FFOOTBALLOOTBALL | Page 2 NNBABA | Page 5 Madrid’s PSG LeBron James preparations becoming an hit by Espanyol old hand at defeat triple doubles

Thursday, March 1, 2018 CRICKET Jumada II 13, 1439 AH Stokes back in form, GULF TIMES England level series against New Zealand SPORT Page 4 ISF WORLD SCHOOLS HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ATHLETICS Barshim aims Austria, Hungary to reclaim lift titles at the cost world indoor title today Austrian boys edge Germany atar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim, the 2017 IAAF world 21-18, Hungarian girls post male athlete of the year, will be in action at the IAAF World Indoor Championships at Arena Bir- dominant 30-17 win in finals mingham today. of Germany QThe 26-year-old Qatari athlete leapt a world-leading 2.38m at the Asian Indoor Championships last month, but By Sports Reporter withdrew from the recent Athlone Grand Prix, citing “dif- Doha fi cult technical problems”. The two-time Olympic medallist will be aiming to regain the title he won in 2014. ustria and Hungary teams clinched Two years ago, he had to settle for fourth position as Ital- the boys and girls title respectively ian Gianmarco Tamberi notched gold with a 2.36m eff ort. at the ISF World Schools Handball Today, Barshim’s fi ercest competitor may come in the Championship yesterday. At the shape of Danil Lysenko, who will jump as an authorised AAli Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, Germany neutral athlete. was left heart-broken after both its boys and The 20-year-old world silver medallist has enjoyed an girls team lost in the fi nal. unbeaten winter campaign, setting lifetime bests of 2.35m, In the boys’ title clash, Austria edged 2.36m and 2.37m en route to his seven victories. out Germany 21-18 after a thrilling match. Poland’s Sylwester Bednarek should also be in the medal Both the teams were locked 18-18 after mix. The European indoor champion equalled his lifetime regular time, before Austrian players kept best of 2.33m in Trinec last month to fi nish second behind their nerves to win the game and champi- Lysenko. onship in extra time. Bronze medallist in Portland two years ago, 2012 Olym- At fi nal whistle, Austrian players pic silver medallist Erik Kynard of the US has jumped 2.31m jumped with joy as German team rued this season and can never be discounted. their missed opportunities. It was the sec- Bahamian Donald Thomas earned his place in Birming- ond setback of the day for Germany, after ham by winning the 2017 IAAF World Indoor Tour. The the girls team also went down to Hungary. Austria’s boys team poses with the winners’ trophy, Rabea al-Kaabi, President of the School Sports Federation and Chairman of the 2007 world champion, now 33, has competed just once this Hungarian girls were deserved winners, Organising Committee, and other off icials, after they beat Germany in the final of the ISF World Schools Handball Championship at the winter, but showed decent form by leaping 2.31m in Banska though, after a comprehensive 30-17 win, Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena yesterday. PICTURES: Thajudheen Bystrica. which left Germany stunned. The fi nal was Birmingham-based Robbie Grabarz, who shared the Ol- expected to be a close one, with Germany ympic bronze medal in 2012 and took silver in Portland, is having impressed the most throughout the the local hope. The 30-year-old 2012 European champion group stages. But Hungary raised their game has a season’s best of 2.30m that he set in January. (IAAF) when it mattered to walk away with the title. The third place in the girls went to Den- mark, who beat Brazil in the play-off . Is- rael boys, meanwhile beat Poland, to take the boys’ third spot. Meanwhile, Qatar boys’ team fi nished a creditable 10th in the championship. Rabea al-Kaabi, President of the School Sports Federation and Chairman of the Organising Committee, gave away the prizes. Organised by the Qatar School Sports Association under the patronage of the International School Sport Federa- tion (ISF), the 24th edition of the champi- onship was held at three venues – Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, Aspire Dome and Women’s Sports Hall in Aspire. The tournament was for 16-18-year- olds and it was the fi rst time in 24 editions, the championship took place outside of Europe. The competition was fi erce with 19 girls and 18 boys’ teams from 21 coun- Hungary’s girls team celebrates their win over Germany in the final of the ISF World Schools Handball Championship yesterday. tries from across Africa, Asia, Americas and Europe competing for glory. pecially the committees that worked to mittee (QOC) Secretary-General Jassim QOC secretary-general commended the Al-Kaabi was pleased with the tourna- make it a success. We are proud of what we Rashid al-Buenain met on Tuesday with eff orts of the ISF President to promote the ment’s success. “We are happy with what have achieved through this competition. President of the International School school sports globally. we have seen in the tournament and with I would like to thank the handball fed- Sport Federation (ISF) Laurent Petrynka, For his part, the ISF President lauded the great participation of teams from dif- eration for their great cooperation and we who is currently visiting the country. the success of the 2018 ISF World School In this March 9, 2014, picture, Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim ferent countries,” al-Kaabi said. hope are successful in hosting any upcom- The meeting reviewed aspects of sport Handball Championship. The meeting celebrates after winning the high jump event at the IAAF “I would like to thank everyone for ing events,” he added. co-operation and ways to enhance and was also attended by Director of the QOC World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Poland. their eff orts during the tournament, es- Meanwhile, the Qatar Olympic Com- develop them in the upcoming stage. The Sport Aff airs Department Khaleel al-Jabir.

BOTTOMLINE Russia back in Olympic fold aft er IOC lift s doping ban

AFP Zhukov said Russia received a letter The time since the ban on December team deserves our thanks.” knowingly doping and some Russian Putin said yesterday that “the fi ght Moscow from the IOC yesterday which confi rms 5 was “probably some of the most dif- Silver medallist fi gure skater Evgenia media said his food was spiked by an against the evil of doping should be that no other Olympic athletes from fi cult months in the history of Russian Medvedeva said in a short speech: “We ex-girlfriend. without compromise”. Russia had tested positive for doping, sports and the Olympic movement in put all our soul into our performance. We Russia’s Olympic ban followed the WADA previously criticised the de- he International Olympic following two positive Russian drug Russia,” Zhukov said, praising athletes fought for medals for our Motherland.” uncovering of a doping conspiracy cision by the Court of Arbitration for Committee has lifted a ban tests at this month’s Winter Games in in particular for competing in “diffi cult where tainted urine samples were Sport which overturned Olympic life against Russia, Moscow of- Pyeongchang. conditions.” OLYMPIC DOPING CASES switched with clean ones. bans on 28 Russians accused of dop- fi cials said yesterday, after “All of the doping tests that were con- Putin praised Russian athletes as Two Russians, curler Alexander Krush- The government has denied any state ing, though they still did not compete theT country had been barred from the ducted on our athletes in the last days they were honoured in a Kremlin cer- elnitsky and bobsledder Nadezhda involvement in the plot but a top sports in Pyeongchang. Pyeongchang games over state-spon- of the Olympics were negative,” Zhukov emony, saying the Olympic suspension Sergeyeva, were kicked out of the Ol- offi cial Vitaly Mutko, currently a dep- “Unfortunately so far our relation- sored doping. said. The IOC said in a statement that was “a page we must turn.” ympics after their doping tests were re- uty prime minister, was suspended by ship with WADA, the reinstatement of The news, confi rmed later by the Russia’s suspension has been “automati- “You showed your best athletic and vealed to be positive, with Krushelnit- the IOC for life. status of RUSADA, is not complete,” IOC, was announced as Olympic ath- cally lifted with immediate eff ect”. human qualities. You showed your sky being stripped of his bronze medal. Russia’s reinstatement in the IOC Zhukov said. letes were feted in the Kremlin, thank- Russia was banned in December fi ghting character,” Putin told the ath- The scandal meant that the Olympic does not aff ect the suspended status “There is still a lot of work to be done ing President Vladimir Putin for letting from taking part in the 2018 Olympics letes. The ceremony followed Russia’s team from Russia could not use national of its RUSADA national anti-doping which is likely to be as diffi cult as the them compete under a neutral status. following revelations of widespread Pyeongchang medallists receiving keys colours or fl ag for the closing ceremony agency with the World Anti-Doping work to reinstate the Russian Olympic “The rights of the Russian Olympic doping, though 168 athletes were to white Mercedes SUVs the day earlier. in Pyeongchang as originally hoped. Agency, which on Monday said the Committee,” he said. Committee have been fully restored,” deemed “clean” and were cleared to go “Despite all the diffi culties, the Moscow blamed the two cases on country remains non-compliant, citing “But we must do this as quickly as said the president of the Russian Ol- to Pyeongchang to compete under the Games had pleasant surprises and gave “negligence rather than malicious “proven systemic manipulation of the possible to create a comprehensive sys- ympic Committee, Alexander Zhukov. Olympic fl ag. us new heroes,” Putin said. “The entire intent,” while Krushelnitsky denied doping control process.” tem to fi ght doping in Russia.” Gulf Times 2 Thursday, March 1, 2018 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT PSG’s Neymar faces ‘at least six weeks out’ AFP “no decision” had been taken on danger of being knocked out of Ferret, a former doctor with the Paris whether Neymar would require the competition in the last 16 for French national team, told AFP. PSG’s Neymar lies on the surgery and that there remained the second season running. “(Playing against Real) could pitch aft er sustaining an a “small chance” of getting the Brazilian newspaper Globo compromise the rest of his injury during a Ligue 1 match aris Saint-Germain’s world’s most expensive player Esporte had claimed Neymar season.” against Marseille in Paris on hopes of getting Neymar back in time to face Real next would undergo surgery, and that In the meantime, PSG are pre- February 25. (AFP) back for their crunch Tuesday, March 6. the former Barcelona player paring to do without Neymar for Champions League Tests confi rmed that Neymar would be sidelined until May. Wednesday’s French Cup quar- Pclash against Real Madrid next suff ered a hairline fracture of the If his father’s estimate is cor- ter-fi nal at home to Marseille, week look to be over after the fi fth metatarsal in his right foot rect, Neymar would not return the second meeting of the clubs Brazilian’s father claimed the as well as a twisted ankle late in before the semi-fi nal stage of the in four days. player would be out for “at least PSG’s 3-0 win over Marseille in Champions League in late April. Argentine star Angel di Maria six weeks”. Ligue 1 on Sunday. On the possibility of rushing should replace the Brazilian at Speaking to ESPN in Brazil on He appeared to be in tears as Neymar back for the Real second the Parc des Princes, with PSG Tuesday, Neymar Senior said: he was stretchered off the fi eld leg, experts say that PSG would hoping to stay on course to win “PSG know that they will not be at the Parc des Princes, im- be taking a huge risk, possibly the French Cup for the fourth able to count on Neymar for the mediately raising fears that the even jeopardising Neymar’s par- season running. upcoming matches: his treatment 26-year-old could miss the ticipation at the World Cup in Neymar has scored 28 goals in will last six to eight weeks, wheth- Champions League last 16, sec- Russia in June and July. 30 appearances in all competi- er there is an operation or not.” ond leg against Madrid. “It would be very risky as it’s a tions for PSG since his 222 mil- That was after PSG coach PSG lost 3-1 in the fi rst leg in fragile bone in the foot which is lion-euro ($264 million) move Unai Emery claimed earlier that Spain two weeks ago and are in diffi cult to protect,” Jean-Marcel from Barcelona last August.

