FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 AATHLETICSTHLETICS | Page 7 Liverpool Felix says seek to Tokyo will avenge Aston be Olympic Villa mauling swansong

Saturday, April 10, 2021 Sha’aban 28, 1442 AH De Villiers stars GULF TIMES as Bangalore win IPL opener SPORT Page 4 QNB STARS LEAGUE Champs Al Sadd beat SC to fi nish season unbeaten Defeats for Qatar SC and Al Ahli ensured Al Rayyan finished third, with Al Gharafa needing to defeat Umm Salal today to finish fourth

By Sports Reporter

l Sadd earned a rare distinc- tion of fi nishing the QNB Stars League season unbeaten after a 3-0 win over Qatar SC Aat the yes- terday. Hernandez’s men, who had wrapped up the title long ago, fi nished with 60 points from 19 victories and three draws. Meanwhile, defeats for Qatar SC and Al Ahli ensured Al Rayyan fi nished third, with Al Gharafa needing to de- feat Umm Salal today to fi nish fourth. Al Ahli were thrashed by Al Duhail 0-4. Yesterday, Xavi rested several regu- lars with AFC Champions League in mind but still had enough to see off a Under Xavi Hernandez, Al Sadd full-strength Qatar SC side. Abdelkar- finished with 19 victories and three im Hassan gave Al Sadd the lead as early draws to win the title by 13 points. as the third minute. Al Sadd players celebrate after their win over Qatar SC at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. doubled the advantage with a penalty technical and physical condition is kick in the 39th minute and Yousef great; only Akram Afi f is missing be- At the Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, Abdulrazaq rounded off the tally in the cause of injury.” Dudu and Michael Olunga scored a 76th minute. Al Sadd started with their routine brace each as Al Duhail eased past Al Xavi praised his side’s performance aggression and a move by Abdelkarim Ahli to fi nish their campaign with 47 against Qatar SC and was delighted Hassan and Tabata led to an own goal, points, 13 less than new champions Al to end the season with an undefeated early in the match. Hassan, after reach- Sadd. record. “Today’s performance against ing close to the goal, chipped the ball Al Ahli made many forays initially, Qatar SC was more than excellent, from back past Qatar SC goalkeeper Jassim but it was Al Duhail who scored off their all the players. I’m happy with the re- al-Hail from the left and Khaled Mah- fi rst real chance as Dudu headed in Is- sult, the win, and not losing throughout moudi accidentally struck it to his own mail Mohamed’s cross from the right the league season,” the Spaniard said. goal. fl ank. “I thank the players, the support Hashem Ali set up Al Sadd’s second Al Ahli’s closest chance in the fi rst staff , the medical staff and the manage- goal by winning a penalty kick after half was when Nasser Saleh’s bicy- ment of the club, for everyone’s eff orts racing into Qatar SC’s box with a stun- cle kick went narrowly wide. Al Ahli throughout the season. We won the ning display, before Qatar SC’s Mo- resumed after the break with a surge league without losing and we had the hamed Salem stopped him near the goal and captain Omid Ebrahimi hit a long- best attack and the best defence. Also, with a rash tackle. ranger wide. the league’s top scorer is our striker, Referee Meshari Ali al-Shamari im- Al Duhail then made a couple . It’s a great situ- mediately signalled a spot kick and of substitutions, with Luis Mar- ation to be in, and the atmosphere is Tabata struck Al Sadd’s second goal tin coming in for Ismail Mohamed wonderful inside the team. Even the with a confi dent low drive in the centre, and Jassim al-Mehairi replacing U-23 team has won the league title. We with al-Hail diving on his left. Qatar SC Sultan al-Breik. However, Olunga must take advantage of this period that won a couple of free-kicks at the start soon made it 2-0 and added anoth- we are going through, in the upcoming of fi nal session, but could not pose dan- er, which was his team’s third goal, competitions,” he added. ger to Al Sadd’s goal in the presence of as Al Ahli ran out of steam. Dudu Xavi, the former Barcelona and Spain keeper Saad al-Dossari. rounded off the tally as the game midfi elder, previously won the title Later, an impressive shot from a dis- drew towards a close and Al Duhail with Al Sadd as a player in 2018-19 be- tance by Al Sadd’s Eisa was well-saved sealed yet another victory. fore taking over the reins as manager. Al by the goalkeeper by diving on his left, In a late match, Al Rayyan drew Sadd have little time to celebrate, how- before he thwarted Ali Asad’s fabu- with Al Khor 1-1, a stalemate which ever, with the club kicking off its AFC lous try in the 55th minute. In the 63rd did not have any bearing. Rayyan had Champions League group campaign minute, striker Baghdad Bounedjah, sealed the third sport, while Al Khor next week in Riyadh, one of four central along with and Bahaa need to win the play-off to stay in the hubs for the continental tournament. Ellethy, came off the bench. top flight. As for the Wolves’ preparations for Qatar SC were rarely surging in coun- Dudu (right) scored a brace as Al Duhail thrashed Al Ahli 4-0 at the Hamad bin Khalifa stadium yesterday. Rayyan took lead through defender the AFC Champions League matches, ter-attacks and they were barely able to Franck Kom in the 44th minute, but Xavi said: “The toughest tournament pose any danger, losing the ball easily their third goal through Abdulrazaq, who A goal by Qatar SC following a corner side. Bounedjah made an attempt for his Said Mohamed Brahmi converted a awaits us. We are in an excellent period after reaching close to the area as Al Sadd hit the ball in al-Hail’s left corner follow- kick, 12 minutes before time was ruled out fi rst goal of the match a few minutes later, penalty in the 76th minute as Al Khor and fully ready to compete. Everyone’s were solid in defence too. Al Sadd fi red ing an assist by Ali Asad. after Anthony Okpotu was declared off - but al-Hail defl ected his shot on target. shared the spoils.

SPOTLIGHT Australian football icon Cahill joins as Chief Sports Offi cer

By Sports Reporter (Sydney United- Melbourne City) to Additionally, Cahill has participated in organization,” said Ivan Bravo, Aspire Doha the English Premier League (Millwall some of Aspire Academy coaching pro- Academy Director General, in welcom- FC and Everton FC), from America’s grams over the past two years. ing the Socceroos’ ex-captain. MLS (NY Red Bulls) to China’s Su- “We are delighted to have such an Cahill commented on his appoint- spire Academy, the world’s per League (Shanghai Shenhua and accomplished footballer on our team ment: “I’m excited and honoured to leading academy for youth Hangzhou Greentown) and India (Jam- of experts. We are very much looking join Aspire, one of the world’s leading sports development, an- shedpur FC). forward to Mr. Cahill’s contribution to sports academies. nounced yesterday the offi cial Cahill was the fi rst Australian to Aspire Academy’s next phase of growth “I’ve been visiting Aspire since my Ajoining of Australian football icon Tim score at a FIFA World Cup. as we forge ahead with sport develop- playing days with Everton and the Soc- Cahill as a new staff in the position of Prior to joining Aspire Academy in ment in the country and internation- ceroos and have been constantly im- Chief Sports Offi cer. his new role as a Chief Sports Offi cer, ally. We are confi dent that his impres- pressed by its world-class innovation The retired Australian international, Cahill has been completing his UEFA sive 21-year playing career in England, and competitiveness. I am looking for- and all-time leading goal scorer for the Coaching Licenses, as well as study- The United States, China PR, India and ward to contributing to the success and Australia national team, having scored ing sports business and management Australia’s National Team, as well as his growth of Aspire as well as developing 50 goals in 108 matches between 2004 at both Harvard and Josoor University. passion and thirst to broaden his ex- my skills in sports management as I and 2018, had an outstanding global He has also undertaken commentary periences in sports management, will embark on this exciting new chapter in professional career - from Australia covering the English Premier League. undoubtably bring added value to our my career.” Gulf Times 2 Saturday, April 10, 2021 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Mbappe ‘focused’ on PSG amid Real Klopp’s Liverpool Madrid rumours: coach Pochettino

