SUN DAY, AUGUST 2, 2015 SPORTS curlers hope for Winter Olympic sweep

HARBIN: When Liu Jinli first heard the developed quickly... there has been a abroad, and officials “saw that we might soft rumble of stones slipping great leap,” said Zhang, a former ice be able to get good results in a relatively over Chinese ice a decade ago, the sport hockey player who 20 years ago became short time”, Zhang said. was virtually unknown in the country. the first Chinese curling coach, as he city funded China’s first pro- But a few years later she won world looked on with an icy expression. fessional men’s team in 2001, hiring championship gold with China’s national Games similar to ice hockey were coaches from Canada to raise standards, curling team, securing Beijing’s place as played in China as early as the 17th cen- but it was the women curlers-nick- a major power in the sport first played in tury, but other winter sports are relative- named the “five gold flowers”-who took medieval Scotland. ly new to the country. China won its first the country’s first world title. With the China’s rapid rise up the curling ranks Winter Olympic medals in 1992 and has last strike of the 2009 final, captain Wang is part of a wider growth in winter sports since racked up 12 gold. Bingyu carefully unleashed a perfectly promoted by the country’s authorities as Curling got an unlikely start in China paced and targeted shot that knocked Beijing pursued its successful bid to host in the mid-1990s thanks to Japanese out two Swedish scoring stones, secured the 2022 Olympics. investors seeking to profit from their gold for China-and triggered a blood- China only settled on an official name neighbour’s increasingly open economy. curdling scream of victory from one of for curling-”ice kettle”-in 1995, and had An official from Japan’s snowy north- her team-mates. The men’s squad no professional teams until 2001. Taking ern island of Hokkaido suggested the scooped a bronze at the 2010 Winter up the game as a teenager in the north- two countries “jointly develop the sport Olympics, and both are currently ranked eastern city of Harbin, Liu said the play- of curling in China”, according to the in the world’s top five. ers “used to make our own footwear”. China sports administration website. Zhang said that curling was “very “At the very beginning, we would buy In a cold classroom in Harbin in 1995, suitable for Asians, as Asians have flexi- plastic shopping bags and put them coach Zhang recalled, Japanese curlers ble thinking”. But despite a population of CHINA: This picture taken on July 2, 2015 shows a member of a curling team train- over our shoes before going out on the taught China’s first-ever class on the almost 1.4 billion, China is thought to ing at a curling club in Harbin, northeast China’s province. —AFP ice,” she said. “We had about two brooms sport’s combination of precise stone have just a few hundred curlers, almost for every 10 people.” throwing and tactical sweeping. no grassroots teams, and only three ven- will take ages to train the best athletes. frozen training pitch are basic, with Now, with the financial backing of The deeply strategic sport sees ath- ues. But for curling, I guess within a few years muddy footprints covering the ice, but China’s General Administration of Sports, letes “throw”, or slide, heavy, circular Government spending was key to the you can do very well if you train players the two dozen teenage curlers train for the 26-year-old and her teammates train granite stones across a long stretch of teams’ success, he said, and investment full time,” he added. six hours a day. full time throughout the year. ice towards a target, with two sweepers aimed at securing medals is expected to The next generation of Chinese “Curling is like chess on the ice,” said In summer they retreat to the seaside wielding brooms rushing along the increase in the run-up to 2022. curlers train at the Linxian Curling club youth captain Zhang Zehong, 17, who resort of Qinhuangdao, some 270 kilo- stone’s path in an attempt to influence “All the sports which China is promot- in Harbin, where average daily tempera- said he hopes to “contribute to my metres (170 miles) from Beijing, to build its track without touching, or “burning”, ing are government-sponsored sports, tures plunge as low as -24 degrees motherland’s efforts” as part of the 2022 their strength with a type of tough gym- the rock. there is only a very small grass-roots Celsius (-11 Fahrenheit) in January. Olympic team competing on home terri- nastics called callisthenics. Icy nations such as Canada and sports movement in China,” said Xu “Most of the funding for curling tory. “It tests your thinking, and ability to “Curling is a gentle sport. It’s changed Sweden have long dominated the sport, Guoqi, a Hong Kong based professor comes from the government. No matter keep calm,” he said as the clunk of collid- my life,” said Liu after grimacing her way which secured an official Winter Olympic and author of a book on China’s Olympic if it’s money for training, competitions, ing stones echoed through the room. through an afternoon weightlifting ses- billing at Nagano in 1998. movement. coaches or players, it’s the state which Nearby, a banner next to a large Chinese sion under the watchful eye of coach But within a few years of the class in “In major Winter Olympic sports like provides a guarantee,” said the school’s flag read: “Health for the People, Glory in Zhang Wei. “I think the sport has really Harbin, Chinese teams were competing skiing, China will have trouble because it head Wang Jingang. Conditions on their the Olympics”.—AFP American Pharoah poised for more racing history

