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Wednesday, April 25, 2018 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 9, 1439 AH Unstoppable GULF TIMES Ronaldo the sole survivor of ‘BBC’ SPORT Page 3 FOCUS Impressive medal haul for at Arab athletics

By Sports Reporter (Shot Put and Discus) in the recent On the last day of competition, Doha GCC Championship held in Kuwait, Rashid al-Suwaidi added a bronze student athlete Mohamed Ibrahim medal for his exploits in long jump and Moaaz maintained his fabulous form Team Qatar picked up their last medal, spire Academy student ath- to repeat the feat in the same events a bronze, thanks to the blistering pace letes led Qatar’s charge for in Amman. of Jaber Hilal al-Mamari in the 200m medals at the 18th Arab It was a similar tale with rising star sprint. Junior Athletics Champion- athlete, Muhand Saifeldin, who like Team Qatar’s athletes were among Aships held from April 19-22, 2018, at Mooaz, matched his two gold medal 423 competing at the 18th Arab Junior the Baccalaureate School in Amman, haul from the GCC Championship but Athletics Championships that featured . this time round also added a 800m win athletes from 16 countries across 44 The team brought home a total of in place of the 1,500m he won in Ku- events. seven medals on the back of some im- wait. His fi rst gold came in the 3,000m pressive performances that ensured steeplechase. among other achievements, world jun- Saoud al-Humaidi went one bet- Team Qatar’s athletes, members of the ior qualifi cation standard, a new na- ter than his performance at the GCC delegation and other off icials at Doha’s tional record as well as individual per- Championship when his time of 14.06 Hamad International Airport after their sonal bests. sec secured a silver medal, setting a arrival from the 18th Arab Junior Athlet- Straight on the back of double gold World Junior standard time. ics Championships in Amman, Jordan.

FOOTBALL / EMIR CUP CRICKET / ICC WORLD T20 ASIA QUALIFIER A Qatar beat Al-Neel, Pereira Saudi Arabia shine in Markhiya’s for their third victory

By Sports Reporter balls to spare. win over Shamal Doha In other matches of the day, the United Arab Emirates beat Maldives by 43 runs to maintain Rachid scores a brace in Kharaitiyat’s 3-1 win over Shahania disciplined bowling ef- their position at the top of the fort followed by cau- standings with four wins in as By Sports Reporter hamed Montasser Khrub. tious batting down many matches, while Kuwait de- Doha However, Markhiya needed the order ensured that feated Bahrain by 23 runs. only four minutes to restore the AQatar held their nerves in a few Qatar’s team manager Gul lead. Saleh Badr al-Yazidi played edgy moments to register their Khan Jadoun was palpably fter being relegated a through ball to al-Neel, who third victory in the ICC World pleased after his team’s triumph. from the QNB Stars calmly slotted in the ball from T20 Asia Qualifi er A in Kuwait “This was a very important League this season, Al four yards. City yesterday. match for us. By God’s grace, Markhiya had a rea- While Shamal went all out for At the Sulabiya Cricket we won by four wickets and are Ason to smile yesterday as they their second goal and equaliser, Ground, Qatar limited Saudi Ara- now in line for a No 1 spot playoff outclassed Al Shamal 4-1 in the Markhiya added their third. The bia to 135 for seven in the allotted against the UAE. Emir Cup fi rst round match. impressive Pereira, who had led 20 overs after putting them to “The entire team worked hard At the Grand Hamad Sta- his team’s attack, struck in the bat fi rst. Qatar’s Nouman Sarwar for the victory. We bowled well to dium, Markhiya dominated the 65th minute. In the 85th minute, and Mohamed Nadeem picked contain Saudi Arabia to a mod- game throughout to run away de Souza made it 4-1 after con- up two wickets each. est total. Our batsmen applied with easy victory. In the second verting a penalty as he shot to In reply, Qatar opener Faisal themselves well on the turn- round, Markhiya will take on Al the top right corner. Javid Khan gave a quick start ing track and held off the oppo- Khor on April 28. In the second match of the yet again with an eight-ball 18 nents,” he added. The Qatargas League outfi t Al day, Al Kharaitiyat beat Al Sha- but fell in the third over with the “Our next match is against Shamal struggled to keep pace hania 3-1. Tiberkanine Rachid score at 27. The same over skip- Bahrain on Thursday. We’ll try with Markhiya, who were led scored a brace, while Mohamed per Inam-ul-Haq (8) too was to use the rest day (Wednesday) superbly by attacking midfi elder al-Yazidi struck a goal for the sent back to the pavilion. Kamran for preparing a good strategy so Eric de Oliveira Pereira. winners. For Shahania, Vasquez Khan was sent back in the fi fth that we stay focussed and on the The Brazilian scored in the Luciano Vlaudio scored the over with the scoreboard reading track to be either No 1 or 2 in the 65th minute and he also assisted lone goal. Kharaitiyat will play 39 for 3. event,” Jadoun said. Mohamed Salah al-Neel’s open- against Umm Salal in the next However, Tamoor Sajjad and ing goal in the 30th minute. Al- round on April 29. Zaheer Ibrahim, both scoring 27- BRIEF SCORES: Saudi Arabia Neel was also impressive on the On Sunday, Al Wakrah and ball 35, stitched together a 60- 135 for 7 in 20 overs (Shahbaz day as he collected his second Mesaimeer had sealed their run partnership before the latter Rasheed 36, Faisal Khan 29; Nou- goal in the 54th minute, before passage into second round with became fi rst three quick wickets man Sarwar 2 for 21, Mohamed Leonardo Henrik de Souza con- wins over QNB Stars league that fell for just 10 runs, slowing Nadeem 2 for 37) lost to Qatar verted a penalty to complete an sides. Wakrah scripted a sen- down the fl ow of runs. 136 for 6 in 18.5 overs (Tamoor emphatic victory for Markhiya. Action from the Emir Cup first round match between Al Markhiya (in maroon) and Al Shamal (in white) sational comeback to edge out However, an unbroken sev- Sajjad 35, Zaheer Ibrahim 35; For Shamal, Mohamed Hares yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil Qatar Sports Club 3-2, while enth-wicket alliance between Imran Arif 3 for 33) by 4 wickets. equalised in the 50th minute Mesaimeer beat Al Ahli 3-1 on Khurram Shahzad and Sarwar Man of the Match: Tamoor Sajjad but their hopes for victory was penalties. Wakrah set-up a sec- saw them through with seven (Qatar, 1 wicket for 29, 35 runs) quickly snuff ed out by Shamal’s ond round clash with Al Arabi, attacking display. while Mesaimeer will face Al Markhiya had a point to prove Sailiya. coming into the match. They The Emir Cup is the most had fi nished last in the QNB prestigious domestic football Stars League this season, and tournament and brings down fi nd themselves in the second the curtains on the nine-month division. long football season in Qatar. So it was obvious that Adel The event off ers a chance for Sellami’s side were keen to make lower division teams to test their up for their failure in the league mettle against the big guns as with some impressive perform- they bid to qualify for the fi nal at ance in the Emir Cup. And they the Khalifa Stadium on May 19. did show how lethal they can be The top four teams in the QNB yesterday. Stars League – Al Duhail, Al After coming close on couple Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa of occasions, Markhiya fi nally will kick off their campaigns found the net in the 30th minute. directly from the quarter-fi nal Pereira played a delicious pass to Al Kharaitiyat players celebrate a goal during the match against Al Shahania yesterday. stage of the competition, where al-Neel, who controlled the ball they will be joined by four other skilfully and placed his header Markhiya continued to apply Shamal started the second half received a cross from Mubarak teams who will have to work above Al Shamal goalkeeper pressure but al-Neel and Pereira brightly and equalised in the Saleh al-Rashidi and volleyed it their way up from rounds one Chehab Salah al-Deen. failed to add to the scoreline. 50th minute. Mohammed Hares past Markhiya custodian Mo- and two. Qatar’s Tamoor Sajjad (right) was adjudged Man of the Match. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Panathinaikos banned from Europe for Italy confi rm Ancelotti three seasons

Reuters Athens talks, say no front-runner ormer Greek champions Panathinaikos have been banned from European competition for three Ancelotti was sacked by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich last September seasonsF after failing to meet fi - nancial requirements, European AFP — was appointed to fi nd a successor football’s governing body UEFA Milan to Ventura and insisted the deadline Carlo Ancelotti is set to be given said yesterday. Panathinaikos, remained May 20. Among the other the job of reviving the fortunes former European Cup fi nalists, names being touted are Zenit St Pe- of Italy’s national team. (AFP) have fallen on hard times in re- talian football federation (FIGC) tersburg coach Roberto Mancini, Chel- cent years. The club has under- chiefs yesterday confi rmed talks sea boss Antonio Conte and former gone several changes of owner- had taken place with Carlo Ance- Leicester coach Claudio Ranieri, now in ship structure and suff ered dire lotti concerning the vacant Italy charge of French club Nantes. fi nancial problems. Icoaching job but insisted there was no “Carlo was in Rome for personal UEFA said the club had been front-runner yet. Ancelotti, who was reasons, the chosen hotel was the one given a March 1 deadline to set- sacked by Bayern Munich last Septem- where I always stay myself and we found tle issues with creditors but had ber, met with FIGC commissioner Rob- ourselves there at the same time,” Cos- failed to do so. “The Adjudica- erto Fabbricini and sub-commissioner tacurta said. “We didn’t talk about the tory Chamber confi rmed that Alessandro Costacurta in a Rome hotel Italy bench, we only joked about the op- Panathinaikos FC is excluded on Monday. portunity, we could not talk about the from participating in the next It was reported the 58-year-old has programme and the fi nancial part. We UEFA club competition for been off ered a two-year contract, with are loyal to the rules. If there will be an which it would otherwise qualify the only sticking point fi nancial terms offi cial meeting? Yes, but I still do not in the next three seasons,” UEFA which would be less lucrative than his know when. We need people to make said in a statement. “The Adju- previous deal with the German champi- themselves available, we can’t get close dicatory Chamber also ordered ons. But Fabbricini insisted the meeting to contracted coaches.” that the amount of 100,000 was not an offi cial one. Ancelotti, who has also managed euros as part of the total fi ne of “Ancelotti has a fairly serious fam- Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Ju- 200,000 euros is no longer sus- ily problem, and that’s why he was in ventus, Roma and Paris Saint-Germain, pended and is due immediately.” Rome,” Fabbricini said. has three Champions League titles to Panathinaikos are currently “Costacurta, having a strong friend- his name as a coach. He has also won in 10th place in Greece’s offi cial ship with Ancelotti, met him and I also the league in Italy, France, Germany and Superleague standings and have took part in that meeting. We talked England. no hope of competing in Eu- about a future scenario though, but we The FIGC budget for a new coach and rope next season. Panathinaikos still have a coach (Luigi Di Biagio) under his staff is fi ve mn euros ($6.1mn) per were found in December to be contract. I don’t think a coach can a pri- year, which would be a big drop from in breach of the overdue paya- ori rule out a prestigious job like lead- the reported 12mn euros plus bonuses bles requirement of UEFA’s club ing Italy. The Azzurri bench is always an that Ancelotti earned at Bayern Mu- licensing and fi nancial fair play objective for any coach. nich. Ancelotti joined Bayern in 2016 regulations and were fi ned. “But of course there are other factors and won the Bundesliga title in his fi rst That fi ne was suspended, which aff ect the decision — the desire to season but was sacked following a 3-0 pending the March deadline. work every day for example. No-one is defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the The Greek championship has in pole, we want to respect the date of Champions League. this season been tarnished by May 20 because the national team will Costacurta was reported to have of- crowd violence involving several play on May 28 (friendly against Saudi fered Ancelotti, who has also been clubs and there have also been Arabia).” linked with former club Chelsea and investigations by prosecutors Italy have been without a permanent the soon-to-be-vacant manager’s job into corruption. coach since Gian Piero Ventura was at Arsenal, a free hand in choosing his Play was even suspended for sacked after the four-time champions staff . Ancelotti’s son Davide, who was weeks after PAOK club boss Ivan failed to qualify for the World Cup for his assistant at Bayern, could play a Savvidis stormed onto the pitch the fi rst time in 60 years after losing to role as well as former stars such as An- with a gun in his belt during a Sweden in a two-legged playoff in No- drea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buff on and Paolo league game against AEK Athens vember. Maldini. Italy’s under-21 coach Di Bia- last month. FIFA has threatened Costacurta — who was coached by gio has been fi lling the position on an to exclude Greece from interna- Ancelotti at AC Milan in the 1980s interim basis. tional competition.

