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Wednesday, April 5, 2017 TENNIS Rajab 8, 1438 AH Missing Miami GULF TIMES was refreshing, says Djokovic SPORT Page 6 SPOTLIGHT Qatar in discussion to host Club World Cup AFP Qatar is spending almost $500 president Gianni Infantino said “all “We have to make sure there Doha million every week on major options were open” for Qatar to host will be some test events, test infrastructure projects for rehearsal tournaments but at the time matches organised here and the World Cup, the country’s said no specifi c discussions were tak- all the options are open at this atar is in discussion with Finance Minister, HE Ali Sherif ing place. moment in time,” he said FIFA to host several major al-Emadi said this year “We have to make sure there will be international tournaments some test events, test matches organ- lion every week on major infrastructure ahead of 2022 including the But unlike other recent World Cup ised here and all the options are open at projects for the World Cup, the coun- ClubQ World Cup currently held by Real hosts, Qatar will not have the advan- this moment in time,” he said. try’s Finance Minister, HE Ali Sherif al- Madrid, sources familiar with the mat- tage of staging the Confederations Cup, The Club World Cup is held annually, Emadi said this year. ter have told AFP. traditionally played 12 months before as and was most recently won by Real Ma- That eye-watering level of spend- Qatar could also be the venue for the a rehearsal for the main event. drid who beat Japan’s Kashima Antlers ing could continue until 2021 and cov- Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups. Concerns about Qatar’s fi ercely hot in the fi nal. ers not only stadiums but also huge Sources say all three tournament op- summers — which prompted FIFA to The tournament is traditionally played projects such as roads, a metro, new tions are currently being considered move the World Cup from June/July in December, the same time of the year airport and hospitals. by the Qatari authorities and football’s 2022, to November/December that the 2022 World Cup will be played. Qatar is building or comprehensively governing body, and all three could be year — also meant football’s governing The U-17 tournament is held every renovating at least eight stadiums — staged in the Gulf. body ruled out playing the 2021 Con- two years, the next event taking place in each uniquely — for the World Cup, Qatar is urgently looking for test federations Cup in Doha. India in October this year. with the fi rst of those due to be com- events to try out the multi-billion dol- No host has yet been chosen for 2021, The U-20 World Cup is also held bi- pleted later this year. lar infrastructure it is putting in place but the venue will be another country annually, and the next competition be- More than $200 billion (187bn euros) — and which is reshaping the country from the Asian Football Confederation. gins in South Korea in May. will be spent in total by the gas-rich — for the 2022 World Cup fi nals. Artist’s impression of the Khalifa Stadium, one of the venues for the 2022 WC. On a trip to Qatar in February, FIFA Qatar is spending almost $500 mil- Emirate in preparation for 2022.

ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE Al-Attiyah extends lead as Sunderland top in bikes ‘The car is working very well – a perfect stage for us. There is no advantage to coming here before. This Results & Standings is the desert. It is always changing. Two days to go, but we will drive at the same pace. It’s a good pace’ STAGE RESULTS Cars By Our Correspondent off the piste that you could see. You 1. Nasser al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Qasr Al Sarab, UAE could not see the track and we tried to Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive fi nd a better way. We are still second 2. Khalid al-Qassimi (ARE)/Khaled al- overall today and for the rally. The most Kendi (ARE) Peugeot 3008 DKR atar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah important thing for me is to gain the 3. Khalid al-Jafla (ARE)/Ahmed Malik stormed to a fourth succes- experience and the mileage and to ben- (ARE) Chevrolet Silverado sive stage victory in the car efi t more and more.” category at the Abu Dhabi Czech driver Martin Prokop is on Bikes DesertQ Challenge, as Dubai-based Sam course for a career-best cross-coun- 1. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Sunderland won the motorcycle special try rally fi nish. The former WRC star Rally Factory to regain the advantage on two wheels clocked the fourth fastest time and 2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) Husqvarna yesterday. holds third place. Emiratis Khalid al- 450 Rally Starting sixth on the road for the Jafl a and Ahmed al-Maqoodi produced 3. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 288.73km passage along gatch tracks stunning performances to claim the Rally Factory and through the towering dunes of the third and fi fth fastest times in their UAE, Sunderland delivered another respective Chevrolet and Polaris RZR OVERALL POSITIONS stunning performance on his factory 1000, but Qatar’s Mohammed Abu Issa Cars Red Bull KTM 450 Rally and now holds got stuck, lost a jack and dropped to 1. Nasser al-Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu an advantage of 3min 06.7sec over fourth. Yayha al-Helai and Mark Powell Baumel (FRA) 11hr 07min Chilean rider Pablo Quintanilla. were running well in an unoffi cial sev- 2. Khalid al-Qassimi (ARE)/Khaled Frenchman Pierre Alexandre Renet enth and eighth positions. al-Kendi (ARE) 11hr 46min knew it would never be easy to open the Russian Vladimir Vasilyev lost his 3. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Jan Tomanek road with such top class competition chance of maintaining a top fi ve placing (CZE) 12hr 51min and the Husqvarna rider fi nished the when he withdrew from the race at the 4. Mohammed Abu Issa (QAT)/Xavier Al-Ain Water-backed stage in fi fth and end of the second stage with a back inju- Panseri (FRA) 13hr 52min holds a similar position in the rankings ry. The Mini All4 Racing driver decided to 5. Ahmed al-Maqoodi (ARE)/Obaid behind the leading duo, KTM’s Mat- return to Russia, although his car devel- al-Kitbi (ARE) 14hr 41min thias Walkner and Honda’s Paolo Gon- oped engine issues the day before as well. calves. Emirati Mohammed Al-Balo- Poland’s Rafal Sonik stormed to the Bikes oshi climbed to seventh position. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah continues his remarkable run of form at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. top of the quad rankings, despite ced- 1. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Sunderland said: “It was a good day. I ing the stage win to Dutchman Kees Rally Factory 11hr 41min started back in sixth and I caught all the know. I got to the refuel and I saw them and pieces, but it gives you no advan- We lost some time until we found the Koolen. The multiple world champion 2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) Husqvarna guys before the refuel, which I was re- just before me. After that it was good tage because every dune is diff erent. I route. After passing the bivouac we leads the section by 2min 08.6sec on 450 Rally 11hr 44min ally happy about. At the start I couldn’t and I kind of cruised back. It was a bit feel happy. I felt fast this morning.” made a mistake when we took a diff er- his Honda TRX 700 from fellow coun- 3. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 see everyone after the start and I start- windy out there. It all looks the same. Al-Attiyah and French co-driver ent line and we drove inside the fence. tryman Kamil Wisniewski. Kuwait’s Rally Factory 11hr 46min ed to feel a little nervous so see whether There are thousands of dunes. You rec- Matthieu Baumel stormed to the car We made another mistake about 50km Fahad al-Musallam is third. “We have I was catching them or not. You don’t ognise landmarks from before and bits stage win in cooler and windier condi- from the end. It was windy and we went had some problems and delays on the Quads tions in their Overdrive Racing Toyota 1. Rafal Sonik (POL) Honda TRX 700 Hilux. The Qatari now heads Abu Dhabi 14hr 46min Racing’s Sheikh Khalid al-Qassimi by 2. Kamil Wisniewski (POL) Yamaha 39min 38sec with two days remaining. Raptor 700 R 14hr 49min “Today, the same,” said al-Attiyah. 3. Fahad al-Musallam (KUW) “The car is working very well – a per- Yamaha Raptor 700R 14hr 54min fect stage for us. There is no advantage to coming here before. This is the desert. It is always changing. Saying that, it was rally and it was nice to have a good stage much cooler today in the car. We do not and a clean run,” said Sonik. have air conditioning. We saw 51 degrees “It’s been another dramatic day on yesterday. Today was better and it also the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge,” said gives more performance from the engine. event founder and ATCUAE President Two days to go, but we will drive at the Mohammed Ben Sulayem. same pace. It’s a good pace.” “This race is one of the toughest in Al-Qassimi was upbeat after his fi rst the world for good reason and we see four days in the new Peugeot 3008 many competitors with various issues DKR. “It was not easy terrain and the to contend with. The temperatures are organisers told me to go a certain way set to come down by several degrees and we got stuck over there. We did not over the next two days after the very lose much time and defl ated the tyres. hot spell we endured and that should be Sam Sunderland on the crest of further success. It was very diffi cult to drive in that area. Germany’s Stephan Schott in action yesterday. a respite for everyone.” Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 5, 2017 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT OPINION ‘IPL a one-off chance Are you ready! I can’t turn down’ Cash-rich IPL now enters season 10 File picture of England’s Chris Woakes. 2017 IPL Schedule By Ali Martin, The Guardian ally. Death bowling is an area London of my game that has improved Latest edition of the glitzy league — famous for its pyrotechnics, Teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH); Royal dramatically, I think, but to be Challengers Bangalore (RCB); Rising Pune considered a world-class death cheerleaders and huge signing bonuses — starts today Supergiants (RPS); Mumbai Indians hris Woakes admits he bowler you have to do it against (MI); Gujarat Lions (GL); Kolkata Knight squirms when driving the best players in the IPL in high Riders (KKR); Kings XI Punjab (KP); Delhi into Edgbaston these pressure situations. Even though Daredevils (DD) days given his face has I’ve come out on the right side of Cnow replaced that of Ian Bell on a few situations in the past there Time: (Qatar Time) The first match of the side of the famous old ground are things that I could do a lot the day will be held at 1:30pm and the as Warwickshire’s most market- better than I am at the minute.” second at 5:30pm. If there’s just one able cricketer. It was a high pressure situa- match it’ll be held at 5:30pm unless Following a soaring 12 months tion at the death back in January stated otherwise. of international cricket on a per- that was likely responsible for his sonal level, and with attitudes IPL payday – the proceeds from April 5: SH vs RCB April 28: KKR vs GL having changed towards the IPL, which, he jokes, will go towards KP vs SH Woakes is one of eight England paying off debts from his recent April 6: RPS vs MI cricketers to feature this year, wedding – when India needed April 29: RPS vs RCB with Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan, Ja- 16 from the fi nal over of the third April 7: GL vs KKR GL vs MI son Roy, Jos Buttler, Sam Billings, one-dayer in Kolkata. Woakes Chris Jordan and the short-form shut the game down despite his April 8: KP vs RPS April 30: KP vs DD specialist, Tymal Mills, also miss- fi rst two balls being smoked for RCB vs DD SH vs KKR ing from the opening exchanges of six and four by Kedar Jadhav. the English county summer. “To do it in Kolkata at their April 9: SH vs GL May 1: MI vs RCB Woakes claims he will put the home ground in front of their MI vs KKR RPS vs GL cash to one side, with the cricket- home fans and with the owners ing gains outweighing the fi nan- probably watching must have April 10: KP vs RCB May 2 DD vs SH cial ones as he seeks to improve helped,” says Woakes, whose his game before this summer’s 50- prospects were doubtless aided April 11: RPS vs DD May 3: KKR vs RPS over Champions Trophy. further by a private endorsement “It does feel strange going from the franchise’s former head April 12: MI vs SH May 4: DD vs GL away this time of year but at the coach, England’s Trevor Bayliss, same time I see it as a chance to and the year-long doping ban April 13: KKR vs KP May 5: RCB vs KP improve myself as a cricketer and handed down to their West In- put Warwickshire on the map,” dies all-rounder, Andre Russell, April 14: RCB vs MI May 6: SH vs RPS says Woakes, whose side open up just 10 days later. GL vs RPS DD vs MI against Gujarat Lions in Rajkot. That Woakes, who has already “For a local lad who has come been dubbed ‘the English Knight’ April 15: KKR vs SH May 7: RCB vs KKR through the ranks to be play- by his new side, is riding so high DD vs KP KP vs GL ing in a huge tournament that’s at present is testament to his own watched around the world is a transformation over the past year April 16: MI vs GL May 8: SH vs MI good thing. It’s a one-off oppor- and one that he readily admits was RCB vs RPS tunity I can’t really turn down. unexpected when he left the tour May 9: KP vs KKR “I hope to go to that next of South Africa in January 2016 April 17: DD vs KKR level and develop my white- with doubts he would get another SH vs KP May 10: GL vs DD ball cricket across the board re- crack at international cricket.