LA LIGA World Cup coaches brace for ‘modern life’ of VAR World Cup coaches expressed a quiet confi- dence yesterday about Video Assistant Referee technology ahead of its likely adoption for this year’s showpiece event in Russia. Representatives from the 32 teams to have qualified for the World Cup gathered in the Real’s PSG preparations Black Sea resort of Sochi for a briefing on how “modern life” was taking over the beautiful game. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technol- ogy is expected to be given the green light by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), when the body that determines the laws of the game meets on Saturday. VAR has been heavily promoted by world hit by Espanyol defeat football’s governing body FIFA, despite its implementation this season in leading leagues ‘If you lose here today it is because things did not work for many reasons, not just because of a player’ such as the German Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A not convincing everyone. Earlier this week, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said European football’s governing body would not introduce VAR in next season’s Champions League due to ongoing “confusion” surrounding its use. But coaches emerging from the Sochi meeting said they were ready to ring in the changes – even if the system had not ironed out all the kinks. “This is the new life. This is modern life,” said Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz. It is obvious that football cannot go on with its eyes closed to the modern world.”

Referee mistakes VAR can only be used when there is doubt surrounding any of four key game-changing situations: after a goal, penalty decisions, after a straight red card or in cases of mistaken iden- tity. Two of the top complaints have involved VAR either being used too often and slowing down the game or – conversely – not being called on in decisive moments. One case in England – where VAR has been tri- alled in the FA Cup – saw the referee given a dif- ferent picture from the one shown to confused fans on television. Some head coaches said Russia will be something of a test case about which it was premature to pass judgement. “It’s something to improve football, we suppose,” said Uruguay’s assistant coach Celso Otero. I think VAR will be approved and then we will evaluate it.” Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said FIFA’s referee- ing department chief Massimo Busacca assured sceptics at Wednesday’s meeting that video replays produced fairer outcomes. Busacca said “it was very important for the referee to make less mistakes to have the video assistant,” Rohr told AFP. “VAR is coming to eliminate mistakes by the referee. It’s actually something that makes the game fair,” Saudi Arabia’s assistant coach Manuel Suarez agreed. England in particular have had famous run-ins with disputed goals at the World Cup. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” saw Argentina through in 1986 while Germans are still smart- Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos looks dejected after Espanyol players celebrate after scoring a goal during their La Liga match on Tuesday. (Reuters) ing about a goal that helped England win their only World Cup in 1966. Some coaches agreed AFP was perhaps under most pressure to then it is a step back,” Zidane said. “I to Achraf Hakimi’s defl ected cross momentum at the start of the sec- that resorting to replays could result in match Barcelona stake his claim. do not have to reproach my players, but poking his near-post header too ond half, with Keylor Navas able only interruptions that break up a team’s rhythm After missing with a number of ef- we played the game but we did not close to Diego Lopez. to watch as Sergi Darder’s header and momentum. “It might slow down a little forts at goal, and receiving a yellow get what we expected.” Real, however, gradually ceded the plopped onto the top of the crossbar. bit the play,” said Egypt assistant coach Jose ristiano Ronaldo was rested card in the fi rst half, he was fi nally With PSG left praying for a mira- ascendancy to Espanyol, who twice Bale cut a fi gure of increasing Fantaguzzi. and the supporting cast replaced with nine minutes remain- cle after Neymar was stretchered off could have been in front were it not frustration. One ballooned shot “But in general, the technology is very impor- failed to show up as Real ing. wth a foot injury on Sunday, Zidane for a combination of sloppy fi nishing over from the edge of the area was tant for the time being.” Madrid endured a shock 1-0 Zidane, however, would not be wrapped his own star player up in and bad luck. quickly followed by two scuff ed fi n- Yet Fantaguzzi also admitted that his squad defeatC away to Espanyol on Tuesday. drawn on the performance either of cotton wool, as Ronaldo was not Gerard was the protagonist in ishes. They were not easy chances was a little bit anxious about how it will all turn Gerard Moreno struck in the 94th Bale, or the rest of his stand-ins, af- even included on the bench. both, the forward fi rst failing to cap- but a player of his calibre would have out. “A little bit, but not that much,” Fantaguzzi minute at the RCDE Stadium as Re- ter the match. Zidane would not be drawn on italise on a skewed Raphael Varane hoped to do better. said with a laugh. “We are just ready to follow al’s rotated line-up felt the full pun- “If you lose here today it is because Neymar’s chances of recovery. clearance and then doing brilliantly With just over 20 minutes left, the rules and prepare.” ishment for a slack and disjointed things did not work for many rea- “We have to wait, all we know is he to control a thundering half-volley Benzema replaced the ineff ective display. sons, not just because of a player or is injured,” the Frenchman said. from Carlos Sanchez, only to see his Isco but Espanyol came closest to VAR a dangerous road for Premier Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio and a play,” he told beIN Sports. fi nish ruled out for off side. snatching a winner when Gerard’s League, says Palace chairman Isco all struggled, the trio squander- Instead it was Gerard who stole the Bale left frustrated Replays suggested Real had been header was saved from six yards. The Premier League would be going down a ing the chance to impress ahead of show as Espanyol scored a deserved Karim Benzema was also rested, fortunate to escape. Bale wanted Bale trudged off in the 81st minute “dangerous road” and television viewers could next week’s Champions League sec- win that sees them climb to 13th in allowing Bale his 116th La Liga ap- a penalty when his driven shot and Gerard fi nally got the goal he switch off if the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ond leg with Paris Saint-Germain. La Liga. Real, meanwhile, will fall 17 pearance, drawing him equal with was blocked by the hand of Victor deserved, catching Sergio Garcia’s system, was introduced next season, according Bale was certainly not the only points behind leaders Barcelona if David Beckham. Sanchez at the back post but the de- cross perfectly with a brilliant shot to Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish. Real player out of sorts but the the Catalans overcome Las Palmas. The Welshman almost gave the fender knew little about it. that sailed past Navas and into the So far English soccer’s experiment with VAR 28-year-old, now back to full fi tness, “If the result is not what we want visitors an early lead, reacting fi rst Instead, Espanyol sustained their corner. has received mixed reviews with fans complain- ing they are being left in the dark as decisions are made, while the system itself has caused FOCUS as much controversy as it was designed to prevent. Parish got a close-up view of it when Palace’s FA Cup third round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion in January became the first Conte, Mancini and Di Biagio on Italy coach shortlist competitive club match in England to use VAR. It has also been used in League Cup ties and AFP camp outside Florence. Former AC ing over at Chelsea. “I never said I job to fulfi l his dream of winning the for friendlies against Argentina and was on duty in Sunday’s final between Man- Florence, Italy Milan star Costacurta has been given preferred Conte,” continued Costa- World Cup. Mancini has won silver- England next month. chester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium. the task of fi nding a replacement for curta, who had said in an interview ware with all clubs he has managed. Costacurta added that he agreed This year’s World Cup is also set to feature Gian Piero Ventura, who was sacked this week the Chelsea boss was the He led Manchester City in 2012 to with Di Biagio, who wants to call up VAR. Premier League clubs meet in April when taly’s new coach will be Anto- after Italy’s World Cup exit. number one choice. their fi rst English title in 44 years, Italy goalkeeping icon Gianluigi Buf- a decision could be taken on whether to roll nio Conte or Roberto Mancini or All three are former Italian inter- “I only said that having already and won three Serie A titles with In- fon, 40, for the friendlies. out VAR next season. Parish will not be one Luigi Di Biagio, Italian federa- national players. Costacurta did not worked with the national team, he ter Milan and Italian Cups with Inter, “I agree with Buff on’s fi nal con- of those voting in favour of the system, which tion vice-commissioner Ales- mention former Leicester City man- has the right characteristics. “Given Fiorentina and Lazio, and a Turkish tribution for Italy not being that uses off icials to monitor games on video Isandro Costacurta said yesterday. ager Claudio Ranieri, who has said he we don’t have any outstanding tal- Cup with Galatasary. evening against Sweden,” he added screens and flag up incidents to the on-field “We plan on appointing the new would leave French club Nantes if of- ents at the moment, we need a very Italy Under-21 coach Di Biagio, of Buff on’s decision to retire after referee. “I’m very worried about VAR. I think coach by June. Conte, Mancini or fered the Italy job. good coach, and the names I’ve men- 46, a former Roma and Inter Mi- Italy lost two World Cup play-off s. we are going down an extremely dangerous Di Biagio? These are the names, it Conte, 48, coached Italy from tioned are good coaches.” lan defensive midfi elder, has little “We gave Di Biagio the chance of road,” he told a Sports Industry Breakfast Club won’t be anyone else,” said Costa- 2014 to the quarter-fi nals of the 2016 Zenit Saint Petersburg coach coaching experience and has been choosing what he thinks is best for in central London yesterday. curta at Italy’s Coverciano training European Championship before tak- Mancini, 53, has said he wants the appointed as interim national coach these two friendlies.” Gulf Times Thursday, March 1, 2018 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Wenger ‘amazed’ at speculation over Premier League still Arsenal future

AFP Honestly, that’s the last worry I London have at the moment. My worry is to focus, to get the team ready for tomorrow’s game.” rsene Wenger yes- The Frenchman defended the the greatest prize terday said he was performance of his players at “amazed” at fresh Wembley, where several were speculation over his labelled as “spineless” and a futureA as he prepares his team to “disgrace” by match commenta- face Manchester City just days tor Neville as they were shown after Arsenal’s League Cup fi nal walking when out of possession. humiliation against Pep Guar- “You can always get out pic- diola’s men. tures from a game that justifi es for coach Guardiola The Frenchman has come un- what you think, you fi nd in every der sustained fi re since an abject single game, on both sides, mo- ‘We are fighting for the most important title of the season by far, the Premier League. The next display in Sunday’s 3-0 ham- ments where a player doesn’t mering at Wembley but must track,” he said. six fixtures are terrible in terms of quality of the opponents, and we have four away games’ now lift his team to take on the “After you have to analyse Premier League leaders today. why, has he made two runs be- Arsenal’s season is threat- fore to go in behind and was ex- ening to unravel – they are 10 hausted, or did he not track be- points behind fourth-placed cause he didn’t want to? That is Tottenham Hotspur in the Pre- diff erent. mier League table and look set to “I believe we have to live with miss out on Champions League that criticism and respond to- football for a second consecutive gether like we always do. year. “We didn’t play against a poor They are out of the FA Cup team in the semi-fi nal, we played and will face Italian giants AC against Chelsea and we have Milan in the last 16 of the Eu- shown that we can fi ght. You ropa League, which is their only have to acknowledge as well that remaining chance of winning a Man City are a quality team.” trophy this season. Wenger’s hopes of avenging Arsenal’s limp display led to the Wembley defeat have been stinging criticism from former further hit by the announcement Manchester United and England that Nacho Monreal will miss the defender Gary Neville as well as game through injury. former Gunners Ian Wright and The 32-year-old defender had Thierry Henry. been one of Arsenal’s better per- But Wenger, speaking at his formers this season before a back pre-match press conference, injury forced him off less than responded with apparent shock half an hour into Sunday’s fi nal. when asked if the result meant his long tenure was now under increased threat. “I am just amazed that I have to always answer things that are exactly the same,” said the 68-year-old. “I am here for 21 years, I turned the whole world down to respect my contracts. So I am still amazed that I still have to answer these types of questions. “My position is my position.