SERIE A ROUND-UP Buff on blasts talk of Benatia rift Salah’s prolifi c season at Liverpool AFP Milan surprises Roma President ianluigi Buff on yesterday blasted talk iverpool’s star forward “I played in the 2006 World Cup of a row with Juventus teammate Medhi Mohamed Salah’s pro- in Germany and I’m sure that Benatia as “invented gossip” to try and lifi c season since leaving we will once again feel that great unnerve the champions in the title race. AS Roma has come as a enthusiasm and create a new GBuff on, 40, was reported to have let rip at centre- Lsurprise to the Italian Serie A spirit of solidarity at Euro 2024. back Benatia after Kalidou Koulibaly scored in the club’s President James Pallotta. We are a cosmopolitan organiser fi nal minute in Turin as Napoli beat Juventus 1-0 Salah, who returned to the Pre- and we have modern stadiums on Sunday, cutting Juve’s lead to just one point at mier League last year, has scored and good infrastructure. Football the top of Serie A with four games to play. 41 goals in all competitions for is at home in our country.” It was also a foul by the Moroccan defender Liverpool this season and was Turkish offi cials are expected which resulted in the controversial late penalty looking to add to his tally against to lodge their bid tomorrow. The which gave Real Madrid a place in the Champions spectful lad and that he’s tied to our cause with his former side in the fi rst leg of host nation will be chosen by League semi-fi nals at the expense of the Italians. an education and way of being in an exceptional the Champions League semi- UEFA’s Executive Committee “It’s the kind of gossip, patently invented, that group. I’m sorry to be forced to point it out, but I fi nals late last night. on September 27. Germany last comes after the defeat of teams like Juventus who have to because in the face of news which is, if not Pallotta said Salah’s excep- hosted a Euro in 1988 when the don’t have an Achilles heel,” Buff on said. defamatory at least false, I think a clarifi cation is tional numbers were a revela- country was still divided into “They try to destabilise the environment and needed to protect the group and Medhi, who is a tion. “The reason is probably East and West. The Netherlands undermine the certainty and the union of the splendid lad.” because we utilised him diff er- beat the Soviet Union 2-0 in the group,” he continued. “No-one, at least in my 17 Goalkeeping legend Buff on insisted his side ently than Liverpool have. They fi nal. The next Euro, in 2020, years at Juventus, is allowed to point the fi nger at were united as they push for a seventh consecu- fi gured out the best way to utilise will take place in 12 cities across someone and blame an error for a defeat. What’s tive Serie A title and a fourth straight Italian Cup. him,” Pallotta said. Europe. more, as long as I’m captain of this team that will “We’ve dropped fi ve very important points in “At the time, we had him as a never happen. recent days, but we’re still fi rst with a very small winger and you got (Edin) Dzeko LEEDS UNITED PLAN TO “I’d like to add that Medhi is an extremely re- advantage,” said the Italian. in the middle and Dzeko’s scor- TOUR CRISIS-HIT MYANMAR ing 36 goals himself last year, so SPARKS CRITICISM it’s not like we didn’t have some- Leeds United will play two one in there tearing up the league friendlies in Myanmar next last year. Where I’m surprised, is month as the Championship FRENCH FOOTBALL ‘COLOSSUS’ how great he (Salah) is fi nish- side looks to build a fanbase in ing... now you get the ball near the troubled Southeast Asian HENRI MICHEL DIES his feet and it just seems like he’s battle for a Champions League suff ering a severe back injury country. The tour, which will fi gured a way to put it in the net.” spot in the remaining three during the Italian club’s defeat also see Leeds hold football clin- Paris: Former France football earth without ever doubting Liverpool reportedly paid Bundesliga matches after he was to Benevento at the weekend. ics and PR visits to landmarks coach Henri Michel, who his support or presence.” 34mn euros ($41.5mn) to sign banned following a red card, the The 32-year-old was forced off including Yangon’s Shwedagon led Les Bleus to the 1984 “What terrible news,” Salah, who returned to Eng- German Football Association the pitch after 72 minutes in pagoda,already stirred contro- Olympic title, has died at the Hidalgo said. “I knew he’d had land two and a half years after said yesterday. Milan’s shock defeat to 10-man versy. age of 70, the French players’ health problems but I hadn’t leaving Chelsea following an The World Cup-bound Benevento and the club con- Myanmar is in the eye of a union announced yesterday. realised how serious they unproductive 12-month spell in Sweden midfi elder was handed fi rmed Biglia has fractured two storm of criticism over its treat- “Henri Michel, a colossus of were. He was a great friend, a London. Pallotta said the deal a three-game suspension after vertebrae in his back. ment of its Rohingya Muslim mi- French football, left us this true professional, a great guy for the Egypt international, who being sent off in Leipzig’s 5-2 The former Anderlecht nority, around 700,000 of whom morning,” the UNFP wrote on in every respect.” was named Player of the Year by home loss to Hoff enheim on midfi elder moved to the San Siro have been driven into Bangla- Twitter, adding their “sincere Under Michel, France made England’s Professional Football- Saturday for hitting an opponent this season on a 17-million-euro desh since August last year in condolences to his family and it through to the 1986 World ers’ Association, was a bargain in the neck as he tried to break deal after four years with Serie A what the UN says amounts to friends”. Cup semi-finals where they lost for Liverpool. free from a challenge. rivals Lazio. “ethnic cleansing”. Born in Aix-en-Provence, 2-0 to West Germany. Michel’s “When you look at it now, Leipzig, last season’s surprise But that has not deterred Michel played in midfield for time at the helm came to an you can say it’s an unbelievable runners-up, only have a slim GERMANY LODGES BID the end-of-season tour by the Nantes and earned 58 interna- unhappy end when his team bargain,” Pallotta said. “The chance of a top-four fi nish, ly- TO HOST EURO storied Yorkshire club, who are tional caps between 1967 and failed to qualify for Euro 1988 issue at the time was that when ing in sixth place on 47 points, 2024 FOOTBALL currently mid-table in English 1980. He was a three-time win- and then drew 1-1 with Cyprus (director of football) Monchi four behind Bayer Leverkusen Germany handed in its formal football’s second tier. In a state- ner of the French league title. in a 1990 World Cup qualifier. came in, Salah wanted to leave, in fourth. The top four clubs bid to host the 2024 European ment the club said it will play a He took over France’s Olympic Following his time with he had a year left on his contract qualify for the lucrative Champi- football championships yester- Myanmar All-Star IX on May 9 men’s squad in 1982, guiding France, Michel had a brief so in another year you’d get ons League group stage. Leipzig day, fi ring the gun on a race with in Yangon, then a game against them to the ‘84 gold medal in spell as coach of Paris Saint- nothing. He wanted to go back travel to struggling Mainz 05 this the only other contender Turkey. the national team two days later Los Angeles where they beat extensive career Henri was an Germain at the start of the (to the Premier League) and week before playing VfL Wolfs- German Football Federation in Mandalay. Brazil in the final. exceptional man,” said Platini, 1990s, before managing a prove himself, which he certainly burg and Hertha Berlin. president Reinhard Grindel was Amnesty International was Michel then took over a who played alongside Michel host of African teams, going to has done.” accompanied by Germany’s 2014 quick to criticise the move. France team containing Michel for the national team between three further World Cups with ARGENTINE BIGLIA’S World Cup-winning captain Leeds were relegated from the Platini which had just won 1976 and 1980. “A faithful Cameroon (1994), Morocco LEIPZIG’S FORSBERG WORLD CUP IN DOUBT Philipp Lahm, the bid ambas- English Premier League in 2004 the European Championships friend with a rare sense of (1998) and Ivory Coast (2006). BANNED FOR REST AFTER BACK INJURY sador, when the papers were and suff ered years of financial under the management of loyalty. Someone with whom His last post was a stay of a few OF SEASON AC Milan midfi elder Lucas Biglia handed in at UEFA headquarters woes. The club has since strug- Michel Hidalgo. “Aside from his you could go to the end of the months with Kenya in 2012. RB Leipzig will be without could miss the World Cup this in Nyon. gled to gain promotion back to playmaker Emil Forsberg in their summer with Argentina after The now-retired Lahm said: the top fl ight. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 25, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Bayern wait on Alaba for Real semi-fi nal Unstoppable naldo. “But don’t forget we have AFP Munich Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 39 goals. So you have to ask, how can you stop Lewand- upp Heynckes says Bayern owski?” Munich are waiting on the Heynckes says there is no clear fi tness of left-back David favourite for the Allianz Arena Alaba for today’s crunch clash, but Real have won fi ve of Ronaldo the sole ChampionsJ League semi-fi nal, their last six matches against fi rst-leg, at home to Real Ma- Bayern. The Spaniards infl icted drid. Alaba, a free-kick expert, the Bavarians’ heaviest Euro- sat out Bayern’s fi nal training pean home defeat when Ronaldo yesterday with a thigh strain, but and Sergio Ramos both scored Heynckes hopes the left-back twice in a 4-0 thrashing in Mu- will be fi t. nich in 2014. Corentin Tolisso also needs to “The duel against Real has a survivor of ‘BBC’ shake off a bruised shin to com- great tradition,” said Heynckes pete for a midfi eld place. who has coached both clubs to ‘It’s impossible to completely stifle Ronaldo, we can only stop him as a team’ “We’ll make a decision about the Champions League title, them both early tomorrow Real in 1998 and Bayern in 2013. AFP (Wednesday) as to whether they “Of course, the semi-fi nal off ers Madrid will be in the squad,” said Bayern a great stage. There are world- head coach Heynckes. If Alaba class players on both sides.” drops out, Brazilian defender Defender Jerome Boateng said ristiano Ronaldo, Ga- Rafi nha will start. Tolisso is ex- defeats in the knock-out stages reth Bale and Karim pected to start on the bench, if to Real in both 2017 and 2014 Benzema were once the he is fi t, with Javi Martinez in the will play no role. “It’s not an is- untouchable trio, but defensive midfi eld. sue for me, it may have been a bit onlyC one of Real Madrid’s feted James Rodriguez and Thiago unfair, but you should not quar- “BBC” can be sure of their place Alcantara are competing for a rel too much with the past,” said against Bayern Munich today. central midfi eld berth. Hey- Boateng. Ronaldo has dragged Real into nckes says Bayern are relishing Bayern failed to fi nish either of the Champions League semi- a home semi-fi nal against a Real last year’s quarter-fi nal defeats fi nals with, even by his stand- team bidding to lift the Champi- to Real with 10 men. Javi Mar- ards, an astonishing goal glut ons League trophy for the third tinez was sent off in the home that includes 22 in 12 games, and Real Madrid’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo straight season. leg, which Bayern lost 2-1, and at least one in each of his last 11 takes part in a training session on the eve The Bavarians main task is Arturo Vidal saw red when the matches in Europe. of the UEFA Champions League semi-fi nal subduing Cristiano Ronaldo who Germans went down 4-2 in Ma- “It’s impossible to completely fi rst-leg match against Bayern Munich in has scored 15 Champions League drid after-extra time. Both were stifl e Ronaldo, we can only stop Munich. (AFP) games and netted in each of Re- for double yellow cards. him as a team,” Bayern defender al’s ten European matches this The Germany defender can Jerome Boateng said on Monday. season. Real’s goal-scoring su- expect a busy night marking “An attacker can not be more perstar has hit the net 42 times Ronaldo. “He is an unbelievable complete than him — left foot, in all competitions. athlete, you can see that when right foot, head, he controls eve- He scored fi ve goals over two he scores goals and pulls off his rything and in front of the goal, legs in Madrid’s 6-3 aggregate shirt,” said Boateng. he’s a machine”. win over Bayern in the 2017 “He is a top player who has al- But while Ronaldo has enjoyed quarter-fi nals. most no weaknesses. Real are es- a fresh spurt in his new role of “Of course, he’s a big topic pecially dangerous on the coun- predatorial centre-forward, his for us in the game analysis,” said ter attack, especially up front. two partners have found their Heynckes when asked about Ro- We can only stop him as a team.” responsibilities reduced ahead of the fi rst leg at the Allianz Arena. 4-4-2 in the biggest games this Bale’s decline began fi rst. Af- season, with Lucas Vazquez and Bayern are better than last season, warns Real’s Zidane ter returning from injury earlier Marco Asensio preferred on the this year, he was on the bench fl anks for their defensive dis- Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane warned with no silverware. “In the league, you have to for both legs against Paris Saint- cipline and willingness to send yesterday Bayern Munich are better than they be consistent every three days and we weren’t at Germain and the fi rst leg against crosses into the box. Bale is not were last season when the Spaniards beat them the start of the season and that’s the diff iculty we Juventus. viewed as conscientious enough en route to the Champions League title. have,” he said. “I have no doubts that mentally In the second leg, he did start, in the wide midfi elder role while Bayern, five-time European Cup winners, host we will be at 150 percent tomorrow.” only to endure the humiliation Benzema’s key selling point was 12-time champions Real in a mouth-watering of being taken off at half-time. his link-up play. semi-final first leg today. Benzema’s fall has been more When that broke down, his The Spaniards have won back-to-back titles but surprising given the striker had appeal diminished. “I don’t see the treble-chasing Bavarians are in sensational been Zinedine Zidane’s pre- anyone looking sad,” Zidane form ever since manager Jupp Heynckes took ferred partner for Ronaldo, his said. over from Carlo Ancelotti in October. work rate and supply highly “I said to the pair of them the Bayern have already secured the Bundesliga title valued despite the Frenchman’s other day, they would both like and have reached the German Cup final as well. lack of goals. But Benzema’s to score more goals but every- “They have been transformed under him,” link-up play has slackened, one is working well. It is always Zidane said of the 72-year-old Heynckes. “I have thrusting that dry patch — one going to happen in a side like maximum respect for him. He has done big goal in 10 games and only four in ours, there are players in good things. It is remarkable.” 24 — more clearly into view. form and in the team and play- Heynckes is on a record 12-game winning run Bayern Munich’s players warm up during a training session in Munich “He does suff er a little bit, ing well.” in the Champions League stretching back to yesterday. (AFP) when he misses chances he suf- Even if Isco is selected, it 2013 when he won the title with Bayern before fers but the solution is easy,” Zi- means Real are likely to line up retiring. He will leave the club again at the end dane said. “He has to keep work- with one of their more modest- of the season. “We will need a big performance EPL ing. It is just a little blip he is in at looking attacks for a crunch against a strong opponent. Bayern are a great the moment.” Champions League tie. “I’m not club with great team spirit,” Zidane said, adding Bale and Benzema’s dip has worried,” Zidane said last week. last season’s victory in the quarter-finals over the coincided with Ronaldo’s golden “It’s true that in the last two Germans meant nothing now. Walcott downs run, a parallel that may not be games we have had chances and “I don’t think there are any favourites. It is a semi- entirely coincidental. we have not taken them but now final and it is completely diff erent to last season. Ronaldo in a Real team cen- we are going to have a game on It is a diff erent match, we cannot compare the Newcastle to boost tred on playing to his strengths Wednesday away from home. two,” the Frenchman said. is nothing new, but as the Por- We are going to try to score and He may have become the first coach to lead a tugese has grown narrower in his what we have to do is to think team to consecutive Champions League crowns under-fi re Allardyce scope, perhaps his team-mates positively and realise that this but Zidane knows he must win it a third time in have had to sharpen their focus is football anything can happen, order to salvage what will otherwise be regarded AFP in providing service to him. no matter who is playing on the as a disappointing season for the La Liga side Liverpool Zidane has often deployed pitch.”

