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Thursday, March 15, 2018 GOLF Jumada II 27, 1439 AH Woods at happy GULF TIMES hunting ground as comeback continues SPORT Page 6 FOOTBALL/EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Youssefs Bayern breeze battle for top into last eight scorer award Bayern, who could secure their sixth consecutive Bundesliga title at the weekend, went 2-0 up seconds after the second-half through Gonul

Reuters Istanbul

reble-chasing Bayern Munich eased past Turkey’s Besiktas 3-1 yesterday to breeze into the Champions League quarter-fi nals Twith an 8-1 aggregate win. It was a record 11th straight victory in the compe- tition for coach Jupp Heynckes, who had led Bayern DEADLY DUO: Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi (L) and Youssef Msakni. to the title in 2013 before retiring and returning this season. By Sports Reporter from the rest of the pack, according The German side went ahead through Thiago Al- Doha to the facts and figures released cantara in the 18th minute to kill off any lingering by STATS, the off icial statistics and hopes of a miracle recovery by the Turkish team af- figures provider for the QNB Stars ter Bayern had crushed them 5-0 in the fi rst leg in he battle for the top-scorer League. Munich. The Spaniard, however, was taken off with award in the 2017-18 sea- The duo made significant contribu- a suspected ankle problem a little later after only re- son QNB Stars League has tions to The Red Knights’ QNB Stars cently returning from an injury break. Tbecome one between two League triumph, with an unbeaten Bayern, who could secure their sixth consecutive Youssefs — new champions Al Du- run so far and two rounds of games Bundesliga title at the weekend, went 2-0 up seconds hail’s Youssef El Arabi and Youssef remaining, by notching up 47 of after the second-half restart when Gokhan Gonul Msakni. the total 77 goals scored by them, volleyed a Rafi nha cross into his own net. Will it be El Arabi again this season? the most by any team. Al Sadd are Besiktas, who were missing their entire central Or will Msakni bag the coveted second on 59 goals. defence, off ered little resistance despite controlling award? Those questions are doing Msakni scored two goals and El possession. the rounds as the tournament is Arabi one in Al Duhail’s 5-0 victory They did manage to pull a goal back through Vagner drawing to a close, with the penulti- over Al Kharaitiyat last week. Love’s eff ort in the 58th minute which breathed some Bayern Munich’s forward Sandro Wagner celebrates after scoring against Besiktas at Besiktas Park in mate-round action being scheduled Al Duhail’s remaining matches are brief life into the hosts and the 40,000 home fans. Yet Istanbul yesterday. for Saturday. against Al Markhiya and Al Sailiya, Bayern substitute Sandro Wagner chested in a David El Arabi had won the award last sea- and either of them is almost sure to Alaba cross with six minutes remaining to make sure Munich he turned the clock back,” wrote Mueller- 2016 in which he won three consecutive Bundesliga son with 24 goals, followed Al Sadd’s have the last laugh as third-placed of Bayern’s victory. Wohlfahrt. titles. Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah Abderrazaq Hamdallah of Al Rayyan The quarter-fi nal draw will take place tomorrow. “It even went so far as to turn our medically The pair fell out in April 2015 when Mueller-Wohl- on 23. has only 17 goals to his credit. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has been slammed in thought-out, well-rehearsed warm-up programme fahrt claims he was verbally attacked by Guardiola The Moroccan spearhead is cur- Bounedjah, who missed many a scathing attack by Bayern Munich’s high-profi le on it’s head before training sessions. after a Champions League defeat in Porto which saw rently leading the list with 24 goals, matches due to a nagging injury, team doctor, who said the Catalan took the German “I think Pep Guardiola is a person of low self-es- the doctor resign from his Bayern duties. with Msakni close behind on 23. is fourth with 14 goals, followed club “backwards” in some aspects of their training. teem. He seems to live in constant fear, not so much “While the players were still being treated, I was El Arabi has been leading the list by Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata, In his autobiography, which is being serialised this of defeat, but much more about any loss of power and loudly attacked in front of the assembled team and right from the beginning, while Al Kharaitiyat’s Rachid Tiberka- week in newspaper Bild, Hans-Wilhelm Mueller- authority,” Mueller-Wohlfahrt added. made responsible for our many injuries,” Mueller- Tunisian attacking midfielder Msa- nine (both 12), Al Sadd’s Hassan Wohlfahrt described current Manchester City boss The 75-year-old Munich-based doctor has worked Wohlfahrt wrote. kni made a big surge recently with al-Haydous, Al Sailiya’s Wagner Guardiola as someone with “low self-esteem who with a host of stars including sprint legend Usain Bolt “I was to blame for the physical condition of the some outstanding performances. Ribeiro (both 11), Al Sadd’s Jugurtha does everything to hide it from others”. and Germany’s 2014 World Cup winning squad. players and ultimately for the defeat. Both players have underlined their Hamroun and Al Khor’s Madson “Guardiola is often portrayed in the media as an Mueller-Wohlfahrt had a stormy relationship with “I felt deeply hurt. I resigned as team doctor of FC scoring abilities and stand apart (both 10). innovative, if not revolutionary, coach, but at Bayern Guardiola, Bayern’s head coach from 2013 until May Bayern Munich after 38 years.”

BOTTOMLINE Mourinho under fi re aft er United’s meek exit

AFP United’s European ouster ‘nothing new’ for Jose Manchester Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho managed Porto in 2004 and Real Madrid ose Mourinho was condemned for his has risked angering the club’s supporters five years ago. “I sat in this chair twice in the negative tactics after Manchester United by saying that Tuesday’s tame Champions Champions League after knocking out Man- crashed out of the Champions League to League exit was “nothing new” for the club chester United (in the last 16) at home, at Old Sevilla, with Alexis Sanchez anonymous as he pointed to his past success against Traff ord,” Mourinho said. andJ Paul Pogba’s confi dence apparently in tat- them. “In this chair with Porto and Real Madrid, they ters. Speaking after the match, Mourinho said are out both times. It is not something new United, riding high in the , United had failed to progress despite giving for the club... I don’t want to make a drama started the second leg of their last-16 tie on their best then proceeded to talk about out of it, we don’t have time for that,” the Tuesday as strong favourites to progress to the his victories over his current club when he Portuguese manager added. quarter-fi nals after a goalless draw in Spain but mustered just four shots on target across both legs. “There are players in that squad to play good Mourinho’s cagey tactics, the club have backed Two late goals from substitute Wissam Ben attacking football with the money that’s been their manager, rewarding him with a new con- Yedder gave the home side a mountain to climb spent,” said former United midfi elder Paul Sc- tract until 2020 and he hinted that even more and a consolation goal from Romelu Lukaku holes, also part of the team that won the 2008 cash may be thrown at fi xing United’s problems. was far too little, too late, with United exiting Champions League. “Everything together (needs to improve), the competition 2-1 on aggregate. A major investment was also made to bring everybody spends money, not just us,” said Mourinho fi elded four forwards — Sanchez, Sanchez to the club in January on reportedly the Mourinho. Lukaku, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard — won the Champions League under Alex Fergu- United’s midfi eld?,” asked chief sports writer most lucrative contract in Premier League his- The added problem for Mourinho is that run- in an attacking-looking line-up at Old Traff ord son in 2008. Matt Dickinson. tory but he has been a huge disappointment so away Premier League leaders Manchester City but United only broke free of the shackles in the The question for fans is why Mourinho is “True, he did go closer than his teammates to far. are setting pulses racing and the likes of Liver- desperate closing minutes. seemingly unable, or unwilling, to set his at- breaking the deadlock but if picking him always “Sanchez for one, he just looks a shadow of pool and Tottenham also play an exciting brand A stubborn Mourinho, who has won the tacking superstars free. felt like turning up at a party with a baseball bat, the player he was,” said Ferdinand. “When he of football. competition with Porto and Inter Milan, said Pogba, who cost a then world-record £89mn United were duly lacking in any subtlety. Crea- was at Arsenal he was the one everyone looked In contrast, Mourinho has little to fall back his side had not put in a “bad performance” but ($124mn) in 2016 as Mourinho’s fi rst big sign- tive passing through central midfi eld was non- to for inspiration. Here, he just looks like a on when his results-driven approach fails to that contrasted with the sour mood in Man- ing, was again dropped, this time in favour of existent.” stranger in this team.” deliver. chester after a fi rst home European defeat since the more robust Marouane Fellaini, a decision The Telegraph called United’s display “em- The mounting evidence suggests it is Mour- “They approach every game conservatively, 2013 to a Sevilla side only fi fth in . that drew stinging criticism from The Times barrassingly inept”. inho’s failure to harness the best from his at- some games they get away with,” said Scholes. “If you are a team at home, the onus is on newspaper. Only once the situation was dire did Mourin- tacking players that is to blame, rather than a “The performance was very bad and they you to go out and attack and make sure you take “Fellaini was by no means United’s worst ho throw on another £70mn of attacking talent clutch of stars going off the boil. lost, as they rightly should do, but there are a the game away from the opposing team,” said player but what was he there for exactly? To in Anthony Martial and Juan Mata to ride to the Despite the uncomfortable marriage between lot of performances exactly the same and they former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who expose what failing in Seville? To bring what to rescue. But to no avail. United’s much-vaunted attacking history and win and it gets swept under the carpet.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, March 15, 2018 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Injured Kane set to return to training in Roma edge past April, easing WC fears

