SPORT Tuesday 28 March 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Semenya and 's Sheikh Fahad Vinales corners Qatar Niyonsaba set for prepares for glory as MotoGP world face-off Madrid bout hails rising star Qatar ready for key Uzbekistan test

Armstrong Vas Qatar players training udner the watchful eyes of he added. A win against Syria The Peninsula coach Jorge Fossati on the eve of the FIFA 2018 would have lifted the Central World Cup qualifying match against Uzbekistan Asians into second place in atar will be looking for a in Tashkent. Group A but Omar Khrbin’s positive result when they injury-time penalty now leaves Qtake on Uzbekistan in the Uzbekistan, who will be without 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying the suspended Islom Tukhtakhu- game at Bunyodkor Stadium in jaev, with a major fight to secure Tashkent today. a top-three position as Syria lurk Coach Jorge Fossati says a just a point behind in fourth. tough task awaits his boys. Asked if he was surprised by "The game, as has been the Uzbekistan's recent loss to Syria, case in this group, will be diffi- Fossati said on Monday: "I was cult because the participating not surprised as I said earlier in teams are equal in terms of capa- this group all levels are close and bility," Fossati said during a press any result achieved by one team conference yesterday. on another is not a surprise. Iran lead the six-team group "The surprise would have with 14 points from six matches, been if there was a big difference followed by Korea with 10 points in the goals between the teams while Uzbekistan are in third and that can be confirmed by spot with nine points followed looking at the results of the teams by Syria (8) and China (5). so far," he added. Qatar are with four points "The Iranian team is strong and the Uruguayan tactician says in terms of defense and this qual- there are no easy matches for the ity has allowed them to lead the taking in the group. group. So it was Iran's defensive "In this group, no team can strength that gave him the top say that the other side is an easy place (in Group A of Asian Zone opponent. The match will be not be read about the previous be reverse the result in the away of Uzbekistan. The visitors will "Uzbekistan is a tough oppo- qualifying campaign)," Fossati tough. We have a lot of respect results. "I do not think the pre- match. "The Uzbekistan team is miss and nent and Qatar should play with said. for Uzbekistan but that does not vious matches will have an characterized by being organ- on account caution. The Uzbeks are very dan- stop us from doing everything we impact on tomorrow's game. ized at the highest level and in of suspension, while defender gerous in the air, but they will be GROUP A STANDING can to win," Fossati said. Every football match has a dif- every game it follows a clear Ahmed Yasser and forward wary of the strength of the Qatari P W D L G/F G/A PTS Both the teams go in to the ferent story, and we will write a strategy. Its players follow the Meshaal Abdulla are available for national team," the Uruguayan said. Iran 6 4 2 0 5 0 14 match having suffered loss in positive new page in the Qatari coach's instructions. This disci- selection after serving their bans. "Every coach in the world Korea Republic 6 3 1 2 8 1 10 their last matches. The visitors football book through our efforts pline is what distinguishes them," The Qatar coach said he has has the information he needs Uzbekistan 6 3 0 3 5 1 9 lost 1-0 to group leaders Iran tomorrow," Fossati said. Fossati said. advised his boys to be on the about the team he will face," Fos- Syria 6 2 2 2 2 0 8 China 6 1 2 3 3 6 5 while Uzbekistan went down to Qatar had lost the home tie A win in Tashkent would guard against the opponents in sati said. Qatar 6 1 1 4 3 7 4 Syria. Fossati said much should to Uzbekistan 1-0 and thus will move Qatar to within two points today’s match. "We are ready for this game,"

