Gopal’s spell spearheads to first win in IPL 2019 PAGE 19 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

Qatar’s Mohammed al Meer moves closer to FRENCH COUPE DE FRANCE T2 title in Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge PAGE 19 PSG VS NANTES Doha to host Asia’s best athletes QNA DOHA

THE organising committee of the Asian Athletics Cham- pionships (Doha 2019) is intensifying preparations to host the 23rd edition of the Championships from April Big show at 21-24 at Khalifa International Stadium with the participa- Khalifa Intl tion of top athletes from the continent. Nearly 1,000 athletes will Dahlan al Hamad, Presi- compete for 186 medals in dent of the Asian Athletics 21 men’s and 21 women’s Warm welcome Association and Vice-Pres- events in addition to a mixed I’m thrilled to welcome ident of the International relay event that makes its Association of Athletics Fed- debut in the Asian Athletics Asia’s elite athletes to erations (IAAF), said Doha Championships. Doha, the global hub 2019 will be one of the most for athletics, where our important tournaments in outstanding facilities the history of Asia as Doha, promise to deliver a flawless the world-renowned athletics experience for everyone destination, is set to welcome Asia’s top athletes. involved in the event. “I’m thrilled to welcome Dahlan al Hamad, President Asia’s elite athletes to Doha, Asian Athletics Association the global hub for athletics, where our outstanding fa- and Vice-President IAAF cilities promise to deliver a flawless experience for eve- fans of the game in Qatar and ryone involved in the event,” the region,” said Qatar Ath- said Al Hamad. letics Federation President Al Hamad added that this Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman edition of the continental al Kuwari. athletics showpiece brings Along with the Diamond together nearly 1000 athletes League round in May, Asian and up to 450 officials from 45 Athletics Championships will countries, who will compete be the official test event of the for top honors in the world’s IAAF Worlds, with all ma- most populous continent. jor operations, including the “Qatar is about to embark The Khalifa International Stadium will see the Asian Athletics Championships being staged from April 21 to 24 with the participation of the continent’s best athletes. venue, transport and accom- on an enthralling summer modation, set to be examined of first-class athletics with The four-day tourna- ing athletes will compete for until it was unseated by last when the city hosts the World to ensure a smooth and spot- the IAAF Diamond League ment takes place at Khalifa 186 medals in 21 men’s events, editions hosts and eventual Championships. less experience during the and IAAF World Athletics International Stadium where 21 women’s events in addition winners, India. “It’s a great honour to global showpiece. Championships to follow as Innovative and environmen- to a mixed relay event that With top Asian athletes welcome some of the finest Doha has a proven track top athletics events staged tally friendly cooling tech- makes its debut in the Asian descending on Doha from the athletes in the world to Doha record of bringing interna- in Doha. There is no better nology has been successfully Athletics Championships. different regions of the con- for yet another major athlet- tional athletics to the region way to test our preparations operating, ensuring optimal The tournament will see tial period of Japanese dom- tinent, the Championships ics event. As always, our fa- by staging the annual Doha for such major events than conditions for athletes and the usual continental pow- inance over the champion- will surely produce promis- cilities and infrastructure are Diamond League, World hosting the Asian Athletics fans alike. erhouses go head-to-head ship, China has taken over ing athletes who can then ready to help athletes com- Indoor Athletics Champi- Championships,” Al Hamad Over morning and evening for the number one spot in as undisputed champion return to Doha in September pete at their best and deliver onships in 2010 and Asian stressed. sessions in which participat- Asia’s athletics. After an ini- for 17 consecutive editions and shine on the global stage an amazing atmosphere for Games in 2006. YOUSUF SCOOPS 100M FREESTYLE GOLD First Asian U-21 Dressage C’ship final in Doha

The final competition will Competitions to be be a two round competition held on April 5 & 6 with different horses provided by the Organising Committee TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Artistic in each round. DOHA The classification for the Dressage, the highest Final Competition will be de- DOHA will play host to the expression of horse training, cided by adding together the first Asian Equestrian Federa- is considered the most percentage scores attained in tion U-21 FEI Dressage Cham- artistic of the equestrian Round 1 and Round 2. pionship final to be held at the sports and can be traced as All riders and horses are Qatar Equestrian Federation far back as ancient Greece. expected to arrive in Doha by from April 4 to 6. The horse has to perform at a Wednesday (April 3) while the The qualifiers for the walk, trot and canter, and all mandatory vet check for the championship were held in tests are ridden from memory horses will be done on Thurs- Jakarta, Indonesia in October and follow a prescribed day at 3pm. 2018. pattern of movements. The Draw of starting order and The final will see some of horses will be done on Friday Asia’s promising and upcom- only exception is the followed by a welcome din- ing riders and horses show Freestyle which is specially ner later in the evening for all their prowess. choreographed for each horse attendees. There will be a Test Level and is performed to music. Dressage Test ride and for both Round 1 and Round 2: The popularity of Dressage Round 1 Competition will be- Qatar swimmer Yousuf al Khulaifi won gold in the 13-14 years 100m FEI World Dressage Challenge has increased rapidly in gin at 10am on Friday and last freestyle event with a time of 59.20 seconds at the Sarajevo Inter- Senior 1 Test (FEI Individual recent years. till 4pm. national Swimming Championships on Tuesday. This is Qatar’s third Competition Test Children). Saturday will see Dressage medal in the competition after Yaqoub al Khulaifi secured a gold and A separate draw for each Test ride and Round 2 Com- a bronze medal. The two swimmers participated in Sarajevo champi- round will be held to decide petition from 9am onwards. onships as part of the continuous presence of promising Qatari swim- athletes’ starting order in The event will see some of Asia’s promising and upcoming riders and horses show their prowess at Qatar The prize-giving ceremony mers in international competitions. each round. Equestrian Federation’s arena. will be held at 4.30pm.