April 18: GL vs RCB May 11 MI vs KP

File picture of Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner (centre) celebrating his team’s victory in the 2016 IPL final. April 19: SH vs DD May 12: DD vs RPS New Zealand’s ‘Two-Metre Peter’ retires after 16-year career AFP have been taken over by new owners, with Bangalore — despite having played April 20: KP vs MI May 13: GL vs SH New Delhi suspended or simply vanished altogether. just four T20 internationals. KKR vs MI Former New Zealand batsman Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Fellow countryman Ben Stokes — who April 21: KKR vs GL Peter Fulton retired on Tues- Royals were barred for two seasons in joined Rising Pune Supergiant for more May 14: RPS vs KP day after a 16-year first-class he 10th season of the Indian 2015 over a spot-fi xing saga, while Hy- than $2 million — said the IPL was an op- April 22: RPS vs SH DD vs RCB career that was highlighted by Premier League starts today, derabad’s original franchise Deccan portunity unavailable in England, where MI vs DD two stints in the international marking a decade of scandal and Chargers were terminated for breaching the format is not yet franchised. 1st Qualifier arena. success for the fl ashy Twen- contract terms. “A big reason for coming out here is April 23: GL vs KP May 16 5:30pm The towering 38-year-old, Tty20 competition beloved by India and The league’s founder Lalit Modi, to get that exposure and try and take the KKR vs RCB nicknamed ‘Two-Metre Peter’, watched across the globe. meanwhile, is in self-imposed exile in Twenty20 game to new level,” he said. Eliminator made his first class debut in The latest edition of the glitzy league — Britain, refusing to return to India to face Australia skipper Steve Smith, who has April 24: MI vs RPS May 17 5:30pm the 2000/01 domestic season famous for its pyrotechnics, cheerleaders corruption charges. replaced former India captain Mahendra and played 121 times for and huge signing bonuses — gets under Singh Dhoni at the helm of Pune, said he April 25: RCB vs SH 2nd Qualifier Canterbury, 66 of which were nings of a test when he scored way with defending champions Sunris- GLOBAL APPEAL had benefi ted immensely from playing in May 19 5:30pm as captain. 136 and 110 against the tour- ers Hyderabad hosting Royal Challengers Shukla acknowledged the league’s mud- the league. April 26: RPS vs KKR Fulton made his international ists at Eden Park in Auckland. Bangalore. dy past but said all possible checks and “You get to learn diff erent parts of the Final debut in a one-dayer in 2004 “When I was growing up I Since its debut in 2008 the shorter- balances were in place to ensure the 10th game, and what people from diff erent April 27: RCB vs GL May 21 5:30pm against Bangladesh and had had dreams of playing for format league has evolved into India’s edition was a success. parts of the world are thinking,” he said. a roller-coaster ride for New Canterbury and New Zealand, most popular sporting event, fi lling sta- “There may have been some aberra- Zealand, making the test side but when I was younger I diums and attracting TV audiences well tions but the strongest possible action CASH TALKS for 40 million rupees ($615,700) — the in 2006 as a middle-order didn’t think I was going to do beyond that enjoyed by Test and one-day was taken. We have ensured that corrup- But cash, and plenty of it, has been the most ever off ered to a player from an as- batsmen and accumulating it,” Fulton said in announcing competitions in the cricket-mad sub- tion does not creep in,” he said. single most important ingredient for the sociate (non-Test playing) nation. just 10 appearances in nearly his decision. continent. “I am quite optimistic that this edition IPL’s success, experts say. Khan and teammate Mohammad Nabi four years before dropping “From making my debut, I “Its unique selling proposition is that will be another grand success and be very “Money is the magnet,” ESPNcricinfo will be the fi rst players from Afghani- out of contention. never would have thought I most of the stadiums are packed, and it signifi cant for us.” senior editor Sharda Ugra told AFP. stan to play in the IPL, highlighting the He was recalled in early would play this many times is being watched around the world,” IPL Despite a litany of off -fi eld troubles “I think IPL was always going to suc- league’s ever-expanding global appeal. 2013 as an opening batsman and achieve these records for chairman Rajeev Shukla told AFP. the league has never struggled to attract ceed... because so many people directly While Royal Challengers Bangalore against England and became Canterbury. Its appeal has outlasted numerous foreign talent. connected with the BCCI (India’s cricket captain and run-machine Virat Kohli will the fourth New Zealander to “At that stage, I was just controversies — most notably corrup- A host of international stars have be- board) and Indian business were involved be absent for the opening week of the score a century in both in- stoked to play one.” tion and match-fi xing charges — that at come household names in India, shaping at that time. They were like determined competition, big hitters abound such as times have raised more eyebrows than their careers on the IPL stage or resur- to see it succeed.” Kohli’s teammate Chris Gayle and Sun- the showy theatrics on the pitch. recting former glories. Signing deals for up-and-coming stars risers’ David Warner. Relationship with skipper Root will Three of the eight teams from the in- England pace bowler Tymal Mills re- are also growing, with Afghanistan leg- The tournament ends on May 21 with augural edition, and two others since, cently signed a $1.8 million-contract spinner Rashid Khan signed by Sunrisers the fi nal in Hyderabad. be absolutely fine, says Cook Alastair Cook is confident his relationship with newly ap- SRI LANKA VS BANGLADESH, 1ST T20 pointed test captain Joe Root will be “absolutely fine” and the former England skipper has assured his successor Perera’s quick-fi re 50 helps Lanka to six-wicket win he will get all the support he needs in the role. AFP anna (22 not out) and Thisara Perera ( four Cook, who was appointed Colombo not) ended the game in the same over. captain in 2012, led England “I tried to fi nish the game.(I) had a cou- in a record 59 tests including ple of injuries but recovered well,” said Ashes victories at home in troops and get on with it and usal Perera (pictured) struck a Kusal Perera. “Every player has a couple 2013 and 2015 as well as series hopefully score some runs quick-fi re half century to steer of bad patches, (you) have to get over it, do wins in India and South Africa. and help England win cricket Sri Lanka to a six-wicket win the hard work and get out of bad patches.” The 32-year-old stepped down games, which ultimately is over Bangladesh in the fi rst of Mashrafe fi nished with 2-32 but other in February after a 4-0 defeat what everyone wants to see,” Ktheir two-match Twenty20 International Bangladeshi bowlers struggled as Sri in the five-test series in India he added. series in Colombo yesterday. Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the series. at the end of last year. With the emergence of a pair Perera, who passed a late fi tness test to be “The way we batted in the fi rst six overs He was replaced by Root, who of batting prospects in India included for the game, hit 77 off 53 balls as was brilliant, but we lost too many wick- will captain England for the for England’s fragile top order, Sri Lanka reached 158-4 in 18.5 overs after ets in the middle... we need to be more first time against South Africa Cook hoped he could continue restricting Bangladesh to 155-6. calculating while batting,” Mashrafe said at Lord’s on July 6. making an impact with the Sri Lanka never lost their grip on the after the match. “A lot will be made of it, there willow. “You’re always under match after Perera and captain Upul Tha- Malinga fi nished with 2-38. Tharanga always is, it’s a good story to pressure, that’s what life is ranga put on 65 runs in the opening stand, praised Malinga for his eff orts. write about but I think it’ll be about,” Cook said. “If you don’t though a double strike by Bangladesh “Malinga is one of the best bowlers in absolutely fine in terms of our do that over a period of time, captain Mashrafe Mortaza slowed their the world,” he said. The second and fi - relationship,” Cook told British people will look elsewhere. progress. nal match of the series will be held at the media. That hasn’t changed and Mashrafe, who announced his re- same ground on April 6. The former captain said he that’ll never change, whether tirement from Twenty20 International hoped his transition back it’s myself or Jimmy Anderson, cricket before the game, removed Tha- BRIEF SCORES: Sri Lanka 158 for 4 (Kusal to just playing for the team you’ve got to play to a certain ranga for 24 and took a catch off his own 77, Mashrafe 2-32) beat Bangladesh 155 would be smooth. level to be picked for England bowling to dismiss Dilshan Munaweera Perera, who smashed nine fours and hoisting a catch to Soumya Sarkar at mid- for 6 (Mosaddek 34*, Malinga 2-38) by six “I feel like I can get back in the or even Essex.” for eight. a six, was out in the penultimate over off off Taskin Ahmed but Seekkuge Pras- wickets Gulf Times Wednesday, April 5, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE IN BRIEF City star City’s Fernandinho out to Jesus returns to training ruin Chelsea’s title stroll Brazilian sensation Gabriel Jesus boosted Manchester City’s trophy hopes as he returned to Conte’s side remain title favourites but failure to beat City would give hope to the chasing teams training earlier than expected on his 20th birthday, the club AFP revealed on its website. The London striker — who joined City in the January transfer window after they paid Palmeiras an initial anchester City midfi elder Fernand- £27mn — made a sensational inho believes his side can reignite their start to his English career with Premier League title ambitions tonight three goals in fi ve matches. against a Chelsea team rocked by a His hot streak was stopped in Mshock 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace. its tracks when he broke a bone Ten points clear following the international in his foot against Bournemouth break, Chelsea saw their lead trimmed to seven in mid-February — he was ex- points after they crashed at home to Palace on Sat- pected to be out for between two urday and second-place Tottenham Hotspur won and three months. City manager 2-0 at Burnley. City could not follow Spurs’ lead, Pep Guardiola speaking to the drawing 2-2 at Arsenal on Sunday, but victory at press on the eve of their clash Stamford Bridge will leave them eight points below with league leaders Chelsea said Chelsea with eight games of the season remaining. he hoped Jesus could play a role “The Premier League is still open,” Fernand- at some point before the end of inho told the City website. “We have a tough game the season. City had earlier said against Chelsea away. To be close to them, we have on their website that Jesus had to win that game and we will see what will happen defi ed expectations in returning at the end of the season.” quicker than expected. His re- Chelsea came from behind to record a clinical turn comes at a timely moment 3-1 victory when the teams last met at the Etihad for Guardiola, who is desper- Stadium in December. But while Antonio Conte’s ate to maintain his record of side remain overwhelming title favourites, failure never going trophyless through to beat City would give hope to the chasing teams a season with any club he has who have spent much of the season trailing in their managed. wake. Chelsea failed to avoid defeat against Pal- ace despite boasting a close to full-strength team ENRIQUE EYES TIME OUT, and having almost 80 minutes in which to turn the NOT NEW JOB AFTER BARCA game around. However, although neutrals will be Barcelona coach Luis Enrique crossing their fi ngers for another slip-up against hinted he will follow Pep Guar- Pep Guardiola’s City, Conte has urged his players diola’s lead by taking a sabbati- to think of the pressure in positive terms. cal rather than seeking a new “There is big pressure, but it is normal when you job when he steps down at the are in a great club and you are very good,” the Chel- Manchester City under Pep Guardiola (centre) were one of the teams expected to challenge for the title, but they remain vulnerable in defence. (Reuters) end of the season. Enrique an- sea manager told the club website. “When you are nounced last month he will not lucky enough to fi ght for the title there is the pres- City twice took the lead at Arsenal, only to be persist with Jesus Navas at right-back. The Span- trick in a game that saw Chelsea goalkeeper renew his contract at Camp Nou sure, but not only for us, for a lot of teams. Don’t pegged back on both occasions, and Guardiola be- ish winger looked ragged at times against Arsenal Thibaut Courtois sent off for upending Fern- despite winning eight trophies forget, the other teams were candidates to win the lieves his team struggle psychologically when they and in Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, he would be up andinho. Neither side came close to challenging in his three-year reign and with title, but instead we stay top of the table and we try have a lead to defend. “When the team is down, we against one of the most lethal attacking players champions Leicester City last season, but a similar the possibility of adding three to keep this position.” react because everything is lost and we react in a in the division. City received some good news on outcome today could have major repercussions for more in La Liga, Champions City were one of the teams expected to challenge good, good way,” he told reporters at the Emirates Monday when Gabriel Jesus returned to training this season’s title race. League and the Copa del Rey in for the title, particularly after Guardiola’s much- Stadium after the stalemate against Arsenal. To after breaking his foot, but the Brazil starlet is not his fi nal months in charge. trumpeted appointment, but as the draw at Arse- handle a situation at 1-0 (up), we are not comfort- expected to be available for selection for several FIXTURES “If I am leaving Barca, which nal highlighted, they remain vulnerable in defence. able, not yet. But we will be better. We will improve weeks. Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses is a ma- (1845 GMT unless stated): is my home, and with a great The result extended their current unbeaten run in the future.” jor doubt after missing the Palace game with a calf Arsenal v West Ham, Chelsea v Manchester City (2000 relationship with the club, my to eight league games — the longest such sequence With Bacary Sagna expected to miss out again strain, which saw Pedro fi ll in on the right fl ank. GMT), Hull v Middlesbrough, Liverpool v Bournemouth players and more, it is not to go of Guardiola’s tenure — but the last three of those due to a groin strain and Pablo Zabaleta short of City won 3-0 on their last visit to the Bridge a (2000 GMT), Southampton v Crystal Palace, Swansea to another team,” Enrique said. matches have all been drawn. fi tness, Guardiola may have to decide whether to year ago, with Sergio Aguero plundering a hat- v Tottenham “I have been clear that it is sim- ply due to fatigue and the need to rest. Where am I going to go FOCUS that is better than here?” Manchester City manager CONTE HOLDS NO HARD FEELINGS Guardiola also took a year out following his glorious four-year OVER PREVIOUS CITY CLASH spell in charge between 2008 Mane may not play again and 2012 citing fatigue before London: Chelsea manager ANTONIO CONTE taking over at Bayern Munich. says the bad-tempered end to the Premier Both Enrique and Guar- League leaders 3-1 victory over Manchester City diola also started their coaching this season, says Klopp careers at Barca B and won the earlier this season will not influence today’s renewal of their rivalry. The 47-year-old Italian treble in their fi rst season in — speaking to the press a year to the day he By Andy Hunter for Liverpool, who won only one of seven matches charge with the senior side, but was named as Chelsea manager for this season The Guardian when he was absent at the Africa Cup of Nations Enrique was less successful than — revealed that Brazilian defender David Luiz in January, and his pace has been a major asset to his former teammate in one- still requires treatment on the knee that Sergio Klopp’s side. But the Liverpool manager insists season spells at Roma and Celta Aguero clattered into earning him a red card. urgen Klopp has confi rmed Sadio Mane his squad are better equipped to cope without the Vigo. Enrique’s route to a second That sparked a free for all which saw Aguero’s could miss the rest of the season with a forward at this stage of the campaign and hinted treble is a diffi cult one as Barca City team-mate Fernandinho sent off as well knee injury but insisted the setback should a more defensive approach may be required to se- trail Real Madrid by two points, for sending Cesc Fabregas over the advertising not derail Liverpool’s Champions League cure a top four fi nish. who also have a game in hand, in prospecJ ts. Liverpool have yet to discover the full Klopp, who has Daniel Sturridge back in train- the La Liga title race and face Ju- hoardings — both clubs were subsequently fined Palace reverse. “Football is wonderful also for by the Football Association. this type of result. Tomorrow we have another extent of the injury that forced Mane out of Sat- ing ahead of Bournemouth’s visit, explained: ventus in the Champions League “I think now his knee is better than before and game,” said Conte, who is waiting to see wheth- urday’s Merseyside derby as his knee is too swol- “The big problem in January was not only Sadio quarter-fi nals this month. for sure he needs to have the treatment,” said er Nigerian star Victor Moses has recovered len for scans to give a clear prognosis. missing – everyone would miss Sadio. South- Conte. “It’s not important (the game at City). from the toe injury that prevented him playing “It is not 100% clear,” said Klopp. “We have to ampton probably still miss him, Red Bull Salzburg We must understand that when there is a game against Palace. wait until the knee is not that swollen any more. miss him. It was such a hard moment in January. VARANE TO MISS BAYERN, and above all if someone is losing the game, it The Italian thinks Chelsea have surprised The only thing I can say for sure is that he will We had all these games, it was not the fresh- BARCA CLASHES can happen this type of situation. I have great many by their maintaining their form and top- not be available for tomorrow (against Bourne- est moment of the season, then we were missing Real Madrid must negotiate a respect for Aguero.” ping the league. “Nobody thought that Chelsea mouth). All the rest we have to see. It is not very Sadio in the shape he was in, plus we were missing huge April programme including Conte, who has insisted he will see out his could fight this season for the title, but we stay positive when it is like this. I cannot say at this Phil (Coutinho), which was not perfect. clashes with Atletico Madrid, three year contract with Chelsea despite reports there,” said Conte. “We stay there and we want exact time so we have to wait.” “It is not about thinking ‘How can we play per- Bayern Munich and Barcelona linking him to the Inter Milan job in Italy, saw his to keep this position. It’s normal that with 27 However, when asked if the injury was poten- fect football?’ now. We need to get results and the without Raphael Varane, who side’s 10 point lead cut to seven over Tottenham points available anything can happen in the tially season-ending for the Senegal internation- fi rst thing I will think about is how we can defend was diagnosed with a hamstring Hotspur last weekend. league, but we are in a really good position. al, the Liverpool manager replied: “Unfortunately against Bournemouth, not how can we create 27 tear. The club didn’t specify Chelsea went down 2-1 in a shock home de- We must play with great attention when we go that is possible but why should I say it now when chances? If we are strong and perfectly organised how long the key centre-back feat to Crystal Palace whilst Spurs beat Burnley forward because of Manchester City’s counter- I don’t know? The knee is swollen and we have to in defence then Bournemouth cannot get confi - might be out, but Spanish and will hope Conte’s side drop further points attacking threat. We haven’t had many days wait for the fi nal assessment. Even then – espe- dence in the game. We don’t think what we miss, media reports suggest he will be today and they beat struggling Swansea away. to prepare for this game but it’s the same for cially then – the more diffi cult the situation the we only think what we can do to win this football sidelined for at least a month. Conte, though, is not unduly troubled by the Manchester City,” he added. better it is to handle it. game. As a manager I can’t really remember the Varane returned from a month “My job is to fi nd solutions. This is a good situ- last time I had all the players available and the out with a similar problem in ation: we have 59 points, we are in a nice position decisions to make were really diffi cult. The only Sunday’s 3-0 win over Alaves, – yes a few teams have played less games than we job to do is play the best you are able to and not but had to be replaced inside the SPOTLIGHT have but they cannot win them all because they who you miss. We have the possibility to change fi rst 10 minutes due to a recur- have to play each other. The whole season is to formation. I am not sure we can line-up similar rence of the injury. The French prepare the fi nish and this is the fi nishing part of to the last game but we have diff erent options: we international will miss Atletico’s the season. Eight games to go. We expect results can bring in young boys, we can bring in experi- visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Wenger believes in top four target from ourselves, we want to fi ght for everything. ence up front, Milly can play on the wing. There on Saturday as well as both legs A few players key players are not available at the are a lot of diff erent things but do we miss Sadio? of Champions League quarter- AFP Having guided Arsenal to three Premier League moment but as long as we have 11 players to start Yes. Do we miss Adam (Lallana)? Yes. Do we miss fi nal against Bayern Munich London titles, although none since 2004, Wenger is yet to and a few to bring on everything is fi ne.” Hendo (Jordan Henderson)? Yes. But they are not before Barcelona’s visit to the declare whether he will stay and sign a new two Mane has scored 13 goals in his debut season for this game because they are not here.” Spanish capital on April 23. year contract or leave. The board are believed to eleaguered Arsenal manager Arsene be keen for Wenger — who has coached Arsenal CL AND EUROPA FINALS Wenger said yesterday a top four fi nish to a top four fi nish every season he has been there SET FOR SAME WEEK and a place in the Champions League is — to re-sign but have also demanded he make European club football’s show- a realistic target for his stuttering team. changes to his backroom staff . case fi nals of the Champions ButB the 67-year-old Frenchman admitted his This season has been an especially tough one League and the Europa League team — presently sixth and seven points off the for Wenger with his side fading from title conten- are to be scheduled in the same Champions League places with a game in hand on tion and humiliated in the Champions League by week as of 2019, UEFA’s execu- fourth-placed Manchester City — have their work Bayern Munich. Uncertainty about the futures of tive committee decided yes- cut out. “I tell myself to fi nish as high as possible. Chilean star Alexis Sanchez — who has cast a glum terday. This season the Europa It (fi nishing in the top four) is a good challenge fi gure of late — and German World Cup winning League fi nal will be contested at but I think it’s perfectly possible,” said Wenger. playmaker Mesut Ozil has also aff ected the club. Stockholm’s Friends Arena on “Certainly for 20 years I have done it and it looked However, ahead of today’s clash with West Wednesday May 24, while the always like it’s nothing. Suddenly it becomes im- Ham, Wenger insisted that his achievement in Champions League fi nal is at the portant, so I am quite pleased that people realise guiding Arsenal into the top four year after year Millenium Stadium in Cardiff 10 that it’s not as easy as it looks.” should not be underplayed. “If you listen to (Man- days later on Saturday June 3. Wenger’s future at the club he has managed for chester City manager) Pep Guardiola, he said the The current schedule has over two decades has become an increasingly fe- other day that to achieve the top four in England is been in place since UEFA’s well- brile topic among fans — with video footage ap- a trophy because it’s so diffi cult,” said the French- received decision to switch the pearing to show some fi ghting each other on Sun- man. “Of course we have a diffi cult task in front Champions League fi nal from a day when the Gunners fought back twice to secure of us, but I am happy as well that people realise Wednesday to Saturday night as a 2-2 draw with Manchester City. suddenly that it’s not as easy as it looked always.” Liverpool have yet to discover the full extent of the Sadio Mane (right) knee injury. (AFP) of 2010. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 5, 2017 FOOTBALL

