SUNDAY 15 APRIL 2018 SPORT 25 CRICKET He’s going to trouble me a TODAY’S ACTION lot because he expected me Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals: to get the gold in the 100. M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru I slipped at the start and I Jamaican sprinter on fail- Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings: couldn’t recover. ure to get gold at CWG Bindra Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh Jamaican sprinters miss out on top spots AP “I was in record-breaking Olympic double at Rio de Janeiro shape, and I’m still in that, but, in 2016 but only ran the 200 GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA: ahem, I’m going to hide from here, missing out on the podium India’s Mary Kom wins Kingston, we have a problem. him when I get back home.” when she placed fourth in a race A Jamaican track team fea- In the 100, Blake took bronze won by Olympic 400-meter turing the world’s fastest active behind South Africans Akani champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo sprinter and the women’s Simbine and Henricho Bruintjies. of Bahamas. gold in boxing at CWG Olympic 100- and 200-meter In the relay, he ran the anchor The Jamaicans won 10 gold champion didn’t win a gold leg and made up some ground medals at the Commonwealth AP medal in the sprints at the Com- but couldn’t catch the gold Games in Glasgow four years ago monwealth Games. medal-winning England team - including the men’s 100, 200 After Yohan Blake anchored of Reuben Arthur, Zharnel and 4x100 relay and the GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA Jamaica’s 4x100-meter relay Hughes, Richard Kilty and Harry women’s 4x100 - and six Mary Kom (pictured) is back team to bronze yesterday, Usain Aikines-Aryeety, which won in Olympic golds at Rio in 2016, on the international stage in Bolt took to social media to 38.13 seconds, or Simbine’s including Bolt’s wins in the 100, boxing. openly question if he’d retired South Africans. 200 and 4x100 relay and The mother of three and too early. “I ran like a rabbit!” Aikines- Thompson’s double. now politician in India made a Bolt, who is in Australia to Aryeety said of his anchor leg. “I On the Gold Coast, Trinidad successful return to the ring at support the Jamaican team, is knew I had the second-fastest and Tobago won more gold a major multi-sports event on the only man to have ever run man of all time behind me, medals in the shortest of the Saturday. She beat Kristina faster than Blake, who has a per- Yohan Blake, and the 100-meter sprints, winning the women’s O’Hara of Northern Ireland in sonal best time of 9.69 in the Commonwealth champion, 100 and the men’s 200. a 5-0 unanimous decision in 100. Before the Gold Coast , behind me. I Blake said the post-Bolt the gold medal match in the games, he joked that Blake may stayed focused and aimed for the Jamaican team just needs some 45-48 kilogram division at the not want to return to the line.” time to find its rhythm. . Jamaican capital if he didn’t win England also won the “We’re going through a tran- Kom, 35, is a former five- gold. women’s 4x100, in 42.46 sition period,” he said. “We were time world amateur champion the first gold medals for their Australia won the gold “He’s going to trouble me a seconds, with Lorraine Ugen just dominating world-wide, and who won a bronze medal in the countries in the meet - former medal in women’s basketball, lot because he expected me to hanging on to edge Elaine coach is working to get me back 51-kilogram division at the world junior champion Neeraj beating England 99-55. Not get the gold in the 100,” Blake Thompson’s Jamaican team by to that level so I can dominate London Olympics in 2012, but Chopra of India won the javelin that star Australia center Liz said. “I slipped at the start and I 0.06. Nigeria took bronze. again.” Bolt was a once-in-a- failed to qualify for the Rio de in 86.47 meters, Levern Cambage was around to see the couldn’t recover. Thompson won the 100-200 lifetime athlete, Blake said. Janeiro Games in 2016. Spencer of St. Lucia’s the finish. She competed in the Asian women’s high jump in a Cambage, who will begin championships last November season-best 1.95 meters and playing for Dallas in the WNBA Jamaica’s (gold) Christine Day, Anastasia Le-Roy, Janieve Russell and in the first stage of a comeback Troy Doris of Guyana the triple in May, picked up an unsports- Stephenie McPherson pose with their medals after the athletics women’s and won gold. jump in 16.88 meters. manlike foul early in the game 4x400m relay final during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games “Even my sports minister Two other finals had pre- and was sent