NEW JERSEY: From a beauty salon in crossing a street in Zurich one day, a driver Beverly Hills to an intersection in Zurich rolled down his window and called out, “Go people are talking about American Pharoah, go!” In London, he said he was Pharoah. Derek Jeter. Carrie Underwood. recognized by a salesperson in Harrod’s Drew Brees. Even Cheech and Chong. All who told him, “I know you from the TV. You have chatted up either the owner, trainer or ... you won the three things. American jockey of American Pharoah in the weeks Pharoah, right?” after the horse became the first Triple At the ESPY’s, where Victor Espinoza Crown winner in 37 years with a sweep of won for best jockey, the Pharoah contin- the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and gent was approached by retired Yankees’ Belmont Stakes. “He’s captured the imagi- star Jeter, who wanted to pose for a picture. nation of the nation,” says Ahmed Zayat, Same with Yankees’ slugger Alex Rodriguez. the effusive Egyptian owner who travels “They are asking for a picture with us?” says the world on business and resides in Zayat. “Really?” Teaneck, New Jersey. “More than just a With social media and a 24/7 news cycle nation, if I dare say.” these days, American Pharoah may actually On Sunday, American Pharoah returns be more popular than Secretariat, the 1973 to the races in the $1.75 million Haskell Triple Crown winner many consider the Invitational at Monmouth Park, the Jersey greatest racehorse of all. Shore track a few furlongs from the home American Pharoah appears in the of rocker Bruce Springsteen, whose classic August issue of Vogue magazine. He was “Born to Run” has become the Haskell pre- paraded at Churchill Downs and Santa race anthem. Anita Park before tens of thousands of fans. On this day, though, Pharoah will be The Zayat was featured on “Secret Lives of the Boss. “We have a legend here with Super Rich.” Espinoza signed on with American Pharoah,” says Dennis Drazen, a Steiner Sports Marketing. A Pharoah web- management consultant to the track. site is a recent addition to the Twitter “People are going to be talking about accounts of Zayat and his son and racing being there the day American Pharoah ran manager, Justin. at Monmouth Park in the Haskell.” “People know what he’s doing every Thrilled to have American Pharoah, track step, and everybody knows where he is,” officials this week boosted the total purse says the white-haired Baffert. “I might as JOHANNESBURG: Team Africa’s Festus Ezeli (center) attempts a hook shot as Team World’s Paul Gasol (right) defends during the NBA Africa of the race by $750,000 to a record $1.75 well put a GPS on him. But he enjoys it and Game at Ellis Park Arena. —AP million. The winner’s share is $1.1 million. A so it’s fun to really share him with the fans.” record crowd approaching 60,000 is The goal is a final race in the $5 million expected. A three-day “Pharoah Phan Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in Phestival” began Friday, with giveaways, Lexington, Kentucky on Oct. 31. Then, it’s NBA’s current and former contests, and a chance for fans to watch off to the breeding shed down the road at American Pharoah on his morning gallops. Coolmore’s Ashford Stud. Plans have not About 5,000 showed up Friday. been set for a next race after the Haskell, stars put on show in Africa The Triple Crown winner is the over- but several are under consideration. whelming 1-5 favorite in an eight-horse The Haskell shapes up more as a public field going 1 1/8 miles. workout on national TV than a competitive JOHANNESBURG: The NBA put on a show in its enough and we needed to do a lot better if we did- late surge. “We didn’t finish the game. But there’s “He has so many fans,” says trainer Bob race. The second betting choice in the field first exhibition game in Africa yesterday - starting n’t want to lose by 40,” Team World’s Pau Gasol said. still room for improvement,” Team Africa’s Boris Baffert, who said his wife, Jill, told him that is Upstart, who finished 18th in the Derby with a dunk straight from the tip-off by Luc Mbah a Washington’s Bradley Beal led Team World with Diaw of the San Antonio Spurs said, hoping for a little TV was tuned in to the Belmont at in his last race but finished second in the Moute. That had the crowd roaring early at Ellis 18 points while Paul had 12. Milwaukee’s Giannis another chance to play for an African lineup. “It was the beauty salon she goes to in Beverly Florida Derby. Park Arena in downtown Johannesburg. It got even Antetokounmpo had 22 points for Team Africa, an amazing experience. So proud to be able to rep- Hills, California. “There’s people in front of Also entered are Competitive Edge, louder when African NBA legends Hakeem with Deng adding 20. resent the continent.” his barn in the mornings, and people Keen Ice, Mr Jordan, Nonna’s Boy, Top Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo stripped off But this game was largely about the entertain- After Jeff Green’s dunk and a layup by Evan watching him gallop and cheering for him Clearance and Dontbetwithbruno. Post their business suits to don their old team uniforms ment factor, with cheerleaders and several NBA Turner, Team World was suddenly leading 85-78 in every time. It’s fun to really share him with time is 5:52 p.m. ET. The weather report is again and play for a little while in the second quar- team mascots mixing it up with the South African the fourth and the South African crowd had a the fans.” call for sunny skies and temperatures in the ter. The 52-year-old Olajuwon, in a Houston No. 34 crowd. Even the timeouts were used for stunts: proper game. Team World led 