FIFA to cover Crucial Al Sadd- clash on Sunday Coleman's The Peninsula QATAR STARS Al Sadd captain wages during he Hernandez LEAGUE FIXTURES (QSL) action returns after (left) fights for the recovery Ta three-week hiatus with ball possession a match of the week when Al during a Qatar Stars April 1 Paris Sadd take on their local rivals Al League match, Al Ahli vs Al Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli Club Reuters Rayyan in a highly anticipated against Al Rayyan (Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium), 6.20pm Qatar Clasico match-up. in this April 2016 Al Arabi vs Al Shahania at Al Arabi Club verton defender Seamus The tie will hold extra signif- file picture. (Grand Hamad Stadium),6.20pm Coleman's wages will be icance for Al Sadd who are very Al Wakrah vs Al Khor at Al Wakrah Club Epaid by FIFA while he much in the title hunt; only a vic- (Saoud Bin Abdel Rahman Stadium), recovers from a double leg tory will do for Jesaldo Ferriera’s 6.20pm fracture suffered during side, whilst the former champi- international duty with Muaither SC vs Al Sailiya at Al Gharafa ons Al Rayyan can still maintain Ireland. Club (Thani Bin Jassim Stadium), 6.20pm their faint hopes of retaining the Coleman underwent a suc- QSL title with a victory over April 2 cessful leg operation on Sadd. Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal, Al Gharafa Saturday following a wild chal- The pressure will be very Club (Thani Bin Jassim Stadium), lenge by Wales defender Neil much on Al Sadd as they look to 6.20pm Taylor, who was immediately overhaul league leaders Lekhwiya vs El Jaishm at Lekhwiya Club dismissed during a goalless Lekhwiya to pick up their first (Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium), 8.30pm World Cup qualifier between QSL falcon shield since the Al Sadd vs Al Rayyan, at Al Sadd Club the two sides last week. 2012/2013 season. (), 8.30pm The 28-year-old fullback The Wolves will be aiming is expected to miss the rest of to put behind their frustrating the Premier League season 0-0 draw against Umm Salal lout and head coach Ferriera will be As for Al Rayyan, they will second deadliest attack in the out ties of round 24 of the QSL and his wages will be covered of their mind, which gave their hoping that none of them suffer come into the Qatar Clasico in QSL in the clasico, and will be season. by FIFA Club Protection Pro- title rivals the chance to over- any nasty injuries which could good spirits following compre- looking to stop Bagdad Bounjah Head coach Djamel Bel- gramme during that period. take them in the QSL put them in doubt for the hensive victories in the QSL and who is in the running for the madi, the man who guided Ireland manager Martin standings. Clasico. AFC Champions League. Last Mansor Muftah award for the Lekhwiya to back-to-back title O'Neill said no time scale had A host of key players in the The likes of Ibrahim Majid, time out in the league, Rayyan league’s top goal scorer. Centre wins a few years ago, will be been put on Coleman's Al Sadd set-up have been called Ali Asad and Hassan Haydoos eased past bottom of the table Al back Nathan will be charged plotting carefully to dismantle recovery. up for the Qatar National team, have made the long away trip to Wakrah with a 4-0 win. Talis- with looking after the Algerian El Jaish and put them a step "I'm not sure, I would only Uzbekistan and will need to be manic captain Rodrigo Tabata attacker at set-pieces and if close to the QSL title. be guessing," O'Neill said. QSL STANDINGS fresh for the Sunday evening delivered the goods again for the Bounjah is silenced then Al The Red Knights have been "Sometimes there are P W D L G/F G/A PTS match. Lions, scoring a hat-trick for his Rayyan have a great chance of in scintillating form in the league complications afterwards and Lekhwiya 23 17 5 1 70 29 56 Last time in the league, Al side. beating their rivals. this season, having only fallen to injuries can be more pro- Al Sadd 23 16 6 1 69 19 54 Sadd ran riot against their rivals During the international Sunday evening’s match defeat on one occasion to Umm longed, other times it can be Al Rayyan 23 14 5 4 47 21 47 picking up a 5-0 win. Striker break, Rayyan moved to secure could have a significant say in Salal. Since then Lekhwiya have clean and clear sailing. El Jaish 23 13 6 4 42 31 45 Al Gharafa 23 11 4 8 40 38 37 Bagdad Bounjah was the hero the long term futures of two key the destination of the QSL falcon picked up back to back wins "It will take some time but Umm Salal 23 7 9 7 26 32 30 notching a hat-trick in the tie, attackers with both Sebastian shield, and will certainly serve against Al Sailya and Al Khariti- Seamus has great determina- Al Ahli 23 7 6 10 32 37 27 and the Algerian international Soria and Tabata signing con- up some of the best football the yat to keep their title push on tion and sometimes those Al Arabi 23 8 3 12 36 49 27 will have to be at his best again tract extensions with the club. QSL has to offer. track. things work very much in Al Sailiya 23 7 5 11 26 41 26 if Sadd are to register a repeat will be hoping Meanwhile, four-time QSL In terms of injuries, your favour, in terms of Al Kharitaiyath 23 7 4 12 21 32 25 performance. More encouraging that his two attacking stars come champions Lekhwiya will be tar- Lekhwiya will be without lead- recovery." The Ireland skip- Al Khor 23 5 6 12 23 35 21 for coach Ferriera was that back from Uzbekistan at full fit- geting the first of three victories ing scorer Yuesef El Arabi who per is also unlikely to feature Al Shahaniya 23 2 11 10 23 49 17 Al Muaither 23 4 4 15 20 45 16 Bounjah was not called up to ness after representing the Qatar to secure their fifth QSL falcon has been ruled out for the in the five remaining World Al Wakrah 23 2 8 13 26 43 14 represent Algeria, meaning more national team. shield when they take on local remainder of the season with a Cup qualifiers over the next time training at the club. Al Rayyan are taking on the rivals El Jaish in one of the stand shoulder injury. seven months. SPORT TUESDAY 28 MARCH 2017 25

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES India need 87 runs for series win E Lewis (run out) ...... 10 C Walton lbw Shadab ...... 18 Dharamsala, India the bottom edge of Smith's bat M Samuels lbw Imad ...... 7 AFP before crashing onto the stumps L Simmons b Shadab...... 1 in spectacular fashion. K Pollard c Imad b Riaz ...... 14 ll-rounder Ravindra Smith ended the four-Test S Narine c Imad b Shadab ...... 1 R Powell lbw Hasan Ali ...... 5 Jadeja starred with series with 499 runs including C Brathwaite (not out) ...... 34 both bat and ball on three centuries, only the sixth J Holder c Hafeez b Tanvir...... 14 the third day of the visiting batsman to have scored Extras (LB-3, W-3, NB-1) ...... 7 fourth Test yesterday so many hundreds in a series in Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 111 toA put India on course for a India. Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-35, 3-37, 4-38, 5-42, series-clinching victory against The spinners then got down 6-49, 7-74, 8-111. Australia in Dharamsala. to business on a lively track that Bowling: Imad Wasim 3-0-12-1; Mohammad India's Ravindra Jadeja Hafeez 1-0-8-0; Sohail Tanvir 4-0-21-1 (1nb, The left-hander top-scored offered plenty of bounce, with celebrates after scoring 1w); Hasan Ali 4-0-25-1; Shadab Khan 4-0-7- with 63 to help India surpass Ravichandran Ashwin also grab- a half-century during the 3; Wahab Riaz 4-0-35-1 (2w). Australia's first-innings total of bing three wickets to help his PAKISTAN 300 and then snared three wick- side skittle out Australia for just third day of the fourth Test K Akmal c Lewis b Badree ...... 22 ets with his spin bowling as the 137 in the final session. match against Australia A Shehzad c Walton b Holder ...... 13 visitors crumbled. At stumps the top-ranked at the Himachal Pradesh B Azam c Powell b Holder ...... 29 India's pacemen did the early home side were 19-0, needing Cricket Association Stadium M Hafeez c and b Brathwaite ...... 5 S Malik (not out) ...... 38 damage, with Umesh Yadav 87 more to win the match and in Dharamsala, yesterday. S Ahmed (not out) ...... 4 picking up two wickets and Bhu- clinch the Border-Gavaskar tro- Extras (W-3, NB-1)...... 4 vneshwar Kumar dismissing the phy with a 2-1 series scoreline. Total (for 4 wkts in 17.1 overs) ...... 115 in-form Australian skipper Steve With two days of play Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-40, 3-49, 4-95. Smith for 17 to leave the Aussies remaining and all their wickets weeks of controversies and ver- felt that go into his fingers and series with an average of 24.12 Bowling: S Badree 4-0-24-1 (1w); J Holder reeling on 31-3 inside 10 overs. intact, India appear all set to seal bal volleys between the top sides. felt it was a clean catch. -- his lowest in a series of four 3.1-0-27-2; S Narine 4-0-22-0; C Brathwaite

