QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Japan’s Hideki QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Matsuyama becomes first Asian-born to win Augusta Masters page 15 TUESday, APRIL 13, 2021

Paris Saint-Germain among Forbes’ Top 10 most valuable clubs

aris Saint-Germain is tar Sport Investment (QSI) in now one of the ten most 2011, and particularly in the Result of extensive efforts Pvaluable soccer clubs, ac- last five years, ParisS aint- Ger- This ranking is a further cording to the Forbes ranking main has established itself as unveiled this Monday by the the most dynamic club in the confirmation of our development leading business magazine. world. 2021 sees the first time and diversification strategy. In By moving up to ninth Paris Saint-Germain enters the less than ten years, Paris place in the ranking, Paris top 10 ranking by Forbes since Saint-Germain brand has become Saint-Germain achieve a two- the acquisition of QSI, at which place rise, with its valuation time the Club was not consid- the global reference in the sports growing $1.4bn vs. Forbes’ last ered for valuation amongst the and lifestyle universe. Thanks to published value league table. top 20 teams globally (The first our extensive efforts to date, we Since the previous edition valuation of the Club by Forbes have a solid asset base to further in 2018, Paris Saint-Germain Magazine was in 2014, $415m, build our future successes, both on and off the pitch. has more than doubled its val- 15th place). uation, now estimated at $2.5 This dynamism can be Nasser Al Khelaifi, Chairman & CEO of PSG billion by the magazine which explained by Paris Saint-Ger- has been compiling soccer val- main’s ability to grow and di- uations for over a decade. versify its revenues in innova- 50 report, where the Club’s years, Paris Saint-Germain In this latest publication, tive ways, as evidenced by the brand value was ranked 7th. brand has become the global Paris Saint-Germain is the Deloitte Money League 2020 Nasser Al Khelaifi, Chair- reference in the sports and life- club with the greatest percent- report, which placed Paris Paris Saint-Germain players after winning the French Champions Trophy (Trophee des Champions) at the man and CEO of Paris Saint- style universe. Thanks to our age value increase (129%), Saint- Germain at 5th place Bollaert-Delelis Stadium in January earlier this year. Germain, said: “This ranking extensive efforts to date, we consolidating its place among among European soccer clubs is a further confirmation of our have a solid asset base to fur- the world’s elite. and in the top 10 global sports The progress is also based Saint-Germain brand, the im- already been highlighted in the development and diversifica- ther build our future successes, Since the takeover by Qa- franchises. on the development of the Paris pressive growth of which has Brand Finance 2020 Football tion strategy. In less than ten both on and off the pitch.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS 2ND LEG PSG’s Pochettino unlikely to risk , Verratti DPA Berlin

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed Marquinhos and are unlikely FC Porto’s players attend wa training session at the club’s training ground to start the second leg against of Olival, in Vila Nova de Gaia, on Tuesday, on the eve of the UEFA Champi- Bayern Munich as Paris Saint- ons League quarter-final second leg match against Chelsea. (AFP) Germain look to reach the Champions League semi-finals. Verratti, along with fellow Conceicao confident Italy international Alessan- dro Florenzi, missed the first meeting between the teams in PSG vs Bayern Porto can storm Munich after testing positive for the coronavirus. Munich (10pm) back and knock However, the duo have Chelsea vs Porto received the all-clear and are (10pm) back in training ahead of the Chelsea out return fixture in the French capital, with PSG holding a 3-2 want to win every competition DPA “We are confident. We advantage at the halfway stage we are involved in, but beat- Berlin know that we are going to face in the tie. ing Bayern Munich, in itself, a difficult obstacle, but we are Pochettino told the media would be a big feat.” Coach Sergio Conceicao says here to give the answer that we on Monday he is yet to decide Porto are confident they can have to give. on his line-up, with Marquin- Flick counts on Goretzka, mount a storming fightback The feeling of representing hos remaining a doubt due to Coman and Boateng and knock Chelsea out of the this historic club and its DNA a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Bayern Mu- Champions League. is always on the pitch.” “We haven’t decided the nich coach Hansi Flick be- The Primeira Liga champi- Conceicao says Porto will team for tomorrow yet, but it Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian head coach (L) gives his instructions during the lieves Leon Gore- ons have a mountain to climb not go out all guns blazing in will be difficult for Verratti to UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between PSG and Barcelona. (AFP) tzka, winger in the quarter-final atS tam- London. start,” the PSG boss said in his and defenders Jerome ford Bridge on Tuesday after He added: “We have to be pre-game news conference. Boateng and Lucas Hernandez suffering a 2-0 home defeat in a compact, cohesive team. It “Florenzi will be assessed fur- will be available for Tuesday’s the first leg last week. is necessary to score goals, but ther tomorrow.” On Marquin- Champions League date at Porto have won only one also not to suffer. hos’ status, he added: “We will Paris Saint-Germain. of their 20 knockout stage “In the first leg we played a see how he feels tomorrow. “Lucas Hernández and matches on their travels good game, but it was not good In theory, he could be Leon Goretzka trained and and that was back in 2004 