BASEBALL | Page 5 CRICKET | Page 7 Los Angeles Supergiant seal Dodgers playoff spot in blank the IPL with victory Rockies 4-0 over Punjab

Monday, May 15, 2017 FORMULA ONE Sha’baan 19, 1438 AH Hamilton clinches GULF TIMES Spanish Grand Prix with Vettel second SPORT Page 4

FOOTBALL/ EMIR CUP Jaish go out as Al Sadd set up title clash with Rayyan Baghdad Bounedjah and Hassan al-Haydous on target for the Wolves who win semi-final against El Jaish 2-0

By Joe Koraith Doha

l Sadd proved too strong for El Jaish in the second semi-fi nal of the 2017 Emir Cup held yesterday at the Jassim Abin Hamad Stadium. Second-half goals from Baghdad Bounedjah and Hassan al- Haydous helped Sadd defeat Jaish and book a date in the fi nal with Al Rayyan on Friday at the redeveloped Khalifa International Stadium. This loss also means that Jaish have played their last match as a team. From next season they have been merged with Lekhwiya to form Al Duhail Sports Club. The match saw a fast-paced start with lots of end-to-end action. Both the teams were able to build attacks but there were no clear chances. With a quarter of an hour gone, Al Sadd started to fi nd their rhythm and were be- ginning to dominate proceedings. But it was Jaish who had the fi rst chance of the match. In the 21st minute Seydour Keita got the ball inside the box but he volleyed above the bar. Then it was the turn of El Jaish to make their presence felt. They began to see more of the ball but couldn’t convert their advantage into a goal. Towards the end of the fi rst half, Romar- inho had a chance to give his team the lead but he shot wide in the 41st minute. The teams went into the break goalless. But it didn’t take long for that to change. In the very fi rst minute of the second half, Al Sadd striker Bounedjah produced a great volley from within the box to give his team the lead. Four minutes later, Xavi Hernandez could have doubled his team’s advantage but couldn’t control his shot. Immediately afterwards, it was the turn of Bounedjah to mis-hit his volley over the bar. This passage of play saw Al Sadd turn on the heat and El Jaish were lucky not to have conceded a goal. Jaish then got a couple of free-kicks in dangerous spots but neither Romarinho (57’) or Sardor Rashidov (62’) could do anything with it. In the 68th minute El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi brought on striker Ab- Al Sadd’s Hassan al-Haydous shows his delight after scoring the second goal against El Jaish derrazzaq Hamdellah in place of Ahmed Moeen yesterday. to add some fi repower to his attack. As El Jaish put more men forward, looking disallowed because of foul inside the box – a chip over Jaish keeper Khalifa Ababacar wasn’t for equaliser, it was Al Sadd who doubled their seemingly harsh decision. strong enough and it was cleared off the line. lead through some great individual skill by El Jaish kept pushing forward but with time There were three minutes of added time for al-Haydous. The industrious midfi elder em- running out, the moves started becoming more El Jaish to save the match and extend their barked on a solo run down the right fl ank and and more desperate. Keita did give Sadd a scare existence but it wasn’t to be. El Jaish coach culminated it with a great fi nish in the 76th with his curling shot that didn’t miss the goal Lamouchi had hoped that he would be able to minute. by too much. But the constant attacking also attend another pre-match press conference if Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah (R) and Xavi celebrate after their team’s first goal against El Jaish in In the 82nd minute, Sadd found the back of left them exposed at the back and Asadallah his team made the fi nal. But sadly for him that the Emir Cup semi-final yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil the net through Ali Asadallah but the goal was could have scored his team’s third goal but his won’t be the case now.

FOCUS Emir Cup trophy tours more schools in Qatar

By Sports Reporter tion with the QFA delegation on the Doha strengths of the four teams competing in the semi-fi nals. The students also spent little time in having their pic- fter a successful campaign tures snapped at the gathering with the of visiting a number of edu- Emir Cup trophy. cational institutions and Salah Ramez, Principal of the Cairo Agovernment organisations Private School, welcomed the QFA del- over the course of the last two weeks, egation on the Emir Cup trophy tour. the Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) Alaa Sedqi, Deputy Director for Aca- special delegation stopped by more demic Aff airs, and Professor Mohamed schools to extend their Emir Cup tro- Kamal, Co-ordinator of Physical Edu- phy tour. cation, were also present. On their recent visits, the QFA del- The school students asked QFA of- egation were welcomed by students of fi cials about the history of the tourna- the Lebanese School – Qatar, the Cairo ment that was fi rst held in 1972. The Department of Physical Education at Abdel Aziz Hassan, Asim Madbo, Kha- Private School and the Al Yarmouk In- Emir Cup, they were told, is the coun- the school under the supervision of na- lid Radwan, Sheikh Hassan, Mosaad dependent Preparatory School for Boys try’s top football event. tional coach Abdullah Mubarak. al-Hamad, Abdullah al-Kuwari and Ali – Doha. Al Yarmouk Independent Prepara- International referee Khamis al- Saeed al-Mohannadi. The QFA team was welcomed by Dr tory School for Boys – Doha, was also Kuwari and Mohamed Timur were also The list of referees included Sultan Wajih Asaad, Director General of the one of the stops for the QFA team. A present. The festival was attended by a al-Sufayani, Faisal Abdullah, Ab- Lebanese School, Nancy Haddad, Di- special festival at the school premises large gathering of Qatari football play- dullah al-Nuba and Hatem al-Buji. rector of the preparatory and secondary saw students and teachers taking turns ers and coaches and members of the Mohammed Saadoun al-Kuwari, the levels, and PE teacher Samir Ghazwini. for individual or group shots. The event media. The players who were present beIN SPORTS presenter, was also The students engaged in conversa- was organised and co-ordinated by the at the gathering included Yusuf Adam, present. Gulf Times 2 Monday, May 15, 2017 FOOTBALL

EPL SPOTLIGHT Toronto stretch MLS Title-winner Batshuayi win streak to six games

AFP eyes Watford reward Washington anadian striker Tosaint Ricketts scored in ‘We’ve been together as a group all season — that’s what got us to where we are’ the 77th minute on Saturday to give To- ronto a 3-2 victory over Minnesota Unit- ed, stretching the Major League Soccer winC leader’s victory streak to six matches. AFP London Toronto’s club record run has featured fi ve triumphs in 18 days and put the team atop the Eastern Conference at 7-1 with four drawn for 25 corer of the goal that won points. Ricketts converted Jozy Altidore’s cross Chelsea the title, Michy for the home victory while Italian international Batshuayi will hope to make forward Sebastian Giovinco, who scored on a his fi rst Premier League start 20th-minute penalty kick, was taken out late in forS the club in Monday’s home game the fi rst half with quad tightness. with Watford. Minnesota’s Christian Ramirez netted an own The Belgium striker came off the goal before Trinidadian teammate Kevin Mo- bench to score the decisive goal in lino’s goals in the 52nd and 62nd minutes pulled Friday’s 1-0 win at West Bromwich the visitors level. Iraqi international striker Jus- Albion, which confi rmed Chelsea as tin Meram’s fi rst career hat trick was capped by a champions. Batshuayi is yet to start game-winning goal in second-half stoppage time a league game since arriving from to lift the Columbus Crew past host Montreal 3-2. Marseille last year, but could be giv- US midfi elder Lee Nguyen scored one goal and en a run-out if, as expected, man- set up another to spark the New England Revolu- ager Antonio Conte elects to shuffl e tion to a 4-0 home victory over Real Salt Lake. his pack. The hosts did all their scoring in the fi rst half in “I’m delighted for Michy,” said snapping a fi ve-match winless streak and deliver- centre-back Gary Cahill follow- ing Real’s fourth loss in a row. ing victory at The Hawthorns. “He Bosnian midfi elder Haris Medunjanin scored hasn’t played as much football as he one goal and assisted on two others in the Phila- would want, but to score the winner delphia Union’s 4-0 romp at D.C. United. is great for him. “We’ve been to- Hungarian international striker Nemanja gether as a group all season — that’s Nikolic scored twice, the last on a 76th-minute what got us to where we are.” penalty kick, in Chicago’s 4-1 victory at Seattle. Chelsea’s failure to qualify for Ghana striker Latif Blessing scored twice, in- European competition this season, cluding the second-half equalizer that lifted coupled with a remarkably good Sporting Kansas City into a 2-2 draw at Orlando injury record, means Conte has had City. Brazilian star Kaka and Canada’s Cyle Larin to make very few adjustments to his scored for Orlando, which remained unbeaten starting XI during the campaign. at home. Albanian international Shkelzen Gashi Cesc Fabregas and Willian have scored twice to power the host Colorado Rapids both been in and out of the team, but over San Jose 3-0. Chelsea’s other reserve players have become very well acquainted with the seats in the Stamford Bridge Feyenoord win fi rst Dutch dug-out. Batshuayi is not alone in having had to wait for playing op- title for 18 years portunities, with Kurt Zouma, club Feyenoord won the Dutch league title yesterday captain John Terry and Nathan Ake, Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi picks up a photographers camera as he celebrates winning the Premier League title on Saturday. (Reuters) after veteran striker Dirk Kuyt scored a hat-trick who returned from a loan spell at in a 3-1 home win over Heracles Almelo that left Bournemouth in January, all in the two league games to go, so let’s rest the Chelsea ranks. them one-point clear of arch rivals Ajax Amster- same boat. a bit and prepare ourselves,” said the “Football is like this. Sometimes Conte to stay and improve dam. Kuyt, the club’s 36-year-old captain, scored Terry, Chelsea’s emblematic skip- Brazilian centre-back. you score a lot, sometimes you Chelsea next season after 40 seconds to set the Rotterdam side on per, will end his 22-year associa- “If I say I’m not thinking about don’t,” said the Italian striker. “In their way to the win they needed for a first title tion with the club at the end of the winning the Double, I am a liar! Of these six games we created some Chelsea manager Antonio Conte only nine months together. in 18 years. It was Feyenoord’s 15th Dutch title, season and seems certain to start at course we think about this. chances. Sometimes we play well, said he wants to stay at Stamford “Now they know my idea, I know following their last success in 1999. Feyenoord, least one of their fi nal two games. “But we need to think day by day, but concede a goal and then it’s dif- Bridge and improve the squad them, the characteristics of my coached by former Arsenal and Barcelona player Despite Chelsea having sealed the rest well, keep ourselves very good fi cult to get back in the game. next season after lifting the Pre- players.” Giovanni van Bronckhorst, had a chance to secure title, Terry will not get an opportu- in these next two games to have a top “I hope we can do something good mier League in his first season in Conte faces a challenge to hold the championship last week, but were surprisingly nity to lift the trophy until after the performance against Arsenal. in the next game. It’ll be a diffi cult English football. on to key members of the squad beaten 3-0 by neighbours Excelsior Rotterdam in fi nal home game of the campaign “It will be a diffi cult game against game against Chelsea. I’m not a stu- With reports in local media saying with striker Diego Costa report- a nervy performance. Yet any apprehension their against relegated Sunderland next a fantastic team, so we need to be at pid guy. I can’t say we’re going to go Italian club Inter Milan wants edly a potential target for several supporters might have had on the final day of Sunday. Youth-team graduates Ru- a high level.” to Chelsea and win 3-0 or 4-0. But to bring the former Italy and Chinese Super League clubs, while the regular league season evaporated right from ben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Watford, 15th, are not yet math- we will go there and fi ght.” Juventus coach back home, Conte Real Madrid are linked with winger the start as Kuyt took advantage of a defensive Chalobah will also hope to make their ematically safe from relegation, believes there is more to come Eden Hazard. slip to hammer home from a tight angle at close fi rst league starts of the campaign although it will take a minor mira- Fixtures from his Chelsea squad that has “The club want to fight to win range with his right foot. It was his 100th goal for in Chelsea’s last two fi xtures. But cle for them to be caught by third- Today (1900 GMT): now adapted to his tactical plans. every competition. We have the the club and was followed within 11 minutes by with an FA Cup fi nal against Arsenal bottom Hull City. Following Friday’s Chelsea v Watford Asked if he would be at the club same ambition,” Conte added. a towering header as he connected with Eljero awaiting on May 27, David Luiz says 1-0 defeat at Everton, Walter Maz- Tuesday next season, Conte told reporters: “For this reason, we try to keep the Elia’s cross to spark early celebrations in a packed it is vital Chelsea do not allow them- zarri’s side have lost their last six Arsenal v Sunderland (1845 GMT), “Yeah, and we have to improve best players.” Feyenoord Stadium. He might have secured his selves to take their foot off the pedal. away games without scoring. Man City v West Brom (1900 GMT) next season. Chelsea could add another piece hat-trick just before halftime with a shot that Stefano Okaka knows his side will Wednesday (1845 GMT): “We have to improve in the next of silverware this month when went narrowly wide, but another chance to grab ‘Go there and fight’ be up against it at a partying Stam- Southampton v Man Utd season, to find the right solution they face Arsenal in the FA Cup a third came seven minutes from the end when “There’s still some work to do, ford Bridge, but he is hopeful his Thursday (1845 GMT): to improve. We are working for final on May 27. Feyenoord were awarded a penalty. not just in the fi nal. There are still side can exploit any groggy heads in Leicester v Tottenham