EPL

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts during the League Cup final against Arsenal at the Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. (Reuters) Mane hails team spirit AFP ‘City must win more titles to be Premier League’s best’ two formal warnings in Decem- Manchester, United Kingdom ber, the FA have charged him for Reds’ surge in form Manchester City have won many admirers in their to be consistent, not just one wonder season, with “wearing a political mes- “wonder season” but need more trophies to which they are having.” sage”, although the City manag- Reuters tinue to try and win the games. anchester City be considered the best Premier League team ever, United have won 13 championships since the er insists that, while he has yet London “I can sense that the club is manager Pep Guar- ex-Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has said. Premier League era began in 1992-93, Chelsea to have direct contact with the moving in the right direction. diola has insisted City won manager Pep Guardiola his first have five, Arsenal are third in the list with three authorities, he would be happy At the moment, we are in a good the Premier League silverware in England last weekend, romping to a followed by City on two. to talk to them. iverpool’s strong team way so everything is possible. I Mtitle is the most important tro- spirit is a key factor in the think we have improved a lot in 3-0 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup final. Giggs, who won 13 Premier League titles with phy for his team to win this The runaway league leaders are also on course United and made a record 963 appearances ‘Belonging’ Premier League club’s the past few months. We know season, ahead of even potential to win a third Premier league title in seven for the club, said City were capable of reaching “Of course I’m going to write brilliant run of recent form that on our day we can beat any Champions League success. a letter, explain my position,” he Lon the domestic front and in Eu- team in the world.” seasons. greater heights in the coming seasons. The runaway Premier League “Everyone recognises the football that they’re “It’s up to other clubs, the likes of United, Liver- said. “I’m available for the FA rope, Senegalese forward Sadio Liverpool are 15 points behind leaders already have one piece of playing this year is high up there with some of pool, Chelsea, Tottenham to do better next year absolutely, it’s no problem.” Mane has said. Liverpool have league leaders Manchester City silverware in the bag, after win- the best we’ve seen in the Premier League era,” and to challenge and see how they handle that.” Guardiola also thanked City lost just once in the league since with 10 games remaining but cap- ning the English League Cup Fi- former Wales winger Giggs said. City, who have 72 points from 27 games and are 13 fans, some of whom wore yel- October to climb up to third, two tain Jordan Henderson is refusing nal in convincing fashion against “But to compare them to ourselves, Arsenal and points above their neighbours United, visit sixth- low ribbons in support of their points behind second-placed to give up on winning the title. Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday. Chelsea, you have to win multiple titles. You have placed Arsenal in the league today. manager at Wembley in the Manchester United, and they are “You’ve got to keep going – But, as he prepared to face Carabao Cup Final. on the verge of sealing a Cham- Manchester City have a healthy the same side in a league game “It was a feeling of belonging, pions League quarter-fi nal berth gap at the top and the title is at the Emirates, Guardiola is far “When you think about Ar- title in nine years of manage- the league is for this club, for so I’m grateful for that initia- after a big fi rst leg win in Portugal. theirs to lose more than anything more interested in the six victo- senal, you think about Chelsea, ment in Europe’s top divisions, our futures. Of course we have tive,” he said. “They don’t have The Meryseyside club re- – but we are Liverpool. We can’t ries that will make the English Tottenham and Arsenal and our Guardiola has no doubt where to be focused, we know how to do it because it is another corded their third victory in four just give up,” Henderson said. title a mathematical certainty away games – Stoke City play- his priorities lie. “The league tough it will be until the end of country but they did it. league games on Saturday with “As a club, we have a lot to play for City. ing (to avoid) relegation, going is always the most diffi cult, a the season.” “That makes me happy, re- a 4-1 thrashing of West Ham for until the end of the season, in “We are fi ghting for the most to Goodison Park (Everton) is game every three days,” he said. Meanwhile, Guardiola insist- ally happy because it helps peo- United and Mane credits the terms of Premier League points important title of the season always a tough game. We have “It shows how good you are over ed he was happy to talk to the ple understand the situation, team’s formidable form to unity. and, hopefully, more games in by far, the Premier League,” a lot of tough games still to play 11 months. Football Association after his what’s going on with people in “The team spirit is good and the the Champions League. “We’ve Guardiola told a news confer- and have to remain focused.” “All the titles I have won, La highly-publicised charge relat- prison in Spain. I’m 100 percent confi dence is here so I think we are got a healthy squad who want to ence. “More important than the The Catalan coach has won Liga, Bundesliga, the league ing to wearing a yellow ribbon grateful to them.” in a good way,” Mane was quoted work hard, to win, and it’s still Champions League, more im- a total of six titles to date in his is the most diffi cult. “In the during Manchester City’s re- Guardiola will be without the as saying by the Liverpool Echo. pretty tight in terms of fi nishing portant than the FA Cup, Cara- productive managerial career Carabao Cup we won two pen- cent FA Cup defeat at third-tier injured Fernandinho and Ra- “Every single player is always very in the top four.” bao (league) Cup. That is enough – three in Spain with Barce- alty (shoot-out) rounds, Claudio Wigan Athletic. heem Sterling for Thursday’s happy playing with each other... I Liverpool host Newcastle encouragement to be focused. lona and the same number of Bravo saved them or you could The 47-year-old was dis- visit to Arsenal, although he think that is the team’s power and United on Saturday and play the “The next six fi xtures are ter- German league championships be out. That is a toss of a coin, playing the ribbon in support of expects the latter to be avail- the team’s purpose. second leg of their Champions rible in terms of quality of the with Bayern Munich. sometimes good, sometimes bad. four Catalans imprisoned in his able for Sunday’s home game “We are lucky boys and we are League last-16 tie against Porto opponents, and we have four “The league is consistency, homeland over issues relating to with Chelsea or the Champions going to keep trying to work hard three days later before a crucial games away and we still have to ‘Consistency’ the players know that. They Catalan independence. League return leg with Basel and give our best when we take league match against United on win six games. Now on course for his seventh know exactly how important Having issued Guardiola with next week. our places on the pitch to con- March 10.

