Bairstow, Warner star as Sunrisers beat Super Kings by six wickets in IPL PAGE 19

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019

Two qualifiers kick off Amir Cup UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE Championship at Al Duhail today PAGE 19 NAPOLI VS ARSENAL

Sheikh Joaan participates in third meeting of Olympic Refuge Foundation Executive Office

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani participated in the third meeting of the Olympic Refuge Foundation executive office, which was held on Monday in Lausanne, Switzerland. The meeting was chaired by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, who is also Chair of the Olympic Refuge Foundation. The meeting was also attended by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, who is also vice chair of the foundation. Honorary Member of the foundation Jacques Rogge and members of the foundation, President of World Chungwon Choue, Member of the first Refugee Olympic Team at the Rio 2016 Yiech Pur Biel and other members of the executive office were also in attendance. During the meeting they reviewed the ongoing projects in a number of refugee camps which is organised by the foundation, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commis- sioner for Refugees and different organisations and partners of the Olympic movement. They also reviewed future projects which aim to support refugees through providing facilities and activities and developing required establishments for refugees to play sports around the world. (QNA) FIBA 3x3 World Tour begins at Katara today

Hussein Ali celebrates scoring the all-important winner for Sports Club in their playoff clash against Muaither SC on Wednesday. Qatar SC edge Muaither in playoff to retain QNB Stars League spot

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK a good game, remained alert to Qatar Federation Secretary-General Ali al Maliki flanked by FIBA 3x3 Events and Partners Senior manager Ignacio Soriano, Liman player Aleksandar Ratkov and Doha’s DOHA deflect the ball for a corner by Nedim Muslic after the tournament’s press conference in Doha on Wednesday. to his left. HUSSEIN Ali grabbed the Qatar SC scored in the 38th all-impoerant goal as Qatar minute through Hussein Ali’s The first of the 12-city World Tour will be held at the Katara Amphitheatre SC beat Muaither SC 1-0 on slick finish from close range. Wednesday to retain their Jugurtha Hamroun hood- AYENI OLUSEGUN nomiya Final 2019 in competition and hope the two over the course of the season. we will be fine. We know the place in next season’s QNB winked his marker from the left DOHA on November 2-3. teams representing the host “The competition is ex- history between our team and Stars League. flank and quickly slotted the World 3x3 number one would come out victorious. pected to be steeper as this Novi Sad, we will be mentally The tie pitted QNB Stars ball into the open space inside THE FIBA 3x3 Basketball Liman of Serbia are in Pool A “We are happy to be host- year’s tour will count for ready for any challenge and League’s 11th-placed team (Qa- the rival box. World Tour will tip off with alongside Pasig Chooks from ing the World Tour in Doha; ranking and qualification for it’s not just Novi Sad, Riga is tar SC) against Second Division Hussein Ali, stationed close the Doha Masters at the Ka- Philippines and Qatar’s Ka- it’s a thing of pride for our the Olympics in 2020 also a team to watch out for,” runners-up (Muaither SC). to Muaither SC’s goalmouth, tara Amphitheatre on Thurs- tara Team. country. where FIBA is making its de- said Liman player Aleksandar A huge group of club fans jumped and deflected the ball day and conclude on Friday. In Pool B, champions Novi “The best teams in the but,” Soriano said. Ratkov. celebrated Qatar SC’s victory into the net with his right knee. The first stop of the 12-round Sad of Serbia, Tokyo Dime of world will be competing “We appreciate the bas- Meanwhile, Doha would in the winner-takes-all clash at Muaither SC nearly pulled competition, the tour is mak- Japan and Doha will battle it against each other and we ketball federation and Ka- battle in-form Riga and Ne- the Al Duhail Stadium. off an equaliser two minutes ing its debut in Doha after Qa- out for a place in the quarter- have two teams represent- tara for their partnership. dim Muslic believes Doha After some dramatic later when Diawara headed tar had previously hosted the finals while Riga Ghetto of ing Qatar (Katara and Doha) This tournament is also open team to be more professional moves, including the referee’s from close range, but his de- 3x3 all-stars. Two teams will Latvia, Moscow Inanomo of we hope for the best,” Maliki to families and we will have than other years. decision to use VAR to clear flection narrowly missed the represent the host nation in Russia and Balanga Chooks of said. activities for kids in the fan “have to focus and show Muaither SC’s Ibrahim Ahmed far post in what was a danger- the competition. the Philippines are in Pool C. Also commenting on the zone.” energy on the court and bring of a possible hand ball, the ous move. This year, 12 teams will Slovenian duo of Piran Tour and Qatar’s hosting, In the opening game on the crowd into play. We like game moved at a fast pace in When the teams walked off participate in the tour which and Ljubljana will compete 3x3 Events and Partners Sen- Thursday, defending cham- being the home team and we the first 30 minutes. the pitch at half-time, Qatar will also include a dunk and against Canada’s Mount-Roy- ior Manager Ignacio Soriano pions Liman will take on Ka- know our fans will come out Just a minute after the SC dominated the stats sheet shoot-out contest. The main al U McGill in Pool D. said, “We always like to come tara but their rivals Novi Sad to support us. We have been half-hour mark, Muaither SC’s by enjoying 62 per cent of ball event has been divided into Speaking at a press con- to Doha as we have had many would be licking their lips for playing together for a long Mamadou Diawara unleashed possession. four pools with three teams in ference on Wednesday, Qatar successes here in the past. another match up. time and this year, I believe a powerful low shot some 25 Qatar SC held off Muaither each. Each team will compete Basketball Federation Sec- This season, we have 12 stops “We want to compete with now we are ready for this lev- yards away from goal. The ball SC challenge in the second half for points to qualify for the retary General Ali al Maliki on the tour and the prize teams at the highest level and el, we are ready to compete,” swerved a little, but Qatar SC as well, with Al Hail thwarting FIBA 3x3 World Tour Utsu- said Qatar isproud to host the money will be over $1 million we know if we play our game Nedim commented. keeper Jassim al Hail, who had Ibrahim Ahmed and Diawara. Sports Thursday, April 18, 2019 17 Murray fires Nuggets to lock Spurs series

