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Friday, March 8, 2019 FOOTBALL Rajab 1, 1440 AH Solskjaer makes GULF TIMES Man Utd comeback kings again SPORT Page 2

COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS Arnaus has ‘fun’ as he takes share of lead with Walters ‘I gave myself good birdie chances and I was able to take advantage of some of them, so I’m pleased’

By Yash Mudgal Doha

pain’s Adri Arnaus had “a lot of fun” in windy conditions as he carded a fi rst-round 67 that gave himS a share of the lead at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters yesterday. Arnaus, in his fi rst full season on the European Tour after grad- uating from the Challenge Tour, set the clubhouse target of fi ve- under after he opened his round with a birdie on the tenth hole at the Doha Golf Club and then reached the turn four-under with a birdie on the 16th and an eagle on the 18th. “It was a lot of fun,” said Ar- naus, who fi nished second on the Challenge Tour Rankings to graduate to the European Tour. “The wind picked up early but I kept the ball in play most of the time, I gave myself good birdie chances and I was able to take ad- vantage of some of them, so I’m pleased,” the 2017 Spanish Ama- teur champion said. Arnaus has made a better start to 2019. He’s made fi ve of seven cuts, with a best place fi nish of tied ninth in the Alfred Dunhill Championship. He’s 51st on the European Tour money list. “It was good getting into con- tention last year, and then at the end being able to close it out at the Challenge Tour Grand Final gave me the belief that I could go on and do it on a bigger stage. Tomorrow is a new day, so I’ll just need to continue doing the same South Africa’s Justin Walters (left) and Spain’s Adri Arnaus (right) in action on the first day of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club yesterday. things.” South Africa’s Justin Walters, who is sharing the lead with Bhullar cards 69 in quest for second European title Arnaus, was “ecstatic” after his fi ve-under on a windswept By Yash Mudgal Five years ago, Bhullar was una- eight titles on the continental opening day. Doha ble to reproduce the same form, circuit. Walters, who is waiting for his battling his way to aggregate a Talking about his first round fi rst European Tour win since nine-under for tied 22nd place, scores, he said: “It is a decent turning pro in 2003, defi ed the aganjeet Bhullar was while Spanish star Sergio Garcia score, I would say. I feel it is a testing conditions to fi re fi ve within striking distance claimed the title with 16-under. good start to the tournament. birdies in a fl awless round on Gfor his second European “It was a good opening day. I The course played in good shape the Peter Harradine-designed Tour title, carding a three-under started off well from the 10th – fairways, greens and bunkers. course. in the opening round for the and I was minus five in the The greens are firm but a little “Warming up today in the $1.75mn Commercial Bank Qatar first 10 holes. Then I was a bit bit dry and you have to hit the wind I thought any score under Masters yesterday. unlucky and had a double bogey, ball a little high to stop it,” he par would be great, so to shoot The 30-year-old held his own losing an odd ball. That was the said. fi ve-under I’m ecstatic,” Walters and shot a 69 in difficult condi- only blemish I had today and off “The conditions were tough. said. tions to stay tied 10th with 18 the remaining holes I parred to Right from the morning, it was Walters hasn’t started the 2019 others after a windswept first finish with three-under,” Bhullar windy. It wasn’t calm. We guys campaign with the sort of form round. told Gulf Times. teed off at 7:45 and the wind he showed in the opening round Starting on back nine yesterday, Bhullar is the most successful picked up and turned into gusts in Qatar. Despite making four Bhullar looked like he was going Indian golfer on the Asian Tour around 8:30 or 9. It is supposed of seven cuts, he is 90th on the to emulate his opening day 67 after winning the co-sanctioned to be like this for the rest of the money list and his best fi nish was from his 2014 Qatar debut, when Fiji International last year. The day.” Robert Karlsson of Sweden carded three-under. PICTURE: Jayaram a tied 34th in Oman. he went five-under after the 30-year-old broke the tie with The other Indian in the fray, SSP “I putted really well and my first 10 holes. However, a double Jyoti Randhawa, Jeev Milkha Chowrasia, finished the round Broberg (Swe), R Gouveia (Por), A son (Sco), J Hansen (Den), A Björk short game was really good today. bogey on the 11th set him back. Singh and Arjun Atwal, who have tied 82nd with one-over. Cañizares (Esp), H Tanihara (Jpn), (Swe), K Koivu (Fin), M Schmitt I haven’t played that well, even in T Aiken (RSA) (Ger), O Fisher (Eng), G Fdez- calmer conditions, in a while so winner Kurt Kitayama, India’s a birdie on his tenth, and so too I’ve got them. I like this golf Rooyen (RSA) , I Cantero Gutier- 72: M Warren (Sco), D Drysdale Castaño (Esp), P Figueiredo (Por), it’s surprising and very welcome. Gaganjeet Bhullar, former cham- did Welshman Bradley Dredge, course. It suits my eye. I enjoy rez (Esp) , P Waring (Eng) , R (Sco), M Schwab (Aut), J Choi J Van Zyl (RSA), C Saxon (USA), I wouldn’t want to play another pion Robert Karlsson and Ryder after he carded three birdies in playing it and I see the shots I’m Karlsson (Swe), S Fernandez (Kor), J Dantorp (Swe), A Karls- H Park (Kor), H Porteous (RSA), S three days with a wind like this, Cup players Ross Fisher, Oliver succession around the turn. playing more than I do on a lot (Esp), G Forrest (Sco), E Molinari son (Swe), T Pulkkanen (Fin), D Brown (Eng), V Dubuisson (Fra) especially after a relentless spell Wilson and Edoardo Molinari. However, they both dropped of other tracks. Everything feels (Ita), M Kawamura (Jpn), N Cullen Howell (Eng), D Lipsky (USA), M 74: J Lagergren (Swe), C Paisley of wind in Oman last week,” he Australia’s Lucas Herbert was shots later, falling into a group pretty solid.” (Aus), K Kitayama (USA), M Kieff er Southgate (Eng), T Bjørn (Den), (Eng), F Bergamaschi (Ita), S Locke said. also in that group but darkness of seven players on four-under, Two-time champion and (Ger), Y Miyazato (Jpn), R Fisher B Wiesberger (Aut), M Kinhult (Sco), P Langfors (Swe), B Hebert “Hopefully, as the conditions brought an end to the day’s play, which included former Ryder former Open champion Paul (Eng), G Bhullar (Ind), R Macintyre (Swe), R Rock (Eng), J Camp- (Fra), R Wattel (Fra), A Rai (Eng), P improve over the next few days I while his group was playing their Cup player Nicolas Colsaerts and Lawrie had a poor start as he fi n- (Sco), O Wilson (Eng) illo (Esp), R Jacquelin (Fra), F Larrazábal (Esp), M Waite (Eng) can continue to play the way I’ve fi nal hole. The trio will return to Coetzee. ished the day at eight-over. 70: D Lawson (Aus), A Chesters Zanotti (Par), S Soderberg (Swe), 75: S Crocker (USA), D Burmester played today.” fi nish early today. Pre-tourna- “I played pretty well,” said (Eng), T Pieters (Bel), S Kjeldsen J McLeod (Aus), L Johnston (Sco), (RSA), M Lee (Aus), N Lemke South Africans George Co- ment favourite Thomas Pieters Coetzee, who fi nished second to LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES (Den), A Sullivan (Eng), B Evans A Saddier (Fra), S Brazel (Aus), C (Swe), C Wood (Eng), R McEvoy etzee, a former runner-up in of Belgium is a shot further back Chris Wood in 2013. 67: A Arnaus (Esp), J Walters (Eng), J Winther (Den), T Detry Sordet (Fra), A Meronk (Pol), D (Eng), W Nienaber (RSA) Doha, and Justin Harding are alongside his World Cup-win- “I was slow out of the blocks, (RSA) (Bel), N Johansson (Swe) Gavins (Eng), Z Lombard (RSA), C 76: K Reitan (Nor), N Bertasio among seven golfers, who share ning partner Thomas Detry. but I hit the ball pretty good and 68: B Dredge (Wal), H Leon (Chi), 71: A Otaegui (Esp), B Stone (RSA), Bezuidenhout (RSA), M Korhonen (Ita), S Hend (Aus), P Hanson third place at four-under. Scotland’s Richie Ramsay be- putted pretty well. It’s tricky J Harding (RSA), N Colsaerts (Bel), T Jaidee (Tha), J Smith (Eng), J (Fin), S Gregory (Eng) (Swe), K Johannessen (Nor), As many as 19 golfers are tied gan on the back nine, shooting an with the wind and the dust. It’s G Coetzee (RSA), R Ramsay (Sco), Kruyswijk (RSA), N Elvira (Esp), 73: J Singh Brar (Eng), S Chawra- A Pavan (Ita), J Wang (Kor), D one stroke further down, in- eagle on par-fi ve tenth. He then a golf course that makes me play M Lorenzo-Vera (Fra) G Green (Mas), D Horsey (Eng), K sia (Ind), B Ritthammer (Ger), D Fichardt (RSA), S Gallacher (Sco), cluding last week’s Oman Open joined Arnaus on fi ve-under with wearing sunglasses, so I’m glad 69: L Slattery (Eng), E Van Samooja (Fin), G Moynihan (Irl), K Law (Sco), L Gagli (Ita), S Jamie- A Quiros (Esp) Gulf Times 2 Friday, March 8, 2019 FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Ranieri lined up Solskjaer makes as Roma sack Di Francesco aft er Man Utd comeback loss to Porto

