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Thursday, April 12, 2018 FOOTBALL Rajab 26, 1439 AH Defeat to Roma GULF TIMES reinforces the need for Barca summer changes SPORT Page 3

FOOTBALL Emir Cup draw held in gala ceremony; coaches upbeat Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup says his team are ready to make amends for last year’s final defeat to Al Sadd

By Sports Reporter

ootball fans in can expect plenty of excitement during the 46th Emir Cup, the draw for which was held at the City CentreF Rotana Hotel yesterday. Coaches and offi cials of various clubs who attended the gala ceremony yesterday – in itself one of the grandest events on the domestic sporting scene – said the tournament brings out the best in the players as they seek to close out the season in style. Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup was confi dent of his team’s chances, saying that The Lions would be keen make amends for their heartbreaking loss to Xavi’s Al Sadd last year. Al Rayyan had taken the lead through in the fi nal last year, but after Hassan al-Haydous had equalised early in the second half, Jugurtha Hamroun produced an inju- Former Qatar goalkeeper Younis Ahmed (R) and forward Mubarak Mustafa (left) at the Emir Cup draw yesterday. ry-time goal to give Al Sadd the title. It’s a match that Laudrup clearly re- paigns directly from the quarter-fi nal members. stage of the competition, where they “Last year we had a great chance. will be joined by four other teams who The match was heading towards the will have to work their way up from penalties with the scores level but un- rounds one and two. fortunately for us Xavi produced an ex- Second division teams will seek to ceptional pass and Hamroun made no capture the spotlight from top-fl ight mistake,” Laudrup said after the draw. outfi ts although that usually proves a Al Rayyan had even accounted for tall order as the gulf in class is far too QNB Stars League champions Le- obvious. khwiya in the semi-fi nals with a com- In the fi rst round, Mesaimeer will fortable 3-1 margin before Hamroun’s meet Al Ahli, Qatar Sports Club face 91st goal put paid to their title Al Wakrah, Al Markhiya clash with Al aspirations. Shamal, and Al Kharaitiyat take on Al Laudrup said this year the team Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup (C) with off icials at the draw. Shahania. The four matches will be would try to go one better. played over two days – April 23 and “We are always confi dent ahead of a the quarter-fi nal stage. We have to win Gharafa. He was also the top scorer in 24. tournament. We go out hoping to win just three matches to win the Emir the three times: the In the second round, the winner of it. Let’s see how it goes this time.” Cup,” he said. fi rst being in the 1991–1992 season, the Mesaimeer vs Ahli will face Al Sailiya, Al Rayyan, who fi nished third in the “It’s going to be a tough competition second in the 1992–1993 season, and the winner of Qatar Sports Club vs Al QNB Stars League, however lamented and there are fi ve or six sides who can the fi nal time in the 1996–1997 season. Wakrah will meet Al Arabi, the win- the absence of the prolifi c Abdelrazzaq win it. But we have some good players He also represented Qatar in 84 inter- ner of Al Markhiya vs Al Shamal will Hamdallah through injury. who are highly motivated. It’s any- national matches. take on Al Khor, and the winner of Al “Unfortunately, he is injured but we body’s game.” Younis was Qatar’s top goalkeeper Kharaitiyat vs Al Shahania will play have others who can step up, he added. Earlier, former Qatar stars Mubarak during the 80s and 90s and spent two against Umm Salal. These matches Meanwhile, Al Gharafa coach Bulent Mustafa and Younis Ahmed conducted decades with Al Rayyan, joining them will take place on April 28 and 29. Uygun was also looking forward to the the draw, occasionally bantering about in 1977 when he was a young teen. He In the quarter-fi nals on May 3 and tournament after his side bowed out of the times when they got the better of played 75 matches for the national 4, Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al the Asian Champions. each other during their playing days. team. Gharafa will join the competition and “We did well to fi nish in the top four Mustafa, 45, played as a forward for The top four teams in the QNB Stars face the winners of the third rounds. which is a great boost for our morale. It Al Arabi between 1990 and 2003 and League – Al Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan The semi-fi nals will be played on means we will start our campaign from later had stints with Al Khor and Al and Al Gharafa will kick off their cam- May 11 and 12 and the fi nal on May 19.

ATHLETICS Barshim leads world class fi eld on home turf By Sports Reporter London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist highest jump in history after he cleared world-class competitions. The Dia- Doha Robbie Grabarz of Great Britain, 2018 2.43m in 2014 and came within 2cm mond League is an event where peo- World Indoor bronze medallist Ma- of Javier Sotomayer’s longstanding ple can break through and make their teusz Przybylko of Germany, and 2014 world-record set in 1993. Barshim has mark. I am really looking forward to eam Qatar’s 2017 World Cham- World Indoor bronze medallist Andriy now jumped over 2.40m for fi ve con- competing this year and absorb the pion, Diamond League Cham- Protsenko of the Ukraine. secutive seasons and will be looking to amazing atmosphere. In the future I pion and World Athlete of the Speaking ahead of the competi- continue his dominant form into 2018. want to keep pushing and I know with Year, Mutaz Barshim will be tion, Barshim commented: “I always Also competing for Team Qatar Mutaz’s support, I can achieve great theT headline name at this year’s Doha love competing in the Doha Diamond will be 21-year-old rising star, Moha- things”. Diamond League as he once again kicks League in front of my fans, my family mat Allamine Hamdi, who made his This year’s event will take place once off his 2018 outdoor season in front of a and my country. Last year was an amaz- mark in 2016 with a bronze medal at again in Qatar Sports Club, with com- home-crowd. Qatar’s best-ever athlete ing season but I know that I have more the IAAF World U20 Championships petition kicking off at 18:00. Other will ensure a phenomenal atmosphere to give and I cannot wait for this year’s in Poland, and followed this up with global superstars already announced inside Qatar Sports Club as he joins a outdoor season to begin. My main aim bronze in the recent 2018 Asian Indoor include Olympic 100m and 200m host of Olympic and World Champions in Doha is to win and I want to give the Championships in Tehran. The young Champion Elaine Thompson of Ja- for an unmissable evening of world- crowd a show so that we keep inspiring and promising athlete who shares a maica, 200m World Champion Dafne class athletics on Friday, May 4. new athletes and new fans in Qatar and coach with Barshim is hoping to con- Schippers of The Netherlands, 3000m Last year, Barshim was unstoppa- around the world. I encourage everyone tinue to rise through the ranks, and World Champion Hellen Obiri of Kenya, ble as he became the fi rst high jumper to get their tickets and not miss out on with such a strong infl uence around Team Qatar’s Abderrahaman Samba since 2004 to be unbeaten for an entire an amazing night of athletics!” him, he is certain to reap the benefi ts. who won last year’s Doha Diamond season, as well as the fi rst high jumper Barshim was crowned Qatar’s great- Commenting on the Doha Diamond League 400m hurdles and will once and athlete from the Middle East to win est-ever athlete when he won Olym- League, he said: again go up against Olympic Champion the coveted IAAF Athlete of the Year pic silver in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, “It is important for all the young Kerron Clement of the USA, and Ol- Award. He will face stiff competition in adding to his London 2012 Olympic and aspiring athletes in Team Qatar ympic and World Javelin Champions, Doha from 2017 World bronze medal- bronze and 2014 World Indoor title. to take every opportunity they get Thomas Röhler and Johannes Vetter re- list Majd Eddin Ghazal of Syria, fellow Barshim is the holder of the second to make their presence felt in such spectively, both of Germany. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, April 12, 2018 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE UEFA to probe Guardiola, Clock is ticking but Klopp Liverpool Lausanne: Pep Guardiola’s current torrid time as Man- chester City manager took a further turn for the worse yesterday with news that keeps dreams in check UEFA has opened discipli- nary proceedings into his “improper conduct”. Guardiola was dismissed Salah books Liverpool’s place in semis when he coolly chipped home his 39th goal of the season from the field of play after a half-time tirade at the referee AFP in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester, United Kingdom Liverpool in the quarter-final of the Champions League. The second-leg defeat saw urgen Klopp admits the clock is the Spaniard’s side exit the ticking on his target of winning a European club competition trophy within the fi rst four years 5-1 on aggregate. of his Liverpool tenure but after UEFA said the charges eliminatingJ Manchester City he says he against Manchester City were dare not dream that it will be the Cham- “Josep Guardiola — Dismissal pions League. from the bench... The 50-year-old German refuses to Improper conduct of the contemplate a sixth European crown for coach”. Liverpool also didn’t the historic club even after they beat the escape, with UEFA listing runaway Premier League leaders 5-1 on charges of “setting off of aggregate in the quarter-fi nal to reach fireworks” and “throwing of their fi rst Champions League semi-fi - objects”. nal for a decade. This case will be dealt with City led 1-0 on the night at that stage by the UEFA Control, Ethics after Gabriel Jesus’s second-minute and Disciplinary Body on May opener, but the hosts felt aggrieved 31, it added. after Leroy Sane had a second goal wrongly disallowed for off side just be- LOVREN REVEALS RANT fore half-time. Mohamed Salah booked INSPIRED LIVERPOOL Liverpool’s place in the last four for the TO SINK CITY fi rst time in a decade when he coolly Liverpool defender Dejan chipped home his 39th goal of the sea- Lovren revealed his half-time son 11 minutes into the second half be- rant inspired the Reds as fore Roberto Firmino infl icted a third they killed off Manchester consecutive defeat on City for the fi rst City to reach the Champions time in Guardiola’s near two-year reign. League semi-finals. Jurgen In his fi rst season, Klopp guided Liv- Klopp’s side were in danger erpool to the 2016 Europa League fi nal of blowing the lead against where they lost to Sevilla but he is now City after falling 1-0 down at contemplating a leap upwards in terms Eastlands on Tuesday while of quality of opposition. “I said (at his trying to protect a 3-0 first unveiling as Liverpool manager) if I leg advantage. sit here in four years probably we won But Lovren issued a stern something, otherwise it’s not possi- warning to his team-mates at ble,” Klopp told reporters after the 2-1 the interval, telling them to second-leg victory over Pep Guardiola’s be more aggressive, and the team on Tuesday. “It’s now two and a Croatian’s blast settled Liv- half years and I still haven’t won any- erpool’s nerves. Second half thing so time is running.” goals from Mohamed Salah Klopp, who guided Borussia Dort- and Roberto Firmino secured mund to the 2013 Champions League a 2-1 win that sent Liverpool fi nal where they lost to bitter German into the last four for the first rivals Bayern Munich, says it is far too time in 10 years. early to claim Liverpool can be the “To be honest I was shout- equals of European giants Bayern Mu- ing a bit at half-time. I told nich and Real Madrid. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday. (Reuters) the lads to wake up because Bayern and Real are potential semi- it was not good enough and fi nal opponents should they come two years later. worm — is refl ected in how he felt he I said we were sitting too through their quarter-fi nals unscathed. Klopp says his side are still a work in would have preferred to have watched Liverpool manager deep,” Lovren said. And a huge obstacle to all the teams’ progress. A big step in that direction has the match. “You cannot imagine how Jurgen Klopp “Of course Klopp said chances of lifting the trophy was re- come with his gamble to outlay a world much intensity you feel before a game celebrates after the ‘Yes you are sitting too deep moved on Tuesday with AS Roma’s mi- record fee for a defender to acquire Vir- like this,” he said. win. (AFP) because you are not pushing raculous dismantling of Barcelona. gil van Dijk. The Dutchman has added “Everybody wrote me a message: ‘I up’. He wanted me and Virg “I have absolutely no interest in much-needed defensive solidity. will watch the game here, there, I’ll have (Virgil van Dijk) to be more comparing us. Barca, Bayern, Real Ma- “We can only develop,” said Klopp. a beer together with friends’. I would re- compact and push the team drid they win everything in the past 20 “This competition is unbelievably ally like to do that as well sometimes, up, but it was quite diff icult years,” said Klopp. “You don’t become a strong. I don’t care who is in (the draw), drink beer and watch a Champions to push up when City had the winner overnight.” we are there and we deserved it and so League game. Unfortunately it is all ball. It was all positive, but I Liverpool do of course have a rich far we fought for each opportunity to work.” needed to remind the guys Champions League history, most re- get it and then used it. That’s what we Come May 26 in Kiev he may at last that we had 50 minutes to cently with the miraculous comeback will do (in the semis) but the other sides be able to down a beer or three should be in the semi-finals of the in the 2005 Champions League fi nal are not without their ambitions.” Liverpool fulfi l his personal ambition Champions League and we against AC Milan in Istanbul, although However, the laidback side of Klopp and restore the term European giants to needed to give more." the Italians gained revenge in the fi nal — he admits he fi nds time to be a book- their name.