enough. involved in the squad, so we looked good. The same goes against Deportivo de La Co- If it were, we would have will see. for Boateng and Coman. We runa at the semi-final stage. won the game. We will try to “I don’t think he will be assume that those who trained Conceicao warned Chelsea improve even more what was able to start, certainly, but can play,” Flick told a news on Monday that his side are a good performance by the he may be able to be on the conference on Monday. ready to roll up their sleeves team. bench. We will decide that on Goretzka and Hernandez and seal a place in the last four. “Over 90 minutes for FC Wednesday.” PSG knocked left the pitch with muscular in- “There are many moments Porto it requires the ability to out Barcelona in the previ- juries in the first leg against PSG overs the years that can be believe and be resilient. We ous round 5-2 on aggregate, in Munich, while Boateng and examples of overcoming and always try to enter with that though were held to a 1-1 draw Coman also had injuries against believing,” said the Porto head spirit. We are ready to go to at home in the second leg fol- Union Berlin on Saturday. coach. the fight and to fight.” lowing a resounding triumph Flick, however, still won’t at Camp Nou. have star striker Robert Le- Pochettino is well aware wandowski, who is recovering that the tie with Bayern - who from a knee injury, in Paris on he made clear are the best Tuesday. team in the world - is much PSG lead the tie after a 3-2 tighter, meaning his players win in the first game in Mu- must find the right balance Bayern Munich’s German goalkeaper Manuel Neur (C) and teammates arrive at the team’s hotel in Paris nich but between retaining their slen- on Monday, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG.(AFP) Flick isn’t counting his title der advantage and also posing holders out yet. problems in attack for their also to keep the ball to attack Pochettino, though, is well “We need the strength and “We had many chances opponents. and hurt the opposition. aware of the size of the task the ability to manage those mo- in the first leg, but weren’t so “At home to Barcelona, “This is the challenge that hosts face against the defend- ments, just as we did in the clinical. We have to do better,” particularly in the first half, lies ahead, and once again we ing champions, with Bayern first leg in Munich. Flick said. we found it very hard to keep have a positive first-leg result having gone 16 games unbeat- “They are world champi- “We know we have to the ball, even with Verratti and to build on.” PSG have won all en in the competition under ons who have won six trophies score at least two goals. It will in the team,” four of their previous games Hansi Flick prior to the loss on in recent months. be a tough task, but these are Pochettino said. in which they have hosted home soil last week. We are the pretenders and the games we play football “It is not about individual the German side in European “The Barcelona game is the contenders to win the trophy. for. We want to cause a mini names but collective attitude. competition, while only three past, Bayern are the best team We have to consider all the cir- upset in Paris.” We have to have a different of the previous 50 teams to in the world at the moment so cumstances surrounding the tie. Midfielder Thomas Muel- Chelsea’s players run during a training session at the Ramon Sanchez approach from the Barcelona lose the first leg at home in a they will certainly make it dif- “If we get through to the ler said they “would be happy Pizjuan stadium in Seville on Tuesday, on the eve of the UEFA Champi- game while understanding that Champions League knockout ficult for us,” the former Tot- semi-finals, it will be a big to have as many chances,” but ons League quarter-final second leg match against Porto.(AFP) we don’t just need to defend but tie have managed to progress. tenham head coach said. achievement for the club. PSG need to make better decisions. Sports Tuesday, April 13, 2021 13 Generation Amazing and IFRC launch programme to support youth in four countries eneration Amaz- ing and the Interna- Gtional Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have teamed up to deliver a football for development and life skills programme for youth in Ar- gentina, Iraq, Myanmar and Uganda. They have collaborated to develop a 12-week curriculum which provides essential life skills, leadership development and learning opportunities to vulnerable and excluded youth in the four countries. The curriculum will pro- mote inclusion, engagement and empower marginalised youth, enabling them to lead social change in their com- Bayern Munich’s German defender Jerome Boateng (L) and German midfielder Joshua Kimmich (R) during munities. The programme will a warm up session in Munich on Saturday. (AFP) be delivered by on-ground fa- cilitators trained in Generation Amazing’s football for develop- ment methodology as well as Munich’s Kimmich wants techniques used in the IFRC’s Young people in Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change initiative toolkit. Argentina, Iraq, everyone to be ‘a leader’ HE Hassan Al Thawadi, Sec- Myanmar and Uganda retary-General of the Supreme Committee for & Lega- will learn key life cy (SC), said: “Football can play skills through football in game against PSG a vital role in bringing people to- gether and promoting inclusion, DPA second leg will be difficult” but health, leadership, discipline Berlin Title holders Bayern forward said “we and teamwork. We recognise Munich must win at Paris will be ready” for this “huge that football is an important Midfielder Joshua Kim- Saint-Germain if they want match.” Having lost last year’s tool and a catalyst for engaging mich insists that every Bayern to reach the Champions final 1-0 against Bayern, PSG young people and