AFP seek to avenge Paris

ylian Mbappe is not distracted by rumours of a possible move to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-GermainK coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted yesterday. Aston Villa mauling The France World Cup-winning superstar has long been linked ‘A lot of things showed us in that game which were a problem that day’ with an eventual move to Ma- drid, who courted him as a teen- AFP ager before he signed for fi rst London club Monaco. His current contract with PSG is due to expire at the end of next urgen Klopp has told Liverpool to season. The player and PSG are mature despite his youth and “put things right” when they wel- in talks over a possible exten- both he and the club are focused come Aston Villa to Anfi eld today sion, but Spanish television sta- on trying to reach an agreement following their 7-2 mauling at the tion Cuatro this week claimed so that Kylian stays here for a handsJ of Dean Smith’s men earlier this Mbappe wants to move to Real long time. That is what the club season. and has decided not to sign a new wants. We can’t control every- It is a loss that lingers in the memory deal in Paris. thing that happens outside the for Klopp, who dismissed suggestions a The story was denied by sourc- club but all that stuff has no im- 4-1 FA Cup win in January counted as any es close to Mbappe, who spoke to pact on the team.” sort of payback as Villa fi elded an acad- French broadcaster RMC Sport. Mbappe, 22, scored twice as emy side following a coronavirus out- “This is something we are accus- PSG beat Bayern Munich 3-2 break among the fi rst-team ranks. “No, tomed to at the top level, when away in the fi rst leg of their we played a diff erent Aston Villa that we talk about big clubs and great Champions League quarter-fi - night,” he said. “Of course we have to put players like Kylian, there are al- nal tie on Wednesday. The sides things right, that’s clear. You cannot put ways rumours,” Pochettino told meet again in the return leg next a game like this to one side immediately, reporters in a press conference Tuesday. Before that PSG travel that’s not possible. We had to work with yesterday. to Strasbourg today in a key game it. A lot of things showed us in that game “The most important thing in the title race. Mbappe which were a problem that day, some of is that Kylian is at peace and is is the top scorer in Ligue 1 this the problems we had before, some of the focused on helping the team to season with 20 goals from 26 ap- problems we never had before.” achieve its objectives. He is so pearances. “Things like this should not happen but it happened to us,” he added. “It was a really strange game. I have the game in my mind and which way I will use it I am Arteta says Aubameyang is not sure yet.” Ollie Watkins scored a hat-trick in Vil- ‘totally’ committed to Arsenal la’s 7-2 win and his goals have helped his team establish themselves in the top half London: Mikel Arteta says strik- future but once you think about of the table, just fi ve points behind falter- er Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang things that happen in the past ing champions Liverpool. is “totally” committed to Arse- or compare diff erent situations Liverpool are desperate to end their nal even though he has been and personalities, I won’t do Anfi eld jinx as they seek to return to the in and out of the team and he that,” he said. top four, at least temporarily — Klopp’s played down comparisons with Asked whether Aubameyang men have lost their past six Premier the Mesut Ozil situation. was committed to the Gunners’ League games at home. Club captain Aubameyang cause, Arteta, whose side are They will also be looking to bounce signed a lucrative new three- languishing in mid-table in back from a 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid in year contract last year but has the English top-flight, added: the fi rst leg of their Champions League struggled for form this season “Totally.” quarter-fi nal this week, when Naby Keita Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. (AFP) and was dropped for last The forward came on as a was withdrawn before half-time. month’s north London derby late second-half substitute in It was just the Guinean’s second Euro- had become a forgotten man. The Eng- spectacular goal and played a part in the pear doomed but there is a fl icker of hope after arriving late. the 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague pean start of the season but the gamble land midfi elder fl ourished in the early other two in Monday’s 3-2 win against at 19th-placed West Brom, who ham- The Gabon international, 31, in the Europa League quarter- backfi red as he was replaced by Thiago days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign at Wolves, has urged his team-mates to stay mered 10-man Chelsea 5-2 last week. has scored just nine goals in 25 final first-leg clash on Thurs- Alcantara with Liverpool’s midfi eld in Old Traff ord but became an increasingly level-headed. Premier League appearances day, setting up Nicolas Pepe’s disarray. peripheral fi gure as Bruno Fernandes as- Newcastle, who have been fl irting with FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) this season compared with 22 goal. Arteta was pleased with “The substitution in the last game was sumed the main creative role. the relegation places, could fi nd them- Today: Saturday Manchester City v goals last term. His situation Aubameyang’s impact off the a decision I made in that moment,” said But the 28-year-old has made up for selves in the bottom three by the time Leeds (1130), Liverpool v Aston Villa at the Emirates has been com- bench. Klopp. “We had to sort the game for us lost time since arriving at the London they kick off tomorrow if Fulham beat pared with that of Ozil, who “In the Europa League every- (1400), Crystal Palace v Chelsea (1630) and it was diffi cult to do that without Stadium in January, scoring six goals in Wolves. Steve Bruce’s side have won just under-performed despite being one has contributed in diff erent making a change. After the game, yes- eight Premier League matches. He has two of their past 21 games in all competi- Tomorrow: Burnley v Newcastle (1100), on huge wages before eventu- ways, the whole squad has terday, we spoke and everything is OK. I also won back his place in Gareth South- tions but the manager has dismissed sug- West Ham v Leicester (1305), Tottenham ally being exiled by Arteta. been involved and yesterday’s explained the decision and he accepted it, gate’s England squad. gestions of a split in the camp. v Manchester United (1530), Sheff ield The Arsenal boss, though, role for him (was) he was sat on obviously, so now we carry on.” West Ham, who host Leicester tomor- The Magpies can take some confi dence United v Arsenal (1800) said he did not see the merits the bench and to make an im- Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard is a revital- row, are fourth in the Premier League ta- ahead of the game against Burnley from Monday: West Brom v Southampton of comparing the two cases. pact and he made an impact,” ised player since joining West Ham on ble, one point clear of Chelsea with eight last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham. (1700), Brighton v Everton (1915) “I’m always positive about the said the Spaniard. loan from Manchester United, where he games remaining. Lingard, who scored a Bottom-placed Sheffi eld United ap-

FOCUS BUNDESLIGA Guardiola overwhelmed by Union braced for Bayern backlash AFP Bielsa’s ‘magical man’ tribute Berlin

AFP London nion Berlin are steeling themselves for a challenging trip to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga today ep Guardiola said he as the European champions look was “overwhelmed” to Uto shake off their midweek defeat by Paris be described by Marce- Saint-Germain. lo Bielsa as “magical” Bayern’s Champions League defence Pahead of Manchester City’s clash is under threat after PSG striker Kylian with Leeds today. Mbappe inspired the French giants to a 3-2 Veteran Leeds boss Bielsa victory in Munich on Wednesday, leaving this week said the Catalan was Hansi Flick’s side up against it heading to a “magical man” because of the the Parc des Princes next week. way his teams played. Guardio- Union are just outside the top six in Ger- la, who views the Argentine as a many and bidding to qualify for Europe next role model, said at his pre-match season for the fi rst time in the club’s history, press conference yesterday: “I’m but their Swiss coach Urs Fischer expects a overwhelmed, I feel weird. He’s tough time at the Allianz Arena. the most honest person. I’m “I assume that they will try to make up pretty sure what he says is what for the (PSG) defeat against us,” Fischer said he believes. He doesn’t say or do Thursday. Bayern are seven points clear at anything for the media for the the top of table and on course for a ninth reputation of himself. straight league title. “They’ve shown more “That’s why I’m overwhelmed. than once this season that they can handle Bayern’s Champions League defence is under threat after they lost 2-3 to PSG, leaving Everyone knows the admiration setbacks well.” Hansi Flick’s side up against it heading to the Parc des Princes next week. (AFP) and respect (I have for him), the Even with Bayern’s top scorer Robert way he helped me in my begin- Lewandowski sidelined by injury, Fischer before injury struck in February, could re- Eintracht backed up a 5-2 thrashing of nings. Always he’ll be there in knows his side need a “perfect day” to take turn with defenders Dayot Upamecano and Union with a 2-1 win at Dortmund last my heart and that’s why I am al- points in Munich, but sees cause for hope in Nordi Mukiele both suspended. weekend, giving them a seven-point cush- ways, ‘wow’. Always I feel I don’t The sides drew 1-1 when they by the announcement that Kevin the fact Bayern converted only two of their Leipzig also face Bremen away in the ion in their quest for Champions League deserve it because if there’s one met at Elland Road in October. De Bruyne had signed a new 31 chances against PSG. German Cup semi-fi nals on April 30 and football. person who can search or fi nd the Guardiola said: “I am looking contract, committing him to the Union punched above their weight by Nagelsmann wants to throw down a marker. secrets, the way we want to do it, forward to the game. We faced club until 2025. Seeing it through holding Bayern to a 1-1 draw last Decem- “We don’t have time for experiments,” said FIXTURES (ALL TIMES 1330GMT the way we want to play, it’s him, them in the fi rst game and we would take the 29-year-old play- ber in Berlin, where they have beaten both Nagelsmann, who is set to name his strong- UNLESS STATED) through his work ethic and es- know how diffi cult it was and maker up to a decade at the Eti- Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen est team. “You can make a statement to- Today: Bayern Munich v Union Berlin, pecially his knowledge about the this will not be an exception. The had Stadium. this season. Bayern have left-back Alphonso wards the cup in terms of the way you per- game.” quality of the manager and the Guardiola said: “I’m glad an Davies suspended while Germany pair Leon form.” Eintracht Frankfurt v VfL Wolfsburg, Hertha Quadruple-chasing City head backroom staff shows in the po- important player like Kevin, Goretzka and Niklas Suele picked up knocks Eintracht Frankfurt, in fourth and edging Berlin v Borussia Moenchengladbach, into the Premier League game sition in the table. who can have all the world in his against PSG. towards Champions League qualifi cation for Werder Bremen v RB Leipzig, VfB Stuttgart at the Etihad Stadium 14 points “They were promoted last sea- hands and all the clubs would be Having lost 1-0 at home to Bayern in last the fi rst time, host third-placed Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (1630) clear at the top of the table. They son and are already safe with 42 delighted to have him, has decid- weekend’s top-of-the-table clash, second- today. Frankfurt head coach Adi Huetter is Tomorrow: Schalke 04 v Augsburg, need 11 more points from their points... They’ve done incredibly ed to stay with us. I think it’s a big placed RB Leipzig are desperate for victory facing repeated questions about rumours Cologne v Mainz (1600) remaining seven fi xtures to wrap well all season.” compliment for all at Manchester at Werder Bremen. Spanish left-back Ange- he will replace Marco Rose at Borussia Monday: Hoff enheim v Leverkusen (1830) up their third title in four years. City were boosted this week City.” lino, who racked up eight goals and 11 assists Moenchengladbach next season. Gulf Times Saturday, April 10, 2021 3 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Eight of 12 Euro Man United ease 2020 host cities confi rm matches to victory, Arsenal with spectators AFP less looks set to vary consider- Lausanne ably, with Saint-Petersburg and Baku confi rming they will al- low crowds at 50% of capacity ight of the 12 host cities and Hungarian capital Budapest for this year’s delayed aiming to allow 100% capacity held by Slavia European Championship “but with strict stadium entry have said they will al- requirements for spectators.” lowE spectators at matches based Hungarian Prime Minister Roma come from behind to take down four-time European champions Ajax 2-1 on projections of an improving Viktor Orban said that by the Covid-19 situation, UEFA said beginning of the Euro all those AFP yesterday, but the remaining four who registered for vaccination Paris risk being dropped as hosts alto- in Hungary would have received gether. it and would therefore be eligible Munich, Rome, Bilbao and to attend. “Everyone who is reg- anchester United defeated Dublin have all been given until istered will defi nitely have been Spanish club Granada 2-0 in April 19 to release their plans to vaccinated, and with their vacci- the fi rst leg of their Europa let fans in, with European foot- nation card will have the oppor- League quarter-fi nal tie in ball’s governing body saying tunity to take part in this event,” MSpain on Thursday night, while Arsenal “fi nal decisions will be made on he said. conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in that date regarding the staging UEFA said Amsterdam, Bu- a 1-1 draw at home to Czech champions of matches in those four venues”. charest, Copenhagen and Glas- Slavia Prague. UEFA’s executive committee will gow will allow between a quarter Marcus Rashford raced on to a long ball meet then and there is the pos- and a third of full capacity, while sprayed upfi eld by Victor Lindelof to fi re sibility that it could strip hosting London “has confi rmed a mini- United in front at Los Carmenes on 31 rights from those four cities and mum capacity of 25% for the fi rst minutes against a team enjoying a bril- give their matches to other exist- three group matches and round liant debut European campaign. Bruno ing host venues. of 16 match”. That leaves open Fernandes converted a late penalty after Earlier this week the Football the possibility that more fans he was caught off the ball by , Association of Ireland admitted will be able to attend the remain- with the Portuguese midfi elder’s spot- it was “not in a position at this ing matches at Wembley Sta- kick squirming agonisingly through the point to provide assurances on dium, which will stage both the hands of Rui Silva. minimum spectator levels” in semi-fi nals and the fi nal. “They (Rashford and Fernandes) have Dublin, but the country is pre- UEFA said each host city had been exceptional, so important for us,” paring to take tentative steps been left to make its own deci- United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer towards lifting its current lock- sion on the number of fans per- said. “It was a very good run by Rashford, down which has been in place mitted to attend games and that takes the ball fantastically. Bruno is so since December. “many factors” had been taken confi dent on penalties even though the Bilbao is understood to be hop- into consideration, notably the keeper almost saved it.” ing to allow 13,000 fans inside roll-out of vaccinations. However Solskjaer will be without the the 53,000-capacity San Mames, Supporters with tickets hop- suspended trio of captain Harry Maguire, but that is based on strict con- ing to travel to Budapest will Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay for the ditions laid out by authorities not have to quarantine on ar- second leg at Old Traff ord next week. “It which the Spanish Football Fed- rival, UEFA said, but will need to was not a perfect night,” he added. “We eration said will make it “impos- present two negative Covid-19 got three yellow cards and three suspen- sible” to admit spectators. test results. sions. 2-0 is very good result. We know The city of Munich indicated In Azerbaijan, fans with tick- how diffi cult it is to come to Spain.” on Tuesday that it could only let ets in Baku will be allowed to at- volleyed against the fans inside the Allianz Arena if tend and will not need to quaran- post for Granada as Spain international the health situation at the time tine as long as they are citizens or David de Gea kept a clean sheet on his allows, but the Italian govern- residents of Turkey, Switzerland fi rst appearance for United since the end ment has given the green light or the United Kingdom as well of February. for supporters to attend in Rome. as the countries who reach the Arsenal’s poor league form under Mikel Last month UEFA president quarter-fi nals. Bucharest will Arteta has left the Gunners with the Eu- Aleksander Ceferin made it clear also let ticket holders in with a ropa League as their only hope of silver- he did not want any matches negative test and a guarantee to ware this year, but the 2019 runners-up played “in front of empty stands” stay less than three days. were denied victory at the Emirates fol- at the Euro, which will be played However, the body said “no lowing a 94th-minute header by Tomas from June 11 to July 11 after being exemptions will be made for Holes. postponed by a year due to the ticket holders elsewhere”. All Nicolas Pepe had come off the bench pandemic. fans with tickets can therefore to give Arsenal the lead four minutes he number of spectators al- choose to hand them back by from time, only for Holes to nod in at a lowed in stadiums neverthe- April 22 and get a full refund. corner and extend Slavia’s unbeaten run to 22 games, having already knocked out Leicester City and Rangers. “The fi nal result leaves a diffi cult taste,” Arteta said. “The game was under control. We got the goal we wanted but we missed some big chances as well. We played two or three balls we shouldn’t do Granada’s (left) and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford go for a header during the UEFA Europa League first and we put ourselves on the back foot and leg quarter-final match at the Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium in Granada, Spain, on Thursday night. (AFP) conceded the corner. They put bodies in there and it can happen. It changes the sen gave Ajax the lead shortly before half- Lorenzo Pellegrini’s free-kick on 57 of Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, as Gerard feeling after the game.” time, but Dusan Tadic’s missed penalty minutes slipped through the grasp of Ajax Moreno’s penalty just before the inter- Roma, the only Italian club remaining proved the turning point as Roma keeper keeper Kjell Scherpen and Roger Ibanez val secured a 1-0 victory. Emery won the in Europe this term, came from behind to Pau Lopez turned away the Serbian’s ef- won the game for Roma late on, smashing Europa League in three consecutive years take down four-time European champi- fort moments before the visitors drew home a superb volley. with Sevilla and took Arsenal to the 2019 ons Ajax 2-1 in Amsterdam. Davy Klaas- level. Unai Emery’s Villarreal got the better fi nal.