AFP London

arry Kane is set to re- Shakhtar to reach turn to training in April after suff ering an ankle injury at the weekend, meaningH the Tottenham striker should be fi t to spearhead Eng- land’s World Cup campaign. Kane limped off in the fi rst kle twice last season. Wednesday’s half with his side trailing 1-0 at injury update, while positive for quarter-fi nals Bournemouth on Sunday, be- England, is a major blow for Tot- fore Mauricio Pochettino’s men tenham, who are chasing a top- ‘The standing ovation is not for me but for everyone, we are deservedly in the quarters’ bounced back to win 4-1 and move four place in the Premier League up to third in the Premier League. in order to qualify for next season’s AFP The injury sparked fears of a Champions League. Rome lengthy absence for England’s key Kane will miss Tottenham’s FA striker with just three months Cup quarter-fi nal at Swansea on to go until the start of the World Saturday and England’s friendlies oma reached the Cup in Russia. “Preliminary as- this month against the Netherlands Champions League sessments have confi rmed that and Italy. Tottenham are back in quarter-fi nals for the Harry Kane has damaged lateral Premier League action following fi rst time in 10 years ligaments in his right ankle,” Tot- the international break with a trip asR Edin Dzeko edged them past tenham said on their website. “The to top-four rivals Chelsea on April 1. Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 at the England striker sustained the in- Kane’s injury occurred after a Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday jury following a challenge in our collision with Bournemouth goal- and allowed the Italians to win 4-1 win against Bournemouth on keeper Asmir Begovic. With 24 the tie on away goals. Sunday and is expected to return league goals, Kane is level with The Bosnian striker’s 52nd- to fi rst team training next month.” Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in his minute goal proved enough England kick off their World quest for a third straight Premier after a 2-1 fi rst-leg loss in Cup campaign on June 18 against League golden boot. Ukraine, with 10-man Sha- Tunisia before facing Panama and The Spurs striker has scored 30- khtar failing to fi nd the late Belgium in Group G. A scan to es- plus goals in the past four seasons, strike they needed after Ivan tablish the full extent of the injury but Tottenham’s failure to win a Ordets was sent off late on. had been delayed because of swell- trophy in that time has seen Kane Cengiz Under’s goal in the ing around the joint. linked with European champions fi rst leg last month ultimately Kane, 24, who has scored 39 Real Madrid. However, Pochettino proved crucial for Roma, but goals for club and country this insists Kane can fulfi l his ambi- Dzeko was the hero on the night season, was pictured with his foot tions by staying at his boyhood and also proved instrumental in in a brace and using crutches on club. “We are here to develop, to Shakhtar defender Ordets be- Monday. The forward suff ered help the club achieve and win ti- ing shown a straight red card ligament damage to the same an- tles,” said the Argentine. with 12 minutes left. That sending-off led to ten- sions spilling over, with Sha- SPOTLIGHT khtar’s Facundo Ferreyra pick- ing up a booking for shoving a ballboy over an advertising board. Police probe Carragher Eusebio Di Francesco’s side are the second Italian team to advance to the quarter-fi nals spitting incident after Juventus, with the draw for the last eight taking place AFP been spoken to. Attempts are be- tomorrow. London ing made to speak to all parties in- “The standing ovation is not volved.” for me but for everyone, we Sky, which holds the bulk of are deservedly in the quarter- ritish police said yester- British television rights to Premier fi nals,” said Dzeko of the ap- day they were probing a League matches, hinted that Car- plause which accompanied him spitting incident involv- ragher could return to TV screens off the pitch. ing TV football pundit next season. “Before the start of “We managed to do some- JamieB Carragher as broadcaster the next season we will sit down thing Roma hadn’t in 10 years, Sky Sports suspended the former with Jamie to discuss whether he so going forward to play against Liverpool and England defender is ready to return to his role,” the the best makes us all very for the rest of the season. statement said. proud. Carragher was fi lmed leaning Carragher, 40, apologised to the “We are among the eight best out of the driver’s window of his family and described his behaviour sides in Europe.” Range Rover before spitting at a car as a “moment of madness”, al- Roma did not concede a goal containing a Manchester United though he said he had not seen the at home in the group stage and fan, hitting the driver’s 14-year- girl in the front of the car. hammered Chelsea 3-0 at the old daughter in the face after some “I have already said I take re- Stadio Olimpico, so the home goading following Liverpool’s 2-1 sponsibility for what happened. It fans in the crowd of 47,693 Roma’s Edin Dzeko (right) celebrates with Cengiz Under after scoring their first goal against Shakhtar Donetsk ih the Champions League defeat at Old Traff ord on Saturday. was a moment of madness and I’m would have been confi dent match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. (Reuters) Sky Sports yesterday suspended going to speak to the relevant peo- their side could get the job Carragher from his job as TV pun- ple to ensure something like this done. ko through as Shakhtar tried Roma pounce on mistake they didn’t have a chance, we fi nals of the Champions League dit until the end of the season, a never happens again. Again apolo- The Ukrainians dominated without success to play the off - “We knew that sooner or lat- had possession. since 2006/07, when Roma role reportedly worth £1 million gies all round,” Carragher posted early possession though, and side trap, and the Bosnian for- er they would make a mistake If we had fi nished off the joined eventual winners AC ($1.4 million) a year. on Twitter yesterday. there was a scare for the hosts ward prodded a shot through and we’d pounce on it,” said chances we had in the fi rst leg Milan in the last eight. There “Jamie has taken full responsi- Carragher has also been backed when Alessandro Florenzi the legs of goalkeeper Andriy Roma coach Di Francesco. the match would already have will also be at least three Italian bility for what has happened and by high-profi le colleagues, includ- nearly nodded a free-kick into Pyatov and into the net for his “If we face any opponent been over.” coaches in the quarter-fi nals - we will ensure he gets the help he ing former Manchester United his own net. fourth goal in the Champions with this attitude and determi- Roma held on, and after Ita- Di Francesco, Massimiliano Al- needs to guarantee something like captain Gary Neville, who has Ferreyra then came close af- League this season. nation, we can go far.” ly’s shock failure to qualify for legri of Juventus and Vincenzo this never happens again,” said a formed a highly regarded punditry ter Federico Fazio lost the ball Dzeko was then brought “Roma made the most of a the World Cup, their progress Montella of Sevilla. Sky Sports statement. team with Carragher at Sky. just outside his own box, before down by Ordets who got a single moment,” said Shakhtar to the last eight along with Ju- Di Francesco added: “I spoke A spokeswoman for Greater “He’s massively passionate Roma struck seven minutes straight red card for his trou- coach Paulo Fonseca. ventus is a boost for the coun- with Montella a few days ago Manchester Police said: “A police about football and he’s over- into the second half. bles, making Shakhtar’s task “Dzeko of course was a key try. There have not been two and we said we’d meet in the investigation has been launched stepped the mark and shouldn’t Kevin Strootman sent Dze- that bit harder. player, but apart from his goal Italian clubs in the quarter- fi nal.” and the owner of the footage has have reacted,” Neville tweeted.

OPINION Time is not on Sampaoli’s side, warns Crespo Reuters squad is the envy of most others Sampaoli made his name by said he had fond memories of the Geneva in terms of individual talent. leading Chile to the last 16 of the tournament and its predecessor, Yet the team has struggled 2014 World Cup and then win- the UEFA Cup. in the last two years, lurching ning the Copa America the fol- “I remember watching the fi nal ormer Argentina for- through the South American lowing year, their fi rst-ever major when Napoli won with Diego Ma- ward Hernan Crespo says World Cup qualifi ers and only title, all with a high-tempo press- radona (in 1989), and ever since he is not sure whether making sure of qualifi cation by ing game. then I dreamed of playing in Eu- coach Jorge Sampaoli has winning 3-1 in Ecuador at the end He achieved that by squeezing rope and winning the same com- enoughF time to impose his ideas of their 18-match campaign. the most out of a relatively limit petition,” he said. on the national team as they pre- They employed three coaches group of players. With Argentina, Crespo achieved his ambition pare for this year’s World Cup fi - during the competition with however, Sampaoli will almost with Parma 10 years later, scoring nals in Russia. Sampaoli taking over for the last certainly have to leave out some the fi rst goal as they beat Olym- Crespo, 42, told Reuters that, four matches after Edgardo Bauza big names, providing a diff erent pique Marseille in the fi nal. with Sampaoli having only been in was dismissed in the wake of a test of his coaching abilities. “It’s true that the Champi- charge since June, he is still wait- 2-0 defeat in Bolivia. “Is it fair to leave out any of ons League has very big power in ing to see whether they can adapt Argentina’s fi rst three quali- those (big names)? I would say terms of sponsors, publicity... but to the coach’s whirlwind style. fi ers under Sampaoli all ended in no... but, on the other hand, can you mustn’t forget the UEFA Cup “I have a lot of belief in Sam- draws - away to Uruguay and at they all play together?” said Cre- with its history,” he said. paoli but he doesn’t have much home to Venezuela and Peru - be- spo. “That’s diffi cult because you Crespo, however, said he was time to impose his identity,” said fore the win in Ecuador. have to have a balance... so he is not convinced by the current Crespo, Argentina’s fourth high- Since then, they have beaten going to have to take diffi cult de- format in which teams which est scorer with 35 international Russia 1-0 in a friendly but then cisions, painful decisions.” are eliminated in the Champions goals. lost 4-2 to Nigeria in a match Argentina fi nished as runners- League group stage drop down to “He’s working very hard with which cruelly exposed Argen- up at the 2014 World Cup in Bra- the Europa League. videos, visiting players... but at tina’s defensive failings. zil, losing the fi nal to Germany. “I agree that the big names add the moment, we don’t know what “It’s all a bit of a mystery... we They have been drawn against prestige, but this also suggests sort of identity the team will have know the players and we know Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in that it is a second tier competi- and unfortunately, there’s very Sampaoli but we need them to be this year’s tournament. tion,” he said. “It needs its own little time.” together and to see if the players identity, its own value - it should With players such as Lionel can understand Sampaoli’s ideas FOND MEMORIES not to be the little brother of the Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio quickly,” said Crespo. The Europa League is often re- Champions League. Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Paulo “That’s what we are curious to garded as the poor relation to the “It doesn’t deserve to be seen Dybala to call on, Argentina’s fi nd out.” Champions League but Crespo as the second choice.” Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli. Gulf Times Thursday, March 15, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT COMMENT Wenger understands captain Mertesacker’s ‘has a future’ wish to retire