FA CUP Swansea scrape past Wednesday to enter quarters Reuters Cameron Dawson’s legs after being tion from the Premier League, domi- London played in by Tammy Abraham. nated the ball but would have fallen Swansea last reached the sixth behind but for two smart saves in round of the competition in 1964, quick succession by Kristoff er Nord- wansea City reached the FA when they were known as Swansea feldt from Wednesday striker Jordan Cup quarter-fi nals for the fi rst Town. That year, they went one stage Rhodes. time in 54 years with a 2-0 further before losing to Preston North Their breakthrough arrived when win over second-tier Sheffi eld End in the semi-fi nals. midfi elder Tom Carroll let fl y with an WednesdayS on Tuesday as goals from “1964 is a long time ago, I know unstoppable drive that ricocheted off Jordan Ayew and Nathan Dyer settled because I was born in ‘65,” Swansea’s both posts before halftime substitute an attritional fi fth round replay. Portuguese manager Carvalhal told Ayew slotted in the rebound. Swansea, who face a last-eight the BBC. As Wednesday pushed forward, home tie against Tottenham Hotspur “Swansea have now made the best space opened up for Swansea and Dyer or Rochdale, who play their replay on path in the Cup since then so it’s a little made the game safe. Wednesday, was lifeless in front of a part of history and we are happy about “At the break we weren’t happy sparse crowd at the Liberty Stadium that. I’m very proud of my players.” with the score,” added Carvalhal. “We until Ayew tapped home a rebound Carvalhal would have seen little to needed more energy and intensity, so from close range in the 55th minute. be proud of in the fi rst half, however, we brought on Martin Olsson and Jor- Swansea City’s Jordan Ayew celebrates aft er Dyer then settled the contest against as Swansea struggled to create chanc- dan Ayew and they had a big impact... scoring against Sheffi eld yesterday during his manager Carlos Carvalhal’s former es against their Championship oppo- “I think we deserved the win, but their FA Cup fi ft h round replay match at the club with 10 minutes remaining, slip- nents. Sheffi eld Wednesday did well in the Liberty Stadium, Swansea. (Reuters) ping the ball through goalkeeper Swansea, battling to avoid relega- two games.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, March 1, 2018 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Pakistan ban Hasan for a year in fi xing case Stokes back in form, hore and the fi nal in Karachi on AFP Lahore March 25. The PCB took extra measures to stem spot-fi xing, with all six teams in this year’s akistan hit former league monitored by anti-cor- opener Shahzaib Hasan ruption offi cers. with a one-year ban and Pakistan has a history of fi x- a million rupee ($9,050) ing, with former captain Salim England level series Pfi ne for a spot-fi xing incident Malik and Ataur Rehman banned that rocked the country’s Twen- for life in 2000. ty20 League last year. A spot-fi xing case during Pa- Hasan, 28, was a member kistan’s tour of England in 2010 of Pakistan’s World Twenty20 ended in fi ve-year bans on then winning team in 2009 but had Test captain Salman Butt, Mo- not played any international hamed Asif and Mohamed Amir. cricket in the past eight years. Pakistan leg-spinner Danish against New Zealand Hasan, who was playing for Kaneria is also serving a life ban the Karachi Kings, was one of on charges of spot-fi xing dur- ‘Ben’s a big character, big in our changing room. It’s great to see him back in fine form’ six players charged with various ing a county match in England breaches of the Pakistan Cricket in 2009. AFP Board’s anti-corruption code Mount Maunganui, New Zealand during the second edition of the New Zealand all-rounder Pakistan Super League (PSL) Anderson returns to Somerset held in the United Arab Emirates. New Zealand all-rounder ll-rounder Ben Stokes “Hasan has been banned for Corey Anderson is returning to set aside his off -fi eld one year and fi ned one million English county side Somerset to troubles to steer Eng- rupees on one charge and we play in Twenty20 cricket for the land to a six-wicket have requested for more action 2018 season. winA in the second one-day in- against him on inducing other Anderson, who has featured ternational against New Zea- players for fi xing,” board legal in 13 Tests, 49 one-day matches land yesterday. adviser Taff azul Rizvi told the and 29 Twenty20 internation- The 26-year-old produced a media. als for the Black Caps, made his man-of-the-match perform- Hasan, an aggressive opener, presence felt in last year’s com- ance in just his second appear- played three one-day interna- petition when he bludgeoned 81 ance for England since being tionals and 10 Twenty20 inter- from 45 balls on his Somerset sidelined over a nightclub inci- nationals before losing his place bow against Surrey. dent fi ve months ago. due to poor performance in 2010. He played only four matches Stokes took two wickets for The PSL was rocked by scan- last year, contributing 142 runs 42 then hit an unbeaten 63 as dal in February last year when at a remarkable strike rate of 184 England easily chased down it was announced that several before an injury ended his stay New Zealand’s target of 224 at players were caught in a spot- prematurely. Mount Maunganui. fi xing incident. But the 27-year-old - who “It was good to get a bit of Spot-fi xing involves deter- once held the record for the fast- time out in the middle,” he said mining the outcome of a specifi c est one-day-international hun- after England levelled the fi ve- part of a match rather than the dred, since surpassed by South match series 1-1. overall result, and is therefore Africa’s AB de Villiers - will be “It’s good to get out here and harder to detect than match- available from the start of this train and implement it in the fi xing. The PCB formed a three- season’s campaign, starting games to make sure I was out man tribunal which later banned against Gloucestershire at Taun- there at the end. Hopefully it’s a Sharjeel Khan for fi ve years (two ton on July 6. stepping stone for other games and a half suspended) while “Having had my time at Taun- coming up.” Khalid Latif was banned for fi ve ton cut short with injury last Stokes only joined England full years and fi ned one million season, I feel I have unfi nished this month after pleading not rupees. business and I hope I can help guilty in a British court to a Mohamed Irfan was banned Somerset go all the way in 2018,” charge of aff ray, with the con- for one year (six months said Anderson. troversy forcing him out of the suspended), Mohamed Nawaz Somerset director of cricket Australian leg of their tour, in- for two months (one suspend- Andy Hurry said: “Corey has a cluding The Ashes. ed) and Nasir Jamshed for one vast amount of experience and After England fi nished on 225 year. is very well known here at Som- for four in reply to New Zea- The third edition of the PSL erset. His all-round ability will land’s 223 all out, captain Eoin is currently being staged in the have a huge impact on our per- Morgan was full of praise for his UAE, with two play-off s in La- formances.” star all-rounder. “Ben’s a big character, big in our changing room, he lifts eve- PSL rybody in the side when he per- forms like he did today,” he said. “It’s great to see him back in fi ne form.” Quetta score six-wicket Black Caps fall short Trent Boult made early in- England’s Ben Stokes bats as New Zealand’s Tom Latham looks on during the second one-day international at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, win over Islamabad roads as New Zealand tried to New Zealand, yesterday. (AFP) defend their modest total, dis- By Sports Reporter spells. lodging Jason Roy for eight and scoring 50. But a superb fi elding left New Zealand on 48 for three ...... 1 J. Roy c Santner b Boult ...... 8 Sharjah Quetta’s response was spear- Joe Root for nine. display from England saw New with Guptill holding the fi rst R. Taylor run out ...... 10 J. Bairstow c sub (Astle) b Fer- headed by Kevin Pietersen, who Jonny Bairstow made a rapid- Zealand bowled out for 223 with half of the innings together. T. Latham c Curran b Ali ...... 22 guson ...... 37 rode his luck initially before set- fi re 37, then Morgan and Stokes two balls remaining. His half-century came off 84 H. Nicholls c Roy b Stokes ...... 1 J. Root c de Grandhomme b uetta Gladiators regis- tling into ominous touch. dug in for an 88-run partner- England pulled off a string of balls but he failed to push on C. de Grandhomme run out .38 Boult ...... 9 tered a six-wicket win When he did, he squashed any ship that had England at 144 for sharply taken catches and ran and was caught by Roy on 50 M. Santner not out ...... 63 E. Morgan c and b Munro ..... 62 over Islamabad United plans Misbah might have been three after 25 overs. out four batsman, ensuring that trying to sweep Ali’s spin over T. Southee run out ...... 6 B. Stokes not out ...... 63 in the Pakistan Super harbouring to beat an unlikely Morgan notched his fi rst ODI every chance their bowlers cre- the boundary. Colin de Grand- LeagueQ (PSL) match yesterday. path to victory, smashing three L. Ferguson c Rashid b Stokes . J. Buttler not out ...... 36 50 in 11 innings off 48 balls be- ated resulted in a wicket. homme contributed 38 but then ...... 19 Extras (lb2, w8) ...... 10 Gladiators restricted Islama- huge sixes en-route to a 34-ball fore departing on 62 before New Zealand never recovered it was left to Santner to provide T. Boult run out ...... 2 Total (4 wickets; 37.5 overs) bad United to 134 despite some 48. Stokes brought up 50 off 54 from an early double blow by late resistance. Extras (lb5, w5) 10 225 terrifi c top-order hitting from Peripheral contributions from balls with a six edged over the Woakes, who dismissed Colin The lanky spinner hit a Total (all out; 49.4 overs) .223 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Roy), 2-47 Luke Ronchi, whose 26-ball 43 Mohamed Nawaz and Asad keeper’s head. Munro for one in his fi rst over match-winning 45 in the open- Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Munro), 2-9 (Root), 3-86 (Bairstow), 4-174 accounted for a bulk of the runs. Shafi q and Shane Watson were Earlier, Black Cap spin- then Mark Chapman for the ing match but his heroics at (Chapman), 3-48 (Taylor), 4-79 (Morgan) After his dismissal, Misbah- more than enough to seal what ner Mitchell Santner scored same score in his second. Mount Maunganui were not (Guptill), 5-82 (Nicholls), 6-108 Bowling: Southee 7-0-55-0 ul-Haq and JP Duminy, both was, in truth, a cakewalk for the his maiden limited overs half- David Willey’s prowess in enough to get the Black Caps (Latham), 7-141 (de Grandhom- (2w), Boult 8-1-46-2, Santner playing their fi rst games of the two-time runners-up. century as the New Zealand tail the fi eld was responsible for over the line. me), 8-147 (Southee), 9-216 (Fer- 7.5-0-40-0, Ferguson 8-0-48-1, season, managed 36 off 51 balls to give the home team’s score Ross Taylor’s departure on 10, guson), 10-223 (Boult) de Grandhomme 2-0-11-0 (1w), between them. BRIEF SCORES some respectability. swooping on the ball at back- SCOREBOARD Bowling: Willey 5-0-16-0 (2w), Munro 5-0-23-1 (1w) That Islamabad crossed 130 Quetta Gladiators 135 for 4 Santner’s unbeaten 63 off 52 ward point and fi ring it to Jos New Zealand Woakes 7.4-1-42-2, Rashid 10-0- Result: England win by six was courtesy a late charge from (Pietersen 48, Nawaz 25*) beat balls was the highlight of New Buttler to break the stumps. M. Guptill c Roy b Ali ...... 50 32-0, Curran 9-0-53-0 (3w), Ali wickets Faheem Ashraf. For Quetta, Ra- Islamabad United 134 for 7 (Ron- Zealand’s innings, with in- The loss of Taylor, a century- C. Munro c Buttler b Woakes.... 1 10-0-33-2, Stokes 8-0-42-2 Series: Five-match series is hat Ali, Mohamed Nawaz and chi 43, Misbah 22, Rahat 1-18) by form opener Martin Guptill also maker in the opening fi xture, M. Chapman c Willey b Woakes England level 1-1 Hasan Khan enjoyed successful six wickets

TEST SERIES Proteas not seeking quick pitches against Australia Reuters has defi nitely slowed down a bit. That’s the na- Australia skipper Smith eager for South Africa revenge Durban ture of the square. I expect it to be quite slow. It might take a bit of turn. If anything a little Australia captain Steve Smith is looking from home and start winning series, tennis-ball bounce,” added the South Africa for revenge in the upcoming Tests so this is a really good opportunity for outh Africa have not asked for quick captain, who is back after missing last month’s against South Africa to continue the us,” said Smith. The world’s leading Test pitches to be prepared for their four- limited overs contests against India through in- trend which has seen the tourists domi- batsman, Smith said a century in tough Test series against Australia, which jury. nate in recent series between the sides. conditions at Centurion on Australia’s starts in Durban today, after the ploy Wickets at the next two test venues - Port “Certainly it’s a big series for us. We’ve previous tour in 2013/14 had given him backfiS red just over a month ago, captain Faf Elizabeth and Cape Town - could also prove had a lot of great contests over the the confidence that he could score runs du Plessis said yesterday. slow. But the last Test at The Wanderers, which years. South Africa got the better of against any bowling attack. Du Plessis “I learnt my lesson,” Du Plessis told a news starts on March 30, is expected to signifi cantly us at home so we’d love to get them is fully aware of Smith’s threat having conference after his call for groundsmen to favour the quick bowlers, enhanced by being back for that one,” said Smith ahead of played alongside him in the Indian prepare pacey wickets in the three-Test series played at altitude, 1,750m above sea level. the start of the first Test at Kingsmead Premier League, and he is hoping to use against India in January saw South Africa lose Following the India Test, The Wanderers in Durban today. South Africa won 2-1 that experience to bring about his rival’s by 63 runs in the last Test at The Wanderers. deck was labelled “poor” and the ICC imposed in a three-Test series in Australia in downfall. “The last series we played The pitch was also criticised by the Interna- a three-demerit points sanction on the Johan- November 2016, their third straight against him he was their best batter but tional Cricket Council (ICC). nesburg venue after play was suspended late on series win there. However, Australia to some degree we did keep him quiet,” “Obviously, when you’re playing against a the third day when South Africa batsman Dean have a brilliant record away in South he said. “He’s obviously a very good sub-continent team (Asian), you try to get an Elgar was struck on the helmet by a rising deliv- Africa, and it is an anomaly that Smith player but it’s similar to what I said about advantage somehow but Australia and South ery from paceman Jasprit Bumrah. and his opposite number Faf du Plessis the Indian team. They have one or two Africa are two similar teams,” said Du Plessis. The match offi cials cited concerns over the put down to the similar conditions in star batsmen. If you can put pressure on “We play in the same conditions. There’s players’ safety after numerous batsmen were both countries. Australia are aiming to them and keep them quiet it obviously nothing diff erent that we are expecting. We struck on the body during the Test. build on a “magnificent” home summer reflects how the series will go.” both will play on what we get. We’ve not asked The demerit points will remain active for a which included a 4-0 Ashes defeat of Australia Team: S Smith (captain), for anything specifi c.” rolling fi ve-year period and if during that time England. “The conditions are similar but D Warner, C Bancroft, U Khawaja, S The wicket for the opening Test at Kings- The Wanderers reaches the threshold of fi ve it’s still an away tour for us. I’ve got a Marsh, M Marsh, T Paine (wkt), P Cum- mead is expected to be slow. demerit points, the venue will be banned from goal as captain to play really well away mins, M Starc, N Lyon, J Hazlewood. “The Durban wicket over the last few years staging any international cricket for 12 months. Gulf Times Thursday, March 1, 2018 5 SPORT