3-0-18-1; K Williams 2-0-14-0 (1nb; 1w); K A short ball from Kumar hit a memorable win, capping Day three also had its share "At times this series has been or more matches, and his third Pollard 1-0-10-0 (1w). of drama when Murali Vijay heated but this game has been lowest overall. SCOREBOARD claimed a catch off Josh Hazle- played in very good spirit." The Indian fast bowlers Australia (I innings): ...... 300 S Smith b Kumar ...... 17 wood at the fag end of the India got their first break- exploited the pace offered by the Shadab stars India (I innings): P Handscomb c Rahane b Ashwin ...... 18 Australian innings. Replays how- through when Yadav had David wicket to put relentless pressure L Rahul c Warner b Cummins ...... 60 G Maxwell lbw b Ashwin ...... 45 ever showed the ball had spilled Warner caught behind cheaply on the batsmen. on debut as M Vijay c Wade b Hazlewood ...... 11 S Marsh c Pujara b Jadeja ...... 1 onto the grass. for six, just after the opener had Yadav also accounted for C Pujara c Handscomb b Lyon ...... 57 M Wade (not out) ...... 25 TV cameras then showed been dropped in the slips by Matt Renshaw before Glenn A Rahane c Smith b Lyon ...... 46 P Cummins c Rahane b Jadeja ...... 12 Pakistan ease K Nair c Wade b Lyon ...... 5 S O'Keefe c Pujara b Jadeja ...... 0 Smith fuming in the dressing Karun Nair. Maxwell put on 56 for the fourth R Ashwin lbw Lyon ...... 30 N Lyon c Vijay b U Yadav ...... 0 room and appearing to mumble Nair had also dropped the wicket with Peter Handscomb W Saha c Smith b Cummins ...... 31 J Hazlewood lbw Ashwin ...... 0 angrily at Vijay's attempt to claim same batsman in the first to steady the ship briefly. past Windies R Jadeja b Cummins ...... 63 Extras (B-4, LB-1) ...... 5 the catch. innings. But Handscomb was bril- B Kumar c Smith b O'Keefe ...... 0 Total (all out) ...... 137 Australian batting coach Warner ended the four-Test liantly caught by India's Bridgetown, Barbados K Yadav c Hazlewood b Lyon ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-31, 3-31, 4-87, 5-92, 6-106, Graeme Hick sought to play stand-in skipper Ajinkya AFP U Yadav (not out) ...... 2 7-121, 8-121, 9-122, 10-137. down the incident after the day's Rahane off Ashwin while Jadeja Extras (B-4, LB-11, W-5) ...... 20 Bowling: B Kumar 7-1-27-1; U Yadav 10-3-29-3; K 87 needed for win Total (all out) ...... 332 Yadav 5-0-23-0; Jadeja 18-7-24-3; Ashwin 13.5-4-29- play. dismissed Shaun Marsh for one. hadab Khan produced an Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-108, 3-157, 4-167, 5-216, 3. "We were watching it on our All-rounder Jadeja Jadeja had played a crucial outstanding debut per- 6-221, 7-317, 8-318, 9-318, 10-332. India (II innings): own little pads and the ball def- stars with both bat knock with the bat earlier in the Sformance as Pakistan Bowling: Hazlewood 25-8-51-1; Cummins 30-8-94-3; L Rahul (batting) ...... 13 initely touched the ground," Hick and ball to put India day, starring in a seventh- completed a comfortable six- Lyon 34.1-5-92-5; O'Keefe 27-4-75-1; Maxwell 2-0-5-0. M Vijay (batting) ...... 6 said. on course for a wicket stand of 96 with wicket victory over the West

Australia (II innings): Total (for no loss) ...... 19 "Having fielded in slips series-clinching win Wriddhiman Saha (31) to help Indies in the first fixture of a