Reuters er, who he signed from Werder London Bremen in 2011, as the model pro- fessional and said he could change his mind about playing again. rsenal manager Arsene “I think once you stop for a at PSG, says father Wenger says he under- few months you are ready to play stands club skipper Per again,” Wenger said. “Of course, ‘I’m not in a position to say exactly when he will come back. The doctors are Mertesacker’s desire to he’s had a very long career and stopA playing next season because he puts pressure (on himself) in following and it depends on recovery, but I think he’s in good shape’ of the mental and physical toll the every single training (session). game has taken on the German. “He never plays one minute AFP The World Cup-winning de- without being totally focused Praia Grande, Brazil fender, who has made only 11 and that demands a huge amount appearances for Arsenal this of eff ort which is why he made season, said in an interview with the career he has made.” eymar’s father and the German publication Der Spiegel Wenger’s side have had an up- head of Paris Saint- that his “body was fi nished” and turn in form after a four-match Germain both poured that he would rather sit on the losing sequence in all competi- cold water Tuesday bench or in the stands. tions, beating Milan away fol- Nover rumours that the world’s Arsenal had already an- lowed by a 3-0 Premier League most expensive footballer nounced the 33-year-old would win at home to Watford. wants to quit the French club take up a role with the Premier However, they are 12 points after returning from injury. League club’s academy next sea- adrift of fourth-placed Liver- “Neymar already has a future son. Wenger was asked about pool so their most realistic hope at PSG, Neymar already has a Mertesacker’s comments at a of qualifying for next season’s present at PSG,” Neymar Santos news conference on the eve of to- Champions League is by winning Sr told journalists at his son’s day’s Europa League last 16 clash the Europa League. charity centre, the Neymar Jun- at home to AC Milan which they ior Institute, in Praia Grande, lead 2-0 from the fi rst leg. Sao Paulo state. “The quotes weren’t a sur- With the superstar striker out prise for me,” Wenger said. for weeks while he recuperates “To be a pro footballer is high from foot surgery, reports have expectations. They are very de- emerged in the European media manding of themselves and that that Neymar is disenchanted creates stress. with PSG and wants to return to “There is huge expectation his old club Barcelona – or even from the environment they are make a shock move to arch ri- in and that creates stress. To play vals Real Madrid. at the level they play you need a Without the injured Neymar, huge resistance to stress. You are PSG went crashing out of the depending on your body.” Champions League to Real Ma- Wenger described Mertesack- Arsenal skipper Per Mertesacker. drid in the last 16 this month. PSG president Nasser al- Khelaifi , his sports direc- DECISION tor Antero Henrique and club spokesman Jean-Martial Ribes visited the 26-year-old at his luxury house near Brazil’s coast French football team Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) president Nasser al-Khelaifi (left) and Neymar Santos, father of Brazilian superstar and PSG Pakistan’s international on Monday and his charity in- player Neymar Junior pose with a T-shirt of Neymar Junior Institute project in Praia Grande, Sao Paulo, Brazil. (AFP) stitute on Tuesday. Their trip had been planned Barcelona after the French club ban lift ed by FIFA far in advance of the current paid his 222 million-euro ($264 Motta sees red as PSG beat Angers to extend lead uproar, Ribes told AFP. million) buyout clause last Au- Reuters the PFF offi ces along with the However the meeting, which gust – will need at least two and Thiago Motta lost his temper were a cut above and went Zurich PFF accounts on March 1” and Neymar Sr recorded with pho- a half months, maybe three, to but Kylian Mbappe’s double ahead after 12 minutes when added that it was still closely tos on his Instagram feed, return to action. PSG still hopes earned Paris St Germain a Mbappe fired home with a following the situation at the couldn’t help having something to get him back before the end of 2-1 home win over Angers low shot after collecting a akistan’s ban from in- federation. of the look of a crisis summit. its season. yesterday as the capital side perfect through ball from ternational soccer has According to FIFA records, Emerging in front of report- “Everybody is doing his best extended their lead Julian Draxler. Four minutes been lifted by FIFA fol- Pakistan, 203rd of 211 teams in ers at the institute, both sides to come back as soon as possi- to 17 points. later Motta was sent off , only lowing the end of “un- the world rankings, have not seemed keen to quash the spec- ble, without any risk for sure,” dueP third-party interference” in played a full international since a Midfielder Motta was shown for Mbappe to make it 2-0 in ulation. al-Khelaifi said. a straight red card after 16 the 26th minute from close the country’s dootball federation 0-0 draw with Yemen in a World Neymar “is happy, highly “But the doctors are going to minutes for stepping on range after a back pass by (PFF), the world governing body Cup qualifi er in March 2015. motivated and excited to come say. I’m not in a position to say Romain Thomas’s chest but Layvin Kurzawa. said yesterday. Pakistan Football Federation back as soon as possible,” al- exactly when he will come back. Mbappe had already opened Angers eventually made The ban, in force since October, (PFF) president Faisal Saleh Hayat Khelaifi said. The doctors are following and it the scoring and the France their numerical advantage had barred Pakistan’s teams, in- welcomed the decision and told However, journalists were depends on recovery, but I think striker doubled his tally in count when Toko Ekambi cluding the senior national side, reporters he hoped it would ‘bring told that they could not ask he’s in good shape,” the club the first half to put PSG on found the back of the net from playing in international stability in Pakistan football.’ about the Real Madrid rumours. president said. 80 points from 30 matches. after a one-two with Flavien competition while the PFF was “We will start... national and Brazil’s national team are Angers, who pulled a goal Tait in the 76th minute. denied access to FIFA develop- international activities as soon Question of timing hoping he will be back to full fi t- back in the second half PSG wasted an opportunity ment and training programmes. as possible.” Neymar fractured a bone in ness in time to help lead them at through Karl Toko Ekambi, to put the result beyond FIFA said it lifted the ban af- Pakistan have never qualifi ed his right foot on February 25 and the World Cup starting in Rus- are 14th on 32 points. doubt when Mbappe’s fierce ter an administrator appointed for the World Cup. faces a lengthy lay-up following sia on June 14. Experts say that Although they are still strike crashed on to Ludovic PSG’s forward Kylian MBappe by the Lahore High Court was FIFA’s statutes rule that all surgery in early March. while Neymar will be short of without Neymar who is Butelle’s crossbar, but it did gestures celebrates at the end of directed to hand control back to member federations must be free Brazilian team doctor Rod- match practice, he could benefi t recovering from ankle not stop the runaway leaders the Ligue 1 match against Angers the PFF. of any government and judicial rigo Lasmar has said that Ney- by arriving at the tournament surgery, Unai Emery’s side recording another victory. in Paris yesterday. (AFP) FIFA said the PFF had “suc- interference in their respective mar – transferred to PSG from fresher than his rivals. cessfully taken back control of countries.

FOCUS EPL West Ham United Sevilla jubilant aft er reaching vow to ban pitch invaders for life Champions League quarters a statement said. “Following the Reuters Reuters home brilliantly to break the London incidents which marred the second London deadlock in the 74th and added half of the Premier League fi xture another with a header in the with Burnley, the Club is conduct- 78th to ensure Sevilla will be in est Ham United ing a full and thorough investiga- s Manchester United Friday’s quarter-fi nal draw. say supporters who tion, and has attended a series of fans sifted through the Ben Yedder’s introduction invaded the pitch emergency meetings with London debris of their lack- was the key to Sevilla’s triumph, and threw missiles Stadium stakeholders. lustre team’s surprise the 27-year-old forward netting Wtowards the directors’ box dur- “The Club is working in close ChampionsA League last 16 exit his seventh and eighth goals of ing Saturday’s home defeat by conjunction with the Metropoli- at Old Traff ord on Tuesday, Se- the competition to stun Jose Burnley will be banned for life. tan Police to identify those in- ville was a picture of joy. Mourinho’s team. At least two supporters en- dividuals, who entered the pitch Vincenzo Montella’s unfan- The Frenchman has struggled tered the playing area during the during the second half, and with cied Andalusian side triumphed to make the fi rst-choice lineup, second half in which Burnley stadium operator LS185, using 2-1 on the night, and on aggre- with Montella starting Luis scored three times to win 3-0 London Stadium’s high-quality gate, to earn their fi rst victory in Muriel again despite his poor and leave West Ham in relegation CCTV footage, to identify those the elite competition on English showing in the fi rst leg, but took danger from the Premier League. who threw missiles, both of soil as Sevilla reached the Euro- his chance with both hands. One of the fans, a 61-year-old which are specifi c off ences under pean Cup quarter-fi nals for the “I’m very happy because he businessman, took a corner fl ag the Football (Off ences) Act 1991.” fi rst time since 1958. was the diff erence today and and planted it in the centre circle “Any individual found guilty “Sevilla of dreams,” wrote because recently he has suff ered to protest the club’s move from will be banned from attending Spanish newspaper AS, while because of my choices,” said Upton Park Stadium. any West Ham United fi xture, Marca said “Nobody can forget Montella. West Ham co-owners David home and away, for life and the your name.” “Ben made the diff erence, he Gold and David Sullivan were Club will request the courts Club president Jose Castro was decisive two times.” verbally abused and had coins serve a banning order to prevent was overjoyed after the win over While the other seven teams thrown at them in the directors’ these individuals attending any a United side full of interna- in the hat will hope to get Sevil- box as fans congregated below. football matches in future.” tionals including Chile’s Alexis la, who on paper are the weakest The club, which moved into While West Ham announced Sanchez and their record sign- team in the draw, the win over the Olympic 2012 stadium, now a 43.5 million pounds ($60.73 ing Paul Pogba of France. United showed they can beat known as the London Stadium, million) profi t in the year ending “A historic night of pure sides of greater stature. at the beginning of last season as May 2017 and record turnover of magic,” said Castro. Montella’s side are only fi fth lead tenants, have held emergen- 183.3 million pounds – coincid- “We played a team deco- in La Liga but sporting direc- cy meetings with stakeholders. ing with the move away from rated with big-money signings Sevilla’s celebrates scoring a goal against Manchester united during their Champions tor Oscar Arias insists they are “West Ham United are com- Upton Park – results on the pitch and superstars and we were bet- League in Manchester on Tuesday. (Reuters) having a good season. mitted to taking decisive and have continued to decline. ter.” “Today we are in the King’s positive action with the primary West Ham are two places, and Last season Sevilla came un- ously been beaten in England by Pizjuan was followed up by a threw on French striker Wis- Cup fi nal and in the quarter- focus of ensuring London Stadi- three points, above the relega- done in the Champions League Manchester City and Arsenal. goalless fi rst half in Manchester sam Ben Yedder in the 72nd fi nals of the Champions League. um is a safe, comfortable and se- tion zone with eight matches to last 16 against unheralded A scoreless fi rst leg against and the game looked destined minute. It’s a season like few others, to cure environment for support- play, including several against Leicester City and had previ- United at the Ramon Sanchez- for extra time before Montella The forward drilled the ball be valued.” ers attending future matches,” clubs in the top six. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, March 15, 2018 CRICKET