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Guardiola has work still to be done at City Kane awarded Spurs AFP bought over by the riches of Abu Dhabi’s goal aft er appeal Manchester, United Kingdom Sheikh Mansour, have returned just one semi-fi nal. Over £500mn on transfer fees arry Kane has been Nastasic, who plays for alone has been pumped into preparing awarded Tottenham Bundesliga side Schalke, did not n a week of new experiences for Pep City’s squad for the latter stages of the Hotspur’s second goal specify when or how he got in- Guardiola’s Manchester City, a com- Champions League in two seasons under in their 2-1 Premier jured. He was substituted in the prehensive Champions League 5-1 Guardiola. Their latest European exit is LeagueH victory at Stoke City latter stages of their 3-2 defeat aggregate exit at the quarter-fi nal all the more frustrating as it came at the after the England star appealed at Hamburg SV on Saturday. His Istage to Liverpool was an all too familiar hands of a side they lead by 17 points in against the decision to give absence would be a huge blow feeling. City have now lost three consec- the Premier League. it to Christian Eriksen. Kane to Serbia’s hopes of reaching the utive games under Guardiola for the fi rst But it is also in keeping with Guardio- claimed he got the fi nal touch on knockout stages of the 32-na- time — having also blown the chance to la’s three years at Bayern Munich where Eriksen’s free-kick at the bet365 tion tournament in Russia, with win the Premier League in the sweetest an unprecedented level of domestic dom- Stadium on Saturday, but the coach Mladen Krstajic devoid style by letting a two-goal lead slip to lose inance wasn’t matched by three semi- strike was initially credited to of enough quality options at 3-2 to local rivals Manchester United on fi nal exits in the Champions League. the Danish midfi elder. the back. Serbia, who qualifi ed Saturday. “Two bn pounds, 10 years and an entire “I swear on my daughter’s life for their fi rst major tournament To complete a miserable six days, Gulf state marketing plan in the making, that I touched the ball,” Kane since the 2010 World Cup, are in Guardiola also lost his cool. A half-time in the end Manchester City’s best shot later said. Eriksen added: “He Group E alongside Brazil, Swit- tirade at Spanish referee Antonio Mateu so far at becoming the champions of Eu- celebrated like it was his goal so I zerland and Costa Rica. They Lahoz ensuring he had to watch his side’s rope was extinguished in half an hour of will have to take his word for it.” start the campaign against Costa latest European exit from the stands. tailspin at Anfi eld and the reverberations After reviewing the match Rica on June 17. There was some merit to his com- from two minutes of self-immolating footage, the Premier League’s plaints. Liverpool’s 3-0 fi rst leg lead fury from Pep Guardiola at the Etihad,” goal accreditation appeals panel NELSON KEEN TO INK NEW had already been cut by Gabriel Jesus’s wrote Barney Ronay in The Guardian. ruled Kane had diverted the ball ARSENAL CONTRACT second minute opener before City were Guardiola shielded himself from criti- into the net, giving the striker 25 Arsenal midfi elder Reiss Nelson wrongly denied a second goal on the night cism by citing his almost impeccable Premier League goals this sea- hopes to sign a new contract and a route back into the tie by a botched league record. With City still boasting a son. Kane is chasing Liverpool with the club in the coming off side call against Leroy Sane. “When 13- Premier League lead, a seventh winger Mohamed Salah, who has weeks after making his full Pre- the teams are so equal the impact of these title in nine seasons as a senior coach in 29 goals this term, in the race to mier League debut last weekend. decisions is so big,” lamented Guardiola. three diff erent countries remains a for- fi nish as the league’s top scorer. The 18-year-old, who featured Guardiola was described as a “very mality. “We have to win two games to win The match at Stoke was Kane’s in all of Arsenal’s Europa League disciplined man” by Liverpool boss Jur- the most important competition,” said fi rst start since March after he group stage matches this season, gen Klopp ahead of the game, who even Guardiola. returned from an ankle injury. started Sunday’s 3-2 league win suggested he could learn from his coun- “The Premier League shows how good over Southampton. terpart’s cool head. you are every three days. In this competi- SERBIA’S NASTASIC “It is a big achievement to sign Yet, Guardiola’s outburst is the latest in Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remonstrates with referee Antonio tion 45 minutes may make the diff erence.” DOUBTFUL FOR WORLD for a big club like Arsenal so I’m a highly charged season that has also seen Mateu Lahoz (not pictured) as he walks off at half time during the Champions League However, the world’s highest paid Serbia centre back Matija Nasta- just delighted with the contract him reprimanded by the English Football quarter-final second leg against Liverpool at Manchester, Britain. (Reuters) coach is expected to deliver on the biggest sic faces several weeks out with and hopeful that I can sign it Association for wearing a yellow ribbon stage. In a week, Liverpool and United a knee injury and is doubtful for soon,” Nelson said. “I did set one in protest at the imprisonment of politi- “the best in the world”. However, Guar- with which his ultra-attacking approach have smashed City’s glass jaw that went the June 14-July 15 World Cup target — to make my fi rst-team cal activists who seek independence for diola too must now face up to repetition has been picked off in defeats at the hands largely undiscovered by their Premier in Russia. “I will be sidelined for debut. I have done that, I have his native Catalonia. of adverse Champions League results in of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Ma- League competition for the previous 10 several weeks after damaging my had 15 appearances. A Premier Until the past week, City’s near fl aw- the spring as a pattern rather than coinci- drid, Monaco and now Liverpool a recur- months. knee ligaments but I don’t know League start was on the cards less campaign meant there could be no dence. It is now seven years since he last ring theme. Work remains to be done for Guardiola, exactly how long or whether I but I think I need to score, that is questioning of Guardiola’s abilities as a won the second of his Champions League In the same time, City’s seven seasons and his mission at City won’t be complet- will recover in time for the World the only one I haven’t achieved coach with even Klopp revering him as titles as a coach with Barcelona. The ease in the Champions League since being ed until Europe is fi nally conquered. Cup,” the 25-year old said. so fi ngers crossed..” Gulf Times Thursday, April 12, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QATAR COACH WANTS 2022 WORLD CUP HOSTS TO PLAY IN COPA AMERICA Heroic Roma restore Doha: Qatar’s national team can governing body CONME- coach Felix Sanchez said BOL announced last month yesterday he would welcome that three teams from the Asian the chance for the 2022 World Football Confederation (AFC), Cup hosts playing in next year’s in which Qatar plays, will be Copa America in Brazil. invited along with three other Amid growing speculation nations from either the rest of Italian pride aft er that Qatar will be invited to the Americas or the Caribbean. take part in the South American Eight diff erent non-South tournament, Sanchez said the American countries have been possibility of playing against invited to play in previous Copa some of the world’s best teams Americas. Qatari Off icials are was “very exciting”. waiting for an off icial invitation “I think if this will be the case, before making any announce- World Cup despair it will be a great experience to ment. Earlier this week, Ivan face the top international teams Bravo, the director of the Qatari in the world,” Sanchez told AFP government-funded sports on the sidelines of a cup draw scouting and training centre As- Roma won 3-0, to over-turn a 4-1 quarter-final deficit and eliminate mighty Barca ceremony in Doha. pire Academy, denied suggest- He added: “It will be good ing that Qatar would definitely for them to face these types take part. It is clear though of games, that’s what they are that Qatar needs competitive going to face in 2022.” games before 2022. Ranked According to South American 101st in the world, Qatar is keen media reports, Qatar is among to develop a team capable of a number of nations invited competing on the world stage to take part in the 2019 Copa in four years’ time. America next June and July. “If we have a chance to China, Japan, Mexico and play against teams from South two other countries could also America, we need to start to join South American giants do it because for the develop- including Brazil, Argentina and ment of the players to be ready Uruguay, to push tournament in 2022, it’s going to be good,” numbers up to 16. South Ameri- said Spaniard Sanchez. (AFP)

