beat Kell Brook. Kell Brook on Eliud Kipchoge to the ropes before the super- has been living off my name for a stormed to his third welterweight contest ended mo- long time. I am a stronger fi ght- London Marathon ments after it had started. er, a better fi ghter. titleO yesterday to complete an Victory left Khan on course “I’m not a fi ghter to run away.” impressive Kenyan double after for his long-awaited showdown But an unimpressed Brook Vivian Cheruiyot beat the heat with British rival Kell Brook, said: “He doesn’t want the fi ght, to win the women’s race. who was among those watching he just ran off . Kipchoge, 33, saw off the at ringside on Saturday. “Amir, all the fans want the challenge of Ethiopia’s Tola “I have been out the ring for fi ght, I want the fi ght, he can go Shura Kitata and home favour- two years but I was still in the in the jungle and chase stars but ite Mo Farah to win his third gym working hard, I have never when he gets in there with me, race in the British capital in four taken a day off . I wanted to prove I’ll make him see stars.” years in a time of 2hrs 04min 17sec, fi nishing more than half a minute in front of Ki- tata (2:04:49), with Farah third (2:06:21). Cheruiyot, 34, timed her run perfectly to win the women’s event in a time of 2:18:31 ahead of compatriot Brigid Kosgei (2:20:13), and Ethiopia’s Ta- delech Bekele (2:21:40). The race was the warmest London Marathon on record, with a high of 23.2 degrees Cel- sius (73.8 degrees Fahrenheit), beating the previous mark of 22.7 degrees Celsius set in 1996. Kipchoge joined compatriot Martin Lel and Mexican Dioni- cio Ceron as the only men to win London three times. After previous victories in 2015 and 2016, the Kenyan took British boxer Amir Khan celebrates after winning the fight against a ninth career win over 26.2 Canada’s Phil Lo Greco in their Super-Welterweight contest at the miles (42.195km), but missed Winner Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge (centre), second-placed Ethiopia’s Tola Shura Kitata (left) and third-placed Britain’s Mo Farah pose at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. (Reuters) his two-year-old course record. podium ceremony of the London Marathon in London yesterday. (AFP) “I came to London to run a beautiful race and today I ran a was seen to be having a heated India’s Gangjee ends long title drought in Japan really beautiful race,” said Kip- debate with a steward on a Mo- choge. “Thank you, London.” torbike. India’s Rahil Gangjee ended a 14-year title drought when he sank a The Kenyan led the way with “The drink station was con- decisive birdie on the final hole for a one-shot victory at the Pana- Ethiopian great Kenenisa Bekele fusing – I was table four, I went sonic Open in Osaka yesterday. and last year’s winner Daniel to pick it up. The staff were Having endured years of frustrations, the 39-year-old hit his bunker Wanjiru of Kenya also in the helpful at the end but at the be- shot to within 10 feet of the pin before holing it to complete a final mix. ginning they were trying to take round of three-under-par 68 and end his winless streak. a picture rather than giving me Gangjee aggregated 14-under-par 270 to finish ahead of the Korean Farah ‘knackered’ the drink,” Farah told the BBC. duo of Hyungsung Kim (70) and Junggon Hwang (66) in the event Farah was at the back of the “I was saying to the people co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Japan Tour. lead group despite twice making on Motorbikes to tell the staff to “It has been 14 years. I’ve been in such situations a few times now a mess of picking up his water be a bit helpful instead of taking but obviously have not been able to convert my chances until to- bottle at the designated drink pictures. I wasn’t wasting en- day,” said Gangjee, whose last win on the Asian Tour came in 2004 stations. The British track great, ergy, I just needed a drink. I had in China. who won gold in the 5,000 me- to get it right.” “It has been a very hard 14 years and the thing that surprises even tres and 10,000m at the past The setback did not aff ect Fa- myself is my will to keep going. two Olympic Games, admitted rah though, as he went on to bet- “My heart rate was up especially when I got to the green and I knew his second full marathon had ter Steve Jones’s British record I had to get up and down. That’s where my heart started racing and taken its toll in a race where – set at the Chicago Marathon in my mind started going all over the place. That was the chance I had there was a world record pace at 1985 – by an impressive 68 sec- to convert.” the halfway point. onds. Farah was delighted with Zimbabwean Scott Vincent signed off with a 66 to finish in a share “I am knackered,” said the the result, while lightheartedly of fourth place, along with Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and 35-year-old, who broke the suggesting he could compete in Sihwan Kim of the United States. British marathon record. the Athletics World Champion- “The guys went for it, they ships in Doha next year. were on for world record pace, “I’m satisfi ed with the result. so it was do or die. I went with it I can’t do any better than what I Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot (centre) celebrates after winning the women’s London Marathon with second-placed and hung in as much as I could. did,” Farah said. Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei (right) and third-placed Ethiopia’s Tadelech Bekele in London yesterday. (Reuters) “It’s so diff erent to the track. “I learned the hard way to- It’s incredible. It’s diff erent day, running the hard way, but Radcliff e’s 15-year-old world a walking pace to leave Keitany was quicker than I was at the pain, diff erent training but I’ve I’m pleased overall because if record by last year’s winner with only her two male pace- start,” Cheruiyot told the BBC. really enjoyed it. I gave it all, 110 you looked at the fi eld before Mary Keitany and runner-up makers for company. “I didn’t want to race against per cent as I normally do.” we started that race you would Tirunesh Dibaba. In unusually Keitany, looking for a fourth anybody, I wanted to race alone. However, Farah’s afternoon never put me in third place, you warm conditions, fi rst Dibaba win in London, also started to So I raced like that.” did not get off to a good start would put ahead of me so many and then Keitany dropped off slow down as it became appar- Britain’s David Weir won when he was involved in a bi- other guys. the pace, allowing the 2016 Ol- ent Radcliff e’s record of two the men’s wheelchair race for zarre incident where he seemed “My aim is to run another ympic 5,000m gold medallist to hours 15 minutes 25 seconds the eighth time after a thrilling to miss his drinks bottle around marathon in the autumn and claim victory. would not be threatened. sprint fi nish. The 38-year-old the 10-mile mark and had to then see what happens in the After nine miles Keitany and “The reason it was so good for pipped Switzerland’s Marcel turn back for it. summer of 2019 in Doha.” main rival Dibaba were 25 sec- me today was because I started Hug into second place, with In the aftermath, the mul- Cheruiyot took advantage of onds ahead of Radcliff e’s time. slowly. I didn’t go with the faster Daniel Romanchuk of the Unit- tiple Olympic track champion failed attempts to break Paula But Dibaba was soon reduced to group because the faster group ed States third.