TRI-SERIES SPOTLIGHT Rabada appeals Sharma, Sundar take ban to keep India into T20 fi nal series hopes alive Reuters Cape Town Bangladesh play hosts Sri Lanka tomorrow, in what is a virtual semi-final agiso Rabada is ap- AFP pealing the guilty Colombo verdict handed to him by the Interna- tionalK Cricket Council (ICC) for kipper Rohit Sharma and off - breaching their code of conduct spinner Washington Sundar in a last-ditch bid to be able to helped India enter the Twenty20 play in the rest of the gripping tri-series fi nal with a 17-run win Test series against . Sover Bangladesh in Colombo yesterday. Fast bowler Rabada was found Sharma’s dominant 89 guided India to guilty of “inappropriate and de- 176-3 and then Sundar claimed three liberate physical contact with wickets to restrict Bangladesh to 159-6 at a player” after leaning with his the R. Premadasa Stadium. shoulder into Steve Smith when Mushfi qur Rahim’s unbeaten 55-ball he dismissed the Australia cap- 72, his second successive half-century, tain in the fi rst innings of South went in vain as India secured their third Africa’s six wicket win in the win in four matches. They now await the second Test in Port Elizabeth. winner of the last league contest, which is The result levelled the four- a virtual semi-fi nal between Bangladesh match series at 1-1. The 22-year- and hosts Sri Lanka tomorrow. old, who took 11-150 in the game, “I felt we were 10-15 runs short with was fi ned 50% of his match fee the bat at the end, but they (Bangladesh) and given three demerit points, bowled brilliantly at the death,” Shar- which took him past the tally of ma, who was named man of the match, eight that triggers an automatic said after the win. “Washington started two-game suspension. brilliantly with the ball and his magical “ICC confi rms that Kagiso spell changed the game for us. The entire Rabada has appealed against the bowling unit too stuck to their plans and level two breach following the pulled it off for us,” he added. incident with Steve Smith during Sundar got three top Bangladesh bats- the Port Elizabeth Test. ICC will men including dangerous left-handed now appoint a Judicial Commis- opener Tamim Iqbal for 27 to derail the sioner at the earliest opportunity pumped up.” opposition chase at 40-3. Mushfi qur then and hearing details will be con- Smith has suggested the Aus- put on 65 runs for the fi fth wicket with fi rmed in due course,” the gov- tralian team wanted Rabada to Sabbir Rahman, who made 27, to give In- erning body said yesterday. play the remainder of the series dia a scare but the increasing run-rate fi - The ICC have 48 hours to ap- as the seamer rose to the top of nally got to the Bangladesh chase. point a commissioner and a the test bowling rankings follow- Sundar returned impressive fi gures of hearing will be heard within a ing his performance in Port Eliz- 3-22 while leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal seven-day period. abeth. “He’s a world class bowler and pacemen Mohammed Siraj and Shar- Rabada will remain suspended and you always want to come up dul Thakur claimed a wicket each. “It was unless the commissioner takes against the best, that’s for sure,” very important for me and Chahal to bowl a decision to allow him to play Smith said. well.... My four overs and Chahal’s four in the third Test in Cape Town “He’s right up there. He’s overs were very crucial and those eight starting on March 22. unbelievable the way he’s been overs turned good for us,” Sundar told re- Although there was contact bowling. If he’s there, he’s porters. “If we play to our potential then made with Smith, Rabada main- there... if he’s not, he’s not. It’s we could defi nitely win the tournament.” tains that it was accidental and at our job to try and play some bet- Earlier Sharma, who hit form after the time he was not even aware ter cricket.” scores of 0, 17 and 11, smashed fi ve fours he had brushed against his op- Rabada is the fi fth player to and as many sixes in his 61-ball knock ponent. “If I knew I did it de- be punished by the ICC in what after India were put into bat fi rst. Follow- liberately, I wouldn’t have gone has been a tempestuous test se- ing a watchful start against a disciplined to contest (the charge),” Rabada ries so far along with Australians Bangladesh bowling, India cut loose with told reporters after the game. David Warner, Nathan Lyon and Sharma and Suresh Raina, who smashed “I didn’t even feel contact in Mitchell Marsh, and South Afri- 47, putting together 102 runs for the sec- that moment because I was so can Quinton de Kock. ond wicket. Sharma, who registered his 13th T20 half-century, also put on 70 runs with fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan, who ROUND-UP made 35, to lay a solid platform. Paceman Rubel Hossain claimed two wickets and also ran Sharma out off his own bowling on the fi nal ball of the innings. Santner ruled out “If we would have conceded ten less runs then we could’ve won,” Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah said. “While bowl- ing, our plan was to bowl the yorker but of England series we didn’t execute them properly. Looking forward to the Sri Lanka game, we will try n-form all-rounder injury. Batsman Ross Taylor was to come hard at them.” Mitchell Santner will miss also named in the squad after Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have both the upcoming Test series missing the fi nal ODI against lost two of their three matches. The fi nal Indian captain Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the T20 tri-nation Nidahas Trophy match against Bangladesh at the R. Premadasa with England to undergo knee England following a thigh injury is slated for Sunday. Isurgery, New Zealand Cricket that was aggravated during the stadium in Colombo yesterday. (AFP) said yesterday. Offi cials said previous match when he scored SCOREBOARD 3-176 (Sharma) Liton Das st Karthik b Sundar 7 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Liton), 2-35 (Soumya), Santner would be sidelined for 181. “BJ is a proven performer INDIA INNINGS Did not bat: L. Rahul, M. Pandey, V. Shankar, Soumya Sarkar b Sundar 1 3-40 (Tamim), 4-61 (Mahmudullah), 5-126 six to nine months, which could at Test level for us and brings a R. Sharma run out (Rubel Hossain) 89 W. Sundar, S. Thakur, Y. Chahal, M. Siraj Mushfiqur Rahim not out 72 (Sabbir), 6-150 (Mehidy) also jeopardise planned stints in lot to the group both on and off S. Dhawan b Rubel Hossain 35 Bowling: Abu 4-0-43-0 (w1), Nazmul 4-0- Mahmudullah c Rahul b Chahal 11 Did not bat: Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rah- the Indian Premier League and the fi eld,” selector Gavin Larsen S. Raina c Soumya Sarkar b Rubel Hossain 47 27-0, Rubel 4-0-27-2, Mustafizur 4-0-38-0, Sabbir Rahman b Thakur 27 man, Nazmul Islam English county cricket. said. Spinning all-rounder Todd D. Karthik not out 2 Mehidy 3-0-31-0 (w1), Mahmudullah 1-0-9-0 Mehidy Hasan c Raina b Siraj 7 Bowling: Siraj 4-0-50-1 (w2, nb1), Sundar The 26-year-old was omitted Astle has also been called into Extras (lb1, w2) 3 Abu Hider not out 0 4-0-22-3 (w1), Thakur 4-0-37-1, Chahal 4-0-21-1 from New Zealand’s 12-man the squad as a like-for-like Total (3 wickets, 20 overs) 176 BANGLADESH INNINGS (TARGET 177) Extras (lb1, nb1, w5) 7 (w2), Shankar 4-0-28-0 squad for the two-Test series replacement for Santner. Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Dhawan), 2-172 (Raina), Tamim Iqbal b Sundar 27 Total (6 wickets, 20 overs) 159 Result: India won by 17 runs against England starting at Eden New Zealand squad: Jeet Raval, Park on March 22. He was in Tom Latham, Kane Williamson fi ne form for the one-day series (capt), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, PSL against England, hitting two half Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling, centuries. NZC said he felt some Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wag- Afghanistan face West Indies discomfort while playing and ner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult scans showed a “bone defect” Zaman smashes 94 with World Cup hopes on line had deteriorated and needed ROGERS APPOINTED surgery. “Mitchell is a key player AUSTRALIA HIGH Harare: Former West Indies lost the first game. We know before the Dutch lost four in all three formats for us, so PERFORMANCE COACH in Qalandars’ win star and national coach Phil how diff icult it is now, but all quick wickets to eventually we’ll certainly miss him in the Former Test opening batsman Simmons aims to deliver a we can do is what is in our lose by 54 runs. upcoming series,” coach Mike Chris Rogers was yesterday ap- pener Fakhar Zaman major blow to his former hands and that is to win the Captain Jason Holder Hesson said. “It’s important pointed as Cricket Australia’s blasted a 50-ball 94 to team and salvage Afghani- three games,” said Simmons. insisted the important thing though that he gets this fi xed new high-performance coach, lead Lahore Qalandars stan’s hopes of making the “If we can win the three for his side was to progress and we have him back for what is tasked with helping develop the to a 17-run win over 2019 World Cup when the games (against West Indies, to the Super Six with a maxi- a big next 18 months for us.” country’s next generation of QuettaO Gladiators in the Twen- There was some good news for stars. The 40-year-old called two sides clash today. Ireland and the UAE), then mum four points. “I think this ty20 Pakistan Super League in Simmons, who played 26 we can put ourselves in a is one box ticked — we have New Zealand, with wicketkeeper time on his 25-Test career after Sharjah last night. Tests and 143 ODIs for the position and it’s up to others not only qualified but quali- BJ Watling returning from a hip the end of the 2015 Ashes series Zaman's whirlwind knock, West Indies from 1987 to to do what they do.” fied going into the Super Six and has been involved in multi- which consisted nine fours and 1999, was sacked as coach of Afghanistan could be with four points. We’ve got ple coaching roles since then. six sixes, helped Qalandars reach the Caribbean side in 2016, tempted to recall big-hitting Afghanistan first in the Super “Chris brings thoughtful- a mammoth total of 186-4. After just five months after leading wicketkeeper Mohammad Sixes, and we know we have ness, persistence and passion being sent into bat, Fakhar pro- them to the World Twenty20 Shahzad who was suspended to win that game. I think eve- to the role and combines this vided a solid start adding 43 runs title in India. Now the for two matches during the rybody will be up for it, it’s with a strong intellect,” said CA for the opening wicket with An- 54-year-old, who has been first round. The West Indies, obviously a must-win game, executive general manager of ton Devcich (18). coach of Afghanistan since thanks to their four points a very important game.” team performance Pat Howard. But Qalandars lost three wick- December, finds himself in carried over into the Super Also today, Scotland, with “We’re looking forward to hav- ets within 30 runs as Agha Sal- another dogfight as the fal- Sixes, will start as favourites three points, will take on the ing Chris work with Australia’s man and captain Brandon Mc- tering Asian giants attempt but their performances in the bottom-placed United Arab next generation and watching Cullum fell cheaply. But Fakhar to salvage a torrid qualifying group matches have been Emirates in Bulawayo. To- him develop as a coach. “We and Gulraiz Sadaf added 68 runs campaign which saw them inconsistent. morrow, Zimbabwe face Ire- are confi dent he can have a big from just 30 balls. squeeze into the Super Sixes The Windies, world land. Zimbabwe have carried impact in moulding our rising In reply, Gladiators could only after winning just one of four champions in 1975 and 1979, three points into the Super stars into future international muster 169 for 6 in 20 overs. first-round games. slipped to 58 for four before Sixes following victory over cricketers.” Rilee Rossouw top-scored with Afghanistan, now a Test- achieving their 201-run Afghanistan and a tied match Rogers, who had a successful 22-ball 42, while Jason Roy made playing nation, arrived in target against Papua New against Scotland. Ireland fi rst-class career in Australia 36 off 26 while opening the bat- Zimbabwe with high hopes Guinea, recovered from have moved ahead with two and England spanning almost ting. Captain Sarfraz Ahmed of making the finals in 83 for five to 258 for eight carry-over points following two decades and more than 300 remained not out on 28 but it England and Wales in 2019, against Ireland and then their 226-run victory over matches despite being colour wasn’t enough to save his team but they will carry no points were behind the Netherlands the UAE. The six remaining blind, will concentrate on the from defeat. Sunil Narine and into the next stage. “It’s been on the Duckworth-Lewis- teams are chasing just two batting alongside fellow high- Yasir Shah picked up two wicket diff icult from the time we Stern method at one stage spots in the 2019 finals. performance coach Ryan Harris, each for Qalandars. who will develop the bowlers. Gulf Times Thursday, March 15, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NFL Packers release WR Nelson, to sign tight Westbrook reaches end Graham

