THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2019 SPORT 07 We put on a spectacle. But we came out cold and looked nervous Lionel Messi demands in the first five minutes. We cannot more after Barca beat CRICKET South Africa come out like that in a Champions United in Champions Indian Premier League: League: Highveld Lions vs League match. Five bad minutes League quarter-finals. Delhi Capitals vs ACTION Titans can knock you out. Mumbai Indians TODAY’S NBA: Murray inspires Nuggets NFL: Patriots sign veteran as Raptors, Blazers claim wins WR Thomas

AFP delivered a double-double as REUTERS LOS ANGELES the Toronto Raptors defeated NEW YORK the Orlando Magic 111-82 to Jamal Murray led a dramatic level their Eastern Conference The New England Patriots have signed late fightback as the Denver series. four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver (WR) Nuggets scored a series- The Raptors, who were Demaryius Thomas to a one-year deal, levelling 114-105 victory over jolted by a shock defeat in according to published reports. the San Antonio Spurs on game one on Saturday, came Thomas, 31, could earn up to $6m on Tuesday in their Western roaring back to dominate the the deal, NFL Network reported. He bol- Conference play-off duel. Magic throughout on their sters New England’s passing attack ahead Murray, who had missed way to a comfortable win. of next week’s NFL draft. a potentially game-winning After opening up a 51-39 In nine seasons with the Denver jump shot in Denver’s defeat lead at half-time, the Raptors Broncos and Houston Texans, Thomas has in game one on Saturday, cut loose in a devastating hauled in 688 catches for 9,330 yards and erupted for 21 points in the third quarter, outscoring 62 touchdowns. The Broncos traded him fourth quarter as the Nuggets Orlando by 39-27 to take to the Texans before last season’s trade grabbed a vital win in Denver. 90-66 lead heading into the deadline, and he finished the year with 59 The 22-year-old fourth quarter. catches for 677 yards and five touchdowns Canadian, who had looked Leonard was the architect in 15 games overall. out of sorts throughout, made for the Raptors’ potent Thomas’ season ended December 23 eight of nine field goal offense, making 15 of 22 field when he tore his left Achilles against the attempts in the fourth quarter goals on his way to 37 points, Philadelphia Eagles. He will be about seven to tie the series at 1-1 ahead four rebounds and four assists months removed from the injury when the of game three in Texas today. before a raucous home crowd Patriots report to training camp, and it is Nuggets head coach Mike at the Scotiabank Arena. The uncertain whether he will be fully Malone said he had never series now heads back to recovered for the first practice. doubted Murray’s ability to Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (right) controls the ball as San Antonio Spurs guard game three in Orlando on Last season’s production marked a deliver despite scoring only DeMar DeRozan defends in the third quarter in game two of the first round of their 2019 Friday. decline for Thomas, who surpassed 1,000 three points in the opening NBA play-offs on Tuesday. In the other play-off game receiving yards in five straight seasons three quarters. Benching on Tuesday, the Portland Trail from 2012-16. He was part of the Broncos’ Murray for the final period out there struggling trying to Gary Harris had 23 points, urged his team to take inspi- Blazers took a stranglehold Super Bowl championship team during the was never an option, Malone play the right way. I didn’t while Nikola Jokic added 21 ration from the Los Angeles on their series with Oklahoma 2015 season. added. foresee the fourth quarter he for Denver, who also saw Clippers’ record comeback on City Thunder, forging into a Patriots coach Bill Belichick has spoken “I was going with him,” was going to have, but I knew power forward Paul Millsap Monday, when they over- 2-0 lead with a one-sided highly of Thomas in the past. He compli- Malone said. in my heart he needed these add 20. Monte Morris chipped turned a 31-point deficit to 114-94 win. mented the receiver and Emmanuel “It’s so important for all minutes. He needed to be out in with 11 points from the defeat the Golden State CJ McCollum and Damian Sanders before the 2015 AFC title game. of our guys, but especially for there. bench. Warriors. Lillard once again shep- “You can’t just take away one thing,” Jamal. He’s a young player, “And I needed to show San Antonio, who led “I reminded them we had herded the Blazers to victory. Belichick said in comments published by him that I believe in him. If I 59-49 at half-time, saw 18 minutes to go. I reminded McCollum finished with 33 the Boston Herald. NBA: PLAY-OFF RESULTS pulled him, he’s thinking DeMar DeRozan top the them what the Clippers did points, eight rebounds and “They’re both great catch-and-run Eastern Conference ‘Does coach really believe in scoring, with 31 points. last night, and how much bas- five assists while Lillard players. They can both beat you on inter- Toronto 111 Orlando 82 me? Does he have my back?’. LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 ketball we had left,” he said. added 29 points, four mediate routes, come-backs, in-cuts, slim “So I had to stay with points but only one other “But I said it’s only going rebounds and six assists. posts, things like that, and then they’re both (Series level 1-1) him. Make or miss, he’s our player, Derrick White, to happen though if we Thunder star Russell great down the field with vertical routes.”

guy. I care about him. He managed to crack double believe, we commit and we Westbrook fell just short of a Thomas joins a group of receivers in Western Conference came through in a big way.” digits, adding 17 points. fight, and we attack. And the triple double with 14 points, New England that includes top target Julian Portland 114 Oklahoma City 94 Murray’s late burst of Malone said the turning guys took it to heart. It’s a hell 11 assists and nine rebounds. Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, Bruce Ellington, (Portland leads series 2-0) scoring proved the difference point had come during a third of a win.” Paul George led the OKC Maurice Harris, Braxton Berrios and others.