GOLF Johnson grabs share of Texas Open lead AFP with Scotland’s Martin Laird and you’ve still got to hit good shots the course record. Laird had his putt at the third, a seven-footer 208 - Richy Werenski 72-68-68, Washington Americans Jimmy Walker, Chris and putt.” own long-range eagle to pull into at the fi fth and dropped his ap- Grayson Murray 67-69-72 Kirk and Sean O’Hair sharing Mullinax’s record run began contention, sinking an 83-foot proach inches from the cup for 209 - Joaquin Niemann (CHI) fi fth on 207. with birdies on three of the fi rst eagle putt at the par-5 eighth. a tap-in birdie at the sixth. He 72-70-67, Andrew Putnam 73-68- ach Johnson, seeking “Obviously I don’t think you four holes, putts of 11 feet at After two birdies and two bo- added an eight-foot birdie putt 68, JT Poston 72-69-68, Vaughn his fi rst victory since the ever walk onto a tee and think the fi rst, 13 feet at the third at geys on the front nine, Johnson at the par-3 16th and put his ap- Taylor 72-68-69, Beau Hossler 2015 British Open, closed 62,” Mullinax said. “But I thought 17 feet at the fourth. He opened caught fi re on the back side, proach two feet from the cup at 71-69-69, Billy Horschel 68-71-70 with a six-foot birdie I had some low rounds in me. I the back nine with a seven-foot sinking 20-foot birdie putts at 17 to set up a fi nal birdie. 210 - Aaron Baddeley (AUS) Zputt to seize a share of the lead thought I was rolling the ball well birdie, took his lone bogey at the the par-4 11th and 15th holes and 71-71-68, Brandt Snedeker 70-72- Saturday at the PGA Texas Open. and felt really good with my irons 11th and responded with a 14- a 17-foot birdie putt at the par- Leading scores after third 68, Chesson Hadley 68-71-71 The 42-year-old American on the range this morning, so got foot birdie putt at the 12th. 5 14th as well as his closer at the round 211 - Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 72-71- fi red a four-under par 68 third some stuff to happen.” He marvelled at Mullinax’s Then came the fi reworks. par-5 18th. 203 - Zach Johnson 70-65-68, 68, Kevin Streelman 74-68-69, round to match compatriot An- Johnson, who won his fi rst new TPC mark, saying, “62 is ri- Mullinax holed out from 95 Landry, seeking his fi rst PGA Andrew Landry 69-67-67 Kevin Chappell 72-72-67, Keegan drew Landry on 13-under 203 major at the 2007 Masters, seeks diculous but you can see it.” feet for eagle at the par-5 14th, title after a January playoff loss 204 - Trey Mullinax 74-68-62 Bradley 68-71-72, David Hearn after 54 holes at TPC San An- his 13th career PGA title and “I could see a guy that hits it sank a 40-foot birdie putt at to Spaniard Jon Rahm in the Cal- 205 - Ryan Moore 68-67-70 (CAN) 70-68-73 tonio. Trey Mullinax fi red a third Texas Open victory after hard, which he does. I could see the par-3 16th and a six-foot ifornia desert, fi red a bogey-free 207 - Sean O’Hair 72-70-65, 212 - Kevin Tway 72-71-69, Nick course-record 62 to stand third 2008 and 2009 at LaCantera that because the par-5s kind birdie putt at 17, then reached 67 to match Johnson atop the Jimmy Walker 71-69-67, Chris Watney 70-72-70, Matt Atkins on 204, one stroke in front of Golf Club, where he shared the of become par 4s to some de- the 18th green in two and holed leaderboard. Kirk 73-66-68, Martin Laird 68-73-71, Sam Ryder 73-71-68, fellow American Ryan Moore course record of 60. gree with this south wind. And a 16-footer for another eagle and Landry sank a six-foot birdie (SCO) 73-65-69 Ben Crane 72-66-74. Gulf Times Monday, April 23, 2018 7 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT QFA, Ecuador sign MoU to develop football Aspire’s tie-up with

