SPORT Friday 18 May 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Legend Buffon calls In-form Halep on time on 17-year track to retain Juventus career No.1 spot

QFA AWARD WINNERSNNERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Msakni is Player of the Year as Youssef Msaklni - Al DuhaDuhailhail COACH OF THE YEAR  Djamel Belmadi - Al DuhaDuhailail Al sweep QFA Awards U-23 PLAYER OF THE YEARR AlmoezAlmoez Ali - Al DuDDuhDuhailuhail

TOPTOP SSCORERCORER OFF THETH YYEAREAR YoussefYoussussefe El ArArabArabii - AAll DuhDuhailuhaaill RIZWAN REHMAT Under-23 Player of the Year, Al Duhail’s Almoez Alii ((left),left), fantasticfantastic football seasonseasoon THE PENINSULA Top Scorer of the Year, Youssef El Arabi and Coach of the withwith some great indi-indi- BESTBEST RREFEREEEFEREE TTRIORRIO vidual and team per-per-  Taleb SalimSaalim Al MArri,MMArArrri, Year Djamel Belmadi (right) pose for a selfie followingowing AbdullaAbdulla AliAli Al AthbaAtAthbba andanandd : Feared striker Youssef the QFA Awards Ceremony yesterday. formances.formances. EspeciallyEspecially Khaled AyedAyed khakhalaflafl Msakni won the QFA Player of the ffromrom AlAl DDuhailuhail wwhohho Year Award as Al Duhail scooped four hhaveave done extremelyextremely trophies at a glittering ceremony last wewell.ll. AAll SaddSadd anandd AAll night. RRayyanayyan too havehave per-peer- The 27-year-old Tunisian, who formedformed well.”well.” also doubles up as a winger, scored TheThe QFAQFA Vice Pres-Pres- 25 goals for Al Duhail who won the identident saisaid:d: “I congratulatecongratuulaatte QNB Stars League title and the everybodyeverybody on a ggreatreat sseason.”eassoonn.” Cup in March and April TheThe focus willwill notnott shiftshiftt respectively. to thethe Amir Cup finalfinal at thethhee In a recorded message, Msakni KhalifaKhalifa InternatiInternationaloonnaal said: “I want to thank God for this big StadiumStadium tomotomorrow.rrow. Al honour. I want to congratulate the Al DuhailDuhail and Al RayyanRayyan Duhail side for their amazing season. will play the title clash This has been possible because of the inin what will be the support I had from my team-mates, Msakni’s team-mate and dreaded football history in the country.ry. The lastlast ffootballootball game my coach, the backroom staff and the forward Youssef El Arabi clinched the other contenders were Jesualdodo FFer-er- thisthis seasoseason.n. team management.” Highest Scorer of the Year award reira of and Michael LLaudrupaudrup Mskani has been ruled out of next after scoring 26 goals in the season. of Al Rayyan. month’s FIFA World Cup in Russia El Arabi, the jewel in Al Duhail’s Belmadi said with a smileile yes-yes- after suffering an injury in his last crown, won the Mansour Muftah terday: “Finally! This award iss not for league game of the season. Msakni is Award for his 23 goals. me. This has been possible becausecause recovering from a cruciate ligament Qatar’s rising forward Almoez Ali, of my players, They deserve itt aass injury. also of Al Duhail, was named the Best much as I do. Also, my technicalal Also last night Al Duhail manager U-23 Player of the Year. team, my medical squad andd Djamel Belmadi was named the The awards ceremony was the team management. Theyy Coach of the Year having guided his attended by QFA Vice President Saud deserve this glory as well.” side to the AFC Champions League Al Mohannadi, QSL CEO Hani Ballan The entire ceremony wass QFA quarter-finals and the Qatar Cup final and other top football officials. telecast live on Al Kass Sportsrts Player of which they won. Belmadi clinched the Best Coach Channel One. the Year Youssef Al Duhail will play the Amir Cup award for leading Al Duhail to their QFA Vice Presidentt Al Msakni final against Al Rayyan tomorrow. most dominant season in recent Mohannadi said: “It has beenbeen a New coach Banide no stranger to Umm Salal: Club VP RCB keep their play-off we found him as the best person Week 15 of the League on Feb- to coach our side in the next ruary 2. The former Morocco season. Moreover, he is no defender was familiar with hopes alive stranger to Umm Salal with Qatar football, having played for whom he won the Amir’s Qatar SC and Umm Salal. with close win Cup. We’re counting a lot on Sheikh Tamim pointed out him in the coming season,” that Banide had achieved AGENCIES said Sheikh Tamim, adding the remarkable success with many club was not happy with their clubs even though he did not performance in the QSL this have a great