NBA MLB LeBron becoming Mariners’ ‘I never wanted Hernandez to be labelled as an old hand at (just) a scorer... (forearm) is (but) as a basketball player. I get gratification day-to-day from assists’ Reuters shoulder is structurally fi ne, and triple doubles he is expected to resume throw- New York ing within fi ve days. Stroman told reporters he fi rst eattle Mariners ace Fe- experienced shoulder discom- lix Hernandez appears fort in January as he ramped his to have dodged a major activities up. He attempted to injury after being struck pitch through it before deciding byS a line drive in the upper right to get it checked out following a forearm on Monday during a bullpen session Sunday. spring training game. Chicago Cubs catcher Vic- LINCECUM AGREES TO tor Caratini ripped a pitch back RANGERS CONTRACT up the middle in the second in- Two-time Cy Young winner Tim ning at Mesa, Ariz., and it struck Lincecum agreed to a contract Hernandez on his pitching arm with the Texas Rangers. near the elbow. The 31-year- According to multiple reports, old fl inched but was unable to Lincecum will join the Rangers raise his glove in time to stop the on a one-year deal. Jeff Passan hard-hit ball. of Yahoo Sports reported Tues- The Mariners announced X- day that Lincecum could be the rays on Hernandez’s forearm favourite to become the team’s came back negative and that he closer. Lincecum was deciding is day-to-day. “The report I got between two or three teams, per back is that it’s a contusion,” the report, including the Los An- manager Scott Servais said. geles Dodgers. “Nothing’s broken, but he’s go- The right-hander impressed ing to be out for a little while.” at a showcase earlier this month, with his fastball reportedly STROMAN TO RESUME IN clocking between 90-92mph FIVE DAYS after he averaged 88.4mph on Toronto Blue Jays right-hander his heater with the Los Angeles Marcus Stroman underwent an Angels in 2016. Lincecum didn’t MRI that discovered infl amma- pitch professionally in 2017 after tion in his throwing shoulder. a disastrous run with the Angels The scan showed Stroman’s in 2016.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (second from right) drives to the basket of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets in Cleveland on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports)

AFP from assists more than anything. To give beyond the arc to give the Cavaliers the 101 on Tuesday. Los Angeles my guys great looks is awesome.” lead but the Nets answered with an Allen Wade came off the bench to score 15 The previous oldest player to aver- Crabbe drive to the basket to give Brook- of Miami’s fi nal 17 points, including the age a triple double in a calendar month, lyn a 121-120 lead. tough 18-footer over 76ers rookie Ben SPOTLIGHT eBron James became the oldest containing at least 10 games, was Hall of Hood sank a jump shot and made a free Simmons. player in league history to aver- Famer Wilt Chamberlain in March 1968 throw that gave Cleveland a two-point Philadelphia’s JJ Redick had a chance for age a triple-double in a calendar at 31 years old. lead. the win but missed a 3-point attempt from month, scoring 31 points on Tues- James had 12 rebounds and 11 assists The Cavaliers are doubling down every the top of the key at the buzzer. It was just NFL could nix ‘ground’ Lday in the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-123 for his 12th triple-double of the season time they beat Boston. Not only do they Miami’s third win in its past 11 games. win over the Brooklyn Nets. and 67th of his career. He also reached get the win but it also helps their draft Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 23 It is the fi rst time in his brilliant 15- 8,000 assists and became the fi rst player position. points, and Dario Saric added 21 points. part of catch rule year NBA career that the 33-year-old in league history to reach that milestone, The Cavaliers own Brooklyn’s top draft The 76ers have lost two in a row follow- James has averaged a triple-double for a along with 30,000 points and 8,000 re- pick, acquired in a trade. The Brooklyn has ing a seven-game win streak. Miami’s Reuters month, a milestone that he doesn’t take bounds. now lost nine of their last 10 games and own Goran Dragic had 21 points, and Hassan New York for granted. James and George Hill nailed two free the seventh-worst record in the league. Whiteside had 15 points and a game-high “It is a long list of so many great players throws each in the fi nal 16 seconds to D’Angelo Russell led Brooklyn with 25 11 rebounds. that have come through this league and clinch the victory. The free throws came points while Caris LeVert scored 18 and atapulting forward on for you to be the only one in a category it just after Rodney Hood’s three-point DeMarre Carroll had 16. RESULTS the push from commis- is pretty cool,” James said. play with 40 seconds left gave Cleveland Charlotte ...... 118 Chicago ...... 103 sioner Roger Goodell “I take pride in being a triple threat a 123-121 lead. WADE HITS GAME-WINNER FOR HEAT Cleveland ...... 129 Brooklyn ...... 123 to adjust the catch rule, ever since I started playing basketball. Jarrett Allen’s two free throws gave Dwyane Wade scored a season-high 27 Cthe NFL competition committee Miami ...... 102 Philadelphia ...... 101 “I never wanted to be labelled as (just) a Brooklyn a 119-117 lead with 78 seconds points, including a fade-away jumper Washington ...... 107 Milwaukee ...... 104 is considering eliminating the scorer. I always wanted to be labelled as a to play. with 5.9 seconds left, to lead the host Mi- Portland ...... 116 Sacramento ...... 99 “going to the ground” portion after hitting the ground in the basketball player. I get more gratifi cation Jordan Clarkson drained a shot from ami Heat past the Philadelphia 76ers 102- LA Clippers...... 122 Denver ...... 120 of the rule, according to an NFL end zone. Network report. “The Jesse James play, I think Goodell has made the catch should be a completion,” Mara NHL rule a major focus this off sea- told ESPN, “but I’m not sure we’re son, seeking greater clarity after unanimous on that. But plays opening dialogue with former where guys seem to make the catch and current players and coaches. and then make a football move Campbell posts fi rst win as Kings beat Knights again The current rule stipulates with it, I think most of us agree that if a player is going to the those should be completions. Now Reuters Toff oli gave the Kings a 2-1 lead with an ground while making a catch, he it’s just a question of coming up New York unassisted goal at 6:56 of the second pe- must “maintain control of the with the right language.” riod, once again taking advantage of a Ve- ball until after his initial con- Among other rule changes be- gas turnover at the blue line as defense- tact with the ground” in order to ing considered, according to NFL ack Campbell made 41 saves to man Deryk Engelland and center Reilly complete the catch. If he is going Network’s Judy Battista, are the pick up his fi rst career NHL win as Smith failed to gain control of a bouncing to the ground out of bounds, any removal of spot-foul penalties for the Los Angeles Kings completed a puck. Toff oli swept in and gathered the loss of control results in an in- defensive pass interference, more back-to-back sweep of the West- puck, then fi red a wrist shot past Lagace’s complete pass. If he is in the fi eld stringent enforcement of illegal ernJ Conference-leading Vegas Golden stick side for his 21st goal of the season. of play, the ball may not touch contact penalties, more ejections Knights with a 4-1 victory on Tuesday Kopitar, who scored with 10.8 seconds the ground during or after a loss for fi ghting and the possible addi- night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. left in the third period on Monday night to of control. tion of a targeting rule. Campbell, the 11th pick of the 2010 send the game into overtime, made it 3-1 A member of the competition Current defensive pass inter- draft by the Dallas Stars, was making his at 19:30 of the second period Tuesday. He committee, Giants owner John ference is assessed at the spot fi rst start in goal for the Kings this season took the puck at center ice and then raced Mara told ESPN on Tuesday that of the foul, leading to an average and fi rst in the NHL since 2013. He was up the right boards before cutting in front he thinks the group is “unani- penalty of more than 18 yards in called up from the AHL Ontario Reign of defenseman Luca Sbisa and roofi ng a mous” that a few high-profi le 2017. The potential change would last week when Los Angeles traded Darcy shot over Lagace’s right shoulder for his plays in recent memory — Dez cap it at 15 yards per occurrence, Kuemper to the Arizona Coyotes. 27th goal of the season. Bryant’s overturned catch in the which is how the foul is offi ciated Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist, Carter then sealed the win with a pow- 2014 playoff s and Calvin John- at the college level. and Jeff Carter, Kyle Cliff ord and Tyler er-play goal with 1:58 left in the game, his son’s overturned, would-be The committee is also expect- Toff oli also scored goals for the Kings (75 second goal in two nights. game-winning touchdown in ed to approve a change that al- points), who leapfrogged the Anaheim 2010 — should be catches. lows teams to hire a coach whose Ducks (74) to move into third place in the Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jack Campbell (right) makes a save against the Vegas RESULTS However, the committee team is still active in the playoff s. Pacifi c Division. Golden Knights during the NHL game in Las Vegas on Tuesday. (USA TODAY Sports) Boston ...... 4 Carolina ...... 3 (OT) seems to be less in agreement Similar proposals have failed in The Kings had rallied from a 2-0 defi cit New Jersey ...... 3 Pittsburgh ...... 2 about the controversial over- the past, but there is renewed in the fi nal 7:32 of the third period to de- sion by 10 points over the second-place the fi rst period, jamming in a loose puck Washington ...... 3 Ottawa ...... 2 turned touchdown involving support for such a change af- feat the Golden Knights 3-2 in overtime San Jose Sharks. from the right side of the crease following a Florida ...... 3 Toronto ...... 2 (OT) Steelers tight end Jesse James in ter Josh McDaniels reneged on a on Monday night at Staples Center. Maxime Lagace had 26 saves for the diagonal pass from Jonathan Marchessault. Minnesota ...... 8 St. Louis ...... 3 Week 15 of 2017. On the play in verbal agreement to be the head William Karlsson scored his Western Golden Knights, getting a rare start af- Cliff ord tied it three minutes later with Nashville...... 6 Winnipeg ...... 5 question, James caught the ball coach of the Indianapolis Colts Conference-leading 34th goal for Vegas, ter Marc-Andre Fleury began each of the fourth goal of the season, intercepting a Dallas ...... 2 Calgary ...... 0 while falling to his knees before earlier this month, several weeks which fell to 24-6-2 at home this season. previous 11 contests. Ryan Carpenter pass in front of the goal Los Angeles...... 4 Las Vegas ...... 1 extending to the goal line, with after the Colts had concluded The Golden Knights lead the Pacifi c Divi- Karlsson opened the scoring at 5:27 of and then beating Lagace glove side. San Jose ...... 5 Edmonton...... 2 the ball jarring free from his grip their original search. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, March 1, 2018