AFP well for the future.” Lukaku, Rashford score vs PSG Milan Roma are fi fth in Serie A, three points off the Champions League as United go through despite berths for next season, after fall- usebio Di Franc- ing 3-0 last weekend to bitter first leg 2-0 loss at home esco was sacked as city rivals Lazio. kings again Roma coach after the Di Francesco took over as team crashed out of the Roma coach in June 2017. ChampionsE League, the Italian The 49-year-old had received AFP London club confi rmed yesterday, with the backing of the players after former boss Claudio Ranieri the defeat to Porto, having led tipped to replace him. Roma to the Champions League le Gunnar Solskjaer’s Roma had taken a 2-1 advan- semi-fi nals last season for the name is insepara- tage to Porto for the second leg fi rst time since 1984. ble from Manchester of their last-16 tie on Wednesday “I hope we’ll continue with United’s history of late but fell 4-3 on aggregate after a him,” said captain Daniele De dramaO in the Champions League controversial VAR-awarded pen- Rossi. and his latest astonishing feat alty deep into extra time. “Di Francesco will remain against Paris Saint-Germain “AS Roma can confi rm head the coach who took Roma to the will surely secure him the per- coach Eusebio Di Francesco has Champions League semi-fi nals manent manager’s job at Old left the club with immediate ef- after who knows how many years Traff ord. fect,” the team said in a state- and he deserves credit for that. No team in the history of the ment. I know this isn’t our best season European Cup had gone through “The club would like to thank and the job of a coach will always after losing the fi rst leg 2-0 at Eusebio for his work during his be tied to results.” home. time at AS Roma and wish him Former Roma midfi elder Di Yet United under Solskjaer success in the future.” Francsco helped the team to their are no ordinary team, even when An urgent meeting had been last Serie A title as a player in shorn of the talismanic Paul called on Thursday in Rome be- 2001. Pogba through suspension and tween the club’s top offi cials to Ranieri, who memorably nine other fi rst-team players discuss Di Francesco’s future. guided Leicester City to the 2016 due to injury. Club president Jim Pallotta Premier League title before be- Romelu Lukaku’s fi rst-half later said: “On behalf of myself ing sacked the following season, double laid the foundations for and everyone at AS Roma, I’d like coached Roma from September a famous 3-1 win against Paris to thank Eusebio for his work and 2009 and February 2011. Saint-Germain at the Parc de his commitment. The 67-year-old Italian’s Princes on Wednesday as United “Since returning to the club, brief spell as manager of Pre- progressed to the quarter-fi nals Eusebio has always acted profes- mier League strugglers Fulham on away goals. sionally and put the club’s needs ended last month after only four But Pogba’s absence meant it ahead of his own. We all wish him months in charge. was left to 21-year-old Marcus Rashford to land the decisive blow from the penalty spot to complete the comeback deep into stoppage time — 20 years after Solskjaer won the Cham- pions League for United against Bayern Munich in Barcelona. “There was pressure on the boy but there were no nerves whatsoever. Fearless,” said Sol- skjaer of his prodigy. “With this club, this is what we do. That’s just Man United.” In the whirlwind three months since the Norwegian was drafted in after Jose Mourinho’s sacking to oversee the Red Devils until the end of the season, it is easy to forget that this is not what Manchester United have done in the six years since Solskjaer’s mentor, Alex Ferguson, retired. Infl icting another year of Champions League pain on a ‘Angry’ Mueller questions Loew star-laden PSG is all the more decision aft er Germany axe remarkable as United had won just one knockout game in the Germany coach Joachim Loew’s ment had left a bitter taste. competition since 2011. Manchester United’s manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left, also above) decision to end Thomas Muel- “The more I think about it, The aggressive, attack-mind- shakes hand with Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe at the end of Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku (left) and teammate Marcus ler’s international career has left the more the way it was done ed, ambitious football that Sol- the UEFA Champions League match in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP) Rashford celebrate their win over PSG in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP) the Bayern Munich midfielder makes me angry,” Mueller said skjaer played under Ferguson “angry” and struggling to come in a video on Instagram. “The and has tried to instil in his own United also had fortune on his faith in youth. The Times. “Playing with belief, draw alongside Tottenham, Por- to terms with the manner in coach’s decision left me puzzled. side was not on show. their side. As well as Rashford, another youth, commitment. Playing to and Ajax, who ended holders which he received the news. A coach must make sporting Instead, given the circum- Lukaku pounced on errors by academy graduate, Scott Mc- for one another, playing for the Real Madrid’s three-year reign Loew said on Tuesday that decisions, I don’t have a prob- stances, with so many key play- Thilo Kehrer and 41-year-old Tominay, 22, starred in midfi eld, shirt. Making light of absen- as European champions. the 29-year-old Mueller and lem with that. But it’s mostly the ers missing, the rookie manager goalkeeper Gianluigi Buff on to while three teenagers, Diogo tees, refusing to be overawed by “Of course we fancy ourselves. his Bayern teammates, Mats character of the decision that I showed an adaptability and tac- twice give his side the lead be- Dalot, Tahith Chong and Mason famous opponents. Never, ever We can go all the way,” said a con- Hummels and Jerome Boateng, don’t understand. Mats, Jerome tical acumen that proved he is fore half-time and VAR was Greenwood, were summoned giving up. And winning.” fi dent Solskjaer, who will have both 30, were no longer part of and I are still able to play at the more than just a cheerleader. needed to award the contro- from the bench in search of the Solskjaer’s record is now 14 Pogba and Anthony Martial, Jesse Germany’s plans as they look to highest level. The press releases “We had a game plan before versial stoppage-time penalty goal to win the tie. wins from 17 matches in charge Lingard and Nemanja Matic back move on from their group stage of the German football federa- the game and every man knew against Presnel Kimpembe for It was from Dalot’s shot that with his solitary defeat in the for the last eight. exit from last year’s World Cup. tion and its president (Reinhard what he was doing,” said United handball. Kimpembe was adjudged to fi rst leg of this tie now long for- More importantly, as the vis- The trio were part of the Ger- Grindel), prepared in advance, captain Ashley Young. have handled to give Rashford gotten. iting fans sang amid wild cel- many squad that won the World were from my point of view in “At times we had to give up FAITH IN YOUTH his moment of glory. Even better could still be to ebrations at the fi nal whistle Cup in 2014 and Mueller said the bad taste and showed a lack of possession, I think we frustrated There was, however, a United “This was the real Manchester come as United take their place “United are back” as a contend- sudden nature of the announce- consideration.” them.” trait of old as Solskjaer showed United,” wrote Henry Winter in in a wide-open quarter-fi nal er on the European stage.

BOTTOMLINE Did VAR get big calls right? Debate rages on aft er drama AFP handball — only last weekend Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir to Paris changes were announced to the point to the spot late in extra time law from next season, saying it will upon reviewing an incident in no longer have to be “deliberate”. which Alessandro Florenzi hauled eymar called the deci- back the Porto player Fernando. sion that led to Paris ROMA DENOUNCE ‘ROBBERY’ Alex Telles converted the spot- Saint-Germain be- In the meantime, there remained kick, and Roma were then denied ing dumped out of the widespread disagreement over a penalty at the other end follow- NChampions League a “disgrace”, Wednesday’s crucial calls. ing a review, after Patrik Schick while elsewhere on Wednesday “What we’re fi nding with VAR tumbled to the ground. Roma were left raging — both clubs is every ex-footballer thinks “Last year we asked for VAR in are out of Europe and both feel something is not a penalty but the Champions League because cheated by controversial VAR calls. every referee thinks it is. There’s we got s****** in the semi-fi nal “It’s a disgrace. They get four a huge disconnect and that is the and tonight, they’ve got VAR and guys who don’t understand foot- worrying thing,” added Owen. we still get robbed,” raged Roma ball to watch a slow-motion re- A year ago, Gianluigi Buff on president James Pallotta. play in front of the TV,” the injured was in goal for Juventus when they “Patrik Schick was clearly Neymar wrote on Instagram after PSG forward Neymar (left) looks on during the Champions League PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe (left) was judged to have blocked a Diogo were knocked out by Real Madrid clipped in the box, VAR shows it, watching PSG’s shock elimination match against Manchester United in Paris on Wednesday. (AFP) Dalot (centre) shot in the match against Manchester United. (AFP) after a debatable, late penalty. and nothing is given. I’m tired of against Manchester United. The Italians demanded the in- this crap. I give up.” PSG were wobbling and trailing crucial decision have been given? United side had gone through, On the same channel, Michael Back in September, they had troduction of VAR on the back of Back in Italy, newspaper head- 2-1 at the Parc des Princes when “I am a big supporter of VAR even former players of the Old Owen, another ex-United player, announced it would come in from that, but Buff on, now at PSG, will lines talked of “a disgrace”, and Slovenian referee Damir Skomina and I stay a big supporter of Traff ord club said the penalty said: “I know there’ll be people next season, but it was widely wish it had not been in place as he said Roma had been “robbed”. gave a penalty after reviewing the VAR,” said PSG coach Thomas should not have been given. who will say it’s a penalty but for a success at the World Cup and was beaten by Rashford’s kick. Contrast that with the view in images when Presnel Kimpembe Tuchel, before admitting: “It was “I don’t care what any referee me it’s not one in a million years.” is now used in many domestic Meanwhile, Roma were left Portugal, as Porto advanced to blocked an apparently wayward a big decision, a cruel decision.” tells me, that just isn’t handball,” UEFA bowed to pressure by leagues, including the top fl ights in with the same bitter taste as they the quarter-fi nals. Diogo Dalot shot with his arm. ex-United defender Rio Ferdi- bringing forward the introduc- Spain, Italy, Germany and France. went out in extra time to Porto, “Blessed be the VAR that de- Marcus Rashford duly scored ‘THE LAW IS WRONG’ nand said on BT Sport. tion of Video Assistant Referees However, at the very least there losing 3-1 on the night, and 4-3 tected a penalty that was barely the penalty that dumped PSG out In England, amid euphoria about “I love it that it is handball but into the Champions League from remain teething problems when on aggregate. visible on the fi eld but was very on away goals. But should such a the manner in which a depleted I don’t get it. The law is wrong.” this season’s knockout rounds. it comes to the interpretation of The tie hinged on a decision by real,” said sports daily A Bola. Gulf Times Friday, March 8, 2019 3 FOOTBALL

TOP OF THE LINE Jordi Cruyff impressed by Qatar’s commitment to legacy work he plans and programmes mous with legacy – and through Institute, which was set up to ganised and for everything to be being delivered by the organisations such as the Cruyff help train a generation of gradu- taken care of. It’s a responsibility Supreme Committee for Foundation, the subject of af- ates with the technical, leader- to not only ensure everyone en- Delivery & Legacy (SC) fecting positive social change ship and business skills required joys the tournament, but also for Tshow a commitment to hosting through the power of sport is one to build a sustainable industry in the day after.” an incredible FIFA World Cup close to his heart. sports and event management. Cruyff , who plays an active and ensuring a lasting and far- “The main question that many And they were legacy commit- role in the legacy work being reaching legacy of the tourna- people ask themselves is what ments that impressed Cruyff . carried out in his father’s name, ment, according to Jordi Cruyff . happens the day after the tourna- He said: “I think it’s important concluded by emphasising the The former Manchester Unit- ment,” Cruyff said. “Today all my to have organisations like Gen- responsibility global events such ed and FC Barcelona winger – questions were answered, with a eration Amazing to help a lot of as the FIFA World Cup have on now manager of Chinese Super lot of thoughts in place with re- kids, girls and boys, to help them aff ecting positive development in League side Chongqing Dangdai gard to what to do with the stadi- with social integration and to give the regions it visits. Lifan – was recently in Doha for ums, how to continue the sport in them the opportunities to fulfi l “Sport infl uences a lot of lives, a winter training camp, during Qatar, to use the facilities, to make the dreams that they have,” he ex- and reaches a lot of cultures,” he which he took time out to visit the best out of each area that is plained. “A lot of people need help said. “The World Cup is the big- Aspire Academy and the SC’s completely rebuilt and prepare to give them the platform where gest sports event, because foot- Legacy Pavilion. themselves for the World Cup. I they can evolve, socialise, enjoy ball is the most popular sport. Since retiring he has carved think it’s super important, but also and learn education – everything This event can change a lot of out a successful and widely re- interesting for the people that stay that comes with being young and lives, and a lot of regions. spected career as a director of and that sport continues to domi- fulfi lling your dreams.” “From everything I’ve seen on football within the professional nate their lives.” On Josoor Institute, he added: this trip – from the fi rst to the game in Europe. And as well as a Besides touring Aspire Acad- “It’s important to bring ideas last moment – from the Aspire stellar 16-year playing career – emy in the morning, Cruyff was from all over the region and the Academy, the city, the metro, the spent primarily in La Liga – Jordi, also provided with an overview of world – and to put them together stadiums and the facilities…I’ve son of Johan, also carries one of Generation Amazing – the SC’s to have the best possible tourna- been really amazed and positively the most famous surnames in fl agship corporate social devel- ment, but also for the day after to surprised by everything I’ve seen Jordi Cruyff (left), manager of China’s Chongqing Dangdai Lifan, visited the SC’s Legacy Pavilion recently. football. It is a name synony- opment programme – and Josoor take care that sport remains or- so far.” (SC.qa)