Denver 114 San Antonio 105 on a night when four other quarter timeout with the Elsewhere on Tuesday, scoring with 27 points. Game Josh Gordon has been indefinitely sus- (Series level 1-1) Denver players finished with Nuggets trailing by 16 points. Kawhi Leonard scored 37 three in the series takes place pended by the league. double figures. The Denver coach said he points and Pascal Siakam in Oklahoma City tomorrow. Hernandez leads Blue Texier stars as Blue Jackets make Jays to 6-5 victory over Minnesota Twins history with rout of Tampa Bay AP runs in the seventh inning REUTERS MINNEAPOLIS Tuesday, and have scored 38 COLUMBUS runs in the seventh through Teoscar Hernandez hit a ninth innings this season, com- Rookie Alexandre Texier scored two-out single in the seventh pared to scoring 29 runs in the his first two play-off goals as the inning, delivering the go-ahead first six innings. host Columbus Blue Jackets hit for the second straight game, Minnesota tied the game in made history with a 7-3 victory as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the the sixth inning on Eddie Rosa- over the Tampa Bay Lightning Minnesota Twins 6-5 on rio’s three-run homer. on Tuesday night, wrapping up Tuesday. But the lead was short-lived an Eastern Conference first- Hernandez singled off Twins after Hernandez bested Hilden- round series. reliever Trevor Hildenberger in berger in the seventh The Lightning became the the top of the seventh to give following. NHL’s first Presidents’ Trophy Toronto a 6-4 lead. Hernandez Aaron Sanchez (2-1) allowed winner ever to be swept in a had capitalised against Minne- four runs in six innings to earn best-of-seven, opening-round sota’s bullpen a day earlier, too, the win for Toronto. Reliever of play-off series. Tampa Bay hitting a home run in the eighth Trevor May (1-1) was charged had tied the all-time NHL record inning that gave the Blue Jays a with the loss for Minnesota. with 62 regular-season wins. 5-3 win Monday. Toronto closer Ken Giles Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets Tuesday’s game ended with allowed a solo homer to Marwin won a play-off series for the first the Twins’ CJ Cron getting Gonzalez in the ninth, but held time in franchise history. thrown out at home plate. Cron on for his fifth save of the season. Columbus’ Oliver Bjork- tried to score from first base on Eric Sogard made his debut strand scored the tiebreaking a double to left field by Byron as Toronto’s leadoff hitter one goal late in the second period, Buxton. Toronto has shown a day after being called up from and Artemi Panarin, Texier and knack for scoring runs late in Triple-A Buffalo. Sogard had Matt Duchene added empty-net and just enough offense to oust The Blue Jackets won overtime winner as visiting Win- games. The Blue Jays scored two three hits and scored twice. goals in the final two minutes. the Penguins, who were third in a play-off series for the nipeg erased a third-period Pierre Luc-Dubois and Seth the division but had hopes of first time in franchise deficit to defeat St. Louis and Toronto Blue Jones also scored for the Blue winning the Stanley Cup for the history. even their opening-round Jays outfielder Jackets. Goaltender Sergei third time in four years. Western Conference play-off Teoscar Bobrovsky made 30 saves. Golden Knights 5, Sharks 0 series at two wins apiece. Game Hernandez hits Islanders 3, Penguins 1 Marc-Andre Fleury had 28 a tie with Chris Osgood for fourth 5 will be in Winnipeg. a home run Jordan Eberle scored for the saves for his 15th career play-off place for most career play-off The road team has won all in the eighth fourth time in as many games, shutout, and Max Pacioretty had shutouts. four games so far in the series inning against and Brock Nelson added the two goals and two assists as Shea Theodore also had a between the Central Division the Minnesota winner as visiting New York Vegas cruised to a victory over goal and an assist, Alex Tuch and rivals who finished even with 99 Twins at completed a first-round play-off San Jose in Las Vegas to take a Jonathan Marchessault each points in the regular season. Target Field on sweep of Pittsburgh. 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven scored their first goals of the Off the rush in the extra Tuesday. The Islanders, who finished Western Conference series. play-offs, and Mark Stone, Reilly frame, Mark Scheifele was second in the Metropolitan It was the 78th career play- Smith and Nate Schmidt all fin- denied on a golden chance, but Division, used a consistent off win for Fleury, who broke a ished with two assists for the he had the presence of mind to formula of stifling defense, tie with Mike Vernon for seventh Golden Knights. feed the puck to the slot for a effective puck pursuit, strong place on the all-time play-off Jets 2, Blues 1 wide-open Connor to bury the goaltending from Robin Lehner wins list. Fleury also moved into Kyle Connor scored the winner at 6:02. 08 SPORT THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2019 Uncapped Archer misses World Cup spot but still on England radar

REUTERS Rajasthan Royals -born LONDON batsman Jofra Archer Archer, who in action during the England have not picked shone for Sussex Indian Premier League In line with ICC uncapped all-rounder Jofra T20 tournament. last season and regulations, we have Archer in a preliminary 15-man England did not pick the in Australia’s Big to name a preliminary World Cup squad but have named uncapped all-rounder in Bash Twenty20 him in squads for the warm-up squad of 15 for the ICC a preliminary World Cup competition games against Pakistan and Men’s Cricket World squad, but have for Hobart Ireland. named him in Cup before April 23. Karunaratne Barbados-born Archer, who squads for the Hurricanes, However, all 17 players shone for Sussex last season and warm-up games is eligible for named in the ODIs replaces in Australia’s Big Bash Twenty20 against Pakistan national selection against Pakistan can competition for Hobart Hurri- and Ireland. under new stake a claim to be in canes, is eligible for national Malinga as selection under new England and England and the final 15-man squad, Wales Cricket Board residency Wales Cricket finalised at the end of ODI rules. Board residency that series: National The 24-year-old could get a selector Ed Smith rules. REUTERS World Cup call-up if he impresses COLOMBO in the warm-up games as changes can be made to the squad until ENGLAND’S WORLDD CUPCUP SQUADSQUAD May 23, seven days before their Sri Lanka’s Test captain tournament opener against South Dimuth Karunaratne has Africa at . Eoin Morgan (captain)aptain) been appointed the skipper Joe Denly, whose last ODI Moeen Ali Jos Buttlerler (wicketkeeper (wicketkeeper)) for the one-day squad for appearance came in October Jonny Bairstow Chris Woakesoakes MarkMark WoodWooW d the upcoming World Cup, 2009, retained his place in the the country’s cricket board World Cup group as a backup talented and exciting cricketer,” also make a comeback to the ODI Tom Curran David WillWilleyey AdilAdil RasRashidhid announced yesterday. spinning all-rounder. national selector Ed Smith said. setup against Pakistan, despite Joe Denly Ben Stokeskes The 30-year-old will Although he could be among England play Ireland in a playing his last 50-overs game for lead the team while playing the pool of players, including one-dayer on May 3 before a five- England in September 2016. Alex Hales Jason Royoy his first one-day game since Liam Plunkett and Tom Curran, match ODI series and a Twenty20 “, a regular in Liam Plunkett Joe Roott 2015. who will feel the pressure if against Pakistan. IT20 squads over the past few Karunaratne’s lead- Archer performs well over the “In line with ICC (Interna- years, has continued to develop ership was praised after Sri next few weeks. tional Cricket Council) regula- as a cricketer -- as we saw in the Lanka won a two-match Archer’s ability to bowl at tions, we have to name a prelim- IT20s in the West Indies. He fully series against South Africa more than 90 miles per hour and inary squad of 15 for the ICC deserves his return to the ODI in February to become the his lower-order power-hitting Men’s