LA LIGA ROUND-UP Sunderland deplore Barcelona visit hands ‘slap’ comment but back coach Moyes Struggling Sunderland gave Lahm’s charity, The Philipp manager David Moyes their full Lahm Foundation, in an attempt Sevilla’s Sampaoli last backing but called his threat to make amends. to slap a BBC woman reporter “wholly unacceptable”. The SOUTH AMERICAN 53-year-old Scot apologised to PSG TRIO TO MISS Vicki Sparks even before the fu- AVRANCHES MATCH rore over their apparently light- Fresh from winning the League hearted exchange a fortnight ago Cup, Paris Saint-Germain will chance to impress broke on Monday. be without Brazilian defenders Thinking the camera and mi- Thiago Silva and Marquinhos crophone were off following an and Argentine forward Angel interview after a 0-0 draw with Di Maria for their French Cup ‘I want to manage Messi to be able to watch him from the sideline every day’ Burnley, Moyes ticked Sparks off quarter-fi nal against Avranches. for asking an awkward ques- Having won their fi rst piece tion and said: “You still might of silverware this season by get a slap even though you’re thumping Monaco 4-1 on a woman.” Both are then seen Saturday, Spanish coach Unai laughing. However, Sunderland Emery revealed yesterday that — bottom of the Premier League the trio would be missing from — issued a statement in which today’s match against the thrid they took a dim view of Moyes’s tier outfi t. The two Brazilians are behaviour. injured, as is Polish midfi elder Grzegorz Krychowiak, while Di PLAYERS, COACH Maria is being rested, Emery DETAINED IN SPANISH said. MATCH-FIXING PROBE Police investigating suspicions WINKS INJURY DELIVERS of match-fi xing arrested the BLOW TO SPURS coach and two players of third Tottenham suff ered a blow as division Spanish side Eldense they chase a possible domestic after their 12-0 defeat to Bar- double with the news highly- celona’s B team, a police source rated midfi elder Harry Winks told AFP yesterday. is out for the rest of the season As well as Italian coach Filippo with an ankle ligament injury. Di Pierro, two unnamed players The 21-year-old — who has and the head of an Italian invest- impressed this season making 33 ment fund running the club appearances in all competitions were arrested and questioned. — suff ered the injury in the 2-0 Eldense player Cheikh Saad was win over Burnley on Saturday the fi rst to point the fi nger at a that saw them draw to within number of his teammates and seven points of Premier League coach after their record-equal- leaders Chelsea. ling defeat in Spain’s Second Winks — who has represented Division B on Saturday. England in all age groups up to Saad said that certain players Under-21 level — has also been stood to make “huge sums” of robbed of a chance of lifting money from bets placed on the the FA Cup having played an match. Club president David infl uential role in their run to Aguilar then reported his suspi- the semi-fi nals where they meet Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi Messi (right) is back after missing his last two games for club and country through suspension. (AFP) cions to police and Spanish foot- Chelsea. ball authorities. Di Pierro was AFP week adding further uncertainty. son. Today’s clash gives Sampaoli one Year’s absence didn’t prove a fatal blow appointed coach after an Italian CHAPECOENSE FACE Madrid What does seem obvious, though, is last chance to impress the Barca hierar- to Barca’s title hopes as Luis Suarez and investor took control of the club ATLETICO FOUR MONTHS that Sampaoli would jump at the chance chy, whilst the Sevilla squad are focused Neymar both scored in Sunday’s 4-1 win earlier this season with suspi- AFTER CRASH to coach compatriot Lionel Messi and on booking their place in next season’s at Granada to remain just two points be- cions now raised over whether Four months after a plane crash orge Sampaoli has a fi nal shot to Barca’s host of other stars next season. Champions League without needing to hind La Liga leaders Real Madrid. that investment was linked to all but wiped out Chapecoense, further his case to land his dream “I want to manage Messi to be able to win a trick August qualifi er by beating All three are set to be reunited, whilst illegal betting patterns. the Brazilian club will today face job at the end of the season when watch him from the sideline every day.” out Atletico for third place. Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta also re- the rivals they were on their way his slumping Sevilla side travel to Sampaoli said last week. “It is a unique “It is diffi cult for us to accept right turn for Barca after being rested from the LAHM SEEKS to play, Colombia’s Atletico Na- BarcelonaJ today. Sampaoli looked to be dream to be able to see the best in the now, but we have to turn it around be- start against Granada. Madrid also have a cional. Nineteen Chapecoense LEGAL ADVICE OVER at the head of the queue when Barca boss world up close.” cause we are the same team as fi ve games game in hand, but Barca can ramp up the APRIL FOOL STUNT players and 24 club offi cials Luis Enrique announced he would step Sampaoli may get his wish to coach ago when we were second,” said striker pressure on their title rivals by going top Ex-Germany captain Philipp were killed on November 28 down at the end of the campaign little Messi, albeit not on a daily basis with the Stefan Jovetic after a frustrating 0-0 with victory before Real travel to Leganes Lahm has confi rmed he is tak- when the team’s plane crashed over a month ago. Argentine Football Association report- draw at home to third bottom Sporting later tonight. ing legal advice over a spoof into the Colombian mountains. However, since then Sevilla have been edly set to off er him the chance to sal- Gijon on Saturday. April Fool’s story gone wrong. A After signing 22 new players, the knocked out of the Champions League by vage their faltering World Cup qualifying Unfortunately for Sevilla, though, FIXTURES (ALL TIMES GMT) Munich-based fi tness start-up Brazilian team are trying to rise Leicester City and tumbled out of con- campaign. Messi is back after missing his last two Today: Barcelona v Sevilla (1830), Deportivo issued a grovelling apology to from the ashes. tention for the La Liga title with Atletico Barca, meanwhile, look set to go in games for club and country through sus- La Coruna v Granada, Alaves v Osasuna, the World Cup winner over a They will fi nally get their Madrid passing them into third place. another direction with Athletic Bilbao pension. “It is very diffi cult for a team Sporting Gijón v Málaga (1930), Leganes v fake April 1 story, which hit the chance to take on Atletico in a Sampaoli’s future at the Sanchez Pizjuan coach Ernesto Valverde and Enrique’s with Leo playing well to lose,” added Real Madrid (2030) German media last Saturday, fi rst-leg match in the Recopa, is far from clear with long-term sporting assistant Juan Carlos Unzue emerging Sampaoli. Tomorrow: Eibar v Las Palmas (1830), Valen- falsely claiming he had invested the South American equivalent director Monchi’s decision to leave last as the favourites to take over next sea- The fi ve-time World Player of the cia v Celta Vigo (2030) in them. of Europe’s Super Cup. They will The story even contained play the Colombian side at home a fake quote attributed to the in Arena Conda, in the small SPOTLIGHT Bayern Munich star after an southern city of Chapeco. The employee decided to circulate an two clubs share a close bond. internal newsletter to the Ger- Unsung Chapecoense had man media without the knowl- been on their way to play the edge of the company’s bosses. biggest match in their history United boss Mourinho devalues Shaw by “It was an April Fool’s joke against Atletico: the fi nal of which should have been sent the Copa Sudamericana, South exclusively to our members in a America’s second-biggest club newsletter,” explained the com- tournament. questioning professionalism, attitude pany’s red-faced co-founder. After the tragedy, Atletico However, the stunt quickly ceded the title to Chapecoense By Paul Wilson leg fracture, and until Shaw can prove backfi red and although the fi rm in tribute. That gave the The Guardian himself again at the top level there may apologised several times, Lahm rebuilding club an automatic not be quite the scramble for his signature failed to see the funny side with ticket to play in this year’s Copa that took place last time round. Gareth the prank having generated Libertadores, the premier club ootball managers do not generally Southgate showed faith by taking him to plenty of free publicity for the tournament in South America, make a habit of off ering withering Germany with England last week, though start-up. “I’m taking advice for the fi rst time ever. criticisms of their own players, in the end he got only seven minutes on and bringing the matter to the A series of tributes are and Jose Mourinho’s frank admis- the pitch. Shaw has lost his automatic detailed attention of a lawyer,” planned in Chapeco, including sionsF about Luke Shaw over the weekend billing as the most promising left-back said the 33-year-old, who will a ceremony of thanks before are more likely to signal a parting of the in the country. Southgate preferred Ryan retire from all football in June, in the match. “This isn’t just any ways than a wake-up call. Bertrand against Germany and Lithua- a statement. match. This match represents a Phil Neville is among a minority who nia, and would most likely have gone with The fi rm has already sug- lot of history for Chapecoense,” believe an exasperated manager was Danny Rose had the Tottenham defender gested making a donation to said coach Vagner Mancini. merely trying to bring a response through been fi t. a verbal and highly public kick up the Shaw’s diffi culty, therefore, will be backside, though based on Shaw’s infre- fi nding enough game time to restore con- quent appearances for Manchester Unit- fi dence in his ability if United have lost ed this season it can be assumed Mourin- patience with him. The player will be ho ran out of patience with his left-back merely a spectator for the rest of the sea- some time ago. son, as will Seamus Coleman, the injured In giving a brutally honest answer to Everton right-back who must have been an obvious question after omitting Shaw following developments at Old Traff ord from his squad against West Bromwich with a certain amount of dismay. Albion and selecting Ashley Young at Everton’s reshuffl ed defence did not left-back, the manager seemed to be manage to hold out for long against Liv- drawing a line under the matter in much erpool on Saturday, and though United the same way as Pep Guardiola did when had problems of their own in being held explaining his reasons for leaving out goalless at Old Traff ord, they now have Yaya Toure. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera The City midfi elder has returned from Luke Shaw (left) was highly sought after when he left Southampton in 2014 and back after suspension and Pogba return- exile since, but that is because Guardio- Jose Mourinho, then at Chelsea, had missed out on signing the left-back. (Reuters) ing to full fi tness. la’s issue was with the attitude of Touré’s Mourinho’s response to being stifl ed by agent rather than the player himself. in the summer. to perform a similar about-turn similar an ultra-defensive West Brom was to hint Mourinho has not exactly been a fan of If that is the case Mourinho has hardly by joining the list of clubs anxious to se- that the Europa League might be a better Shaw’s attitude since the time he tried increased his player’s market value after cure the services of Wilfried Zaha. option for Champions League qualifi ca- to sign him for Chelsea and thought the questioning his professionalism and at- At least the Crystal Palace player is tion if a top four place remains elusive, then Southampton player’s wage de- titude – “I cannot compare the way he having a good season – it is easy to see although the situation could look quite mands were excessive for a 19-year-old. trains (with other contenders for the po- why clubs in the Champions League diff erent if they can manage wins against Shaw was always going to have some- sition), the way he commits, the focus, bracket are tracking him – whereas on his Everton and Sunderland before facing thing to prove when Mourinho turned the ambition. He is a long way behind” – rare excursions for United Shaw has gen- Chelsea on Easter Sunday. up at Old Traff ord, and was perhaps un- though United at the moment are not the erally looked a shadow of the player who While Everton arrive at Old Traff ord fortunate to be easing his way back after sort of club to worry unduly about having performed so eff ectively for Mauricio Po- only two points behind United and a point a serious injury at the time, but the only to recoup £27mn. chettino at Southampton. off Arsenal in sixth, they have played two conclusion to be drawn from his manag- After breaking the world transfer That may be due to the nature of the in- games more than both clubs and defeat er’s bleak assessment after eight months record to re-sign Paul Pogba, a player jury he picked up against PSV Eindhoven in the Merseyside derby probably ended and little progress is that the England in- they let go for next to nothing, it would two years ago; some players never com- any realistic hope of a fi nish higher than ternational will be looking for a new club not be an enormous surprise were United pletely recover confi dence after a double seventh. Sunderland manager David Moyes. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 5, 2017 5 SPORT

