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Thursday, January 7, 2016 CRICKET Rabia I 27, 1437 AH Amla quits as GULF TIMES SA captain as Test ends in a draw SPORT Page 3

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday watched the Qatar ExxonMobil Open match between Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. Djokovic won the match 6-2, 6-2 to qualify for the quarter-finals. Others seen in the picture are Novak Djokovic’s coach Boris Becker watches the action at the Khalifa International Qatar Tennis Federation President Nasser al-Kheleifi (R) and Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager ExxonMobil Qatar. Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday.

TENNIS Djokovic, Nadal win easily to move closer to title clash At the Khalifa Complex, the two put on a masterclass, giving a glimpse of what to expect this week, and maybe even this season

By Sahan Bidappa Novak Djokovic blasts many mistakes and was serving well,” Doha a forehand to said Nadal. Fernando Verdasco. “I think I returned well tonight. And the serve was a little bit worse ovak Djokovic and Rafael than yesterday, but in general, I played Nadal cruised into the quar- much better than yesterday, no? So ter-fi nals of the Qatar Exx- very happy with the victory and with onMobil Open yesterday, the level of tennis,” the 14-time Grand openingN up the enticing prospect of a Slam champion added. title clash between two of the sport’s Meanwhile, third seed Tomas Ber- greatest stars in history. dych also entered the quarterfi nals At the Khalifa Complex, the two put after the Czech swept aside Damir on a masterclass, giving a glimpse of Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina what to expect this week, and maybe 6-0, 6-4 in a late-night match. Ber- even this season. dych will next play qualifi er Kyle Ed- Djokovic was fi rst to take the centre mund of Great Britain. Edmund carried court and the World No.1 didn’t waste his good qualifying form as he came much time in swatting aside Spaniard back from a set down to beat Daniel Fernando Verdasco 6-2, 6-2. Thereaf- Munoz De La Nava of Spain 5-7, 6-3, ter, Nadal joined in the fun as he scored 7-6 (3). In an all-French clash, Jer- an equally impressive win over Robin emy Chardy beat Paul-Henri Mathieu Hasse of Germany 6-3, 6-2. In today’s 6-2, 6-4. He will next face David Fer- last quarter-fi nal matches, Djoko- rer slayer Ukraine’s Illya Marchenko, vic will face eighth-seeded Leonardo who put it past Teymuraz Gabashvili of Mayer of Argentina, while Nadal plays Ukraine 6-4, 6-2. Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov. Results (round of 16) It was a dominant performance 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Fernando Ver- from the two in markedly calm condi- dasco (ESP) 6-2, 6-2; 2-Rafael Nadal (ESP) bt tions, which helped them in express- Robin Haase (NED) 6-3, 6-2; 7-Jeremy Chardy ing themselves on the court by playing (FRA) bt Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) 6-2, 6-4; a wide array of shots. 8-Leonardo Mayer (ARG) bt Pablo Andujar Once a top-10 player, Verdasco has (ESP) 6-2, 6-4; Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS) bt dropped to No. 45 in the world. And Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 7-6 (6), 6-1; Illya the reason for that showed in his game Marchenko (UKR) bt Teymuraz Gabashvili as he repeatedly hit his forehand long, (RUS) 6-4, 6-2; 3-Tomas Berdych (CZE) bt making it easier for Djokovic to fi nish Rafael Nadal serves Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-0, 6-4; (Q) Kyle the match in one hour nine minutes. to Robin Haase of the Edmund (GBR) bt Daniel Munoz De La Nava Djokovic, who won three Grand Netherlands. PICTURES: 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (3). Slams and six Masters titles in 2015, Noushad Thekkayil and Today’s order of play now has dropped just four games into agencies Singles Quarterfinals the new season in his fi rst two match- Centre Court starts at 3:30 pm es. The 28-year-old has won 19 con- coach Boris Becker, a former champion Djokovic closed out the match in style, second set. There were a couple of from a two sets to one defi cit to beat [7] J. Chardy (FRA) vs I. Marchenko (UKR) secutive matches versus left-handers; here in 1993, Djokovic broke Verdasco whipping a crosscourt forehand to im- close games.” Haase. Yesterday, he moved well from A. Kuznetsov (RUS) vs [2] R. Nadal (ESP) his last loss to a lefty came against to take a 3-1 lead. He won eight of his prove his record to 8-4 over Verdasco. Nadal, meanwhile looked much bet- the beginning as he broke the Dutch’s [1] N. Djokovic (SRB) vs [8] L. Mayer (ARG) Nadal in the 2014 French Open fi nal. next 10 service points before break- “Very pleased with the way I have ter that his fi rst round win over fel- serve in the second game and never let [3] T. Berdych (CZE) vs K. Edmund He’s also on a 17-match winning streak ing again to take the opening set in 31 started this season, two matches, low Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, his opponent even have a sniff as he (GBR) against Spanish players dating back to minutes. straight sets,” said Djokovic later. to whom he conceded the fi rst set. won in 65 minutes. Court 1 starts 4:00 pm a 2014 loss to Tommy Robredo. And he In the second set, Verdasco had cou- “Tonight it was tougher than the fi rst Against Hasse, the World No. 5 looked “A good match, good performance. I [1] J. Rojer (NED) / H. Tecau (ROU) vs [4] P. showed no signs of slowing down yes- ple of chances to force a break but the round. Obviously I expected that. The in control right from the start. think I played at very high level against Petzschner (GER) / A. Peya (AUT) terday. Spaniard continued to hit long and was scoreline was the same, but still I had In their lone prior meeting at the a player, who I think played well for a [3] F. Lopez (ESP) / M. Lopez (ESP) vs [2] J. Watched by his wife Jelena and anguished with himself. Soon enough, to work for the win, especially in the 2010 Wimbledon, Nadal had rallied lot of moments. He played with not Murray (GBR) / B. Soares (BRA) Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 7, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT OBITUARY Zidane is good for Irish golf pioneer Real, says Nadal O’Connor ‘I know him. He’s a good person and a humble person’ Jnr no more By Sahan Bidappa Yesterday, a journalist asked him in Doha a press conference, quite cheekily, if he European Tour tles – the latter in the 1992 Brit- ever lets his hair down and has some fun. Dublin ish Masters. While taken aback at the query, Nadal was From The European Tour’s in- afael Nadal has a strong connec- quick to point out that he has another side ception in 1972, he did not fi nish tion with football. He has been to his on-court persona. hristy O’Connor Jnr, a outside the top 100 in the Order a die-hard supporter of Spanish “Serious? I am not serious (laughs). No, former Ryder Cup hero, of Merit in his fi rst 21 seasons, and giants Real Madrid and is also a I am serious on court, but outside of the European Tour and Sen- that class and longevity extended 10R percent shareholder of RCD Mallorca, court I am not much serious,” the World ior Tour veteran, and pi- into his Senior Tour career. his local club by birth. No.5 said. oneerC of golf in Ireland, has died In his maiden campaign in the So it was understandable, that he “I like to enjoy life in general, and I aged 67. over-50s ranks, O’Connor Jnr would be asked about Real Madrid’s sack- think I’m a hard worker. But at the same The Galway native passed stormed to a three-shot victory ing of Rafael Benitez on Monday and the time I know how to enjoy my life. I always away in his sleep while on holi- in the 1999 Senior Open Cham- appointment of French legend Zinedine say the same. The tennis is a very impor- day in Tenerife. He is survived by pionship at Royal Portrush Golf Zidane at Los Blancos. tant part of my life, for sure, but it is not his wife Ann, daughter Ann and Club, before returning to North- Nadal, while being a friend of Zidane, everything” he added. son Nigel. ern Ireland a year later to suc- wished him best and said ‘Zidane is part Ironically, though, he fi nished with a O’Connor Jnr is best known cessfully defend the title at Royal of Real Madrid’s history’, he also felt sorry ‘serious’ answer. “For sure the way that I for hitting one of the most fa- County Down. for Benitez, who was sacked after just 25 understand the sport is to work and try to mous shots in Ryder Cup history He also lifted two titles on the games in charge into the La Liga season. do the right things to improve my game. I – a two-iron approach to the Champions Tour in America in “Well, Zidane is history of the sport, think that is one of the keys to my success 18th green at The Belfry in 1989 1999, and his success did not halt of football, and he’s part of the history of during all my career, no? And having the which came to rest four feet from after hanging up his clubs. Real Madrid. It’s obvious that he’s good,” right people around me. I received, what the hole, helping Tony Jacklin’s O’Connor Jnr latterly forged said the 14-time Grand Slam champion as I think, the right education when I was a team retain the cup courtesy of a an extremely successful career he backed the Frenchman to deliver. kid, the right values. You can be a great 14-14 tie. as a golf course designer, with “I think for the players he’s good. And athlete or without great values or great That was the first of two ap- Shane Lowry’s home golf course also for one of the most important clubs education,” he concluded. pearances in the world’s most Esker Hills, former Irish Open of the world, Real Madrid, to have some- famous team golf event, having venue Fota Island and recent body like him on the bench managing the *** ** *** also represented Great Britain host of the Challenge Tour’s Irish club. I am happy for him. I know him. He’s and Ireland in 1975 following Challenge, Mount Wolseley – a good person and humble person, and I Uncharacteristically, now it’s been the most successful of his 28 where he played in the Pro-Am think he deserve to be where he is today. I three times at the Qatar Open that No- seasons playing on The Euro- last October – among the lay- wish him the best of luck,” he added. vak Djokovic has been late to address the pean Tour, spanning three dec- outs in his portfolio. Then Nadal turned to his namesake press. In fact, it was Nadal, who played ades. a laugh and a smile on his face Rafael, and said he felt bad for him. “I’m after Djokovic yesterday, who made it to The nephew of another famous and was a legendary fi gure of sorry for Benitez that he was not having the media centre earlier than World No. 1 Irish golfer, Christy O’Connor, Irish golf. the success that he expected probably. Serb. two of his four European Tour “He was a great character And it’s tough to start a new project and So Djokovic was asked: Usually you victories came that season, the and I was very shocked and very after a few months you are out, so I feel come a bit quicker than that. Everything second of which was a glorious saddened to hear of his sudden very sorry for him,” he said. okay with you? homecoming at the Irish Open, passing and he will certainly be Djokovic was quick to apologise: and he later added two more ti- missed.” *** ** *** “Yeah, I’m sorry. Three times I had to One more on Nadal! Unlike Novak move the time. No, I just did some work Djokovic, Nadal is known to have an in- ate anyone on the court nor does he do Spaniard, as he admits, is always high on and met some people that I haven’t seen CRICKET tense personality. He doesn’t imperson- a ‘Gangnam Style’ jig post-match. The intensity, even while practicing. for a while. Sorry about that.” Naib hits 82 as Afghans beat Zim