from the court at the Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast yesterday came to cheer me on, my dictable Kenya 1-2 finishes: three minutes into the second country will be very proud,” world champion Hellen Obiri quarter after picking up a tech- said Kom, who is a member of won the women’s 5,000 nical foul for arguing with the Upper House in India’s meters in 15 minutes, 13.11 referee. Parliament. seconds, holding off teammate Two of either an unsports- She said she may give the Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi, manlike or technical foul lead Olympics another attempt - “if and Elijah Motonei Manangoi to an automatic ejection for the I am fit enough, I will go for won the 1,500 in 3:34.78 ahead game. Tokyo 2020.” “My dreams are of Timothy Cheruiyot. New Zealand beat Canada not fulfilled yet because (no) England won both the 74-58 for the bronze. Olympic gold medal,” she said. men’s and women’s 4x100- Earlier in a men’s bas- “So if my body allows, I will meter relays on the final day ketball semifinal, Canada beat go.” O’Hara said she was “quite of track, while Botswana took New Zealand 88-86 on proud” of her performance. the men’s 4x400 and Jamaica Mamadou Gueye’s last-second “But at the end of the day the women’s 4x400. It was a three-pointer. New Zealand she (Kom) is a well-known rare meet for the Jamaicans, outscored Canada 28-13 in the boxer, a credit to her country, who didn’t pick up any gold in fourth quarter and nearly so the greatest of respect to the 100, 200 or 4x100 relays - overcame a 21-point deficit. her,” O’Hara said. Yohan Blake’s men’s team was In today’s gold medal final, Elsewhere around the third in the one-lap relay and Canada will play Australia, games yesterday: Elaine Thompson’s women’s which earlier beat Scotland Three winners picked up team was second. 103-46.

NHL: Haula delivers for Vegas Streaking Mets register REUTERS Flyers 5, Penguins 1 ninth consecutive win Travis Konecny, Sean Cou- REUTERS LAS VEGAS: What happens in turier, Shayne Gostisbehere, reliever Kevin Jepsen (0-2) and, Vegas, continues to happen in Nolan Patrick and Andrew Mac- with Fisher running on the play, Vegas. Donald each scored one goal and MIAMI: Todd Frazier hit two Texas center fielder Drew Rob- The NHL’s Golden Knights Philadelphia defeated Pittsburgh solo homers on Friday night, inson whiffed fielding the ball, are the toast of the town. to even the best-of-seven playoff including the go-ahead shot in allowing Fisher to score from Erik Haula’s goal in double series at one game apiece at PPG the bottom of the fourth inning, first base. Fisher pinch-ran for overtime gave Vegas a 2-1 victory Paints Arena. as the streaking New York Mets Evan Gattis, who walked. over the Los Angeles Kings on Philadelphia goaltender won their ninth straight by Astros right fielder George Friday night for a 2-0 lead in Brian Elliott, who struggled beating the Milwaukee Brewers, Springer homered twice against their first-round playoff series. mightily in Game 1, allowing five 6-5, at Citi Field. Rangers starter Cole Hamels. “Honestly, I think that’s my goals on 19 shots, was stellar this Frazier reached base in all Houston starter Gerrit Cole first overtime goal and I’m happy time around with 34 saves. The four plate appearances for the allowed two runs on three hits it came at this time; that’s one of Flyers were soundly beaten 7-0 Mets, whose winning streak is with a career-high 14 strikeouts the best feelings in sports,” Haula in Game 1 and responded in a big their longest since an 11-game over seven innings. said. “Going into overtime we just way as Ivan Provorov and Cou- run in April 2015. At 11-1, they He became the second stressed it in the locker room to turier each had a pair of assists. are off to the best 12-game start pitcher in major league history just keep going after ‘em, to keep Penguins goaltender Matt in team history. with 11-plus strikeouts in each getting pucks behind ‘em, keep Murray scuffled with 15 saves on The Mets scored what of his first three starts of a playing north, keep playing fast 19 shots, snapping a streak of proved to be the decisive runs season, joining Nolan Ryan and I think we executed our three consecutive playoff in the fifth, when Jay Bruce (1973). game plan.” shutouts. It marked the most delivered an RBI double and Yankees 8, Tigers 6 Vegas Golden Knights left wing Erik Haula (56) is embraced by With less than five minutes goals that he has allowed in 17 Adrian Gonzalez lofted a sac- Aaron Hicks hit a pair of defenseman Shea Theodore (27) after he scored a goal in a second on the clock in the second career home playoff games. rifice fly before Bruce raced home runs, including one