NHL Canadiens clinch Atlantic Division title

By Harvey Fialkov on hold until the season ends on Sunday in Wash- Sun Sentinel ington. Tied at 1 after two, Canadiens rookie left wing Artturi Lehkonen unleashed two blasts, for his hat a diff erence a year makes. 15th and 16th goals, while Alexander Radulov Last year on April 5, the Panthers added an empty netter. clinched the Atlantic Division title Panthers center Vincent Trocheck, mired in a with a 4-1 victory over the Montreal 17-game goal drought, hit the post on the tail end WCanadiens. of a 3-on-1 rush. Then Panthers coach Gerard Gallant was a fi - The Canadiens took a 1-0 lead at 13:12 of the nalist for the Jack Adams Coach of the Year award fi rst period when Alex Galchenyuk was left un- for directing a franchise-record 103-point sea- checked behind the Panthers’ net until he cen- son. tered it off the pads of Reto Berra to Andrew Shaw This year, on Monday night, despite Panthers’ for a point-blanker. Jonathan Marchessault’s 30th goal, the Cana- However, at 8:57 of the second, Michael Sgar- diens downed the Panthers 4-1 in front of a pre- bossa made a slick pass to a streaking Marches- dominately pro-Habs crowd in the BB&T Centre sault, who waited until rookie goalie Charlie to clinch the Atlantic with their fi fth straight win. Lindgren bit for a 1-1 tie. The sixth-place Panthers ran their losing streak Marchessault is the fi rst Panther to score 30 to fi ve while playing out the string of a dismal goals since David Booth had 31 goals in the 2008- season. 09 season. Marchessault’s previous career high Before the game, an irate Panthers fan was was 7 for Tampa last season. The Panthers man- mad enough to hire a plane to fl y over the BB&T aged just one shot on a 1:08, 5-on-3 advantage. Center with a banner: Rowe must go! Call him Lindgren, making his fi rst appearance of the a cab! season and second NHL start, was in for a rested Gallant was fi red via phone by Panthers owner Carey Price as backup Al Montoya recovers from a Vinnie Viola following a 3-2 loss to the Hurri- lower-body issue. The Canadiens were also with- canes on Nov. 27, and an AP photo showed Gallant out All-Star defenseman Shea Weber, who was getting into a cab outside of PNC Arena. General sent back to Montreal with a lower-body injury. manager Tom Rowe was hired on an interim basis and has guided the Panthers to a 22-26-10 record. RESULTS Gallant was 11-9-1 when he was fi red. Canadiens 4 Panthers 1 Rowe has made it clear that he loves the job and Red Wings 5 Senators 4 (SO) Montreal Canadiens goalie Charlie Lindgren (No 40) celebrates with left wing Artturi Lehkonen (No 62) after defeating the Florida Panthers 4-1 at would like to return as coach, but all decisions are Maple Leafs 4 Sabres 2 BB&T Centre. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports

MLB SPOTLIGHT IOC expresses regret over NHL’s Dodgers open new Olympic no-show

Reuters cluding recognition compara- Aarhus, Denmark ble to that of an Olympic top sponsor, for taking part. The IOC and the IIHF had he International Ol- agreed to ensure payment of season with a bang ympic Committee transportation and insurance (IOC) has expressed its for the players after having regret that the world’s initially refused, in an eff ort to ‘This was super fun. To be able to do it here at Dodger stadium makes it that much more special’ Tbest ice hockey players will reach an agreement. miss next year’s Winter Games after the National Hockey PLAYERS UPSET League opted against partici- The decision will impact pation in Pyeongchang. almost every major hockey- The NHL reached a decision playing nation with the Swed- on Monday to not release its ish, Finnish, Russian, United players for the Games, saying States and Canadian teams talks to fi nd a solution to the almost entirely comprised of problem of halting their league NHL representatives. mid-season to accommodate However, some players have the Olympics in the past had said they would like to go to not been successful. the Games irrespective of what “I feel sorry for the athletes the league had decided. “We because for them it must be a players knew nothing, because great disappointment,” IOC naturally they haven’t spoken President Thomas Bach told to us,” Ottawa Senators cap- reporters in Aarhus on Tues- tain Erik Karlsson told Swedish day. “Obviously, they (NHL) sports newspaper Sportbladet. wanted more money or what- “It’s so idiotic. Whoever did ever, we do not know what this has obviously no idea what they really wanted. they are doing.” “The IOC policy cannot With both the 2018 and the be there to give more money, 2022 Winter Games in Asia fi nances, to a commercially and the NHL making eff orts to orientated owner of a club in a tap into the region’s lucrative national league,” Bach added, market, the logic behind the admitting that he had expected decision was lost on Swedish the NHL’s decision. goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, In an earlier statement, the who plays for the New York IOC said: “The decision is Rangers. even more regrettable, as the “Disappointing news, @ International Ice Hockey Fed- NHL won’t be part of the Ol- eration (IIHF) had off ered the ympics 2018. A huge oppor- same conditions to the NHL tunity to market the game at as at previous Olympic Games, the biggest stage is wasted,” he where the insurance and travel said on Twitter. costs were covered.” Bach said all players, includ- The Pyeongchang Winter ing those in the NHL, were Games will take place in South welcome should they decide to Korea from Feb 9-25 next year. compete in South Korea. Unhappy over the prospect “For us, the players are al- of shutting down their season ways welcome. If any NHL for almost three weeks, the player wants to join his Olym- NHL had been seeking major pic team then he is most wel- concessions from the IOC, in- come,” he said.

T’Wolves halt Trail Blazers streak Los Angeles Dodgers centre fielder Joc Pederson hits a grand slam home run in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during the opening day game at Dodger Stadium. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 34 points and pulled down 12 PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves cooled off the red-hot Portland Trail Blazers with a 110-109 NBA victory on Monday. AFP earned — and two hits with eight Trump, who played youth ner Max Scherzer was dealing Cleveland withstood a two- Portland’s Damian Lillard had a solid look at what would have Los Angeles strikeouts and no walks in seven baseball, met with Egyptian with a broken fi nger from Spring homer night from Rangers sec- been a game-winning shot, but his jumper lipped out at the innings. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Training. Scherzer is scheduled ond baseman Rougned Odor. buzzer and the Blazers’ six-game winning streak came to an He improved to 5-0 in seven Monday. to start on Friday against the After building a 5-1 lead through end. At 38-39, Portland are clinging to the eighth and final oc Pederson belted the straight Opening Day starts. Trump’s presence was felt, Phillies in Philadelphia. three innings, the Rangers playoff spot in the Western Conference, 1 1/2 games ahead of fi rst grand slam of the new “I think it was a great game. however, as protesters unfurled a wouldn’t score again. the Denver Nuggets. They play their next three games against Major League Baseball We scored a lot of runs, we had massive “Impeach Trump” ban- Trumbo homer lifts Orioles Rangers starter Yu Darvish playoff -bound teams. Monday’s contest — the only NBA game season on Monday as the Kershaw going, he did his thing ner at the stadium after the Na- In Baltimore, Mark Trumbo struggled with his command, of the day — was a makeup game of one that was postponed on LosJ Angeles Dodgers launched and we got ahead early and we tionals rallied for a dramatic 4-2 hit a solo home run off Jason walking fi ve and surrendering March 6 because condensation on the court made it unsafe. their campaign with a 14-3 rout didn’t take our foot off the gas triumph over the Marlins. Adam Grilli with two outs in the bot- four runs in 6 1/3 innings. The Portland led by as many as 12 points in the third quarter before of the San Diego Padres. pedal,” Pederson said. Lind, making his Nationals de- tom of the 11th inning to lift the Indians had leveled the score the Timberwolves stormed back to seize a three-point lead Pederson drove in a career- “We’ve been working ex- but after playing last season for Orioles to a 3-2 victory over the at 5-5 after eight innings, then going into the final period. A 7-0 scoring run briefly put the Trail high fi ve runs and former Pa- tremely hard this whole spring the Seattle Mariners, hit a two- Toronto Blue Jays. pummeled Rangers closer Sam Blazers back on top. Towns hit a big one-handed basket with dre Yasmani Grandal homered training, so to come off and hit run pinch-hit home run with two Designated hitter Trumbo Dyson for three runs in the ninth. 57.3 seconds remaining to give the Timberwolves a five-point twice, once from each side of the the road running like that is a outs in the seventh inning to lift crushed a 1-2 pitch into the left- lead. He capped his night with a two-handed dunk over Al- plate for the Dodgers, who also great feeling.” the Nationals. fi eld seats for the sixth walkoff REUSLTS Farouq Aminu to give Minnesota a 110-106 lead with 35 seconds got a homer from Corey Seager. The game was one of a dozen Bryce Harper also homered homer of his career. Trumbo, Mets 6 Braves 0 to play. A shot from Andrew Wiggins, who scored 29 points for “This was super fun,” said that continued the Opening Day and Daniel Murphy added a who led the major leagues with Dodgers 14 Padres 3 Minnesota, went out of bounds with 4.9 seconds to play to give Grandal, who went 2-for-5 in his festivities that began on Sunday run-batted-in single for the 47 homers last year, was re- Nationals 4 Marlins 2 Portland one last chance. Lillard, the Western Conference player fi rst opening day start. “To be with three games. Nats, who are 4-0 when hurler signed by the Orioles in the off - Phillies 4 Reds 3 of the month for March, couldn’t make it and Portland lost for able to do it here at Dodger Sta- But there was no presidential Stephen Strasburg starts Open- season. The Cleveland Indians — Rockies 7 Brewers 5 the first time since March 21. “You just want to win this game,” dium makes it that much more fi rst pitch for 2017 as US Presi- ing Day. out to return to the World Series Twins 7 Royals 1 Lillard said. “We’ve been on a roll. Coming in against a team special.” dent Donald Trump reportedly Strasburg allowed two runs after falling to the Chicago Cubs Red Sox 5 Pirates 3 that doesn’t really have anything to play for, you want to come The four Opening Day home declined an invitation to make and six hits in seven innings be- in seven games in baseball’s Orioles 3 Blue Jays 2 (11 innings) in here and take advantage of that.” While it’s true the Timber- runs are a Dodgers club record. the ceremonial toss at the Wash- fore Lind pinch-hit for him. championship showcase last Astros 3 Mariners 0 wolves are out of the running for this year’s playoff s, Towns said Los Angeles ace Clayton Ker- ington Nationals’ home game He got the Opening Day start year — erased a four-run defi cit Athletics 4 Angels 2 the young team had plenty to play for. shaw allowed two runs — one against the Miami Marlins. because Cy Young Award-win- to beat the Texas Rangers 8-5. Tigers v White Sox (postponed) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 5, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS FOCUS Project Stadia expert meeting Missing Miami Open concludes in Doha