AFP ing proved the difference on a way to a comfortable win. LOS ANGELES night when four other Denver After opening up a 51-39 players finished with double lead at half-time, the Raptors JAMAL Murray led a dramatic figures. cut loose in a devastating third late fightback as the Denver Gary Harris had 23 points, quarter, outscoring Orlando Nuggets scored a series-level- while Nikola Jokic added 21 by 39-27 to take 90-66 lead ling 114-105 victory over the for Denver, who also saw pow- heading into the fourth quar- San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday er forward Paul Millsap add ter. in their Western Conference 20. Monte Morris chipped in Leonard was the architect playoff duel. with 11 points from the bench. for the Raptors’ potent of- Murray, who had missed San Antonio, who led 59- fense, making 15 of 22 field a potentially game-winning 49 at half-time, saw DeMar goals on his way to 37 points, jump shot in Denver’s defeat DeRozan top the scoring, with four rebounds and four assists in game one on Saturday, 31 points. LaMarcus Aldridge before a raucous home crowd erupted for 21 points in the added 24 points but only one at the . The fourth quarter as the Nuggets other player, Derrick White, series now heads back to game grabbed a vital win in Denver. managed to crack double dig- three in Orlando on Friday. The 22-year-old Canadian, its, adding 17 points. In the other playoff game who had looked out of sorts Malone said the turning on Tuesday, the Portland Trail throughout, made eight of point had come during a third Blazers took a stranglehold on nine field goal attempts in the quarter timeout with the Nug- their series with Oklahoma fourth quarter to tie the series gets trailing by 16 points. City Thunder, forging into a at 1-1 ahead of game three in The Denver coach said he 2-0 lead with a one-sided 114- Texas on Thursday. urged his team to take inspi- 94 win. Nuggets head coach Mike ration from the Los Angeles C.J.McCollum and Damian Malone said he had never Clippers’ record comeback Lillard once again shepherded Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his secound-round match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters doubted Murray’s ability to de- on Monday, when they over- the Blazers to victory. McCol- Tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France on Wednesday. (EPA-EFE) liver despite scoring only three turned a 31-point deficit to lum finished with 33 points, points in the opening three defeat the Golden State War- eight rebounds and five assists quarters. Benching Murray for riors. while Lillard added 29 points, the final period was never an “I reminded them we had four rebounds and six assists. option, Malone added. 18 minutes to go. I reminded Thunder star Russell Nadal makes winning “I was going with him,” them what the Clippers did Westbrook fell just short of a Malone said. “It’s so important last night, and how much bas- triple double with 14 points, for all of our guys, but espe- ketball we had left,” he said. 11 assists and nine rebounds. cially for Jamal. He’s a young “But I said it’s only going to Paul George led the OKC scor- player, out there struggling happen though if we believe, ing with 27 points. Game three start in Monte Carlo trying to play the right way. I we commit and we fight, and in the series takes place in didn’t foresee the fourth quar- we attack. And the guys took Oklahoma City on Friday. ter he was going to have, but I it to heart. It’s a hell of a win.” Easy victories by Medvedev and Zverev in the second round knew in my heart he needed Playoff results these minutes. He needed to Raptors, Blazers romp Results from the first round of the NBA REUTERS when I had the chance.” Ger- be out there. Elsewhere, Kawhi Leonard playoffs on Tuesday (all series best-of-seven): MONTE CARLO man hotshot Alexander Zverev - ‘He came through’ -”And scored 37 points and Pascal showed signs of a return to his I needed to show him that I Siakam delivered a double- Eastern Conference RAFA Nadal produced a explosive best in a 6-1 6-4 win believe in him. If I pulled him, double as the Toronto Raptors Toronto 111 Orlando 82 claycourt masterclass to pick over Canadian teenager Felix he’s thinking ‘Does coach real- defeated the Orlando Magic (Series level 1-1) apart fellow Spaniard Roberto Auger-Aliassime. ly believe in me? Does he have 111-82 to level their Eastern Bautista Agut 6-1 6-1, as the Third seed Zverev, who my back?’. Conference series. Western Conference world number two began his lives in Monte Carlo, reached “So I had to stay with him. The Raptors, who were Portland 114 Oklahoma City 94 Monte Carlo Masters title de- the semi-finals of his ‘home’ Make or miss, he’s our guy. jolted by a shock defeat in (Portland leads series 2-0) fence in stunning fashion on event a year ago, but has en- I care about him. He came game one on Saturday, came Wednesday. dured a difficult 2019 sea- through in a big way.” roaring back to dominate the Denver 114 San Antonio 105 Playing his first match son. Murray’s late burst of scor- Magic throughout on their (Series level 1-1) since injuring his knee at In- After finishing runner-up dian Wells last month, Nadal to Australian Nick Kyrgios in showed no signs of rust as he Acapulco, Zverev has suffered raced into a 5-0 lead in the early exits at Indian Wells, Mi- first set on Court Rainier III. ami and Marrakech. Bautista Agut did get on “This is the first time this the board but Nadal clinched season I’ve felt really healthy,” the opening set and put his op- Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts after his win against Felix Auger- said the 21-year-old. ponent under further pressure Aliassime of Canada at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in “I’ve been training well but with another break of serve at Roquebrune Cap Martin, France on Wednesday. (EPA-EFE) haven’t been able to take that the start of the second. into matches. There was no stopping RESULTS “I live just 500 metres from Nadal who regularly moved here, I’m comfortable on this Bautista Agut out of position, Results from the fourth day of the ATP Monte Carlo (7/3), 6-3 court. I’m starting to feel bet- opening the court up effort- Masters on Wednesday (x denotes seeding): Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) ter about my game. I’m really 2nd round 7-5, 6-4 lessly with powerful forehand Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 6-4, 6-2 Fabio Fognini (ITA x13) bt Gilles Simon (FRA) walkover ready for the clay season.” Last combinations. Daniil Medvedev (RUS x10) bt Radu Albot (MDA) 6-1, Alexander Zverev (GER x3) bt Felix Auger-Aliassime year’s French Open runner-up After saving three break 6-2 (CAN) 6-1, 6-4 Dominic Thiem won 20 of his points at 2-1, Nadal displayed Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x6) bt Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 7-6 23 first-serve points in a com- 6-3, 7-5 (7/2), 6-4 his clinical side at the net to Dominic Thiem (AUT x4) bt Martin Klizan (SVK) 6-1, 6-4 Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) manding display to beat Slova- secure a 4-1 advantage and Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt David Goffin (BEL x16) 6-3, 6-4 6-1, 6-1 kian Martin Klizan 6-1 6-4. went on to claim a convincing Cameron Norrie (GBR) bt Marton Fucsovics (HUN) 7-6 Greek sixth seed Stefanos win. Tsitsipas also progressed, The 11-times Monte Carlo “It was a great start, it’s enjoy playing here. defeating Kazakh Mikhail champion extended his win- good to be back here,” Nadal, “It’s not easy to come back Kukushkin 6-3 7-5. (Report- ning streak to 16 matches at the 17-times Grand Slam win- from injury, I had to do a lot ing by Hardik Vyas in Ben- the tournament and will face ner, said. of mental work as well to be galuru Editing by Toby Da- Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball as San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in “I’ve had some great mo- prepared. I tried to play solid, vis) : ATP Monte Carlo (10) defends in the third quarter in game two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Pepsi the third round. ments on this court, I really dominate with my forehand Masters Center in Denver on Tuesday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) New York Yankees thrash Red Sox in season’s first meeting