FOCUS ‘Rich’ fans don’t infl uence me, says Wenger

AFP some not.” referred to his team having kept London Earlier in the day, reports a “clean sheet” so convinced was in France had even suggested he that the Stoke goal should that Wenger has already agreed not have stood. “What do you rsene Wenger dismissed a one-year deal to remain in think?” smiled Wenger when protests from Arsenal charge at the Emirates, but the asked if that was why he referred fans seeking his removal 67-year-old refused to confi rm to a “clean sheet”. as manager and called or deny the claim. “I was suspicious of the noise onA his players to focus instead on “There’s no information about of the ball. I got to the fourth of- the club’s push for Champions that,” said Wenger. “Nothing.” fi cial after it had been confi rmed. League football next season. Arsenal’s fi fth win in six I was surprised he got to the ball An emphatic 4-1 win at Stoke games lifted them to within a when I saw his position, then kept the Gunners in conten- point of fourth-placed Liverpool people told me it was handball.” tion for a top four fi nish and a although Wenger insisted he was The decisive third Sanchez 21st consecutive season of elite only focused on Tuesday’s meet- goal was all the more important European football. But while ing with Sunderland and the fi - given that the Chilean appeared Wenger’s name was sung out nal game of the season against about to be replaced due to in- heartily by supporters inside Everton. jury. Stoke’s stadium early in the game “We have 69 points tonight so “I didn’t plan to take him off , a plane fl ew overhead carrying we have come through a diffi cult he asked to come off ,” explained a banner calling for the French- period in March,” said Wenger. Wenger. “I thought he had done man not to return next season. “At the moment we have con- a stomach muscle so it might go “When you say fans, who do sistency and let’s fi nish well. We away and I could see how he re- you mean? The rich ones?” said have a big game on Tuesday, we sponds. Wenger when asked for his reac- play every three days. “After that he stayed on and tion. “Look, I am paid to do my “I don’t think like that about scored another goal. Sanchez is job for the club I love and I will our chances. I think let’s do our a fi ghter and fi nds resources al- do that as long as I’m here with job and go to 72 on Tuesday and ways. He delivered the third goal full commitment. I’m not infl u- focus to win the game. Sunder- and that basically made the dif- enced by that at all, all I do is give land have nothing to lose.” ference.” my best. Stoke manager Mark Hughes, “We have 69 points today so Out-played who had not lost in eight home let’s make 72 on Tuesday and af- The victory featured two goals league games against Wenger, ter that I will give my best for as from Olivier Giroud and ef- with fi ve diff erent clubs, con- long as I’m here for the values of forts from Mesut Ozil and Alexis ceded his team were completely this club and for the club. Sanchez although Arsenal faced out-played. “I want to focus on football an anxious period in the second “We gave good players too and the rest is less important. half after Peter Crouch pulled the much time to get their heads up I’m not in politics. I’m in sport, score back to 2-1 with a goal that and make incisive passes and I love sport and give my 24 hours owed much to an obvious hand- their two opening goals were a day for what I love. I am in a ball from the Stoke substitute. similar in that respect,” said public job, some agree with me, After the game, Wenger even Hughes. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during EPL match against Stoke City on Saturday. (Reuters) Gulf Times Monday, May 15, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

EPL FOCUS Coutinho masterclass lift s Reds back to third Hull City relegated AFP watching Coutinho’s long- London range eff ort drift just over the top of his crossbar. Milner dragged his shot hilippe Coutinho wide when well placed but the fi red Liverpool within breakthrough arrived via Stur- touching distance of ridge in the 35th minute. the Champions League Coutinho split open the aft er thrashing Pas the Brazilian’s masterclass West Ham defence with a ma- inspired a 4-0 demolition of jestic long pass and Sturridge West Ham yesterday. strode through, rounded Adri- Jurgen Klopp’s side took the an and slotted home his fi rst lead when Coutinho’s sublime goal since January 2. pass was converted by Daniel Sturridge in the fi rst half at the Breathing space London Stadium. West Ham manager Slaven at Crystal Palace Coutinho stole the spotlight Bilic has made no secret that again in the second half with Sturridge is on his transfer a superb solo strike and a cool wish-list. ‘It is really sad for club and fans. We did our best to do something in the last four months’ fi nish to put Liverpool three For now, Sturridge was fo- goals ahead before Divock cused on sending Liverpool Origi netted to cap the Reds’ closer to the top-four but their Reuters swaggering display. Liverpool lead should have evaporated London moved back one point above moments before half-time. Manchester City into third Manuel Lanzini’s corner place in the Premier League. found its way to Andre Ayew ull City were relegated Although City and fi fth but the striker hit the post from for the second time in placed Arsenal both have a two-yards out before incred- three seasons when game in hand, Klopp’s men will ibly repeating the trick from they went down 4-0 at be guaranteed a Champions the rebound. CrystalH Palace, who guaranteed League berth if they beat rel- That could have changed their Premier League survival in egated Middlesbrough at An- the course of the match but in- their penultimate match yester- fi eld next Sunday. stead, Liverpool took full con- day. In the unlikely event Arsenal trol. Palace went into the relegation lose at home to relegated Sun- Adrian foiled them on three tussle at Selhurst Park needing derland tomorrow then Liver- occasions in quick succession. one point to stay up and took the pool will clinch a top four spot Origi’s low shot was pushed upper hand from the start with without playing. out before Lallana’s drive was a goal inside three minutes from West Ham ended Totten- blocked by the Spaniard’s feet. Wilfried Zaha. ham’s title dreams in their When West Ham failed to Christian Benteke gave Palace previous match, but Coutinho clear, Emre Can freed Georgin- a two-goal cushion before halft- ensured they never came close io Wijnaldum and Adrian again ime when he headed home Jason to derailing Liverpool. came to the home side’s rescue Puncheon’s corner in the 34th It might have been diff erent at his near post. minute for his 15th league goal. if West Ham had capitalised on The crossbar was still shak- Palace, with Luka Milivojevic two early chances. ing from Wijnaldum’s fi erce adding an 85th-minute pen- Sam Byram fi red inches volley when Coutinho gave alty and substitute Patrick van past the post before Edimilson Liverpool breathing space in Aanholt completing the rout in Fernandes forced Liverpool the 57th minute. stoppage time, climbed to 13th goalkeeper Simon Mignolet Coutinho weaved his way on 41 points leaving Hull in 18th into a smart save. through tired West Ham bodies with 34, four adrift of 17th- Sandwiched in between was before fi nally beating Adrian placed Swansea with one match Liverpool’s fi rst chance of the with a fi ne, low drive. remaining. Taking an early lead afternoon after 11 minutes. It was game over when was just the tonic for Palace with Coutinho’s corner was met Coutinho struck again fi ve Hull then needing at least two by Joel Matip whose header minutes later on the counter- goals as the home side settled Hull City’s Sam Clucas looks dejected after losing EPL match against Crystal Palace yesterday. (Reuters) bounced down and off the attack. West Ham were an- into a counter-attacking game. crossbar as West Ham some- gered that Matip escaped with Michael Dawson headed an frey Schlupp for the penalty cio Pochettino’s side playing their fi nal goal-scorer there. 19-year-old defender Axel Tu- how scrambled the ball clear. an elbow on Winston Reid but innocuous ball back towards that Milivojevic converted and at WembleyResults next & standings season before It was Spurs’ 14th successive anzebe lining up in midfi eld, and Liverpool began to fi nd some Liverpool broke and Coutinho fellow central defender And- Van Aanholt scored from fellow Crystal Palace 4 Hull City 0 home league win – equalling the within six minutes his side were momentum and Sturridge danced past Collins easily be- rea Ranocchia, who completely substitute James McArthur’s West Ham United 0 Liverpool 4 club record, set over two sea- behind. Spurs played a corner freed Adam Lallana, who shot fore netting. missed his eff ort to clear and the through ball. Hull coach Marco Tottenham Hotspur 2 Manchester United 1 sons in 1987 – and meant they short on the left and Ben Dav- straight at Adrian. There was still time for Origi alert Zaha pounced on the loose Silva acknowledged Hull, who fi nished a league campaign un- ies’s deep cross was emphati- The Hammers goalkeeper to stab home from close-range ball to race into the box and steer were woeful in a crucial loss to Standings P W D L F A Pts beaten at home for the fi rst time cally headed home by the leaping also had to be alert to keep out in the 76th minute following it past Jakupovic. relegated Sunderland last week- Chelsea 36 28 3 5 76 29 87 since 1964-65. An on-pitch cer- Wanyama. James Milner’s low drive before Wijnaldum’s miscued shot. Palace’s James Tomkins head- end, hadn’t done enough to stay Tott Hotspur 36 24 8 4 73 24 80 emony featuring famous fi gures United briefl y threatened to ed just wide from a corner soon up. “It is really sad for the club Liverpool 37 21 10 6 75 42 73 from the club’s past was due to draw level, Rooney heading over ManCity 36 21 9 6 72 38 72 after but Hull failed to heed the and our fans. We did our best Arsenal 36 21 6 9 72 43 69 take place after the match. the bar from a Daley Blind corner warning and Benteke beat Harry to do something in the last four Man United 36 17 14 5 52 29 65 Sixth-place United, who re- and then playing an outside-of- Maguire to Puncheon’s next cor- months, but the players need to Everton 37 17 10 10 61 41 61 plied through Wayne Rooney, the-foot pass down the line to ner and powered home a header. understand why this happened West Brom 36 12 9 15 41 46 45 fell to a second successive league Anthony Martial, who cut in and Hull’s goalkeeper denied Ben- and start to win next season,” he Albion South 36 12 9 15 41 47 45 defeat, having seen a 25-game curled wide. teke a second goal later in the said. Bournemouth 37 12 9 16 54 66 45 unbeaten run ended by a 2-0 loss But with Spurs’ fans happily fi rst half, following a fi ne sweep- Leicester City 36 12 7 17 46 56 43 down the road at Arsenal last serenading favourites of yester- ing counter-attack from the Kane sinks Man United in West Ham Utd 37 11 9 17 45 63 42 weekend. year – Ledley King, Teddy Sher- Crystal Palace 37 12 5 20 50 61 41 home side with Johan Cabaye Spurs’ Lane farewell Stoke City 37 10 11 16 40 56 41 Guaranteed to fi nish outside ingham, Aaron Lennon, who is laying off the fi nal pass to the Homegrown hero Harry Kane Burnley 37 11 7 19 38 53 40 the top four for the third time in fi ghting mental health issues at big striker only for Jakupovic to scored Tottenham Hotspur’s last Watford 36 11 7 18 37 59 40 four seasons, Jose Mourinho’s present – the hosts quickly reas- block his close-range shot. goal at White Hart Lane as they Swansea City 37 11 5 21 43 69 38 team must now beat Ajax in the serted control. Hull might have had a pen- bade farewell to their home with Hull City 37 9 7 21 36 73 34 Europa League fi nal in Stockholm United goalkeeper David de alty when Puncheon appeared a 2-1 victory over Manchester Middlesbrough 37 5 13 19 27 50 28 on May 24 to procure a place in Gea was the busiest man in the to defl ect a free kick from Kamil United yesterday. Kane, born up Sunderland 36 6 6 24 28 62 24 the Champions League. stadium, parrying a strike by Son Grosicki with his arm but referee the road in Chingford, added to The teams emerged to fi nd the Heung-min, acrobatically deny- Martin Atkinson indicated a cor- Victor Wanyama’s early header moving into their new ground, famous old arena awash with ing Dele Alli and saving with his ner for the visitors. to secure a victory that con- which is being built on the same blue and white as Spurs’ fans legs from Kane, who also clipped Substitute Jarrod Bowen had fi rmed Spurs will fi nish in sec- site, in 2018. waved fl ags bearing the legend the bar with a header. a good chance in the second half ond place in the Premier League The Lane has been graced “THE LANE, THE FINALE” and Kane struck three minutes to pull one back from Grosicki’s and ended United’s hopes of a by such Spurs greats as Jimmy fi lled the air with songs. into the second half, innova- cross but blasted wide before top-four fi nish. Greaves, Steve Perryman and Mourinho made eight chang- tively volleying home Christian Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (L) and Liverpool’s Palace’s fi nal fl ourish in the last Demolition work at the Lane, Glenn Hoddle and it was fi tting es to the team that had edged Eriksen’s free-kick from the English midfielder Adam Lallana celebrate their third goal during fi ve minutes. Spurs’ home since 1899, will that Kane, emblem of their ex- Celta Vigo in the Europa League left to take his goal tally for the the English Premier League match against West Ham United in Dawson brought down Jef- start on Monday, with Mauri- citing current side, should be semi-fi nals on Thursday, with league campaign to 22. London yesterday. (AFP)

