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Monday, April 8, 2019 FOOTBALL Sha’baan 3, 1440 AH Arsenal suff er GULF TIMES shock defeat at Everton SPORT Page 3

ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Duhail aim to bounce back aft er surrendering QSL title The contest between Duhail and Al Ain will be a repeat of last year’s last-16 clash

By Sports Reporter group will not be easy. But we have Doha a strong desire to win at home,” the defensive midfi elder said. “There is a diff erence between l Duhail will look to get the league and the AFC Champi- back to winning ways ons League. I think that the loss of when they take on UAE’s the league will not aff ect us in this Al Ain in the AFC Cham- tournament. Now the task is dif- pionsA League Group C at the Ab- ferent and the tournament is dif- dullah Bin Khalifa Stadium today. ferent,” he added. The match will start at 6.30pm. In another Group C match, Al Al Duhail started their 2019 Hilal will look to extend their win- campaign with a 3-0 win over ning run to three games when they Esteghlal, but lost their second face Iran’s Esteghlal. The Saudi match away at Al Hilal 3-1. They team are one of just two sides who will be boosted by the return of have collected two points in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup MVP and top competition, alongside South Ko- scorer Almoez Ali, who had missed rea’s Daegu FC. the fi rst two games through injury. Coach Zoran Mamic’s men are The contest between Duhail eyeing a fi rst continental title, and Al Ain will be a repeat of last having reached the fi nal in 2014 year’s last 16 clash. Duhail had and 2017. They started in a per- overpowered Al Ain over the two fect manner, defeating Al Ain 1-0 legs 11 months ago, recording an and Al Duhail 3-1. Esteghlal, on aggregate 8-3 victory, with the the other side, have not been in second leg in Doha ending 4-1. good form under coach Winfriend Both sides have since changed Schäfer this season. They dropped managers; Al Duhail swapped to fourth in the Iranian Pro League Djamel Belmadi for Nabil Maaloul table and are bottom of their group who led them to the semi-fi nals with just one point. last year, before making way for The two giants of Asian foot- Rui Faria, who took over earlier ball have met on fi ve occasions in this season. Al Ain, on the other the competition, with Esteghlal side, lost Zoran Mamic who joined winning three times, and Al Hilal Al Hilal and was replaced by Juan winning on two occasions. Their Carlos Garrido. most recent encounter last year Al Ain have struggled since hit- ended with a 1-0 Iranian victory in ting the highs of 2018 FIFA Club Kuwait City. World Cup fi nal, fi nding them- Meanwhile, QNB Stars League selves in third spot on the UAE Pro champions Al Sadd focus will now League table. They are yet to win turn their focus to the AFC Cham- in the continental tournament, pions League when they resume having suff ered a 1-0 home defeat their Group D campaign against to Al Hilal followed by a 1-1 draw Al Duhail’s Mohamed Mousa and Karim Boudiaf sprint during a training session yesterday. Inset: Al Duhail coach Rui Faria. Uzbekistan’s Pahkator tomorrow against Esteghlal. in Tashkent. Duhail coach Faria stressed on are hopeful of putting up a strong Cup. But they are not in the best of “We must learn from the mis- Our last game against Kharaitiyat Meanwhile, captain Karim The 2018 semi-fi nalists are cur- the importance of today’s match show,” he said. form as they lost to Al Kharaitiyat takes and improve our perform- is not the true refl ection of the Boudiaf was confi dent Duhail rently third in the standings, hav- and the need for his team to top Having conceded the Qa- 0-1 last week. ance. The team is diff erent from team. would overcome Al Ain. “The ing opened their campaign with a the group. “We know that we will tar Stars League title to Al Sadd, “Our loss in the league will not last season. I am not a magician “There are new players in the team is ready for this match and 2-0 defeat against Al Ahli Saudi face a strong team but we have the focus for Duhail is to win the aff ect our performance in this to do miracles in a short time. The team who need time to settle in,” we know that the task will not be before beating Persepolis of Iran prepared well for this match and Champions League and the Amir match,” said Faria. team lost the league. This is true. the Portuguese manager added. easy and all our matches in this 1-0 on Matchday Two.

SPOTLIGHT RALLYING Qatar says 48-team World Cup ‘not a done deal’ Al-Attiyah aims to

AFP the World Cup, given the current im- defend title in Jordan Kuala Lumpur passe. “Under the current environment I By Sports Reporter Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth. don’t think it’s a possibility,” he said, Amman The ceremonial start will take place atar stressed that the 2022 adding that studies were underway at Abdali Boulevard in Amman from World Cup remains at 32 about the feasibility of Oman and Ku- 19.00hrs on Thursday, April 25. teams as FIFA chief Gianni wait hosting games. ordan Motorsport is putting the The super special stage has been Infantino piled on pressure “We’ve got to take into considera- fi nishing touches to the route and moved from Thursday evening and will toQ expand the tournament to 48 and tion the capabilities as they stand to- logistics for the 2019 Jordan Rally, now run for 2.51km on Friday after the share it with other Gulf countries. day but also what could be done over round two of the FIA Middle East day’s opening gravel stages and then for Speaking to AFP at the Asian Foot- the next three years,” he said. JRally Championship, which takes centre a second time as the penultimate stage ball Confederation Congress, CEO Despite the tight timeline, Infan- stage in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley of the rally on Saturday (April 27). of the 2022 World Cup, Nasser al- tino has made clear he wants 48 teams areas from April 25 to 27. Teams will tackle two passes through Khater, said Qatar was still planning in 2022 and he unsubtly hammered Jordan is one of the most popular the Mahes, Palms and Baptism specials for 32 and that studies about adding home the message in his address to the rallies in the Middle East and hosted a on Friday before the action moves to another 16 teams were just an “assess- Asian congress. round of the FIA World Rally Champi- two runs through the Suwayma, Rawda, ment”. The Swiss-Italian FIFA president, onship (WRC) on three occasions (2008, Amar and Ma’in specials on Saturday. “There’s a feasibility study on the who may put the matter to the world 2010 and 2011). The event continues to The ceremonial fi nish will then take countries that could possibly host. So body’s congress in June, said 90% use demanding gravel special stages that place at the Dead Sea from 17.00hrs. together with FIFA we’re looking into of football associations support the provide their own unique challenge to Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah is the those possibilities,” al-Khater said in move. the region’s leading rally drivers. defending regional champion and a 12- Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. “Sharing the games with a few This year’s rally will take place over 16 time winner of the Jordan Rally. Fresh “So that’s where we are now. It’s of the neighbouring countries is of special stages and 226.62 competitive from winning the Merzouga Rally in still open as an idea but it’s not a done course an option as well to make it a kilometres in a route of 636.64km. It Morocco last week in a Can-Am Maver- deal for it to be a 48-team World Cup.” true World Cup for the world and for marks the fi rst FIA event for Zaid Balqez ick X3, Al-Attiyah has already confi rmed Although Qatar has said it is open to the whole Gulf region,” he said. as chairman of the organising com- that we will tackle the MERC event in a expanding, al-Khater was at pains to “Something to discuss, something mittee working alongside Clerk of the Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 – the car mak- underline that “the status quo is that to think about, something that we are Course George Khoury, his deputy Omar ing its fi rst appearance in the Hashemite it’s still a 32-team World Cup, every- the Qataris are coming under sus- blockade from other Gulf neighbours. working on together with Qatar and Zarour and their experienced team. Kingdom. thing after that is an assessment”. tained pressure to switch to 48. Al-Khater said there was no chance together with all of you. The 2019 Jordan Rally will be based at The opening round of the champion- After winning the right to host a 32- Oman and Kuwait are being studied of UAE — who have signalled they “And of course it’s going to be a nice the Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Re- ship in Qatar last month attracted one of team World Cup in 2010, in a bidding as possible co-hosts as Qatar remains would like to hold games — or fellow achievement if the fi rst World Cup of sort and Spa with teams using the usual the largest fi elds seen in the MERC series process mired in bribery allegations, under a diplomatic and transport blockaders Saudi Arabia co-hosting 48 teams would be played in Asia.” asphalt service area overlooking the for several years. Gulf Times 2 Monday, April 8, 2019 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA LIGUE 1 Lille draw leaves Barca a ‘little closer’ path clear for PSG to clinch French title

AFP weekend, are more concerned Paris with holding off the teams below them as they look to secure sec- to title aft er beating ond place, which provides auto- aris Saint-Germain were matic qualifi cation for next sea- on course to clinch an- son’s Champions League group other Ligue 1 title last stage. The draw at the Stade night by beating Stras- Auguste-Delaune moves them bourgP after nearest rivals Lille fi ve points clear of third-placed were held to a 1-1 draw at Reims. Lyon, who slumped to a shock 10-man Atletico Jose Fonte’s 56th-minute 3-1 loss at home to relegation- header had Lille on course to take threatened Dijon on Saturday. all three points in Champagne Fourth-placed Saint-Etienne re- Atletico forward Costa was sent off in the 28th minute after insulting referee country, but substitute Remi main 11 points behind Lille after Oudin’s 78th-minute leveller — drawing 2-2 at Amiens on Sat- initially ruled out for off side but urday, while Marseille, in fi fth, then given after a VAR review — were beaten 2-0 at Bordeaux on denied the visitors. Friday. Reims were also left furious at Reims are just a point behind the referee’s decision to ignore OM in sixth place as last season’s a handball in the box by Lille second-tier champions continue defender Adama Soumaoro in to enjoy an excellent campaign stoppage time as the home side on their return to the elite. appealed for a penalty. The result leaves second- FRENCH LIGUE 1 RESULTS placed Lille a massive 19 points Reims 1 (Oudin 78) Lille 1 (Jose adrift of PSG at the summit, and Fonte 56); Toulouse 1 (Sylla 55) the capital club will therefore re- Nantes 0 tain the title with eight games to spare if they see off League Cup Played Saturday: Lyon 1 (Ter- winners Strasbourg at the Parc rier 1) Dijon 3 (Said 3, 7, Rafael des Princes. PSG are looking to 65-og); Amiens 2 (Konate 23, 61) be crowned champions for the Saint-Etienne 2 (Kolodziejczak 16, eighth time in their history, and Cabella 90+5); Angers 3 (Reine- the sixth time in seven seasons. If Adelaide 47, 90+3, Bahoken 52) Thomas Tuchel’s side wrap it up Rennes 3 (Ben Arfa 35, 75-pen, late last night, it will match the Niang 59); Guingamp 1 (Eboa 23) club record set in 2015/16, when Monaco 1 (Jovetic 90+4); Nimes Laurent Blanc’s team also se- 2 (Bouanga 85, Ferri 90+4) Caen 0 cured the title with eight match- Played Friday: Bordeaux 2 es to play. (Kamano 27-pen, Deroussel de Lille, who host PSG next Preville 71) Marseille 0

Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Atletico de Madrid during the La Laga match in Barcelona. (AFP

AFP said last week was the only result to keep Coutinho should have scored after a bril- mal life. “I want to enjoy my job and for Barcelona their challenge alive. “I asked the referee liant backheel by Suarez. everyone to stay calm. I’ve had no treat- Reims’ Remi Oudin is ecstatic after scoring against Lille in Ligue 1 at and he told me Costa said something to Messi came alive at the start of the sec- ment and am grateful for the club giving the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, France. (Reuters) him,” Simeone said. “Other players have ond half as one shot was saved by the ex- me the opportunity [to continue coach- uis Suarez and Lionel Messi said things and not been sent off but that cellent Jan Oblak and another mesmeric ing].” scored twice in two minutes as does not justify what Costa did.” run ended with a feathered pass to Suarez Previously Sevilla’s sporting director, Barcelona broke the resistance of Suarez intervened with a superb long- but again Oblak saved, this time with his Caparros is now acting as coach until the No job guarantee for Kovac, 10-man Atletico Madrid on Sat- range strike in the 85th minute, before foot. Finally, the resistance of Atletico end of the season and the team have won Lurday night to go 11 points clear of their Messi added a second in the 86th. The and their goalkeeper was broken as Barca four of his six games in charge so far. The says Bayern boss Rummenigge La Liga title rivals. Diego Costa was sent pair have now scored 53 league goals be- scored twice in two minutes. victory over Valladolid moved Sevilla up off in the 28th minute at Camp Nou after tween them this season while for Messi, The fi rst was a peach as Suarez lined up to fi fth in the table. Berlin: Bayern Munich CEO bles earlier in the season. insulting referee Gil Manzano but while this was a record 335th La Liga victory. a shot from 25 yards and whipped it past Another former Sevilla coach, Eduardo Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has “In October and Novem- Atletico held on for almost another hour, Only a monumental collapse could the left hand of Oblak into the bottom Berizzo, announced in November 2017 warned coach Niko Kovac that ber, we tripped ourselves up Suarez and Messi struck late to seal a piv- now bring Atletico back into conten- corner. The second was a display of Messi that he was suff ering from prostate can- he is not safe from the sack, de- because the coach decided to otal 2-0 win. tion and more likely is Barca have earned magic, his weaving run from the right cer. He was sacked a month later follow- spite Bayern’s breathtaking 5-0 rotate an unbelievable amount The victory leaves Barca almost out themselves the luxury of resting players, leaving both Jose Gimenez and Diego Go- ing a string of bad results. victory over title rivals Borussia and that led to unrest in the of sight with seven games left to play around an even greater focus on suc- din on their backs. A tucked fi nish found Dortmund on Saturday. team,” said Rummenigge, and maintains momentum ahead of cess in Europe. Antoine Griezmann, who its way in to fi nish off the game and, prob- SPANISH LA LIGA RESULTS “Nobody has a job guarantee laying the blame squarely at Wednesday’s trip to Manchester United decided against joining Barcelona last ably, Atletico too. Alaves 1 (Calleri 18-pen) Leganes 1 (Silva at Bayern, that is a guiding Kovac’s door for a run of form in the fi rst leg of the Champions League summer, was whistled as his name was 90+3); Getafe 1 (Rodriguez Diaz 78) Ath- principle at the club,” said Rum- which saw Bayern win just two quarter-fi nals. “It is three crucial points,” read out before kick-off and he strug- SEVILLA COACH CAPARROS letic Bilbao 0; Real Valladolid 0 Sevilla 2 menigge. “Anyone who can’t games in seven last autumn. coach Ernesto Valverde said. “We are a gled for chances in what quickly became, SUFFERING FROM LEUKAEMIA (Mesa Quevedo 84, Munir 90+2); Levante deal with that pressure is at the “You can always rotate a little closer. It gives us a big margin,” said after Costa departed, a contest of attack Sevilla coach Joaquin Caparros an- 2 (Roger 19, Morales 65-pen) SD Huesca 2 wrong club.” bit,” said Rummenigge, but Suarez.”We’ve taken not just one, but two against defence. nounced yesterday that he has chronic (Gallego 63, Avila 69); Celta Vigo 3 (Aspas The pressure on Kovac ap- added that Kovac had done so leukaemia but says the condition is under steps forward.” Atletico seemed to be fi nding their way 51-pen, 70, Gomez 90+1) Real Sociedad 1 peared to evaporate as Bayern “irrespective of players’ per- control and will not prevent him continu- United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was into the game when Manzano showed a (Willian Jose 32-pen) regained their perch at the formances”. “There were a few in the crowd along with his assistant Mike red card to the Spaniard, who had pur- ing in his job. The 63-year-old, who took top of the Bundesliga with things going in the wrong direc- Phelan but this was a familiar story of sued the referee and seemingly insulted over last month after Pablo Machin was Played Saturday: Girona 1 (Stuani 80-pen) Saturday’s thumping win over tion at that time, we had some Barcelona’s deadly duo delivering when it him after a tangle with Philippe Coutin- sacked, was speaking after Sevilla’s 2-0 Espanyol 2 (Darder 59, 89); Real Madrid Dortmund. frank conversations about it mattered most. Costa’s early and needless ho. A fuming Costa was escorted away victory over Real Valladolid in La Liga. 2 (Benzema 59, 81) Eibar 1 (Marc Cardona Yet less than 24 hours later, and corrected it,” he said. But dismissal left Atletico needing snookers by Gerard Pique and Barca took control. “I have chronic leukaemia,” Caparros 39); Rayo Vallecano 2 (Tomas 32, Mario Rummenigge said that Kovac Rummenigge admitted that just to avoid defeat, let alone pull off the Jordi Alba had already hit the post af- said in the post-match press conference. Suarez 90+1) Valencia 0 Barcelona 2 (Sua- was at fault for Bayern’s trou- Kovac’s task is not an easy one. win that their coach Diego Simeone had ter defence-splitting pass by Messi and “I have caught it early and can live a nor- rez 85, Messi 86) Atletico Madrid 0

