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Friday, January 29, 2016 Rabia II 19, 1437 AH Flawless Djokovic GULF TIMES fl oors Federer to reach Australian Open fi nal SPORT Page 8

QATAR ARE ASIAN HANDBALL CHAMPS AGAIN

Qatar players celebrate after beating Bahrain 27-22 in the final of the Asian Championship in Manama yesterday. Qatar thus retained the title which they won in 2014. Incidentally, that victory also came against Bahrain.

FOOTBALL/ AFC U23 THIRD PLACE MATCH MOTOR SPORT Al-Attiyah heads 2016 Qatar Intl Last chance for Rally driver list Qatar, Iraq to win Olympic ticket Coach Sanchez: Nobody likes to play in a third place game, but this is a special case because we still have the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics

AFC Doha

By Sports Reporter cle Federation will once again host atar will seek to put the disappointment of Doha the opening round of the FIA Mid- their semi-fi nal defeat to South Korea be- dle East Rally Championship. I am hind them when they clash with Iraq today delighted to welcome each and every for a spot at the Olympic Games in Rio de he Qatar International Rally one of you, the drivers, organisers, JaneiroQ later this year. The match will be played at 2016 will start on February media, sponsors and spectators to 5.45pm at the Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. 4th with world champion participate in one of the toughest Qatar and Iraq meet in the third place play-off with Nasser bin Saleh al-Attiyah rallies and most prestigious events the winner claiming the continent’s sole remaining Tleading the entry list. There will be in the world,” said QMMF president place at the Olympic Games after Japan and South 15 participants in this year’s edition Nasser Khalifa al-Attiyah during the Korea advanced to the fi nal of the AFC U23 Champi- with participants expected from Eu- launch of the event. onship and took the fi rst two tickets for Brazil. ropean countries like Sweden and This year the MERC will see an “Nobody likes to play in a third place game, but Italy. In addition, rally drivers from additional two rounds with rallies this is a special case because we still have the oppor- Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan and in Oman and Iran being included. tunity to qualify for the Olympics,” said Qatar coach Turkey have also confi rmed their “This year our MERC calendar has Felix Sanchez. participation. an additional two rounds with Oman “The players were not happy (after losing to South This event is one of the fl agship and Iran participating and this will Korea), but they are aware and very motivated be- events conducted under the QMMF add to the challenge for the compet- cause it’s a very good opportunity for us to go to Rio, umbrella and will be a three-day itors, promising to make this year’s so the players are fully motivated for the game.” event. It will have 13 stages includ- championship even more exciting Both coaches declared their teams fully fi t for the ing link stages. The total distance than 2014,” al-Attiyah said. crucial game, with Qatar’s infl uential Ab- covered by the participants will be Confi rming meanwhile that ral- delkarim Hassan available despite some concerns 535.24km. The rally will begin in lies sport is considered one of the while Mohamed Muntari returns from suspension for front of the QMMF headquarters (on most important sports that attrac- the host nation. Safa Jabbar and Saif Salman will be Salwa Road) at 7:30am on Feb 4. tive a large number of youth in both available for Iraq after missing the 2-1 loss to Japan. Marwan Musabeh will be the Qatar and the whole region, as this “After fi ve games in a short period of time, fi tness Clerk of the Course for the QIR and sport contributed much in high- is an important point in the game,” said Sanchez. he said that QMMF’s focus was to lighting a large number of young “We hope we are going to face this game in good improve motorsport in the Qatar faces who proved their profi ciency condition. Physically, technically and tactically the Qatar coach Felix Sanchez directs a training session ahead of his team’s clash with Iraq. and in the region. The focus is on throughout the achievements that players are motivated and I’m sure they are going to providing support to and helping they have scored in the international give 100 percent.” “Both teams have the same feelings. Both are com- They also narrowly missed out on a place in At- developing the young talent in the championships. As the host nation, Qatar can expect to have the ing from a shock after the defeat in the semi-fi nal but lanta in 1996, losing to Japan in the third place play- country. He confi rmed that rallying 2016 FIA MERC calendar backing of the majority of the crowd at Abdullah for the Iraq team the main target is to get one of the off . was growing in popularity and that a Feb. 4-6: Qatar International Rally Bin Khalifa Stadium today evening, but Iraqi coach three tickets for Rio. “In the last game we provided a good performance large number of the youth in Qatar, March 24-26: Kuwait International Abdulghani Shahad is confi dent his team will not be “So our main focus is on our team and the Qatar and we had the possibility to qualify for the fi nal,” as well as the region, were taking up Rally aff ected by the relative lack of support for his team. team and how to prepare the team and to realise our said Shahad. “I was sure that both Arab teams could the sport. May 5-7:Jordan International Rally “It can have an impact and be an advantage for the goal.” reach the fi nal, but this is football and we are now This rally will also serve as the Sep. 2-4: Lebanon International Qatar team,” said the coach. “But our team they are Iraq have a strong track record at the Olympic ready for the next game. opening round of the FIA Middle Rally used to focusing when they are playing without fans Games, having reached the semi-fi nals in 2004 when “We had a meeting with the players, we spoke with East Rally Championship (MERC) Oct. 7-9: Cyprus International Rally or with a few fans and they are used to putting on a they joined Japan and South Korea as one of the con- them and told them this is the last game and we have 2016. “It is with great pride and hon- Nov. 3-5: Oman International Rally good game. tinent’s three representatives in Athens. to go for the victory.” our that Qatar Motor and Motorcy- Nov. 17-19 Dubai International Rally Gulf Times 2 Friday, January 29, 2016 SPORT

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Rayyan and Lekhwiya win; Wakrah shock Al Sadd Koh Myong-jin and captain Rodrego Tabata score for the league leaders

By Sports Reporter Doha

SL league leaders Al Rayyan put in a pro- fessional display to defeat Umm Salal 2-0 atQ Al Gharafa stadium yesterday evening to maintain their 11— point advantage over Lekhwiya. Goals from Korean midfi elder Koh Myong-jin and a 16th goal of the season from Captain Ro- drego Tabata ensured all three points for the Lions. Al Rayyan opened the scoring within minutes of the restart of the second half. Korean International Koh Myong-jin capitalized on a host of defensive errors to slot into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. Umm Salal head coach was rightly annoyed with his side, who failed to clear the ball on three separate occasions before Koh burst through on goal. The game did threaten to boil over at times, and it was to the credit of referee Saoud al-Athba who marshaled the players well throughout the match. Al Rayyan started to dominate possession, and doubled their lead in controversial circum- stances. Captain Rodrigo was adjudged to be bundled over in the penalty area by defender Rami Fayez, and the referee pointed to the spot. Rayyan’s talismanic cap- tain stepped up to dispatch the ball past Baba Malick. Later, defending champions Lekhwiya needed a dramatic last minute winner from Ismael Mo- hammed to defeat Al Kharaitiyat 3-2 in a pulsating match at Al Lekhwiya and Kharaitiyat players vying for the ball during their Qatar Stars League match yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil Khor stadium. Lekhwiya took an early lead his header to give the Thunders a off one of the shocks of round 16 Sadd to push on in the second courtesy of Mohammed Razak, a lead in the match. The defend- of the QSL defeating Al Sadd 3-1 half, but it was the home side smart turn in the box evaded the ing QSL champions went about at Al Wakrah stadium. who edged ahead in the second oncoming Kharaitiyat defender looking for an equalizer and Al Wakrah made an ideal start half. allowing the Qatari interna- found one just fi ve minutes later to proceedings when Argentine In the 56th minute a thun- tional to smash the ball into the from an unlikely source. striker Sasha’s tap in eff ort just derous strike from Portugeese net from close range. Lekhwiya Defender Mohammed Moussa crossed the line to give the Blue midfi elder Rúben Amorim hit looked the better team in the tapped in at the back post from Waves an early goal on the 8th the cross bar and striker Mahir fi rst half, however they couldn’t close range after a Nam Tae minute. Youseff was free to nod in the convert their chances and the Hee’s free-kick was diligently Despite protests from the rebound. fi rst half ended 1-0. fl icked on by Chico Flores. Sadd defence, the goal was Al Sadd pushed hard for an The second half started in The defensive duo had linked rightly allowed to stand. equalizer, but Al Wakrah hit disastrous circumstances for up to give the QSL champs a Shocked by the opener Sadd their third goal of the game on the Red Nights with defender deserved equalizer. Lekhwiya sprang into action, and eventu- the break on the 83rd minute. A Khalid Muftah heading into his completed the come back on ally found the back of the net and long goal kick and an unchar- own net. His misguided header the 90th minute with a fi ne goal a deserved equalizer from Qatari acteristic slip from defender looped over Lekhwiya stopper worthy of winning the game. international captain Hassan al- Mohammed Kasola gave striker Amine Lecomte, to give Amir Moammed Razak played a Haydoos. Sasha all the time in the world to Osim’s side an equalizer. smart pass to captain Karim With fi ve minutes left in the grab his second goal of the match Al Kharaityat kept up the Boudiaf. His fl icked return fell fi rst half, the winger hit an ac- and to deservedly give Wakrah pressure and where eventually into the path of attacker Ismael robatic overhead kick from a all three points. rewarded on the 82nd minute. Mohammed, which sailed into pinpoint cross to give his side a In the day’s other match, Qa- Striker Jaralla al-Marri had the back of the net. lifeline in the match. tar Sports Club and Al Arabi plenty of time and space to place Meanwhile, Al Wakrah pulled Many would have expected played out a 1-1 draw . Rayyan’s Tabata (R) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Umm Salal. PICTURE: Mamdouh

PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE MIDDLE EAST ROUND 4 FOCUS Let’s work together towards 2022, says Frijns ready to chase Australian minister Colbeck

By sports Reporter down podium place Doha delegation from Australia led by the Australian By Sports Reporter minister for tourism and international education Doha Richard Colbeck visited the Supreme Committee for & Legacy (SC) in Doha this week for a knowledgeA sharing workshop aimed at enhancing co-op- ubai Autodrome will be the centre of the re- eration between the two countries ahead of the 2022 FIFA gional motor racing world this weekend as it World Cup Qatar. plays host to Round 4 of the Porsche GT3 Cup “It is fantastic to be here, and a great opportunity to Challenge Middle East, now entering the crucial work with you towards Qatar 2022,” Colbeck said. “You are secondD half of the season with the drivers getting to grips working towards putting on a major event and we are look- with the track today for the fi rst time in 2016. ing to transfer some of our knowledge from major events For Frijns, racing for Frijns Structural Steel Middle East such as the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, and build on the alongside his teammate and father Rob Frijns, Round 4 in strong relations between our two countries.” Dubai is a further opportunity to close in on the drivers at The delegation from Australia included the ambas- the top of the standings. CHARLIE FRIJNS sador to the UAE and Qatar Arthur Spyrou and the 2015 The Doha-based driver is currently fi fth position fol- AFC Transfer of Knowledge Team. Also in attendance in lowing an indiff erent start to the season but last week- the discussions were members of the SC who had engaged end’s third round at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit sig- on an observation trip to Australia during the 2015 AFC nalled a return to form. For local motorsport fans in the UAE the pure race ac- Asian Cup. Topics discussed included updates on stadium As a driver that has consistently performed well at tion featuring the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and one of the construction and the SC workers’ welfare standards, the the testing Dubai Autodrome circuit, Frijns is looking to strongest grids ever assembled in the series means in- legacy planning for Qatar 2022 and the impact which the reduce the seven point gap to fourth placed driver Ab- tense rivalries throughout the fi eld. Asian Cup has had in Australia, as well as ways to engage dulaziz AlFaisal of Saudi Arabia and Ireland’s Ryan Cullen The region’s leading drivers will line-up in the Por- with diff erent communities and raise awareness for foot- who sits in third. sche 911 GT3 as the star attractions at Dubai Autodrome. ball through outreach campaigns. Speaking ahead of Round 4 at the Dubai Autodrome Widely favoured as one of the most challenging and ex- Chief of the Advisory Unit and Special Projects at the SC Charlie Frijns said: “Testing was pretty diffi cult this citing racing tracks in the Middle East, the autodrome’s Khalid al-Kubaisi, said: “This was an excellent opportunity to morning, we went out on old tires and the track didn’t 5.39KM Grand Prix Circuit will host a crucial showdown exchange knowledge and experience between our two coun- have much grip, we changed the tires and went out again in what are expected to be colder conditions this weekend tries, which regularly host major sporting events of the high- and it feels much better. It’s a great track and I am feeling in the UAE. est calibre. Both Qatar’s hosting of the 2011 Asian Cup, and confi dent after the last race in Yas Marina last weekend. I The drivers will face 10 laps with Round 4 Race 1 on Fri- Australia’s organisation of the same competition in 2015 dis- A delegation led by Australian minister for tourism and am looking forward to the weekend and hoping I can get day 29 January and Race 2 on Saturday 30 January with all play the amount of potential for collaboration and knowledge international education Richard Colbeck visited the Supreme the fi rst win of the season!” fans welcome. sharing ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.” Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in Doha. Gulf Times Friday, January 29, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Martinez ‘hurt’ Van Gaal denies by Everton’s League Cup exit resignation ahead of AFP equalised with a defl ected shot London and after Aguero and David Silva had hit the post, the 66th- minute introduction of De Bru- verton manager Roberto yne tipped the balance of the tie Martinez complained in City’s favour. The Belgian’s that his team had been night was to end in painful fash- FA Cup Derby duel unjustly denied a place ion, however, as he had to be inE the League Cup fi nal after a stretchered from the fi eld after controversy-fl ecked semi-fi nal his right knee buckled in a chal- loss to Manchester City. lenge with Ramiro Funes Mori. ‘This is the third time that I have been ‘sacked’ and I am still sitting here for you’ Everton were 3-2 up on aggre- The 24-year-old will undergo gate in Tuesday’s second leg at tests, but City manager Manuel the Etihad Stadium when Kevin Pellegrini said he was “optimis- De Bruyne drew City level in the tic” that De Bruyne would not 70th minute despite Raheem miss the rest of the season. Sterling appearing to have taken Pellegrini dismissed Martin- the ball beyond the byline before ez’s complaints about De Bru- cutting the ball back for his Bel- yne’s goal, citing decisions that gian team-mate. had gone against City in both the Six minutes later De Bruyne fi rst leg and the recent goalless crossed for Sergio Aguero to head draw between the teams in the in the decisive goal in a 4-3 ag- Premier League. “Maybe it was a gregate win, setting up a meeting mistake of the referee, but I think with Liverpool in next month’s one thing that Everton cannot fi nal, but Martinez felt the dam- complain about is the referee,” age had been done earlier. said the Chilean, who led City to “It was a clear decision—the a league and League Cup double ball is out of play,” said Martin- two years ago. ez. “The second goal, I felt that “We lost at Goodison Park decision aff ected too much the with a clear off side in the rstfi outcome of us reaching Wembley goal, with a clear penalty for Je- or not. That is why it hurts. You sus Navas that they didn’t whis- don’t mind if Manchester City tle. We drew here 0-0 in the Pre- fi nd a way of being outstanding mier League with a clear penalty and scoring three goals. It is very against Raheem Sterling. And to- diffi cult to fi nd an explanation in night (Wednesday) the fi rst goal the dressing room for the play- was a clear foul against Aguero. ers, to fi nd a reason we have been “It was one mistake against knocked out. That is hurtful and four or fi ve mistakes. I think we unfair. We want to make sure we were better than Everton on this pay our fans back and take them night and we deserved more than to Wembley this season.” them to be in the fi nal.” Asked if the incident empha- City lost 4-1 at home to Liv- sised the need for video technol- erpool when their paths last ogy to be introduced to the sport, crossed in November. But with Martinez responded: “My ques- an FA Cup fourth-round game at tion is, do we need technology to Aston Villa coming up this week- get that right? For me that action end followed by league games is so clear. I would expect an in- against Sunderland, Leicester ternational or Premier League City and Tottenham Hotspur, linesman to get that call right. I Pellegrini is not thinking about would expect a top referee to get facing Jurgen Klopp’s men yet. his angle and his position right.” “If you have two very good Leading 2-1 from the fi rst leg, teams as Liverpool and Man- Everton extended their advan- chester City, it will be a brilliant tage in the 18th minute of the fi nal,” he said. “But we have now return leg when Ross Barkley left one month before we prepare Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has faced a trying week following the home defeat by Southampton which saw the Old Traff ord crowd turn on the Dutch. (AFP) Nicolas Otamendi and Fabian that game. It is important to Delph for dead before steering a focus on the FA Cup and after AFP fi ght, you have bigger motivation than Derby, managed by former Real Ma- Schweinsteiger is also unavailable with a shot into the bottom-left corner. that we have two very important Manchester when they support you. But I am always drid assistant coach Paul Clements, go knee injury. Derby could award a debut to But Fernandinho swiftly games in the Premier League.” fi ghting.” into the game on the back of a heavy 4-1 Swedish international left-back Marcus Van Gaal’s fi ghting spirit has certainly loss to Championship promotion rivals Olsson, who signed from Blackburn Rov- anchester United manager been tested to the full of late. United have Burnley, which left them fi fth in Eng- ers this week. Louis van Gaal thanked ex- fallen well out of title contention and now land’s second division. Holders Arsenal continue their quest ecutive vice chairman Ed look to be struggling even to secure a top But Clements is relishing the chance for a third successive FA Cup trophy—a Woodward for his support four fi nish and, with it, an all-important to lead his players out against United, feat last achieved by Blackburn between Myesterday as he denied reports he had of- place in the Champions League. who Derby last overcame in the FA Cup 1884 and 1886 -- at home to Burnley to- fered to resign. Van Gaal has faced a try- But van Gaal insisted that, contrary to in 1897. “What a challenge, to play one of morrow. Arsenal squandered an oppor- ing week following the home defeat by reports, he had never off ered to resign. “I arguably the biggest clubs in world foot- tunity to regain top spot in the Premier Southampton which saw the Old Traff ord have not mentioned that, ever,” he said. ball,” he told the Derby website. League last Sunday when they lost 1-0 at crowd turn on the veteran Dutch man- “This is the third time that I have been “It’s clear they’re not having the best home to Chelsea, which left them with- ager. But Woodward has been steadfast ‘sacked’ and I am still sitting here for you. time themselves at the moment, but it’s out a win in three games. in his support of van Gaal, who has 18 I have always faced this (scrutiny).” an opportunity for two teams to come to- Liverpool host West Ham United to- months remaining on his contract, and Van Gaal also appeared far more up- gether and put in a performance. It’s go- morrow, while Manchester City visit the appears determined to keep him in place beat, and defi ant, than had been the case ing to be nice to put ourselves up against Premier League’s bottom club, Aston Vil- until at least the end of the season. following the Southampton defeat when a very good side with world-class players, la. Liverpool and Manchester City both Reports suggested van Gaal had even he apologised to United supporters. “It and a fantastic coach in Van Gaal.” reached the League Cup fi nal in midweek. off ered to resign following the South- is always like that when you lose a game, Van Gaal’s defensive injury problems Guus Hiddink’s quest to repeat his ampton setback and that Jose Mourinho certainly in the last minute, that you are continue to mount, with right-back 2009 FA Cup triumph with Chelsea had been increasingly put forward as a fed up,” he said. Matteo Darmian, who sustained a rib in- continues on Sunday when his side visit potential replacement should United “How we have played is not always the jury against Southampton, joining Luke second-tier Milton Keynes Dons, who decide to make a change. But van Gaal’s main issue because you can play badly Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo famously humiliated Manchester Unit- position appears safe for the time being, and win. When that happens, you are not and auxiliary full-back Ashley Young on ed—and Van Gaal -- 4-0 in last season’s although he conceded that the unwaver- so fed up. But we have played very well the sidelines. Central midfi elder Bastian League Cup. ing support of Woodward and the board and lost, like Chelsea away last season, so bring with it a greater level of pressure. when that happens you are more fed up “It is fantastic of course, but that also than ever. FA CUP FIXTURES gives you a lot of pressure,” he told a “It is your duty as a manager and a news conference yesterday. “When the player to stand up again and do what Today (1945 GMT): Derby County v West Ham United (1730 GMT), Nottingham board has such confi dence, the pressure you do because that is a professional at- Manchester United Forest v Watford, Oxford United v Black- is much higher than when they say it is titude,” he insisted. United needed a Tomorrow (1500 GMT unless otherwise burn Rovers, Portsmouth v Bournemouth, your last game or something like that,” stoppage-time Wayne Rooney penalty stated): Arsenal v Burnley, Aston Villa Reading v Walsall, Shrewsbury Town v said van Gaal, speaking ahead of Friday’s to overcome third-tier Sheffi eld United v Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers v Sheff ield Wednesday, West Bromwich Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne writhes in pain as FA Cup fourth-round tie away to second- in round three and the United captain is Leeds United, Bury v Hull City, Colchester Albion v Peterborough United Everton’s Spanish goalkeeper Joel Robles talk to him before tier Derby County. anticipating another testing evening at United v Tottenham Hotspur (1245 GMT), Sunday: Carlisle United v Everton (1330 being stretchered off during the English League Cup second leg “When your confi dence is not so high, the iPro Stadium, where United won 4-1 Crystal Palace v Stoke City, Liverpool v GMT), Milton Keynes Dons v Chelsea (1600) semi-final match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north you can fi ght against it. When you can in the fi fth round in 2009. west England, on Wednesday. (AFP)