SERIE A SPOTLIGHT Messi is back for Argentina aft er Tense Juve prep for eight-month absence

AFP Buenos Aires

Atletico battle with ionel Messi was named in the Argentina squad yesterday for the fi rst time since the World LCup, ending a self-imposed eight month exile. Interim coach Lionel Scaloni named the fi ve-time world play- Udinese warm-up er of the year in his squad for this month’s friendlies against Ven- ezuela and Morocco. ‘The Madrid match has left us with motivation that has helped us in these 15 days’ The 31-year-old Barcelona star hasn’t pulled on the light blue friendlies since the World Cup in AFP point above city rivals Inter, who and white national team jersey Russia but many believe he will Milan lost 2-1 at Cagliari amid a pub- since Argentina were dumped be an essential part of the team lic contract dispute with absent out of the World Cup last June by that travels to Brazil for the Copa star striker Mauro Icardi. eventual winners France. America, which kicks off June 14. ensions are running There are reports of “a thaw” Another long-term absentee, Whilst he’s built up an almost high in Turin as Juven- between the Argentina striker, PSG’s Angel Di Maria, also makes unprecedented collection of tro- tus get ready to take on who has been stripped of the the squad, but there is no place phies with his club, Messi is run- lowly Udinese in Serie captain’s armband, and club for other veterans Sergio Aguero ning out of time to taste major TA today just days ahead of their bosses after a meeting this week. — despite his sparkling form for international success with Ar- must-win Champions League Roma, meanwhile, turn their Manchester City — Chelsea’s gentina. clash against Atletico Madrid. focus back to qualifying for next Gonzalo Higuain or Mauro Icardi He was on the losing side in Massimiliano Allegri’s un- year’s Champions League after of Inter. major fi nals three years running beaten champions put one hand crashing out 4-3 on aggregate “The World Cup was a big dis- from 2014-16, fi rst to Germany on an eighth consecutive Serie after extra time amid VAR con- appointment for everyone, for in the World Cup in Brazil, then A title last weekend by seeing troversy at Porto midweek. him even more so,” Scaloni told twice to Chile on penalties in off Scudetto rivals Napoli 2-1 to Eusebio Di Francesco’s side reporters at Argentina’s Ezeiza the Copa America, including the open up a huge 16-point lead in are fi fth, three points behind In- training center outside Buenos one-off Centenary edition of the the Italian league. ter Milan who occupy the fi nal Aires. competition. But the pressure is on the Ju- Champions League berth, after “And then in the friendlies he With 65 goals in 128 appear- ventus coach amid reports of a falling 3-0 to city rivals Lazio saw us play, he liked it, and he ances, Messi is Argentina’s all- falling out with club chairman last weekend. wants to try again, and he’s wel- time top goalscorer. He’s also Andrea Agnelli after the club’s Last year’s Champions League come.” Barca’s top marksman ever with fi rst-leg 2-0 defeat in Spain two semi-fi nalists have a chance to Scaloni said “Messi prefers to more than twice the number of weeks ago. pick themselves up against Em- come than to rest,” despite the goals as the next best. “We have to win to prepare for poli, who are three points above demands of a heavy fi xture list But he’s never managed to the match on Tuesday, regard- the drop zone, on Monday. for his club. match his club form when oper- less of the advantage that we “Going out like this hurts,” “Leo is being called up now, ating on the international stage. have (in the league),” Allegri told Coach Massimiliano Allegri (right) speaks with Juventus forward Paulo Dybala during the Serie A match said Roma captain Daniele Di and then we’ll see if he plays a Argentina play Venezuela in a pre-match press conference against Napoli in Naples on Sunday. (AFP) Rossi. “Our focus is now on match or two — or none. I don’t Madrid on March 22 and then yesterday. preparing for Empoli and then know. That’s a decision I’ll take.” travel to Tangier four days later “We still need six victories (to The pressure has also been score in his last two league games zone after winning their last two SPAL.” In all, Messi has missed six to tackle hosts Morocco. win the title). The Madrid match mounting on Portuguese super- since the Madrid defeat and has Serie A games against relegation has left us with motivation that star Cristiano Ronaldo to make been joined at the top of the Se- candidates Chievo and Bologna. FIXTURES has helped us in these 15 days. the diff erence as the club’s major rie A scorers chart by Sampdoria The side from northeastern Today We will be ready on Tuesday and objective of the season hangs by a veteran Fabio Quagliarella, 36, Italy also have a game in hand Juventus v Udinese England’s Lionesses take pride in we will have a great game.” thread in Turin next Tuesday. who has also scored 19 goals. after their trip to Lazio was Tomorrow The Juventus coach con- The top scorer in the Cham- Allegri confi rmed that Ron- postponed. Parma v Genoa team spirit ahead of World Cup fi rmed he had also met with Ag- pions League for the last six aldo is available, but will start Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli Chievo v AC Milan Every member of England women’s squad is made to feel valued nelli to discuss his future. seasons, Ronaldo was signed for from the bench so as to be fully travel to mid-table Sassuolo on Sunday and the sense of togetherness will stand the Lionesses in good “I met with the chairman 100mn euros ($112mn) last sum- primed for what promises to Sunday looking to get back win- Bologna v Cagliari stead at the World Cup later this year, defender Leah Williamson yesterday for dinner, we are two mer from Real Madrid. be an epic struggle against the ning after last week’s home de- Sampdoria v Atalanta has said. England beat eighth-ranked Japan 3-0 in the SheBe- intelligent people who have built But the 34-year-old Portu- dogged Madrid outfi t. feat to Juventus. Frosinone v Torino lieves Cup on Tuesday to pip hosts and defending world champi- something important in these guese superstar has scored just Defenders Leonardo Bonucci AC Milan, a further eight Inter Milan v SPAL ons United States to the title and boost their hopes ahead of the fi ve years together,” said Allegri. one goal in this year’s competi- and Giorgio Chiellini will not points behind in third, are tar- Sassuolo v Napoli June 7-July 7 World Cup in France. “We call ourselves The Finish- “We decided to talk about the tion as Juventus target a fi rst Eu- play on Friday either. geting a fi fth straight league win Fiorentina v Lazio ers. We’re not The Bench, we’re there to back up anything that’s renewal of the contract after the ropean title since 1996. Udinese are 15th in Serie A but against bottom club Chievo. Monday going on the pitch and have a positive impact,” Williamson was season.” Ronaldo has also failed to have moved away from the drop Gennaro Gattuso’s side are a AS Roma v Empoli quoted as saying by the Guardian newspaper. “There’s people that are going to go to a major tournament and not be involved, and that’s a reality and part of being a footballer. We work really FOCUS hard on the team.” ‘Razor-slashing’ footballer banned Pochettino could appeal against touchline ban for life in Turkey A Turkish footballer was banned for life yesterday after being AFP big deal and it wasn’t the best injury and faces a late fi tness accused of slashing rival players with a razor blade during a London way to complain or talk with the test. third division match last week. The attacks which have shocked referee, but I never expected this Harry Winks will be assessed football-mad Turkey were carried out by Mansur Calar of Amed- type of situation,” Pochettino because of a potential groin spor, based in the Kurdish-majority city of Diyarbakir, with four ottenham manager told reporters yesterday. problem before Pochettino se- men lodging complaints after claiming they suff ered cuts. Video Mauricio Pochettino “Now I need to think. I need lects his starting line-up. footage from the game purportedly shows the footballer holding says he could appeal to see the reasons why and then Pochettino’s impressive spell what appears to be a razor blade, filmed when the teams lined up against the two-game we’ll see what happens. as Southampton’s manager led ahead of Saturday’s match. One of them, Ferhat Yazgan, posted Ttouchline ban he received for his “I am a little bit in shock be- the Argentine to be recruited pictures of his scarred neck on his Instagram account. furious blast at the referee in last cause it is completely unfair. It’s by Spurs, and he revealed the month’s defeat at Burnley. my seventh season in England heartache that followed his FIFA Council member banned over Pochettino accepted a Foot- and you can see my behaviour move from St Mary’s. ball Association charge of im- from day one. “Of course a lot aren’t go- resale of World Cup tickets proper conduct and apologised “It is my fi rst time here that ing to forgive me, but I still love A member of the decision-making FIFA Council has been for the incident that followed I’m maybe not completely right them,” he said. “I love South- banned for three months and fined 20,000 Swiss francs Tottenham’s controversial 2-1 in my behaviour but I feel this ampton. The time I spent there ($19,906) for breaching rules on the resale of World Cup loss on February 23. is too much. I feel a little bit sad was a great experience; I enjoyed tickets, the global soccer body said yesterday. FIFA said that Infuriated by Burnley’s fi rst at the extent of a punishment, He is still waiting for the FA’s and disappointed. It’s unbeliev- it a lot. Lee Harmon, president of the Cook Islands Football Associa- goal coming from a corner that which also included a £10,000 explanation and is considering able, no?” “I cried a lot when I left. My tion (CIFA), had “mutually agreed” the sanction with its ethics he believed shouldn’t have been fi ne and would leave him in the his options, partly because he Tottenham could be strength- family, too. It was one of the committee in a plea bargain following an investigation which given, the Argentine stormed stands for both Saturday’s fi x- believes the indiscretion to be ened for Saturday’s fi xture by most important periods of my began in July, shortly after the World Cup in Russia. FIFA said onto the pitch to confront Mike ture at his former club South- his fi rst in English football. the return to fi tness of England life with my family, that I en- the investigation concerned the resale of tickets for the tour- Dean at the fi nal whistle. ampton and against Liverpool “It wasn’t the idea to appeal. midfi elder Dele Alli, who has joyed the most, which is why it nament but did not give further details. But Pochettino was shocked on March 31. Because in my mind it wasn’t a trained following a hamstring was so tough.” Gulf Times 4 Friday, March 8, 2019 SPORT

FOCUS CRICKET Kiwis look to win Test ‘whatever Family will remain way possible’