BUNDESLIGA Bremen’s Klaassen equaliser deepens Gladbach gloom

AFP the end of the season. They have Ishak Belfodil left Hoff enheim ter-attack and fi nding the bottom Berlin won just one of their last seven just one point behind the Eu- corner with a smart fi nish. The games, and are three points adrift ropa League places, hot on the Algerian completed his hat-trick of fourth-placed Eintracht Frank- heels of Wolfsburg and Borussia with an almost identical goal eight avy Klaassen’s late equal- furt in the chase for a Champions Moenchengladbach. Coach Julian minutes from time. iser rescued a 1-1 draw for League spot. Nagelsmann, 31, has repeatedly Werder Bremen at Borus- Florian Neuhaus’ opener just spoken of his desire to guide the BUNDESLIGA RESULTS sia Moenchengladbach after half-time breathed life into club back into European competi- Augsburg 0 Hoff enheim 4 (Kra- Dyesterday as Bremen extended what had been a dreary game. tion before he leaves for RB Leipzig maric 6, Belfodil 61, 74, 82); Borussia their unbeaten run to 11 league A mistake by Bremen captain this summer, and Belfodil’s star Moenchengladbach 1 (Neuhaus 49) games. The Dutch midfi elder’s Max Kruse allowed Gladbach to performance moved Hoff enheim a Bremen 1 (Klaassen 79) 79th minute header was a cruel counter-attack, and the 22-year- step closer yesterday. blow for Gladbach, who had looked old rounded the goalkeeper and “We still need to win all our Played Saturday: Schalke 1 (Serdar on track to end their recent run of fi nished from a tight angle. Yet games because the teams above us 21) Eintracht Frankfurt 2 (Rebic 13, poor form with a hard-fought win. with 11 minutes to go, Yuya Osako have been unbelievably consistent Jovic 90+8-pen); Bayer Leverkusen “It was important to bring a bit picked out Klaassen, who sent a this year,” Nagelsmann said. Andrej 2 (Havertz 11-pen, 23) RB Leipzig 4 of emotion onto the pitch today, powerful header past Gladbach Kramaric scored his 15th goal of the (Sabitzer 17, Werner 64, Forsberg 72- and we did that and got the fans goalkeeper Yann Sommer. season to give the visitors an early pen, Cunha 83); Stuttgart 1 (Kabak behind us,” Gladbach midfi elder The draw crowns a successful lead, sweeping the ball in on the 77) Nuremberg 1 (Pereira 43); Hertha Christoph Kramer. “A point is no week for Bremen, who won their rebound after Belfodil had forced Berlin 1 (Grujic 41) Duesseldorf 2 use to us really, but the way we German Cup quarter-fi nal in mid- a save from Augsburg goalkeeper (Raman 36, 61); Wolfsburg 3 (Steff en played was a good sign after our week to set up a semi-fi nal tie with Gregor Kobel. 32, 71, Roussillon 78) Hanover 1 bloodless performances in recent Bayern Munich later this month. Kobel later denied Kramaric with (Weydandt 30); Bayern Munich 5 weeks.” They are eighth in the Bundesliga, a stunning refl ex save, but he could (Hummels 10, Lewandowski 17, Mar- Gladbach dropped out of the top one point behind Hoff enheim, who do nothing to stop Belfodil’s div- tinez 40, Gnabry 43, Lewandowski four last weekend, after which it thrashed Augsburg 4-0 in Sun- ing header just after the hour mark. 89) Borussia Dortmund 0 was announced that coach Dieter day’s early game. Belfodil added another on 74 min- Friday: Mainz 5 (Boetius 20, Mateta Bremen’s Davy Klaassen (left) and Moenchengladbach’s Patrick Herrmann vie for the ball. (AFP) Hecking would leave the club at A second-half hat-trick from utes, breaking away on the coun- 25, 33, 77, Onisiwo 73) SC Freiburg 0 Gulf Times Monday, April 8, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE City’s Mendy vows to stay out of trouble London: Benjamin Mendy has promised to stick to the rules Everton’s Jagielka dents at Manchester City as the French star returned to action following a turbulent season. Mendy’s first season with City was ended by a cruciate ligament injury and, having helped France win the World Arsenal’s top-four bid Cup, he has once again strug- gled with fitness and on-field issues this term. Arsenal boss Emery, while conceding his team had played badly, tried to remain positive On Saturday, the 24-year- old left-back made his first AFP start since undergoing me- Liverpool niscus surgery in November, helping City reach the FA Cup final with a 1-0 win over nai Emery said Arsenal re- Brighton at Wembley. But the main in control of the race for questions after the match Champions League qualifi ca- did not only revolve around tion after another disappoint- Mendy’s fitness problems. Uing away performance saw his side lose Disciplined last September 1-0 at Everton yesterday. Phil Jagielka, for reporting late to have only drafted into Everton’s starting treatment on a foot in- line-up at the last minute, scored the jury after attending Anthony game’s only goal as Arsenal extended Joshua’s boxing bout, Mendy their wretched record as the only club in was back in trouble with City the top four divisions of English football boss Pep Guardiola this week. not to have kept a clean sheet on their Reports claimed he was in a travels this season. nightclub in the early hours of But Arsenal boss Emery, while con- last Saturday having not been ceding his team had played badly, tried included in the City squad for to remain positive in the aftermath at Fulham later that same day. Goodison Park. “I think generally we Guardiola said he wished are well. I don’t think; ‘today we lost Mendy, known for his flam- and we are very bad’. It was a bad result, boyant personality, had gone not a good performance today, but we to bed earlier. are fourth,” Emery said. But the defender respond- “Before, I knew it was going to be dif- ed by insisting he would do fi cult. After this result, I am thinking whatever it takes to remain in the same. After this result, we can be Guardiola’s good books. negative because it is three points lost, “I feel so good, and I am but it is in our hands, if we continue very happy. The team-mates taking chances and opportunities, to be and the staff have been really in the top four.” good,” Mendy said. “I am not Everton had already threatened from a doctor. I follow the rules. one of Lucas Digne’s long throw-ins The excuse is not one. This in- before the full-back delivered the set- jury (following an attempted piece that led to Jagielka’s opening goal comeback in January)... when on 10 minutes. His throw was fl icked on I came back sometimes the by Jagielka himself, for Dominic Cal- swelling stayed. But now it’s vert-Lewin to attempt a header on goal good, we can forget the past that saw the ball take a kindly bounce, and think about the future. falling to the unmarked defender who I feel really fit and I want to swept in from close-range. give everything I can to help There were Arsenal appeals for off - my team.” side, and television footage seemed to Mendy’s return to the fold show that Digne’s foot might have been is a boost for City as they over the line in the process of taking his chase all four major trophies. all-important throw. But it was certain- Everton’s defender Phil Jagielka (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Arsenal during the Premier League match in Liverpool. (AFP) Guardiola’s men are the ly a dramatic intervention from Jagiel- bookmakers’ favourite to win ka, who had only be called into the team quicker. It was also the former England match analysis centred more on Arse- over from 12 yards. But, defensively, Ar- Everton boss Marco Silva eight minutes the Champions League and minutes before kick-off when Michael international’s fi rst goal since April nal’s poor performance, one which im- senal were even worse after the restart. from time when Shkodran Mustafi was kick off their quarter-final Keane fi nally succumbed to a virus that 2017 as he became the oldest player to proved only marginally at the interval Everton really should have doubled booked for a poor foul on Richarlison as clash with Tottenham at the had rendered him a doubt. score in the Premier League this season. when Emery brought on Aaron Ramsey their lead on 73 minutes when a Gylfi he broke clear, in front of the technical north Londoners’ stunning Jagielka, 36, has suff ered a diffi cult Victory also meant that Everton have and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Sigurdsson shot was charged down by area. “He arrived late, but I think it was new home tomorrow. “I have season at Goodison, with a series of beaten a ‘big six’ side for a second con- The pair brought about an improve- Sokratis and Richarlison sliced the re- a yellow card,” said Emery. “I was speak- missed a lot of games, but knee problems limiting him to three secutive home game, having failed to ment in attack, the latter’s 48th minute bound well wide. The pressure seemed to ing and he (Silva) came into my space and my team-mates have been starts but his impact on this occasion win against one of those teams in the cross producing a weak punch from Jor- be taking its toll on Emery, who was in- place on the bench and explained some- incredible,” Mendy said. could not have been greater, or much previous 25 attempts. But the post- dan Pickford which Ramsey volleyed volved in a furious verbal altercation with thing to me. But it was no problem.”

FA CUP SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Deulofeu double fi res Watford into fi nal Gerrard fumes aft er lighter incident mars Rangers victory

AFP by objects raining down from the it be a lighter or whatever it may Glasgow stands as well as pitch invasions be. It needs to stop.” and off ensive chants, Gerrard is Despite the shameful incident, desperate for supporters to be- Rangers midfi elder Scott Arfi eld angers manager Steven have themselves. fi red the fi rst hat-trick of his ca- Gerrard pleaded with Tavernier was also the victim reer to seal the points at Fir Park. fans to curb the menace of an attack from a pitch-in- Arfi eld, formerly of Huddersfi eld of objects being thrown vading Hibernian fan earlier this and Burnley, struck twice before fromR the stands after James Tav- season. “It’s a sad thing to see in the break to move into double ernier was targeted during yes- this league but there’s a lot of it fi gures for the season. terday’s 3-0 win at Motherwell. going on and there’s a lot of other He netted again on 60 minutes Referee Nick Walsh had to briefl y sad stuff that’s going on in world to complete the treble and give stop the fi rst-half action to ask football,” Gerrard said. Rangers their second three-goal stewards and police to surround “It seems like we’re trying to win since last Sunday’s Old Firm a group of Motherwell fans after send messages out every time derby defeat at Celtic. Second a lighter was hurled at Rangers we speak to the media, which is placed Rangers trail champions captain Tavernier. a shame. It’s dangerous for the Celtic by 11 points, with Neil After a Scottish Premiership players when there are objects Lennon’s men still odds-on to campaign that has been dogged thrown on to the pitch, whether retain the title.

SERIE A Watford’s Gerard Deulofeu (centre) scores past Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Conor Coady (right) during the FA Cup semi-final. (AFP) Inter Milan held by Atalanta AFP a squad, our belief. I am very proud.” as the Wolves fans celebrated wildly. London Both sides are battling to be the “best of Watford huff ed and puff ed as they bat- AFP the rest” in the Premier League behind the tled to get back into the game but Deulofeu, Milan so-called ‘Big Six’ but yesterday the focus brought on in place of Will Hughes in the erard Deulofeu starred for Watford of both clubs switched to the chance to win 66th minute, produced a moment of pure as they roared back from two goals rare silverware. Both sides struggled to fi nd inspiration in the 79th minute. The ball fell nter Milan were held to a down yesterday to beat Wolves 3-2 their rhythm during a scrappy opening spell to him in the area and he picked his spot, goalless draw by Champi- and set up an FA Cup fi nal against with little in the way of clear-cut openings. chipping delicately over the head of Ruddy ons League rivals Atalanta GManchester City. Javi Gracia’s side looked Wolverhampton-born Andre Gray wasted into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper yesterday before Napoli host down and out late in normal time before a the clearest chance of the game just after the rooted to the spot. IGenoa in a game which could moment of magic from substitute Deulofeu half-hour mark, lifting Deeney’s cross over With time running out, Dendoncker was hand champions Juventus an and a last-gasp penalty from Troy Deeney the crossbar from six yards after escaping adjudged to have brought down Deeney in eighth consecutive league title. pulled them level. the Wolves defence. Minutes later Heurelho the penalty box and referee Michael Oliver Atalanta — without suspend- Earlier, a goal from Matt Doherty in the Gomes did well to tip over a drive from Le- pointed to the spot after a moment’s con- ed star striker Duvan Zapata fi rst half and a second-half strike from Raul ander Dendoncker as Wolves poured for- sideration, with the spot-kick confi rmed by — missed the chance to move Jimenez looked like sending Wolves into their ward. VAR. Deeney held his nerve and blasted the fourth and into the Champions fi rst FA Cup fi nal since 1960 in a full-blooded From the resulting corner, the ball was ball down the middle in the 94th minute, League berths at the expense of cup tie. Shell-shocked Wolves settled quick- played short to Diogo Jota, who sent over with Ruddy unable to keep it out. AC Milan who fell 2-1 at Juventus ly at the start of extra time but the momen- an inviting cross which Doherty headed in That took the game to extra time and on Saturday. Inter are third on 57 Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi (right) and Ivan Perisic (centre) defend tum was with a physical Watford side. to give Wolves a 36th-minute lead. Gray Deulofeu applied the killer touch in the points — a massive 27 points be- against Atalanta’s Hans Hateboer during the Serie A match. (AFP) They took the lead for the fi rst time in the had another glorious chance to equalise on 104th minute to send Watford through to hind Juventus — with Milan fi ve match after more brilliance from Spaniard the stroke of half-time but Wolves captain next month’s fi nal against quadruple-chas- points adrift of their city rivals. tage on Napoli and have won both 3, Pavoletti 60) SPAL 1 (Antenucci Deulofeu, who rolled the ball past John Rud- Coady threw himself in front of a powerful ing Manchester City. Wolves manager Nuno Bergamo side Atalanta are their direct clashes with Carlo 18-pen); Inter Milan 0 Atalanta 0’ dy from a tight angle after holding off Conor shot to ensure his side went into the break Espirito Santo, whose side beat Manchester equal on points with Milan but Ancelotti’s side this season. Lazio 2 (Immobile 53-pen, Lulic Coady. “Everything was lost — we were able in front. United in the last round, described “a mo- behind in fi fth position on goal 90+5) Sassuolo 2 (Rogerio 57, to show our character and at this moment I Wolves gave Watford a mountain to climb ment of real pain and disappointment”. diff erence. Juventus will claim SERIE A RESULTS ON SUNDAY: Berardi 89) “The feeling that we had is that we had it am very proud of my players,” said Gracia, when Jimenez — the club’s new record sign- an eighth Serie A title — with a Fiorentina 0 Frosinone 1 (Ciofani Played Saturday: Parma 0 Torino who hailed Deulofeu as an “amazing player”. ing — hooked the ball past Gomes after and it got away from us,” he said. “We have record seven games to spare — if 84); Udinese 3 (De Paul 15, 41-pen, 0; Juventus 2 (Dybala 60-pen, “We tried until the end and some- controlling a deep cross from Doherty in to look at it. We have to realise that in the second-placed Napoli slip up at Mandragora 45) Empoli 2 (Caputo Kean 84) AC Milan 1 (Piatek 39); times it happens if you believe,” he the 62nd minute. The Mexico international last minutes of the game we should have their San Paulo Stadium. The Tu- Sampdoria 0 Roma 1 (De Rossi 75) added.”Today we showed our strength as donned a yellow-and-black wrestling mask managed better.” rin giants have a 21-point advan- 11, Krunic 24); Cagliari 2 (Farago Gulf Times 4 Monday, April 8, 2019 SPORT