99-97 with a couple From the moment American Pharoah 80s. jersey, pulled off a turn-around jumper - the Team Africa coach Gregg Popovich took one in the of seconds to go when Green was fouled and made won the Belmont, Zayat hasn’t wavered in Baffert fares pretty well in the Haskell. “Dream Shake” - that had the current NBA stars second quarter that wasn’t used for a team talk, both free throws to seal the game. his desire to keep racing his prized horse - The Hall of Famer has won it a record seven leaping off the benches with their arms in the air. but to give everyone a chance to watch fans break- The South African exhibition was the NBA’s even though he’s sold the breeding rights times, including four of the last five years. “That’s one of the most memorable experiences dance alongside San Antonio mascot Coyote, biggest step into Africa so far, and could be the for what could be as much as $30 million, At times, Team Pharoah has been criti- ever,” said Chris Paul, one of the team captains. “I Philadelphia’s Franklin, and Atlanta’s Harry the pre-cursor to a preseason and maybe even a regu- with a stud fee that could be in the cized for running where it can make the told Dream, if he’s still moving like that at his age Hawk. Even Popovich, the five-time NBA winning lar season game on the continent, according to $100,000 range. most money before retirement, but Baffert now, I couldn’t imagine him in his day.” coach, had a big grin. Commissioner Adam Silver. “For me, as a kid, (I “You wait a lifetime for a horse like this,” and Zayat insist that’s not the case. After a relaxed first half, the game got serious in At the start of the third quarter, Paul decided wanted) to play basketball and never had the says Zayat, who has spent tens of millions Baffert said he was on a flight with the the second: Paul’s Team World rallied with a 14-0 that was enough fooling around, hitting three access to meet NBA players, or watch NBA,” said of dollars building Zayat Stables. “We want comedy duo Cheech and Chong recently. run in the fourth quarter to beat Luol Deng’s straight 3-pointers to bring the “visiting” team Deng, who was born in South Sudan. “Now to be to enjoy this. There is nothing for us to Cheech Marin asked Baffert why “home” Team Africa 101-97. back. Team Africa, made up of players born in part of a team coming back to play for Africa. I can’t prove other than continue to help the American Pharoah was running again. “In the second half we decided enough was Africa or with African heritage, couldn’t hold off the describe it.” —AP game and for people to enjoy this.” “The horse loves to run, he loves to train, After the Belmont, Zayat flew off to he enjoys it,” Baffert told him. “That’s why Europe on business. He said as he was we run him.”—AP Ishikawa moves one ahead as Tiger roars

VIRGINIA: Ryo Ishikawa sank a 30-foot- perfect, especially the 16th tee shot,” “It got me a little fired up,” smiled what I’m doing out there instead of just er at the last for a third consecutive grinned Ishikawa, who ended up just Woods, who finished level with eight hitting a shot.” World number eight birdie to edge a stroke in front after the two inches from an ace with a nine- others, including fellow Americans Pat Fowler, who won the prestigious second round while Tiger Woods also iron off the 16th tee. “18 birdie putt, it Perez (67), Charles Howell III (67) and Players Championship in May followed charged into contention at the Quicken was kind of like a surprise ... but that Jimmy Walker (63), Englishman Greg by the European Tour’s Scottish Open Loans National in Virginia on Friday. was a nice finish, yeah. My goal this Owen (68) and South Korean Kim earlier this month, soared into a tie for Ishikawa, seeking his first victory on weekend is like 15-under, 16 under,” he Meen-whee (66). second with a rousing birdie-birdie- the PGA Tour after twice finishing sec- said of his target for the 72 regulation “Got me a little more focused on birdie finish. —Reuters ond, fired a three-under-par 68 on holes. another hot, sunny day at Robert Trent Woods, who has mainly struggled Jones Golf Club in Gainesville to head a on the PGA Tour this season while tightly-bunched leaderboard. working through his latest swing The 23-year-old Japanese, co-leader change as he recovers from back sur- overnight with South African veteran gery, piled up six birdies and a bogey Retief Goosen, mixed seven birdies to rocket up the leaderboard. “I hit the with four bogeys to post an 11-under ball really well today, but I missed a few total of 131, one ahead of Americans putts,” Woods said after posting his low- Rickie Fowler (65) and Kevin Chappell est opening 36-hole total on the U.S. (68). circuit since the 2013 WGC-Bridgestone Swede David Lingmerth (65) was Invitational. “This could have been a alone at nine under while tournament really low one.” host Woods was a further stroke back Now ranked a lowly 266th in the with eight other players after carding a world, Woods said he was given extra NEW JERSEY: Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes holds Triple Crown winner American 66 on a receptive, rain-softened layout. motivation on Friday after a popped up DHAKA: Bangladesh’s ground staff members pull covers on the field Pharoah as they stand in the stable area at Monmouth Park. American Pharoah is “It wasn’t a perfect round through 15 tee shot at the 14th, his fifth hole of the as it rains on the third day of the second cricket Test match between preparing for today’s running of the Haskell Invitational horse race. —AP holes but the last three holes it was day, led to his only bogey of the round. Bangladesh and South Africa. —AP