AFP win in the series after losing the Harare fi rst two matches. Hamilton Masakadza had hit 110 after Zimbabwe batted fi rst ulbadin Naib hit a ca- while Peter Moor (42) and Rich- reer best, undefeated mond Mutumbami (40) also 82 as Afghanistan starred as the African side had defeated Zimbabwe been 167-3. byG two wickets to win the fi fth Afghanistan were 66-3 in one-day international and take reply after fast bowler Luke the series 3-2 yesterday. Jongwe sent back Mohammad Naib smashed six sixes and Shahzad, Noor Ali Zadran and three boundaries in his 68-ball Narwoz Mangol. knock as Afghanistan chased But Hashmatullah Shahidi down their 249-run target to and Mohamed Nabi steadied the claim a second successive series innings before Naib took charge win over Zimbabwe after win- with his man of the match per- ning in Africa in October. formance. Naib’s fi nal six came off the Brief scores: Zimbabwe 248 third last ball after his team had all out in 49.5 overs (Hamilton Kids enjoy the action at the Khalifa International Tennis and been 121-5 at one stage. Masakadza 110) vs Afghanistan Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil His partnership of 85 with 254-8 in 49.4 overs (Gulbadin Rashid Khan for the seventh Naib 82 not out) wicket proved key after Zim- Afghanistan won by two babwe had appeared to be on wickets course for a third successive Series: Afghanistan won 3-2

TENNIS ROUND-UP Kyrgios shines as Australia edge past Britain

AFP notched a breakthrough win over Murray in the Murray said the fast-paced nature of the match bid for a third consecutive title in southern India Brisbane: Second seed Kei Nishikori put his Perth singles, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5). was to his detriment. off to a perfect start. experience as a three-time semi-fi nalist at the The richly-talented Kyrgios is coming off a “There were a lot of quick points in the match,” The world number four took just 52 minutes Brisbane International to best use Wednesday as contentious 2015, including his infamous on- he said. to dispatch Russian wildcard Andrey Rublev in Asia’s top player reached the quarter-fi nals 6-3, ontroversial Australian Nick Kyrgios re- court spat with Stanislas Wawrinka, but has “I wasn’t able to extend as many of the rallies straight sets 6-3, 6-2 to set up a last-eight clash 6-4 over Mikhail Kukushkin. corded one of the best wins of his career looked in impressive form in his two singles as usual, and as I would have liked.” with Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. The former US Open fi nalist was joined in the to upset world number two Andy Murray matches in Perth. The British then appeared down and out when Fifth seed Garcia-Lopez had earlier defeated last eight by the man and lead Australia Green to victory over He beat rising German star Alexander Zverev Gavrilova served for the match, and the tie, at 5-3 Croatian qualifi er Ante Pavic 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in who beat him for the 2014 title at the New York GreatC Britain at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in on Sunday, and overcame a verbal clash with a fan in the third set against Watson in the women’s their second-round tie at the Nungambakkam grand slam as third Perth yesterday. in the second set against Murray to notch his fi rst singles. Tennis Stadium. seed Marin Cilic put out South Korean Chung Although Heather Watson then levelled the win in fi ve matches against the Scot. However, Watson produced a stunning fi nish Two-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka, who Hyeon 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), tie with a brave comeback victory against newly It also ended Murray’s 11-match winning to take the last four games and square the tie with is the top seed in India, is seeking to get his name Nishikori will face off next against Bernard naturalised Australian Daria Gavrilova, the home streak in team’s tennis, including last year’s Davis her 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 7-5. on the Chennai Open trophy for the fourth time Tomic as the seventh seed held off 37-year-old team secured the tie when they won a thrilling Cup fi nal, and the world number 30 said it was Earlier, Germany kept their hopes alive with a after victories in 2011, 2014 and 2015. Czech Radek Stepanek for a dramatic 7-6 (8- mixed doubles encounter in a tense match tie- one of his best wins. thrilling 2-1 win over France. And after receiving a fi rst-round bye he got off 6), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) second-round win. Austrian break, 6-2, 6-7 (0/7), 11-9. “It’s up there,” he said. The tie was level at 1-1 after the singles rubbers to a emphatic start, hitting six aces and breaking eighth seed Dominic Thiem advanced over Denis Unbeaten in their fi rst two group matches, the “One hundred per cent he wanted to win that were split, but the German pairing of Sabine Li- his 18-year-old Russian opponent on three occa- Kudla 6-3, 6-2. Tomic had a battle with Stepanek, pairing of Kyrgios and Gavrilova only need to tonight. sicki and Zverev prevailed in the deciding mixed sions in Wednesday’s clash. who won the Sydney title in 2009 and played the beat France, who are out of contention after los- “I actually was a little bit nervous going out doubles, beating Caroline Garcia and Kenny de Elsewhere in the last 16 on Wednesday, fi nal a year later against Andy Roddick. ing both their ties, on Friday to advance to Sat- there, I’ve lost to him the last four times I played Schepper, 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 10-6. number eight seed Borna Coric of Croatia de- After splitting sets, Tomic found himself trail- urday’s fi nal. him. Chennai: Defending champion Stanislas feated American Austin Krajicek 6-2, 7-5, while ing 0-3 in the fi nal set tiebreaker. But errors on Fittingly, it was Kyrgios who served an ace to “I knew it was going to be tough today, I Wawrinka breezed into the quarter-fi nals of the fourth seed Roberto Bautista Agut defeated John three of the last four points of the match off the seal the mixed doubles win, after the 20-year-old thought I executed well under pressure today.” ATP Chennai Open yesterday as the Swiss got his Millman 6-4, 6-1. Czech racquet gave the Aussie his great escape. Gulf Times Thursday, January 7, 2016 3 CRICKET

REPORT SPOTLIGHT England survive scare Amla quits as captain

AFP against S Africa as bad Cape Town ashim Amla said yesterday he was stepping aside as South Africa’s crick- etH Test captain with immedi- ate eff ect, a day after a double century rescued his country light ends second Test from possible defeat in the second Test against England. The 32-year-old made the ence. “I kind of felt someone Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali dig in for England on final day surprise announcement just else could do a better job. I minutes after the test at New- made my decision two weeks lands ended in a draw and af- before the fi rst test against ter Amla had led a fi ght back England,” Amla added. to haul his team from a pre- The Durban-born batsman, carious position. AB de Villiers who made his debut against will take over as captain for the India in 2004, is a veteran of last two Tests against England. 90-tests and has scored over “Naturally this decision is 7,000 runs in the longest for- not an easy one but the more mat of the sport. I think about it the more I be- “We respect Hashim’s deci- lieve I can be of greater value to sion and the manner in which the Proteas as a fully focused he thought about it and then batsman and senior player at communicated with me,” this time or rebuilding our Cricket South Africa chief ex- team,” he told reporters yes- ecutive offi cer Haroon Lorgat terday. “I am deeply grateful said. “He still has a huge role and privileged to have been to play in shaping the success the test captain and I wish to of our team without the need thank Cricket South Africa for for a leadership title. He is just the honour of captaining my that type of a person and we country. It was enjoyable and are very fortunate to have him indeed a great learning experi- in our stable.”