Cricket World Cup before squad,” Smith said. first Asian team to win a skills have earned him a number April 23,” Smith added. “With regard to resting players, Test series in the African of high-profile admirers, “However, all 17 players we are conscious of managing nation. including England regulars Ben named in the ODIs against player workloads leading into such Sri Lanka Cricket said Stokes and Jos Buttler. Pakistan can stake a claim to be an important summer so that Karunaratne’s “The selection panel has been in the final 15-man squad, players are in the best possible con- appointment was ratified impressed with Jofra Archer’s finalised at the end of that series.” dition for the World Cup. That was by the Minister of Sports performances in domestic and Fast bowler Chris Jordan, also a factor in the way we have Harin Fernando. franchise cricket. He is a very Archer’s Sussex team mate, could selected these three squads.” Karunaratne has not played a one day interna- tional since the 2015 World Windies rope in Sarwan to work with batsmen Cup, but was tipped to take ‘Surprised’ over from fast bowler Lasith Malinga who led the Bangladeshi side in a 5-0 thrashing in REUTERS batsmen have struggled... with rotating the the ODI series against rookie Jayed ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA strike, so I’m trying to see how best we can get South Africa following the them to improve in this area. It’s not an over- Test triumph. eyes playing XI West Indies have brought on board former top night fix, but it’s important to share ideas with He also answered his order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan (pictured) them, so they have something to build on.” critics with a string a REUTERS to help prepare their players for the 50-over West Indies head coach said impressive performances World Cup in England and Wales. it was important to have a “finisher” like with the bat during the Sarwan, who scored nearly 12,000 inter- Sarwan working with the batsmen. recent domestic one-day Rookie swing bowler Abu Jayed is national runs across formats, joined the camp West Indies have also added former tournament, scoring 165 pleasantly surprised by his selection in Barbados where West Indies are currently Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed and former runs in four matches at an in Bangladesh’s 15-member World preparing for the tri-nation series with Bang- fast bowlers and Roddy average of 55. Cup squad despite being an uncapped ladesh and Ireland in Dublin next month. Estwick to their coaching staff for the two The left-handed one-day player but now faces the “I’ve come here to act as kind of a mentor tournaments. opening batsman has challenge of making the playing XI to the players and try my best to assist them in The two-times champions begin their played 60 tests and 17 in England and Wales. any technical ways and with any shortcomings World Cup campaign on May 31 against 1992 one-day games for Sri Right-arm paceman Jayed, who where I think they can improve,” Sarwan said winners Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Lanka. has played five tests and three in a Cricket West Indies statement. “Our Nottingham. Twenty20 matches but has yet to debut in one-day internationals, was picked for his ability to swing the ball as he demonstrated in the two-test series in New Zealand. Board members walk out of PCB meeting The 25-year-old has also shown strong form in an ongoing AP director to be declared “null and void.” when I took the approval (of Wasim have a managing director in the PCB.” domestic 50-over tournament ISLAMABAD Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Khan’s appointment) in the last meeting. Pakistan currently has 16 teams in its (DPL) and has taken nine Imran Khan - a former playing great who “I even told them that I could see top tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam in his last five matches to A meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board is also the patron of the national gov- whether their resolution could be dis- Trophy, with eight from regions and eight strengthen his claim for a place in ended abruptly yesterday when five of erning body - had directed PCB chairman cussed after we finish the agenda items, departmental teams. the World Cup squad. its seven members walked out after their Ehsan Mani to strip departments of their but they just walked out.” The PCB had remodeled the structure “I played well in two matches of ideas to restructure the domestic game playing rights. He said the PCB should Muhammad Numan Butt, one of the with only the regional teams competing DPL recently and I felt I could have were dismissed. have only six teams competing in top five members who walked out, said there in first class cricket. But Imran Khan been in the 20-member preliminary The five members presented a signed level domestic cricket. was no provision of appointing a man- wanted the PCB to reduce the Quaid-e- squad,” he was quoted as saying on resolution which said departments and “We were supposed to debate on aging director in the PCB’s constitution Azam Trophy to a six-team tournament International Cricket Council regions in the country should remain part several agenda items but unfortunately and Mani didn’t seek the approval of the - two from Punjab province and one each website. of the domestic cricket setup. these (five) members came to the meeting board. from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bal- “So, I was surprised when I heard They also wanted the appointment with their own agenda,” Mani said. “I “He (Mani) is not telling the truth,” uchistan and Gilgit-Baltistan - with that I am in the 15-member squad. of Wasim Khan as PCB managing don’t know why now they are protesting Butt said. “There is no such provision to departments having no role in it. It’s nice to be picked, but now the challenge is to make a place in the playing XI and repay the faith shown Durham’s by the team management.” Cameron Bancroft hits 151 on Durham one-day debut Jayed’s selection came at the Bancroft in expense of fellow paceman Taskin action during Ahmed, who missed the Zealand tour the County AFP Australia team-mates Steve Smith But the 26-year-old was contro- with an ankle injury. Championship in LONDON and receiving year- versially appointed Durham captain Jayed has taken 11 wickets in the this April 11 file long suspensions. and, making his maiden limited overs five test matches he has played and photo. Cameron Bancroft hit an unbeaten After returning in Australia’s appearance, Bancroft piled up the was impressive in his last match 151 on his one-day debut for Durham Big Bash League in December, and runs in their One-Day Cup clash with against New Zealand at Wellington, as the disgraced Australia batsman playing a role in the back end of Northamptonshire at Chester-le- where he took three for 94. started to repay the English county’s Western Australia’s current Shef- Street yesterday. Jayed would now need to rep- faith in him. field Shield campaign, Bancroft Bancroft, who played in the licate his test success with the white Bancroft was banned for nine has joined up with Durham with 2017-18 Ashes, plundered five sixes ball in England. months after being caught in the a view to making Australia’s Ashes and eight fours in a 188-minute stay “I am playing for the last 10 years Australia ball-tampering scandal squad. at the crease. and during this time, had the oppor- during their tour to South Africa last Durham, now under a new Aus- He and Michael Richardson put tunity to play a lot of cricket at dif- year tralian director of cricket in Marcus on 208 for the fourth- before ferent levels. So don’t think it will be The ‘sandpaper-gate’ incident North, attracted criticism in some the latter was ousted in the final a big problem,” he said. during the Newlands Test against quarters when they recruited over. Durham went on to score 342 Bangladesh begin their campaign South Africa also led to Bancroft’s Bancroft. for five from their 50 overs. against South Africa at the Oval in London on June 2. THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2019 SPORT 09 Nadal opens clay season with easy win

