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MONDAY 19 APRIL 2021 VerstappenV wins chaotic Imola race but HHamilton retains Championship lead

ItI was very challenging out there, especially in the beginning tot stay on track to be honest, it was very slippery. I think we managedm everything well.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Sport | 10

FA CUP: SEMI-FINALLeicester City 1-0 Southampton PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal 1-1 Fulham, Manchester United 3-1 Burnley ACL: Al Duhail, Al Ahli play out 1-1 draw

AFC.COM – JEDDAH Al Duhail's Michael Olunga heads the Al Ahli Saudi FC's Omar Al Soma ball during his team's We lost scored in added time to cancel out second Group C Michael Olunga's opener for Al Duhail match against Al Ahli because of SC as the two sides played out a 1-1 Saudi FC in Jeddah, draw at the King Abdullah Sport City yesterday. Stadium in their AFC Champions our mistakes, League (ACL) Group C match yesterday. The home side had lost their says Xavi opening match against Esteghlal by a huge scoreline while their Qatari THE PENINSULA – opponents took all three points against Iraqi side Al Shorta. The two Al Sadd head coach Xavi Hernandez sides had to settle for a draw this time expressed his disappointment after around. his side’s 3-1 defeat to Al Nassr in A lively start to the match took the AFC Champions League Group hold when inside the first minute of D match, which was played in play, Almoez Ali latched onto Riyadh on Saturday. Edmilson’s pinpoint cross and nar- “I think the result is unfair. We rowly missed Mohammad Al Owais’ deserve more than this result and far post, as the Qatari side looked to at least a draw, considering the per- set the tone for the match early on formance shown by the players and with Olunga narrowly heading wide the many opportunities we missed, a few minutes later as well. and I will not comment on the ref- Al Owais was forced into a save eree’s decision and the incorrect when Olunga received a pass from penalty kick,” Xavi said during a Abdallah Al Ahrak and carefully post-match interview. placed a right footed shot that the “We were good in the first 25 Saudi keeper was more than equal minutes in the second half, and we to. scored the equaliser and we were Ali once again tested the keeper with the home side finally caving approaching, goalscorer Olunga failed to clear a corner that fell to close to scoring the second, but 10 minutes before the break when he under pressure when Edmilson ran missed a golden chance to double his Motaz Hawsawi, who played it to the there were some mistakes in dribbled through the Saudi side’s down the right flank and crossed the tally and the scoreline when some Syrian, the latter volleying it into the defense because of which we con- ranks and fired a shot that was dealt ball into the area - initially looking smart interplay between his team- net against the run of play. ceded the second goal,” Xavi said. with by Al Owais, after a period of like it was aimed for Ali - but a mates culminated in a penalty-shot The result leaves Al Duhail sitting “We have 4 upcoming games play where the intensity had slightly deflection put into Olunga’s path and like situation for the Kenyan, yet he atop Group C on four points, pending and we must prepare for them well dropped. the Kenyan made no mistake in front somehow skied it. the late game between Esteghlal FC in order to return to competing. Al The deadlock was broken less of goal this time. Al Soma equalised for the hosts at and Al Shorta while Al Ahli sit in third Nassr is one of the best teams in the than 10 minutes into the second half, With the final whistle the death when Al Duhail’s defence place with a loss and a draw. tournament and I am still sure that we deserve more than today’s result,” the Spaniard said. “Football is about mistakes, and Blanc finds silver lining in defeat to Persepolis in a strong match like this, we must not make these mistakes, which cost AFC.COM/THE PENINSULA – GOA “Although we scored first, the “I don’t know what happened to mohammadi praised his players for us the match.match. We manner in which we conceded was a Al Rayyan in the second half. It’s tough not giving up against Al Rayyan. mustmust focusfocus Despite their 3-1 loss against Iraniannian bigbig blblowow to my players.players. to lose a match like ttheh way we “We entered the second half with onon thethe heaveyweights Persepolis in theirheir “The“The firstfirst 4545 minutesminutes werewere diddid d totoday.day. We werwere playing the drive and motivation that we upcomingupcoming second AFC Champions League Groupoup veryvery positive fforor AAll Rayyan butbut wellwew ll but lost ourour concen- could win the match,” said Golmo- matches,”matches,” E match on Saturday, Al Rayyan headead PersepolisPersepolis playedplayed veveryry wewell,ll, trationtration in jjustust ffiveive mminutes," hammadi. “We never once lost that XaviXavi ssaid.aid. coach Laurent Blanc (pictured) triedried werewere physically better and BlancBlanc said.said. self confidence and therefore we to look at the positives. appliedapplied pressure in thethe secondsecond “I’m“I’m ververyy proud of won.” The result left the Qatari footballball halfhalf anandd theythey went on to score nnotot my team fforor playing “The whole team is built this way. giants Al Rayyan with one point afterfter oneone butbut tthreehree goals.goals. veryvery well.well. ObviouslyO We achieved this victory with two matches, having drawn 0-0 withwith “We“We had a plaplayeryer substituted we hadhad some teamwork and never once surrendered hosts FC Goa in their opener. duedue to a kknocknock in tthehe ffirstirst halfhalf andand defedefensive or admitted defeat. “We were good in the first half bbutut thenthen I decideddecided to protect tthreehree pressurepressur but we “In fact, we wanted to score a after that we lost the game in six of mymy playersplayers becausebecause we needneed toto perform fourth goal but that didn’t happen. I’m minutes,” Blanc said after the match.tch. havehave anotheranother game in threethree forfof r 9900 minutes proud of my players for what they Last year's runners-up Persepolisolis days.days. andand not 45 accomplished today. We owe it all to came from a goal down on Saturdayday minutesmin like our fans because without them we will to continue their perfect start to thehe whatwha we did not have that desire to succeed,” Gol- 2021 campaign. Shahriar Moghanlouu today.”tod mohammadi said. scored twice after Kamal Kamyabiniainia Perse- Up next for Al Rayyan are Al had cancelled out Naif Al Hadhrami'smi's ppoliso coach Wahda of the UAE on Tuesday while opener as they picked up their secondond YahyaYa Gol- Persepolis will look to make it three win in a row. wins against FC Goa. Tsitsipas wins maiden Masters 1000 title in Monte Carlo