AFP that match, is enjoying another Wellington purple home patch with a Test average of more than 200 from three centuries, including an un- ew Zealand have beaten 264 in the rain-aff ected priority aft er my pledged a win-at-all- Wellington Test against Sri Lan- costs approach to the ka. Nsecond Test against Rain is again expected Friday Bangladesh, starting in Wel- morning, but with fi ne weather lington on Friday, as they look to forecast for the remainder of the wrap up the series with a game to Test. spare. Despite the Basin Reserve’s The wicket is green and tailor- bowl-fi rst reputation, Latham retirement: Federer made for the early seamers, with had confi dence even if New Zea- New Zealand promising to con- land lose the toss and are put into 'I know I can’t please everybody and if that’s my goal, I will forever be unhappy' tinue with their short-ball tactic bat. when it fl attens out. “It does look a little bit greener Reuters “We’re looking to win the and with a little bit more grass on Indian Wells Test match in whatever way it (than previously) so, regardless possible. Whatever gives us the of what the surface plays like it’s best chance that is what we will about us trying to adapt to that oger Federer is looking forward do,” New Zealand opener Tom surface as quick as possible,” to having more freedom and Latham declared yesterday. Latham said. more time with his family when Bangladesh, meanwhile, faced “If we are asked to bat it will he eventually leaves behind the further injury concerns to an be a challenge. We haven’t batted sportR he has dominated, the Swiss master already fragile batting line-up fi rst a huge amount this summer said yesterday. with Tamim Iqbal under a cloud so if we do I’m certainly looking The evergreen veteran won his land- and Mushfi qur Rahim unlikely to forward to doing that and taking mark 100th career title in Dubai during be fi t. that challenge on.” the weekend but told reporters that while Captain Mahmudullah de- Although New Zealand won he is not yet ready to hang up the racquet, scribed Tamim’s issue as “a the fi rst Test comprehensively, he can see himself enjoying his post-ca- slight niggle” and accepted that they did struggle to take a wicket reer life. “injury is part of the game”. for a long period in the second “I want to keep it as fl exible as possible Although neither side has innings as Soumya Sarkar and when it is all said and done,” the 37-year- named their match XV, Mah- Mahmudullah delayed the end old Swiss said at a press conference at the mudullah indicated Bangladesh with a courageous 235-run stand BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. would make changes given the for the fi fth wicket. “My priority will always be, as it is colour of the wicket and how ex- New Zealand bowling spear- now, my family, my kids and my wife. I pensive spinner Mehidy Hasan head Trent Boult, who took 10 just want to have enough fl exibility in our proved in the fi rst Test. for 80 against the West Indies in lives to decide how much is too much, “We are yet to decide but we Wellington six years ago, was de- how much is not enough, and how much are thinking of picking four pace termined that should not happen is good for everybody.” bowlers, given the conditions,” again. He said his wife Mirka has kept up ties he said. “We need to fi nd a way to take with some close friends amid his hectic “If you remember, the 2017 wickets and we feel we have the travel schedule and he plans to engage wicket was greenish early on too. ability in the group to do it,” he more fully with that group after quitting Batsmen will fi nd it diffi cult on said, adding the short-ball bar- playing. the fi rst day. There’ll be seam rage remained an eff ective tactic “From that standpoint I’m really look- movement and swing.” when there was no swing. ing forward to that moment when it In the Wellington Test two “You’re not left with many comes about,” he said. years ago, Bangladesh surprised other options. We have Wags Another post-career priority will be after being sent into bat with a (Neil Wagner) who is an expert at his foundation, which supports children’s fi rst innings of 595 for eight de- being able to execute that plan. education programs around the world. clared, only to eventually lose by It’s been pretty eff ective for us “The foundation will only continue Roger Federer of Switzerland fields questions from the media at the ATP Media Day during the BNP Parabas Open at the Indian seven wickets. so expect it will be more of the to grow in terms of time that I am going Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. Latham, a century-maker in same.” to be putting into it but then again, how much more time remains to be seen,” he said. Kvitova says meeting with Seles was key aft er attack “But I cannot sit still. I always want to travel and I always want to do stuff but Indian Wells: Petra Kvitova says a “It was a big surprise that she wanted to there’s a way to go about it and to priori- meeting with former world number one talk with me and say nice words. It was tise.” Monica Seles at Wimbledon last year, one of the biggest things I’ve ever heard Federer acknowledged that he is the where they discussed returning to the and from such a legend, to hear what face of the sport and said while he tries sport after a knife attack, had been one happened to her.” to be the best ambassador for it, he also of the most important of her life. Seles returned to the game after the at- needs to think about himself sometimes. Kvitova suff ered cuts to her left hand tack and won the 1996 Australian Open “If I can make the game more popu- while defending herself during a home but never fully regained the dominant lar, if the fans can enjoy the sport more invasion in 2016, while Seles was form that saw her win nine majors as a through me and you guys like to talk to stabbed in the back during a match in teenager. me, that’s great,” the 20-times Grand Hamburg in 1993 which kept her off the Kvitova completed her recovery, which Slam singles champion told reporters. court for more than two years. required surgery, ahead of schedule but “In the end I want to be happy and “We met each other and decided we said she was not sure she would ever be please people. But I know I can’t please were looking to talk about what we’d able to completely put the attack behind everybody and if that’s my goal, I will for- been through,” the Australian Open her. ever be unhappy.” finalist told reporters at the BNP Paribas “With my experience, I am not sure if I Federer, who is a fi ve-time champion at Open at Indian Wells on Wednesday. am going to be 100 % one day and I’m Indian Wells and made the fi nal last year, “It was nice to meet someone who has not sure if she is either,” she said. will face either Peter Gojowczyk or An- been through something very similar,” “But hopefully she is happy and can dreas Seppi in his fi rst match of the tour- she said. enjoy her life as much as she can.” nament today. File photo of New Zealand’s Tom Latham in action.

TENNIS POLITICS AND SPORT Azarenka books India boycott threat looms over cricket World Cup

AFP all-out confl ict, but the crisis appeared only be made at a later date — and after think the BCCI will say that we are not Serena showdown New Delhi to ease when Pakistan returned an Indian consulting the government. playing there,” she told AFP. pilot who was shot down and captured. India captain Virat Kohli said the play- “It will have to be a government pres- But doubts remain over the fate of the ers would respect any instruction from sure on them to not play. June 16 is still at Indian Wells order tensions between India group stage match in Manchester. the government or board. many days off and politics can play any and Pakistan are casting a cloud The ball rests fi rmly with India’s poli- “Our stand is simple: we stick by what narrative it wants to suit itself.” AFP ed teenagers Bianca Andreescu over this year’s cricket World ticians, who are not likely to make any the nation wants to do and what the BCCI Opinions have diff ered among promi- Indian Wells and Amanda Ansimova reached Cup with the threat of a boycott decision until nearer the match, after decides to do,” Kohli told reporters. nent fi gures in Indian cricket, with some the second round. Canada’s An- hangingB over their highly-anticipated cricketers and sports offi cials said they “That is basically our opinion. What- calling for a boycott and others not. dreescu, 18, rallied from a set clash in England. will abide by any government call for a ever the government and the board de- At the last World Cup in England in wo-time Indian Wells down to beat Romanian Irina- There have been calls for India to for- boycott. Vinod Rai, a senior offi cial of cide, we will go by that and we will re- 1999, India and Pakistan played in Man- champion Victoria Aza- Camelia Begu 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-3. feit their June 16 match against Pakistan the Board of Control for Cricket in India spect that.” chester during the Kargil confl ict. renka shook off a slow “For me, the ending is the after a suicide bomb attack in Indian-ad- (BCCI), told reporters after the Kashmir ESPNcricinfo.com senior editor A boycott would be costly for organis- start to beat Vera Lapko most important, so I’m really ministered Kashmir claimed by a militant attack that they had written to the Inter- Sharda Ugra believes the ICC are unlikely ers. The match is one of the hottest tick- 6-2,T 6-3 and set up a second- glad I pulled through,” said An- group based in Pakistan in which 40 In- national Cricket Council (ICC) to demand to get involved and the next move rests ets at the World Cup, which begins on round meeting with long-time dreescu, who has won 22 matches dian troops died. tough security at the World Cup, which with the Indian government. May 30, with demand so far outstripping rival Serena Williams. this season including qualifying Tit-for-tat air strikes and an aerial begins in England and Wales on May 30. “I think they won’t be able to get the that for the fi nal, according to ICC offi - Azarenka, a former world and main draw. She has climbed dogfi ght followed, igniting fears of an Rai confi rmed a boycott decision would ICC to take on any stand on it and I don’t cials. number one now ranked 48th in steadily in the rankings, rising the world, said she started a little from 107th to start the year to too passive in dropping the fi rst 60th. BOTTOMLINE two games against her fellow Be- “Mentally... I was like, I might larussian, but roared back to seal as well go for my shots, and see the win with ease. where that leads me and that’s She was looking forward to what I did, and it worked,” said Lehmann makes coaching comeback aft er scandal taking on 10th-seeded Williams, Andreescu, who booked a sec- who like all the seeds in the com- ond-round meeting with 32nd AFP “I think you learn plicated in the cheating plot and all three bined WTA and ATP Masters seed Dominika Cibulkova. Sydney a lot about yourself received lengthy bans. event has a fi rst-round bye. American Ansimova, 17, lined Lehmann later quit, along with much The American has won 17 of up a meeting with 16th-seeded during the dark times of Australia’s senior management, ac- their 21 prior encounters, but Elise Mertens of Belgium with arren Lehmann was named and for me it’s all about cused of overseeing a toxic culture that Azarenka won their most recent a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Serbian coach of the Big Bash League’s enjoying the game” allowed a win-at-all-costs mentality to clash — in the 2016 Indian Wells Aleksandra Krunic. Brisbane Heat yesterday, his fl ourish. fi nal.“Of course it’s going to be Third-seeded Petra Kvitova, fi rst cricket role since quitting ers. “I’ve fallen in love with the game “That hurt a lot of people didn’t it, all a very special match for us,” she who will face either Venus Wil- theD Australian team over the sandpaper again, so I’m really looking forward to of us involved,” he said when asked about said of their fi rst clash since both liams or Andrea Petkovic in the cheating scandal. getting back working with some young the aff air. became mothers. second round, said she wasn’t Lehmann said returning to the Heat, guys with a lot of talent.” “Obviously it’s time to move on though “We have such a big history, surprised to see teenagers mak- the team he steered to a Big Bash title Lehmann was Australia coach in March isn’t it? That’s the thing.” it’s going to be really special. She ing such a strong showing. in 2013, was a chance to “come back to last year when batsman Cameron Ban- The 49-year-old was emphatic when motivates me, she inspires me, “Every year we see some where it all started” after his bruising ex- croft was caught trying to scuff the ball asked if he had any desire to return to in- she pushes me to be better,” Aza- young generation coming,” she perience with the national team. with sandpaper during the third Test ternational coaching. renka said of Williams. said, noting that while still lit- “I think you learn a lot about yourself against South Africa in Cape Town. “No. I’m not travelling 300 days away The opening day of women’s tle known they can play “with no during the dark times and for me it’s all At the time captain Steve Smith and his a year again and I don’t think my wife main draw play saw highly tout- fear.” about enjoying the game,” he told report- deputy David Warner were directly im- would let me,” he said. Gulf Times Friday, March 8, 2019 5 SPORT