QNA They also discussed increas- Doha ing the number of countries participating in the meeting to gain a more comprehensive he second meeting of view of the challenges, al- title defence was sports security experts, Dosari added. organised by Interpol’s The meeting also refl ected Project Stadia, con- Qatar’s prominent role in the Tcluded yesterday. The meet was fi eld of cyber security and how held in Doha in cooperation its experience in the fi eld can with the security committee of be used worldwide, al-Dosari Qatar’s Supreme Committee for added. Legacy and Delivery (SC). The Ministry of Interior, refreshing: Djokovic The three-day event had Ministry of Transport and discussions on a number of Communication, and SC all security issues related to cy- gave presentations related ‘Of course I wanted to be on the court and defend my title but it just didn’t happen this time’ ber security in the framework with securing the cyberspace of preparations for hosting against attacks. They also pro- World Cup 2022. Six coun- vided an overview of Qatar’s Reuters tries participated in the talks electronic infra-structure. Belgrade were Qatar, Japan, The Neth- The participants also dis- erlands, Brazil, United States, cussed Japan’s preparations and Hungary. for hosting the Tokyo 2020 itting out last week’s Miami Senior manager of Interpol Olympics. Open was rejuvenating for Project Stadia Falah Abdul- Meanwhile SC’s Mahmoud Novak Djokovic although lah al-Dosari said the meeting Salah said that they gave on it meant missing the chance discussed some of the impor- overview on the mechanism toS win a record seventh title in the tant topics on cyber security to responding to electronic at- tournament, Serbia’s world number related to World Cup 2022. tacks and the best ways to do two said yesterday. The three day event then ex- so. He stressed on the impor- Djokovic missed the Masters se- panded to discuss the biggest tance of exchanging views and ries event with an elbow injury and, information security chal- expertise with other countries having recovered, is eager to face lenges facing hosts of major in the fi eld of cybersecurity Spain in the Davis Cup quarter- sporting events in general. ahead of World Cup 2022. fi nals in front of a boisterous home crowd next weekend. “Of course I wanted to be on the CYCLING court and defend my title but it just didn’t happen this time,” Djokovic told a news conference in the Serbian capital’s Aleksandar Nikolic arena. Albasini clinches “At the same time, it was also rather refreshing to get some rest and sit out Miami at home with my 2nd Basque stage wife and son. It was quality family time which I don’t get enough of and AFP it made me very happy,” he said. Eltziego, Spain “A hardcourt tie is not an ideal preparation for the clay court sea- son but given that I was away for a wiss rider Michael Al- few weeks after a patchy start to the basini edged a sprint season, I need as many matches as fi nish to claim victory possible to get back into my stride on the second stage of irrespective of the surface.” theS Tour of the Basque Country Michael Albasini Djokovic added: “The Davis Cup yesterday. is a very special event as it generates Albasini beat Argentine Ar- Sunday following his Tour of the kind of home crowd atmosphere iel Maximiliano Richeze and Flanders victory last weekend, you don’t see on the ATP Tour, so Belgium’s Sean de Bie into sec- his Quick Step Floors team I am really looking forward to per- ond and third respectively in a said yesterday. The 34-year- forming in front of our fans. I always time of 4hrs 35mins 22secs for old claimed a sensational solo draw very positive energy from the the 173.4km from Pamplona to breakaway victory at the pres- Davis Cup as it invariably brings out Eltziego. tigious cobbled classic in his the best in me.” “It’s always good to win so homeland on Sunday but won’t Having dominated for several early in the season so I’m re- be going for the ‘Monument’ years to rack up 12 grand slam tour- Fired up by team spirit, Kyrgios says in ‘best’ mental shape ally happy,” Albasini said. “We double as he needs a rest. naments after clinching his maiden knew the fi nish was really fast, “Paris-Roubaix has a mag- French Open title last June, Djoko- Nick Kyrgios is relishing being in the ‘best’ Brisbane yesterday. That withdrawal prompted criticism from so we had bigger chainrings. netic attraction on me, but I vic then suff ered a dramatic loss of mental shape of his career and credited “I’m feeling motivated and I want to get out team mate Bernard Tomic, who publicly I checked out the fi nish with won’t be there this year,” said form which saw him ousted as the the camaraderie of Australia’s Davis Cup there more. I want to compete and I want upbraided him for the decision to pull-out. satellite to know how it is.” Gilbert in a statement on Quick world number one by Briton Andy team for his ominous form during the US to play. “I’m probably in the best place I’ve Kyrgios returned to the fold for the World Australian Michael Mat- Step’s website. “I need to take Murray. hardcourt swing. ever been in.” Group play-off win over Slovakia and thews was fourth and main- a break, recover properly and With Murray also playing in fi ts The world number 16 pushed Roger Feder- It was little more than two months ago that has been a fixture since, while Australia’s tains the overall lead after win- then begin thinking of the Ar- and starts in the early stages of the er to the wall in a classic Miami Open semi- Kyrgios bowed out of the Australian Open number two Tomic has opted out. Kyrgios ning Monday’s opening stage. dennes, where I’ll be part of a season, Djokovic heaped praise on final on Friday and beat world number two in acrimony, jeered by home spectators said the win over Czech Republic had Pre-race favourites Alejan- very strong team.” the evergreen Roger Federer after the Novak Djokovic twice in succession in the after giving up a two-set lead in defeat to worked wonders for his motivation. “I dro Valverde and Alberto Con- Gilbert has been highly suc- Swiss maestro won the Miami Open past month. The emotional 21-year-old now Italian Andreas Seppi. think the last Davis Cup tie helped me a lot. tador remain on the same time cessful at the Ardennes clas- following his Australian Open tri- carries Australia’s hopes of reaching the But weeks later, he returned to play in the Ever since then I’ve been in a good mental as Matthews, although Conta- sics these last few years, win- umph in January. Davis Cup semi-finals when the hosts play Davis Cup in the first round tie in Mel- space,” he said. dor had another eventful day as ning all three in 2011 while “What Federer has accomplished the United States in Brisbane this weekend. bourne, playing a pivotal role in the 4-1 “I prefer the team environment, I love he overcame a puncture after also claiming the Amstel Gold this year is admirable and it shows that Having long felt ambivalent toward the defeat of Czech Republic. being around these guys, I love training crashing inside the fi nal kilo- race in 2010 and 2014. He has one can play at the top level even at his sport and admitted to struggling for Kyrgios’s commitment to the team tour- with them and I love being on the sidelines metre on Monday. Today’s stage had a great start to 2017, win- age. He’s had his ups and downs in the motivation, Kyrgios has brought a new nament has not always been so whole- watching them compete. gives the climbers a fi rst chance ning Three Days of De Panne last three or four years but came back intensity to training and a stronger focus hearted. “I’ve been wanting to play and they’ve all to separate themselves from last week and taking podium swinging and revitalised after a six- on court. He was reported to have said, “I don’t want been supporting me. It’s good to know the pack with six climbs on the fi nishes at Dwars door Vlaan- month layoff last year,” said Djokovic. “I think my level’s always been there but I to be here” during a singles rubber defeat these guys have my back and I think it’s 160.5km ride. deren and E3 Harelbeke. But He said the Miami Open fi nal between think where I’m at mentally at the moment, during the 2015 quarter-final against just the chemistry. he says he will concentrate Federer and Nadal was “as outstand- I’m just competing for every point and Kazakhstan in Darwin and withdrew from “I feel like I’m playing well and I’ve got Flanders winner Gilbert to on a tilt at a second Liege- ing as anyone might have expected playing hard and I haven’t really had that last year’s first round tie against the United a really good opportunity now to battle miss Paris-Roubaix Bastogne-Liege victory rather from the greatest rivalry ever”. Nadal mindset before,” Kyrgios told reporters in States in Melbourne, citing “illness”. against the USA.” Belgian Philippe Gilbert will than Paris-Roubaix – both are will skip Spain’s clash with Serbia. not race at Paris-Roubaix on high profi le Monument races.

BEIJING OLYMPICS ‘No sign of signifi cant abuse in clenbuterol cases’

Reuters said that all values were “in the “It is clear that there are many from Beijing in the run-up to last Zurich range of potential meat contam- people in the world that want to year’s Rio Olympics to try and LA, Paris pitch Olympic bids amid vote uncertainty ination cases”. get at Jamaica because some of root out drug cheats. It said it “carefully deliber- them feel that we have been far Clenbuterol is a performance- Los Angeles and Paris presented their candidacies “We believe in sport. We believe that the Games he IOC said it had not ated” whether or not to proceed too successful and we do not de- enhancing substance sometimes for the 2024 Olympics to international sports fed- are so much more than just entertainment. We detected any signifi cant with the cases and consulted serve to be successful,” Fennell found in weight-loss pills and is erations yesterday amid confusion over the exact believe sport can change the world. Paris is a abuse of clenbuterol the World Anti-Doping Agency added. on the WADA banned list. election process. global city...made for sharing.” after fi nding “very low (WADA). According to the IOC, “They cannot believe that In 2011, more than 100 play- The two bids will campaign up until the Interna- Paris, also a two-time host, last staged the Summer levels”T of the banned substance WADA said that it could not fi nd this little country can produce ers tested positive for clen- tional Olympic Committee vote in September but Olympics in 1924. during re-testing of samples “any signifi cant and consistent so many superstars and they are buterol during the under-17 the IOC looks now likely to decide to award But while the two cities campaign for 2024, they from the Beijing Olympics. pattern of abuse of clenbuterol trying to fi nd some way to dam- soccer world championship held both the 2024 and the 2028 Games simultane- could end up with the 2028 Games. The International Olympic in these cases and that it would age that. in Mexico. They were also ac- ously. The IOC has set up a working group to look into Committee’s comments on Mon- be appropriate not to take these “Our athletes are clean and we quitted of any wrongdoing after Two-time host Los Angeles, which last staged the the possibility of awarding both the 2024 and the day came one day after German cases any further”. respect the anti-doping rules.” FIFA, soccer’s world governing Games in 1984, highlighted its risk-free plan with 2028 Olympics at the same time in September and broadcaster ARD reported that Warren Blake, president of the body, said they were victims of every permanent venue already in place and a bid the group is expected to report back in traces of the banned substance FALSE REPORT Jamaica Athletics Administra- a health problem in the country. for privately-funded Games free from any govern- July. were found in samples provided Jamaican offi cials said they tive Association, also questioned However, double Tour de ment involvement or financing. Four of the six cities that had bid at some point by members of the Jamaican hoped the IOC and WADA would if the report was aimed “at trying France champion Alberto Con- “We don’t have to build a single permanent new have pulled out in mid-race and the IOC is eager to sprint team at the Games in 2008. set the record straight with re- to destroy Jamaica’s good name.” tador of Spain was handed a venue. That’s very important because it means a change bidding to stop “creating so many losers”. Jamaica won 10 medals in the gard to the ARD report. “I fi nd it very interesting that two-year ban for testing positive ‘no risk, no surprises’ budget,” Los Angeles Mayor “They (IOC) have kept us in broad terms abreast sprint events led by Usain Bolt, “I think some of the innuen- the WADA offi cial that they for clenbuterol during the 2010 Eric Garcetti told a meeting of international sports but until something changes nothing is diff erent,” who took gold in the men’s 100 does and assertions have been showed in the documentary race, despite maintaining that he federations. Garcetti told reporters when asked about the pos- and 200 metres. unfortunate, if not outright made no mention of sprinters, had eaten contaminated meat. He said that if awarded the Games, Los Angeles sibility of awarding two Games and if the rules of In a statement, the IOC said false, and hopefully these will be but yet still they have extrapo- Jamaica were stripped of the would also “harness the power of our $250 billion- the process were clear. that “very low levels of clenbuter- corrected by the IOC and WADA lated from Jamaican athletes to Beijing 4x100 metres gold medal dollar sports market for your sports.” “I am going with the assumption that it will be one ol” were found in the cases of ath- in due course,” Jamaica Olympic sprinters,” he said. in January when Nesta Carter Paris bid leaders stressed the plan’s compactness vote for 2024 then. If those rules changes, I think letes from a number of countries Association president Mike Fen- was found in re-tests of his sam- while also highlighting the fact that it is a European both cities are adaptable,” he said. and diff erent sports. It said the nell told Reuters. BEIJING RE-TESTS ple to have taken the banned bid. Rome, Budapest and Hamburg pulled out of “If there is a win-win solution for everybody I athletes were innocent and could He said his association had The IOC stores samples for stimulant methylhexaneamine. the process, scared off by cost or local opposition always joke I would be happy to go to Paris in 2028 not give any more details. not received any offi cial notifi - a decade to test with newer The whole relay team lost to the Games. but I am sure Mayor Hidalgo would be happy to go Without mentioning Jamaica cation from the IOC or WADA methods or for new substances. their medals as a result, includ- “Why Paris now?” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said. to Los Angeles in 2028 too.” or the ARD allegations, the IOC about the allegations. It ordered re-tests of samples ing Bolt. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 5, 2017 7 GOLF