inspiring de- Munich player “must become League semi-finals, but are still chasing a first Cham- velopment and peace.” a leader” if the defending pions League title, and so are Speaking of the impor- champions want to reach the are still hopeful they can Manchester City who take a tance of coming to the aid Champions League semi-fi- achieve such a rare feat. slender 2-1 lead over Borus- of communities affected by nals on Tuesday at Paris Saint- sia Dortmund into their trip to crisis, Al Thawadi added: Germain. Kimmich said in an interview Germany on Wednesday. “Empowering and educat- Bayern lost the home leg on the club website. The winners of the two ties ing vulnerable youth who are 3-2 last week, and there have “Every player must become will meet in the semi-finals. subjected to exclusion or vio- been only been five previous a leader in this game; everyone Record winners Real Ma- lence, as well as refugees and occasions in the elite event that must show their character on drid meanwhile take a 3-1 lead displaced persons, is essential a team has rebounded from the day and carry total belief in to Anfield for their second date to achieving positive change such a defeat in the away leg. themselves. And then we have Wednesday with 2019 winners and is a unifying factor in this of helping them rediscover a pitches and classrooms for ing inclusion and gender Bayern themselves were to strike when the chance is Liverpool who have returned programme with our partners sense of purpose, and of em- youth. In addition, the pro- equality in its football for de- on the losing end 2011 against there!” to form in the at the IFRC.” powering them to become gramme will enable youth to velopment programme. The but hope to emu- Bayern shot themselves in but face a huge challenge to Jagan Chapagain, Sec- agents of positive change in interact with local networks, programme’s unique meth- late Manchester United who the foot by being wasteful last stay alive. retary General of the IFRC, their communities.” and give participants the op- odology teaches life skills achieved that rare feat two week in snowy Munich while “We need a perfect perfor- said: “The past 12 months Generation Amazing pre- portunity to create change in including communication, years ago against PSG, win- PSG with their two-time scorer mance on Wednesday if we have been difficult for every- viously signed a partnership their schools, neighbourhoods leadership, teamwork and ning 3-1 in Paris after losing Kylian Mbappe were ruthlessly want to have a chance only one, but they have been espe- agreement with the IFRC to and the wider community, as organisation, and has already 2-0 at Old Trafford. efficient. - just for a chance,” manager cially tough for young people. jointly deliver football for de- well as encouraging them to reached more than 725,000 The champions have never “We were the better team Juergen Klopp said. The pandemic has disrupted velopment programmes to find solutions to the reoccur- youth in over 10 countries won in Paris, are still without in the first leg but unfortunate- The winner next faces 2012 access to education, sport vulnerable youth in several ring challenges in their envi- globally since 2010. Genera- injured star striker Robert ly the result didn’t correspond winners Chelsea or Porto, with and social networks which, in countries across the Middle ronments and within the chal- tion Amazing aims to reach 1 Lewandowski, and coming to the performance. Neverthe- ’s Blues seem- many cases, has created new East, Asia, Africa and South lenging contexts of refugee and million beneficiaries by 2022 off a meagre 1-1 league draw less, I’m confident that we can ingly well-placed for Tuesday’s or deeper marginalisation. America in 2020. underprivileged communities. through the inspiring power against Union Berlin, but are still turn it around in the sec- game after a 2-0 win in Seville, “This programme – and its Providing a safe space to Generation Amazing op- of football and working in far from throwing in the towel. ond leg,” Kimmich said. as both legs were relocated use of football in particular – engage with the programme, erates in alignment with the collaboration with key local “We’re the better team, I PSG Coach Mauricio Po- to the city due to coronavirus is a unique and timely way of the partnership will also work United Nations Sustainable and global partners including believe that we will progress,” chettino is aware that “the travel restrictions. engaging with young people, towards establishing football Development Goals, promot- the IFRC. (SC) Chelsea’s emotional leaders Weekend sporting schedule shuffled to avoid clash with royal funeral fired up for Porto tie: Tuchel DPA Scottish Football Association. with Mexico at the National London A number of English Foot- Tennis Centre has also been DPA er significance, while Chelsea ball League clubs announced altered. London must focus solely on seeing off A number of sporting bodies their matches on Saturday The Lawn Tennis Asso- a stubborn Porto outfit. have shuffled kick-off times, had been moved to 12.30pm ciation said Saturday’s open- Thomas Tuchel believes Tuchel also admitted he changed dates or added spe- kick-offs from their original ing singles match will be Chelsea’s “emotional” leaders has yet to decide whether mid- cial breaks in play to avoid 3pm slot, though some may moved forward 30 minutes Toni Rudiger, Cesar Azpilcue- fieldlinchpin N’Golo Kante events overlapping with the opt to start at or after 5pm if to 11.30am, no play will take ta and Mateo Kovacic are fired will be fit enough to start both Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral the earlier time does not work place between 3-4pm and the up for Tuesday’s Champions matches this week, after his on Saturday. for travel reasons. day’s second contest will be- League scrap with Porto. recent