Gayle’s sexism storm worsens with new allegations The storm surrounding star cricketer Chris Gayle over an attempt to flirt with an Australian presenter on live TV intensi- fied yesterday as new allegations about his behaviour towards women emerged. More female journalists aired complaints against the West Indian after he was fined US$7,000 on Tuesday for his approach to Network Ten reporter Mel McLaughlin. Gayle apologised and tried to brush off the exchange with McLaughlin as a harmless joke. His team, the Melbourne Renegades, played down calls for sterner action and said their star signing would play again in the Big Bash League on Saturday. But Fox Sports reporter Neroli Meadows branded the Jamaican a “creep”. England’s Moeen Ali watches as South Africa’s Chris Morris drops a catch during the second Test in Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday. (Reuters) “He does this constantly,” she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “He’s a creep, he has creepy behaviour.” AFP Villiers at second slip off Mor- She said Gayle came on to her during a 2011 interview saying, Cape Town SCOREBOARD kel, only for a television review “Sorry, I was totally distracted by your pretty face—could you to show it was a no-ball. Comp- repeat the question?” ENGLAND first innings 629-6 dec J. Bairstow not out ...... 30 ton dug in and played a solid de- Nine News reporter Yvonne Sampson said Gayle had also asked ngland were given a SOUTH AFRICA first innings 627-7 dec M. Ali not out ...... 10 fensive innings in making 15 off her on a date after watching her carry out an interview. scare before the second Extras (lb4, nb5) ...... 9 60 balls. “I had a notification via Twitter that Chris Gayle would like to Test against South Afri- ENGLAND second innings (overnight 16-0) Total (6 wkts, 65 overs) ...... 159 It came as a surprise when he take me out to dinner,” she said. “I’d never met him. I think Chris ca ended in a draw on the A. Cook c De Kock b Rabada ...... 8 Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Cook), 2-19 (Hales), 3-55 went on the drive against a full Gayle is a known womaniser, and that’s a really awful word, but fiE fth and fi nal day at Newlands A. Hales c Morris b Morkel ...... 5 (Root), 4-85 (Compton), 5-115 (Stokes), 6-116 delivery from off -spinner Dane that’s what he is.” yesterday. N. Compton c Du Plessis b Piedt ...... 15 (Taylor) Piedt and hit a catch to Faf du McLaughlin found herself being asked out for a drink after On what had been expected to J. Root b Morris ...... 29 Bowling: Morkel 16-7-26-1 (3nb), Rabada 13-2-57-1 Plessis at a short mid-on posi- Gayle blasted 41 runs off 15 balls late Monday. Gayle said he was be a low-key day after high scor- J. Taylor c Bavuma b Piedt ...... 27 (2nb), Morris 12-4-24-1, Piedt 18-8-38-3, Elgar 6-2- tion. happy to be interviewed “just to see your eyes for the first time”. ing in the fi rst innings, England B. Stokes c Morkel b Piedt ...... 26 10-0 England seemed to be heading “Don’t blush, baby,” the Jamaican added, before saying, “Sorry!” lost six second innings wickets to safety after lunch as Taylor and breaking into a big laugh. Cricket Australia chief James by mid-afternoon, when they Inspired by Ben Stokes’ 258, The fast bowlers, led by Morne Cook, who has scored only and Stokes added 30 for the fi fth Sutherland said no one should have to face such comments, held a precarious lead of 118. England made 629 for six de- Morkel, gained some movement, 42 runs in four innings during wicket, with Stokes following up which were “completely out of line” and “inappropriate”. Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali clared but South Africa batted while off -spinner Dane Piedt the series, was caught down the his fi rst innings of 258 with some Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry off ered a formal apology but negotiated the rest of the after- solidly to reply with 627 de- obtained some turn from a pitch leg side by wicketkeeper Quin- more solidly-hit strokes. described it as “a one-off scenario... a cultural indiff erence... noon and England were on 159 clared, led by captain Hashim which had previously off ered no ton de Kock off Kagiso Rabada But he went for a big hit done in jest”. for six when play was called off Amla’s 201. assistance to the bowlers. and Hales fell to an outstanding against Piedt and was caught He dismissed a more lurid allegation against Gayle reported in for bad light 15 minutes after tea The fl urry of wickets on Piedt was the most successful catch by Chris Morris at third by Morkel on the midwicket the media on Wednesday as “opportunistic”. and abandoned 45 minutes later. Wednesday was in complete bowler, taking three for 38. slip, diving low to his right, off boundary for 26. The opener was apologetic on Tuesday, but insisted the on-air England will take a one-lead contrast to the fi rst four days Alastair Cook and Alex Hales Morne Morkel. Taylor followed in Piedt’s next flirt had been blown out of proportion. “There wasn’t anything into the third Test of the four- when both teams scored more fell within the fi rst three overs Root made 29 off 29 balls be- over, gloving a catch to Temba meant to be disrespectful or off ensive to Mel,” Gayle said. “If she match series, starting in Johan- than 600 runs in their fi rst in- of the day, both without adding fore he was bowled by Morris’ Bavuma at short leg after mak- felt that way, I’m really sorry for that. “There wasn’t any harm nesburg on January 14 but South nings and 1272 runs were scored to their overnight scores of eight fi rst ball of the innings, a full de- ing 27. meant in that particular way... It was a simple joke. The game Africa will take heart from a for the loss of only 13 wickets. and fi ve respectively, while Joe livery which swung late to take At 116 for six, less than mid- was going on. Entertainment, things get out of proportion.” strong fi ghtback with both bat After four days of unrelent- Root was bowled just before the out his off stump. way through the day, England McLaughlin accepted the apology, saying it was time to move and ball after taking a battering ing sunshine, the sky was partly mid-morning drinks break. Nick Root had an escape on 17 were in trouble when Bairstow on. in England’s fi rst innings. overcast on Wednesday. Compton fell shortly before lunch. when he edged a catch to AB de and Ali came together.