IPL Smith backs Bancroft as Durham captain Sydney: Shamed former Australia captain Steve Smith Kohli’s Bangalore suff er has backed fellow ball-tam- perer Cameron Bancroft as an astute choice to skipper English county side Durham after his appointment raised eyebrows. Smith, Bancroft and David Warner were all banned record sixth straight loss over the scandal involving sandpaper to alter the ball in South Africa last year, but are now back playing. While Bangalore went down to Delhi Capitals by Warner was also barred from ever holding a leadership role four wickets in front of their home crowd again and Smith prevented from doing so for 12 months AFP after his one-year suspension Bengaluru expired, Bancroft was free to assume a captaincy. Durham appointed him last month, kipper Virat Kohli said he ran out of excus- insisting he was “the best avail- es after his Royal Challengers Bangalore able option” despite criticism crashed to a record equalling sixth straight from some quarters, including defeat in the Indian Premier League yes- former English bowler Darren terday.S Bangalore went down to Delhi Capitals by Gough who slammed it as four wickets in front of their home crowd after the “disgraceful”. visiting team chased down the target of 150 with But Smith said Bancroft had seven balls to spare. shown “great character” in the Bangalore share the dubious distinction of a way he handled his ban and re- team’s worst IPL start along with Delhi (previous- turn to cricket. “Cam is a good ly Delhi Daredevils), who suff ered six losses in a choice for captain,” Smith told row in 2013. Kohli’s side, which has never won an ESPNcricinfo. “He’s got a good IPL title, is rock bottom in the eight-team league head on his shoulders and has and the captain has become increasingly frustrat- shown great character in the ed at his side’s performances. “We need to grab way he has come back after his those chances, can’t give excuses every day. We time out. It has been a tough weren’t good on the day again. That’s the whole time for him no doubt, but he’s story of RCB this season,” Kohli said. a good guy who will do his “When the mind is cluttered, you wouldn’t be best for Durham and will lead able to focus on the chances that come your way. them well. He gets the game Clarity of mind is very important in the game es- pretty well and has a good pecially if you want to convert the half chances understanding of strategy and and pull the game back. Shreyas (Iyer) got 67, he players,” he added. “He’s found was dropped (on four)... you never know, you can a bit of form with the bat and come back in the game at any time,” Kohli, who will be able to use his experi- made 41 in his team’s 149-8, said. ence in a positive way.” Iyer was dropped by wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel Bancroft’s selection was early into his knock after edging a delivery from controversial not just due to Tim Southee. The batsman suff ered another re- the cheating scandal but also prieve on 42. Bangalore have dropped 15 catches because he is missing Dur- so far in their six outings and Kohli believes it is ham’s Championship opener diffi cult to control things beyond a point. to attend Western Australia’s “There’s nothing more you can tell the team. end-of-season awards dinner We’ve asked the boys to take responsibility. It and could also be selected for hasn’t happened so far, and that’s the reality,” said Australia’s Ashes series in Eng- Kohli, who leads the IPL batting chart with 5,151 land. Bancroft is one of around runs. “Personally, not trying to control. After a 10 Australian players set to while, it’s about the skill. Key is to relax, whatev- Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli appear for English county er’s in front of us. We want to enjoy as a team, oth- plays a cover drive during his knock of 41 against sides this season, including erwise we won’t be able to play any good cricket.” Delhi Capitals in Indian Premier League. (AFP) Joe Burns, Shaun Marsh and Delhi paceman Kagiso Rabada of South Africa Glenn Maxwell. received the man of the match award for his im- er. “While Virat Kohli the batsman is an absolute pressive fi gures of 4-21 in his four overs. Rabada, master, Virat Kohli the captain is an apprentice,” who got the prized scalps of Kohli and compatriot Gambhir wrote in a newspaper column. “He has AB de Villiers for 17, leads the this season’s bowl- loads to learn. Rather than blaming the bowlers he ing honours with 11 wickets in six matches. should take the blame on himself.” Meanwhile pressure is mounting on Kohli, Bangalore ended the last two IPL events in sixth whose Indian team tops the Test rankings and is and eighth spot despite having top players like also the leading batsman, to deliver in the world’s Kohli, De Villiers and the big-hitting Chris Gayle, most popular T20 league. Former England captain who is now with Kings XI Punjab. Michael Vaughan has suggested that Kohli should be rested before the upcoming 50-over World Cup BRIEF SCORES in May. “If India are smart they rest @imVkohli Royal Challengers Bangalore 149 for 8 in 20 now for the World Cup... Give him some time off lost to before the big event..,” he wrote on Twitter. overs (Kohli 41, Moeen 32, Rabada 4-21) Delhi Capitals paceman Kagiso Rabada received the man of the match award for his impressive figures of Former India opener Gautam Gambhir said the Delhi Capitals 152 for 6 in 18.5 overs (Iyer 67, 4-21 in his four overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL in Bengaluru yesterday. (AFP) India batting great has “loads to learn” as a lead- Saini 2-24) by 4 wickets

BADMINTON SPOTLIGHT Lin Dan ends title Openers power Kolkata to easy win over Rajasthan

AFP er missed the 2018 IPL over a cheating gets the gaps. He had a bit of hand injury to the World Cup starting in May. drought in Malaysia Jaipur, India controversy that got the pair a 12-month as well. I respect him,” said West Indies The Twenty20 extravaganza is tenta- suspension from state and international great Brian Lara, commentating for IPL. tively scheduled to end on May 12, wrap- cricket. While Warner has been in im- Smith’s eff ort was not enough as ping up less than three weeks before the Lin Dan ustralia’s Steve Smith struck his pressive form to top the batting chart Kolkata chased down their modest tar- start of the 50-over showpiece event in beats fi rst half-century of this Indian with 279 runs in fi ve matches for Sunris- get of 140 in 13.5 overs with Chris Lynn England and Wales. Chinese Premier League season but his ers Hyderabad in the IPL, Smith fi nally hit top-scoring with 50 off 32 deliveries. The compatriot Rajasthan Royals team still lost big after scores of 20, 28 and 38. He built former Australia captain also took a sharp BRIEF SCORES toA Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets crucial partnerships including a 72-run catch at fi rst slip off the bowling of leg- Chen Long Rajasthan Royals 139 for 3 in 20 overs in the final. yesterday. Smith hit an unbeaten 73 off 59 second-wicket stand with England’s Jos spinner Shreyas Gopal to dismiss Sunil (Smith 73*, Buttler 37, Gurney 2-25) lost to (AFP) balls to guide Rajasthan to 139-3, boost- Buttler, who made 37, after being invited Narine for 47. Kolkata Knight Riders 140 for 2 in 13.5 Smith and Warner are keen to impress ing his return from a ball-tampering ban to bat fi rst. overs (Lynn 50, Narine 47, Gopal 2-35) by that ended March 28. “He is not a big-hitter of the ball. He’s with their performance in the world’s eight wickets Smith and his compatriot David Warn- not an Andre Russell or a Ben Stokes. He most popular T20 league that runs close

MANATEQ QATAR NATIONAL SPRINT FOURTH ROUND AFP got breezed through the Open Kuala Lumpur impressively in a series of straight matches. But the 35-year-old Lin, fi ve years Chen’s senior, dic- hinese badminton ace tated the pace by working his op- Lin Dan clinched the ponent with deft netplay and his Malaysia Open yester- trademark ferocious front court day after an electric per- smash. formanceC against countryman The title is Lin’s fi rst win this Chen Long to claim his fi rst major year, and also his fi rst major suc- title in two years. The win comes cess since taking the Malaysia after the fi ve-time world cham- Open in 2017. The two-time Ol- pion made several early round ympic gold medallist received exits since January, including at a $49,000 cash prize presented the Indonesia Masters, German by his long-time Malaysian rival Open and the All-England. Lee Chong Wei, who sat out the But in a nail-biting 78-minute Open over his cancer recovery. match, the world number 16 Lin said he hoped to meet Lee smashed his way back to vic- on court again, as both men pre- tory with a fi nal score that tal- pare for the 2020 Tokyo Olym- lied 9-21, 21-7, 21-11. Speaking pics. Lee has been on the side- to reporters afterwards, Lin said lines since July last year, when he his game against two-time world was diagnosed with early-stage champion Chen was a sign that nose cancer, and is seeking to his spate of bad luck was fi nally make a full recovery. over. “My performance last year The women’s singles saw Tai- was not ideal, and I was under a wanese top seed Tai Tzu-ying lot of pressure and even doubted clinch her third consecutive Ma- myself,” he said. “But here in Ma- laysia Open title after a dominant laysia, I was determined to play 21-16, 21-19 triumph over Japan’s well and was hungry for victory... Akane Yamaguchi. China domi- I think the bad times are over.” nated all the other events, win- It was a game that saw Lin up ning the mixed doubles, women’s Participants and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation off icials pose on the podium after fourth round of the Manateq Qatar National Sprint at the Losail Circuit. against an in-form Chen, who doubles and the men’s doubles. Gulf Times Monday, April 8, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Cubs break out to end 6-game skid, Playoff hungry Nets beat Brewers 14-8