NBA MLB Wright suspended 80 games for LeBron James passes PED violation

Reuters six seasons, earning All-Star New York status in 2016, when he fi n- ished 13-6 with a 3.33 ERA in 24 starts. oston Red Sox right- Wright has a career mark of Jordan for fourth hander Steven Wright 24-15 with a 3.77 ERA, striking has been suspended out 266 and walking 128 in 341 80 games without 1/3 innings. payB after testing positive for a New York Yankees manager performance-enhancing sub- Aaron Boone said Wednesday stance, Major League Baseball that he expects veteran left- announced on Wednesday. hander CC Sabathia to start the Wright tested positive for season on the injured list. on all-time points list Growth Hormone Releasing Sabathia, 38, who is head- Peptide 2 (GHRP-2), accord- ing into 19th major league sea- ‘A lot of stuff I’ve done in my career - this ranks right up there at the top with winning championship’ ing to the league, a violation of son, could miss as many as two MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention starts at the start of the season, AFP and Treatment Program. pushing his 2019 season debut Los Angeles The suspension starts with to the middle of April. Boone the beginning of the 2019 reg- told reporters that an off season ular season. angioplasty and knee surgery eBron James overtook his boyhood “The Boston Red Sox fully have delayed Sabathia’s prepa- idol and inspiration, Michael Jor- support Major League Base- ration for the season. dan, for fourth on the NBA’s all- ball’s Joint Drug Prevention “Everything is going pretty time scoring list Wednesday, mak- and Treatment Program and its well,” Boone said after the Yan- Ling history with a driving layup for the Los eff orts to eliminate perform- kees’ 9-5 defeat to the St. Louis Angeles Lakers in a home loss to Denver. ance-enhancing substances Cardinals on Wednesday. “He The 34-year-old superstar matched from the game,” the team wrote had his second (bullpen) that the Bulls legend’s career total of in a statement. While we are went well. I certainly don’t 32,292 points with his fi rst 12 of the game, disappointed by the news of expect him for the start of the then made history with 5:38 remaining in this violation, we will look to season. It may be a couple of the second quarter and sank a free throw provide the appropriate sup- weeks in if everything keeps to complete a 3-point play. “A lot of stuff port to Steven at this time. Go- going according to plan.” I’ve done in my career - this ranks right up ing forward, the club will not Even after Sabathia is acti- there at the top with winning the champi- comment further on the mat- vated to the roster, he still has onship,” James said. “It’s just crazy, to be ter.” to serve a fi ve-game suspen- honest. It’s beyond crazy.” Wright, 34, was likely to fi ll sion after hitting two Tampa a role for the Red Sox this sea- Bay Rays batters in a Sept 27 RESULTS son as a multi-inning reliever. game. The knuckleballer appeared in “I feel like once I’m facing Miami 91-84 Charlotte 20 games last season with four hitters in (batting practice) or Washington 132-123 Dallas starts, and a 3-1 record and a a simulated game, it’s going 2.68 ERA in 53 2/3 innings. to go pretty quick from there,” Detroit 131-114 Minnesota He missed the start of last Sabathia said, according to Brooklyn 113-107 Cleveland season after he accepted a 15- mlb.com. “I would assume (I San Antonio 111-104 Atlanta game suspension from MLB for will face hitters) maybe in the violating the league’s domestic next couple of weeks. Every- Chicago 108-107 Philadelphia violence policy. thing’s looking good; no set- Utah 114-104 New Orleans He did not appear for the Red backs. The arm, knee, heart Phoenix 107-96 New York Sox during their postseason – everything feels good. Just run to the World Series title, as keep pushing.” Boston 111-109 Sacramento he was replaced on the roster Sabathia has already an- Denver 115-99 Lakers after Game 1 of the American nounced that this will be the League Division Series because fi nal season of his career. He is During the next timeout, James went to of infl ammation and a loose 246-153 with a 3.70 ERA in 538 the bench and buried his head in a towel, body in his left knee, which starts for the Cleveland Indi- appearing to cry while a video tribute was surgically repaired in May ans, Milwaukee Brewers and played on the scoreboard and he refl ected 2017. Yankees. He was 9-7 over 29 upon the achievement of surpassing the Wright has appeared in 75 starts for the Yankees last sea- icon he emulated. “It was very emotional. games for Boston over the past son with a 3.65 ERA. A lot of things were going on inside me at the time,” he said. “I didn’t want to show what was going on behind that towel.” Denver, led by Will Barton’s 23 points, Bears sign former Pitt kicker Blewitt defeated the Lakers 115-99 to pull within a game of Golden State for the Western The signed former Pitt kicker Chris Blewitt on Conference lead. The Nuggets (43-21) Wednesday. According to the Chicago Tribune, Blewitt set him- closed with a 26-12 run to foil a Lakers ral- self apart during a multi-player tryout that included ex-Tampa ly. But the night belonged to James, who LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after passing Michael Jordan and moving to fourth on the NBA’s all-time scoring Bay Buccaneers kicker Patrick Murray. drew “Thank You MJ 23” on his shoes. list during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images/AFP) Blewitt finished his college career after the 2016 season as Pitt’s “For a kid from Akron, Ohio that needed all-time leader in field goals (55), extra points (198) and kicker inspiration and some type of positive in- out (of poverty) as well as my mother. But season and could overtake Abdul-Jabbar edged Philadelphia 108-107. LaMar- scoring (363 points), though he made just 69.6 percent of his fl uence, MJ was that guy for me. I watched Mike had no idea what he was doing for by the end of his Lakers contract in the cus Aldridge scored 32 points to power career field-goal attempts and 58.8 percent as a senior. He spent him from afar, wanted to be like MJ,” James a kid growing up a 45-minute fl ight from 2021-22 campaign if he stays healthy. San Antonio over host Atlanta 111-104 the off season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017 but did not said. Chicago when he was doing all that work.” James hit two 3-pointers in the fi rst quar- and Spencer Dinwiddie netted 28 to lead make the cut, and he has yet to play a game in the NFL. “Me and my friends, all we ever talked James fi nished with 31 points, moving ter but also went 0-4 from the free throw Brooklyn over Cleveland 113-107. The Bears are in the market for a kicker to replace , about was MJ. He was everything. You have his fourth-best NBA career total to 32,311, line. He added a lay-in and jumper to Gordon Hayward’s jumper with two whom general manager said the team plans to no idea. Some days you don’t even think and added seven rebounds and seven as- match Jordan early in the second quarter seconds remaining gave Boston a dramatic release after the league year starts March 13. Parkey missed 10 you’re going to make it to the next day be- sists for the Lakers (30-35). James, the and then broke the record soon after. “It 111-109 victory at Sacramento while Bra- kicks and hit the goal post multiple times last season, includ- cause of the way things are going. “Hope- top scorer among active players, made was a pretty awesome moment,” Lakers dley Beal scored 30 points to lead Wash- ing an infamous “double-doink” miss on a kick that would have fully I can inspire the next kid like myself.” his points in 1,190 games compared to coach Luke Walton said. “Knowing that ington over Dallas 132-123. Canada’s Kelly pushed the Bears past the in the playoff s. Jordan and James are often compared 1,072 for Jordan. The next target for James moment was a few minutes ahead of him, Olynyk scored 22 points and grabbed 11 Less than a week later, Parkey went on NBC’s “Today Show” to as the best players in NBA history. James would be retired Lakers star guard Kobe I think that did something to him, nerve- rebounds to lead Miami’s 91-84 win at discuss the kick, which angered team off icials. wears the same No 23 worn by Jordan and Bryant, who is third on the NBA career list wracking, that he doesn’t feel normally at Charlotte while Andre Drummond scored The Bears also have ex-Tulsa kicker Redford Jones on the roster. recalled being 15 when he fi rst met his idol. with 33,643 points. the start of a game.” 31 points to lead Detroit over Minnesota Tight end Nick Boyle agreed to a three-year, $18 million exten- “It was like meeting Jesus. That’s what Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 131-114. Frenchman Rudy Gobert had sion with the Baltimore Ravens, ESPN and NFL Network reported meeting MJ was like, because I never holds the NBA points record with 38,387, LAVINE LEADS BULLS WIN 22 points and 13 rebounds to help visit- yesterday. Boyle will receive $10 million in guarantees in the deal, thought I’d ever meet him,” James said. with long-time Utah great Karl Malone In other games, Zach LaVine scored 39 ing Utah over New Orleans 114-104 and Ian Rapoport reported, and the deal keeps him from becoming “He was like lightning in a bottle for me. ranked second on 36,928. On his current points, making the decisive layup with Phoenix beat New York 107-96 in a duel an unrestricted free agent next week. “MJ had a lot to do with me making it pace, James fi gures to pass Bryant next 1.6 seconds remaining, and host Chicago of the NBA’s worst clubs.

NHL Fleury prevails again as Knights top Flames Reuters the skate of the Ducks’ Adam Henrique and RESULTS Las Vegas past goalie John Gibson for his 12th tally of the season. Robert Thomas scored two goals Washington 5-3 Philadelphia for the Blues, including the game-tying goal efenseman Deryk Engelland scored Vancouver 3-2 Toronto 12 seconds before Pietrangelo delivered his the game-winning goal midway St. Louis 5-4 Anaheim game-winner. through the third period, and Marc- Las Vegas 2-1 Calgary St. Louis’ Brayden Schenn made an im- Andre Fleury made 33 saves to pick pact immediately upon his return from in- upD his league-leading 33rd victory as the Ve- for goaltender interference by Matthew Tka- jury, contributing a goal and an assist. Ryan gas Golden Knights beat the Calgary Flames chuk, and after a lengthy video review, the O’Reilly also scored for the Blues, who ended 2-1 on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. NHL Situation Room in Toronto agreed and a two-game losing streak in the opener of a The Golden Knights earned their fi fth con- overturned the goal. Calgary tied it midway three-game trip through California. secutive win. Fleury earned his 437th career through the second period when Hamonic Nick Ritchie, Rickard Rakell, Jaycob Meg- victory to move into a tie for eighth place slapped a shot from the top of the right circle na and Henrique all scored for the Ducks, on the Jacques Plante on the NHL’s all-time past Fleury’s glove side. It snapped a career- who saw a two-game winning streak against goalie wins list. Fleury has allowed just two best scoreless streak of 200 minutes and 41 teams fi ghting for playoff eligibility come to goals total in his past four games. seconds for the Vegas goaltender. an end. The Ducks defeated the Colorado Av- Shea Theodore also scored a goal and Wil- Engelland’s fi rst goal in 37 games and sec- alanche and Arizona Coyotes in recent days. liam Karlsson had two assists for third-place ond of the season at 9:30 of the third period After missing the previous six games be- Vegas, which moved to within seven points of proved to be the game-winner. Engelland cause of an upper-body injury, Schenn need- second-place San Jose in the Pacifi c Division. fi red a wrist shot from the top of the slot past ed all of eight minutes to make his presence Travis Hamonic scored for Western Con- a screen by Jonathan Marchessault and into known, scoring his 12th goal of the season on ference-leading Calgary, which has lost three the top right corner of the net. Rittich was the power play. The goal tied the score 1-1. consecutive regulation games for the fi rst pulled for an extra attacker with 2:34 left, but Schenn was at it again at 15:55 of the open- time this season. David Rittich stopped 36 the Flames managed just two shots on goal ing period when his screen out front on Gib- shots. Vegas took a 1-0 lead midway through that Fleury easily saved. son helped O’Reilly’s shot from the right cir- the fi rst period on a power-play goal. Theod- cle to fi nd the top right corner of the net for ore slapped the rebound of a Mark Stone shot BLUES SINK DUCKS WITH a 2-1 lead. from the top of the left circle over Rittich’s TWO LATE GOALS When Schenn was injured Feb 19 against left shoulder for his 11th goal of the season. Alex Pietrangelo scored the go-ahead goal the Toronto Maple Leafs, it was the fi nal The Flames appeared to tie it a few minutes with 52 seconds remaining as the visiting game of the Blues’ 11-game winning streak later when Johnny Gaudreau backhanded in a St. Louis Blues used a late two-goal fl urry to that moved them solidly into playoff conten- rebound of a Rasmus Andersson shot from the earn a 5-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. tion. In the six games without him, they were Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury makes a save in the second period against the Calgary slot. However, the Golden Knights challenged Pietrangelo took a shot that rebounded off just 2-3-1. Flames at T-Mobile Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times 6 Friday, March 8, 2019 SPORT

RUGBY INTERVIEW Chopra has Olympics on his mind as he England recall Te’o gears up for 2019