SPORT

SPOTLIGHT TENNIS Nadal cuts short comeback aft er Federer doubts golden injury fl ares up

AFP Acapulco, Mexico

orld number two Rafael Nadal pulled oldies’ Grand Slam out of the Mexican Open on Tuesday, cutting short his comeback from an in- jury when his ailing right hip fl ared up Wagain. “My goal and hope was to play in this tournament. Unfortunately, in my last training session yesterday, I felt a sharp pain in my leg again,” the 31-year-old Spanish star said hours before what was to have been success will be matched his opening match of the ATP Tour event in Acapulco. Nadal, favoured to win the tournament and cham- ‘It is definitely hard to see one player right now getting 10 slams’ pion here in 2005 and 2013, had been due to face fel- low Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. “I took all the appropriate steps to arrive at the tournament in form. I went to Cozumel fi rst, to adapt (to the climate),” he told reporters. “But yesterday, in my last training session before the tournament, during one movement I felt a sharp pain again in the same area where I had the problem in Australia.” Nadal limped out of the quarter-fi nals at the Aus- tralian Open on January 23. He has since lost his number one ranking to Roger Federer. Nadal said doctors in Mexico warned him not to play for fear of aggravating the injury. “I still don’t know what it is, because we don’t know. It seems it’s not as bad as what I had at the Australian Open,” he said. “Now, my main goal is to fi nd out the extent of the injury.” This marks the sixth tournament in a row that Nadal has pulled out of or retired from - the Aus- tralian Open, Brisbane, London, Paris, Basel and Acapulco. The 16-time Grand Slam winner Nadal previously announced himself fully fi t and said he was looking forward to competing in his second event of 2018. “I took a couple of weeks of rest and worked hard on rehabilitation,” he said earlier in the week. “Last week, I started practising hard again. I feel ready.” Nadal is expected to remain at least one more day in Acapulco to have more tests done. “Maybe it is a minor situation, but the reality is that there is liquid and until it goes down a bit and the relevant tests are done, it will not be possible to diagnose,” he said. While a victory this week would not have been good enough to overhaul Federer, it would leave Nadal primed to replace the Swiss star at Indian Wells or Miami next month. The 2008 Olympic gold medal winner is known as the “King of Clay” and is considered the greatest clay-court player in the history of the sport. But his success is not limited to clay. Nadal has won 10 French Open titles, three US Opens, two Wimbledons and one Australian Open. Swiss tennis star Roger Federer poses with his ‘Sportsman of the Year’ and ‘Comeback of the Year’ trophies during the 2018 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony at the Sporting Monte-Carlo Nadal, who turns 32 in June, ended 2017 as the complex in Monaco. (AFP) oldest year-end world number one in the 45-year history of the ATP rankings. AFP awards, said the younger genera- fi nal, admitted fortunes can change champions and the future has nev- Open after the Indian Wells tour- In men’s action on Tuesday, defending cham- Monaco tion such as Bulgarian Grigor Dim- with the slightest of tweaks. er worried me,” he said. “Someone nament in March. “I’ve come to pion Sam Querrey lost his opening match and is itrov and Dominic Thiem of Austria “Once you get rolling like Novak will follow in our footsteps and be realise it is better to wait. If you are gone from the tournament after he was beaten by have the ability to win a Grand Slam and I did all of a sudden you don’t a champion. hurt or struggling in a tournament Australia’s Matthew Ebden 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7/5). Juan ennis legend Roger Federer but 10 might be beyond them. look back, then a few years later you “We are a shadow over the game, no one knows so that is ok, but if Martin Del Potro, who returned to the top 10 ranking believes it will be hard for “It is defi nitely hard to see one do look back and you have eight or the top guys, and clearly we don’t people know you have had a problem last month for the fi rst time in three years, clobbered the younger generation player right now getting 10 slams,” 10 Grand Slam titles, it’s crazy,” allow them (the younger ones) to it is better to wait it out and train re- Mischa Zverev 6-1, 6-2 in just 61 minutes. Cana- to emulate him and fel- said Federer. “It is much easier to said Federer, the oldest world completely fl ourish but once we are ally hard to get back at 100%.” dian Denis Shapovalov rallied to beat Kei Nishikori Tlow veterans Rafael Nadal and No- say that probably a lot of guys are number one in ATP history. gone I think it will still be very, very Federer believes whilst part of of Japan 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-1 in a two hour, 17 minute vak Djokovic in winning multiple going to win a slam or two but win- “Confi dence and momentum are exciting.” his enormous popularity is down to marathon match. Grand Slams. ning 10 slams is not something you a big thing. When you unlock your Federer, who says his lighter the success he has enjoyed, it is also The 36-year-old Swiss, who holds can predict, people didn’t predict game through success or a coach tournament schedule these days perversely to do with how he han- the men’s all-time record of Grand that with me to be honest. explains the one ingredient that keeps him hungry and motivated, dled tougher times. “Maybe going Slam titles with 20, was speaking “Maybe with Rafa (Nadal) with is missing then that can change has had his fair share of injury through tougher moments since to a small group of journalists prior the French Open you say yes he is things.” problems in recent years, and he 2010 and 2011 came around when I to winning two Laureus awards - going to grab a few there. Maybe he urged two-time Wimbledon cham- didn’t win so much,” he said. ‘Comeback of the Year’ and ‘Sports- is going to win fi ve (he has 10 to his ‘A shadow over the game’ pion Murray not to rush back to “People saw me struggling a lit- man of the Year’ - on Tuesday. name) as he was an amazing junior Federer, however, believes the competition following hip surgery tle bit more and they thought of Laureus is a global movement as well like Bjorn Borg, they were sport will not suff er once the likes in January. me as being more human and since that uses the power of sport to the best teenagers we ever had in of him, 16-time major winner Nad- “What I learned is just be patient then my popularity has really gone tackle the most devastating social the game.” al, 12-time Grand Slam Djokovic, when you are hurt, only come back up even more so since the come- challenges in the world. Federer, Federer, who came to Monaco on and Andy Murray fi nally hang up when you are 100% not 92%,” said back (undergoing knee surgery in who missed the ATP tournament the back of winning the Rotterdam their rackets. “The game of ten- Federer, who will make up his mind 2016 and returning to win a record in Dubai this week to attend the title where he beat Dimitrov in the nis always has a way of producing about whether he plays the French eighth Wimbledon crown in 2017).”

FOCUS FORMULA 1 Bottas laps up early advantage Pouille takes rapid revenge over teammate Hamilton

Reuters on Russian Khachanov Barcelona AFP altteri Bottas will take Dubai any advantage he can get as Lewis Hamil- ton’s Mercedes team- ucas Pouille found his fi tness as he won a re-run of the Vmate, even if it lasts little longer weekend Marseille fi nal, beating Karen Khachanov 6-4, than the snow that covered the 3-6, 6-3 yesterday at the Dubai Championships. Circuit de Catalunya yesterday. The Frenchman was the only player from his nation to With the day largely a write- Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes in action during Formula One test session Lwin on the day from three on court. off , the Finn looked set to end at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain, yesterday. (Reuters) Benoit Paire lost 6-1, 6-4 to Borna Coric while Pierre-Hugues the fi rst pre-season test having Herbert fell to Spanish third seed Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-4, 6-7 done much more mileage than so far I’ve got a better under- Hamilton, he said, also had (2/7), 6-1. Bautista and Coric will meet in the quarter-fi nals. the Briton who will line up in standing because of the mile- weaknesses but he preferred Japan’s eighth seed Yuichi Sugita beat German Jan-Lennard Australia on March 25 as favour- age. “For sure Lewis will also to focus on himself rather than Struff 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 and will face Pouille in the last eight. ite for a fi fth Formula One title. get a good idea of the new car. trying to get under the skin of On Sunday, Khachanov edged Pouille in the third set in Marseille, Bottas completed 94 laps He is quick to adapt anyway so his team mate. but the Frenchman struck back at the Aviation Club in Dubai. on Tuesday and 58 on Monday I’m sure it will be fi ne for both “If I perform on the level I am “In the Marseille fi nal, he won just three points more than me,” for a total of 708km. Hamilton of us.” aiming to at every single race, Pouille said. “I knew it was very close. I had to play some good ten- has done 25 laps in total, a mere I hope that will do the job. I’m nis. We were both I think a little bit tired. I’m just very happy that I 116km, and most were in damp FOCUSED BOTTAS not going to start wasting my got my revenge today.” and cold conditions. Bottas won three races last energy on any (mind) games,” Pouille, who also won the Montpellier title this month, is pleased The test ends today and the year after moving from Wil- he added. with his current form. “As long as you win, you get some confi - teams have four more days at liams to Mercedes while Ham- Bottas said at the team’s dence. I prefer to win a lot of matches, play a lot. “I’m very happy the circuit next week, when the ilton won nine and the title. launch at Silverstone last week, with this month of February so far.” weather should be better. The Finn suff ered something when he was also the fi rst to Paire’s racquet disintegrated in the second game against Borna “The miles, in these condi- of a slump after the August drive the new car, that he felt Coric but it wasn’t the only thing to fall apart as he lost in 63 minutes, tions, are less valuable than break and said he had spent Hamilton was beatable over the serving seven double-faults and dropping serve fi ve times. Bautista proper miles in proper con- plenty of time over the winter course of a year. needed almost two and a half hours to advance as Herbert forced a ditions,” Bottas, wrapped up reviewing those races and oth- “He’s defi nitely the tough- third set tiebreaker. “I had to fi ght so hard, it was tough to feel good warm on a chilly morning, told ers where he underperformed. est team mate I’ve ever had,” on the court today,” said Bautista, a Spaniard ranked number 23 in reporters. “I have defi nitely been fo- he said. “But there’s no driver the world. “We had a lot of wind, it was not easy to play.” “But I’ll take it,” added the cusing more on my weakness- who is unbeatable. I believe in Russian Evgeny Donskoy, who upset Roger Federer here a year Mercedes driver, who would es,” he said. “But also you need myself also. ago in the second round, hammered fourth seed Damir Dzumhur France’s Lucas Pouille celebrates after defeating Karen Khachanov of Russia have preferred to test in Bah- to remember your strengths “I feel I have better chances 6-1, 6-1. in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship yesterday. (AFP) rain than Barcelona. “Defi nitely and how to use them.” this year than last year.” Gulf Times Thursday, March 1, 2018 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Top names to compete in FINA Marathon Swim World Series Public will also have an exclusive opportunity to experience and swim the same course as the elite athletes