overtime, James Neal skated into overtime period to give the Vegas Golden Knights a 2-1 victory Jets 4, Wild 1 home on a wild pitch to give inside-the-park, and New York the zone, looked past Alex Tuch over the Los Angeles Kings in game two of the first round of the Goalie Connor Hellebuyck New York a 6-2 lead. handed host Detroit its fifth and instead found a streaking 2018 Stanley Cup Play-offs at T-Mobile Arena. came within a minute of notching Yoenis Cespedes had two straight loss. Haula, who skated in on his own a shutout against visiting Min- hits, including an RBI single in Hicks, who just came off the to beat goalie Jonathan Quick coming in with a lot of speed, I Kings. “Such a relief at the end,” nesota in Game 2 of the Western the first, while Asdrubal Cabrera 10-day disabled list after recov- and send a towel-waving crowd got lucky and we got the win.” said Fleury, who has allowed just Conference quarterfinals. extended his hitting streak to 11 ering from an intercostal strain, of 18,588 into a frenzy. Game 3 in the best-of-seven one goal in a little more than 155 Tyler Myers, Paul Stastny, games by going 2-for-4. also walked twice and drove in “Obviously, he had the com- Western Conference series is minutes over the first two games. Andrew Copp and Patrik Laine Astros 3, Rangers 2 Pinch three runs. posure to hold the puck. I knew Sunday night in Los Angeles. “It was long, it was hard. The scored for the Jets, who con- runner Derek Fisher scored on Brett Gardner had two hits, he was going to make that play. Tuch scored for expansion guys did an awesome job again tinued the home-ice dominance a two-base fielding error in the two runs scored and an RBI, Maybe that helps we’ve been Vegas in regulation, and Paul tonight. It was a good feeling to that they displayed during the eighth inning, and Houston Miguel Andujar ripped a pair of playing all year,” Haula said of LaDue had the Kings’ goal. win at home in front of our fans.” regular season. The Jets have eked out a win over visiting extra-base hits and scored twice Neal. “I had good speed going to Marc-Andre Fleury made 29 The Golden Knights outshot won the first two games of the Texas. and Ronald Torreyes added the net. ... I was able to slide a saves for the Golden Knights. Los Angeles in regulation, series at home. Game 3 is tonight Marwin Gonzalez stroked a three hits and an RBI for New five-hole, he reacted. I was Quick stopped 54 shots for the 35-20. in St. Paul, Minn. one-out single off Rangers York. 26 SPORT SUNDAY 15 APRIL 2018 QMMF reaches 2-year deal with Manateq

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has reached a two-year agreement with Manateq to support all motor sporting activities in the Qatar, starting with the Qatar Cross-Country Rally. The fourth round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies and round two of the FIM bin Jassim Al Thani, the Minister Cross-Country Rally requires a added: “We are proud to sign the Cross-Country Rallies World of Economy and Commerce, and considerable amount of logistical sponsorship agreement with the Championship is scheduled to be QMMF President Abdulrahman Al Mannai and Manateq’s CEO Fahad is a vital cog in the effort of expertise and co-operation QMMF to be title sponsor of all its held at the Losail International Al Kaabi pose for a photo. RIGHT: QMMF and Manateq officials pose achieving economic devel- between many different com- rallies for the coming two years. Circuit from April 17 to 22. for a picture with top Qatari drivers and riders. opment under the Qatar National panies and Government depart- “Manateq always demon- Manateq is a Qatar Gov- Vision 2030. ments,” said QMMF President strates its continuous support for ernment organisation and has promote economic diversifi- products and services to local, One of the policies is to look Abdulrahman Al Mannai. Qatar National Vision 2030 and formed a strategic partnership cation for the benefit of the State regional and international way beyond the 2022 World Cup “We are delighted to be would always promote the with the QMMF to support all of Qatar and a mission to create markets. and to establish non-oil related working closely with Manateq and nation’s aim to become a global motor sporting events and activ- a world-class business envi- The company was estab- industries in Qatar. look forward to seeing the event sports’ destination and to host ities for the next couple of years. ronment that enables domestic lished in 2011 under the chair- “Running an event as continue.” world class sporting events,” he The company has a vision to and foreign investors to deliver manship of H E Sheikh Ahmed complex as the Qatar Manateq’s CEO Fahad Al Kaabi added.