FOCUS Iraq’s fans enjoy fi rst international club tie since ban

AFP fans and we have to take advan- Karbala, Iraq tage,” said Oudisho, whose team drew against Al-Ahed when they squared off in Beirut in February. he match might have Iraq was prohibited from host- ended 1-1, but for Iraqi ing international games since AS Roma’s Greek defender Kostas Manolas (centre) is ecstatic after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match against FC Barcelona at football fans Tuesday’s the early 1990s until FIFA ruled the Olympic Stadium in Rome on Tuesday night. Roma won 3-0, to over-turn a 4-1 quarter-final deficit and eliminate Barca on away goals. (AFP) tie between Baghdad’s in March to bring it back into the TAl-Zawraa and Beirut’s Al-Ahed full international fold. AFP match, Roma, a distant fourth in Serie A, Rome” while Milan’s Gazzetta dello Sport pointed out that Roma could now be con- will be one for the record books. After fi rst allowing the return Rome will be the sole Italian representative in went with “Imperial”. sidered one of “the top four in Europe”. It was the fi rst international of friendly games last year, glo- the last four of Europe’s most prestigious Several newspapers picked up the pun La Repubblica, a Rome daily, talked of competitive club game to be bal footballing authorities fi nally club competition. “Romantada,” a play on the “remontada”, “nights on which the impossible takes played on Iraqi soil in more than agreed to let foreign teams come taly has spent fi ve months grieving On a heady night at the Stadio Olimpi- as Barcelona’s comeback from a four-goal shape”. Another Rome paper, Il Mes- 20 years after FIFA lifted a ban on for competitive games after say- over the failure of the national team co, Edin Dzeko set the ball rolling in the fi rst-leg defi cit against Paris Sain-Ger- saggero, ran stories on the “joy of fans” the war-torn country. ing security conditions were fi ne. to take their customary place at the sixth minute, and after Daniele De Rossi main last year is known in Spain. “A crazy and estimated the semi-fi nal place was “The world saw that Iraq was The return of international com- World Cup, but Roma have restored converted a penalty 13 minutes into the Olimpico” was the Corriere dello Sport’s worth more than 10mn euros ($12.4mn) at the level and that it had the ca- petitions has been seen as major Isome pride with a heroic victory over second half to get the home fans believ- headline on its main story, which off ered to Roma. Roma’s victory was not the pacity to host a championship,” progress by Iraqis and their gov- Barcelona in the Champions League. ing, Kostas Manolas glanced home a bril- a host of reasons why it was a privilege only upset of the round, but it surprised fan Ali Essam said. From the early ernment, as the country looks to The Azzurri, four-time world cham- liant header with eight minutes left to to be at the stadium on Tuesday night, the man behind the other, Liverpool’s 5-1 morning, cars lined up at check- attract investment and change pions, are not going to Russia, but after send the Roma supporters into raptures called the players “extraterrestrials” and elimination of Manchester City after a 2-1 points set up at the entrances to its image after years of violence. Roma won 3-0, to over-turn a 4-1 quar- and leave Barca wondering what had hit awarded them all marks of 10 out of 10. second leg victory at the Etihad Stadium. Karbala, the Shia holy city about But still only three stadiums in ter-fi nal defi cit and eliminate mighty them. The joyous celebration continued By the second paragraph, the paper “I came up the stairs and someone told 60 kilometres south of Baghdad. the country have been given the Barca on Tuesday night on away goals, long after the fi nal whistle and spread was complaining about the referee. It said me,” Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp said. “I re- Buses of Al-Zawraa fans greenlight to host the ties. They the club from the Eternal City can dream out of the stadium and across the Italian French offi cial Clement Turpin had “tried ally thought it was a joke. Not that I don’t drapped in the club’s signa- are the stadium in Karbala, the of going to a fi nal in Ukraine. capital. Car horns blaring, fl ags waving, to the road with countless contrary respect Roma absolutely the opposite, ture white fl ags arrived in their country’s most modern arena “We must aim for Kiev,” Eusebio di fans singing in the streets and wild cheers decisions” adding that he should have sent they are a fantastic football team. They dozens, with supporters fi lling in the southern city of Basra, Francesco, the Roma coach said after the pouring from every household, the Italian off Barcelona’s Gerard Pique and ignoring lost Mo Salah and they are in the semi- Karbala’s 30,000-seat stadium and the main stadium in Iraqi match. “Why not believe in something capital came alive. the offi cial’s decision not to show match- fi nals. That is quite a big thing. I didn’t almost to capacity. “It’s an im- Kurdistan’s capital Arbil. even greater after such a match?” The feelgood factor was picked up on winner Manolas a second yellow card. expect it but I know it was possible.” portant game for us,” Al-Za- Even though his team didn’t Unless Italian league leaders Juventus Wednesday by a jubilant Italian press. Gazzetta dello Sport hailed a “night “I think a normal fi nal could be City- wraa’s coach Ayub Oudisho said win, Ali Essam was positive after can perform an even more unlikely ex- The specialist sports newspapers played of dreams,” called Roma’s performance Barcelona and now they are both out. But before the Asian Football Con- draw. “The most important thing ploit, and overcome their three-goal defi - on the city’s past. Rome-based Corriere “titanic,” praised the team’s “aggres- there will be two other really strong teams federation match. is the club, which is the pride of cit away to Real Madrid in a late last night dello Sport used the headline “Mythic siveness” and Di Francesco’s tactics and in plus us and Roma.” “We’re playing in front of our the entire country,” he said.

SPOTLIGHT BOTTOMLINE Roma defeat reinforces the need SC roadshow in hailed aft er 14,000 attend event for Barca changes in the summer he Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy AFP should at least serve as a wake-up call, re- (SC) has concluded its Barcelona inforcing the need for changes in the sum- two-day Roadshow at mer. Andres Iniesta admitted he might have TBayfront Park in Miami, Florida, played his last Champions League game as which sought to educate and ex- arcelona’s shock Champions he ponders a move to China. He would need cite locals about Qatar’s plans League exit at the hands of Roma to be replaced or, more likely, properly suc- for the tournament. Over 14,000 on Tuesday night does not discount ceeded by Philippe Coutinho. Miamians, football fans and me- what is likely to be a double-win- Sergio Busquets played through the pain dia attended the Roadshow over ningB season but the loss should serve as a of a toe injury, exposing Barca’s lack of a the weekend, visiting booths warning for what comes next. After the 3-0 competent back-up for the Spaniard in representing a variety of Qatar’s defeat at Stadio Olimpico, which sent Roma central midfi eld, which will have to be ad- leading sporting and cultural or- through on away goals, Ernesto Valverde dressed. Samuel Umtiti’s future needs to ganisations. paid lip-service to shouldering responsibil- be resolved, as stalling contract talks have The SC booth consisted of ity but in the same breath pointed to a dis- aff ected his form, and there is room for im- six scale models of Qatar’s eye- appointment with his players. provement at right back, where Sergi Rob- catching FIFA World Cup stadi- “A week ago we scored four goals with the erto has not convinced. ums and interactive video panels The SC booth consisted of six scale models of Qatar’s eye-catching same line-up,” Valverde said. “We coped But Valverde must also acknowledge a explaining the inspiration and FIFA World Cup stadiums and interactive video panels explaining the with their game and played ours. It went lack of fl exibility, born largely out of his own design of each venue. In addi- inspiration and design of each venue. right. This time it did not.” But perhaps that tactics. Resilience, organisation, an excel- tion, Qatar Airways, Qatar Foun- was part of the problem. Barca won 4-1 at lent goalkeeper in Marc-Andre ter Stegen, dation, the Qatar Investment national teams if they wish, went ball tricks. The Roadshow forms the Camp Nou with a performance that did and Messi, have taken Barca a long way this Authority, Doha Film Institute down particularly well. I hope the part of the SC’s involvement in a not deserve the result. term but when they needed to adapt against and even a replica Souq Waqif all US qualifi es for 2022 because our month-long business tour of the Two own-goals and a late Luis Suarez Roma, they were found wanting. off ered various forms of enter- tournament has such a lot to off er US being led by Qatar’s Minis- strike masked what had been a disjointed “They played their game and we did not tainment as football freestylers fans from here. Miami has a deep try of Economy and Commerce display, low on fl uency, high on mistakes, Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is know how to react,” Busquets said. “We did wowed audiences with impres- passion for football and the re- with support from Qatar Cham- which on that occasion went unpunished. dejected after Champions League loss to not know how to create chances. We weren’t sive displays of football skill on a sponse to our Roadshow has been ber, the Qatar-US Business As- Of all the trailing teams heading into the Roma in Rome on Tuesday night. (AFP) in the right positions and in the end, they mini-football pitch. fantastic.” sociation and the US Chamber quarter-fi nal second legs, few would have got the result.” Mohamed Qassem al-Emadi, Qatar’s Minister of Econo- of Commerce. The Qatar-US predicted Roma to be the ones celebrating and then Messi, as a substitute, engineered a Victory over Valencia, who sit third, Commercial Assurance Manager my and Commerce, HE Sheikh Economic Forum will stop in progress to the last four. dramatic late escape. ahead of Real Madrid, will quickly change at the SC, who led the SC delega- Ahmed bin Jassim bin Moham- three more US cities, beginning But there were clues, and Valverde missed Barca are still unbeaten in the league — the mood. Barca are on the cusp of breaking tion, said: “This was a truly spe- ed al-Thani, and Miami Mayor with Washington, DC, Charle- them. Barca have fl attered to deceive in re- although with what now appears an even Real Sociedad’s 1980 record of 38 unbeaten cial event that set out to excite and Francis X Suarez formally opened ston, South Carolina, and then cent weeks. They were outplayed for large trickier game at home to Valencia on Satur- league games, set in a run that stretched inform local fans about Qatar’s the event. In addition, Justise Raleigh, North Carolina. spells by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but day — and 11 points clear at the top. If they across two seasons. World Cup plans. I was impressed Winslow and Kelly Olynyk of The Roadshow will return in snatched a 1-1 draw. A 1-0 win at home to overcome out-of-form Sevilla in the Copa But even with successes still to come, by how much information peo- the local basketball Charleston and Raleigh, with SC Atletico Madrid, which all-but secured del Rey fi nal later this month, they will likely they would do well to let the rout in Rome ple retained after speaking to our team, and Kenny Stills of the representatives using the oppor- them the title, was effi cient rather than em- be toasting a domestic double at the end of linger a little longer. “You have to endure representatives and seeing our American Foot- tunity to educate football fans phatic, decided only by a stunning Lionel the season, possibly as La Liga’s fi rst ever the pain — there will be some tough days,” venues. The compact nature of ball team, also attended over the across the Eastern US about the Messi free-kick. invincible team. Valverde said. “We have to try to win the two the tournament, which means weekend to learn about Qatar’s fi rst FIFA World Cup to ever take And against Sevilla a fortnight ago, Barca But Roma’s triumph, ensuring Barca’s competitions. A defeat like this hurts a lot, fans can watch more than one hosting plans, meet fans and place in the Middle East and only trailed 2-0 in the 87th minute before Suarez third straight quarter-fi nal exit in Europe, but you have to look forward.” live game per day and follow two even try their hand at some foot- the second in Asia. (SC.qa) Gulf Times 4 Thursday, April 12, 2018 SPORT