M Renshaw c Saha b U Yadav ...... 8 Bowling: Cummins 3-1-14-0; Hazlewood 2-0-5-0; myself, sometimes you're not India post 332 and swing the four-match Twenty20 inter- D Warner c Saha b U Yadav ...... 6 O'Keefe 1-1-0-0. against Australia. 100 per cent sure. He would have momentum their way. national series at Kensington Oval on Sunday. Put in on a bright, breezy afternoon, the world champion hosts were Record-equalling Williamson ton puts NZ on top restricted to 111 for eight off their allotted 20 overs with the tourists knocking off Hamilton, New Zealand SCOREBOARD Latham with an 83-run open- the runs with almost three AFP ing partnership before overs to spare to extend South Africa (I innings): ...... 314 Williamson took control. their T20 winning streak Kane Williamson of New Zealand (I innings): record-equalling Test "I felt like bit of a clown bat- over their rivals to four fol- New Zealand bats T Latham c de Kock b M Morkel ...... 50 century by Kane William- J Raval c de Kock b M Morkel ...... 88 ting with the master at the other lowing a 3-0 sweep in the during day three of A son yesterday put New K Williamson (batting) ...... 148 end. Just to watch him bat was United Arab Emirates last the third Test match Zealand in charge of the third N Broom lbw Rabada ...... 12 unbelievable," added Raval, September. against South Africa Test against South Africa and H Nicholls c de Kock b Rabada ...... 0 whose 88 came from 254 balls Shoaib Malik's unbeaten at Seddon Park in had them talking of victory in M Santner (batting) ...... 13 while Williamson has faced 216 38 and a 46-run fourth- Extras (LB-3, NB-7) ...... 10 Hamilton, yesterday. Hamilton. Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 321 deliveries for his 148. wicket partnership with At stumps on the third day, Fall of wickets: 1-83, 2-273, 3-293, 4-293. South African quick Morne Babar Azam ensured Pakistan New Zealand were 321 for four, Bowling: V Philander 25-6-59-0 (nb-2); M Morkel, who took the wickets of reached their target with rel- leading South Africa by seven Morkel 24-5-74-2; K Rabada 21-1-83-2 (nb-5); Latham and Raval, described ative comfort although they

runs with Williamson -- who K Maharaj 29-2-71-0; J Duminy 4-0-18-0; D Williamson's performance as will be again concerned about equalled Martin Crowe's record Elgar 1-0-13-0. "exceptional". "There's only one the top order's inability to of 17 Test centuries for the Black team under pressure now and take control of a modest Caps -- not out on 148 with got six wickets in the shed," said that's us," he said. challenge. Mitchell Santner on 13. Raval. Latham progressed from his Brought on as the fifth It was a remarkable fight- "If we can get a couple of overnight 42 to 50 before he was bowler when the West back by a side completely hundred-run lead and then put caught behind by a diving Quin- Indies batted in what looked outclassed in the second Test South Africa under pressure ton de Kock off Morkel. like ideal conditions, when they were beaten by eight with the new ball it puts us right It was another 58 overs 18-year-old Shadab's mes- wickets inside three days. in the game. before a second wicket fell as merising mixture of Opener Jeet Raval, who put "It's about putting us in a Williamson and Raval dictated leg-breaks and googlies on a 190-run partnership with position where we can win this terms to a bowling attack toil- earned him figures of three Williamson, said New Zealand game and draw the series." ing on a flat track. for seven, the most econom- were eyeing a 200 first innings New Zealand, battling to Williamson worked the ball ical ever in the history of lead. square the series which South to all parts of the ground includ- T20 international cricket by "We'd love to get 500. We're Africa lead 1-0, enjoyed a solid ing a six off Keshav Maharaj a debutant in a complete in a good position and we've still start from Raval and Tom over the bowler's head. four-over spell. Semenya, Niyonsaba set for Doha face-off in 800m

The Peninsula winning silver at London 2012, Michelle Carter of the USA, and The female stars unveiled and had an unbeaten season bronze medallist Anita Mar- today further strengthen the ith the Doha 2017 last year, will surely look to ton from Hungary battle for breath-taking field of world- Diamond League secure the top spot from rivals maximum points. Carter was class athletes announced last Wnow less than Niyonsaba and Wambui. crowned Olympic Champion week, which included Qatar’s 6-weeks away, some of ath- The women’s 3000m stee- in Rio after an astounding sporting hero Mutaz Barshim, letics’ biggest female stars plechase is also set to be throw of 20.63m in the sixth 200m rivals Elaine Thompson have been added to the world- electrifying as another thrill- and final round, breaking her and Dafne Schippers, and class line up of Olympic and ing Rio 2016 Olympic final will own US record in the process, 400m sprint sensations Kirani World Champions that will be re-created. and beating two-time Olym- James and LaShawn Merritt. open their outdoor seasons in The top six athletes and 11 pic Champion Valerie Adams. With so many Olympic and Doha. athletes in total from Rio 2016 The Doha Diamond World Champions lining up in The Women’s 800m event will line up for the Doha event, League will witness an excit- Doha, this year’s event prom- will witness some of the fierc- which will see Ruth Jebet, ing battle between Carter and ises to create a memorable est competition at this year’s Hyvin Kiyeng and Emma Marton, who set a Hungarian opening to the 2017 IAAF Dia- event, with an epic showdown Coburn - the Rio 2016 Olym- record with her bronze medal mond League season. promised between the three pic gold, silver and bronze winning throw in Rio, as Carter Tickets are priced from Rio 2016 Olympic medallists medallists respectively com- aims to continue her massive just QR50 and are on sale now Caster Semenya, Francine Niy- pete head-to-head once again. success from last year – which at www.q-tickets.com to wit- Caster Semenya onsaba and Margaret Wambui. Fans can expect to see fur- saw her also take home the ness the unmissable evening Semenya, who won South ther Olympic medallists in the gold medal in the IAAF World of athletics at Qatar Sports Francine Niyonsaba Africa’s first ever Olympic women’s shot put, which will Indoor Championships in Club on Friday May 5 from track gold at Rio 2016 after see Rio 2016 gold medallist Portland March 2016. 5-9pm. 26 SPORT TUESDAY 28 MARCH 2017 Sheikh Fahad prepares for Madrid bout