hamstring injury. The Premier League game gin no earlier than 4.15pm. Blues manager Tuchel in- “Honestly this decision we between Wolverhampton Grassroots football sists those big characters will will take tomorrow, after we Wanderers and Sheffield Unit- The Premier League leagues, which come under be itching for the battle when reflect on training today,” said ed, Rangers’ Scottish Cup tie game between the jurisdiction of the Football Chelsea aim to turn their 2-0 Tuchel. against Celtic, County Cham- Association, are understood quarter-finalfirst-leg lead into “Normally it’s hard to im- pionship matches and Wolverhampton to have been advised to avoid safe passage to the last four. agine a game like this without race meetings are among the Wanderers and play between 2.45pm and Kai Havertz starred in Satur- NG (Kante), but at the same events affected. Sheffield United, 4.15pm on Saturday. day’s 4-1 Premier League victory time we have to be absolutely Wolves’ home match with The World Snooker Tour at Crystal Palace, with Tuchel careful with him that we don’t the Blades was changed from Rangers’ Scottish Cup is liaising with the Depart- later claiming the Germany for- take risks with his health, and a 3pm (1400 GMT) kick-off to tie against Celtic, ment for Digital, Culture, Me- ward should embrace his lan- with his injury situation. 8.15pm as a mark of respect, county cricket dia and Sport (DCMS) with guid style and does not need to “So the question for to- the Premier League said. regard to the World Champi- set the Blues’ mental tone. morrow is, ‘do we want him to It is understood the FA matches and race onship, which is scheduled to Germany defender Rudi- start, or do we absolutely want Cup semi-final between Chel- meetings are among start on Saturday in Sheffield. ger, club skipper Azpilicueta him to finish the game for us?’, sea and Manchester City will High-profile race meetings and Croatia midfielder Kovacic because there’s also the possi- stay at its original 5.30pm the events affected. at Ayr and Newbury sched- will handle that role in Seville, Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) speaks to Chelsea’s bility of 120 minutes. kick-off time, and that the uled for Saturday have been with Tuchel calling on his play- French striker Olivier Giroud during a training session at the Ramon “This is the question and decision to move the Wolves All four Premiership Rug- switched to the following af- ers to stick to their individual Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on Monday on the eve of the UEFA honestly it’s not answered yet, game also took the last-four by matches being played on ternoon. As a result, the Coral and collective strengths. Champions League quarter-final second leg match against Porto.(AFP) I will answer this tomorrow tie at Wembley into consid- Saturday have been moved, Scottish Grand National fix- “Honestly, you don’t want morning with my staff. eration. with two kicking off at ture at the Scottish venue and to be in a fight with ToniR udi- “Nobody needs to do any- morrow and we will push “If we want to finish the The day’s other Premier 12.30pm and two at 5pm. the Dubai Duty Free Spring ger, and Azpi, and Kova; they thing that’s against their na- hard, hard, hard for the best season with a trophy we’d bet- League game, between New- The England and Wales Trials meeting at the west are all emotional guys and you ture. We can totally rely on outcome, you can be absolute- ter win both matches, other- castle and West Ham, will kick Cricket Board has said all nine Berkshire course will now be wouldn’t want to be in a fight them.” “The best thing about ly sure.” wise it could be difficult! “We off at 12.30pm as planned, the County Championship match- held on Sunday. with them,” said Tuchel. tomorrow is nobody needs to Chelsea face a season-de- play in three competitions and English top flight said in a es will pause for an hour and No racing is due to take “Because they are all ready do it alone, nobody. fining week given Saturday’s hopefully next week we’ll still statement. 20 minutes and has asked rec- place in Britain between 2.45pm to fight and it’s in their nature “We are out there together, FA Cup semi-final against be in three competitions. Rangers’ Scottish Cup tie reational cricket clubs to stop and 4.15pm on Saturday. to show it on the pitch and to everybody on the pitch will Manchester City follows “Tomorrow there’s no tro- against Celtic was rescheduled play for an hour to pay their Meetings at Bangor, protect the interests of our team help each other, and we will quickly on from Tuesday’s phy to win, on Saturday there’s to 3pm on Sunday. respects, alongside observ- Thirsk, Brighton and Not- which is very, very important. help from the bench and from Porto clash. no trophy to win, but of course The Old Firm fixture at ing the one minute silence at tingham will go ahead but “They are there and we can the stands, and the guys who Tuchel has told his players these are matches where we Ibrox, originally set for 4pm on 3pm. with different start times to rely on them, because it’s in come off the bench. to let everyone else “wreck their can take decisive steps. we are Saturday, was among a raft of Day two of Great Britain’s ensure races do not clash their nature. “We do this together to- heads” about the week’s great- well aware.” fourth-round ties moved by the Billie Jean King Cup play-off with the ceremony. 14 Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Sports Sheikh Abdullah’s Pearl Tree Qatar’s Younousse & Tijan confident of qualifying for Tokyo Olympics sheds maiden tag in Nantes QNA Lausanne Tribune News Network Doha The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) confirmed Pearl Tree (FR) (Joshua that the Qatari duo of Cherif Tree x Prairie Pearl) proved Younousse and Ahmed Tijan an easy winner of the Prix de are among the top 15 teams la Duchesse Anne, a maiden in Men’s Provisional Olympic for 3-year-olds over 2,400 Ranking issued on March 15. metres at Nantes, France, on The Qataris are ranked No. Saturday. 