FIFA ‘WHISTLEBLOWER’ HELPS SWISS CONMEBOL says it backs Infantino INVESTIGATION AGAINST BLATTER Zurich: An important witness has off ered infor- Swiss prosecutors last year opened a criminal Reuters into the worst crisis in its 111- News of 10 secured votes from Al Khalifa of Bahrain. mation to help criminal proceedings against investigation of individuals on suspicion of Asuncion, Paraguay year history last May, with the South America is a further boost Former FIFA deputy general long-time president of the world football body mismanagement and money laundering. In arrest of offi cials by American to Infantino’s bid after he col- secretary Jerome Champagne FIFA, Sepp Blatter, the Swiss attorney general’s September the Swiss attorney general’s off ice and Swiss authorities probing lected seven promised votes of France, South African busi- off ice said yesterday. also announced that it had opened a criminal he South American corruption allegations. from Central America’s UNCAF nessman and politician Tokyo Spokesman Andre Marty said in an interview investigation into FIFA president Sepp Blatter Football Confederation “The CONMEBOL executive organisation on Monday. CON- Sexwale and Jordan’s Prince Ali with TV programme “Morgenmagazin”, broad- over a 2.0 million Swiss franc payment made by CONMEBOL threw its committee has decided to back MEBOL had previously backed Bin Al Hussein are the other can- cast on German channel ARD, that it should be FIFA to European soccer boss Michel Platini. support behind Gianni Gianni Infantino’s candidacy for Infantino in November, before didates. Forty-one individuals, clear by the end of 2016 to mid-2017 whether The payment was made in 2011 for work TInfantino’s bid for the presidency the presidency of FIFA,” the con- several of its offi cials featured in many of them national associa- there was evidence to bring a charge against completed in 2002 by Platini, who has been of football’s crisis-hit govern- federation said in statement. It the second Department of Justice tion presidents, and entities have Blatter whose presidency has ended with the described as being between a “witness and ing body FIFA yesterday, days said the committee “expressed corruption indictments. The De- been indicted in the United States worst corruption scandal in FIFA’s history. an accused person” by Swiss attorney general after central American countries its unanimous approval to vote as cember 5 indictments saw charg- for bribery, money laundering “In the name of the off ice of the attorney Michael Lauber. pledged to back him. Infantino, a block for Gianni Infantino”. es against then CONMEBOL and wire fraud since May in the general of Switzerland I can confirm that a wit- Blatter and Platini, who were subsequently a 45-year-old Swiss-Italian, is Infantino is one of fi ve men president Juan Angel Napout of organisation’s worst-ever cor- ness has given us interesting information that banned for eight years each by FIFA’s own eth- currently general secretary of bidding to replace Sepp Blat- Paraguay as well as general sec- ruption crisis. Blatter and Michel is relevant for the case and should be essential ics committee, have denied wrongdoing. A new European body UEFA and claims ter at the helm of FIFA, whose retary Jose Luis Meiszner of Ar- Platini, who had been a strong for the investigation,” Marty said in an emailed president will be elected in February. to have overwhelming backing 209 member associations each gentina, along with offi cials from favourite to succeed him, were statement. In the TV interview, Marty used the A criminal investigation is also under way in from his own continent, making have one vote in the February 26 Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. banned over a payment of two term “whistleblower” to describe the witness, the United States where 41 individuals, includ- him one of the front-runners in electoral congress. Blatter, who The strongest challenger to In- million Swiss francs ($2 million) suggesting he might be a FIFA insider. He de- ing a number of leading football federation next month’s FIFA vote. had been in charge at FIFA since fantino appears to be Asian Foot- made to the Frenchman by FIFA clined to comment on that point in the emailed presidents and FIFA off icials, and sports entities The election was called after 1998, was banned from football ball Confederation (AFC) presi- with Blatter’s approval in 2011 for statement. have been indicted. the organisation was plunged for eight years in December. dent Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim work done a decade earlier. Gulf Times 4 Friday, January 29, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT Guardiola faces unrest in Bayern squad

AFP Bayern player to pick up an injury this Martinez have just returned. Germany Munich season. Long-term team doctor Hans- star Thomas Mueller joked the squad Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt abruptly has a ‘disease of the boot’ after last Fri- ceased working with the team last day’s 2-1 win at Hamburg saw Boateng here are reports of unrest in season after an apparent fall-out with become the latest sidelined player. the Bayern Munich squad with Guardiola. Another possible reason for discon- magazine Kicker quoting a The renowned doctor resigned after tent emerged when Arjen Robben ad- player saying the atmosphere Bayern’s medical staff was blamed for mitted to Dutch television last month Tis “not good” ahead of Pep Guardiola’s the 3-1 loss to Porto in the last 16 of that he was ‘annoyed’ by Guardiola’s departure. Bayern are in rude health in the Champions League before the club decision to leave. He is unlikely to be the Bundesliga table with the Bavarian was later knocked out in the semi- the only Bayern star irritated by the giants eight points clear and on course fi nals. The current medical staff have Spaniard going public about his depar- to win a record fourth straight league struggled to get the likes of stars Mario ture with only half the season gone. title. Goetze, Medhi Benatia and Franck “I’m annoyed about it. It’s a real But off the pitch, there are rumours Ribery fi t this season. shame,” Robben told Dutch television Guardiola is losing the dressing room In December, France winger Franck station NOS on Monday with Carlo having announced last month that he Ribery picked up a fresh leg injury, just Ancelotti set to take over as Bayern will leave at the end of the season after weeks after coming back from a per- coach next season. three years in Munich. The Spaniard sistent ankle problem. Ribery should Bayern host strugglers Hoff enheim has said he wants to coach in England be back next week, but Bayern has only on Sunday in the league, then face next season, but wants to sign off with said Boateng will be out for a “long Bayer Leverkusen, Bochum in the cup the treble of Champions League, Bun- time” with fears the star defender Augsburg away, then play mid-table desliga and German Cup titles. could miss the next three months. Darmstadt at home. They play Juven- But Guardiola, 45, has come under He is Bayern’s third defender cur- tus in Turin on February 23 in the last pressure after centre-back Jerome rently sidelined along with Benatia 16 of the Champions League with the Manager Pep Guardiola (right), seen here with Thomas Muller, is losing the dressing room having announced last month Boateng last Friday became the 14th and Rafi nha, while Juan Bernat and Javi return leg in Munich on March 16. that he will leave at the end of the season after three years in Munich.

COPA DEL REY FRENCH LEAGUE CUP Di Maria strike Barca into semis, helps PSG past Toulouse

AFP speculative eff ort off target from Celta upset Atletico Paris PSG midfi elder Benjamin Stam- bouli the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock. olders Paris Saint- Away manager Dominique Ar- Barca responded in the second half thanks to goals from Suarez, Pique and Neymar Germain moved into ribage though would have been the French League Cup pleased with the way his men fi nal after seeing off kept their more illustrious op- aH stubborn Toulouse 2-0 at the ponents at arm’s length for long Celta Vigo’s players celebrate after their win over Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Parc des Princes on Wednesday. periods. PSG though fi nally end- Calderon stadium in Madrid. (Reuters) The away team were much im- ed Toulouse’s resistance in the proved from their 4-0 thrashing 65th minute as Lavezzi sent out at Monaco on Sunday, but after a reminder of his talents with a Ezequiel Lavezzi put PSG in front crucial goal. the result never seemed in doubt. The Argentine was set clear by Angel di Maria backed up his an excellent deep pass from Adr- excellent brace against Angers ien Rabiot that took the visiting tomorrow with a wonderful sec- defence out of the equation, and ond goal to put paid to Toulouse he fi nished at the second attempt hopes. after goalkeeper Mauro Goic- The visitors’ misery was com- oechea had kept out his initial pounded late on when substitute eff ort. Just seven minutes later Martin Braithwaite had a penalty his compatriot di Maria made it saved by Nicolas Douchez. two with a pin-point, swerving The capital city outfi t are shot from distance that gave PSG now just one win away from ex- the breathing space they needed tending their record haul of fi ve to ease into the fi nal. League Cups and will face Lille in Braithwaite came off the bench the fi nal on April 23 at the Stade and won an 89th minute penalty de France. “We showed an ex- when he was brought down by emplary mentality and played Presnel Kimpembe. But the Dan- a good match,” said PSG coach ish striker’s weak spot-kick was Laurent Blanc who made seven well saved by stand-in goalkeep- changes to his starting lineup. er Douchez. “We are a composed team, the Although David Luiz hobbled players want to win matches.” off injured in stoppage time, this It was a rather drab opening was a thoroughly satisfactory 45 minutes in the capital, with a day for the French champions.