FORMULA 1 CRICKET England women players dominate China ace Hamilton Wisden awards AFP stan leg-spinner Rashid Khan London, United Kingdom collected the inaugural leading Twenty20 cricketer in the world prize. Lawrence Booth wrote in he England women’s his editor’s notes for the 2018 ready to deny Vettel trio of Heather Knight, Wisden: “When the cover was Natalie Sciver and Anya unveiled in January, it generated Shrubsole have all been seven times as much social media Tselected among Wisden’s Five interest as its predecessor, which Cricketers of the Year in a land- depicted Virat Kohli, the most mark move by the sport’s ‘bible’. marketable player of the world’s Only two female cricketers best-supported team. – Claire Taylor and Charlotte “Wisden shouldn’t be too hat-trick of titles Edwards, Knight’s immediate smug: we have often been slow predecessor as England captain to acknowledge the women’s ‘It’s always been a good track for me. So I really hope that I’m able to climb the ladder – had previously won an award game. Thanks to Shrubsole and dating back to 1899. her team-mates, the case has and get back to where we’ve been working towards being in the last two races’ But Knight, Sciver and Shrus- become unanswerable. There bole’s contributions to Eng- were few cries of tokenism.” Reuters land’s 2017 World Cup triumph, By tradition, the Cricketer of Shanghai culminating in a dramatic win the Year award can be won only over India in a sold-out fi nal at once by any player and is judged Lord’s, saw them honoured by mainly on their contribution to errari’s Sebastian Vettel the Almanack. the English season. can complete a hat-trick Shrubsole, who turned the fi - Knight, Sciver and Shrubsole of wins to start the sea- nal on its head by taking fi ve for all played key roles in a trans- son on Sunday but China 11 on her way to fi gures of six for formative World Cup for wom- alsoF off ers reigning Formula One 46 as India suff ered a stunning en’s cricket, the captain scoring champion Lewis Hamilton a per- collapse, also became the fi rst 364 runs at 45.5. All-rounder fect opportunity to end his rival’s woman on the front cover of Sciver struck 369 runs at 46.12 run of success. Wisden, an annual record of the and was credited with invent- The 33-year-old Mercedes previous year’s cricket around ing a new stroke – the ‘Natmeg’ driver has won the race on the the world, in its 155th edition. – when she turned a yorker be- outskirts of Shanghai an unprec- West Indies batsman Shai Hope tween her legs during the course edented fi ve times, with the Brit- and Essex bowler Jamie Porter of a century against New Zea- on’s most recent triumph coming were also chosen for the award. land. as recently as last year. India captains Virat Kohli Hope was chosen mainly on Hamilton will be desperately and Mithali Raj were named as the back of his brilliant twin hoping the Shanghai International the leading men’s and women’s centuries that saw West Indies Circuit delivers a sixth as he bids cricketers in the world respec- to a shock win over England in to claw back some of the 17-point tively. Kohli won his award for the the second Test at Headingley. second year in a row after again It was the fi rst time any bats- The defending constructors’ starring in all formats, while Raj man had scored centuries in champions have won the was acknowledged after a year both innings of a fi rst-class Chinese race fi ve times in in which she became the leading match at Yorkshire’s headquar- the last six years, including run-scorer in women’s one-day ters ground, with Booth saying four in succession, whereas internationals during India’s run it was “one of the individual Ferrari last won it in 2013. to the World Cup fi nal. Afghani- performances of the year”. defi cit to championship leader Vettel in the overall standings. SPOTLIGHT “It’s always been a good track for me,” said Hamilton, who fi n- ished third in Bahrain on Sunday after starting ninth due to a gear- ICC forms panel to box penalty. Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton drives during the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit in . (AFP) “So I really hope that I’m able to climb the ladder and get back result we should expect with resolve India-Pakistan to where we’ve been working to- both Red Bulls and (Vettel’s team Brown appointed chief executive of McLaren Racing wards being in the last two races.” mate) Kimi (Raikkonen) out of Wins in the Australian sea- the race,” Mercedes team boss McLaren announced a management restructur- their last grand prix victory in 2012. cricket dispute son-opener and Bahrain means Toto Wolff said. “So we started to ing on Tuesday, with Zak Brown given overall Last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix saw the the momentum for the moment analyse what went wrong in Bah- responsibility for the Formula One team and Renault-powered team reach a milestone of AFP sport’s world governing body is with Vettel, the fi rst Ferrari rain in order to improve for China Racing Director Eric Boullier reporting to him. 100 races without a win and they face a tough Lahore said in a statement Tuesday. driver since Michael Schumach- and come back stronger.” The McLaren Group said it had simplified the road back after three dismal years with under- “The hearing will take place er in 2004 to start the year with The defending constructors’ corporate structure into three divisions: Applied performing Honda engines. in Dubai from 1-3 October and successive wins.The last time a champions have won the Chi- Technologies, Automotive and Racing. To add to their discomfort, both the Honda-pow- he International Crick- the decision of the Dispute Panel driver failed to win the champi- nese race fi ve times in the last six Jonathan Neale becomes chief operating of- ered Toro Rosso drivers out-qualified Fernando et Council has created shall be non-appealable” and onship after winning the open- years, including four in succes- ficer of the group with Mike Flewitt continuing Alonso and Stoff el Vandoorne in Manama. a dispute resolution binding on both Pakistan and ing two races was in 1982, when sion, whereas Ferrari last won it as chief executive of luxury sportscar maker Frenchman Pierre Gasly then finished fourth, a panel to hear Pakistan’s India, the ICC said. Alain Prost started strongly but in 2013. compensationT claim against The BCCI refused to play two McLaren Automotive. Brown, a marketing better result than anything McLaren achieved lost out to Keke Rosberg. “It’s a tricky one to get every- expert, joined McLaren in 2016 as executive in the past three seasons with their Japanese archrival India for refusing to series against Pakistan in 2015 Hamilton can still take com- thing right,” Vettel, also a four- director with a focus on raising new sponsorship partners. play a bilateral series. and 2017, saying it did not have fort from last year, when he time world champion, said in after the departure of former boss Ron Dennis. Despite that, McLaren - ninth of 10 teams last Sporting ties between the permission from the Indian gov- clinched his fourth champion- Bahrain. The American has, however, been eff ectively year - are third in the championship thanks to cricket-mad South Asian neigh- ernment because of strained re- ship despite Vettel also winning “But if we do, like this week- acting as principal of the team and now takes on both Red Bull drivers failing to finish. bours have suff ered in recent lations. in Australia and Bahrain, which end, and we fi nd the sweet spot, the title of chief executive off icer. Double world champion Alonso finished fifth years amid rising political ten- India-Pakistan ties, includ- was the third race of that season. then I’m pretty confi dent that we “The work of the past year at a corporate level and seventh in Australia and Bahrain respec- sions, and Pakistani cricket au- ing sports and cultural contacts, He can also draw encourage- can do well there as well.” has been focused on structuring and positioning tively and is fourth in the standings. thorities say their Indian coun- plummeted after the 2008 mili- ment from the speed and reli- Red Bull are also yet to show McLaren for growth,” said executive chairman The results have flattered the team, however, terparts have violated a 2014 tant attacks in Mumbai, which ability of his Mercedes, with the their hand, with both Daniel Sheikh Mohamed bin Essa al-Khalifa in a state- with the McLaren considered to be about a memorandum of understanding New Delhi blamed on Pakistani Briton poised to set a Formula Ricicardo and Max Verstappen ment. “These latest developments are a natural second a lap down on the Red Bull, which has under which the two were to play militant groups. One record on Sunday of 28 suc- retiring in the fi rst fi ve laps in consequence of that work and are designed to the same Renault engine. six bilateral series between 2015 There has been just one bilat- cessive races in the points. Bahrain. bring greater simplicity and clarity to the struc- That has focused attention on the chassis, and and 2023. The Pakistan Cricket eral tour since, when Pakistan The former champions have ture and leadership of the group.” raised questions about whether the Honda en- Board (PCB) is seeking $70mn visited India to play two Twen- COMING BACK STRONGER fi nished on the podium in Shang- The Bahraini and McLaren’s Saudi-born co- gine was blamed disproportionately last year. in compensation. It initiated ty20s and three one-day inter- Hamilton had a clear edge over hai in the last two years and could owner Mansour Ojjeh continue to form the “We know that we have the potential, we know dispute resolution proceedings nationals in December 2012 and Ferrari in Melbourne and team still make it a three-way fi ght. executive committee. that the car has some good things, some bad against the Board of Control for January 2013. mate Valtteri Bottas came within “It will swing from race track McLaren are the sport’s second most successful things. We need to make sure we improve the Cricket in India (BCCI) at the They have, however, contin- a second of snatching victory to race track,” Wolff added in team after Ferrari in terms of race wins (182) but bad things as soon as possible,” said Alonso on ICC in November last year. ued to play each other in mul- from pole-sitter Vettel in Bahrain. Bahrain. “I think that’s going to the former champions have been also-rans since Sunday night. A three-member panel will tinational events like the World “That... was the minimum be the model of the season.” hear the claim later this year, the Cup.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi in rain-aff ected tie IANS Krishnappa Gowtham (2) at the crease. ‘IPL matches to be Jaipur For Delhi, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Na- deem returned best fi gures of 2/34 while shift ed out of Chennai’ New Zealand pacer Trent Boult and India All the remaining Indian Premier League ajasthan Royals rode their bowl- fast bowler Mohammed Shami also picked (IPL) matches of Chennai Super Kings will ers’ good show coupled with skip- up a wicket apiece. be shifted out of Chennai to Pune in the per Ajinkya Rahane’s 45 to beat Rahane stitched together a 62-run stand wake of Tuesday’s violence over the Delhi Daredevils by 10 runs via with Sanju Samson (37) for the third wicket Cauvery waters dispute. Duckworth-LewisR Method in a heavily while wicketkeeper Jos Buttler (29) and Tri- “CSK will be asked to move their home rain-truncated Indian Premier League (IPL) pathi joined hands for another important matches to Pune as the Chennai police has clash here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium partnership of 38 runs for the fi fth wicket. expressed their inability to to provide ad- yesterday. Rajasthan lost opener D’Arcy Short (6) equate security for the remaining matches,” The IPL returned to the Pink City after early to a run out and then Trent Boult got IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla told reporters 2013 but rain played spoilsport for the major the outside edge of star England all-rounder yesterday. part, forcing D/L method to come into play Ben Stokes (16) for keeper Pant to take an Earlier, talking to IANS on phone, Chennai after the hosts were 153/5 in 17.5 overs when easy catch. Super Kings (CSK) Chief Executive Off icer it started drizzling. Nadeem castled Samson to bring an end K.S. Viswanathan said: “We talked to the Delhi were given a revised target of 71 to his association with Rahane, scalping the Chennai’s Commissioner of Police over the to chase in six overs but Australian pacer captain’s wicket also with a away-turning issue. He suggested we shift the matches as Ben Laughlin (2/20) picked up the wickets delivery which the batsman tried to work the situation is volatile in the city.” of Glenn Maxwell (17) and Vijay Shankar over midwicket but have a catch to Chris “We have put the ball in BCCI’s court and while Jaydev Unadkat (1/24) accounted for Morris at point. the board will now take a call on the issue,” Rishabh Pant (20) to never let Delhi come Buttler was removed by Shami just when he added. close to winning in harsh circumstances. the England stumper was looking good to go Various Tamil groups had demanded that Opener Colin Munro (0) was run out big before rain interrupted play. the authorities cancel all IPL matches in without facing a ball. Chris Morris (17 not Chennai until the Cauvery Management out) and Shreyas Iyer (0 not out) were at the Brief scores: Rajasthan Royals 153/5 in 17.5 Board (CMB) and Cauvery Water Regula- crease. overs (Ajinkya Rahane 45, Sanju Samson tory Committee (CWRC) as mandated by Earlier, Rajasthan rode Rahane’s 45 to 37; Shahbaz Nadeem 2/34) beat Delhi Dare- the Supreme Court are set up the Central get to 153/5 when the skied opened up in devils 60/4 (Rishabh Pant 20; Ben Laughlin Rajasthan Royals captain Ajinkya Rahane plays a shot during the 2018 Indian Premier League match against government. the 17th over with Rahul Tripathi (15) and 2/20) by 10 runs via D/L method. Delhi Daredevils at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Thursday, April 12, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT ‘It’s not like Twenty seasons and we’re a young counting: Nowitzki Sixers power club. We’re an old club with aims for yet another a tremendous year in the NBA to record 15th history’ straight victory

