SPORT Thursday 5 April 2018

PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32-33 PAGE | 35 Smith and Colours, royalty, rain and Woods poised too Bancroft not to protests as Commonwealth hog spotlight appeal bans Games begin on first day

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scores their first goal against Manchester City during their Champions League Quarter Final First Leg match at Anfield in Liverpool, Britain yesterday.

Liverpool sink City; Barca win 4-1

AP Barcelona’s juggernaut from getting an away central midfielders seemingly 38th-minute opener. Kostas suf- Argentinian goal that would have changed unsure of their roles. Aymeric fered similar bad luck in the 55th LIVERPOOL: Liverpool blew the complexion of the quarter- Laporte - a center back - also when his clearance of a low cross forward Lionel away Manchester City with three final matchup, especially given looked lost as a makeshift left by Ivan Rakitic hit the post and Messi holds a goals in the first 31 minutes that Salah hobbled off injured back, up against Salah. ricocheted off Barcelona's framed poster yesterday to secure a 3-0 first- and could be a doubt for next Only in the 57th minute did Samuel Umtiti before finally celebrating leg win at a rocking Anfield and week’s second leg at Etihad Guardiola throw on Sterling, but crossing the goal-line. his 100th close in on a first Champions Stadium. that might have come too late. Barcelona pressed its Champions League semi-final in a decade. City’s dream of a treble - it Elsewhere, in Barcelona, a advantage and Gerard Pique League goal On another European night has already won the League Cup pair of own goals by Daniele De scored a third goal four minutes ahead of that will go down in the club’s and could clinch the Premier Rossi and Kostas Manolas helped later when he only had to tap in the UEFA storied lore, Liverpool reduced League on Saturday in record Barcelona beat Roma 4-1 in the the rebound from a save by goal- Champions the best team in England to a time - might have disappeared opening leg of their Champions keeper Alisson Becker, who League rattled wreck as Mohamed Salah in a 19-minute spell where the League quarter-final palmed a shot by Luis Suarez Quarter Final - with his 38th goal of the season visitors folded in a red-hot yesterday. right to the unmarked defender. First Leg - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Anfield atmosphere. De Rossi's scrambling Edin Dzeko pulled one back match against Sadio Mane all scored in front of Pep Guardiola’s decision to attempt to cut off a pass by for Roma in the 80th before Luis AS Roma at The Kop. drop Raheem Sterling and add Andres Iniesta for Lionel messi Suarez scored Barcelona's the Camp The Reds then held firm an extra body in midfield in Ilkay backfired as the Italy interna- fourth, breaking his streak of 10 Nou Stadium under incessant second-half Gundogan completely backfired, tional sliced the ball into the matches without a goal in the in Barcelona pressure to stop City’s attacking with City lopsided and its four lower corner of Roma's net for competition. yesterday. Belmadi delighted with Al Duhail’s unbeaten run

RIZWAN REHMAT “We had many chances to team’s performance on Tuesday. THE PENINSULA score in the match. Zob Ahan did “We thank God for the victory. not have the same number of Our five wins in a row confirms DOHA: Coach Djamel Belmadi opportunities as we did. We could We knew that the match that Al Duhail is on the right track,” rarely shows his emotions have scored two goals in the end. would be difficult but Al Sulaiti said in a post on the club’s following a football game. Even he Having said that, I would say the website. allowed himself a smile on Tuesday most important thing is that we we performed the way “I thank the players, the tech- night after Al Duhail beat Zob Ahan have continued our wins and have I expected them to nical staff and the management of of Iran for their fifth consecutive lost none so far,” Belmadi said. perform. I congratulate the team for their greats effort they win in this year’s AFC Champions When asked about the possi- the players on the victory. have made throughout the season. League. bility of facing Al Rayyan in the It was a great victory: We have put in the hard work and Al Duhail forward Ismaeel second round of the AFC Cham- Djamel Belmadi we have seen the results. We hope Mohammed scored the only goal pions League, Belmadi said: “We to go deep into this year’s AFC of the Group B clash in the 84th wish Al Rayyan qualify for the Champions League. minute on Tuesday as the QNB second round. (If we play them), We have become used to it and “The team managed to Stars League champions picked it will be a difficult match. But my we assert ourselves quickly,” overcome the tough conditions in up three more points team is mentally ready to face any Mohammed said. this game. To get three points and “We knew that the match side. I guess we have to be ready “We are done and dusted with remain undefeated feels good,” he would be difficult but we per- to play against any team in the this game and we have closed the added. formed the way I expected them second round of the Zob Ahan page. We move on to our Al Sulaiti said the young to perform. I congratulate the championship.” next game. That’s how we play. players in the squad ‘have shown players on the victory,” Belmadi Goal hero and Man-of-the- Now we are thinking of our last great responsibility, exhibiting Al Duhail coach Djamel said with a smile. “It was a great Match Mohammed was thrilled league game against Al Sailiya,” great set of skills.’ Belmadi reacts during the victory,” the Algerian added. with the outcome of the match. Mohammed added. “The journey is still long and AFC Champions League Belmadi said Al Duhail, who “Everyone performed really “We want to end the league we hope that the team will match against Iran’s Zob sealed the QNB Stars League title well. Al Duhail presented a good without a loss. We want to remain maintain the level that it has Ahan at the Foolad Shahr win last month, could have scored level in the match. I think we have undefeated,” he said. exhibited so far and continue to Stadium in Isfahan, Iran more goals as the team had a decent experience of playing Khalifa Al Sulaiti, Vice-Pres- achieve positive results in the on Tuesday. created many chances. away from our own home venue. ident of Al Duhail, applauded the coming period,” Al Sulaiti said. 30 SPORT THURSDAY 5 APRIL 2018

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (right) congratulates Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of the Champions League quarter-final first leg match in Turin on Tuesday.