AFP MONTE CARLO The 21-year-old Zverev played the semi-finals in Monte Carlo a year ago but Rafael Nadal charged out of the blocks has yet to hit his stride this season. yesterday to hammer Roberto Bautista Agut That may be starting to change. 6-1, 6-1 in his opening match at the Monte “This is the first time this season I’ve felt Carlo Masters. really healthy,” said Zverev, who lost pre- The 11-time champion showed no sign maturely at both Indian Wells and Miami, of the knee problems which forced him to as well as in Marrakech last week. quit ahead of an Indian Wells semi-final “I’ve been training well but haven’t been Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves against against Roger Federer a month ago. able to take that into matches. compartriot Roberto Bautista Agut The 32-year-old had expressed pre- “I live just 500 metres from here, I’m during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters tournament caution regarding the health comfortable on this court. I’m starting to Series tournament in Monaco, of his knee -- a worry which appeared to feel better about my game. yesterday. be groundless after a 76-minute “I’m really ready for the clay season.” masterclass. Canadian Auger-Aliassime has made a Nadal collected the opening five games fast rise in the rankings from 175 a year of the afternoon in 17 minutes as he set ago to his current position of 33rd. the tone for another dominant display in Zverev swept the opening set in 30 the principality. minutes but had to get through a series of He was equally in control during the three straight breaks of serve between him second set, where he saved three break and his opponent before finally advancing points in the fourth game and two more in in 78 minutes. the sixth. The third seed broke six times and will “It was a great start, it’s good to be back next face Italy’s Fabio Fognini, who reached ATP Monte Carlo Masters here,” the 17-time Grand Slam winner said. the third round when French opponent Results from the fourth day of “I’ve had some great moments on this Gilles Simon was unable to play their match the ATP Monte Carlo Masters court, I really enjoy playing here. due to back problems. yesterday (x denotes seeding): “It’s not easy to come back from injury, Greek sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 2nd Round I had to do a lot of mental work as well to moved ahead, defeating Mikhail Kukushkin Taylor Fritz (USA) bt Diego be prepared. 6-3, 7-5. Schwartzman (ARG) 6-4, 6-2 “I tried to play solid, dominate with my “I need to maintain my focus, my con- Daniil Medvedev (RUS x10) bt forehand when I had the chance.” centration, my aggressive mindset when Radu Albot (MDA) 6-1, 6-2 Bautista Agut has now lost to his I’m on the court,” Tsitsipas said. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x6) bt Spanish countryman in all three of their “If all these are combined, then I have Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) 6-3, 7-5 meetings, while Nadal improved his nothing to fear and I have nothing to be Cameron Norrie (GBR) bt Marton incredible record here to 69-4 as he takes afraid of when I’m on the court. Fucsovics (HUN) 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 aim at a fourth consecutive title at the “This is the first big clay court tour- Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt event. nament, not everyone is very well prepared Kei Nishikori (JPN x5) 7-5, 6-4 Third seed Alexander Zverev redis- for that. It’s been a long hardcourt court Fabio Fognini (ITA x13) bt Gilles covered traces of his best form with a 6-1, season before the clay.” Simon (FRA) walkover 6-4 defeat of Felix Auger-Aliassime. Britain’s Cameron Norrie defeated Alexander Zverev (GER x3) bt The German, locally based, reached the Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 7-6 (7/3), Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 6-1, third round as he tamed the 18-year-old 6-3, while Pierre-Hugues Herbert stunned 6-4 who broke through for a Miami semi-final 2018 finalist and fifth seed Kei Nishikori Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Roberto last month. 7-5, 6-4. Bautista Agut (ESP) 6-1, 6-1

Kerber out of Tennis: Whistleblower spurned Fed Cup play-off

AFP by players for exposing crooks BERLIN Reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique AP Kerber will miss Germany’s Fed Cup ANDORRA ORDINO play-off tie against Latvia this weekend because of an illness, the German Tennis As a brave whistleblower, Marco Federation confirmed yesterday. Trungelliti should be feeling good about Germany hope to retain their World himself. Group status in an indoor hard-court play- The Argentine player exposed off in Riga on Friday and Saturday, but they match-fixing crooks in tennis, helped will have to do so without their star player. the fight against the criminal gambling Kerber had been struggling to recover syndicates that are corroding his sport from a protracted bout of flu and confirmed from within and testified about dis- that she was under doctor’s orders not to honest fellow professionals who, in part play this weekend. thanks to his evidence, are now banned. “I am disappointed and sad to miss the But instead, the 29-year-old says Latvia tie,” Kerber, ranked fifth in the world, doing the right thing cost him dearly. said in a statement. Ranked No. 139, he’s one of the few “Even though I can’t be there with them, players so established in the sport I am in contact with the team and I am sure willing to speak frankly about the fixers that the girls will triumph in the play-off.” who pay athletes to lose so they can Team captain Jens Gerlach has nominated profit from bets on the crooked results. Mona Barthel, ranked 85 places below The price of Trungelliti’s honesty Kerber, as the replacement on the German has been rejection by other players and team. stress that hurt his health and his game. “The whole team wishes Angie a quick Compounding his unhappiness, recovery and we hope to see her on court Trungelliti also feels he’s been left out again soon,” said Gerlach. to dry by tennis administrators and Meanwhile, Jo Durie believes Britain’s their anti-corruption investigators. Fed Cup players will be feeling extra Having pumped him for evidence, Marco Trungelliti of pressure for this weekend’s play-off against he says they failed to publicly defend Argentina in action in Kazakhstan because of uncertainty over the him against those in tennis who this file picture. future format of the competition. muddied his name, questioned his motives for giving evidence and labeled him a rat. “They just used me,” he says. “They though he knew that, back in Argentina, Contacted by The Associated Press, are weak mentally, then you go in, you just dropped me in the middle of the he’d likely face a backlash for doing so. the TIU said it couldn’t comment are all in, for sure, because it’s easy sea.” Best-known of the three was because of its “long-standing confiden- money,” he says. “It was a disaster, disaster. In my Nicolas Kicker, at No. 84, the highest- tiality policy with regard to disciplinary “If you think about it, this is like one opinion, it was one of the worst proce- ranked player convicted so far of fixing hearings and witness evidence.” Behind hour working for one hundred dures that I have ever seen,” he adds. matches. the scenes, Trungelliti has repeatedly thousand dollars.” “I’m still paying the price.” The Tennis Integrity Unit, the contacted the unit, asking without An investigation commissioned by Trungelliti caused a sensation at the sport’s anti-corruption body with 17 success for it to defend him. tennis administrators concluded last French Open last year when he, his full-time staffers, an annual budget “Due to my participation in the trial, December that betting-related cor- younger brother, mother and 88-year- of nearly $5m and veteran ex-police I receive all kinds of insults from ruption is “particularly acute and per- old grandmother squeezed into a rental investigators, announced Kicker’s players to managers,” he emailed the vasive” at lower- and mid-level Futures car and dashed 1,000 kilometers (600 guilt just three days before the French