SPORT Thursday 1 March 2018

PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 PAGE | 32-33 Nadal cuts short Federer doubts golden Injury-hit Neymar comeback after oldies’ Grand Slam to miss Real injury flares up success will be matched Madrid clash Austria, Hungary are champions in Doha

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Austria and Hungary won the boys’ and girls’ title at the 24th ISF World Schools Handball Championships here yesterday. Germany finished on the los- ing side in both the finals. In the boys’ section, Austria kept their cool to script a fight- ing win. Both the teams were tied 18-all at the end of normal period of play, but Austria took good in the end winning the title. In the girl’s section, Hungary where runaway winners beat- ing the Germany girls 30-17. The nine-day championship was played at three venues in Doha and organized by Qatar School Sports Association (QSSA), in technical collabora- tion with Qatar Handball Federation. Over 20 countries took part in the event including Austria, France, Turkey, Germany, Poland, Croatia, Brazil, Israel, Hungary, Slovenia, Denmark, Romania, Morocco, Georgia, Romania, Czech Republic, Greece, Belgium, Bulgaria, Ser- bia and hosts Qatar. The Boys’ winners of the 24th ISF World Schools Handball Championships, Austrian players and officials The closing ceremony was celebrate on the podium during the presentation ceremony at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium held yesterday at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium in Al in Al Sadd yesterday. RIGHT: The captain of the Hungarian team receiving the Girls’ Championship Sadd, after the boys final. title during the presentation ceremony yesterday. Al Gharafa brace for tough test against Al Rayyan CHINTHANA WASALA “We are seeking a fourth- QNB STARS LEAGUE: FIXTURES THE PENINSULA place finish in the QNB Stars League as that will give us a TODAY DOHA: Dutch star Wesley Snei- chance to play in the Qatar Cup Al Duhail vs Al Sadd jder-led Al Gharafa will be as well as next year’s AFC Cham- At Al Duhail Stadium (6.00pm) looking for full points as they pions League. Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan look to climb into the QNB Stars “We are preparing our play- At Al Gharafa Stadium (20.10pm) League (QSL) top four when they ers to be ready for any situation TOMORROW take on strong Al Rayyan in their and also for them to stay in good Al Ahli vs Al Kharaitiyat own backyard today. shape as we approach the end of At Al Ahli Stadium (6.00pm) The match kicks off at the season. I hope we collect full Al Sailiya vs Al Khor 8.10pm. points against Al Rayyan. At Al Ahli Stadium (8.10pm) Al Gharafa has reasons for “As far the league title is con- SATURDAY joy as yesterday they were cerned, I feel Al Duhail will Qatar SC vs Umm Salal awarded full points when the sustain the momentum and win AT Qatar SC Stadium (6.00pm) Qatar Football Association over- this time,” said Bulent.

Al Arabi vs Al Markhiya turned their 2-3 loss to bottom Al Rayyan, with 39 points in At Al Arabi Stadium (8.10pm) side Al Markhiya. The organis- their account, hover above fourth ers awarded The Cheetahs a 3-0 placed Umm Salal who are just verdict as the The Oryxes had two points behind them and will breached the rule regarding res- look to consolidate their position Al Gharafa are currently ident players by fielding six in the third place. placed fifth in the QSL instead of the stipulated five. Having won their last week’s standings, just one Al Gharafa coach Bulent match by a big margin (4-0) Uygun said that they are trying against Qatar SC, Al Rayyan will point behind fourth hard to gain the desired outcome also look to close the gap on Al placed Umm Salal. this season. Sadd who meet leaders Al Duhail “We are passing through a today. tough phase with the AFC Cham- Coach Michael Laudrup is Al Rayyan,yy , with 39 pions League also. The same is also aware of what Al Gharafa points in their accountaccount the case with Al Duhail, Al Sadd side is capable of. willwill looklook to consolidateconsolidate and Al Rayyan. Yet, we are try- Both teams have made it to their position in the ing hard to achieve our goals,” the AFC Champions League and Ugyun said. Laudrup said he is expecting a third place.place. The Turkish tactician also good game today. admitted the fact that it won’t be “Al Gharafa are also playing an easy task against the strong in the AFC Champions League. Al Rayyan. They have done well, winning Abdelaziz Hatem “No doubt, it will be tough one of their matches in the pre- returned to them. against Al Rayyan. They are mier continental competition, so They also took onn going strong and they keep scor- it will be a good game. board Wesley Schnei-ei- ing a lot of goals. They have “I would like to praise Qatar der and Mehdi Taremi.emi. players of high calibre. However, SC for putting up a good per- They are also focusinging on our ambition is to win all formance against us in the last the AFC Championspions matches. I will be forced to make round. Despite winning by four League fixtures andnd theythey some changes in view of the AFC goals, they were strong oppo- need to overcome us in engagements in between,” nents,” Laudrup said. order to be in the top Ugyun said. “Al Gharafa is a big name in four,” he said. AL Gharafa Al Gharafa are currently Qatar. I had expected them to Al Rayyan hadad coach placed fifth in the QSL standings, gain more points since the begin- won 3-2 in the firstt Bulent just one point behind fourth ning of the season. They lost the phase. Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup Ugyun placed Umm Salal. services of Vladimir Weiss, but 30 SPORT THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018

Rutherford Futuristic superheroes picked as pulls out of Indoor Tokyo 2020 Olympic mascots Worlds AFP team, the city’s governor Yuriko Mandeville, the widely mocked Koike said she hoped the selec- mascots of the 2012 London AFP TOKYO: Tokyo yesterday tion would continue to build Games, proved far from Olym- unveiled its long-awaited mascot “momentum” and “excitement” pic gold. LONDON: Britain’s former for the 2020 Olympic Games: a with less than 900 days to go The one-eyed characters Olympic long jump champion futuristic blue-checked, doe- until the opening ceremony. were dubbed “bizarre” and Greg Rutherford yesterday eyed character with pointy ears The Tokyo 2020 mascot will “creepy” by some, reportedly withdrew from the world and “special powers” that was hope to replicate the success of sending shares in their manu- indoor championships in picked by schoolchildren across Soohorang, the cuddly stuffed facturer down by more than a Birmingham as he battles to mascot-mad Japan. tiger from the Winter Olympics third. regain full fitness following The mascot, which has yet to in Pyeongchang handed out to The Rugby World Cup, injury. be named, was selected by ele- athletes on the podium. which takes place in Japan next Rutherford, who has also mentary school kids from a More than 100,000 stuffed year, has already unveiled a won world, European and shortlist of three competitors dolls (Soohorang and Paralym- pair of pot-bellied lions as its Commonwealth golds, was instantly recognisable as “made pic mascot Banbdabi) were sold mascots. given a host nation place for in Japan”. over the past year, Pyeongchang With luxurious manes, short the event after winning the The students picked option organisers said. horns and faces that appear to British indoor title and sub- “A”, which, according to the Soohorang sparked an inad- be shaped like rugby balls, mas- sequently competed in the Tokyo 2020 organisers, has a Ryo Taniguchi, winning designer of the official mascots for the 2020 vertent social media frenzy after cots “Ren” and “G” are inspired indoor grand prix in Glasgow “strong sense of justice and is Olympics (left) and Paralympics Games, answers questions during a volunteer dressed up as the by “shishi,” the mythical lion-like on Sunday. very athletic”. a press conference at an elementary school in Tokyo, yesterday. tiger got stuck in a doorway, figure that features in Japan’s However, the 31-year- Helpfully, it also has a mag- needing a helper to push him new year celebrations and old has decided not to ical power that enables it “to Mascots are massive in winner was unveiled yesterday through. kabuki theatre. take part at the worlds in move anywhere Japan, the land of Hello Kitty and pronounced the mascots The 2016 Rio Olympics had Organisers turned to chil- order to retain full fitness instantaneously”. Pokemon, and there are literally “unique” and “very cool”. a yellow feline animal represent- dren to select the 2020 in time for the outdoor Its Paralympic counterpart thousands representing every- “I am excited to imagine ing Brazil’s rich fauna and mascot, hoping to avoid a season. sports pink checks derived from thing from small communities these characters on display eve- wildlife named Vinicius after repeat of the bungled roll-out “My performance from Japan’s famous cherry blossom to prisons. rywhere and moving around,” music great Vinicius de Moraes. of the official Olympic logo, the British championships to and is “usually calm, however, Known locally as “yuru- she said. The Paralympic mascot, a which ended up having to be the indoor grand prix in Glas- it gets very powerful when kyara” or “laid-back characters”, But social media reaction predominantly blue and green scrapped following accusa- gow at the weekend showed needed”. mascots can also be major was mixed with some saying figure whose head was cov- tions of plagiarism. improvement but it was still Its magic power: “It can talk money-spinners. they wanted something “more ered with leaves to represent Designer Ryo Taniguchi not at the level I demand of with stones and the wind. It can The pot-bellied, red-cheeked round” and more “huggable”. Brazil’s rich vegetation, was seemed overwhelmed at the myself,” said Rutherford, who also move things by just looking bear known as Kumamon -- cre- Several users said the futur- named Tom after musician decision. competed just three times in at them”. ated in 2010 to promote Japan’s istic-looking mascot chosen Tom Jobim. “Thank you. My mind is 2017 and underwent groin The pair, which have “oppo- southern Kumamoto region -- appealed more to children Brazil netted $300m in prof- going absolutely blank. I don’t and ankle surgery. site personalities” but are “very raked in $8.8 million last year whereas adults preferred the its from licensing intellectual know what to say,” he said when “It has not been an easy good friends”, received over for local businesses selling softer and more traditional property from the 2016 Games, the decision was announced at decision but I have therefore 100,000 votes -- more than the branded products. options. according to the International the ceremony. chosen to withdraw from the other two design sets Twelve-year-old Miyu Kawa Welcoming the “adorable” Olympic Committee (IOC). “I want to tell this to my world indoor championships. combined. from the school where the characters to the Tokyo 2020 But Wenlock and beloved wife.” I am now going to take a few days to recover from Glasgow before resuming training as I prepare for a successful summer. “I am committed to Chalmers beats Horton at CW Games trials becoming the first long jumper to win three Euro- AFP Alexander Graham, who was awesome,” Chalmers said. McKeon had been expected pean titles in a row and will fastest in the heats, finished third Former world champion to dominate the 200m after be training hard over the GOLD COAST: Australia’s Olym- in 1:47.13, while former world sil- Emily Seebohm claimed her tying with American great Katie coming months to return to pic champions Kyle Chalmers ver medallist Cameron McEvoy 11th 100m national backstroke Ledecky for silver behind Italy’s the track as fit as ever.” (pictured) and Mack Horton came in eighth in 1:48.67. title to also qualify for the world record holder Federica British Athletics perform- went one-two in a strong Chalmers, who won the Commonwealth Games in Pellegrini at the 2017 world ance director Neil Black said 200-metres freestyle field 100m gold at the Rio Olympics 59.15secs, ahead of Hayley titles. Rutherford had made signif- yesterday to qualify for the Gold as an 18-year-old, is back to his Baker. Former world champion icant progress since returning Coast Commonwealth Games. best after being forced to with- Ariarne Titmus, 17, upset Mitch Larkin claimed the 100m to competition. Chalmers, the reigning draw from last year’s world Commonwealth record-holder backstroke in 53.17sec, ahead of “Unfortunately, that Olympic 100m freestyle cham- championships to have surgery Emma McKeon to win the 200m Bradley Woodward and Ben progress is not quite enough pion, clocked a personal best to correct a heart problem. freestyle in a personal best time Treffers. for him to be able to compete time of one minute 46.49 sec- “It’s very exciting to have of 1:55.76. Taylor McKeown won the at the high standards he onds at the national team that rollercoaster 12 months and Titmus raced through the 200m breaststroke but missed demands in Birmingham,” he selection trials to beat the 400m be back racing on the national opening 100m and held off McK- the A qualifying time and while said. Rio Olympic gold medallist Hor- stage, and also to have that prac- eon (1:56.57) and Leah Neale she will be on the Games team, The world indoor cham- ton by 0.27secs in a powerful tice in the competition pool for (1:56.86) to qualify for the event she was disappointed with her pionships take place in swim ahead of the April Games. the Commonwealth games is at the Gold Coast Games. 2:23.87 time. Birmingham till March 4. Nadal cuts short comeback after injury flares up