SERIE A fi nds no evidence of racist slur against Diakhaby Madrid: La Liga said yesterday and material from social media. of Italy’s coaching staff , has Milan desperate to cling on to title race it had found no evidence that Spanish radio station Cope said been hospitalised in Rome with Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby microphones picked up Cala Covid-19, according to multiple AFP was racially abused by Juan telling Diakhaby “Damn it, leave media reports yesterday. Milan Cala of Cadiz during a La Liga me alone”, then apologising by The 37-year-old former Roma match last weekend. saying: “Sorry, don’t get angry.” captain was one of four mem- The Spanish football federa- But it reported that investiga- bers of Italy’s staff who were in- C Milan travel to relegation- tion, which has the final say on tors had found no evidence that fected during recent 2022 World threatened Parma desperate to disciplinary matters, still has to Cala had used racist language. Cup qualifiers, in an outbreak cling onto second place in make its ruling on the incident Diakhaby, a 24-year-old which has also hit eight players. this weekend and stay on course that has received widespread former Lyon player who has After a week, De Rossi’s condi- forA the Champions League as city rivals In- coverage in Spain. been at Valencia since 2018, tion with a persistent fever and ter can tighten their grip on top spot against A furious Diakhaby walked said on social media that he had cough required more in-depth lowly Cagliari. off the field after being involved been racially insulted, adding: tests which revealed pneumo- Seven-time European champions Milan in a heated exchange with Cala “That is intolerable, I cannot nia, Gazzetta Dello Sport and have taken four points from their last three and claimed the Spanish player allow that and you have all seen Sky Sport reported. games to drop 11 points behind Inter who had used a racist slur towards my reaction.” The former Italy midfielder are closing in on a fi rst Serie A title in over him in the first half of the game The Valencia squad lined has as a precautionary meas- a decade. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Milan had in Cadiz on Sunday. Valencia’s up behind Diakhaby at their ure been hospitalised since been leading at the winter break as they tar- players left the pitch in solidar- training ground in a public Thursday at Rome’s Spallanzani get a fi rst ‘Scudetto’ since 2011, but have fal- ity with Diakhaby, becoming the display of support. But Cala, hospital which specialises in tered since January. first top-flight Spanish team to a 31-year-old defender, told a infectious diseases. The ‘Az- Champions Juventus are just one point Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Milan had been leading at the winter break as they target a first make such a protest. press conference on Tuesday he zurri’ have suff ered a wave of behind Milan in third before hosting 13th- ‘Scudetto’ since 2011, but have faltered since January. (AFP) The players later returned had been a victim of a “circus” infections following their World placed Genoa with Atalanta a further point to resume the match, with the and a “witch-hunt” and he was Cup qualifiers against Northern adrift ahead of their trip to Fiorentina, who are in the relegation zone, and on a without coach Simone Inzaghi, who tested club claiming they were told “astonished and embarrassed” Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania. who will be without suspended midfi elder three-game losing run. The race for Cham- positive for Covid-19. Behind in seventh, they would be punished if they when Valencia left the pitch. Players infected include Franck Ribery. pions League football next season remains city rivals Roma host Bologna looking to end refused to return. Cadiz won the “There is no racism in Spanish Juventus pair Federico Bernar- Despite their poor home form, Milan tight. Napoli are two points off fourth after a three-match winless league run boosted match 2-1, finishing the game football,” he said: “There are deschi and Leonardo Bonucci, have lost just once on the road and take on losing their midweek clash at Juventus, and by their 2-1 Europa League quarter-fi nal, without Cala, who was substi- black players on all teams, they Atalanta’s Matteo Pessina, Paris 19th-placed Parma who have won just three next travel to mid-table Sampdoria. fi rst leg win at Ajax. tuted at half-time. are all super-integrated.” The Saint-Germain’s Alessandro games this campaign. “We’re heading into Juve’s win against Gennaro Gattuso’s “After analysing the elements, Spanish football federation Florenzi and Marco Verratti, the decisive part of the season,” said Milan side gave novice coach Andrea Pirlo some FIXTURES (TIMES GMT) no proof has been found in any (RFEF) has launched an “ex- Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo and coach Stefano Pioli as they seek a return breathing space as the champions’ nine- Today: Spezia v Crotone (1300), Parma v AC of the means available to La traordinary procedure” against Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio to the Champions League for the fi rst time year reign looks set to end. “Mistakes? Yes, Liga that the player Juan Torres Cala. Cragno. Milan (1600), Udinese v Torino (1845) since the 2013-2014 season. “But it’s a bit there are things that I messed up, but the Ruiz (Juan Cala) had insulted Several media reports premature to be doing these (Champions fi rst year of a coach is not easy. It will serve Tomorrow: Inter Milan v Cagliari (1030), Mouctar Diakhaby using the DE ROSSI HOSPITALISED suggested Torino goalkeeper League) calculations, especially as we still me well in the future,” said Pirlo. “We must Hellas Verona v Lazio, Juventus v Genoa, terms claimed,” La Liga said. WITH COVID AFTER Salvatore Sirigu has also caught have a lot of games against direct rivals still learn from these mistakes as we want to play Sampdoria v Napoli (all 1300), Roma v La Liga said it used an OUTBREAK IN ITALY SQUAD the virus, but although the club to play.” our last 10 matches as best we can and get Bologna (1600), Fiorentina v Atalanta (1845) external company to analyse Former World Cup winner Dan- have confirmed a case, they did Antonio Conte’s Inter are riding high with ready for the fi nal.” TV pictures, sound recordings iele De Rossi, now a member not identify the player. 10 consecutive wins and take on Cagliari, Lazio, in sixth, play away at Hellas Verona Monday: Benevento v Sassuolo (1845) Gulf Times 4 Saturday, April 10, 2021 SPORT

CRICKET / FOCUS South Africa, Pakistan De Villiers stars clash in shadow of IPL AFP Johannesburg, South Africa as Bangalore any of South Africa’s best cricketers will be involved in Twen- ty20 matches today M— but only some of them will be playing for their country in the fi rst of four T20 internationals win opener against Pakistan at the Wander- ers Stadium in Johannesburg. The series is being played at Harshal Patel scalps five to restrict Mumbai to 159 for 9 the same time as the early stages of the Indian Premier League and the juxtaposition provides a Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Ahmed (left) unsuccessfully appeals for the clear illustration of the relative dismissal of South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma during the third ODI standing of the two international at SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa, on Wednesday. (AFP) teams. As the fi rst innings in Johan- kistan players in cricket’s rich- There are four uncapped men nesburg draws to a close today, est league owes more to politics in the South African squad. Chennai Super Kings and Delhi than playing ability because the Pakistan won the one-day se- Capitals will take the fi eld in the likes of Babar Azam, Fakhar Za- ries that fi nished on Wednesday IPL. man and Shaheen Shah Afridi and will start favourites to win Former South African captain would slot comfortably into any the T20 games as well. Faf du Plessis, fast bowler Lungi IPL side. They appear to be stronger in Ngidi and leg-spinner Imran Ta- South Africa’s situation is one both batting and bowling, with hir are in the CSK squad, while of pragmatism. South Africa’s batting further fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Cricket South Africa want to weakened by the likely absence Anrich Nortje are contracted to stay on the right side of their In- through injury of captain Temba Delhi. dian counterparts by releasing Bavuma and Rassie van der Dus- Although they may sit out the their stars and in any case cannot sen. fi rst round of IPL games because aff ord to pay the sort of money Pakistan, though, will be look- of quarantine restrictions, all that would persuade their lead- ing for bigger contributions from three of South Africa’s pace bat- ing players to put country ahead their middle order batsmen after tery in the fi rst two one-day in- of club, especially for a tourna- the bulk of their runs in the one- ternationals against Pakistan last ment that was arranged less than day games came from their top weekend — Rabada, Nortje and two months ago. three, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul- Ngidi — will be in Mumbai in- South Africa head coach Mark Haq and Babar Azam. stead of playing in Johannesburg. Boucher put a positive spin on Imam is not in the T20 squad Also in India after playing in the loss of key players to the IPL, but Fakhar, not originally in the the fi rst two games against Pa- noting that they will be sharp- squad, has been added, while kistan are batsmen Quinton de ening their skills against world- Sharjeel Khan and Haider Ali will Kock and David Miller, while IPL class opponents in the country be vying for game time. stars AB de Villiers and Chris where the T20 World Cup will be Morris appear to have been lost played later this year. FIXTURES to international cricket. And the holes left in the na- April 10: Johannesburg Pakistan, by contrast, have not tional side provide opportunities April 12: Johannesburg lost any players to the IPL. for fringe players to push longer- April 14: Centurion The non-participation of Pa- term claims. April 16: Centurion