lin McHugh threw six shutout ahead to stay. Pirates, Diamondbacks pull off innings, sending visiting Hou- Adam Jones followed by ston past Oakland for a 10th doubling in two insurance runs close triumphs straight win. against Jacob Webb, who was Josh Reddick also homer- making his major league debut AGENCIES the sixth. After Tauchman’s ed among three hits against his for the Braves. Yoshihisa Hi- NEW YORK first career homer, Torres former team, helping the As- rano (1-1), who worked 1 1/3 made it 8-0 by opening the tros win for the fourth straight scoreless innings, was the win- JAMES Paxton struck out 12 seventh with his fourth homer time on their eight-game trip. ner. Greg Holland got the save, and pitched eight dominant of the season. Houston made it 4-0 when his third. innings of two-hit ball to out- Springer drew a bases-loaded pitch Chris Sale, and the hosts Pirates 5, Tigers 3 (10 walk with one out. Marco Es- Dodgers 6, Reds 1 New York Yankees rolled to innings) trada (0-2) was pulled at that Joc Pederson homered for an 8-0 victory over the Boston Starling Marte hit a two- point, and reliever Liam Hen- the third game in a row, and Red Sox on Tuesday night. out, two-run homer in the 10th driks struck out Jose Altuve to Alex Verdugo drove in three Paxton (2-2) delivered his and Pittsburgh topped hosts get within one out of escaping runs as Los Angeles continued best showing as a Yankee by Detroit. Marte’s homer was his the jam. However, Bregman to get back to its winning ways thriving in the first meeting second this season and Jung followed with his second ca- with a victory over visiting Cin- between the rivals since the Ho Kang also hit his second reer grand slam, increasing the cinnati. Red Sox won Games 3 and 4 of homer, a two-run shot in the Houston lead to 8-0. Pederson’s second-inning the American League Division fourth. home run came one night af- Series last October. Pinch hitter Jason Martin Diamondbacks 9, ter he crushed the first game- Clint Frazier, Mike Tauch- led off the 10th with a single. Braves 6 ending home run of his career man and Gleyber Torres Reliever Shane Greene retired New York Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton (65) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first Christian Walker had three in a victory over the Reds. The homered for the Yankees, who the next two batters before inning at the Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York, on Tuesday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) hits, including the go-ahead Dodgers extended their win- scored their most runs in a Marte jumped on a slider and homer in the ninth inning, to ning streak to three games home game this season. Frazi- launched it over the left-center Scott Kingery and J.T. Kingery hit a three-run gave up seven hits and three help visiting Arizona beat At- following a six-game losing er hit a solo homer off Sale (0- wall. Greene (0-1) hadn’t al- Realmuto each had three hits home run and set a career runs. Jerad Eickhoff picked up lanta as Walker was 3-for-4 streak. 4) to start the fourth after the lowed a run this season before and five RBIs as host Philadel- high for RBIs. He entered the a rare four-inning save, allow- with two runs and two RBIs. Yankees built a 2-0 lead on Marte’s long ball. phia built a 10-run lead in the night with no RBIs through ing no runs on three hits. Walker, playing first base OTHER RESULTS Cubs 4, Marlins 0 RBI singles by DJ LeMahieu Keone Kela (1-0) picked first inning and cruised over 17 at-bats this year. Realmuto while Jake Lamb is out with Blue Jays 6, Twins 5 and Luke Voit in the third. up the win despite giving up a New York as Mets starter Ste- added a solo homer, and Mai- Astros 9, Athletics 1 a strained left calf, led off Rays 4, Orioles 2 Tauchman had an RBI ninth-inning run. Nick King- ven Matz (1-1) faced the first kel Franco also had a three-run George Springer hit the the ninth with a long, majes- Indians 4, Mariners 2 double off Sale in the fourth ham recorded his first save by eight batters without recording homer. sixth pitch of the game for tic homer, his fifth. It came Giants 7, Nationals 3 White Sox 5, Royals 1 and then slugged a three-run getting the last three outs. an out and was lifted for Drew Phillies starter Nick Pivetta a home run, Alex Bregman against Atlanta reliever A.J. Rangers 5, Angels 0 homer off Erasmo Ramirez in Phillies 14, Mets 3 Gagnon. (2-1) tossed five innings and belted a grand slam, and Col- Minter (0-2) and put Arizona Rockies 8, Padres 2 18 Thursday, April 18, 2019 Sports