Reuters in receptions (550) and second in New York touchdown catches (69). “We cannot thank Jordy enough for all that he has giv- aron Rodgers has a new en the Green Bay Packers and triple ton, Raptors weapon, but he will our community for the past 10 also be saying goodbye years,” general manager Brian to one of his favourite Gutekunst said in a statement. targets.A “He has been an exemplary Former Seattle Seahawks tight professional and teammate end Jimmy Graham is expected and greatly contributed to our to sign a three-year deal with success. Jordy will always be a the Green Bay Packers when member of the Packers family beat Nets 116-102 free agency offi cially opens on and we look forward to his even- Wednesday, according to multi- tual induction into the Packers ‘I’m just thankful to be able to do it here in Oklahoma City with my team-mates’ ple reports. Hall of Fame. We wish Jordy, his Additionally, the Packers re- wife Emily, and the rest of their AFP the fi rst time since 1996-1997. leased longtime wideout Jordy family all the best.” Los Angeles Two of the Spurs veterans, Nelson, the team announced Nelson, who turns 33 in May, Tony Parker and Pau Gasol, Tuesday. Nelson, 32, was set to intends to continue his playing both rallied to the cause on count more than $12.5 million career, according to an ESPN ussell Westbrook Tuesday with 10 and 11 points against the cap in 2018, the fi nal report. The Patriots, Raiders, snared the 100th tri- off the bench. year of his contract. His release Ravens, Seahawks and 49ers are ple-double of his ca- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich saves Green Bay more than $10.2 expected to pursue him, with reer on Tuesday as the saluted his side’s hard-nosed million. Rodgers shared a tribute New England being a spot of in- OklahomaR City Thunder closed defensive display as integral to to Nelson in a heartfelt Insta- terest to Nelson, according to a in on a playoff berth with a 119- the win. gram post Tuesday evening. Yahoo Sports report. 107 defeat of the Atlanta Hawks. “The defense really set the “Defi nitely a sad day and the Graham, 31, caught 57 passes Westbrook fi nished with 32 tone,” Popovich told reporters. toughest part of this business,” for just 520 yards in 2017, but points, 12 rebounds and 12 as- “People guarded their men and Rodgers’ post said. “There will he racked up 10 touchdowns en sists to become only the fourth took pride in it and the rest of never be another quite like white route to his fi fth career Pro Bowl player in NBA history to record the team followed through. It lightning.” selection. He has caught at least a century of triples. kind of fuelled the off ense a lit- Packers wideouts Randall nine touchdowns in fi ve of the The 29-year-old Thunder tle bit.” Cobb and Davante Adams will last seven seasons. star joins Oscar Robertson (181), Popovich believes the Spurs count more than $23 million Graham’s old team, the New Magic Johnson (138) and Jason defense could ultimately defi ne combined against the cap in Orleans Saints, reportedly had Kidd (107) as the latest member the remainder of their season. 2018. According to an NFL Net- interest in reuniting with the big of the exclusive club of triple- “We’re not going to score on work report, the Packers have tight end, but talks stalled earlier double centurions. some nights so the defense has considered signing the 27-year- Tuesday, according to an ESPN Reigning NBA MVP West- to sustain us,” he said. old Cobb, whose contract ex- report. brook had already claimed Rob- In the Eastern Conference, pires after 2018, to an extension, The Packers have rarely made ertson’s single-season triple- meanwhile, leaders Toronto though there is no deal in place major moves early in free agency double record last year, with 42. were forced to dig themselves at this time. in recent years, but Gutekunst “It’s a blessing man, I give out of a hole before recover- Nelson has been one of Rodg- has indicated that he intends to all thanks to the man above for ing to seal a ninth straight win ers’ favourite targets for several be more active than predeces- the ability to play basketball,” in their 116-102 defeat of the years, catching 195 passes for sor Ted Thompson. Tuesday’s Westbrook said afterward when Brooklyn Nets. 2,776 yards and 27 touchdowns moves would seem to affi rm that asked about his milestone. Jonas Valanciunas led the from 2014-2016 despite missing approach. “I’m just thankful to be able Raptors’ rearguard action with the entire 2015 campaign with This is the second consecutive to do it here in Oklahoma City 26 points and 14 rebounds, a torn anterior cruciate liga- off season in which Green Bay with my team-mates, happy to helping Toronto recover from a ment. However, Nelson strug- added a big-name tight end. The be able to accomplish some- 74-59 defi cit early in the second gled in 2017 as Rodgers missed Packers signed Martellus Ben- thing like that,” he added. half to claim a win which saw signifi cant time, fi nishing with nett last off season, but the team Westbrook led the scoring on them seal their 50th win of the 53 catches for 482 yards and six released him midseason saying Tuesday, with Carmelo Antho- season. scores. he failed to disclose a previous ny adding 21 points and Jerami DeMar DeRozan and Fred He ranks third in team history injury. Grant contributing 20 off the VanVleet scored 15 points each bench as the Thunder improved while Kyle Lowry had a relatively to 41-29. quiet night with 11 points and 11 Yankees’ Judge set for slight pay raise in 2018 Oklahoma City are fourth in assists. the Western Conference stand- D’Angelo Russell led the scor- Aaron Judge’s stellar rookie season has netted him a second-year ings, two wins ahead of the ing for the Nets with 32 points salary of just over $600,000. fi fth-placed New Orleans Peli- with Rondae Hollis-Jeff erson The New York Yankees’ slugger will bring home $622,300 on his one- cans. adding 19 from the bench. year, split contract with the team for the 2018 season, the Associated Although not mathematically Cleveland forward LeBron Press reported Tuesday. Should Judge be demoted to Triple-A, that certain of a place in the posts- James had 28 points as part of salary would drop to $272,250. eason, only a major collapse is his 14th triple-double of the After hitting an MLB rookie record 52 home runs in 2017, Judge likely likely to deny the Thunder a season and Kyle Korver had 22 isn’t going anywhere. The reigning American League Rookie of the playoff berth. points in his fi rst start since Year and AL MVP runner-up batted.272 and drove in 114 runs one March 4, 2017, as the Cavaliers season ago to help the Yankees to the AL Championship Series ap- Spurs bounce back blew past the Phoenix Suns pearance. Judge’s deal is based on the Yankees’ service-time-based Elsewhere on Tuesday, the 129-107 at Talking Stick Resort pay scale. He earned $544,500 in his rookie season and is not eligible San Antonio Spurs bounced Arena on Tuesday. for salary arbitration until 2019. back from Monday’s mauling James had 13 rebounds and Other Yankees players with their salaries locked in for next sea- at the hands of Houston with 11 assists and he made 13-of-15 son include starting pitchers Luis Severino ($604,975) and Jordan a 108-72 blowout over the Or- free throw attempts as the Cav- Montgomery ($580,450), first baseman Greg Bird ($582,000) and lando Magic. aliers (39-28) broke a two-game Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook dunks during the second half of an NBA game infielder/outfielder Tyler Austin ($558,600). LaMarcus Aldridge returned losing streak and remained one- against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta. Should Severino be sent down to Triple-A, his deal would drop to the starting line-up for San half game behind Indiana for to $275,488. Montgomery ($228,413), Bird ($272,500) and Austin Antonio and duly delivered with third place in the Eastern Con- six game road trip that will They have lost 16 of 17 and 21 Atlanta 107 Oklahoma City 119 ($230,814) would also see decreased salaries in the same scenario. 24 points. Aldridge was one of ference. continue in Portland and Chi- of 23. Brooklyn 102 Toronto 116 Tim Tebow is on his way back to the minor leagues. six Spurs to make double fi g- Reserve Jordan Clarkson had cago. They have said they are not New York 97 Dallas 110 The New York Mets reassigned the struggling outfielder to their mi- ures, helping the franchise im- 23 points off the bench and JR TJ Warren had 19 points and trying to lose in order to im- Philadelphia 98 Indiana 101 nor league camp on Tuesday after he went 1-for-18 with 11 strikeouts prove to 38-30 for the season. Smith had 14. Jeff Green had 11 10 rebounds, Josh Jackson had prove their draft position. Washington 111 Minnesota 116 in major league spring training. San Antonio, who are await- points, three blocks and three 19 points and Devin Booker had Phoenix 107 Cleveland 129 Tebow said the decision made sense to him. The 30-year-old will play ing the return of Kawhi Leonard steals for Cleveland, which 17 points and six assists for the RESULTS Utah 110 Detroit 79 in minor league games while the Mets analyze which level he should from injury, are battling to avoid never trailed while playing the Suns (19-50), who lost their LA Lakers 112 Denver 103 Chicago 106 LA Clippers 112 play at in 2018. failing to reach the playoff s for fourth game of a season-long sixth in a row. San Antonio 108 Orlando 72 New Orleans 119 Charlotte 115

NHL One goal proves enough for Flames to top Oilers Reuters Smith show, as the Flames net- played his 900th career NHL Kuemper was rested after four Calgary minder was absolutely stellar game. straight starts. between the pipes. Kings goaltender Jack Camp- Smith, who surrendered four Coyotes blow big lead but bell recorded 26 saves on 29 ohnny Gaudreau scored goals Sunday to the New York top Kings in shootout shots. Campbell, a 26-year-old the lone goal early in the Islanders in a shaky return after Alex Goligoski’s goal in the Port Huron, Mich., native, made second period and goalie missing a month due to injury, fi fth round of a shootout gave only his second start of the sea- Mike Smith pitched a made all kinds of big saves over the Arizona Coyotes a 4-3 win son as Jonathan Quick received a 28-saveJ shutout as the Calgary the fi nal half of the Tuesday con- over the Los Angeles Kings on night off after the Kings shut out Flames blanked the visiting Ed- test. He improved his personal Tuesday night in Glendale, Ariz. Vancouver on Monday. monton Oilers 1-0 on Tuesday record against the Oilers to 16- The Coyotes, who have resided Tuesday’s contest was only night. 4-1 with two shutouts. at or near the bottom of the NHL the fi fth all-time NHL appear- The Flames snapped a seven- He made an all-world glove for most of the season, posted ance for Campbell, who was game losing skid against their save on Ryan Strome in the sec- their fi fth win in seven games selected by Dallas in the fi rst Alberta rivals with the important ond period while his team had and 11th in the past 16. The Kings round (11th overall) of the 2010 win at the Scotiabank Saddled- the lead, after which both Travis absorbed only their third loss in draft but has toiled mostly in the ome as they remain in the play- Hamonic and Mark Giordano the past eight games. minors. Keller opened the scor- off hunt. Coincidentally, the last had a hand in getting the puck Arizona led 3-0 midway ing 5:08 into the game, beating Flames win over the Oilers was a from harm’s way. through the second period be- Campbell with a shot through shutout victory, a 5-0 decision Smith loomed even larger in fore Los Angeles rallied to force the legs. Cousins doubled Ari- on April 2, 2016. the third period, turning aside overtime. zona’s lead at 15:43 of the open- Gaudreau tallied at the 5:18 big chances from Ryan Nugent- Nick Cousins led the Coyotes ing stanza as he spun around and mark of the middle frame by tak- Hopkins and Connor McDavid. with a goal and an assist. Clayton put a shot in off Doughty’s skate. ing advantage of some horrid The Flames were even short- Keller and Christian Dvorak also Arizona’s Keller and Los An- Oilers defensive play. Calgary’s handed for the fi nal 1:53 of the scored for Arizona in regulation. geles’ Adrian Kempe traded Micheal Ferland won a board game, during which Smith was Jeff Carter led the Kings with shootout goals before Goligoski battle with Adam Larsson, then aided in a big way with blocks two goals, while Tanner Pearson decided the outcome. gave the puck to Sean Monahan, provided by Matt Stajan. supplied Los Angeles’ other goal. who faked a shot before feed- Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk Drew Doughty furnished two as- RESULTS ing a wide-open Gaudreau at missed the game due to an up- sists. Boston 6 Carolina 4 the doorstep. Gaudreau roofed a per-body injury. Rookie Arizona goaltender Montreal 4 Dallas 2 backhander over the shoulder of McDavid had his seven-game Adin Hill stopped 34 of 37 shots Ottawa 7 Tampa Bay 4 Oilers goalie Cam Talbot. point streak was snapped. for his fi rst career NHL win. Hill, Nashville 3 Winnipeg 1 Gaudreau’s goal was his 80th Talbot made 31 saves for the a 21-year-old Comox, British Colorado 5 Minnesota 1 point of the season, a career Oilers. Oilers forward Mike Columbia native, made only his Calgary 1 Edmonton 0 Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period of their high. From there, it was the Cammalleri, a former Flame, third NHL appearance as Darcy Arizona 4 Los Angeles 3 (SO) NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Saddledome. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Thursday, March 15, 2018 SPORT Seymour, Gray back to bolster Scotland squad BASKETBALL