Greece’s Stefanos AP – MONACO the Open 13 indoor tournament in years after his Russian mother Tsitsipas Marseille - just weeks before did so. Stefanos Tsitsipas won the Monte France went into lockdown for the Julia Salnikova - a former celebrates after Federer Carlo Masters without dropping a first time because of the corona- Fed Cup player for the winning the ATP set, beating Andrey Rublev 6-3, virus pandemic. Soviet Union - won a Masters 1000 set to play 6-3 yesterday for his first title this The 23-year-old Rublev was junior title at the same - Monte Carlo year and sixth overall. aiming for his second title of the venue in 1981. Masters title in Fourth-seeded Tsitsipas was year, his first at Masters level and “I can’t describe Roquebrune-Cap- French Open in dominant form as he edged 4-3 ninth overall. He had produced an my feelings right now,” Martin, France, ahead of the sixth-seeded Russian audacious display to defeat record Tsitsipas said. “I am yesterday. in their career meetings, having 11-time champion Rafael Nadal on overwhelmed by so APAP – PARISPA also beaten him on clay last year Friday, and further confirm why many different emo- in the French Open he is one of the rising stars of tions and nostalgia.” RogerRog Federer announced quarterfinals. tennis. yeyesterdays he will play at the “I had an unbelievable week. After winning the ATP Cup FrenchFre Open, and the Swiss star It is incredible that I am able to be with Russia, Rublev reached the isis preparing for it on home clay in the position that I am ... I would quarterfinals at the Australian at a tournament in Geneva next consider it as the best week of my Open and then won the month.mo The 20-time Grand Slam life so far,” Tsitsipas said. ABN AMRO World championcha revealed his plans on “There were a lot of nerves Tennis Tournament in hishis officialof Twitter page. “Happy to coming into that match. Playing Rotterdam last letlet youyou knowkn that I will play Geneva and Andrey was a very difficult thing month for his Paris.PPaariiss. UntilUntn il thenthen I will useu the time to train. Can’t wait to do today, also considering that fourth title in too playpllay inin Switzerland aagain,” Federer wrote. it was a final. I am definitely proud seven months. FedererFFeedeerer will aaimim fforo his 104th career title at the of the way I managed to behave Since Rot- GenevaGGennevva Open, which takesta place May 16-22 - shortly on the court.” terdam, he’s beforebbefforee RolandRoland Garros beginsb in Paris on May 30. The Tsitsipas also clinched his first reached four 39-year-old3399--yeearr--old Federer wonwo his only French Open in 2009 Masters title. consecutive andannd lolostostt to 13-time chachampionm Rafael Nadal in the sem- “It is even more special doing semifinals, ifinalsiffiinala s twotwwo years ago. HeH did not play there last year. it here in Monte Carlo and doing including Monte Carlo. TThThee seventh-rankeseventh-rankedd Federer made his comeback it on clay, which is my favourite But he couldn’t even get a fromfrroom a 13-month13-month injuryinjury layoff at the Qatar Open last surface,” he said. break point against Tsitsipas, month,month, bbeatingeating Dan EvansEva in three sets and then losing The 22-year-old Greek won his who raised a trophy at the in threethree to Nikoloz BasilashviliBasi after failing to convert last title in February last year at Monte-Carlo Country Club 40 a matchmatch point.point. MONDAY 19 APRIL 2021 SPORT 11 PSG close gap on Lille with last-gasp winner

AP — PARIS minute after striker Denis for a lack of composure. “It Bouanga put the visitors ahead really hurts to concede a goal Defending champion Paris at Parc des Princes, and then 15 seconds from time... We Saint-Germain scored in the last struck a penalty in the 86th scored a great first goal, but cel- seconds of injury time to beat after he was fouled by goal- ebrated it far too much and con- Saint-Etienne 3-2 and close the keeper Etienne Green. ceded straight after,” Puel said. gap on league leader Lille to one But PSG gifted the visitors a “We didn’t get our reward due point yesterday. goal when Bouanga was given to some inexperience. We paid PSG had just gifted Saint- too much space down the left dearly for it, so there are a lot Etienne an equaliser in the and his shot was poorly dealt of regrets.” second minute of injury time with by goalkeeper Sergio Rico Lille dropped points when when Mauro Icardi rose to head with in it was held 1-1 at home to home Angel Di Maria’s cross position to tap in. Montpellier on Friday. three minutes later as the sub- PSG winger Pablo Sarabia Striker Kevin Volland put stitutes combined to give PSG a struck the post with a free kick Monaco ahead in the 28th from much-needed victory. after 30 minutes and Green - a strike partner Wissam Ben Yed- There are only five games former club ball boy - made his der’s pass, winger Gelson left after this weekend in one of first save five minutes later from Martins struck just after the the closest title races for many Rafinha’s low shot. break and substitute Stevan years. In between, Saint-Etienne Paris St Germain’s Kylian Jovetic headed in a late third. Rival Monaco won 3-0 at winger had a goal Mbappe (right) celebrates Monaco has lost only once struggling Bordeaux to stay one ruled out for offisde. scoring their second goal with in the past 21 games overall. point behind PSG and keep hold Pochettino made a triple Mauro Icardi and Marco Verratti. Lens drew 1-1 at Brest and of third place with fourth-place substitution midway through is only one point ahead of sixth- Lyon in action later at 19th- the second half, bringing on place Marseille in the chase for place Nantes. midfielder Marco Verratti, Di fifth spot, a Europa League PSG’s Kylian Mbappe scored Maria and Icardi. Bouanga’s close-range finish. Mbappe with the outside of his Saint-Etienne in January and place. twice to take his league-leading Di Maria failed to close But Saint-Etienne was foot and he slid it under Green ended in a draw. He was Last-place Dijon ended a tally to 23. down on the left and over- napping at the restart. for 1-1. somewhat fortunate this time, run of 12 league defeats with a He equalised with a fine lapping full back Verratti’s long ball over the Pochettino’s first game in while said his 2-0 home win against midtable finish in the 78th minute, one had plenty of time to pick out top was expertly controlled by charge of PSG was also against young Saint-Etienne side paid Nice.