TIU last August. “They are trying soil and Challenger tournaments, below the miles) from Spain to Roland Garros so Open, where he had been preparing my honor.” Trungelliti’s wife, Nadir, top-tier ATP tour. he could fill a “lucky loser” spot at the to play. says there were times when the stress Gambling syndicates often target Grand Slam tournament that opened Neither the TIU nor Trungelliti gave reduced him to tears. When he was players who, unlike the sport’s multi- at the last minute when injured players even the slightest hint at the time of the playing, he just wanted to be home. He millionaire stars, struggle to make a withdrew. role he’d played. smashed rackets. A back injury flared good living. What few knew at the time was that In the aftermath, however, Trung- again. But he’s not shutting up. In Belgium, prosecutors say they Spanish coach Anabel Medina (left) and behind his easy smile, thick curls and elliti noticed player attitudes changing Trungelliti says match-fixing is an identified 137 mostly lower-level player Georgina Garcia Perez pose for feel-good 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 first-round toward him. Even some he regarded as open secret in the game and getting players, from more than a half-dozen victory against Australian Bernard friends asked why he didn’t keep his worse. countries, suspected of having worked a picture during a press conference in Tomic, Trungelliti was shouldering a mouth shut. “It’s not just the players’ problem,” with an Armenian-led gang rolled up preparation for the Fed Cup World Group weighty secret: He’d been a key witness “No one was saying ‘Hi’ any more. he says. last June that allegedly paid 500 to play-offs tennis match against Belgium, in in a match-fixing probe that snared No one was looking at me,” he says. “There are a lot of coaches involved. 3,000 euros ($570 to $3,400) for fixed Kortrijk, yestrday. The two teams will meet three fellow Argentines, testifying even “It’s sad.” A lot. A lot. More than we think.” “If you matches and sets. this weekend. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2019

Emery Qatar SC retain place in QSL braced for

THE PENINSULA backlash from Napoli Qatar SC managed to hold on to their place in the QNB Stars AFP League (QSL) as they won the NAPLES, ITALY play-off battle with Muaither SC 1-0 at the Al Duhail SC Stadium Arsenal coach Unai Emery here yesterday. warned his side are braced for Hussein Ali Al Saedi scored a backlash from Carlo Ance- the match winner for Qatar SC lotti’s Napoli, the last Italian in the 38th minute of the team left in Europe this season, match. who are two goals down going Muaither SC, which fin- into their Europa League ished second in the Second quarter-final, second leg tie in Division, were bidding to regain Naples today. an entry into QSL for the third “Ancelotti is a three-times time, but all their efforts were Champions League winner, neutralized by the Qatar SC they have great players, a big defense. history. They want to do some- The narrow win helped thing important,” said Emery. Sergio Batista’s side to retain to Ancelotti, who has won stay put in the top division, after titles in each of Europe’s top having finished 11 in the just- five leagues, took over from concluded 2018-19 QSL season. Maurizio Sarri last summer Hussein, scored the all with the promise of breaking important match winning goal the southerner’s title connecting a cross from Jugurtha drought. Hamroun to give Qatar SC the But Napoli’s hopes of a first lead. title since 1990 have In the second half, Muaither evaporated as they trail 17 tried to break open the rival points behind Juventus who defense but without any need just one more point to success. wrap up an eighth consecutive Qatar SC went into the play- Scudetto. HusseinHussein AliAli AlAl SaediSaedi of Qatar SC celebrates his goal against Muaither SC during the off after finishing one place Ancelotti’s hopes are now QSLQSL plaplay-offy-off match match a tat the Al Duhail SC Stadium yesterday. TOP: . The players of Qatar above directly-relegated Al hanging on winning their first Kharaitiyat. The Kings finished SCSC celebratecelebrate theirtheir win.wi European trophy since a Diego on 16 points, one more than The Maradona-inspired side won Thunders. On the other hand, Muaither Muaither SC finished second (27), the former made the play- Division was played in a triple the UEFA Cup in 1989. Qatar SC could register only SC, founded in 1996, were tar- behind Al Wakrah, who earned off cut having had a better goal round-robin format with each “Tomorrow night we need four wins from the 22 rounds of getting a place in the First an automatic berth in the QNB difference of +12 (30 goals for of the six teams playing five courage, intelligence and action. They drew four matches, Division for the third time in Stars League, in this season’s and 18 against), compared to the games. Mesaimeer, Al Shamal heart,” said Ancelotti, 59, as he but lost 14. To make matters their history. They featured in the Second Division. latter’s +8 (21 goals for and 13 and Al Bidda were the other sides targets his first trophy in the worse, they lost 3-4 to Al Rayyan top flight in 2013-14 and 2016-17 Although Muaither SC and Al against). in that order in the final second-tier European in the final round. seasons. Markhiya were tied on points This season’s Second standings. competition. Napoli can count on the fiery support of their home fans in the cauldron-like 60,000 capacity San Paolo Stadium Nantes make PSG wait for French title where they have lost just once in their last seven meetings AFP Kalifa Coulibaly’s header from with English teams. NANTES, FRANCE point-blank range, and seven “We must seize this oppor- minutes later Alves appeared to tunity, we need a positive Paris Saint-Germain failed to have calmed Parisian nerves mental attitude and, I repeat, a seal the Ligue 1 title for the third with his wonder strike. lot of heart,” said Ancelotti. match running yesterday after There looked to be little on “Courage, we had little in falling to their second defeat in when the Brazilian collected London in the first half, there a matter of days, 3-2 at Nantes. Leandro Paredes’ simple pass, was intelligence in the second A Diego Carlos brace and but he quickly lashed an unstop- half, we must put the heart Majeed Waris’ tap-in inflicted pable dipping drive past Maxime tomorrow with a high dose of a third league loss on Thomas Dupe to score his first Ligue 1 intensity. Tuchel’s side, who were ham- goal this season. However just “And there will be an mered 5-1 at second-placed three minutes after the opener extraordinary atmosphere Lille on Sunday and drew with Diego Carlos was allowed too which will help us.” Bordeaux the previous week, much space to nod home Val- Napoli are the only Italian despite Dani Alves’ stunning entin Ronger inswinging corner. team left in Europe after Juven- opener and substitute Metehan PSG continued to struggle tus’s shock Champions League Guclu pulling one back late on. despite the odd flash from exit in the quarter-finals to However PSG, who were Moussa Diaby, and the hosts Ajax. without dropped Kylian Mbappe grabbed a deserved second just “Juventus’s defeat shows and missing a host of other first- before the break. that European matches are team players through injuries Coulibaly was at the heart of Nantes forward Majeed unpredictable,” said former and suspension, remain 17 points it, brushing Thilo Kehrer off the Waris (left) vies for the ball Chelsea boss Ancelotti who clear with six games left and ball on the left flank, before againt PSG defender Presnel won Champions League titles could still win their sixth title in cutting back to Samuel Mout- Kimpembe during the French with Real Madrid and AC seven years at the weekend. oussamy, whose mis-hit shoot L1 match at the La Beaujoire Milan. Depleted PSG had to thank evaded the dozing PSG defence Stadium in Nantes, western “Napoli are the only Italian Gianluigi Buffon 12 minutes in and found Waris for the simplest France, yesterday. team left in Europe and I hope when he managed to push away of tap-ins. that is still the case on Friday.” Ikstrums fires 7 birdies to win Education City Golf Club Masters tournament