AFP to have more tests done. “Maybe Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks it is a minor situation, but the ACAPULCO: World number two to the press during the reality is that there is liquid and Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Mexico Open in Acapulco, until it goes down a bit and the Mexican Open on Tuesday, yesterday. Right: Nadal relevant tests are done, it will not cutting short his comeback from returns the ball during an be possible to diagnose,” he said. an injury when his ailing right exhibition match on Tuesday. While a victory this week hip flared up again. would not have been good “My goal and hope was to enough to overhaul Federer, it play in this tournament. Unfor- would leave Nadal primed to tunately, in my last training replace the Swiss star at Indian session yesterday, I felt a sharp Wells or Miami next month. pain in my leg again,” the The 2008 Olympic gold 31-year-old Spanish star said medal winner is known as the hours before what was to have “King of Clay” and is consid- been his opening match of the ered the greatest clay-court ATP Tour event in Acapulco. player in the history of the Nadal, favoured to win the sport. tournament and champion here But his success is not limited in 2005 and 2013, had been due to clay. Nadal has won 10 French to face fellow Spaniard Feliciano Open titles, three US Opens, two Lopez. Wimbledons and one Australian “I took all the appropriate Open. steps to arrive at the tourna- Nadal, who turns 32 in June, ment in form. I went to ended 2017 as the oldest year- Cozumel first, to adapt (to the end world number one in the climate),” he told reporters. 45-year history of the ATP “But yesterday, in my last rankings. training session before the tour- In men’s action on Tuesday, nament, during one movement defending champion Sam Quer- I felt a sharp pain again in the rey lost his opening match and same area where I had the prob- is gone from the tournament lem in Australia.” Nadal limped after he was beaten by Austral- out of the quarter-finals at the ia’s Matthew Ebden 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 Australian Open on January 23. “I still don’t know what it is, marks the sixth tournament in a winner Nadal previously rest and worked hard on reha- (7/5). He has since lost his number because we don’t know. It seems row that Nadal has pulled out of announced himself fully fit and bilitation,” he said earlier in the Querrey, who was seeded one ranking to Roger Federer. it’s not as bad as what I had at or retired from -- the Australian said he was looking forward to week. “Last week, I started prac- seventh, hit nine aces but had six Nadal said doctors in Mexico the Australian Open,” he said. Open, Brisbane, London, Paris, competing in his second event tising hard again. I feel ready.” double faults and won just 38 warned him not to play for fear “Now, my main goal is to find Basel and Acapulco. of 2018. Nadal is expected to remain percent of his second-serve of aggravating the injury. out the extent of the injury.” This The 16-time Grand Slam “I took a couple of weeks of at least one more day in Acapulco points. THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018 SPORT 31