Iheanacho 4,000 fans watch FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Juventus slip to fourth sends in after late Leicester defeat to Atalanta into FA Cup REUTERS — BERGAMO, ITALY Sixth-placed Lazio moved final four points behind Juventus, Juventus slipped to a last-gasp having played one game less, REUTERS — 1-0 defeat at Atalanta yesterday after an entertaining 5-3 win as ’s side over Benevento - their fifth Leicester City reached the FA leapfrogged the champions into league victory in a row - while Cup final for the first time in third place in the Serie A Bologna beat Spezia 4-1. more than 50 years as Kelechi standings. In-form Atalanta took the Iheanacho’s goal secured a 1-0 Juve, missing Cristiano game to Juve early on in win over Southampton at Ronaldo due to injury, struggled Bergamo, with Wembley yesterday. to break down the in-form wasting a glorious chance to A disappointing game was hosts without their Portuguese give the hosts the lead. settled 10 minutes after the talisman and were forced to Atalanta have conceded the interval as the in-form defend for much of the second most goals of any of the top six Nigerian striker slotted at the half against Serie A’s top and hesitation in his own second attempt after good scorers. penalty area from Joakim work by Jamie Vardy. It looked as though Juve Maehle gave Alvaro Morata a Leicester, who have General view of fans inside the Wembley Stadium before the FA Cup semi-final between Leicester had done enough to hold on for great chance to break the never won the FA Cup and City and Southampton. A total of 4,000 fans were allowed for the match. a point, but substitute Ruslan deadlock. However, the Span- last appeared in the final in Malinovskiy snatched a fifth iard’s tame effort was cleared 1969, will face Chelsea on successive league win for Ata- off the line late in the opening May 15. lanta in the 87th minute, period. A crowd of around 4,000, sparking wild scenes of Paulo Dybala, starting for mainly local residents, were La Liga: Atletico Madrid hammer celebration. the first time since early permitted to attend the semi- Atalanta moved on to 64 January, tired as the match final as part of a test event for points, two ahead of Juventus, wore on and had to be replaced, the return of crowds as from 31 games played after a leaving Juve short of options up COVID-19 restrictions ease. Eibar 5-0 to reassert title claim first league win over Juve for front. There was precious little more than 20 years. As a result, Pirlo’s side sat for them to get excited about REUTERS — MADRID which they have lost. The vis- Juve’s hopes of a 10th suc- back, happy to take the point, in a dull first half, but the Atletico top the standings on itors did not have a single shot cessive Scudetto are now all but but moments after second period was marginally La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid on goal although they gave over as they trail leaders Inter Malinovskiy’s stunning freekick better. thrashed basement club Eibar 70 points after 31 games, four Atletico a fright midway Milan, who play Napoli later on was brilliantly saved by It was no surprise that 5-0 yesterday in an emphatic ahead of second-placed Real through the first half when Ale- Sunday, by 12 points. Victory Wojciech Szczesny, he popped Iheanacho scored the winner response to a stuttering run of Madrid and five above third- jandro Pozo whipped in a cross for Napoli would move them up with the winner, his strike as he has now netted 10 times results which had let their rivals placed , who both to an unmarked Kevin Rod- level on points with Andrea taking a huge deflection en in his last seven games. back into the title race. have a game in hand. Eibar are rigues, who narrowly failed to Pirlo’s side. route to goal. Southampton, who had Atletico were missing two make contact with the ball. not conceded a goal in of their top forwards in Luis bottom with 23 points and Atletico dominated pos- reaching the semi-finals, Suarez and Joao Felix but have failed to win in their last session but did not have a clear rarely threatened and failed Argentine striker Angel Correa 14 matches, 10 of which they opportunity until Correa broke to register a goal attempt on took responsibility in attack, have lost. the deadlock, arriving at the far target. scoring twice at the end of the post to prod a freekick into the Meanwhile, Manchester first half to put the hosts in net. City skipper Fernandinho said charge. The Argentine forward Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup semi- Yannick Carrasco further third-placed Barcelona, who struck again moments later, final defeat by Chelsea was stretched their lead soon after both have a game in hand. swivelling past a defender difficult to take but he backed the interval before Marcos “It gives us enormous joy before producing a classy finish the team to overcome the dis- Llorente struck twice to com- to win this game so comfortably to further make amends for appointment and focus on plete the rout as his side picked and so convincingly,” Correa missing several opportunities their upcoming challenges. up a first victory in three told reporters. against Betis. “It’s a big disappointment matches after drawing 1-1 at “The game was pretty tight “The great thing about to lose an FA Cup semi-final - Real Betis and losing 1-0 at until the first goal but then the football is that every week you it’s hard to take. It was an Sevilla. game opened up and we were have a chance for revenge. I important match for us but Atletico top the standings able to wrap it up.” was feeling a little due to they were a bit better than us... on 70 points after 31 games, Eibar are bottom with 23 missing those chances but congratulations to them,” four ahead of second-placed points and have failed to win in today I’m happy as this time Atalanta’s Ruslan Malinovskyi (left) celebrates after scoring a goal Fernandinho told reporters. Real Madrid and five above their last 14 matches, 10 of they went in,” added Correa. against Juventus yesterday. Bangalore claim third straight win; Delhi down Punjab

AP — CHENNAI IPL: BRIEF SCORES spinners and fast bowlers on a Bangalore kept taking at Royal Challengers Bangalore 204/4 in 20 overs (Glenn where the ball nicely came onto the regular intervals to end its Chennai and AB de Villiers Maxell 78, AB de Villiers 76 ; Varun Chakravarthy bat. leg of the event with three wins from shone with the bat as Royal Chal- 2/39) beat 166/8 in 20 overs Maxwell was finally outdone by three games. lengers Bangalore thumped Kolkata ( 31, 29; Kyle Jamieson 3/41) fellow Australian ’ short- “Certainly RCB’s day with the bat,” Knight Riders by 38 runs for its third by 38 runs. pitched in the 17th over as Morgan said. straight win in the Indian Premier he top edged a pull to short fine leg. Kolkata is in the bottom half of League yesterday. 195/4 in 20 overs (Mayank Agarwal 69, KL De Villiers and Jamiesen smashed the table with two points after De Villiers’ unbeaten 76 off 34 Rahul 61; Lukman Meriwala 1/32) lose to Andre Russell for 38 runs off his two winning one game and losing two.