THE PENINSULA The podium winners at the Education City Golf Club Masters tournament pose for a picture DOHA during the victory ceremony at Education City Golf Club. Ikstrums fired seven birdies to claim inaugural Green Jacket in the Education City Golf Club Masters tournament. Ikstrums took the first place honours in the gross division with a score of +1 (73). The score could not have been better with him firing an impressive 7 birdies throughout his round of golf. Education City Golf Club member, Timothy Hufford took the first place honours in the Nett division with a score of -2 (70). His round featured a nett eagle The players and an official from Ideal Indian School celebrate after and 8 nett birdies. winning the second place in the team event of the Qatar Primary Education City Golf Club Masters The winners took home players participating in the on regular basis at Education 1st Place Gross - Andrew Ikstrums 73 Schoolboys’ Chess tournament which concluded on Tuesday at some excellent prizes from event. City Golf Club and Augusta the Jawaan Bin Jassim Model Independent School for Boys. Ideal 2nd Place Gross - Jesse Payne 77 Banana Island Resort Doha by The event was an open National, the agronomy team 3rd Place Gross - Benjamin Coleman 80 Indian School players showed their excellence during the event Anantara who partnered with tournament that saw members ensured the greens had some 1st Place Nett - Timothy Hufford 70 by collecting 10 points (TB3 49), just 1.5 points behind the team the inaugural tournament at and visitors challenge for their Augusta like speed to them 2nd Place Nett - Ramon Fierros 70 champions DPS Indian School. Doha Modern Indian School and Education City Golf Club. very own Green Jacket. taking the Education City Golf 3rd Place Nett - Raza Mehkary 70 Birla Public School were joint third. The tournament saw some In line with the pristine golf Club greens up to 13 on the great scores from all 55 course conditions that are seen Stimpmeter. THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2019 SPORT 11

Diego Costa Messi demands more from suspected of tax fraud in Spain, Barca after win over United says report AFP gap on Cristiano Ronaldo’s BARCELONA Barcelona’s Argentinian unbeaten 126, after Juventus forward Lionel Messi were knocked out by Ajax. AFP MADRID Lionel Messi lit up Camp Nou and celebrates after scoring a goal “You can plan as many devastated Manchester United during the UEFA Champions tactics as you like,” said United’s before firing a warning to League quarter-final second coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. “If Atletico Madrid striker Barcelona that they cannot start leg against Manchester United you give him time and space, he Diego Costa is the latest slowly again. on Tuesday. will score.” star to fall foul of the Barca were superior to When Messi pledged to bring Spanish authorities for United in all departments for the “that beautiful cup back to Camp possible non-payment of best part of 80 minutes on Nou” at the start of the season, taxes on image rights, a Tuesday, a 3-0 win perhaps even the sense was of reordered pri- Spanish newspaper flattering for their opponents, orities, that he and Barcelona reported yesterday. who were two down in 20, both would push harder in Europe, “The tax adminis- goals belonging to Messi. even if it came at the expense of tration accuses the Atletico By the time Philippe their form in La Liga. striker of fraud totalling Coutinho had curved in a third Real Madrid and Atletico 1.1m euros related to taxes to send Ernesto Valverde’s side Madrid’s failings have ensured related to his image rights into the Champions League the price has been small, with in 2014,” daily newspaper semi-finals, United’s stirring Valverde able to rest 10 players El Mundo reported. opening was long-forgotten, against Huesca last weekend and When contacted, a except by Barcelona’s captain. still see his team sitting nine spokesman for the tax “We put on a spectacle,” said points clear. office refused to comment. Messi. An eighth league title in 11 saying he could not “But we came out cold and years will become a double if comment on “specific tax- looked nervous in the first five knock you out.” “We had a lot of motivation Salah, Roberto Firmino and they beat Valencia in the final of payer files”. minutes. We cannot come out “We have shown who we for this tie, I can’t deny it,” said Sadio Mane might justifiably feel the Copa del Rey, and a treble, if Two football super- like that in a Champions League are,” Messi added, and in some Valverde. there is a weakness to exploit. they can see off Liverpool or stars Lionel Messi and Cris- match. Five bad minutes can ways, they were a perfect picture “Especially after not being in “We have had five difficult Porto and then Manchester City, tiano Ronaldo have already of their season. the semis for a long time and minutes because they started Tottenham or Ajax at Atletico’s paid substantial fines in Thrust into a position of after last year’s painful defeat. strong,” said Valverde. Wanda Metropolitano on June 1. Spain for the same offence. comfort by their mesmeric We were extremely focused.” “But then there were another If it is to be three consecutive A third star, Neymar, is number 10, Barca put on an exhi- And United’s early threat was 85 minutes where we were not English opponents, Messi might reportedly being investi- We came out cold and bition of attacking, possession genuine. Their knack of breaking too bad.” Most deficiencies can be pleased. He is now the fourth gated in Spain over his taxes. football, all tricks, flicks and through central midfield, with be rectified by Messi, whose highest scorer against the The tax office suspects looked nervous in the bicycle kicks. only space and a backpedalling 109th and 110th goals in the Premier League’s top-six sides, the 30-year-old Costa first five minutes. We But there was also a nerv- Barca defence ahead of them, Champions were, mysteriously, with 24 goals, despite never “concealed income” from cannot come out like ousness at the start, seen briefly exposed a fragility against pace his first in a quarter-final since having played in the Premier a sponsorship deal he that in a Champions against Lyon in the previous and counter-attack that has 2013. League. signed with Adidas shortly round too, that suggests their never been far away. “It was a streak he was “We are not going to ask say before he joined Chelsea League match. Five desperation to win this tour- Liverpool carry a 2-0 lead always going to break,” said sorry for having Messi,” Valverde from Atletico in 2014. bad minutes can knock nament for the first time since over Porto into their second leg Sergio Busquets. said. Costa, who has both Bra- you out: Lionel Messi 2015, and win it for Messi, does in Portugal and if it is to be them He also has potentially three “Although it certainly is lucky zilian and Spanish citi- not weigh lightly. in the semi-finals, Mohamed extra games now to reduce the for us.” zenship, returned to Atletico in 2018. Spanish public prose- cutors must decide whether they will act on Solskjaer calls for squad rebuild the tax office’s suspicions and file a lawsuit against Costa, El Mundo added. REUTERS the Nou Camp, where Barca walked all The news comes a week BARCELONA over United. after Costa was slapped with Messi pounced on a wayward pass an eight-match ban by the After their slim hopes of another The next few years are by United captain Ashley Young to Spanish Football Federation famous Champions League revival break the deadlock in the 16th minute (RFEF) for insulting and were stopped dead by Lionel Messi and going to be massive to get while Fred also surrendered grabbing referee Gil a rampant Barcelona, Ole Gunnar to the level that Barcelona possession a few moments later and Manzano during the first Solskjaer admitted his Manchester and other teams are Messi again capitalised, with his shot half of Atletico’s 2-0 defeat United side need a huge overhaul in squeezing under the usually excellent to Barcelona on April 6. order to return to Europe’s elite. at: Manchester United David de