FOCUS Rare double washout blights Sydney Test A second consecutive day’s play was washed out yesterday consigning the third Australia-West Indies Test to an unwel- Bowling fast remains priority for Yadav come postcript in Australian cricket. Play was abandoned at lunch on the rain-sodden fourth day at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) amid forecasts the downpour would continue Reuters for the rest of the day. The stands were near empty for a Mumbai Starc writes off World Twenty20 chances second day with only a handful of diehard fans hoping to see some cricket in the 50,000-capacity SCG and four security Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has all but percent before I go again.” Starc said the guards under umbrellas standing around the covered pitch mesh Yadav belongs to the rare written off his chances of making a operation had gone well but it would be area. The weather has now claimed the third and fourth days breed of Indian bowlers who can faster-than-expected recovery from ankle a while before he was bowling in excess of the forlorn Sydney Test, making a draw inevitable. bowl consistently quick and the surgery and playing a part in Australia’s of 150 kilometres per hour as he did in It is only the fifth time in Australia that two consecutive days 28-year-old is not ready to sac- bid for a first World Twenty20 title. The the second test against New Zealand in of play have been lost to rain, and the first time in almost Urifi ce pace to gain more control on his line 25-year-old left-arm quick had surgery Perth in November, when one delivery was 26 years. The rain-hit Test joins Australia’s matches against and length. on ankle spurs after sustaining a stress clocked at 160 kph. South Africa at the Gabba in Brisbane in 1931-32, India at the The right-arm fast bowler has failed fracture in his foot during the inaugural “Everything had felt great on that day, so I SCG 1947-48, England at the SCG in 1954-55 and Pakistan at to cement his place in the Indian bowl- team to fellow right-arm fast bowler day-night test against New Zealand in think it just comes back to the rhythm and the SCG 1989-90. Australia have already won the series and ing line-up since making his debut in an Varun Aaron and with India slated to play November. smoothness in my action on any given retained the Frank Worrell Trophy after huge wins in the Ho- one-day international against Zimbabwe a lot of cricket this year on spin-friendly Starc, the player of the tournament at last day,” said Starc, sporting a ‘moon boot’ to bart and Melbourne Tests. Only 86.2 overs have been bowled in May, 2010. tracks at home, they are likely to vie with year’s 50-overs World Cup, was always an stabilise the injured joint. so far in the final Test with the West Indies remaining at 248 Yadav, who has an economy of 5.84 in each other for a spot. outside shot to make the March 11-April “It’s going to take a while to get back to for seven since Monday. the 50-over format, has played 17 tests The fast bowler accepts it is diffi cult to 3 World Twenty20 in India due to the my bowling workload and get that rhythm and 52 ODIs for India but has often been bowl fast while also sticking to the line estimated recuperation period and he back after spending some time out. Simmons still wants best available playing for WI panned for being wayward while striving and length to keep the runs down. was unable to off er a better prognosis on “It always takes some time to get that Coach Phil Simmons has not given up on any West Indies play- for extra pace. “I am here because of my While Yadav is working with the sup- Wednesday. pace back. You obviously are not going to ers and still wants the best talent available to represent the re- pace,” Yadav told reporters on the eve of port staff on identifying the best spot to “It’s very unlikely,” he told reporters at the bowl at full pace soon as you come back, it gion in all formats of the game. It has not gone unnoticed that the team’s departure for a limited-overs land his deliveries, he is also keen to bowl Sydney Cricket Ground. “Everything would takes a bit of time, so I’m not sure how it’s while an inexperienced Test side has succumbed to two heavy series in Australia. even faster. have to go perfectly to be any chance. I going to go.” defeats on their current tour of Australia, a string of seasoned “Whenever I come on to the ground or “I have just been focussing on keep- won’t know until I can start doing some Starc will miss Australia’s one-day series West Indies players are starring in the local Twenty20 Big the pitch (to bowl) I always think about ing my line and length closer to the off - stuff on it. against India, February’s two-test series Bash League. There have been suggestions by some in the my pace. I do not think about my line and stump,” he said. “I don’t want to rush it. I want to make sure in New Zealand and is not even certain Caribbean that West Indies should write off the older genera- length.” “I also try to swing the ball. I know if it’s 100 percent because I’ve rushed back he will be fit to play in the Indian Premier tion and concentrate on developing the existing squad, but Yadav’s words would delight cricket my wrist position is good, I can swing the before and been dropped after a game. League in April and May. It was probably Simmons would still like to welcome them back to the fold. “I fans in the country who often bemoan the ball easily. “I’ve played probably non-stop for two modesty, however, that led him to ques- still have the feeling that it will always be good to get the best tendency among the Indian pacemen to “Sometimes you will have bad days years and the silver lining is I get to give tion whether Australia’s main strike bowler players from West Indies playing all formats of the game,” he drop pace once they have made the team, and you miss your length and give away the body a bit of a break and rebuild that would not ease straight back into the told reporters at the SCG. “If we can get that, then we will have apparently to prolong their career. easy scoring opportunities. But I am try- strength. Make sure everything is 100 national side once he was fit again. an organisation that is moving forward. That is my hope now.” Yadav has often lost his place in the ing to build more pace in my bowling.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 7, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Pranav Dhanawade: the fi rst cricketer to navigate the nervous 990s Most of the rival team’s players were actually from their U-14 team, because their principal had refused to release their regular players while they were revising for their exams. Seldom can schoolboy cricketers have been so happy to sit out a match Pranav Dhanawade, We should spare a thought, at this point, for those unsung the 15-year-old son of a Pranav Dhanawade: a new high heroes, Arya Gurukul’s bowlers, rickshaw driver, has since if it were not for their shattered a 117-year-old unstinting eff orts, none of this record that was not would have been possible there to be beaten so news started to fl icker around Twitter, that it became clear he had just made much as marvelled at the biggest score in the history of the sport. That night Dhanawade travelled By Andy Bull to his coach’s house, where he and his The Guardian father met the press. “Pranav is get- ting non-stop calls from the media and relatives,” his father said. “He has not n June 1899 AEJ Collins, aged 13, even got the time to talk to his mother. scored 628 not out in a junior house She is keenly waiting for him to return match at Clifton College, the high- home.” est score ever made in a competitive Pranav was already thinking about gameI of cricket. The year Collins started the next day’s play. Asked whether he at Clifton, one of the school’s old boys, felt he could score 1,000, he replied: Henry Newbolt, published his famous “Why not? I am confi dent that I can poem Vitai Lampada. “Play up! play up! do it. I will defi nitely try to score 1,000 And play the game!” Seems Collins took runs as I am just 350 away. If I can score the line a touch too literally. He won 600 runs in two sessions, I am confi - the toss, put his own team in, and then dent of scoring 350 in one session.” He batted for the next four afternoons . By didn’t quite do it. At lunch on day two, the time Collins was done, he was the his score was 921. Finally, at around most famous schoolboy in the country. 3pm on Tuesday afternoon, Dhana- “Today all men speak of him,” ran one wade raised his 1,000, having become of the many contemporary newspaper the fi rst person in history to success- reports. “He will be immortalised in fully navigate his way through the the cricket guides; and his name will nervous 990s. KC Gandhi eventually shine out conspicuously in the lists of declared with their score on 1,465 for records.” three. Dhanawade’s contribution was And so he was. Each year ever since, 1,009 not out, from 327 balls, with 59 Collins has had a little corner of the sixes and 129 fours, in six hours and 35 Wisden Almanack all to himself: Mis- minutes. cellaneous Records, Minor Cricket, We should spare a thought, at this Highest Individual Scores. In 117 years, point, for those unsung heroes, Arya no one has even passed 600, let alone Gurukul’s bowlers, since if it were not come close to his 628. Like Bradman’s for their unstinting eff orts, none of this batting average, Collins’s record was would have been possible. not there to be beaten so much as mar- Sarth Salunke, 20 overs, none for 284. velled at, a vast and an inexplicable Pratik Bedekar, 18 overs, none for 241. stone monolith of a score that left us Harshal Jadhav, 18 overs, one for 281. moderns wondering how on earth the Mayank Gupta, two overs, none for 37. ancients did it. Until now . Swaraj Deshmukh, fi ve overs, none for On Monday KC Gandhi English high 80. school began their match against Arya dismissed in the 80s, something he was double, which became a triple. It was for the U19 World Cup. Shaw, who has Soon after, he became the fi rst to pass Aditya Solanki, two overs, none for 33. Gurukul school in the third round of the particularly sore about since his coach at this point, Dhanawade says, that he signed up with Sunil Gavaskar’s man- Collins’s 628. At stumps, he had 652, Tejas Missar six overs, none for 142 - HT Bhandari Inter School U16 Trophy. Mubin Shaikh had told him that he started to think about breaking records. agement company and already spent from 199 balls, with 78 fours, and 30 fi gures which, without wishing to be Arya Gurukul batted fi rst, and were dis- needed to make a really massive score to Not Collins’s, set so long ago, but rather some time in the Yorkshire Leagues, is sixes. Dhanawade had made 607 runs cruel, do rather make you wonder what missed for 31 in 20 overs. Hard luck, as break into the Mumbai U16 team. Before those of his own heroes. playing for Mumbai U19s. in two sessions. He put on 546 for the the skipper was thinking when he de- the old salts say, these things can hap- the match Dhanawade promised Sheikh Fans follow Mumbai school cricket “I had heard about the three and fi rst wicket, his fellow opener, Aakash cided Missar had a sixth over in him. pen. Especially since most of Arya Gu- that he would score a century. By lunch because its playing fi elds are also the how they made it to the history books,” Singh, scoring 173, and then 410 for the And fi nally, a special prize, surely, for rukul’s players were actually from the he had made 45. The ground was small, skies in which new stars arrive. In the Dhanawade said. And so these were second, No3 batsman Siddhesh Patil Ayush Dubey, who bowled 23 overs and U14 team, because their principal had and the bowling weak. Dhanawade says last fi ve years, three men have made targets he ticked off , one by one. making an even 100. Overnight, then, took two for 352. refused to release their regular players he has “always been a big-hitter”, and the headlines around the world with First Khan, then Jaff er, and then KC Gandhi were 956 for one, a lead of As for Dhanawade, he says he hopes while they were revising for their ex- that he “just played my natural game, monumental scores in school matches. Shaw. Along the way, he also passed CJ 925. to one day play in the Ranji Trophy. ams. Seldom can schoolboy cricketers which is to attack from the word go”. First there was Sarfaraz Khan, who Eady’s 566 for Break-o’-Day against It seems that at fi rst, no one was quite Collins never actually played a the fi rst- have been so happy to sit out a match. So the fours and sixes kept coming. made 439, then Armaan Jaff er, 498, and Wellington at Hobart in 1901, the sec- sure what Dhanawade had done. Early class game. He joined the army instead. Opening the batting for KC Gandhi, Some struck so hard, that, according fi nally Prithvi Shaw, 546. These three ond highest score in history. Finally, reports suggested that he had broken Whether Dhanawade makes it or not, Pranav Dhanawade, the 15-year-old son to the opposition coach, his players just are - or were - the most-talked about long into the last session of the day, the records for the most runs scored in cricket lovers will always remember of an auto rickshaw driver. In his two “could not put hand to the ball”. The teenage cricketers in India today . Khan Dhanawade became the second man a day, and the most runs in a Mumbai his name, up there, now and ever after, previous innings Dhanawade had been 45 became a century, which became a and Jaff er are both part of India’s squad in history to score a sextuple-century. school match. It was only later, when above Collins’s in the record books.