Reuters in the momentous victory over England Swinson all promoted from the bench in in areas that will have to be better this Glasgow a fortnight before and now forms part of place of Stuart McInally, Simon Berghan weekend,” Townsend said in a Scottish the most experienced squad Townsend and Grant Gilchrist. Rugby media release. Qatar Sports has managed to select in his 10 months Richie Gray and Zander Fagerson fea- “There were a number of positives in cotland wing Tommy Seymour in charge. ture among the replacements for the fi rst how we took the game to Ireland in at- has recovered from a bad back The wing’s return to the team an- time in the campaign, having recovered tack and defence but this didn’t lead and there is a place on the bench nounced on Wednesday means Blair from their respective calf and foot ail- to us scoring enough points to win the Sfor long-term absentee Richie Kinghorn drops to the bench while cen- ments. Experienced lock Gray, who has game. Club, Arabi Gray as coach Gregor Townsend made tre Nick Grigg makes his fi rst Six Nations 65 test caps, will hope for a fi rst appear- “We’ve been pleased with how the fi ve changes to his team to face Italy in start in place of Pete Horne, who is also ance in a Scotland shirt in 12 months players have responded to last week’s their Six Nations fi nale in Rome on Sat- among the replacements in the only oth- with his previous test against England in disappointment, with the energy they urday. er change to the backline. March last year. have brought to training and a determi- Seymour missed the 28-8 loss to Ire- The shuffl ing of the pack sees hooker “We’ve had a deeper look at the Ire- nation to improve our performance in record wins land last weekend having been injured Fraser Brown, prop WP Nel and lock Tim land game, where we performed well our fi nal match in this year’s Six Nations.

GOLF Woods in Orlando as comeback from injury continues

‘I first met Arnold when I played here in the US Junior when I was 15’ Action from the Qatar Sports Club-Al Khor match in the Qatar Cup yesterday.

By Sports Reporter able winners. Doha For Al Khor no player crossed the 20-point mark, with Issac Woods: promising comeback Mack the top scorer with 18, aden Jaxen scored a followed by Khobi Williamson match-high 36 points with 14. and Brandan Kearney In the second match of the Bchipped in with 21 as day, Al Arabi edged out Al Qatar Sports Club defeated Al Rayyan in a tense match that Khor 86-73 in the Qatar Cup saw the leads changing 18 basketball tournament yester- times. day. Nicholas Stover with 33 and At the Al Gharafa Indoor Khalid Suliman Abdi with 26 ex- Courts, Qatar Sports Club celled for Al Arabi. stamped their authority at the Al Rayyan claimed fi rst quar- outset by racing to a 9-4 lead ter honours 24, 22 but thereafter in the first five minutes, and Al Arabi consistently managed although Al Khor fought back to keep their nose ahead, albeit to edge the quarter 18-7, they narrowly, to clinch victory. couldn’t sustain the momen- The turning point came in the tum to push for a win. third quarter during which Al Qatar Sports Club ensured Arabi scored 27 points while Al they held the upper hand Rayyan were restricted to 20. throughout after that, leading That gave Al Arabi a 77-66 44-33 after the second quarter advantage going into the fi nal and 69-50 after the third. quarter, which Al Rayyan found A 19-point deficit proved too too tough to overcome, eventu- hard to overcome for Al Khor ally losing by four points. despite scoring 25 points in For Al Rayyan, Terrel de Von the final 10 minutes as Qatar Stoglin scored 34, while Stephen Sports Club emerged comfort- Hurt had 23.

SPOTLIGHT Cheltenham great Walsh injured

Reuters “It was little things like that... sharing started to BS and have a great time to- “Each and every week I’ve learned from Agencies pointing for Ruby and everyone. Orlando jokes with him out there on the green and gether and I’m going to miss those times, what I’ve done and more importantly I’m London “That’s sport. We have to pick he and I laughing. Those are moments for sure.” learning my body. I’m learning how I can up and move on. He’s got an in- that unfortunately I’ll never have, but I That was the last year Woods won a swing it and not swing it... these are all jury and I’m hoping he’ll recover iger Woods takes his rousing have those memories,” Woods told re- PGA Tour title but the 42-year-old looks things that are new. So I’m still learning, he Cheltenham Festi- from it.” comeback tour to one of his fa- porters ahead of today’s opening round of like he may fi nally be over the back in- I’m getting a lot better at it. val’s most successful Walsh rode Kauto Star to vic- vourite haunts — Arnold Palm- the Arnold Palmer Invitational. juries that sidelined him and limited his “I think that you’re starting to see the jockey Ruby Walsh suf- tory in the Cheltenham Gold Ter’s Bay Hill layout, where the The 42-year-old Woods had a long re- ability to swing the club. fruits of that now of the little tweaks I’ve fered a suspected broken Cup in 2007 and 2009 and had 14-times major winner has triumphed lationship with seven-times major win- His runner-up fi nish last week at the made and I’m excited about it.” Tleg when he fell while riding Al 56 victories in the famous jumps eight times. ner Palmer, who died in September 2016 has lifted his con- Woods may be taking one step at a Boum Photo in the RSA Novice festival coming into this year’s Woods not only feels supremely con- aged 87. fi dence and given him hope of ending his time, but he cannot help but get psyched Chase yesterday. event. fi dent on the track, but cherishes the “I fi rst met Arnold when I played here in fi ve-year Tour title drought and maybe up about a return to the fi eld at Augusta. The Irish jockey, 38, had been In Walsh’s absence Altior, rid- time spent with Palmer, who tradition- the US Junior when I was 15,” said Woods. adding to his major haul for the fi rst time “ I love playing Augusta National. I love set to ride in the day’s Queen den by Nico de Boinville, won ally greeted the tournament winner on “And then I moved here in ‘96 and he in- since 2008 at next month’s Masters. it. And I know how to play it,” said the Mother Champion Chase later. the day’s big race, the Queen the last green in the city Woods formerly vited me over here to play in his Monday Woods said he is taking it one step at a four-time Masters champion. Walsh, who had just come Mother. called home. shoot-out and I did and I didn’t like it time since returning to competition this “Just me being out there on those back from a broken leg, was tak- Meanwhile, Jockey Nico de “To be able to win this tournament and very much because he took my money. year after spinal fusion surgery one year greens and hitting putts and being crea- en to hospital for X-rays. Boinville described Altior as to have Arnold there and to shake his hand “But I thoroughly enjoyed being around ago. tive... there’s no other golf course like it in Trainer Willie Mullins, for the “best of the best” after he and for him to give me a big hug and a him, being with him and we had so many “Just keep getting better. Just keep the world and there’s no other golf tour- whom Walsh was supposed to prevailed in the Queen Mother couple of times he says: ‘I called it, I knew great times. None more so than last time I making incremental improvements and I nament like it. have ridden Douvan in the Queen Champion Chase the feature you were going to make that putt.’ won here (in 2013)... We sat down, we just think I’ve done that,” he said. “It’s a players’ heaven.” Mother Champion Chase, said race at the Cheltenham Festival that early indications were that yesterday. it was a break. The even money favourite — BOTTOMLINE “It looks as if it’s the same giving trainer Nicky Henderson injury as before. It’s right on his 60th Festival winner — toiled the same point, but until we get in the testing ground and was on the X-rays we can’t be sure,” he level terms with Irish challenger Woods and Els named as captains told the BBC. “It’s hugely disap- Min going to the last.

Reuters Open in 2000. Woods and Els served as captain’s assist- edged there was a lot of time and a lot of golf to go before Orlando ants in the , when the 12-man US team the teams are set. Saina Nehwal bows out, won 19-11 at Liberty National in New Jersey for their 10th “That’s a bridge that’s a long way away from now to be Cup victory against one loss and one draw in the biennial crossing but, if it does come to that point, it won’t just be Srikanth advances iger Woods and shifted their decades- event. Els and Woods also shared an iconic moment at the my decision, it will be a collaborative eff ort, what is best long friendly rivalry onto the international stage 2003 Presidents Cup when they faced off in a sudden- for the team,” said Woods. Birmingham: Indian shuttler and defeated Brice Leverdez of as they were offi cially named captains for the death playoff to decide the competition. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said having con- Saina Nehwal lost to World No France 7-21, 21-14, 22-20. T2019 Presidents Cup yesterday. They battled evenly through three tension-packed temporary giants such as Woods and Els captain the Presi- 1 Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei After dropping a game, the Woods, who holds the matchplay competition’s record playoff holes before failing light forced offi cials to declare dents Cup teams could have a huge impact on the event in the first round while Kidambi Guntur player soaked up the with 24 match wins for the United States, and Els, who has the event in a draw. and the game of golf. Srikanth advanced at the All pressure and bounced back won an International side best 20 matches, will lead their “Tiger and I have had some great duels in the past, and I “I think it’s huge for two reasons. One, they’re going to England Open here yesterday. in style to clinch the next two teams to Australia for the 2019 edition on Dec 12-15 at Roy- look forward to the challenge of going against my longtime bring the world at large to the Presidents Cup as they have Saina could not match the games. al Melbourne. friend yet again in 2019,” said Els. done every time that they’re competing on a global stage,” precision skills and the array In the women’s doubles cat- The announcement was made in the Latrobe Room at Els might even have to stomach Woods once again he said. “And in doing so they’re likely going to be bringing of shots unleashed by Tai and egory, Ashwini Ponnappa and N Bay Hill, site of this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational on wielding a golf club in the matchplay competition. forward future stars. We don’t know who is going to come bowed out of the meet, going Sikki Reddy also lost their first the PGA Tour. Woods, who has launched a comeback after his spinal forward between now and then, but it’s likely that stars down 14-21, 18-21 in a match round match to the Japanese Els and Woods have frequently shared golf’s main stage. fusion surgery a year ago, fi nished joint runner-up by one from new countries are going to come with Ernie Els and which lasted 38 minutes. duo of Misaki Matsutomo and Four-times major winner Els of South Africa has been shot last week at the Valspar Championship. He said on leading their respective teams. So I think it’s Third seed Srikanth, on the Ayaka Takahashi 14-21, 13-21 to runner-up to Woods seven times in his professional play- Tuesday with a smile that he had thought about a possible just going to take the game deeper and wider than it’s ever other hand, played brilliantly crash out of the event. ing career, including twice in majors — the US and British playing captaincy. The 42-year-old American acknowl- been.” Gulf Times Thursday, March 15, 2018 7 SPORT