Quick read Real Madrid unveil plans for ‘digital stadium of the future’ German FA president Reinhard Grindel resigns following controversies MADRID: Real Madrid’s planned stadium renovation will provide fresh sources of income for the club, president Floren- BERLIN: The president of the German Football Association (DFB) Reinhard Grindel confirmed on Tuesday that he had tino Perez said on Tuesday at the unveiling of designs for a revamped Santiago Bernabeu. The facelift is expected to be stepped down with immediate effect, ending three controversial years in charge. The 57-year-old has been under growing completed by 2023 and will cost an estimated 525 million euros, although it will not lead to an increase in capacity on pressure following controversies culminating in a newspaper report on Monday that he had accepted the gift of a 6,000 the current 81,000 spectators. Last September club members approved Real going into debt of up to 575 million euros euro ($6,700) watch from Hryhoriy Surkis, a UEFA vice-president and honorary president of the Ukrainian football federa- for 30 to 35 years to pay for the modernisation plan. tion. “I am stepping down from the position of DFB president, and I apologise for my less than exemplary behaviour “We want this to be a great digital stadium of the future, and it will be paid for by the income its renovation will provide, regarding my acceptance of a watch,” said Grindel. Surkis sat alongside Grindel on the executive committee of Euro- and it will make Real Madrid more competitive at a time when the footballing landscape is becoming ever less certain,” pean football’s governing body UEFA until last February. Yet Grindel denied that he had been given the watch for political Perez said. A retractible roof will be built, and the stadium will be wrapped in a titanium facade, while a 360 degree reasons. “For me this was an entirely private gift which I was bound to accept out of politeness,” he said. “I did not scoreboard will also be installed. Pedestrian areas will be built along with an expanded megastore and museum as well have any idea how expensive the watch was and it was a grave oversight on my part not to find out. In doing so, I could as restaurants and bars, to generate more revenue for the 13-times European champions. Perez said details of how the have avoided the impression that I was acting inappropriately.” Grindel said that Surkis had “no economic interest in the project will be financed will be revealed next week, adding that construction will begin at the end of this season.(REUTERS) DFB”. “I am deeply shaken to have to give up my role as DFB president over such an issue,” Grindel said. (AFP) Sports Wednesday, April 3, 2019 17 Giannis returns to power Ferrari test felt like home, says Mick Bucks’ win; Raptors romp Schumacher

AFP REUTERS NEW YORK MANAMA

GIANNIS Antetokounmpo re- MICK Schumacher, son of sev- turned from a right ankle sprain en-times world champion Mi- to score 28 points and grab 11 chael, made his Formula One rebounds Monday, powering test debut for Ferrari in Bahrain the Milwaukee Bucks to a 131- on Tuesday and lapped second 121 NBA victory at Brooklyn. fastest behind Red Bull’s Max The Greek star, who sat out Verstappen. a game due to the setback, lifted On a surprisingly wet day an injury-hit Milwaukee squad at the same track where his fa- within one game of clinching ther won the first grand prix in the best regular-season record the Middle East with Ferrari in the league and a home-court 15 years ago, Schumacher was edge throughout the NBA play- 0.597 seconds slower than the offs. 21-year-old Dutchman. “I thought it would be a re- His time of one minute ally good team but to be honest 29.976 seconds was set on the with you I didn’t think we would softest, and fastest, C5 tyres -- be the best team in the NBA,” softer than anyone else’s -- and Mick Schumacher walks out of Antetokounmpo said. he completed 56 laps on a day the garage after his first laps for Eric Bledsoe added 29 where track time was limited by Ferrari at the in-season test at points and reserve George Hill bad weather washing out much the Sakhir circuit in Manama on had 22 off the bench for the of the middle of the day. Tuesday. (AFP) Bucks, who lead the Eastern “I really enjoyed today. It Conference at 58-20 and can felt like home in the garage from Tuesday’s test was Mick’s clinch the best NBA mark with the very first moment with a lot first experience of a modern F1 a win Thursday at Philadelphia. of people that know me since I car, although he did drive his fa- “We know how important was very young,” he said. ther’s 1994 title-winning Benet- that is but we are just trying to The 20-year-old German, ton at the Spa-Francorchamps get better,” said Antetokounm- who made his Formula Two de- circuit before the 2017 Belgian po. “We could have played bet- but at the Sakhir circuit over the Grand Prix. ter tonight.” Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots the ball over Brooklyn Nets centre Jarrett Allen during the second half at Barclays weekend and finished eighth Michael Schumacher, who Antetokounmpo sparked Center in Brooklyn on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) and sixth in the two races, had still holds the record of 91 grand the Bucks as they pulled away been top with five minutes re- prix wins, won five of his titles late, hitting a 3-pointer and lat- But I have to do what’s best for All five teams battling for Jazz. maining before Verstappen with Ferrari in a golden period er rebounding his own 3-point the team to win and if that’s rest the final three playoff spots in Boston’s Kyrie Irving scored went faster. It was still the first from 2000 to 2004. miss and driving in for a slam then I will take a break.” the Eastern Conference lost 25 points and Al Horford pro- time since 2012 that a Schu- He last raced for the team in dunk to help seal the Nets’ fate. Danny Green powered To- We know how important Monday, moving Detroit (39- duced his second career tri- macher had led an official For- 2006 before a comeback with “When a team plays zone ronto with 29 points and the that is but we are just trying 38), Brooklyn (39-39) and Mi- ple double with 19 points, 11 mula One time chart. Mercedes from 2010-12 and has the whole game it’s hard,” he Raptors stayed in the hunt for to get better. We could have ami (38-39) nearer the post- rebounds and 10 assists in “The SF90 is incredible be- not been seen in public since he said. “But we started moving the overall top spot with a 121- played better tonight. I was season with Orlando (39-40) the Celtics’ 110-105 home vic- cause of the power it has, but suffered severe head injuries in the ball well and knocking down 109 home victory over Orlando, trying to wait for the game and Charlotte still chasing and tory over Miami, which had 30 it is also smooth to drive, and a skiing accident in the French some shots.” improving to 55-23 with four hoping. Despite Kemba Walk- points from Goran Dragic in a that’s why I enjoyed myself so Alps in December 2013. Sitting out a loss against At- games remaining. to come to me. My er’s 47-point effort, Charlotte losing cause. much,” said Schumacher. Mick, who joined the Fer- lanta forced him to take some And the Raptors clinched teammates did a good job lost 111-102 at Utah and slid to Thaddeus Young and Bo- “I was impressed by the rari academy in January, was time early to regain a smooth no worse than second in the finding me. 35-42, staying three games be- jan Bogdanovic each scored 19 braking power an F1 car has. It the only debutant on track in a flow with teammates. East when Philadelphia lost hind Miami for the eighth and points to lead seven players in seemed to me you could brake rain-hit session that followed “Just trying to get back into 122-102 at Dallas, the 76ers fall- Giannis Antetokounmpo final playoff position. double figures for Indiana in a later and later and the car would Sunday’s second grand prix of the rhythm,” he said. “I was try- ing to 49-28. Donovan Mitchell led Utah 111-102 home victory over De- have made the turn anyway.” the season. ing to wait for the game to come Justin Jackson led the Mav- The Sixers, playing without with 25 points while Span- troit. Domantas Sabonis had 18 The reigning European F3 Double world champion to me. My teammates did a ericks with 24 points while Joel Embiid, got 26 points from ish guard Ricky Rubio had 20 points and 12 rebounds off the champion will also test with Fernando Alonso, who left good job finding me. Tunisian reserve center Salah J.J. Redick, 25 from Tobias points and 13 assists and French bench for the Pacers while An- the Ferrari-powered Alfa Ro- Formula One at the end of last “I want to play every game Mejri added 16 points and 14 Harris and 17 from Australian center Rudy Gobert added 18 dre Drummond had 18 points meo team (formerly Sauber) on season, was back in a McLaren -- rest is not in my dictionary. rebounds for Dallas. guard Ben Simmons in the loss. points and 18 rebounds for the and 17 rebounds for the Pistons. Wednesday. testing tyres for Pirelli.

Murray returns to court after hip surgery Quick read Bencic, Ostapenko ease into second round in Charleston REUTERS as he was now pain free after twice, but targeted a possi- LONDON the surgery. ble return in doubles at this CHARLESTON: Swiss ninth seed Belinda Bencic made a strong start to her claycourt season with a 6-3 The 31-year-old post- year’s tournament as it put 6-0 win over qualifier Destanee Aiava to reach the second round of the Charleston Open in South Carolina ANDY Murray has returned ed a short video on Insta- less stress on his hip. on Monday. Bencic broke Aiava at love to open the match, one of the six break points she converted, and to a tennis court two months gram, where he was seen The three-times Grand was never really tested as the 18-year-old Australian made 24 unforced errors. Aiava did well to fight off after undergoing hip resur- hitting the ball in an outdoor Slam champion compared one match point but then double-faulted the next time the match was on the line to hand Bencic victory in facing surgery. court while rallying with a his situation to that of Amer- 56 minutes. Up next for the world number 21 at the green-clay event will be American Allie Kiick, who beat Murray, who has not wall with a caption, “It’s a ican doubles player Bob Bry- Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier 6-3 6-0. played competitively since start.” an who returned to the court Former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, a runner-up here in 2017, dropped the opening game of his first round exit at the Murray had said he was 5-1/2 months after a similar her match but quickly righted the ship and dominated the rest of the way in a 6-1 6-4 win over Swede Johanna Australian Open in Janu- A file photo of Andy Murray dur- not sure he could play in the procedure. Larsson. Latvian Ostapenko had seven double faults in the match but rounded into form as the match wore on ary, said last month he could ing the Australian Open in Janu- singles draw at Wimbledon, This year’s Wimbledon before clinching the win by firing down an ace. She will next face American Shelby Rogers.(REUTERS) possibly play at Wimbledon ary this year. (REUTERS) a tournament he has won begins on July 1.