14 in this Olympic race and It marked the first victory under the current qualifica- in three-outing career for the tion system, the top 15, with representative of His High- few exceptions, are assured ness Sheikh Abdullah bin Olympic berths. Khalifa Al Thani. Qualifying for the Olympic The bay colt who was com- Games is, of course, the big Qatar’s ace beach volleyball pair of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan. ing off a third at Royan less goal, and Cherif and Ahmed are than a fortnight ago. confident that they will play in the national team prepared very team in the international clas- Ridden by Julien Guillo- Tokyo, but the Qatari duo must well for its participation in for- sification qualifying for the chon on Saturday, the Henri- continue to perform at an ex- eign tournaments, and that the Olympiad is good, but the As- Alex Pantall-trained PEARL ceptional level in the final five Association provided it with all sociation aspires to have the TREE immediately charged tournaments prior to the June means of support and regular team in advanced positions in into the lead before drawing 13 qualification deadline. preparation. the final classificationbefore clear in mid-stretch. In remarks to Qatar News He noted that the national the Olympiad because this will On reaching the line, the Pearl Tree, ridden by Julien Guillochon, proved an easy winner of the Prix de la Duchesse Anne, a maiden Agency (QNA), Mohammed Sa- team is currently in an exter- have an impact on the draw for winner had pulled three and for 3-year-olds over 2,400 metres at Nantes, France, on Saturday. (Pic: Jean-Charles-Briens) lem Al Kuwari, Member of the nal camp in the United States the final competitions, stress- a half lengths clear of the Board of Directors of the Qatar for 12 days, after which it will ing that the national team is Deutsches Derby entry Sia- Nisry (FR) (Rajsaman x Bred by the Haras de Vic- and Prairie Pearl (Le Havre). Volleyball Association and Vice- leave for Mexico. able to achieve good results mak (GER) (Isfahan x Seven Nisea) finished two lengths tot, the three-year-old Pearl The latter won three of her Chairman of the Beach Volley- Al Kuwari said that the and advanced positions in the Shares). further in third. Tree is a son of Joshua Tree eight career starts. ball Committee, underlined that current position of the Qatari upcoming tournaments. Samson’s stunning ton in vain as clinch thriller

ANI Mumbai

Sanju Samson’s fighting hun- dred (119) went in vain as Ar- shdeep Singh held his nerves in the final over to help Punjab Kings register a thrilling win over here at the Wankhede on Monday. KL Rahul’s calm and com- posed knock, aided by Deepak Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson during his knock of 119 runs Hooda’s belligerent hitting, (63 balls; 7 sixes, 12 fours) at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. helped Punjab Kings post 221 in the allotted 20 overs. In response, Rajasthan Don’t have words to Royals fell just five runs short of the target to clinch the game. With Ben Stokes back in explain my feelings, the hut, Jos Buttler and Sam- son had revived Rajasthan Royals’ innings before the says RR skipper English batsman lost the plot and got out in the eighth over. ANI sides), we thought the However, Samson and Mumbai was getting better and we could Riyan Parag didn’t give up chase the target down. Despite and kept fighting as the duo Rajasthan Royals skipper the loss, I think the team played smashed 13 and 20 runs in the Sanju Samson did all he could really well,” said Samson. 15th and 16th over. but still wasn’t able to take The Rajasthan Royals Samson took on Richard- his side over the line against skipper feels his second half son and whacked him for 19 Punjab Kings here at the of the stunning knock was his runs in the 18th over as the Wankhede on Monday. best innings in the Indian Pre- equation came down to 21 off Samson’s fighting hun- mier League (IPL). two overs. Arshdeep Singh of Punjab Kings (centre) celebrates the wicket of Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson off the last ball of innings with dred went in vain as Arshdeep “The second part of my in- Samson, who smashed teammates in the Vivo 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. (BCCI/IPL) Singh held his nerves in the fi- nings was my best IPL perfor- 119 off 63 balls, kept fighting nal over to help Punjab Kings mance. But I went back to the till the end but wasn’t able to right from the word go. The perfect support from Shivam Earlier put in to bat first, at number register a thrilling win over basics, communicated with my get the job done for the Roy- English batsman creamed four Dube, who smashed 23 off 15 Punjab too didn’t have a great four and the right-hander jus- Rajasthan Royals. partners, accepted they were als as Punjab Kings clinched consecutive fours in Austral- balls before getting caught at start as they lost Mayank Agar- tified the call as he dispatched “I don’t have words to ex- bowling well, rotated strike a thriller on the last ball. The ian pacer ’s first the boundary rope by Deepak wal in the third over of the in- RR spinners to all parts of the plain my feelings, very close early, and got into my rhythm. wicket-keeper batsman had over in the IPL. Hooda in the 13th over. nings. then joined ground before getting out. game, came close but unfortu- I really enjoy my shots, but I also refused a run to remain at Despite a few initial blips, However, Dube and Sam- Rahul in the middle and the In the final two overs, Ra- nately. I don’t think I could have come to the present after play- a strike when Rajasthan