Ulsan storm Sporting greats hail Ronaldo into ACL last sixteen stage REUTERS quarter-final first leg win. Di cut-back, netting for a record video game to give Real a 2-0 AFP Stefano is widely regarded as tenth consecutive Champions lead before Paulo Dybala was MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo Madrid’s greatest ever player for League game. sent off and Marcelo added a was described as a different leading them to five consecutive I have to say thank A four-time Champions third at the Juventus Stadium. HONG KONG: South Korea’s species and even earned praise European Cups. Ronaldo, who is you a lot - grazie - League winner, Ronaldo is the “I have to say thank you a lot Ulsan Hyundai FC powered from basketball great LeBron the only player alongside the leading scorer in Europe’s top - grazie - to all the Juventus sup- into the knockout stages of James after his jaw-dropping Argentine to score in at least to all the Juventus competition for the seventh porters. What they did for me the AFC Champions League bicycle kick in Real Madrid’s 3-0 three European Cup finals, took supporters. What season in a row, on 14 goals in was amazing,” Ronaldo told yesterday with a 6-2 demo- win at Juventus which likely another step to joining him on they did for me was nine appearances this campaign, UEFA.com, having taken his goal lition of Melbourne Victory, sealed their place in the Cham- the throne with his phenomenal amazing. It (ovation by three from equalling his record tally against the Italian cham- who crashed out. pions League semi-finals. goal. of 17 strikes in the 2013-14 pions to nine in six games. Ulsan joined the already “What planet did you come “Cristiano Ronaldo can now rival fans) had never season. “It (ovation by rival fans) had qualified Shanghai SIPG in the from?,” asked the front cover of leave earth and start playing happened to me in my Meanwhile, Ronaldo has never happened to me in my knockout stages from Group daily AS yesterday as it depicted against the Martians. He has career before: Ronaldo thanked Juventus fans for their career before.” F after the Australian side Ronaldo’s awesome strike, his done everything here,” tweeted generous applause for his “It was a great goal, fan- conceded a comical goal to second goal of the night which former Real team mate Alvaro overhead bicycle kick which tastic,” continued the 33-year- open the floodgates. proved a knockout blow to Arbeloa after the goal, which from a giant of a different sport helped Real Madrid gain a old who became the first player Just 12 minutes had Juventus just as they were even prompted Juventus sup- as three-time NBA champion three-goal advantage over the to score in 10 successive Cham- elapsed when Junior Negrao gaining in confidence in the porters to rise to their feet in James of the Cleveland Cavaliers Italians in the Champions pions League games, with his threw out a hopeful boot at a second half. applause. joined in the praise, telling League. tally 14 goals this season and 119 clearance from Melbourne Spanish newspaper Marca Real coach Zinedine Zidane Ronaldo in a post on Instagram: “For me it was an unbe- in total. goalkeeper Lawrence simply hailed the acrobatic strike clinched the club’s ninth “that’s not even fair”. lievable moment,” said Ronaldo, “Step by step,” he warned of Thomas, who was mortified as “The Goal” on its front cover. European Cup with a whirlwind Ronaldo had scored twice who scored two goals in the two- talk about a third straight Cham- to see the ball ricochet back Inside, it described Ronaldo as volley against Bayer Leverkusen against Juventus in last year’s time holders’ 3-0 Champions pions League title. over his head from the Bra- “Di Stefano 2.0”, highlighting in 2002 although the Frenchman Champions League final win in League quarter-final, first-leg “I think we should think zilian and into the empty net. that Real had not beaten admitted he was “a little bit Cardiff and took under three win in Turin. about the second leg. Anything Lim Jong-eun got the Juventus away since the late jealous” of Ronaldo’s thumping minutes of Tuesday’s quarter- Ronaldo’s first was within is possible in football, so let’s second with a cool finish and Alfredo di Stefano scored the strike. final first leg to haunt the Italian three minutes while the second, think about that second leg and Mislav Orsic thumped home a only goal in a 1962 European Cup There was even recognition giants again as he fired in Isco’s on 64 minutes, was worthy of a let’s see what happens.” third before half-time to put the home side in complete control. Kim Seung-jun made it 4-0 for Ulsan 10 minutes after the break and Junior bagged his Wenger tells Arsenal to be ready second before a brief fightback from Melbourne. The visitors scored twice in two minutes through for Europa League pressure Kenny Athiu and Kosta Bar- barouses. But any fleeting AFP giants host CSKA in the first leg of with our results against City,” said hopes of an against-the-odds LONDON: Arsene Wenger says their last-eight clash. Veteran Arsenal Wenger. “It takes time to grieve and fightback were snuffed out Arsenal have “taken the time to manager Wenger, speaking to to recover. But because the mentality when Orsic thumped in his grieve” after their League Cup reporters at the club’s London Colney in the team is very good, strong and second to make it 6-2. pummelling by Manchester City and training ground, is well aware of what healthy we’re recovered. Jeonbuk Motors, the are ready to face the pressure of a is at stake. “I think always you judge a team 2016 Champions League Arsenal Europa League quarter-final against “There is some extra pressure on by the way they come out of a crisis. winners, made it a great manager CSKA Moscow. us to do extremely well in this com- On that front I believe that is very pos- night for South Korean sides Arsene The Gunners are sixth in the petition,” he said. itive on our side.” when they also clinched Wenger Premier League, a huge 13 points off “That’s part of being where we Wenger has been in charge of qualification with an assured during training fourth-placed arch-rivals Tottenham are. I must say we have to see it in a Arsenal since 1996 but has yet to win 2-0 win at Japan’s Kashiwa at the Arsenal Hotspur. Only the top four sides in the way that it’s an opportunity we want any European silverware with the Reysol in Group E. Training at Premier League qualify for the Cham- to take.” club, although they were beaten on It was another Brazilian the St Albans, pions League, which means Arsenal’s Arsenal have won their past four penalties in the 2000 UEFA Cup final, striker, Ricardo Lopes, who Britain only realistic route back into games since the disappointment of the forerunner of the Europa League, got Jeonbuk up and running ahead of European club football’s elite com- two 3-0 defeats by English cham- and lost to Barcelona in the 2006 with a scrambled finish in the their Europa petition is by winning the second- pions-elect Manchester City in the Champions League final. 16th minute, and the hugely League match string Europa League. It is also the League Cup final and the league fol- Wenger has a fully fit squad, with popular veteran striker Lee today. only trophy they can lift this season. lowed by a shock 2-1 league loss to France international Alexandre Laca- Dong-gook sealed the deal in Today sees the north London Brighton.“We were very disappointed zette available following knee surgery. the 77th minute. Bayern mistakes could prove costly in return leg REUTERS clearly why they are in the last Bayern were home and dry. “We Bayern Munich’s Thomas Mueller (left) celebrates with eight. They are hugely talented, should not think for a moment that Rafinha after the Champions League quarter-final first BERLIN: Bayern Munich hold the with a good mentality and a fighting we are through to the semi-final,” Leg clash against Sevilla on Tuesday. advantage in their Champions spirit.” Ribery said. League quarter-final against Sevilla Tuesday’s victory meant Hey- “Sevilla play very good football after a 2-1 win in Spain but they nckes, who will leave the team at and it was extremely important to will have to improve on Tuesday’s the end of the season, extended his win in Spain. performance if they are to go all competition record to 12 straight “But we were badly organised the way in the competition, coach wins. Bayern have won all four of after the opening 10 minutes and Jupp Heynckes has said. their home games in the Cham- we did not combine well. You just The Bavarians had to come pions League this season, con- cannot make those mistakes in the from a goal down and recover from ceding just one goal. Champions League. a mistake-ridden first half to edge Bayern defender Jerome “We still have to play very good the Spaniards and Heynckes said Boateng, who was lucky not to have at home. We have to do it as we did Sevilla’s quality means they will be a penalty awarded against him in it in the second half. But still 2-1 is a threat in Munich next Wednesday. the first half, said his side would good for us but we are not through “If we want to win the Cham- take nothing for granted. yet.” pions League then we must “Nothing has been decided yet,” Bayern became the first improve,” Heynckes said. “I had to he said. “We will hopefully improve German team to record a victory find some clear words at halftime and add a level in the return leg so at Sevilla and stretched their Cham- for my players. that we advance.” Winger Franck pions League winning run to seven “In that first half Sevilla showed Ribery was equally reluctant to say consecutive matches. THURSDAY 5 APRIL 2018 SPORT 31 Smith, Bancroft not to appeal bans AFP has been growing for Smith since sanctions. They’ve been imposed it takes to earn back the trust of his public apology, during which by CA to send a strong message the Australian public.” The Aus- SYDNEY: Former captain Steve he broke down in tears. and I have accepted them.” Smith tralian Cricketers’ Association on Smith (pictured) said yesterday The trio had until tomorrow -- the world’s number one Test Tuesday called for the bans to he desperately wants to play for to tell Cricket Australia whether batsman -- was charged with be reduced, arguing the pun- Australia again but will not be they accepted their punishment knowledge of the potential ball- ishment was disproportionate challenging a 12-month ban for or would opt for a hearing, as is altering plan, while Warner was to previous ball-tampering a ball-tampering scandal