TENNIS Halep and Venus into quarters, Kasatkina ousts Wozniacki The 20-year-old Kasatkina, who has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, continued her giant-killing form

AFP at least I tried, and I tried to do DEL POTRO DUMPS FERRER, match when fellow Frenchman Indian Wells, United States what I thought I needed to do out CILIC CRASHES OUT Gael Monfi ls retired in the sec- there today. I just couldn’t ex- In the men’s, Juan Martin Del ond set with a lower back injury. ecute as well as I wanted to.” Potro continued his dominance In other third round matches, orld No 1 Simona It was a disappointing exit for over David Ferrer to book a spot Canadian No. 1 Milos Raonic Halep and Venus Wozniacki, who fi nally silenced in the Indian Wells fourth round beat Portugal’s Joao Sousa 7-5, Williams punched her critics earlier this year with as second seed Marin Cilic suf- 4-6, 6-2 and Sam Querrey of their tickets to the her maiden Grand Slam title in fered a shock loss. World No. 8 the United States rallied to out- WIndian Wells quarter-fi nals, Melbourne, where she defeated Del Potro extended his win streak last Yuki Bhambri 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, while Caroline Wozniacki suf- Halep in the fi nal. Wozniacki over the Spaniard to fi ve straight 6-4. fered another exit at the hands of had a chance to get the No 1 back matches, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) Russia’s rising star Daria Kasat- but she needed to win the Indian at the ATP Tour hardcourt tour- RESULTS kina. Halep breezed through her Wells title to do it. Kasatkina nament here Tuesday. MEN THIRD ROUND: Feliciano fourth round match with a 7-5, next plays 10th seed Angelique The 29-year-old Del Potro Lopez (ESP x28) bt Jack Sock (USA 6-1 win over China’s Wang Qiang Kerber, of Germany, who roared improved to 7-6 overall against x8) 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 6-4; Sam Querrey and eighth seed Venus Williams past seventh seeded Caroline Ferrer and his fi ve consecutive (USA x18) bt Yuki Bhambri (IND) faced a stern test from Anastasija Garcia 6-1, 6-1. victories date back to the 2013 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-4; Marcos Bagh- Sevastova but held on for a 7-6 Meanwhile, Halep, who is one Wimbledon quarter-fi nals. datis (CYP) bt Dudi Sela (ISR) 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 victory. of two former champions left in Del Potro will next face fellow (7/5), 6-4; Milos Raonic (CAN x32) The 20-year-old Kasatkina, the draw, is now 17-1 on the sea- Argentinian Leonardo Mayer, bt Joao Sousa (POR) 7-5, 4-6, 6-2; who has beaten all four reigning son having already won a title who defeated Japanese qualifi er Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x6) Grand Slam champions in the in both singles and doubles at Taro Daniel 6-4, 6-1. Del Potro bt David Ferrer (ESP x29) 6-4, 7-6 past year, continued her giant- Shenzhen, China. Halep advanc- is playing some of his best tennis (7/3); Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Taro killing form with a 6-4, 7-5 shock es to the quarters where she will in years as he improved to 13-3 on Daniel (JPN) 6-4, 6-1; Pierre-Hugues victory over world No 2 Wozni- face unseeded Petra Martic of the season. Herbert (FRA) bt Gael Monfils (FRA) acki. Kasatkina recorded her sec- Croatia who beat Czech Marketa In January he returned the top 6-2, 3-1 retired; Philipp Kohlsch- ond straight win over Wozniacki, Vondrousova 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). 10 for the fi rst time since 2014. reiber (GER x31) bt Marin Cilic (CRO having also beaten the Australian Meanwhile, Venus Williams He is fresh off winning his 21st x2) 6-4, 6-4 Open champ at the St. Peters- survived a diffi cult fourth round career title earlier this month in WOMEN FOURTH ROUND: burg tournament last month. test to beat Latvia’s Sevastova Acapulco when he steamrolled Angelique Kerber (GER x10) bt “I’m playing my best matches 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 just one day after his way into the fi nal by beating Caroline Garcia (FRA x7) 6-1, 6-1; against the best players,” she beating sister Serena in a third three top 10 players in a row. Simona Halep (ROM x1) bt Wang said. “But if you want to be on round contest. It was the fi rst Elsewhere, world number Qiang (CHN) 7-5, 6-1; Petra Martic the top, you have to beat the top time Venus has beaten Serena three Cilic became another top (CRO) bt Marketa Vondrousova players. So quite a simple rule.” since 2014 in Montreal. She and seed casualty, losing in straight (CZE) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4); Naomi Osaka Kasatkina improved to 11-6 Serena usually meet later in the sets to Germany’s Philipp Kohls- (JPN) bt Maria Sakkari (GRE) 6-1, on the WTA Tour season as she draw in the semis or the cham- chreiber 6-4, 6-4. The 29-year- 5-7, 6-1; Karolína Pliskova (CZE x5) seeks to better her quarter-fi nal pionship match. Williams, who old Cilic, who reached the fi nals bt Amanda Anisimova (USA) 6-1, appearance here in 2016. Kasat- is the oldest female player in the of two of the last three Grand 7-6 (7/2); Venus Williams (USA x8) kina hit one ace, won 54% of her draw at 37, rallied in the second Slams, dropped to a record of bt Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x21) fi rst serves and broke Wozni- set against Sevastova to book her 10-4 on the season. 7-6 (8/6), 6-4; Carla Suarez Navarro acki’s serve six times in the one spot in the quarter-fi nals. Venus Kohlschreiber advances to the (ESP x27) bt Danielle Collins (USA) hour, 40 minute match. next faces Carla Suarez Navarro fourth round where he will play 6-2, 6-4; Darya Kasatkina (RUS x20) Daria Kasatkina of Russia celebrates after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark during the BNP “She outsmarted me today,” of Spain who rolled past Danielle unseeded Pierre-Hugues Her- bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on Tuesday night. (AFP) Wozniacki said. “But, you know, Collins 6-2, 6-4. bert who won his third round 6-4, 7-5

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS QFA president meets Ecuador’s France’s swimming team ambassador and defence minister trains at Aspire Zone he President of the Qatar Football spire Zone Foundation Association (QFA), Sheikh Hamad (AZF) welcomed the bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani re- French national swim- ceived yesterday Ivonne Abdel Baki, ming team, comprising Tambassador of Ecuador to Qatar, and Ecua- 17A male and six female swimmers dor’s Defence Minister, Patricio Zambrano between the ages of 14-16, for a Restrepo at QFA’s headquarters located in Al training camp in preparation for Bidda Tower. the upcoming FINA/HOSA Mar- The meeting was attended by QFA Vice athon Swim World Series 2018. President Saoud al-Mohannadi and QFA More than 122 swimmers rep- General Secretary Mansoor al-Ansari. resenting 24 countries will take The visit of Ecuador’s Defence Minister is part in the upcoming World Se- on the side-lines of the Doha International ries, which is due to take place Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference this Saturday, March 18, on Do- (Dimdex 2018), which took place in Qa- ha’s Corniche. tar from 12-14 March at the Qatar National Speaking about their visit, France swimmers training at the Aspire Zone yesterday. Convention Centre under the patronage of Stephane Lecat, the manager of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- the visiting French team, praised and National Teams at AZF, said: them to exceed their training ob- Thani, the Emir of Qatar. AZF’s facilities and said the or- “AZF is committed to support- jectives.” The meeting discussed bilateral relations ganisation is well-equipped to ing all sporting events hosted in AZF and its affi liated organisa- and ways to strengthen and further develop host international swimming Doha, including visiting teams, tions are perfectly placed to pro- them. They also discussed matters of mutu- teams. As part of their training which see this as one of their vide an integrated set of world- al interest and agreed to promote co-opera- programme, the team will focus preferred destinations to prepare class sporting and medical tion in the future to further develop football on technique and rehabilitation for major tournaments. This is services all in one place. These in the two countries. and plans to visit the Corniche all thanks to the comprehensive are a key contributor to AZF’s During the meeting, they discussed sev- Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (right) tomorrow to test Doha’s waters training facilities here, which goal of becoming the reference eral matters of mutual interest. The QFA with Ivonne Abdel Baki (centre), ambassador of Ecuador to Qatar and Ecuador’s Defence ahead of the competition. off er integrated world-class fa- in sports excellence worldwide President highlighted the strength of the re- Minister Patricio Zambrano Restrepo at QFA’s headquarters yesterday. Ibrahim Hilal, Head of Events cilities to visiting teams to allow by 2020. lationship between the Qatari and Ecuado- rian football federations and the importance She emphasised that the visit highlights hosting the 2022 World Cup, I am confi dent of building that relationship by exchanging the deep relations between the two coun- that Qatar will organise a unique version of of experience and expertise. The two parties tries. She said: “We are very happy to be the tournament.” emphasised on the importance of promot- meeting with Sheikh Hamad today, who He praised the important role played by Columbia University athletes gain cultural, ing cooperation in the future to further de- gives huge importance to football and advo- the Qatar in the sports sector, pointing out velop football in the two countries. cates on the importance of excluding poli- that Doha has become one of the most im- educational and sporting experience Abdel Baki, ambassador of Ecuador to tics from sports. This visit highlights the portant sports cities in the world. Qatar expressed her thanks and apprecia- great role football plays in bringing people The QFA president presented the ambas- Doha: Aspire Academy hosted programme, Hisham ElKostaf, make them better citizens.” tion to the QFA president for the remarkable together and building strong relations with sador and the minister of defence the with an interactive session between Senior Legal Advisor at the Columbia University striker, reception and for the important role he plays diff erent cultures away from politics.” the Qatar National Team jersey that has the its student-athletes and visiting Embassy of Qatar in Washing- Arthur Bosua, who was named in constantly supporting the development Ecuador’s Defence Minister Restrepo number 22 in reference to the upcoming Ivy League Columbia University ton DC, a Columbia University Ivy League Off ensive Player of football. said: “I would like to congratulate Qatar on World Cup to be organised in Qatar. athletes on the sidelines of the Alumni and a former football of the Year for the second latter’s training camp at Aspire player at the university, said: consecutive season, added: “I’m Academy, which runs until 18 “We opted to run this pro- very impressed with Aspire’s re- FOOTBALL March. Organised in conjunc- gramme with Aspire Academy sources and facilities, and how tion with the Embassy of Qatar based on its renowned status well the students conducted in Washington DC, USA, the in sports development, and the themselves. I’m very happy to training camp aims to provide ambition to create a dialogue be here and grateful for the the visiting students with a rich between students taking part opportunity and the cultural ACFT semis to be played tomorrow cultural, educational and sport- in the university exchange pro- experience.” ing experience. gramme, encouraging a spirit Columbia University football he fi fth ACFT semi-fi nals are set to captain Shiva Shrestha, India’s Shahed Bakr cant increase in the number of participating The session focused on the of mutual respect. We hope this team will take on Aspire Acade- take place tomorrow and will see and Lebanon’s Hussain Mansour. teams year after year. This year, twelve Asian challenges and benefits of be- experience exposes them to the my U18, Qatar U19/U23 national Jordan take on India at 8pm, fol- The ACFT is a community tournament community teams are participating for the ing a student-athlete in Aspire hospitality that Qatar is known team and Al Sadd FC B team lowed by match between Nepal and which brings together various Asian com- grand prize. The third-place decider match Academy, the services and for and gives them exposure to during their stay in Qatar. TLebanon at 9:20pm. Initially, the semi- munities residing in Qatar, and encourages will take place next Friday, 23 March at Al programmes that the Academy the country’s values and rich Established in 2004, Aspire fi nals were scheduled to be played at Al them to play more football in a fun competi- Markhiya Sports Club and will kick off at off ers, as well as the successes traditions. The programme also Academy seeks to identify Markhiya Sports Club, however, the venue tive environment. 7pm. The fi nal will take place on Friday, 30 of some of the Academy’s most helps them learn from the ex- and transform talented young was changed to Doha Stadium because a big The ACFT is organised by the Qatar Foot- March at 7pm. The ACFT falls under QFA’s notable graduates. Students perience of their peers in Aspire athletes with real potential into spectator turnout is anticipated. ball Association (QFA) and initially featured Sub-Leagues Committee which oversees and alumni from each side then Academy, to understand the world-renowned champions In the quarter-fi nals last week, Jordan the participation of six teams during its’ fi rst the organising of QFA’s tournaments that took part in Q&A sessions where challenges and opportunities who represent Qatar in national beat Indonesia 2-0, Nepal cruised past Sri edition. Following the success of the fi rst target the diff erent segments of the com- they spoke about their cultural available to its graduates, and teams across a wide range of Lanka 2-0, India defeated Bangladesh 2-1, edition, the tournament drew lots of inter- munity. Other tournaments organised by experiences and their sporting appreciate the inter-personal sports, particularly in the years and Lebanon outplayed Malaysia 5-0. est from the various Asian communities the QFA Sub-Leagues Committee include and academic ambitions. skills they will develop from leading up to the 2022 FIFA The best players of last week’s quarter- in Qatar who were eager to take part in the the School League, University League, and Speaking about the exchange engaging in sports which helps World Cup Qatar. fi nals were Jordan’s Murad al-Sous, Nepal tournament, and thus resulted in a signifi - Qatar Amateur League.