AFP “We know we didn’t play well in the Pique killed the tie off nine minutes takes in the small details of the game and Barcelona fi rst-half, but in the second-half we came from time when he rose to power home they took advantage of it,” said Atletico out with a diff erent attitude and that al- Dani Alves’s cross from the right. coach Diego Simeone. lowed us to save the day and progress to And Neymar got his revenge for some Following a 0-0 draw in the fi rst-leg opa del Rey holders Barcelona the semis.” rough treatment dished out by the Ath- last week, Hernandez handed Celta the had to weather a fi rst-half storm Williams signed a new long-term deal letic defence when he skipped past Mikel vital away goal when he headed home the from Athletic Bilbao before pro- with a 50 million euro buyout clause last San Jose before fi ring into the corner. opener midway through the fi rst-half. gressing to the semi-fi nals for week and showed more signs of his bur- Barca meet Atletico in a top of the table Antoine Griezmann gave the 10-time theC seventh consecutive season with a 3-1 geoning talent with a cool fi nish from Ar- clash in La Liga tomorrow, but there is no Cup winners hope with an equaliser be- win to seal a 5-2 aggregate victory. itz Aduriz’s fi ne through ball to register chance of the sides meeting in semi-fi nal fore half-time. Atletico Madrid failed to make the last his 11th goal of the season. draw as Celta produced an upset at the But Guidetti’s stunning hit into the top four, though, as they conceded three goals Athletic should have then gone in front Vicente Calderon thanks to Pablo Hern- corner from 25 yards and another Hern- for the fi rst time in a year to lose 3-2 on on aggregate when Javier Eraso turned andez’s brace either side of former Man- andez header sealed the Galicians a place the night and on aggregate to Celta Vigo. Williams’s dangerous cross wide before chester City and Celtic striker John Gui- in the semi-fi nals before Angel Correa’s Inaki Williams’s early strike for the vis- Markel Susaeta also failed to hit the target detti’s sensational strike. late consolation. itors at the Camp Nou gave Athletic hope from Aduriz’s knockdown. “To come to such a great stadium and Gary Neville’s Valencia look to kick of exacting revenge for defeat in last sea- Those misses were to prove crucial as club and play such an all-round game start their stumbling campaign when son’s fi nal to Barca. However, the Basques Barca upped their game after the break as with bravery and character, playing our they face Las Palmas on Thursday after failed to take a series of chances when on the star front three of Lionel Messi, Sua- style of football, I am proud to coach these only managing a 1-1 draw in the fi rst-leg top before half-time and Barca responded rez and Neymar came alive. Messi created players,” said Celta boss Eduardo Berizzo, at home last week. in the second period thanks to goals from the equaliser when he latched onto Sergi who hailed the result as his best in charge And Sevilla are heavy favourites to Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and Neymar. Roberto’s ball over the top and his low of the Galicians. make the last four as they carry a 2-0 lead Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Angel Di Maria shoots to “The early goal for them made life dif- cross was slotted home at the back post “We didn’t play badly. We created plen- into their second-leg away to Second Di- score a goal during the French League Cup football match against fi cult for us,” Suarez told Canal Plus. by Suarez for his 30th goal of the season. ty of chances, but it is true we made mis- vision Mirandes. Toulouse the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. (AFP)

MORATA HITS BRACE AS JUVE ROUT INTER IN ITALIAN CUP SEMI FIRST LEG

Turin: Alvaro Morata answered his critics with seen him bag a hat-trick. Allegri told Rai Sport: didn’t reflect the game,” Mancini said. Melo’s mistake was too much for Mancini, Spaniard, but somehow Morata ballooned over a brace for Juventus in a thrilling 3-0 win in the “He had a good game, he broke the deadlock Morata stepped up to beat Inter ‘keeper who immediately replaced the Brazilian—who from eight yards. first leg of their Italian Cup semi-final against with a penalty that wasn’t easy to score and Handanovic from the spot nine minutes from only returned recently from a three-match Dybala, who has hit 12 Serie A goals this Inter Milan in Turin on Wednesday. then hit his second. the interval after Jeison Murillo felled Juan ban—with Marcelo Brozovic. Brozovic injected season, wrapped up the win only minutes after Morata last hit the net for the league and “Tonight, we gave ourselves a good chance Cuadrado in the area to earn the first of two some much needed punch into Inter’s attack, coming off the bench to replace Mario Mand- Cup champions four months ago and has fallen of heading to the final, but let’s not forget we yellow cards on the night. Morata hit a superb but their hopes of reducing the arrears suff ered zukic with a superb sweeping shot that went out of favour with coach Massimiliano Allegri still have 90 minutes to play at the San Siro.” second just after the hour when he pounced a blow only minutes later when Murillo saw red through Handanovic’s legs six minutes from amid the spectacular rise of Argentinian Paulo Inter coach Roberto Mancini felt the score- on Felipe Melo’s poor control of Patrice Evra’s for a second foul on Cuadrado. time. Juve, who secured their first league and Dybala. But the former Real Madrid striker line flattered Juve, but the former Manchester drive across goal, spinning away from his It means Mancini will be without two defend- Cup double in 20 years last season, travel to was given a rare start in the Cup version of City handler admitted they now face an uphill marker to fire into Handanovic’s far top corner. ers, Murillo and Joao Miranda, for the return Milan for the second leg as favourites for their the ‘Derby d’Italia’—as the Juve v Inter fixture climb if they are to reach their first final since Morata admitted it had been “an important leg on March 3. Morata should have had his second Cup trophy. On Tuesday, fallen giants is commonly known—and reminded fans of beating Palermo in 2011. night for me”, adding: “Thanks to all my team- third on 78 minutes when Frenchman Paul AC Milan edged third division side Alessandria his class with a performance that should have “They deserved to win but the scoreline mates for their encouragement and support.” Pogba curled in a delightful delivery for the 1-0 at Torino’s Stadio Olimpico. Gulf Times Friday, January 29, 2016 5 CRICKET

FOCUS ICC U-19 WORLD CUP India beat New Zealand cricket Ireland, Nepal chief apologises for stun Kiwis Agencies Sundar hit a polished 62. Irish Dhaka seamers Rory Anders and Joshua Little picked up three each, but tail-ender Zeeshan ualifi ers Nepal caused Ansari boosted India’s total with Amir cash taunt the fi rst major upset of a run-a-ball 36 at the end. Ire- the ICC U-19 Cricket land was bowled out for 189 in World Cup when it reply as Rahul Batham took three ‘It has the eff ect of trivialising one of the biggest issues facing cricket’ stunnedQ New Zealand by 32 runs for 15 and Avesh Khan fi nished in a Group D match in Fatullah with two for 24. yesterday. In Group B games played in Nepal, which won the quali- Sylhet, Pakistan crushed Af- fying event in Malaysia last year ghanistan by six wickets and Sri to return to the World Cup after Lanka overpowered Canada by missing the previous tournament 196 runs. in 2014, bowled out the Kiwis for BRIEF SCORES 206 after it was set a 239-run Afghanistan 126 all out, 41.2 overs target. While captain Raju Rijal (Tariq Stanikzai 53; Shadab Khan top-scored for Nepal with 48, 4-9, Hasan Mohsin 3-24) lost to seamer Dipender Airee’s three Pakistan 129-4, 31.3 overs (Zeeshan wickets and off -spinner Prem Malik 29, Hasan Mohsin 28 , Tamang’s two helped clinch the Mohammad Umar 25; Zia-ur-Reh- dramatic win. man 2-31) by six wickets Dale Phillips scored 41 to make Sri Lanka 315-6, 50 overs (Charith a late victory bid for New Zealand Asalanka 76, Shammu Ashan 74, before he was last out to spark Kaveen Bandara 61, Vishad de Silva joyous celebrations in the Nepa- 51; Abdul Haseeb 2-65) bt Canada lese camp. “This was a great win 119 all out, 39.2 overs (Arslan Khan for us,” said Rijal. “We fi elded 42 not out; Lahiru Kumara 2-22, brilliantly to eff ect three run- Thilan Nimesh 2-19, Damitha Silva outs and that turned the match 2-16) by 196 runs for us.” New Zealand skipper India 268-9, 50 overs (Sarfaraz Josh Finnie said his side messed Khan 74, Washington Sundar 62, up what should have been a com- Zeeshan Ansari 36; Rory Anders fortable run-chase. “We made 3-35, Joshua Little 3-52) bt Ireland the target more diffi cult for our- 189 all out, 49.1 overs (Lorcan selves,” he said. “We must now Tucker 57, William McClintock 58; win the next two games against Avesh Khan 2-24, Rahul Batham India and Ireland if we are to 3-15) by 79 runs progress.” Nepal 238-7, 50 overs (Raju Rijal 48, Three-time champion India Sandeep Sunar 39, Aarif Sheikh 39, overcame a shaky start against Kushal Bhurtel 35 not out; Nathan Ireland to open its campaign Smith 3-58) bt New Zealand 206 with a 79-run victory in Mir- all out, 47.1 overs (Glenn Phillips pur in another Group D match. 52, Josh Finnie 37, Dale Phillips 41; India was reduced to 55 for four Dipendra Airee 3-24, Prem Tamang after being sent in to bat, before 2-38) by 32 runs Sarfaraz Khan and Washington TODAY’S FIXTURES Sundar pulled their side out of Group A – Namibia v Scotland, trouble with a 110-run stand for SKICS, Cox’s Bazar the fi fth . Group C – England v West Indies, Sarfaraz smashed 74 off 70 ZACS, Chittagong balls which included seven Group C – Fiji v Zimbabwe, MA boundaries, while left-handed Aziz, Chittagong

Pakistan’s Mohamed Amir calls for a catch on Mitchell Santner (left) of New Zealand during the first ODI at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Monday. (AFP)

AFP prison term and ban for his role in a 2010 Amir amid chants of “I’ve got a dollar for witty or smart, it’s usually straight to the Wellington spot-fi xing scandal. you”. point,” he said. During the third in Welling- But White diff erentiated between ton last Friday, ground announcer Mark the actions of spectators and those of a SECOND ODI WASHED OUT IN NAPIER ew Zealand Cricket has apolo- McLeod played the sound of a cash reg- ground announcer working for New Zea- The second one-day international be- gised to the touring Pakistan ister when Amir was running in to bowl. land Cricket. tween New Zealand and Pakistan in Na- team after a ground announcer “I think it was inappropriate and disre- “We can’t direct people how to behave pier was abandoned without a ball being taunted paceman Mohamed spectful, and has the eff ect of trivialising all the time,” he said. bowled due to heavy rain and a wet out- NAmir by playing a cash register sound one of the biggest issues facing cricket at “There’s a line of drunken disorderly fi eld yesterday. during a Twenty20 match. the moment,” White told Fairfax Media abusive behaviour but stadiums are full The calling off means Pakistan, who The announcer has been censured and on Thursday. “I’ve contacted the Paki- of people in groups together, around the lost Monday’s fi rst one-dayer by 70 runs, told it was “inappropriate and disre- stan team management to apologise, and world there is banter. I guess there is the can now only hope to level the series spectful” to goad the fast bowler on his to assure them there will be no repeat.” line that people need to stay within.” when the teams play the third and fi nal return to international cricket after serv- On Monday, during the fi rst one-day New Zealand bowler Doug Bracewell match at Auckland on Sunday. ing a fi ve-year ban for spot-fi xing. international between New Zealand and described taunts from the crowd as a Heavy rain rendered the outfi eld too Amir has also been subjected to abuse Pakistan, senior Pakistan player Mo- hazard of touring life, particularly when wet for any play and the umpires fi nally by spectators but New Zealand Cricket hamed Hafeez complained to the umpires fi elding on the boundary. decided to call off the match after several chief executive David White stopped about the treatment Amir was receiving “You’ve got to expect to get a bit of inspections through the day. Nepal Under-19s began their World Cup with a thrilling win, routing short of asking fans to leave the 23-year- from spectators, according to Pakistan grief on the boundary at times. Especially New Zealand had earlier won the New Zealand Under-19s by 32 runs in Fatullah. (ICC) old alone. media reports. touring, it’s never easy and you always three-match se- Amir is on his fi rst tour since serving a Money was allegedly being waved at cop a bit from the spectators. It’s never ries 2-1. HELP INDIA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA Maxwell credits India eye series in second T20I against Australia Fleming for career IANS Experienced Ashish Nehra, young Jasprit Melbourne Bumrah and Hardik Pandya bowled well in turnaround tandem to defend a challenging total. The trio was well supported by spin- n a high after a dominating ners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra IANS show in the fi rst Twenty20 In- Jadeja. With all the players delivering Melbourne ternational, India will aim to in the fi rst outing, Dhoni is likely to go hold on to their current form ahead with the same squad and will aim and,O most importantly, seal the three- to bag the series. ustralia all-rounder match series when they face Australia India can claim the top spot in the In- Glenn Maxwell (pic- in the second match at the Melbourne ternational Cricket Council (ICC) T20I tured) has credited Cricket Ground here today. rankings if they make a clean sweep of former New Zealand Having lost the One-Day International the series, which could serve as an added skipperA Stephen Fleming for (ODI) 1-4, the visitors came back strongly motivation for the Dhoni-led side. bringing maturity and responsi- in the fi rst match of the shortest format On the other hand, Australia, after a bility to his career, which is fl our- of the game to win it by 37 runs and take successful ODI campaign, went short of ishing now. a 1-0 lead. fuel in the T20I opener. Both bowlers and Maxwell’s career has hit an ing coached the Chennai Super Both the batsman and the bowlers batsmen failed to make an impact in a upward curve in the last few Kings and helped them win the delivered when it mattered most to give friendly Adelaide wicket. months and he was rewarded Indian Premier League (IPL) ti- India the much-needed win in the im- Today, the home side will be without with Australia’s One-Day Inter- tles in 2010 and 2011 and the portant series before the World T20 in Virat Kohli of India bats during the first Twenty20 international against Australia at the star batsmen David Warner and Steve national (ODI) Player of the Year Champions League in 2010. March-April. Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. (AFP) Smith, who are being rested ahead of the on Wednesday night. He was then appointed coach Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men will aim New Zealand tour next month. “I’ve had a lot of chats with him of the Melbourne Stars in the Big to take the series today and try to experi- stand for the third wicket with Suresh out for India after a gap of more than 18 But hard-hitting batsman Glenn Max- about leadership and perception Bash League (BBL) this season, ment with their squad in the third match Raina, who was playing his fi rst match months and he will look to make the most well, who missed the opener, is most like- and that sort of thing and he’s been where he and Maxwell forged a in Sydney on Sunday. after missing out on the ODI squad. The of the opportunity before the World T20 ly to return to fi ll in the middle order gap. the guy I’ve been talking to a lot close bond. Virat Kohli who is rightly the most suc- Uttar Pradesh left-hander scored 41 and at home in March. His presence will give the hosts an about changing the way I’ve been “He’s been really positive in cessful batsman so far in the series Down will look to continue to impress as he not Yuvraj and Raina will add more fi re- added boost. Experienced all-rounder seen in public view,” Maxwell was the chats, probably because he’s Under will once again look to exploit the only bids to retain his place in the T20I power to the in-form trio Rohit Sharma, Shane Watson who starred with the ball quoted as saying by cricket.com. been really honest. It’s nice to home side bowlers after his quickfi re un- team but only to regain his lost slot in the Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli who have in the fi rst match will be someone to au yesterday. hear an outsider’s voice at the beaten 90 in the fi rst match which helped ODI side. been among runs recently. watch out for again. Since stepping down as the start and then get to know him India post a challenging score on the Another player, who will be in focus is The change in format worked well for Veteran pacer Shaun Tait after going Black Caps’ most-capped skip- and in addition what he thinks board. Yuvraj Singh, who didn’t get to bat in the the Indian pace bowlers after they got for runs in the fi rst match will look to per in 2006 and retiring as a of where I’m going and how I’ve The vice-captain shared a 134-run fi rst ODI. The veteran southpaw turned sure hammering in the ODIs. come back strong on Friday. player two years later, Flem- been seen as well,” he said. Gulf Times 6 Friday, January 29, 2016 SPORT

NBA FOCUS LeBron stars as Spurs bounce back Suns eclipsed

AFP think it’ll be his last time coach- Cleveland ing the All-Star game. We’re happy for him.” from big defeat by Against Phoenix on Wednes- eBron James scored 21 day there was only ever going points as the Cleve- to be one winner after the Cavs land Cavaliers routed reeled off 12 unanswered points the Phoenix Suns on at the start of the third quarter to LWednesday to ensure new coach open an unassailable lead. Tyronn Lue’s ticket to the All- That miserable sequence blowing out Rockets Star Game. for Phoenix allowed Cleveland Just three games into his new to build a 17-point advantage, coaching job with the Cavs fol- which stretched to a 28-point ‘We were motivated and mad at our performance in the last game’ lowing the shock sacking of that the Suns never seemed likely David Blatt, Lue and the Cleve- to catch. land coaching staff will now be in James also had nine assists to charge of the Eastern Conference go with his points haul, while team next month. Love weighed in with 11 re- Under NBA rules, the team bounds. with the best record after Janu- The win came after James had ary 31 is selected to coach the been forced into launching an All-Star teams—a status Cleve- impassioned defense of his con- land clinched with a 115-93 vic- duct leading to Blatt’s dismissal, tory. taking aim at critics who blamed Although Cleveland’s 32-12 him for instigating the sacking. record was compiled under Blatt, “I think it does suck that peo- the former coach is ineligible to ple want to throw my name in take feature at the All-Star Game dirt for no particular reason, after being fi red. because of speculation or what- “It’s a tribute to Coach Blatt ever the case may be,” James told and the players and the hard reporters before Wednesday’s work the assistant coaches put in game. to get us to this point,” Lue said “I’ve never, in my time since I Wednesday. picked up a basketball, ever un- “It’s going to be a great honour dermined a coach, ever disre- to represent the Cleveland Cava- spected a coach,” the four-time liers and having a chance to do NBA Most Valuable Player added. this, I know my coaches are ex- “And I’m not the owner of a cited, and I know it’s going to be team, I’m not the GM of a team. a surreal moment.” I’m the player of a team.” Kevin Love, who matched Speculation about tensions James’ 21-point contribution, between Blatt and James has congratulated Lue on taking bubbled since last season, when charge of the All-Star team. there were clear signs of friction “He’s won 66 percent of his between the two men during the games so far,” Love said. “I don’t Cavs run to the NBA fi nals.