SERIE A Free-scoring Napoli blast fi ve past Torino

Reuters Piotr Zielinski put the fi nishing touch negativity which gets felt on the pitch,” Milan as Napoli took their tally for the season he added. “The slightest mistakes get to 86 goals. punished.” Inter, who sacked coach Stefano Pioli Chievo were left fuming when goal- apoli continued their free- on Tuesday, did no better under care- keeper Stefano Sorrentino lost his boot scoring season by thumping taker Stefano Vecchi as Pietro Iemmello during a clash on the byline but play Torino 5-0 away in Serie A scored either side of halftime to put was waved on and Fabio Quagliarella yesterday while hapless Inter Sassuolo 2-0 ahead. Eder pulled one scored into an empty net to put Samp- NMilan lost again in front of disgruntled back for Inter but it did little to inspire doria ahead. fans at San Siro. his team or quell the protests. There Roberto Inglese volleyed home early Inter’s 2-1 loss to Sassuolo was their were bizarre goals elsewhere. in the second half to give the Flying fourth defeat in a row and most of their Inter, who have suff ered a series of Donkeys a 1-1 draw. hardcore fans walked out in protest in frustrating seasons since winning the Genoa lost 1-0 at relegated Palermo the 25th minute, leaving a banner on treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010, when their goalkeeper Eugenio Laman- the curva Nord saying they had “gone were greeted by banners of protest from na caught a harmless Andrea Rispoli to lunch”. the Curva Nord as they entered the sta- header under the crossbar but stepped With two rounds of matches to play dium, such as one which read “2016-17 backwards into his goal and took the after Sunday, Juve lead with 85 points, season, let’s be merciful and throw a ball over the line with him. fi ve ahead of Napoli, with AS Roma a veil over it.” Genoa’s defeat left them with 33 further two points behind. Juventus After around 25 minutes, and with points, only two ahead of Crotone in were away to Roma in the evening game, the score still goalless, a large number the relegation zone with Empoli sand- needing one point to wrap up their third of fans walked out, leaving behind the wiched in between. successive title. banner: “You don’t deserve our sup- Crotone continued their bid for a Jose Callejon gave Napoli a seventh- port, we came to say hello, now we’re great escape by beating Udinese 1-0 minute lead at Torino, sending an an- off to have lunch.” with a goal by Marcus Rohden while gled drive past Joe Hart and into the far “We knew about the protests and the Empoli lost 3-2 at Cagliari. Palermo corner. fans are right because they don’t iden- and Pescara are already down. Lorenzo Insigne added a second goal tify with this team,” said Vecchi. “This “It’s my fi fth season here and it’s al- on the hour, then Mertens surprised team shouldn’t be down in seventh and ways been the same story,” said goal- Hart at the near post to score the third eighth place, so it’s not surprising that keeper Samir Handanovic. “Inter can- before Callejon slid in Faouzi Ghou- they aren’t happy.” not keep fi nishing seventh or eighth, Napoli’s Italian striker Lorenzo Insigne (C) celebrates with Napoli’s Belgian striker Dries Mertens and Napoli’s French de- lam’s cross for his second of the match. “There is an atmosphere of great their patience has run out.” fender Faouzi Ghoulam (R) after scoring against Torino at the Olympic stadium in Turin yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Monday, May 15, 2017 SPORT

FORMULA ONE TENNIS WTA slams Nastase presence as Halep Hamilton clinches retains Madrid title

AFP there from what both of us Madrid showed. “I think it was a great fi nal. Great spirit, attitude, great imona Halep thanked game. I’ve got to give credit to Spanish Grand Prix much-criticised Fed Simona for an amazing game Cup coach Ilie Nastase today.” after defending her MadridS Open title on Satur- Shadow cast day, but the 70-year-old’s role Simon added his frustration in the trophy presentation was that the opportunity for a great labelled “irresponsible and advert for women’s tennis had unacceptable” by the WTA. been lost. “It was an exciting with Vettel second Halep, who edged out Kris- fi nal match and I heartily con- tina Mladenovic in a thrilling gratulate Simona and Kristina near three-hour fi nal 7-5, 6-7 for their outstanding display ‘That’s how racing should be and I loved it .This is what the sport needs to be every (5/7), 6-2, was congratulated of tennis. on court by Nastase as the Ro- “The only shadow cast on single race...to have that close battle with him, a four times champion, is awesome’ manian received the trophy the day was Mr. Nastase’s invi- named after Nastase’s former tation to participate in today’s doubles partner and Madrid award ceremony.” Open owner Ion Tiriac. Mladenovic had won three Nastase has been banned of the pair’s four previous from the French Open and meetings, including most re- Wimbledon after he was cently meeting in Indian Wells ejected from Romania’s Fed back in March. Cup clash with Great Brit- And it was she who made ain last month for a series of the perfect start in a topsy- foul-mouthed rants directed turvy opening set by jumping at British captain Anne Keoth- out to a 2-0 lead. However, avong and number one Johan- Halep responded to break back na Konta, as well as umpires in a marathon game as it took and members of the press. nearly half an hour for the “He had no place on court score just to reach 2-2. today,” said WTA CEO Steve Mladenovic broke once Simon in a statement. more to lead 5-3, but couldn’t “He is currently under a close out the set as Halep bat- provisional suspension by tled back to take the last four the ITF for his prior off ensive games and a one-set lead. actions and we revoked his The second set was just as credential privileges at WTA intense as after an exchange of events while the investigation early breaks, serve was domi- is being completed. nant all the way to a tie-break. “It was both irresponsible An incredible drop shot from and unacceptable of the Ma- Mladenovic opened up two set drid Open to bestow him an points at 6-4 and she evened offi cial role. the match with a booming “The Madrid tournament is forehand down the line. Halep a Premier-level event and held had received a warning during to the highest standards of the tie-break for kicking her professional tennis and lead- raquet in the direction of a ball ership which were not refl ect- boy in frustration. ed today.” However, she composed However, Halep thanked the herself for the start of the de- former world number one be- ciding set and was the domi- (L to R) Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo celebrate on the podium of Spanish GP yesterday. (Reuters) fore happily posing for a pic- nant player throughout. ture with him courtside. Mladenovic saved break Reuters Vettel now has 104 points to RESULT FROM SPANISH GP tion. Bottas retired 38 laps later, “Ilie thank you for com- points in her opening serv- Barcelona Hamilton’s 98. The Briton, who having started with an engine ing, you are supporting me all ice game, but couldn’t repeat made the move stick seven laps 1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 1:35:56.497 that had already done four races match,” said Halep. the trick when faced with two later and then made his tyres 2. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari +00:03.490 and was hurriedly shoe-horned Nastase’s presence over- more as Halep broke for a 2-1 ewis Hamilton won a last to the fi nish, had sounded 3. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull - TAG Heuer 01:15.820 into the car overnight on Friday shadowed a high quality match lead. strategic Spanish Grand strangely breathless during the 4. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India - Mercedes 1 lap after a water leak was discovered. in which France’s Mladenovic And Halep completely broke Prix thriller yesterday race when fretting about a strat- 5. Esteban Ocon (France) Force India - Mercedes 1 lap Spain’s double world champion played a huge part. Mladenovic’s spirit in another to cut Sebastian Vettel’s egy that turned out to be spot on. 6. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany) Renault 1 lap Fernando Alonso, starting sev- “This fi nal was quite amaz- epic 14-point game for a 5-2 Loverall lead in the Formula One “Lewis saved the race with an enth for McLaren after a trou- ing,” said Mladenovic. lead before serving out for the 7. Pascal Wehrlein (Germany) Sauber - Ferrari 1 lap championship to six points with a incredible drive. The strategy 8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso - Renault 1 lap bled practice, was forced into the “I can just be proud out championship to love. quarter of the season completed. was great, but it was the driver 9. Daniil Kvyat (Russia) Toro Rosso - Renault 1 lap gravel in a tussle with Williams’s The Mercedes driver’s 55th who won it,” said Mercedes F1’s 10. Romain Grosjean (France) Haas - Ferrari 1 lap Felipe Massa and dropped to career win was hard-fought and non-executive chairman Niki 11. Marcus Ericsson (Sweden) Sauber - Ferrari 2 laps 13th. He fi nished 12th. tense, with Ferrari’s Vettel seiz- Lauda. 12. Fernando Alonso (Spain) McLaren 2 laps The virtual safety car was ing the lead from Hamilton at the 13. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Williams-Mercedes 2 laps deployed when Alonso’s team start and in the hunt all the way POOR START 14. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Haas - Ferrari 2 laps mate Stoff el Vandoorne broke as the tyre strategies played out. The win was Hamilton’s sec- 15. Jolyon Palmer (Britain) Renault 2 laps his car’s suspension in a collision Hamilton took the chequered ond in Barcelona and ended a 16. Lance Stroll (Canada) Williams-Mercedes 2 laps with Massa on lap 34. Mexican fl ag 3.4 seconds clear of the Ger- run of 10 diff erent winners in Retired: V Bottas (Finland) Mercedes 28 laps, S Vandoorne (Bel- Sergio Perez fi nished fourth, his man, who did all he could to beat 10 years. “I was eight seconds gium) McLaren 33 laps, M Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull-TAG 15th successive points fi nish, for him with a thrilling move to pass ahead and then...I don’t know Heuer 65 laps, K Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 65 laps. Force India with French rookie the Briton’s team mate Valtteri how we managed to lose that,” team mate Esteban Ocon fi fth. Bottas that will be replayed for said Vettel, who made the most Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg some time to come. of Hamilton’s poor start. his fi rst podium of the year, from the impact pitched Raikkonen was sixth for Renault, with com- “That’s how racing should On an afternoon that saw the Bottas after the Finn’s engine into Verstappen on the other patriot Pascal Wehrlein eighth be and I loved it,” said a happy two multiple world champions expired. On a day of Finns fail- side, smashing the suspension for Sauber after a fi ve second Hamilton, who raced side by side in a battle of their own with the ing to fi nish, Ferrari’s Kimi Raik- on both cars. The 19-year-old time penalty was applied — the with Vettel at turn one after the rest so far behind they might as konen went out at the start after Dutch driver, with a legion of Swiss team’s fi rst points of the German’s fi nal pitstop. well have been in another race, a collision with Red Bull’s 2016 fans around the Circuit de Cat- season — and Carlos Sainz sev- “This is what the sport needs Daniel Ricciardo fi nished 75.8 winner Max Verstappen. alunya, shook his fi st as the fi eld enth for Toro Rosso. to be every single race...to have seconds behind the winner. Bottas, who celebrated his disappeared in front of him and Russian Daniil Kvyat was that close battle with him, a four Ricciardo was the only driver fi rst career victory in Russia two Raikkonen stopped. Stewards eighth for Toro Rosso and French times champion, is awesome,” not lapped by the top two in a weeks ago, made glancing con- investigated the incident and driver Romain Grosjean took the Simona Halep of Romania pose with Romania’s tennis legend Illie added the triple champion. race after inheriting third, and tact with his compatriot and decided to take no further ac- fi nal point for Haas. Nastase and trophy after winning Madrid Open. (Reuters)