Swapping Kalashnikovs for bat and pads: Afghan , the Taliban and peace

REUTERS ugee camps of cricket-loving chance against giants of the JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN Pakistan, where more than 3 game such as India, Australia million fled a Soviet invasion or England. DURING a lull in Afghani- and civil war in the 1980s and “We have a very strong stan’s never-ending war, 1990s, and has since made The sport is the only one most team and my dream is Af- before the fighting season huge strides in the country, of the fighters enjoy, ghanistan bring the World resumes once again in the particularly among ethnic commanders say, with Cup home,” said Hazrat Gul, a spring, Taliban fighters recall Pashtuns in the eastern border matches attracting hundreds young cricketer in the eastern laying down their Kalashnik- provinces. of spectators from city of Jalalabad, as he pre- ovs and, for a brief moment, Taj Malook Khan, who pared to play a friendly match enjoying a game of cricket. helped set up the Afghan Taliban-controlled villages against a team from neigh- The sport is the only one Cricket Club in Kacha Gari when there is no fighting. They bouring Kunar province. most of the fighters enjoy, refugee camp outside the Pa- are also fans of the As peace talks between commanders say, with match- kistani city of Peshawar in increasingly successful the U.S. government and Tal- es attracting hundreds of spec- the 1980s, and a small group national team. iban officials continue and Af- tators from Taliban-controlled of players used to cross into ghanistan looks for a way out villages when there is no fight- Afghanistan during the 1990s of 40 years of conflict, excite- ing. They are also fans of the Taliban era to play and pro- A video clip he shot on his ment is building and officials increasingly successful nation- mote cricket. mobile phone shows dozens and government ministers al team. The Taliban had banned of Taliban, many with Kalash- lavish praise on the players, “I love cricket,” said Mul- games such as cricket and nikov automatic rifles slung whom President Ashraf Ghani lah Badruddin, a Taliban com- football in the early years of across their shoulders, dissect- has called national heroes. mander in Khogyani district of their austere rule because they ing the quality of the team. From the other side of the Nangarhar, on the border with believed they kept men away Afghan men play cricket in Kabul. “I like all the players but war, the feeling is similar. Sadiq Pakistan, where a tournament from prayers, according to for- my favourite is Rashid Khan who has just returned to prac- organised by the militants at mer national cricketer Hasti Council in 2017, Afghanistan mier League (IPL), the razzle- sers, in line with traditional Arman,” says one fighter, re- tice after a long injury, aiming the start of last winter drew Gul, but later became more won its first five-day Test dazzle showcase of so-called dress codes. It also bears some ferring to the young spin bowl- to take part in the upcoming large crowds. tolerant of cricket. From there, match against Ireland last T20 cricket, the 12th season of resemblance to traditional Af- er who stars for the Afghan na- World Cup, said the Taliban “When Afghanistan play despite at least two attacks month after making steady which has just got under way. ghan children’s games involv- tional side and IPL’s Sunrisers usually send them congratula- against another team, we lis- in the past couple of years on progress in the lower levels of Despite the Taliban’s for- ing throwing and using sticks Hyderabad. “His bowling is tory messages through social ten to the radio with great in- cricket matches claimed by the international game. mer suspicion of organised to hit smaller sticks or balls. amazing.” media and on his cellphone terest and we also check for the ultra radical Islamic State However it is in the dy- sports and their opposition Karim Sadiq, a former when Afghanistan win. scores in social media and group, the game now rivals namic, shorter form of the to much of the transforma- batsman in the national team World Cup dream Such broad appeal has follow those in Facebook who football for popularity in a sport that Afghans have had tion in Afghanistan since their and an early pioneer of the With the approach of the seen the sport widely hailed give live updates,” he told Reu- country that has long been cut most impact. hardline Islamic regime was sport who visited some Tali- cricket World Cup in England as a unifying force in Afghani- ters by telephone. off from international sport. Players such as spin bowl- toppled in 2001, many of the ban-controlled areas in east- and Wales from May to July, stan, a patchwork of different First played in Afghani- er Rashid Khan or big hitting mainly Pashtun movement’s ern Afghanistan this year, said Afghanistan’s hopes of mak- languages and cultures, some- stan by British troops in the Star Names batsman Mohammad Nabi fighters are fans. he was mobbed by fighters ing a dent in the tournament times at peace with each other 19th Century, the game was Admitted as a full member Esakhil have become undis- Unlike football, cricket is asking about the game and are higher than they have ever but increasingly in recent adopted by Afghans in the ref- of the International Cricket puted stars of the Indian Pre- played in long sleeves and trou- their favourite players. been, even if few give them a years in conflict. 18 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Sports Contract rebel Al Sadd-Al Ahli pick of the bunch Icardi set for long-awaited in penultimate QSL weekend Inter return AFP MILAN ing champions Al Duhail to a The Wolves need 2-2 draw. Only a win would INTER Milan forward Mauro be enough for Jesualdo Icardi will return to action on three points Ferreira’s men with Al Du- Wednesday after nearly two hail four points behind tak- months out amid off-pitch dra- from the game ing on bottom-placed Al ma over contract talks as the Kharaitiyat. Serie A club battle for Cham- to seal a 14th Rui Faria’s Al Duhail pions League football next sea- cannot afford a slip-up as son, coach Luciano Spalletti league title they still have chance to to confirmed on Tuesday. retain the championship. Al The Argentina striker was TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Kharaitiyat are fully aware stripped of the captain’s arm- DOHA that they stare at relegation band on February 13 amid ne- with only two matches re- gotiations played out on social THE stage is set for the QNB maining. So The Thunders media and TV via Icardi’s wife Stars League Week 21 action. are sure to go all out. and agent Wanda Nara, and All matches will be played on Seventh-placed Al Ghara- hasn’t played since Inter beat Thursday in a bid to give all fa (25 points) take on Al Khor Parma a few days before. 