AB de Villiers of Royal Challengers Bangalore plays a shot during the first Indian Premier League 2021 match against at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India, yesterday. (IPL) CYCLING

AFP times in the fi nal over of the Chennai, India Behrendorff replaces Mumbai innings to set up vic- tory for a side searching its fi rst Jakobsen to return in Turkey, Hazlewood at Chennai IPL title. outh Africa’s AB de Vil- Bangalore batsman Devdutt liers hit a quickfi re 48 eft-arm fast bowler triot Josh Hazlewood...” the Padikkal missed the game after eight months aft er horror crash as Royal Challengers will league said in a statement. he was one of the four IPL play- Bangalore prevailed in a Lreplace fellow Australian Left-arm quick Behrendorff rep- ers to test positive for Covid-19 Reuters really nice to see the team again last-ballS thriller against holders Josh Hazlewood at Chennai resented Mumbai Indians in the ahead of the gala event. and emotionally quite touching,” London, United Kingdom Mumbai Indians in the Indian Super Kings for this year’s 2019 edition of the tournament. All eight teams are in strict he said. Premier League opener played Indian Premier League, Defending champions Mum- bio-bubbles as case numbers in “When I came back from Po- behind closed doors yesterday. organisers of the Twenty20 bai take on Royal Challengers India have skyrocketed to more utch rider Fabio Ja- land I was not even in a state to The 14th edition of the pop- competition said yesterday. Bangalore in the first match in than 130,000 a day since players kobsen will return take care of myself so my family ular Twenty20 tournament Hazlewood opted out of the Chennai later on Friday. arrived to prepare for the eight- to the peloton at the has done that for me and they are kickstarted in Chennai as Virat eight-team tournament to rest Western Australia paceman week spectacle. eighth-stage Tour everything to me. So it’s special Kohli’s Bangalore chased down after a gruelling summer and Behrendorff will play Sunday’s “We are fortunate enough to ofD Turkey this weekend, eight for them to see a son or a brother a target of 160 to win by two to stay fresh for a crowded Marsh One-Day Cup final be on the park playing cricket. months after suff ering horrifi c or a family member come back . schedule of international against New South Wales in That is more important, we can injuries in a crash in Poland. and make it happen.” De Villiers single-handedly cricket culminating with the Sydney before linking up with put a smile on people in India,” Speaking in a team video, the Jacobsen said just racing again lifted the team from a precari- Ashes at the end of the year. Chennai. Three-time champions said Mumbai skipper Rohit 24-year-old Deceuninck-Quick- was his fi rst target, but hopes he ous 122-6 to take the chase into “Australian fast bowler Jason Chennai, led by former India Sharma. Step sprinter conceded he was will be back to his best in 2022 or the fi nal over, but he got run out Behrendorff has signed up captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, “As a country we are going “excited but a little nervous” 2023. on the fourth ball. with the Chennai Super Kings begin their campaign against through tough times and it’s im- about being back in the bunch. “Everyone gets bumps in their Harshal Patel, who claimed as a replacement for compa- Delhi Capitals in Mumbai today. portant we give them something “I’m doing quite well and lives or big mountains and in my fi ve wickets to restrict Mumbai to look forward to. This tourna- I’m building my condition up,” case it was a crash,” he said. “The to 159-9 in their 20 overs, got the ment is going to be exciting.” Jacobsen said. “It feels good to injuries and needed reconstruc- thing I always put in my mind winning run in a tense fi nish. thinks it’s not over till he gets mn in an intense February auc- Chennai Super Kings, led by be on the bike and really live like tive surgery with bone from his was one day it will become better, “AB is probably the only play- out.” tion, got going with his captain former India skipper Mahendra a pro cyclist again.” pelvic crest being used to rebuild maybe tomorrow or the day after, er who’s so versatile and can do Kohli won the toss and elect- in a key partnership of 52. Singh Dhoni, will take on Delhi Jacobsen was placed in a med- his upper and lower jaw. but if I quit I won’t get there. what he did on slow pitches to- ed to fi eld fi rst at the start of the Kohli fell to Mumbai fast Capitals in Mumbai today. ically-induced coma and under- Jacobsen still bears the scars of “Now I feel okay. Excited and day, so we have to understand,” 52-day tournament that con- bowler for 33 went fi ve hours of surgery for a the accident and said it has been a little bit nervous to be back in Kohli said on the team’s deci- cludes on May 30. and Maxwell, promoted to BRIEF SCORES: Mumbai brain trauma after being pitched a hard road back from spending a the bunch and out of the country sion to make de Villiers bat at Kohli said he “felt like home” number four, fell to tall South Indians 159 for 9 ( 49, into the barriers after a high- week in an intensive care bed un- which are quite big things. But I number fi ve. on IPL’s return to India after last African quick Marco Jansen for 31; Harshal speed collision with compatriot able to move. look forward and even though “If there’s a partnership on, year’s edition took place in the 39 as Bangalore faltered. Patel 5-27) lose to Royal Chal- Dylan Groenewegen as they “Everyone has supported me I’m a little bit scared I want to you might see a totally diff er- United Arab Emirates due to the But de Villiers soon took lengers Bangalore 160 for 8 sprinted to the fi nish on the fi rst on the way back, my family, and race as I enjoy it so much. ent order. But in a tricky chase pandemic. charge as he hit four fours and (AB de Villiers 48, stage of the Tour of Poland last the team is my second family. It’s “The second goal second goal you want some options in the Glenn Maxwell, who was two sixes in his 27-ball knock. 39; Jasprit Bumrah 2-26, Marco August. been a diffi cult period of course is to hopefully raise my arms back end, where the opposition bought by Bangalore for $1.95 Earlier Patel struck three Jansen 2-28) by two wickets. He also suff ered severe facial with Covid as well, but it was again to win a race.”

BOTTOMLINE Mayor Khan reveals IPL ambition for London AFP ular basis,” Khan said at a chil- “Indians love cricket, we love the Board of Control for Cricket London, United Kingdom dren’s cricket training session in cricket, we love Indians. We want in India (BCCI) to relax its policy southwest London yesterday. this to be a bridge between India prohibiting star players from tak- London has successfully and London and Surrey deserve ing part in overseas leagues and ondon Mayor Sadiq Khan staged a number of NFL, MLB huge credit in being pioneers and pave the way for their involve- wants to bring the glitzy and NBA events in the past and, with their vision to get IPL here.” ment in the ECB’s new Hundred Indian Premier League to with the backing of Surrey, Khan, tournament. the British capital as he who is running for re-election ECONOMIC BOOST “When you speak to the ECB Lseeks to establish the city as the next month, wants to add the IPL Pressed on a timescale, Khan said (England and Wales Cricket “undisputed sporting capital” of to that list. there was no reason that friend- Board), they would love for In- the world. “I’ve said for some time that lies could not take place later this dian players to be playing in the The 14th edition of the Twen- I would love London to keep its year, saying his IPL vision ex- Hundred,” said Khan. “I don’t ty20 cricket tournament started place as the sporting capital of tended beyond London. want London just to be a place behind closed doors yesterday, the world,” he said. “I want this to “The fi rst step will be the exhi- where Indians invest and shoot with champions Mumbai Indians be the undisputed sporting capi- bition games. And they have to be Bollywood movies, I want the IPL facing India captain Virat Kohli’s tal of the world. Covid-safe, of course,” he said. here as well.” Royal Challengers Bangalore. “We’ve had Major League “At the moment, I’m speak- There is no indication that Khan hopes future IPL match- Baseball, NFL for 10 years, you ing to Surrey,” added Khan, who the BCCI has plans to take IPL es could be played at London saw the impact of Joshua v Kl- once had a trial for the club as a matches out of the country and grounds such as Lord’s and the itschko,” added the mayor, citing 15-year-old. even in a post-Covid world the Oval, the headquarters of county the knock-on economic benefi t “But I’d love to see these games logistics of such a move could side Surrey. to hotels, restaurants and bars of not just at Lord’s but Heading- prove diffi cult. “The IPL is a fantastic league major sporting events. ley, Edgbaston, Old Traff ord and The IPL has been held outside but I’m desperate not just to see “The other thing is that In- other stadiums. London is the India before — in 2009 it was Kohli and others here when India dia is a massive investor in our shop window to our nation. You staged in South Africa due to se- come (to England) as they are this city. We are the number one city only get a national recovery with curity issues and last year it was year but to see the likes of (MS) in Europe that India invests in, a London recovery.” played in the United Arab Emir- Dhoni, (Rohit) Sharma and (Jas- we’re number two in the world Khan said playing IPL matches ates because of the coronavirus London Mayor Sadiq Khan plays cricket during a London mayoral election campaign visit to Kingstonian prit) Bumrah come here on a reg- after Dubai. in London could help persuade pandemic. Cricket Club in southwest London yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, April 10, 2021 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Angels win in 11th to ruin Blue Jays’ George, Leonard home opener