FOCUS Nadal edges out Thiem for 5th Madrid Masters

AFP Thiem also fell victim to Nad- tie-break as Thiem again fought Madrid al’s supreme form in the fi nal back from 3-5 down to have two in Barcelona two weeks ago, set points of his own only to be but there was little for the denied by two punishing Nadal afael Nadal’s fl awless 23-year-old to be dispirited forehands. record on clay this sea- about as he pushed Nadal all the And eventually it was Nadal son continued as he way in his fi rst Masters series who prevailed with his fi fth outgunned the impres- fi nal. set point when Thiem fi red long. siveR Dominic Thiem to win the Nadal disposed of Novak The marathon fi rst set lasted Madrid Masters for a fi fth time Djokovic for his fi rst win over a minute under an hour-and- 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 yesterday. the Serb for three years on Sat- a-half and seemed to drain The Spaniard is now 15-0 on urday and victory saw him level Thiem’s belief as well as his en- his favoured surface this year Djokovic’s record of 30 Masters ergy resources as he was broken having also picked up his 10th Series titles. to start the second set. titles in Monte Carlo and Barce- Thiem didn’t fi nish his semi- Nadal had to stave off a break lona in recent weeks. fi nal against Uruguayan Pablo point on his own serve to con- And the 14-time Grand Cuevas until after midnight on solidate the break for 2-0. Slam champion is now strong Sunday morning. Four games without a point favourite to add a 10th French However, that lack of recov- against the serve followed as Open crown next month as he ery time didn’t show as Thiem Nadal closed in on victory. romped to victory on home soil struck the fi rst blow by breaking Thiem again showed impres- for the loss of just one set all the Nadal serve to move into a sive poise to battle back from week. 3-1 fi rst set lead. two match points down at 3-5 to Victory also moves Nadal Thiem handed the break force Nadal to serve out for the above Roger Federer to fourth in back by netting a simple vol- title. the world rankings. ley for 3-3, but showed admi- The Austrian had his chance “To play here and win here rable resistence to battle back too to get right back in the match means a lot to me,” said Nadal. from 0-40 when serving to stay with four break back points, “I am always very nervous in the set a 4-5 to force a but couldn’t take advantage as and emotional to play a fi nal in tie-break. Nadal fi nally secured victory Madrid.” Both had their chances in the with his fourth match point. Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Dominic Thiem in the Madrid Open final in Madrid yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Monday, May 15, 2017 5 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT INJURY Coach Kerr attends Have Cavaliers and Warriors practice Warriors put rest of

NBA on hold? File picture of Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors. olden State coach Steve cedure while at Duke. Kerr was involved in Some of Kerr’s players were ‘LeBron has got three, four, how many more good years? When you think he’s maybe practice on Saturday for encouraged to see him engaged the fi rst time since early again. missed a step, he’s as good as you’ve seen in these playoff s here’ Gin the postseason as the Warriors “It’s great any time you can worked out in preparation for the hear his voice, see his face,” Western Conference fi nals. guard Stephen Curry said. “He’s Kerr, 51, has not been on the obviously been doing his home- bench since Game Two of a fi rst- work in between his down times, round playoff series against the helping us get prepared for this Portland Trail Blazers on April series and you know he misses 19 because of recurring issues being around for the day-to- resulting from back surgery two day routine and the atmosphere, years ago. practice, locker room and games The Warriors will meet the San and all that. His ability to be here Antonio Spurs in Game One of means a lot.” the Western Conference fi nals on Brown will continue as acting Sunday at Oracle Arena in Oak- coach but said Kerr has joined land, Calif. the coaching staff for early meet- Kerr took part in coaches ings the past few days. meetings and talked with acting “He looks good,” Brown said. head coach Mike Brown at the “The more that he can be around, end of Saturday’s practice at the the better feel that all of us have. team’s downtown practice facil- Not just the players, but us as a ity. staff , so it was good to see him Kerr, who sought treatment at out here today.” Duke University Medical Center Brown isn’t sure whether Kerr for recurring headaches and will be at Oracle on Sunday to nausea while he was away from watch the series opener against the team, did not speak with the the Spurs. media afterward. He did not attend the games It was reported last week that during the previous series Kerr had a spinal cord leak pro- against the Utah Jazz.

NHL

File picture of Stephen Curry (left) of the Golden State Warriors and Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ryan nets overtime