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Champion Willett Day brightens prepares an even as storm hits Augusta feast Masters practice With his mother’s health improving, world number three hit the course

AFP Augusta, United States

evere thunderstorms short- ened Monday’s fi rst offi cial practice session for the 81st Masters, but the outlook brightenedS for Australia’s Jason Day ahead of the year’s fi rst major. AFP “The past 12 months has made me World number three Day played Augusta, United States impatient,” Willett admitted, saying nine holes at Augusta National, his it was hard to accept playing at a low- fourth consecutive day on the fabled er standard compared to the peak he course, before it was closed in the ear- asters champion Danny reached at the 2016 Masters. ly afternoon when the area fell under a Willett, who won the “If you can’t do that every time, you tornado warning. green jacket against all become a bit impatient. This is where Day withdrew from the World Golf odds last year, is planning this game jumps up and bites you. Championships Match-Play event Man Augusta feast for fellow champions “It is not that easy. You can’t just do two weeks ago to be with his mother, ahead of his bid to retain the title. it week in week out.” Dening, as she faced cancer surgery. The current champion traditionally But Willett, ranked 17th, said that he Her uncertain prognosis through chooses the menu and hosts a dinner has put in the hard yards in the tune up chemotherapy kept his status in doubt for past winners and the 29-year-old to this year’s Masters and is back play- for the Masters. Englishman from Sheffi eld is bringing ing some of his best golf — more than But Day said Monday that his moth- a taste of home to the 81st Masters. ready to defend his crown. er is improving and she might even be The menu includes roast beef and “Practice is world class right now,” at the course on the weekend to watch Yorkshire pudding washed down by he said. “Unfortunately, it’s not quite him compete for the green jacket. Yorkshire tea, and “hopefully they will carrying over into competition.” “She’s good,” Day said. “She had the enjoy this little taste of Yorkshire,” said That carry over, he says, is only a left quarter of her lung taken out... I was Willett. question of time. with her pretty much every day back Willett won the Masters last year on “If you put in the hard work, there is home. She is in a fair amount of pain but the fi nal nine holes after a spectacular an inevitability that you will get back hopefully things are looking up.” collapse at Amen Corner by rising US up there again,” he said. A severe thunderstorm closed the Jason Day of Australia walks during a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club on Monday. (AFP) star Jordan Speith, who went into the Willett was the fi rst Englishman to course for more than an hour and back nine fi ve shots up but hit an in- win the Masters since Nick Faldo in forced evacuation of the course even trademark putting surfaces will be back have a chance to win,” said eighth- “Yeah, it’s a really good stretch of credible quadruple bogey on the par-3 1996 but he suggested that more coun- before the tornado warning shut down at full speed for Sunday’s fi nal round. ranked Rickie Fowler. golf especially with the way the fore- 12th hole. trymen are waiting in the wings to be- the course the remainder of the day. “It’s not a golf course that you have cast is looking for Thursday and Fri- Willett held his nerve to win the come Masters contenders. Heavy rains and strong thunder- GREAT GOLF to be any certain type of player. He’s day,” said 2016 PGA Championship green jacket but has struggled to reach He said English golf was enjoying storms are expected again on Wednes- “You’ve got to hit the shots in the right shown that he can play and compete winner Jimmy Walker. those heights again, failing to win since something of a golden age at the mo- day on the eve of the opening round, spots,” warns world number one Dus- with the best. He has already won. So “The winds look like they’re going his Augusta triumph. ment with a record 11 players in the Au- which could soften the greens and tin Johnson. it will just be him going out and learn- to pretty gnarly, and that’s a section “You have achieved the greatest gusta fi eld. lead to more showers for early starters Among the newcomers hoping to ing this golf course for himself.” of the course that gets really tough, high in your sport,” he explained. “You “There is a new race of guys my age Thursday. become the fi rst Masters debutante to One of the crucial areas to master is especially if the wind swirls. You get have climbed Everest and put up your or under,” he said. “I don’t think it will After that, the forecast is for dry take a green jacket since Fuzzy Zoeller Amen Corner — the noted par-4 11th, through there even par, you’re doing fl ag there. You have to stay up there or be long before you see these guys step it conditions at Augusta National, where in 1979 is Spain’s Jon Rahm, who won par-3 12th and par-5 13th holes. Jordan really well against the fi eld. climb down.” up again in major championships.” weather has not suspended play since his fi rst PGA crown in January at Tor- Spieth was on his way to defending Seventh-ranked Justin Thomas the third round in 2008 and not post- rey Pines. his title in Sunday’s fi nal round last says level par through the three-hole poned a round since the opening “A guy like Jon Rahm, obviously he year only to fi nd a watery grave twice stretch is his goal too. OUTLOOK round in 2003. has been playing great golf. I don’t see into Rae’s Creek and take a quadruple “If I went through those even each Even if greens and fairways are more any reason why he can’t go and play bogey at 12, helping England’s Danny day, I probably wouldn’t be complain- receptive, it’s likely the lightning-fast well or be in contention this week and Willett take the title. ing too much,” he said. Fowler confi dent of Top golfers blast controversial viewer call-in rule major breakthrough Reuters body can call in and say ‘oh that was and an additional two strokes for has come up in the past but never Augusta, United States a foul.’ It just doesn’t happen and I signing an incorrect scorecard and has it had such a dramatic impact on AFP don’t know why (golf) is the excep- went on to lose in a playoff . the outcome of a major event. Augusta, United States tion,” Walker told a news conference Fowler said he was surprised the rule Spain’s Jon Rahm, who is making his iewers calling in rule violations on Monday at Augusta National. was not changed long ago and that Masters debut this week after a stel- and aff ecting the outcome of “Nobody gets to call ins and outs in one would be hard pressed finding lar start to the season, said some of ith an early season vic- Vmajor tournaments would be a tennis. It just doesn’t happen and I any golfer who would say otherwise. golf’s rules are hard to interpret but tory and plenty of bird- thing of the past if players competing at think we need to change that.” “Once you sign your scorecard, if it is the right call then one player is ies, eighth-ranked Rickie this week’s US Masters had their way. Thompson had six holes to play that’s kind of it. I feel like, you know, always going to be hurt. Fowler has renewed con- Wfi dence he can capture a long-awaited World number eight Rickie Fowler when her three-shot lead was wiped it’s somewhat like when you look “I feel bad for Lexi, because maybe and reigning PGA Championship out by a four-shot penalty for an at if something were to come up she would have won the tournament fi rst major title this week at the Mas- winner Jimmy Walker are the latest infringement that was committed Monday after the tournament, the if that hadn’t happened,” said world ters. to criticise the controversial rule a the previous day and only brought to tournament’s done,” said Fowler. “It number 12 Rahm. The 28-year-old American, who day after American Lexi Thompson off icials’ attention by an e-mail from a just goes back to, there shouldn’t be “But a 10-inch putt, I feel like, (she) managed top-fi ve fi nishes at all four lost the year’s first LPGA major after a television viewer. anyone outside of the off icials being could have left it alone, she’s not majors in 2014 without a victory, took surprising penalty. She incurred a two-stroke penalty for able to make this call.” going to miss it anyway, whether it’s a his fourth US PGA title fi ve weeks ago “There’s no other sport where any- playing her ball from the wrong place The impact of armchair rules off icials millimetre right or left.” in the Honda Classic at PGA National, his fi rst tour win after holding the 54- hole lead following four prior failures. “To win that early in the season on BOTTOMLINE that golf course, and being out front and closing the deal, it has defi nitely helped,” Fowler said Monday. “And I think it showed from how well been there in some more majors. But, I’ve been swinging the past few weeks hey, it’s tough out here, but I’m enjoy- Seve looking out for me, says Rahm and then heading the right direction ing the ride.” coming into this week.” That’s part of why Fowler said he is AFP tee up believing that I can win. I might Fowler, who has never broken 70 underachieving compared to his ex- Augusta, United States do it. I might not. But that’s how I do more than once in any of his six Mas- pectations. it.” ters appearances, shared third at the “So far, I would say under. But At 6-ft-2 (1.88m) and 220 lbs Houston Open on Sunday with form I would look back and I defi nitely on Rahm says fellow Spaniard (100kg), Rahm belongs to an emerging that gives him faith his game is exactly wouldn’t be disappointed about the Seve Ballesteros, the late golfi ng breed of big, fi t power hitters but has where it needs to be. career I’ve had,” Fowler said. “And es- legend who would have turned a complete game reminiscent of Tiger “I’m making a lot of birdies right pecially with where I’m at right now, 60 on Sunday, will be watch- Woods in his pomp. now and that bodes well around this and where I feel like my game is going ingJ over him as he competes in his fi rst If he has an Achilles heel, it may be golf course,” Fowler said. “You’re going and where it can go.” Masters. his youthful inexperience in dealing to make mistakes. You’re going to have And while Fowler had won in South Rahm, one of golf’s most exciting with emotion and tension that he says to settle for bogeys here and there. Korea and Abu Dhabi after 54-hole new talents, has always idolised Bal- have taken a toll in the past. “So having a lot of off ense these last leads, to do so in a US event bolsters lesteros, a two-time Masters cham- At last month’s WGC Match-Play, two tournaments is something that I his confi dence in his shotmaking as the pion, and the 22-year-old Augusta Rahm took world number one Dustin want to feed off and if I can continue to Masters looms. newcomer says he will count on help Johnson all the way to the 18th hole in do that here this week — a lot of birdies, “To hit the shots I needed to at the from past-master Seve all the way to the fi nal, showing his enormous talent maybe a couple eagles in there — that’s right time and give myself a cushion to the fi nal hole on Sunday. and potential. going to be something that’s going to be play the last couple holes, it was spe- “If I have a chance on Sunday I’ll But he had to come back in the very good around here.” cial,” he said. keep in mind that he’ll be out there,” match after messing up the fi rst nine Fowler found competition the best said Rahm. holes because he failed to master his SELECT GROUP warm-up for Augusta and nearly added “I know he will be out there for the nerves. In 2014, Fowler shared fi fth at the Mas- Houston to his title list. entire week. But hopefully on Sunday “I couldn’t control my body, hon- ters for his best showing yet at Augusta “It would have been nice to make a he can make a special present.” Though playing his fi rst Masters in Rahm won at Torrey Pines in Janu- estly,” Rahm said. “I didn’t know. It National. He also shared second at the couple more putts and be a little clos- Ballesteros died nearly six years ago only his second year as a profession- ary in his fi rst appearance at the event was like my body was independent US and British Opens and third in the er at the end, but I got a lot out of last and is remembered at Augusta Na- al, Rahm, ranked 12th in the world, and felt he could follow up at Augusta. from my mind. I was trying to focus PGA Championship. week, and that’s really what we wanted tional and other major golf venues as is billed as a potential future world “If I didn’t think I could win it, I and do my routine, but things just That put Fowler among a select to accomplish the week before coming one of the greatest players who ever number one and one of the genuine wouldn’t be here. Truly, Torrey Pines weren’t happening.” group to fi nish in the top fi ve in each in here,” he said. lived. contenders to win the 81st Masters. is not one of the places rookies usually Once he mastered his emotions, major in the same year alongside Jack “The biggest thing for me is mak- “Seve is my ultimate reference, No Masters debutant has won the win for the fi rst time and I was able to Rahm took away an important lesson Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Jordan Spi- ing sure I’m committed on every shot. idol,” said Rahm. “I try to emulate a lot green jacket since Fuzzy Zoeller in do it,” he said. from Texas. eth — but as the only one not to win at Some bad shots are going to happen, of things he did. You know, the name 1979 but Rahm said he would not have “Obviously this is diff erent. This is a “I learned that when I am playing least once in doing so. but the more committed and more I can Seve Ballesteros is really important to troubled himself to come to Augusta if major and my fi rst time in Augusta. It good, I can take on the number one “Yeah, I would have liked to have trust what I’m going to do and believe me.” he thought he had no chance. is very, very impressive. I am going to player in the world,” he said. won more. I would have liked to have in it, the better off I’ll be.”