heo Walcott did his best to boost Sam Allardyce’s approval SPOTLIGHT rating as the Everton winger clinched a 1-0 win against New- castle United in the Premier League on Monday. Allardyce has been under fi re for Everton’s dour style of play since he was hiredT in November and fans called for his dismissal following a draw at struggling Swansea City in their previous match. The pressure on the former England manager was increased by his own club last week when Everton took the curious decision to send a Heynckes lives for the here and survey to a group of supporters asking them to rate his performance on a scale of zero to 10. Toff ees chairman Bill Kenwright apologised for a gaff e that added to the perception Allardyce is on borrowed time with Everton. Against that troubled backdrop, Allardyce — who has lifted Everton away from now against old foe Zidane the relegation zone in his brief reign — couldn’t aff ord to see his side’s Reuters “It was a fantastic feeling outside, looked a familiarly un- winless run extend to four matches against the club that sacked him Munich when the whistle went and Real just dismissal, always shrugging 10 years ago. were European champions again that it was an honour to manage Walcott ensured Allardyce wouldn’t hear a chorus of disapproval for the fi rst time in 32 years.” the Spanish aristocrats. When for one night at least as the former Arsenal star netted in the second upp Heynckes recalled Yet that was Heynckes’ only his Bayern side beat Real in the half at Goodison Park to lift Everton into eighth place. It wasn’t all yesterday his fond memo- nod to nostalgia as the man who 2012 semi-fi nals, he was ada- plain sailing for Allardyce, who had to endure a banner reading “Our ries of leading Real Madrid was sacked by Real eight days mant there was no sense of per- survey says...get out of our club” being unfurled before kick-off . to a Champions League after that match, paying the sonal revenge for him. But he came out fi ghting after the match, saying: “What was wrong winJ 20 years ago — but Bayern price for their domestic failures It seems fi tting, though, that with our style today? We dominated the game. You have to be pat- Munich’s great manager was ad- that season, said: “I really live in his old club, whose lost lustre ent. You can’t knock our football. You can knock some of the passing amant he had no interest in look- the here and now.” of the 1960s he did so much to that goes astray but you can’t knock me for that, I don’t pass the ball. ing back as he prepared to tackle Today’s game should be Hey- restore, should provide the op- I think eighth in the league compared to fi fth from bottom tells you old foe Zinedine Zidane again. nckes’s last European night at position on what promises to we’re getting better.” On the eve of Bayern’s fi rst the Allianz Arena, although be an emotional night for the Rafael Benitez’s 100th match as Newcastle boss marked the end of leg of their Champions League that’s a dangerous assumption prolifi c striker-turned-master their four-game winning run as the Magpies remain in mid-table. Al- semi-fi nal against the club who with a man who has become like manager. lardyce’s team could have taken the lead when Michael Keane guided once sacked him, the 72-year- a reliable heavyweight champ, Today, Heynckes, who will be Wayne Rooney’s cross towards the far post, but Phil Jagielka couldn’t old refl ected only briefl y on tempted out of retirement and replaced as manager next sea- keep his lunging eff ort on target. coaching Madrid to a 1-0 win into the red corner for just one son by Niko Kovac, reiterated: Ayoze Perez was having a night to forget and after he shot wide over a Juventus side featuring more bout. Bayern Munich’s German head coach Jupp Heynckes during a “I think that Real is a worthy from a good position early in the second half, Everton made the break- Real’s current manager Zidane In 2013, he said farewell af- press conference in Munich. (AFP) opponent for every coach and through in the 51st minute. Yannick Bolasie swung a cross to the far in 1998. ter guiding Bayern to another player. It was not on purpose for post and when Newcastle failed to clear, Walcott pounced on a fortui- “I have many memories in Champions League win, some- achiever ever dwells on that when I was a player, nor the me to be on this stage, because I tous defl ection and smashed into the roof of the net for his fi rst goal my head from the Amsterdam thing that eluded his otherwise Wembley fi nal win over Borus- wins in the Champions League had already ended my career. since January. Arena against Juve with Zin- much-lauded successor Pep sia Dortmund in 2013. “I had a in 1998 or 2013. I don’t know if “So, for a coach who’s old, it is Islam Slimani was anonymous in his fi rst league start since join- edine Zidane, (Filippo) Inzaghi, Guardiola, and could say good- successful playing career and as I don’t like it, but I never did it.” something exceptional for me to ing on loan from Leicester and the Newcastle striker was replaced by (Didier) Deschamps and it was a bye again with the same treble coach but I never looked back,” Heynckes, one of the game’s come back on the football stage Dwight Gayle, who should have snatched an equaliser moments after nervous fi nale with fi ve minutes of Bundesliga, German Cup and the man who scored many goals gentlemen, never did hold a and to have the privilege of an- coming on. Jamaal Lascelles headed down and Gayle was in position of added time,” Heynckes told a Champions League. for Borussia Moenchengladbach grudge — publicly at least — other semi-fi nal. Then, to play to strike from close range, but instead fi red over as Benitez shook his news conference. Not that this quiet high said. “I never watched games against Real for what, from the against Real as well is great.” head in frustration. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 CRICKET