Hasan Stokes steers England home banned for year in in second New Zealand ODI fixing case AFP Stokes took two wickets for coming up.” Stokes only joined AFP 42 then hit an unbeaten 63 as England this month after plead- England’s Ben NEW ZEALAND: All-rounder England easily chased down New ing not guilty in a British court Stokes hits a shot LAHORE: Pakistan yesterday Ben Stokes set aside his off-field Zealand’s target of 224 at Mount to a charge of affray, with the during the one- hit former opener Shahzaib troubles to steer England to a six- Maunganui. controversy forcing him out of day international Hasan with a one-year ban wicket win in the second “It was good to get a bit of the Australian leg of their tour, match against New and a Rs.1m ($9,050) fine for one-day international against time out in the middle,” he said including The Ashes. Zealand at Bay a spot-fixing incident that New Zealand yesterday. after England levelled the five- After England finished on Oval, Tauranga, rocked the country’s The 26-year-old produced a match series 1-1. 225 for four in reply to New Zea- New Zealand, Twenty20 League last year. man-of-the-match performance “It’s good to get out here and land’s 223 all out, captain Eoin yesterday. Hasan, 28, was a member in just his second appearance for train and implement it in the Morgan was full of praise for his of Pakistan’s World Twenty20 England since being sidelined games to make sure I was out star all-rounder. winning team in 2009 but over a nightclub incident five there at the end. Hopefully it’s a “Ben’s a big character, big in had not played any interna- months ago. stepping stone for other games our changing room, he lifts eve- tional cricket in the past eight rybody in the side when he years. SCOREBOARD performs like he did today,” he Hasan, who was playing New Zealand Rashid 10-0-32-0, Curran 9-0-53-0 (3w), Ali 10-0-33-2, said. for the Karachi Kings, was M Guptill c Roy b Ali ...... 50 Stokes 8-0-42-2 “It’s great to see him back in one of six players charged C Munro c Buttler b Woakes ...... 1 England: fine form.” - Black Caps fall short Stokes brought up 50 off 54 balls But a superb fielding display with various breaches of the M Chapman c Willey b Woakes ...... 1 J Roy c Santner b Boult ...... 8 - Trent Boult made early inroads with a six edged over the keep- from England saw New Zealand Pakistan Cricket Board’s anti- R Taylor run out ...... 10 J Bairstow c sub (Astle) b Ferguson ...... 37 as New Zealand tried to defend er’s head. bowled out for 223 with two balls corruption code during the T Latham c Curran b Ali ...... 22 J Root c de Grandhomme b Boult ...... 9 their modest total, dislodging Earlier, Black Cap spinner remaining. England pulled off a second edition of the Pakistan H Nicholls c Roy b Stokes ...... 1 E Morgan c and b Munro ...... 62 C de Grandhomme run out ...... 38 B Stokes (not out) ...... 63 Jason Roy for eight and Joe Root Mitchell Santner scored his string of sharply taken catches Super League (PSL) held in M Santner (not out) ...... 63 J Buttler (not out) ...... 36 for nine. maiden limited overs half-cen- and ran out four batsman, ensur- the United Arab Emirates. T Southee run out ...... 6 Extras (LB2, W8) ...... 10 Jonny Bairstow made a tury as the New Zealand tail to ing that every chance their “Hasan has been banned L Ferguson c Rashid b Stokes ...... 19 Total (4 wickets) ...... 225 rapid-fire 37, then Morgan and give the home team’s score some bowlers created resulted in a for one year and fined one T Boult run out ...... 2 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-47, 3-86, 4-174 Stokes dug in for an 88-run part- respectability. wicket. New Zealand never million rupees on one charge Extras (LB5, W5) ...... 10 Did not bat: M Ali, C Woakes, A Rashid, D Willey, T Curran nership that had England at 144 Santner’s unbeaten 63 off 52 recovered from an early double and we have requested for Total (all out) ...... 223 Bowling: Southee 7-0-55-0 (2w), Boult 8-1-46-2, Sant- for three after 25 overs. balls was the highlight of New blow by Woakes, who dismissed more action against him on Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-9, 3-48, 4-79, 5-82, 6-108, 7-141, ner 7.5-0-40-0, Ferguson 8-0-48-1, de Grandhomme 8-147, 9-216, 10-223 2-0-11-0 (1w), Munro 5-0-23-1 (1w) Morgan notched his first ODI Zealand’s innings, with in-form Colin Munro for one in his first inducing other players for fix- Bowling: Willey 5-0-16-0 (2w), Woakes 7.4-1-42-2, Result: England win by six wickets 50 in 11 innings off 48 balls opener Martin Guptill also scor- over then Mark Chapman for the ing,” board legal adviser before departing on 62 before ing 50. same score in his second. Taffazul Rizvi told the media. Hasan, an aggressive opener, played three one-day internationals and 10 Twenty20 internationals before losing his place due to Smith eager for South Africa revenge poor performance in 2010. The PSL was rocked by AFP and start winning series, so this is a really prepare pitches to help the South Afri- scandal in February last year good opportunity for us,” said Smith. cans following the controversy that when it was announced that DURBAN: Australia captain Steve Smith The world’s leading Test batsman, marred the recent series win over India. several players were caught (pictured) is looking for revenge in the Smith said a century in tough conditions “I think I learned my lesson from that,” in a spot-fixing incident. upcoming Tests against South Africa to at Centurion on Australia’s previous tour he said. Spot-fixing involves continue the trend which has seen the in 2013/14 had given him the confidence “Australia and South Africa are very determining the outcome of tourists dominate in recent series between that he could score runs against any bowl- similar teams and they play in similar con- a specific part of a match the sides. ing attack. ditions. We’ll play on what we get. We’ve rather than the overall result, “Certainly it’s a big series for us. We’ve Du Plessis is fully aware of Smith’s asked for nothing.” It seems likely that and is therefore harder to had a lot of great contests over the years. threat having played alongside him in the South Africa will switch from the policy detect than match-fixing. South Africa got the better of us at home Indian Premier League, and he is hoping of four specialist fast bowlers that was The PCB formed a three- so we’d love to get them back for that to use that experience to bring about his used against India, with an extra batsman man tribunal which later one,” said Smith ahead of the start of the rival’s downfall. likely to be picked. With Temba Bavuma banned Sharjeel Khan for five first Test at Kingsmead in Durban today. “The last series we played against him not fully recovered from a finger injury, years (two and a half sus- South Africa won 2-1 in a three-Test he was their best batter but to some Theunis de Bruyn is a strong candidate, pended) while Khalid Latif series in Australia in November 2016, their degree we did keep him quiet,” he said. especially as he can bowl a few overs of was banned for five full years third straight series win there. “He’s obviously a very good player but seam to back up the main bowlers. and fined one million rupees. However, Australia have a brilliant it’s similar to what I said about the Indian Injuries and lack of form have plagued Mohammad Irfan was record away in South Africa, and it is an “magnificent” home summer which team. They have one or two star batsmen. the South Africans recently. Du Plessis will banned for one year (six anomaly that Smith and his opposite included a 4-0 Ashes defeat of England. If you can put pressure on them and keep play, though, despite having broken his months suspended), Moham- number Faf Du Plessis put down to the “The conditions are similar but it’s still them quiet it obviously reflects how the right index finger less than a month ago. mad Nawaz for two months similar conditions in both countries. an away tour for us. I’ve got a goal as cap- series will go.” Du Plessis said no pres- “I’ve played with finger injuries (one suspended) and Nasir Australia are aiming to build on a tain to play really well away from home sure had been put on groundsmen to before,” he said. “ Jamshed for one year.

MEXICAN OPEN RESULTS Results from the ATP and WTA Mexican Open on Federer doubts golden oldies’ Grand Tuesday in Acapulco, Mexico (x denotes seeding): MEN First Round Slam success will be matched Matthew Ebden (AUS) bt Sam Querrey (USA x7) 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7/5) AFP them (the younger ones) to completely Chung Hyeon (KOR) bt Donald Young (USA) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 flourish but once we are gone I think it Adrian Mannarino (FRA) bt Ricardas Berankis (LTU) MONACO: Tennis legend Roger Federer will still be very, very exciting.” Fed- 7-5, 6-1 believes it will be hard for the younger erer, who says his lighter tournament Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG x6) bt Mischa Zverev generation to emulate him and fellow schedule these days keeps him hungry (GER) 6-1, 6-2 veterans Rafael Nadal and Novak Djok- and motivated, has had his fair share of Denis Shapovalov (CAN) bt Kei Nishikori (JPN) 6-7 ovic in winning multiple Grand Slams. injury problems in recent years, and he (3/7), 6-3, 6-1 The 36-year-old Swiss, who holds urged two-time Wimbledon champion Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) bt Alexander Bublik (KAZ) the men’s all-time record of Grand Slam Murray not to rush back to competition 6-4, 6-3 titles with 20, was speaking to a small following hip surgery in January. Ernesto Escobedo (USA) bt Jack Sock (USA x4) 7-5, group of journalists prior to winning “What I learned is just be patient 7-6 (7/3) two Laureus awards -- ‘Comeback of when you are hurt, only come back Diego Schwartzman (ARG) bt Fernando Verdasco the Year’ and ‘Sportsman of the Year’ when you are 100% not 92%,” said (ESP) 6-2, 6-4 -- on Tuesday. Federer, who will make up his mind Alexander Zverev (GER x2) bt Mackenzie McDonald(USA) Laureus is a global movement that about whether he plays the French 6-3, 7-5 uses the power of sport to tackle the Open after the Indian Wells tourna- Dominic Thiem (AUT x3) bt Cameron Norrie (GBR) most devastating social challenges in ment in March. 6-3, 5-7, 7-5 the world. “I’ve come to realise it is better to Peter Gojowczyk (GER) bt Lucas Gomez (MEX) 6-3, 6-2 Federer, who missed the ATP tour- wait. If you are hurt or struggling in a Feliciano Lopez (ESP) bt Taro Daniel (JPN) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 nament in Dubai this week to attend tournament no one knows so that is ok, the awards, said the younger genera- Swiss tennis player Roger Federer poses with his sportsman and comeback but if people know you have had a prob- WOMEN tion such as Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov award trophies during the 2018 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony at lem it is better to wait it out and train First Round and Dominic Thiem of Austria have the the Sporting Monte-Carlo complex in Monaco on Tuesday. really hard to get back at 100%.” Fed- Sloane Stephens (USA x1) bt Pauline Parmentier ability to win a Grand Slam but 10 might erer believes whilst part of his enormous (FRA) 6-4, 6-0 be beyond them. Borg, they were the best teenagers we through success or a coach explains the popularity is down to the success he has Arantxa Rus (NED) bt Kayla Day (USA) 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 “It is definitely hard to see one ever had in the game.” Federer, who one ingredient that is missing then that enjoyed, it is also perversely to do with Maria Sakkari (GRE) bt Lara Arruabarrena (ESP) player right now getting 10 slams,” said came to Monaco on the back of win- can change things.” how he handled tougher times. 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) Federer. ning the Rotterdam title where he beat Federer, however, believes the sport “Maybe going through tougher Stefanie Vogele (SUI) bt Tatjana Malek (GER x8) 6-2, 7-5 “It is much easier to say that prob- Dimitrov in the final, admitted fortunes will not suffer once the likes of him, moments since 2010 and 2011 came Renata Zarazua (MEX) bt Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) 6-3, 6-4 ably a lot of guys are going to win a slam can change with the slightest of tweaks. 16-time major winner Nadal, 12-time around when I didn’t win so much,” he Rebecca Peterson (SWE) bt Alize Cornet (FRA x6) or two but winning 10 slams is not “Once you get rolling like Novak and Grand Slam Djokovic, and Andy Mur- said. 6-2, 6-4 something you can predict, people I did all of a sudden you don’t look back, ray finally hang up their rackets. “People saw me struggling a little Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) bt Heather Watson didn’t predict that with me to be then a few years later you do look back “The game of tennis always has a bit more and they thought of me as (GBR) 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 honest. and you have eight or 10 Grand Slam way of producing champions and the being more human and since then my Kristina Mladenovic (FRA x2) bt Amandine Hesse “Maybe with Rafa (Nadal) with the titles, it’s crazy,” said Federer, the old- future has never worried me,” he said. popularity has really gone up even more (FRA) 6-2, 6-2 French Open you say yes he is going to est world number one in ATP history. “Someone will follow in our foot- so since the comeback (undergoing