balls with nine fours and three sixes overs and conceded Meanwhile in Mumbai, left- 198/4 in 20 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 92, Prithvi Shaw 32; rocketed Bangalore’s total to 204-4 18 off the penultimate over as the last handed Shikhar Dhawan blasted 92 Jhye Richardson 2/41) by six wickets after captain won the toss 18 balls yielded Bangalore 56 runs. off 49 balls as Delhi Capitals (DC) beat and chose to bat. Kolkata opener (21 Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six wickets AB de Villiers in Maxwell matched the South Jamieson picking up 3-41. “We got 40 off nine balls) blazed two sixes and at the Wankhede Stadium, in yester- action yesterday. African in also smashing nine fours extra runs on that pitch which slowed two fours, but substitute fielder Daniel day's other match. PIC: RCB TWITTER and three sixes with a solid knock of down,” Kohli said. Christian took a spectacular two- PBKS scored 195/4 but DC ended 78 off 49 deliveries. “There are areas we can work on. handed diving catch at mid-on in the up scoring 198/4 in just 18.2 overs. Kolkata’s top-order batsmen We’re not getting ahead of ourselves second over. Apart from Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw couldn’t convert good starts and Ban- and not getting over-excited.” Russell (31), captain Eoin Morgan contributed with a valuable knock of galore restricted them to 166-8 with After losing Kohli for just five in (29) and (26) all 32. For Punjab, Mayank Agarwal 69, New Zealand fast bowler Kyle the second over, Maxwell dominated scored better than a run-a-ball, but KL Rahul 61 were the top scorers. 10 SPORT MONDAY 19 APRIL 2021 Formula 1 signs 10-year deal to race in Miami REUTERS – MIAMI The proposed track around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team. Miami will host Formula One from 2022 RIGHT: The Miami Gardens. PICTURES: FORMULA1.COM as part of a “milestone” 10-year-deal announced by the sport and local organisers yesterday that gives the glamour sport a second Grand Prix in a key growth market. The race around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, is expected to be scheduled for the second quarter of the year with the one in Austin, Texas, usually near the end of the season. Exact dates have yet to be decided, however. Miami will be the 11th location Formula One has raced at in the United States since the world championship started in 1950. Florida last featured on our strategy for the future. We will keep organisers abandoned plans to hold the exists to host the biggest global events The circuit will be 5.41km with 19 the calendar in 1959 when Sebring them separate in order to give the right race in the downtown area and put to benefit the entire greater Miami corners and three straights and an esti- hosted a season-ender won by New space to both. forward a revised layout winding region and Formula One racing is as big mated top speed of 320kph. Formula Zealander Bruce McLaren. “We are looking ahead, we are around the Hard Rock Stadium. as it gets,” said Miami GP managing One said the promoter would ensure dis- “We always said the US is a very putting the foundations for an incredible Both sides said they had never partner Tom Garfinkel. counted tickets for Miami Gardens res- important area in which we need to future for Formula One. This is a mile- doubted a deal would eventually be “We have worked with specialist idents as well as creating a programme develop our business,” Formula One stone that we all wanted.” done. The Hard Rock Stadium belongs designers to create a racetrack that we, to support local businesses and the com- chief executive Stefano Domenicali told Liberty Media-owned Formula One to real estate mogul and Dolphins owner Formula One and the FIA believe will munity. Domenicali told reporters that reporters ahead of the Emilia Romagna has targeted Miami as a venue for some Stephen Ross, who will fund con- provide great racing.” there could be more US races in future Grand Prix at Italy’s Imola circuit. time but faced strong local opposition struction of the track and cover race Garfinkel told reporters the Netflix but the calendar was unlikely to expand “There is a lot of opportunity and from residents worried about excessive costs. series “Drive to Survive” had also driven beyond 23 rounds next year. having two US races in the US means noise and air pollution. “The Hard Rock stadium enter- a surge in interest in the sport in the “24? No,” the Italian said. “I would we have taken the right direction for In 2019, Formula One and local tainment campus in Miami Gardens United States. say we are figuring out 23.” Verstappen wins chaotic Imola race

REUTERS – IMOLA FORMULA 1: EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX Mercedes stayed top of the con- Final standings (Top 14) structors’ standings with 60 points to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won a Red Bull’s 53. chaotic and crash-halted Emilia Verstappen seized the lead into 1: M. Verstappen (Red Bull) 2:02:34.598 Romagna Grand Prix at Imola turn two on the opening lap, forcing yesterday with Lewis Hamilton second 2: L. Hamilton (Mercedes) +22.000s his way through with a great start from for Mercedes and retaining the lead 3: L. Norris (McLaren) +23.702s third on the grid but making contact in the championship by a single point. 4: C. Leclerc (Ferrari) +25.579s with the Mercedes as he went. The win, by a commanding 22 5: C. Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) +27.036s The race was halted due to debris seconds at the chequered flag, was the 6: D. Ricciardo (McLaren) +51.220s after a big collision between Hamil- 11th of the Dutch youngster’s career. 7: L. Stroll (Aston Martin) +51.909s ton’s team mate Valtteri Bottas, who “It was very challenging out there, 8: P. Gasly (AlphaTauri) +52.818s had started eighth, and Williams’ especially in the beginning to stay on 9: K. Räikkönen (Alfa Romeo) +64.773s George Russell on lap 32 in a battle for track to be honest, it was very 10: E. Ocon (Alpine) +65.704s ninth place. slippery,” he said of a race that started Red Bull’s Max 11: F. Alonso (Alpine) +66.561s There had been plenty of mayhem with most drivers on intermediates Verstappen celebrates 12: S. Pérez (Red Bull) +67.151s before then, with Canadian Nicholas but some on full wets. his victory on the 13: Y. Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) +73.184s Latifi smashing his Williams into the “I think we managed everything podium. 14: A. Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo) +1 Lap barriers and plenty of spins well.” elsewhere. Hamilton, winner of the Bahrain Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished season-opener, took a crucial bonus the barriers at Tosa with his car at a his way back to the podium with a McLaren’s Lando Norris com- fourth and Spanish team mate Carlos point for fastest lap on a rollercoaster standstill and a retirement looming. stirring recovery drive after the race pleted the top three in the first time Sainz was fifth, with McLaren’s Daniel afternoon for the seven-times world He kept the engine running, was stopped and re-started halfway two British drivers had stood together Ricciardo sixth. champion, whose race was almost reversed back out, through. on the podium since 2012. Canadian Lance Stroll was seventh wrecked by a rare mistake. returned to the pits “On my side it was not the greatest Hamilton now has 44 points to for Aston Martin with AlphaTauri’s The Briton started on pole, his and days, it’s the first time I’ve made a Verstappen’s 43, with Norris on 23. Pierre Gasly eighth and Kimi Raik- 99th, but dropped from second fought mistake in a long time. But I’m grateful konen ninth for Alfa Romeo. to ninth after skidding into the I was able to bring the car home Frenchman Esteban Ocon took the gravel and nudging today,” said Hamilton. last point for Alpine.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race.