Reuters that’s a good feeling for me,” Mumbai Chopra, who is supported by diversifi ed conglomerate JSW Group’s Sports Excellence eeraj Chopra had a Programme, said from a train- to play alongside fruitful 2018 when ing camp in Potchefstroom. he won javelin gold at “But I have to do my work. the Commonwealth Their expectations are a good NGames and the Asian Games thing but I need to continue to but the Indian reckons this perform as I have put in lot of year is going to be even more hard work... crucial for him as he chases Ol- “Obviously there is some ympic glory at Tokyo 2020. pressure that so many people Tuilagi against Italy Last year, the long-haired are watching me, but I focus former world junior champion on staying positive and inju- ‘We’re able now to pick a big backline which can play a little bit diff erently’ became only the third man to ry-free, and give my best per- win an athletics gold for India formance, that’s all.” AFP at the Commonwealth Games Hailing from the Northern Bagshot, United Kingdom after sprinter Milkha Singh in Indian state of Haryana, which 1958 and discus thrower Vi- is better known for producing kas Gowda in 2014. A throw of wrestlers and kabaddi players, ngland coach Eddie 86.47 metres was enough to Chopra has traded home for an Jones hopes a power- take the title on the Gold Coast altitude training camp with his ful centre pairing of Ben and he followed that up with coach Uwe Hohn on the South Te’o and Manu Tuilagi 87.43 metres at the Diamond African highveld. willE make their presence felt League leg in Doha in May. He suff ered a bit of a setback during tomorrow’s Six Nations At the Asiad in Jakarta he with an elbow injury he picked international against Italy at threw even further at the Gelo- up late last year and has worked Twickenham. ra Bung Karno Stadium, clear- extensively on his core strength- It will be the fi rst time the ing a season’s best distance ening and fl exibility with an eye duo, who both have Pacifi c Is- of 88.06 metres for the title – on the World Championships lands heritage, have started a placing him sixth on the IAAF in Doha, starting in September. Test together, although they top list for 2018. “Training is going well, we came were briefl y in action as a duo for “I believe 2019 is going to here in mid-January so it has a few minutes at the conclusion be even more important than been a month and a half already,” of England’s 37-18 win at home 2018,” Chopra, still only 21, he said. to Australia in November. told Reuters in an interview. “Training is starting to make “We saw them at the end of “In 2018 the Commonwealth a diff erence on strengthening, the game against Australia. It’s Games, Asian Games were core, explosive power. It’s go- always something we wanted to there, which were good. ing well overall. look at in order to develop an- “But this year there is world “Next, we will put in a lot of other option,” Jones told report- championships and more im- work on the technical aspects. ers at England’s training base in portantly this is the year just Overall I feel this year is going Bagshot, southwest of London, before the Olympics and if I to be better than last year.” after announcing his team on want to get ready for the Ol- Chopra is also bringing Thursday. ,Henry Slade has been ympics, I will have to perform change to his throwing tech- dropped to the bench to allow well this year.” nique after realising that he Te’o’s inclusion at inside centre While India are credited was falling more on his left side and Tuilagi’s move to outside with Norman Pritchard’s hur- during the point of release, centre in one of several chang- dles silver medals from 1900 forcing his javelin to also veer es to the team beaten 21-13 by before it gained independ- left. He is aware of the tough Wales last time out. ence from Britain, the world’s competition that lies ahead “We’ve been really happy with second most populous na- and understands the need Henry Slade, but this just gives us tion considers itself never to to produce his best throws another way of playing so we’re have won an athletics medal throughout the season. looking forward to it,” Jones add- at an Olympics. Chopra, cur- “My main task I believe is to ed. England captain Owen Farrell rently ranked fourth in the be consistent. It’s not that I can insisted there was more to the England’s Ben Te’o during a training session in Bagshot, Britain. (Reuters) IAAF world rankings in javelin, throw a 90 (metres) once and new centre partnership’s game knows that he is by far the best then start throwing 81-82 af- than physical strength. “We got Lawes (calf strain) at lock after Defeat by Wales ended Eng- chance of ending that drought ter that,” he added. “If you are a bit of a taste of it against Aus- Maro Itoje failed to recover in land’s hopes of a Grand Slam this Parisse returns to captain Italy as in Tokyo next year. consistent then there are high tralia. They’re two lads who can time from a knee injury. season. England, however, have O’Shea makes three changes “It feels good that people chances that I can break my per- do a lot of damage, but who also Elsewhere in the pack, Brad never been defeated by Italy, have expectations from you, sonal bests in competitions.” have some subtleties to their Shiels starts at blindside fl anker with the Azzurri having lost their Number eight Italy, who are bottom of the game as well,” Farrell said. instead of Mark Wilson, with El- last 20 Six Nations matches. will return from a head injury standings, have never beaten Nevertheless, Jones’s desire lis Genge displacing Ben Moon at Conor O’Shea, the Italy coach, to captain Italy against England England and have lost their last to have a dynamic and imposing loosehead prop. is due to name his side later. as coach Conor O’Shea made 20 matches in the competition. backline was emphasised by the Genge and fellow prop Kyle “Italy are a bit of an unknown three changes to his team for TEAM: 15-Jayden Hay- recall of powerhouse right wing Sinckler were uncapped when quantity but when Conor allows tomorrow’s Six Nations clash at ward, 14-, Joe Cokanasiga was recalled on Jones selected them for Eng- them to play rugby they play Twickenham. 13-, 12- after failed to recov- land’s 2016 tour of Australia. well,” insisted Jones. returns to the , 11-Angelo Esposito, er from a shoulder injury. But even as international nov- “We expect Italy to throw the back row after recovering from 10-, 9-Tito Te- Cokanasiga made his Six Na- ices, the pair made their mark, as ball around a bit so we are go- an illness while hooker Luca baldi, 8-Sergio Parisse (captain), tions debut when he came off Jones recalled. ing to have to defend very well Bigi is set to make his first start 7-Abraham Steyn, 6-Sebastian the bench against Wales. His “I can remember having a against their unpredictability in the Championship, replac- Negri, 5-, 4-Federico 18-stone presence adds to the session somewhere on the Gold and when we have got the ball, ing who Ruzza, 3-, 2-Luca Neeraj Chopra of India celebrates after winning Asain Games strength of midfi elders Te’o and Coast for the Australia tour and we have to use it wisely.” started in the 26-16 defeat by Bigi, 1- javelin throw gold medal in Jakarta. (Reuters) Tuilagi, who weigh in at a com- we took these two young props,” Ireland. REPLACEMENTS: 16-Leonardo bined 34 stone. he said. TEAM “We have trained well this week Ghiraldini, 17-Cherif Traore, “It shows the diff erence in “They wanted to fi ght with ENGLAND (15-1) to build on the great work 18-Tiziano Pasquali, 19-David Kenyan athletics pioneer Daniel Rudisha dies the team. I remember playing everyone and argue with eve- Elliot Daly; Joe Cokanasiga, done before the Ireland game,” Sisi, 20-, 21-Gugliel- Australia three years ago and ryone. For the whole session we Manu Tuilagi, Ben Te’o, Jonny O’Shea told reporters. mo Palazzani, 22-Ian McKinley, Daniel Rudisha, a member of arrest in a hospital in Nakuru, we were 8kgs per player lighter,” just tried to keep those two calm. May; Owen Farrell (capt), Ben “The focus has to be on our- 23-Tommaso Castello. Kenya’s silver medal-winning northwest of Nairobi, on former Wallaby and Japan boss “They’re still learning their Youngs; Billy Vunipola, Tom Cur- selves and on the things we can relay quartet at the 1968 Wednesday night after a long Jones explained. trade. We’ve got to understand ry, Brad Shields; George Kruis, control, trying to play our best Mexico Olympics and father illness. “We’re able now to pick a big that. Those guys are being asked Joe Launchbury; Kyle Sinckler, Rugby.” to 800m world record holder “Our beloved father sadly left backline which can play a little to do the same things that back- Jamie George, Ellis Genge England coach Eddie Jones David Rudisha, has died, his us last night. He appeared to bit diff erently. That gives us an- rows did 10 years ago - plus with Replacements: Luke Cowan- announced his team earlier family said yesterday. be recovering well after he other option.” guys treading on their toes and Dickie, Ben Moon, Dan Cole, on Thursday with winger Joe David said his 73-year-old was rushed to hospital for Jones has made a total of pulling their hair and all those Nathan Hughes, Mark Wilson, Cokanasiga and centre Ben Te’o father, a former teacher who kidney failure last week,” the fi ve personnel changes to the sorts of things. Dan Robson, George Ford, set to start in a heavyweight retired to become an athletics two-time Olympic and world team beaten in Cardiff , with Joe “They’ll learn with each game Henry Slade England backline. coach, succumbed to cardiac champion told AFP. Launchbury replacing Courtney and that’s what we’re seeing.” Coach: Eddie Jones (AUS)

FOCUS Russell returns as Scotland bench Laidlaw FP the team beaten in Paris. In ad- he’s reached a half century of ap- ing games. We rose to the chal- Edinburgh dition to the new half-back pair- pearances for Scotland.” lenge that day and found a way ing, 21-year-old Edinburgh wing Turning to the 24-year-old to win and I fi rmly believe we can is set for a fi rst start Gray, he added: “Jonny is an ex- reach that level of performance inn Russell is set to make after was ruled out ceptional player who came through once again on Saturday.” his Scotland return with a foot injury. as a young man and, by becoming Wales coach Warren Gatland against Wales after being The only change to the pack the second-youngest player to win named his side on Tuesday. included in coach Gre- sees tighthead prop Willem Nel, 50 caps, shows just how well he’s But Wales’ preparations have gorF Townsend’s starting XV for fi t following a foot problem, come played in that relatively short time. been overshadowed by the ongo- tomorrow’s Six Nations interna- in to form an all-Edinburgh front He has a phenomenal work rate, is ing uncertainty caused by this tional at Murrayfi eld. row with McInally and loosehead a very accurate tackler and takes week’s bitter collapse of a move But former Scotland playmaker . Tomorrow’s match will real pride in helping the team pre- to merge the Ospreys and the Townsend has dropped regu- see wing and pare, as well as continually looking Scarlets regional sides as part of lar captain to the second row both win- for ways to improve his own game.” an overall plan to restructure the bench, with taking over ning their 50th caps for Scotland. Scotland are eager for a win af- Welsh professional club game. at scrum-half in a side now skip- “Getting to 50 caps for your ter successive defeats this Six Na- pered by hooker Stuart McInally country is a milestone in a play- tions by Ireland and France but TEAM following the team’s poor showing er’s career and it underlines the they will be up against a Wales Scotland (15-1) in a disappointing 27-10 loss away consistency and quality both side going for a Grand Slam. But ; Tommy Seymour, to France last time out. Tommy and Jonny have delivered Townsend said his side had it in , Pete Horne, Darcy Gra- Fly-half Russell was missed for Scotland over the years,” said them to cause an upset, just as ham; , Ali Price; Josh greatly by the Scots that match, Townsend. “Tommy has started they had done in beating England Strauss, , Magnus having been ruled out with a head all his games and has an impres- 25-13 at Murrayfi eld last year. Bradbury; Jonny Gray, Grant Gil- injury suff ered while playing for sive try-scoring record (19 in 49 “Wales have a very good record christ; Willem Nel, Stuart McInally Paris-based club side Racing 92. Tests), which is a fundamental against us and are in excellent (capt), Allan Dell Russell has replaced Pete Horne element of the game for a winger. form,” said Townsend. Replacements: Fraser Brown, in the No 10 shirt, with Horne “As well as his fi nishing ability, “It’s a similar challenge to the Gordon Reid, Simon Berghan, moved to inside centre instead of his excellent work rate off -the- one we faced last year against Eng- , Hamish Watson, Greig Sam Johnson. Townsend has made ball and outstanding aerial skills land, who had also been on a very Laidlaw, , Byron Scotland’s Finn Russell in action during their Six Nations Championship match against Ireland in four personnel changes in total to have been the key reasons why good run of results in their preced- McGuigan. Dublin on March 10, 2018. (Reuters) Gulf Times Friday, March 8, 2019 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Epaillard storms to feature victory in CHI Al Shaqab ‘I am very happy. I saw Yuri Mansur in the lead and so tried to be faster. It worked and it is a fantastic day for me’