Gea. The ban means Costa Although United made a bright start manager Ole Gunnar “We’ve got good players to work will not play again this to their quarter-final second leg at the Solskjaer with and at the moment we’ve done season as Atletico have Nou Camp with Marcus Rashford really well to get to the quarters and been knocked out of the hitting the crossbar early on, they were challenge for top four, but we’ve got a Copa del Rey as well as the soon outclassed by Barca, who eased improvement in results in his four rebuilding job. It starts with the coaches Champions League. to a 3-0 win on Tuesday for a dom- months in charge since taking the job and players, and with one or two addi- inant 4-0 aggregate victory. after Jose Mourinho was sacked in tions,” added the Norwegian. The tax office “We were fighting against a great December, giving the team hope of a “We’re on with the job and have suspects the Costa team and we know there’s work to be top-four finish in the Premier League. spoken to the players we need to get “concealed income” done but I’ve said all along this isn’t He also led them to an historic the best out of each other, create an from a sponsorship going to change overnight,” Solskjaer comeback after a 2-0 first-leg defeat environment of top class attitude, deal he signed with told a news conference. at home to Paris St Germain in the world class attitude every single day,” Adidas shortly before Manchester United manager Ole “The next few years are going to be Champions League last 16, going he said. Gunnar Solskjaer during Tuesday’s massive to get to the level that Bar- through on away goals with a 3-1 win “You know that at this level you he joined Chelsea match against Barcelona. celona and other teams are at.” in the French capital. cannot slip up and make mistakes and from Atletico in 2014. Solskjaer has restored United’s Yet the scale of the long-term you have to take your chances when confidence and overseen a vast surgery his side needs was laid bare at you get them,” Solskjaer added. Champions League upset costs Juventus $453m

BLOOMBERG Champions League semi-final de Jong, who played all 90 deficit against Spain’s Atletico MILAN since 1997. minutes on Tuesday, has already Madrid to secure a quarter-final Ajax now has the chance to been sold to Barcelona for 75 place. AFC Ajax NV’s wonder-kids boost its annual revenue by million euros, and British papers Longer-term investors like stunned investors as much as more than a third. Reaching the have linked forward David the Agnellis won’t be licking they did soccer fans. semis has earned it an added Neres, 22, with a move to the their wounds just yet. Juventus Shares of Juventus Football €12m in prize money, with Premier League. shares remain up about 60 Club plummeted as much as 24 another €19m potentially up for For Juventus, it’s a setback percent since the Ronaldo percent yesterday, the most grabs if the team progresses for the team backed by the bil- signing was announced in July. since the stock started trading further. lionaire Agnelli family, whose The Portuguese player’s in December 2001, after the That’s before ticketing and purchase of Ronaldo last year presence could help triple shirt Italian team was knocked out merchandising revenue, and was seen in part as driven by a sales by 2022, while spurring a of Europe’s elite club compe- greater leverage with com- desire to win Europe’s top club 60 percent increase in annual tition by the Dutch outsiders. mercial sponsors for a club competition. sponsorship revenue, analysts The Amsterdam-based club’s that’s earned a place back on It’s the first time the Cham- at Banca IMI estimated in stock soared. global soccer’s biggest stage. Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after Juventus suffered defeat pions League semi-final won’t December. Juventus, whose stock lost Ajax had adjusted revenue on Tuesday. feature the Portuguese superstar Ajax jumped 8.5 percent to about €400m ($453m) in of about €92m in 2018, less than for nine years, according to the €18.60 at 12:10pm in market value at its low, went a fifth of that earned by statistics website Opta. Amsterdam, valuing the ahead in the 28th minute, Juventus, according to data developed some of the stars of Ajax’s reliance on youth is Juve’s stock had rallied since company at 341m euros. courtesy of 34-year-old, five- compiled by Bloomberg. yesterday, like the late Johan expected to continue in the the quarter-final draw last Juventus plunged 16 percent to time Ballon d’Or winner Cris- Having a “shoe-string” Cruijff, and honed the skills of coming years, according to month as bookmakers made the € 1.42 for a market value of tiano Ronaldo. But Ajax’s youth budget in comparison to some of the modern game’s best, Deloitte, who omitted the club Turin team known as “La €1.4bn. prevailed, with goals from two Europe’s big guns has left the like Luis Suarez, who could from its list of soccer’s 20 Vecchia Signora,” or “The Old Juventus’s 175m euros of academy players -- 21-year-old club dependent on spotting potentially face his old club in wealthiest teams this year. Lady’ a firm favorite to progress. bonds maturing in 2024 also fell, Donny van de Beek and young talent. the final after FC Barcelona But the bigger clubs are The stock soared 17 percent on declining as much as €2.1 cents 19-year-old Matthijs de Ligt -- Fortunately, Ajax is well- toppled England’s Manchester already circling Ajax’s starlets. March 13 after a Ronaldo hat to 96.56 cents, data compiled by to send the club into its first experienced in that field, having United last night. 21-year-old midfielder Frenkie trick turned around a two-goal Bloomberg show. SPORT Thursday 18 April 2019 PAGE | 09 PAGE | 10 Nadal opens Qatar SC retain clay season place in QSL after with easy win beating Muaither in Monte Carlo in play-off Spurs through to semis after seven-goal thriller; Liverpool join last four with big win Son shines over City as Spurs prevail AGENCIES In a dramatic finale to an continued when Bernardo Silva Elsewhere, Liverpool control after Mane scored a goal MANCHESTER astonishing contest, City had a brought the home side level in returned to the semi-finals of in the 26th minute that was stoppage time goal from the 11th minute with a the Champions League after confirmed by video review after Tottenham Hotspur reached the Raheem Sterling, which would deflected shot and then comfortably beating Porto 4-1 being initially disallowed for semi-finals of the Champions have sent them through, ruled Sterling struck again to yesterday with attacking trio offside. League on away goals after a out for offside after VAR review make it 3-2 in the 21st minute. Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah Salah added to the lead in 4-3 (aggregate 4-4) defeat to confirmed that Sergio Aguero A thundering strike from and Roberto Firmino grabbing the 65th and Eder Militao Manchester City in a breath- was offside in the build up. Aguero in the 59th minute put a goal each. scored for Porto in the 69th, but taking quarter-final second leg City took a fourth minute City in the driving seat again Virgil van Dijk also scored Firmino ended any doubts in game yesterday. lead through a beautiful curling but they were stunned in the for Liverpool, which advanced the 77th and Van Dijk closed the Spurs, who won the first leg shot from Sterling but Spurs 73rd minute when Spurs sub- 6-1 on aggregate after winning scoring in the 84th. 1-0, will play Ajax Amsterdam struck back with two quick stitute Fernando Llorente the first leg 2-0 at home. Liverpool, which lost in the for a place in the final goals from Son Heung-min -- bundled in a Kieran Trippier Porto started well and final last season, will now face against Liv- the second of them a magnif- corner to restore the London showed signs it might be able Barcelona, which eliminated erpool or icent finish. club’s advantage through to reverse the first-leg Manchester United 4-0 on Barcelona. The manic opening period away goals. deficit, but Liverpool took aggregate on Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker Son Heung-min (centre) celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, yesterday.