By Sports Reporter Delhi Dynamos helps Doha

atar Football Association (QFA) youth development president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani on Saturday met with President of in Indian football EcuadorQ Lenin Moreno in the presence of Qatar’s ambassador to Ecuador Hassan al-Malki as wide-ranging talks were held among the offi cials. The QFA president later signed an MoU in the presence of Carlos Villacis, head of the Ecuadorian Football Fed- eration (FEF), to develop and promote football in both countries. Ecuador’s Minister of Sport, Andrea Sotomayor, Tenorio’s lasting impact at Al Sadd club be held in Russia. Ecuadorian Minister of Sport was also present. was widely applauded. Tenorio scored 113 The QFA president thanked the Ecua- Sotomayor welcomed the move to sign The Ecuadorian president welcomed goals for Al Sadd in eight years helping dorian president for his warm welcome. an MoU, saying Ecuador and Qatar would the QFA delegation with a warm speech, the Doha giants claim fi ve trophies dur- Sheikh Hamad said Qatar remained stand to benefi t from the signing of the highlighting the two countries’ mutual ing that period. committed to promoting and developing agreement. desire to promote and develop football The Ecuadorian president also football. Later the QFA president presented a and sports as a whole. The President stressed on the importance of devel- The QFA president highlighted the visit jersey to President Moreno and other of- praised the Qatari leadership for promot- oping football and hoped that Ecuador of His Highness The Father Emir Sheikh fi cials present at the meeting. Mementos ing sports at a wider scale in the country would qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to Ecuador were also exchanged. and the region. Cup to be held in Qatar. Ecuador did not in 2013 that paved the way for lasting Ecuador’s Minister of Defence Patricio During the speech, Ecuador’s Carlos qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to friendship between the two countries. also attended the signing ceremony. By Sports Reporter implemented. Doha “When it comes to football, CYCLING India is a rapidly developing country. Through co-operation he world-renowned As- with Delhi Dynamos FC, Aspire pire Academy and Indian Academy plays a supportive and Super League (ISL) club practical role in this develop- Delhi Dynamos FC yes- ment process. Since last Sep- Tterday highlighted the signifi - tember, we have had numerous cant impact of their partnership colleagues on the ground at the Surprise victory by highlighting the huge growth club, and together we are laying in demand for the club’s youth the foundations for a sustainable development programme. football talent centre in terms of On April 20 and 21, 1,200 chil- structure, personnel and meth- dren from Delhi and across the odology. Scouting is also part country attended try-outs for of this process,” says Stephan the opportunity of a place on the Hildebrandt, Manager of Foot- club’s programme, already being ball Operations at Aspire Acad- for Jungels in Liege described as one of the best in emy. India. Together with Aspire Acad- Canada’s Michael Woods came second with France’s Romain Bardet third Signed in June 2017, the emy’s Football Projects Co-ordi- technical agreement sees As- nator Oscar Garro, Hildebrandt AFP to go at the Cote de la Roche aux Faucons, pire Academy share its football travelled to Delhi to oversee the Liege, Belgium Quick Step captain Philippe Gilbert, then know-how and management two-day try-outs for players Sergio Henao and fi nally Jungels made expertise with the Indian Super aged from 12 to 18. “The response attempted breaks off the front that kept League (ISL) club. Aspire Acade- in the past two days has been re- uxembourg’s Bob Jungels pro- everybody working. my is supporting Delhi Dynamos