12 teams equal advantage. (10th with 18 points) with an He was also left out of the The fixtures are Al eye to improve their position weekend’s 1-0 home defeat to Kharaitiyat vs Al Duhail even though they cannot fin- fellow Champions league chas- (18:10) at Al Ahli Stadium, ish among the top four this ers Lazio as punishment for the Al Khor vs Al Gharafa (18:10) season. row, which on Sunday Spalletti at Al Khor Stadium, Al Sadd In the relegation battle, described as “humiliating”, de- vs Al Ahli (18:10) at Al Sadd Al Khor are still not com- spite rumours he would play. Stadium, Qatar SC vs Al Ara- pletely out of danger zone “The conditions are now bi (18:10) at Qatar SC Stadi- and will look to sustain the right for Mauro to help the team um, Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya winning momentum, having again,” Spalletti told a press (20:20) at Al Ahli Stadium defeated Al Kharaitiyat in conference ahead of Wednes- and Umm Salal vs Al Shaha- Week 20 by a big margin. day’s game against Genoa. nia (20:20) at Qatar SC Sta- Qatar SC, 11th with 16 “He’ll play from the start dium. points, face Al Arabi with because he’s displayed the right The final round of match- relegation threat in mind. reaction. He’s trained well in es will be played either on Al Arabi are sixth with 27 the past few days, and if a play- 12th or 13th April. The kick- points. er is in the squad they’re able to off timings and venues will Al Rayyan and third- lend the team a hand. “Blood, be decided later. placed Al Sailiya will take the sweat and tears are needed This weekend, four field with top-four finish at when you play for our colours.” matches will kick off at 18:10 stake as the latter have only The three-time European and two at 20:20. one point more than the for- champions are third in Serie In the big game on Thurs- mer (33 points). A – 25 points behind leaders day, Al Sadd will host Al Ahli ons and extend their record are tied with fourth-placed points in their bid to finish sealed the title last week- Al Shahania will surely Juventus, but just two points knowing a win will see them title to 14. Al Rayyan on 33 points, so in the top-four bracket. end but were lucky to have have a point to prove when ahead of fourth-placed AC crowned as league champi- Al Ahli on the other hand they will be keen to collect Al Sadd could have held contenders and reign- they play Umm Salal. Milan.

Quick read Toure blasts football chiefs over racism UEFA chief Ceferin slams outbreaks of AFP UEFA have opened discipli- racist abuse LONDON nary proceedings against Mon- tenegro, including a charge of FOUR-TIME African football- racist behaviour. LONDON: UEFA president Alek- er of the year Yaya Toure says Toure, though, is painfully sander Ceferin admitted on football authorities should be aware of how football authori- Tuesday that he is ashamed of more proactive when it comes ties get excited when racism the recent outbreaks of racism to racism. hits the headlines then drop that have blighted football this The 35-year-old former it, as FIFA did in 2016 by clos- season. England stars Raheem Ivory Coast great -- who also ing down a racism Task Force Sterling, Danny Rose and starred for Barcelona and Man- on which he sat. He dryly ob- Callum Hudson-Odoi endured chester City -- said football’s served that with the incident racist abuse from Montenegro governing bodies only reacted last week his services may be fans during last month’s Euro once incidents had already oc- called upon again. 2020 qualifier, while in the curred, as in the case of the rac- Former Manchester City and Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure. “They’ll probably ask me club game Inter Milan, Dinamo ist chanting during England’s to come and do this or that,” Arsenal’s French striker Alexandre Lacazette in action against Newcas- Zagreb and Dynamo Kiev have Euro 2020 qualifier in Monte- saying: ‘We have to have a meet- mate Sterling for his behaviour he said. “But I’ve been there tle United during their English Premier League match at the Emirates all been punished with full or negro last week. ing! We have to do something! during the match. The 24-year- for how many years. I’ve been Stadium in London on Monday. (AFP) partial venue closures due to The Montenegro fans di- “It shouldn’t work that way. old restricted his response to there. People only start to see it racist behaviour by supporters. rected their chants at several We have to be proactive. Some- cupping a hand to his ear after when something happens.” “I am ashamed, ashamed that England players including de- thing that is seen. scoring a goal in the 5-1 thrash- Manchester United striker Arsenal up to third as in 2019 we have to hold a fender Danny Rose and striker “We have to be working be- ing of their opponents. Romelu Lukaku believes that conference to promote diver- Raheem Sterling. fore that kind of situation with “I was surprised Raheem the England team should have sity,” said Ceferin. “It is wor- “They (the football authori- Raheem is happening.” Sterling stayed so calm,” said walked off. rying to see world leaders and ties) sit and they have their cof- Toure, who was speak- Toure. “I have seen it happen in Ramsey, Lacazette politicians playing down racist fee, their wine,” Toure told the ing after receiving an award “He is like my little brother. countries and then the team and discriminatory incidents.” Daily Mirror. “Then they hear from Football Against Racism When you have seen what he would get sentenced and stuff (AFP) a case like Raheem happening in