that their right. charged with developing the plot cases. rocked cricket. Warner has yet to comment and instructing Bancroft to carry ACA president Greg Dyer Opening batsman Cameron but Smith, a golden boy who is it out. Since the scandal erupted, pointed to the separate Interna- Bancroft echoed similar senti- compared to Donald Bradman Smith has lost a lucrative Indian tional Cricket Council sanction, ments, saying he was deter- for his batting exploits, took to Premier League contract and has which suspended Smith for one mined to earn back the trust of social media to make clear he been dumped by sponsors. Test and docked him his match the Australian public. would do his time. Bancroft, who used sand- fee. He also said the contrition Cricket Australia last week “I would give anything to paper to scratch the surface of expressed by players had been suspended Smith and David have this behind me and be back the ball, said he had informed “extraordinary” and should be Warner from all international representing my country,” he Cricket Australia he would serve taken into account, urging a and domestic cricket for a year, tweeted, in his first comments his ban. relaxation to allow the men to while Bancroft was suspended since the emotional press con- “Today I lodged the return to domestic action sooner. for nine months over the ference on his return to Australia paperwork with Cricket Aus- With the World Cup and an incident during the third Test in last Thursday. tralia and will be accepting the Ashes series in 2019, supporters South Africa. “But I meant what I said sanction handed down,” he said of the players believe they need All three players have about taking full responsibility on Twitter. to be playing state cricket to be admitted what they did was as captain of the team. “I would love to put this in the type of form that could wrong and a wave of sympathy “I won’t be challenging the behind me and will do whatever warrant selection. Windies coach calls Pakistan security ‘outstanding’ AFP said during the post-match area for foreign teams after pretty passionate. This was press conference. “The militants attacked the Sri the first time I’d been to KARACHI: West Indies coach security has been outstanding, Lankan team bus in Lahore Karachi and the fans here Stuart Law has praised Paki- and we haven’t had any in 2009. After being shunned were outstanding every night. stan’s security arrangements problems.” Pakistan’s military for years, Zimbabwe toured “They were very during his team’s time in put stringent security Pakistan for a short series in respectful to us. Everywhere Karachi, saying he hoped arrangements in place with 2015. we’ve been, we’ve been their experience would open 8,000 policemen and military The successful outing was treated very well.” Law said the door for more cricket personnel guarding the team followed by two Pakistan he felt for Pakistan players Pakistani spectators hold placards at the National Cricket Stadium series to be held in the hotel and stadium for the Super League finals in 2017 for not being able to play on before the start of the third and final T20 match against West Indies, country. series. and 2018 along with three their home grounds. The West Indies com- “I’m not saying that it will Twenty20 matches against a “I feel sorry for the in Karachi on Tuesday. pleted a three-match open the floodgates and bring World XI and one against Sri Pakistan players who don’t Twenty20 series late Tuesday everyone rushing back, but Lanka last year. play enough cricket in front and although his team was from what I’ve seen here, it’s The 49-year-old West of their home fans. Every Pakistan invites whitewashed by world more than adequate and we Indian coach Law is a former game for them is an away number one Pakistan 3-0, should be able to get cricket Australia batsman who was game so you feel for those Law was happy with their back to Pakistan,” said Law. part of the team that lost the boys who can’t play in front England team treatment by authorities. Pakistan is on a long road 1996 World Cup final to Sri of their families week in “It’s a bit daunting for the to revive international cricket Lanka in Lahore. week out.” people outside but once you following six years of isolation “I’m a big fan of Pakistan Since 2009 the United back after 13 years get here and see for yourself, from 2009 to 2015. cricket,” said Law. “The fans Arab Emirates has served as you feel more confident,” he Pakistan was a “no-go” here in the subcontinent are Pakistan’s neutral venue. AFP teams refused to tour Pakistan, wracked by Islamist attacks. In ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s interior 2009 an attack on the Sri Lankan minister has invited the England team in Lahore drove international Australia’s Mitchell GANGULY’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY LAUNCHED cricket team to tour the country for cricket from the country entirely, the first time since 2005, after a and their fixtures have been played successful visit by the West Indies in the United Arab Emirates. Marsh to undergo amid improved security boosted But security has improved dra- hopes of an international revival. matically in recent years, and since ankle surgery A visit by a major Test-playing 2015 Pakistan has hosted Zim- nation such as England would be babwe, a World XI, Sri Lanka, the hugely significant, in terms of both finals of its domestic T20 league for REUTERS cricket as well as Pakistan’s wider two years running and, most security and the message it hopes recently, the West Indies, for a short SYDNEY: Australia’s fast bowling all-rounder Mitchell to send about its crackdown on T20 series which finished on Marsh will miss the start of the English county season extremism and militancy. Tuesday. The matches have been with Surrey as he needs an ankle surgery which also Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal staged in both Lahore and Karachi, makes him a doubt for the national team’s next Test extended the invitation to UK High the cricket-obsessed country’s two assignment against Pakistan. Comissioner Thomas Drew on largest cities, both of which have Surrey confirmed yesterday that Marsh, who was Tuesday, urging the international been hit repeatedly by militant vio- expected to join the squad for the start of the County community to recognise the strides lence over the last decade. Championship this month, requires an immediate Pakistan has made. Head-of-state level security has ankle surgery. “The successful staging of been provided for visiting players, “I’m extremely disappointed to be missing the start international matches in Pakistan most of whom have come away of the season,” the 26-year-old said in a statement. is a clear proof that we have praising the arrangements. “I was looking forward to heading over and defeated terrorism and Various military operations joining the Surrey family. I’ll be doing everything I extremism,” he said, according to across the country have led to the can to get myself fully fit and hopefully join the side an official statement. increased security, particularly in later in the season.” Drew said he was already the northwestern tribal region, Marsh has been in fine form since his recall to the looking forward to “this summer’s where militants once operated with Australian side for the third Ashes Test, averaging more big cricketing event”, Pakistan’s impunity. than 45 with the bat against England and South Africa. upcoming England tour. But the US maintains that A Cricket Australia spokesperson said Marsh is tar- “But I also hope that it will not Pakistan is hosting militant safe geting a return for the start of the Australian summer, be long before I can welcome an havens in the northwest, accusa- suggesting the player will miss the limited-overs tour England team to Pakistan,” he said tions Islamabad denies; while of England in June. yesterday. critics warn that the country has Former Indian cricketers Sourav Ganguly (left) and Sachin Tendulkar He will also face a race against time for Aus- “That really is something to not gone far enough in rooting out share a light moment during the book launch of Ganguly’s tralia’s next away Test campaign against look forward to.” For years foreign the long-term causes of extremism. Pakistan, which is expected to be held in Sep- autobiography ‘A Century is Not Enough’ in Mumbai yesterday. tember or October this year. BCCI set for billion-dollar deal in media rights war AGENCIES television and digital rights for media rights value has already “The bidding mark has indicates that all three are still in matches from 2012-2018. Star the Indian cricket team and gone up by 56 percent with the reached Rs 60.32bn and it will the race if you see the bid also won the media rights for NEW DELHI: India’s cricket domestic championships from per match value touching nearly certainly be a landmark deal,” a amounts,” he added BCCI’s lucrative IPL Twenty20 board is set to break the billion 2018 to 2023. Rs 60 crore (Rs 59.16 crore) for senior Board of Control for “Every bidder has its tournament with a record dollar barrier in its new media The Global Consolidated 102 international games across Cricket in India (BCCI) official threshold. They are slowly $2.55bn bid last year. The deal rights deal after two days of Rights - which includes three formats. This is already Rs said on condition of reaching that point. If it reaches also stands for five years from intense bidding between rival broadcast as well as digital rights 17 crore more compared to Rs 43 anonymity. Rs 7000 crore, it will be another 2018. Initially six companies, firms, which are scheduled to for India and Rest of the World crore (per match) during the “The potential bidders know landmark financial deal for including Facebook and Google, end today. -bid has already witnessed a earlier period (2012-2018). that in India, only one sport can Indian cricket,” said the official. entered the fray to bid for inter- Bidding hit $926m yesterday quantum jump from the 2012 The deal does not include the give you proper return on Rupert Murdoch’s Star paid national and domestic matches in the fight between Star India, Star TV bid of Rs 3851 crore. multi-billion dollar Indian investment. We don’t know who Rs 38.5bn ($592m) for the rights in India from April 15 2018 to Sony and Reliance Jio for After the second day, BCCI’s Premier League (IPL). has the top bid but the pattern to broadcast India’s home March 31 2023. 32 SPORT THURSDAY 5 APRIL 2018 THURSDAY 5 APRIL 2018 SPORT 33