GOING STRONG: of the Mavericks.

DPA Although Nowitzki was an im- Berlin portant part of the team and the emotional leader until recently, the ageing captain was no longer asketball superstar Dirk as dominating as he was 10 years Nowitzki was expected ago, but at the same time he re- to call it quits on a bril- mained loyal to the club. liant career in the NBA And he still wants to help the afterB 20 seasons with the Dal- team regroup, saying: “The last las Mavericks. But instead the couple of years have been tough, German announced Tuesday — so hopefully I can help the team while attending the Mavs’ last push through those times.” season game against the Phoenix Nowitzki was selected by the Suns — that he aimed to return Milwaukee Bucks as ninth in the next season and fulfi l his con- 1998 draft and then transferred tract until 2019. to Dallas. There, the former “The plan is to come back Wuerzburg Bundesliga player and work toward next season,” experienced great moments of Nowitzki told reporters. “It’s glory but also disappointment going to be a long process, it’s with the 2006 NBA fi nals defeat going to be a summer with some to Miami. frustrations here and there... Nowitzki’s childhood dream but I’m willing to fi ght through eventually came true fi ve years it and give it another shot,” he later with revenge against the added. Heat. Playing for the national If he succeeds Nowitzki, who team, Germany’s 2011 sports turns 40 in June, would be the personality of the year took fi rst NBA player with 21 years bronze at the 2002 world cham- at the same club, another mile- pionships in the United States stone in the glittering career and silver three years later at guard Andre Ingram (20) moves to the basket against guard Tim Quarterman (55) and guard Gerald Green (14) during the second half at of the former German inter- the European Championships in Staples . PICTURE: Gary A. Vasquez –USA TODAY Sports national. The 2.13-metre-tall Serbia. power forward is considered the He retired from the German AFP Sixers coach Brett Brown said he be- with another loss. Taurean Prince led In the Western Conference, the Gold- best European ever to play in the national team in early 2016 after Los Angeles lieves his team’s record winning streak the Atlanta scoring with 27 points while en State Warriors brought their regular NBA. 153 international matches. De- can be the catalyst for a strong perform- Tyler Dorsey had 17 off the bench. season campaign to a close with a tame With 31,187 points he is in spite the heavy load of the NBA ance in the postseason. The only sour note for the Sixers was defeat to the Utah Jazz. sixth place on the all-time scor- Nowitzki played repeatedly for he Philadelphia 76ers pow- “We have momentum, we broke a an injury to power forward Dario Sa- The reigning NBA champions had er list and the only non-Amer- Germany, in contrast to many ered to a record-breaking 15th club record tonight,” Brown told re- ric, who left the game in the opening already assured themselves of second ican in the top 10. In 2007, he other international stars of his straight victory on Tuesday with porters. seconds nursing a cut lip and a chipped place and were a long way off their best was voted the best player in the calibre. a 121-113 defeat of the Atlanta “It’s not like we’re a young club. We’re tooth after a collision with John Collins. as they slumped to a 119-79 loss at Salt strongest league in the world, Nowitzki would have had THawks to stay on course for third seed in an old club with a tremendous history. “It’s not an ideal time of year to lose Lake City’s Vivint Smart Home Arena. and the desired NBA title fi nally every excuse to have more time the Eastern Conference standings. Taking that kind of momentum into the a starting player on the fi rst play of the Kay Thompson led the scoring for the came in 2011. to spend with his wife, Jessica, J.J. Redick led the scoring with 28 playoff s is important. It doesn’t guaran- game,” Brown said. “We’ll learn more Warriors with 23 points but the Dubs The 13-time NBA Allstar and their three children, Ma- points while Ersan Ilyasova weighed tee anything but it certainly lets you feel about his condition when we get back to were no match for the all-round off en- would have loved to have re- laika, Max and Morris, instead of in with 26 off the bench as the Sixers you’re doing things the right way. The Philadelphia.” sive threat of the Jazz, who face Port- turned to the play-off s this year, planning to continue. Financially moved to within one win of locking up team has been fantastic.” Elsewhere Tuesday, John Wall racked land on the road on Wednesday to de- but the Texans were among the he has long since taken care of third spot. Third place in the East could poten- up 29 points as the Washington Wizards cide which team will fi nish third. Both worst teams in the league, as himself and his family, collect- Ben Simmons, who had been strug- tially be worth an easier route to the romped past the Celtics 113-101. Utah and Portland have identical 48-33 they had been the previous sea- ing a total of about 199.5mn eu- gling with a stomach bug, added 14 Conference fi nals, with the injury-hit Wall pulled down seven rebounds records. son. In addition, Nowitzki was ros ($245mn) in salary at Dallas points with 10 assists while Marco Be- Boston Celtics, seeded second, likely op- and provided 12 assists in the win as the out of action at the end of the alone. It could have been much linelli had 20 off the bench as the Sixers ponents in the second round. Celtics, who are already assured of sec- RESULTS season after an operation on his more, but by staying loyal to his set a new franchise record for consecu- Philadelphia’s emergence this season ond place in the East, slipped to their Charlotte 119 INDIANA 93 left ankle. Mavs, Nowitzki renounced much tive wins. marks a dramatic turnaround in for- fourth loss in fi ve games. Philadelphia 121 ATLANTA 113 After the title win seven years higher sums, and in his last sea- The Sixers can seal third in the Eastern tunes, just two years after fi nishing bot- Jaylen Brown led the Boston scor- WASHINGTON 113 Boston 101 ago, it went steadily downhill for son earned the relatively smaller Conference in the fi nal round of regular tom with a dismal 10-72 record. ers with 27 points. Jayson Tatum had 12 Phoenix 124 DALLAS 97 the team, and the dream of a sec- amount of about $5mn. Other season games on Wednesday when they Atlanta, the worst side in the East with points while Al Horford snagged 14 re- UTAH 119 Golden State 79 ond championship for Nowitzki stars of his status have picked return to Philadelphia to host Milwaukee. a 24-58 record, saw their season end bounds and added 10 points. Houston 105 LA LAKERS 99 remains unfulfi lled. more than four times that fi gure.

BASEBALL Twins shut down Astros behind Odorizzi Agencies visiting New York on Tuesday night. series, including this one over the last-place New York Betts (4-for-4) scored a career-high fi ve Marlins. runs, Hanley Ramirez (2-for-2) added three Mets switch hitter Asdrubal Cabrera also RBIs while J.D. Martinez (1-for-5) and Andrew homered twice, once from each side of the plate. ake Odorizzi worked six solid innings and Benintendi (2-for-3) had two RBIs apiece as Teammate Wilmer Flores pulled an RBI double the Minnesota Twins took advantage of an the Red Sox earned their major-league-leading and a solo homer. Miami was led by Justin Bour, early overturned call to defeat the Houston ninth straight victory. who hit a pair of two-run homers, both to the JAstros 4-1 on Tuesday at Target Field. Boston (9-1) became the 40th team in major opposite fi eld. The Astros (9-3) had their seven-game win- league history to win nine of its fi rst 10 games, ning streak at Target Field snapped via their not losing since a season-opening 6-4 setback BLUE JAYS 2, ORIOLES 1 continued struggles on off ense. After produc- at Tampa Bay, a game that Boston dropped after Curtis Granderson hit a tiebreaking homer ing the top off ense in baseball last season, the leading 4-0 in the eighth inning. with two outs in the top of the ninth inning after Astros have scored only nine runs over their last Aaron Judge (3-for-4) hit his third homer of Toronto teammate Aaron Sanchez lost his no- fi ve games despite fi elding the same lineup. The the year for the Yankees, who lost for the fourth hit bid in the eighth, and the visiting Blue Jays Astros were held without an extra-base hit for time in fi ve games. Giancarlo Stanton (2-for-4) edged Baltimore. the third time in fi ve games. struck out twice in his rivalry debut, bringing Granderson broke a 1-1 tie by lifting a 1-2 Minnesota (5-4) capitalised on the control his season whiff total to a league-high 22. fastball from Darren O’Day (0-1) over the score- woes of Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel (0- board in right fi eld. It was his 25th career homer 2), who issued four walks for the second time NATIONALS 4, BRAVES 1 in the ninth inning or later. in three starts after doing so only once over 23 Stephen Strasburg threw eight scoreless in- Granderson’s fi rst homer as a Blue Jay oc- starts last season. Keuchel walked Twins fi rst nings, and Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run tri- curred after Sanchez (1-1) lost his no-hit bid on baseman Joe Mauer twice, with Mauer scoring ple in the fi rst to give Washington all the off ense the fi rst pitch of the eighth by allowing a double the second run of the fi rst inning and recording Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jake Odorizzi pitches in the first inning against Houston Astros at it needed to defeat visiting Atlanta. to Tim Beckham. Sanchez allowed one run on an RBI after drawing a bases-loaded walk in the Target Field on Tuesday. PICTURE: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports Strasburg (2-1) gave up three hits and struck three hits in eight innings while striking out four second. out eight while walking two. In addition, he and working around fi ve walks. Roberto Osuna Keuchel appeared to retire Twins second walks. Dozier walked four times in addition to However, he induced inning-ending double- singled, walked and reached on an error while pitched a perfect ninth for his fi fth save of the baseman Brian Dozier on a groundout to open his leadoff single. play groundballs from Astros shortstop Carlos bunting. Ryan Madson earned his fi rst save of season, the 100th save of his career, becoming the game, but the call was overturned follow- After labouring through 29 pitches in the fi rst Correa in the fi rst and fi fth innings to sidestep the season by getting the fi nal two outs in the the youngest pitcher ever to reach the milestone. ing a review that revealed Dozier beat the throw inning and 33 in the second, Keuchel lasted just potential Houston rallies. ninth. from third baseman Alex Bregman. Keuchel four innings, his shortest outing since Aug. 8. PHILLIES 6, REDS 1 followed with his walk of Mauer and, following He recorded six strikeouts but allowed three BOSTON RED SOX 14 NEW YORK YAN- METS 8, MARLINS 6 Aaron Nola pitched eight solid innings, Scott a grounder to the right side of the infi eld that runs, bloating his ERA to 4.20 on a staff that en- KEES 1 Yoenis Cespedes grounded a two-run, ninth- Kingery hit a grand slam and Philadelphia de- advanced both runners, Dozier scored on an tered the night leading the majors in that cate- inning double down the third base line to lead feated host Cincinnati. Eduardo Escobar sacrifi ce fl y. Mauer scored one gory. Odorizzi (1-0) surrendered a two-out RBI Chris Sale shut down the Yankees’ vaunted New York to a comeback win over host Miami. Nola gave up one earned run, retiring the last batter later when Robbie Grossman doubled. single to Jake Marisnick in the second inning lineup with eight strikeouts over six one-run The Mets (9-1) have won seven games in a 10 batters he faced in a strong 103-pitch eff ort. Mauer added a run-scoring single in the but was otherwise in control. He retired the innings, and Mookie Betts clubbed a grand slam row and lead the National League East. They Odubel Herrera also went 2-for-4 with a pair of eighth inning and fi nished 2-for-3 with two Astros in order only once, doing so in the sixth. to punctuate the Boston Red Sox’s 14-1 rout of have started the season by taking four straight doubles, an RBI and a run for the Phillies. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, April 12, 2018 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT CRICKET Qatar Airways Premier Division Tournament Qatar’s special all set for pulsating fi nish tomorrow