By Sports Reporter Doha

ulien Epaillard continued his love aff air with the Al Shaqab arena as the French- man bagged the feature class onJ the opening day of the CHI Al Shaqab equestrian championship. Epaillard had stunned the odds last Saturday when he clinched the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix Doha title. And the inform Epaillard picked up from where left, as he galloped with 10-year-old chestnut stal- lion Virtuose Champeix to vic- tory in CSI5* 1.50m speed class under lights yesterday. The pair jumped for a fl awless routine coming come in 58.86 seconds, which gave the rider €23,375 in prize money. In second place was Brazilian Yuri Mansur on dark bay gelding Carlson in a time of 61.19secs, followed by another French rider Kevin Staut astride bay gelding Evert claimed Julien Epaillard of France in action on way to winning the CHI Al Shaqab 2019 CSI5* 1.50m class at Al Jos Verlooy of Belgium astride Caracas, winner of CHI Al Shaqab 2019 CSI5* 1.45m class receives his prize in third spot in 61.64secs. Epail- Shaqab yesterday. from Ali al-Rumaihi, Asst Secretary-General QEF and Event Director Hathab. lard was delighted to extend his winning run. “I am very happy. I lie Payne of Britain on Pandora, saw Yuri Mansur in the lead and Annemarieke Roling-Nobel of Hamad al-Attiyah re-elected President so tried to be faster. It worked the Netherlands on Doo Schu- of Asian Equestrian Federation and it is a fantastic day for me. fro, Brazilian Rodolpho Riskalla I took a risk and it worked. Al on Don Henrico and Ciska Ver- Hamad bin Abdulrahman The attendance at the General Shaqab has one of the best fa- meulen of Belgium with horse al-Attiyah was re-elected by Assembly’s meeting this year cilities for horses and riders and Rohmeo. acclamation as President of the was the highest in the his- I enjoy competing here.” Participants of the Al Shaqab Asian Equestrian Federation tory of the Asian Equestrian Jos Verlooy of Belgium jumped Inter-nations Camp conducted (QEF) for a second term, until Federation, especially because to fi rst place in the CSI5* 1.45m by the center’s Equine Education 2023, at the meeting of General al-Attiyah made many reforms class. Verlooy and his stallion, Department, had an intense day Assembly of the Federation and took decisions that con- Caracas, completed the two as the second and fi nal round of currently on in Doha. tributed to the activation of the phases with no faults, fi nishing qualifi cations were conducted. Al-Attiyah expressed pleasure members’ role. in 33.77 seconds to win fi rst place In the lead was Team Barzan - led at his re-election, promising to and prize money of €6,250. by Qatari rider Ghanim Nasser do everything that will contrib- Geir Gulliksen of Norway al-Qadi with Oliver George Tuff ute to equestrian development came second on VDL Groep from Great Britain and Abdulaziz of equestrian in the continent Quatro with a time of 34.93 sec- Ghanim al-Nuaimi from Qatar and to continue the work that onds. Simon Delestre of France also part of the team. In a fairly he started with the General As- and Filou Carlo Zimequest fi n- close second place was Zekreet, sembly’s members at the previ- ished third after coming home in a team comprising Ali Mohamed ous session. Al-Attiyah has been 35.10 seconds. al-Qadi of Qatar, Gautier Lenoir QEF’s president since July 2017 Verlooy said: “It was great to from France and Henning Josef and has completed the current win. My horse jumped super. Athens of Germany. The best session. He looks forward to He decided to go faster the fi rst individual timing was achieved completing the journey he day – that was my plan, so that by Fraser Hayden Reed, of Great started about 17 months ago to was good. Al Shaqab has an un- Britain, who completed his course CHI Al Shaqab 2019 Inter-Nations Camp competition podium finishers with Michalle al-Naimi, President develop and promote the sport. believable stadium, the facili- in 66.17 seconds with no faults. Community Development Qatar Foundation. ties are super for the riders and horses. It’s my fourth time here and I really like to come here (to RESULTS (TOP 3 ONLY) participate). I’m looking forward CSI5* One Round Against the clock (238.2.1) 1.50m 1. Laurentia Yen-Yi Tan (SIN); Horse: Florenzius S; €300 Diamant Z; 0; 70.52secs to the Grand Prix on Saturday.” 1. Julien Epaillard (FRA); Virtuose Champeix; 0; Total Points: 73.988; Prize: €330 2. Manon Claeys (BEL); San Dior 2; 71.667; €250 Hathab Earlier, the opening day of the 58.86.secs; €23,375 2. Katja Karjalainen (FIN); Dr Doolittle; 72.262; €250 championship began with the 3. Philippa Johnson-Dwyer (RSA); Lord Louis; 71.667; Dressage Level 1 para-dressage competition at Al 2. Yuri Mansur (BRA); Carlson; 0; 61.19secs; €18,700 3. Ana Isabel Mota Veiga (Convicto); 64.345; €200 €250 1. Jessica Waldon (GBR); Lusso Del Castegno; Shaqab’s indoor arena. Allowing 3. Kevin Staut (FRA); Viking d’La Rousserie; 0; Competition 2 - CPEDI3* Team II Competition 5 - CPEDI3* Team V 68.621pts for fair competition and to cre- 61.43secs; €14,025 1. Julie Payne (GBR); Pandora; 67.783; €330 1. Ciska Vermeulen (BEL); Rohmeo; 69.922; €330 2. Ali Mohamed al-Marri (QAT); Fernhill Friendly ate the opportunity for riders of CSI5* Two Phases Against the clock (274.1.5.3) 1.45m Touch; 66.724 all skills to achieve their goals in 2. Nicole den Dulk (NED); Wallace N.O.P; 66.364; 2. Frank Hosmar (NED); Guetta; 68.062; €250 equestrian sport, the competition 1. Jos Verlooy (BEL); Caracas; 0; 41.94secs; 0; €250 3. Kevin van Ham (BEL); ErosVan Ons Heem; 67.519; 3. Saeed Hamad al-Rashdi; Graff iti de Lully CH; was conducted in grades depend- 33.77secs; €6,250 Competition 3 - CPEDI3* Team III €200 65.690 ing on the disability, according 2. Geir Gulliksen (BEL); VDL Groep Quatro; 0; 1. Annemarieke Roling-Nobel (NED); Doo Schufro; Al Shaqab Inter-Nations Camp Jumping Dressage Level 2 to FEI (International Equestrian 41.32secs; 0; 34.93secs; €5,000 68.235; €300 1. Mohamed Salem al-Marri (QAT); Gin Tonic Van De Federation) standards. 1. Fraser Hayden Reed, Al Maida Club (GBR); Higgs: 3. Simon Delestre (FRA); Filou Carlo Zimenquest; 0; 2. Kate Kerr-Horan (IRL); Serafina T; 68.186; €250 Faults: 0; Time: 66.17secs Kranenburg; 68.214 Singapore’s Laurentia Yen-Yi 43.06secs; 0; 35.10secs; €3,750 Tan topped the fi rst competi- 3. Barbara Minneci (BEL); Stuart; 67.843; €200 2. Khalifa Abdulla al-Khaldi, Al Zubara Club (QAT); 2. Saoud Mohamed al-Kuwari; Special Edition 19; Para-Dressage 67.857 tion with her 13-year-old bay Competition 4 - CPEDI3* Team IV Charming Boy; 0; 69.73secs gelding Florenzius S. The other Competition 1 - CPEDI3* Team I 3. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi (QAT); Joie De Vivre; 67.143. 1. Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA); Don Henrico; 72.167; 3. Ali Mohamed al-Qadi, Barzan Club (QAT); Jalieny competitions were won by Ju-

HORSE RACING Alhazm caps double for Al Shaqab Racing Race 3: 1. Off He Goes (Ryan Curatolo), 2. By Sports Reporter Severini (Jimmy Quinn), 3. Yvanlend (Tomas Doha Lukasek), 4. Haloul (Ronan Thomas). Won by: 1 1/2, 1 1/4, Hd. Time: 3:04.98. Owner: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al- he trainer-jockey combine of Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. Alban de Mieulle and Ronan Race 4: 1. Latamah (Tomas Lukasek), 2. Bab Thomas capped the race-day Al Rayyan (Eduardo Pedroza), 3. Damsah with a double for the famous (Saleem Golam), 4. Mister Lal (Jimmy T Quinn). Won by: 1/2, Nk, 3. Time: 1:24.98. colours of Al Shaqab Racing when Al- hazm won the Loyalty Cup, the handi- Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: Hadi Nasser cap feature on turf, at Qatar Racing and al-Ramzani. Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park yes- Race 5: 1. On The Front Line (Tomas Lu- terday. kasek), 2. Noble Masterpiece (Harry Bentley), 3. French Encore (Ryan Curatolo), 4. Captain The 2,000m run for Thoroughbreds Vancouver (Ronan Thomas). Won by: 1/4, rated 75-95 saw the four-year-old pick 1 1/4, 1 1/2. Time: 1:22.78. Owner: Nasser up his second course-and-distance Owaida Salem al-Hajri. Trainer: Hadi Nasser victory when he went past the post al-Ramzani. with two lengths to spare ahead of Jean Race 6: 1. Hydroxide (Harry Bentley), 2. Al Baptiste Hamel-ridden Rich History. Maftoon (JP Guillambert), 3. Oryx (Ronan In the penultimate race of the day, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Racing manager Abdulla Rashid Ronan Thomas rides Alhazm to victory in the Loyalty Cup yesterday. Thomas), 4. Battle Of Jericho (Ryan Cura- it was Gtnah who registered her third al-Kubaisi (third from right) with the winners of the Loyalty Cup after Al Shaqab tolo). Won by: 1, 1/2, No. Time: 1:35.15. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim victory this season and second over Racing’s Alhazm won the handicap feature at Al Rayyan Park yesterday. Nasser Owaida Salem al-Hajri’s On Race 1: 1. Meera (Ryan Curatolo), 2. Al a mile, winning the race for Purebred PICTURES: Juhaim The Front Line won his third race this Mohamed Ghazali. Motanaa (Ronan Thomas), 3. Insijam (Harry Race 7: 1. Gtnah (Ronan Thomas), 2. An- season in the seven-furlong handicap Arabians with ease, ahead of Julian Bentley), 4. Ibn Elmalik (Ivan Rossi). Won by: nan (Ryan Curatolo), 3. Wadha PY (Gerald Smart-trained Annan, ridden by Ryan ahead of stablemate Taish. a victory in the Thoroughbred Handi- race for Class 4 Thoroughbreds, edging 1/4, 3/4, 1/4. Time: 1:38.57. Owner: His High- Avranche), 4. Al Junood (Harry Bentley). Won Curatolo. Off He Goes made it three in three cap event for four-year-old and older out Harry Bentley-ridden Noble Mas- ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. by: 1 1/2, 4 1/2, Shd. Time: 1:43.98. Owner: Al Smart and Curatolo, however, had for the colours of His Highness Sheikh horses rated 85 and below. terpiece. Trainer: Julian Smart. Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. opened the day with a hat-trick of Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani on the Al-Malki’s wards came close to a Champion jockey Bentley, however, Race 2: 1. Maxr (Ryan Curatolo), 2. Taish (Ali Race 8: 1. Alhazm (Ronan Thomas), 2. Rich victories, with Qatar-bred fi lly Meera day when the gelding ran the longest victory in the handicap race for lo- bounced back for his only victory of the Khalid al-Mosallam), 3. Razad (Ronan Tho- History (Jean Baptiste Hamel), 3. Perfect shedding her maiden status in the distance of his career at 2,800m and cal Thoroughbreds but were denied card with champion trainer Jassim Mo- mas), 4. Kaif Tara (JP Guillambert). Won by: Storm (Eduardo Pedroza), 4. Saint Roch card-opener, and the notable Maxr held off Jimmy Quinn-ridden Severini by Lukasek-ridden Al Jeryan Stud fi lly hamed Ghazali’s Hydroxide winning a 2 1/4, 2 1/2, 1. Time: 2:45.11. Owner: His High- (Stephan Ladjadj). Won by: 2, 3/4, Nk. Time: showing class over a mile and a half to and Tomas Lukasek-helmed Yvanlend, Latamah, who was one of two winners mile-long handicap. ness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani. 2:02.38. Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Trainer: Julian Smart. Alban de Mieulle. win the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate both saddled by Ibrahim al-Malki, for on the day for Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani. RESULTS