Zhang Shuai (CHN x4) bt Jasmine Paolini (ITA) 6-3, 6-1 grab a few there. Maybe he is going to “Confidence and momentum are a steps and be a champion. knee surgery in 2016 and returning to Jil Teichmann (SUI) bt Jana Fett (CRO) 7-5, 7-5 win five (he has 10 to his name) as he big thing. “We are a shadow over the game, win a record eighth Wimbledon crown was an amazing junior as well like Bjorn “When you unlock your game the top guys, and clearly we don’t allow in 2017).” 32 SPORT THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018 THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018 SPORT 33 EPL still the Safe World Neymar’s eventful Cup crucial greatest prize Injury-hit Neymar journey with PSG to country’s for Guardiola AFP image: Putin PARIS: Neymar’s dramatic first season at Paris to miss Real clash Saint-Germain since his world-record move from AFP AFP Barcelona last August took another twist this week, with a fractured metatarsal set to rule him out of MOSCOW: Russian President MANCHESTER: Manchester City manager the Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Vladimir Putin yesterday said a Pep Guardiola has insisted the Premier The 26-year-old arrived in the French capital safe World Cup this summer League title is the most important trophy for amid much fanfare with hopes of becoming the would be essential for the coun- his team to win this season, ahead of even best player on the planet, but among his goals and try’s image, as the violence from potential Champions League success. strong performances have come tears in a press Russian fans at Euro 2016 shad- The runaway Premier League leaders conference, ‘penaltygate’, a red card against Mar- ows preparations. already have one piece of silverware in the seille and now a cracked bone in his foot. In a speech to police, Putin bag, after winning the English League Cup said that Russia, which is to host Final in convincing fashion against Arsenal the championship for the first EPISODE 1: €222m Neymar’s PSG soap opera at Wembley on Sunday. time, “must hold it at the highest followed a close-season transfer saga that was But, as he prepared to face the same side level and most importantly, in a league game at the Emirates, Guardiola almost a mini-drama series in its own right. After ensure maximum security for is far more interested in the six victories that plentiful rumours and bluffs from both PSG and players and fans.” will make the English title a mathematical Barca, the Brazilian star eventually signed for the “Of course you play a crucial certainty for City. French team on August 3 for €222m ($264m), role in achieving this aim,” Putin “We are fighting for the most important dwarfing the previous record transfer fee. told police. title of the season by far, the Premier League,” “I don’t doubt that at the Guardiola told a news conference on Tues- EPISODE 2: Ligue 1 goalfests After a debut World Cup you will also act day. “More important than the Champions goal at Guingamp, Neymar showed off the full range appropriately in any given situ- League, more important than the FA Cup, of his skills in a 6-2 thrashing of Toulouse at the ation, in strict accordance with Carabao (league) Cup. That is enough encour- Parc des Princes. The forward scored two, set up the law.” agement to be focused. another and won a penalty to immediately endear Espanyol’s Spanish forward Gerard Moreno (left) scores the winning goal during the Spanish League football match against Real He stressed that “the way this “The next six fixtures are terrible in terms himself further to the home fans. Goals followed Madrid CF at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on Tuesday. event goes and our country’s of quality of the opponents, and we have four in the Champions League wins over Celtic and Bay- image will directly depend on games away and we still have to win six ern Munich, before another double in a 6-2 your smooth, skilful work.” games. thumping of Bordeaux continued his excellent start The world football governing “When you think about Arsenal, you think in the French top flight. body FIFA on Friday expressed about Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal and Real’s PSG preparations hit by “complete trust” in Russia’s abil- our away games -- Stoke City playing (to EPISODE 3: ‘Penaltygate’ It didn’t take long ity to ensure a safe World Cup, avoid) relegation, going to Goodison Park for controversy to rear its head, though, when Ney- despite violence involving fans (Everton) is always a tough game. We have PSG know mar tried to take the ball away from strike partner of Spartak Moscow in Spain dur- a lot of tough games still to play and have to Edinson Cavani before the Uruguayan took, and shock defeat against Espanyol ing which a policeman died. that they will not remain focused.” missed, a penalty against Lyon in September. What Russia will host the tourna- The Catalan coach has won a total of six ment in 11 cities from June 14 to be able to count on should have been a trivial matter was blown out titles to date in his productive managerial AFP the Frenchman said. July 15. The lead-up has been col- Neymar for the upcoming of proportion, with Neymar also claiming he was career -- three in Spain with Barcelona and Karim Benzema was oured by fears of a repeat of the the designated penalty-taker. the same number of German league cham- matches: his treatment will last BARCELONA: Cristiano also rested, allowing Bale June 2016 rampage by Russian Real’s reliance on pionships with Bayern Munich. Now on Ronaldo was rested and the his 116th La Liga appear- hooligans that erupted in the six to eight weeks, whether there is EPISODE 4: Red mist descends The following course for his seventh title in nine years of an operation or not: Neymar Senior supporting cast failed to ance, drawing him equal French port city of Marseille dur- management in Europe’s top divisions, Guar- month, Neymar combusted in a dramatic 2-2 draw show up as Real Madrid with David Beckham. ing the Euro tournament. diola has no doubt where his priorities lie. at PSG’s arch-rivals Marseille. He was sent off for endured a shock 1-0 defeat The Welshman almost Ronaldo more However, Russia has cracked “The league is always the most difficult, back in time to face Real that the former Barcelona player would be a second yellow card after clashing with Lucas away to Espanyol on Tues- gave the visitors an early down on football gangs and a game every three days. It shows how good next Tuesday, March 6. sidelined until May. Ocampos, with only a late Cavani free-kick rescu- day. lead, reacting first to Achraf worked to identify hooligans you are over 11 months. All the titles I have Tests confirmed that Neymar If his father’s estimate is correct, Neymar ing a point. PSG fans questioned whether Neymar Gerard Moreno struck Hakimi’s deflected cross evident than ever seeking to attend the matches, won, La Liga, Bundesliga, the league is the suffered a hairline fracture of the fifth would not return before the semi-final stage understood the importance of their great rivalry in the 94th minute at the but poking his near-post even enlisting help from British most difficult. metatarsal in his right foot as well as a of the Champions League in late April. with OM. RCDE Stadium as Real’s header too close to Diego police. “In the Carabao Cupp we won two pen- twisted ankle late in PSG’s 3-0 win over Mar- On the possibility of rushing Neymar back rotated line-up felt the full Lopez. REUTERS points behind second-placed city altyalty ((shoot-out)shoot-out) rounds, rounds, Claudio Claudio Bravo Bravo saved seille in Ligue 1 on Sunday. for the Real second leg, experts say that PSG EPISODE 5: Tearing up Rumours of fall-outs punishment for a slack and Real, however, gradu- rivals Atletico, who were handi- themthem or you could He appeared to be in tears as he was would be taking a huge risk, possibly even with Cavani and PSG coach Unai Emery all became disjointed display. ally ceded the ascendancy MADRID: Real Madrid’s reliance capped by a transfer ban last bebe out. TThatha is a stretchered off the field at the Parc des jeopardising Neymar’s participation at the too much for the Brazil captain after an interna- Gareth Bale, Marco to Espanyol, who twice on their talisman Cristiano summer. Man City tosstoss ooff a coin, Princes, immediately raising fears that the World Cup in Russia in June and July. tional friendly against Japan in Lille, with Neymar Asensio and Isco all strug- could have been in front Ronaldo was more evident than The top two also have a game sosometimesm eti AFP 26-year-old could miss the Champions “It would be very risky as it’s a fragile giving a tearful press conference. “I’m here to ask gled, the trio squandering were it not for a combina- ever on Tuesday as the Spanish in hand over Real. must win ggood,ood, ssome- League last 16, second leg against Madrid. bone in the foot which is difficult to protect,” you to stop creating stories that didn’t happen,” the chance to impress tion of sloppy finishing and and European champions meekly After seeing Ronaldo put in times bad.ba PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain’s PSG lost 3-1 in the first leg in Spain two Jean-Marcel Ferret, a former doctor with the he begged the French media. “Everything is going ahead of next week’s bad luck. lost 1-0 at Espanyol in La Liga. virtuoso displays in which he net- more titles, “The“T hopes of getting Neymar back for weeks ago and are in danger of being knocked French national team, told AFP. well in Paris, I’m very happy here.” Champions League second Gerard was the protag- It was Real’s first defeat by the ted twice against Paris leagueleague iiss con- their crunch Champions League clash out of the competition in the last 16 for the “(Playing against Real) could compromise leg with Paris onist in both, the forward Catalans in 11 years after the lat- Saint-Germain in the Champions sistency,sistency the against Real Madrid next week look to be second season running. the rest of his season.” EPISODE 6: Injury strikes before Real After Saint-Germain. first failing to capitalise on est in a long line of insipid displays league and then Alaves in recent says Giggs playersplayers kknow over after the Brazilian’s father claimed the Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte had In the meantime, PSG are preparing to do Neymar had failed to prevent PSG from falling to Bale was certainly not a skewed Raphael Varane without Ronaldo that highlight weeks, Zidane gambled that his LONDON that.that. They player would be out for “at least six weeks”. claimed Neymar would undergo surgery, and without Neymar for Wednesday’s French Cup a 3-1 defeat in their Champions League, last-16 the only Real player out of clearance and then doing how important the evergreen squad would be good enough to know exactlyex Speaking to ESPN in Brazil on Tuesday, quarter-final at home to Marseille, the sec- first leg at Real Madrid, he injured himself late in sorts but the 28-year-old, brilliantly to control a thun- 33-year-old - who has scored 12 see off Espanyol on Tuesday. howhow importantimpo Neymar Senior said: “PSG know that they will ond meeting of the clubs in four days. now back to full fitness, was dering half-volley from goals in his last seven appearances However, his decision to also REUTERS: Manchester City have Tests confirmed that Neymar a 3-0 win over Marseille. The former Barcelona man the leagueleague iis for not be able to count on Neymar for the Argentine star Angel di Maria should perhaps under most pres- Carlos Sanchez, only to see - is to the side. rest French striker Karim Benzema won many admirers in their suffered a hairline fracture was stretchered off in anguish, before PSG con- thisthis