Athletes of England attending yesterday’s opening ceremony. Aussie boxer guaranteed first Colours, royalty, rain and protests medal without a as Commonwealth Games begin punch thrown REUTERS

AFP GOLD COAST GAMES GOLD COAST: Australian boxer Taylah FACTS AND FIGURES Robertson has secured the first medal of GOLD COAST: A heavy downpour, the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games -- a giant floating whale and Aborig- * Gold Coast was awarded the nine days before her first bout. inal protests marked the start of 2018 event on November 11, The 19-year-old from Queensland the Commonwealth Games yester- 2011, becoming the fifth Ausralian state’s Sunshine Coast is guaranteed at least day as Australia flagged off 11 days city to host the Commonwealth a bronze in the women’s 51-kg division after of competition in the resort city of Games (Sydney, 1938; Perth, 1962; receiving a free pass to the semi-finals. Gold Coast. Brisbane, 1982; Melbourne 2006) Only seven boxers are competing in the Britain’s Prince of Wales category and both losing semi-finalists Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal Karthik pose for a photograph declared the Games open at an * State and local government receive bronzes. after the latter won the gold medal in the women’s doubles squash event of the 2014 upbeat ceremony featuring danc- invested more than A$1bn “Can’t wait to get in the ring and rep- Glasgow Commonwealth Games in this file photo obtained from her Twitter account. ing lifeguards, giant flip-flops and ($767.80m) in upgrading the resent Australia on such a big sporting Australia’s team marching in to public transport system, with an stage,” Robertson, who has her semi-final Men At Work’s “Down Under”. extension to the light rail tram on April 13, wrote in a post on her Face- “G’day!” said Peter Beattie, network connecting key venues. Squash queen Pallikal book account. chairman of the organising com- Her coach Mark Evans said it was “just English mittee, adding: “We are the * The mascot Borobi is a blue koala the luck of the draw”. friendliest people on this planet... with indigenous markings on its looks to put cricket in “For some reason the numbers in that we invite you all now to share the body. Borobi is an Aboriginal term division were down. When you look at dream.” some of the boys divisions, some of them swimmers for koala. The Games baton arrived in a shade with Games success have 24 to 26 boxers there,” Evans told local turquoise campervan and was BY THE NUMBERS media. AFP brace for delivered to Games President Lou- * 18 sports; seven para-sports “We’ve got a guaranteed bronze but I’m ise Martin, who struggled before tipping that colour might change.” * 10 core sports -- athletics, opening it and handing a message GOLD COAST: Indian sporting celebrity badminton, boxing, hockey, lawn inside to Prince Charles. Dipika Pallikal is hoping to put cricket in Aussie assault bowls, netball, rugby sevens, “Over the years these the shade back home by successfully It’s kind of hard to try and AFP ‘Friendly Games’ have shown the squash, swimming, weightlifting. defending her Commonwealth Games concentrate on my career, as * Eight optional sports -- basketball, Parahi third potential of the Commonwealth squash title - even if it upsets her crick- well as my husband’s. We’re GOLD COAST: England’s swimmers are ready to to connect people of different beach volleyball, cycling, eter husband. all athletes and all have to be fight fire with fire at the Commonwealth Games backgrounds and nationalities,” gymnastics, shooting, table tennis, The 26-year-old star, who is married player named to when they clash with a fearsome Australia team the prince told the near-capac- triathlon, wrestling. to Indian cricket star Dinesh Karthik, treated equally: Dipika Pallikal revved up by their home crowd. ity crowd in the 35,000-seat * 275 gold medals made history in Glasgow four years ago Former Australian hockey player Brent Livermore carries The English, spearheaded by Olympic breast- Carrara Stadium. * 6,600-plus athletes when she won doubles gold with part- captain Australia the Queen’s Baton during the opening ceremony. stroke champion Adam Peaty, expect a rude A giant replica of Migaloo, the * 71 nations and territories ner Joshna Chinappa -- India’s first is followed by 255,000 users on Instagram, reception from the Australians when the compe- white humpback whale which has medal in the sport. insists she doesn’t follow cricket. at Gold Coast tition begins Friday, but their swimming boss become a symbol of environmen- try to crash the Australian pool Her wedding in 2015 was splashed “There’s a lot more media, a lot more promised they will rise to the occasion. talism in Australia, then floated party.   across national media and made Pal- attention that comes with cricket and I now “Australia are a powerhouse, they’re the team gently into the stadium. Australia will also go head-to-   likal a household name, although she get it because I’m married to (a cricketer),” REUTERS to beat,” team leader Grant Robins told AFP in an The Games at beachside Gold head with England in track cycling, made headlines by declaring she hated she said. interview. Coast give Australia a timely where they will field a revamped  " cricket. “For both of us, we’re just trying to GOLD COAST: Jesse Parahi has become      “They’re strong across pretty much all the opportunity to repair their sport- line-up under the tutelage of Brit-    “I said that because I feel that every enjoy what we’re doing right now. But to the third player to be appointed captain of events and have a production line of swimming ing reputation after a cheating ish coach Simon Jones. other sport is getting overshadowed by be honest I never watch him play.” the Australian men’s rugby sevens side for %   Pallikal will receive a first-round bye quality.” scandal in cricket left the country In athletics, Gold Coast’s $ %  cricket,” said Pallikal after arriving in Gold the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games after “It’s going to be a hostile crowd,” added the reeling. world champion hurdler Sally    &  Coast to defend her title. in the Commonwealth Games singles com- James Stannard was ruled out last week former Commonwealth Games competitor. The competition across 23 dif- Pearson is battling an Achilles’ “It’s kind of hard to try and concen- petition before opening her campaign with a fractured skull. -).     !    “We’ve said ‘You’re going to walk out here ferent sports should soothe the problem but Jamaican sprinter (    trate on my career, as well as my against Charlotte Knaggs of Trinidad and Stannard was hospitalised after a ‘one- and it’s going to be a hostile crowd’. We’ve said trauma of the cricket row, after a Yohan Blake should provide fire- husband’s. We’re all athletes and all have Tobago today. In the doubles, she and Chi- punch’ attack in Sydney early last Friday.     to the swimmers ‘Stick to your game plan, soak player was caught doctoring the works in the absence of the +) , &  to be treated equally.” nappa are seeded third and grouped The 35-year-old had replaced regular up the atmosphere -- but don’t be afraid of it!’ It ball with sandpaper. retired Usain Bolt. '# The hope of squash overshadowing her alongside Wales, Pakistan and Malta as captain Lewis Holland, who had been ruled will be fun and enjoyable, but tough.” “Sand and sport have not been Elaine Thompson also looks (  husband’s sport is likely to be a forlorn one they chase back-to-back titles. out due to a hamstring injury. Australian athletes can be every bit as spiky a happy combination for this coun- set to blaze to sprint gold for ) *  in cricket-mad India. Pallikal will also compete in the mixed “It’s been a strange feeling to take the as their crowds and the aggressive antics of their try of late as we endure our Jamaica, while South Africa flag- '      But Pallikal, whose jet-setting lifestyle doubles with Saurav Ghosal. role of captaincy in such difficult circum-  cricketers have sparked a public outcry follow- national shame over the ugly carrier Caster Semenya is said to   stances for ‘Chucky’ (Stannard) but I am ing a recent ball-tampering scandal. fusion of cricket and sandpaper,” be targeting the longstanding       honoured to be given the chance to cap-  $%     Aussie swimmers are no shrinking violets The Australian newspaper said in 800m record.   tain my country,” the 28-year-old Parahi     either, but Robins insisted there would be “mutual an editorial. The Games’ 4,000-plus ath- said in a statement on Wednesday.      No shot put or discus? respect” between the home team and their Eng- “Starting tonight on the Gold letes will also compete in events   “For us as a team there’s a real sense lish rivals on the pool deck. Coast we can flick the switch to including rugby sevens, shooting,  that we want to do it for James who would “It’s a hard sport,” he said. “But once you get optimism and celebration.” gymnastics, badminton, netball,      have been playing in his third Common- &     Use a coconut instead to the cool room (before the race) there’s no lim- Enthusiasm is not universal, Britain’s Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the Goldboxing and beach volleyball. wealth Games. Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at the Carrara    its, it’s every man for themselves. however, and Aboriginal protest- Organisers insist the Games,   ! " AFP “This adversity has bonded us closer Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia yesterday. Tapoki, who previously competed at “But the Australian crowd are very well ers held up the final stages of the which started life as the British #"  #  the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Bei- together and we’ll rise to the challenge informed, they appreciate good quality racing Games’ baton relay with a sit-in Empire Games in 1930, are still rel- #     GOLD COAST: A Cook Islands athlete set jing Games, will contest both the discus when we run out on the Gold Coast in front and hopefully we can deliver and get a round of along its route in Gold Coast. “Stolenwealth Games”, a reference form after her 2016 Olympics flop, evant in the modern world,  to compete at the Commonwealth Games and shot put at the Commonwealth of a home crowd.”  applause for appreciation if nothing else.” Outside the opening ceremony, to Britain’s colonisation of their and South Africa’s Chad le Clos pointing to the move to an equal &1  * has revealed her unorthodox method for Games. Stannard was released from hospital Robins predicted a strong showing from Eng- there were minor scuffles as about ancestral lands. could become the most successful number of men’s and women’s learning shot put and discus - she used to She placed 11th in discus at the 2006 on Sunday. land’s 32 swimmers, even if Britain’s relay teams 100 protesters chanting “Always Australia will hope for a fast athlete in Games history when he medal events. $%""  lob coconuts. Melbourne Games but pregnancies side- “I’ve got a fractured skull with a little have had to be broken up under the Games for- was, always will be Aboriginal start when competition gets under- takes on a Michael Phelps-style For Australia, displacing eter- /  ( /     Tereapii Tapoki, a police officer from lined the mother-of-two from competition bit of bleeding, they said, and I don’t really mat where the British home nations compete land” faced off with police on way, with Olympic champions seven swimming events. nal rivals England -- the 2014 0 ,&   * / $   Rarotonga, the largest of the 15 palm- in Delhi in 2010 and Glasgow four years know the full extent of it to be honest, I’m separately. horseback. Mack Horton and Kyle Chalmers English breaststroker Adam table-toppers -- at the head of the /     #     , fringed Pacific islands that make up the ago. not a doctor (but) that just sounds bad for “We’ve got to be careful not to put everything Indigenous activists are plan- expected to star in the outdoor Peaty, who has his eye on an medals tally would be the perfect  ,   country, hit on the solution after finding “I’m not in as good a shape as perhaps me,” he told reporters earlier this week. on Adam Peaty -- but he’s our jewel in the crown,” ning more demonstrations and Southport pool. unprecedented sub-57 seconds in tonic after their cricketing throwing sports a tough nut to crack with I would like to be but I will give it my best,” “I’m very lucky to be here.” said Robins. have dubbed the event the Cate Campbell looks back in the 100 metres, is another who will calamity.   !" # '   no equipment available. said Tapoki, who has been training in Aus- The Games began yesterday and run “He’s an awesome athlete, a great role model. “We didn’t have a shot or discus, so tralia under the tutelage of Italian coach until April 15. He’s a hell of an athlete. He doesn’t need to get we threw coconuts,” the 33-year-old told Gus Puopolo. Australia’s men have been drawn for out of bed and do this but he loves racing.” reporters in Gold Coast. “It was quite dif- “Technique-wise I have improved a the sevens tournament in Pool B with “But we’ve got some world-ranked people,” ferent -- a discus is flat and a coconut is lot in four weeks but we haven’t gone for Samoa, Jamaica and England. added Robins. “Ben Proud obviously had a great round.” distance yet so still a lot to work on.” world championships last year (50m butterfly gold) and James Guy had a good Olympics and world championships. “Siobhan O’Connor, in the 200 individual medley, she’s an Olympic silver medallist. We think she’s going to be competitive so we’ve got Peaty opts out of 200m some big-hitters. But given the enormity of the task facing the AFP English, Robins refused to say what their medal target was. GOLD COAST: Olympic breaststroke champion “What I would like is for some of our new- Adam Peaty (pictured) has chosen not to race in bies to step up,” he said. “That would be the icing today’s 200 metres at the Commonwealth Games on our cake. We have got a medal target but that to focus on his specialist 100 and 50m events. is stuck on my bedroom wall and we’ll see.” The 23-year-old Englishman, who broke his own world record en route to winning 100m Olympic gold in Rio two years ago, defends his Common- wealth title in the 100m on Friday at the Gold Coast meet. Volunteers cheering as Peaty was missing from the 200m start list Australia are a powerhouse, athletes arrive at the released yesterday, boosting the chances of reign- they’re the team to beat. They’re Carrara Stadium in Gold ing title-holder Ross Murdoch of Scotland, Australia’s strong across pretty much all the Coast, Australia during Matt Wilson and England’s Andrew Willis. the opening ceremony Peaty, who leads England’s challenge against a events and have a production line of the Gold Coast 2018 strong Aussie squad expecting vocal home support, of swimming quality: English team Commonwealth Games is unbeaten in the 100m since storming to gold in leader Grant Robins. yesterday. Glasgow four years ago. 34 SPORT THURSDAY 5 APRIL 2018