Hamilton in Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel Late stumble doubt over his steers his car during the qualifying session in Shanghai yesterday. costs Brooke team’s chances in Hawaii at Chinese GP LPGA event REUTERS

AFP SHANGHAI: Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton cast doubt on his LOS ANGELES: A late Mercedes team’s Chinese stumble left Brooke Hend- Grand Prix chances after erson (pictured below) Sebastian Vettel led a Ferrari clinging to a one-shot lead front row lockout in quali- Friday at the LPGA Tour Lotte fying yesterday. Championship in Hawaii, as “I don’t know if we can she headed into this week- challenge, we’re half a second end’s final round. behind today,” the Briton told The talented 20-year-old Sky Sports television after from Canada had looked aborting his final flying lap poised to take a comfortable and taking fourth place on the Vettel on pole in four-shot cushion into fourth grid with team-mate Valtteri round after a battling display Bottas third. on the par-72 course at Ko “Honestly I can’t tell you Olina Golf Club, Oahu. if we can challenge. We But Henderson’s round were quicker in the race in came unstuck with a double- the last race (Bahrain) but Ferrari one-two bogey on the par-three 16th, they (Ferrari) were able to followed by a bogey on 18 to hold on. turn what had looked like “They will probably do REUTERS being a solid two-under-par the same tomorrow.” Vettel, score into a one-over 73. like Hamilton a four times The closing hole slip-up world champion, has won the SHANGHAI: Formula One left Henderson on nine under first two races of the season championship leader for the tournament, giving and built up a 17-point lead Sebastian Vettel pumped in a encouragement to a crowded over the Mercedes driver. stunning late lap to snatch pole field behind her who are all The German was 0.530 position from team-mate Kimi within striking distance. faster than Bottas in quali- Raikkonen as Ferrari domi- American Mo Martin was fying and 0.568 quicker than nated Chinese Grand Prix one off the pace after a third Hamilton, who has won an qualifying yesterday. round 72 left her at eight unprecedented five times The German lapped the under. previously in Shanghai and 5.4-km Shanghai circuit in one Martin was two over for arrived as a favourite. minute, 31.095 seconds -- a the day after 10 holes but Mercedes team boss Toto track record -- to pip his rescued her round with an Wolff said making the tyres Finnish team-mate by a mere eagle on the par-five 13th to work was the problem. 0.087 seconds and take his stay close. “They (Ferrari) have been 52nd career pole. Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and really strong already in the Title rival Lewis Hamilton South Korea’s Park In-bee are morning, but qualifying per- qualified fourth, ending the two off the lead on seven formance they put one on top session with a time slower under. Hataoka shot a four- and we have something to even than third-placed Mer- under-par 68 while Park think about,” said the cedes team-mate Valtteri carded a one-under-par 71. Austrian. Bottas after aborting his final Chinese star Feng “We’re lacking grip. You flying lap on a chilly afternoon. Shanshan missed the oppor- can fall out of the window by Saturday’s pole was Vet- tunity to make a charge with the tyres getting too hot or tel’s second in three races this a two-over-par 74 which left being too cold. They are two season and Ferrari’s first in Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel (centre) celebrates after taking pole position, next her tied for fifth place on six extremes like we had in Shanghai since Brazilian to second placed Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen (right) and third placed Mercedes’ under, three off the lead, Bahrain and I think this is Rubens Barrichello started the Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas yesterday in Shanghai. alongside American Lizette what happened. I think it’s a inaugural Chinese Grand Prix Salas. tyre issue.” from the front in 2004. “Really enjoyed that one.” than half a second slower than a circuit where overtaking is Newly minted major Today is expected to be a The Italian glamour team Raikkonen locked out the Vettel’s. easier than most. champion Pernilla Lindberg lot warmer than yesterday’s last won in China in 2013. front row for Ferrari for the Vettel has a 17-point lead Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was