Sports

Dominant Oman down Iran 3-1 in friendly

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:04:49 -0400

Oman national team's preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and Jordan next month seems to be going on the right track as the dominant Sultanate boys struck thrice to subjugate sturdy Iran 3-1 in a friendly match at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex yesterday. Ever-dependable striker Abdulaziz al Maqbali put the home side ahead in the 20th minute and nine minutes later Abdulsalam Amur scored the second goal. Defender Jaber al Owaisi found the target in the 61st minute to make it 3-0, but in the last minute the Iranians pulled one back through Mosalman.

Silverstone three-hour race next challenge for Ahmad

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:04:47 -0400

MUSCAT — Ahmad al Harthy is aiming to continue his consistently strong start to the Avon Tyres British GT Championship season when he arrives at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit this weekend (May 25 and 26), for the category’s first three-hour race of 2013. So far in his maiden year of endurance racing, the 31-year-old Omani — who is dovetailing his British GT commitments with a season in the pan-European Blancpain Endurance Series — has produced some outstanding drives and is determined to secure his first podium sooner rather than later.

Dortmund’s Goetze ruled out of final

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:04:45 -0400

LONDON — Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Goetze will miss Saturday’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich due to a muscle injury, the Bundesliga club said yesterday. The versatile 20-year-old, who will join Bayern next season, was injured in the second leg of the semifinal against Real Madrid on April 30 and had been battling to get fit for the final at Wembley. “That final was my goal, I’ve struggled hard to be fit in recent weeks and I am incredibly sorry for not being able to help the team in this important game,” said Goetze.

Pulis leaves Stoke after seven years in charge

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:04:41 -0400

LONDON — Manager Tony Pulis has left Stoke after seven years in charge, the Premier League club announced late on Tuesday. His departure, by mutual consent, was widely anticipated following his talks earlier in the day with Stoke chairman Peter Coates. "Stoke City and Tony Pulis confirm that they have mutually agreed that Tony will leave the club with immediate effect," the Potters confirmed in a statement.

Mourinho, Ronaldo get two-match bans for Cup final reds

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:04:38 -0400

MADRID — Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo were handed two-match bans in the King's Cup after they were sent off in last week's final at the Bernabeu, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said yesterday. Mourinho was dismissed for vigorously disputing a refereeing decision in the 75th minute of Friday's 2-1 final defeat by Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese will not serve his punishment in next season's Spanish cup competition as he agreed to leave the club by mutual consent on Monday.

Monaco Grand Prix offers Hamilton best chance yet

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:04:35 -0400

MONACO — Words and hats may have to be eaten along with the usual canapes and caviar if Lewis Hamilton wins the glamour race of the Formula One season in Monaco this weekend. The sceptics who doubted McLaren's 2008 world champion would stand on top of the podium this season after his move to Mercedes face a moment of truth with Hamilton's team arriving in the Mediterranean principality on the back of three pole positions in a row.

Alonso suggests Red Bull sound like sore losers

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:32:08 -0400

MONACO — Red Bull sound like sore losers for complaining about the Formula One tyres, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso suggested yesterday. The Spaniard, winner in China in April and Barcelona this month, told reporters at the Monaco Grand Prix that it was up to the champions to explain their comments but offered a theory of his own anyway. "We know that Barcelona was a good race for us and not so good for some of our competitors," he said.

Injured Murray withdraws from French Open

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:32:07 -0400

LONDON — Andy Murray will miss the French Open with the back injury that flared up at the Rome Masters, the world No 2 announced on Tuesday. After meeting with medical specialists Murray has decided to skip the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros to ensure he is fully fit for Wimbledon. "It's a really tough decision and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice, I am not fit to compete," the US Open and Olympic champion explained in a statement to Britain's Press Association.

Spurs edge Grizzlies in overtime

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:32:03 -0400

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The San Antonio Spurs held off the late-charging Memphis Grizzlies to triumph 93-89 in overtime on Tuesday and stretch their lead in the NBA Western Conference finals to 2-0. Tim Duncan's 17 points included six of the Spurs' eight points in overtime, when he helped San Antonio hang on after they let a 13-point fourth-quarter lead evaporate. "I hate that we gave up that big of a lead in that situation," Duncan said. "But we were resilient enough to go to overtime and not let it affect us and get a win there."

Bruins outclass Rangers to grab a commanding series lead

Bader — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:32:00 -0400

NEW YORK — The Boston Bruins scored twice in the final period to beat the New York Rangers 2-1 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday and grab a commanding 3-0 lead in their National Hockey League (NHL) play-off. Boston fourth-liner Daniel Paille scored the game winner with 3:31 left on the clock after assisting defenceman Johnny Boychuk to tie the score at the start of the period.