Reuters games. Two batters later, Al- Milwaukee bert Almora Jr. ripped a run- scoring single to center fi eld to bring home Kyle Schwarber. ason Heyward went Hamels added a sacrifi ce fl y topple top-seeded 3-for-3 with two hom- later in the inning to make it ers and three RBIs, 7-2. and the Chicago Cubs Braun clubbed a three-run pulledJ away for a 14-8 win blast in the seventh to pull over the host Milwaukee the Brewers within 7-5. He Brewers on Saturday night. homered off left-handed re- Victor Caratini and Javier liever Kyle Ryan, who was Baez also homered for the making his big-league debut. Milwaukee Bucks Cubs, who set a season high Chicago blew the game for runs. Chicago snapped a open with a seven-run eighth. ‘We want to achieve it but at the same time we want to play the right way. I thought we did six-game losing streak and Heyward started the outburst recorded its fi rst win since the with his second homer of the a great job of doing that tonight. It was a big game for them. So we’ve just got to move on’ season opener March 28. night and his third of the sea- Lorenzo Cain, Ryan Braun son. Anthony Rizzo hit a two- and Eric Thames homered to run double, David Bote hit a lead the Brewers. Mil- waukee had won its previous six in a row. RESULTS Veteran left-hander Diamondbacks 5-4 Red Sox Cole Hamels (1-0) Tigers 7-4 Royals notched a quality start by limiting the Mets 6-5 Nationals Brewers to two runs Pirates 6-5 Reds on six hits in six in- Indians 7-2 Blue Jays nings. He walked none and struck out fi ve on Dodgers 7-2 Rockies his way to career win Twins 6-2 Phillies No. 157, which ranks Mariners 9-2 White Sox seventh among active pitchers. Padres 6-4 Cardinals Right-hander Giants 6-4 Rays Corbin Burnes (0-1) Angels 5-1 Rangers was tagged with his fi rst career loss. He Yankees 6-4 Orioles gave up seven runs Astros 6-0 Athletics on six hits, including Marlins 4-2 Braves a trio of home runs, Cubs 14-8 Brewers in fi ve innings. He has surrendered six homers in 10 innings on the three-run double and Caratini season. Milwaukee opened the had an RBI single. scoring on a solo shot by Cain Thames hit a three-run to lead off the fi rst. He ham- homer, his second of the sea- mered a 2-1 fastball over the son, in the bottom of the right-fi eld wall. eighth to fi nish the scoring. The Cubs bounced back Carson Kelly drove in three quickly to go on top 2-1 in runs and delivered a two-out, the second. Heyward belted a walk-off single as Arizona two-run homer on the second beat Boston in Phoenix. pitch he saw. Kelly lined a 1-1 pitch from Cain hit a sacrifi ce fl y in the Colten Brewer (0-1) to left bottom of the second to even fi eld as Nick Ahmed had no the score at 2. trouble scoring from sec- Caratini clubbed a go- ond. Kelly also had a two-run ahead, two-run homer in the double in the Diamondbacks’ fi fth to give the Cubs a 4-2 ad- four-run second inning. vantage. It was his fi rst home Andrew Benintendi had run of the season and the two of the six hits for Boston, fourth of his career, which has which lost its third in a row. included 111 games over parts The Red Sox are 2-8, tied for of three seasons with Chicago. the worst 10-game start in Baez led off the sixth with franchise history, according to his fourth home run in eight ESPN. Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (No 24) during the second-half at Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

AFP sixth place in the Eastern Con- 11 assists for Milwaukee, and over the Chicago Bulls. candidate Antetokounmpo of Los Angeles ference standings. Detroit is a Khris Middleton fi nished with 24 JJ Redick scored 23 points as Milwaukee. half game behind at 39-40. But points. Bledsoe disagreed with Philadelphia snapped a three- Redick drained four three- the Nets have tiebreakers against those who have said the Bucks game losing skid and widened pointers and Tobias Harris add- oe Harris sank the go- both the Magic and the Pistons. have little to play for, saying the the gap over Boston for the third ed 16 points as the 76ers took an ahead three-pointer with D’Angelo Russell had 25 points team would love to reach the seed in the East to two games eight-point halftime lead and 84 seconds left as the and 10 assists, Caris LeVert 60-victory mark. with the win. The 76ers were then seized command with a Brooklyn Nets’ playoff scored 24 points and Jared Dud- “We want to achieve it but missing guard Jimmy Butler who third-quarter surge. pushJ got a boost with a 133-128 ley collected 14 of his 16 points in at the same time we want to was out for the second straight Former 76er JaKarr Sampson win over the Milwaukee Bucks the second half. play the right way,” he said. “I game with a back injury. scored a career-high 29 points on Saturday. Milwaukee played without thought we did a great job of Embiid was making his second for Chicago, who lost for the The Nets used a balanced at- star Giannis Antetokounmpo, doing that tonight. It was a big start after missing three straight sixth time in seven games. tack to beat the shorthanded who was out with a left calf in- game for them. So we’ve just got with a sore left knee. He also had “It good to be back in the Bucks as eight players scored in jury. Milwaukee has already to move on.” fi ve assists and three blocked NBA,” said Sampson, who had double fi gures. They also drained clinched the best record in the Elsewhere, Joel Embiid dom- shots against the Bulls. been toiling in the NBA’s devel- 19 three-pointers. league with a win on the road inated inside to score 20 points It was a much better perform- opment league before the Bulls Brooklyn improved to 40-40 over the Philadelphia 76ers two and 10 rebounds as Philadel- ance than his fi rst game back called him up. “It just felt good Chicago Cubs’ Jason Heyward hits a home run against Milwaukee on the NBA season to move into nights earlier. phia returned to the winner’s from the injury when he was going against my old team. I just Brewers during the second inning of their MLB game at Miller a tie with the Orlando Magic for Eric Bledsoe had 33 points and circle with a 116-96 victory outscored by fellow league MVP let the game come to me.” Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

NHL Lightning head into playoff s as Stanley Cup favourites AFP in this group with the regular Sabre Alexander Mogilny, who win means that the Winnipeg Los Angeles season.” had 127 points in 1992-93. “It’s Jets will face the St. Louis Blues The Lightning tied the NHL defi nitely a special moment,” in the fi rst round of the playoff s. record for wins in a season and Kucherov said. “Thanks to all Also, Ryan Poehling made a he Tampa Bay Lightning locked up home ice advantage the guys in the room for helping splash in his NHL debut, scoring a won their record-tying throughout the playoff s by beat- me out, I wouldn’t be where I am hat-trick and the shootout winner 62nd game to cap a dom- ing the Bruins in the regular now. It’s a team eff ort.” as the Montreal Canadiens beat inating regular season season fi nale. Stamkos scored Elsewhere, Viktor Arvids- playoff -bound Toronto 6-5. Tthat has put them in the conver- a shorthanded goal and Rus- son scored the go-ahead goal at Ryan Strome scored at 2:09 sation as one of the best regular sian Nikita Kucherov notched an 3:33 of the third period, and the into overtime and the New York season teams in NHL history. empty netter for the Lightning in Nashville Predators won their Rangers beat Sidney Crosby’s The Lightning’s perform- front of a crowd of 17,600 at the second straight Central Divi- Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3. ance this season has established Boston Garden arena. sion title by rallying to defeat the Washington Capitals super- them as an off ensive juggernaut The 62nd victory equalled the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2. star Alex Ovechkin fi nished with and their individual accom- 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings, who The Predators (47-29-6) will 51 goals to lead the league for a plishments will net them a lion’s were 62-13 with seven ties. The play the Dallas Stars in the West- record-setting eighth time. share of hardware at the NHL Lightning won six games in a ern Conference fi rst round. Dal- awards this summer. shootout, which was introduced las is the fi rst wild card. MCDAVID CUT DOWN But team captain Steven in 2005-06. The Bruins won their Nashville scored fi ve straight The Edmonton Oilers got a scare Stamkos said after a 6-3 win 49th game and fi nished in second goals after falling behind 2-0 in when Canadian star Connor Mc- over the Boston Bruins on Sat- place behind the Lightning in the the fi rst period on the fi nal night David injured his leg after crash- urday that they have their sights Atlantic Division. Boston will of the 2018-19 regular season. ing hard into the net during a 3-1 set on the ultimate playoff prize, have home ice advantage against Cam Ward made 45 saves for win over the Calgary Flames. the Stanley Cup. the Toronto Maple Leafs in the the Blackhawks, who dropped McDavid was driving hard “Yeah, we’ve said it all along, opening round of the Eastern to 36-34-12 on the season and to the net with the puck when we’re just taking this thing in Conference playoff s. missed the playoff s for the sec- he was chopped down by Mark stride,” Stamkos said. “That’s Tampa Bay forward Kucherov ond consecutive season. Giordano. The diving Flames a result of us playing the right had a goal and an assist to reach Sweden’s Arvidsson scored defenceman did not touch the way and winning games. “It’s 128 points and set the single- on the powerplay at 3:33 of the puck on the play and was given a no easy feat in today’s NHL season NHL points record for a third to give Nashville their fi rst tripping penalty by the refs. with the parity that we have Russia-born player. lead of the game 3-2. It was his The Oilers said initial X-rays that I think is the greatest in Kucherov, the NHL scoring 34th goal of the season which were negative but McDavid sports. To have a season like we leader, fi nished with 41 goals and established a franchise record would be evaluated by team doc- Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn celebrates with teammates after scoring against the did, but there’s no satisfaction 87 assists to pass former Buff alo for the Predators. Nashville’s tors on Sunday. Boston Bruins during the third period of their NHL game at TD Garden. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Monday, April 8, 2019 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Fiji win fi ft h consecutive Hong Kong Sevens AFP win in Hong Kong, cheered and sang New Zealand lost to Argentina 21-14 Hong Kong in the north stand long after their team in the fi fth-place plate fi nal when Kurt had left the championship podium. Baker was sent off in the 13th minute, giving Matias Osadczuk a crucial open- iji are within striking distance ‘FANTASTIC FEELING’ ing after the fi nal horn. of the Rugby Sevens series “It’s a fantastic feeling and I’m sure Japan meanwhile earned a temporary championship after their fi fth that it will sink in over the next two or reprieve from the threat of relegation consecutive victory in Hong three days,” said Fiji coach Gareth Bab- with a 10th place fi nish, losing 26-24 to KongF yesterday, storming a determined er, who dedicated the victory to victims Scotland in the bowl fi nal. but outmuscled France 21-7. of last month’s Christchurch mosque The defending tournament cham- attacks. IRELAND QUALIFY pions opened the scoring in the fi fth The side came into the fi nal after Ireland will join the world tour next minute when a quick pass behind from spoiling the United States’ hopes of a year after a 28-7 win over Hong Kong Aminasi Tuiamba 20 metres from the maiden Hong Kong Sevens champion- - a second disappointment for the try line set up an opportunity for Vili- ship with a 28-19 semis win over the hometown side after their 2016 quali- moni Botitu to weave around Remi Si- series leaders, recovering their cus- fying fi nals loss. ega. tomary precision after a scrappy quar- Fans cheered and waved the city’s Tuiamba followed with a try of his ter-fi nal win over Argentina. red and white bauhinia fl ag from all own for Fiji to lead 14-0 at the break The US beat Samoa to third place corners of the stadium but the much- before a yellow card for Josua Vakurun- without injured captain Madison improved squad’s golden run through abili saw them concede a penalty. Hughes. They will stay number one the tournament ended when Jordan But the 10th-ranked French could on the standings following their Vegas Conroy bagged the winners’ third try in not press the advantage and found win and four other fi nals appearances, the fi rst minute after the break. themselves back on the defensive even with Fiji to leapfrog New Zealand into Tom McQueen made the home before a high tackle send-off for Tavite second. team’s solitary try soon after Gregory Veredamu levelled the playing fi eld. France, continuing the form that saw O’Shea was sin-binned for rough con- Tuiamba was sent off with 90 seconds them runners-up in Vancouver last duct in the second half. to spare, two minutes after his second month, knocked out Samoa to book “We’re just delighted with this,” said try, in a match where the Fijians made their fi rst ever fi nals appearance in Ireland captain Billy Dardis. full use of their strength advantage. Hong Kong after earlier dashing the All “It’s been a long and hard road. I Fiji’s reliable band of supporters, Blacks’ chances in a shock 14-12 quar- think that we all just stood on the pitch celebrating the country’s 19th overall ter-fi nal win. there and couldn’t move.” Fiji players celebrate after winning the Hong Kong Sevens tournament yesterday. (AFP)