club,club, fforor our upcoming matches: his treatment will last six replace the Brazilian at the Parc des Princes, sure to stake his claim. his finish ruled out for off- After being sent off and sus- and play Gareth Bale as a centre “wonder season” but need more firmed he had sprained his right ankle and fractured futures.futures. OOff coucourser we to eight weeks, whether there is an opera- of the fifth metatarsal in with PSG hoping to stay on course to win After missing with a side. Replays suggested pended for five games after forward backfired. trophies to be considered the best a metatarsal. The injury leaves his hopes of facing have toto bbee ffocused,oc tion or not.” his right foot as well as a the French Cup for the fourth season number of efforts at goal, Real had been fortunate to pushing the referee during Real’s The Welshman was peripheral Premier League team ever, Real in the return game on March 6 all but over, we kknownow how That was after PSG coach Unai Emery twisted ankle late in PSG’s running. and receiving a yellow card escape. Bale wanted a pen- 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the and is facing increasing pressure ex-Manchester United winger toutoughgh it wwilli be claimed earlier that “no decision” had been Neymar has scored 28 goals in 30 despite Emery’s claims he still has a “small chance” in the first half, he was alty when his driven shot Spanish Super Cup first leg on Aug. over his form from supporters and Ryan Giggs has said. until the enend of taken on whether Neymar would require sur- 3-0 win over Marseille in appearances in all competitions for PSG of recovering in time. finally replaced with nine was blocked by the hand of 13, Ronaldo missed the opening local media. City won manager Pep Guar- Pep thethe seasoseason.”n.” gery and that there remained a “small chance” since his €222m ($264m) move from Barce- minutes remaining. Victor Sanchez at the back four league games of the season. Despite winning three Cham- diola his first silverware in Guardiola Ligue 1 on Sunday. of getting the world’s most expensive player lona last August. Zidane, however, post but the defender knew In that spell, Real secured vic- pions League trophies in his four England last weekend, romping would not be drawn on the little about it. tories over Deportivo La Coruna seasons at the club, Bale has not to a 3-0 victory over Arsenal in performance either of Bale, Instead, Espanyol sus- and Real Sociedad but drew at made the kind of impact Real were the League Cup final. The runa- or the rest of his stand-ins, tained their momentum at home to Levante and Valencia in hoping for when they paid a then way league leaders are also on after the match. the start of the second half, the kind of tight affairs that Ron- world-record £85m ($117.48m) to course to win a third Premier “If you lose here today with Keylor Navas able aldo would habitually pop up with prise him from Tottenham league title in seven seasons. Costacurta wants it is because things did not only to watch as Sergi a goal in. Hotspur. “Everyone recognises the Wenger ‘amazed’ by speculation work for many reasons, not Darder’s header plopped Real coach Zinedine Zidane Seen as the natural heir to football that they’re playing this just because of a player or onto the top of the cross- omitted the Portuguese from last Ronaldo, the 28-year-old Welsh year is high up there with some Conte to coach Italy a play,” he told beIN Sports. bar. Bale cut a figure of week’s win at Leganes in which international still remains firmly of the best we’ve seen in the Pre- Instead it was Gerard increasing frustration. One Real were less than convincing, in his shadow. mier League era,” former Wales over his future with Arsenal who stole the show as balloonedallooned shshotot oveoverr from needing a 90th minute The decision toto give give Ronaldo Ronaldo winger Giggs said. REUTERS debut season. The London outfit have fal- Espanyol scored a deserved thee ededgege of the area was SergioSergio Ramos penaltpenaltyy a ninightght off was understandunderstanda-a- “But to compare them to our- tered this campaign as they lie fifth in the AFP of winning a trophy this season. “spineless” and a “disgrace” by match “I believe we have to live with that win that sees them climb to quicklyuickly followed by two to seal a 3-1 victory. bleble given that Real’s season selves, Arsenal and Chelsea, you LONDON: Chelsea manager Antonio standings, 19 points behind leaders Man- Arsenal’s limp display led to sting- commentator Neville as they were criticism and respond together like we 13th in La Liga. Real, mean- scuffeduffed ffinishes.inishes. T Theyhey were were InIn tthehe six Liga restsrests on cclaiminglaiming anan unpreunprec-c- have to win multiple titles. You Conte (pictured) is the Italian Football chester City, leading to uncertainty over LONDON: Arsene Wenger (pictured) ing criticism from former Manchester shown walking when out of always do. while, will fall 17 points notot easeasyy chances but a matchesmatches RonaRonaldoldo edentededented tthirdhird coconsecutivensecutive have to be consistent, not just one Federation’s (FIGC) preferred option to Conte’s future. yesterday said he was “amazed” at United and England defender Gary possession.ossession. “We“We ddidn’tidn’t pplaylay against against a a poor poor tea teamm behind leaders Barcelona playerayer ooff hhisis cacalibrelibre wouwouldld hashas missemissedd tthishis ChampionsChampions League crown wonder season, which they are coach the national team, the governing “I haven’t chosen yet but I think Conte fresh speculation over his future as he Neville as well as former Gunners Ian “You“You can alwaalwaysys g getet out out in the semi-final, we playedplayed a gagainstains if the Catalans overcome haveave hohopedped to do better. sseason,eason, Madrid asas thetheyy prepareprepare forfor TuesaTuesay’sy’s having.” body’s vice-commissioner Alessandro is the one who could do the best,” Former prepares his team to face Manchester Wright and Thierry Henry. picturesctures from a game ChelseaChelsea andand we we hav havee show shownn tha that Las Palmas today. With justjust over 20 mimin-n- hhaveave claimed 11 lastlast 16 secondsecond leg at PSG United have won 13 champi- Costacurta has said. AC Milan defender Costacurta told Italian City just days after Arsenal’s League But Wenger, speaking at his pre- thatat jjustifiesustifies whawhatt we can ffight.ight. You hhaveave ttoo “If the result is not what uteses lleft,eft, BenzemaBenzema repreplacedlaced pointspoints ffromrom a posspossi-i- holdingholding a 3-1 llead.ead. onships since the Premier League Conte coached Italy from 2014 and newspaper GaGazzettaz dello Sport on Cup final humiliation against Pep match press conference, responded youou think, yyouou find acknowledgeacknowledge as as well well that that Ma Mann we want then it is a step thee inineffectiveeffective IIscosco but bleble 18 and thetheyy find HoweverHowever,, the fact that era began in 1992-93, Chelsea led them to the qquarter-finalsuarter-finals ofof thethe 20162016 Tuesday.Tuesday. Guardiola’s men. with apparent shock when asked if the in eveeveryry sin singlegle City are are a q qualityuality teamteam.team.”” back,” Zidane said. “I do not Espanyolspanyol came closest to themselves adrift ofof Zidane’s side look so medimedi-- have five, Arsenal are third in the EuropeanE uropean Championships before “(Conte)“(Conte) hashas aalready shown he knows The Frenchman has come under result meant his long tenure was now game,ameame, on bot bothh Wenger’sWenger’s hophopeses oof have to reproach my play- snatchingnatching a winner when thethe league’s top two. ocreocre and impotent without list with three followed by City jjoiningoining Chelsea how to be nationalnationa team coach while the sustained fire since an abject dis- under increased threat. sides,des, moments avengingavenging the WembleyWembley ers, we played the game but Gerard’serard’s header was saved They trail leaders their Portuguese forward on two. laterlater thatthat yyear,ear, otothershers hhaven’taven’t yeyet.” play in Sunday’s 3-0 hammering “I am just amazed that I have to wherehere a pplayerlayer defeat hahaveve beebeenn fufurtherrther hi hit we did not get what we fromom six yaryards.ds. BarcelonaBarcelona bbyy 14 14 points points thisthis seasoseasonn wiwillll ha haveve ala alarmrm Giggs, who won 13 Premier winningwinning the CostacurtaCostacurta aaddedd that ex-Manches- at Wembley but must now lift his always answer things that are exactly doesn’toesn’t tractrack.k. byby the announcement ththata expected.” Bale trudtrudgedged off in the andand lanlanguishguish sevenseven bellsbells ringinringingg at tthehe SanSantiagotiago League titles with United and PremierP remier ter City bossboss RobeRoberto Mancini and former team to take on the Premier League the same,” said the 68-year-old. Afterter you have to NachoNacho Monreal will miss ththee With PSG left praying 81stst minute and Gerard Bernabeu.Bernabeu. made a record 963 appearances LLeagueeague AC Milan managermanage Carlo Ancelotti are also leaders today. “I am here for 21 years, I turned the analysenalyse why, has gamegame through injuryinjury.. for a miracle after Neymar finallynally got the goal he for the club, said City were capa- titletitle in his being considconsideredered for the national team Arsenal’s season is threatening to whole world down to respect my con- hee made two runs TheThe 32-year-old defendedefender was stretchered off wth a deserved,eserved, cacatchingtching SergiSergioo ble of reaching greater heights in role. unravel -- they are 10 points behind tracts. So I am still amazed that I still beforeefore to go in had beenbeen one of of Ar Arsenal’ssenal’senals bet bet-- foot injury on Sunday, Garcia’sarcia’s cross perperfectlyfectly the coming seasons. ItalyItaly sacked Gian Piero Ventura in fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in have to answer these types of behindehindhi d andd wwasas tert performersperformef rs thithiss seasoseasonn Zidane wrapped his own withith a bbrilliantrilliant sshothot tthathat “It’s up to other clubs, the November afterafter tthe team failed to qual- the Premier League table and look questions. exhausted,hausted, oorr did did he he not not beforebefore a back injury forceforcedd star player up in cotton sailediled ppastast NavasNavas andand likes of United, Liverpool, Chel- ifyify for the 2018 WWorld Cup in Russia with set to miss out on Champions League “My position is my position. Hon- trackack because he didn’t him off less than halfhal wool, as Ronaldo was not intoto the cornercorner.. sea, Tottenham to do better next under-21 coachcoach LLuigi Di Biagio currently football for a second consecutive estly, that’s the last worry I have at the wantant to? ThThatat iiss an hour intointo even included on the year and to challenge and see in chargecharge as inte interim manager. Italy, who year. moment. My worry is to focus, to get different.fferent. Sunday’sSunday’ bench. how they handle that.” will missmiss the global tournament They are out of the FA Cup and the team ready for tomorrow’s game.” final.final Zidane would not be City, who have 72 points from for thethe first time since 1958, will face Italian giants AC Milan in The Frenchman defended the per- drawn on Neymar’s 27 games and are 13 points above faceface AArgentina and England the last 16 of the Europa League, formance of his players at Wembley, chances of recovery. their neighbours United, visit in internationalin friendlies which is their only remaining chance where several were labelled as “We have to wait, all sixth-placed Arsenal in the league nextnex month. we know is he is injured,” Cristiano Ronaldo today. 34 SPORT THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018