Europe (FARE), praised his has done surely he has to be like that,” the Belgian told Sky sink Newcastle and they jump on the phone former Manchester City team- Footballer of the Year.” Sports News. AFP first time since December LONDON 1997 to May 1998. Arsenal finished with 63 UNAI Emery challenged revi- points in Wenger’s final sea- talised Arsenal to write their son, but Emery has matched Manchester City look to go back on top own history after they climbed that tally with seven games to to third place in the Premier spare. League with a 2-0 win against No wonder Arsenal fans Newcastle on Monday. celebrated an important win as Spurs finally open new stadium Aaron Ramsey’s first half by taunting their splutter- strike was followed by Alexan- ing north London rivals with DPA at their temporary home Wem- dre Lacazette’s killer second in chants of “are you watching LONDON bley Stadium. Manager Mau- the closing stages at the Emir- Tottenham”. ricio Pochettino hopes this will ates Stadium, maintaining “It’s a new history. We are THE tennis match the Premier give them some much needed Arsenal’s impressive progress creating our own way. Our tar- League title chase is resembling inspiration. under Emery. get is very clear,” Emery said. resumes midweek with the ball “Now we have a mini- Emery’s side climbed two “We have created a big in Manchester City’s court. league, seven games ahead and points above fourth placed atmosphere here. We are in a Holder Man City and Liver- it’s in our hands to finish in the Tottenham and fifth placed good moment, a good mental- pool have gone back and forth top four,” he said. Manchester United to bolster ity with the players. at the top the past few weeks “We also have the quar- their chance of qualifying for “We are improving and with neither able to grab a firm ter-finals of the Champions the Champions League via making progress, but we hold. League and the new stadium a top-four finish with seven know it is difficult. Totten- City beat Fulham on Satur- on Wednesday. That’s going to games to go. It is the first ham, Chelsea and Manchester day to leap-frog the Reds, only be a big boost for us.” time Arsenal have been as United are going to win a lot for Juergen Klopp’s side to re- The curtain can drop on high as third place since April of games.” turn the favour with a late 2-1 Fulham’s disappointing one- 2017, highlighting their im- Newcastle remain seven win over Tottenham the next season return to the Premier provement since former Paris points above the relegation day. City are two points back League. The Cottagers visit Saint Germain boss Emery zone after a 12th defeat in their but do have a game in hand, General view of the interior of the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of a test event for the new Watford on Tuesday in the replaced Arsene Wenger at last 13 meetings with Arsenal. which comes on Wednesday stadium in London. (AFP) midst of an eight-game losing the end of last season. “If you don’t take the when they host Cardiff City. streak that’s kept them rooted Ramsey’s fifth goal of the chances and aren’t precise With much being made It’s one of five games in later on Monday as fifth-placed the latest coming Sunday at second-bottom of the table. season was only the Wales against a good team, you of their quest for four titles, a midweek reschedule for the Arsenal (60) can go third by Liverpool as an error by keep- They are 16 points from midfielder’s second since he know it is a matter of time manager Pep Guardiola is urg- FA Cup. Three involve teams in beating Newcastle to close out er Hugo Lloris resulted in an safety with six games remain- signed a lucrative pre-con- until you make a mistake,” ing his players to focus only the tight battle for the top four the weekend action. stoppage-time own goal. ing, meaning anything but a tract agreement to join Ju- Newcastle boss Rafael Ben- on what’s immediately in front while the other could end Ful- Manchester United (61) They hope to change their win will see them join Hud- ventus at the end of the cur- itez said, before taking a shot of them. ham’s survival hopes. then visit Wolverhampton on fortunes against Palace in the dersfield in relegation. rent campaign. at owner Mike Ashley’s lack “It’s not to think so much Just one point separates Tuesday, with Chelsea host- much-awaited first game at “It’s still mathematically But, while Ramsey won’t of investment in new players. about the titles, it’s what’s third-placed Tottenham (61 ing Brighton and Tottenham their new home. The stadium, possible (to stay up), but being be part of Emery’s long-term “We have been speaking all next,” he said. “What’s next points) and sixth-placed Chel- opening their new stadium on the site of the old White realistic we need to look ahead plans, the future still looks season about the final third, is Cardiff, prepare well and go sea (60) in the fight for the final against Crystal Palace the next Hart Lane, was due to open in at where we lie and it’s a tough bright for Arsenal, who re- you have to spend £50 million, like a machine to win, to play, two Champions League places. night. Sputtering Tottenham August but numerous delays ask of course,” interim man- corded a 10th consecutive £75 million (to have players to and try to win.” And even that could change have lost four of their last five, pushed that back leaving Spurs ager Scott Parker said. home league victory for the make a difference).” Sports Wednesday, April 3, 2019 19