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS Quartararo powers to victory in Portugal Pos. Rider, Nation Points 1 Fabio Quartararo (FRA) 61 REUTERS – PORTIMAO take the lead and his afternoon was made 2 Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) 46 easier when the Suzuki rider crashed out. 3 Maverick Viñales (SPA) 41 Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo claimed a Pramac Racing’s Johann Zarco, who 4 Johann Zarco (FRA) 40 second consecutive MotoGP victory after provisionally moved up to second, had his 5 Joan Mir (SPA) 38 leading almost from start to finish at the race ended on lap 20 when he crashed at 6 Aleix Espargaro (SPA) 25 Portuguese Grand Prix yesterday as six- Turn 10 as Quartararo came under no 7 Alex Rins (SPA) 23 times world champion Marc Marquez threat on his way to the chequered flag. 8 Brad Binder (RSA) 21 finished seventh in his first race in nine The championship will resume at next 9 Enea Bastianini (ITA) 18 months. month’s Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez where 10 Jorge Martin (SPA) 17 Quartararo, who also won in Doha two Quartararo claimed back-to-back wins at Fabio 11 Franco Morbidelli (ITA) 17 weeks ago, opened up a 15-point lead at the start of last season. Quartararo the top of the championship standings 12 Jack Miller (AUS) 14 celebrates on after three rounds. 13 Pol Espargaro (SPA) 11 GRANDE PRÉMIO 888 DE PORTUGAL the podium after Starting on pole position, Quartararo winning the race. 14 Marc Marquez (SPA) 9 made a sluggish start to slip to fourth place MotoGP Race Classification: Top 10 15 Alex Marquez (SPA) 8 on the opening corner but recovered to 16 Stefan Bradl (GER) 7 take the lead with 17 laps remaining and 1: Fabio Quartararo (FRA) Monster Energy Yamaha 17 Takaaki Nakagami (JPN) 6 never looked back. MotoGP 41'46.412 18 Luca Marini (ITA) 4 “It will be a great celebration for my z3: Joan Mir (SPA) Team SUZUKI ECSTAR +4.948 19 Valentino Rossi (ITA) 4 birthday in two days,” said Quartararo, 4: Franco Morbidelli (ITA) Petronas Yamaha SRT +5.127 Monster Energy 20 Miguel Oliveira (POR) 4 who turns 22 on Tuesday. 5: Brad Binder (RSA) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +6.668 Yamaha MotoGP’s “We did an amazing job. I was riding 6: Aleix Espargaro (SPA) Aprilia Racing Team Gresini +8.885 Fabio Quartararo well, riding easy and still maintaining the 7: Marc Marquez (SPA) Repsol Honda Team +13.208 and Team Suzuki gap at the front. Now we know what we 8: Alex Marquez (SPA) LCR Honda CASTROL +17.992 Ecstar’s Alex It will be a great need to work on to go fast.” 9: Enea bastianini (ITA) Avintia Esponsorama +22.369 Rins in action celebration for my Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia, who was 10: Takaaki Nakagami (JPN) LCR Honda IDEMITSU +23.676 during the race denied pole position due to a yellow flag yesterday. birthday in two days. We infringement in qualifying, rode a clinical did an amazing job. I was race to finish second and Suzuki’s reigning riding well, riding easy world champion Joan Mir took third to clinch his first podium of the season. and still maintaining the Repsol Honda’s Marquez, who was on gap at the front. Now we the grid for the first time since fracturing know what we need to his upper arm at the Spanish Grand Prix in July, clashed with Mir in the early stages work on to go fast: at the Portimao Circuit. Portuguese Grand Prix Both riders were lucky to stay on their winner Fabio Quartararo bikes when Marquez touched the rear of Mir’s Suzuki, with Quartararo capitalising to move back into contention for the lead. Quartararo battled past Alex Rins to MONDAY 19 APRIL 2021 SPORT 09 NBA: Celtics win thriller as Grizzlies beat Bucks REUTERS — NEW YORK Cleveland. Lauri Markkanen added 16 points off the bench Jayson Tatum lost his personal and Denzel Valentine chipped duel with Stephen Curry but the in 13 as the Bulls’ losing streak Boston Celtics won their battle ended at five games. with the Golden State Warriors Darius Garland had 22 on Saturday night, outfinishing points and 12 assists for the the visitors for a 119-114 win in Cavaliers. Collin Sexton also a nationally televised duel of had 22 points, Kevin Love streaking teams. added 14, Isaac Okoro had 13 Tatum scored a driving and Jarrett Allen had 10 points hoop to break a tie with 48.8 and 11 rebounds. seconds left, and Kemba Walker Wizards 121, Pistons 100 delivered the dagger with a Bradley Beal, the NBA’s 3-pointer 24 seconds later, leading scorer, pumped in 37 allowing the Celtics to record points and Washington their sixth straight win. extended its winning streak to Tatum finished with a team- four games by pounding visiting high 44 points, three fewer than Detroit. Curry, who continued his week- Ish Smith had 16 points and long assault on the 3-point line five assists off the bench, while Florida Panthers' Frank Vatrano and Alex Wennberg with 11 more. Russell Westbrook supplied yet celebrate a goal against Tampa Bay Lightning. Curry, who turned his left another triple-double with 15 ankle in the fourth quarter but points, 14 rebounds and 11 never left the game, topped 32 assists for the Wizards, who points for a league-best 10th have won six of their last seven NHL: Florida Panthers consecutive game and sur- games. passed 40 for the third time in Isaiah Stewart scored a four games in the last six days. career-high 19 points and come out on top of rival Grizzlies 128, Bucks 115 grabbed 12 rebounds for the Grayson Allen made a Boston Celtics forward Jayson Pistons. Frank Jackson also career-high seven 3-pointers Tatum goes in for a dunk past scored 19 points and Josh Tampa Bay Lightning and scored 26 points to lead Golden State Warriors guard Jackson contributed 17. Memphis to a victory over host Stephen Curry (left) during the Jerami Grant added 14 REUTERS — NEW YORK NHL RESULTS second half at TD Garden. Milwaukee. points but shot 4-for-14 from Panthers 5, Lightning 3 Dillon Brooks scored 21 the field. Frank Vatrano tallied his team- Coyotes 3, Blues 2 Lakers 127, Jazz 115 (OT) points and Jonas Valanciunas leading sixth game-winning Stars 5, Blue Jackets 1 added 17 points and eight poured in a career-high 18 off and by as many as 31 in the Los Angeles got back in the goal as the Florida Panthers Wild 5, Sharks 2 rebounds as the Grizzlies won the bench as short-handed San fourth quarter while rolling to win column with a gutsy beat the host Tampa Bay Senators 4, Canadiens 0 for the seventh time in the past Antonio swamped Phoenix in the win. overtime victory over visiting Lightning and league top goalie Rangers 6, Devils 3 10 games. the Valley of the Sun to emphat- Keldon Johnson added 17 Utah. Andrei Vasilevskiy 5-3 on Desmond Bane tallied 16 ically snap a two-game losing points for San Antonio with With the win, the Lakers Saturday night in St. Petersburg, Capitals 6, Flyers 3 points and fellow reserve Xavier streak. Dejounte Murray scoring 14, improved to 4-1 in overtime Fla. Penguins 3, Sabres 2 Tillman added 15 on 7 of 9 The Spurs played without Drew Eubanks hitting for 13 games this season. The Jazz Vatrano raced in and beat Hurricanes 3, Predators 1