time with Al Khor. BANGALORE: Royal Chal- THE PENINSULA time. Al Khor had started the lengers Bangalore kept their Umm Salal lost out to Al season under Banide before Sheikh Tamim bin play-off hopes alive as DOHA: Frenchman Laurent Gharafa in the race to finish Tunisian Nassif Al Bayawi, the Mohammed Al Thani Sunrisers Hyderabad’s skipper Banide will coach Umm Salal in fourth and thereby qualify for new coach of Al Kharaitiyat, Kane Williamson (81 off 42) the coming season, the club’s the Qatar Cup. took over the reins following a co-ordination with technical and Manish Pandey’s (62 Vice-President and Football Sheikh Tamim thanked series of negative results. staff,” he said. not-out off 38) blistering Head Sheikh Tamim bin former coach Talal El Karkouri Sheikh Tamim also spoke “Three of our foreign profes- knocks went in vain in a Mohammed Al Thani revealed for his services and wished him about Umm Salal’s preparations sional players (Ivorian Yannick crucial Indian Premier League yesterday. success in his future for the new season. Sagbo, Syrian Mahmoud Mawas (IPL) clash yesterday. Banide is expected to take endeavours. “The team’s pre-season and Moroccan Adel Rhaili) will At the M. Chinnaswamy charge of Umm Salal, who fin- El Karkouri was appointed camp will be in Slovenia (July 9 continue. However, we’ll find a Stadium, it was once again ished fifth in the QNB Stars in place of Egyptian Mahmoud to 24), where we’ll play four new player to replace Tunisian Williamson, who along with League (QSL). Jaber following Umm Salal’s friendly matches. We’ll finalise Oussama Darragi,” said Sheikh Pandey forged a crucial part- Coach Laurent Banide “We chose Banide because goalless draw with Al Arabi in recruitment of new players in Tamim. nership to take Hyderabad on the verge of another nail- biting win. However, it was the hosts Syrian who clinched the issue by 14 defender runs to keep their play-off Ahmed Saleh dream alive. Asked to bat first at the M. Al Arabi sign Syrian Chinnaswamy Stadium, Moeen Ali (65) and AB de Villiers (69) both scored half centuries and defender Ahmed Saleh put on a 100 run stand to help RCB overcome a shaky start THE PENINSULA to strengthen the squad ahead of the next and post 218 for 6. DOHA: Al Arabi have recruited Syrian season. Needing 20 runs off the defender Ahmed Saleh for the upcoming The 28-year-old, who last played for last over, the visitors ended at season. Chinese club Henan Jianye, started his senior 204/3, managing to score just The Dream Team, who finished seventh career with Syria’s Al Jaish. He is also a regular five off the last six balls. in the QNB Stars League with 24 points, had with his national team. Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Ban- earlier retained the services of Croatian coach Al Arabi will have their pre-season camp galore 218/6 (AB de Villiers 69; Luka Bonasic for one more season. in Slovenia this year as well. Moeen Ali 65, Colin de Grand- Ahmed’s signing comes in the wake of They will play some friendly matches there homme 40; Rashid Khan 3/27) decision of the club management, headed by as Bonacic aims to get his players in good Sunrisers Hyderabad: Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Jabor Al Thani, shape well before the start of new season. 204/3 (Kane Williamson 81, Manish Pandey 62 not out; Moeen Ali 1/21) 18 SPORT FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 Legend Buffon calls time on 17-year Juventus career AFP According to the Italian press, GIANLUIGI BUFFONUFFON BUFFON’S CAREER INI NUMBERS Buffon has received offers from top TURIN: Juventus goalkeeper Gian- European clubs including Liverpool, Name: Gianluigi Buffon  He made his professionalprofessional debut for Parma as a 17-year- luigi Buffon announced yesterday Real Madrid and Paris Age: 40 old in a matmatchchh againstaga AC Milan in 11995. that he will leave the Turin giants Saint-Germain. Date of birth: February 28, 1978 inn CarCarrara,raraa,Tu, TuTuscanyscany (I(Italy)talyy) after 17 years but did not as expected “I’d like to get out of my comfort Playing career  BuffonBuB ffononn hash playedplayeded 639 SeriSerie A matches, a total declare the end of his playing career. zone and to test myself in more com- Position: Goalkeeper beatenbeaten onlyonly by formerformorrmer AC MilanM defenderde Paolo Maldini, Buffon, 40, captained Juventus plicated situations that I don’t Teams: for ParmaParmarma andannd thentht enn Juventus.Juvenuvu tus.s. HeH also made 37 appear- to