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Tendulkar fans fume over CA’s birthday Bowlers lead SRH wish for Fleming

AFP wrote Shashank, a Tendulkar New Delhi fan, dredging up the recent bans handed to top Australian players over a ball-tampering scandal in ans of Sachin Tendulkar South Africa. to 31-run win over were left fuming yester- “Hi, could you please check day after Cricket Aus- the full footage of that match tralia poked fun at the to know that @bowlologist got F“little master” – revered as a swing because of any sandpaper quasi-god in – on his 45th or sugar ?????” wrote Arjun, an- birthday. other fan, also alluding to the af- The board posted a video fair that saw Steve Smith, David of retired Australian paceman Warner and Cameron Bancroft Mumbai Indians Damien Fleming – who shares a suspended. birthday with Tendulkar – bowl- Tendulkar – who is followed Sunrisers bowlers fired in unison as Mumbai crashed to an embarrassing loss at home ing the Indian great with a quick by almost 26 million fans on delivery. Twitter and worshipped by IANS Legs-spinner Rashid Khan “Some @bowlologist gold many more in India – has not Mumbai got a LBW decision against from the man himself – happy commented on the video. Krunal to break the partnership, birthday, Damien Fleming!” His birthday was celebrated with Mumbai needing 58 from Cricket Australia quipped in its across the country, with many unrisers Hyderabad pro- 8.2 overs. Rashid struck again tongue-in-cheek message. of his ardent followers cutting duced a superb bowling to dismiss Kieron Pollard (9) But the humour was lost on cakes in rituals given airtime on performance to outwit in the fi rst delivery of the 14th Tendulkar’s millions of fans on Indian television. Mumbai Indians by 31 over to increase the visitors’s the subcontinent, who seemed Tendulkar, the highest run- runsS in a tricky low-scoring en- hopes - which grew further to either miss the joke or baulk scorer of all time in both Test counter here yesterday to con- when Suryakumar was caught at the perceived slight on such a matches and one-day interna- demn the defending champions by Rashid off Thampi in the fol- hallowed day. tionals, retired after playing in to their fi fth loss in six games in lowing over. At this juncture, “No matter how many bans, 200 Tests in which he scored the Indian Premier League. Mumbai were 77/6, still needing Australians will never change,” 15,921 runs. On a day for bowlers, Mum- 42 off 5.1 overs. bai bowled out Hyderabad for In the following over, medium 118 in 18.4 overs but the hosts pacer Siddharth Kaul got two India’s WC opener against S Africa on June 5 were then bundled out for 87 in LBW decisions against Mitchell 18.5 overs at the Wankhede. Hy- McClenaghan (0) and Mayank In a bid to maintain the Lodha The 2019 World Cup will be held derabad ended their two-match Markande (1) as Mumbai tot- Committee recommendation, in England and Wales from May losing run and are third in the tered at 80/8 at the end of 17 which says a mandatory 15-day 30 to July 14. points table with eight points overs. gap is required between the Meanwhile, it was also decided from six matches. Amidst all this, India all- Indian Premier League (IPL) that India will play a maximum Hyderabad bowlers hunted in rounder Hardik Pandya had final and any international of 309 days of international pack, with medium pacer Sid- scored just three runs off 16 de- match, India will have to open cricket in this cycle across for- dharth Kaul picking three wick- liveries and was Mumbai’s sole their 2019 ICC World Cup mats which is a reduction of 92 ets, while leg-spinner Rashid hope. campaign against South Africa days from the previous cycle. Khan and pacer Basil Thampi But Kaul made him his third on June 5, 2019. At the ICC Chief The number of home Tests will picking took two wickets each. wicket when he was caught Executives Meeting yesterday, be increased from 15 to 19. Sandeep Sharma, Mohamed by Thampi at third man in the it was decided that Virat Kohli It was also decided that India Nabi and Shakib al-Hasan fourth delivery of the 18th over. and Co. will take on the Proteas won’t take part in any Day/ picked a wicket each. Thampi then had Mustafi zur three days later than what was Night Test match, which was Earlier in the fi rst innings, put Rahman (1) caught by Deepak originally planned as the IPL expected against the West in to bat, the Sunrisers failed to Hooda at midwicket to com- now has a separate window Indies later this year. The rea- recover from the dreadful start, plete Mumbai’s annihilation. and was included in the Future son being, the ICC World Test of being reduced to 46/4 inside Flying high on confi dence, Tours Programme as a global Championship matches won’t the powerplay, with Shikhar Chennai Super Kings will be event last year. be D/N tests. Dhawan (5), Wriddhiman Saha eyeing to keep their winning (0), Manish Pandey (16) and momentum fl owing when they Shakib (2) all back in the hut in- face Royal Challengers Banga- side the fi rst six overs. lore at the M. Chinnaswamy OPINION Skipper Kane Williamson Stadium today. waged a lone battle with a fi ght- The Mahendra Singh Dhoni- ing 21-ball 29, laced with fi ve led Chennai side, who staged hits to the fence before veteran a comeback in the cash-rich ODIs, T20s will help Baroda batsman Yusuf Pathan league after two years, have yet (29 off 33 balls; 4x2, 6x1) took again shown why they are con- on the mantle, despite losing his sidered the the IPL’s most suc- India adjust to partners at regular intervals. cessful team. Dhawan, who returned to The yellow brigade have won the playing XI after missing the four of their fi ve games and England: Shastri previous game against Chen- most of their batsmen have fi red nai Super Kings (CSK), looked on more than one occassion, Reuters uncomfortable after being hit guiding CSK home. Mumbai on his thigh and was bowled by With the likes of in-form Mitchell McClenaghan the very Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, next ball. One ball later, Saha Suresh Raina, Dwayne Bravo laying limited overs cricket ahead of their test series in Eng- perished for nought after being and the skipper himself, CSK land will serve as the ideal platform for the Indian team to get caught behind by Ishan Kishan has the ability to put a mas- used to conditions away from home, coach Ravi Shastri said. off McClenaghan. sive total on board or chase any India begin their tour of England in July with three Twen- With the team struggling at challenging target. Pty20 internationals and three one-day internationals. They then take 20/2, Manish joined Williamson Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Rashid Khan (right) gestures as Mumbai Indians Hardik Pandya walks by during In the bowling depart- on the hosts in a fi ve-test series starting in August. for a brief 24-run third wick- their Indian Premier League match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai yesterday. (AFP) ment, young Deepak Chahar “We will be there (in England) almost a month before the fi rst test et stand before Hardik ended and Shardul Thakur have been match. That gives us that much more time (to prepare),” former In- Manish’s stay with a wide de- strategic time-out to be caught other Afghan Rashid Khan (6) off Mustafi zur Rahman, but the impressive with each bagging dia all-rounder Shastri said. India will come into the contests against livery, comfortably caught by behind by Kishan off Hardik caught behind before Markande Bangladeshi came back in style six wickets from fi ve and four England high on confi dence after beating hosts South Africa 5-1 in skipper Rohit Sharma at cover. Pandya. knocked off the off -stump of to pack back the right-hander games respectively. ODIs and 2-1 in T20 competition earlier this year. Mumbai could not have asked With Williamson back in the Basil Thampi (3) to reduce the the next ball, and restrict Sun- India had earlier bounced back after losing the fi rst two tests against for a better start, with Bangla- dug-out, Mohammed Nabi (14) Sunrisers to 106/8. risers for a meagre 118. BRIEF SCORES the Proteas to fi nish the series 2-1. desh all-rounder Shakib falling joined Pathan for a brief 23-run Sunrisers fell prey to yet an- During the chase, Mumbai Sunrisers Hyderabad 118 in 18.4 “What our boys did in South Africa makes me proud as a coach be- prey to confusion, and Suryaku- sixth-wicket stand before leg- other confusion in the middle, too began on a horrendous note. overs (Kane Williamson 29, cause there were 21 days of cricket and on each one of those 21 days, mar Yadav’s direct throw at the spinner Mayank Markande’s this time losing the wicket of Ervin Lewis (5), Ishan Kishan (0) Yusuf Pathan 29; Mayank Mar- India competed,” Shastri added. stumps was enough to reduce googly clipped the top of middle tail ender Siddharth Kaul (2), and Rohit Sharma (2) fell soon as kande 2/15, Hardik Pandya 2/20, “The one-day series we won after 25 years. And so, from a coach’s the visitors to 46/4. and leg of the Afghanistan all- comfortably run out by Hardik. the hosts were reduced to 21/3 in Mitchell McClenaghan 2/22) bt point of view, you have to just stand up and say ‘well done, guys. Sim- Pathan then joined William- rounder. With Sandeep Sharma (0 not 5.2 overs. Suryakumar and Kru- Mumbai Indians: 87 all out in ply magnifi cent. You have raised the bar’.” son, who looked fl uent with his Pacer Jasprit Bumrah then out) in company, Pathan’s ploy nal Pandya then shared a handy 18.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav India lost the fi ve test series 3-1 when they visited England four strokes but lost concentration came back to jolt the visi- of playing the waiting game 40-run partnership to keep 34; Siddharth Kaul 3/23, Basil years ago, but prevailed 3-1 in the ODI competition. The hosts won on the very fi rst ball after the tors with the wicket of the only resulted in a monstrous six Mumbai on track. Thampi 2/4, Rashid Khan 2/11). the sole T20 match.