atar will host its fi rst- paigns in Doha. last summer’s World Champion- ever FINA HOSA Mar- “We will apply our experi- ships. Many of the athletes will athon Swim World Se- ence and knowledge from host- attend the Open Water Challenge ries event on Saturday, ing multiple world-class FINA on 16th March to meet the pub- 17thQ March, with the turquoise events, including six FINA World lic, share their experiences and waters of Doha’s iconic Corniche Cups and the 2014 World Swim- provide tips and advice to the providing a stunning setting for ming Championships to organise participants. reigning Olympic and World an event to the highest possible Commenting on the Open Wa- Champions to go head in the level for everyone involved. We ter Challenge, al-Jabir said: “We 10km open water swim. hope that this event will con- encourage all Qatar residents to The public will also have an tinue to support the growth and sign up for the Open Water Chal- exclusive opportunity to experi- development of swimming in lenge for the chance to experi- ence and swim the same course Qatar as we build up to the 2023 ence what it is like to be an elite as the elite athletes in an Open FINA World Championships, athlete. Water Challenge competition on the pinnacle event of the aquat- “Not only are we providing the Friday, 16th March open to any- ics calendar. We invite everyone opportunity to swim the same one over 11 years of age. to come down to the Corniche course as Olympic and World Doha will open the FINA on 16 and 17th March, soak up Champions but the public will Marathon Swim World Series the atmosphere and cheer on the also get to enjoy the same serv- 2018, which features nine meet- athletes” ices and facilities before and af- ings taking place in some of the The women’s elite competi- ter the competition and sample world’s most scenic waterways, tion will see an exciting show- exactly what it is like to be one of including the Seychelles, Portu- down between Rio 2016 Ol- the world’s best athletes!” gal, Canada and China. ympic Champion, Sharon Van There will be three categories Over 350 athletes from over 50 Rouwendaal of the Netherlands, available for the public in the national federations all over the 2017 World Series winner, Ari- Doha Open Challenge: 400m for world will compete in the one- anna Bridi and Rio 2016 Olympic boys and girls aged 11-14, 800m day competition programme silver medallist, Rachele Bruni, for boys and girls aged 15-17, and from March until November, both of Italy, 2017 World silver 1,200m for boys and girls aged 18 with a total of $30,000 prize medallist Samantha Michelle and over. money available per event. Arevalo Salinas of Ecuador and Entries and registration will be Speaking ahead of the event, more. accepted either through an email President of the Qatar Swimming Meanwhile in the men’s com- to [email protected] or at Association (QSA) and FINA Bu- petition, Rio 2016 Olympic and the Qatar Swimming Association reau Member, Khalil al-Jabir, 2017 World Champion Ferry offi ces on the 7th fl oor of Olym- said: “It is an honour for Qatar Weertman will start as the strong pic Tower in West Bay between to host another prestigious FINA favourite but will face stiff com- 9am and 12pm or 5pm and 7pm event and welcome the world’s petition from Great Britain’s Jack before 10th March. Further in- Doha will open the FINA Marathon Swim World Series 2018, which features nine meetings taking place in some of the world’s most scenic best open water swimmers to Burnell, who fi nished just out- formation can be found at www. waterways, including the Seychelles, Portugal, Canada and China. kick off their World Series cam- side the medals in fourth place at qatarswimming.com.

LOCAL CRICKET FOCUS Malik shines for Grand Prix of Qatar anniversary HBK in Qatar photo exhibition begins at Katara Airways cricket By Sports Reporter Doha alik returned a dev- astating seven for 50 to set up a massive s part of the 15th year anniver- 67-run victory for sary celebrations of the Mo- MHBK over Tusker Club in a Divi- toGP Grand Prix of Qatar, Losail sion A match in the Qatar Air- Circuit Sports Club is hosting ways Cricket tournament. aA photo exhibition at Katara titled Speed At the West Bay Grounds, Ma- and Rituals – Emotional Trials. lik ran through Tusker Club’s The exhibition, which was inaugurated battling line-up when they were yesterday, is a collection of 50 photo- chasing a stiff 275-run target. His graphs captured at Losail International big haul secured in 9.1 overs sent Circuit and in other circuits by renowned Tusker Club crashing to 208 all Italian motorsport photographers Gigi out in 40.1 overs. Deepu resisted Soldano and Mirco Lazzari. The exhibi- gallantly and ended up with 75 tion is on display at Youth Hobbies Cen- not out. tre (Building 18) at Katara and is open to Batting fi rst, HBK were lifted public from today till 18th March. to 274 in 45 overs by Imal, who The Grand Prix of Qatar is one of the cracked a six and nine fours in his most spectacular events on the MotoGP 106-ball 99. Ushantha’s contri- calendar and will take place under the bution of 40 in 30 balls with two fl oodlights at Losail International Circuit sixes and three fours was useful. from March16-18. FROM LEFT: LCSC Vice President and General Manager Khalid al-Remaihi, QMMF General Secretary Abdulrazak al-Kuwari, In a Premier Division match, The fi rst Grand Prix of Qatar was held photographer Gigi Soldano, QMMF President Abdulrehman al-Mannai, photographer Mirco Lazzari and Abdulaziz al-Qubaisi, Omran (fi ve for 18) and Mirza at Losail in 2004 and in 2008, history was representative of Youth Hobbies Centre at the inauguration of photo exhibition at Katara titled Speed and Rituals. nabbed nine scalps between created with the fi rst fl oodlit Grand Prix them to spark Qatari Diar to a ever for the MotoGP Championship. The throughout the motorcycling world. “I 1989. He started with taking pictures of Qatar. I have been taking photos at Lo- dominant six-wicket triumph 15th edition promises to be the most ex- try to capture the soul of the riders. It is car racing and Formula 1, before switch- sail International Circuit since the fi rst against Royal Stars. citing one with new activities and dedi- diffi cult but this is the best way for me ing to MotoGP in 2001. year and shooting at night is amazing and Omran dismissed fi ve players cated fan zones for the families too. to express my pictures. It is the fi rst time “This exhibition is very important as it wonderful,” the Italian added. in his 7.4 overs with one maiden Malik of HBK The photographs on display at Katara that my photos are being exhibited in Qa- is my fi rst one outside Europe. Usually, I The inauguration of exhibition was at- and Mirza gave away 18 runs to are a visual treat, which captures some tar. It is a great experience for me. I want show my photos in a fi lm and this time it tended by LCSC Vice President and Gen- pick four wickets nine overs, out develop the sport in the country. stunning stills. Soldano has been a pro- to thank Losail Circuit Sports Club and has been exhibited in print,” Lazzarii said eral Manager Khalid al-Remaihi, QMMF of which four were maiden. Their fessional photographer since the late 80’s Youth Hobbies Centre for giving me this yesterday. President Abdulrehman al-Mannai, combined eff orts shot Royal BRIEF SCORES and is specialised in motorsports photog- opportunity,” Soldano said on the side- “It’s an emotional moment to have my QMMF General Secretary Abdulrazak al- Stars out for a mere 83 in 25.4 Premier Division raphy. With thirty years of experience, lines of the inauguration yesterday. photos displayed here on the occasion of Kuwari and Abdulaziz al-Qubaisi, repre- overs. Mudassar (22) was the only Qatari Diar beat Royal Stars by six Soldano is well known and appreciated Lazzarii has been a photographer since the 15th anniversary of the Grand Prix of sentative from Youth Hobbies Centre. player to put up some fi ght. wickets Qatari Diar darted to the vic- Royal Stars: 83 all out in 25.4 overs tory in 11.3 overs with Amir hit- (Mudassar 22, Omran 5/18, Mirza ting 31 with seven boundaries in 4/18) lost to Qatari Diar: 86 for four 20 balls and Raheel making 24 off in 11.3 overs (Amir 31, Raheel 24, EMIR’S BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP 14 balls, including fi ve hits to the Tanveer 1/28) Man of the Match: rope. Omran of Qatari Diar (five for 18 in United Challengers continued 7.4 overs) their winning run in the Divi- Division A sion A Twenty20 tournament as HBK beat Tusker Club by 67 runs they outclassed Qatar Stars by 34 HBK: 274 all out in 45 overs (Imal runs. Rifan (67 not out with three 99, Ushantha 40, Prem 3/53, sixes and fi ve fours in 34 balls), Aneesh 4/61) bt Tusker Club: 208 all Ahanaf (59 in 38 balls with nine out in 40.1 overs (Deepu 75 not out, fours) and Niksy (46 in 26 balls Malik 7/50) Man of the Match: Malik with two sixes and seven fours) of HBK (seven for 50 in 9.1 overs) powered United Challengers to a HBK beat Tusker Club by 67 runs big 189 for two. Division A Qatar Stars’ chase was de- United Challengers beat Qatar Stars railed by Sathish, who collected by 34 runs in T20 match an impressive fi ve for 34. Rizwan United Challengers: 189 for two slammed three sixes and fi ve in 20 overs (Rifan 67 in 34 balls, fours to compile 61 off 41 deliv- Ahanaf 59 in 38 balls, Niksy 46 in Qatari players in action during the HH Emir’s Bowling eries. Jasim Khan took 17 balls 26 balls, Javed 1/26, Amjad 1/24) Championship at the Qatar Bowling Centre yesterday. The one to make 35, including three sixes bt Qatar Stars: 155 for seven in 20 -week long championship is bringing together elite bowlers from and a four, and Umar Farookh’s overs (Rizwan 61 in 41 balls, Jasim Kuwait, Iraq, Singapore, Hong Kong, India South African beside 20 contained two fours. Khan 35 in 17 balls, Umar Farookh hosts Qatar. The organising committee has allocated total prize Qatar Airways has been a 20 in 23 balls, Sathish 5/34, Niksy money of $61,400 for the event. The winner will take home long-time sponsor of the cricket 1/11, David 1/5) Man of the Match: $10,000, the runner-up will get $6,000 while the third and fourth events in Qatar and supporting Sathish of United Challengers (five placed will collect $3300. the Qatar Cricket Association to for 34 in four overs)