shooting for Memphis. Ja starters DeMar DeRozan and points and taking a game-high dropped to 0-3 in overtime Vasilevskiy -- the NHL’s leader Oilers 3, Jets 0 Morant had 13 points, six Jakob Poeltl and key reserve 13 rebounds, and Derrick White games this year. with 26 wins -- with a back- Blackhawks 4, Red Wings 0 rebounds and six assists as the Patty Mills, all held out for rest tallying 12 for the Spurs. Andre Drummond, who hander in the second period as Grizzlies improved to 2-0 on a in the second game of a home- Bulls 106, Cavaliers 96 returned to the starting lineup the Lightning netminder ulti- seven-game road trip. road back-to-back. Nikola Vucevic scored 25 after sitting out with a lingering mately suffered a loss on home Binnington made 26 saves. Also Spurs 111, Suns 85 But the players San Antonio points and added seven right big toe contusion, topped ice for the first time in 15 games on Saturday, Dallas rode a four- Rudy Gay scored 19 points employed dominated the Suns, rebounds with five assists as the Lakers with 27 points and this season. goal outburst late in the second and rookie Devin Vassell leading by 19 points at the half Chicago defeated visiting eight rebounds. Brandon Montour scored period in a home victory over his first goal with his new team slumping Columbus. after being acquired from Jamie Benn, Denis Los Angeles Dodgers Buffalo. Patric Hornqvist, Gurianov, Joe Pavelski, John Betts makes diving third baseman Jonathan Huberdeau and Klingberg and Esa Lindell all Justin Turner (10) is Anthony Duclair also notched collected one goal and one congratulated by second goals. Sergei Bobrovsky assist in the win. Goaltender grab as Dodgers baseman Chris Taylor (3) stopped 28 of 31 shots as Jake Oettinger made 21 saves after hitting a home run Florida finished its road trip for the Stars, who are on a beat Padres 2-0 against the San Diego with a 2-3-1 mark following a 4-0-2 roll. Vladislav Gavrikov Padres during the ninth six-game winning streak. scored the lone goal for the inning at Petco Park. Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point, losing side. AP — SAN DIEGO Erik Cernak and Mathieu Starting goalie Joonas Joseph scored goals. Victor Korpisalo stopped 12 of 16 shots Mookie Betts made an outstanding diving catch and Hedman’s two assists pushed before being pulled in favor of Clayton Kershaw starred on the mound and at the plate, him past 400 for his career Elvis Merzlikins. Merzlikins helping the Los Angeles Dodgers top the San Diego with the Lightning, who are made 15 saves for the Blue Padres 2-0 on Saturday night in another compelling 16-5-0 at home. Vasilevskiy Jackets, who have lost five thriller between the NL West rivals. (26-7-1) made 27 saves on 31 straight games and are in a Kershaw (3-1) struck out eight while working six shots. 2-10-2 slump. innings of three-hit ball. He also drew a bases-loaded Meanwhile, Michael Meanwhile, Tyson Barrie walk against Yu Darvish (1-1) in the fifth, leading Los Bunting scored the decisive collected one goal and one Angeles to its eighth straight win. goal as host Arizona rallied past assist and goaltender Mike “We knew that this was going to be an emotionally St. Louis in Glendale, Ariz., in a Smith recorded the shutout to intense (series) obviously coming here,” Dodgers battle for the final West give visiting Edmonton a manager Dave Roberts said. “It certainly lived up to Division playoff spot. shutout victory over the billing.” The Coyotes erased a 2-0 Winnipeg. Even with Kershaw’s stellar performance, the deficit to snap a five-game Jesse Puljujarvi and Alex matchup wasn’t decided until Betts turned in another losing streak and climb past the Chiasson also scored for the memorable play for the final out. Blues into fourth place by one Oilers, who had a week With runners on second and third, Tommy Pham point. between games. hit a sinking liner to center that looked as if it was going The Blues, who have lost Smith was counted on to to tie the game. But Betts got over for a terrific diving two games in a row, have make just 26 saves to record his grab, and then pounded on his chest in celebration. played two fewer games than third shutout of the season and “It takes an elite defender in center to make that MLB RESULTS the Coyotes. 42nd of his career. Connor play. A lot of things have got to line up,” Roberts said. Red Sox 7, White Sox 4 Nationals 6, Diamondbacks 2 Clayton Keller and Alex McDavid and Leon Draisaitl “There are just a handful of guys that probably could Dodgers 2, Padres 0 Blue Jays 5, Royals 1 (Game 1) Goligoski also scored for the added two assists apiece. have made that play. It just speaks to that is why he is Brewers 7, Pirates 1 Royals 3, Blue Jays 2 (Game 2) Coyotes, who won their season Goaltender Connor Helle- arguably the best all-around player in baseball.” Marlins 7, Giants 6 (10 innings) Athletics 7, Tigers 0 series against the Blues 5-2-1. buyck stopped 22 shots for the Justin Turner, who homered in the ninth for Los Orioles 6, Rangers 1 Reds 3, Indians 2 Coyotes goaltender Darcy Jets, who looked very much like Angeles, said Betts saved the game for the World Series Astros 1, Mariners 0 Mets 4, Rockies 3 (Game 1) Kuemper made 20 saves in his a tired team after playing three champions. Cubs 13, Braves 4 Rockies 7, Mets 2 (Game 2) first appearance since March games in four nights and “He is a guy who can change the game and impact Rays 6, Yankees 3 Cardinals 9, Phillies 4 8. Tyler Bozak and Sammy Blais skating in their first home game the game in so many different ways,” Turner said. scored for the Blues and Jordan after a lengthy road trip. Cink maintains lead, seeks third title at RBC Heritage