ally impressive and I’ve person- duced yet another surprise vic- Jungels looked around and saw a FC in numerous areas including ally not experienced anything tory from distance in cycling’s chance and the Luxembourg champion coaching, training, scouting and like it until now. The enthusiasm Spring Classics, winning the set off alone. With 17km to go Dan Martin sports science. The youth devel- among the kids for football is LLiege-Bastogne-Liege yesterday after a went after him with such conviction that opment programme is designed enormous. The huge popularity solo breakaway from 20km out. Alaphilippe briefl y followed him. to give talented young players the of these talent screening events Canada’s Michael Woods came sec- But Martin’s run of bad luck continued best chance of securing a place in is a direct consequence of all the ond with France’s Romain Bardet third and he suff ered a puncture with 6km to go. the club’s senior team. work we’ve been doing together to complete an unexpected podium at Woods then followed a lightening break Aspire Academy has sent Fran in recent months. Aspire’s com- the end of the 258km race that took 6hrs, from Bardet and the pair came in some 37 Perez as Youth Manager to Delhi mitment to the club is very well 24min and 44sec. seconds after Jungels had crossed the line with responsibility for ensuring understood and provides tal- Jungels, of the powerful Belgian Quick in a joyous zig-zag celebration. that content-related methodo- ented young footballers with the Step team, had made a break from 20km Woods fi nishing second was maybe logical and structural inputs for very best chance of future suc- as a decoy, he admitted after the race, more of a surprise then Jungels the programme are eff ectively cess.” added Hildebrandt. but he opened such a gap that the chief “I was a runner and only became a pro- contenders failed to galvanise themselves cyclist at 29,” said the Education First until it was too late. rider who was ninth last year. “We all thought Julian (Alaphilippe) “This is the best race of my life, you and the others would pass me at Ans, but have to cherish these moments. Earlier they never made it,” said Jungels. in the season I was questioning my own “I was trying to keep Julian, our cap- talent,” said Woods, who said Bardet in- tain, in a strong position. But then I was up a gap of fi ve minutes before a busi- that saw him burn up the opposition from spired him to make the break 2km from alone and kept getting further ahead,” he nesslike peloton decided that was quite 55km out in the Paris-Roubaix. the line. said. enough on a course where it is famously But this race has been decided on the French cycling’s golden boy Bardet said “I’m super proud, it’s a pleasure to fi n- diffi cult to keep track of others in the fi nal climb to Ans for the last 14 years and he drew confi dence from his third place ish off the Spring in a nice way.” dense green Ardennes forests. pre-race favourites Alaphilippe and four- fi nish. A fi eld packed with potential winners The Spring Classics have been littered time winner Alejandro Valverde were the “This shows I’m getting closer to the embarked in fi ne, sunny conditions from with long range wins ripping up the rule men expected to battle it out. top spot,” said Bardet, who will be one of the cobbled town centre streets of Liege book, as Vincenzo Nibali sprung a sur- After allowing Jungels too much time the favourites for the Tour de France. into the rolling, wooded forests to Bas- prise in the Milan-SanRemo, Niki Terp- Alaphilippe came in fourth at 39sec and “It was a tactical win for Jungels, and togne. stra broke from deep in the Tour of Flan- Valverde 13th at 51sec. nobody was going to catch him on the An escape group of nine riders ramped ders and Peter Sagan lighting the fuse At the penultimate climb, with 20km fl at.”