MCT Boston Celtics could do from a higher seed “We thought at the time that that Mi- most like the situation in Golden State Miami against the Cavaliers in the East fi nals. ami team with LeBron and where he was (where) you’ve got a top-heavy roster,” winner as Sens stun But it’s as if teams are again knocking at (that) stage was vulnerable,” Marks Marks said. “At the time, it was Bosh, their heads against Michael Jordan’s Chi- told CBS Radio. “I’ve said it all along Wade, Ray Allen was there, LeBron there, he narrative throughout these cago Bulls when it comes to LeBron James’ (to) teams this past trade deadline, ‘You and you fi gure: Here’s your chance to Pens in opener NBA playoff s has been what has ageing with grace, or against, dare we say it, have to be careful with him, with LeB- maybe overtake them, to push them. yet to happen and what won’t the dynastic Celtics of the ’60s, if the War- ron.’ He’s got three, four, how many more “You put a veteran group like we did in happen until the June 1 start of riors approach their ultimate ceiling. good years? When you think he’s maybe Brooklyn, and if you make a mistake like Tthe NBA Finals. Perhaps with the lottery pick ac- missed a step, he’s as good as you’ve seen that – I think that’s where Boston kind of Because until their anticipated third quired from the Brooklyn Nets (either to in these playoff s here.” pulled in the reins a little bit at the trade consecutive meeting in the champion- be utilized in June’s draft or fl ipped for The Indiana Pacers found that out in deadline – it will cost you for the long ship round, the Cleveland Cavaliers and a veteran), the Celtics can fi nd playoff the fi rst round, with Larry Bird now gone haul here. I think that’s where teams re- Golden State Warriors have yet to be consistency. Perhaps with Giannis An- from their front offi ce. The Toronto Rap- ally have to be careful.” threatened. tetokounmpo getting to play a full season tors found it out in the second, with point Perhaps that, again, takes us, as it often The timing of that dominance has co- with both Khris Middleton and Jabari guard Kyle Lowry and coach Dwane Ca- does, back to the NBA’s model franchise, incided with draft preparations and free- Parker, the Milwaukee Bucks can con- sey possibly out of that picture. the Spurs, where win-now veterans agency anticipation. But to what end? tinue their climb. Because as much as you can change such as LaMarcus Aldridge, Pau Gasol, To gain the upper hand on a champion- Or perhaps teams have to, as diffi cult the rules to attempt to keep champions Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are sur- ship Cavaliers team that actually stands as it may be for someone like Pat Ri- from becoming colossuses, there always rounded the youthful potential of Kawhi at an even greater position of strength ley with the Miami Heat, opt to wait, to will be players who want to sign on. The Leonard, Patty Mills, Jonathan Simmons, than a year ago, with the additions of strike instead in/for the future, even if it Cavaliers found that this season with Dejounte Murray and David Bertans, all Kyle Korver and Deron Williams? means deferring in the moment. Williams and, albeit briefl y, with Chris given the opportunity to contribute and Or to move forward against a Warriors Recently, Bobby Marks, the former Andersen and Andrew Bogut. Just as the all 28 or younger. team that stands poised to lock in Kevin Nets assistant general manager and Warriors found low-cost hop-aboard It a season to be followed by one of Durant and Steph Curry for another half current Yahoo contributor, addressed support in Matt Barnes, Zaza Pachulia, the best drafts in years and then another decade? Brooklyn’s failed gambit with Kevin Gar- JaVale McGee and David West, amid con- free-agent frenzy fuelled by a signifi cant Ottawa Senators players celebrate after scoring. Yes, there is something honourable in nett, Paul Pierce and Deron Williams cern about the cap-clearing off season salary-cap jump, there ultimately might fi ghting the good fi ght, perhaps what the during the Heat’s run to four consecutive losses of Bogut, Harrison Barnes, Lean- not be a moment to seize, the Cavaliers inger Bobby Ryan plays during regulation. San Antonio Spurs will off er the Warriors Eastern Conference championships with dro Barbosa and Marreese Speights. and Warriors seemingly having put a scored at 4:59 of “We had an opportunity to in the Western Conference fi nals or the James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. “The bench there (in Miami), it’s al- league on hold. overtime to give the grab a lead,” Penguins coach Ottawa Senators a Mike Sullivan said. “We didn’t W2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pen- execute. The movement wasn’t MLB guins in Game One of the Eastern there. The passes weren’t crisp.” Conference fi nal at PPG Paints Pittsburgh had 5:50 of power- Arena on Saturday. play time in the fi rst period, in- The 30-year-old came out of cluding 45 seconds with a fi ve- a tangle along the right-wing on-three advantage, yet it was boards for a short breakaway and Ottawa that scored fi rst. roofed a shot past home goal- From behind the Penguins’ net Dodgers blank the Rockies 4-0 tender Marc-Andre Fleury. after a turnover by Pittsburgh MCT distinction that could disrupt Results Ryan had 13 goals and a career- defenseman Brian Dumoulin, Denver the Dodgers’ plans for reshap- low 25 points in 62 games during Ryan sent a soft backhander out ing the starting rotation. (home team in CAPS) the season but he now has fi ve front to Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Wood faced 42 batters in his Detroit 4 LA ANGELS 3 goals and 10 points in 13 playoff who one-timed the puck past the he baseball exited Alex fi rst two starts this month. He LA Dodgers 4 COLORADO 0 games. glove of Fleury at 14:32. Wood’s left hand at struck out 19 of them, hinting Pittsburgh 4 ARIZONA 3 “When you’re an off ensive It was Pageau’s eighth goal, 92mph, destined for at the cohesion of his fastball, TEXAS 6 Oakland 5 player and you’re doing all the one behind playoff leader Jake collision with the barrel changeup and curveball. With KANSAS CITY 4 Baltimore 3 right things but you’re not fi n- Guentzel of Pittsburgh. Tof Colorado Rockies outfi elder the Dodgers adding Brandon Mc- ishing and that’s what it was Pageau had 12 goals during the Atlanta 3 MIAMI 1 Carlos Gonzalez’s bat in the Carthy and Rich Hill back into the MILWAUKEE 11 NY Mets 4 with Bobby...,” Senators coach regular season. sixth inning of a 4-0 Dodgers rotation next week, Wood may WHITE SOX 5 San Diego 4 Guy Boucher said. The assist was Ryan’s seventh victory. Upon impact the veloc- get shifted to the bullpen. During WASHINGTON 6 Philadelphia 4 “He just wasn’t fi nishing and of the playoff s after he had 12 ity jumped to 107mph, a howler his recent run, Wood credited the Minnesota 4 CLEVELAND 1 it gets to be a mental block and during the regular season. bound for the outfi eld. There consistency of his role for his suc- ST. LOUIS 5 Chicago Cubs 3 you start thinking you’re not do- The Senators nearly claimed a was little time for rookie fi rst cess. His role could change in the SAN FRANCISCO 3 Cincinnati 1 ing the right things. For me, now 2-0 lead at 12:48 of the second on baseman Cody Bellinger to react. coming days. TORONTO 7 Seattle 2 it’s the fi nishing part.” a wraparound play by Alexandre Instinct guided him. The Dodgers staked Wood a BOSTON 6 Tampa Bay 3 Craig Anderson fi nished with Burrows. Bellinger bent to snatch the two-run lead in the second. The 27 saves for the Senators, who The puck found a way past baseball out of the air. Then he bottom half of the batting order improved to 6-1 in overtime in Fleury at the right post but offi - stepped on the bag to conclude bloodied Anderson. Enrique Her- position for Wood after Eibner these playoff s while the Pen- cials ruled the whistle blew fi rst. the double play. The combina- nandez led off with a double. Two walked. Wood squeezed a bunt guins dropped to 1-1. Malkin tied it 1-1 at 14:25 of the tion of good fortune, studious batters later, Austin Barnes sent a that scored Barnes. Game Two is in Pittsburgh on third on a tip-in from Chris Ku- positioning and supple hands changeup zooming over the head The off ense produced a third Monday, when the defending nitz for his 19th point. allowed Wood to exit with a lead, of Colorado center fi elder Gerardo run in the fi fth. Before Satur- Stanley Cup champions will be It also lifted Malkin past Ja- and for the Dodgers to capture Parra. Hernandez sauntered home day, Eibner only had seven at- hoping to even up the best-of- romir Jagr into third place on control of this four-game series. on the double. bats for the Dodgers this season. seven series before it heads north Pittsburgh’s all-time playoff After dropping the opener at Manager Dave Roberts gave Roberts wanted to see him play of the border. points list with 148. Coors Field on Thursday, the Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) during the second Barnes the start in order to keep before early next week, when the The Penguins started the se- That ruined Anderson’s shot at Dodgers (22-15) roared back with inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. regular catcher Yasmani Grandal roster moves must be made. ries leading the playoff s with 41 his second shutout of the playoff s. stalwart performances from their fresh. With four games, Roberts “I want to gather some more goals, an average of 3.4 per game. starting pitchers. Clayton Ker- Brett Eibner, a reserve outfi eld- Wood (4-0, 2.27 earned-run felt compelled to avoid expend- information on Eibner,” Roberts They also have the leading Results shaw logged seven innings of er, supplied a solo homer. Jus- average) bored his fielders all ing all of Grandal’s energy. He said before the game. “I haven’t scorer in the playoff s in Evgeni two-run baseball on Friday. Wood tin Turner sliced an RBI double evening. He struck out 10 bat- also hoped to benefi t from Barnes’ seen a whole lot of him.” Malkin, who began the night Eastern Conference Finals topped his teammate by blanking in the seventh to provide some ters and restricted the Rockies strong start to the season. Eibner acquitted himself well. with 18 points, and four of the at Pittsburgh the Rockies for six innings. protection. The club will look to five singles. Colorado could As Anderson prepared to face Anderson fed Eibner a fastball top seven. Ottawa 2 Pittsburgh 1 (over- The off ense stitched together to claim three victories in four not advance a runner beyond Eibner, Barnes took off behind down the middle. Eibner un- But Ottawa stood fi rm through time) three runs against Rockies left- games here when Julio Urias second base against him. It him and swiped third, which leashed a drive into the pine trees more than two periods and killed (Ottawa leads series 1-0) handed starter Tyler Anderson. takes the ball on Sunday. continued a recent stretch of placed him in better scoring beyond the center-fi eld fence. off all fi ve Pittsburgh power- Gulf Times 6 Monday, May 15, 2017 SPORT

GOLF / THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP Wallace CYCLING closes in on Portugal Quintana doubles up Garcia charges; Open title as Giro rivals suff er AFP Lisbon AFP parked at the side of the road. Blockhaus, Italy Despite his shoulder having “popped out”, Thomas got back on his bike to ngland’s Matt Wal- fi nish, but is now over fi ve minutes in lace remained on olombia’s Nairo Quintana arrears. Stanley, Holmes Ecourse to claim a soared to victory on a dramatic “I don’t know what to say, except it’s first European Tour title ninth stage of the Giro d’Italia ridiculous,” said Thomas. on Saturday as he lead yesterday that secured the race “We were all racing towards the leader’sC pink jersey and dented the vic- climb, then someone in front of me hits going into the final day of ‘It does help to win Portugal Open. tory hopes of several key rivals. a motorbike. My shoulder popped out.” Wallace, who carded 10 Quintana, a two-time runner-up at Injured Kelderman’s race is now the Masters’ birdies in an opening 63 the Tour de France who won the 2014 over, a setback that angered his team share lead at Morgado Golf Resort, Giro, had been expected to blow the leader Dumoulin. had opened up a five-shot race apart on a punishing 13.6 km climb “I’m feeling shit because we lost AFP advantage at the halfway that gave Belgian legend Eddy Merckx Wilco,” said Dumoulin, who bounced Miami point after completing an his maiden Giro win in 1967. back from the incident in the fi nal kilo- error-free 66 when the de- And the diminutive Movistar team metres to overtake a tiring Nibali and layed second round was climber fulfi lled predictions by leaving cross the line with Pinot at 24secs be- asters champion Sergio completed on Saturday. defending champion Vincenzo Nibali, hind an unstoppable Quintana. Garcia charged into con- However, the 27-year-old and several others, in his wake after a “I can’t be happy today because he tention during Saturday’s could only manage a series of attacks launched inside the (Kelderman) would have been be so im- windy third round of The level-par 73 in round three fi nal six kilometres. portant in the fi nal week and I’m really MPlayers Championship while Ameri- Quintana soloed over the fi nish disappointed for him.” to finish the day 17 under cans Kyle Stanley and JB Holmes shared par, three shots ahead 23secs ahead of Frenchman Thibaut Even before the last remnants of a the lead after 54 holes. of Germany’s Sebastian Pinot and Dutchman Tom Dumoulin to 12-man breakaway were caught with Spain’s Garcia, the 2008 Play- Heisele, who hit a 71. wrest the race lead from Luxembourg’s 22km remaining, Quintana’s Movistar ers winner, and Argentina’s Emiliano “It wasn’t very good today, Bob Jungels. team had set their stall out with a furi- Grillo each fi red fi ve-under par 67s at I lost a bit of rhythm out He is now 28 ahead of FDJ rider Pinot ous pace at the front of the bunch. the TPC Sawgrass course to leap up there and just struggled in the overall standings, with two-time The Spanish outfi t was still leading the leaderboard even as Holmes and really to get it round.” said champion Nibali (Bahrain) 1min 10secs 14 km from the fi nish when disaster Stanley clung to the lead of the US PGA Wallace. behind after trailing home in fi fth place struck, causing a split that allowed a Tour event at nine-under 207. “I’d have liked to have one minute in arrears. reduced group to race ahead. “Even though it was much tougher been a couple better and While Dumoulin (Sunweb) and Jungels began losing contact with 8.5 with the windy conditions and how that would have given me Bauke Mollema (Trek) moved up to km remaining, and soon after Quintana gusty it was out there, I was able to hit more of a cushion going third and fourth overall at 30 and 51secs launched the fi rst of four attacks that some really quality shots,” Garcia said. JB Holmes of the United States plays a shot on the 18th hole during the third round into tomorrow (Sunday).” behind respectively, compatriot Steven prompted Pinot and Nibali to follow In his fi rst start since last month’s of The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on Saturday. (AFP) England’s Sam Walker Kruijswijk is now over three minutes in with a series of futile counter-attacks. breakthrough win at Augusta National sat four shots off the lead arrears. Quintana’s fi nal burst from four after 73 prior major failures, Garcia for birdies to boost his chances of his said. “It was very gusty. The key to me after a third round of 68, “I’m happy to win the stage and to kilometres out snapped the elastic, the shined with six birdies, three bogeys fi fth PGA title, his fi rst since the 2015 was to be patient, don’t go pin hunting, with France’s Matthieu take some seconds from my rivals,” said Colombian leaving a tiring Nibali to and a 17-foot chip-in eagle at the par-5 Houston Open. don’t make silly decisions. Pavon another stroke Quintana. “I had to attack. But I want “limit the damage” after he was over- 16th. “I’ve made some great putts. I feel “I had a lot of opportunities over the back on 12 under. to say thanks to my team. They did a taken by Dumoulin and Bauke Mollema “I’ve always been confi dent with really good over the putter,” Holmes last few holes. I didn’t take advantage great job.” in the fi nal two kilometres. myself,” Garcia said. “I’ve always be- said. “It would be awesome to win this of them, but I’m in a great position for LEADING SCORES AF- Jungels started the 149km stage from “It was very steep on the fi nal sec- lieved in the ability that I have. It does tournament. I just want to have fun to- tomorrow.” TER THIRD ROUND Montenero di Bisaccia to Blockhaus tions so I tried to limit the damage and help to win a major and to win the Mas- morrow, win or lose, enjoy it no matter 202 - Matt Wallace (Brit- with a 10 second lead on Quintana but go up at my own pace,” said Nibali. ters the way I did it, but I don’t feel like what happens.” LEADING SCORES AFTER ROUND III ain) 63-66-73 struggled on a drama-fi lled stage that “Quintana was better on the steeper I’m that diff erent a player — maybe 207 — J.B. Holmes (USA) 68-69-70, Kyle 205 - Sebastian Heisele has almost certainly ended the podium parts of the climb, and he weighs 10 ki- a little bit more confi dence here and POULTER UNFLAPPABLE IN WIND Stanley (USA) 69-66-72 (Germany) 64-70-71 hopes of British pair Geraint Thomas los less than me! Maybe in the time trial there, but that’s about it.” Kim birdied the par-5 second and ninth 208 — Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 69-66-73 206 - Sam Walker (Britain) and Adam Yates. we can snatch something back.” Stanley fi red and 72 and Holmes a 70 holes, began the back nine with anoth- 209 — Kim Si-Woo (KOR) 69-72-68 69-69-68 They were among several riders to After Today’s rest day, the race with each making a birdie at the par- er birdie had a tap-in birdie at 12. He 210 — Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 72-71-67, Ian 207 - Matthieu Pavon come down when Sunweb rider Wilco resumes with a 39.8 km time trial on 3 17th island green to stay one stroke found the water at the par-5 16th and Poulter (ENG) 72-67-71 (France) 68-69-70 Kelderman clipped a police motorcycle stage 10. ahead of South African Louis Oosthui- made bogey but answered with a fi ve- 211 — Sergio Garcia (ESP) 73-71-67, 208 - Tapio Pulkkanen zen, who shot 73 to stand on 208. foot birdie putt at the par-3 17th. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 69-70-72, Alex (Finland) 69-70-69 South Korea’s Kim Si-Woo was “My shot feels really good and I’m Noren (SWE) 68-71-72 209 - Filipe Lima (Portu- fourth on 209 after a 68 with Grillo and getting better,” Kim said. 212 — Pat Perez (USA) 74-72-66, gal) 67-71-71, Mark Foster Britain’s Ian Poulter on 210 and Garcia “Just trying to be aggressive in these Francesco Molinari (ITA) 69-74-69, Rafa (Britain) 70-72-67, Erik Van sharing seventh on 211 with American conditions.” Cabrera Bello (ESP) 69-70-73 Rooyen (South Africa) Patrick Cantlay and Swede Alex Noren. Poulter, whose last victory was at the 213 — William McGirt (USA) 67-75-71, 68-69-72, Julian Suri (US) Stanley, who birdied 17 for the third 2012 World Golf Championships event Adam Scott (AUS) 70-72-71, Lucas 67-68-74, Marcus Armit- day in a row, took his only PGA title in China, looked to lose his US tour Glover (USA) 70-70-73 age (Britain) 70-68-71, at the 2012 Phoenix Open. It came a playing rights before a recalculation of 214 — Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 75-71-68, Oliver Fisher (Britain) 69- week after his only prior 54-hole lead, points earned on a medical exemption Brooks Koepka (USA) 74-69-71, Yuta 72-68, Ben Evans (Britain) a six-shot edge that he squandered at showed the 41-year-old Englishman Ikeda (JPN) 73-69-72, Ben Martin (USA) 68-68-73 Torrey Pines, a triple bogey at the last had done enough to keep his card. 71-70-73 210 - Jamie Rutherford hole leading to a playoff loss to Brandt “It was a relief to get the call to say 215 — Chris Kirk (USA) 74-72-69, Rory (Britain) 67-68-75, Matt Snedeker. you’re good, you did enough to secure McIlroy (NIR) 73-71-71, Jason Day (AUS) Ford (Britain) 70-69-71, “I know what I’m capable of doing. your card,” Poulter said. “To come here 70-72-73, Steve Stricker (USA) 72-70-73, Mark Tullo (Chile) 68-70- I’m happy with the way things are,” this week and play well means an aw- Brendan Steele (USA) 69-71-75 72, Pedro Oriol (Spain) Stanley said. ful lot.” 216 — Zach Johnson (USA) 72-73-71, 68-70-72, Ryan Evans As for his success at 17, Stanley said, Poulter made 17 pars and a birdie, Justin Rose (ENG) 71-71-71, Rickie (Britain) 71-68-71, Robert “It’s a nerve-wracking hole. It’s nice to dropping his approach two feet from Fowler(USA) 70-74-72, Russell Henley Rock (Britain) 69-69-72, play it well.” the cup and tapping in at the par-5 sec- (USA) 75-68-73, Henrik Stenson (SWE) Jordi Garcia Pinto (Spain) Holmes made an 18-foot birdie putt ond. 72-70-74, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 70-73-67 at the 11th and fi ve-footers at 12 and 17 “It was extremely diffi cult,” Poulter 67-75-74