Roy- Rajasthan Royals went past 50 son 53 runs partnership en- duo kept on ticking the score- hul added crucial runs to the done anything more, timed it ing them,” said Samson. als needed 5 off 2 balls. in quick time. With runs flowing sured the Royals were in the board steadily and Punjab’s total and was supported by well, but unfortunately couldn’t “When I am in the zone, Chasing a mammoth 222, from both ends, the Sanju Sam- chase. Meanwhile, Samson score read 46/1 after the end Shahrukh Khan at the oth- clear the man in the deep,” and watching the ball well, the Rajasthan Royals suffered son-led side scored 59 runs after completed his 14th IPL fifty as of the powerplay. er end. However, Sakariya Samson told host broadcaster sixes come out naturally, and an early jolt as they lost star the completion of powerplay. Rajasthan Royals gave them- Gayle changed his gears bowled a tight last over as he Star Sports after the game. in that process, I tend to lose all-rounder Ben Stokes in the But ’s selves a fighting chance. with the introduction of the conceded just five runs while KL Rahul’s calm and com- my also. Happy to play first over. slower yorker did the trick for Riyan Parag further spinners in the bowling at- taking two wickets as Punjab posed knock, aided by Deepak that way no matter what. (Bat- Manan Vohra tried to re- the Punjab Kings as Buttler strengthened Rajasthan’s po- tack. However, Riyan Parag went past the 220-run mark Hooda’s belligerent hitting, ting long) mainly about trust- vive the innings with a six and was cleaned up in the eighth sition in the chase as he ham- cut short Gayle’s (40) innings Scores: Punjab Kings 221/6 helped Punjab Kings post 221 ing yourself and the process,” a four but eventually got out in over to reduced Rajasthan mered 25 off 11 balls before as he had the left-handed bats- (KL Rahul 91, Deepak Hooda in the allotted 20 overs. he added. an attempt to slog every ball. Royals to 70/3. walking back to the pavilion man caught at the hands of 64, Chetan Sakariya 3-31); “It’s all part of the game Rajasthan Royals will now However, Jos Buttler was With the ever-mounting in the 17th over. In the end, Ben Stokes at long-on, reduc- Rajasthan Royals 217/7 (Sanju (when asked about the bowl- lock horns with in some other mood as the required rate, Samson de- Samson was unable to get Ra- ing Punjab to 89/2. Samson 119, Riyan Parag 25; ers going for plenty from both on Thursday. wicket-keeper started firing cided to switch gears and got jasthan Royals over the line. Hooda was sent ahead of Arshdeep Singh 3-35 ).

Quick read Gayle becomes first to hit 350 Bangladesh team arrives in Sri Lanka for two-match Test series sixes in Indian Premier League Negombo (Sri Lanka): The Bangladesh cricket team arrived here ANI delivery at the Wankhede. Kohli have smashed 214 and on Monday for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka sched- Mumbai The Punjab Kings batsman 201 sixes respectively. uled to begin next week. Bangladesh is slated to play two Tests was already leading the charts The Big-hitting West In- against Sri Lanka starting from April 21 and ahead of the first Star West Indies batsman and his two sixes against Ra- dies batsman has so far played game, the two teams will lock horns in a two-day practice match Chris Gayle on Monday added jasthan Royals only consoli- 133 IPL matches in which later this week. “Bangladesh team arrives in Sri Lanka for two- another feather to his already dated his position. he has scored 4,812 runs at a match Test series,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) tweeted while sharing illustrious cap as he became Former South Africa strike rate of over 150. the pictures from arrival. the first batsman to smash 350 swashbuckling batsman AB de He has hit six hundreds Preliminary squad: Mominul Haque, Litton Kumer Das, Md Mithun, sixes in the Indian Premier Villiers is at the second spot and 31 half-centuries. Mushfiqur Rahim, amimT Iqbal Khan, Shadman Islam, Abu Jayed League (IPL). having hit 237 sixes in the Incidentally, it came down Chowdhury Rahi, , Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Gayle (351 sixes) achieved cash-rich league. to a last-ball six for Rajasthan Hassan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, , Ebadot Hossain the feat during his 40-run Chennai Super Kings Royals in the match but Sanju Chowdhury, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Shoriful knock against Rajasthan Royals (CSK) skipper Mahendra Sin- Samson couldn’t get one re- Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Mukidul Islam Mugdho, Shuvagata Hom when he whacked a maximum gh Dhoni is next on the list sulting in a win for the Punjab Chowdhury, Shohidul Islam, Quazi Sohan. (ANI) Chris Gayle of Punjab Kings in action against Rajathan Royals in the over deep square leg off Eng- with 216 sixes under his belt Kings and for Gayle to cel- IPL at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. (BCCI/IPL) land all-rounder Ben Stokes’ while Rohit Sharma and Virat ebrate the occasion. Sports Tuesday, April 13, 2021 15 Matsuyama wins Augusta Masters, carves his place in history