Man United Qatar organisations, Dutch FA condemn racist abuse of Young join hands for female coach training AFP LONDON

cent four-day course experi- MANCHESTER United have 45 participants got ence from their successful condemned racist abuse of their women’s national team who defender Ashley Young on so- certifications for were crowned UEFA European cial media in the aftermath of the coaching and Champions in 2017. their Champions League elimi- Participants of the train- nation at Barcelona. life skills course ing course included 15 fe- Young was targeted on organised by the male coaches and volunteers Twitter following United’s 3-0 from Generation Amazing, defeat on Tuesday. QFA, KNVB and Qatar the human and social legacy The abuse of Young programme initiated during brought swift condemnation Women’s Sports Qatar’s successful bid for the from United, who said in a Committee 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2010, statement: “Manchester United which uses the power of utterly condemns racist so- SC.QA to positively impact lives and cial media comments posted DOHA create sustainable social devel- around yesterday’s Champions opment in communities across League fixture. LEADING football organisa- Qatar, the Middle East and “We are working to identify tions in Qatar have joined Asia. individuals involved and we will forces with the Royal Dutch Generation Amazing take the strongest possible ac- Football Association (KNVB) coaching volunteer Eman al tion we can against them. There to deliver a successful train- Khamiri said the course helped is no place for racism within our ing course for female football her to achieve an important ad- game, or in society as a whole, coaches in the country. dition to her technical and tac- and we are committed to work- A total of 45 participants Participants and officials pose for photos after the training course programme for female football coaches in Doha. tical expertise: “Each one of the ing to make football free from received certifications for the Dutch coaches made sure that all forms of discrimination.” coaching and life skills course are proceeding,” said Johan worked together for women’s sustainable developments for collaboration with the QWSC everyone understands coach- The 33-year-old was par- organised jointly by the Qatar van Geijn, Specialist for Inter- football development in Qa- women’s football coaches in and Generation Amazing also ing theory before applying it on tially at fault for Barcelona’s Football Association (QFA) national CSR Partnerships at tar. In April 2018, the KNVB Qatar, which fits in with the speaks to the concerted effort the field. first goal as the hosts went on to with the KNVB and Qatar KNVB. partnered with the QWSC and wider collaboration efforts be- being made to continue the de- “This coaching workshop win 4-0 on aggregate. Women’s Sports Committee “The talks that we have conducted a course for female tween our two organisations,” velopment of women’s football offered by the KNVB together Anti-discrimination cam- (QWSC), with participation between the two football asso- coaches in cooperation with said Mansoor al Ansari, Secre- in Qatar.” with the QFA and QWSC was paigners Kick It Out called upon from 15 Generation Amazing ciations have been very fruitful, EVO Soccer. The training pro- tary General of the QFA. In December 2018, a re- the absolute motivation for the social media platform to act female coaches. we look forward to four years of gramme was endorsed by QFA, “The success of Dutch foot- fresher course served as the coaches, players and attendees following a series of incidents. “I would like to thank QFA working together with the sup- and laid the foundations to ball in both women’s and men’s cornerstone and activation to increase their awareness of The organisation said via for the good cooperation in the port of our government. For reach an agreement for further football over many years is re- for a Memorandum of Under- the important role of the coach its own Twitter account: “Yet course which has been com- the women’s domain I think we cooperation with the KNVB. flective of their fantastic grass- standing between QFA and in the field. This opportunity another black player, this time pleted, 45 participants received can make good strides.” “We are proud and pleased roots coaching work, which the KNVB during their visit gave us the benefit of thinking Ashley Young, targeted with certificates, and we are more The course represented to work together with the these female coaches were to Doha. The KNVB transmit- in a strategic way, which is so racist abuse on social media af- than happy with the way things the third time the parties had KNVB on such important and able to benefit from. Our close ted to participants of the re- important in coaching.” ter tonight’s Champions League game.” Ronaldo not enough as Juve crash out to Ajax young guns