FOCUS England’s Root backs plans for 100-ball format AFP member it will bring new people to Snubbed Root holds no grudge for teammates in IPL London the game. “It might be someone who didn’t England test captain Joe Root is not bit- their experience would only strengthen know much about the game before ter about his exclusion from this year’s the team. “They’ll benefit hugely from it ngland captain Joe Root says and then goes on to watch a Test Indian Premier League (IPL) and believes and we, as a side, will benefit hugely from controversial plans for a do- match and gets immersed in that. his teammates playing in the Twenty20 it. Look at the way Jos and Ben and a few mestic 100-ball competition That’s the way I’d like to look at it.” tournament will hugely benefit from the guys came back from it last year and what could attract a new audience Root’s predecessor as England experience. The 27-year-old led England it has brought to their games...” Root said. toE Test cricket. captain, Alastair Cook, described on their gruelling tour of Australia, where “Hopefully that can happen on a wider The England and Wales Cricket the format as “another interesting they suff ered a 4-0 Ashes defeat, followed scale with more and more players going Board’s proposal to introduce a new step for cricket”. by another test series loss in New Zealand out there from English cricket, playing format, tentatively titled “the Hun- “If you went back to 2003 when in March. under scrutiny and in the high-pressure dred”, with 15 regular six-ball overs and the ECB fi rst launched T20 cricket, Root went unsold in the IPL players’ situations that that tournament brings, it one 10-ball over, has proved divisive if social media had been around then auction in February but does not grudge can only be a good thing for us in the long since an announcement last week but I’m sure quite a few people would several England players who are in India to term.” the England skipper is on board with probably have kicked up the same showcase their talents in the ongoing tour- Root has completed a little over a year the idea. amount of fuss as they have here,” he nament. “It’s not frustration watching the in his captaincy role and following the One of the fundamental aims of told Sky Sports. other guys,” Root told Sky Sports Cricket. underwhelming results over the last few the ECB is to simplify the game for “It’s diff erent, it’s exciting. How it “... I went into the IPL auction to get a bit months, the skipper is predicting signifi- a fresh audience, specifi cally wom- all works with the County Champi- more exposure to T20 cricket, it didn’t cant changes to his team. en and children, and Root thinks if onship and Test matches and when materialise, it would have been nice to “Looking forward, there will be changes, es- the format takes off it could lead to it’s played, a lot of that (planning) is be involved in that but I’ve got no bitter pecially long-term and then it is up to guys interest in the longer forms of the “We’ve got to be very careful we sure the other formats don’t suff er still to be done. But I think it’s an- feelings towards the other guys, I think it’s to come in and take the opportunities,” game. don’t measure it against the other but it has a place in the game and, other interesting step for cricket. great.” Root said. “... I want us to keep searching “It’s going to appeal to a com- formats... it’s something to gather a hopefully, we’ll see that over time. “Cricket has made huge changes Root is instead watching his England team for ways to be a really eff ective side in a pletely new audience and I think new audience and gain interest, not “There will be people that com- over the years and since I’ve started mates, including all-rounder Ben Stokes number of diff erent conditions.” that’s great,” Root told the i newspa- a threat to other formats. As players, pare it to Twenty20 and worry it in 2003 - T20 being one of them. and wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler, England take on in a two-match per. “The more people and kids we working with the ICC (International might take away interest from Test Let’s see how it all pans out. Wheth- play in the eight-team league and believes Test series beginning next month. can get into sport, the better. Cricket Council), we’ve got to make cricket, but it’s important to re- er I’ll be there to play I don’t know.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 25, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA NHL Emotional Leafs force Game Seven Harden hits heights with Boston Bruins

Reuters 14. Bruins captain Zdeno Chara Toronto said of heading to Game 7, “It’s all about one game. It’s one game and you’ve got to be ready for he Toronto Maple Leafs your best game.” as Rockets soar earned an emotional After a scoreless fi rst period, victory for their city on DeBrusk put the Bruins ahead Monday night, and they 1-0 only 1:02 into the second, Tkept their season going in the beating Andersen with a wrist process. shot from the top of the right Hours after a van struck circle. The Maple Leafs an- and killed 10 pedestrians and swered almost immediately. Ny- wounded many others in To- lander sent a rebound past Rask over Timberwolves ronto, the host Maple Leafs beat at 1:37 after Nikita Zaitsev threw the Boston Bruins 3-1 in Game 6 the puck in from the blue line. ‘We hit the switch that we’ve been trying to hit since beginning of playoff s, at both ends of the court’ to force a seventh game in their Toronto had a goal waved off Eastern Conference quarter- with 16:56 left in the second af- AFP fi nal series. ter Zach Hyman’s skate caught Los Angeles Mitchell Marner scored the Rask’s gear and pulled the goalie go-ahead goal, his second of this out of position. The Bruins chal- year’s Stanley Cup Playoff s, in lenged for goaltender interfer- ames Harden scored 36 the second period, and William ence, and the tally was over- points as the Houston Nylander (fi rst playoff goal) and turned. Rockets moved to the Tomas Plekanec (second) also Marner backhanded in the go- brink of a Western Con- scored for Toronto. Frederik An- ahead goal through Rask’s fi ve ferenceJ fi rst round playoff series dersen made 32 saves. Jake De- hole with 6:35 left in the middle victory with a 119-100 rout of Brusk had his third goal of the period. the Minnesota Timberwolves playoff s for the Bruins. Boston’s “Obviously, I mean the news on Monday. Tuukka Rask had 27 saves. that we heard when most of us Harden underscored his sta- Game 7 is today in Boston. The woke up from our (pregame) nap tus as front-runner for the winner of that game will face was devastating,” Marner told NBA’s Most Valuable Player the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NBC Sports Network after the award after leading a stunning conference semi-fi nals. Toronto game. third quarter performance that trailed the series 3-1 after losing “We’re wishing all the fami- saw the Rockets explode for an Game 4 at home but rallied for a lies, we’re giving our love to astonishing 50 points. 4-3 road win Saturday in Game them. But you want to come in That devastating burst of 5. The Maple Leafs are trying here tonight and make sure we scoring – a franchise record – to advance past the fi rst round played the game we wanted to, included 22 points from Harden of the playoff s for the fi rst time and I think we did.” as the Rockets transformed since the 2003-04 season. Plekanec scored an empty- what had been a one-point con- Maple Leafs coach Mike Bab- netter with 1:14 remaining in the test at half-time into a comfort- cock said, “We think we’re go- third. The team that scored fi rst able victory. ing to win. We’ve thought that had won every game in the series “We hit the switch that we’ve all along. We started poorly and before Monday. been trying to hit since the be- crawled our way back. Now, Before the game, the Maple ginning of the playoff s, at both you have the opportunity of a Leafs and Bruins came together ends of the court,” a satisfi ed lifetime. This is what we talked on the ice for a moment of silent Harden said afterwards. about. Tonight, this is fun, this is to remember to victims of Mon- “It’s pretty scary what we’re where you want to be.” day’s tragedy. The crowd joined capable of when we’re locked in Boston hasn’t played in round the national anthem singer in a defensively like that and when two of the playoff s since 2013- moving rendition of “O Canada.” we get rolling off ensively.” The win gave Houston a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, giving the Western Conference leaders a chance to book their place in the second round of the playoff s with a victory at home in game fi ve on Wednesday. The smart money will be on Houston to wrap up the series quickly after Monday’s demoli- Houston Rockets guard James Harden (right) dribbles in the fourth quarter against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jamal Crawford in game tion job at Minnesota’s Target four of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff s at Target Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Center arena. “It was a great (third) quarter was led by Karl-Anthony Towns length as they closed out the periods, outscoring the Thun- fi nished with 13 points, also for us,” Harden said. “It gave us with 22 points, while Jimmy win. In Monday’s other game, der 66-43. said the collective defense had the belief. Now we go back to Butler (19) and Derrick Rose (17) the Utah Jazz moved to within George led the scoring for helped subdue the potent Okla- the crib and try to fi nish it off .” also made signifi cant contribu- one win of clinching their se- Oklahoma City with 32 points homa City line-up. While Harden’s virtuoso third tions. ries against the Oklahoma City while Westbrook had 23 points “We play as a team,” Rubio quarter performance ultimately Thunder with a convincing 113- and 14 rebounds. Carmelo said. decided the contest, the Rock- Utah on brink 96 win in Salt Lake City. Anthony fi nished with 11 “We did a pretty good job of ets will also take heart from an Minnesota had looked capa- Rookie star Donovan Mitch- points on a night when the containing the ball tonight; but off ensive display that saw fi ve ble of snaring a series-levelling ell made the decisive contri- Thunder’s off ense was eff ec- winning is the most important players fi nish with double-digit victory after a close fi rst half, in bution for Utah with 33 points tively contained. thing. We’re here to win games.” points tallies. which the Rockets took a 50-49 as Russell Westbrook and Paul Utah’s Spanish international Point guard Chris Paul lead at the break. George’s Thunder came un- Ricky Rubio saluted the per- RESULTS weighed in with 25 points – in- But Houston’s scorching stuck. formance of Mitchell, who be- First-round playoff games (all cluding 15 in the lop-sided third 50-point third quarter saw the Utah now lead 3-1 heading lied his age with a composed series best-of-seven): quarter – while Eric Gordon had Rockets head into the fourth into game fi ve in Oklahoma City performance. Western Conference 18 and Trevor Ariza 15. quarter with a 100-69 lead. on Wednesday. “He’s playing amazing,” Ru- At Minnesota Center Clint Capela fi nished While Minnesota closed the All fi ve Utah starters made bio said. Minnesota ...100 Houston ...... 119 with 14 points, and also pulled gap as Houston eased up, the double fi gures as the Jazz over- “He doesn’t seem like a rook- (Houston leads series 3-1) Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk celebrates with teammates down 17 rebounds during his 31 Rockets never looked like sur- turned a 30-24 fi rst quarter ie at all. It’s fun to see it, and it’s At Salt Lake City after scoring a goal in the second period against the Toronto Maple minutes on court. rendering the initiative, keep- defi cit to tilt the contest in their fun to help him get better.” Utah ...... 113 Oklahoma City 96 Leafs in game six of the first round of the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoff s The Timberwolves’ scoring ing the Timberwolves at arm’s favour in the second and third The 27-year-old Rubio, who (Utah leads series 3-1) at Air Canada Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB Angels bounce back with win over hot Astros By Jeff Miller The Angels’ runs were driven tive scoreless innings in Minute Los Angeles Times in by Kole Calhoun, whose RBI Maid Park. “That’s a great Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher single snapped an 0-for-20 game,” manager Mike Scioscia Tyler Skaggs delivers a pitch during the stretch, and Justin Upton, whose said. “That’s what Tyler can do.” fi rst inning of the MLB game against the leven days ago, he was RBI double was preceded by two In need of relief for their over- Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. pitching in double-A for strikeouts and an 0-for-21 tum- worked relievers, the Angels (and PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports a team called the Bay- ble. everyone else) saw what Ander- Bears. They won because Tyler Sk- son can do. EMonday, he struck out Hou- aggs matched Cole pitch for Having begun the season with ston’s Carlos Correa in the pitch, until he elevated his game double-A Mobile, the 25-year- eighth inning with the tying run even higher. old right-hander suddenly en- on base to help the Los Angeles They won because of the re- tered his fi rst big-league game. Angels beat the reigning World lieving of Anderson and Middle- In his hometown. Against the Series champions, 2-0. ton, but only after the fi nal strike team for whom he grew up root- “I thought it was crazy,” Key- was thrown by catcher Martin ing. nan Middleton said. Maldonado, who cut down Hou- Throwing a fastball in the The reliever was talking about ston’s Yuli Gurriel trying to ad- upper-90s, Anderson retired the stunning big-league debut vance on a ball in the dirt with the fi rst two Astros and gave up of his newest teammate, Justin two outs in the ninth. singles to George Springer and Anderson. Gurriel originally was ruled to Jose Altuve before striking out But the Angels’ current closer be safe, but the call was reversed Correa. could have been referencing this by replay, the Angels winning a “I heard the crowd and every- entire game, one that was full of challenge and a game simultane- thing,” Anderson said. unlikely moments that added up ously. “I was telling myself, ‘Just to a victory that seemed quite “It’s what you live for,” Skaggs hush ‘em. Calm them down right unlikely early on. said of his showdown with Cole. here. Get them to be quiet.’ I felt Coming off a defl ating 1-5 “They’re a rival team that we like that’s what I did.” homestand, the Angels beat a want to beat. They were where Houston Astros team that had we want to be. I knew he was RESULTS won six in a row and a starter in pitching well. I had to pitch bet- Angels ...... 2 Astros ...... 0 Gerrit Cole who was perfect into ter.” Giants ...... 4 Nationals ...... 2 the fi fth inning. Emphasizing his changeup Dodgers ...... 2 Marlins ...... 1 “They are the defending more than ever, the left-hander Padres ...... 13 Rockies ...... 5 champs,” Middleton said. shut out Houston on four hits Yankees ...... 14 Twins ...... 1 “We know that. So we have through seven innings. Ten outs Reds ...... 10 Braves...... 4 to send a message. I feel like we came on ground balls. Indians ...... 2 Orioles ...... 1 did that tonight. This game was Going back to late last season, A’s ...... 9 Rangers ...... 4 huge for us.” Skaggs has pitched 15 consecu- White Sox...... 10 Mariners...... 4 Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 SPORT