Spurs’ Patty Mills (second from right) passes to LaMarcus Aldridge (right) under pressure during their NBA game against Rockets on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports )

DPA Spurs guard Tony Parker, who fi nished ploded for a season-high 45 points to high with 27 points and the Celtics (26- Los Angeles with 15 points, said the Spurs were anx- off set just 14 by league top scorer Stephen 21) used an 18-1 third-quarter blitz to ious to wash away the embarrassing loss Curry, and the defending champions beat the visiting Nuggets for their fourth from their memories. Warriors (42-4) shot past the Mavericks straight win. Italy’s Danilo Gallinari he San Antonio Spurs bounced “We were motivated and mad at our for their 40th consecutive home vic- and Will Barton netted 23 points apiece back from their worst drubbing performance in the last game but you tory, with 22 coming this season. Only in Denver’s (17-29) fourth loss in fi ve in three years by getting back to have to forget it as fast as you can and one team in NBA history, the 1994-95 games. being themselves. learn from it,” he said. “I think tonight and 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, have a longer Detroit Pistons 108, Philadelphia TLaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points with was a great reaction from everybody.” home win streak with 44 in a row. Chan- 76ers 97: Reggie Jackson tossed in 27 10 rebounds, as the Spurs trounced the Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green scored dler Parsons had 23 points for Dallas (26- points, Andre Drummond had 25 with 18 Houston Rockets 130-99 on Wednesday. 18 points apiece for the Spurs, who led by 22), who dealt the Warriors one of their rebounds, and the Pistons (25-21) out- San Antonio took it on the chin in Mon- 20 at halftime en route to the lopsided win, four losses this season. scored the league-worst Sixers (7-40) day’s 120-90 blowout by the Golden State while Tim Duncan sat out for the second Oklahoma City Thunder 126, Min- 36-18 in the fourth quarter to earn the Warriors in a showdown of the NBA’s best. straight contest with a sore right knee. nesota Timberwolves 123: Kevin Du- home win. But the resilient Spurs (39-7) re- James Harden had 20 points for Hou- rant dropped in seven of his 27 points in LA Clippers 85, Atlanta Hawks 83: grouped and took it out on the helpless ston (25-23), who had won nine of their the fi nal two minutes, Russell Westbrook Jamal Crawford scored 21 points, DeAn- Rockets for their 34th consecutive home previous 12 outings. added 24 with 15 assists, and the visit- dre Jordan had 13 with 19 rebounds, and victory, with 25 of them coming this sea- “Tonight was a learning experience for ing Thunder (35-13) won for the ninth the Clippers (30-16) wrapped up a 3-2 son at Oracle Arena. us, we have to be better prepared against a time the last 10 games after trimming road trip after edging the Hawks for their “I think after the last game that wasn’t really good team,” Harden said. the stubborn Timberwolves. Zach La- 14th win in 17 games. Jeff Teague netted us,” Aldridge said. “I wouldn’t think of a “They haven’t lost at home this season; Vine scored 35 points, Andrew Wiggins 16 points to pace Atlanta (27-20), who blowout but I knew guys were coming in they got off to a fast start and were feeling added 20 and Karl-Anthony Towns had committed a season-high 23 turnovers in locked in. really confi dent about themselves. You 19 points with 13 boards for Minnesota the loss. “It was important for us to be our- can’t give a team that much confi dence.” (14-33), which lost its 17th in the last 20 Utah Jazz 102, Charlotte 73: Rodney selves again, to be active and not give up decisions despite shooting a sizzling 57 Hood had 24 points, Gordon Hayward so much easy stuff . I thought we did that. ELSEWHERE per cent from the fi eld. added 22, and the Jazz (20-25) crushed We got back to who we are and played Golden State Warriors 127, Dallas Boston Celtics 111, Denver Nuggets the visiting Hornets (22-24) to avenge a Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James makes a pass as Phoenix Suns’ PJ better overall.” Mavericks 107: Klay Thompson ex- 103: Avery Bradley matched his season- double overtime loss last week. Tucker defends during their NBA on Wednesday. (USA TODAY Sports )

NFL Safety in spotlight aft er study reveals brain trauma in Giants player Health risks faced by National the Giants in 2013. Football League players were Sash was released after suff er- back in the spotlight Wednes- ing concussion in a pre-season Eli Manning wants Peyton win day after research revealed game against the New England that former New York Giants Patriots. safety Tyler Sash suff ered brain Family members told the damage before his death. Times Sash suff ered multiple Sash, 27, died last September concussions in high school, so he can ‘go out on top’ from an accidental overdose of one in college and two in the pain medication he had been NFL. AFP some injuries and things going on ... it Peyton Manning missed six regular- taking for a chronic shoulder “Now it makes sense,” the New York would be a good way to go out. season games this season due to inju- injury. player’s mother Barnetta Sash “I don’t know if it is, but because of ries, returning to the lineup to direct a The New York Times reported told the Times. that possibility, I hope he can win this season-ending victory over San Diego that researchers from Boston “The part of the brain that ew York Giants quarterback Eli game. And if he decides to hang it up, he that gave Denver a home-field playoff University discovered Sash controls impulses, decision- Manning says he does not know can go out on top.” edge. suff ered from a high level of making and reasoning was if older brother Peyton plans to Manning was caught telling New Eng- Peyton agreed to a $4 million pay cut chronic traumatic encepha- damaged badly.” retire after the Super Bowl, but land Patriots coach Bill Belichick this last March but earned back half that lopathy (CTE) after the player’s CTE is believed to be caused NEli hopes Peyton “can go out on top.” could be his “last rodeo” after Denver’s amount for reaching the Super Bowl. He brain was donated for study by by head trauma that can result The elder Manning will become the 20-18 victory over the Patriots in the gets $2 million more back with a victory his family. in memory loss, dementia and oldest starting quarterback in Super Bowl American Football Conference fi nal. over the Panthers, boosting his salary for CTE is graded on a scale of 0 depression. history at age 39 when he guides the Den- Eli Manning led the Giants to Super the campaign to $19 million. to 4 and Sash, who played only CTE in the NFL has been an on- ver Broncos against the Carolina Pan- Bowl wins in 2008 and 2012, both times Eli Manning said his brother’s legacy two seasons in the NFL—win- going issue in America’s most thers in the NFL’s championship specta- over New England, while Peyton guided doesn’t depend upon a victory, although ning a Super Bowl with the Gi- popular sport after mounting cle on February 7 at San Francisco. his former club, the Indianapolis Colts, to Peyton would join Jim Kelly, John Elway ants in 2012 — had progressed evidence over the long-term And Eli Manning, who has won two a 2007 triumph over Chicago. Peyton was and Fran Tarkenton as the only quarter- to Stage 2. brain damage to players. Super Bowl titles to one for Peyton, is on the losing end to New Orleans in 2010 backs to lose three Super Bowls if Caro- Sash, who was suspended for In April last year, the NFL among those who gets the feeling that with the Colts and routed by Seattle with lina beats Denver next week. four games in 2012 for violat- agreed to settle a lawsuit and Super Bowl 50 might be the moment Denver two years ago. “Peyton and his impact on the game ing the NFL’s performance- pay $765 million to about when his fi ve-time NFL Most Valuable “There’s no bragging rights,” Eli said of football will not be determined and enhancing substances policy, 5,000 former players over Player sibling hangs up his helmet for of the Manning family rivalry. “We both based off this one game,” Eli Manning played 27 games for the Giants. health claims. good. know that it’s a team eff ort and about said. “He has kind of, in a lot of ways, He also played 37 games at the A Hollywood movie starring “He has not said anything to me about everything going the right way. One play- changed the game with the no-huddle University of Iowa. Will Smith as the neuropatholo- it,” Eli Manning said Wednesday. “But I er can’t control the outcome of a whole off ense they had in Indianapolis for so The Times report cited family gist who helped make the think I kind of may think like everybody season or a certain game because of other long. members as saying that Sash link between concussions else, where you see this as possibly being circumstances. So I’ve never mentioned “I hope he can win, but his impact has suff ered from “confusion, sustained by NFL players and Peyton Manning will become the oldest the last game. I don’t know if he knows that, or we’ve never compared who has already been made and his legacy, I don’t memory loss and minor fits of CTE was released in theaters starting quarterback in Super Bowl himself or if he’s thought about it. But more rings. Never been a discussion or think it should be aff ected by this one temper” after his release from last year. history at 39. (USA TODAY Sports) when you get to Year 19 and you deal with come up in any way.” game.” Gulf Times Friday, January 29, 2016 7 SPORT

NFL SPOTLIGHT Football, Broncos, will always be a big part Flyers beat Capitals of life for LeGrand

By Tara Sullivan radio analyst for football games. The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) It was Davis, who is in the Bron- cos Hall of Fame and who was recently named a semifi nalist rom his youngest days, for the 2016 Pro Football Hall 4-3 in overtime football was always Eric of Fame class, who opened the LeGrand’s favourite doors of the Broncos organisa- sport, and he learned tion to LeGrand. ‘We knew they were off for a few days and we wanted to jump on them’ toF play it well enough to earn a LeGrand has made three trips scholarship to Rutgers. As a kid to Denver across the last few he loved to watch football, too, years, meeting the team in the and the moment his 6-year- locker room and spending the old self saw Terrell Davis’ or- pre-game on the fi eld, meet- ange jersey streak across the TV ing favourite players from Man- screen in his Avenel, NJ, home, ning to Tim Tebow to Demary- LeGrand knew he’d found a fa- ius Thomas. But those are only vourite team. scenes in what has been a Zelig- When the Broncos take the like post-injury life. fi eld February 7 in Super Bowl “I was at the Giants-Patri- 50, you can bet LeGrand will ots game this year and at one be rooting as hard as he can for point before the game, I’m on them to beat the Panthers, that the fi eld talking with Robert his mood will match every fel- Kraft, Roger Goodell and Jon Bon low Denver die-hard’s across the Jovi,” LeGrand said. “I’m like country, rising and falling with ‘Whaaaat?’ Last year at the Jets every snap. A life-altering foot- game versus the Steelers I’m on ball injury may have robbed him the sidelines with Mike Tomlin, of his ability to play the game, and Antonio Brown is throwing but it did nothing to dampen his footballs in front of me. It’s crazy.” enthusiasm for it. For this Broncos devotee, how- Or for the Broncos. ever, it would be hard to top be- “I’m a very happy man,” ing on the pregame fi eld for Super LeGrand said by phone Monday, Bowl XLVIII, the one played two the day after Denver held off the years ago at MetLife Stadium, Patriots to win the AFC title. when a former defensive tack- “We fi nally got the champion- le was greeted by some of the ship defense Peyton [Manning] game’s best at the position. needs. He’s going to ride out like “The whole Denver D-line [John] Elway or Ray Lewis, with came around me and huddled a championship.” up,” LeGrand said. “They all Technically, LeGrand is an came over to me, huddled up, alumnus of the Buccaneers, not and said, ‘We got this.’ “ the Broncos, having signed an That promise didn’t quite honorary free-agent contract work out, with the Seahawks with Tampa Bay in 2012, what hanging a 43-8 blowout on the would have been his draft year overmatched Broncos. But two out of Rutgers. That he was un- years later, Manning and Co. are able to fulfi l that football destiny back in the big game, this time has been a well-documented with a dominating defense of Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby makes a save in tale, the neck injury he sustained their own.“I don’t have a score front of Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan White (No 25) in the in an October 2010 game leaving yet, but I believe they are go- fi rst period at Verizon Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports him paralysed from the shoul- ing to win,” LeGrand said, hope ders down. But rather than dis- rising in his voice. “They can’t tance himself from the game that break my heart two of the last robbed his body of so much of its three years.” By Sam Carchidi Laughton was unable to control RESULTS cepted a poor clearing pass by Alex Ovechkin said he will miss movement, LeGrand embraced it As of now, LeGrand is plan- The Philadelphia Inquirer a bouncing puck in the Flyers’ Kuznetsov and scored on a one- this weekend’s All Star Game with all his heart. ning on setting his wheelchair in defensive end. Evgeny Kuznet- Washington 3 Philadelphia 4 timer from the slot, putting the because of a nagging lower- “I could never turn on foot- front of the 65-inch fl at screen sov fed Burakovsky for his sev- Los Angeles 3 Colorado 4 Flyers ahead, 2-0. With 4:59 to body injury. Ovechkin played ball,” he said. “My injury _ eve- TV in an upstairs room at home, he Flyers go into the enth goal. Just 1:12 later, Holtby Calgary 1 Nashville 2 go in the fi rst, Umberger, trying in his team’s 4-3 overtime ryone who straps a helmet on to watch the Super Bowl sur- All-Star break feeling stopped Wayne Simmonds on a Tampa Bay 1 Toronto 0 to score his fi rst goal in the last loss to the Philadelphia Fly- knows the risk. Unfortunately rounded by the memorabilia good about themselves. breakaway, then denied Voracek 50 games - on the one-year an- ers on Wednesday, but said he these injuries happen.” from his playing days and the Jake Voracek scored on a rebound. niversary of his last tally - was wouldn’t be making the trip to What’s become so apparent ones after, a collection that T38 seconds into overtime Voracek had given the Flyers a games, Washington was playing robbed by Holtby’s glove save Nashville. in the almost 5{ years since the ranges from autographed foot- Wednesday - after goalie 3-2 lead on a well-placed wrist for the fi rst time in eight nights near the right post. “This was a hard decision but injury is how much football has balls to a Rutgers ‘Keep chop- Braden Holtby lost his stick - shot from the top of the right -- and the Caps looked rusty The Capitals, who entered we talk about it, coaching staff , embraced him in return, keep- ping’ ax hung above the door. as the Flyers stunned powerful circle with 2:21 left in the sec- in a Flyers-dominated opening the night with an NHL-best 73 trainers, and we tried to battle ing him connected to the world in “That’s my tradition,” he said. Washington, 3-2, at the Verizon ond period. The goal, scored on period. “We knew they were off points, nearly cut the defi cit in through it, but it’s stayed the important, fulfi lling and memo- “I have to watch the games by Center. the short side after Claude Gir- for a few days and we wanted half early in the second period. same,” Ovechkin told report- rable ways. As much as LeGrand myself in my man cave.” Voracek’s second goal of the oux won a faceoff from Kuznet- to jump on them,” said Ryan After a Gostisbehere miscue, ers of his injury. “I have to get has become one of our nation’s Of course, if there’s any way he game ended the Flyers’ three- sov, came shortly after Holtby White, who scored his fi fth TJ Oshie had a breakaway, but ready for the rest of the year, most inspirational fi gures, help- can get his hands on a ticket (he game losing streak and handed made key stops on R.J. Umberg- goal, unassisted, in the opening he fi red wide on a shorthanded get healthy, and I think we have ing to raise countless dollars for mused about reaching out to not- the Capitals their fi rst home er and Sam Gagner in close. period. chance. No matter. Washington a good chance to have success research and treatment of spinal ed Carolina fan Stephen Curry) loss since Nov. 19. Gagner knocked Holtby’s First-period goals by Brayden scored two quick goals against and I want to be a part of it.” cord injuries, he remains eternal- and get a decent price on a hotel The Flyers are 21-18-8 (50 stick out of his hands, infuri- Schenn (power play) and White ex-Capital Michal Neuvirth to Ovechkin had been voted by ly grateful to his football commu- room, he’d be California-bound points) at the All-Star break and ating the standout goalie, who gave the Flyers a 2-0 advantage, draw even before Voracek’s sec- fans as captain of the Metropol- nity for making his voice heard. in an instant. “I couldn’t pass up are fi ve points out of a playoff seemed out of sorts for the next enabling them to take a lead into ond goal in the last three games. itan Division team after 28 goals “Everyone in the football an opportunity if anyone wants spot. At a corresponding point few minutes and committed a the second period for just the Washington, which lost the and 14 assists this season. world, it’s a big family,” he said. to throw me tickets,” he said with last season, they were 19-22-7 delay-of-game penalty after al- sixth time in 48 games. After services of 13-goal scorer Mar- His captaincy for the Capi- “You may hate each other on Sat- a laugh. In the world of football, (45 points) and 12 points out of lowing Voracek’s goal. taking a feed from Simmonds, cus Johansson because of a tals, however, is his top priority urday or Sunday, be on opposite anything seems possible. a wild-card berth. The Flyers Burakovsky and Nicklas Schenn beat Holtby with a high fi rst-period injury, goes into the as Washington (35-8-4) head sides of the fi eld. But everybody “Football really is everything killed a Matt Read penalty late Backstrom had scored goals 55 shot to the glove side with 15:06 all-star break with a shiny 35- into the All Star break atop the knows the grind, understands to me,” he said. in regulation to force overtime. seconds apart early in the sec- left in the fi rst. Shayne Gostis- 8-4 record. NHL standings. Under NHL the bigger picture. It’s a family.” “I pay attention to it; it’s my The Caps tied it on Andre ond period to knot the score at behere also had an assist, giving rules, the Russian will now be One that has opened its arms job working in college football. Burakovsky’s second goal of 2-all. The Capitals had the fi rst the rookie defenseman points in Ovechkin to skip All Star required to sit out Washington’s to him, and not just from the I’m a huge fan of the NFL. I’m the night, scored with 16 min- 11 shots in the second period. four straight games. A little over Game due to injury game against the Florida Pan- obvious places such as Rutgers, even getting into fantasy football utes, 5 seconds left after Scott Because of two snowed-out six minutes later, White inter- Washington Capitals forward thers on February 2. where LeGrand returned to earn now. Without football, I don’t his degree and now works as a know where I’d be.”