CRICKET Jones wins QGL Golf Tournament M Pallonji open day-night tournament with big win

By Sports Reporter Doha

Pallonji, the sponsor team, de- feated Wellon CC by 8 wickets in the inaugural match of the M Pallonji Day/Night Tournament M2019. The 15 overs-a-side tournament was in- augurated by M Pallonji general manager Chidananda Naik at West Bay Cricket Com- plex in presence of Qatar Veterans Cricket offi cials, players and match cials.offi After put in to bat fi rst, in the hot weather conditions, Wellon lost their fi rst wicket in the fi rst over. M Pallonji bowlers had Wellon reeling at 42 for 5 in the fi rst six overs, taking M Pallonji general manager Chidananda Nayak inaugurates the M Pallonji Day/Night Cricket wickets at regular intervals. Wellon bats- Tournament in the presence of both teams and Qatar Veterans’ Cricket off icials. men eventually managed to put 107 runs on board in the allotted 15 overs for the loss fi nish the match in the ninth over. Nilesh (58) and Adnan (43) were impres- of 9 wickets. Sanjaya was the top scorer for Sanjaya, Fernando and Sanjaya took a sive for ACC, who set a 186-run target for the team with 33 runs, a knock that included wicket each for Wellon. Alliance. However, losing wickets at regular three sixes and a boundary. Samantha and For his all-round performance, Rauf of M intervals, Alliance only managed 127 runs on Asmadaga were the other batsmen who got Pallonji was adjudged Man of the Match. the board for the loss of seven wickets in the into double fi gures. In other matches, Serandib B defeated Mi- allotted 15 overs. For M Pallonji, Alban took 3 wickets for tramandal by 1 wicket after reaching the 118- Al Zaman Exchange too picked up a big 9 runs in his allotted 2 overs, Rauf scalped run target with a ball to spare, while Mumbai win, beating MIC by 61 runs after scoring 2 wickets, while Chida and Sandesh took a XII defeated Al Fardan by 9 wickets overhaul- 201 runs on the board, courtesy a smashing wicket each. ing the 109-run target in the 10th over. 17-ball 54 run knock by Firdosh. M Pallonji too had a shaky start to their CCRC put 182 runs on the board with Hanan managed to win a thriller against Al (From left to right) Closest to pin winner Hissam Khan, Longest putt winner Kanduri Suribabu, chase, losing opener Sandesh cheaply in Mazhar (33), Majeed (28) and Abbas (27) Jazeera Media Network by 1 run, restricting tournament champion Lucas Jones, Qatar Golf Lovers (QGL) captain PK Mathew, Closest to rope the second over. However, the other open- excelling with the bat. In reply, McDonalds the latter at 121 runs for 11 wickets in 15 overs. winner Lucas Intagliata, tournament runner-up Pavan Singh and Longest drive winner Naeem Nanji er, Rajesh, blazed away, scoring 29 runs in were wrapped up for 115 run, with Abbas and QVC defeated Ceylon Warriors by sev- pose after the QGL Golf Tournament at the Doha Golf Club recently. As many as 40 golfers competed 7 balls with 3 sixes and 2 fours. Rauf added Magsi scalping two wickets each, setting up en wickets after scoring 160 runs for four in the event which was played on a strokeplay format. scored 26 runs in 7 balls with four sixes to a 67-run victory. wickets in reply to latter’s 154.