AFP TURIN

EVEN Cristiano Ronaldo was not enough for Juventus to end their 23-year wait for the Euro- Road to Qatar 2022: pean title as they crashed out in the Champions League quarter- finals for a second consecutive Asian teams discover year. Juventus splashed out 100 Round 1 opponents million euros on the five-time Champions League winner last summer and the Portuguese AFC Timor-Leste, a team they beat star headed in his 126th Cham- KUALA LUMPUR in the previous edition in the pions League goal to put the second round group stage. home team in front on Tuesday. THE draw for the FIFA World Cambodia defeated But a devastating young Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian 4-1 in the previous edition and Ajax team, spearheaded by Cup 2023 Qualifiers - Prelimi- will face Pakistan, who lost 3-1 19-year-old defender Matthijs nary Joint Qualification Round Yemen in the first round in the De Ligt, ran riot in the second 1 took place at the AFC House in 2018 Qualifiers. Bhutan will half in Turin to seal a famous Ajax players celebrate after defeating Juventus in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match at the Juventus stadium in Turin Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. face tough opponents in Guam. 3-2 aggregate victory. on Tuesday. (AFP) Seeded teams Malaysia, The first leg of the Prelimi- “Apocalypse,” read the head- Cambodia, Macau, Laos, Bhu- nary Joint Qualification Round line in daily Corriere dello sport, ing the season. We signed him ond on 110 goals after his double previous seasons. tan and Mongolia were handed 1 will take place on June 6 with as Juventus shares plunged 15 to increase our chances of win- for Barcelona against Manches- “I’m looking at the big pic- challenging fixtures for a place the return leg scheduled for percent on Wednesday on the ning the Champions League, but ter United on Tuesday. ture,” Agnelli said. in the next qualifying round. Milan stock exchange. in football one plus one does not “Ajax deserved to qualify “We played a great return Mongolia, who edged Ti- “Not even a huge invest- always make two, it can also be and you saw that on the pitch,” match against Atletico, and just mor-Leste in the previous edi- Seeded teams Malaysia, ment like Ronaldo was enough either six or zero. said Juventus president Andrea a few years ago Juventus were tion to earn their place in the Cambodia, Macau, Laos, to win a title that Juve have been “I have always said that you Agnelli, who said Allegri would 43rd in the European rankings, second round, will face a Brunei Bhutan and Mongolia were searching for since 1996,” the have to arrive at the right time be continuing as coach. today we are fifth and this is the Darussalam side who were de- handed challenging fixtures sports daily added. in the best condition, when you Ironically Agnelli -- who is sign of the progress that contin- feated 3-1 on aggregate by Chi- for a place in the next qual- Juventus have lost five times reach the quarter-final, you also president of the European ues. A few years ago, the Cham- nese Taipei in the 2018 Quali- ifying round. in the final since 1996 when they need every player. We’ve been in Clubs Association (ECA) -- is the pions League was a dream, this fiers. The match-up between won their last title, at the ex- a bit of an emergency situation driving force behind moves to summer it was a goal and it will Macau and Sri Lanka will be a pense of Ajax. for a while and that can only be change the Champions League be next year too.” rematch of their 2016 AFC Soli- June 11. The six winners will Ronaldo was bought to sustained for so long. and make it even harder for Ronaldo was a heavy invest- darity tie, where both teams set- join Asia’s top 34 teams in the change that and was handed “We were missing four or Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during teams from smaller countries, ment with the club announcing tled for a 1-1 draw with Macau Preliminary Joint Qualification an annual salary of 31 million five players.” the game against Ajax on Tues- like Ajax, to qualify. expected losses for this season, going on to top the group and Round 2, which will commence euros. He has won the title five For the first time since day. (EPA-EFE) Agnelli, 43, stressed that the having gone 19.2 million euros finish runners-up behind even- in September. times and scored a 97th-minute 2010, Ronaldo will not be in the team was growing. into the red for the 2017/2018 tual winners Nepal. Timor Leste are ineligible penalty for Real Madrid against Champions League semi-finals. team to a Champions League ti- “For our part, we are aware campaign. Laos and Bangladesh will to participate in the 2023 AFC Juventus last season in the And he held his head in his tle he had won in the three pre- of having been in the Champi- Ajax, meanwhile, reached add spice to the mix when they Asian Cup, after the AFC Disci- quarter-finals. hands in despair as he slumped vious seasons and in 2014 with ons League quarter-finals for their first semi-final since 1997. face each other for a place in the plinary and Ethics Committee Coach Massimiliano Allegri to the pitch at the Allianz Sta- Real Madrid, as well as with five or six years and are proud to “You could see that Juve second round. Both teams are expelled them from the tourna- said he had no regrets, blaming dium. He had single-handedly Manchester United 11 years ago. continue this path,” said Agnelli. were a little scared of us and so beginning their qualifying cam- ment in January 20, 2017, for injuries for the team’s failure to lifted Juventus into the quarter- He holds the record for Although Juventus are on were Real Madrid,” said coach paign in Round 1 for the first fielding ineligible players. Their progress. final with a stunning hat-trick in Champions League goals with course to seal an eighth consec- Erik ten Hag. “It is very difficult time after usually starting from participation in Wednesday’s “Football isn’t maths,” said the second leg against Atletico 126. That total includes 65 goals utive Serie A title next weekend, to play against our style of foot- Round 2. Malaysia will face a draw was for the FIFA World Allegri. Madrid. in the knockout rounds, another they are out of the Coppa Italia, ball, as we have very technically- familiar foe when they take on Cup Qatar 2022 only. “Ronaldo gave us a lot dur- But he was unable to lift his record. Rival Lionel Messi is sec- which they had won the four gifted players.”