NFL ERIC LEGRAND Smith’s hiring gives good female news

By Gil LeBreton surd. I’m sure if I’m running 100 miles Fort Worth Star-Telegram an hour under a kickoff and miss a tackle, I’m going to want to hear from Kathryn how I could have done it better.” woman made NFL news last Kiley extended his no-women argu- week, and she didn’t have to ment to include the Pro Football Hall of get fl ung onto a gun-fi lled sofa Fame voters. or knocked out in an elevator to “Do you really want whether you make doA it. the Hall of Fame to be determined by a In the NFL, progress moves in small woman, someone who never played the steps. game?” Kiley asked. Applause is in order for Rex Ryan and Sigh. The old you-never-played-the- the Buff alo Bills, who promoted Kathryn game argument. Smith, 30, to a full-time coaching posi- Yep, football is real rocket science. tion. Smith will assist with quality con- Kiley’s point is ludicrous, and I don’t trol of the Bills’ specialty teams. say that just because my colleague, It’s an entry level job, of sorts. Smith Charean Williams is a voter. When next likely will watch and break down video of week’s vote comes, I would argue that practice and the Buff alo opponents. Charean may be the most dedicated and She follows in the footsteps of Jen knowledgeable voter in the room. Welter, who interned as an assistant last tanned, hot-pantsed Dallas Cowboys “I think we have done an excellent You’re either qualifi ed for the job or summer during the Arizona Cardinals’ Cheerleaders. Its symbol of gender-pro- job of bringing outside consultants in. you’re not. Kathryn Smith, as Rex Ryan training camp. gressive thinking was Phyllis George. You Somebody has to pay them, Rachel. Un- affi rmed, is as qualifi ed as Becky Ham- Smith, though, will star in the footnote only have to go back 12 months to Com- less you’re volunteering, which I don’t mon and Nancy Lieberman are for their - the NFL’s fi rst full-time, female assist- missioner Roger Goodell’s Super Bowl think you are, we will do that.” NBA assistant coach jobs. ant coach. press conference to fi nd the NFL drawing Would Goodell, who makes $44 mil- The locker room? While an NFL locker It was empowering enough news that its man-line into the sand. lion a year, have been as snippy to a male room may well be the most sexist, homo- that legend in pink, Barbie herself, took Goodell was asked by respected CNN journalist? I don’t think so. phobic lodge in sports, teams have come to Twitter (@Barbie) to congratulate Ka- journalist Rachel Nichols about the But the NFL gets to share the credit on a long ways since making female journal- thryn: perceived confl ict of interest that arose the Kathryn Smith hiring. It was Ryan’s ists wait in the hallways. “You are an #inspiration. #youcan- when the commissioner mishandled the hire, but the NFL had to have approved. By all accounts, Barbie’s included, beanything,” Ms. Barbie hash-tagged. Ray Rice case. Predictably, there were Neanderthal Smith, who started working with the No big deal? You’ve got to be kidding. “I don’t agree with you on a lot of the voices heard barking in the wilderness. New York Jets eight years ago, is ready for This is a league whose historical idea assumptions you make in your question,” The worst of the lot was Cleveland radio her new job. And the footnote that prop- of female participation was the spray- Goodell shot back. guy Kevin Kiley, who said, “This is ab- erly goes with it. Gulf Times 8 Friday, January 29, 2016 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT PERFECT RESPONSE Devastating Djoko leaves Rod Laver ‘Flawless’ Djokovic Arena crowd cold fl oors Federer to reach the fi nal ‘I’ve had some moments against him in sets where I’ve played on a high level, but this was, yeah, I think a diff erent level than from before’ Supporters of Roger Federer during the match yesterday. Reuters darted cross-court to parry back AFP enjoy his two days off and prepare Melbourne a Djokovic smash. Melbourne for his 19th fi nal. “I Federer had no business return- think it’s good for me at this stage. ing the Serb’s second cross-court I’ve played a lot of tennis. Actually hampion Novak Djokovic volley but scrambled to swing for a ovak Djokovic said his it’s going to serve me well for my was unable to draw much desperate backhand and the pass- sublime fi rst two sets recovery,” he said. support from the crowd ing shot burned the line. against Roger Fed- “Tomorrow’s match is going at Rod Laver Arena during The crowd erupted in anoth- erer were the best he’s to be interesting to watch. Be- Chis 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 semi-fi nal er standing ovation as Federer Never played against the Swiss as ing in the fi nal and watching the win over sentimental favourite pumped his fi sts in celebration. he reached his sixth Australian other semi-fi nal, of course it’s Roger Federer yesterday, but the “His defense was terrifi c that Open fi nal in convincing fashion quite a joyful feeling. Whoever Serb found vital friends in the point,” Djokovic, who will bid for yesterday. wins I’m going to be ready for weather and the net-cord. a sixth title against either Andy The world number one, now the great battle.” Two sets of the best tennis of Murray or Milos Raonic, told re- into his fi fth straight Grand Slam Djokovic broke Federer’s serve his career against Federer sent the porters. “After it was done, I had fi nal, was on a diff erent level to fi ve times, dropped his serve world number one hurtling toward to just forget about it and focus the 17-time major winner in the just once, won 115 points to 82 a sixth fi nal at Melbourne Park. on the next point.” opening two sets as he dished and hit 33 winners with only 20 But it left most in the 15,000- The crowd’s elation was out a dominant, four-set semi- unforced errors, while Federer seat stadium cold. quickly cut short when Federer fi nal victory. committed 51 unforced errors. Instead, there was a standing rushed forward and an ice-cold The fi ve-time winner main- The 10-time Grand Slam ovation for Federer when he re- Djokovic hammered a forehand tained his hold over world champion was in jaw-dropping turned to the court for the third set into the net-cord. The defl ec- number three Federer, winning form in the opening two sets, and proceeded to knuckle down to tion whistled past the Swiss’s 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in two hours, carving up Federer in their 15th turn the match into a contest. racquet. 19 minutes, and will face either Grand Slam encounter with his Most in the stands were de- It gave the Serb his only break or Milos Raonic in dazzling groundstrokes for the lighted when Federer fi nally point of the set but he duly took Sunday’s fi nal. loss of only three games. broke Djokovic’s serve in an epic it with a sumptuous cross-court He broke Federer’s fi rst serv- sixth game. return and stayed fi rm to serve “I’m just very, very pleased ice to 15 and then held his serve Were the stadium’s retractable out the set to love. that I was able to perform to lead 3-0, winning 12 of the roof not already open, it might “That was a crucial break,” the way I did from the very fi rst 14 points. have blasted off with the noise said 28-year-old Djokovic. beginning till the end” The Swiss third seed was bro- ken again in the sixth game, net- It was the 45th meeting be- ting a forehand with Djokovic in tween two titans of the sport, full cry. Djokovic’s 6-1 fi rst set with Djokovic now edging Fed- was his easiest opening set win erer 23-22 in their head-to-head over Federer. He won 24 points duels. “These fi rst two sets have to 11, with the rushed Swiss been probably the best two sets making 12 unforced errors. I’ve played against him overall Federer was broken to love in throughout my career,” declared the third game in a similar start Djokovic. to the second set with the world “I’ve had some moments number one able to do no wrong. against him in sets where I’ve Four-time winner Federer played on a high level, but this probed for a way back in, with was, yeah, I think a diff erent lev- the Australian crowd urging him el than from before. on, and he broke Djokovic for generated by Federer serving out “Obviously I didn’t want to “I’m just very, very pleased the fi rst time in the match in the the set. allow him to come back to the that I was able to perform the sixth game. Yet, as swiftly as the Swiss match and give him an opportu- way I did from the very begin- The Swiss was fi nally putting seized the momentum it was sto- nity maybe to take the match to ning till the end.” pressure back on the world len from him by a change in the the fi fth.” Djokovic, who was simply ir- number one and he claimed the weather that forced the roof to Djokovic has won fi ve titles at resistible in cruising two sets third set on his third set point, to close. Djokovic used the few min- Melbourne Park but is unlikely up in 54 minutes, said he played a thunderous roar on Rod Laver utes break in play to marshall his to rely on much crowd support “fl awless” tennis. Arena. But both players had to forces and wait for an opportunity. in the fi nal. Business-like to the “When you’re playing one cool their heels as play was de- It ultimately arrived in a dra- end, Djokovic said there was no of your top rivals, somebody of layed temporarily to enable the matic eighth game that featured point worrying about it. Roger’s resume, of course it re- stadium roof to be closed ahead one of the most exquisite points “(Federer’s) loved. He’s appre- quires a lot of focus, determina- of expected rain, making for in- of the tournament. ciated. He’s respected around the tion, and a diff erent preparation door playing conditions. At 15-30 and under pressure world,” he said. for that match-up than most of Djokovic broke Federer for on serve, Federer rushed to the “For me it’s normal in a way. the other matches,” he said. a fi fth time in the match in a net to prod a drop-shot into the I’m trying obviously to enjoy “I played fl awless tennis for sensational eighth game of the corner which Djokovic retrieved my time, to do the best that I fi rst two sets, no doubt about it.” fourth set, featuring a forehand with a brilliant lob. can with the tennis racquet, but return winner for the break, The Swiss pumped his also focus on the positive energy Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi-final match against Switzerland’s Roger ‘JOYFUL FEELING’ and he safely served out for the 34-year-old legs back to the rather than negative, rather than Federer at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia yesterday. Djokovic said he was now going to match in the following game. baseline to return the lob and getting frustrated for that.”

BOTTOMLINE You think I’m old! Federer insists he’ll beat Djokovic again aft er Australian Open defeat

AFP closer to solving the riddle of beating Andy’s army Making a racket Melbourne the Serb, who won two Grand Slam fi - nals against him last year. Andy Murray’s appearances at Milos Raonic is becoming a big noise Melbourne Park are usually accom- in the tennis world and his fans are oger Federer blasted crit- ‘STUPID QUESTIONS’ panied by his unoff icial cheer squad, getting louder too. Raonic, who won ics who say he’s too old and The 17-time Grand Slam-winner hit four young men who wear shirts the Brisbane International before insisted he was confi dent of out at “stupid questions” when he was spelling A-N-D-Y. As well as loyal, they reaching the Melbourne semi-finals, beating Novak Djokovic again asked if Djokovic, now 28 and with 10 are brave souls who are prepared to said his Canadian fans were becoming atR a Grand Slam after his four-set de- major titles, could take an even tighter stand up during changeovers and belt more and more audible — something feat in the Australian Open semi-fi nals grip on the sport than the Swiss did in out their self-adapted songs dedi- which isn’t always welcome to the yesterday. his prime. cated to the man from Dunblane. One world no 14. “It’s an amazing feeling. The 34-year-old Swiss great was “I think it’s hard to keep up that level of their favourites goes “A little bit of Tennis is growing quickly in Canada,” fl attened by Djokovic in the opening of play. What he’s been doing is amaz- Andy in my life”, to the tune of Lou he said after his quarter-final win over two sets before he fi nally went down ing. I was very happy how I’ve been able Bega’s Mambo Number 5, and another Gael Monfils. “To see and hear some 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, in his eighth loss to keep up my level,” he said. is set to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by improvisations of the national anthem to the Serb in their last 10 Grand Slam “Is it better or not? I don’t know. I The Tokens. Murray reportedly looks was a little bit distracting at times, I meetings. think we’re both, all of us, with Rafa after Andy’s Army, supplying them have to say. But it’s fun to be here and Federer hasn’t bested the runaway (Nadal), Novak, me, (Andy) Murray, you with tickets for his matches. The Scot to be in front of this crowd and make world number at a major since the name it, Stan (Wawrinka), we’re all very is also sometimes followed by a kilted the most of the opportunity.” Raonic’s Wimbledon semi-fi nals in 2012, when happy with our careers.” bagpiper who performs on Princes rise coincides with the emergence of he last won a Grand Slam title. But But he took solace from another deep Bridge in central Melbourne when he fellow Canadian , when asked if he could beat Djokovic run at a Grand Slam tournament, which is playing in the Australian Open final. who seems to be returning to her best again on the big stage, he bristled. left him just two wins short of becom- That’s a fine entourage indeed. after a head injury. “Best-of-three, best-of-fi ve, I can Switzerland’s Roger Federer waves to the crowd as he leaves the court yesterday. ing the oldest Australian Open cham- run for four or fi ve hours. It’s not a pion since a 37-year-old Ken Rosewall problem. I prove it in practice again in think I’m old and all that. But it’s no as he remains among the elite at a time in 1972. ginning of the season,” Federer said. to his loss to Wawrinka in last year’s the off -season no sweat. So from that problem for me. But it doesn’t scare me when most players his age have faded or “It’s disappointing, but at the same “Novak right now is a reference for French Open quarter-fi nals. standpoint I’m not worried going into when I go into a big match against any already retired. time I’m going deep in Slams right everybody. He’s the only guy that has “It’s okay. I wish I could have played long rallies,” Federer said. player who’s in their prime right now.” But Federer, now working with Ivan now. I’m having great runs. I thought I been able to stop me as of late, and Stan a bit better, and who knows what would “I know you guys (media) make it a The world number three is redefi ning Ljubicic—who has an intimate knowl- had a tough draw here, so I’m actually (Wawrinka) when he was on fi re when have happened. Today Novak was very, diff erent case. I get that, because you the career trajectory for men’s tennis edge of Djokovic’s game—is getting no pleased where my level’s at at the be- he was in Paris,” he added, referring very good. There’s no doubt about it.” Gulf Times Friday, January 29, 2016 9 TENNIS

