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Titleholders Al-Hilal storm into quarterfinals of AFC Champions League

Titleholders Al-Hilal storm into quarterfinals of AFC Champions League

Titleholders Al-Hilal storm into quarterfinals of AFC Champions League

Hilals South Korean defender Jang Hyun-soo (L) celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the AFC Champions League round of 16 match against UAEs Shabab Al-Ahli. (AFP)

Al-Hilals Saudi midfielder Nasser Al-Dawsari (C) dribbles past Shabab Al-Ahlis Emirati forward Harib Abdalla during their AFC Champions League round of 16 match at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on Monday. (AFP)

Hilals Saudi goalkeeper Abdullah al-Mayouf (R) saves a shot during the AFC Champions League round of 16 match against UAEs Shabab Al-Ahli. (AFP)

Titleholders Al-Hilal storm into quarterfinals of AFC Champions League

Al-Ahli should have taken the lead early on but Yahya Al-Ghassani blasted over despite finding himself in space

Al-Hilal moved closer to Asian title number five after the defending champions booked a berth in the last eight of the Asian Champions League on Monday with a 3-1 win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the UAE.

It was a clinical performance from a team that just loves the tournament, and not many would bet against a third triumph in four years.

As soon as Odion Ighalo fired home the 17th-minute opener, the four-time winners looked to be on their way to the quarters, although the ride was bumpy at times until Jang Hyun-soo provided a second-half cushion.

That took the wind out of the opponents sails, even before Luciano Vietto added a third with 12 minutes remaining.

Former Al-Hilal striker Omar Khribin scored against his old club eight minutes later but it turned out to be a consolation.

Now to the quarters, which take place on Thursday. All knockout games are being held in Qatar, with Riyadh rivals Al-Shabab, who defeated Uzbekistans FC Nasaf on Sunday, also making it through.

Earlier in the day, Al-Faisaly lost 1-0 to Foolad of Iran. Sasan Ansari scored the only goal of the game just after the hour to deny the second-tier team, and Saudi Arabia a third representative in the last eight.

Al-Hilal are still the team to beat. Their last game had been in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, which they lost 5-3 to Real Madrid, but their clash against Shabab Al-Ahli was very different.

Al-Ahli should have taken the lead early on but Yahya Al-Ghassani blasted over despite finding himself in space.

Within moments, Ighalo showed how it was done. Found by Moussa Marega in a central position, the Nigerian turned and then skipped past the challenge of Mohammed Marzooq to fire a low shot past Majed Naser.

Viettos cross only needed a touch and Mohamed Kanno went close, but at the other end, Al-Ghassanis header at the back post was well saved by Abdullah Al-Mayouf.

Al-Hilal began the second half on top with Ighalo just failing to connect from close range, while a clever flick from Kanno was saved by Naser.

There was an ever better stop midway through the period at the other end. Khribin, the Syrian forward who is well known to Saudi Arabian fans, fired in a free-kick that looked to be heading into the left side of the net, only for Al-Mayouf to get across well and push the ball to safety.

It gave the UAE team a lift and Al-Hilals control looked in doubt, but then, like the champions they are, the lead was extended.

From a free-kick, Naser pushed a Jang header onto the bar, but then could do nothing as the South Korean defender headed into an empty net after 72 minutes.

Vietto steered home a delightful flick from Salem Al-Dawsari a few minutes later, and Khribins strike at the other end proved a mere consolation.

Also in the last eight are Al-Duhail, who overcame Al-Rayyan also from Qatar by 7-6 in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of action had ended 1-1.

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US savor World Cup berth; Carmelo Anthony named FIBA Global Ambassador

US savor World Cup berth; Carmelo Anthony named FIBA Global Ambassador

US savor World Cup berth; Carmelo Anthony named FIBA Global Ambassador

Boylen has led the US to a 9-2 record in qualifying, with one game left at Brazil on Sunday

Jordan are the seventh team to advance through the Asian Qualifiers, joining co-hosts Philippines and Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Australia and China

NEW YORK: USA Basketball put together different rosters for all six World Cup qualifying windows, and coach Jim Boylen noticed the same two things with each of those groups.

One, every player beamed when putting on the USA jersey for picture day. Two, by the third or fourth day of practice, the players were coaching each other.

It took 52 players and more than a year, but the job is done USA Basketball is going to the World Cup in the Philippines this summer. The US wont have to sweat it out this weekend when the final spots in the 32-team field get claimed, after rallying to beat Uruguay on Thursday and clinching a berth.

When they put on the USA jersey, the same jersey that LeBron James wore, the same jersey that Kobe Bryant wore, the same jersey of the senior mens national team, theres a joy from those guys unlike what Ive ever seen, Boylen said. And then it clicks: Theyve reached a higher level of distinction and theyve got to come together. Thats what happened.

Boylen has led the US to a 9-2 record in qualifying, with one game left at Brazil on Sunday. Its meaningless, on paper, for the Americans, but could decide whether Brazil go to the World Cup or not.