By Sports Reporter and spectators and cricket fans Doha can hope for a big treat. athletes honoured Qatar Cricket Association president Yousef Jeham al-Ku- ‘I cannot precisely comment on the team’s performance as it’s not that kind of sport, still he prestigious Qatar wari thanked Qatar Airways for Airways Cricket Tour- its support to the sport and the in terms of the medals we won 12 medals – five golds, four silver and three bronze’ nament for the Premier tournament and said, “Finally, Division teams is all set we are approaching to the fi nale Tfor a thrilling fi nish as Warriors of the long and interesting crick- Club clash with Al Feroz Young- et season in Qatar. We also take sters in the fi nal tomorrow. this opportunity to thank our Qatar Airways, one of the partners Qatar Airways and its youngest airlines in the world Group Chief Executive Akbar Al with strong presence in all six Baker for the long and valuable continents, is the sponsor of the support to us. tournament and has been sup- “We cherish this relationship porting the Qatar Cricket As- and feel it would have been vir- sociation in development of the tually impossible for us to take sport in Qatar for a long time. the game to its present levels Both the fi nalists have been in without the backing of Qatar form and their one-sided victo- Airways and Mr Baker,” he said. ries in the semi-fi nals indicate Manzoor Ahmad, the op- that the title clash at the Asia erations manager at the Qatar Town Cricket Stadium is likely Cricket Association, wished to be a mouth-watering contest. good luck to both the fi nalists Tanveer was outstanding in and expressed hope for an even- Al Feroz Youngsters’ huge 101- ly-contested fi nal. run victory against HBK, after “The fi nal will be played in two clobbering six sixes and as many sessions, considering the heat. boundaries in his unbeaten 129 off The fi rst session will start at 7am 149 balls to bolster his team to a and fi nish at 11.30am. The team formidable 330 for fi ve in 50 overs. batting second will start playing Warriors Club’s Adnan also at 3pm. We have made elaborate exhibited superb batting when arrangements for both the teams he slammed 107 in 76 balls to and cricket fans. lead his team to a dominant “The fi nalists are quite popu- nine-wicket after a brisk 150- lar and we expect a big gather- run chase against Commercial ing to turn up for cheering their Bank Qatar in other semi-fi nal sides. Also there are attractive match. gifts in raffl e draw for fans. We With both teams being in bal- will provide refreshments and ance and keen to win the title, water to spectators as well,” he there will be fi reworks aplenty said.

EMIR CUP BASKETBALL Wakrah, Qatar Sports Qatar Paralympic Committee Secretary General Dr Hassan al-Ansari along with the special athletes and support staff , which participated in the IX MENA Games, during a felicitation ceremony in Doha. PICTURE: Anam Arsalan/QSPC) Club post wins atar’s special athletes, who par- that’s what represents the spirit of the Spe- ticipated in the recently conclud- cial Games – where everybody is a winner.” By Sports Reporter ping 28 to emerge victors by a ed IX MENA Games in Abu Dhabi, “And then there is a big social part to the Doha huge margin were felicitated on Tuesday. Games. Its organisation is built on the sup- Christopher Jones was the top QHighlighting the spirit of the Special port of big nations of the world like US and scorer for Al Ahli with 17, while Games, Qatar Paralympic Committee Sec- UK,” he added. l Wakrah overcame a Nemanja Besovic was second retary General Dr Hassan al-Ansari, said: On sports acting as the unifying factor in 13-point fi rst quarter best on 10. None of the other “The issues of ‘competition’ in Special the region, Dr Ansari said, “That is the in- to snatch a 97-70 vic- players scored in double fi gures. Games, is actually a combination of things. tention of the world leaders. (Besides), those tory over Al Ahli in the In another match, Qatar It is not just the physical ability, but also athletes have been competing with each EmirA Cup basketball tournament Sports Club overcame a 15-20 the social environment of the athlete that other for a long time and they have their own last night. fi rst quarter defi cit to edge out Al is taken into account. Of course, the rules relationships and these are not aff ected by Demarius Bolds with 20, Ear- Arabi 78-71. and regulations are there, but the special politics. The human relationship has been nest Ross with 19, Adamu Saaka Al Arabi made a fast start but athletes are classifi ed in various events ac- developed over a long time and it stays that with 17 were the main scorers for Qatar Sports Club produced a cording their ability.” way.” Al Wakrah who trailed 17-30 at 32-point eff ort in the second Giving examples he added, “Group sports Later coach Maghmoul even shed light on the end of the fi rst quarter and quarter to take a commanding like basketball and volleyball for example; the team’s performance saying, “I cannot 45-48 after the second. 44-24 lead. even though they are designed for those precisely comment on the team’s perform- But Al Wakrah’s resurgence in Al Arabi could allow only 13 people (regular athletes), they are not regu- ance as it’s not that kind of sport, still in the third quarter was so strong points in the third period while lar games for special athletes. Their playing terms of the medals we won 12 medals – fi ve that Al Alhi simply lost their Qatar Sports Club added 16 to style is diff erent, the rules and regulations golds, four silver and three bronze.” way. In fact they were restricted take a 60-37 advantage into the are diff erent.” Giving details he said, “We only partici- to a mere four points in 10 min- fi nal session. Coach Elwalid Maghmoul, who was part pated with six athletes. Two athletes partic- utes, while Al Wakrah managed And although Al Arabi pro- of Team Qatar during March 14-23 event ipated in bowling, two in athletics and two 24 to take a commanding 69-52 duced a whopping 34 points in said, “It’s not a competitive sport but a clas- in powerlifting, and each athlete had his own lead. a last-gasp eff ort, they were too sifi cation one. Before the start of the Games, coach, who was responsible for his ward.” Although Al Ahli managed to far behind to mount a realistic the organisation committee classify the Speaking about the hospitality, Magh- score 18 points in the fi nal ses- challenge as Qatar Sports Club athletes according to their abilities and per- moul, said, “Everything was very good. The sion, the momentum stayed with closed out the match with some formance into various groups. The athletes accommodation and transportation of ath- Al Wakrah who scored a whop- degree of comfort. then compete within these groups, so there letes from hotel to the stadium, everything is not much diff erence between the one was perfect.” Qatar Paralympic Committee secretary general Dr Hassan al-Ansari along with a fi nishing fi rst and the one ending last. And (Qatar Sports Press Committee) special athlete during the cake-cutting ceremony.

FOCUS Indian shuttler Riza embarks on a year-long training in Qatar By Sports Reporter focused,” said Beevi. Doha Sahibjan and Indonesian- born coach Kesit Sutrisno have drawn out an elaborate six-hour ising Indian badminton coaching plan for Riza. player Mahereen Riza “Her training has been catego- Al Wakrah and Al Ahli players vying for the ball during their Emir Cup K has chosen Qatar as rised into three sessions namely basketball tournament match yesterday. PICTURES: Othman Khalid her base for a year- the morning session, afternoon longR training programme under session and the evening session. coaches of New Vision Badmin- Each session is for a two-hour ton Sport. period,” said Sahibjan. The talented 15-year-old girl, “The morning session fo- who has already represented In- cuses on fi eld training and dia and reached the pre-quar- weight training which helps ter-fi nals in the Asian Badmin- her develop quickness, endur- ton Championship in Myanmar ance, strength and speed. Her last year, is aiming to become afternoon session is to help her India’s best U-17 and U-19 sin- improve her on-court skills, and gles player before she turns 17. Mahereen Riza K (second right) with her mother Aiesha Beevi and coaches of New Vision Badminton Sport Manoj gain knowledge on game play, “I aim to work hard here for Sahibjan (left) and Kesit Sutrisno. technique and tactics, and help the next one year. This is my fi rst her play without any negatives visit to Qatar. I aim to represent will be travelling often to India is fully supported by her archi- methods of head coach at the and a strong mind set,” he said. India in international tourna- to take part in the tournaments tect mother Aiesha Beevi, who New Vision Badminton Sport “She completes her day ments like Saina Nehwal and besides international events. is will be staying and travelling Manoj Sahibjan. with an evening session from PV Sindhu,” the youngster told “I need to take part in the with her during her stay in Qa- “We chose Manoj and his 10:00pm to 12:00am which reporters after a training session state and national champion- tar, and her banker father Mo- team as we found his coach- improves her game perform- at Cambridge School in Doha. ship to maintain my rankings hamed KS. ing methods – during his short ance. The evening session also Riza who last month an- and to be eligible to play for the Beevi said they have chosen trips to India – were diff erent includes an understanding of swered her Class X exams in state and the country,” Riza said. Qatar as their base as they were and he was able to motivate Riza her weakness and getting rid of Trivandrum, Kerala said she Riza’s dream to be India’s best impressed with the coaching in raising her game and keep her them,” he said. Action from Qatar Sports Club-Al Arabi match. Gulf Times Thursday, April 12, 2018 7 SPORT