CYCLING RUGBY Wallabies in no hurry to replace Bettiol clinches fi rst axed Larkham

AFP sistant – was a potential short- Sydney term option for the World Cup, while Wallabies great Matt Gi- teau has also been linked to the allabies coach role. title with Tour of Michael Cheika “The person we bring in will says he is in no be someone I think that will be hurry to appoint a with the players, on fi eld a lot, Wnew attack coach after Stephen not build a lot of strategy, more Larkham was axed, and sug- getting players to embrace ‘The last 14 kilometres were gested the team has some cards strategy and understand it so up their sleeve heading into the it’s automatic on the fi eld,” said the longest of my life’ World Cup. Cheika. Flanders win Larkham was dumped in The two-time world cham- early February after disa- pions, who made the 2015 fi nal, greements with Cheika over will head to the tournament in strategy and game philosophy Japan this year with few giving following a wretched 2018 in them much chance after their which Australia won just four poor season last year. of their 13 Tests. Reports last But Cheika suggested the week said Scott Wiseman- Wallabies could have some tel, who is working with Ed- surprises in store. die Jones at England, had been “Maybe you want to turn up targeted as a replacement, but this year with something a lit- Cheika said those being con- tle bit diff erent,” he said. sidered were “in Australia”. “I’m not saying that we’re “There’s no major hurry, going to do that but maybe we’re not training yet are we?,” we will. Some diff erent things he told Fox Sports on Saturday around the way we play.” evening. “There’s a few things One area he could be looking that I want to unfold fi rst and at is whether to start with both I probably reckon about May Michael Hooper and David sometime in the lead-up to an- Pocock. The combination has other camp. been a point of contention, “I’ve got a few people in with Australia’s lineout often mind,” he added. “I’m not go- exposed when both start and ing to tell you that because the Pocock generally plays out of people don’t know. They’re in position at No 8. Australia.” “I think this year we’ve cer- Fox said Waratahs coach tainly got some other options Daryl Gibson – Cheika’s around the backrow,” Cheika former New South Wales as- said.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika (right) with Stephen Larkham. (AFP)

Trailblazing Aboriginal Wallaby First-placed Alberto Bettiol (centre), second-placed Kasper Asgreen (left) and third-placed Alexander Kristoff celebrate on the podium of the 103rd edition of the ‘Tour of Flanders’ McDermott dies aged 79 yesterday. (AFP) Lloyd McDermott, one of the now runs the team. eyes and I just went.” 60 kilometres to go. first indigenous Australians to “The... team’s objectives are AFP RESULTS Oudenaarde, Belgium Klier, he said, told him: “Keep The Dutch rider punctured play for the Wallabies and the based on Lloyd’s leadership on pushing! Keep on pushing!” and, as he braked and wrestled nation’s first Aboriginal barris- of creating education and op- 1. Alberto Bettiol (ITA/Education CCC) s.t. The chasing group contained his bike to the side of the road, ter, has died aged 79, Rugby portunities for young people talian Alberto Bettiol won First) 6hr 18min 49sec 11. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) s.t. many of the race favourites but his front wheel locked and he Australia said yesterday. A and supporting them to make the gruelling Tour of Flan- 2. Kasper Asgreen (DEN/DEC) 12. Jens Keukeleire (BEL/LOT) none were prepared to lead the fl ew over the handlebars. Despite pacy winger, McDermott positive lifestyle decisions. ders yesterday, riding home at 14 sec s.t. chase. Instead, Bettiol’s team- a nasty bang to his left arm, he won two caps against New “Lloyd’s work has positively alone for a maiden career 3. Alexander Kristoff (NOR/UAE) 13. Dries Van Gestel (BEL/VLA) mates Sebastian Langeveld and caught the leaders after a furious Zealand in 1962 but refused influenced thousands of Ivictory after breaking away with Sep Vanmarcke were able stay 15-kilometre pursuit. at 17sec s.t. to tour apartheid South Africa young Indigenous people 18 kilometres to go. 4. Mathieu van der Poel (NED/ 14. Wout Van Aert (BEL/JUM) s.t. close to the front and slow the Defending champion Niki the following year as an “hon- around Australia. “A proud Dane Kasper Asgreen escaped COR) s.t. 15. Sebastian Langeveld (NED/ pursuit. Terpstra was less fortunate. orary white” and switched but humble man, he refused the chasing group in the fi nal 5. Nils Politt (GER/KAT) s.t. EF1) s.t. “The last 14 kilometres were Dutchman Terpstra hit the codes to rugby league. Along to accept Australia Day straight to fi nish second with 6. Michael Matthews (AUS/ 16. Bob Jungels (LUX/DEC) s.t. the longest of my life,” said tarmac with several other riders with his career in the law, honours on several occasions Norwegian Alexander Kristoff SUN) s.t. 17. Yves Lampaert (BEL/DEC) s.t. Bettiol. 160km from the fi nish and was McDermott worked through- until the rights of Aboriginal third. 7. Oliver Naesen (BEL/ALM) s.t. 18. Dylan van Baarle (NED/SKY) “I knew Sebastian was there knocked unconscious. out his life to encourage in- people were recognised. We Bettiol, a 25-year-old who 8. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/ at 24 protecting me,” he added. Terpstra stayed down for sev- digenous youth to play rugby will miss a close friend and we rides for American team EF First MOV) s.t. 19. Jasper Stuyven (BEL/TRE) at Bettiol is the fi rst Italian to eral minutes. union, in later years through are inspired to continue our Education, attacked on the ap- 9. Tiesj Benoot (BEL/LOT) s.t. 1:19, 20. Stijn Vandenbergh (BEL/ win the of the 266-kilometre His Direct Energie team said his eponymous development work.” proach to the third and fi nal as- 10. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL/ ALM) 1:58. slog from Antwerp to Oude- he had been taken to hospital team the “Lloydies”. “His The three Ella brothers, Gary, cent of the Oude Kwaremont. narde, one of the fi ve one-day and that, because he had been legacy is not just his work in Mark and Glenn, all played for Belgian Olympic champion Greg monuments, since Alessandro unconscious for more than two promoting sport to young Australia and make up a fifth Van Avermaet tried to give chase “I don’t believe it,” the Tuscan rector in the team car. Ballan in 2007. minutes, doctors ruled him out people it is also about equal- of the indigenous Wallabies in but could not keep pace as Betti- rider told Eurosport, saying he “I was feeling really good, An- Mathieu van der Poel fi nished of the next Cycling monument, ity in opportunities for young over 120 years of Test rugby ol shot up the two-kilometre- had followed instructions from dreas Klier told me: ‘if you can fourth despite a nasty slow-mo- Paris-Roubaix in seven days’ people,” said Gary Ella, who for the nation. long cobbled climb. Andreas Klier, the sporting di- go, go’,” said Bettiol. “I closed my tion crash with a little more than time. Gulf Times Monday, April 8, 2019 7 SPORT