Thursday, March 15, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTOGP Champ Marquez poised to make more history in 2018 The Spaniard’s titles aside, the numbers he has amounted across five years in MotoGP are just as astonishing

ew athletes that have recently celebrated a 25th birthday can sit back and refl ect on as deco- rated a career as that of Marc Marquez,F the reigning MotoGP World Champion and the sport’s leading name. Already the sixth most winning rider in history, the ever-smiling Span- iard’s nervy third place at Valencia last November carried him towards a sixth world title – his fourth in the premier class and an unprecedented feat for a rider competing at his age. The baby-faced kid from Cervera has matured from wayward, risk-it- all protege to the measured conqueror of all before him, his gravity-defying feats on the bike have remained a con- stant across ten incident-packed sea- sons in Grand Prix racing… as has his ability to leave a trail of broken records in his wake. From his earliest days in MotoGP, Marquez was stripping his- tory’s very best names (Freddie Spen- Marc Marquez needs five wins in 2018 cer for youngest MotoGP race winner, to become fifth most successful rider. then youngest MotoGP Championship winner; Mike Hailwood as the young- races, Marquez has started a race with a est rider to win two premier class ti- clear track ahead. Compare that to Ros- tles; Mick Doohan for the most premier si’s win rate in MotoGP, which stands at class wins over a single season) of titles 29%, while his podium percentage is a that seemed destined to remain out of weighty 62. reach for the class of today. Or countrymen Jorge Lorenzo and And Marquez is poised to make yet Dani Pedrosa, who have won 25% and more history in 2018. Thanks to a set- 15% of their premier class races respec- tled team, a much-improved engine, tively, and whose podium percentages and a contract renewal that will see him stand at 63 and 56. Racing during an era remain at Repsol Honda until 2020, of depth and talent that gives the class we have seen little through preseason of the late 80’s/early 90’s a run for its to suggest a fi fth premier class crown money, Marquez’s numbers bear even is out of reach. A third consecutive ti- more weight. tle would see him level Doohan’s haul It is tempting to believe the diminu- of fi ve while taking him ahead of Geoff tive Spaniard when he states: “I don’t Duke, John Surtees, Hailwood and Ed- want to think about a number (of titles) die Lawson. Only Giacomo Agostini or about a name or about the limit,” as (nine) and Valentino Rossi (seven) have he did at Valencia last year. amassed more. Not bad for a man only For appreciating his talents is more half way through his twenties. than analysing the records and the Marc Márquez has agreed to remain at Honda in MotoGP for two more years, following the completion of his current contract. Titles aside, the numbers he has stats. He carries the capacity to not amounted across fi ve years in MotoGP only make the impossible possible, but From running and salvaging a pole possibility, mustered with the ever- fellow Honda rider Cal Crutchlow said Five wins in 2018 could see him leap- are just as astonishing. Marquez has to ensure the impossible seems like a position lap from a machine failure with smiling nonchalance that recalls Rossi it best: “He’s just a freak...in a good frog Lorenzo as the fi fth most win- won 35 times, or 38% of the 90 races he regular, everyday feat, be it crashing two minutes to spare (Austin, 2015), to in his pomp. More than numbers, it’s way, obviously. Everyone used to talk ning rider ever. Only Agostini, Rossi, has started. He’s stood on the podium on an out lap in a title decider and still saving a front end slide at 95mph for 50 these feats of physical improbability about aliens. Now there’s only one al- Angel Nieto and Hailwood would lie on 63 occasions (70%) and his haul of winning (Estoril, 2010) or passing 32 metres at 64 degrees of lean (Valencia that set Marquez apart. ien, and the rest are normal. What he ahead. Going off recent evidence, you pole positions stands at a ridiculous 45. riders in 20 laps without breaking sweat 2017) these are acts of breath-taking Little wonder his rivals can do little can do with that bike, nobody else in wouldn’t bet against Marquez reeling In other words, at one in every two (Valencia in 2012). brilliance; moments of supposed im- else but marvel at his ability. Last year the world can do.” them all in. (Motogp.com)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT China’s rising star Xiao to MotoGP riders visit photo exhibition compete at Gymnastics at Katara ahead of Grand Prix of Qatar efore the sun goes down and the the exhibition, Gigi and Mirco, and once lights go out on Sunday at the formalities were out of the way the riders set World Cup in Doha Grand Prix of Qatar at Losail In- off to fi nd their pictures on the walls of the ternational Circuit, MotoGP riders Youth Hobbies Centre. Byesterday visited Katara Cultural Village to Bradley Smith was happy to spot a photo check out the ‘Speed & Rituals’ photo exhi- of himself, grinning: “There’s a picture of bition by MotoGP photographers Gigi Sol- me here, that’s cool! It’s great to be able to dano and Mirco Lazzari. Bradley Smith (Red showcase the creativity of the photogra- Bul KTM Factory Racing), Karel Abraham phers in MotoGP and to showcase MotoGP (Angel Nieto Team), Tito Rabat (Reale Av- in a diff erent light.” intia Racing), Tom Luthi (Marc VDS), Hafi zh After wandering through the exhibition, Syahrin (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), Lorenzo the riders then moved on for more photo Baldassari (Pons HP 40) and Enea Bastianini and media opportunities in the Amphithea- (Leopard Racing) made the visit to Katara tre overlooking the Persian Gulf, before one and spent some time there before heading last photo stop in front of Katara’s famous back to Losail to prepare for the fi rst Grand Pigeon Towers. The riders will now look for- Prix of the season. ward to gear up for the Grand Prix of Qatar, Upon arrival the riders had a photo op- with Free Practice scheduled for 2:45pm to- portunity with the creative minds behind morrow.

By Sports Reporter work and motivation.” two silver medals (fl oor and Doha Given the presence of the horizontal) at the Bangkok Asian legend Kohei Uchimura, the Championships. The Beijing- 22-year-old Xiao will have his born gymnast is undoubtedly the fter winning the All- task cut out, but age will be on next biggest star, but we will have Around title at the 47th his side. While the 28-year-old to wait to watch how he fares FIG World Champion- ‘King Kohei’ would be hoping to at the Doha event. Around 40 ships last October, Chi- revive his form and fi tness at the countries will participate in the na’sA Xiao Ruoteng was mobbed venue which will host the 48th annual championship, organised by fans on a cool afternoon at the FIG World Championships in by the Qatar Gymnastics Federa- lawn of the iconic 1976 Olympic October, Xiao will look to fur- tion. Qatar has fi elded two of its Stadium in in Montreal, . ther strengthen his position as promising gymnasts Jana Kiki Xiao became the fi rst Chinese China prepare for the 2020 Tokyo and Ahmed Nabil. to win gold medal at a top global Olympic Games. The Doha leg of FIG Individual individual all-around competi- Xiao, who also won the pom- Apparatus World Cup for men tion since Yang Wei achieved the mel horse bronze at the Worlds, and women is celebrating its 11th feat at the 2008 Beijing Games. has slowly developed into a world edition this year. With unstinted Next week, Xiao will be one of champion ever since he won his support from the Qatar Olympic the stars at the 11th FIG Artistic maiden medal at the 2015 Glas- Committee, the QGF is leaving Individual World Cup, which will gow Worlds with the Chinese no stone unturned in making the be held from March 21 at the As- team, which fi nished third. event a truly world class one. pire Dome in Doha. Despite not being chosen for The qualifi cations will be held “It feels good to be a world the 2016 Rio Games, Xiao re- on fi rst two days of the champi- champion,” he said. “To be able turned with a bang with loads onship, with eight best gymnasts to defend the crown in the next of confi dence the following year, making it to the fi nals and will edition in Doha in October will be winning three gold (team, pom- strive for medals on the last two a challenge. It needs a lot of hard mel horse and all-around) and days of the competition. Bradley Smith, Karel Abraham, Tito Rabat, Tom Luthi, Hafizh Syahrin, Lorenzo Baldassari and Enea Bastianini pose at the Katara yesterday.