a seventh straight Serie A title and know,” said Buffon. Parma 1995-2001, Juventus 2001-2018-20018 ancesancences in SerieSereriei BB.. fourth consecutive Italian Cup It was a rollercoaster season for International: triumph this season. Buffon with Italy failing to qualify Italy 1997-2018 - Caps: 176  Hee hash keptkepept 3030000 clcleaneanann shessheets in his 655 matches Playing honours “To end this adventure with two for the World Cup finals for the first forfo JuventusJuveentntusn inn all cocompetitions.ompetetittiti new victories was important,” the time in six decades. Parma: Italian Cup (1): 1998-1999 Italian told a press conference at the His final Champions League  BuffonBuffofon keptkepept 100 consecutiveco clean sheets Allianz Stadium. game ended in another fiasco last Italian SuperCup (1): 1999 duringduriringn tthehe 22015-1601515-166 sseason,e a Serie A record. Italy’s most capped player with month as he raged into the night at UEFA Cup (1): 1998-1999 He alsoalso holdshoholds ththee rerrecorde for the most clean 176 appearances, Buffon also con- the referee after being sent off late Juventus: sheetssheeeets iinn a SerieSeSeriie A season, 21, set in firmed he would not play again for in a semi-final defeat by Real Total games played: 655 the Azzurri, ruling out an expected Madrid. Serie A games played: 471 2011-12201011-122 and 202015-16.0 international farewell on June 4 in European titles for both club and Serie A (9): 2001-2002, 2002-2003,200033,  a friendly against the Netherlands. country are the only major ones 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2201014- He hashaas won nine Serie A titles, The former Parma goalkeeper missing from his collection as 2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017,017, alll witwithh JuJuventus, the only player will make his 640th Serie A Juventus finished runners-up twice 2017-2018 toto dodo sso. A further two Serie appearance against Verona on in the Champions League and Italy Serie B (1): 2006-2007 A titlest were revoked Saturday. were beaten by Spain in the 2012 Italian Cup (4): 2014-2015, 2015-2016,20166, bbecbecause of Juventus’ Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini European Championships. 2016-2017, 2017-2018 iinvinvolvementv in the Cal- will take over the role of captain. The 2006 World Cup winner has Italian SuperCup (5): 2002, 2003, 2012,012, ciciopoliio match-fixing Buffon said he would like to take definitively drawn a line under his 2013, 2015 scandal.sccann more time to reflect on his future, 21-year international career. International which could be either on or off the A tearful Buffon had called time FIFA World Cup: 2006 winner  HeH hash also won five Coppa pitch. immediately after Italy’s World Cup European championship: 2012012001 ItaliaItalaliiaa ttitles,itletles, oone with Parma and four “What am I going to do? Sat- exit in a play-off last November. runner-up withth Juventus,JuJuvveentuss, and one UEFA Cup title urday, I’m playing a match and it’s But his return to help the Azzurri FIFA Confederations Cup: Bronze medalmedaal withth PaParParma.rmma. the only thing that’s certain,” he in friendlies against Argentina and 2013 continued. England sparked controversy for Records  He hashas mademadade a record 176 appear- “Until 15 days ago, I was sure to those who wanted to rebuild the Most caps for Italy: 176 ancesanceces foforr ItItaly,a winningw the World Cup stop playing, but I received some team. Second-most appearances in Serieriee A:A: 639,63939 in 2006.200606. He hasha kept 77 clean sheets. exciting proposals, both on and off Buffon made his Serie A debut behind Paolo Maldini’s 647 Joint record for World Cup appearancesancan es ((5):5): 19981998,998, the pitch. Off the pitch the most with Parma in 1996, winning the  BuffoBuffonn has taken part in five 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 interesting was made to me by Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup and World Cups,Cup a record he shares Awards (Juventus) president (Andrea) UEFA Cup before joining Juventus alongsidealongside withw Mexico’s Antonio Agnelli.” for €51m in 2001. Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year: 1999,999, 2001,2001,0 2002,2002002, 2003,202 03, CarbajalCarbajal and Germany’sG Lotthar Mat- “Next week, after a few days of He holds the record for going 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015,015,15 20162016,, 220201717 thaeus,thaeus, aalthoughlthoug he did not play in the calm reflection, I will make a def- 974 minutes in Serie A without con- UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 2002-03,2-03, 202016-1716-116 7 inite and certain decision.” ceding a goal. Runner-up Ballon d’Or: 2006 first of those in 11998. Griezmann fires Atletico to Europa League title