a shot back on five under. windy and cold conditions “Thank you guys, great second time in succession. over Hamilton after winning qualified fifth ahead of team- Lindberg, winner of this and Wolff hoped Mercedes qualifying, great car,” said The Finn had led the the opening two races of the mate Daniel Ricciardo, who month’s ANA Inspiration, shot had got their race set-up right Vettel, who also started from timesheets as the drivers season. made it out on track just in a one-over-par 73, leaving and could show better pace pole in Bahrain last weekend, embarked on their final flying The Briton, second in Aus- time, with the former cham- her four off the front. than their rivals and make the over the team radio. laps and appeared set to clinch tralia and third in Bahrain, had pions working furiously to most of strategy. pole position after going fastest gone into the weekend deter- change his engine after it blew Hamilton, who will start in the opening two sectors. mined to claw back at least in the final practice session. on the soft tyres as will Vettel, who put in an some of his deficit to the Nico Hulkenberg was Ferrari, sounded less sure. error-strewn first attempt, German at a track that Mer- seventh for Renault ahead of “I think it (the track) is in The German lapped then pulled out just enough cedes have dominated in Force India’s Sergio Perez. the top three of the easier the 5.4-km Shanghai through the final corners to recent years. Carlos Sainz in the other ones to overtake... but the deny the 38-year-old what The 33-year-old, like Renault was ninth with Ferraris are too fast on the circuit in one minute, would have been his first pole Vettel a four-times champion, Romain Grosjean rounding out straight so it will be inter- 31.095 seconds -- a since last year’s Monaco Grand has taken an unprecedented the top 10 for Haas. esting,” he said. track record -- to pip Prix. five wins in Shanghai but rec- There was more misery for Bottas said it felt like he “It was okay but not good ognised that his chances of a former champions Williams, had got everything out of the his Finnish team- enough,” said Raikkonen after sixth had taken a knock. the only team yet to score a car but pole had still been out mate by a mere the session. “I don’t know if we can point after two races, who of reach. 0.087 seconds and “It wasn’t exactly what I challenge, we’re half a second failed to make it through the “Maybe we didn’t get the take his 52nd career wanted, but we’ll go tomorrow behind today,” he said, hoping first phase and had Canadian tyres absolutely perfect for and see what we can do.” that expected warmer condi- Lance Stroll 18th and Sergey the lap but I don’t think it pole. Bottas’s time was more tions on Sunday would help at Sirotkin 16th. would have been enough for us to beat the Ferraris.” SUNDAY 15 APRIL 2018 SPORT 27 Al Suwaidi grabs top honour at Hathab

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Salmeen Sultan Al Suwaidi riding Guilder’s Empire of the Sun stole the show in the 11th round of hugely popular Hathab Equestrian Tour with a convincing victory in Big Tour (130/140cm) yesterday at Souq Waqif Arena. A tough competition was expected in the marquee event of the two-day penultimate round, but Al Suwaidi displayed a flawless run to win the QR30,000 event comfortably. He received the top prize of QR7,500 after finishing the job in 36.38 seconds. Rashid Towaim Al Marri The podium winners of 130/140cm class along with officials pose for a group photo yesterday. Right The podium winners of 115/25cm pose for a group photo. astride Beyonce was also impressive and clocked 38.29 to finish runner-up in the event, richer by QR4,500. who impressed riding Gerenice of prize purse of QR15,000 allo- third position for a price of DDH) finished the top five. The bagging a purse of QR6,000. Meanwhile, Mohammed Sultan Colors. cated for the contest. Al Qahtani QR2,250. riders will now be up for the Cyrine Cherif riding Gerlin VD Al Suwaidi riding Numero UNO - Al Suwaidi took a time of received QR3,000 while Hamad Jaber Rashid Al Amri (Belussi challenge on April 26-28 when Waterkant completed the podium T won the 115/125cm after over- 54.82 to win the competition and Nasser Al Qadi, who was riding Van T Vleminkhof) and Ahmed the 12th round and final of the with a time of 44.68. Cherif got coming talented Awad Al Qahtani bagged QR3,750 from a total Galwaybay Merbreaker took the Mohammed Al Badi (Wadi Rum series takes place.