Family reasons behind Crockett’s retirement

REUTERS

WELLINGTON: All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett has decided to retire from inter- national rugby immediately and will end his professional career with the Canterbury Crusaders at the end of the season. Crockett, the most capped player in Super Rugby, said he would play for Tasman in New Zealand’s semi-profes- sional provincial competition for the next two seasons. The 35-year-old Crock- ett said the time away from Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari in the pits during testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmelo, Spain. his family -- he estimated the All Blacks spent six months of the year away from home -- had been an important factor in his decision. Vettel is fastest in Ferrari on “It’s tough on us, and it’s incredibly tough on our fam- ilies as well,” Crockett told reporters in Christchurch on Tuesday. “I guess last year, I cold second day of F1 testing had thought about it and looked at some options. “Over the summer, AP spending time with the fam- ily and reflecting on some MONTMELO, SPAIN: Sebastian different things, it became Vettel was faster than rival Valt- really clear to me that it was teri Bottas on the second session the right thing to do, and the of Formula One testing on Tues- timing was right.” day, as bad weather continued Crockett made his debut to complicate preparations for for the Crusaders in 2006 and the upcoming season. has played 188 games for the Vettel set the pace with a lap eight-times champions. He of 1 minute, 19.673 seconds in the has also played 71 tests for the German’s first drive of the new All Blacks, mostly coming off Ferrari. the bench, since his debut Bottas was next at 0.303 sec- against Italy in 2009. onds slower in his Mercedes. Widely recognised by the They were followed by Crusaders and the All Blacks McLaren’s Stoffel Vandoorne, as the consummate team who just edged Red Bull’s Max This picture posted on @MercedesAMGF1 shows F1 driver Lewis Hamilton posing with man, Crockett said he could Verstappen for the third fastest a mini-snowman at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmelo, Spain, yesterday. On the not place one above the other. time. right Mercedes trucks feel the brunt of cold weather sweeping most of Europe yesterday. “To be honest, both of “In terms of general opera- them mean equally as much tion everything is really smooth. to me,” Crockett added. “The So it is good to come here and But light snow fell on the control and skirt just alongside Verstappen had trouble get- contenders. “For sure you look Crusaders is a special group switch on the car and be able to track as temperatures fell again the barrier until returning to the ting his car out of the garage at the others and compare, but ... I aspired to play for, grow- run,” Vettel said. with an hour remaining for the track. early because of a problem iden- it’s very difficult. So I think we ing up, and also the All Blacks. “Obviously the limiting fac- session. Vandoorne’s third-best time, tified by the team as a “minor should not get into details too “Once I became an All tor was the weather. I think the “It was very cold on track however, came on a faster set of fuel leak.” much because it is a bit point- Black, I thought ‘I never ever next two days won’t be much today. I don’t think I’ve ever tires than Verstappen. Much Defending champion Lewis less,” Vettel said. “First we try to want to let this go’.” better but I hope next week will driven in such cold conditions more worrying was that his ses- Hamilton was scheduled to understand the car. A lot of mile- Crockett’s departure from be.” before in Formula One,” Bottas sion was cut short by a problem relieve Bottas at midday. But age, that is the key right now, the test arena should not be Cold and wet conditions, said. with the car’s exhaust that the Mercedes announced after the and then later we focus on an issue for All Blacks coach which reduce the tire’s grip on “The tires are just not made team said it was investigating. lunch break was cancelled that performance.” Steve Hansen, with first the tarmac, limited driving for a for these conditions. But we McLaren teammate Fern- Bottas would continue behind Robert Kubica, who hasn’t choice loosehead prop Joe second straight day with only six made the most out of the day.” ando Alonso had a wheel pop off the wheel “to maximize our raced in F1 since 2010 after being Moody expected back from a more test days left before the More snow is forecast for on Monday, limiting his driving mileage after the poor track con- badly injured in a rally crash, shoulder injury ahead of their season starts in Melbourne. today. time as well. ditions limited running this served as Williams’ reserve three-test series against A track temperature of 4 Even with temperatures at The hiccups don’t bode well morning.” driver in the afternoon. He com- France in June. degrees (39 F) when the session their highest, both Vettel and for a team trying to rebound after That means Hamilton has pleted 48 laps and the seventh Kane Hames, who started kept most drivers in the Sauber rookie Charles Leclerc three disappointing years with made 25 laps in the Mercedes so fastest time. stepped into the starting role garages until things warmed up spun off the track and into the Honda by changing to Renault far. Testing near Barcelona runs last year in the absence of by noon. gravel. engines. Vettel recorded the most laps until today. A second four-day Moody, also impressed, while To make up some of the lost Kevin Magnussen had the Red Bull’s fortunes turned for the session with 98, four session will be held from March the Waikato Chiefs’ Atu Moli, time, officials granted the teams’ biggest scare of the day. The after Daniel Ricciardo set the more than Bottas. Vettel said that 6-9. who has principally played at request to cancel the one-hour Haas driver was about to crash fastest time and clocked the most it was too early to size up Mer- The season-opening Austral- tighthead being converted lunch break. when he managed to regain laps on Monday. cedes or the rest of the potential ian GP is on March 25. into a loosehead.