BOTTOMLINE South Africa’s newspapers pay tribute to ‘son of transformation’ Temba Bavuma

By Ed Aarons Cape Argus, although he was not expecting any The Guardian favours at the post-match press conference. “I see he (Vuyo) was here and yes he will also be ask- ing questions just like the journalists do.” emba Bavuma’s historic innings on Tues- Meanwhile, national newspaper The Times featured day was the toast of the South African a picture of a Bavuma at the moment he reached newspapers yesterday morning. three figures with the headline Cometh the hour, TThe pint-sized 25-year-old scored a Test Cometh the man. Meanwhile, Firdoose Moonda’s century for the Proteas during the fourth day of the article for ESPN described him as the “son of trans- second Test in Cape Town and his achievement has formation”. been recognised across the country. “When he raised his bat at Newlands the only thing The Cape Times devoted the top of its front page to he would have seen, heard and felt was passion,” Bavuma with the headline 102 not out, with Michael wrote Moonda. Mentz describing his knock as the innings of his life “There was Ntini on the commentators balcony pass- at his home ground. ing on a baton; there was an elderly white couple in “I would have liked to bat the rest of tomorrow if I the stands, who would have known the South Africa could,” the batsman said. before Bavuma was born; there was his father in the “I was born in Cape Town and my passion for cricket president’s suite, a place he would not have been grew from here. allowed near in the bad old days, and there were “Having achieved this milestone at my favourite the KFC kids on the boundary rope from the same ground in the world makes it more special, but I’m township Bavuma was brought up in. All of them also looking forward to playing at the Wanderers were smiling, most of them were crying too. What where I made my mark in first class cricket.” Bavuma achieved was big. Very, very big. Bigger Bavuma’s feat was watched by his father Vuyo, a than Bavuma may have thought was possible when former reporter who worked at the Cape Times and he walked out to bat in the second session.” Gulf Times Thursday, Januray 7, 2016 5 SPORT

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Two new members added to IAAF Floyd Mayweather ethics commission

DPA “Be under no illusion about Berlin how seriously I take these is- sues,” he said. “I am president of an international federation he athletics governing which is under serious investi- says racism still body IAAF said yester- gations and I represent a sport day that two new mem- under intense scrutiny. bers had been added to “My vision is to have a sport itsT ethics commission having that attracts more young people. been approved by president Se- The average age of those watch- bastian Coe and the council in ing track and fi eld is 55 years old. December. This is not sustainable. Justice Catherine O’Regan, exists in boxing a former judge of the consti- tutional court judge in South Africa and an ad hoc judge of ‘When the guy Triple G (Golovkin) does it, they don’t say shit’ the Namibian supreme court, and Singaporean lawyer Anna- bel Pennefather were those ap- pointed to the now nine-person commission. FLOYD MAYWEATHER Pennefather is currently a vice “The key to making that vi- president of the Singapore Na- sion a reality is creating a sport tional Olympic Council. that people once more trust in. The IAAF has recently been Athletics must be a sport that hit by allegations of bribery and athletes, fans, sponsors, media cover-ups while Russian ath- and parents alike know is safe letes have been suspended from to compete in on a level playing competition due to their country fi eld and one in which clean ef- operating a programme of sys- fort is rewarded and celebrated.” tematic doping. Coe’s vision for the future in- On Tuesday Coe issued a cludes doubling the anti-doping 10-point road map towards re- budget to 8 million dollars, in- storing trust in the governing creasing the pool of athletes body and the sport of athletics, tested for doping and restruc- warning that change was need- turing the IAAF to increase ed. transparency.

Mitchell takes over as coach of US Eagles Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell was yesterday appointed head coach of the United States national team on a four-year contract, taking in the next World Cup in Japan in 2019. A former All Black player, 51-year-old Mitchell was assistant England coach to Clive Woodward from 1997, helping develop the pack power that eventually won the World Cup in 2003. By that time he had returned home and was named as the youngest-ever coach of the All Blacks in October, 2001. Under his leadership, the All Blacks won the Tri-Nations in 2002 and 2003, and regained the Bledisloe Cup over Australia in 2003. New Zealand though had to settle for third place at the 2003 World Cup, with Mitchell finishing his stint as head coach with an 86percent win record (25-1-2). In 2011 he was awarded the South African rugby coach of the year award after taking the Golden Lions to the Currie Cup Champion- ship for the first time in 12 years. “I am excited about putting my strengths into play and taking on this role to transform USA Rugby into a stronger unit by the end of 2019,” said Mitchell. “For me personally, this is a very powerful nation that has an immense audience for this amazing sport.I know I will have the necessary support and stability a head coach requires.” USA Rugby chief Nigel Melville said that changes were needed following the US Eagles performances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they failed once again to get out of the group stages. “We are delighted that John has agreed to lead the development of the Eagles in our next World Cup cycle,” he said. “Having worked with John at Wasps in 1999 and 2000, I have an intimate understanding of John’s strengths and the value that he can bring to the Eagles program.” Mitchell’s first match as US head coach will come against fifth AFP 24-0 record and is black. rally beautiful woman and can in good fashion, but in great trying to fi ght Oscar De La ranked Argentina in the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship New York “You look at things like this, kick ass, but you never heard fashion, and they have him at Hoya, Shane Mosley, and Fe- on February 6 in Houston, Texas. Ronda Rousey, you know, I them (the media) saying when No. 4? lix Trinidad, they [the media] think she fought somewhere she had I think somewhere “They got some guy ranked said he was calling out smaller loyd Mayweather says like 11 or 12 fi ghts. Laila Ali around 10, 11, 12 fi ghts that she No. 9, I don’t really know his guys. “racism still exists in went undefeated and was dom- was the baddest woman to ever full name, so I don’t want to “When the guy Triple G the sport of boxing” and inating too,” Mayweather said fi ght on the planet.” be disrespectful. But they got (Golovkin) does it, they don’t he cited UFC champion in an interview yesterday with Mayweather took issue with a Japanese guy ranked No. 9. say shit. Once again, I’m not RondaF Rousey’s name in an at- FightHype.com. the ranking system and how it They got Andre Ward No. 4, racist; I’m just saying racism tempt to bolster his argument. “After Ronda Rousey fought relates to super middleweight and this guy that’s ranked No. still exists.” Mayweather also mentioned I think nine, 10, 11 fi ghts, it boxer Ward and Japanese WBC 9, we don’t even know who he Mayweather has been ac- unifi ed WBA, IBF, WBC and didn’t even take that long, she bantamweight champ Shinsuke is. cused of using racist remarks in IBO champ Gennady Golovkin got all types of endorsements, Yamanaka. “I truly believe that racism the past once saying he would and former Olympic gold med- movies, and everything. Laila “I can’t believe they [Ring still exists in the sport of box- make Manny Pacquiao “make allist Andre Ward but added the Ali did the same thing in better Magazine] got Andre Ward ing.” me a sushi roll and cook me problem isn’t limited to just the fashion. ranked No. 4 in the pound-for- Asked in the interview to some rice.” men’s side of the sweet science. “Ronda Rousey, she’s a good pound list,” Mayweather said. back up his claim, Mayweather He also claimed in a tweet Mayweather compared looking woman when she put it “Without Andre Ward los- said, “You gotta really look at that NBA player Jeremy Lin was Rousey to former pro boxer Lai- on. Laila Ali is a drop-dead gor- ing a fi ght, he has to be No. 2. things like this, when Bernard getting all the attention “be- la Ali who retired with a perfect geous woman. I mean a natu- I mean, he wins his fi ghts not Hopkins was a middleweight cause he’s Asian.”

RUGBY Ireland add ex-England assistant Farrell to backroom

Reuters signed a six-year contract, along with Lancas- Dublin ter, just over a year ago. The former Saracens’ coach will join up with ANDY FARRELL Ireland ahead of the June tour of South Africa reland appointed former England assistant and his contract will run until the end of the coach Andy Farrell as their new defence 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, the Irish Rug- coach yesterday, less than a month after by Football Union (IRFU) said. the former dual code player was released Ulster’s Iain Henderson and Tommy Bowe will Iby England in a post-World Cup clearout. miss Ireland’s defence of their Six Nations title Farrell, who captained Wigan and Great through injury, the province’s coach and one of Britain in rugby league before switching the players were quoted as saying yesterday. codes to rugby union and representing Eng- Henderson, who was expected to take over land eight times, will take up the role after from the retired Paul O’Connell at second row the Six Nations Championship, which begins after making a big impact at last year’s World next month. Cup, will likely miss the rest of the season with “It’s great to have Andy coming into our a hamstring injury, Ulster coach Neil Doak told coaching team,” Ireland coach Joe Schmidt local media. said in a statement. Bowe picked up a knee ligament injury at the “The quality of his delivery and breadth of World Cup and told the BBC that he had to rule his experience as well as the positive impact himself out of the Six Nations but hoped to re- he had when coaching a number of our senior turn before the end of the season for Ulster. players during the 2013 Lions tour will add real Prop Cian Healy also underwent minor knee value for us.” surgery on Tuesday and will be out for three to All three of former England coach Stu- four weeks, his province Leinster said, making art Lancaster’s assistants were released last him a doubt for Joe Schmidt’s side’s Six Na- month as new boss Eddie Jones sets about tions’ campaign opener at home to Wales on 7 putting his own team in place. Farrell had February. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 7, 2016 SPORT