Palace, Huddersfield Barcelona’s Luis Suarez celebrates scoring their first goal yesterday. gain as Chelsea beat Southampton AFP EPL RESULTS

LONDON: An eight-minute Burnley 2 (Wood 6, Long 9) Leicester 1 (Vardy Chelsea turnaround from 2-0 72) down to win 3-2 at South- Crystal Palace 3 (Zaha 5, 24, Tomkins 14) ampton to keep their slim hopes Brighton 2 (Murray 18, Izquierdo 34) of Champions League football Huddersfield 1 (Ince 90+1) Watford 0 next season was equally Southampton 2 (Tadic 21, Bednarek 60) Chel- warmly welcomed by the sea 3 (Giroud 70, 78, Hazard 75)

Saints’ rivals to avoid relegation Swansea 1 (Jordan Ayew 71) Everton 1 yesterday. (Naughton 43-og) Huddersfield and Crystal Palace took full advantage with vital wins over Watford and twice for the hosts as all five Brighton to leave Southampton goals arrived before five points off safety. half-time. Mark Hughes looked set for James Tomkins was also on a first league win as South- target for Palace, whilst Glenn ampton manager as they led the Murray and Jose Izquierdo’s reigning champions 2-0 replies for Brighton failed to through Dusan Tadic and deb- halt their run of five games utant Jan Bednarek with just 20 without a win. minutes remaining. Huddersfield look well set However, Olivier Giroud for just a second ever season in Barca edge Valencia to came off the bench to finally the Premier League as Tom Ince kickstart his Chelsea career netted in stoppage time to with his first two Premier secure a first win in six games League goals for the club either as a 1-0 victory over Watford side of Eden Hazard’s leveller. opened up an seven-point lead set new La Liga record Victory took fifth-placed on the bottom three. Chelsea to within seven points Swansea couldn’t make AFP of Liverpool and Tottenham home advantage count against Hotspur. Everton, but also opened up a “As long as it is mathemat- five-point lead on Southampton MADRID: Barcelona set a new ically possible we will believe just above the relegation zone. La Liga record by extending we can reach the top four.” Everton were outplayed at their unbeaten run to 39 “We have got five finals to the Liberty Stadium, but games with a 2-1 victory over play, after that we will see.” Liv- Swansea proved their own Valencia yesterday. erpool can re-open a 10-point worst enemies as Kyle Naugh- Luis Suarez and Samuel gap later on Saturday should ton’s own goal gifted the vis- Umtiti were both on target as Barca set a record they see off Bournemouth at itors a half-time lead. Barca passed the 38 matches Anfield. Jordan Ayew salvaged the Real Sociedad managed by extending And Spurs can also secure point the hosts at least deserved without defeat between 1979 their unbeaten their place in the top four by 19 minutes from time. At the and 1980. Dani Parejo gave run to 39 games inflicting a fourth straight other end of the table, Burnley Valencia brief hope with an defeat in all competitions on closed to within two points of 87th-minute penalty. with a 2-1 victory runaway league leaders Man- sixth-placed Arsenal as a fast The win at the Camp Nou, yesterday. chester City at Wembley. start was enough to secure a 2-1 which was more comfortable Barcelona’s forward Crystal Palace had been set win over Leicester. than the scoreline suggested, Lionel Messi (right) to drop into the bottom three Chris Wood and Kevin Long also eases fears that Tuesday’s in action yesterday. on goal difference prior to Chel- put the hosts 2-0 up inside nine Champions League collapse sea’s comeback. minutes, and Sean Dyche’s men against Roma could affect Bar- However, they now enjoy resisted a second-half Foxes celona’s march to the league a six-point cushion over South- fightback despite Jamie Vardy’s title. ampton thanks to a thrilling 3-2 20th goal of the season cutting Ernesto Valverde’s side are games better than the 31 Suarez’s angled run, poking a their advantage. win over Brighton at Selhurst their lead in half in the 72nd now 14 points clear at the top unbeaten Pep Guardiola’s bril- superb pass in behind. Suarez Umtiti beat Gabriel Pau- Park. Wilfried Zaha scored minute. of the table, before second- liant team strung together in took the finish first time and lista to Coutinho’s corner and placed Atletico Madrid play the season of 2010-11. swept the ball inside the near while his header was parried their game in hand against It would now seem only post. by Neto, Valencia’s goalkeeper Levante on Sunday. the home Clasico against Real Valencia, however, found could only push it in off the Valencia stay third, one Madrid on May 6, and perhaps a foothold and arguably were post. point ahead of Real Madrid. an awkward trip to Celta Vigo the better side by the end of Valencia’s belief