Baseball: NBA round-up: Heat top Hawks, Ohtani hits first homer as Angels ease past the seal play-off bid in thrilling game Indians 13-2 REUTERS REUTERS Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward LeBron James (23) drives CHICAGO: The Los Angeles CHICAGO: Josh Richardson against Toronto Raptors’ forward OG Anunoby (3) in the Angels blasted five home runs -- blocked two shots in the final third quarter of their NBA game at Quicken Loans Arena. four before the end of the third two seconds to cap a Miami rally inning -- and cruised over the as the Heat earned a play-off visiting Cleveland Indians 13-2, berth with a 101-98 win over the but one of the home runs created visiting Atlanta Hawks on more buzz in the stadium than Tuesday. the others, and it wasn’t the one Trailing by eight with 2:50 hit by superstar Mike Trout. left, Miami went on a 9-0 run Trout’s first-inning homer and took a 99-98 lead on centre was his second of the season. Hassan Whiteside’s layup with Later in the inning, Shohei Ohtani 58 seconds left. hit a three-run home run, the first Goran Dragic scored 22 long ball of his major league points and grabbed 10 rebounds career, to cap Los Angeles’ six-run for Miami, and Whiteside had 18 inning. points and 12 boards. John Ohtani, who earned his first Collins led Atlanta with 19 points. major league victory as a pitcher Clippers 113, Spurs 110 on Sunday in Oakland, crushed a Tobias Harris had 31 points 3-2 breaking ball from Indians and nine rebounds, and Lou Wil- starter Josh Tomlin into the seats liams scored 15 of his 22 points in right-center field. After in the fourth quarter as Los reaching the dugout, his team- Angeles erased a 19-point deficit mates pushed him back onto the to beat visiting San Antonio. field for his first major league Austin Rivers added 18 curtain call. points, Montrezl Harris 16 and Ohtani also singled twice to DeAndre Jordan totaled 10 points finish with three hits in four and 17 rebounds for the Clippers, at-bats. He is hitting .444 who snapped a two-game losing (4-for-9) this season. streak and won for the fourth Yankees 11, Rays 4 time in six games to keep their Didi Gregorius hit a pair of playoff push alive. three-run home runs and set a Los Angeles moved within 1 Cavaliers 112, Raptors 106 as Golden State outlasted host With four games to play, the on 10-of-16 shooting, dished out career high with eight RBIs as 1/2 games of the New Orleans LeBron James recorded 27 Oklahoma City. Bucks could finish as high as the eight assists and collected six New York beat Tampa Bay in Pelicans for the eighth and final points, 10 rebounds and six Klay Thompson added two No. 6 seed. rebounds to lead Utah past Los Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s playoff spot in the Western Con- assists, and Cleveland knocked points for the Warriors. Jaylen Brown scored 24 Angeles in Salt Lake City. home debut. ference. San Antonio dropped off Toronto for its ninth win in Russell Westbrook (44 points and Jayson Tatum added Suns 97, Kings 94 Rockies 8, Padres 4 into a tie for fourth with Utah the past 10 games. points, 16 rebounds) and Paul 20 for the Celtics, whose six- Josh Jackson scored a game- Christian Villanueva hit three after the loss, though the Jazz Jose Calderon scored 19 George (20 points) did what they game winning streak ended. high 28 points as host Phoenix home runs and drove in five runs, hold the tiebreaker. points, and Kevin Love added 18 could to keep the Thunder close, Boston remains two games snapped a franchise-record and Freddy Galvis added a go- Rockets 120, Wizards 104 points and 15 rebounds for with the two combining for 11 behind East-leading Toronto 15-game losing streak by beating ahead, two-run single as San James Harden scored 24 of Cleveland, which has won four points in the final three minutes. ahead of a Wednesday matchup Sacramento. defeated visiting Colorado for its his game-high 38 points in the consecutive games. The Cava- Sixth-place Oklahoma City is with the Raptors. The Suns won for just the first win in five games this season. first half as Houston put up 71 in liers maintained possession of now a half-game behind both 76ers 121, Nets 95 second time in the past 27 games Brewers 5, Cardinals 4 the first two quarters and went third place in the Eastern Con- Utah and San Antonio in the JJ Redick scored 19 points, this season. Christian Yelich and Ryan on a lopsided victory over vis- ference by a half-game over the Western Conference playoff Marco Belinelli added 17 and Bulls 120, Hornets 114 Braun cracked back-to-back iting Washington. Philadelphia 76ers. race. Philadelphia cruised past visiting Sean Kilpatrick made a pair homers with two outs in the The Rockets will go into the DeMar DeRozan had 19 Bucks 106, Celtics 102 Brooklyn for its 11th straight win. of 3-point baskets in the final bottom of the ninth inning, play-offs with the NBA’s best points and seven assists for the Giannis Antetokounmpo Nuggets 107, Pacers 104 four minutes as Chicago knocked capping Milwaukee’s rally from record -- they are now 63-15 -- Raptors, who have lost back-to- totaled 29 points, 11 rebounds Nikola Jokic scored 30 points off visiting Charlotte, an outcome a 4-0 deficit over visiting St. for the first time in team history. back games and five of their past and six assists as Milwaukee on 11-for-17 shooting to power that gave the Bulls their first Louis. Houston saw its 11-game eight. Toronto’s Jonas Valan- moved within one win of Denver over visiting Indiana. three-game winning streak since Mets 2, Phillies 0 winning streak end on Sunday ciunas registered 17 points and clinching the Eastern Confer- Mavericks 115, Trail Blazers mid-January. Todd Frazier and Travis with a loss to the San Antonio 10 rebounds, and Serge Ibaka ence’s final play-off spot with a 109 Magic 97, Knicks 73 d’Arnaud each had run-scoring Spurs, but the Rockets came out added 16 points and 12 boards. victory against visiting Boston. Dennis Smith Jr. led a bal- Mario Hezonja had 19 points hits in the sixth inning, and five firing on Tuesday. Clint Capela Warriors 111, Thunder 107 Khris Middleton had 20 anced Dallas scoring attack with and Jamel Artis added 16 off the New York pitchers combined to added a double-double for the Kevin Durant poured in 34 points, nine assists and eight 18 points in a victory over vis- bench to lead Orlando over host three-hit visiting Philadelphia. Rockets with 21 points and 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds boards for Milwaukee, which iting Portland. New York, whose offensive Diamondbacks 6, Dodgers 1 rebounds. Bradley Beal paced the and Damian Jones had two key holds a 4 1/2-game lead on the Jazz 117, Lakers 110 output tied for its worst of the Daniel Descalso, David Wizards with 27 points. baskets in the final two minutes Detroit Pistons for the No. 8 seed. Ricky Rubio scored 31 points season. Peralta and John Ryan Murphy homered, and Arizona beat vis- iting Los Angeles and handed Clayton Kershaw his second straight loss. Connauton scores to power Coyotes Red Sox 4, Marlins 2 (13 innings) Hanley Ramirez hit a two-run AP double in the 13th inning, leading Boston to a two-game series CALGARY: Kevin Connauton sweep over host Miami. believes he’s playing the best In the top of 13th, Mookie hockey of his career. Betts hit a one-out single, and Connauton had a goal and an Andrew Benintendi was inten- assist in continue his superb tionally walked after a groundout. second half, and the Arizona Ramirez then slashed an 84 mph Coyotes beat the Calgary Flames slider from Tayron Guerrero (0-1) 4-1 on Tuesday night. to left field, plating Betts and Connauton has 10 goals in 30 Benintendi. games since the All-Star break, Astros 10, Orioles 6 tying him with Tampa Bay’s Josh Reddick homered twice Victor Hedman for most among and matched his career high with defenseman since Jan. 28. The six RBIs to help carry Houston 28-year-old had just one goal in over visiting Baltimore. the first 42 games this year. Braves 13, Nationals 6 “I’m playing a lot more con- NHL Results Freddie Freeman and Preston fident. Using my skating, using Tucker each hit three-run home my shot,” the 28-year-old said. NEW JERSEY 5 NY RANGERS 2 runs, and Atlanta handed visiting Las Vegas Knights’ “Had a rough year last year NY ISLANDERS 5 PHILADELPHIA 4 Washington its first loss of the defenceman Shea with injuries and then sitting out. COLUMBUS 5 DETROIT 4 season. So the beginning of the year, I Theodore (27) checks WINNIPEG 5 MONTREAL 4 Rangers 4, A’s 1 was still trying to get back to my Vancouver Canucks’ TAMPA BAY 4 BOSTON 0 Cole Hamels struck out 11 in game, but I think I’m back there forward Brendan FLORIDA 2 NASHVILLE 1 five powerful innings, pitching now.” Gaunce (50) during the ARIZONA 4 CALGARY 1 Texas past host Oakland. third period of their NHL Richard Panik, Christian LAS VEGAS 5 VANCOUVER 4 Royals 1, Tigers 0 game at Rogers Arena. Fischer and Dylan Strome also DALLAS 4 SAN JOSE 2 Jakob Junis pitched seven- scored for Arizona, which has plus scoreless innings, and Kansas won three in a row. City captured its first win of the Nick Shore got his first goal season by blanking host Detroit. as a Flame. Injury-riddled Panik has also been on a tear “I’ve had some ups and skate of rookie Flames victory. He improves to 21-16-6 Blue Jays 14, White Sox 5 Calgary has lost eight of nine. with six goals in his last 10 downs, but you grow from those defenseman Rasmus Andersson. on the season. Aledmys Diaz and Josh Don- “I don’t think the guys are not games. Connauton made it 2-0 things. When you get pushed Shore put Calgary on the Gillies had 17 stops and fell aldson each homered and putting the effort in, it’s just not at 16:39 on a nifty play at the blue back a little bit, it motivates you scoreboard at 4:32, snapping to 2-4-1. Calgary’s power play knocked in three runs as Toronto coming easy for us right now,” line. After a fake shot that sent and you keep driving forward Lazar’s rebound past Antti woes continued. The Flames are hammered visiting Chicago. veteran forward Tanner Glass Curtis Lazar spinning to the ice, and I’m excited to see what Raanta for his first goal since 0 for 30 in the last 12 games and Mariners 6, Giants 4 said. he wristed a shot inside the goal happens this summer,” he said. being acquired by the Flames in 1 for 48 over the last 17 games. Mitch Haniger contributed a Arizona struck first at 3:48 of post on a screened Gillies. The teams exchanged goals a trade with the Ottawa UP NEXT: two-RBI single to a four-run first the first period when Panik Connauton is in the final early in the second period. Senators. Coyotes: Play at Vancouver inning, and four Seattle pitchers deflected Connauton’s point shot season of his two-year deal and Fischer was credited with a goal It was the only puck to elude tonight. retained a lead the rest of the way past rookie goaltender Jon is set to become an unrestricted at 2:18 when a rebound off Raanta, who had 42 saves in Flames: Play at Winnipeg to spoil San Francisco’s home Gillies. free agent on July 1. Gillies’ pad caromed in off the picking up his sixth consecutive tonight. opener. THURSDAY 5 APRIL 2018 SPORT 35