NBA NHL Panarin shines in Blackhawks’ win Red-hot Butler over Penguins

The Sports Xchange Capitals 3, Bruins 2 New York The Washington Capitals took over top spot in the standings with a 3-2 victory over the Bos- rtemi Panarin’s second ton Bruins on Tuesday. leads Bulls to fi ft h goal of the game came Evgeny Kuznetsov scored in overtime and gave one goal and set up another and the Chicago Black- Braden Holtby stopped 25 shots hawksA a 3-2 victory over the for the Capitals, who are 10-1-1 Pittsburgh Penguins. in their last 12 games. Washing- Jonathan Toews also scored for ton (29-7-3) passed the Dallas Chicago. Stars, who lost Tuesday to the Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang New York Rangers, for No. 1 in straight victory had scored for the Penguins, who the overall standings. erased a 2-0 defi cit. Flyers 4, Canadiens 3 Rangers 6, Stars 3 The Philadelphia Flyers came The Bulls opened the first quarter on a 10-0 run and never trailed, despite the Bucks pulling Derek Stepan scored twice home and their scuffl ing of- to help the New York Rangers fense came to life in a 4-3 victory to within one point twice in the game in front of a crowd of 21,600 at the United Center to an easy 6-3 victory against over the Montreal Canadiens on the league-leading Dallas Stars Tuesday at Wells Fargo Center. Agencies at Madison Square Garden on After dropping three in a New York Tuesday night. row—all on the road while being Derick Brassard, Viktor Stal- outscored 10-5 -- the Flyers (16- berg, Jayson Megna and Keith 15-7) received multi-point ef- immy Butler scored 32 points as the Yandle also scored for the Rang- forts from Brayden Schenn, Sean Chicago Bulls stretched their win- ers, who are 3-2-0 in their past Couturier and Shayne Gostisbe- ning streak to a season-high fi ve fi ve games after a 3-9-2 stretch. here to pick up their fi rst victory games with a 117-106 victory over Panthers 5, Sabres 1 since Dec. 21. Jthe Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Five Florida players scored, For the Canadiens (22-16-3), The Bulls opened the fi rst quarter on leading the Panthers to a 5-1 win their disappointing eight-game a 10-0 run and never trailed, despite the over the Buff alo Sabres on Tues- road swing came to a conclusion Bucks pulling to within one point twice in day. as they went 2-6-0 on the trip the game in front of a crowd of 21,600 at Jaromir Jagr, Derek Macken- and were outscored 33-18. the United Center arena. zie, Corban Knight, Jonathan Jets 4, Predators 1 Butler, who was coming off a 42-point Huberdeau and Brandon Pirri The Winnipeg Jets got 43 saves performance against Toronto on Sunday, scored for Florida (24-12-4), who from rookie goalie Connor Helle- continued to have the hot hand on Tues- extended their franchise-best buyck as they dumped the Nash- day. winning streak to 10 games. ville Predators 4-1 at Bridgestone He scored 12 points in the fi rst quarter Goalie Roberto Luongo made Arena. and had 20 points by halftime. 31 saves. Flames 3, Lightning 1 Butler shot 11-of-21 from the fi eld, Wild 4, Blue Jackets 2 Flames goaltender Karri Ramo eight-of-eight from the free-throw line Zach Parise recorded his fi rst stopped 30 of 31 shots he faced and dished out 10 assists on the night. hat-trick of the season, leading to backstop Calgary to a 3-1 win “I am used to playing with talent, USA the Minnesota Wild to a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Basketball, the select team. The way Jim- over the Columbus Blue Jack- the Scotiabank Saddledome on my is playing now is unreal and it is fun to ets on Tuesday at Nationwide Tuesday. watch,” said Bulls guard Derrick Rose. Arena. Looking for his second straight The Bulls improved to 21-12 on the sea- Parise, who increased his sea- shutout, Ramo gave up a late son and have scored 100-plus points in son total to 14 goals, was set up goal to Lightning center Steven their last eight games. on both of his fi rst two goals by Stamkos with just 1:39 left in the Butler said they have started to really Mikael Granlund. third period. believe in each other. “We got a real good team,” said Butler. “But if we don’t play for one another, don’t stick together, we’re not a really good team.” The Bucks have struggled away from home all season and dropped to 5-16 on the road. They also lost at home to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Bulls centre Pau Gasol had 26 points, 11 rebounds, fi ve assists and three blocks. Rose, who had missed the previous three games with right hamstring tendin- itis, returned to score 16 points on eight- Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) looks to pass the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during of-17 shooting and six assists. the first half of their NBA game on Tuesday. PICTURE: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports Forward Taj Gibson fi nished with 11 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks and the fourth quarter. Hawks on Sunday, shot nine-for-16, in- ing streak and beat the Kings for the 22nd forward Nikola Mirotic added 14 points in Bucks guard Khris Middleton scored a cluding two-for-two on three-pointers. straight time in Dallas. the win. team-high 26 points, while guard Michael He added seven rebounds and four as- Curry aggravates leg injury The Bucks twice pulled to within just Carter-Williams fi nished with 20 points sists. Anthony made eight-of-22 with 11 Guard Klay Thompson scored 36 points a single point. The fi nal time occurred and 12 assists. rebounds and seven assists. and Stephen Curry tallied 17 before head- when they got to 90-89 with just under a Meanwhile, guard Arron Affl alo and Forward Kristaps Porzingis scored 17 ing to the locker room with a recurring leg minute left in the third quarter. forward Carmelo Anthony each scored points and added 11 rebounds, while Der- injury as the Golden State Warriors beat The Bulls closed the quarter on a 5-0 23 points as the New York Knicks beat the rick Williams scored 15 off the bench. the Los Angeles Lakers 109-88. run and then outscored the Bucks 23-17 in Atlanta Hawks 107-101. In another match, Deron Williams rat- The reigning league MVP Curry took The Knicks nailed down the win with 18 tled in a three pointer from the corner at another blow in the third quarter Tues- seconds remaining, when Jose Calderon the buzzer to lift the Dallas Mavericks to a day on his sore left leg that kept him out of Results scored on a driving layup. They allowed 117-116 win over the Sacramento Kings in two games last week. He missed all of the Atlanta 101 New York 107 the Hawks to get within two points af- double overtime. fourth quarter on Tuesday. LA Lakers 88 Golden State 109 ter building a 16-point lead earlier in the Williams game winner capped an 8-0 Los Angeles star Kobe Bryant missed Dallas 117 Sacramento 116 (OT) contest. The Knicks have now won two run for the Mavs at American Airlines his third consecutive game with a sore Artemi Panarinof the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by Chicago 117 Milwaukee 106 straight and three of their last four. Center. right shoulder. The Lakers also had their his bench after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Affl alo, who scored 38 against the The Mavericks ended a two-game los- three-game win streak halted. Tuesday.

BOTTOMLINE SLALOM Hirscher beats Coughlin’s willingness to Kristoff ersen at last change led to Super Bowls for slalom victory Marcel Hirscher of Austria Reuters a greater purpose. That purpose clears a gate during the first East Rutherford, New Jersey is team. run in the men’s slalom at “Winning, losing, playing the Alpine Skiing World Cup hard, playing well, doing it for in Santa Caterina Valfurva, om Coughlin turned each other, winning the right way. northern Italy. an expansion team into Winning the right way is a very, a contender then found very important thing to me and Super Bowl glory with all of our coaches. That’s what Tthe New York Giants after ditch- motivates and inspires us.” ing his authoritarian approach for Coughlin, whose 170 regular a more inclusive style. season wins puts him in a share of Coughlin remarkably had the 11th place on the NFL’s all-time Jacksonville Jaguars one win list, said teaching life lessons was away from a Super Bowl berth in most important to him. their second National Football “Championships are won by League season but it wasn’t un- teams who love one another, who til he joined the Giants that he love and respect one another, who reached the top of the coaching play for and support one anoth- profession. er,” he said. Coughlin, who led the He faced a near mutiny from Jaguars to the AFC title game in DPA fi rst two season slaloms ahead of Giants players disgruntled by only his second season as an NFL Santa Caterina, Italy Hirscher, took second in 1:54.75. his strict approach after he head coach, leads by example. First-run leader Alexander took charge of the team in 2004 went on to achieve Super Bowl tenure with the Giants. “You bet- tory ruined the New England Pa- “What’s next for this guy Khoroshilov of Russia fi nished and three of them filed griev- glory. ter do that or you’re dead. So I’ve triots’ bid to record the NFL’s fi rst Coughlin? I don’t know exactly ustria’s Marcel Hir- third in 1:54.86. ances against him for fining The 69-year-old Coughlin, done that. I’m better for it.” 19-0 season. Four years later the what is next for me,” said Cough- scher fi nally beat The four-times reigning them for being less than five who resigned on Monday after Facing pressure from owner- Giants again beat the Bill Belichick lin, who left the door open to a Henrik Kristoff ersen of champion Hirscher moved back minutes early to scheduled 12 years in charge of the Giants, ship in 2006 to right the ship and Tom Brady-led Patriots with a return to coaching. Norway in a slalom this into the World Cup lead with 721 meetings. gave a rousing farewell address after an 8-8 season, Coughlin late Super Bowl touchdown drive. “But I do know ... we will de- seasonA and returned to the top of points from his fi fth season win Even his Hall of Fame defensive to a packed news conference on established a players’ council to “In professional football, the vote a lot of our energy to the Jay the overall World Cup yesterday. overall, and 36th in his career. end Michael Strahan bristled at a Tuesday that appropriately began serve as a sounding board and goal is to win. We all know that,” Fund Foundation,” he said, refer- Hirscher fought from third Norway’s Aksel Lund Svindal fi ne for being just three minutes fi ve minutes before schedule. improved communication helped Coughlin said. “But my con- ring specifi cally to the ‘Be There’ after the fi rst run to victory in a remained on 636 as he does not early to a meeting. “I’ve changed and I’ve grown bond team and coach in a charge tention is, when I fi rst brought campaign for the New York, New combined total 1 minute 54.54 compete in slaloms. Kristoff er- But Coughlin softened his ap- and I’ve developed and I’ve to a Super Bowl title in 2007. this up was with our ‘07 team, is Jersey area, to help families with seconds in Santa Caterina, Italy. sen kept the slalom lead with 280 proach, in some respects, and learned,” Coughlin said about his The Giants’ championship vic- there’s a higher ground. There’s cancer-stricken children. Kristoff ersen, who won the points ahead of Hirscher on 260. Gulf Times Thursday, January 7, 2016 7 SPORT