Reuters moved to second on a groundout New York, United States and scored on a single by Teoscar Hernandez. Guerrero followed with his second homer of the avid Fletcher hit a two- season. spark Clippers to run single with two The Angels tied the game in outs in the 11th inning the second on doubles by Upton, to give the Los Angeles Iglesias and Fletcher. AngelsD a 7-5 victory Thursday Trout hit his third homer of night in the Toronto Blue Jays’ the season with two outs in the home opener at Dunedin, Flor- fi fth. ida. Biggio hit his second homer With Justin Upton placed this season with one out in the win over Suns at second, Ryan Borucki (1-1) sixth. Aaron Slegers replaced walked Jose Iglesias to open the Canning and allowed Bo Bi- Bulls have seven players in double-figures as Chicago beat Toronto Raptors 122-113 11th. Kurt Suzuki sacrifi ced the chette’s infi eld single and stolen runners to second and third. Ra- base followed by Guerrero’s RBI AFP fael Dolis replaced Borucki and single to give Toronto a 5-4 lead. Los Angeles, United States gave up Fletcher’s bloop hit to Toronto’s Jordan Romano re- center. Fletcher had three RBIs. placed Trent Thornton in the Junior Guerra (2-0) pitched a seventh after Dexter Fowler’s aul George and Kawhi Leonard perfect bottom of the 10th to get one-out infi eld single. Fowler combined for 60 points as the the win. stole second, took third on a Los Angeles Clippers beat the Raisel Iglesias struck out the groundout and scored on Shohei Phoenix Suns 113-103 in a West- side in the bottom of the 11th to Ohtani’s single. Pern Conference showdown between two earn his second save of the sea- Julian Merryweather allowed teams playing their best basketball down son. Fowler’s one-out single in the the fi nal stretch of the season. Mike Trout hit a solo home run ninth. Ohtani walked with two George delivered 33 points and Leonard for the Angels. outs, but Trout lined out to cent- tallied 27 for the Clippers, who recently Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a er. Merryweather pitched a per- added some experienced veterans in De- home run and three RBIs and fect 10th. Marcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo to help Cavan Biggio hit a solo home run fortify their playoff roster. for the Blue Jays. Rondo, who came over in a trade with Toronto right-hander Ross RESULTS the Atlanta Hawks, scored 15 points Stripling allowed four runs, six and nine assists and Cousins, who was hits and a walk in fi ve innings. He NY Mets 3-2 Miami signed after being released by the Hou- struck out fi ve. Cubs 4-2 Pittsburgh ston Rockets, did not play Thursday but is Angels right-hander Griffi n Boston 7-3 Baltimore expected to add some muscle in the Clip- Canning allowed four runs, three pers expected long playoff run. hits and one walk in 5 1/3 innings Colorado 7-3 Arizona “We got a deep roster. We are starting while striking out seven. White Sox 6-0 Kansas City to build our identity,” George said. Los Angeles’ Anthony Rendon Minnesota 10-2 Seattle George, who poured in 36 points in a hit an RBI single in the fi rst after St. Louis 3-1 Milwaukee win on Tuesday over Portland, shot 12 of Trout doubled. 19 from the fl oor and seven of nine from The Blue Jays scored three LA Angels 7-5 Toronto three-point range on Thursday. runs in the bottom of the fi rst. Houston 6-2 Oakland “When I come out to attack, I am in a Biggio walked with one out, good place,” said George. “Everything else takes care of itself. If I have a scorer mentality it gives me confi dence to make shots.” The Clippers are in the midst of a nine- game homestand and have won eight of their last 10 games. The Clippers shut down the Suns top player Devin Booker by putting Patrick Beverley on him. Booker had 24 points, Mikal Bridges added 20 points and Chris Paul totalled 13 points, seven rebounds and three assists. In a battle of the top two teams in the NBA on Wednesday, the Suns took care of business at home against Utah, with a 117-113 overtime victory. Elsewhere, Chicago’s new look roster is blending together nicely as the Bulls had seven players in double-fi gure scoring in beating the Toronto Raptors 122-113 in an Eastern Conference matchup. Orlando import Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine scored a team-high 22 points each for the Bulls, who are battling the Raptors for the 10th and fi nal playoff LA Clippers guard Paul George (second from right) is defended by Phoenix Suns’ Mikal Bridges (left), Deandre Ayton (second from spot in the East standings. left) and Torrey Craig (right) during the game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, United States, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) David Fletcher of the LA Angels hits a two run RBI single to take The Bulls improved to 22-28 while To- the lead in the eleventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD ronto dropped to 20-32 on the season. Toronto coach Nick Nurse. “He was the Dallas Mavericks posted a 116-101 win Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida, United States, on Thursday. (AFP) With its second win over Toronto, the taking shots I don’t think I have ever over the Milwaukee Bucks. RESULTS Bulls clinched the three-game season se- seen him take before. He had some re- The Bucks played without two-time ries and the teams meet again on May 13 ally good moments on defence too. He reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo Miami 110-104 LA Lakers in Chicago. is getting to start now and he is getting (knee) for the third straight game and the Chicago 122-113 Toronto Raptors waive swingman McCaw Lauri Markkanen, Coby White and big minutes.” fi fth time in the past 10. Milwaukee has Cleveland 129-102 Oklahoma Daniel Theis came off the bench to pro- LaVine completed a double-double lost two straight games and fi ve of the The Toronto Raptors waived swingman Patrick McCaw yes- vide double-fi gure scoring for the Bulls, with a game-high 13 assists for the Bulls, past eight. Dallas 116-101 Milwaukee terday. The 25-year-old has been dealing with persistent knee who have won two straight after a six- who had opened their current road trip Also, Jimmy Butler scored 28 points LA Clippers 113-103 Phoenix injuries for the past two seasons. McCaw played in only five game skid. with a 113-97 win at Indiana. to lead the host Miami Heat to a 110-104 Utah 122-103 Portland games in 2020-21, totalling five points, four assists and three Chris Boucher carried the off ensive Markkanen contributed 18 points, win over the mistake-prone Los Angeles rebounds in 33 minutes. He won an NBA championship with the load with 38 points and 19 rebounds for White had 15 and Theis 14 for the Bulls, Lakers. Detroit 113-101 Sacramento Raptors in 2018-19 after celebrating back-to-back titles with the the Raptors, who completed a four-game who have more depth off the bench than Miami also got 18 points from Victor Golden State in 2016-17 and 2017-18. A second-round homestand. It was a career-best per- the Raptors. Oladipo who left the game in the fourth team-high 28 points for the Lakers who draft pick in 2016, McCaw has career averages of 3.8 points, 1.6 formance by Boucher. In Texas, Luka Doncic fi nished with 27 quarter with an apparent knee injury. gave up eight more points than Miami on rebounds and 1.4 assists in 199 games (43 starts) with the War- “He had a night that’s for sure,” said points, nine rebounds and nine assists as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored a turnovers. riors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Raptors. MLB examining baseballs used by NHL Dodgers’ Trevor Bauer: report Major League Baseball is examining multiple baseballs used by Dodgers right-hander Trevor Bauer that raised suspicion during Nedeljkovic, Hurricanes shut out Panthers Los Angeles’ Wednesday game against the Oakland Athletics, according to a Thursday report from The Athletic. Umpires col- Reuters lected the balls, which had “visible markings and were sticky,” New York, United States RESULTS per The Athletic. The balls reportedly were sent to the league off ice for additional inspection. Bauer appeared to respond New Jersey 6-3 Buff alo to the allegation, posting on Twitter, “Lol always fun reading ebastian Aho, Vincent Trocheck Carolina 3-0 Florida desperate and misleading clickbait headlines from national and Martin Necas scored goals Tampa Bay 6-4 Columbus gossip bloggers. To translate fake journalist speak for y’all, ‘It’s and Alex Nedeljkovic posted a 24- unclear whether’ = ‘I can’t be bothered to look into this cuz it save shutout as the Carolina Hur- Winnipeg 4-2 Montreal doesn’t fit my narrative.’” Pitchers are prohibited from using ricanesS beat the Florida Panthers 3-0 on NY Islanders 3-2 Philadelphia foreign substances to doctor baseballs. Such substances can Thursday night in Raleigh, North Caro- (SO) aff ect a pitcher’s grip and the sharpness of breaking pitches, lina. Pittsburgh 5-2 NY Rangers potentially giving those throwing the balls an unfair advantage Nedeljkovic has three shutouts in his over hitters. 20-game NHL career, all of them com- Edmonton 3-1 Ottawa ing in his past 12 appearances. Necas and Boston 4-2 Washington Former NFL player suspected of Trocheck each fi nished with two points. Nashville 7-1 Detroit Chris Driedger stopped 19 shots for killing fi ve in US, then himself Florida. Dallas 5-1 Chicago The Panthers were shut out for the A former American professional football player is suspected of third time this season, each by a 3-0 score Trocheck has a 12-game points streak killing five people including a doctor and his wife in the state — to the Dallas Stars, Chicago Black- (seven goals, 10 assists). of South Carolina before dying by suicide, US media reported hawks and now Carolina. The Hurricanes had only six shots on Thursday. The suspect, identified as former San Francisco 49ers By sweeping a two-game set this week, goal in the third period, but one was Necas’ cornerback Phillip Adams, allegedly fatally shot the five victims Carolina moved in front of Florida and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (left) stops a shot by Florida Panthers’ empty-net tally with 52 seconds remaining. Wednesday in the city of Rock Hill. He then returned to his Tampa Bay to claim fi rst place in the Cen- Radko Gudas (second from left) during the game at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Florida was 0-for-4 on power plays parents’ house, where he killed himself early Thursday after a tral Division. The Panthers and Lightning Carolina, United States, on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) while Carolina was 1-for-4. standoff with police. The five victims include a 70-year-old doc- each have 56 points, one point before the The Hurricanes are 3-1-0 midway tor, his 69-year-old spouse and two of their grandchildren, aged Hurricanes’ total. Carolina scored once in each period. net in the second period, Florida center through a season-high, eight-game five and nine, as well as a 38-year-old man killed outside their The Hurricanes are 5-0-1 this season The Hurricanes scored just seven sec- Eetu Luostarinen reached out to glove it. homestand. house. A sixth person was hospitalised with serious gunshot against the Panthers. onds into a fi rst-period power play, win- However, Carolina’s Nino Niederreiter Florida has gone consecutive games wounds, York County sheriff ’s spokesman Trent Faris said. Nei- Trocheck, who was traded from Florida ning the faceoff before Aho delivered the appeared to bat Luostarinen’s arm, and with regulation losses against the same ther the York County medical examiner’s off ice nor the sheriff ’s to the Hurricanes in February 2020, has shot off a pass from Trocheck at 14:31. the puck scraped off Driedger’s back and opponent for just the second time this department responded to AFP’s request for confirmation of the one goal in each of the team’s six games Aho has 300 career points in 349 games. into the net. Trocheck was credited with season, having fallen twice at Chicago in suspect’s identity. this season against the Panthers. With the puck fl uttering above the the goal. late March. Gulf Times 6 Saturday, April 10, 2021 SPORT