His efforts were lauded Friday by Steve Kerr, who will coach the roster of NBA players that the US will take to the World Cup this summer.

Jim Boylen has done a great job with that whole group and they all go unheralded, and I just want take the time to say thank you as the coach of the team that will be playing in the World Cup this summer, said Kerr, the Golden State coach. My gratitude goes out to Jim and all the players.

For many of the US players, Sunday could be the last time they play with USA on the front of the jersey. The World Cup roster will be filled by NBA players; the qualifying teams, with a handful of exceptions, were primarily players from the G League.

If the US finish as one of the best two teams from the Americas region in the World Cup, theyll also qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Americans are the four-time defending Olympic champions. Kerr will again coach the Americans in the Olympics if they qualify, assisted by Miamis Erik Spoelstra, the Los Angeles Clippers Tyronn Lue and Gonzagas Mark Few.

All I want them to do is take care of business, said guard Langston Galloway, who played in the most qualifying games for the US over the last 15 months. I feel like Im part of their success to some extent. Weve done our job and now we hand it over to the next group and let them finish the job.

Carmelo Anthony was introduced in Manila on Friday as the newest FIBA World Cup Global Ambassador.

He said it was special to be picked for the role, especially since his close friend Kobe Bryant was an ambassador for the 2019 World Cup in China. Anthony said it was special to kind of follow what Kobe has created on a global scale.

Im sure he definitely would have been here with me, watching these games, coming over, hanging in the Philippines and just enjoying himself, Anthony said. For me, I can continue part of his legacy, but also establish what I have to establish for myself.

Anthony, a three-time Olympic champion, joins Pau Gasol and Luis Scola as ambassadors.

Im glad were not competing no more. Were on the same side now, Anthony said.

Jordan made the 32-team World Cup, clinching their spot Friday when New Zealand defeated Saudi Arabia.

Jordan are the seventh team to advance through the Asian Qualifiers, joining co-hosts Philippines and Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Australia and China. There is one spot left unclaimed from Asia, with Iran and Kazakhstan still in the running.

Also clinching on Friday were South Sudan and Egypt.

The other teams that have clinched so far:

Still in the race: Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico. Those last five spots will be decided Sunday.

In: Finland, Latvia, Germany, Greece, Slovenia, France, Lithuania, Spain, Italy.

Still in the race: Serbia, Belgium, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Georgia, Iceland.

In: Ivory Coast, South Sudan, Egypt.

Still in the race: Angola, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia.

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Casey, Kokrak share lead as LIV Golf begins season in Mexico

Casey, Kokrak share lead as LIV Golf begins season in Mexico

Casey, Kokrak share lead as LIV Golf begins season in Mexico

The co-leaders were two shots clear of Peter Uihlein, Talor Gooch and Carlos Ortiz, one of two Mexican players who are part of the 48-man LIV roster

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico: Paul Casey birdied his last three holes for a 6-under 65 and a share of the lead with Jason Kokrak on Friday as the second season of Saudi-backed LIV Golf began at Mayakoba.

Casey was 5 under through 10 holes before he lost ground with a double bogey on the par-4 second hole. He responded with a hat trick of birdies to close out his round on the El Camaleon golf course at the resort south of Cancun.

Kokrak played bogey-free, chipping in for one birdie and holing a couple of lengthy putts.

They were two shots clear of Peter Uihlein, Talor Gooch and Carlos Ortiz, one of two Mexican players who are part of the 48-man LIV roster.

Mayakoba previously hosted a PGA Tour event in the fall from 2007 until November, when the resort moved over to LIV Golf.

Dustin Johnson, who won the points list and its $18 million bonus last year while leading his 4Aces to the team title, was slowed by consecutive bogeys in the middle of his round. He was part of the group at 68.

Casey plays for the Crushers, and three of their four scores added to 10-under par for a three-shot advantage over Johnsons squad and the Smash team that is captained by Brooks Koepka.

The four-month offseason brought some additional players, though the highest-ranked of the lot was Thomas Pieters at No. 35 in the world. The Belgian said he only joined when a spot became open because Hudson Swafford is having hip surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season.

Pieters opened with a 76. None of the newcomers were among 17 players who broke par. Danny Lee had a 71.

Phil Mickelson had three straight birdies early in his round but had to settle for a 72.

The 54-hole event with a shotgun start will be on linear television for the first time Saturday as part of its broadcast partnership with The CW Network.

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Defending champion Alcaraz reaches Rio Open semifinals

Defending champion Alcaraz reaches Rio Open semifinals

Defending champion Alcaraz reaches Rio Open semifinals

The 19-year-old Spaniard notched his third win in three matches against 32-year-old Lajovic

RIO DE JANEIRO: World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz clawed back a break in both sets and dominated the tiebreaker to beat Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) on Friday in the ATP Rio Open quarterfinals.