Monday, April 23, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

Arabian Camel Races Competition Qatar athletes shine in Arab Championship in Amman

atar athletics team kept its winning streak by claiming two gold medals and one silver medal on the second Qday of Arab Youth Athletics Championship 2018 in Am- man, Jordan. Qatar’s Mohanad Khamis clinched gold medal in the 3,000m steeplechase on Saturday while teammate Rania Raed confidently claimed the discus throw. Qatar Athletics Federation assistant secretary-general Talal Mansour appreci- ated achievements of Qatar’s young athletes. Qatar team is being represented by elite young athletes including Saoud Abdulaziz al-Homaidi in 110m steeplechase, Jabir Hilal and Abdulrahman al-Khater in 100m and 200m events, Khamis in 3,000m steeplechase and 1,500m, along other names in discus throw, high jump and shot put.

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) president HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (fourth from left) with the winners of the six main races of the eighth day of Arabian Camel Races Competition for the Sword of His Highness The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Al Shahaniya racetrack. Qatar’s Mohanad Khamis in action during 3,000m steeplechase.

MANATEQ QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY Przygonski seals win aft er late drama for al-Attiyah

‘For the classification it is a superb result. There were some tears at the finish’ Qatar’s Adel Abdulla suff ers

By Sports Reporter setback to T2 campaign Losail Qatar’s Adel Abdulla suff ered a devastating setback to his chances of regaining the FIA T2 World Championship after he was deprived oland’s Jakub Przygonski and of a first ever victory in the category at his home Manateq Qatar Belgian co-driver Tom Colsoul Cross-Country Rally (QCCR) by a niggling electrical issue yesterday. confi rmed a dramatic and vi- The Nissan Patrol driver and fellow Qatari navigator Nasser tal victory in the Manateq Qa- al-Kuwari led from the opening super special stage at Losail last Ptar Cross-Country Rally after overnight Wednesday evening and, despite falling behind near the start of leader Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah suff ered the first desert section, they won the next three selective sections terminal engine issues on the run down through the Qatar deserts and had a massive lead of nearly four Qatar’s west coast on the fi nal stage yes- hours to take into the final day. terday. Everything was going according to plan, even though the Qatari The Mini John Cooper Works Rally was running behind rival Ahmed al-Shegawi in the final timed test. crew trailed Qatar’s defending cham- That was until 265km of the special when the Nissan stopped with pion and his French co-driver Matthieu a niggling electrical issue and the crew spent many agonising min- Baumel by 14min 43sec at the start of utes trying to repair the car to continue. the fi nal stage of 331.84km. Al-Attiyah He managed to get going again and reached the stage finish ago- was prepared to play the strategy game nizingly too late to be classified in the results and the Qatari’s wait and that enabled the Pole to overtake the for a first T2 victory on his home event continues. Toyota and lead the way through most of Adel said: “It was an electrical problem with the switch for the diff er- a stage that cut across the country’s cen- ential. The left tyre started to break. We do not know what caused tral deserts before skirting the western it. There is nothing broken on the car. The tyre has moved. coastline and then fi nished with a tradi- “We played with the fuse and it worked after we had stopped for a tional sprint along a sandy beach to the long time. Then we tried to push to the end of the stage but we ar- fl ying fi nish near Sealine. rived seven minutes late. The Clerk of the Course is very strict with The plan appeared to be working well this and we are out of the race. This is similar to what happened last for al-Attiyah until he suff ered termi- year. Even now the car is showing a four-wheel drive fault. It is very nal engine issues between the third and disappointing for us.” fourth passage controls and this opened Adel Abdulla’s campaign to win back the FIA T2 Championship the door for Przygonski to romp home title he first secured in 2016 comes with valuable support from the and claim a famous victory and a 31-point Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), Ooredoo Qatar lead in the FIA World Cup for Cross- and Nissan Qatar. Country Rallies standings. Emotions run high at the finish for Polish driver Jakub Przygonski’s Belgian co-driver Tom Colsoul after they won the Manateq Qatar “To win the most diffi cult rally Cross-Country Rally yesterday. in the world calendar in terms of navigation is very special. I am a this year,” said Abdulrahman al-Mannai, humble farmer’s boy from Belgium