Ireland’s Chris Renault plan to hold Red Bull to Farrell set to miss rest of May deadline on 2019 engine Six Nations REUTERS Anyone without an agree- “I know what (Red Bull team AFP ment will be supplied by the boss) Christian (Horner) is refer- BARCELONA: Renault will hold manufacturer with fewest teams ring to when he says that he has DUBLIN: Ireland centre Chris Red Bull to a May deadline to - which effectively means Honda options. He’s absolutely right. But Farrell is likely to miss the decide what Formula One engine since the Japanese company only one thing that is clear is rest of the Six Nations after they will use in 2019, the French supplies Red Bull-owned Toro planning. suffering ligament damage in manufacturer said yesterday. Rosso at present. “At the end of May there training, the Irish Rugby Foot- Renault are supplying Mercedes and Ferrari both needs to be some clarity as to ball Union said yesterday. McLaren and Red Bull this year supply three teams. who is supplying which team. As The IRFU said Farrell as well as their own factory out- Red Bull won four titles in a far as we are concerned, that will received treatment on the fit, but Renault Sport F1 row with Renault engines be our deadline.” pitch after twisting his knee managing director Cyril Abite- between 2010 and 2013 but the The season starts on March in the turf but rejoined the boul said going down to two relationship soured with the 25 in Australia but Horner has session, feeling well. teams would be no problem. introduction of the current V6 expressed concern, despite his The statement added: “He “We’ve always said that to be turbo hybrid units and an era of car being fastest when testing was sent for a precautionary an engine supplier is a very bad Mercedes domination. started on Monday, after Renault scan this afternoon which business,” he told reporters dur- The relationship was said they would put reliability indicated some ligament ing testing at the Circuit de strained almost to breaking point before performance for the first McLaren’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso (centre) poses at with damage had occurred and he Catalunya. in 2015 and Red Bull, who have few races. Logitech team members at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), will now see a specialist. Chris The Formula One sporting Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Abiteboul said being an the world’s biggest mobile fair, in Barcelona. is unlikely to be available for regulations stipulate that the four Dutch youngster Max Verstap- engine provider was an often the remainder of the event.” power unit manufacturers must pen as drivers, then re-branded thankless task but the rules, with what you have to put as a prior- performance. The two go Munster star Farrell, 24, inform the governing FIA in May the Renault engines as Tag a driver’s allocation reduced to ity,” he said. together. When you work on won the man-of-the-match of the preceding season which Heuer. three units from four, made reli- “The key message is that the reliability, you actually work on award in Ireland’s 37-27 win teams they have a supply agree- “We are not going to hang ability even more important. fact of being reliable opens up performance also,” added the over Wales in Dublin on Sat- ment with. around forever,” Abiteboul said. “It’s a no-brainer that this is more options in terms of Frenchman. urday, his Six Nations debut. THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018 SPORT 35 IOC lifts doping ban on Russia

AFP the history of Russian sports and the Olympic movement in Rus- MOSCOW: The International sia,” Zhukov said, praising Olympic Committee has lifted a athletes in particular for com- ban against Russia, Moscow offi- peting in “difficult conditions.” cials said yesterday, after the Putin praised Russian ath- country had been barred from letes as they were honoured in a the Pyeongchang Games over Kremlin ceremony, saying the state-sponsored doping. Olympic suspension was “a page The news, confirmed later by we must turn.” the IOC, was announced as “You showed your best ath- Olympic athletes were feted in letic and human qualities. You the Kremlin, thanking President showed your fighting character,” Vladimir Putin for letting them Putin told the athletes. compete under a neutral The ceremony followed Rus- status. sia’s Pyeongchang medallists “The rights of the Russian receiving keys to white Mercedes Olympic Committee have been SUVs the day earlier. fully restored,” said the president “Despite all the difficulties, of the Russian Olympic Commit- the Games had pleasant surprises tee, Alexander Zhukov. and gave us new heroes,” Putin Zhukov said Russia received said. a letter from the IOC yesterday “The entire team deserves which confirms that no other our thanks.” Silver medallist fig- Olympic athletes from Russia ure skater Evgenia Medvedeva had tested positive for doping, said in a short speech: “We put following two positive Russian all our soul into our perform- drug tests at this month’s Win- ance. We fought for medals for ter Games in Pyeongchang. our Motherland.” “All of the doping tests that Two Russians, curler Alex- Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with were conducted on our athletes ander Krushelnitsky and skaters Alina Zagitova and Evgenia Medvedeva and in the last days of the Olympics bobsledder Nadezhda Sergeyeva, were negative,” Zhukov said. were kicked out of the Olympics other medal winners of the 2018 Pyeongchang The IOC said in a statement after their doping tests were Winter Olympic Games after an awarding that Russia’s suspension has been revealed to be positive, with ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, yesterday. “automatically lifted with imme- Krushelnitsky being stripped of diate effect.” his bronze medal. said his food was spiked by an Russia’s reinstatement in the doping should be without RUSADA, is not complete,” Zhu- Russia was banned in The scandal meant that the ex-girlfriend. IOC does not affect the sus- compromise.” kov said. December from taking part in the Olympic team from Russia could Russia’s Olympic ban fol- pended status of its RUSADA WADA previously criticised “There is still a lot of work to 2018 Olympics following reve- not use national colours or flag lowed the uncovering of a doping national anti-doping agency with the decision by the Court of Arbi- be done which is likely to be as lations of widespread doping, for the closing ceremony in conspiracy where tainted urine the World Anti-Doping Agency, tration for Sport which difficult as the work to reinstate though 168 athletes were Pyeongchang as originally samples were switched with which on Monday said the coun- overturned Olympic life bans on the Russian Olympic Commit- deemed “clean” and were hoped. clean ones. The government has try remains non-compliant, 28 Russians accused of doping, tee,” he said. cleared to go to Pyeongchang to Moscow blamed the two denied any state involvement in citing “proven systemic manip- though they still did not compete “But we must do this as compete under the Olympic flag. cases on “negligence rather than the plot but a top sports official ulation of the doping control in Pyeongchang. quickly as possible to create a The time since the ban on malicious intent,” while Krush- Vitaly Mutko, currently a deputy process.” “Unfortunately so far our comprehensive system to fight December 5 was “probably some elnitsky denied knowingly prime minister, was suspended Putin yesterday also said that relationship with WADA, the doping in Russia,” Zhukov told of the most difficult months in doping and some Russian media by the IOC for life. “the fight against the evil of reinstatement of status of reporters. NHL round-up: LeBron’s triple-double Staal has hat-trick lifts Cavs over Nets as Wild beat Blues AP AP

CLEVELAND: LeBron James NEW YORK: Eric Staal collected three goals and five points, and scored 31 points and finished a Jason Zucker potted one goal and had four assists as the Minne- month averaging a triple-double sota Wild recorded their fifth straight win with an 8-3 thumping for the first time in his career, of the struggling St Louis Blues last night in Saint Paul, Minn. and the Cleveland Cavaliers Mikael Granlund, the third member of Minnesota’s top line, defeated the Brooklyn Nets scored twice in a four-point game as the Wild tied a franchise 129-123 on Tuesday night. record for most goals in a game. Goalie Devan Dubnyk made 22 James had 12 rebounds and saves in the victory. Mikko Koivu had a goal and an assist for the 11 assists for his 12th triple-dou- Wild, and Jared Spurgeon scored a goal. The Blues got a pair of ble of the season and 67th of his goals from Vladimir Tarasenko and one from Alex Pietrangelo. career. He also reached 8,000 Predators 6, Jets 5 assists and became the first Ryan Hartman’s first goal in a Nashville uniform -- with exactly player in NBA history to reach one minute left in the third period -- gave Nashville a comeback that milestone, along with win over Winnipeg. Hartman emerged as the hero in his first game 30,000 points and 8,000 since being acquired in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. rebounds. Roman Josi collected five assists for the Predators, and Craig Smith Rodney Hood’s three-point Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward LeBron James (23) drives scored two goals. play with 40 seconds remaining against Brooklyn Nets’ forward DeMarre Carroll (9) in the Kings 4, Golden Knights 1 gave Cleveland a 123-121 lead. third quarter of their NBA game at Quicken Loans Arena. Jack Campbell made 41 saves to pick up his first career NHL James and George Hill hit two win as visiting Los Angeles completed a back-to-back sweep of free throws each in the final 16 Vegas. Campbell, the 11th pick of the 2010 draft by the Dallas Stars, seconds to seal the win. for Philadelphia, which got 21 after snapping the Philadelphia but the Clippers fought back to was making his first start in goal for the Kings this season and first Jarrett Allen’s two free from Dario Saric. Redick finished 76ers’ seven-game winning within seven points going into in the NHL since 2013. He was called up from the AHL Ontario throws gave Brooklyn a 119-117 with 15 for the 76ers. streak Sunday with a 109-94 the fourth quarter, outscoring Reign last week when Los Angeles traded Darcy Kuemper to the lead with 1:18 to play. Jordan Hornets 118, Bulls 103 victory. the Nuggets 18-6 over the last 4 Arizona Coyotes. Clarkson’s 3-pointer put Cleve- Kemba Walker scored 31 Giannis Antetokounmpo 1-2 minutes of the third. Sharks 5, Oilers 2 land ahead, but Allen Crabbe’s points and Dwight Howard scored 23 points and grabbed 13 Trails Blazers 116, Kings 99 Joe Pavelski notched a goal and two assists in San Jose’s four- runner in the lane put the Nets added 24 after returning from a rebounds and Jabbari Parker had Damian Lillard had 26 points goal second period as the Sharks bounced visiting Edmonton. up 121-120. first-quarter back injury as the a season-high 19 points for and 12 assists, and the Trail Blaz- Evander Kane, acquired Monday from the Buffalo Sabres, chipped Hood hit a jumper from the Hornets knocked off the Bulls to Milwaukee. ers won their fourth straight with in two assists in his first game for San Jose. Justin Braun, Timo wing and made the foul shot that win their season-best fifth game Clippers 122, Nuggets 120 a victory over the Kings. Meier, Logan Couture and Chris Tierney also scored goals for the gave Cleveland a two-point lead. in a row. Lou Williams scored 25 Jusuf Nurkic added 17 points Sharks. D’Angelo Russell attempted to Zach LaVine led seven Bulls points and Boban Marjanovic and nine rebounds for Portland, Stars 2, Flames 0 draw a foul but barely got off a players in double-digits with 21 added a season-high 18 as the which sits in fifth place in the Devin Shore and Tyler Seguin scored goals and goalkeeper wild shot from the corner, which points as Chicago (20-41) Clippers overcame a 19-point Western Conference - a game Ben Bishop turned away 38 shots for his fifth shutout of the sea- led to James’ foul shots. dropped its fifth consecutive deficit in the third quarter to beat back of San Antonio - after win- son as host Dallas did just enough to beat Calgary. Heat 102, 76ers 101 game. the Nuggets. ning five of its last six games. The Panthers 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT) Dwyane Wade scored a sea- The Hornets improved to Austin Rivers added 17 points current four-game winning Jared McCann scored with 1:14 left in overtime to lift Florida son-high 27 points, the last of 28-33 as their suddenly hot and Montrezl Harrell had 15 for streak matched the team’s long- to a win over Toronto in Sunrise, Fla. Aleksander Barkov and those coming on a jumper that shooting helped them continue the Clippers, whose bench out- est of the season. Zach Randolph Jonathan Huberdeau also had goals for the Panthers. Dominic gave Miami its only lead of the their push to make the playoffs. scored Denver’s reserves 54-4 had 20 points for the Kings, who Moore and Zach Hyman scored for the Maple Leafs. fourth quarter with 5.9 seconds In all, Charlotte sank 53.7 per- in the second half. lost their fifth straight overall. Devils 3, Penguins 2 left, and the Heat rallied to beat cent of its field-goal attempts, Gary Harris had 23 points to Sacramento has dropped 10 Stefan Noesen scored a tiebreaking goal early in the third period the 76ers. and 42.9 percent from 3-point lead the Nuggets, who lost con- straight games at Portland’s as New Jersey won at Pittsburgh. The goal was the right winger’s Wade had 15 of his points in range. secutive games at home for the Moda Center. ninth this season and came 5:01 into the third period with the the fourth quarter, and the Heat Wizards 107, Bucks 104 first time this season. Paul Mill- With just 18 wins, Sacra- teams deadlocked at 2. won a game where they never Bradley Beal scored 21 sap had nine points and seven mento is in second-to-last place Bruins 4, Hurricanes 3 (OT) led by more than three. points, hitting a clutch 3-pointer rebounds in 23:26 minutes of in the West, above only the Charlie McAvoy scored the winner in a two-point game, and Goran Dragic scored 21 for and a free throw down the play in his return from a left Phoenix Suns. The Kings have Riley Nash and Tommy Wingels also had a goal and an assist apiece the Heat, who got 16 points from stretch, to help the Wizards hang wrist injury that had sidelined lost four straight and six of their as Boston beat visiting Carolina in overtime. Tyler Johnson and 15 points and on for a victory over the Bucks. him for the last three months. last seven. The Kings were play- Capitals 3, Senators 2 11 rebounds from Hassan Otto Porter Jr added 17 Leading by six at the half, the ing the second of a back-to-back, Evgeny Kuznetsov scored two goals as host Washington handed Whiteside. points and Markieff Morris 14 for Nuggets stretched their lead to after losing to Minnesota 118-100 Ottawa a fifth straight loss. Tom Wilson also scored for the Capi- Joel Embiid scored 23 points Washington which stayed hot 19 points on a layup by Harris on Monday night. tals, who won for just the second time in five games. THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018 SPORT 36 It is an honour for Qatar to host another prestigious FINA event and welcome TODAY’S FIXTURES Khalil Al Jabir, the world’s best open President of Qatar 6.00pm Al Sadd vs Al Duhail at Al Duhail Stadium water swimmers. Swimming Federation 8.10pm Al Gharafa vs Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa Stadium World and Olympic Champions to compete at FINA event in Doha