HORSE RACING Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Gubbass makes a winning debut Agencies Leicester, England Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa al-Attiyah’s Kehailaan romps home at Southwell ubbass, owned by Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah, made Agencies third. They began racing with a promising debut at Southwell, England still 800m left to run and Kehai- Leicester yesterday. The laan showed plenty of courage Gtwo-year-old colt, trained by Ri- to see off the leaders Artoc chard Hannon Jr, won the British n the colours of Mohamed Emperor and Helm Rock. In the Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes bin Hamad Khalifa al-Attiyah, final 100m, he surged clear with in good style over 1,000m (5f). Ithe three-year-old colt Ke- a late acceleration to win by two Travelling well in mid-division hailaan opened his scorecard in lengths and a quarter in front in a race run at a strong pace, the the Maiden Stakes over 1,600m of the Archie Watson-trained winner fi nished with a real fl our- for three-year-olds and older on and Hollie Doyle-ridden Artoc ish. Furthermore, the winning the all-weather at Southwell on Emperor. Helm Rock finished rider Sean Levey never had to get Thursday. Previously, Kehailaan further three-and-a-half lengths serious on his mount, as the win- debuted in February this year behind in third for trainers Dan- ner put daylight between himself for a second place, before again iel & Claire Kubler with Kieran and his rivals, who were more finishing second next time out O’Neill in the saddle. experienced than him and even on March 2, both times at New- Kehailaan was bought as a year- some of them fi nished placed in Sean Levey (second from left) rides Gubbass to Novice Stakes victory in Leicester yesterday. (JDG) castle on the all-weather. Ben Curtis rides Kehailaan ling by his trainer at the Goff s previous outings. Trained by Mark Johnston and to Maiden Stakes victory on Orby Yearling Sale. His sire, Gubbass won by just under two lengths and a quarter in third. Bred by Tom Lacy, Gubbass is Stakes and fi nished runner-up in ridden by Ben Curtis, the colt Thursday. (Tony Knapton) Gleneagles was a dual Guineas lengths in front of the K R Burke- Gubbass is entered in the a son of Mehmas, a stallion part- the Coventry & National Stakes. was slowly into his stride from winner for Coolmore. Kehailaan trained and Cliff ord Lee-ridden Weatherbys Super Sprint, a pres- owned by Al Shaqab Racing, and Sired by Acclamation, Gubbass’ the starting stalls on Thursday. Sitting on the outside behind is out of the Fastnet Rock mare Tothenines while the Ralph Beck- tigious prize for juveniles on the based at the Tally Ho Stud. Meh- sire is half-brother of Garrus, He had to make an eff ort in the the leader in fourth, he settled Deforst My Heart, who was ett-trained and Rossa Ryan-rid- British circuit, at Newbury on mas was a high-class two-year- Group 3 Coral Charge second and first 100m to follow the leaders. well before moving up into placed at Stakes Level. den Angel Bleu was further three July 17. old who won the July & Richmond Group 2 Sapphire Stakes third.

TENNIS FOCUS Sinner leads Italian Barty advances charge up world rankings

AFP advanced to the quarter-fi nals of Milan, Italy the ATP tournament in Cagliari on Thursday. “We support each other and annik Sinner’s run to the it’s no coincidence that if some- Miami Masters fi nal has one has good results, then others to quarters in fuelled hopes of a new era follow too.” for Italian men’s tennis with,J for the fi rst time this week, ‘SUCCESS BECKONS’ 10 players ranked in the ATP Top This week Sinner is training for 100. the Monte Carlo Masters, among No Italian had reached the fi nal fi ve Italians competing along in the ATP Masters 1000 tourna- with defending champion Fogni- Charleston ment in North America before ni, seeded Berrettini, Sonego and Sinner, with their previous best wild card recipient Musetti. Aussie faces Badosa next; unseeded Kovinic topples Kvitova Fabio Fognini’s semi-fi nal ap- Fognini fell in the second pearance in Miami back in 2017. round of the warm-up clay- AFP The 19-year-old Sinner be- court Andalucia Open in Mar- Miami, United States came the second-youngest Mi- bella on Thursday, a tournament ami fi nalist after Rafael Nadal in in which he was seeded second. 2005, rising this week to 23rd in “There is a positive rivalry orld number one the world rankings, just the sixth between all of us, the successes Ashleigh Barty de- teen since 2010 to break into the of one beckons that of another,” feated hometown Top 30. Sonego told Italian daily Gazzetta favourite Shelby Sinner is the third high- dello Sport. WRogers 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-4 in the est ranked Italian after world high world number four in Au- “We are all friends, very close, third round of the WTA clay number 10 Matteo Berrettini and gust 1976 after his French Open the competition is healthy. court tournament in Charles- 18th-ranked Fognini. triumph. “The Italian movement is con- ton, South Carolina, on Thurs- They are followed by Lorenzo Only France and Spain have tinuing to rise and I’m sure other day. Sonego (34), Stefano Travaglia more players in the top 100 with young players will also come Barty moves on to the quarter- (69), Salvatore Caruso (87), 11 each, but they have much older from behind.” fi nals where she will face Spain’s Lorenzo Musetti (90), Gianluca average age whereas fi ve of the Italy can dream of Davis Cup Paula Badosa, a 6-3, 6-3 winner Mager (91), Marco Cecchinato ‘Azzurri’ are under 26 years, and victory, which they won once in over Caty McNally of the US. (93) and Andreas Seppi (96). two are teenagers. 1976, he added. “Shelby’s an exceptional ball- After his break-through in Eight of France’s players are “We hope to bring it to Italy as striker, she always makes you 2019, winning the ATP Chal- over 30 and six of Spain’s com- soon as possible.” work very hard for every single lenger title in Bergamo and the pared to two of Italy’s Fognini, 33, In Cagliari, Sonego swept past point, every single match, and NextGen ATP fi nals in Milan, and Seppi, 37. France’s Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-1 tonight was no diff erent,” said Sinner has claimed two titles and Musetti, just turned 19, is the to reach the last eight along with Barty. reached the Roland Garros quar- youngest player in the ATP top Musetti who ousted top seeded The Australian from Ipswich ter-fi nal on his debut in 2020. 100, with Berettini 24, Sonego 25, Briton Dan Evans 6-1, 1-6, 7-6 arrived in Charleston fresh off a The highest an Italian man Mager 26, Caruso and Cecchi- (8). victory in the prestigious Miami has ever been ranked was their nato, both 28, and Travaglia, 29. The last Italian to win an ATP Open, where she successfully only Grand Slam winner Adriano “It’s beautiful, there are so title in Italy was Filippo Volandri defended a WTA title for the Panatta, who reached a career- many of us,” said Sonego, who in Palermo back in October 2006. fi rst time. Ashleigh Barty of Australia returns a shot to Shelby Rogers (not pictured) during the Volvo Car Open in After a fi rst-round bye she Charleston, South Carolina, United States, on Thursday. (AFP) made a quick adjustment to the green clay of Charleston, need- returns on my second serve were She mustered a break of serve playing my best tennis. It didn’t Alcaraz, 17, defeats 39-year-old Lopez in Marbella ing just 61 minutes to dispatch sometimes incredible — I didn’t after a medical time out early in make sense to me.” Japan’s 77th-ranked Misaki Doi, even move and the ball passed by the second before opting to call US teen Coco Gauff booked a Seventeen-year-old Carlos na in 2011 when Dominic Thiem, Alcaraz will next face third seed 6-2, 6-1. me, but somehow I managed.” it a day. quarter-fi nal meeting with Tu- Alcaraz reached his first main then 18, defeated 44-year-old Casper Ruud after the Norwe- Unseeded Danka Kovinic of Kovinic broke twice for a “I was already feeling some nisia’s Ons Jabeur. Gauff beat tour quarter-final on Thursday Thomas Muster gian eased to a 6-3, 6-2 victory Montenegro, ranked 91st in the 5-1 lead in the second set, then pain in my fi rst match,” said compatriot Lauren Davis 6-2, with a three-set victory over When Lopez turned pro in 1997, over Gianluca Mager of Italy. world, toppled two-time Wim- served out the victory with four Muguruza, a former world 7-6 (7/2) while Jabeur rallied 39-year-old Spanish compatriot it would be another six years Spain’s Jaume Munar, ranked bledon champion Petra Kvitova, straight service winners. number one who ended a two- for a 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Feliciano Lopez at the Andalu- before Alcaraz was born. 95, also claimed his first top 20 the third seed, 6-4, 6-1 to reach Kovinic will battle for a place year title drought in Dubai last France’s Alize Cornet. cia Open. “It was a diff icult match, Feli is a victory of the year with a 6-2, the quarters. in the semi-fi nals against Kaza- month. American Sloane Stephens, World number 133 Alcaraz won great player with a great serve 6-1 win against second-seeded “We both have pretty big khstan’s Yulia Putintseva, who “The switch of hard courts the 2016 Charleston champi- 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 over the sixth-seed- and great volley,” Alcaraz told Fabio Fognini. serves and she’s very good hit- advanced when sixth-seeded to clay was tough, and in a very on, beat Australian Ajla Tom- ed Lopez, ranked 64 but who atptour.com. “The key was that I Munar will take on Ilya Ivashka ting from the baseline,” Kovinic Garbine Muguruza retired while short amount of time. I started lmanovic 6-3, 6-4 to book a once reached 12 in the rankings. stayed calm after losing the first in the quarter-finals, after the said. “Today it was the key that leading their match 6-0, 2-2 very well, and all of a sudden I quarter-fi nal clash with Russian The second round match fea- set. I came out in the second set Belarusian defeated fifth seed I tried, and did it really well, to with a left leg injury. felt a sharp pain in my leg, and it Veronika Kudermetova, who tured the biggest age diff erence very focussed and knowing what Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, take her pace of the ball and use Muguruza fi red 10 winners to got worse,” the Spaniard said. “I downed Japanese qualifi er Ku- between two players since Vien- I had to improve.” 6-1, 6-3. her energy. As you can see, her Putintseva’s one in the fi rst set. didn’t want to continue without rumi Nara 6-0, 6-3.