he 85th Masters Tour- the 1970s and ’80s, winning nament began with the a combined 193 tournaments spotlight on one trail- on the . Their blazerT and ended with all the Japanese golfer games traveled pretty well too, attention on another. Ozaki and Nakajima earning Four days after Lee El- top-10s in each major and Aoki der, who in 1975 became the becomes the getting top-10s in three. Aoki, first Black golfer to play in the the first Japanese player to win Masters, served as an Honor- a PGA Tour event, came the ary Starter with first Asian-born closest to winning a big one, and , Hideki Mat- finishing second to Jack Nick- suyama of Japan became the laus in the 1980 U.S. Open, the first playerfrom his country to to win the best result by a male Japanese win the Masters – and a men’s golfer in a major until Matsuy- major championship at the Masters – and ama matched it with a tie for Augusta National Golf Club on second in the 2017 U.S. Open. Sunday. Toshi Izawa (tie for fourth in “Hopefully, I will be a pio- a men’s major 2001) and neer and many more will fol- (tie for fourth in 2009) set the low,” Matsuyama said through standard at the Masters for his longtime confidante and Matsuyama to try to eclipse. interpreter Bob Turner. “It’s The only victories were Par thrilling to think there are a lot Hideki Matsuyama hugs his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, on the 18th green. 3 Contest triumphs by Aoki of youngsters in Japan watch- in 1975 and 1981. Until 2021, ing today. Hopefully in five, Matsuyama’s best was fifth 10 years, when they get a lit- place in 2015, when he closed tle older, some of them will be with a 66. competing on the world stage.” Tokyo Broadcasting Sys- Matsuyama’s Sunday jour- tem brought the Masters action ney around the Augusta Na- live to Japan this year as it has tional course was eventful, the since 1976. Nakajima, whose four-stroke lead he carried into best finish at Augusta National the final round shrinking and was a tie for eighth in 1986, was growing and shrinking again Matsuyama poses with the Masters Trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony at the Augusta National Golf an analyst on the show, and his before he was able to close out Club on Sunday. (Getty Images/AFP) voice rose and sank with Mat- a historic victory. suyama’s fortunes Sunday. The He came to the 72nd hole pairing with Schauffele, the to two. excitement by Nakajima and on a warm and sunny afternoon moment. “But I caught myself,” Schauffele made a crucial host Wataru Ogasawara con- with a two-shot advantage Matsuyama said, “and the plan mistake on the par-3 16th, his trasted sharply with Matsuy- over Will Zalatoris, a cushion today was just go out and do my It’s thrilling to think there 8-iron coming up short and ama’s even-keeled demeanor. that allowed the 29-year-old to best for 18 holes. That was my are a lot of youngsters in rolling into the water. The er- Even as he was winning a make a bogey to shoot 73 and thought throughout the day — Japan watching today. ror led to a triple bogey, his handful of PGA Tour events — finish at 10-under 278, one just keep doing my best. Do my Hopefully in five, 10 first in more than 1,000 holes the most by a player from Ja- ahead of the Masters first-tim- best.” The mantra turned out to of major-championship play, pan — before turning 26, Mat- er and three in front of Jordan be enough. years, when they get a and gave Matsuyama breathing suyama was largely a mystery Spieth and Xander Schauffele. His lead was quickly whit- little older, some of them room again. beyond what he shot and what The outcome repeated the sce- tled to one after an opening will be competing on the Zalatoris was clutch down he won. This was in part be- nario of last week’s Augusta bogey and a birdie-birdie start the stretch, making birdies cause of Matsuyama’s shy and National Women’s Amateur by Zalatoris. But Matsuyama world stage. on the 15th and 17th and private personality, and that he when Tsubasa Kaji- steadied himself and expanded – Hideki Matsuyama then sinking an 18-footer on Hideki Matsuyama celebrates on the 18th green after still was learning English. In tani, 17, of Japan, his advantage. Schauffele later No. 18 for par for a 70 and a winning the Masters. (Getty Images/AFP) the summer of 2017, when he edged Emilia praised his fellow competitor 9-under total. revealed he had gotten married Migliaccio, a sen- as being “robot-like” through Matsuyama had Firestone Country Club. tied for 27th and won the Ster- earlier that year and that his ior at Wake Forest, more than half of the round. played 93 events since Once No. 2 in the Official ling Silver Cup—and in 2012 af- wife, Mei, had recently given for the title. Zalator- Matsuyama had turned his most recent vic- World Golf Ranking, he ter back-to-back victories in the birth to their daughter, Kanna, is, 24, was a star for the around his Masters tory, at the 2017 arrived at this Masters Asia-Pacific Amateur. even Japanese media who cov- Wake Forest men’s golf starting on the 11th WGC-Bridgestone No. 25 having not had a He won the 2010 Asia- er his play in great detail had team before turning profes- hole Saturday Invitational at top-10 finish since tying for Pacific title at Kasumigaseki not known about the develop- sional in 2018. second at the Houston Open Country Club, site of this year’s ments in his life off the course. As Matsuyama walked last fall. Olympics golf competition, to “That’s a hard one to sum off the final green toward the “This year has been a strug- earn a Masters berth the fol- up,” Australian Adam Scott, scoring area, the putter that gle,” Matsuyama said. “No top- lowing spring. “I am looking a three-time teammate with had served him well all week 10s, I haven’t even contended, forward to experiencing the Matsuyama in the Presidents in hand, his caddie, Shota so I came to Augusta with little huge galleries and putting on Cup, said when asked to de- Hayafuji, fulfilled a tradition by or no expectations. But as the those greens,” Matsuyama said scribe the younger man’s per- collecting the yellow pin flag. week progressed, as I practiced, a month before his Augusta sonality. “He’s quite an intense Hayafuji replaced the flagstick following a especially on Wednesday, I felt National debut. character, even though we in the cup, took off his cap and weather delay, something again. I found some- “Hopefully, I will also get to don’t really see that, and obses- bowed. Nearly 7,000 miles when he played the Hideki Matsuyama thing in my swing. And when hear some cheers.” sive about