Rizwan Rehmat watching the great champion The Peninsula Roberto Duran Question: What is your atari boxing pro My ultimate training regime like? How Sheikh Fahad Khalid many hours a week etc? Al Thani, unbeaten in ambition is not Answer: It depends on his young career, is only to win a where I am at a particular time Qpreparing for his next and how close to a fight I am. major title but bout in Madrid with aims of tak- There is the fitness part that I do ing his career to greater heights to submit a with my S&C coach Franck in the coming years. legacy for Bohec. Then I manage my strat- The 29-year-old beat Mar- young Qataris egy, tactics and implementation cus Racaru less than two weeks of techniques with Ishmel Anto- ago, a win that gave Sheikh to reach nio Salas. Fahad - Qatar's only pro fighter excellence in Question: Who is your all- - a 5-0 card. sports: Sheikh time favourite boxer and why? And this, Sheikh Fahad Fahad Khalid Answer: Muhammad Ali is believes, is just the beginning of my all-time favourite boxer why good things to come his way. Al Thani not?! I love the way he boxed "I am in great condition. All because of his great skill set but of my wins have been by way of Qatar's first professional boxer Sheikh Fahad Khalid also his charisma and charac- KO. I am very pleased about my Al Thani (right) poses for a photograph with his trainer ter was just larger than a boxing performances and wish to con- Ishmel Antonio Salas. ring. tinue in the same vein as I get Question: Has your career better in the ring," Fahad said given you satisfaction as a during a candid chat with The Barcelona. The same venue also vein as I get better in the ring. is still a need to develop a profes- young Qataris to reach excel- boxer? Peninsula. saw former junior middleweight I am satisfied with my fitness sional boxing commission in lence in sports. Answer: Not satisfied as I Sheikh Fahad, who calls champion Liam Smith from Liv- and I showed improvement in order for myself to compete in Question: What is your age believe there is much more to Mohammed Ali his all-time erpool make a comeback win my ability to make adjustments front of the Qatari fans. and when did you start learn and achieve. I will continue favourite boxer, took time out after a loss to Saul Canelo during the fight. Since January Question: When is your boxing? to strive to be a better boxer. to answer a quick round of Q&A: Alvarez. I was working more on my next fight? Answer: I start boxing at Question: How is the scene Question: How was your Question: What is your right hand. Answer: My next flight is the age of 16 but my love for of boxing in Qatar? last fight? boxing card like now? How Question: Have you boxed scheduled to be held on April 22, boxing was from a very young Answer: It is in a swift Answer: I took on Marcus many wins, losses etc? in Qatar? in Madrid Spain age listening to my mother growth, not only because of my Racaru who's a southpaw with Answer: As a Pro I am 5-0. Answer: I have boxed in Question: What is your ulti- speak to me about how every- career but also because boxing an extensive amateur pedigree. All of my wins have been by Qatar but as an amateur in Doha mate ambition? body would be glued to their is becoming more of a global It was my first time facing a way of KO. I am very pleased Open tournament in which I got Answer: My ultimate ambi- TV sets whenever Ali spoke or sport and that will bring more southpaw in the pros. The fight about my performances and a silver medal in the welterweight tion is not only to win a major fought his arch-rival Smokin room for Qatar to be a hub for took place in Club Entrena in wish to continue in the same class. I feel in the pro ranks there title but to submit a legacy for Joe Frazier from that I started boxing in the region.