Thursday, March 1, 2018 GULF TIMES SPORT

IBSF-ACBS WORLD TEAM CUP 2018 Saif, Abdulmajeed lead Qatar to last-16, face world champs The Qatari duo is up against the current world champions Pakistan’s Mohamed Asif and Babar Masih

Qatar’s Bashar Abdulmajeed and Ahmed Saif (right) in action during the inaugural edition of the IBSF-ACBS World Team Cup at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall yesterday. PICTURES: Ram Chand

By Sports Reporter Hoo Moh and Kok Leong Lim in the In the evening session, the 35-year- second behind Ireland-1 (Brendan Hong Kong-1 being the other — that blanking al-Obaidli 77-0. Doha evening. old Saif won the fi rst frame 69-31 O’Donoghue and Michael Judge). stayed unbeaten in the group stages After the Hong Kong duo won the However, with South Africa’s 3-1 against Keen before Kok levelled the On Tuesday, the duo had beaten In- and were ranked third going into the doubles frame, al-Obaidli managed to win over Malaysia on the fi rst day of game 75-66, and then the Malaysians dia-2 team of Pankaj Advani and Manan knockouts. level the match at 2-2 with a single- hmed Saif and Bashar Abdul- the tournament on Tuesday, Qatar-1 took the doubles 67-22. Chandra, before following it up with India-1 will now face the Australian point victory in the fourth frame. majeed kept the local hopes topped Group H and made it to the Saif restored parity with a 60-26 3-0 win over Polish team of Mateusz team of Steve Mifsud and Ryan Thom- However, Fung closed out the game alive in the IBSF-ACBS World knockout stages along with South Af- win in the fourth frame, but Keen’s Baranowski and Grzegorz Biernadski. erson in the fi rst round of the knock- at 72-6 to stay unbeaten, and set up a Team Cup 2018 as the Qatar-1 rica over better frame diff erence. 62-point break gave Abdulmajeed no The Polish duo then lost 1-3 against outs today. Qatar-2 team of Mohsen last-16 encounter with Isle of Man’s teamA made it to the last-16 stage of the In the fi rst match of the day yes- chance in the deciding frame. India-2 to hand the latter a passage Bukshaisha and Mhanaa al-Obaidli Darryl Hill and Sean Corkish. inaugural edition of the tournament at terday, Saif opened the proceedings In today’s last-16 match, the duo is through to the last 16. Advani-Chandra were edged out of the knockout spot in Russian teenagers Ivan Kakovskii and the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federa- against 56-year-old veteran Francisco up against the current world champi- combine will face Chinese teenagers a thriller by Hong Kong-1, comprising Mikhail Terekhov will take on Iceland’s tion (QBSF) Hall yesterday. and won the fi rst frame 68-9, while ons, Pakistan’s Mohamed Asif and Ba- Zhang Jianjang and Fan Zhengyi in the Lee Chun Wai and Fung Kwok Wai. Gunnar Hreidarsson and Gudni Pals- The duo started the day with a domi- Abdulmajeed took the second frame bar Masih. Pakistan 2 team, comprising next round. Bukshaisha opened the game with son in the knockouts, while Iran’s Amir nant 3-0 win over South Africa’s Peter 90-16 against Kahn. Abdulmajeed then Asjad Iqbal and Mohamed Sajjad were India-1, comprising Shahbaaz Adil a 53-point break taking the fi rst frame Sarkhosh and Ehsan Heydari Nezhad Francisco and Mohamed Faaris Kahn, stitched together a 60-point break in unbeaten in the group stages, winning Khan and Malkeet Singh, were also 64-39, however, Fung replied with a will take on Egyptian duo of Hesham before losing out 2-3 to Malaysia’s Keen the doubles frame to win it 74-1. both their matches, and were ranked among six teams — Iran, Russia and 65-point break in the second frame, Shawky and Wael Talaat.

QNB STARS LEAGUE Al Gharafa awarded With title on the line, leaders Duhail win over Al Markhiya Doha: The Qatar Football take on Sadd in high-voltage encounter Association’s Disciplinary Committee made a number of By Sports Reporter decisions yesterday concern- Doha ing the QNB Stars League’s Week 18 matches. The Disciplinary Commit- he four heavyweights of the tee decided that Al Markhiya’s QNB Stars League will be in ac- 3-2 victory against Al Gharafa tion today, with leaders Al Du- will be overturned and the hail taking on second-placed Al latter is awarded a 3-0 win TSadd, while Al Gharafa hosts Al Rayyan for breach of rules regarding in the Week 19 fi xtures. The game be- fielding resident players in the tween Duhail and Sadd assumes much QNB Stars League matches. signifi cance as the winners will most Al Gharafa had lodged an likely become the champions this sea- off icial complaint against Al son. Duhail are leading the table with 48 Markhiya after the match, points, followed by Sadd on 46. claiming that the rivals fielded Both the teams are coming off after six resident players which a thumping win their last fi xtures. Du- was a clear violation of the hail defeated Al Khor 4-0, while Al Sadd rule. The number of resident outplayed Al Ahli 5-0 last week. players to be included in the Duhail, thought, start as the favour- team list in the QNB Stars ites considering their outstanding form League fixtures should not and the fact that Al Sadd will be without exceed five. The Disciplinary forward Hassan al-Haydous and Irani- Committee also imposed a an central defender Morteza Mohamed, fine of QR10,000 on Umm both ruled out with injuries. Salal coach Talal el-Karkouri Morteza, who sustained a muscle in- for misconduct. Similarly, Al jury in their game against Al Ahli, has Al Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi (left) and his Al Sadd counterpart Jesualdo Ferreira speak ahead of their QNB Stars League match today. Khor’s Castan Silva also re- had a good season and will be out of ac- ceived a fine of QR10,000 for tion for three weeks. two teams. We will go into the match in Ferreira declared Duhail as the strong today’s match. “The absence of Hassan are now placed fi fth in the standings. Al dissent against the referee. Duhail had won 4-2 in the fi rst phase a better position because we are better favourites. “The team that wins this (al-Haydous) and Morteza Mohamed Rayyan had won 3-2 in the fi rst phase. Meanwhile, Al Gharafa and will be keen to assert their suprem- placed,” he added. match should win the league shield. due to injuries will not aff ect us in a big Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup coach Bulent Uygun said it acy over The Wolves, who on their part Duhail are unbeaten in the league, a Duhail are the strong favourites to win way. We have never played a game with said: “Al Gharafa are also playing in the will be diff icult game against will be eager to lift the league shield point Belmadi emphasised. “We deserve because they had an extra day’s rest. full strength this season and we will AFC Champions League. They have Al Rayyan today. “We are which they last did in the 2012-13 sea- to be crowned because we have not lost And, also because they had won the title play with the available players,” he said. done well, winning one of their matches passing through a tough son. Sadd are the side that has won the any game and we had beaten Al Sadd in last year, whereas we had not been suc- in the premier continental competi- phase with the AFC Champi- most league titles. the fi rst phase. However, we must prove cessful in the league for a few seasons AL GHARAFA VS AL RAYYAN tion, so it will be a good game. I would ons League also. The same Al Duhail and Al Sadd have made that we deserve this title and we will now,” Ferreira said. Meanwhile, Al Rayyan, on 39 points, like to praise Qatar SC for putting up a is the case with Al Duhail, Al a strong start in the AFC Champions be at our best. If they want to beat us, “One team cannot win the title all the will look to consolidate their third posi- good performance against us in the last Sadd and Al Rayyan. Yet, we League as well, winning both their they must be stronger than us. We have time and we are capable of doing it this tion when they travel to Al Gharafa, who round. Despite winning by four goals, are trying hard to achieve our matches. Ahead of the match, Duhail perhaps the best attack line in Asia ac- time. Al Duhail have the best players, have 26 points. they were strong opponents.” goals,” he said coach Djamel Belmadi conceded that cording to the number of goals we have good coach and the best attack line, but Al Rayyan will also look to build on “Al Gharafa is a big name in Qatar. I “No doubt, it will be tough today’s match will decide the destiny of scored and we try to rectify our mistakes all those advantages will end one day. their 4-0 win over Qatar SC that they had expected them to gain more points against Al Rayyan. They are bot the teams. after every match. We are aware of Al Our match with Al Duhail is one of the achieved after a two-match winless since the beginning of the season. They going strong and they keep “The game between two big teams Sadd’s off ensive ability,” he said. easiest games for the coach because he run. Al Gharafa too have reasons for joy lost the services of Vladimir Weiss, but scoring a lot of goals. They that occupy the fi rst two positions in “We will be disappointed if we lose will not need to motivate players who after the Qatar Football Association on Abdelaziz Hatem returned to them. have players of high calibre. the table is signifi cant as the outcome the league title as we have had an ex- realise its importance. I expect it to be a Wednesday overturned their 2-3 loss to They also took on board Wesley Sch- However, our ambition is will more or less decide who will win the cellent season. Right now, our prior- fun match because it will be played be- bottom side Al Markhiya and awarded neider and Mehdi Taremi. They are to win all matches. I will be championship,” Belmadi said yesterday. ity is the Al Sadd game. After that, we tween two teams that are aggressive,” he The Cheetahs a 3-0 verdict as The also focusing on the AFC Champions forced to make some changes “Everyone thinks that the winners of will think about the AFC Champions added. Oryxes had breached the rule regard- League fi xtures and they need to over- in view of the AFC engage- this match will win the league shield, League,” added Belmadi. Ferreira was not worried by the ab- ing resident players by fi elding six in- come us in order to be in the top four,” ments in between,” he added. but there are games remaining for the Meanwhile, Al Sadd coach Jesualdo sence of al-Haydous and Morteza for stead of the stipulated fi ve. Al Gharafa said Laudrup.