South Africa beat Scots in Paris fi nal, clinch World Rugby Sevens series

AFP remaining, in London on May 20-21, “Last year we came close, but this time BLITZBOK REVENGE for Scotland, but he didn’t back himself Horne as he grubbered ahead, but Paris South Africa clinched the title after we managed to do it. I have to give But the Blitzbokke had their revenge at against the covering Branco Du Preez. Snyman was on hand to touch down third-placed England lost 19-17 to the guys credit, they are an incredible a packed Jean Bouin stadium in west- With no support to hand, the defence the ball for South Africa’s third try to Scotland before comfortably seeing group that never feared hard work and ern Paris, dominating a Scottish side quickly turned over possession and seal a comfortable victory. outh Africa were crowned win- off New Zealand 26-5 in their own they deserve this.” that had gelled well but looked tired. Cecil Afrika linked up with Chris Dry to New Zealand won the bronze medal ners of this season’s World Rugby semi-final. Powell added: “We are not finished South Africa dominated the opening spin the ball wide for Dylan Sage to cross match, tries from Sam Dickson and SSevens Series yesterday, beating South Africa coach Neil Powell said the though, we want to finish the series minutes, and it didn’t take long for in the corner for a 10-0 lead at half-time. Sherwin Stowers cancelling out an Scotland 15-5 in the final of the penulti- series win was one three years in the strong next week in London and keep them to work the ball into some space Scotland were not done, however, early Will Edwards five-pointer for mate leg in Paris. making. chasing that perfect game. We have wide on the right. James Fleming breaking and linking England in the 12-5 victory. The Blitzboks arrived in the French “We are extremely grateful and high standards and keep pushing to A long pass from skipper Philip Sny- with Glenn Bryce, whose off load back United States, for whom speedster Per- capital 25 points ahead of closest blessed, the team worked for this for improve as a squad.” man and Werner Kok danced away inside found Scott Wight, who went ry Baker had been outstanding over rivals Fiji in the standings on the back three seasons,” said Powell, who be- Scotland’s run of form saw them snap from the defence for the opening try. over the whitewash to reduce the lead. the two days of competition, claimed of four tournament wins and seven came the first person to win the World a 13-match losing run to stun Olympic The Scots struggled to get out of their But the ‘Boks hit back, replacement fifth spot with a 24-19 victory over last consecutive finals. Rugby Sevens Series as a player and champions Fiji 24-0 in the quarter- own half, the Blitzboks’ hard-nosed Rosko Specman brilliantly evading a season’s winners in Paris, Samoa. With 22 points on off er for a tourna- as a coach, having played in the title- finals, having also edged South Africa defence keeping them pegged back. tackle to race away down the touchline. Argentina won the Trophy final, beat- ment victory and just one round winning ‘Bok team in 2008/09. in pool play on Saturday. Jamie Farndale had the first real break He was brought down by George ing Australia 33-12 to bag ninth spot.

BOTTOMLINE Josoor launches new brand identity to refl ect expanding services

By Sports Reporter events industries in the region while is refl ective of our evolving business brand identity provide a distinction Doha setting new standards globally. objectives. Our new identity is more for each of Josoor Institute’s business “To truly realise the change that than a new design; it is a representa- divisions that now include Education, Josoor Institute was established to lead, tion of Qatar’s eff ort to position itself Research, Consultancy, Membership osoor Institute has announced we need to go beyond professional de- as a global sports and events hub. This and Knowledge Hub. True to its mean- the launch of a new brand iden- velopment off erings and provide a ho- is why we have introduced the colour ing ‘Josoor’, which is the Arabic word tity to refl ect the expanding listic set of services that organisations maroon in the logo to establish our as- for ‘bridges’, Josoor Institute is bridg- services and capabilities it cur- in the industries can benefi t from,” said sociation with the country we originate ing the knowledge gap in the region by rentlyJ off ers, including research and SC secretary general Hassan al-Thawa- from. The mosaic of sports elements in equipping the talents with the tools consultancy divisions. The new brand di. the logo highlight the important role they need to advance the sports and was revealed as part of the second block “Through its various service off er- that sports and events play in contrib- events industries. of its highly successful professional ings and its contribution to empower- uting to a sustainable and prosperous Josoor Institute is also gearing up to certifi cates and diploma programmes. ing the talents of the region with the economy and at the same time retains the delivery of its second set of profes- Josoor Institute is a centre of excel- skills they need to succeed, Josoor In- our connection with our Arab culture. sional development workshops in May. lence that is developed by the Supreme stitute is playing a direct role in con- With our new brand identity we are in- The workshops which include execu- Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). tributing towards a diversifi ed knowl- spired to push forward our mission of tive networking sessions, student out- It serves as a catalyst for building the edge-based economy. The knowledge SC secretary general Hassan al-Thawadi. academicians from partner universi- empowering the talents of the indus- reach sessions and masterclasses will sports and events industries across that it is infusing in Qatar and the re- ties including Georgetown University, tries and enabling the sports and events focus on venue and stadium manage- the region with the purpose to provide gion, will allow the sports and events The new brand identity launch University of Liverpool, Leeds Beckett sectors in the region to reach their full ment and running major events. Dele- education, training and development industries to develop and reach their comes at the same time as the delivery University and leading industry prac- potential.” gates will gain knowledge and the skills opportunities to the professionals in full potential. The new brand identity of the second block of Josoor Institute’s titioners. Josoor Institute’s new identity re- they need to manage world-class sport the sports and events industries. The refl ects our understanding of what the professional certifi cate and diploma Speaking about the launch of the sec- tains a strong common thread with venues. launch of the new brand represents a MENA region needs to capitalise on in programme, which starts on the 14 to ond block, Josoor Institute active ex- the old identity. The design maintains Delegates will also learn how to cre- new chapter for Josoor Institute and the sport and events industries and to 18 May 2017 and will focus on market- ecutive director Afraa al-Noami, said, some of the visual elements of the old ate and successfully implement mar- comes as part of its commitment to di- produce a generation of talented pio- ing and sponsorship. The 12 month long “This year’s second block is unique be- brand as well as maintaining the vari- keting campaigns for major events from versify its off erings and act as a catalyst neers that will transform the two sec- programmes are of the highest stand- cause it comes at the same time as the ous shades of blue. planning and securing sponsors to es- for the transformation of the sport and tors in Qatar and the region.” ards and are delivered by renowned launch of our new brand identity that The vibrant colours within the new tablishing event partnerships. Gulf Times Monday, May 15, 2017 7 CRICKET