was There is no doubt Barca’s on Tuesday, stand in the way the half. dwindling and two acrobatic shock defeat in Italy still of Barcelona finishing the Pique, already booked, volleys, from Lionel Messi and lingers, and may still, even if league campaign as endured a difficult 45 minutes then Andres Iniesta, almost the Catalans secure the first invincibles. and as he and Marc-Andre ter added a spectacular third, as part of an expected domestic Despite their exertions in Stegen dallied at the back and the first flew just over and the double by winning the Copa Rome, Valverde resisted the the latter’s skewed pass fell to second was parried by Neto. del Rey next weekend. temptation to rest key players, Carlos Soler. Soler played in There was time for a tense But it should take little with Philippe Coutinho and Rodrigo Moreno but Ter finish after substitute away from their faultless form Paulinho coming in for Ivan Stegen made up for his Ousmane Dembele brought in the league, which means the Rakitic and Nelson Semedo. mistake by pushing the shot down Jose Gaya in the area last time they tasted defeat Barca showed few signs of onto the bar. and Parejo’s feeble penalty outside a cup competition was lost confidence early on and Barcelona started the squirmed under the body of against Malaga just over 12 after 15 minutes they took the second half like they began the Ter Stegen. But Barca’s months ago. This was already lead, Coutinho drifting in from first though and five minutes morale-boosting win was a club record run, now eight the right and, after spotting after the restart, they doubled never really in doubt. Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud (centre) celebrates with team-mates after scoring their third goal yesterday. SPORT Sunday 15 April 2018 PAGES | 25 PAGE | 26 India’s Mary Vettel on pole in Kom wins gold in Ferrari one-two at boxing at CWG Chinese Grand Prix

Delhi down Mumbai in Al Attiyah gets ready for fierce IPL thriller

IANS

off-road battle at home event MUMBAI: Riding on opener Jason Roy’s (91 not out) scin- THE PENINSULA tillating knock against three- largest team in Qatar on this Migunova-Khegay and Roma- time champions Mumbai occasion, X-raid will be nia’s Laurentiu Claudiu Barbu Indians, Delhi Daredevils DOHA: Qatar’s Nasser Saleh hoping to upset the applecart offer European resistance. registered their maiden win Al Attiyah and his French with a single MINI John Frenchman Claude in the ongoing editon of the co-driver Matthieu Baumel Cooper Works Rally entered Fournier tops the T3 entry in Indian Premier League (IPL) head a truly international field for Poland’s Jakub Przygonski. his Polaris RZR 1000. He faces at the Wankhede Stadium of competitors from 18 coun- Russian driver Vladimir Vas- competition from the likes of here yesterday. tries set to challenge for ilyev also drives a G-Energy Spain’s Jose Luis Pena Campo, Chasing a mammoth honours in their various cate- Team MINI One at the and Santiago Navarro, Russian 195-run target, the match gories at next week’s Qatar business end of the field. Ravil Maginov and Italy’s went down to the final ball, Cross-Country Rally, round Surprisingly, perhaps, a Michele Cinotto. however, Roy held his nerve four of the FIA World Cup for Ford currently leads the Following KTM’s decision to hand his side a thrilling Cross-Country Rallies and points’ standings: Czech driver to tackle an event in Morocco victory. round two of the FIM Cross- Martin Prokop has made a at the same time as the event Needing 11 off the final Country Rallies World Cham- superb transition from the in Qatar and Honda’s over, Roy hit a cover drive for pionship. WRC over the last two seasons decision to change its com- four in the first ball followed The event is being hosted and won the recent Abu Dhabi petition programme this by a six over fine leg. He by the Qatar Motor and Motor- Desert Challenge in a Ford season to concentrate on however, missed the next four cycle Federation (QMMF) and F-150 Evo designed and preparations for the Dakar deliveries making it a one- competitive action gets developed by the experienced Rally (including next week’s run, one-ball affair. underway with a timed super Miroslav Zapletal, himself a Merzouga Rally) the door is He finally took a single off special stage at the Losail front-running privateer in the left wide open for Poland’s the final ball to help Delhi International Circuit on FIA World Cup for many Maciej Giemza to snatch complete a thrilling seven- Wednesday, April 18. years. maximum FIM championship wicket win against Mumbai. Al Attiyah and South There are further T1 points in the motorcycle Roy forged some crucial African team-mate Giniel de entries for Spain’s Fernando category. 