SOLUTIONS British sports chiefs back use of ‘vaccine passports’ to fi ll stadiums

AFP lockdown, with an FA Cup semi- ter says. “We know that our sta- around 32mn fi rst vaccine dos- “So to end those restrictions of London, United Kingdom fi nal and the FA Cup fi nal among dia can only be fully fi lled with an es — around 60 percent of the freedom, we believe that some- pilot events for a “Covid status assurance process. adult population — in one of the thing like this is an acceptable certifi cation” scheme. “This process must ensure world’s most successful inocula- burden to give fans the freedom ritish sports chiefs say The system would show that everyone can access stadia tion drives. to attend.” they would accept the whether people had been vac- and must include arrangements But even with the swift rollout, A government spokesman, re- introduction of coro- cinated, had antibodies for Cov- that would verify a negative Cov- full venues at major sports events sponding to the letter, said: “We navirus “vaccine pass- id-19 or had tested negative. id test or an antibody test or vac- are understood to be unlikely welcome the constructive ap- ports”B as a means of allowing full Vaccine and testing pass- cination certifi cation. until late in the English sporting proach from major British sports capacities at stadiums. ports are opposed by a group of “The fi nal approach must not summer at the earliest. as we explore how testing Covid In a letter to lawmakers, a MPs but Prime Minister Boris be discriminatory, should pro- Premier League executive di- certifi cation and other steps can number of bodies including the Johnson and opposition leader tect privacy, and have clear exit rector Bill Bush told the BBC yes- help get more fans back into stadi- Football Association, Premier Keir Starmer are among several criteria.” terday that a certifi cation system ums and other large events safely. League, Rugby Football Union politicians to be told by sport- Under current plans, from May was necessary in the absence of “We want as many fans as pos- and England and Wales Cricket ing organisations that they are a 17 stadiums in England will be al- unrestricted access to stadiums. sible to be able to enjoy a great Board said current social dis- “credible option” to achieve full lowed to open with a 25-percent “The alternative (to certifi ca- British summer of sport, safely.” tancing rules would be “insuffi - venues. capacity limit, up to a maximum tion) is not freedom,” he said. cient to end sport’s Covid fi nan- “All of our sports can see the of 10,000 spectators. “The alternative is social-dis- A company off icial uses a cial crisis”. benefi t that a Covid certifi cation The current plan is for all re- tancing, tiny crowds, major re- cell phone and an iPad to Test events are being launched process off ers in getting more strictions on social contact to be strictions on people’s movement demonstrate a health passport over the coming weeks as part of fans safely back to their sport as lifted on June 21. and ability to eat, drink, travel. app solution in Las Vegas on the government’s roadmap out of quickly as possible,” the joint let- Britain has administered Away fans banned, for example. Wednesday. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, April 10, 2021 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETICS Japan’s Hagino feeling focused ahead of Games

AFP this week, and I’ve been able to do well in each race. I think I can use this experi- Felix says Tokyo ence at the Games this summer.” Hagino missed out on an individual apanese swim star Kosuke Hag- place in the 200m freestyle earlier this ino insisted he has refound his week after fi nishing third and failing to mojo ahead of the Tokyo Olym- meet the qualifi cation time. Tokyo will pics, admitting he almost quit He secured a place in Japan’s 4x200m theJ sport after winning gold at the Rio relay team, but then dropped out of the Games. 200m backstroke in order to focus on Hagino booked his place in the 200m the 200m IM. But he came close to beat- individual medley at the coronavirus- ing world champion Seto — clocking be Olympic delayed Tokyo Games, fi nishing second 1min 57.43sec 43 to Seto’s 1:57.41 — and behind close friend Daiya Seto at Japan’s relished the competition against his old Olympic trials. sparring partner. Hagino won gold in the 400m IM and “Yesterday we were talking about how silver behind Michael Phelps in the 200m the race was going to be a tough scrap, swansong IM fi ve years ago in Rio, but then lost his and that’s how it turned out,” said Hag- appetite for swimming and endured a ino. “We both went for it in the fi nal leg, lengthy slump. and it’s been a while since we had a race He admitted yesterday “there was a like that.” time when I hated even getting in the wa- Seto had already qualifi ed for the Ol- ter”, but insisted his head is in the right “There was a time when I wanted to opted not to defend his 400m IM title in ympic 200m IM as world champion. place as he works towards this summer’s quit swimming, and I came through order to concentrate on the 200m. He has also secured his place in the Games. that,” said the 26-year-old, who has “Mentally, I haven’t let my focus slip 400m IM and 200m butterfl y.

SWIMMING Two races in one

AFP “I’m just going to see how day excites US Los Angeles training unfolds. I would like to participate in both at trials and see the outcome of that,” Felix S track and fi eld star said. “If I need to focus on one or Allyson Felix said the other we will make that deci- this summer’s Tokyo sion.” Games will be her fi nal Felix said she had initially OlympicsU but she has not set a struggled to process her disap- swim star Ledecky defi nite date for her retirement. pointment last year when the The 35-year-old sprinter — Olympics were postponed. ‘That’s a little bit of a challenge for me but it’s a challenge that I’m training for’ the only female track and fi eld “Obviously it was something athlete to win six Olympic gold that had to happen — there was AFP medals — said that while she such a loss of life, loss of jobs and Los Angeles could continue racing after To- loss of normalcy all around and kyo, she will not be around for we were really going through it the 2024 Paris Olympics. with everyone,” Felix said. ive-time Olympic gold “I do plan for this to be my “I had to pivot about thinking medallist Katie Ledecky fi nal Olympics,” Felix told re- how to have that same energy said she is excited by porters at the US Olympic and for a whole another year. It was Fthe challenge of chasing Paralympic Committee’s virtual really challenging. But I tried to history in Tokyo when she at- media summit. do my best to use that time to my tempts to win 200m and 1,500m “I don’t know for how much advantage and just get stronger freestyle titles on the same day. longer than this year I will run. and better to continue forward.” The 24-year-old US swim- I’m just going to take it as it Lockdown restrictions in Fe- ming great is gunning for fi ve comes as far as that goes. I don’t lix’s hometown of Los Angeles gold medals at the rescheduled see myself doing another Olym- made training during the pan- Tokyo Olympics, where she pics, but I haven’t laid out an end demic challenging. hopes to compete in the 200m, date.” The 13-time World Champi- 400m, 800m, 1,500m freestyle Felix will be competing in her onship gold medallist said she and 4x200m free relay. fi fth Olympics in Tokyo, having and coach Bobby Kersee had That ambitious schedule will fi rst raced at the 2004 Athens been forced to improvise after require Ledecky to double up Games, where she won a silver being denied access to a running for both the prelims and fi nals of medal in the 200 meters. track. the 200m and 1,500m, which are At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Ol- “It’s been a constant challenge taking place in single sessions. ympics, Felix won a silver medal throughout — we’ve trained on Ledecky, the world record in the 400m and golds in the the street, we’ve trained on the holder over the 400m, 800m 4x100m and 4x400m relays. beach, we’ve been all over the and 1,500, is unfazed by the While she has focused on the place,” she said. prospect of going for gold in 400m in the latter part of her ca- “The craziest experience both events. reer, Felix said she plans to enter was training in my neighbour- “That’s a little bit of a chal- both the 200m and 400m at the hood. I’ve gone running in my lenge for me but it’s a challenge US Olympic Trials in Eugene, neighbourhood before but never that I’m training for,” Ledecky Oregon in June. sprinting through the streets.” told reporters on Thursday at the US Olympic and Paralym- pic Committee’s virtual media US sprinter Igbokwe accepts 30-month dope ban summit. “I’m excited for the challenge, Los Angeles: Obi Igbokwe, assistance that Igbokwe and I’m excited for the opportu- who won mixed relay gold provided, USADA determined nity to show my range and com- at the 2019 athletics World that a 30-month sanction was pete in the shorter races like the Championships in Doha, has appropriate,” the agency said 200m, and the 1,500m for the accepted a 30-month suspen- in a statement. fi rst time it’s in an Olympics.” sion after testing positive Igbokwe’s period of ineligibil- The women’s 1,500m free- Katie Ledecky looks on after competing in the 200m freestyle heats at the TYR Pro Swim Series at Mission Viejo, California. for an anabolic steroid, the ity is dated from May 26, 2020 style is being introduced at the US Anti-Doping Agency said and will conclude in November Olympics for the fi rst time in of that opportunity and really Stanford University were shut been very motivating for all of of the Games, the uncertainty yesterday. of 2022 — ruling out a bid to Tokyo, and Ledecky is deter- get us started on a great note. down due to the pandemic. us,” she said. with training, the uncertainty The 24-year-old tested positive qualify for the pandemic-post- mined to etch her name as the It’s one of my favourite races, Lockdown restrictions have “I don’t like to use the word about the Olympics — all the in an out-of competition test poned Tokyo Olympics. fi rst woman to win gold over the and one of my best races.” also meant that she has not sacrifi ce because I’m fortunate diff erent things, it adds a little on May 26, 2020, for a metabo- Igbokwe ran the anchor leg for distance. “There have been so Ledecky spent much of last physically seen another member to do what I do and I don’t see bit of an extra push. lite of dehydrochlormethyl- the United States in the heats many great distance swimmers year hunkered down in Califor- of her family in more than a year. any of it as a sacrifi ce. “Because once we get there testosterone (DHCMT or oral of the 4x400m mixed men’s that have come through the US nia, where for three months she Ledecky says she has used “But the challenges that Ol- we really want to show the world turinabol), USADA said. and women’s relay at the World that haven’t had that opportu- made do swimming in a back- those challenges as a motivator ympic and Paralympic athletes all the work that we’ve put in. I “After considering the case, Championships in Doha, but nity before,” Ledecky said. yard pool and lifting weights in during training for Tokyo. have gone through over the past haven’t seen my family for over including the substantial did not run in the final. “So I want to take advantage her apartment as facilities at “These past 14 months have 14 months — the postponement a year. Not one family member."

BOTTOMLINE British rower Imogen Grant keen to race again as Tokyo Olympics loom

AFP her partner in the boat) and I both various restrictions.” medallist Helen Glover, who is back in was because, well it’s no diff erent for London thrived during the lockdown period Grant who last competed interna- the squad after having three children anyone else.” even though it wasn’t easy. tionally at the World Rowing Champi- since the 2016 Rio Games. In the longer term there may be a “We were both training in our living onships in Austria in 2019, said by the “I think in a lot of ways the extra year positive knock-on eff ect for Grant, who rooms for the entire summer but actu- time the Olympics were offi cially post- has been really benefi cial,” said Grant. does not feel she will be done with row- ritish rower Imogen Grant ally it was a really good opportunity for poned last year the decision did not “At the start of the Olympiad there was ing after Tokyo. is returning to international us to both get stronger and faster.” come as a surprise. some talk that the squad was a little bit “It’s quite exciting for me because competition after a 20-month Both rowers managed to complete Now she is confi dent she can put the too young and a little bit too inexperi- for a long time 2020 was going to be the hiatus as the Olympic count- personal bests on rowing machines — Games in the diary, with organisers in- enced. last Olympic Games with lightweight downB begins — after being forced to Craig in her kitchen and Grant in her sisting they will start in late July. “So, actually, 12 more months to train rowing in it,” she said. train on dry land for months during the living room. Grant says the European champion- to get stronger, to get faster, to row to- “There was talk of introducing coronavirus lockdown. “There are almost laughable situa- ship will be the fi rst chance to assess gether in a crew, can actually be really coastal rowing in Paris. But because Grant, 25, is competing in the light- tions,” said Grant. “But it turned out to how Britain’s competitors are perform- benefi cial and it’s also enabled a few of the pandemic and because of post- weight women’s double sculls at the be really good training and so we both ing. newer people to come in and add to the ponements they have agreed there will European Rowing Championships in came out of the fi rst long lockdown The nation has topped the med- team.” be no change to the rowing events in Varese, Italy, which started yesterday. when we were off the water in really als table at the past three Olympics, Grant, whose medical degree is on Paris 2024. The Cambridge University medi- good shape and once we were able to get though they will be without their long- hold, has recently completed a masters “So I have the option of trying to race cal student says the mood inside the back in the double (scull) we kind of hit serving chief coach Jurgen Grobler, who degree in obstetrics and gynaecology a lightweight boat at another Olympics, British camp is positive less than four “We just want to get to the fi rst set of the ground running. stepped down last year. and is still doing elements of research. which hadn’t been an option before- months away from the start of the de- racing to be honest,” she told AFP. “We had a really good winter — lots The make-up of the women’s team “Everyone’s life has been put on hold hand, which was quite the revelation to layed Games in Tokyo — and she can’t “Obviously it’s been an entire 12 of training, rolling with every punch is similar to last year but the standout but I think one of the things that made me because I just assumed this was my wait to make her Olympic debut. months in the interim. Emily (Craig, that came our way, various lockdowns, new face is two-time Olympic gold the Olympic postponement bearable last chance and now it might not be.” Saturday, April 10, 2021 GULF TIMES THE MASTERS

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT McIlroy hits dad with errant shot in Rose shakes off Masters meltdown nightmare start to rebuild lead Rose began yesterday with four bogeys in his first seven holes, briefly losing the lead to Leishman before a sparkling late fightback put him back on top

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after missing a putt on the 13th green during the first round of the Masters.