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE WI VS PAK, 5TH DAY, 3RD TEST Supergiant seal Chase, Holder Pune beat Kings XI dig in to defy Punjab by nine play-off spot wickets to advance Pakistan

IANS AFP But Chase and Holder batted with Pune Roseau, Dominica calm assurance for over an hour as the Pakistanis grew increasingly impatient in pursuit of the breakthrough. ising Pune Supergiant (RPS) n unbroken 53-run seventh- Such anxieties appeared unlikely at yesterday cemented their wicket partnership between the start of the day. place in the Indian Pre- Roston Chase and Jason Having already lost the wicket of Ki- mier League (IPL) play-off s Holder frustrated Pakistan’s eran Powell overnight, the home side thrashingR Kings XI Punjab by nine pushA for a series-clinching victory suff ered two further setbacks inside the wickets at the Maharashtra Cricket with the West Indies holding on at fi rst hour of the morning. Association Stadium here yesterday. 146 for six at tea on the last day of the Kraigg Brathwaite’s poor run of form The Pune victory came off a su- third and fi nal Test at Windsor Park in continued when the opening batsman perb performance by their bowlers Dominica yesterday. miscued an attempted cut off Shah which was later complemented by Set an improbable target of 304 and for Hasan Ali to take the comfortable their top-rung batsmen to overhaul starting the fi nal day at seven for one, catch at backward-point while Shim- the meagre 74-run target set by a all looked lost for the home side when ron Hetmyer batted positively for 25 hapless Punjab. Shane Dowrich became Yasir Shah’s but was then comprehensively bowled Pune now have 18 points in 14 fourth wicket of the innings to make by Mohamed Amir for the third time in matches and are at the second spot. the score 93 for six in mid-afternoon. the series. They displaced Kolkata Knight Riders However Chase, the leading run- Chase, the fi rst innings top-scorer, (KKR), who slipped to the fourth spot scorer on both sides in the series, found then joined Shai Hope with the pair with 16 points. a resilient partner in Holder on the way defying all the challenges presented to Mumbai Indians sit atop the table to his fourth score in excess of 50 in the them by the Pakistani attack until Has- with 20 points and Sunrisers Hydera- series. He will resume on 66 in the fi nal an Ali got the breakthrough and his fi rst bad are at third spot with 17 points. session of the match with the West In- Test wicket 20 minutes before lunch, Chasing 73 posted by Punjab, open- dies captain on 22. trapping Hope leg-before with a full- ers Ajinkya Rahane (34 not out) and With as much as two-and-a-half length inswinger. Rahul Tripathi (28) forged a 41-run hours’ play still available and the hosts’ partnership before the latter was dis- Rising Pune Supergiant’s Shardul Thakur celebrates the wicket of Kings XI Punjab’s Shaun Marsh during the Indian Premier tail-enders not expected to off er sub- SCORECARD (at tea) missed by spinner Axar Patel. Trip- League match in Pune yesterday. (AFP) stantial resistance, Pakistan remain PAKISTAN 1st Innings 376 athi’s 20-ball knock was laced with favoured to give the retiring pair of cap- WEST INDIES 1st Innings 247 four boundaries and one six. note. Martin Guptill (0) was dismissed Maxwell (0) failing to step up to the hant Sharma (0) were also dismissed tain Misban ul Haq and senior batsman PAKISTAN 2nd Innings 174-8 decl. Unfazed, skipper Steven Smith (15 by Jaydev Unadkat on the very fi rst ball occasion. They were all sent packing in the next three overs to restrict Pun- Younis Khan an historic farewell unless WEST INDIES 2nd Innings (o/n 7-1) not out) and Rahane then completed of the innings caught at short cover by before seven overs had been bowled. jab for 73 runs in 15.5 overs. Chase and Holder can extend their part- K. Brathwaite c Hasan Ali b Shah 6 the formalities without any hiccups Manoj Tiwary. Saha, who seemed good at the For Pune, Shardul Thakur scalped nership deep into the last period of play. K. Powell c Masood b Shah 4 for Pune to overhaul the Punjab score After adding 19 runs to the score crease, could not handle the pressure three wickets while Unadkat, Adam Pakistan have yet to win a Test series S. Hetmyer b Amir 25 in 12 overs. with Saha, incoming batsman Shaun and was dismissed by Christian in the Zampa and Christian took two wickets in the West Indies after seven previous S. Hope lbw Hasan Ali 17 Earlier, Riding on some disciplined Marsh (10) was also dismissed by Dan- 10th over. each. tours dating back to 1958. R. Chase not out 66 bowling, Pune restricted Punjab to 73 iel Christian in the fourth over and the Axar Patel, however, showed his Resuming after lunch at 73 for four, V. Singh c Azam b Shah 2 runs. Axar Patel (22) and Wriddhiman scoreboard read 19 for 2. temperament and slammed a few BRIEF SCORES: Kings XI Punjab 73 a swift end to the match looked likely S. Dowrich c Azam b Shah 2 Saha (13) were the major contributors Punjab’s middle-order suff ered a boundaries before he was dismissed all out (Thakur 3-19, Christian 2-10, as Vishaul Singh and Dowrich both J. Holder not out 22 for Punjab’s cause. collapse with Eoin Morgan (4), who by Christian in the 12th over. Unadkat 2-12) lose to Rising Pune fell to Shah, lifting the leg-spinner’s Extras (nb-1, w-1) 2 Punjab never looked in contention was playing in place of Manan Vohra, Lower-order batsmen Swapnil Supergiant 78 for 1 (Rahane 34 not wicket tally in the series to 24, equal- Total (6 wkts, 59 overs) 146 as they started their innings on a poor Rahul Tewatia (4) and skipper Glenn Singh (10), Mohit Sharma (6) and Is- out) by nine wickets ling his previous best eff ort which was Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Powell), 2-22 achieved against Sri Lanka. (Brathwaite), 3-47 (Hetmyer), 4-66 Both were taken at short-leg by Ba- (Hope), 5-76 (Singh), 6-93 (Dowrich) bar Azam and on a pitch off ering turn Bowling: M. Amir 9-3-17-1 (1w), M. Abbas Bangalore overcome Delhi by 10 runs and bounce, it appeared only a matter 13-8-16-0, Y. Shah 24-6-74-4, H. Ali 9-2-21- of time before more wickets fell. 1 (1nb), A. Ali 2-0-3-0, A. Shafiq 2-0-15-0 IANS At the other end, Gayle, who was and Iyer (32), and the pair did well New Delhi struggling, was caught by Zaheer with a 40-run stand. Nair then pulled Khan at short midwicket off a deliv- straight into the hands of Jadhav at ery from left-arm spinner Shahbaz short midwicket off a delivery from ottom dwellers Royal Chal- Nadeem, with Bangalore at 96 for medium pacer Shane Watson. lengers Bangalore (RCB) 2 in 13.1 overs. Bangalore lost Travis Iyer joined hands with Rishabh Pant Bended their disappointing In- Head (2) in the following over. (45) and another partnership started dian Premier League (IPL) campaign Kohli, meanwhile, completed his fifty to blossom. with a 10-run win over sixth-placed in 39 deliveries in the final ball of the Iyer was then sent back in the fourth Delhi Daredevils in an inconsequen- 15th over with a single to deep cover ball of the 12th over. Harshal then tial contest at the Ferozeshah Kotla off a delivery from Zaheer. dealt another blow to Delhi in his here yesterday. Zaheer’s next over saw Kolhi play next ball as he bowled West Indian Captain Virat Kohli (58; 45b; 3x4, another delightful flick for a six over veteran batsman Marlon Samuels (0) 3x6) shared a 66-run second-wicket midwicket before failing to clear with a slower delivery to reduce the stand with West Indian Chris Gayle Nadeem at long-off . It was a big relief hosts to 87 for 4. (48; 38b; 3x3, 3x6) as Bangalore for Delhi, having dismissed the visit- Off -spinner Head made further prob- reached 161 for 6 in 20 overs. Delhi ing skipper in the 17th over. lems for Delhi, removing Anderson were bowled out for 151 in 19.5 overs, Kedar Jadhav (12) followed Kohli to the (3) and Cummins (7) in the 16th over, losing by 10 runs to finish sixth. dug-out in the next over after being as the hosts reeled at 113 for 6. With both teams out of the race for run out by Cummins with a direct In the following over, Harshal sent the play-off s, Bangalore, who made throw from the short third man area at Pant packing. Shami (21; 9b; 3x4, five changes to their side, opted to the bowling end. Sachin Baby (12) then 1x6) was stumped by wicket-keeper bat. They made a slow start, scoring was holed out at long-off by Anderson Vinod in the second ball of the 20th 37 for 1 at the end of Powerplay overs But Kohli looked to be in good touch off Cummins, as Bangalore lost sixth over bowled by Negi, leaving Delhi to (six), with Gayle contributing 32 runs and he provided impetus to the visi- wicket with 144 runs on the board. score 12 off four deliveries. off 24 deliveries. tors’ innings. His lofted drive off me- Later, Pawan Negi milked 13 off five de- Negi dismissed Nadeem (2) in the Opening batsman Vishnu Vinod (3) dium-pacer Corey Anderson in the liveries he faced in the final over from fifth ball, bowling out Delhi for 151. did not trouble the scorers as he was first ball of the ninth over completed Anderson to take the total beyond 160. bowled by Pat Cummins in the fifth 50 runs for the southern outfit. In pursuit of the target, Delhi had a BRIEF SCORES: Royal Challeng- ball of the fifth over. Kohli picked out leg-spinner Amit poor start, losing Sanju Samson (0) ers Bangalore 161 for 6 (V Kohli 58, Gayle picked two sixes off right-arm Mishra for attack and his rasping in the second delivery of the first C Gayle 48; P Cummins 2-22) beat pacer Mohamed Shami but he was far flicks towards the midwicket pro- over bowled by medium pacer Avesh Delhi Daredevils 151 all out (R Pant from his usual flow. He struggled with vided the runs Bangalore required in Khan. The responsibility of creating 45, S Iyer 32; H Patel 3 -43, P Negi his stroke-making after the Powerplay. the middle overs. the base then fell on Karun Nair (26) 2-10, T Head 2-30) by 10 runs

TRI-NATION SERIES West Indies batsman Roston Chase (right) plays a shot on the fifth day of the third Test against Pakistan in Roseau, Dominica, yesterday. (AFP)