News Gopal, Buttler end RR’s in brief Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal fined for night out in Dubai losing streak in IPL KARACHI: Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal’s dancing skills off the pitch have landed him in trouble as the maverick middle- order batsman was fined 20 percent of his match fee for a night out in Dubai. The leg-spinner grabs three in three overs to restrict RCB at 158 for four The 28-year-old talented yet indisciplined player was in the United Arab Emirates for a five-match series against Australia, IANS for a six and a four as RCB managed to which Pakistan lost 5-0 in Dubai on Sunday. JAIPUR score 51 runs in the last five overs. It was his first international fixture since January 2017. RCB were off to a good start as Koh- But a video clip circulating on social media showed and made sure li looked in positive frame of mind from Umar attending a concert and dancing on Friday night in Shreyas Gopal’s valiant effort with the ball one, working K. Gowtham through Dubai. ball did not go in vain, as Rajasthan midwicket for a couple of runs. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement late Royals beat Royal Challengers Banga- Facing most of the deliveries in the Monday that Umar had apologised after team manager Talat Ali lore (RCB) by seven wickets in their IPL early stages, Kohli was looking good charged him with breaching the team’s curfew and going to a game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium when Patel joined him to welcome club, a violation of the rules for tours. here on Tuesday. Archer by hitting him for three fours in Leg-spinner Gopal (3/12) snared the fifth over. three wickets in his three overs to re- At the end of six overs, RCB were Britannia, ICC tie up to restart World Cup duce RCB to 73/3 from a steady 49/0 48/0, but just after the Powerplay, Go- contest and they could only manage 158/4 in pal removed Kohli with a superb googly 20 overs after being asked to bat first. that beat the right-hander all ends up to BENGALURU: Britannia Industries Ltd. on Tuesday partnered Chasing a modest 159 for victory, crash into the stumps through the gate. with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to bring back their Buttler (59; 43b; 8x4 1x6) made the Gopal did not stop, sending the oth- World Cup lucky draw contest whereby the winners can watch most of a reprieve when he was dropped er ‘big fish’ de Villiers back in the hut in the showpiece cricket event live. on 7 by RCB skipper in the the ninth over for just 13 with another The contest, which debuted in 1999, will have the mega second over to bring up his seventh fifty wrong’ un that stopped on the batsman prize going to 100 consumers who will each win an all-expens- in the last ten IPL games while Smith forcing him to punch the ball back to es paid trip to watch a cricket World Cup match live in England -- dropped thrice -- scored a 31-ball 38 the bowler. and Wales. before finally holing out to Umesh Ya- Gopal then accounted for Het- “The promotion is also set to offer a bouquet of experienc- dav at long on off Mohammed Siraj. myer (1) as well two overs later, the es and rewards to millions of consumers who SMS a promo Yuzvendra Chahal (2/17) was the big-hitting West Indian failing to read code (on pack). The prizes include a lucky draw as well as pick of the bowlers for RCB as he got the another googly that turned away from assured gifts such as e-vouchers and signed memorabilia from wickets of Royals’ captain Ajinkya Ra- him to take the outside edge for Buttler cricket legends,” a statement said. hane (22) and Buttler but it was too lit- to complete a sharp catch behind the World Cup 1983 winning legends Kapil Dev, Roger Binny, tle too late as Rahul Tripathi (34 off 23 stumps. Syed Kirmani and Kris Srikkanth were present here to help ) hit a six off the penultimate ball Patel and Stoinis tried to steady the kick-off the event. of the innings to take his team home. ship from there on with the Australian Royals needed five in the final over struggling to get going. Patel tried his and as much as it looked like they would best to drag the team to a fighting total Royal backdrop for Cricket World Cup make heavy weather of a simple chase, Rajasthan Royals’ Shreyas Gopal celebrates after dismissing Royal Challengers Banga- but holed out to Rahane at long on off launch party Tripathi pulled Umesh for a maximum lore captain Virat Kohli during the 2019 (IPL) cricket Archer in the 18th over, looking to up to complete the formalities with one match in Jaipur on Tuesday. (AFP) the ante. LONDON: The launch for this year’s cricket World Cup in Eng- run needed in two balls. From then on, Stoinis and Moeen land will take place on The Mall in central London, organisers RCB, thus, succumbed to their for the opening , then cut short Stoinis was unbeaten on 31 off 28 balls hit a few boundaries to end on a high. hoping for a 4,000 sell-out crowd said on Tuesday. fourth straight loss to stay rock-bottom AB de Villiers and Shimron Hetymer’s and Moeen Ali played a nine-ball 18 run The Mall -- which links Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar in the points table while Royals regis- stay at the crease in his next two overs cameo to help the struggling outfit post BRIEF SCORES: Square -- will host the party on May 29, the eve of the opening tered their first win. as the visitors were reduced to 73/3 in a competitive total. Royal Challengers : 158/4 (Parthv Patel 67; game between England and South Africa, featuring “music, Earlier, Gopal was given the ball in 10.1 overs. Patel and Stoinis joined hands for a Shreyas Gopal 3/12) dance and some of the biggest names in sport”, according to the seventh over and the leg-spinner Patel top-scored for RCB with a pa- 53-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rajasthan Royals: 164/3 in 19.5 overs (Jos Buttler 59, the organisers. first broke skipper Kohli (23; 25b; 3x4) tient 41-ball 67 -- his knock laced with In the final over, (1/47) Steve Smith 38, Rahul Tripathi 34 not out; Yuzvendra “The opening party will capture the very essence of what and Parthiv Patel’s 49-run partnership nine fours and a six -- while Marcus leaked 17 runs with Ali smashing him Chahal 2/17) makes this tournament so special and will be hugely exciting for the fans that are lucky enough to attend,” said World Cup managing director Steve Elworthy. “The Mall, with Buckingham Palace in the background, is synonymous with some of the biggest events held in the UK and is instantly recognisable to everyone around the globe. 16 teams to compete in Aspire embassies futsal “It will be a fitting celebration of a World Cup, cricket and sport with diversity at its core,” added the 54-year-old former South Africa bowler. Tickets for the launch party for the tournament -- which runs from May 30 to July 14 -- will be allocated in a free ballot which opens on Thursday.