ATHLETICS World champ Pearson’s comeback hits hurdle AFP and when it’s down and I can’t France courtesy of his French Sydney move... you’ve got to listen to it mother, also defi ed a headwind and move on to the next race, get to clock 13.05 seconds and win some training in.” the under-18 110m hurdles -an- ustralia’s dual 100m It is a big blow for the 2012 Ol- other under-16 world best. hurdles world cham- ympic champion as she targets That came a day after he pion Sally Pearson yes- more glory at the Doha world clinched gold in the under-20 terday pulled out of her championships in September. 200m, fi nishing in 21.18, nar- fiA rst competitive event in more Injuries have been a constant rowly outside the Australian than a year, saying her body was for Pearson, who suff ered a bro- record. Eddie Nketia, 17, is an- “overheating”, in a blow to her ken wrist from a race fall which other top prospect, stunning a comeback plans. derailed her 2015 world titles more experienced fi eld to win The 32-year-old, who won campaign. A hamstring prob- the men’s 100m in 10.22 sec- the world title in 2011 and 2017, lem hit her 2016 Rio Olympics onds. Coached by his father hadn’t competed over the hur- hopes and she was forced to and New Zealand 100m record dles since an Achilles problem pull out of the Commonwealth holder Gus Nketia, he is another sidelined her 14 months ago. Games on home soil last year subject to a tug-of-war for his She won her fi rst race since due to the Achilles issue. While services. Nketia is eligible for then at the Australian champi- it was tough going for Australia’s either Australia or his family’s onships in 12.99 seconds, but best-known athlete, the nation- homeland. looked drained afterwards on a al championships, which wrap Among other athletes, Matt hot Sydney day and pulled out of up Sunday, has unearthed sev- Denny won the men’s discus the fi nal. “After the race I felt like eral new potential stars, notably with a throw of 65.28m, inside I was overheating, my legs felt 16-year-old Sasha Zhoya. world championship qualifying like lead and I just needed to get He burst onto the scene by distance, while high jumper Joel out of there,” she told reporters winning the under-20 pole vault Badan also leapt a world qualify- after getting the all-clear from with a height of 5.56 metres, ing height of 2.30m. medical staff . just shy of the world champi- Both Kelsey Barber and Kath- “I’m disappointed, really dis- onship qualifying standard. No ryn Mitchell threw world cham- appointed,” she added. 16-year-old has ever jumped pionships qualifying distances “But I’m actually going to higher. The Perth-born Zhoya, of 65.53m and 62.78m respec- listen to my body this year who could opt to represent tively in the women’s javelin. Australia’s dual 100m hurdles world champion Sally Pearson.

TENNIS QATAR AIRWAYS CRICKET TOURNAMENT Galfar Al Misnad Wozniacki to meet defeat Tusker Club By Sports Reporter Doha

ith the help of a fi ne half-century by Kamran Khan, Galfar Al Misnad Keys in Charleston Wdefeated Tusker Club by eight wickets in a rain-truncated Premier Division match of I’m just so thrilled to be healthy, that’s the Qatar Airways Cricket Tournament. the main thing. It’s been a long time Rain forced the match to be reduced to 20 overs-a-side since I made this long run here’ from a 50-over aff air due to Open fi nal wet outfi eld. After Tusker Club Kamran Khan. decided to bat fi rst, their de- cision backfi red as they were boundaries off 42 balls. Nawaf shot out for 111 in 19 overs. and Bipin shared the wickets Khurram Shahzad (3 for 13) to fall. and Sammy put the rivals un- Kamran Khan was declared der a lot of pressure as they the match-of-the-match. grabbed fi ve wickets between them, making batting quite BRIEF SCORES diffi cult for Tusker Club. Sanu Galfar Al Misnad beat Tusker was the highest scorer with Club by eight wickets 34 in 27 balls, including fi ve Tusker Club: 111 all out in 19 boundaries. Shakir added 11 off overs (Sanu 34 in 27 balls, 13 balls. Shakir 11; Khurram Shehzad Galfar Al Misnad chased 3/13, Sammy 2/11) down the target with fl uent Tusker Club: 114 for two in 16.2 batting in 16.2 overs with eight overs (Kamran Khan 59 in 51 wickets intact. Kamran Khan balls, Mohammed Awais Malik smashed four sixes and four 30 in 42 balls; Nawaf 1/6, Bipin boundaries to score 59 off 51 1/21) balls. Man-of-the-match: Kamran Malik hit 30 with two Khan (Galfar Al Misnad)

SPOTLIGHT Ethiopians sweep Rome marathon

AFP KIPSEREM SETS NEW Rome COURSE RECORD Kenya’s Marius Kipserem set a new course record to win the thiopia’s Tebalu Za- Rotterdam Marathon yester- wude Heyi won the day in two hours, four min- Rome marathon yes- utes and 11 seconds, his second terday ahead of com- success in four years. patriotsE Tesfa Wokneth and The previous course record Yihunilign Adane as the east had stood for 10 years af- African Athletics power- ter Kenyan Duncan Kibet ran house swept both the men’s 2:04:27 to win in 2009. Yet and women’s events. that time always looked under Zawude Heyi clocked 2hr threat as the frontrunners set 8min 37sec around the Ital- a quick pace of 1:02:16 at the ian capital with Wokneth just halfway mark. behind in 2hr 9min 17sec and A Kenyan quartet of Kipser- Yihunilign Adane timing 2hr em, who also won in 2016, 9min 53sec. Emanuel Saina, Vincent Rono Caroline Wozniacki defeated Croatia’s Petra Martic 6-3, 6-4 in the Charleston Open semi-final. Ethiopia also topped the and Josphat Boit broke away women’s race with Alemu after about 30km but Rono and Reuters made this long run here,” said physically.” Keys led 4-3 in the niacki twice, said meeting the the next game before cruising to Megertu setting a new course Boit fell away as Kipserem and Los Angeles the Dane who won the South fi rst set when rain halted her Dane on clay could work in her the fi nish line to reach her fi rst record of 2hr 22min 52sec Saina battled it out. Carolina tournament in 2011. match with Puerto Rico’s Puig. favour. fi nal in more than three years. ahead of countrywomen Mu- Saina faded near the end to The fi fth seed broke Martic The big-hitting American, “It’s a little bit of a slower “I’m very pleased with how I luhabt Tsega (2.26:41) and allow Turkey’s Kaan Ozbilen to ormer world number twice in the second set to claim who upset top seed Sloane court,” Keys said. “My heavy ball played today,” she said in an on- Chaltu Negesse (2.30:45). pip him to second place. one Caroline Wozniacki the win and maintain her record Stephens in the quarter-fi nals, will work better so I think I will court interview on a warm night maintained her domi- of never having lost a set to Mar- lost only one more game, win- be able to do a little more.” in northern Mexico. nance over Croatia’s tic in six meetings. ning eight in a row to seal victory. “It was an important match PetraF Martic yesterday to move “I served well in most of the Keys closed out the fi rst set with AZARENKA UPSETS KERBER and to see how I can do under into the fi nal of the Charleston match and I think I returned re- a forehand service return, then Victoria Azarenka used her su- pressure against a top player,” Open where she will play Madi- ally well most of the match as broke Puig, the Olympic cham- perior serving and punishing she said. son Keys. well, and I just tried to stay ag- pion, three times in the decider. groundstrokes to upset top seed “I haven’t won many of those Dane Wozniacki, showing gressive as much as I could and Puig did not go quickly in the Angelique Kerber 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 in the last couple years so it’s confi dence after a recent illness, tried to make (Martic) run and fi nal game, though, saving three and advance to Sunday’s fi nal good that I’m able to turn it defeated Martic 6-3, 6-4 be- make her move,” Wozniacki said. match points before Keys hit a of the Monterrey Open against around and pick up my level.” fore American Keys turned back Wozniacki, world number 13, big forehand return on a fourth Garbine Muguruza. Earlier, second seed Muguruza Monica Puig 6-4, 6-0 in a semi- grabbed a 4-2 lead in the second match point to force an error In a battle of former world eased past Slovak Magdalena fi nal that was delayed for more set but the 16th-seeded Mar- from Puig. number ones the momentum Rybarikova 6-2, 6-3 to book her than an hour by rain. tic bounced back to level at 4-4 The rain delay helped Keys. shifted in the Belarusian’s fa- ticket to the fi nal. “I’m just so thrilled to be before the Dane broke back and “Honestly it was good,” she said. vour early in the third set when Azarenka came out the vic- healthy, that’s the main thing,” closed out the match. “I had just gotten broken and I Kerber committed two double tor in her only previous meet- the fi fth-seeded Wozniacki said “I thought I was close,” said got to go inside a reset. I think I faults in a careless service game ing with Spaniard Muguruza, a after making her fi rst fi nal of the Martic. “But many players feel did a pretty good job to close it to hand Azarenka a 2-0 lead. hard-fought 7-6(6), 7-6(4) win year. this way against Caroline. I felt out.” Azarenka seized the opportu- on the hard courts in Miami in Ethiopia’s Tebalu Zawude Heyi celebrates with Ethiopia flag after “It’s been a long time since I like I couldn’t keep up with her Keys, who has lost to Woz- nity, consolidating the break in 2016. winning the 25th edition of the Rome Marathon yesterday. (AFP)

Monday, April 8, 2019 GULF TIMES GOLF

MASTERS TRAGEDY Malaysian golfer dies in hotel room McIlroy chases during tournament