AFP Atletico Madrid’s Gabi LYON: Antoine Griezmann was the and Fernando Atletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres (left) and hero for Atletico Madrid as the French Torres lift the Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta. striker scored twice in their 3-0 win trophy as they over Marseille in Wednesday’s celebrate after Europa League final in Lyon, allowing winning the La Liga: Iniesta, his club to win the trophy for the third Europa League time in nine seasons. at Groupama Torres bid farewell It is Griezmann’s first major title Stadium in with Atletico, and a fitting way to bow Lyon, France on out if he leaves at the season’s end, Wednesday. as season ends with Barcelona tipped as his next REUTERS destination. Griezmann -- brought up in Macon, just 70 kilometres from Lyon MADRID: It will be a weekend of goodbyes in -- scored once in each half, his lethal Spain as the Liga season draws to a close, with finishes coming either side of Mar- Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta and Atletico Madrid’s seille losing Dimitri Payet to injury, Fernando Torres set to play their last games for the French team’s captain coming off their boyhood clubs. in tears. Champions Barca will look to give Iniesta the Griezmann now has 29 goals this perfect send-off when they host Real Sociedad on season, although it was Gabi’s late Sunday in La Liga’s final round of matches. strike that sealed the victory. The midfielder, 34, announced last month that “This is a reward for me after I he would leave the club he has been at since the left home aged 14, for all the work I age of 12, with local media reporting he will move have put in, the suffering,” said to Japan in the close season. Griezmann, who has spent his whole The club will pay an emotional tribute to their career in Spain but had only previ- captain, with an elaborate mosaic reading ‘Infinite ously won one Spanish Super Cup. Iniesta’ in Catalan displayed by fans in their Nou Atletico’s triumph comes after Griezmann dismisses transfer talk after final Camp stadium. agonising defeats to Real Madrid in Barca lost their first league game of the season the Champions League finals of 2014 AFP capital, with speculation that he will join Barcelona. last weekend away to Levante, denying them the and 2016. They had previously won He got the opener midway through the first half and chance to finish the campaign unbeaten. the Europa League in 2010 and again LYON: Antoine Griezmann said it was not the time to then netted a superb second four minutes after the break. Coach Ernesto Valverde, however, believes in 2012, the latter coming just six think about his future after leading Atletico Madrid to a He also played a part in the build-up to Gabi’s late that nothing should detract from his double- months after Diego Simeone’s 3-0 victory over Marseille in Wednesday’s Europa League goal that sealed the victory. winning side’s achievements this season. appointment as coach. final in Lyon. “It is a dream for me to win a title. We had a chance “These things seem easy and they’re not,” he Simeone, who had to watch from “Now is not the time to talk about my future. I need in the Champions League and it wasn’t to be, but this said. Europa League winners Atletico host mid- the stands due to a touchline ban, to just enjoy this moment, having won a title, and cele- time it was my turn,” said the striker, who had not pre- table Eibar on Sunday before saying goodbye to called the victory a reward for his brate it with the fans,” said Griezmann after picking up viously won a major trophy with the club. Torres, whose second spell with the club finishes side’s hard work and even expressed the Man-of-the-Match Award for scoring the Spanish He was in the Atletico side that lost on penalties to at the end of this season when his contract expires. hope that Griezmann could be con- side’s first two goals. Real Madrid in the Champions League final in 2016 and Torres, 34, has supported Atletico since he was vinced to stay. The France star has been tipped to leave Atletico at lost the European Championship final with France that five years old and joined their academy when