2018 QATAR CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY partnerships with other Villiers are both previous Alvarez, Oman’s Abdullah Al- Dutch businessman Kees 2018 Qatar Cross-Country Rally - leading entrants batters which helped Delhi Dakar Rally winners and drive Zubair, Dubai-based Georgy Koolen again locks horns 201. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive taste success in their third a pair of South African-built Gomshiasvili, Saudi Arabia’s with Russian rival Alexsandr 202. Martin Prokop (CZE)/David Pabiska (CZE) Ford F-150 Evo match of the season. Toyota Hiluxes entered by Khalid Al-Feraihi and a late Maxsimov in the quads. 203. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Tom Colsoul (BEL) MINI John Cooper Works Rally Earlier, put in to bat, Toyota GAZOO Racing South Toyota entry for Qatar’s The QMMF is also 204. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) MINI One Mumbai was off to a flying Africa. They are running Khaled Al-Suwaidi, who running a National Baja for 205. Yasir Seaidan (SAU)/Alexei Kuzmich (RUS) Toyota Hilux Overdrive start as openers Suryakumar alongside another three makes his first appearance in motorcycles and cars behind 206. Erik van Loon (NLD)/Wouter Rosegaar (NLD) Toyota Hilux Overdrive Yadav and Evin Lewis put a Toyotas being managed by the the QCCR with British navi- the FIA and FIM-sanctioned 207. Aron Domzala (POL)/Maciej Marton (POL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 102-run opening Belgian preparations company gator Marshall Clarke. event. Competitors will 208. Giniel de Villiers (ZAF)/Robert Howie (ZAF) Toyota Hilux partnership. Overdrive Racing. Saudi Ara- Qatar’s Adel Abdulla attend from several of the 210. Jose Luis Pena Campo (ESP)/Rafael Tornabell (ESP) Polaris RZR 1000 (T3) Brief scores: bia’s Yasir Seaidan, Dutchman will lock horns with Saudi GCC countries. Fourteen cars 211. Ahmed Shegawi (SAU)/Laurent Lichtleuchter (FRA) Nissan Patrol Y61 (T2) Mumbai Indians: 194/7 Erik van Loon and Poland’s Arabian championship rival and five bikes will take part, 212. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Nasser Al-Kuwari (QAT) Nissan Patrol Y62 (T2) (Suryakumar Ydav 53, Evin Aron Domzala drive the addi- Ahmed Shegawi in the T2 in addition to four cars from 214. Fernando Alvarez (ESP)/Sergio Lafuente (UGY) Volkswagen Amarok Lewis 48; Daniel Christian

tional three V8-engined cars. or showroom category, the main rally, which are eli- 215. Claude Fournier (FRA)/Sébastien Delaunay (FRA) Polaris RZR 1000 (T3) 2/35) against Delhi Dare- Although Toyota has the while Russia’s Yuliya gible for both events. devils: 195/3 (Jason Roy 91 not out, Rishabh Pant 47; Krunal Pandya 2/21) Al Kharaitiyat retain QSL KATARA BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP spot after play-off victory ARMSTRONG VAS THE PENINSULA Action from from QNB Stars League (QSL) play-off match between DOHA: Al Kharaitiyat managed Al Kharaitiyat and to hold on to their place in the Al Wakrah at Al Ahli QNB Stars League (QSL) as they Stadium yesterday. won the play-off battle with Al Wakrah 2-1 at the Al Ahli Stadium here yesterday. The match between Al Kharaitiyat, which 11th in the recently concluded QSL and Al Wakrah, the Qatargas Second Division runners-up, got off to a fast pace. Al Kharaitiyat went into the Qatar Boxing Federation, Yousef Ali Al Kazim and other officials pose for a picture with podium lead through Rachid Tiber- winners at the Katara Boxing Championship, at the Katara Cultural Village yesterday. The three-day kanine in the 17th minute and event ended yesterday. Bottom: Boxers exchange punches during the Championship. consolidated the lead through Pictures by: Anwar Sadath Majid Salmeen in the 73rd minute. Al Wakrah salvaged some pride with a late goal from Anthony Bassey in the 86th minute. Al Kharaitiyat players’ joy knew no bounds, whereas their Al Wakrah counterparts were crestfallen at the final whistle despite dominating the game of a disorganised rival defence goalkeeper Ahmed Sofyan. Al with 56 per cent ball and beat his marker Mohammed Kharaitiyat were assured of the possession. Faris before unleashing a placing 11th spot following their 3-2 Al Kharaitiyat surged ahead shot. victory over Qatar SC in Week when Tiberkanine latched on to Al Kharaitiyat doubled their 21, while Al Wakrah finished a long through ball and neatly lead through Majid’s solo effort second behind Al Shahania, the finished past Al Wakrah goal- and Bassey reduced the margin Second Division champions, keeper Mohammed Enyas. The for Al Wakrah with a free-kick who will feature in next sea- Moroccan striker took advantage that went in past a diving son’s QSL.