Wednesday, April 5, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

Arabi through to Qatar Cup Volleyball final

Action from the Qatar Cup Volleyball match between Al Arabi (in red) and El Jaish (in black) at the Women’s Sports Committee Indoor Hall at the Aspire Zone yesterday. Al Arabi, 15-time champions, entered the final beating last year’s runners-up El Jaish 3-1 (25-13, 21-25, 25-13, 25-21) in match two of the best-of-three semi-final. On Sunday, Arabi had won the first match 3-1 (25-21 22-25 25-15 25-18). (Right) In the other semi-final, QVA League champions Police (in white and blue) defeated defending champions Al Rayyan (in red and black) 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 25-18) to level the best-of-three semi-finals at 1-1. Rayyan, who won the first tie 3-1 (27-25 25-16 23-25 25-22), will take on Jaish in the third match tomorrow. The final is slated for April 8.

BASKETBALL / EMIR CUP FOCUS QOC’s al-Kuwari meets secretaries Blair shines in of federations

QNA proved budgets. Doha He directed the secretaries general to focus on the diff erent age groups because they are the Wakrah’s shock atar Olympic Commit- core of national teams and the tee (QOC) secretary future of Qatari sport. He also di- general Dr Thani Ab- rected them to address the needs dulrahman al-Kuwari of the national teams in line with yesterdayQ met secretaries general QOC strategy, stressing the need of sports federations and com- to follow up on programmes and mittees. plans so as to ensure their par- At the outset of the meeting, ticipation in major tournaments win over Rayyan which took place at the QOC and prepare them for qualifi ca- premises, the secretary general tion for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic thanked all sports associations Games and achieving the best In another match of the day, Al Ahli shock Al Sadd 81-76 for their eff orts at developing results. Qatari sport and the constant At the end of the meeting, he By Sports Reporter Al Rayyan had a last-gasp chance co-ordination with the com- shed the light on QOC’s project Doha but Mohamed Hassan missed a mittee’s plans and strategy so as that supports talents who made three-point eff ort with just a second to achieve together the desired sporting achievements and pre- remaining as the Al Wakrah camp goals. pare them to qualify for future arry Thomas Blair scored a erupted in joy. Dr. al-Kuwari addressed sev- Olympic games. The project match-high 41 points as Al Ayeni Olatokunbo gave Blair eral important issues related to comprises players from the as- Wakrah shocked Al Rayyan splendid support with 22 points, QOC plans in collaboration with sociations of equestrian, hand- 98-96 in overtime to win the while Yousif al-Darwish and Nick the associations in the coming ball, weightlifting, athletics and Lopening match of HH The Emir Cup Diatta had nine each. period, including the newly ap- shooting. at the Al Gharafa Club yesterday. For Al Rayyan, Spruill was the top- Al Wakrah marginally trailed Al scorer with 26 points, while Alban Rayyan for most of the match but Ngombo had 25. SPOTLIGHT the suspense kept on increasing as “It was a great game of basketball the seconds ticked away in the fi nal which could have gone either way but quarter. we handled the pressure better,” said And when a sensational three- Al Wakrah coach Ihab Galal. Bragging rights at stake point jump shot by Adisson Spruill “Larry was outstanding as usual. It with just 46 seconds remaining gave was he who kept us in the game and Al Rayyan a crucial 83-81 lead, they eventually helped us win,” he added. in Rayyan-Arabi derby must have thought they had put In the second match of the day, themselves in a winning position. Al Ahli shocked Al Sadd 81-76 with By Sports Reporter with Daniel Goumou absent af- But Al Wakrah somewhat disrupt- Branko Ereminov and Aleksander Doha ter seeing red against Al Sadd ed their momentum by calling for a Mitrovic scoring 25 points each. and South Korean midfi elder timeout after which Blair produced Again there was very little to choose Koh Myong-jin likely to be ab- a jump shot for two points to tie the from between the teams but Al Ahli ound 25 of the QSL sea- sent through injury. Laudrup game and force overtime. clinched the issue by raising their game son will see Al Rayyan may also elect to make changes Al Rayyan began the extra period a notch in the fi nal quarter, during take on Al Arabi in a in defence and attack with a with a bang, taking three points to which they scored 19 points. derby encounter at tough away assignment coming lead 86-83, before Blair was again in With one minute 38 seconds re- AlR Sadd Stadium on tomorrow up against Persepolis in the AFC the thick of the action with a three- maining in the game, Al Sadd had 8:30pm. Champions League. pointer to help his team draw level. done well to tie the scores at 72-all, Both sides come into the game Whilst for Al Arabi, they are in The lead kept changing frequently but Ereminov produced a jump shot after having suff ered heavy de- danger of slipping into the rele- but with just 23 seconds remain- for three points to edge Al Ahli ahead. feats in the league and will be gation zone if they lose their next ing Blair produced his fourth three- With 49 seconds remaining a two- looking to get back to winning two games of the season. Osvaldo pointer of the match to edge Al Wak- point tip-in by Oumar Seck saw Al ways. Both Rayyan and Arabi Olivera’s side has been patchy in rah ahead 97-95. Sadd get close again, but they con- fell to 1-4 losses at the hands of the league thus far and will be in As pressure built on Al Rayyan, ceded a series of free-throws to even- Al Sadd and Al Shahania respec- desperate need of a win to con- Mohamed Hassan missed one of two tually concede the match. tively. fi rm their status in the league for free-throws as they squandered a For Al Sadd, Seck top-scored with For Rayyan’s loss in the Qa- another season. golden chance to pull level. 24 points, while Mohamed Ouiri had tar Clasico, head coach Michael Nigerian striker Imoh Ezekiel With just six seconds remaining, 18 and Moustafa Fouda 15. Laudrup will see tomorrow’s has been the standout player for Wakrah were in control as they had Today, Al Arabi play Al Khor at match as an ideal encounter to The Dream Team this term, and possession, and Blair scored from a 5pm followed by a match between Al Wakrah’s Larry Thomas Blair (left) and Al Rayyan’s Addison Spruill in action during HH The boost the confi dence of his side. he will have to be at his best if free-throw to help his team go ahead Al Shamal and Qatar Sports Club at Emir Cup match at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Blair scored 41 points in his team’s 98-96 Al Rayyan will be without two Arabi are to upset their bitter ri- 98-96. 7pm. win, while Addison was the top-scorer for Rayyan with 26 points. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi key midfi elders for the derby, vals Al Rayyan.

BOTTOMLINE QSL, QFA host fi nancial control workshop By Sports Reporter the queries by the clubs representatives. These regulations also limit clubs’ an- Doha The QSL has been eager to place in- nual losses and debts. The regulations creasing fi nancial responsibilities onto also come in the interest of fi nancial the clubs in recent years, and the new balance; however the clubs are required he Qatar Stars League (QSL), regulations will now ensure that all to focus more on spending and incomes. in co-operation with the Qatar clubs within the state of Qatar will now The new fi nancial regulations for the Football Association (QFA) have have to formally comply. clubs which were drafted by the Min- hosted a workshop explaining In order to ensure the fi nancial stabil- istry of Culture & Sport, the QFA and Tthe new Financial Control Regulations, ity of the clubs and within the frame- the QSL, will set new mechanism for which are set to be implemented in time work of the eff orts of the Ministry of the implementation of clear procedures for the start of the 2017-18 QSL season. Culture & Sports, the QFA and the QSL, within the clubs with the support and In the presence of QSL CEO and QFA a mechanism has been developed to guidance to be presented by the QFA and Executive Committee member Hani tackle the challenges in clubs, some of the QSL. Ballan, a number of QFA and QSL of- which require radical changes in regards It was reiterated during the workshop fi cials, and clubs representatives, the to the transfer of players, league reg- that responsibility and fi nancial control workshop was held with the view to in- istration and agreements of contracts are a key element in the club’s access troducing and interpreting new fi nan- with club coaches. to the AFC licence. Moreover, the new cial control regulations. The new regulations stipulate com- fi nancial regulations provide a frame- The QFA and QSL offi cials demon- prehensive control and monitor over work for the teams to encourage club strated detailed presentation explaining the expenditures of players and coaches management to focus on their fi nancial these regulations and also responded to since the very beginning until the end. measures. QSL CEO and QFA Executive Committee member Hani Ballan speaks to the delegates during the workshop.