he “This was just confirmation of the end of the season after four years in the Spanish summer. was a child, making his first-team debut at the age what Griezmann has been doing year of 17 in 2001 when they were in Spain’s second after year,” said the Argentine. division. Marseille had been desperate to Atletico were the favourites does not come up often against an influential player who had been Champions League finalists Real Madrid, who win the second European trophy in against a Marseille side whose con- Atletico side who went on to keep struggling with a hamstring problem will finish third behind Barca and Atletico Madrid, their history, on French soil, 25 years tinental campaign had begun in the their 34th clean sheet this season. ahead of the game, came off crying travel to Villarreal on Saturday. after beating AC Milan in the inau- third qualifying round last July. Marseille were then punished for just after the half-hour. Real coach Zinedine Zidane believes that gural Champions League final. Just being in this final was an sloppy play as they fell behind in the OM then conceded again just four winning the league is a special achievement, but But it was a flat night for their achievement for Garcia’s team, but 21st minute. Goalkeeper Steve Man- minutes after the restart. It was a glo- he is happy to take solace from his team’s per- huge support, who threatened to ruin they will look back on the evening danda opted to pass to Andre-Frank rious goal, Griezmann finding Koke formance in Europe. the occasion by lighting flares and with regrets. Zambo Anguissa, deep in midfield, and then latching onto the return ball “Winning the league is the most difficult thing setting off firecrackers at one end of They had started well and had a rather than clear long. The Cameroo- before lifting a deft finish over Man- you can do...” Zidane said. the stadium, with some even being great chance to open the scoring nian’s attempt at a touch was awful, danda and in. The Frenchman is set to use the game as a dress thrown onto the pitch towards the inside four minutes, Valere Germain and Gabi pounced on the loose ball, Substitute Kostas Mitroglou rehearsal for next weekend’s final, with Gareth Bale, end. shooting over after being slipped in sending Griezmann through to finish. nearly pulled one back, his header who scored twice last time out, likely to be given The game carried on regardless, by Payet. Things got worse for Marseille coming off the post, before Gabi’s low another chance to impress and stake a claim for a with Rudi Garcia’s side well beaten. It was the kind of chance that when Payet, their captain and most drive in the 89th minute made it 3-0. starting berth against Liverpool in Kiev. FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 SPORT 19 Qatar 2022 an ‘amazing opportunity’ for players and fans, says Ruud Gullit THE PENINSULA Gullit continued: “The fans will after his sterling debut campaign also benefit from not having the at Liverpool. DOHA: Dutch legend Ruud Gullit hassle of moving a lot. From the “He has to enjoy what he has is amazed at the rapid infra- hotel, to the metro, to the achieved this season. He has structure progress being made stadium, in half an hour. They been the best player in England in Qatar and has praised the will then be able to catch the but I want to watch him perform country’s compact tournament metro at the end of the game to at the same level over the coming plans for the 2022 FIFA World watch another match. This is a years,” said Gullit. Cup. major strength and different to “Messi and Ronaldo have The former AC Milan star, previous tournaments.” been doing this for quite a few who was in Doha working as a Through regular visits to years so Salah has to know that pundit for beIN SPORTS, recently Qatar, Gullit understands the reaching the top is difficult but met executives from the passion for football in the staying there is even harder. Supreme Committee for Delivery country and region. Things will be tougher for him at & Legacy (SC), the organisation “People love the game in this the World Cup and his country responsible for delivering the part of the world. I have met a shouldn’t expect too much as it infrastructure required for the lot of Arabs and I always feel will become a burden on him,” 2022 FIFA World Cup. their passion and love for he added. And after taking a tour of the football.” Gullit also mentioned next SC’s Legacy Pavilion at Al Bidda Looking ahead to this sum- weekend’s