Reuters Hainan, China

alaysian golfer Arie Career Slam as Irawan died of “ap- parent natural caus- es” yesterday in his Mhotel room on the Chinese resort island of Hainan, the PGA tour said in a statement. He was 28. Arie, who turned professional in 2013 and won two events on Tiger Woods lurks the Asian Development Tour in 2015, had missed the halfway cut at the Sanya Championship, the McIlroy, who turns 30 next month, has been a consistent contender all season second event on the PGA Tour China Series. AFP “The PGA Tour and the China family and his beautiful wife, Augusta Golf Association grieve at this Marina,” Sluman said. loss of one of our members and “Along with the rest of the share sincere condolences with Tour, we’re thinking about them ory McIlroy’s sensa- Arie’s wife, Marina, and his par- at this time. It’s very bittersweet tional start to the year, ents, Ahmad and Jeny,” the PGA today, and I think the rest of the 08 -04 -2019 seven top-10 fi nishes tour statement added. year will be dedicated to Arie and including a Players “When something of this the impact he had on this Tour.” RChampionship title, has him fa- magnitude occurs in the golf Arie’s golf career was inter- voured to win next week’s Mas- world, we all grieve at the same rupted in 2016 when he was in- ters and complete a Career Grand time. volved in an accident on a moped Slam. “Out of respect for the family, and sidelined for several months. But the four-time major win- offi cials cancelled the fi nal round He was ranked 1,366th in the ner from Northern Ireland fi g- of the Sanya Championship, the world this week. ures to be tested at Augusta Na- tournament becoming a 54-hole He married Marina Malek last tional by resurgent Tiger Woods, event.”The coroner’s report had May and she sometimes worked top-ranked Dustin Johnson not been completed, the state- as his caddie, even if Arie admit- and second-ranked Justin Rose ment said. ted that she did not know much among others. Trevor Sluman, who shot a about golf. Third-ranked McIlroy, who third-round six-under 66 to “If I make a bad score she will turns 30 next month, has been a take a two-shot lead on Satur- say ‘it is okay, it is okay’,” he told consistent contender all season day, was declared the champion Malaysia’s The Star newspaper and fi nally won at the Players af- and his victory will count as an last year. ter fi ve top-six showings. offi cial PGA TOUR Series-China “She keeps me calm, relaxed “If I concentrate on me, con- win. and happy so I just go out there trol what I can do, good golf and The American off ered his con- and play golf. That helps me a good attitude takes care of the dolences after he learned of the lot. She has always been there rest,” McIlroy said. round’s cancellation. for me through the bad and good “And if I go to Augusta with a “My heart goes out to Arie’s times.” similar golf game and the atti- tude I’ve shown over the fi rst few weeks of the year, I think I’ll have FOCUS a great chance.” Oddsmakers like his chances too. Las Vegas Westgate superbook Masters traditions makes him an 8-1 favourite with Johnson next at 10-1 and Woods and Rose at 12-1. may be balm to “I feel like I’m doing the little round only to fi re an 80 and settle helping me do that.” “It’s way more challenging ably a very good probability things right,” McIlroy said. “And for a share of 15th. McIlroy was ousted from off the tees than it used to be,” that one of those guys will get it step by step they will add up to all Since it became the only ma- the recent WGC Match Play by Woods said.”Some of the strat- done.” golf’s woes that stuff that other people ndfi jor he lacked, McIlroy has had to Woods, who enjoyed his best egy has changed. Every green Rose shared second to Jordan important.” change his mental Masters ap- season result despite a quarter- has been redone since I was fi rst Spieth at the 2015 Masters and AFP A chastened Garcia off ered an Topping that list would be proach. fi nal loss. there.” lost a playoff to Sergio Garcia in Los Angeles apology, blaming his tantrum on a Masters Green Jacket to put “I would have said a couple of Woods, a 14-time major None of the 11 players ahead 2017. “emotional, personal news” he’d McIlroy among those who have years ago, ‘I need to win a Mas- champion and four-time Mas- of Woods in the rankings have “I’ve come close at the Mas- received earlier in the week. won all four majors, joining ters. ters champion, hasn’t won a ever won the Masters, includ- ters. I’ve fi nished second twice. he annual drive down American Matt Kuchar also Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hog- I need a Green Jacket,’” McIl- major since the 2008 US Open ing McIlroy and reigning US I’ve played golf capable of win- Magnolia Lane to the found himself off ering an apolo- an, Gary Player and Gene Sara- roy said.”Now it’s, ‘I want to win but is in form after spinal fusion Open and PGA champion Brooks ning the Masters on both of those stately confi nes of Au- gy — albeit a belated one — after zen. it. And I’d love to win it. surgery to end years of back pain, Koepka in fourth. occasions. gusta National golf Club he was excoriated on social me- “I am motivated to make the But if I don’t I’m OK.’ And I winning last year’s Tour Cham- Rose sees one of them ending So I don’t feel like I need to do Tcomes none too soon in what’s dia over paying his local caddie most of what I have and to put think that is the diff erence. “I’ve pionship. the drought this week. a lot diff erent to have chances to so far been a contentious, quar- just $5,000 for his $1.3mn vic- my name among some of the had 10 years of learning at Au- The 43-year-old American “If you look at the skill sets of win the Masters,” Rose said. relsome season. tory at last year’s Mayakoba golf greats of our game,” McIlroy said. gusta, some tough times. sees Augusta National as a much the guys at the top of the world “Hopefully the door will open, Perhaps among the tower- Classic in Mexico. McIlroy had an epic Masters If one day I’m able to get that greater challenge since he fi rst rankings, Augusta really should I’ll get my break at the right time ing pines and azaleas at Augusta, Kuchar’s insistence that the near-miss in 2011 when he led green jacket, all those experi- won there in 1997 and not just suit most of us,” Rose said. “So I on a Sunday afternoon and hit where the genteel traditions of the payment was fair — calling it a by four strokes entering the fi nal ences will have played a part in because it’s longer. would say this year there’s prob- the right shot at the right time.” game continue to hold sway, con- “good week” for a caddie who troversy surrounding new rules, normally makes $100-$200 a clashes of personality and mere day — only brought more criti- SPOTLIGHT fl ashes of pettiness will be put cism and the US veteran even- aside in pursuit of the Green Jack- tually backtracked, agreeing in et at the fi rst men’s major cham- February to pay caddie David pionship of 2019 — The Masters. Giral Ortiz the $50,000 he had Kim leads Texas Open aft er near-miss on second ace Spain’s 2017 Masters champi- requested — still well below on Sergio Garcia has been front the 10 % bonus from Kuchar’s Reuters Kim threw his club into the air and bly the 2017 Players Championship. The fi nishing in style by sinking a six-foot and center as incivility fl ared purse that a regular US PGA San Antonio placed his hands on his head upon nar- 23-year-old is not the most consistent birdie at the last that left her only one this season. Tour caddie would have ex- rowly failing to pull off what would have performer, but has shown he can beat stroke behind her fellow South Korean. Garcia was disqualifi ed from pected. been an astronomically unlikely feat. anyone when on his game. Another Korean, Lee Mi-hyang (68) the inaugural Saudi Interna- Testy twosome Garcia and outh Korean Kim Si-woo almost “I saw that fi rst bounce and then right was boosted by a hole-in-one at the 17th tional in February for taking his Kuchar were embroiled in drama aced the same hole for the second at it. I thought going in for sure this time,” KO LEAD ANA EVENT and jumped into a share of third with frustrations out on two of the again at the WGC Match Play — day running en route to a one- Kim told Golf Channel. “Just missed it.” Ko Jin-young opened a one-stroke lead American Danielle Kang (70), three shots greens at Royal Greens golf Club, over Kuchar’s failure to concede stroke lead over Canadian Corey He also missed the birdie putt, but that could have been higher were it not for from the lead. damaging the putting surfaces a tap-in putt to the Spaniard in SConners in the third round of the Texas made amends by sinking a birdie from some late trouble in the third round of the Ko surged to a four-stroke lead until during the tournament. the quarter-fi nal clash. Open on Saturday. similar distance at the last for a three- ANA Inspiration in California on Satur- disaster struck at the par-three 14th. He became the fi rst player on Kuchar maintained that Gar- A day after holing a nine-iron from 167 under-par 69 at TPC San Antonio. day. The 23-year-old carded a four-un- The 124-yard hole requires no more the European Tour to be dis- cia took a backhand swipe at the yards at the par-three 16th on Friday, Kim Conners shot 66 to jump into second der-par 68 on the diffi cult Mission Hills than a fl ick with a wedge, but Ko struck qualifi ed under Rule 1.2a, which tiddler before he had a chance took dead aim with a seven-iron at the place on 14-under while American Char- course in Rancho Mirage to reel in the the ball a little fat and her ball failed to deals with conduct expected to formally concede it — hole same hole, which measured 190 yards on ley Hoff man carded 64, the best round of overnight leader, Kim In-kyung, in the clear the pond guarding the green. from players and declares golfer to Kuchar the eventual match- Saturday. the day, to vault within two shots of the fi rst women’s major of the season. The resulting double-bogey gave re- are “expected to play in the spirit winner with plenty of post- His ball landed a couple of yards in lead on an afternoon that started rainy Ko posted an eight-under 208 total newed hope to her pursuers, who had of the game by acting with in- game fi nger-pointing and pon- front of the cup and nearly went in on the before clearing up by the back nine. with one round left, while Kim steadied been watching helplessly in the proverbial tegrity, showing consideration tifi cating to follow, along with, second bounce before settling four feet Kim, seeking to lead wire-to-wire, after a double-bogey at the ninth to shoot rear-view mirror as the Korean threat- to others and taking good care of eventually, a kiss-and-make-up away. has two victories on the PGA Tour, nota- a 73. Kim played a bogey-free back nine, ened to run away with it. the course.” Instagram video.

BOTTOMLINE Kupcho gives women some Masterful magic AFP approach at the par-5 13th to set moment.”Kupcho, the reigning to play, Kupcho hit an impressive Augusta up the only eagle of the tourna- US college champion, won the approach at the par-5 13th hole ment. historic fi rst title for women at to six feet and sank a tense eagle “I knew I needed to make a big once all-male Augusta National, putt to equalize, then birdied the orget such magical Au- move. I never thought about lay- which didn’t have women mem- par-5 15th, par-3 16th and par-4 gusta National moments ing up. That’s pretty cool to be bers from its 1933 founding until 18th to seal the milestone vic- as the Tiger Woods mir- the only person who did that.” 2012. tory. acle putt, Phil Mickel- The 21-year-old world wom- Crowds enjoyed a fi nal-pair “To do it on this big a stage sonF off the pine straw or Bubba en’s amateur number one went duel for the title that went down is probably one of the biggest Watson from deep in the trees to fi ve-under on the last six holes to the last of 54 holes, the fi rst things I’ve ever been able to do,” win the Masters. in a fi ve-under-par 67 fi nal two rounds having been played she said. “It was quite a day. It’s For a generation of young round to win by four strokes over at nearby Champions Retreat an amazing feeling.” women golfers who never before Mexico’s Maria Fassi. before the closer at Augusta. She and Fassi will now have had an idol to emulate, it’s going “This tournament shows how “It probably won’t set in for a greater attention when they to be about Jennifer Kupcho’s good we are and what younger little while,” Kupcho said. “There make their LPGA debuts. epic eagle in Amen Corner to win girls have to look forward to,” were just so many people. Just to “I know we’re going to have a Saturday’s inaugural Augusta Kupcho said. get to walk the fairways and walk great time out there next year in National Women’s Amateur. “To start a movement where up 18 with all of those fans, it was the LPGA,” Kupcho said. “That’s “That’s one of the best shots we’re going to start getting an experience unlike any other.” something everyone is going to I’ve ever hit,” Kupcho said of her followed, I think that’s a big Two shots down with six holes look forward to watching.”