Garcia seeks PAST 10 MASTERS WINNERS Spieth no rare title 2017: Sergio Garcia (ESP) longer in 2016: Danny Willett (ENG) defence 2015: Jordan Spieth (USA) ‘panic’ over 2014: Bubba Watson (USA) AFP 2013: Adam Scott (AUS) putting 2012: Bubba Watson (USA) REUTERS AUGUSTA: It took Sergio 2011: Charl Schwartzel (RSA) Garcia (pictured below) 74 major starts and more than 2010: Phil Mickelson (USA) AUGUSTA: Jordan Spieth

20 years to win his first major 2009: Angel Cabrera (ARG) (pictured below) says he was title. It took only a day to get 2008: Trevor Immelman (RSA) in a “panic” after a recent grease stains on his Masters five-over-par round, but green jacket. thinks he is now on the right Even now the 38-year- track even if his putting is still old Spaniard, who defends his a work in progress. first major title this week at His game, specifically his Augusta National, breathed a putting, was a shambles only sigh of relief recalling his fear three weeks ago when he shot it might never get clean after a first-round 76 at the PGA a next-day photo publicity Tour event in Palm Harbour, session in New York. Florida. US golfers Tiger Woods “I look at my right arm “I don’t shoot five-over (right) and Fred Couples and there’s two big grease very often... You’re like ‘what stains on it,” Garcia said. walk during the second the heck happened?’” the “One of the guys from day of practice for three-times major champion backstage, he must have had the 2018 Masters in said on Tuesday ahead of some grease on something Augusta, Georgia, on today’s opening round at the and when I put my arm Tuesday. US Masters. around him, it just got on it. “I was like ‘what in the “I’m thinking, ‘My God, world is going on? Other guys I’ve had the jacket for a day are playing so well and I’m and a half and I already have paired with them, and for two massive stains on it. What whatever reason I’m just not am I going to do?’ able to do what they’re able We get it off a little bit and to do right now’.” then we took it to dry cleaner Hard work on his stroke and they did a great job. But and alignment and a closing that was tough.” 66 at the Houston Open on Even so, it promises to be Sunday, when he tied for nothing compared to the third, suggests Spieth’s worst challenge of trying to repeat may be behind him. as Masters champion. Only Woods poised to hog “I made big strides in the Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus last two weeks to get from and Nick Faldo have won in kind of a panic place to a very consecutive years. calm, collected and confident “It’s just difficult to win. It place,” said the 24-year-old doesn’t matter if it’s back-to- Texan. back or just one,” Garcia said. spotlight on first day “And it’s difficult to do in “It’s just not easy to do it one two weeks. Sometimes it time, so imagine twice. And takes years. And I feel like I’ve REUTERS back-to-back. several friends were among been able to speed that “So it doesn’t mean that the thousands crammed process up a lot over the last I’m not going to give it my AUGUSTA: Tiger Woods was throughout the tight course to couple weeks.” best shot and I’m going to try paired with Australian Marc watch Woods play an exhi- Spieth is unusual in that as hard as I can, but it’s not Leishman and Englishman As well as concentrating on my stuff I’ll get bition round. he sometimes putts looking easy to do it.” Tommy Fleetwood on Tuesday to watch Tiger Woods up close and see what “We were pretty much at the hole, and sometimes “Preparation has been for the opening round of the he does and there’s nothing better than that: running from one green to looking at the ball, more com- good. The receptions I’ve US Masters, the year’s first another,” Sharma said. monly looking at the hole the been getting around tees and major. Tommy Fleetwood “It was a great thing. Tiger closer he gets to it. greens and around the While Fleetwood and has been a big inspiration not Having won the Masters fairways, they’ve been unbe- Leishman have been thrust about him (Woods),” explained winner. Among the late only to me but to a lot of kids in 2015, he goes into this lievable,” Garcia said. into the spotlight and will be Leishman. starters is a high profile trio back home, so it was just great year’s event with some “My game is quite solid. followed by massive galleries “’How many trophies has featuring 2013 Masters to watch him play in person baggage from the past couple It’s just a matter of how I’m today, they will be the invisible he won daddy?’ 79. ‘How champion Adam Scott of Aus- and got to learn a lot.” of years. going to feel on Thursday men alongside Woods who many have you won?’ 3. ‘Oh, tralia, four time major winner Sharma expects to top that He famously suffered a (today), how the nerves are will make his first start in three OK.’ Rory McIlroy of Northern this week at Augusta National. meltdown in 2016, when he going to be, because I know years at Augusta National. “Anytime you get a pairing Ireland and big-hitting The 21-year-old from had one arm in the Green I’m going to be a little bit Woods is back in Green like that I guess it’s a com- Spaniard Jon Rahm. India, a rising star on the Jacket before a quadruple- nervous.” Jacket contention after a string pliment. It’s the biggest stage. Phil Mickelson, winner of European Tour, is making his bogey at the 12th hole on the Garcia won a playoff over of injuries and surgeries and, “Yeah, I’m excited about five majors, including three Masters debut and has his Sunday. Britain’s Justin Rose after an with a 10:42 tee time, the it.” Green Jackets, will be part- sights set on meeting Woods. Last year he was two epic back-nine battle last Augusta marshals will be put Following Woods’ group nered with two players looking He got sort of close on shots from the lead starting year, taking an emotional to the test with huge crowds out will be a threesome fea- to make a major breakthrough Tuesday. the final round, only to dis- victory on what would have lining the first hole to catch a turing reigning champion in fellow Americans Rickie “I saw his bag outside the appear without trace with a been the birthday of his idol glimpse of the four-time Sergio Garcia, another hot Fowler and Matt Kuchar. clubhouse,” Sharma said with closing 75. Seve Ballesteros. Masters champion. favourite in American world Two players among the a smile. He heads into this year’s The buzz is unlikely to number two Justin Thomas, last group of the day could Sharma hopes to really Masters, however, in a pos- affect his playing partners, winner of the last major, the make an impact on the lea- cross paths with Woods before itive frame of mind. though, with Leishman having PGA Championship, and derboard, with Briton Justin play. played in the final pairing with amateur Doc Redman. Rose, runner-up for the “Tiger has a different aura winner and compatriot Adam Twice Masters champion Green Jacket twice in the last about him and just the player Scott at the 2013 Masters while Bubba Watson, who arrives in three years, and American that he is and how he domi- Fleetwood was in contention Augusta in top form after world number one Dustin nated the world of golf is at last year’s US Open, fin- winning the WGC Match Play Johnson, eager to claim something,” he said. ishing tied for fourth. Championship, is part of a another major. “It definitely will be a While Leishman was marquee group of major Meanwhile, Shubhankar fanboy moment for me when excited about the prospect of champions that includes Sharma got his first glimpse of I go and say hi to him.” sharing the stage with Woods, Swede Henrik Stenson, the childhood icon Woods four The only thing comparable his six-year-old son Harvey 2016 British Open champion, years ago at the Delhi Golf might be actually playing at was not nearly as impressed. and Australian Jason Day, the Club. Augusta National for the first “My son’s only just learnt 2015 PGA Championship Sharma, his father and time.