President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcy- and to come here and beat the best cle Federation (QMMF). in the world on such a hard rally “We made a lot of changes, including and to etch your name in the his- the set-up for the rally offi ces, the media tory of the event is a great feeling,” and the super stage. We expected a tough Belgian co-driver Tom Colsoul said rally as always, because of the challenges of the navigation. Many people come here Przygonski, who had a winning margin who have been to Dakar and many rallies of 40min 13sec, said: “We are so happy. and think it may be easy. But this rally is It was a really tough race from the begin- very tough as we have seen with the results ning with the navigation and the terrain. changing. We had no big problems during any of the “Unfortunately, our hero Nasser was fi ve stages. Sad for Nasser, but this is mo- leading all the way to the last stage until torsport. This can happen always. he had an engine problem and he had to “For the World Cup classifi cation it is pull out. We are also proud of Adel’s per- a superb result. There were some tears formance this week in T2. at the fi nish. To overcome the naviga- “It has been a tough year for all of us in tion and take the win here in Qatar is very Qatar because of the political situation. special.” But we worked hard to make sure that this An emotional Colsoul added: “This is did not impact the sport. That was our a very special and emotional win for me goal from the beginning. We don’t think for two reasons. I lost a family member on A terminal engine failure ended the race for Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah. about politics and mix it with sport. We Qatar’s Adel Abdulla (second from right) and co-driver Nasser al- this rally three years ago and to win the faced a lot of challenges because of the Kuwari (left) finished third in the Manateq Qatar Baja yesterday. most diffi cult rally in the world calendar co-driver Laurent Lichtleuchter gave an eventual retirement was a bitter blow blockade on our country. Nevertheless, PICTURE: Othman Iraqi in terms of navigation is very special. I Overdrive Racing the fi nal place on the for the Qatari. we did not give up and we were deter- am a humble farmer’s boy from Belgium podium in their Toyota Hilux. Frenchman Claude Fournier hung on to mined to have a rally better than in the and to come here and beat the best in the Poland’s Aron Domzala reached the secure maximum points to T3 to snatch past. We also received feedback in a posi- world on such a hard rally and to etch fl ying fi nish in fourth position in the the overall lead in the FIA T3 Champi- tive way from the FIA. We are happy with your name in the history of the event is a second of the Toyotas and Czech driver onship from Spanish rival José Luis Pena the way the rally has gone.” great feeling.” Martin Prokop continued his push for a Campo. Santiago Navarro was third. Oman’s Abdullah al-Zubair won the A disappointed al-Attiyah said, “This fi rst ever FIA World Cup title with crucial Young Polish rider Maciej Giemza vin- second round of the Manateq Qatar Baja is rallying. This is a new car. Two days points for fi fth place. He now holds sec- dicated his decision to enter the event on that fi nished at PC3. ago we had a small issue with the engine ond in the series behind Przygonski in his his Orlen Team KTM 450 with a solid fi n- Al-Shegawi was second, while Qatar’s but we tried to keep going. Suddenly, Ford F-150 Evo. ish and a maximum haul of FIM points to Abdulla moved into third when Khalid al- today, we had an oil pressure alarm and Qatar’s Adel Abdulla began the fi nal snatch the lead in the FIM Cross-Coun- Feraihi incurred time penalties. we stopped immediately. We fi nished at stage with a T2 lead of 3hrs 53min 03sec try Rally World Championship after two 210km I think. When we saw the alarm it in his QMMF and Ooredoo-backed Nis- rounds. FIA WORLD CUP FOR was over.” san Patrol Y62. Rival Ahmed al-Shegawi Russian quad rider Alexsandr Mak- CROSS-COUNTRY RALLIES STANDINGS G-Energy Team Mini One driver won the day’s stage after Adel stopped simov secured victory over Dutch rival 1. Jakub Przygonski (POL) 144pts Vladimir Vasilyev shadowed Przygonski with a reported broken rear axle after Kees Koolen in the quad category by the 2. Martin Prokop (CZE) 113pts to the fi nish to snatch second overall and 265km and battled in vain to repair the margin of 40min 50sec after both rode 3. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS) 111pts 42 valuable championship points, while damage. He managed to get going again cautiously over the fi nal kilometres. 4. Yasir Seaidan (SAU) 58pts Saudi Arabia’s Yasir Seaidan and French before the stage fi nish control closed but “We are very proud of the organisation 5. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT) 30pts Maximum FIM points and a motorcycle win for Maciej Giemza.