AFP “I knew it was my dad when Augusta I was aiming at him,” McIlroy said. “In fairness, I was trying to ory McIlroy struck his turn it off . It was a perfect shot. father with a wayward It was dead straight. shot in Thursday’s “But I think he was OK. He opening round of the didn’t limp away. He walked MastersR on the way to his worst away pretty swiftly so that was start at Augusta National, a four- all right.” over par 76. McIlroy’s problems aren’t The 31-year-old from North- as easy to walk off . He hasn’t ern Ireland, a four-time major won since 2019 in Shanghai and winner, can complete a career hasn’t won a major since the Grand Slam with a Masters tri- 2014 PGA Championship. umph, but he has been working “It still didn’t feel quite 100% on his swing and struggling to but I was encouraged by some of fi nd consistency. the stuff I saw out there,” McIlroy Summing up his issues was his said of a round that featured six second shot at the par-4 seventh bogeys and two birdies. hole, with McIlroy slightly be- Swing coach Pete Cowen is hind a tree to the left and coming trying to simplify McIlroy’s off back-to-back bogeys. swing motion, but changes Trying to bend his approach aren’t simple. England’s Justin Rose reacts after holing his birdie putt during the second round of the Masters yesterday. around a tree, McIlroy instead “Any time you’re working on sliced the ball well right, the er- things with your swing, it’s going AFP course, led by Australian Cameron Smith, rescuing bogey from fi ve feet. four birdies in the fi rst fi ve holes, added rant ball striking his father on the to feel very diff erent, but it’s not Augusta, United States a 2020 runner-up who was 5-under after Rose, ranked 41st, could only muster another at the par-5 eighth and rolled in a back of a leg as he was walking to as if I haven’t done these things three birdies in the fi rst four holes plus a pars at eight through 12 on Friday after an 30-foot birdie putt at the par-4 10th. the green. before,” McIlroy said. birdie at the par-3 12th and an eagle at the eagle and three birdies a day before. “In the fi rst 10 holes, I holed a lot of “I should ask for an autograph- “That’s the thing. It’s like you ustin Rose squandered a four-shot par-5 13th. But at 13, Rose had a 35-foot eagle putts and got a really good round started,” ed glove,” the elder McIlroy joked. get into these bad habits and that advantage, then birdied three of Rose, whose only major title came at look and tapped-in for a birdie to share Wiesberger said. “I’ve been playing re- Rory McIlroy joked that he feels normal, and then you get the last six holes to rebuild a two- the 2013 US Open, stumbled badly in Fri- the lead with Leishman, then holed a ally solid golf. I kept the mistakes off the might sign something that would it back into position where I’ve stroke lead in yesterday’s second day’s cool conditions, opening the door to 20-footer to birdie the par-4 14th and re- card.” come in more useful to heal his been a mn times before and it just roundJ of the 85th Masters. rivals. claim the lead alone. Wiesberger took bogey at 12 and bird- dad’s sore calf. feels a little diff erent.” The 40-year-old Englishman over- “With a little bit of overcast, it feels a Rose hit an 8-iron to 15 feet at the par- ied 15 then closed with three pars to com- “He has seen me sign plenty Firm and fast conditions had came a nightmare start to fi re a level par little bit softer, a little more give,” Wies- 3 16th and holed the birdie putt to stand plete his best of 22 Masters rounds. of stuff over the years, so I think many of the world’s top players 72 and stand on seven-under 137 after 36 berger said. where he started the day at 7-under and “If I can keep my momentum going on that’s the least of his worries,” scrambling. holes at Augusta National. Rose found trees to the right off the closed with two pars. the greens, I’m really looking forward to the younger McIlroy said. “I hung in there, hit some good Australian Marc Leishman shot 67 to fi rst tee on his way to an opening bogey He’s 9-under on the back nine for the the weekend,” Wiesberger said. “I was “I think he just needs to go and shots coming in. I’m quite en- stand second on 139 with Austrian Bernd for the second consecutive day. fi rst two rounds. calm out there. It felt really nice. That’s put some ice on — maybe I’ll au- couraged by the way I hit it on the Wiesberger, also seeking his fi rst major At the 575-yard par-5 second, Rose Leishman opened with three straight when I play my best.” tograph a bag of frozen peas for way in,” McIlroy said. title, third in the clubhouse on 140 after a chipped his third shot within three feet of birdies and answered a bogey at the par- Top-ranked defending champion Dus- him.” “Could have made a couple 66 after both challenged for the lead. the cup and rolled in the birdie putt. 4 11th with birdies at the par-3 12th and tin Johnson was 1-over after four holes. McIlroy, whose worst prior more birdies, but it’s not as if Rose, twice a Masters runner-up, fi red Trouble returned, however, at the par-3 par-5 13th and another at the par-5 15th Second-ranked Justin Thomas, who Masters start was last year’s 75, anyone is going really low. his lowest round in 59 tours of Augusta fourth and sixth and par-4 seventh holes. to briefl y seize the lead alone. can overtake Johnson for world number had already seen his father down “The par-5s you can birdie but with a 65 on Thursday, defying fi rm and On four, Rose was short of the green “Couldn’t be more excited,” Leishman one with a victory, was on 4-under after the right side and was aiming at then you have to be happy with fast conditions to lead by four, matching and his putt up a rise barely clung to the said. “This is the position I wanted to be 14 holes in a bogey-free round. him with plans for the ball to curl giving yourself 25-, 30-footers the largest 18-hole Masters edge since top edge. From there he putted to three in. I’m excited for the next two days but Also at 4-under with four to go was fel- back toward the green, which it every time. If you can do that, 1941. feet and made bogey. there are a lot of good shots that have to low American Tony Finau, who had three didn’t do, setting up a third bo- you’ve played a really good round But reigning Olympic champion Rose At six, Rose missed the upper tier of be hit and putts to be made to put myself birdies and an eagle on the front nine. gey in a row. of golf.” began yesterday with four bogeys in his the green and his second shot rolled back in good position on Sunday. Fighting to make the cut to the low 50 fi rst seven holes, briefl y losing the lead to him. He sank an eight-footer to rescue “Anyone who makes the cut has a and ties were reigning US Open cham- to Leishman before a sparkling late fi ght- bogey. chance.” pion Bryson DeChambeau, four-time back put him back on top. At seven, Rose sent his approach into World number 54 Wiesberger, with- major winners Brooks Koepka and Rory DeChambeau a longshot aft er dismal start Plenty of contenders were still on the a bunker and missed a 15-foot par putt, out a top-10 fi nish in 24 major starts, had McIlroy and England’s Lee Westwood. Augusta: Bryson DeCham- three-putt from off the putting beau pulled his first two BOTTOMLINE drives, hit his tee shot into shrubbery at the fourth and never recovered on his way to a dismal four-over-par 76 in the opening round at the Masters on Thursday. One of the pre-tournament Lucky eagle saves Spieth’s day favourites, DeChambeau is the longest hitter in the field, and he unveiled a new driver that he hopes will make him even longer. as he cards 71 at Augusta But golf is about more than Reuters later when he again found him- brute strength, and his accu- Augusta self among the pines, at the 13th racy and judgment were sadly hole, but this time he success- lacking at Augusta National as fully negotiated a path back into he failed to take advantage of ugusta National gave play and made a par. benign late afternoon condi- and also took away And if lady luck smiled on tions after the wind abated. from Jordan Spieth in Spieth there, she positively He will need a near miracle an entertaining and grinned at him at the par-fi ve to win now, 11 strokes behind eventfulA opening round for the 15th, where his eagle chip from English leader Justin Rose. surface. 2015 champion at the Masters behind the green clattered No winner has come from more It hardly got better after that. on Thursday. at speed against the pin and than seven shots behind after He could not bottle the magic Spieth made a triple-bogey at dropped in. His ball would have 18 holes here. of that runaway six-shot win the par-four ninth after carving been doomed to a watery grave “I personally didn’t swing it that at last year’s US Open, where his drive into the Augusta pines. in the greenside pond had it not bad, just it’s golf, man,” he said. he produced a bludgeoning He had only a sliver of an dropped, and it saved him sev- Though he got away with some display of never-seen-before opening to thread his second eral shots. poor drives early, DeCham- brute force that overwhelmed shot towards the hole but de- “That’s probably the lucki- beau’s day started to unravel the Winged Foot course. cided to take on the risk, and it est break I’ve ever got out here, at the par-three fourth, where Ever the analyst, DeChambeau was hardly surprising when his probably a three-shot break,” he almost lost his ball in thick pondered how to stage a come- ball clattered into a tree trunk Spieth said. bushes behind the green, only back here on a course that he and ricocheted in the wrong di- “As many shots that I hit locating it with the help of play- said placed demands on his rection. that were a yard off early in the ing competitor Adam Scott. game not seen elsewhere. He eventually reached the round were more than made up Five months ago at the previ- “I need to understand how green with his fourth shot, only for there. ous hole DeChambeau actually the ball flies off of downhill to three-putt. But Spieth re- “It was somewhat typical for lost a ball on the third hole, un- slopes into uphill greens, and mained focused and, aided by a me at the Masters, some good able to find it within the allowed conversely uphill slopes into couple of lucky breaks, clawed Jordan Spieth of the United States plays a shot from a bunker. golf and then some fi reworks three minutes. downhill greens, and all of the his way back for a one-under- on both ends. I made two bad This time he was able to stab above,” he said. par 71, six shots behind leader was the story of the day,” said were a lot of people going ‘you And then some. That ninth swings off the tee, on nine and his ball out of the bushes, disas- “We just can’t calculate and Justin Rose. the Texan. can get that back’. I’ve seen eve- hole disaster was hardly far 13, got away with one of them ter seemingly averted, only to adjust the numbers very well.” “The bounceback after nine “Going to (the 10th tee) there rything here.” from Spieth’s mind four holes and not with the other.”