In-form McIlroy eyes fifth major title in Augusta AFP prepared as I ever have and just “But haveave I to try anandd majormajor crown came at thethe 2014 thinking I’ve served my time and to squander the title -- a learning excited to hit that first tee shot.” clear my head ofof PGAPGA Championship, has avoided this is my turn. Because it’s never experience that helped him win AUGUSTA: Rory McIlroy’s A McIlroy victory would put him that and pplaylay a sense ofof entitentitlementlement or your turn,” McIlroy said. his next major, the 2011 US Open. (pictured) five Augusta National alongside Jack Nicklaus, Tiger good golf,f, hhitit certaintycertainty aboutabout thethe “You have to go out and get “I feel like it made me a practice rounds ahead of this Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player good golf sshots,hots, Masters.Masters. it. And I’m here this week to earn better player. I feel like it made week’s Masters have given him and Gene Sarazen with a career have goodood “I never come in hhereere it all.” McIlroy has one of the me a better person. It definitely a comfort level and confidence slam -- at least one win in each course man-man- lowest scoring averages in was a character builder,” McIlroy that could pay off with a Masters of the four major tournaments. agement, holholee Masters history, but no jacket said. title and Career Grand Slam. “You have to embrace and putts. If youou dodo -- yet. “I don’t think I would have The 28-year-old from relish the opportunity that is put that enoughough “I play well here. I just had the career I’ve had so far if Northern Ireland makes his 10th in front of you and go out and times, hopefully...efully... haven’t played well enough,” he it wasn’t for that day. So I think Masters start today seeking his grab it,” McIlroy said. you walkk awayaway said. “It’s nice to know I play the it was very important.” fifth major title and first Masters “I’m an avid fan of the history with somethingmething course just about as well as Some omens portend green jacket after winning at Bay of the game. I know a win here that you’lll havehave anyone. Hopefully this is my McIlroy success. He’s the same Hill last month. and what that would mean and for the restst of week and I can get myself in age as Arnold Palmer when the “I’m more comfortable. My where that would put me in your life,”” hhee there and grab it with both legend won his first Masters 60 game is in good shape and I’m history alongside some of the said. hands.” years ago. And he’s in his 10th confident in it,” McIlroy said. greatest that have ever played Seventh-n t h - McIlroy entered the last Masters just as Hogan and Sam “Feel like I couldn’t come in this game, and that would be ranked McIlroy,McIlroy, round of the 2011 Masters with Snead were when they won their here with better form. I feel as mean an awful lot to me. whose mostost recentrecent a four-shot lead but fired an 80 first Masters. THURSDAY 5 APRIL 2018 SPORT 36 To be applauded at the Juventus Stadium, FOOTBALL FOOTBALL where so many great Cristiano Ronaldo, Europa League quarter- footballers have played, thanks Juventus fans Europa League quarter- final: Atlético Madrid vs LIVE ON is a top moment for me. for supporting him final: Arsenal vs CSKA Sporting Lisbon TUBE Moscow Al Duhail set to lift Falcon Shield as Umm Salal, Al Gharafa eye 4th spot

CURTAINS FALL ON 4-2 in the last round, also have scored points, but the former are currently thethe most numnumberber ooff goagoalsls (81) anandd hhaveave fourthfourth on bbetteretter goagoall differencedifference (+6 com- QNB STARS LEAGUE the best goal difference of +56. paredpared to Umm Salal’s -1).-1). TheThe Red Knights had emerged as AlAl Gharafa have nine wins,w five championschampions after their 5-0 victorvictoryy draws and seven defeats, whilewh Umm FAWAD HUSSAIN over Al Kharaitiyat and closest SalalSalal have to their credit eight vic- THE PENINSULA challengers Al Sadd lost 1-2 tories,tories, as many drawsdraws and five to Umm Salal in Week 20.20. losses.losses. DOHA: The QNB Stars League (QNB) Al Sadd who have alsoalso Al Gharafa hhaveave sscored 40 season is set to end this weekend after confirmed their second spot goalsgoals and concededconce 34, around nine months of thrilling action. willwill meet Al KharaitiKharaitiyatyat the whereaswhereas Umm Salal scoreds 32 With Al Duhail already emerging as samesame day. goals,goals, but conceded 33 to be champions after an unbeaten campaign TheThe followinfollowingg daday,y, which oneone ggoaloal in deficitdeficit.. and relegations decided, all eyes will be willwill be a last day of action of However,However, both UmmUmm Salal and on Umm Salal and Al Gharafa who will thethe season, tthehe ffourthourth sspotpot AlAl GharafaGharafa couldcould faceface problemsp be battling out for the coveted fourth willwill be decdecidedided againstagainst their opponentsoppo in spot that will ensure a place in the elite withwith Al their lastlast round Qatar Cup. GGharafaharafa matches.matches Al Duhail, who have 57 points from ffacingacing AlAl Markhiya 21 games including 18 victories and three QQataratar willwill beb keen to draws, will be looking to end their near- SC, bowbow out of the perfect campaign with a win when they top fflight on a will meet Al Sailiya at home on winningwin note Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi celebrates with a player after his team sealed Saturday. andand that QSL title with a 5-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat during Round 20. They will be crowned champions shouldsho make following the match and will be handed thingsth hard much-improved Qatar SC, who are before the start of second phase. The the prestigious Falcon Shield. forfo Umm faring well under Abdullah Mubarak. Cheetahs bolstered their ranks by Al Duhail, who defeated Al Markhiya Salal,S who Al Gharafa and Umm Salal had recruiting Dutch attacking midfielder must not changed coaches and roped in players Wesley Sneijder, a FIFA World Cup ROUND 22 FIXTURES only win in the January transfer window. runner-up and UEFA Champions League but also And they reaped rewards for it, with winner, Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi April 7 and,and, hopeh Al Al Gharafa making the most of the and Asim Madbo. 6:15pm: Al Sadd vs Al Kharaitiyat at Al Sadd Stadium UmmU mm GharafaGhar drop changes. Umm Salal fired Egyptian Mahmoud 6:15pm: Al Duhail vs Al Sailiya at Al Duhail Stadium SalalSalal taking points.points. Al Gharafa were only seventh in the Jaber and replaced him with Moroccan April 8 onon relerelegatedgated GoingGoing byby form and QNB Stars League standings with just 11 Talal El Karkouri. They had strengthened 6:15pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Ahli at Al Sadd Stadium Al Markhiya.Markhiya. circumstances,circumstan Al points and two wins at the end of the squad in the winter with Tunisian 6:15pm: Al Khor vs Al Arabi at Al Khor Stadium

BothBoth Al Wesley Sneijder GharafaGharafa should 11-round first phase! attacking midfielder Oussama Darragi

6:15pm: Umm Salal vs Al Markhiya at Al Ahli Stadium Gharafa and occupyoccupy thethe fourth They started performing in a better and Mohammed Barois. 6:15pm: Al Gharafa vs Qatar SC at Al Gharafa Stadium Umm SalaSalall spot even thoughtho they way ever since Turk Bulent Uygun took And The Orange Fortress’ per- havehave 3232 areare up agagainst a over from Frenchman Jean Fernandez formance graph has been on the rise. Former England captain Ray Wilkins dies at 61 AP

A file photo of Ray LONDON: Ray Wilkins, an Wilkins. elegant midfielder who captained England’s national soccer team and played for illus- trious teams such as Manchester United, Chelsea and AC Milan in a 24-year career, died yesterday. He was 61. St. George’s Hospital said in a statement on behalf of Wilkins’ family that he died yesterday morning. Wilkins had been in an induced coma after a cardiac arrest led to a fall on Friday. Nicknamed “Butch,” Wilkins played 84 times for England - captaining the team for 10 games. He also played for Rangers and Queens Park Rangers, among others, in a club career that ended in 1997. He went on to coach QPR and Fulham, as well as having a as a “popular and much-loved to play abroad. He played in brief spell in charge of Jordan’s figure” who was “widely Milan for three years before a national team. He was assistant regarded by the many people short stint at Paris coach at a slew of clubs, most who met him as one of the nicest Saint-Germain. notably Chelsea from 2008-10. guys in football, possessing a At international level, one of Chelsea described Wilkins wonderful turn of phrase and a Wilkins’ most famous moments contagious love for the sport.” came in 1986 when he became Wilkins’ soothing voice and the first England player to be insight made him stand out as a sent off in a World Cup after commentator on British TV and throwing the ball at a referee radio in recent years. during a group game against Nicknamed “Butch,” As a player, he was a tech- Morocco. Wilkins played 84 nically gifted midfielder, two- “A wonderful footballer and footed, and an intelligent passer a delightful man,” tweeted times for England - of the ball. former England striker Gary captaining the team Wilkins “was the con- Lineker, who played alongside summate midfielder who pos- Wilkins in the 1986 World Cup for 10 games. He sessed brilliant footballing skills and finished as the tournament’s also played for and a brain to match,” United top scorer. said in a statement. “It was a pleasure to have Rangers and Queens As a player, he won the FA played alongside him with Park Rangers, Cup with United in 1983 and the England. No team-mate was Scottish league title with more helpful and supportive. I’ll among others, in a Rangers in 1989. be forever grateful.” club career that In between, he moved to AC Wilkins is survived by his ended in 1997. Milan in 1984 and was one of the wife, Jackie, two children and few high-profile English players several grandchildren.