REUTERS — NEW YORK round like this, and our game out birdies on holes 13, 14, 15 and The 47-year-old is not only plan still held and it was good 17 for a 4-under 67. “I mean, it Stewart Cink woke up on and there was no surprises out shows that there’s 62s, there’s 63s Saturday with a five-stroke lead looking to earn his third career there really for the most part.” out on this golf course; I just have Stewart Cink tees off on the at the RBC Heritage and main- victory at Harbour Town, Cink opened the tour- to go out there and find it,” ninth hole during the second tained that margin with a following wins in 2000 and nament with a pair of 63s, so by Morikawa said. 2-under 69 in the third round comparison Saturday’s round round of the RBC Heritage “Each day I’ve shown little 2004, but also to become just golf tournament. at Harbour Town Golf Links in the second player on tour to was more pedestrian. specks of good golf, I’ve just got Hilton Head Island, S.C. He bounced back from a to put it all together for (Sun- At 18 under, Cink leads win multiple events this bogey on the third hole to make day’s) final round if I want a Collin Morikawa by five. season. He won the birdie on the par-3 fourth and chance.” Emiliano Grillo is in third at 12 season-opening Safeway the par-5 fifth. But Cink Grillo, from Argentina, under. Cink set the tourna- Open last September. managed just one more birdie acknowledged Cink’s com- ment’s 54-hole scoring record the rest of the day. manding lead by saying his previously held by Justin “It was not the hottest day third-round 69 kept him in the Leonard (16 under in 2002). with the putter, but under the mix for second place. The 47-year-old is not only won the season-opening circumstances it’s not easy to “I’ve just got to go and play looking to earn his third career Safeway Open last September. remain totally freed up, so that’s my game,” Grillo said. “Just got victory at Harbour Town, fol- “I’m halfway to home com- kind of what I was doing out better at (Sunday). But it’s Championship and ranks fourth to shoot the lowest number I lowing wins in 2000 and 2004, pared to where I was yes- there today,” Cink said. natural; it happens to in the Official World Golf can. Like I said, just wait for but also to become just the terday,” Cink told reporters. “I was a little bit tied up in everybody.” Ranking, will be in hot pursuit Stewart not to play so well. I second player on tour to win “It would be -- I think the results and it’s something I Morikawa, the 24-year-old of Cink. After playing the front hope for the best for him, but I multiple events this season. He tomorrow I could play another can recognize and hopefully get who won the 2020 PGA nine even par, Morikawa pulled also want to win,” he added. Sport MONDAY 19 APRIL 2021 08