THE PENINSULA medallist, Rachele Bruni, both of The women’s elite Italy, 2017 World silver medal- competition will DOHA: Qatar will host its first- list Samantha Michelle Arevalo see an exciting ever FINA HOSA Marathon Swim Salinas of Ecuador and more. World Series event on March 17, Meanwhile in the men’s showdown between with the turquoise waters of competition, Rio 2016 Olympic Rio 2016 Olympic Doha’s iconic Corniche providing and 2017 World Champion Ferry Champion, Sharon a stunning setting for reigning Weertman will start as the strong Van Rouwendaal of Olympic and World Champions favourite but will face stiff com- to go head in the 10km open petition from Great Britain’s Jack the Netherlands, 2017 water swim. Burnell, who finished just out- World Series winner, THE public will also have an side the medals in fourth place Arianna Bridi and Rio exclusive opportunity to experi- at last summer’s World 2016 Olympic silver ence and swim the same course Championships. as the elite athletes in an Open Many of the athletes will medallist, Rachele Water Challenge competition on attend the Open Water Challenge Bruni, both of Italy. March 16 open to anyone over 11 on March 16 to meet the public, years of age. share their experiences and pro- Doha will open the FINA vide tips and advice to the There will be three catego- Marathon Swim World Series participants. ries available for the public in the 2018, which features nine meet- Commenting on the Open Doha Open Challenge: 400m for ings taking place in some of the Water Challenge, Khalil Al Jabir boys and girls aged 11-14, 800m world’s most scenic waterways, said: “We encourage all Qatar for boys and girls aged 15-17, and including the Seychelles, Por- residents to sign up for the Open 1,200m for boys and girls aged tugal, Canada and China. Water Challenge for the chance 18 and over. Over 350 athletes from over Bureau Member, Khalil Al Jabir, World Swimming Champion- everyone to come down to the to experience what it is like to be Entries and registration will 50 national federations all over said: “It is an honour for Qatar to ships to organise an event to the Corniche on March 16 and 17, an elite athlete. Not only are we be accepted either through an the world will compete in the host another prestigious FINA highest possible level for eve- soak up the atmosphere and providing the opportunity to email to [email protected] one-day competition pro- event and welcome the world’s ryone involved.” cheer on the athletes,” he said. swim the same course as or at the Qatar Swimming Asso- gramme from March until best open water swimmers to “We hope that this event will The women’s elite competi- Olympic and World Champions ciation offices on the 7th floor of November, with a total of kick off their World Series cam- continue to support the growth tion will see an exciting show- but the public will also get to Olympic Tower in West Bay $30,000 prize money available paigns in Doha. We will apply and development of swimming down between Rio 2016 Olympic enjoy the same services and between 9am and 12pm or 5pm per event. our experience and knowledge in Qatar as we build up to the Champion, Sharon Van Rou- facilities before and after the and 7pm before 10th March. Speaking ahead of the event, from hosting multiple world- 2023 FINA World Champion- wendaal of the Netherlands, 2017 competition and sample exactly Further information can be President of the Qatar Swimming class FINA events, including six ships, the pinnacle event of the World Series winner, Arianna what it is like to be one of the found at www.qatarswimming. Association (QSA) and FINA FINA World Cups and the 2014 aquatics calendar. We invite Bridi and Rio 2016 Olympic silver world’s best athletes.” com. Al Gharafa awarded win over Al Markhiya

THE PENINSULA awarded a 3-0 win for breach team list in the QNB Stars of rules regarding fielding res- League fixtures should not DOHA: The Qatar Football ident players in the QNB Stars exceed five. Association’s Disciplinary League matches. The Disciplinary Com- Committee made a number of Al Gharafa had lodged an mittee also imposed a fine of decisions yesterday official complaint against Al QR10,000 on Umm Salal concerning the QNB Stars Markhiya after the match, coach Talal El Karkouri for League’s Week 18 matches. claiming that the rivals fielded misconduct. The decisions were as fol- six resident players which was Similarly, Al Khor player lows: Al Markhiya’s 3-2 vic- a clear violation of the rule. Castan Silva also received a tory against Al Gharafa is The number of resident fine of QR10,000 for dissent overturned and the latter is players to be included in the against the referee.

A file picture of the Al Gharafa vs Al Markhiya match.

On the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the Grand Prix of Qatar a photo exhibition titled ‘Speed and Rituals’ Emotional Trials by Gigi Soldano and Mirco Lazzari kicked off yesterday at Katara’s Youth Hobbies Center, Building 18. Abdulrahman Al Mannai, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President, Khalid Al Remaihi, Vice-President and General Manager of Losail Circuit Sports Club (LCSC), Abdulaziz Al Qubaisi of Youth Hobbies Centre, along with Abdulrazak Al Kuwari were present for the opening ceremony along with the two photographers, Soldano and Lazzari.

Action from the World Snooker Team Cup World Snooker Team Cup 2018 reaches knockout stage 2018 at Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation building in Doha yesterday. The event will end tomorrow. The competition is approved by the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) under the chairmanship of Mubarak Al Khayareen. The total number of participating teams is 24, including two teams from Qatar. The 24 teams are divided into eight groups of three each. Other countries which are participating include Pakistan, Wales, Ireland, Iran, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, and Egypt among others. The total prize money for the competition is $60,000 with the winner getting $15,000. The runners-up and semi-finalists will get $15,000 and $7,500 respectively. The knockout stage of the tournament begins today at 10.00am.