SPOTLIGHT TARGET Kerber, defending Graf’s record, gets In-form Serena the message trying to block out Graf milestone Germany’s Angelique Kerber plays a backhand return during her ‘I feel like when I play tougher opponents, when I play people that have beaten me in women’s singles semi-final match against Britain’s Johanna Konta. the past, is capable of doing so again, that I just have to be more focused’ AFP Wimbledon last year. Melbourne Asked if she felt any duty to protect Graf’s record as a fel- low German, Kerber said, while ngelique Kerber said smiling: “I think so. I think so. yesterday she feels a re- The Germans must be together.” sponsibility to protect Despite the huge task facing her, her fellow German Steffi Kerber is taking a crumb of com- Graf’sA Grand Slam record from fort from having beaten Williams , but admits the once before, at Cincinnati in 2012. job in front of her is formidable. The American has won all fi ve The 28-year-old powered other encounters between the pair. into her fi rst Grand Slam fi nal “I think she is going out there by beating Briton Johanna Konta to try to win again another Grand 7-5, 6-2 at the Australian Open, Slam, making history. This is her and revealed she received a text goal,” she said. from her veteran compatriot af- “My goal is to maybe win my ter the match. fi rst Grand Slam. You know, I Seventh seed Kerber this week think she will have respect. I credited 22-time major winner think she will go out there and Graf with giving her the self- she knows that she must play belief to put together her career- also good tennis to beat me. best season after hitting with the “I’m feeling good. I’m healthy. former great early last year. I’m fi t. I will try to win against Asked by a courtside inter- her. That’s for sure. I know it will viewer if she would be seeking be not easy.” Graf’s advice ahead of her show- down with the American world number one, she laughed: “Stef- Schedule of play fi , write me please!” Key matches today Graf must have been watching (play begins at 0400 GMT; as Kerber revealed a text landed prefix denotes seeding): for her soon after, without re- vealing what it said. ROD LAVER ARENA “I think she wrote me, but I was Mixed Doubles - Semi-finals not able to check it right now. I just Andreja Klepac (Slovenia)/ saw that,” Kerber said in her post- Treat Huey (Philippines) v match press conference. Coco Vandeweghe (U.S.)/Ho- “I think she sent me a text mes- ria Tecau (Romania) sage, but I don’t know what she wrote me yet. I think she heard Not before 0500 GMT what I said on the centre court.” Women’s Doubles - Final Kerber is going to need all the 1-Martina Hingis (Switzer- help and advice she can get against land)/Sania Mirza (India) v the imposing Williams who is in 7-Andrea Hlavackova (Czech her 26th Grand Slam fi nal after Republic)/Lucie Hradecka Serena Williams of the US plays a backhand return during her women’s singles semi-final against Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska in the Australian Open yesterday. sweeping aside fourth seed Ag- (Czech Republic) nieszka Radwanska with ease. AFP “I defi nitely block it out,” she said of ing so again, that I just have to be more since probably before the Olympics in The win set her up for a tilt Not before 0830 GMT Melbourne the Graf record. “I was one off last year, focused. 2012. That’s a long time. at Graf’s Open-era record of Men’s Singles - Semi-finals too. If I don’t win on Saturday, I’ll still be “I’ve always said that when I’m playing “So I felt like I really committed my- 22 Grand Slam titles, with the 13-Milos Raonic (Canada) v one off . at my best, it’s diffi cult to beat me. Have self, and I need to commit to myself and American on 21 after winning the 2-Andy Murray (Britain) erena Williams said yesterday “It took me forever to get to 18. I was I played at my best my whole career? I my body and take some time off , restart.” Australian and French Opens and she was trying to block out her so stressed out. I don’t want to relive that don’t know. The break has worked wonders with chances of equalling Steffi Graf’s at all.” “But I’ve been defi nitely trying to put the 34-year-old back with a bang at Mel- Open-era record of 22 Grand Williams won her 17th title at the 2013 in a lot of work and trying to get there.” bourne Park. FOCUS SlamS titles, not needing the extra stress US Open but then went three Grand Against Radwanska, she played a fi rst as history again beckons. Slams, with the pressure building, before BREAK WORKED WONDERS set that was as near perfect as you can The dominant world number one fi nally making it 18 a year later at Flush- Williams missed out on a 22nd title at get, with the Pole hailing it as the best surged into her 26th major fi nal by dis- ing Meadows. the US Open last year after winning all tennis she has ever faced. Konta hungry for mantling Polish fourth seed Agnieszka Regardless of what happens on Satur- three other Grand Slams in 20015 -- the Other opponents have also paid tribute Radwanska 6-0, 6-4 at the Australian day, Williams is already assured of being Australian and French Opens and Wim- to Williams, sentiments the veteran said Open, with her fi rst set near fl awless. remembered as one of the best players bledon. were rewarding. more slam success A win in Saturday’s decider against the game has seen. After a devastating US Open semi-fi nal “It’s awesome. It’s really cool,” she seventh seed Angelique Kerber would Yet despite being the undisputed world defeat to Roberta Vinci, which ended her said. “And I could tell everyone is really see her match Graf’s mark that has stood number one, winning eight of the last 14 pursuit of a calendar Grand Slam—not motivated because when they’re playing aft er semi-fi nal loss since the German great’s last major win Grand Slams, she said she did not allow achieved since Graf in 1988 -- a drained me they give maximum eff ort and maxi- at the French Open in 1999. herself to refl ect on her record or relax. Williams took a break from the game, mum everything. Reuters But the American is trying to keep it off “Not really, not yet,” she said, when only returning this month. “It actually makes me a better player, Melbourne the radar, saying the pressure she was under asked the question. “I defi nitely think I needed the time too, because I’m going up against these when trying to equal Martina Navratilova and “I feel like when I play tougher op- off ,” she said. players that are playing at their peak. So Chris Evert’s 18 titles in 2014 was unbearable ponents, when I play people that have “I’ve been going and going and going I have to be at my peak, as well, for every ohanna Konta’s exhilarating and not something she wanted again. beaten me in the past, is capable of do- for a long time. Been really going hard single game.” run at the Australian Open was fi nally halted by An- gelique Kerber in the semi- fiJ nals yesterday, but the Briton BOTTOMLINE leaves Melbourne Park “hungry” for more grand slam success. On her main draw debut in Melbourne, the world number 47 became the fi rst British woman into the last four of a grand slam Confi dent Murray eyes fi ft h fi nal in over 30 years and only the third in Australia in the profes- AFP speed of 160 kilometres (99.5 big shots on the run.” sional era after Virginia Wade Melbourne miles) per hour with his second Raonic, who is also looking and Sue Barker. Britain’s Johanna Konta reacts serve during his quarter-fi nal more composed and organised On the way, she knocked out during a news conference. win over David Ferrer. on court, said playing Murray and last year’s ndy Murray has suf- Such extra oomph on second was a big opportunity after he semi-fi nalist , “But I’m really taking a lot fered through an serve gives Britain’s Murray lost in straight sets to Federer so she was philosophical about of positive things from it. eventful Australian more weapons at the business in his only previous Grand Slam her 7-5 6-2 loss to German seventh I’m really hungry to keep Open but he will have end of the major to complement semi-fi nal, at Wimbledon in seed Kerber at Rod Laver Arena. improving and keep enjoy- hisA eye on a fi fth fi nal in seven his already formidable return 2014. “I don’t think I missed an op- ing what I’m doing. So that’s years when he takes on a much- and defensive game. “It’s a great opportunity for portunity. I played against a bet- where I’m at” improved Milos Raonic in the Murray beat Raonic, the world me. I had a disappointing semi- ter player today who earned her semis today. number 14, in straight sets in fi nal two years ago, and I just right into a grand slam fi nal,” the Konta’s rise over the last 12 It has been a particularly dif- their only Grand Slam meeting want to change that story around 24-year-old told reporters. months has been a revelation. fi cult tournament for the two- at the 2012 US Open, and over- and give myself another go with “That’s how I view it. She Her last trip to Melbourne Park time major winner, who nearly all both have three wins against more experience,” he said. played a really, really good match. ended at qualifying when she pulled out when his father-in- each other. “I feel like I’m a better player That’s why she is the winner and was ranked 147th in the world. law, coach Nigel Sears, collapsed Raonic is no longer just a one- than I was two years ago.” I’m not today. The Eastbourne resident plans at Rod Laver Arena last week. dimensional huge server. His Raonic said he would be aim- “But I’m really taking a lot of a full schedule to continue her Second-ranked Murray, who File picture of Britain’s Andy Murray. volleying has improved under ing to get Murray out of his com- positive things from it. I’m really progression but was not getting is yet to win the year’s opening Moya, and he has more confi - fort zone. hungry to keep improving and bogged down in tangible goals. Grand Slam, also has a wary eye Raonic, now working with “That’s all I can keep doing and dence coming to the net. “We’re both very diff erent and keep enjoying what I’m doing. So “I look to be the best I can on events at home where his wife former world number one Car- working hard. Yeah, two matches “Signifi cantly, I think I know I think improved players from 14 that’s where I’m at.” be. Like I keep saying, I don’t Kim Sears is heavily pregnant los Moya, has impressed in away potentially here. Give it my better how to use my ground- months ago,” he said. Konta showed nerves early look at myself in the mirror and with their fi rst child. reaching his second Grand Slam best over the next few days.” strokes. But at the same time, “So I have certain aspects that against Kerber with eight un- say, ‘You’re number this in the Despite all the distractions, semi-fi nal thanks to fi rst-time Both players have made no- because I’m getting to the ball in I would like to manipulate and forced errors in the opening two world’,” she said. 28-year-old Murray has worked wins over former winner Stan ticeable improvements in their a better position, it’s easier,” the use my game in, and I’m sure games and conceded a 3-0 lead. “That’s not how I view my his way to his 18th Grand Slam Wawrinka and Gael Monfi ls. games in the run to the last four. Canadian said. he’s going to try to do a lot of dif- But she hit back to win the career and my life. I just will go semi-fi nal for his seventh meet- “After a tough year in 2014, I Murray’s second serve, once “I don’t feel like I’m getting ferent things, too. next four games and battled hard back, keep working hard, keep ing against big-serving Raonic, think I’m now established again considered a weakness, has more hustled around the court that “I think it’s going to be a race in a tight fi rst set before the Ger- improving the things that I want with the winner facing Novak at the top of the game and giving power under the coaching of much. I feel like I can fi nd my to who can get in the comfort man sprinted away to wrap up to improve and keep enjoying Djokovic. myself chances,” Murray said. Amelie Mauresmo. He hit a top way back. I don’t have to go for zone of themselves fi rst.” the match in 82 minutes. what I’m doing.” Gulf Times 10 Friday, January 29, 2016 SPORT

HORSE RACING Zman Awal, Novis Adventus beat favourites for fi ne wins Majed Seifeddine wins Wadi Al Sail Cup for second straight year, this time with Al Rayyan