Indian No masks, no worries - for now; board goes Aussies are preparing for Tokyo into bat for AP - SYDNEY and sprinter Rohan Olympic Browning, the first Aus- No masks. No worries. For now. tralian man since the Dani Stevens won a record Athens Games in 2004 to inclusion 14th national title in the qualify for a spot in the women’s discus throw yes- 100 meters. REUTERS - NEW DELHI terday to earn her spot on the Almost half of the Australian team for a fourth Australian track and field Cricket’s bid for Olympic Olympics, less than a year after athletes already selected inclusion has received fearing a career-threatening will be making their backing from the Indian neck injury could force her out Olympic debut in Tokyo, board which said it was now of the Tokyo Games. which will open on July keen to help the game With the coronavirus rela- 23 after a delay of 12 become part of the world’s tively under control in Australia, months because of the biggest sporting extrava- there was no sign of masks or COVID-19 pandemic. ganza. much in the way of COVID-19 With coronavirus Cricket last featured in restrictions for athletes or spec- cases surging in Japan, the 1900 Olympics in Paris tators during the national where about 9,500 and the International Cricket championships at Sydney’s deaths have been Council (ICC) has been Olympic Park this week. attributed to COVID-19, pushing for the inclusion of It’ll be a different scene in organizers are imposing the sport’s format Japan in just over three months strict conditions in the 2028 Games in Los when the delayed Olympics are including a ban on The Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower are illuminated with Olympic colours to mark 100 days countdown Angeles. The Board of held in a tight quarantine foreign fans - including to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics that have been postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID- Control for India (BCCI), the bubble. family members of ath- 19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, in this April 14, 2021, file photo. world’s richest cricket board, The 32-year-old Stevens letes - at the Olympics had previously had concerns said she can empathize with Athletes will have to competition, you could be rehab. I hoped about the idea, fearing it Olympic rookies who feel they stay inside a so-called Olympic FaceTiming your family back that I could come might lose its autonomy and might miss out on the full expe- bubble, which revolves around at home. There’s ways to feel back to discus, but become answerable to the rience of the Games, but she secure accommodation, connected and supported.” my priority was country’s Olympic com- thinks the honour of competing training and competition Stevens was undergoing just getting mittee. The BCCI, however, at the “most prestigious” venues and transport, and will intense rehabilitation from function back for appears to have changed its sporting event in the world out- be limited as to how long they surgery last year to repair everyday life stuff, stance following a virtual weighs the restrictive can stay in Japan. Sightseeing damage to her neck sustained in the beginning.” Apex Committee meeting on conditions. and experiencing the local while training in the gym. She Postponing Friday. “We understand what the culture will not be part of this lost feeling in her right arm - the Olympics gave “We are exploring that world is like at the moment. Olympic experience for her throwing arm - and really Stevens renewed opportunity,” BCCI treasurer Being in a bubble - common athletes. wasn’t sure she’d make it to hope. She said Arun Singh Dhumal said by sense says that’s what we have Stevens knows some ath- another Olympics. she’s been telephone. “We’re keen but to do, so that’s focusing on the how the modalities would be what we have to “little wins” since worked out, we’re working do,” Stevens, a last July. on that aspect.” Oleksandr Petriv, a member of the Ukrainian world champion A couple “Realistically, I The BCCI also agreed to Olympic shooting team that will compete in the in 2009 and of models wouldn’t have send its women’s team to Tokyo 2020 Olympics, waits before receiving a runner-up in present two been able to go if next year’s Commonwealth dose of Chinese-developed CoronaVac vaccine 2017, said. different they were last Games in Birmingham. against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in “We make uniforms of year. I wouldn’t Cricket made its first , Ukraine. decisions every the Russian have been up to Commonwealth Games day to put us in Olympic standard,” she appearance in 1998 when the the best possible contingent said. “I’ve definitely benefited But with domestic travel South African men’s team scenario to that will from more time.” restrictions mostly lifted and life won the gold medal in Kuala perform, and compete in After throwing an Olympic returning toward normal in Lumpur. Dhumal said the this is just one of this year’s qualifying mark earlier this most of the country, Stevens council had short-listed those things that Tokyo year, another of those “little said there was more of a buzz venues for this year’s come with the Olympics, in wins” was the national title yes- than usual at the nationals over Twenty20 World Cup to be territory this Moscow. terday, ensuring selection for the last week. played in India in year. Tokyo, despite her mark of “You just kind of feel it... October-November. “If you want 62.74 meters being more than there’s just such an excitement “We’re discussing it with to go to the 6 meters off her personal best. and an aura around it,” she said the ICC, it’s a work in Olympics this year, you’re just letes will miss having family, “It was very scary. The Australia’s domestic track yesterday. progress,” he said. going to have to adapt.” friends and mentors around, uncertainty of it all. I’d never and field season was seriously “I think because no one has Local media reported The initial 20 of an expected and said that’s where she and had surgery before. So spinal curtailed in 2020 because competed in such a long time... Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi 70 track and field athletes were other experienced Olympians surgery, going in through the heavy lockdowns in some cities, everyone is so excited and so Stadium, the world’s largest confirmed on the Australian will have to help fill a void. front of your neck was pretty particularly Melbourne where pumped. cricket stadium with a Olympic team yesterday, And besides, she said, “with terrifying, but I just tried to take the majority of the country’s 910 “It’s an Olympic year again, capacity of 132,000, will host including Stevens, decathletes technology, if you wanted to, it one day at a time. coronavirus-related deaths they’re on, and everyone is the final. Ash Moloney and Cedric Dubler within 10 minutes of your “It was a long 12 months of were reported. really excited for that.”

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge on way to winning the NN Mission Marathon at Twente Airport, Enschede, Netherlands, yesterday. Kipchoge eases to victory in NN Mission Marathon

REUTERS - ENSCHEDE Considered one of the greatest ever marathon runners, Kipchoge suffered his first defeat since Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic marathon 2013 in London. The 36-year-old, who had pre- champion and world record holder, sent a viously won 10 straight races, suffered from a warning to his rivals ahead of this year’s Tokyo blocked ear that affected his breathing and cramp Olympics by cruising to victory in the NN Mission in his hip. Marathon in Enschede, the Netherlands yesterday. The Kenyan was at his dominant best in In his first outing since a shock defeat at Octo- Enschede, however, going past the halfway mark ber’s London marathon, where he came eighth, in a little under 62 minutes before pulling away Kipchoge finished the marathon at Twente from Korir around the 95-minute mark to secure Airport with a time of two hours four minutes a comfortable victory. and 30 seconds to reaffirm his status as hot The race was originally scheduled for April favourite for the Olympic race in Sapporo in 11 in Hamburg but postponed over COVID-19 August. restrictions before being relocated. Jonathan Korir of Kenya was second with a “It’s mission accomplished. Thank you to the personal best of 2:06.40 and Goitom Kifle of great men and women who organised this race Eritrea third in 2:08.07. in less than 10 days,” Kipchoge said. “It was in a In the women’s race, ’s Katharina different environment, in the midst of a pandemic Steinruck prevailed with a personal best 2:25.59 to tell people you can still run. ahead of Portugal’s Sara Moreira in 2:26.42 and “This was the real test towards the Tokyo Rabea Schoneborn (2:27.03). Olympics, to test your fitness.”