Messi urges Barca to show more early focus after UCL win Quick read

REUTERS way to a comfortable 3-0 victory pertinent as Barca’s semi-final “We have become much Oblak signs new Atletico contract until 2023 BARCELONA with two quick-fire strikes be- opponents are likely to be Liv- more solid, over the season we fore Philippe Coutinho scored erpool. struggled a little bit at the back ATLETICO Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has signed a new contract until THERE was a huge sense of re- to make it 4-0 on aggregate. “We cannot start like this in but the whole team is making a 2023, the club announced on Wednesday. Oblak’s commitment comes lief in Barcelona after brushing Barca had suffered a humil- any Champions League game,” huge effort and that makes it far as a boost to Atletico, with the 26-year-old establishing himself as one aside their recent Champions iating quarter-final exit at AS Messi told reporters. harder for opponents to attack of the world’s finest goalkeepers since joining the club in 2014. League quarter-final failures by Roma last year after conceding “We said that from the start, us,” Messi added. “Jan Oblak has extended his contract with Atletico Madrid until June beating Manchester United, but early goals and Messi urged his we had the experience of Roma, “We had been three years 30, 2023,” a club statement read. “The Slovenian player has signed Lionel Messi still criticised his team mates to show more con- you can’t afford to make life without making the semi-finals his new contract that commits him to our club for four more seasons.” Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in side’s shaky start to the game. centration in their next Euro- hard for yourself because one but we didn’t have any nega- Oblak’s previous contract contained a release clause of 100 million action against Manchester United Barca conceded two early pean outing, warning that other mistake can knock you out of tive feelings. We knew we had euros, which is likely to have been increased, rather than removed, in at the Camp Nou Stadium in chances in Tuesday’s second leg sides might not be so forgiving. this competition. We have to be a good scoreline, we’re happy to his new deal. (AFP) Barcelona on Wednesday. (AFP) before Messi set them on their That message is even more aware of that.” be in the semis.” Sports Thursday, April 18, 2019 19 Qatar Motorsports AJS Wathanan storms Academy to host season-ending to Al Wakra Cup races for trainees A grand triple for trainer Jassim Ghazali at 44th Race Meeting at QREC Racecourse TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ter the break there will be the DOHA Superpole Races for both cat- egories. The Superfinal Races QATAR Motorsports Acad- are scheduled at 6pm for Flat emy will celebrate its first year Track 70 and Flat Track 125 at with races for its trainees this 6.30pm. month. On the following weekend Launched last November (April 26 and 27), the QMA with more than 60 children End Season On Road Races registered, the conclusion of will be organised in three dif- the first season will be marked ferent categories - Minimot- by two successive weeks of rac- ard 70, Supermotard 125 and es on April 20, April 26 and 27. MiniGP 110. The QMA End Season Off On Friday, Free Practices Road Races will take place at and Superpole Races for all the academy’s off road facili- categories are scheduled and ties on Saturday and there will Saturday will have warm-up be two categories: Flat Track and the Superfinal Races will 70 (70cc bikes) and Flat Track conclude at 5pm 125 (125cc bikes). Losail Circuit Sports Club The event will start at 11 has offered free entry to spec- am with the warm up and af- tators.