COMMONWEALTH GAMES INDIA ROUND-UP Shreyasi wins gold ‘Expect the best’ — in Double Trap Bolt boost for Jamaica Thompson will attempt to win Jamaica’s first non-hurdles sprint title of the Games

AFP Gold Coast, Australia

haunae Miller-Uibo grabbed a psychological edge over Olympic champion Elaine Thompson in the Commonwealth Games 200 metresS semi-fi nals yesterday as retired champion registered a decidedly IANS sprint legend Usain Bolt settled into his Gold Coast, Australia below par 105 to fi nish at the bot- new role as a spectator. tom of the eight-man fi nal. Bahamian Miller-Uibo, who dramati- cally dived over the line to win Olympic hreyasi Singh shot her MARY KOM ENTERS FINAL 400m gold at the 2016 Rio Games, swept way to the gold medal in Veteran Indian star MC Mary into the 200m fi nal in 22.95 seconds, the women’s Double Trap Kom defeated Anusha Dilruksh nearly half a second ahead of Thompson, event at the 21st Com- of Sri Lanka to enter the fi nal of easing up behind her. monwealthS Games (CWG) here the women’s 48kg category. It sets up an intriguing fi nal on Thurs- yesterday. Mary’s experience and supe- day when Thompson will attempt to win Shreyasi edged out Emma Cox rior technique stood her in good Jamaica’s fi rst non-hurdles sprint title of Australia in a shoot-off to stead as she carved out a unani- of the Games, following Yohan Blake’s win the title. Both shooters had mous 5:0 verdict against the vet- shock defeat in the men’s 100m. fi nished the fi nal round on 96 eran Sri Lankan fi ghter. Thompson’s outing came after Aisha points each. The 39-year-old Anusha gave Praught had broken Kenya’s stranglehold Cox found the target only once a good account of herself against on the women’s steeplechase, a result during the shoot-off but the the fi ve-time world champion that also gave Jamaica its fi rst Common- Indian held her nerves to score Indian before falling short in the wealth medal in a race longer than 800m. twice and claim the gold. end. American-born Praught caught Ken- Varsha Varman, the second In- Both boxers were a bit cau- yan favourite Celliphine Chespol on the dian in the fray, missed out on the tious in the opening round, try- fi nal bend to win in 9min 21sec, ending bronze by a narrow margin. She ing to gauge each other although the East African nation’s phenomenal scored 86 to fi nish fourth, just a Mary managed to land several record of sweeping the podium at the single point behind bronze medal- punches. last two Games. Chespol took silver and list Linda Pearson of Scotland. Although the Lankan had the countrywoman Purity Cherotich Kirui height and reach advantage, bronze. Jamaica’s Aisha Praught celebrates with her flag after winning the women’s 3000m steeplechase final during the Commonwealth OM TAKES BRONZE IN MEN’S Mary used a low guard and used “I just put in the work every day and Games in Gold Coast, Australia, yesterday. (AFP) 50M PISTOL her refl exes and feet movement believe that I can race anyone,” said Indian shooter Om Mitharwal to take the advantage. Praught. “I knew the Commonwealth so I just said to myself, ‘Allow it to come’.” took the bronze medal in the Both boxers were equally Games was what I wanted and I worked South African Luvo Manyonga, a men’s 50-metre Pistol event matched in the second round towards it every day.” former crystal meth addict turned Ol- with a score of 201.1 in the fi nal. before the tempo picked up in Her victory came as Jamaica were ympic silver medallist, leapt a Games- Daniel Repacholi of Australia the third as Mary picked up the urged on by Bolt, who arrived for his fi rst record 8.41m to capture long jump gold, took the gold with a new CWG points with a steady barrage of championships as a spectator following while Australia’s Brandon Starc won record of 227.2. Shakil Ahmed of punches. his retirement last year. the high jump with a personal best of Bangladesh took silver with 220.5. Later in the day, Laishram Sar- “I always expect Jamaicans to come out 2.32m. Defending champion Jitu Rai, ita Devi fell short in the women’s and do their best,” said the eight-time Bushy-bearded Daniel Repacholi won the other Indian in the fray, had 60kg category, going down to Olympic champion. “We are a big track his third Commonwealth gold with vic- a disappointing outing. Australia’s Anja Stridsman in the nation so we always expect the best of tory in the 50m air pistol, and India’s The reigning Asian Games quarter-fi nals. them at all times.” Shreyasi Singh claimed her fi rst in the However, Stephenie McPherson women’s double trap. missed the memo as the defending cham- England’s Jack Laugher retained his HOCKEY pion was dethroned in the 400m, fi nish- one-metre springboard title but there ing third behind Botswana’s Amantle was heartbreak for Australia’s Maddison Montsho, who clocked 50.15 ahead of Ja- Keeney and Annabelle Smith, who led the maica’s Anastasia Le-Roy. women’s 3m synchro until they botched India stun England their fi nal dive and fi nished last. DIVING HEARTBREAK Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei swept into Praught’s wasn’t the only breakthrough the last 16 of the men’s badminton sin- to top Pool B performance, as Australia’s Kathryn gles when he dismantled Isle of Man’s Mitchell unleashed the world’s longest Benjamin Li in just 21 minutes, dropping IANS a strong cross to Adam Dixon javelin throw in fi ve years to win gold with only nine points. Gold Coast, Australia saw him goal-scorer Dav- a mighty eff ort of 68.92m. India’s K. Srikanth joined him in the id Condon who came up with a “I tried to put all thought of results out next round — along with formidable In- brilliant backhand shot to con- of my mind,” she said. “I knew I could dian women’s players Saina Nehwal and he Indian men’s hockey vert and give England a 1-0 lead throw the Australian record eventually, PV Sindhu, all three winning with ease. Australia’s Kathryn Mitchell competes in the javelin throw final yesterday. (AFP) team scored two goals in in the 17th minute. the fi nal three minutes to An Indian infringement in the overcome England 4-3 following minute saw England Tin a thrilling match to top Pool B win their second penalty corner FOCUS SPOTLIGHT and enter the semi-fi nals of the of the match, but Sreejesh was 21st Commonwealth Games here unrelenting yet again, stopping yesterday. and clearing Gleghorne’s fl ick. From fractured skull to Games Manpreet Singh (32nd), India’s wait for an equalizer Athletes urged to Rupinder Pal Singh (51st), fi nally ended in the 33rd minute Varun Kumar (58th) and Man- when skipper Manpreet Singh medal for English boxer deep Singh (59th) scored for struck from the top of the circle respect visas as India while England got their after a good assist from Mandeep goals from David Condon (17th Singh, who couldn’t take a shot minute), Liam Ansell (52nd) and on goal himself with two English Cameroon Sam Ward (56th). defenders tackling him. Following the win in their fi nal The 1-1 equaliser ensured the Pool B game, India have 10 points third and the fourth quarter would athletes abscond — three more than second- be fought with great vigour and placed England. that’s exactly what transpired. Reuters ing anything other, I would It was tussle to the top spot in India continued to dominate Gold Coast, Australia encourage them not to do it.” Pool B and the two teams lived the third quarter as Rupinder Pal The Cameroon team re- up to the billing with entertain- Singh earned India the much- ported to Queensland Po- ing hockey, pushing each other needed 2-1 lead when he con- rganisers have lice that fi ve boxers and hooter-to-hooter. verted a penalty corner in the urged athletes in three weightlifters had gone Though India were quick to at- 50th minute. But defensive er- Australia for the missing from the Athletes’ tack with Gurjant and Lalit Upad- rors in the circle saw India give Commonwealth Village in three waves from hyay taking shots on goal in quick away two crucial PCs soon after. GamesO to respect the terms Sunday to Wednesday. succession only three minutes into England, meanwhile, pun- of their entry visas after “The Cameroon Com- the fi rst quarter, England upped ished India for their mistakes Cameroon reported that a monwealth Games Team is the ante soon after with Mark as Liam Ansell and Sam Ward third of their team had gone sad to announce that eight Gleghorne creating a goal scoring swiftly converted PCs in the missing yesterday. of the 24 athletes they took opportunity as he helped win the 52nd and 56th minute respec- The accreditation to major to... Gold Coast... are missing fi rst penalty corner for England. tively, snatching a 3-2 lead. But multi-sports Games acts as from their respective rooms However, Indian goalkeeper the action continued with India a short-term visa to the host in the Games village,” the England’s Lisa Whiteside (left) fights India’s Pinki Rani during their women’s 51kg category quarter-final PR Sreejesh was stunning in his putting up an aggressive front. country and more than 100 team later said in a statement. boxing match in Gold Coast yesterday. (AFP) eff ort to pad-away Gleghorne’s Akashdeep Singh helped India athletes overstayed after the Queensland Police said fi ercely-struck fl ick. win a penalty corner in the dying 2000 Sydney Olympics. it was a “matter for the AFP fected initially. on her Commonwealth debut. England though dominated minutes of the match, with India The organising commit- Cameroon Commonwealth Gold Coast, Australia “A year and a half, two years Whiteside, a world champi- the proceedings in the fi rst and pulling out the goalkeeper to add tee chairman Peter Beattie Games Association to ad- ago I could have given up,” Wh- onship silver medallist in 2014, second quarter with disciplined an extra man to their attack, the said they had worked hard dress” until such point that iteside said following her split- said: “I think a lot of people structure, keeping the ball for tactic worked with Varun Kumar with the Australian govern- the athletes overstayed. t was not long ago that points decision victory over would have quit for what I had longer spells, and came up with fi nding the equaliser with a well- ment on the entry system The fact that two of the English boxer Lisa White- Pinki Rani of India in the Com- to go through and endure to get good man-to-man marking that struck drag-fl ick. and he “encouraged” the Cameroonian athletes had side thought that she might monwealth Games quarter- back to where I am now. kept the Indian forwards in the A powerful pass from Manpreet 6,000 visiting athletes and failed to take part in their have to quit the sport after fi nals on Australia’s Gold Coast. “It took a long, long time to hunt to create space. that sliced into the top of the cir- offi cials not to breach the events particularly saddened Ishe fractured her skull in a freak “But instead I had the get my timing back, my speed England struck fi rst in the cle was defl ected into the goal by terms of their visas. Commonwealth Games Fed- fall. strength and the willpower and back, issues with my balance. 16th minute when Mark Gleg- Mandeep ending the match with “I would simply say enjoy eration chief David Grevem- Now the 32-year-old former the support and backing from “Absolutely fantastic now, horne opened-up the counter winning points taking their total Australia while you are here, berg. “I think it’s disappoint- police offi cer is a Common- family and friends, and that I’m in the best shape of my life.” attack racing into the right fl ank, tally to ten points in Pool B. this includes Cameroon ing that athletes that have wealth Games medallist with at pushed me. Whiteside, part of a strong and any other athletes, stay come didn’t compete as they least a bronze following victory “It was my goal to get back English men’s and women’s within the law and be mind- were scheduled to compete,” yesterday. here and get to this event so it’s boxing team at the Gold Coast, ful of the fact that there is a he said. “(But) I think it’s The fl yweight fi ghter, who just amazing really.” faces Australia’s Taylah Robert- 2018 CWG medals table (top 10) system in place in this coun- important to remember that was forced out of boxing for Following that potentially son in Friday’s semi-fi nals. try,” he said. these athletes are guests and seven months following the ac- career-ending injury, White- A kind draw, giving the home G S B T G S B T “We would appreciate within their visas they have cident in 2015, has no ill eff ects side returned to boxing towards boxer a bye, meant that Rob- 1. Australia 57 43 45 145 6. Canada 8 22 17 47 them sticking within the the right to travel freely, but from the serious injury. the end of 2015, but she missed ertson went straight into the 2. England 25 30 21 76 7. Scotland 7 11 14 32 law, enjoying themselves, this is obviously an issue that But it was not always like that the 2016 Rio Olympics. semis. 3. India 12 4 8 24 8. Wales 7 8 8 23 but sticking within the law. Team Cameroon is monitor- and she had to almost re-learn The burning disappointment The loser takes home a 4. South Africa 10 7 9 26 9. Cyprus 5 0 2 7 If they are thinking of do- ing very closely.” all over again how to box with from that made her even more bronze and the winner goes into 5. New Zealand 9 10 8 27 10. Nigeria 4 4 0 8 her balance and speed both af- determined to make her mark the fi nal.