Road to Qatar 2022: Asian minnows set to take first step Bairstow, Warner star as SRH rout CSK AP 2022 WORLD CUP FIRST KUALA LUMPUR other home and away on East Timor, while Cam- The second round of June 6 and 11. bodia, coached part-time by qualification starts in Sep- ROUND DRAW: IANS The six winners will former Japan international tember with 40 teams HYDERABAD The first steps on the road progress to the second Keisuke Honda, meets divided into eight groups of Mongolia vs Brunei to the next World Cup were round in September, Pakistan. five. Darussalam Johnny Bairstow and David Warner struck blis- taken yesterday when the grouped with powerhouses In the other games, Laos The winner and the four Macau vs Sri lanka tering half-centuries to help Sunrisers Hyderabad Asian Football (AFC) such as Japan, Australia, hosts Bangladesh, Bhutan best second-place teams Laos vs Bangladesh (SRH) break their losing streak in the ongoing Indian Confederation held a draw South Korea and Iran. faces Guam while Mongolia will progress to the next Malaysia vs Timor-Leste Premier League (IPL) as they defeated for the first round of quali- Malaysia, the highest- takes on Brunei. stage and will also qualify Cambodia vs Pakistan Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi fying for Qatar 2022. ranked team in the first Sri Lanka, Asia’s lowest- for the 2023 Asian Cup that Bhutan vs Guam. International Stadium, in Hyderabad, yesterday. Twelve of Asia’s lowest- round at 168th in the world ranked team at 202, meets will be held either in China Matches to be played on SRH reached the 133-run target with 19 balls ranked teams will face each according to FIFA, will face Macau. or South Korea. June 6 and June 11 to spare to move to the fifth spot in the points table. Chasing the target, SRH got off to a flying start as both Warner and Bairstow continued with their rampage and collected 66 runs in 5.4 overs before the Australian got out after scoring an Sheikh Jassim Cup to kick off new season explosive 25-ball fifty which included 10 fours. Skipper Kane Williamson, who came in next, couldn’t stay much at the crease and became the THE PENINSULA FalconRECENT Shield have SHEIKH already JASSIM at Al CUP Wakrah WINNERS Stadium. impeccable record in the victim of leg-spinner Imran Tahir at his individual DOHA tournament with 14 score of 3. 2018 : Al Rayyan 2008 : Al Arabi trophies. However, Bairstow stayed at the other end to Qatar’s new football season 2017 : Al Sadd 2007 : Al Gharafa The Wolves’ last win was continue his prolific run in the ongoing IPL and (2019-20) will kick off with in the 2017-18 season when collected boundaries at will. The explosive England 2016 : Lekhwiya 2006 : Al Sadd the Sheikh Jassim Cup, the they defeated Al Duhail. opener remained unbeaten at 61. The 44-ball inning traditional season opening 2015 : Lekhwiya 2005 : Al Gharafa They won the title in was studded with three fours and three sixes. tournament of Qatar Football 2014 : Al Sadd 2004 : Al Wakrah 2014-15 season, when the The visitors surely missed the experience of Association (QFA), organisers 2013 : Al Rayyan 2003 : Al Shabab format was reduced to M.S. Dhoni -- who had to sit out because of a back said yesterday. one-off match. injury -- especially while defending the target. In 2012 : Al Rayyan 2002 : Al Khor The Sheikh Jassim Cup, Before the 2014-15 Dhoni’s absence, Suresh Raina captained the side. launched in 1977, over the 2011 : Al Arabi 2001 : Al Sadd season, the tournament was It was for the first time since 2005 that Dhoni had years, has been played in the 2010 : Al Arabi 2000 : Al Rayyan played between the First missed an IPL match. month of August and sets 2009 : Umm Salal 1999 : Al Sadd Division and Second Division Earlier, a brilliant performance by bowlers things in motion for an clubs. helped SRH restrict CSK to a paltry 132/5. exciting season. Previously, the tour- Brief Scores: The football governing one-off match between the qualified for the tournament Al Rayyan won the pre- nament involved 18 clubs, Chennai Super Kings: 132 (Faf du Plessis 45, body in the country will winners of the QNB Star and will know about their vious edition of the Sheikh divided into four groups. The Shane Watson 31, Rashid Khan 2/17) shortly decide on the date, League (QSL) and Amir Cup. opponents only at the end of Jassim Cup after beating Al teams played on a league Sunrisers Hyderabad: 137/4 in 16.5 overs venue and other details. Al Sadd, by virtue of the ongoing Amir Cup final Duhail 6-4. format, followed by the (Johnny Bairstow 61, David Warner 50, Imran The tournament is a being the winners of the which takes place on May 16 Al Sadd have the most semi-finals. Tahir 2/20)