UEFA Champions Tower, the former Netherlands mer’s tournament in Russia, League final, which will be con- captain said he was amazed at Gullit is disappointed his home tested by Real Madrid and the work being done to deliver nation won’t be represented after Liverpool. the Arab world’s first FIFA World failing to qualify for the finals for “Real Madrid have capi- Cup. Dutch legend Ruud Gullit during his visit to SC’s Legacy Pavilion at Al Bidda Tower recently. the first time since 2002. In their talised during the critical “Every time I visit Qatar I find absence, Gullit is backing four moments in recent matches,” something new,” said Gullit, who the 1988 UEFA European “Even though I visit Doha on per day during the early stages nations to be among the con- said Gullit, who lifted the led the Netherlands to success at Championship. a regular basis, I see obvious of the tournament. tenders for the trophy. European Cup twice with AC progress every time. Look at the “It will be a lot easier for the “France and Germany both Milan in 1989 and 1990. airport, hotels and Lusail City. It’s players as they will hardly have have a great chance, while Brazil “We saw what Real Madrid really amazing.” to travel at all,” said Gullit, who will be seeking revenge after the are made of in the quarter-final Gullit, who represented the is now assistant manager of the embarrassment of 2014 when against Juventus and the semi- It will be a lot easier for the players as they will Netherlands at the 1990 FIFA Netherlands national team. they lost heavily to Germany in final against Bayern Munich. hardly have to travel at all. Also, the tournament World Cup, also praised Qatar’s “Also, the tournament being the semi-finals. Spain also has They have the tools to hurt teams compact tournament plans. The held in November and December the quality and ability to go far but they also had a bit of luck. I being held in November and December means maximum distance between sta- means players will be at their in the tournament.” always say the best coaches need players will be at their physical best. I think a lot diums will be just 55km in 2022, physical best. I think a lot of stars Gullit also advised Egyptian a bit of luck – and Zinedine of stars will emerge: Ruud Gullit. while fans will have the chance will emerge.” fans not to heap too much Zidane has been very successful to attend more than one match 1987 Ballon d’Or winner pressure on Mohamed Salah and also lucky at times.”

Nadal downs In-form Halep on track to Shapovalov to retain top spot in rankings advance into

AFP Romania’s Simona Halep Rome quarters celebrates after winning her ROME: Simona Halep boosted match against Japan’s Naomi AFP her bid to retain her world Osaka in Rome on Wednesday. number one ranking as the top seed advanced to the quarter- ROME: Rafael Nadal brushed finals of the Italian Open after aside the challenge of American Madison Keys Canadian teenager Denis withdrew injured yesterday. Shapovalov with a 6-4, 6-1 The Romanian, a finalist in victory to reach the Italian Rome last year, is on her way to Open quarter-finals holding her top ranking as she yesterday. next plays France’s Caroline The 31-year-old will face Marc-Andre Fleury (left) and Ryan Reaves of the Vegas Garcia or American Sloane Italian Fabio Fognini in the Golden Knights celebrate after the match on Wednesday. Stephens. last eight as he looks to retake Halep needed to reach at the world number one least the last eight and go further ranking from Roger Federer than world number two Caroline match in straight sets in 1hr Darya Kasatkina to win 0-6, 6-3, by winning an eighth Rome Fleury stops Jets as Wozniacki to retain the top- 19min. 6-2. Fifth seed Jelena Ostapenko title this week. ranking going into the French The 22-year-old Kontaveit also needed three sets to get past Nadal has already won his Open. won through 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) Britain’s Johanna Konta 2-6, 6-3, 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Knights take lead Keys, the 2016 runner-up in against her 37-year-old 6-4, with Germany’s Angelique Barcelona during the current Rome, withdrew from both American rival who was Kerber, seeded 11th, ending the clay-court season, but has lost singles and doubles, in which seeded eighth in a tournament hopes of Greece’s Maria Sakkari in the quarter-finals in each AFP Vegas.Costly mistakes by the she was partnering Venus she won nearly two decades ago 6-1, 6-1. of