The 19-year-old Spaniard notched his third win in three matches against 32-year-old Lajovic, including a quarterfinal win over the 80th-ranked Serbian in the quarterfinals at the Argentina Open last week.

Alcaraz went on to win that title to cement his return from a four-month injury layoff that saw him miss the Australian Open.

On Friday he will face either Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry or sixth-seeded Sebastian Baez of Argentina for a place in the Rio final, where hed be seeking to defend the title that made him the youngest ever winner of an ATP 500 tournament last year.

Second-seeded Briton Cameron Norrie booked his semifinal berth with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Bolivian Hugo Dellian.

Norrie, trying to reach his third final of the year, will face Spains Bernabe Zapata Miralles, who beat compatriot Albert Ramos Vinolas 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Alcaraz improved his perfect record in 2023 to 7-0, but he had to figure some things out along the way.

It was a very complicated match, Alcaraz said. Dusan has a great forehand, a great backhand, a great serve, very good shots, and today he has shown it, he has given a recital.

But I was solid. In the end, I was very happy to have solved those problems.

Alcaraz trailed 2-4 in both sets, reeling off the last four games of the first before finding himself in another battle in the second.

He belted 32 winners to Lajovics 13 and won 16 of 17 points at the net.

But 25 unforced errors contributed to the difficulties that saw him go down an early break in both sets.

In the second, he broke back with a stinging backhand winner to level the set at 4-4.

He led 40-0 in the 11th game only to surrender his serve and saved a set point on the way to a break in the next game that forced the tiebreaker.

Those moments are where the very good players differ from the rest of the players, and I try to play at my highest level, Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz, whose five titles last year included the US Open and made him the youngest-ever world No. 1, was dominant throughout the decider, putting it away on his first match point with a forehand passing winner.

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Klopp urges Liverpool to keep pace with rivals spending

Klopp urges Liverpool to keep pace with rivals spending

Klopp urges Liverpool to keep pace with rivals spending

After nearly winning the quadruple last season, the Reds now look in need of a major overhaul

Liverpool are languishing in eighth place in the league and their hopes of qualifying for next seasons Champions League via a top four finish look bleak

LONDON: Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpools owners that his struggling side must keep pace with their rivals spending in the summer transfer window.

Klopps side travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday looking to bounce back from a chastening 5-2 defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 first leg at Anfield.

Liverpool are languishing in eighth place in the Premier League and their hopes of qualifying for next seasons Champions League via a top four finish are hanging by a slender thread.

After nearly winning the quadruple last season, the Reds now look in need of a major overhaul and Klopp acknowledged they have work to do in the next transfer window.

However, the departure of sporting director Julian Ward this summer and the potential loss of Champions League revenue could hinder Klopps hopes of matching the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City and Manchester United in the race for new recruits.

Its not helpful (losing out on the Champions League). Money always has an impact. Of course it is influential but this is a summer where we have to be in the market, definitely, Klopp said.

I am sorry that we cannot guarantee the Champions League at this moment but its not done yet, we will fight for it, so we dont have to talk about it as though it is not possible.

He added: My job is to make it 100 percent clear what we need from a sports point of view and then other people are responsible for giving us the resources or whatever. I have nothing to do with that.

We built a stand and a training ground and the club is in a really good place but around us a few people are speeding up a little bit and you cannot ignore that.

Earlier this week, Liverpools principal owner John W Henry confirmed the club had not been put up for sale by his Fenway Sports Group, who are looking for external investment.

Klopp hopes that means he will get backing in the transfer market.

I am optimistic when he is optimistic because it is his business. I am not involved in the search for investors, added Klopp.

I always have the same say. I cannot decide, at all, about money. Not about one penny. It is always the same.

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Andy Murray saves 5 match points against Czech opponent to reach Doha final

Andy Murray saves 5 match points against Czech opponent to reach Doha final

Andy Murray saves 5 match points against Czech opponent to reach Doha final

The 35-year-old Murray reached his first ATP Tour final since June and will face former No. 1 Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev beat second-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime for the second time in two weeks

DOHA: Andy Murray saved five match points to beat Jiri Lehecka 6-0, 3-6, 7-6 (6) and advance to the final of the Qatar Open on Friday.

The 35-year-old Murray reached his first ATP Tour final since June and will face former No. 1 Daniil Medvedev.

Hes a legend, Medvedev said of Murray. Today was just unbelievable, the way he won.

Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion who has had two hip operations, fought back from a 5-3 deficit in the deciding set. He saved two match points on his own serve and three more when his Czech opponent served for the match.

That was one of the most amazing turnarounds Ive had in my career, the Scot said in his on-court interview. I have no idea how I managed to turn that one around to be honest.

Medvedev beat second-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime for the second time in two weeks, this time 6-4, 7-6 (7). Medvedev also won in straight sets last week in the Rotterdam quarterfinals.

Confidence matters, because (Auger-Aliassime) had (three) set points, Medvedev said. I managed to just stay in there and it was enough to win.

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