India's first FIFA tournament to Buoyant Brazil on be staged in brink of World Cup New Delhi reliant on Barcelona superstar New Delhi AFP Neymar. AFP While Neymar has flour- buoyant Brazil could ished under -- scoring five he Under-17 World Cup book their place at the times in qualifying since the will kick off in New England's Jermain Defoe (left) scores during the A2018 World Cup today former Corinthians coach took TDelhi, marking India's World Cup 2018 qualification football match against while Argentina will attempt to over -- the "Selecao" is now a first-ever FIFA tournament, Lithuania at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. give their qualifying campaign more rounded attacking force. world football's governing more breathing space with a Goals have arrived from all body said yesterday. game at altitude against Bolivia. areas, with China-based mid- After a week-long inspec- After sinking into a pro- fielder Paulinho -- one of the tion, authorities selected six England, Germany stay on tracted depression after the most maligned players of Bra- cities across the country trauma of their humiliating zil's ill-fated 2014 World Cup including Mumbai and New 2014 World Cup exit, Brazil campaign -- conjuring an Delhi for the U-17 matches, have undergone a transforma- improbable hat-trick against FIFA said. course for 2018 World Cup tion since new manager Tite Uruguay last week. "The match schedule has took over last year. Yet if Brazil's passage to been created following a Paris World Cup since July 2015, but Saturday's Tite, who was appointed Russia is now a formality, the thorough analysis of players' AFP loss in Sofia left the Dutch in after the debacle of the 2016 situation is anything but health, competition format, Qualifying Results fourth place in Group A, six Copa America Centenario, straightforward for the chasing team movements, weather, ngland and defending points behind leaders France. when Brazil failed to qualify pack. EUROPEAN ZONE local festivities, geography champions Germany Northern Ireland stayed sec- from the group stage, has over- Argentina hauled them- GROUP C and other factors," said Jaime remained on course for the ond in Group C, five points seen a record-breaking run of selves back into the qualifying E Azerbaijan 1 (Nazarov 31) Germany 4 Yarza, head of FIFA tourna- 2018 World Cup on Sunday while behind Germany, after a Jamie seven straight wins. places on Thursday with a bat- ments, in a statement. Danny Blind was sacked as (Schurrle 19, 81, Muller 36, Gomez 45) Ward goal in just the second The latest of those victories tling 1-0 win over Chile. Last month FIFA U-17 Dutch coach after his misfiring  San Marino 0 Czech Republic 6 (Barak minute and a Conor Washington came on Thursday, when Bra- The Argentinians were World Cup tournament direc- team faced missing a second 17, 24, Darida 19, 77-pen, Gebre Selassie strike on the half hour gave their zil shrugged off an early looking to build on that crucial tor Javier Ceppi said that air straight major finals. 25, Krmencik 43) team a 2-0 win over Norway in Edinson Cavani goal to destroy victory when they travelled to quality in Delhi was a "seri- At Wembley, Jermain Defoe Northern Ireland 2 (Ward 2, Washing- Belfast. Uruguay 4-1 in Montevideo. the thin air of La Paz to face ous concern", particularly marked his international come- ton 32) Norway 0 The Czech Republic are two That win marked a new Bolivia yesterday. since the tournament will be back with a goal as England GROUP E points further back after trounc- record for Brazil in qualifiers, The city's Estadio Hernando held in the same month as the toiled to a 2-0 victory over Montenegro 1 (Mugosa 63) Poland 2 ing San Marino 6-0. surpassing the six straight vic- Siles is situated some 3,600 Diwali festival, when resi- Lithuania. (Lewandowski 40, Piszczek 82) The Czechs had already tories recorded by the fabled metres (11,800 ft) above sea dents celebrate by setting Defoe, 34, who was making Romania 0 Denmark 0 beaten San Marino 7-0 on two Pele-led team which went on level, and was the scene of a huge amounts of fireworks. his first England appearance GROUP F previous occasions and they to win the 1970 World Cup in famous 6-1 Argentinian defeat Pollution levels spiked to since November 2013, hit the tar-  England 2 (Defoe 22, Vardy 66) were on their way to another Mexico. in qualifiers for the 2010 World record levels in Delhi around get midway through the second rout on Sunday by leading 5-0 Brazil's magnificent run of Cup. Lithuania 0 Diwali last year, forcing half for his 20th international at the break with four goals com- form under Tite means they In qualifying for the 2014 Malta 1 (Farrugia 14) Slovakia 3 (Weiss schools to shut as authorities goal. ing in a devastating eight-minute now lead the South American World Cup, Lionel Messi was ordered a series of emergency Substitute Jamie Vardy 2, Gregus 41, Nemec 84) spell. standings with 30 points from left vomiting at half-time while measures including a tempo- added a second as England tight- Scotland 1 (Martin 88) Slovenia 0 Antonin Barak scored in the 13 games, seven points clear of Angel Di Maria needed to be rary ban on construction. ened their grip on first place in 17th and 24th minutes, sand- second placed Uruguay who given oxygen on the pitch Yesterday's statement Group F. Switzerland are the only two wiching a Vladimir Darida strike. have 23 points. before Argentina ground out a said at least eight matches Gareth Southgate's side are teams in Europe to still have per- Full-back Theodor Gebre It is all a far cry from the 1-1 draw. would be held at each venue, now the last team in European fect records. Selassie added the fourth after state of the table last Septem- Failure to beat Bolivia yes- with India's football-mad city qualifying yet to have conceded A brace from Andre Schuer- 25 minutes before Michal ber. When Tite took charge of terday could see Argentina fall of Kolkata set to host the final a goal. rle and goals from Thomas Krmencik made it 5-0 just before his first qualifying game, Bra- out of the automatic qualifying at its Salt Lake Stadium. England have 13 points, four Mueller and Mario Gomez saw the interval. zil were languishing in sixth positions once more, if Colom- While cricket is India's ahead of Slovakia with just the Germany take their unbeaten Darida hit the post twice in place overall, with only nine bia beat Ecuador in Quito and number one sport, Kolkata is nine group winners in Europe away run in World Cup qualify- the closing moments of the first points from six games. reigning South American cham- often regarded as the premier guaranteed a place at the finals ing to 44 games. period but the Hertha Berlin But today, if Brazil beat Par- pions Chile down bottom team football city and it is just as in Russia in 2018. Azerbaijan midfielder Dim- midfielder was back on the aguay in Sao Paulo, and Chile Venezuela in Santiago. common to see youngsters Slovakia went second in the itrij Nazarov, who plays in scoresheet with a penalty after and both Ecuador and Chile Chile, back-to-back win- kicking a ball on the streets group with a 3-1 win at Malta Germany, had netted an early 77 minutes to make it 6-0. lose their games, the five-time ners of the Copa America in as wielding a bat. while Scotland are six points off equaliser to the delight of the Poland extended their lead World Cup-winners will have 2015 and 2016, are currently India are currently 130th the pace after substitute Chris home crowd before Joachim in Group E to six points after secured their berth in Russia. outside the qualifying places in the FIFA world rankings, Martin scored an 88th-minute Loew's team stepped on the Robert Lewandowski and Lukasz Tite meanwhile has following last week's defeat in wedged between minnows winner against Slovenia in accelerator. Piszczek scored in a 2-1 win at attempted to keep the soaring Buenos Aires. Suriname and the Dominican Glasgow. Meanwhile, Blind was sacked Montenegro. optimism that accompanied Captain Claudio Bravo Republic and with little sign Germany maintained their as Netherlands coach after a 2-0 In the same pool, Manches- Brazil's revival in check, insist- vowed 'La Roja' would go all out that an upturn in fortunes is 100 percent record with a 4-1 defeat to Bulgaria 24 hours ear- ter United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan ing that he is not a to secure victory against around the corner. win over Azerbaijan in Baku as lier left the team's chances of was on target in Armenia's 2-0 miracle-worker. Venezuela. The Under-17 World Cup they moved to 15 points in Group reaching the finals hanging by win over Kazakhstan to keep up Arguably, Tite's most signif- "We will be more aggres- will be held from October C. the slenderest of threads. their hopes of taking the run- icant achievement since taking sive at home, for sure," Bravo 6-28. The world champions and Blind, 55, had been in charge ners-up place. charge is to make Brazil less said. TUESDAY 28 MARCH 2017 SPORT 27

Adel Abdulla in action in his Nissan Patrol in this file photo.