TENNIS Confi dent Ding brushes aside compatriot Xiao Sharapova falls to shots,” said Ding, who has 13 AFP London top tournament victories to his credit. “I am confi dent with my form hinese snooker star and playing well, scoring well eased into and playing good safety. I am the second round of the happy.” world championships Ding’s chances of securing the Garcia in Stuttgart Cyesterday with a 10 frames to title appear to have improved three demolition of compatriot with Selby surprisingly going ‘This was not the result that I wanted, but I can take a lot out of this match’ and close friend . out in the fi rst round and an- Ding, who lost to other former world champion AFP in the 2016 fi nal, rattled off the also bowing out. Stuttgart, Germany fi rst four frames of the session to Ding, though, is unconcerned seal victory and will play either about his rivals’ fortunes nor Scotland’s Anthony McGill or whom he plays. aria Sharapova Welshman Ryan Day in the next “I am not worried about my crashed out in the round. opponent. I think about myself. opening round of The 31-year-old Ding – who I try to smile and not worry if I the Stuttgart Grand ousted fi ve-time champion miss chances,” said Ding, who MPrix yesterday as French sixth Ronnie O’Sullivan on his way has gone beyond the fi rst round seed Caroline Garcia staged a to a semi-fi nal defeat, also by at the worlds on nine occasions. fi ghtback to win 3-6, 7-6 (8/6), Selby, last year – said he felt in Later on Tuesday sees the fi rst 6-4. the groove in his latest bid to be- shot in anger in this year’s edi- “This was not the result that come the fi rst Chinese player to tion from Australia’s 2010 world I wanted, but I can take a lot out win the title. champion , who of this match,” Sharapova said. “I scored heavy. I started very plays journeyman Englishman “I’ve not competed for a few strong and just tried to play my . weeks, but I played pretty solid and did all of the right things. “I served well in the fi rst set CYCLING but had a few doubles at the wrong time. Physically, I felt quite strong.” The fi ve-time Grand Slam Matthews wins Tour champion, who turned 31 last week, looked to be in control as she made just two unforced er- de Romandie prologue rors in winning the opening set. But Garcia, who had never AFP beaten the Russian in four pre- Fribourg, Switzerland vious meetings – they last played in Madrid three years ago – rallied in the second set ustralia’s Michael Mat- as she came from 4-2 down and thews won the opening and levelled the contest in a tie- prologue of the Tour de break. Romandie in Switzer- The 41st-ranked Sharapova landA yesterday in Fribourg. returned to tennis in Stuttgart Sunweb rider Matthews, who exactly a year ago after fi nish- won the green jersey on last Michael Matthews of Team ing a 15-month doping ban for year’s Tour de France, seized the Sunweb celebrates after winning meldonium and reached the yellow jersey thanks to a 5min the Tour de Romandie prologue in semi-fi nals. She claimed an 33sec ride around the 4km route Fribourg. (AFP) early break in the third set, but in the Swiss town that fi nished lost it in the third game as Gar- with a tricky climb. Matthews’ fellow Australian cia tightened the screw on the He fi nished a second ahead of Richie Porte, who won the race crowd favourite. home hope Tom Bohli of BMC last year, was 14 seconds off the Sharapova was broken to trail and Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic, pace. Today’s fi rst stage proper 4-5 and put her opponent under the Lotto NL rider who is one of will be a 166.6km ride from Fri- momentary pressure at 0-30 as the favourites. bourg to Delemont, near Basel. Garcia tried to serve out the win. But the world number seven succeeded on her second match FOCUS point as Sharapova struck a re- France’s Caroline Garcia reacts aft er defeating turn wide to exit after two and Russia’s Maria Sharapova during their Stuttgart three-quarter hours of battle on Grand Prix match yesterday. (AFP) the indoor clay court. Froome named in Sharapova said her game might have been compromised by weeks of forearm injury re- Sky team for Giro covery after last playing in In- dian Wells six weeks ago. Karolina Pliskova, who beat Stuttgart for the third consecu- semi-fi nal win with a crushing Kerber appeared fairly com- Reuters winner’s sample showed double “Overall I didn’t react as well Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens 6-2, tive year, after losing to eventual 6-2, 6-2 over Kerber on Sunday posed Monday when she met London the allowed limit of Salbuta- as I could against a server like 6-2.Kostyuk made a break- champion Laura Siegemund in at the Porsche Arena. the press, saying: “The tourna- mol but Froome has denied any her, she got lot of free points,” through with a surprise third- the 2017 quarter-fi nals. Kerber was far from her form ment starts as of today. I am ful- wrongdoing and is free to race Sharapova said. round showing at the Australian “I felt the best today and for of earlier the year as she also ly focused. I was disappointed eam Sky have named because he is not suspended. “I didn’t get enough balls Open as a qualifi er, fi nally losing sure it was not her best match lost her fi rst rubber in straight last night. But I am professional Britain’s Chris Froome Froome, who has not ridden back. We were both playing fast, to compatriot Elina Svitolina. but that was not much to do sets against Karolina Pliskova. enough to get over it. I want to in their team for the Giro in the Giro since 2010 and has and aggressive. World number 158 Kostyuk with me,” Pliskova said. Goerges went down against the play my best tennis in front of a d’Italia starting next never won it, will be aiming to “I need to be smarter in the has since claimed a second-tier “The serve was good and I two-time Wimbledon cham- home crowd. “It is always tough monthT despite the ongoing in- become the fi rst rider to com- winning position.” title in Burnie, Australia and got a lot of free points, my shots pion Kvitova Saturday before against Petra. Now I have a sec- vestigation into his adverse dop- plete the Giro/Tour double for Garcia will next take on reached a fi nal in Zhuhai, were working – there was no beating Pliskova to briefl y keep ond chance. I will change a few ing test. 20 years. Ukrainian qualifi er Marta Ko- in March. Her defeat of Lottner, problem from my side today.” Germany’s chances alive. things and sit down with my Briton Froome, 32, is fi ghting Italian Marco Pantani was the styuk who scored a 6-4, 6-1 de- ranked 155th, took just under The Czech dominated The Germans have done coaches later today to prepare to clear his name after an in- last man to achieve the feat in feat of Antonia Lottner. 90 minutes, with the teenager Bertens, with the winner fi ring well at recent editions of the the match.” creased dosage of asthma medi- 1998. The youngster, who doesn’t breaking four times while losing six aces and breaking four times. star-studded home event, with The 12th-ranked Kerber is set cation at the Vuelta a Espana last The three-week 3546.2 km turn 16 until just before the start serve only once. The former world number Goerges winning in 2011, Ker- to play against number 10 Kvi- year threw up an adverse analyt- Giro begins in Jerusalem on May of Wimbledon, was joined in Pliskova, who has been on site one Kerber runs into Petra Kvi- ber in 2015 and 2016, and Laura tova today, with the Czech lead- ical fi nding from a urine sample. 4. The Tour de France starts two round two by Czech fi fth seed for a week training, is playing tova, who sealed the Czechs’ Siegemund in 2017. ing their series 6-5. The four-times Tour de France months later.

SPOTLIGHT ‘Answer questions!’ 2020 warned by IOC AFP SportAccord meeting in Tokyo’s Olympic organisers Tokyo earlier this month. Coates played have faced criticism over a series down the extent of those fears, of embarrassing public relations claiming they were limited to blunders since beating Madrid okyo Olympic organis- judo, sailing and triathlon. and Istanbul for the right to host ers were given a sharp Triathlon offi cials remain wor- the 2020 Games. reminder yesterday to ried about high levels of bacteria Most notable was the bungled raise their game after detected last year at the 2020 Ol- rollout of the Olympic stadium in Tcomplaints from several interna- ympic venue, he confi rmed. 2015 when Prime Minister Shinzo tional sports federations about “Triathlon was still concerned Abe ripped up plans for the venue preparations for the 2020 Sum- about water quality,” said Coates. because of public fury over its $2 mer Games. “We received a presentation billion price tag. IOC co-ordination commis- about experiments that will take After being subsequently or- sion chief John Coates warned place for better screening of the dered to slash costs, Tokyo or- that as the spotlight falls on To- water. ganisers announced a cut of $1.4 kyo after a successful Winter “There were concerns ex- billion in the budget last Decem- Games in Pyeongchang earlier pressed by judo as to why their ber, bringing the overall bill to 1.35 this year, Olympic stakeholders 2019 world championships would trillion yen ($12.5 billion). would become increasingly im- not be used as a test event. I think Pointing to the success of patient for answers. they are going to be used, so Pyeongchang Olympics, where “You are the next host city so perhaps there hasn’t been close North and South marched to- the urgency is quite clear to us,” enough liaison.” gether at the opening ceremony, Coates told a news conference in Coates refused to politicise North Tokyo. Gone fishing Korea’s possible participation at “It is very important that when Coates insisted questions Tokyo 2020. you do presentations, you just raised by sailing offi cials boiled But he said he was aware of the have to answer the questions down to a potential clash with lo- emotive issue of Japanese ab- and be forthright in doing so,” he cal fi sherman. ducted by the North. added. “It might not always be in “I think it was to do with the “I understand the terrible pain your nature, but the questions are fi shermen there and how the fi sh- that those who were taken away going to come.” ing would impact on the boats as and those that were left behind More than 200 national Olym- they were training in that area,” have experienced,” he said. pic committees will visit Tokyo he said. “But there’s an obligation on in November but a handful of “I’m assured that those matters a host government to allow free sports federations have already are under control, or being got access to all delegations, athletes expressed concerns over Tokyo’s under control or certainly receiv- and their offi cials who are accred- International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president and chairman of the co-ordination commission for Tokyo 2020 John Coates (left) chats preparations, most recently at a ing attention.” ited for the Games.” with Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori after their joint press conference on the IOC project review meeting in Tokyo yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Wednesday, April 25, 2018 7 SPORT