Santner spins NZ to win over Ireland Sri Lanka in altitude training before AFP fi rst wicket, trapping last man Peter run-a-ball. Fall of Wickets: 1-53 (Ronchi), 2-55 Champions Trophy Dublin Chase leg before. Both reached their 50s, but both (Latham), 3-139 (Taylor), 4-194 (Work- Ireland also gave a debut to off - were out immediately afterwards, er), 5-273 (Broom), 6-273 (Munro), Sri Lanka’s national cricket squad trained together for the first time in months spinning all-rounder Simi Singh, who Taylor caught by the Irish captain at 7-285 (Neesham) at a high-altitude location to prepare for June’s Champions Trophy, the itchell Santner’s career came in for Stuart Thompson in the point and Worker, whose half-century Bowling: T Murtagh 10-0-62-2 (1w), P country’s board said yesterday. The 15-man squad led by Angelo Mathews best ODI fi gures set up a only change to the team that played took 88 balls, with just three fours, Chase 10-0-74-1 (6w), B McCarthy 10- completed a week-long training session and will have three days of rest in 51-run victory for New Bangladesh in the opening game of the caught at deep mid-wicket. 0-59-2, G Dockrell 10-0-42-0, K O’Brien Colombo before leaving for London on Thursday. They went through strength Zealand in their opening series on Friday. Broom however ensured a big fi nish 10-0-46-1 (1w) and altitude training in the central hill region of Kandy, 500 metres (1,65 Mtri-nation series game against Ireland Neil Broom was the star of the New for New Zealand, who scored 130 off feet) above sea level, to prepare for conditions in England, Sri Lanka Cricket in Malahide. Zealand innings, hitting 79 from 63 the last 15 overs. IRELAND said. “Over the past months many of us have not been able to play together Santner fi nished with fi ve for 50 as balls with nine fours and a six, to build The pick of the Ireland bowlers was W Porterfield c Latham b Kuggeleijn 12 consistently as a team due to injury or other factors,” Mathews said in a state- Ireland were bowled out for 238 in the on half centuries from Ross Taylor (52) Kevin O’Brien with one for 46 and P Stirling b Kuggeleijn 14 ment. “So working together like this and learning to work with and around 46th over, the hosts losing their last and George Worker (50). although George Dockrell, the only N O’Brien st Ronchi b Santner 109 each others strengths is a great thing.” Earlier this month, the cricket board fi ve wickets for 26 runs. Porterfi eld won his second suc- spinner used, fi nished wicketless, he A Balbirnie c and b Santner 36 secured the services of famed South African paceman Allan Donald an interim Niall O’Brien provided valiant re- cessive toss but it was New Zealand conceded only 42 runs. K O’Brien lbw b Sodhi 1 bowling coach. Donald has declared that the Sri Lankan squad had the poten- sistance as Ireland threatened an up- opener Luke Ronchi who got the in- Peter Chase could not continue his G Wilson c Taylor b Kuggeleijn 30 tial to win the next the Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka head coach Graham Ford, set, but once he became the eighth nings off to a fast start with 37 from 26 good early season form, going for 74 S Singh st Ronchi b Santner 9 a fellow South African, has been preparing the Sri Lankans for the 50-over man out for 109 the game was up for balls, before he got a leading edge to a runs and taking his only wicket in the G Dockrell c Latham b Santner 1 tournament starting June 1. the home side. pull shot and was caught at point. last over. B McCarthy c Latham b Santner 6 O’Brien’s fi rst ODI century came off The wicket-taker was Barry McCa- T Murtagh not out 2 125 balls, with nine fours and fi ve sixes, rthy, who can surprise batsmen with SCORECARD P Chase lbw b Rance 1 Champions Trophy winner to get but the only batsmen to stay with him his pace, and as a result he has a habit NEW ZEALAND Extras (4b, 6lb, 2nb, 5w) 17 $2.2mn, says ICC were Andrew Balbirnie (36) in a third- of taking early wickets. This one came L Ronchi c Wilson b McCarthy 37 Total (all out, 45.3 overs) 238 wicket stand of 86 and Gary Wilson (30) from his 11th delivery and three balls T Latham c N O’Brien b McCarthy 15 Fall of Wickets: 1-19 (Porterfield) The winner of next month’s Champions Trophy in England and Wales will earn in a fi fth-wicket partnership of 75. later he had his second when captain G Worker c Singh b Murtagh 50 2-26 (Stirling) 3-112 (Balbirnie) 4-112 (K $2.2mn, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said yesterday. The overall Scott Kuggeleijn, on his ODI de- Tom Latham was caught behind for 15 R Taylor c Porterfield b K O’Brien 52 O’Brien) 5-188 (Wilson) 6-212 (Singh) prize money for the 50-over tournament between the world’s top eight sides but, removed Ireland openers William to leave New Zealand 55 for two in the N Broom run out 79 7-218 (Dockrell) 8-235 (N O’Brien) 9-236 had been increased by half a mn from the last edition in 2013 to $4.5mn, the Porterfi eld and Paul Stirling in his fi rst 10th over. J Neesham c McCarthy b Chase 30 (McCarthy), 10-238 (Chase) governing body said in a statement. The runner-up of the June 1-18 tourna- three overs and returned to have Wil- Worker and Taylor, however, were C Munro c K O’Brien b Murtagh 0 Bowling: S Rance 8.3-1-44-1 (1nb), S ment will earn $1.1mn, while the other two semi-finalists will receive a cheque son caught in the covers by Ross Taylor untroubled in the next 20 overs as they S Kuggeleijn not out 11 Kuggeleijn 9-1-41-3 (2w), J Neesham of $450,000 each. Teams finishing third in each group would take home to spark the Ireland collapse. added 86 for the third wicket. Worker, M Santner not out 17 6-0-37-0 (1nb, 1w), C Munro 4-0-16-0, $90,000, while the teams finishing last in each pool would receive $60,000 The other Blackcaps debutant, Seth in only his third international, was the Extras (6lb 8w) 14 M Santner 10-0-50-5 (2w), I Sodhi each, the ICC added. Rance, fi nished the match with his more patient while Taylor scored at a Total (7 wkts, 50 overs) 289 8-0-40-1

Monday, May 15, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Al Shaqab Racing’s Brametot wins French Guineas for colts

Agencies Both horses were ridden at Deauville, France the back of the fi eld and came on one side of the track. Andre Fabre’s charge, Le l Shaqab Racing’s Brivido, who was ridden by Brametot won the Abu Pierre-Charles Boudot fi nished Dhabi Poule d’Essai second, while Frankie Dettori- des Poulains (Group ridden Rivet, trained by William 1)A in the presence of Qatar Ol- Haggas, was third. ympic Committee president Sheikh Joaan received the HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad trophy. al-Thani at Deauville, France, “I had to come early because yesterday. the horses in front of me did The Jean-Claude Rouget- not accelerate. Once in front, trained colt, who had won the he slowed down a little and then Prix de Fontainebleau (Group accelerated again when he saw 3) recently, imposed himself his rival. He is a champion,” in front of Le Brivido, after a Brametot’s jockey Cristian De- wonderful battle in the French muro said after the win. Guineas for three-year-old Brametot should now aim the HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (left) leads in Brametot, ridden by Cristian Demuro (right), after colts. QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club. the win in the French Guineas for three-year-old colts in Deauville, France, yesterday. HE Sheikh Joaan with Brametot’s trainer Jean-Claude Rouget.

FOCUS ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY GAMES Qatari ‘Khalifa Stadium is shooters win gold very close to every and bronze The stadium will host the opening game and the final in Baku Qatari’s heart’ of Gulf Cup in December

By Sports Reporter fi nal of the Gulf Cup in December. fi ve years before the hosting of the World Cup work is under way on other stadiums which Doha “We look to write the history of the Gulf football in 2022 confi rms the commitment of will be completed by 2021,” al-Kuwari added. Cup with a new Khalifa International Sta- the State of Qatar and its enthusiasm to or- The stadium will have entertainment facil- dium which will host the opening match and ganise the tournament for the fi rst time in the ities similar to Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena he Khalifa International Stadium the fi nal of the tournament in December,” he region.” and Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge Stadium in is very close to every Qatari’s heart added. Hilal Jeham al-Kuwari , head of projects at London. Aldana Saad al-Mubarak celebrates her gold in the and its re-launch on Friday, after its Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee, said, “We’ve made It will be connected by public transport women’s 25m pistol event yesterday. (Instagram) redevelopment, will be the fi rst step the Supreme Committee for Delivery and sure during our work at the Khalifa Interna- through a modern road network in addition Ttowards an even brighter future for sports in Legacy, said it was a matter of pride for the tional Stadium that the spirit of the stadium to the Metro rail system coming up in Qatar Agencies the country, Qatar Football Association (QFA) country that the fi rst stadium for the 2022 and its original design has been maintained. to ensure easy access for the public. Fans will Baku president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin FIFA World Cup has been completed. This stadium enjoys a prestigious place in also be able to walk to the hotels and shop- Ahmed al-Thani has said. “We are seeing history being made today. every Qatari’s heart. We are delighted to have ping malls surrounding Khalifa International “We are happy that the Khalifa Inter- We are proud of our work as well as the As- it back today.” Stadium. atar won its fi rst gold as Aldana Saad al- national Stadium will again host football pire Foundation and other partners in the There are 61 hospitality suites in the east- The stadium has also earned a four-star Mubarak dominated a tightly-contested matches in Qatar. The stadium has been wit- redevelopment of the Khalifa International ern section of the stadium besides VIP suites rating from the Gulf Organisation for Re- women’s 25m pistol fi nal at the Islamic ness to the most prominent sporting achieve- Stadium. in the western section and studios for televi- search and Development (GORD), thus be- Solidarity Games in Baku yesterday. ments of Qatar and is a venue that is closest “We are delighted to host the Emir Cup sion broadcasts. coming one of the best stadiums in the region QThe 24-year-old sharpshooter, who fi nished only to Qatari hearts,” Sheikh Hamad said, after fi nal which comes as a culmination of the A sports museum will also come up soon with regards to sustainable design. fi fth in the qualifi cations, was consistent, fi nishing with it was announced that it will host the pres- eff orts of everyone involved, especially the featuring exhibits with interactive displays The assessment of the global sustainabil- 28 points, ahead of Iran’s Haniyeh Rostamiyan on 23. tigious Emir Cup between Al Rayyan and Al workers. charting the history of sports in Qatar. ity system is a method developed by GORD to Three-time African champion Olfa Cherni of Tunisia Sadd on May 19. “The completion of the modernisation “The Khalifa International Stadium is the ensure approved construction standards and stumbled in the fi nal rounds, but still managed to hold It will also host the opening match and the project of the Khalifa International Stadium fi rst World Cup stadium to be completed, and is recognised by the FIFA. on to the bronze medal. Home shooter Irada Ashumova, who bagged a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, came up short of the podium. Also, trap shooter Nasser al-Humaidi picked up Qatar’s second bronze medal yesterday. Qatar reach Asian Beach Handball final On Saturday, Kholoud Hassan al-Khalaf won Qa- tar’s fi rst medal at the event. She too won bronze in the trap shooting competition. The gold medal went to Turkish world champion Nihan Gurer. She fi nished with 41 points, four more than second-placed Shafag Amrahova of Azerbaijan. Al-Khalaf settled for the bronze a further eight points adrift. Qatar is featuring many of its athletes in the shooting competitions. In trap shooting, Qatar was represented by al-Khalaf, Bana Haji, and Amna al- Abdullah. In the skeet competition, Qatar will be represented by three more shooters. Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Qatar Ol- ympic Committee (QOC) secretary general and head of the delegation to the event, praised the perform- ances of Qatari athletes in the shooting competitions and had commended al-Khalaf on winning the fi rst medal for Qatar in the event on Saturday. Al-Kuwari said that the main goal of participation in the games was to help the athletes gain experience, in addition to winning many medals. He added that competing at such a high level will be a good test for the country’s young athletes on their path to other international sporting events in the future. For her part, al-Khalaf expressed pride at winning the medal especially in the face of strong competition with a number of world champions in the category. Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation secretary general Ahmed Majid al-Nuaimi expressed his de- light at al-Khalaf’s performance. He stressed that the Qatar team beat Vietnam in the Asian Beach Handball Championship semi-final in Pattaya, Thailand, yesterday to set up the final against Oman. (Twitter/QatarHandball) medal will be a motivation for all the other athletes to give their best in order to win.