Al Ghazali Stud-owned AJS Wathanan’s connections pose after the triumph in the Al Wakra Cup at the QREC Racecourse in New on Wednesday. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA RESULTS 44TH RACE MEETING – AL WAKRA CUP DAY (DIRT) Onwer: Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Prize Money: QR60,000 (1st 34,200 2nd 13,200 3rd AL Ghazali Stud’s AJS Ghazali LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP 1,700m 6,600) Trainees at the time of the launch of the Qatar Motorsports Academy THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) 1,200m Prize Money: QR55,000 (1st 31,350 2nd 12,100 3rd 1. Garraffah (Ronan Thomas), 2. Badda (Mathieu at Losail. Wathanan displayed tremen- Prize Money: QR45,000 (1st 25,650 2nd 9,900 3rd THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) 1,900m 6,050) Pelletan), 3. Tahar (Damien Morin, -5kg) dous pace and determination 4,950) Prize Money: QR50,000 (1st 28,500 2nd 11,000 3rd 1. Al Huwailah (Al Moatasem al Balushi), 2. Musaiter Bu Won by 1, 5.75. Time 1:59.56 as he was ridden to a big vic- 1. Hitchslap (Anas al Seyabi), 2. Show Of Strength (Ivan 5,500) Thaila (Ivan Rossi), 3. Admiral (Tomas Lukasek) Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle tory in the Al Wakra Cup by Rossi), 3. Leafy Moss (Jean Baptiste Hamel) 1. Nautical Mile (Ivan Rossi), 2. Noble Ancestry (Alexis Won by 2.25, 0.25. Time 1:51.80 Won by neck, 0.5. Time 1:12.19 Pouchin, -5kg), 3. Dheban (Mathieu Pelletan) Owner: Injaz Stud. Trainer: Mohammed Jassim Ghazali AL WAKRA CUP 1,900m Anas al Seyabi at the 44th Owner & Trainer: Osama al Dafea Won by 1.75, 0.75. Time 2:2.73 Prize Money: QR100,000 (1st 57,000 2nd 22,000 3rd Race Meeting at the Qatar Owner: Al Jasra Stud. Trainer: Tareq Essa Abdulla PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP 1,200m 11,000 4th 6,000 5th 4,000) Blue Jackets, Islanders Racing and Equestrian Club THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Qatari Riders Prize Money: QR55,000 (1st 31,350 2nd 12,100 3rd 1. AJS Wathanan (Anas al Seyabi), 2. Nomas Al Shajaa Racecourse in New Al Rayyan Only) 1,200m PUREBRED ARABIAN GRADUATION PLATE 1,700m 6,050) (Alexis Pouchin, -5kg), 3. AJS Al Moheeb (Al Moatasem al Prize Money: QR50,000 (1st 28,500 2nd 11,000 3rd Prize Money: QR50,000 (1st 28,500 2nd 11,000 3rd 1. Lekhraib (Al Moatasem al Balushi), 2. Stam Al Naif Balushi), 4. AJS Al Maha (Tadgh O’Shea), 5. Al Mustafiz complete sweep on Wednesday. 5,500) 5,500) (Adnan Hawa), 3. Fazan (Ronan Thomas) (Tomas Lukasek) The seven-year-old gray 1. Lo De Nalane (Ali Khalid al Mosallam, -5kg), 2. Bint 1. Husam (Ronan Thomas), 2. Jabal Aramoon (Anas al Won by 4.25, 2.5. Time 1:18.92 Won by 6.25, 4.75, 0.5, 12. Time 2:11.86 AFP pleted a 4-0 series win a the gelding was a poor 10th in Saffian (Meteb Ali al Marri, -5kg), 3. China Club (Abdulla Seyabi), 3. Bsheer (Faleh Bughanaim) Owner: Al Ghazali Stud. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali Owner: Al Ghazali Stud. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali LOS ANGELES Nationwide Arena. his last race in the Zubara Mubarak al Maadeed, -5kg) Won by nose, 4.74. Time 1:58.53 Pierre-Luc Dubois had a Won by 2.5, 2.5. Time 1:12.23 Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle Trophy in February. But he PUREBRED ARABIAN PLATE (4 Year Olds) 1,700m THE Tampa Bay Lightning goal and two assists while Al- looked very sharp and keen were sent crashing out of the exandre Texier scored twice in the 1,900m race for the Lo- ters of a length. AJS Al Maha cal Thoroughbred Handicap was the first winner of the day Trainer Alban de Mieulle Stanley Cup playoffs on Tues- for Columbus, who will play cal Purebred Arabian rated 90 was fourth and Al Mustafiz 1,700m with Al Moatasem al for both owner Khalifa bin and rider Ronan Thomas col- day as the Columbus Blue either the Boston Bruins or and conditions for older and secured the fifth spot, finish- Balushi guiding Al Huwailah Sheail Kuwari and trainer Jas- lected a double for owners Jackets completed a stunning the Toronto Maple Leafs in the four-year-old horses on the ing 12 lengths behind fourth- to an over-two-length triumph sim Ghazali. The win took Lo Umm Qarn Farm. They start- first round clean sweep with a second round. dirt track and controlled the placed AJS Al Maha. against Musaiter Bu Thaila De Nalane’s record in the sea- ed off with Husam, who edged 7-3 victory in Ohio. The Lightning mean- proceedings before outpacing Earlier, Seyabi launched (Ivan Rossi). This was the sec- son to three in nine races. Jabal Aramoon by a nose to The Lightning entered the while were left reflecting on Nomas Al Shajaa by over six the day well, pushing ond consecutive winner for Balushi and Lekhraib clinch the Purebred Arabian playoffs as proud owners of an abrupt end to a campaign lengths. Hitchslap, owned and trained the five-year-old chestnut filly, scripted an easy win over Stam Graduation Plate 1,700m for the Presidents’ Trophy, the which had promised so much This was his third win of by Osama al Dafea, to a thrill- who clinched the Local Thor- Al Naif in the Purebred Arabi- his first victory of the season. honour handed to the NHL after a regular-season which the season in eight races, tak- ing neck win in the Thor- oughbred Maident Plate sprint an Handicap 1,200m race. The Then Gharraffah followed up franchise which finishes the saw them accumulate a re- ing his overall tally to fifth oughbred Maiden Plate (Class last week. seven-year-old chestnut colt with a one-length triumph regular season with the best cord-equalling 62 wins. in 23 runs. This win also 6) sprint against Show Of Khalid al Mosallam helmed has been in good from since over Badda, another ward of record. Elsewhere Tuesday, the wrapped up a double for rider Strength (Ivan Rossi). Leafy Lo De Nalane to a victory in his first victory in March. Af- de Mieulle, in the Purebred But the Florida outfit be- Pittsburgh Penguins were shut Seyabi and owner, while fetch- Moss was third by half a the Thoroughbred Handicap ter collecting two runner-up Arabian Plate for four years came only the third Presi- down once again by the New ing a fine triple for trainer length. (Class 5) for the Qatari riders spots, he was won by four and old horses. This was the sec- dents’ Trophy winning team York Islanders, losing 3-1 to Ghazali. AJS Al Moheeb was For Injaz Stud, the previ- only, beating Bint Saffian by a quarter lengths to continue ond successive win for the to suffer a clean sweep in the bow out of the playoffs at the third by four and three quar- ous victory came off in the Lo- two and a half lengths. This his impressive run in Doha. chestnut colt. postseason as Columbus com- first hurdle with a 4-0 sweep. Bairstow, Warner power Sunrisers past Chennai Super Kings