GRAND PRIX OF QATAR MOTOGP RESULTS 1: Maverick Vinales, 38'59.999 2: Andrea Dovizioso, +0.461 3: Valentino Rossi, +1.928 4: Marc Marquez, +6.745 5: Dani Pedrosa, +7.128 6: Aleix Espargaro, +7.661 7: Scott Redding, +9.782 8: Jack Miller, +14.486 9: Alex Rins, +14.788 10: Jonas Folger, +15.069

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP's Spanish rider Maverick Vinales (front) competes during the 2017 Qatar MotoGP at the Losail International Circuit on Sunday. Vinales won the season-opening Qatar MotoGP, shrugging off a poor start from pole position under the floodlights. Abdulla delighted Vinales corners Qatar glory as with Ooredoo support MotoGP world hails rising star The Peninsula

Rizwan Rehmat we would have crashed," Vinales said. fromfr the beginning, due to these issan’s Adel Abdulla will be hop- The Peninsula "Then Marc and Dovi appearedppeared and Maverick Vinales celebrates conditionsco with the rain and the ing to put the minor setback he the track was quite slippery.ery. I his victory on the podium. delayedde start. It was hard to remain Nincurred at the recent Dubai delayed start followed by couldn’t make my own speeded focusedfo during those moments. Then International Baja firmly to the back of confusion among a few of in the corner and I went offf wew did our best to manage the race, his mind when he continues the the riders probably didn't once in a fast corner. butb we suffered a lot with the front defence of his FIA T2 World Champi- make for great live televi- "So it was hard in thee tyre,ty which turned out to be too soft onship title at next week’s Abu Dhabi sion feed, but once the race early laps but then step byy forfo us. We couldn’t push with the Desert Challenge, powered by kickedA off and ended at the Losail step I recovered my confi-nfi- front.”fr Nissan. International Circuit, the MotoGP dence. When I got to Marc I thought Marquez, the Repsol Honda Team, The event starts with a short spec- world embraced a new riding star - that was the time to push.h. Then I starst admitted there was struggle for tator stage at the Al Forsan International Maverick Vinales. arrived to Dovi and I didn’tdn’t knowknow himhi in the night race. Resort on April 1st and finishes at the The 22-year-old Spaniard fought how to pass him. Thank youyou to the "We were aware that we struggle Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on off a stiff challenge from Andrea team because they did a great job," a bit at this track, but as always we April 6th after five punishing selective Dovizioso’s (Ducati Team) and bike he added. keptke a positive attitude, as we also sections through the UAE’s notorious legend Valentino Rossi to take his first Rossi, who finished third,hird, said knew that if everything was in place, Empty Quarter or Rub Al Khali. win for Yamaha on Sunday night. with a smile: “For sure, if I hadhad to betbet we could have fought for the podium The Qatari guided his powerful Nis- Pole winner Vinales could barely on me being on the podium today, I or even the victory," Marquez said. san Patrol to the prestigious title for stop smiling as fans warmly applauded wouldn’t have bet! Maybe 10 euros? "I think we worked well over the Series Production Cross-Country vehi- a feisty contest that saw a number of But we never gave up, and tried the weekend, and we had everything clear cles in last year’s FIA World Cup for crashes in the 20-lap race where the maximum." for today. Our plan was to use the Cross-Country Rallies and knows that defending champion Marc Marquez The 38-year-old Italian added: harder front compound, but the cha- a podium finish is crucial to his 2017 finished in fourth spot. "We tried three or four settings with otic situation with the rain and the chances on this six-day third round of “I’m so satisfied, the team did the bike this morning in Warm Up and continuous delays created many the series held across some of the such a good job keeping the bike it was bad. In the daytime, I finished doubts." remotest terrain in the UAE deserts. with the right setup, and I started the tyre in three corners - so these con- "In the end we decided to go with Adel Abdullah and his French nav- well – I arrived second into the first ditions for me were better." the medium front, aiming to reduce igator Sébastien Delaunay have support corner but then Zarco appeared and Rossi explained: "We changed the the risk of crashing, but this turned out from Nissan Middle East, Saleh Al I had to pick up the bike, otherwise bike again for the race and I felt good, to be our biggest mistake of the week- Hamad Al Mana Co. and the Qatar I had a great start. I hope this race gives end. I struggled with the front the Motor and Motorcycle Federation Vinales reigns us enough information – so we can entire time; I couldn’t brake hard and (QMMF), for their challenge for hon- understand how to continue in this after few laps the tyre was already ours and have attracted additional supreme way. I'm happy because I saw Maver- wearing off. backing from Ooredoo, the Qatari tel- The 22-year-old Spaniard ick for all the race - and that never "We continued to have some small ecommunications company. outplays Andrea happened in testing.” issues with acceleration, but even so I The crew finished third overall at Dovizioso’s (Ducati Team) Former world champion Jorge of positions, and this conditioned me had a good feeling with my bike. But the recent event in Dubai after early and legendary Valentino Lorenzo, who now rides for Ducati, in my efforts to get back up. I had to with that tyre choice, I wasn’t able to mechanical issues hindered their Rossi to take his first win