By Mikhil Bhat bred Arabian Maiden Plate. Doha The Amer colt fi nished ahead of Maryam bint Sheail al-Ku- wari-owned Lina Al Mels and Al ohamad bin Hamad Jasra Stud’s Derzkiya for his fi rst Khalifa al-Attiyah’s win. horses produced Another grey son of Amer some really impres- AJS Al Rayyan edged out Julian Msive runs to beat the favourites Smart-trained Enwa and Umm for victory in two big Class 1 races Qarn’s Wafa for a win in the Local at the Qatar Racing and Eques- Purebred Arabian Novice Plate. trian Club yesterday. This was the second win for the Both Zman Awal and Novis Mohannad al-Yaqout-trained Adventus had not-so-great re- AJS Al Rayyan. sults to show for this season coming into yesterday’s races but RESULTS both beat some really big names Race 1: 1. Al Mayeda (Andrew to win the Zekreet Cup and Khor Elliot), 2. Marjan (Jean Baptiste Al Adaid Cup respectively. Hamel), 3. Qhudoua (Harry When Zman Awal won the Bentley), 4. Al Murtajazz (Cedric Class 1 race for fi llies and mares Segeon). Won by: ½, 3, ½. Time: yesterday, trainer Mohannad al- 1:41.49. Owner: Saoud Abdulatif Yaqout knew the Dubawi fi lly had Saad al-Muslimani. Trainer: Mo- achieved something incredible. hamed Hussain. After staying unbeaten in the Race 2: 1. Molheb Al Naif (Marvin two races she participated in Suerland), 2. Lina Al Mels (Gerald Doha last year, the fi ve-year-old Avranche), 3. Derzkiya (Marco chestnut fi lly saw her health de- Monteriso), 4. Gadab (Jean teriorating to near-fatal levels. Baptiste Hamel). Won by: 2, Nk, “She had skin cancer around 2. Time: 1:34.09. Owner: Sheikh her stomach area. The vets had Abdullah bin Nasser al-Ahmed al- suggested to put her down be- Thani. Trainer: Yousef Bentahar cause it was really bad,” al- Race 3: 1. AJS Al Rayyan (Ali Yaqout told Gulf Times. al-Showeikh), 2. Enwa (Harry “But then God helped us. Bentley), 3. Wafa (Jean Baptiste There was a big surgery and she South African ambassador to Qatar Saad Cachalia receives a memento from Sheikh Abdullah bin Mishal al-Thani at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURES: Sheril Babu Hamel), 4. Istibdad (Gerald lost a lot of her blood and weight, Avranche). Won by: ¾, ½, 3. Time: but she survived.” 1:45.70. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. After the surgery here in Qa- Trainer: M. al-Yaqout. tar, al-Yaqout was tasked with Race 4: 1. Regality (JP Guillam- getting the fi ve-year-old back in bert), 2. Pippin Street (Alberto shape. “We worked hard to build Sanna), 3. Blazers Rock (Ali her up all over again. She had lost al-Showeikh), 4. Rijm (Stephan close to 50 kilos.” Ladjadj). Won by: ½, ½, ½. Time: Early results after a come- 1:25.49. Owner: Mansoor Ibrahim back were not encouraging with al-Mahmood. Trainer: Jassim Zman Awal fi nishing last in her Ghazali. 14-strong return race and 14th Race 5: 1. Crisscrossed (Mar- again earlier this month. vin Suerland), 2. Galaxy (Pier “The owner decided to fi eld Convertino), 3. Red Connect her in this race even as I wasn’t (Seb Sanders), 4. Tarrafal (Yanis expecting much given how many Aouabed). Won by: ¾, 1 ¼, Nk. champions were in the race. But Time: 1:25.14. Owner: Hussain thanks to God, she ran impres- Ali Bukanan. Trainer: Zuhair sively for the win.” Mohsen. Gerald Avranche rode Zman Race 6: 1. Rasi (Harry Bentley), Awal to a narrow win over Injaaz 2. Mujidd (Jean Baptiste Hamel), Stud’s Momalorka and last year’s Jockey Gerald Avranche rides Novis Adventus (foreground) to victory 3. Mekhbatt (Seb Sanders), winner City Zen. in the Khor Al Adaid Cup yesterday. 4. Nomaas (Cedric Segeon). In the fi nal race of the day, Won by: 1, Nk, 1 ½. Time: 1:31.82. Avranche was at the helm of the earlier this month with another in the Thoroughbred Handicap Owner: Al Shahania Stud. Trainer: winner yet again when Novis Ad- victory in the Thoroughbred event, a Class 4 race for maidens Jassim Ghazali. ventus left behind the likes of last Handicap event yesterday. and one time winners rated 80 Race 7: 1. Zman Awal (Gerald year’s winner Ningara and Lesha, Yesterday, jockey Marvin Su- and below. Avranche), 2. Momalorka three-time winner in Handicap erland had the Zuhair Mohsen- Last week, Al Majd Stud- (Stephan Ladjadj), 3. City Zen races this season, to win the long- trained colt track early leaders owned Pippin Street had beaten (Harry Bentley), 4. Nawarah est race of the day, a 2800m race Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa al-Attiyah (left), owner of Zekreet Cup winner Zman Awal, receives the Dubai Star and Harry’s Dancer, Mansoor Ibrahim al-Mahmood’s (Marvin Suerland). Won by: Nk, 2, for Thoroughbreds rated 85 and trophy yesterday. both from the stables of Osama Regality by three quarters of a 1. Time: 1:24.16. Owner: Mohamed above, by the smallest of margins. Omar al-Dhafea. Coming on to length to shed her maiden sta- bin Hamad Khalifa al-Attiyah. The four-year-old colt tracked Jean Baptiste Hamel hold the with Umm Qarn’s Majd Al Arab did well to move up from seventh the home straight Crisscrossed tus. Yesterday, however, jockey JP Trainer: M. al-Yaqout. the leaders throughout the race four-year-old gelding back ear- progeny Mujidd not too far be- early on to third at the post. picked up speed and built up a Guillambert rode Regality to a fi ne Race 8: 1. Al Rayyan (Jean before going alongside Ahmed ly on while Alberto Sanna had hind. Champion jockey Harry Speaking about Rasi after the lead over the remaining fi eld. win while Pippin Street and Blaz- Baptiste Hamel), 2. Bretherton Kobeissi’s charge Fort Moville Bretherton take the lead. Bentley had Rasi hold his line on race, Ghazali said, “Al Shahania Rashid Mubarak Aljafali al- ers Rock completed the top three. (Alberto Sanna), 3. Beach Samba up front in the fi nal 100 metres. Coming on to the home stretch, the inside, starting off Gate 3. horses are really strong, their Naimi’s Galaxy, who was held Earlier in the day, Saoud Ab- (Almotasem al-Balushi), 4. Third A fi nal push saw Novis Adventus even as Sanna built up a length With two furlongs to go, Mu- level is really high. I would like back by jockey Pier Convertino dulatif Saad al-Muslimani’s Al Dimenson (Harry Bentley). Won pick up a close win. long lead up front, Al Rayyan jidd started eating into the lead to thank HH Sheikh Mohamed till then, moved up on the outside Mayeda and Sheikh Abdullah by: Nk, 1, ½. Time: 1:36.39. Owner: Majed Seifeddine won the came into his own, racing past of a slowing Nomaas, while Jas- for his support. Coming into this and in fi nal 100m showed some bin Nasser al-Ahmed al-Thani’s Saeed Mubarak Saeed Aljafali al- Wadi Al Sail Cup for the second almost the entire fi eld in a half a sim Ghazali-schooled Rasi was race, he had largely run longer impressive speed closing in on Molheb Al Naif shed their maid- Naimi. Trainer: Majed Seifeddine. straight year when Saeed Mu- furlong, to edge out Bretherton. a couple of lengths behind. But races till now but he has proven Crisscrossed but the latter held en status. Mohamed Hussain- Race 9: 1. Novis Adventus barak Saeed Aljafali al-Naimi’s Al Al Shahania Stud’s Rasi followed Rasi did well to get level with the his mettle over shorter distance on for his second straight win. trained fi lly Al Mayeda won the (Gerald Avranche), 2. Fort Moville Rayyan produced a dazzling turn up a credible third-place fi nish two leaders with a furlong to go in this race having won in a Red Connect fi nished third. Local Thoroughbred Maiden (Darren Williams), 3. Jumaira of foot to pick up a narrow win in the Qatar Derby with a win in and then moved ahead as Mujidd strong fi eld.” Regality and Pippin Street Plate event ahead of Umm Qarn’s Tower (Yanis Aouabed), 4. over Injaaz Stud’s Bretherton and the Purebred Arabian Conditions continued the chase. Bentley’s Hussain Ali Bukanan-owned served up yet another treat for Marjan and Jassim Ghazali’s Ningara (Alberto Sanna). Won Hassan Ali Abdulmalik-owned event yesterday. ride eventually won with the Al- Crisscrossed continued his run the second straight week when Qhudoua, while Yousef Benta- by: Hd, 1, ¾. Time: 3:12.14. Owner: Beach Samba. Saeed Mohamed al-Shafi ’s ban de Mieulle’s charge fi nishing of impressive results when he the two Jassim Ghazali-trained her-trained colt Molheb Al Naif Mohamed bin Hamad Khalifa al- The mile-long race saw jockey Nomaas took the lead early on second. Al Jasra Stud’s Mekhbatt followed by up his Maiden win fi llies battled for the top spot won on debut to take the Pure- Attiyah. Trainer: MHK al-Attiyah.

BOXING Arum hints at Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch

AFP thinks that could all still change. match, so we’ll have to see. “You hei Kono. The deal signals the end Hong Kong “Once that bell rings for that fi nal know, I’m done predicting what of Arum’s tie-up with the nearby round, Manny Pacquiao’s going athletes are going to do.” resort city of Macau, where he ‘Free speech’ Fury escapes punishment to rethink it and who knows if he has promoted eight casino-based World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury made it clear to him that as world heavy- eteran boxing promoter decides to return?” he told AFP in Macau to Hong Kong shows in the past three years, in- escaped punishment for his controversial weight champion, arguably the holder of the Bob Arum believes Fili- Hong Kong. Bradley’s WBO welterweight ti- cluding two multi-million dollar remarks on women, homosexuality and abor- most prestigious title in sport, there are heavy pino legend Manny Pac- “I’ve been in this boxing busi- tle will be on the line in the April 9 Pacquiao fi ghts. tion with British boxing chiefs backing his right responsibilities upon him to avoid making quiao may reconsider re- ness for 50 years and I know that bout at Las Vegas’s MGM Grand, in Macau has been hit hard by to free speech. Fury faced a backlash for the controversial, non-boxing comments. Vtirement after his fi nal fi ght against fi ghters retire and other than, say, the third meeting of the two fi ght- China’s high-profi le corruption comments he made before and after his vic- “He has assured the stewards that he under- Timothy Bradley, and declared he Rocky Marciano, they come back,” ers. Top Rank guru Arum was in crackdown which has kept high tory over Wladimir Klitschko in November to stands the responsibilities upon him and has would “love” to see a rematch with said the 84-year-old Arum. “Will Hong Kong to announce a three- rollers from the gaming tables and capture the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight expressed regret that he has caused off ence to Floyd Mayweather. it be Manny’s last fi ght? I’m not fi ght deal to promote local super saw casino revenues in 2015 fall to a titles. others, which was never his intention.” Pacquiao insists he will step ready to guarantee that,” added fl yweight and world title prospect fi ve-year low. But the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoc) Fury, 27, was widely condemned for his re- away from the ring after the third Arum, who also hinted at a rematch Rex Tso. “We thank Macau for hosting said they could not sanction the fighter as he marks in a December interview and was briefly and fi nal instalment of his rivalry for the Filipino against Mayweath- Arum confi rmed that Tso would boxing and bringing it on a tre- hadn’t broken the law. “Tyson Fury has made the subject of a police investigation. with Bradley in April. The 37-year- er, who himself retired after their fi ght South Korea’s Young Gil-Bae mendous basis to this part of the comments in the media that have caused “Homosexuality, abortion and paedophilia— old is planning to run for a seat in mega-fi ght in Las Vegas last May. in May in Hong Kong for an Asian world,” said Arum. off ence to members of our society. However, them three things need to be accomplished the Philippines’ senate later this “I’d love to see a Mayweather- regional title. “But we know there is not the there is no suggestion that he has broken before the world finishes. That’s what the year after already serving as a rep- Pacquiao second fi ght, of course I A high-ranked contender would same appetite for events there as in the law by exercising his right to freedom of Bible tells me,” he said. Fury also stated that resentative in the country’s con- would,” said Arum. “The fi rst fi ght follow in September and, if suc- prior years,” admitted Arum. expression,” said a statement by the governing a woman’s place was “in the kitchen and on gress. was by far the most lucrative in the cessful, Tso would get a shot at “If you’re not going to get that body. “In such circumstances, the stewards of her back”. But in a further interview, he denied “I’m so happy to be hanging up history of boxing. “But Mayweath- becoming Hong Kong’s fi rst box- type of support from the casinos the British Boxing Board of Control have been that he was sexist or homophobic. “I’m not a my gloves after this fi ght,” Pac- er has to un-retire, Manny has to ing world champion in December in Macau, it is logical to bring the advised that it cannot interfere with his basic homophobe, I’m not a sexist, I’m not any of quiao told a press conference in decide whether or not he’s elected against the WBA super fl yweight events to where the people are— human rights. “Having said that, the stewards those,” he said. Los Angeles a week ago. But Arum to the senate and he’ll do the re- champion, currently Japan’s Ko- and that’s Hong Kong,” he added. Gulf Times Friday, January 29, 2016 11 GOLF

SMBC OPEN FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN Flu-hit Day pulls Spieth trails as out of Torrey Pines Pro-Am

AFP nearby. He plays alongside US San Diego compatriot Jimmy Walker and England’s Justin Rose, who Horne takes early has been off for nearly two ustralia’s Jason Day months. Mickelson has not withdrew from won at Torrey Pines since 2001 Wednesday’s Pro- and has not won any title since Am on the eve of the the 2013 British Open. USA PGA Tour Farmers Insur- Day would become the ance Open because of fl u-like fourth back-to-back Torrey symptoms, casting doubt Pines champion with a victory lead in Singapore upon his Torrey Pines title de- this week, matching J.C. Snead fense. from 1975-76, Phil Mickelson Day won a playoff last year in 2000-01 and Tiger Woods, ‘It was a good start. I wish I had better chances of putting inside 15 feet to birdie. I just at the San Diego layout for his who had a record four wins in a third PGA title and his fi rst in a row from 2005-2008. didn’t have many today. But that will come. It’s just the first round in a diff erent country, breakout season that saw him American Rickie Fowler, win fi ve times, including his coming off a victory in Abu diff erent time zone. It’s still an adjustment and I think each day it will get a bit better’ fi rst major crown at the PGA Dhabi, is paired alongside Ja- Championship, and claim the pan’s Hideki Matsuyama and world number one ranking for American Patrick Reed. the fi rst time in his career. “The ultimate goal this year Jordan Spieth of the “Looking forward to get- is to go win a major and this is US tees off during ting back under way and try- a step in the right direction for the first round of the ing to defend this tournament, sure,” Fowler said after his Abu SMBC Singapore Open which is very special to me,” Dhabi triumph. yesterday. (Reuters) Day said earlier. “That kind of World number four Fowler catapulted my year to turning hopes to capture his fi rst major the way it did.” title this season, perhaps fol- Day is set to play alongside lowing Day’s formula by doing Americans Harris English and it after a Torrey Pines title. J.B. Holmes in the fi rst two “With where my game’s at, rounds. The trio and American the best it has been this early Scott Stallings were all part of in the season in my career, I’m last year’s playoff , which Day working on getting ready for won with a par on the second Augusta. And I’d like to have extra hole. my shot at getting the green Five-time major champion jacket there.” Phil Mickelson, who shared Australian 17-year-old Ryan third last week, is a treble past Ruff els will make his profes- Torrey Pines winner who lives sional debut in the event. No Ko for LPGA season opener he 2016 LPGA sea- four players in the top eight, son opened with the six of the top 10 and eight of Bahamas LPGA Clas- the top 15, making that the sic yesterday with toughest lineup to crack. top-rankedT New Zealand teen Thompson, Lewis and Lydia Ko absent and players Cristie Kerr would represent mindful about women’s golf the United States but Brittany returning to the Olympics. Lincicome, 16th this week, Second-ranked Park In-Bee would just miss out. of South Korea, third-ranked In all, 26 of the top 35 American Stacy Lewis and ranked women are US or her fourth-ranked compa- South Korean golfers. triot Lexi Thompson will be A record $63 million in among the favorites at the prize money will be at stake par-72 Ocean Club layout on in an LPGA season spanning Paradise Island. 34 events across 14 nations. Ko, an 18-year-old Kiwi of Newcomers will be trying Korean heritage, will skip the to make their mark quickly Caribbean start to avoid play- this season, just as seventh- ing four weeks in a row, open- ranked defending champion AFP Horne hit two bogeys but raised the 2015 US Open and Masters and he took it like a champ. “We Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour ing her season next week in Kim Sei-Young of South Korea Singapore his game to top the leaderboard champion. “I wish I had better also played a lot together, so it’s Organization. Florida before defending her did last year when she won with his seventh birdie in the fi - chances of putting inside 15 feet an easy one-week replacement It was formerly one of Asia’s Women’s Australian Open three events to finish fourth nal hole. to birdie. I just didn’t have many while Michael is getting healthy.” richest with a $6 million purse and New Zealand Women’s on the money list. outh Africa’s Keith Horne Despite not playing at today,” he added. Overall, Spieth said Serapong when last held in November Open titles next month. Canada’s Brooke Hender- shot a fi ve-under-par 66 Serapong for a couple of years, “But that will come. It’s just lived up to what he had heard 2012. The tournament was can- “It’s just part of a schedul- son begins her first full sea- to lead the SMBC Singa- the 44-year-old said he usually the fi rst round in a diff erent from PGA Tour pros who had celled in 2013 after British bank ing strategy,” Ko’s coach, son this week after matching pore Open after the fi rst has a good outing at the course. country, diff erent time zone. It’s played here previously. Barclays chose not to renew its David Leadbetter, told the Ko and Thompson last year Sround of play yesterday, with “I had a bit of a walkabout in still an adjustment and I think “My expectations were high, sponsorship. Japan’s Sumitomo Golf Channel. “She just wants by winning an LPGA event world number one Jordan Spieth the middle of the round but then each day it will get a bit better.” considering how highly people Mitsui Banking Corporation is another week to get sharp.” before her 18th birthday. breathing down his neck. I also had a good run coming in,” Spieth played without regular have spoken of this golf course,” the current sponsor. Scheduling becomes Henderson, 18, won the Spieth and South Korea’s An said Horne. caddie Michael Greller, who is Spieth told reporters. more critical this year as Portland Classic last August Byeong-Hun posted identical “I putted great today which recovering from an ankle injury “It played very similar to a Leading scores golf returns to the Olympics, by a season-high eight birdies in the fourth, seventh, was important. I put a new driver sustained at the Hyundai Tour- pretty challenging PGA Tour.” 66: Keith Horne (RSA) players looking to the world strokes last year at age 17 10th and 18th holes, to trail in the bag... and I hit it so far and nament of Champions in Hawaii The American has put aside 67: An Byeong-Hun (KOR), rankings of July 11 that will and has jumped from 221st Horne by a stroke as the four-day straight and that made a huge earlier this month, and his agent, earlier complaints of exhaustion Jordan Spieth (USA) determine the 60-player in the rankings a year ago to tournament teed off at the Sen- diff erence.” Jay Danzi, stood in without a after a top fi ve fi nish at the Abu 68: Hideto Tanihara (JPN), Rahil Olympic lineups. The top 15 18th now. tosa Golf Club Serapong Course. Playing in the city-state for hitch in the heat. Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship Gangjee (IND), Quincy Quek qualify with a limit of four per Asked to give herself a Bad weather suspended play the fi rst time, Spieth remains fo- Spieth said: “It’s a tough place on Sunday. (SIN), Paul Peterson (USA) nation, with the rest of the grade on how her 2015 sea- late afternoon and competition cused on winning the Singapore to come in and caddie when Returning after a three-year 69: Prayad Marksaeng (THA), field being the top-rated golf- son went, Henderson will resume today for 57 players Open and while he was frustrated you’re not used to carrying the hiatus and under new sponsor- Choi Jinho (KOR), Scott Strange ers from each nation with a said she was extremely who have not completed the fi rst with his drives the 22-year-old bag in this weather. But he has ship, the Singapore Open off ers (AUS), Miguel Tabuena (PHI), maximum of two per country. pleased with her on-course round. Texan said he was still adjusting. caddied for me previously, at a minimum prize purse of $1 mil- Javi Colomo (ESP), Chapchai This week, South Korea has performance. Teeing off on the back nine, “It was a good start,” said the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan, lion. It is co-sanctioned by the Nirat (THA)