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Olympic Stars to host rhythmic gymnastics event Aspire hosts Cote

By Sports Reporter encourage more girls from Qatar and the Championship in Qatar and wish all the d’Ivoire delegation Doha Arab world to get into Rhythmic Gym- girls the best of luck. We believe in spon- nastics, which is currently the only Ol- soring events like this, as they not only ympic sport that is only for women. support the current athletes, but hope- lympic Stars, a Qatar-based Tatiana Yakimova, head coach at Olym- fully inspire more children to live an ac- professional centre of Rhyth- pic Stars, said, “Our aim is to create the tive and healthy lifestyle.” mic Gymnastics and Ballet for next Olympic champion in Qatar. There Olympic Stars chairwoman Haya al- girls, will hold its fi rst Rhyth- are many talented young girls in Qatar and Attiyah said, “We have girls from over 15 Omic Gymnastics Championship in Qatar, we want to give them the opportunity to nationalities in our centre and we want it was announced yesterday. become champions. Our coaches are from to develop female sports in Qatar and to The event, which will take place on Russia and Spain, with the best experience support the pillars of Qatar National Vi- Saturday at the Olympic Stars facilities in coaching national teams.” sion 2030.” in Al Sadd will be sponsored by Ooredoo Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, director Olympic Stars is accredited by the and will feature 120 gymnasts aged be- of PR and Corporate Communications at Ministry of Culture and Sports of Qatar tween 4 and 13 years. Ooredoo Qatar, said, “Ooredoo is proud and supported by Qatar Women’s Sports This competition has been designed to to be supporting Rhythmic Gymnastics Committee.

BADMINTON

By Sports Reporter eral Ivan Bravo where they discussed Doha how they can explore areas of mu- tual interest and co-operation in youth sport development. spire Academy wel- Speaking after his tour, Minis- Srikanth, Sindhu, Saina comed a visiting dele- ter Toure said, “Well this Aspire gation from the govern- Academy is a unique academy. ment of Cote d’Ivoire What I saw today is some next yesterdayA afternoon. The dele- generation infrastructure that gation was led by the Minister for provides extraordinary oppor- the Promotion of Youth, Youth tunities to all young talents of Employment, and Civic Serv- diff erent age groups. I think this set for Asian c’ships ice Sidi T Toure and ambassador is an aspiration for the youth Toure Vazoumana. The visitors people here in Qatar to reach the were met and welcomed by As- highest development level in dif- Men’s champ Chen Long and women’s holder Tai Tzu Ying open against qualifiers pire Academy Director of Corpo- ferent sports. I congratulate the rate Services, Ali Sultan Fakhroo, Qataris for this big project. I had IANS er Chinese player Shi Yuqi. who accompanied the delegation a lot of good images that I caught Wuhan, China Son Wan Ho of , the high- on a tour of the premises. during this visit that will help us est-ranked Asian player, is Lin Dan’s po- The delegation had a meeting try to think about something like tential quarter-fi nal opponent. with Aspire Academy Director Gen- this back in Cote d’Ivoire.” op seed Kidambi Srikanth will The 2016 champion Lee Chong Wei face of Japan of , who has just clinched his while third seed P V Sindhu will third gold medal in the Commonwealth take on Pai Yu Po of Chinese Tai- Games, will face a tough opener against Tpei in their opening games of the Bad- China’s young star Qiao Bin. If Lee en- 1st ISC-Gulf Lights soft ball minton Asia Championships here today. ters the semi-fi nal, he could meet Shi, the cricket event begins Saina Nehwal, who clinched the gold newly crowned All-England winner. medal in the 21st Commonwealth Games in In men’s doubles category, Manu At- Indian Sports Centre (ISC) or- dignitaries. Gold Coast, will lock horns with Yeo Jia Min tri and B Sumeeth Reddy will battle it out ganised the first ever, ISC-Gulf The teams taking part in the of in the women’s singles match. with Bodin Isara and Nipitphon Phuan- Light Softball Inter Organisa- tournament include Engineer Top seed and defending champion Tai phuapet of . tion Cricket Tournament at Forum, Tulukoota, TRAQ, QDC, Tzu Ying of Chinese was drawn to Defending champions and the Old Ideal Indian School SKMWA, QTS, Utkalika, KMCA, face a qualifi er in the fi rst round and so , current world No 4, will face Ground with 12 teams partici- Medgulf, PAI, MMQ and ICAI. is the second seed and last year’s fi nalist a pair of qualifi ers in the fi rst round, while pating in the tournament. The first two matches of the of Japan. another home duo Liu Cheng and Zhang The opening ceremony saw tournament were won by Chen Yufei, World No 5, and He Saina Nehwal celebrates her Nan, will encounter with the presence of Gulf Lights TRAQ and QDC respectively. Bingjiao, World No 8, will compete for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and of Japan. The two managing director Sanaullah The final will be played on women’s singles title for the hosts. gold earlier this month. Chinese pairs will seek to set an all-Chi- Abdulrehman, representa- Friday. On the same day, the Apart from Srikanth, B Sai Praneeth and nese fi nal in the men’s doubles. tives of all the participating yearly Festival Match Ambas- Sameer Verma will face Suppanyu Avihing- In the women’s doubles category, India teams, ISC’s Patron Council sador Cup will also be played sanon of Thailand and Chinese Taipei Chou the semifi nal phase in any of the three tory, the 35-year-old has inevitably seen will hope impressive performances from chairman and head of Cricket between Ambassador XI and Tien Chen in their respective matches. BWF World Tour events he participated, a slump in form in recent years. Meghana Jakkampudi and Poorvisha S Azim Abbas, ISC general Community XI on the same Chen Long, the Rio Olympic winner, including a fi rst-round exit in the Malay- However, the Beijing and London Olym- Ram. secretary Mohamed Habibun ground from 7:30pm. Specta- also the reigning champion, will begin sia in January. pic champion is trying to extend his career Two-time defending champions of Nabi, tournament coordinator tors and families are welcome his title defence with an opener against a Chen’s possible rival in the semifi nal as long as possible, and he has proved that women’s doubles, also the winners at Rio Deepak Shetty, head of Indoor to enjoy cricket, while many qualifi er, reports Xinhua news agency. could be his Chinese compatriot, two- he still got something to give out, just like as Olympics, and Ayaka Games Simon D’Souza, head of lucky draw prizes will also be But the current World No 3 has been time winner Lin Dan. Widely considered he did at the All-England Open one month Takahashi of Japan will take on qualifi ers Yoga Nisha Agarwal and other given away on Friday. struggling this season as he failed to reach as the best-ever men’s shuttler in his- ago, where he fi nished runner-up to anoth- in fi rst round.

CRICKET Gulf Lights are Div-II champs

By Sports Reporter the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 wicket each. Doha overs. Asif’s all-round performance earned the Among the Gulf Lights bowlers, Parvez Gulf Lights player the Man of the Finals scalped two wickets while Omer, Asif, Maq- award. he sponsor’s team, Gulf Lights, sood and Sarvar picked up a wicket each. Asif’s teammate, Sarvar, received the lifted the second division title in In reply, Gulf Lights too started strong Best Bowler of the Tournament award, the Gulf Lights Cricket Tournament reaching the 50-run mark in the sixth over while Rapidrop players Sandeep and Jiga 2018 after they beat Rapidrop by fi ve at the loss of 2 wickets. were presented with the Best Batsman and Twickets in the fi nal. But then their batsmen pushed the scor- the Best All-rounder awards. Al Zaman Ex- After they were put into bat fi rst, Rapid- ing rate at a blistering pace, reaching the change’s Pankaj was given the Best Wicket- rop lost their fi rst wicket, opener Jeyu, in the 175-run target in the fourth over for the loss keeper award. third over. However, their batsmen stabi- of six wickets. At the prize distribution ceremony, Gulf lised as they had put on 48 runs on the board Fahad was the top-scorer for his team, Lights managing director Sanaullah was the by the sixth over for the loss of one wicket. hitting four sixes and a boundary in his 30- chief guest, and he distributed the trophies Jiga emerged as the mainstay of the bat- run knock. Asif’s 28-run knock included to the winners and the runners-up, besides ting line-up scoring a 22-ball 47, a knock three sixes and a boundary, while Iqbal Jun- giving away over 300 prizes. The ceremony that including fi ve sixes and two hits to the ior assisted with 24 runs (three sixes). was attended by supporters and well-wish- ropes. Ravi and Akshay added 25 runs each For Rapidrop, Jiga took two wickets, while ers, and concluded with a lucky draw for the Gulf Lights managing director Sanaullah and Qatar Veterans’ members with the captains of champions Gulf as Rapidrop put on 174 runs on the board for Divyesh, Jayu, Vijay and Ravi scalped a spectators. Lights and runners-up Rapidrop after the Division II final of the Gulf Lights Cricket Tournament 2018.