BCCI wants Pandya-Rahul chapter to end with WC on mind

NEW Delhi: With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ombudsman DK Jain sending out notices to India all-rounder Hardik Pandya and opening batsman KL Rahul to depose before him in a pending enquiry following their inappropriate comments in a TV chat show, the board is looking forward to end the row keeping the World Cup in mind. Speaking to IANS, a senior BCCI executive said that every- one in the board is on the same page and feels that it is time that the issue was put to rest. “Everyone in the board feels that this issue needs to come AZF officials and representatives of embassies during a technical committee meeting in Doha. to an end. The players committed a mistake and there is no two-way about it. But the players were sent home from the tour TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the Women’s Sports Hall on of Iraq, South Africa, Eretria dan in the opening match on Aspire Ramadan Festival edi- of Australia, they did apologise for their mistake and are also DOHA Thursday. and Bosnia, while the Group Thursday at 5 pm, followed tion in 2015, is an opportunity set to depose before the ombudsman. The tournament, featur- C will be contested by Spain, by the Syria vs Mali match at for diplomats and representa- “With the World Cup round the corner, the general senti- ASPIRE Zone Foundation ing 16 teams, will conclude Japan, Azerbaijan and Oman. 6:00pm. At 7:00pm, Iraq and tives of the embassies to take a ment is that the matter should be put to an end,” the executive (AZF) held a technical meet- on April 27. The participating The Group D contains Por- South Africa are scheduled to break from their typical work said. ing to review the preparations teams have been divided into tugal, Djibouti, France and clash and Bosnia face Eritrea setting and experience an Another BCCI functionary said that the ombudsman has for the third edition of the As- four groups. The Group A Ministry of Foreign Affairs of at 8:00pm. electrifying environment that been given the matter as priority and Jain will in all likelihood pire Embassies Futsal Tourna- has Jordan, India, Mali, and Qatar. The tournament, which combines activity and enter- submit his report within a week of meeting the players. ment, which is slated to start Syria. The Group B consists India will take on Jor- grew out of the popular mini tainment. Qatar driver Meer closer Nawaf helps Qatar rally to win to T2 title in Abu Dhabi TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK held in Czech Republic in Au- DOHA gust, as well. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Japan and Hong Kong DOHA RASHED Nawaf won both his have won two matches and rubbers and helped Qatar post each and the winner of their QATARI driver Mohammed a come-from-behind 2-1 vic- match on Wednesday will al Meer is firmly on course tory against Chinese Taipei in make it to the last four. The to capture the T2 production the Asia-Oceania Final Quali- similar scenario is in Pool D class title with two stages re- fying Tournament for the ITF too, with India and Thailand maining in the Abu Dhabi World Junior Tennis Cham- locked with two victories each Desert Challenge, powered by pionship (Under-14) in Kuala ahead of their crucial match. Nissan. Lumpur on Tuesday. Australia are on the top of Pool In the opening rubber of C with two wins, while South He completed Tuesday’s their second Pool B match, Korea and Kazakhstan are tied Qatar’s Nasser al Yafei suf- with one win in two matches. 297.9km Nissan Stage fered a 2-6, 0-6 loss against On Wednesday, Australia face holding a massive 206- Hsin Yu Yang. off with Korea. hour T2 lead over Russian But Nawaf played bril- Alexander Baranenko. liantly and sparked Qatar’s Results (Pool B) return with a 6-2, 6-2 win Chinese Taipei lost to Qatar 1-2 Partnered by Russian co- against Yu-Cheng Tseng in the Hsin Yu Yang (Chinese Tai- driver Alexey Kuzmich in a second singles. pei) beat Nasser al Yafei (Qatar) Nissan Patrol, Meer needs Mohammed al Meer of Qatar in his Nissan Patrol during Tuesday’s T2 He and Yafei then com- 6-2 6-0 only to avoid a major misfor- category action in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. bined well to best Yun Yang Yu-Cheng Tseng (Chinese tune over the next 48 hours Lin and Yu-Cheng Tseng by Rashed Nawaf of Qatar: Leading the team’s challenge Taipei) lost to Rashed Nawaf to ensure he celebrates at the ing a massive 206-hour T2 the dunes of the Rub Al Khali. 6-2, 6-2 to wrap up the win. (Qatar) 2-6 2-6 Yas Marina Circuit finish on lead over Russian Alexander Saudi driver Ahmed al She- This was the first win for On Wednesday, Qatar will Chinese Taipei so far. Group Yun Yang Lin & Yu-Cheng Thursday. Baranenko in a Toyota Land gawi had taken a Nissan Patrol Qatar in two matches after take on pool leaders China, toppers will advance to the Tseng (Chinese Taipei) lost to He completed Tuesday’s Cruiser after his main rivals all to victory in the T2 category having lost the opener to New who have won both the match- semi-finals and also qualify for Nasser al Yafei & Rashed Nawaf 297.9km Nissan Stage hold- collected huge time penalties in last year. Zealand 1-2. es against New Zealand and the world championship, to be (Qatar) 2-6 2-6