John Daly cooks up a storm in Qatar Masters Skills Swap American golfer and backswing and shoulder turn share, which is great,” Daly said. celebrity chef Theo helped him top the PGA Tour’s “The food tastes so good, so Maverick American Randall give each other a driving rankings for years as he natural. I cook a lot at home, so golfer John Daly (right) lesson in their respective regularly boomed drives well I really enjoyed this. We don’t with English celebrity professions in a colourful over 300 yards. have a pasta maker, but I want to chef Theo Randall collaboration at Doha ‘Long John’, who turns 50 get one now!” in April, has been one of the Randall, now in his 10th year Golf Club world’s most famous golfers as proprietor of Theo Randall since winning the 1991 PGA at The InterContinental London By Sports Reporter Championship, with the big- Park Lane, received some tips Doha hitting American underlining his on the practice range from Daly, enormous ability and all-round who jokingly extended Randall’s game by capturing the 1995 backswing and endorsed the ohn ‘Wild Thing’ Daly, the Open Championship for his ‘grip it and rip it’ style of golf, maverick golf star who second Major title. saying: “Just smack it!” has recorded two music Playing in Qatar for the second However, Randall said the golf albums and has a line of time in three years, Daly showed star really warmed up when they LoudmouthJ golf apparel, added his appetite for learning new moved to the cooking station. another string to his bow after skills when Randall, a Michelin “I enjoyed the golf, but John receiving a cooking lesson from star chef who specialises in Ital- was really enthusiastic when we English celebrity chef Theo Ran- ian cuisine, instructed him in the were cooking. dall at a Commercial Bank Qatar art of cooking ravioli in the Win- “I can imagine a new line of Masters Skills Swap. ners Enclosure hospitality chalet pasta by John Daly now!” Ran- Daly had earlier given Randall, overlooking the 18th green. dall joked. an InterContinental ambassador, “Theo’s great. He really knows “It’s nice to work with people a few tips on the practice range his stuff and kept it simple when who have enthusiasm. We’ve at Doha Golf Club. he was explaining. talked a lot over the past couple Far from possessing a conven- “A lot of top chefs won’t tell of days and I really enjoyed my tional swing, Daly’s enormous you anything, but he’s happy to time with him.”

Friday, January 29, 2016 GULF TIMES COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS Lawrie halfway to treble Veteran Scot shoots 66 to take one-shot lead and move towards a historic third Qatar Masters title

By Satya Rath Sergio Garcia, the 2014 winner, and 12th to get into a share of the lead Doha shot up to eight-under after the sev- but dropped a shot on the 15th. He re- en-time Ryder Cup star carded a 66 gained it on the 16th and when another that included an eagle on 16. Defend- birdie followed on the 18th, he held a aul Lawrie is back in conten- ing champion Branden Grace (67) was one-shot lead. tion at his favourite hunting tied 11th at seven-under, a horrendous Second-placed Colsaerts was ground with the possibility double bogey on the par-3 third spoil- Lawrie’s teammate in the 2012 Ryder of a historic treble fi rmly ing a good day’s work, while South Cup and like the Scot, the 33-year-old Pin his sights. Will this exciting pros- African stars Ernie Els (70) and Louis Belgian is looking for his fi rst Europe- pect play havoc with his normally Oosthuizen (73) were tied for 20th at an Tour title since that year. unfl appable mind? The answer will six-under. Teeing off from the 10th, Colsaerts be clear over the next two days at the The 47-year-old Lawrie, who could birdied his par-fi ve opener and bo- Doha Golf Club. also become the tournament’s oldest geyed 14 for a fl at fi rst nine. However, Over the years, the Scotsman has winner, took advantage of yesterday an eagle on the par-fi ve fi rst was fol- deservedly earned the reputation of morning’s calmer conditions to sink lowed by birdies on fi ve and nine to being a solid bad-weather player. And seven birdies, with his card blemished draw within one of his former Ryder Leading Scores with the wind tipped to blow harder by just one bogey. Cup partner. today and tomorrow, it could turn out “It was pretty much the same as Garcia, 36, made the most signifi - 133: Paul Lawrie (SCO) 67+66 to be the perfect setting for him to es- yesterday, to be honest,” said Lawrie, cant move among the marquee names. 134: Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL) 66+68 tablish another landmark at the Com- who has a history of playing well in the He birdied his opening hole on the 135: mercial Bank Qatar Masters. wind. “I played nicely tee to green and tenth, picked up two more shots on Andrew Johnston 66+69, Gre- Only two players have won the tour- hit a lot of good shots. I only made one the 14th and 15th, then fi red an eagle gory Bourdy (FRA) 67+68, Rafael nament two times in the event’s 18- mistake, which was a three-putt from on the 16th. After a run of nine pars, he Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67+68 year history, and former Open cham- 20 feet at the 15th.” sank a long birdie putt on the eighth to 136: Tommy Fleetwood 67+69, pion Lawrie is one of them—the other The experienced Scot previous- end a solid round. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 70+66, being Australian Adam Scott, who’s ly won the event in 1999 and 2012, Earlier, Bourdy made history when Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 67+69, not playing here. each year going on to make the Ry- he recorded the fi rst hole-in-one on Pelle Edberg (SWE) 70+66, Johan Lawrie, who sat just two shots off der Cup team. Lawrie, who remains the par-3 eighth hole. The 33-year- Carlsson (Swe) 69+67 the top after Wednesday’s opening best known for his Open Champion- old had made seven straight pars in the 137: Jens Fahrbring (SWE) 69+68, round, began from where he left off ship win in July 1999, admitted his morning but that six-iron ace helped Maximilian Kieff er (GER) 69+68, with a brilliant 66 for an 11-under to- past success in Doha could help him him turn in at 34. He gave a shot back Kristoff er Broberg (SWE) 67+70, tal which made him the sole leader at through the weekend. on the 10th but quickly regained it on Joost Luiten (NED) 70+67, Jorge the halfway stage of the European Tour “It helps when you know you’ve won the 11th and further gains on the 14th Campillo (ESP) 69+68, Branden event. If he continues the way he’s this tournament twice before. It’s nice and 16th helped him sign out on 68. Grace (RSA) 70+67, George Coetzee been playing, the CBQM could well to go back to places that you know you As many as nine players are on seven (RSA) 67+70, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) see the fi rst three-time winner of the can play well on and have done in the under, including defending champion 65+72, Brett Rumford (AUS) 68+69 Mother of Pearl Trophy on Saturday. past. You see your name on the board Grace. The South African had shared 138: Ricardo Gouveia (POR) 67+71, Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts was one a couple of times and you walk past the lead with birdies on the tenth, Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) 68+70, shot back after birdieing his last hole it every day at the range. It all helps,” 14th, 18th and fi rst added to an eagle at Alex Noren (SWE) 69+69, Louis for a 68, while sharing the third spot Lawrie said. “I know there’s still a long the 16th. Oosthuizen (RSA) 65+73, Lee Slat- at nine-under were Spanish star Rafa way to go, a lot of golf to be played and A double bogey after seeing his sec- tery 69+69, Robert Rock 68+70, Cabrera-Bello (68), France’s Gregory a lot of top players still up there, but so ond shot bounce back behind him on Ernie Els (RSA) 68+70, Bernd Wies- Bourdy (68) and England’s Andrew far, so good.” the third stalled his progress before he berger (AUT) 68+70, Gregory Havret Johnston (69). The Scot birdied the tenth, his fi rst, closed with a birdie on the ninth. (FRA) 71+67, Bradley Dredge 71+67

TEE TIMES (THIRD ROUND)

07:15: Alvaro QUIROS, Andrew DODT 08:15: Seve BENSON, Nathan HOLMAN, Cheng JIN (AM) 09:35: Roope KAKKO, James MORRISON, Richie RAMSAY George COETZEE 07:25: Ashun WU, Joachim B HANSEN, 08:25: Renato PARATORE, Peter HANSON, Benjamin HEBERT 09:45: Prom MEESAWAT, Björn ÅKESSON, Søren KJELDSEN 10:55: Jens FAHRBRING, Pablo LARRAZÁBAL, Joost LUITEN Bryson DECHAMBEAU (AM) 08:35: Thomas BJØRN, Marc WARREN, Oliver WILSON 09:55: Mikko ILONEN, Louis OOSTHUIZEN, Grégory HAVRET 11:05: Brett RUMFORD, Tommy FLEETWOOD, 07:35: Mike LORENZO-VERA, Thomas PIETERS, David LIPSKY 08:55: Marcus FRASER, Tyrrell HATTON, Richard BLAND 10:05: Ernie ELS, Ricardo GOUVEIA, Robert ROCK Branden GRACE 07:45: Niclas FASTH, Scott JAMIESON, Trevor FISHER 09:05: Mikko KORHONEN, Ben EVANS, Marcel SIEM 10:15: Bradley DREDGE, Bernd WIESBERGER, 11:15: Johan CARLSSON, Sergio GARCIA, Pelle EDBERG 07:55: Rhys DAVIES, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT, 09:15: Joakim LAGERGREN, Thongchai JAIDEE, Clarke LUTTON Lucas BJERREGAARD 11:25: Thorbjørn OLESEN, Andrew JOHNSTON, Trevor IMMELMAN 09:25: Alejandro CAÑIZARES, Brandon STONE, 10:25: Alex NOREN, Lee SLATTERY, Maximilian KIEFFER Rafa CABRERA-BELLO 08:05: Callum SHINKWIN, Haydn PORTEOUS, Gary STAL Robert KARLSSON 10:45: Kristoff er BROBERG, Jorge CAMPILLO, 11:35: Paul LAWRIE, Grégory BOURDY, Nicolas COLSAERTS BOURDY ROARS INTO CONTENTION WITH AN ACE Frenchman shoots hole-in-one to lie joint 3rd

“I used a 6-iron. I had 158 By Satya Rath The Qatar Masters has witnessed 10 hole- Doha in-ones since its inaugural edition in 1998, but metres to the pin and it’s a this was the first time the par-3 eighth hole has straight shot into the wind. witnessed a hole-in-one. The 3rd, 13th and 17th The wind was not so strong regory Bourdy had an early tee-off holes shared the earlier spoils. today, and was blowing yesterday, 6.40am to be precise. The Eduardo Romero was the first to achieve a little bit left -to-right conditions were near-perfect—the wind the feat in 1999, on the par-3 17th hole of the was mild as compared to the opening Doha Golf Club. In fact, the same tournament but into, yeah, very short day’sG strong gusts, and it was a clear morning as witnessed two more aces--Patrik Sjoland hit the and tap-in. It always feels against Wednesday’s foggy and cloudy skies. next, also in the 17th, followed by John Bicker- nice to hit a hole-in-one The Frenchman had shot a sedate 67 on the ton’s ace in the 13th. and this one’s my third on opening day of the Commercial Bank Qatar Mas- The others in the list are: Jamie Spence (13th Tour. I missed a few bird- ters, and with a big number of players too return- hole, 2000), Darren Fichardt (3rd hole, 2003), ing under-par scores, needed to at least match Warren Bennett (17th hole, 2004), Thongchai ies before the eighth, and or better his performance in the second round to Jaidee (3rd hole, 2006), Peter Lawrie (3rd hole, then yeah, straight in with stay in contention for the weekend action. 2006) and Brandon Stone (13th hole, 2014). a 6-iron. So it was like two Bourdy couldn’t match that score—he shot a “I think it was not as diff icult as yesterday. I birdies straight...” second-round 68—and at the end of the day was think it’s a decent good score, and gives me a lot lying tied-third, just two strokes off overall leader of confidence going into the weekend. I think I Paul Lawrie. But still, he was the man of the day, started very well. I missed a few birdies, as my as during the course of his round, he hit a hole- putting was not as great as yesterday maybe, in-one—the first at this year’s CBQM and 10th in but the rest of the game was actually very good. the European Tour event’s 19-year history. I think a score of 9-under after two rounds in It was his only scoring shot on the front nine these conditions, this course, is pretty decent.” after teeing off from the first. He also sunk three Bourdy had not so memorable 2015 season, birdies to go with a sole bogey on the 10th in during which he failed to win a title though what he described as a “satisfying day’s work”. he came close quite a few times. He finished It was the third career hole-in-one for the tied-fifth at last year’s Qatar Masters, and then 34-year-old World No. 161, who has won four peaked towards the last part of the year when he European Tour wins to his credit. ended runner-up at the Alfred Dunhill Champi- “I used a 6-iron. I had 158 metres to the pin onship in South Africa in November. and it’s a straight shot into the wind. The wind “I had a good week at the end of last year. Last was not so strong today, and was blowing a little week (in Abu Dhabi where he finished a distant bit left-to-right but into, yeah, very short and tap- 54th) I was a bit frustrated because I think my in. It always feels nice to hit a hole-in-one and game was very good and yet I finished only this one’s my third on Tour. I missed a few birdies 50-something. I think I have started much better before the eighth, and then yeah, straight in with this week. I feel very confident and my putting a 6-iron. So it was like two birdies straight, yeah, I is good too. Let’s hope I keep playing like this for am very happy,” said Bourdy. two more days,” added the Frenchman.