IANS 14 runs in the first four overs. HYDERABAD Thereafter, they tried to up the ante and hit some lusty blows JOHNNY Bairstow and David to take the team’s score to 41 at Warner struck blistering half- the end of powerplay. centuries to help Sunrisers Both Watson and du Ples- Hyderabad (SRH) halt their sis looked in great and losing streak in the ongoing added 79 runs for the first Indian Premier League (IPL) wicket before both of them as they defeated Chennai Su- got out at their individual per Kings (CSK) by six wick- scores of 45 and 30. Thereaf- ets at the Rajiv Gandhi In- ter, the Chennai innings fell ternational Stadium, here on apart and they lost wickets in Wednesday. a heap only to put pressure on SRH reached the 133-run themselves. target with 19 balls to spare to Owing to the slow nature move to the fifth spot on the of the wicket and some bril- points table. liant performance by Runners-up Al Gharafa and champions Al Sadd during the just-held handball final in Doha. Chasing the target, SRH the SRH bowlers, the visitors got off to a flying start as both amassed just 30 runs in the Warner and Bairstow contin- final five overs and crawled Amir Cup handball at Duhail ued with their rampage and to 132-5 in their stipulated collected 66 runs in 5.4 overs quota of 20 overs. It was the before the Australian got out second defeat for the CSK in complex from today after scoring an explosive 25- nine games, while SRH now ball fifty which included 10 have five wins from their eight TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Al Khor will be pitted against be held on April 25. fours. Sunrisers Hyderabad cricketers David Warner (right) and Jonny games they have played. DOHA Qatar Cup champions Al Sadd The qualifying phase of Skipper Kane Williamson, Bairstow run between the wickets during the 2019 Indian Premier SRH will now take on Kol- on Saturday in the quarter- the Amir Cup involves the who came in next, couldn’t League (IPL) match against Chennai Super Kings kata Knight Riders at the same THE Amir Cup Handball finals. teams ranked seventh to 10th stay much at the crease and at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on venue on April 21, while CSK Championship starts at the Last year’s runners-up in the League. Two teams became the victim of leg-spin- Wednesday. (AFP) will travel to Bengaluru to lock Duhail Sports Complex with Qatar Sports Club will clash are promoted to the quarter- ner Imran Tahir at his individ- horns with Royal Challengers two qualifiers - Al Rayyan ver- with Al Gharafa and defend- finals alongside the top six ual score of 3. studded with three fours and na captained the side. It was Bangalore the same day. sus Al Shamal and Al Ahli ver- ing champions and League teams of the league. They However, Bairstow stayed three sixes. for the first time since 2005 sus Al Khor – being played on winners Al Wakrah have been are: Al Wakrah, Al Duhail, at the other end to continue The visitors surely missed that Dhoni had missed an IPL BRIEF SCORES: Thursday. drawn to taken on Al Duhail Al Sadd, Al Gharafa, Al Arabi his prolific run in the ongoing the experience of M.S. Dhoni match. Sunrisers Hyderabad: 137/4 in 16.5 overs The winner of Al Rayyan in other two last eight stage and Qatar SC. Al Wakra won IPL and collected boundaries -- who had to sit out because Earlier electing to bat, (Johnny Bairstow 61, David Warner 50, Imran versus Al Shamal will pro- matches. the Amir Cup last season af- at will. The explosive England of a back injury -- especially Chennai started off slowly Tahir 2/20) beat Chennai Super Kings: 132 ceed to face Al Arabi, while The semi-finals are slated ter defeating Qatar 27 to 22 in opener remained unbeaten while defending the target. In with openers Shane Watson in 20 overs (Faf du Plessis 45, Shane Watson the winner of Al Ahli versus on Monday and the final will the final. at 61. The 44-ball inning was Dhoni’s absence, Suresh Rai- and Faf du Plessis fetching just 31, Rashid Khan 2/17) by six wickets