Thursday, April 12, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING SPOTLIGHT Footprintinthesand With new name, sprints to feature bigger fi eld, boxing win under Golam returns to Katara Champion Trainer Ghazali has four winners on the day

By Sports Reporter Doha

hmed Kobeissi-trained Foot- printinthesand stepped up his game yesterday to win for the second time this season, even as Champion TrainerA Jassim Mohamed Ghazali celebrated four winners on the day at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. In Al Dibal Cup, the local Thorough- bred conditions event that was the feature race yesterday, Saleem Golam, riding Foot- printinthesand in the colours of Hassan Ali al-Abdumalik, rode a perfect race as the seven-year-old won by almost two lengths ahead of Ghazali-saddled Mosayter in the six-furlong sprint. The win was Footprintinthesand’s second this season, which turned out to be a low key aff air compared to last season, when he had never fi nished outside the frame. Ghazali may have missed out on the feature but the trainer had three straight winners, in- cluding two one-twos in the eight-race card yesterday. In the penultimate race of the day, a Pure- bred Arabian Conditions event, Marc Lerner Hassan Ali Abdulmalik (left) receives the owner’s trophy from Qatar Racing and Equestrian helmed Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Rassan to Club (QREC) deputy chief steward Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi after Footprintinthesand won the a fi ne victory ahead of another Ghazali ward, Al Dibal Cup at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Samjida, helmed by JP Guillambert. The Class 5 Thoroughbred Handicap event Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation president Yousef al-Kazim and Katara – the Cultural Village Foun- for fi llies and mares rated 75 and below also dation general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti address a press conference. PICTURE: Jayan saw a one-two for Ghazali and leading owner Orma in the championship so far, Khalifa bin Sheail By Sports Reporter Marri in this event and he delivered by winning a al-Kuwari, with Anas al-Seyabi guiding Fes- Doha bronze medal in the Arab Youth Championship in tive to an impressive four and a half-length Egypt this year. victory over stablemate The Pantry. “Our target is to identify new talent from the Khalil Mansoor Khalil al-Shahwani’s Masked ith an intent of fi nding new talent tournament,” he said. Defender was the other winner for Ghazali on and promoting the sport, Doha Open The QBWF aims not only to continue the local the day, having ridden to victory in the 1,700m amateur boxing championship has championship in Katara but also plans to host an Class 5 Thoroughbred Handicap event for hors- undergone a rebranding exercise. international event here. “We’re thinking about es rated 75 and below by Tadgh O’Shea. WThe Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation holding an international event on the invitation Umm Qarn and Alban de Mieulle too had (QBWF) has rechristened the tournament as Ka- basis as we have many communities in Qatar a winner in Bint Amir, who continued with tara Boxing Championship, and the same will be which have very strong boxing traditions back her impressive run of results, notching up held from April 12-14 at Katara Beach, next to the home,” he said. her third win this season, having topped the amphitheatre, allowing the fans to have a unique “We’ll try to invite boxers from India, Pakistan, Purebred Arabian Handicap event for horses experience. Egypt, Nepal, Kazakhstan and Australia. But rated 75 and below. The three-day event, which will be held across we’ve to plan it well, keeping in mind the factors Earlier in the day, Mohamed Khaled various weight categories in the junior and adults like weather and dates.” Elahmed-trained Maleekat Sabaa and Jassim divisions, is likely to attract over 60 boxers from Speaking on the occasion, Katara – the Cultural Mohamed Ghazali-schooled Almakfee were diff erent clubs and communities in Qatar. The Village Foundation general manager Dr Khalid bin among the Thoroughbreds to register their bouts will be held in the evening. Ibrahim al-Sulaiti also expressed his happiness to fi rst career wins in the maiden races under The boxing event, which was skipped in 2017, organise the event. Anas al-Seyabi and Almotasem al-Balushi Saleem Golam rides Footprintinthesand to victory in the Al Dibal Cup at the QREC yesterday. returns to Katara after a gap of two years and “We’re happy that the QBWF decided to host respectively. Among the Arabians, Julian QBWF president Yousef al-Kazim hopes the new the championship which has Katara in its name,” Smart’s Soulta shed her maiden status under 2. Al Mikdam (Marvin Suerland), 3. Daira Pantry (JP Guillambert), 3. Indaria (Marvin venue will not only give the sport a boost in popu- Dr Sulaiti said. Tadgh O’Shea’s ride. Bridge (JP Guillambert), 4. Draw Swords Suerland), 4. Beckton (Almotasem al-Balushi). larity but also in terms of fi nding new talent in the “We’re very proud that Katara has become such (Faleh Bughanaim). Won by: 6, 3, 9 1/4. Time: Won by: 4 1/2, 1 1/4, 1/2. Time: 1:11.55. Owner: country. a popular place in Qatar and outside. It is a hub RESULTS 2:09.82. Owner: Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah. Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim “The fi rst year, we held it at a club but the of cultural and traditions. Each year millions visit RACE 1: 1. Maleekat Sabaa (Anas al-Seyabi), Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Mohamed Ghazali. crowd response was not that good. So we talked to this place. In 2016, we received as many as 24 mil- 2. Al Rayyan Park (Marc Lerner), 3. Bahi (JP RACE 4: 1. Bint Amir (Stephan Ladjadj), 2. Saab RACE 7: 1. Rassan (Marc Lerner), 2. Samjida Katara authorities and we agreed to hold the event lion visitors. Guillambert), 4. La Perla (Saleem Golam). Won Al Manal (JP Guillambert), 3. Dijlah Zakhir (JP Guillambert), 3. Al Afreet (Tomas Lukasek), in Katara for many reasons. First of all, it is a very “We’ve been hosting about 400 events every by: 5 3/4, 2 1/2, 1/2. Time: 1:14.02. Owner: Noor (Marc Lerner), 4. El Nahab (Anas al-Seyabi). 4. Lucky Sand (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won popular place and every day many visitors come year. Our team is quite experienced and able to Khalid al-Ahmed. Trainer: Mohamed Khaled Won by: No, 1/4, 3 1/4. Time: 2:00.61. Owner: by: 1 1/2, 1 3/4, No. Time: 1:18.71. Owner: Jassim here, which will add value to our championship,” provide all kinds of logistics to any event,” he said. Elahmed. Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. bin Ali al-Attiyah. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed al-Kazim said while addressing a press confer- Talking about hosting sports activities, he said, RACE 2: 1. Soulta (Tadgh O’Shea), 2. Hareemah RACE 5: 1. Masked Defender (Tadgh O’Shea), Ghazali. ence yesterday. “We have successfully organised basketball, vol- (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 3. Legtaifiya (Marc 2. Greyscape (Saleem Golam), 3. Crisscrossed RACE 8: 1. Footprintinthesand (Saleem “Next year, we plan to organise the same com- leyball and boxing events. This year, we hosted the Lerner), 4. Shaza Al Sulaimi (Almotasem al- (Almotasem al-Balushi), 4. Sacred Way (JP Golam), 2. Mosayter (JP Guillambert), 3. War petition inside the amphitheatre and we have got Katara Beach Volleyball Cup in which players from Balushi). Won by: 2 3/4, 1/2, 16. Time: 1:59.07. Guillambert). Won by: 1 3/4, 2, 3 3/4. Time: King (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Muraqabah (Marc the consent for it. 28 countries contested. We are really proud that the Owner: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin 1:49.37. Owner: Khalil Mansoor Khalil al- Lerner). Won by: 1 3/4, 2, 1 1/4. Time: 1:12.59. “Another reason is that we’ve made it open for Qatar team won the bronze medal for the fi rst time Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Shahwani. Trainer: Jassim Mohamed Ghazali. Owner: Hassan Ali al-Abdulmalik. Trainer: all nationalities and communities in Qatar. You in the FIVB 4-Star beach volleyball tournament. We RACE 3: 1. Almakfee (Almotasem al-Balushi), RACE 6: 1. Festive (Anas al-Seyabi), 2. The Ahmed Kobeissi. know, two years back we identifi ed Abdul Hadi al- are taking it as a challenge,” he said.

Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival

Deema Al Nasser won gold in the Senior Mares category of the Souq Waqif Arabian Peninsula Horse Show yesterday. PICTURE: Juhaim

Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival 2018 continued yesterday, with an auction of Arabian horses. The Festival organised by the Private Engineering Off ice, is being held in co-operation with the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Racing and Equestrian Club and Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation. The Farhoud Al Shaqab was adjudged the winner of the Senior Stallions category of the Souq Waqif Arabian Peninsula Horse Show held at Souq Waqif final two days of the event, tomorrow and Saturday, will see leading Qatari riders take part in the 11th yesterday. PICTURE: Juhaim leg of the popular Hathab National Equestrian Series. Today, the ponies races will be held.