NHL FOCUS What 49ers’ York does, not what he Is Sharks’ Marleau a says, will matter

By Tim Kawakami San Jose Mercury News

ed York tried for public Hall of Fame player? contrition in Monday’s long-awaited oops-on- me news conference, ‘I think his name will be in the mix for sure when he does decide to retire’ whichJ is fi ne. A lot of that was probably au- By Curtis Pashelka thentic, a lot of that was good for San Jose Mercury News fans to hear, and a lot of that is relatively healthy to say and hear. didn’t you listen to Eddie D. on The 49ers’ CEO knows he has Harbaugh all last year? atrick Marleau’s sta- a quick temper and he knows Answer: Jed York only uses tistics will stand along- it has led him astray more than Eddie D.’s name when Jed is in side some of hockey’s a few times — and I’m not just trouble. most preeminent play- talking about Twitter thermo- And he always over-does dis- Pers by the time he fi nishes his dynamics or little off -hand re- playing the Eddie D. shield — professional career. But when marks. and those fi ve Super Bowl tro- the Sharks’ left wing retires af- I’m talking about hiring and phies — when he’s in trouble. ter two or more decades in the fi ring decisions. I’m talking The truth is York never asked NHL, will he be thought of as about the sour mood of that DeBartolo Jr. about Harbaugh one of hockey’s all-time greats? weird building. because he knew the answer: Is he a Hall of Fame player? So York saying conciliatory Eddie D. is a big fan of Har- Right now, there doesn’t ap- things and doing it by himself ... baugh’s style and talent and he’s pear to be a consensus opinion. that’s not a bad moment for him on record about it. Marleau is squarely on the bub- or his family’s ownership tenure, So remember that when the ble. in the middle of this awful period Yorks try to hide behind DeBar- His international credentials for the 49ers (but wonderful fi - tolo’s real accomplishments. include three gold medals, two nancial era for the Yorks). When it really counted, when from the Olympics and another But as always, it’s what you the Yorks were plotting against from a world championship. do, not what you say, that mat- Harbaugh without a clue about But midway through his ters, and York is dealing with an what to do after him, they ig- 18th NHL campaign, Mar- all-time blunder — plotting to nored Eddie D., who absolutely leau’s teams have never won fi re Jim Harbaugh (blowing up knew better. a Stanley Cup, he’s never had 2014 in the process) and hiring Meanwhile, the most interest- more than 86 points in a season Jim Tomsula (and wasting 2015 ing structural part of the presser and he has never won one of the in the process). was the lack of defi nition about league’s biggest awards. He’s Now Tomsula is fi red and two general manager Trent Baalke’s been named to three NHL all- precious years have been lost, true role in the next days and star games but isn’t expected to just like that. months. be among that group when this One thought: Would York Baalke is leading the coaching season’s teams are announced concede he has made errors in search — his third as 49ers GM _ Wednesday. judgment recently because he but York was blurry about how “He’ll have a tough time get- got over-emotional? the football operation will work ting in, to be honest with you,” And if he would admit that he when they come upon a candi- said Phil Bourque, an NHL vet- screwed up the Harbaugh situa- date they want to hire. eran of 477 games and the col- tion, does that mean York is now Will that new coach report to our analyst for the Pittsburgh ready to bring in another volatile Baalke on all matters? Or might Penguins radio broadcasts. coach who can produce wins? Baalke have to give up some of “You get to 1,000 points, Another thought: If York his treasured personnel power if there’s a pretty good chance knows he can be capricious the new coach wants it? that he’s going to end up go- — if he’s admitting this _ why Unclear. I think the Yorks are ing,” countered NBC analyst wouldn’t that lead to his family setting it up for Baalke to prove Eddie Olczyk, who played 1,033 bringing in a football overseer to it or lose it with this hire: Get a career games.Marleau has 470 is Rod Gilbert, who had 1,021 writers. Onetime Sharks center three teams and Andreychuk al awards — getting to 500 goals calm the waters when the Yorks great coach or else we’ll peel off goals and 1,017 points going into points in 1,065 career games, all Igor Larionov has a vote. To be captured one with Tampa Bay would defi nitely help his cause.” get frantic? your power. Thursday’s home game against with the New York Rangers. Gil- considered, players are judged in 2004. He’s also been relatively con- But nope, the Yorks aren’t Which is not a stable situation the Detroit Red Wings. His bert, though, was an eight-time on “ability, sportsmanship, There are also players who sistent during his NHL career, hiring a football-minded team but will be intriguing for coaches present goal total puts him 54th All-Star during 16 full NHL character and contributions” dominated for a short period of scoring 20 or more goals in a president. They’re just not do- who might think they can walk all-time in NHL history, and his seasons. Internationally, he was to their teams and the game of time in the NHL who aren’t in season 12 times. This season will ing it. They don’t want anybody into an interview, charm the point total ranks 79th. part of Team Canada that beat hockey, according to the hall’s the Hall. Eric Lindros had 865 probably be the 13th. else on the throne. It’s them, or Yorks, get Baalke temporarily on The 36-year-old Marleau the Soviet Union in the 1972 website. career points in 760 games, and And for the talk he doesn’t nobody. board ... then grab at the power. has one year left on his con- Summit Series. Marleau’s sportsmanship won a Hart Trophy in 1995. rise to the occasion in the play- So we know York might have If the 49ers win immediately, tract beyond this season, and Another possible compari- has never been questioned, and So where does that leave off s, his points per game in the wanted this to be his Contrition the coach will be the power. That recently said he has no inten- son is Cam Neely, who had 694 he has fi nished in the top six in Marleau? In addition to never postseason is about the same Presser, but he wasn’t that con- will happen. tion of retiring once his present points in 726 games in a 13-year voting for the Lady Byng Tro- having played in a Stanley Cup as in the regular season. He’s trite, and his family isn’t chang- But if there are struggles early deal expires. So it’s reasonable NHL career that was cut short phy fi ve times. The Lady Byng fi nal, the highest he has fi nished averaged 0.74 points per game ing up too much, no matter what. on the fi eld, as always, the 49ers to project that Marleau will fi n- by injury. He never won a Cup goes to the player who exhibits in voting for the Hart Trophy in 1,366 regular season games, That was the lesson of Tom- will devolve into yet another ish well above 1,100 points and nor had 100 points in a season, “sportsmanship and gentle- (most valuable player) is ninth. and 0.70 points in 147 playoff sula, by the way. The guy who franchise-tearing struggle. 500 goals when he does decide but was a fi ve-time All-Star and manly conduct combined with Twice he has been in the top 10 games. makes the Yorks feel good about If we’re looking for early hints, to hang up his skates. scored 50 goals in three separate a high standard of playing abil- for the Selke Trophy, given to “The consistency part is themselves is never the best guy the new coach’s salary is going to Only six players with 1,100 seasons. ity.” the NHL’s best defensive for- something that you really need to actually coach the team. be a huge point here; if Jed pays points who are eligible for in- “I think his name will be in “We always zero in on points ward.Perhaps the biggest thing to look at,” Olczyk said. “Can Maybe York was telling us $7 million to $9 million a year, duction are not in the Hall of the mix for sure when he does or production, and that’s part of working in Marleau’s favour is you say that Marleau has been symbolically that he has learned the new coach will have more Fame. There are seven retired decide to retire.” NHL Network it. You have to be an outstanding his international success. He the guy? He’s been one of the that, though he sure didn’t actu- power than Baalke. players with 500 goals who analyst John MacLean, who player,” Olczyk said. “But you won gold medals for Canada at guys that have helped this fran- ally say those words Monday. And if it’s somebody like Sean are not in the Hall, including played 1,194 NHL games over an have look to the impact a player the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, chise become what it is.” It was all symbolism, mostly, Payton (if he can be acquired former Sharks Vincent Damp- 18-year career, said of Marleau. has had on the game, and (Mar- a gold medal at the 2003 world Does Marleau think about and to me, the shallowest part from New Orleans), the salary is housse and Jeremy Roenick. To be eligible for election into leau’s) had a huge impact here in championships, and a silver getting into the Hall of Fame was York’s obvious attempt to going to be over $7 million per. Trying to gauge how the vot- the Hockey Hall of Fame, a play- the community. So, you take all medal at the 2005 world cham- one day?“You save that for af- repeatedly use his uncle Eddie But Baalke is not giving up ers will judge Marleau isn’t easy er must not have played a pro- of that into the body of work.” pionships. ter,” Marleau said. DeBartolo Jr. as a shield for his that power without a struggle, because the hockey Hall doesn’t fessional or international game There are a handful of players “People get confused,” “You just try and do your own actions. An obvious fol- and he always wins 49ers power have many forwards that his ca- in the prior three seasons. Each with remarkable statistics who Bourque said. “It’s not the NHL best, day in and day out. Put low up to York’s repeat refer- struggles. reer can be compared to, at least year, the maximum number of aren’t in the hall, most nota- Hall of Fame. It’s the Hockey something up there and do your ences to conversations with the Maybe Jed York is sorry about in terms of players who haven’t players elected is four males bly Mark Recchi (1,533 points), Hall of Fame, so I think what best. Hopefully, one day, that former 49ers owner: If you say that, maybe he’s not. We know reached 100 points in a season and two females. There are 18 Dave Andreychuk (1,338) and he’s done in the international might happen. But, you kind you don’t need help in a coach- he wants to be better, but in the or won a Stanley Cup. voters _ a mix of executives, Pierre Turgeon (1,327). Recchi fi eld is going to help him out. of have to focus on what you’re ing search because you always context of the moment, there’s Perhaps the closest example former players and hockey won three Stanley Cups with But not having a lot of individu- doing right now.” have your uncle’s advice ... why no proof that he actually is.