said after his 11th-place finish: “It was slow the pace and I was unable to fin- gain on braking. That’s my strongest progress and they now lie second in the for Yamaha at Losail a very complicated race from all ish in the top 10." point, so I decided, okay let’s finish this series sandwiched between the Saudi International Circuit. aspects. I started off well, but on the Dani Pedrosa, who finished in race and Argentina will be another Arabian drivers Yasir Saeidan and opening lap I went wide and lost a lot fifth spot, said: “It was a strange race race.” Ahmed Al Malki and closely pursued by Abu Dhabi’s Mansoor Al Helai. “I won this event last year but it is one of the toughest events in the cal- endar,” said Adel Abdulla. “This rally is Nadal completes 1,000 wins while Raonic withdraws long and the first of the three rounds of the championship so far where you score double points. It is completely dif- Mianmi Spaniard ignited the Nadal said he had not Nishikori, the run- ATP AND WTA MIAMI OPEN RESULTS ferent to the two Bajas in Russia and Reuters near-capacity crowd done much wrong in the ner-up to Novak Dubai. At least I scored points at both with a typically deter- first set against an oppo- Djokovic last year, fired MEN of those rounds and I am second in the afa Nadal cele- mined comeback to nent who was in the 37 winners but Verdasco, Third round championship. My aim is to win the brated his 1,000th clinch his 822nd career zone. aided by persistent swirl- Rafael Nadal (ESP x5) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER x26) rally and, in so doing, I would be lead- Rtour level match victory. "He was doing every- ing winds, used his 0-6, 6-2, 6-3 ing the championship. We have carried with a come-from- He joins a small thing good, so that's varying pace and depth Nicolas Mahut (FRA) bt Guido Pella (ARG) 6-4, 6-3 out some development work with the behind victory over group of 11 players sport. I lose the set to rattle Japan's number Jack Sock (USA x13) bt Jiri Vesely (CZE) 6-3, 7-6 (7/0) car and the team is confident that the German veteran Philipp headed by Jimmy Con- because he was playing one, inducing 48 Jared Donaldson (USA) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x3) -- walkover hard work will pay off with a top result Kohlschreiber to reach nors (1,535) to have too good. That's it. unforced errors. Fabio Fognini (ITA) bt Jérémy Chardy (FRA) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in Abu Dhabi. the fourth round of the played at least 1,000 "But a match is long Milos Raonic with- Donald Young (USA) bt Benoît Paire (FRA) 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 “I am also delighted to confirm that Miami Open on Sunday. matches. and the positive thing is drew before his match Federico Del Bonis (ARG) bt Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) 7-6 Ooredoo has come on board as an impor- World number 31 "One thousand I held the pressure well against American quali- tant sponsor for me and I would like to (7/5), 6-1 Kohlschreiber was on fire matches is a lot of this afternoon after a fier Jared Donaldson, thank them, in addition to Saleh Al Hamad Kei Nishikori (JPN x2) bt Fernando Verdasco (ESP x25) 7-6 early, ripping through the matches. Obviously that's very tough first set. I blaming a persistent Al Mana Co, Nissan Middle East and the first set in only 21 min- good news because that resisted well in the first hamstring injury. (7/2), 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 QMMF for their ongoing support.” utes but fifth seed Nadal says I am having a long few games of the second "It's related to the In a total route of around 2,073km, flipped the switch and career," Nadal told set and then I think I previous injury I sus- WOMEN competitors will tackle 1,324km against turned the match on its reporters. played a great second tained almost four weeks Third Round the clock. head to prevail 0-6 6-2 "During a lot of years, and third set." ago... in Delray Beach," Angelique Kerber (GER x1) bt Shelby Rogers (USA) 6-4, 7-5 6-3 on the main stadium I heard that I'm going to While Nadal played in the Canadian told Risa Ozaki (JPN) bt Julia Goerges (GER) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 FIA T2 Cross-Country Rally World Cup hard court at Crandon have a short career, so it's the relative comfort of the reporters. Johanna Konta (GBR x10) bt Pauline Parmentier (FRA) 6-4, 6-0 Positions after round 2 (unofficial): Park. something important for late afternoon, Kei Nishikori Raonic said he would Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x7) bt Taylor Townsend (USA) 1. Yasir Saeidan (SAU) 37pts It was the first time me. I remember the first also took three sets and not return to the tour 6-4, 6-2 2. Adel Hussein Abdulla (QAT) 27pts Nadal had failed to win a match very well because nearly three hours to until he felt 100 percent Venus Williams (USA x11) bt Patricia Tig (ROM) 6-3, 6-0 3. Ahmed Al Malki (SAU) 25pts game in the first set of an it was at home in Mal- advance under a high noon fit. Samantha Stosur (AUS x14) bt Shuai Peng (CHN) 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 4. Mansoor Al Helai (ARE) 25pts

ATP tour match since lorca. It was my first sun, outlasting Spain's "That could be in two Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) bt Madison Keys (USA) 7-5, 7-5 5. Marat Abykayev (KAZ) 18pts 2008, the ATP said. victory on the ATP and Fernando Verdasco7-6 weeks, that could be a lit- Simona Halep (ROM x3) bt Anett Kontaveit (EST) 6-3, 6-0 6. Emil Khneisser (LEB) 18pts The 30-year-old was a great feeling." (7/2), 6-7 (5/7), 6-1. tle bit longer," he said.