Friday, March 8, 2019 GULF TIMES SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Qatar signs deal to host MotoGP until 2031

By Sports Reporter “The MotoGP Championship is one Doha of the most important events in the world of sport. Losail International Cir- cuit is the venue for the season-opener atar will stay on the Mo- this week. Over 300 million people will toGP calendar until at least watch this race around the world. The 2031 after promoters Dorna MotoGP race weekend in Qatar will be Sports and Losail Circuit excellent from all aspects. The com- SportsQ Club (LCSC) agreed a new fi ve- pany owning the rights of MotoGP was year deal. The previous contract was keen to continue to host the season- to run until 2026. This latest fi ve-year opener in Qatar,” he said extension ensures Qatar will host at “The championship will be best from least another 12 races, and is the fi rst the point of view of safety as Losail In- race to be confi rmed beyond the next ternational Circuit is one of safest ven- decade. ues around the world. This venue is also The Losail Circuit has been a fi xture one of the most beautiful race tracks in on the MotoGP calendar since 2004 the world. Mr Carmello Ezpeleta was and from 2008 it has also held the here to witness the signing of the new unique distinction of being the sole contract. Qatar has advantage of exclu- night race. Qatar also holds exclusive sive rights to host the MotoGP races in rights to host MotoGP in the Middle the Middle East. The new deal is until East and will continue to do so. 2031. We will have many new upgrades The contract extension was an- at the Losail International Circuit in the nounced by Khalid al-Remaihi, LCSC coming years,” HE the minister added. Vice President and General Manager Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in Qatar deserves to host MotoGP exclu- the presence of HE the Minister of Cul- sively in the Middle East for a long time ture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin and called the extension as the longest Nasser al-Ali and Qatar Motor and Mo- in the sport’s history. torcycling Federation (QMMF) Presi- “Qatar has been important part of dent Abdulrahman al-Mannai. the MotoGP. It has one of the safest Al-Remaihi revealed that the Losail L to R: Khalid al-Remaihi, LCSC Vice President and General Manager, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, FIM President Jorge Viegas, HE the Minister of Culture and Sports tracks in the world. They are going circuit will go a makeover, with new fa- Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali and Qatar Motor and Motorcycling Federation (QMMF) President Abdulrahman al-Mannai pose during the contract extension improve their facilities like drainage cilities to be added in the next few years. signing ceremony yesterday. system by last year and we are very “Qatar is about invest a lot in the circuit pleased with that. We are very happy and add enhancements to the facilities, vestment will be for much longer time,” longer period. We appreciate the accept- It’s the fi rst race of the season, so it at- HE the Minister of Culture and to extend our contract with them till whether it’s the offi ces or infrastructure al-Remaihi said. ance from Dorna and we hope to continue tracts lots of attention. There is a long and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser 2031 – which is the longest contract of the circuit. We would like to have “We have exclusive rights to host Mo- the good work with them in the future. strategic relationship with Dorna and we al-Ali called the MotoGP as ‘one of the in out history. The way Qatar has their assurance, that based on that in- toGP in the region and we want to stay it For Qatar, MotoGP is not just a business appreciate all their support. This couldn’t most important events in the world of been hosting the event they deserve vestment, that our contract with Dorna that way. This extension till 2031 for us is deal. It’s a passion, it’s been liked that have been run without their support,” he sport’ and was pleased with the exten- to host the event for a long time,” is extended further. So we know this in- just an opportunity to have MotoGP for a since we hosted the event back in 2004. added. sion of contract. Ezpeleta said.

PREVIEW/ MOTOGP GRAND PRIX OF QATAR FOCUS Riders want Qatar MotoGP to A very wide open start an hour early

AFP year’s Qatar Grand Prix. Doha The argument to move the start time over trackside tem- peratures has been rumbling eading MotoGP riders in the days before the season’s championship! yesterday urged safety curtain-raiser. offi cials at this year’s Lorenzo, widely considered traditional Qatar sea- to be the main challenger to Rossi’s longevity and passion continues to amaze and inspire in equal measure son-openerL to move the race’s Marquez who is his new Hon- start time forward an hour amid da stablemate, is one of those ongoing concerns over Doha who has raised concerns after weather conditions. crashing in pre-season testing, Defending champion Marc claiming it could be “danger- Marquez, challenger Jorge ous” to keep it at 8pm (1700 Lorenzo and Alex Rins are GMT). among those calling on a safety It is forecast to be a maxi- panel to push Sunday’s race to mum of 24 degrees Celsius (75 7pm (1600 GMT) to combat Fahrenheit) in Doha on Sunday, heat, humidity and wind in the though several degrees cooler desert state. by the evening. “Last year the race started at There are also concerns over 7 and it was really good, it’s less the gusty conditions especially risk,” said Marquez, speaking at on some exposed parts of the a press conference. Losail track. He was backed by oth- Whatever the conditions, er riders, including fellow the race should herald the be- Spaniard Rins. “For me, if ginning of one of the most you race at 7, it’s safer,” said competitive MotoGP seasons, Rins, who crashed out of last which takes place over 19 races.

ALL SET: MotoGP riders pose for a group photo ahead of the start of the new season at Losail International Circuit yesterday.

By Sahan Bidappa Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati will been such an even championship, with This preseason, it was interesting Doha fancy his chances, having come seven or eight riders, and also three or to see how Yamaha improved, the closest to challenging four diff erent bikes, that can fi ght for the Ducati improved, Suzuki im- Yamaha MotoGP’s Valentino Rossi of Italy (L) and Petronas Yamaha Marquez in the previous years. If title” said Rossi at the Losail Circuit yes- proved with Rins and yeah, let’s SRT’s Fabio Quartararo attend a press conference at Losail f the predictions are to be believed, the Italian can repeat his form of terday. see how we start this season International Circuit yesterday. then 2019 is set to witness the closest the past few years this time round, “The factory riders are all really strong. and the most thrilling season in Mo- he’ll still be a strong contender The two works Ducati riders are going is uncertainty for all the season. At the toGP. The season-opening race will strongly, the two from Honda are a lit- moment we need to focus day by day, then Ibe held at the Losail International Circuit Vinales, who has impressed in the pre- tle bit behind, but surely they will arrive. we will see,” he added. this Sunday, but there is no clear favourite season testing. The Spaniard has changed The two Yamahas are going quite well, Marquez feels that all manufacturers heading into the new championship. some key pieces of his crew in order to and also Suzuki, especially with Rins. It have taken a step forward ahead of the Reigning fi ve-time title winner Marc fi nd the balance this year and has out- seems to me the factory bikes are all quite new campaign, which he said make the Marquez of Honda is still the man to beat paced his teammate and multiple world strong. season unpredictable. but the recurring shoulder injury is ma- champion Valentino Rossi in testing. “Then we must not forget [Fabio] “Since 2017 I’m looking at everybody. jor concern for the Spaniard. But if the Rossi, who turned 40 recently, could Quartararo, [Francesco] Bagnaia, [Cal] I’m looking at all my opponents in the 26-year-old can overcome his injury is- be in the mix as well but consistency has Crutchlow and [Franco] Morbidelli, who same way because for example, in 2017, sues, then 2019 could be another glorious been an issue with the legendary Italian. in the tests have been strong. Already we were here and not a lot of people spoke chapter in his burgeoning legend. Rossi’s longevity, passion and dedication there are 10 of us! Maybe in one race you about Dovizioso and he was the man to Having said that, Honda also boast continues to amaze and inspire in equal are on the podium and in another you beat,” the current champion said. triple champion Jorge Lorenzo, who is measure but he is not the rider what he make a mistake and you are fi ghting for “This preseason, it was interesting to set to give his new team-mate a tough used to be, his refl exes having slowed seventh place. It’s diffi cult,” he added. see how Yamaha improved, Ducati im- time. But despite having the best line- down considerably. Dovizioso agreed with his country- proved, Suzuki improved with Rins and up, Honda doesn’t seem to be in the best Rossi himself is going by the popular man’s views. “I have seen many very yeah, let’s see how we start this season. shape heading into this season, and Mar- opinion in the paddock and reckons this competitive riders,” said the Ducati rider. But of course, we will be very fast because quez will face his toughest campaign yet year’s season could be the closest in the “All the top four bikes are quite strong, we tested here, but the season is 19 races with Lorenzo as a teammate, as well as the championship’s history. He went on to and close, with diff erent characteristics. and we must be focused on our work, fo- other challengers around him. say that there are ‘seven or eight’ possible We could see a lot of riders fi ghting for cused on ourselves and try and do what Andrea Dovizioso of Ducati will fancy title contenders on ‘three or four’ diff er- wins, a much more competitive season we know. Then we will see at the end of his chances, having come the closest to ent types of bike. than recent ones. This is the fi rst season the season.” he added. challenging Marquez in the previous Rossi said that Vinales, Ducati pair in which we start with so much uncer- Today, the Moto3 class will get the ball years. If the Italian can repeat his form of Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci, Honda’s tainty, at least since I’ve been in MotoGP. rolling with Free Practice 1, followed by the past few years this time round, he’ll Marquez and Lorenzo, Suzuki’s Alex Rins In the past in Qatar we’ve seen very dif- Moto2 practice session before the Mo- still be a strong contender. and himself are contenders for the title. ferent results in the race compared with toGP riders head out at 3:40pm and again Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez of Spain attends a press conference at Then there is Yamaha’s Maverick “On paper, I don’t think there’s ever the tests. But, more than just Qatar, there under lights. the Losail International Circuit yesterday.