this game.” away in Matsuyama’s home- last eight holes in 6-un- of Japan celebrates that happens, the confidence The road to a men’s ma- This milestone victory will land, it was 8 o’clock on Mon- der to shoot 65 and take a during the Green returns. I started the Tourna- jor-championship victory for make Matsuyama an even big- day morning, rush hour, as an large lead after 54 holes. As he Jacket Ceremony ment with a lot of confidence.” Japan was a long one. Golfers ger deal in Japan. “I can’t im- achievement that was decades walked toward the 11th green after winning the Matsuyama became the from Japan debuted in a ma- agine what it’s going to be like,” in the making finally came to Sunday, his advantage was Masters at Augusta seventh golfer to win a Green jor during the mid-1930s, with he said of the reception he will pass. briefly up to six shots. National Golf Jacket after being Low Ama- half a dozen players competing receive back home. “But what Chako Higuchi, in the 1977 But that margin dwindled. Club in Augusta, teur, joining Cary Middlecoff, in the 1935 U.S. Open and two a thrill and honor it will be for LPGA Championship, and Matsuyama still led Schauf- Georgia, on Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, of them — Toichiro “Torchy” me to take the Green Jacket Hinako Shibuno in the 2019 fele, a 27-year-old Californian, Sunday. (Getty Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods Toda and Seiha “Chick” Chin back to Japan. And I’m really Women’s British Open, had by four playing the par-5 15th Images/AFP) and Sergio Garcia. — coming to the 1936 Masters. looking forward to it.” solved the major puzzle on hole. An eagle on the hole Sat- This was Matsuyama’s 10th (Three Japanese were among Matsuyama will be carrying the women’s side, yet it had urday had been pivotal in Mat- Masters, more than Mickelson 33 international players invited something other than the gar- remained on the table, pieces suyama’s charge up the leader (eight appearances) had made to the inaugural Augusta Na- ment across the Pacific Ocean. missing, for Japanese men. board, but the result was much before Lefty turned 30 and just tional Invitation Tournament “I can’t say I’m the greatest,” he Matsuyama had not been different Sunday. Matsuyama’s one fewer than the 11 starts each in 1934, but the trio wasn’t able said when asked how winning able to sleep as late on Sunday 4-iron from 227 yards flew the by Nicklaus, Woods and Rory to make the long trip.) the Masters will enhance his as he had planned, and by the green and bounded into the McIlroy by that age. The first Masashi “Jumbo” Oza- reputation. “However, I’m the time he stood on the first tee, he pond on the 16th hole. His en- two times Matsuyama played ki, and Tsuneyuki first to win a major, and if that’s admitted feeling nervous under suing bogey combined, with at Augusta National, it was as “Tommy” Nakajima starred the bar, then I’ve set it.” the weight of the lead, the final Schauffele’s birdie, cut the lead an amateur in 2011—when he in their home country during (Source: masters.com) Japan in ‘jubilant mood’ following Hideki’s Masters triumph DPA the TBS program, said, “I’m Many Japanese got up early Monday morning Tokyo really glad to witness this mo- ment. I had never imagined to watch the historic moment live on TV. Japanese fans and officials that this day would come. I A television newscaster for Tokyo Broadcasting were elated at the news that am at a loss for words.” “When golfer Hideki Matsuyama has you come back to Japan, let System (TBS) choked up with tears when won the 85th Masters at Augus- me slip into the green jacket,” Matsuyama clinched the tournament win. ta National in the United States. Nakajima asked Matsuyama. “Japan is in a jubilant mood,” he said. The 29-year-old Matsuy- Matsuyama’s victory “in- ama became the first Japanese spired and encouraged the man to win a major champi- Japanese public amid the The disaster left about Abe said Matsuyama has onship, a decade after he fin- prolonged effects of the novel 18,400 people dead or miss- been an aspiring player. ished as the leading amateur coronavirus,” Prime Minister ing and caused the nation’s “I believe he is now think- at the Masters. Yoshihide Suga told reporters. worst nuclear accident at the ing about winning a next tour- Many Japanese got up early “He also became the first Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear nament and a next major title Monday morning to watch the Asian to win the Masters Power Station. after this victory,” he said. historic moment live on TV. Tournament. It was a really “Mr Matsuyama is still Tiger Woods, who won A television newscaster for remarkable achievement. young. I look forward to the Masters five times, includ- Tokyo Broadcasting System Since Matsuyama graduat- his future performances,” ing the 2019 tournament, also (TBS) choked up with tears ed from Tohoku Fukushi Uni- Suga added. congratulated Matsuyama. when Matsuyama clinched the versity in north-eastern Ja- When Matsuyama entered “Making Japan proud tournament win. pan, “I believe this victory has Tohoku Fukushi University, Hideki. Congratulations on “Japan is in a jubilant given strength to the recovery his golf club head coach Yas- such a huge accomplishment mood,” he said. from the region’s disaster,” the uhiko Abe told him to “become for you and your country. , one prime minister said, referring a golfer to be able to compete This historical @TheMasters of Japan’s legendary golfers, to the 2011 earthquake and People walk in front of a screen showing the news of Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama winning the 85th abroad, not in Japan,” he re- win will impact the entire golf who was a commentator on resulting tsunami. Masters, at Akihabara district of Tokyo on Monday. (AFP) called at a news conference. world,” Woods tweeted.