Asia Rugby Championship Div-III West SUPPORT Gulf Incon sponsors 24th fl oodlit cricket tourney

By Sports Reporter Doha

ulf Incon signed a sponsorship agree- ment for the annual fl oodlit cricket tourna- Gment for the 24th consecutive year. Present at the signing cer- emony were managing director Adnan al-Mannai, Tools and Equipment sales manager Sajjad Ahmed Khan and Qatar Veter- ans’ League Committee mem- bers. Al-Mannai praised the or- ganizers of this prestigious tournament and confi rmed his full support for the same. Khan expressed his confi dence that the tournament will be played in Action from the Championship 2018 Division III West match between Qatar (in grey) and the best of sporting spirits and Iran (in red) at Fouad Chehab Stadium near Beirut, , yesterday. Qatar started well with Bader wished luck to all the partici- Bakaddouri scoring a try in the third minute before Amin Biabani Zadeh levelling the score with a try pants. Gulf Incon-Metabo managing director Adnan al-Mannai hands over the sponsorship agreement for the and Ramin Najafi converting for a 7-5 lead. Jalal Jahanbakhsh consolidated Iran’s lead with another Division I and Division II will 24th Gulf Incon-Metabo Floodlit Cricket Tournament 2018 to the tournament organiser, MI Farid, in the try in the 34th minute. A second half penalty by Andor Benyi cut Qatar’s deficit to 8-12, but Zadeh’s have 12 teams each drawn in four presence of Gulf Incon sales manager Sajjad Ahmed Khan and Qatar Veterans’ off icials. second try of the match took Iran to 17-8 30 minutes into the second half. Iran will take on hosts pools. Top two teams from each Lebanon, who beat Jordan 62-3, in the final on Friday, while Qatar will play in the 3rd place playoff pool will qualify for the quarter- May 16, 2018, and the fi nals are at the Old Ideal Indian School duration will start at 9pm, and against Jordan. (Twitter/AsiaRugby) Finals. scheduled for June 3, 2018. The grounds near Midmac Rounda- two matches will be scheduled The tournament will begin on tournament is being conducted bout. The matches of 12 overs each night.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

QATAR CUP FOCUS Ali Asad back in Ferreira and Belmadi Al Sadd training li Asad, who missed Al Sadd’s Qatar Cup go head-to-head again semi-fi nal victory over Al Rayyan due to fi t- nessA issues, joined their training Both Al Sadd and Al Duhail managers are master tacticians who are result-oriented on Monday ahead of Friday’s fi nal against Al Duhail. The he technical duel between Jesualdo match will kick off at 19:00 at Ferreira and Djamel Belmadi will the Al Sadd Stadium. once again catch the attention when Al Sadd beat Al Rayyan 6-2 on Al Sadd take on Al Duhail in the Qa- penalties after the regular time Ttar Cup fi nal on Friday. This is the fourth ended in a 2-2 draw. The Qatar encounter where Ferreira and Belmadi are Cup fi nal is the fourth encounter going head-to-head this season. While Al between Al Sadd and Al Duhail Sadd won the season-opening Sheikh Jas- this season. While Al Sadd won sim Cup, they lost to Al Duhail in both phas- the season-opening Sheikh Jas- es of the QNB Stars League. sim Cup, they lost to Al Duhail A depleted Al Sadd lost the fi rst-phase in both phases of the QNB Stars league game by a 2-4 margin, but they came League. up with a much-improved show in the sec- The players trained under the ond phase and almost won the match after watchful eyes of Portuguese leading 3-2, but for the two last-minute coach Jesualdo Ferreira. Mean- goals scored by Al Duhail. That defeat eff ec- while, left-back Ibrahim Majed, tively dashed The Wolves’ hopes of winning who was out of action from the the coveted shield for a 14th time. start of this season following a Both Ferreira and Belmadi are master tac- surgery for cruciate ligament ticians who are result-oriented. They are repair, returned to the team’s arguably the best coaches around. Veteran training. Ferreira is more experienced, having been in Al Sadd have the likes of the profession since 1981 and coached teams Barcelona great and FIFA World in Spain, Greece and Egypt besides his na- Cup winner Xavi Hernandez tive Portugal. of Spain, Algerian ace striker His most successful period came when Baghdad Bounedjah, his coun- he guided Porto to three consecutive Portu- terpart and midfi elder Jugurtha guese league titles between 2006 and 2009. Hamroun, Iran international The 71-year-old took over Al Sadd in No- defender Morteza Mohammed, vember, 2015, and has brought them much Qatar international Hassan success. He is like a father fi gure and phi- Al Haydous, former Villarreal losopher to the players, and has succeeded player Akram Afi f, Abdulkarim in making many youngsters come through Hassan and Ali Asad. Al Sadd the ranks. Many players have acknowledged are the holders of Qatar Cup. this fact. There had been a remarkable im- They beat erstwhile El Jaish 2-1 provement in their game technically under in last season’s fi nal. the Portuguese. “We’ve qualifi ed for the AFC Champions League’s Round of 16 and AL DUHAIL GEAR UP we’re satisfi ed with our performance even FOR QATAR CUP FINAL though the knockout stage will be diffi cult. Al Duhail started preparations We go into all matches, especially in the cup for their Qatar Cup fi nal against competitions, as if we are playing a fi nal. Al Sadd. Al Duhail reached the “In the Champions League, we have two fi nal by defeating Al Gharafa 6-1 games and we will work to win them. I pay and target their second title of tribute to the players who have made great the season to add to their QNB progress knowing that the upcoming games Stars League triumph. will be diffi cult and require more focus,” said Djamel Belmadi has already led Al Duhail to QNB Stars League title this season. Algerian coach Djamel Ferreira. Belmadi put his wards through Belmadi is much younger than Ferreira, The 42-year-old Belmadi made it big at We are ready for the cup fi xtures. We have a their paces. The only absen- but the former has achieved a lot in Qatar the regional level when he guided Qatar to lot of important work to do because we have tee was Tunisian attacking football — at both club and country lev- the Gulf Cup triumph in 2014, beating Saudi decisive matches next month in addition to midfi elder Youssef Msakni, who els.The Algerian is a shrewd tactician, who Arabia in the fi nal. Belmadi had made his the Emir’s Cup. We reiterate that we enter all sustained a knee injury during has consistently been producing excellent mark as a midfi elder. He represented top tournaments with the aim of winning the ti- their last league match against results. Belmadi guided Al Duhail to the teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Ol- tle. All matches are important for us and my Al Sailiya and is ruled out for the 2017-18 season QNB Stars League title with ympique Marseille, Manchester City and team proved its potential,” he said rest of the season. an unbeaten record, the only team to do so. Southampton besides donning the Algeria “Al Duhail is the most important stop in Al Duhail are doing well in the They fi nished with 60 points from 19 vic- colours 20 times, scoring fi ve goals. my coaching career because the team in- AFC Champions League as well. tories and three draws. He was at the helm Belmadi hunger for title is shared his cludes a large group of young players and They had become the fi rst team when erstwhile Lekhwiya, who were re- players as they for treble of titles this sea- they are the best currently. I wish to see to reach the Round of 16 and also launched as Al Duhail after the merger with son. “We still have the same determination players such as Bassam al-Rawi, Abdulla had the distinction of being the El Jaish, won league titles in 2010-11, 2011- to win titles. Our team displayed strong per- Abdelsalam and Nasser al-Yazidi play in the only side with an all-win record Al Sadd’s Jesualdo Ferreira is an experienced coach. 12 and 2016-17 seasons as well. formances despite the busy match schedule. 2022 World Cup in Qatar,” added Belmadi. in the group stage.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW Full house expected for fi nal Our objective is to keep Qatar Cup: Al Sadd goalkeeper al-Dossari l Sadd fans are eagerly weaknesses of both teams? looking forward to Each team knows the strengths their clash with Al Du- and weaknesses of the other. hail in the Qatar Cup fiA nal, scheduled for this Friday. Which Duhail player worries Many questions are doing the you the most? rounds, such as whether Al Sadd No one. We’re focusing on our will retain the cup or whether Al team performance. Duhail will build on their QNB Stars League triumph? Are Al Sadd capable of Al Sadd can indeed rely on retaining the Qatar Cup? many star players and one There’s no doubt about that. among them is Saad al-Dos- Our objective is to keep the cup. sari. The tall goalkeeper’s per- formance has often impacted What’s your message to their results, the latest being Al Sadd fans? their Qatar Cup semi-fi nal vic- Our fans don’t need invita- tory over Al Rayyan on penal- tion. Everyone witnessed their he elite Qatar Cup is on for the build-up and promotional the campaign,” said Yousef. ties. In an interview to QSL.qa presence and impact against Al homestretch, with Al activities initiated by the Qatar Al Duhail supporter Zied Ram- ahead of their Qatar Cup fi nal Rayyan. We’re counting on their Sadd and Al Duhail set- Stars League Management, as al- dan also backed his side to win against Duhail, Saad opens up support in the fi nal, as always. ting up a mouth-water- ways. And excitement will defi - the fi nal and complete a dou- on a number of topics. Excerpts: Ting fi nal encounter after win- nitely be sky-high for the fi nal. ble. “I want Al Duhail to win all How do you evaluate your ning their semi-fi nals against Al All four semi-fi nalists — Al competitions. The fi nal against What’s your expectation for club’s campaign in the QNB Rayyan and Al Gharafa respec- Duhail, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan and Al Sadd will only do more good the fi nal against Al Duhail? Stars League this season? tively. Ahead of Friday’s title Al Gharafa — have solid fan base. to Qatar football. I’m expecting The season is at its peak, so it’ll We can’t assess now as the sea- clash and aside from the battle They turned up at the venue a tough battle. We had it easy be tough for both sides. I’m not son isn’t over yet. We still have cries, many off -the-fi eld aspects to cheer their teams on, some against Al Gharafa in the semi- for prediction. May the best two domestic titles up for grabs come to the fore that keep the ex- dressing up for the occasion in fi nal because they left too much team win! in addition to the AFC Champi- citement and interest revving. club jersey colours. space between their lines in the ons League Round of 16 fi xtures The fan factor tops them all. Al Sadd’s die-hard fan Yousef second half and lacked co-ordi- How’re the preparations go- against Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia. Fans are an integral part of ‘the Yaqoub Hassan expressed op- nation,” said Zied. ing for the much-anticipated beautiful game’. timism that they would win the The Al Sadd Stadium, the match? Does losing the league title to They make or mar matches, Qatar Cup this time too. “I want- venue of all three games, sported We’re preparing just like we do Al Duhail make you approach the extent of which varies de- ed Al Gharafa to win as Al Duhail a new look, quite befi tting the for domestic and Asian games. this game with vengeance? pending on the degree of their (new QNB Stars League champi- occasion. The most noticeable The players are fully focused Not at all. Al Sadd players don’t passion and intensity. All that ons) will pose a greater challenge change was the teams’ dugout and ready to take the fi eld with believe in revenge of any sort. makes football the the largest for us in the fi nal despite the fact station which is painted afresh in full strength to retain the cup. We only focus on putting up a following sport in the world. that they are without Youssef line with the theme of Qatar Cup. strong performance and bring- The Qatar Cup semifi nals gen- (Msakni). Fans had more to cheer as the How do you approach this ing the best out of ourselves. erated thrills ‘n’ frills aplenty They’re too strong a side in lucky ones owned Toyota cars, game given that Al Duhail among all stakeholders, rang- Asia as well. But I hope Al Sadd given away by Abdullah Ab- defeated Al Sadd twice in Are Al Sadd players under ing from players, technical staff , will win it this season too as all dulghani & Brothers, the dealer the QNB Stars League this pressure? administrators, offi cials to sup- our players are in good shape at of Toyota as well as Lexus cars in season? No. We’ll enter the game with porters. the moment. The runners-up Qatar and a sponsor of the Qatar It’s diff erent from league fix- high concentration and team Not just because the tourna- fi nish in the league was a cred- Cup. Business class air tickets tures. The best team will defi - spirit. I wish we can produce yet ment involves the top four teams itable achievement considering and a range of electronic devices nitely win the title. another exceptional perform- in the QNB Stars League, but also the diffi culties we faced during are also on off er for fans. What’re the strengths and ance and defend the title.