the last three years in Italy. Jets led to the Knights’ first Williams. to 1999. Kontaveit, who also In the men’s event, home He was far too strong for LOS ANGELES: Marc-Andre three goals, including one “I felt my rib in my match beat Williams last week in hope Fabio Fognini reached the Shapovalov, taking the Fleury made 33 saves and blunder by netminder yesterday and after trying to Madrid, next plays either second quarter-finals for the first time opening set with a break in James Neal had a goal and Connor Hellebuyck who warm up this morning it was still seed Wozniacki or Latvia’s with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Peter the seventh game before an assist as the Vegas misplayed the puck behind painful,” Keys said. Anastasija Sevastova for a place Gojowiczyk. racing through the second to Golden Knights beat the his own net on Neal’s goal. Venus Williams fell to her in the semi-finals. Fognini was 4-2 down after gain a measure of revenge for Winnipeg Jets 4-2 to lead the Mark Scheifele scored second defeat in a week to Defending champion Elina a break in the first but won four his shock defeat by the Western Conference final his playoff-leading 13th and Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit Svitolina of Ukraine fought back games in a row against the 19-year-old in Montreal last two games to one. 14th goals for the Jets, who losing in the third round from a first set wipeout against German. year. Neal, who left Wednes- now trail for the first time in day’s game briefly in the a series in the postseason first period after taking an despite outshooting the elbow to the head, returned Knights 35-29 in game to score a goal and set up three. Rockets level series with Warriors another in the second period Fleury had to make 30 for the expansion Golden saves in the final two Knights. periods after being called AFP James Harden the Warriors were zero-for- Jonathan Marchessault upon to make just three in seven and coughed up seven also scored twice for Vegas, the first. LOS ANGELES: The Houston turnovers. who weren’t even in Neal and Alex Tuch Rockets bounced back with a Up 26-21 after one quarter, existence a year ago, but scored goals just 2:33 apart vengeance on Wednesday, James Harden scored the Rockets wouldn’t trail from now find themselves just in the first half of the second powering past the NBA 27 points and Eric there. They led 64-50 by two wins away from their period to give Vegas a 3-1 champion Golden State Warriors Gordon added 27 halftime, with four players first Stanley Cup final. lead. Neal took an elbow to 127-105 to level their Western off the bench as five already in double figures. Marchessault opened the head from Jets Conference finals series at one Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni the scoring just 35 seconds defenceman Dustin game apiece. players scored in said there was no major change into the first period in front Byfuglien in the first period Houston’s Most Valuable double figures for in strategy -- just more intensity of a sold out crowd of and had to leave the contest Player candidate James Harden Houston Rockets. and better execution from a 18,400 at the T-Mobile to get checked for a possible scored 27 points and Eric Gordon Houston team that led the league Arena in Las Vegas. concussion. added 27 off the bench as five with 65 regular-season wins. “It was nice to get a goal “It is fine,” said Neal. players scored in double figures The Rockets signalled their Kevin Durant led the War- early and get the team into “The league mandates they for a Rockets team chastened by intentions early. Their seven riors with 38 points, but Stephen it,” said Fleury. take you off. a 119-106 series-opening defeat fast-break points in the opening Curry was the only other Golden “They pushed back but The West winner will on their home floor on Monday. quarter more than doubled the State player in double figures we handled it well.” play either the Tampa Bay “Total team effort,” Harden three they mustered in all of with 16. The Knights will try to Lightning or the Washington said. game one. The winners of the series will take a stranglehold lead in Capitals, who lead that best- “We played harder and Houston connected on face either the Cleveland Cava- game four on Friday in Las of-seven semi-final series 2-1. smarter than game one. That three-of-10 from three-point liers or Boston Celtics in the NBA was the only difference.” range in the first period while Finals.