SPOTLIGHT Seahawks’ Baldwin credits Largent for advice

By Bob Condotta be reminded often enough of the But Largent said it was the fi rst during a trip to a clay-pigeon This season Baldwin has The Seattle Times game’s most fundamental prin- time he could recall an active target range in Redmond. emerged as one of the NFL’s ciples. Seahawks receiver contacting A shooter he met there told steadiest receivers. It’s why two years ago he be- him in such a manner for advice. Largent “to focus on the leading According to the analyt- efore he leaves his home gan text-messaging a Seahawks Largent allows that for years af- edge of the clay pigeon when we ics website Pro Football Fo- or takes the fi eld for a great with whom he fi nds him- ter playing he was a member of were shooting, and I transferred cus, Baldwin had the second- Seahawks practice or self increasingly linked in the Congress and not as available as it to football and not watching fewest rate of drops in the NFL game, one of the last team record books, the man who he is now that his political days the ball but the tip of the ball,” this year, catching 78 of 80 thingsB receiver Doug Baldwin gave him the advice that is on are done. Largent said. catchable balls, behind only often sees is a poster he had those posters — Hall of Famer Still, it resonated with Lar- Baldwin recalled what he took Kansas City’s Jeremy Maclin, made up a few years ago with two Steve Largent. gent, who said he thinks it says away from Largent: “He mostly who had one drop in 88 catch- simple commands. The two met in 2013 when something about what he thinks talked about focusing on catch- able balls. At the top are the words “Tip Largent was in Seattle for a is Baldwin’s greatest trait. ing the football. It’s not neces- Baldwin also was ranked sec- Of The Ball.” On the bottom are 30th anniversary of the 1983 “His competitive spirit,” sarily about the physical aspects ond by PFF in rate of receptions the words “Stay Focused.” Seahawks team that reached the Largent said. “I mean, nobody when people say receivers have per target with 78 receptions on No one thing leads to the kind AFC Championship Game. wants to win more than Doug a lot of drops or can’t catch the 99 targets (78.79 percent), be- of season Baldwin had this year, Baldwin got Largent’s number Baldwin does. He’s a small re- ball. It’s that they are not fo- hind only Danny Amendola of of course, a season that ranks as from a member of the front offi ce ceiver, but he makes big plays.” cusing on the right things. That New England (65-80, 81.25 per- among the best in franchise his- and texted him asking if he had Baldwin said he has tried to their mind-set is not in the right cent). tory. any specifi c receiving advice. study, and when possible con- spot. Baldwin also takes pride that Baldwin fi nished with 78 re- “He texted me and asked tact, some of the great receivers “What I took from him is the he now has a similar texting re- ceptions, seventh-most in team me some things that I car- of the past. He said receivers he techniques he utilized catching lationship with Smith, who was history, including 14 touch- ried through training camp and has studied include Largent, play while growing up, but he had Largent, who retired in 1989 the football and being more ef- one of his childhood heroes and downs, a Seahawks record, with things that I would work on and Andre Rison (who played from to go back and look at old fi lm of with the NFL record for recep- fi cient at it.” the reason that he wears jersey 10 coming in a four-game stretch stuff like that,” Largent said. “I 1989-2000), Derrick Mason Largent, who played from 1976- tions in a career (819), yards Specifi cally, watching the tip. No. 89. in which he tied Cris Carter and talked about the release off the (1997-2011) and Steve Smith 89. And what Baldwin said stood (13,089) and touchdowns (100), So shortly after the texting ses- Taking bits and pieces from Calvin Johnson as the only play- ball and what I thought about (currently with the Baltimore out was “his ability to catch the told Baldwin that one of his keys sions with Largent, Baldwin receivers such as Smith and Lar- ers in NFL history to catch at catching the ball and just a few Ravens). All are 6 feet or smaller football and his focus. If you want was to focus on the tip of the ball had the posters made, and he gent, and maybe even earning least two touchdowns in four ideas like that.” who like the 5-10 Baldwin had to to be one of the best, you’ve got to when it was in the air and not the has them up at his home and in comparisons with them, is part consecutive games. It might seem an obvious overcome lack of stature to play ask from the best, so I reached out entire ball. his lockers at the team facility of one ultimate goal. But Baldwin believes you can thing — someone in Baldwin’s big on the fi eld. to him asking him how he prac- Interestingly, it was some- in Renton and at CenturyLink “I’m just trying to be the best never know too much — or never position reaching out to Largent. Baldwin watched the others ticed catching the ball.” thing Largent picked up in 1980 Field. Doug Baldwin I can be,” he said. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, January 7, 2016 FOOTBALL

Qatar Olympic team training FOCUS Ex-Chelsea doctor Carneiro attends tribunal

AFP London

ormer Chelsea team doc- tor Eva Carneiro (pic- tured) attended a tri- bunal hearing yesterday Fregarding her constructive dis- missal case against the club. Wearing a long, grey coat and holding hands with her husband, Carneiro made no comment to the Reports suggest a full hear- media as she arrived for the prelim- ing could take place in May or inary hearing fl anked by her legal June, but the parties may agree team in Croydon, south London. to a settlement before the case is After the three-hour hearing, heard. held in private at London South Carneiro is also believed to Employment Tribunal, Carnei- have tabled a separate legal claim Qatar Olympic team players take part in a training session at Aspire Zone yesterday. PICTURE: Fadi Al-Assaad ro’s lawyer Mary O’Rourke told against Mourinho for alleged reporters that a date had been set victimisation and discrimina- for the next hearing, but did not tion. Mourinho was cleared by reveal when. the Football Association of mak- LEAGUE CUP Carneiro, 42, left Chelsea in ing discriminatory remarks to September after being removed Carneiro. from fi rst-team duties by man- But she complained that she ager Jose Mourinho, who was had not been asked by the FA to sacked by the Premier League make a statement about what champions last month. had happened. Mourinho had rebuked her and “I was surprised to learn that physiotherapist Jon Fearn for run- the FA was allegedly investigat- Advantage Liverpool ning onto the pitch to treat Eden ing the incident of August 8 (the Hazard during his side’s 2-2 draw date of the Swansea game) via with Swansea City on the season’s the press,” Carneiro said. “I was opening day, which temporarily at no stage requested by the FA to left Chelsea with nine men. make a statement. Mourinho called Carneiro and “I wonder whether this might as Ibe downs Stoke Fearn “impulsive and naive”, but be the only formal investigation the Premier League Doctors’ in this country where the evi- Group said failure to treat Hazard dence of the individuals involved would have been a breach of their in the incident was not consid- in League Cup care of duty. ered relevant.” Mourinho ex-assistant joins ‘But of course we have two bad injuries and that’s why I’m not lucky tonight’ Antalyaspor aft er Chelsea exit

Reuters Ambitious Turkish Super Lig side Antalyaspor yesterday said that London the former assistant to sacked Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, Jose Morais, had signed for the club as their new manager. The club from the Mediterranean resort had been co-managed ordon Ibe came off the bench to on a temporary basis by their star striker, the former Cameroon drive home the winner as Liver- international Samuel Eto’o, after the departure of Yusuf Simsek pool took a big step towards reach- last month. ing the League Cup fi nal with a 1-0 Described as the right-hand-man of Mourinho, Morais worked victoryJ at Stoke City in the fi rst leg of as an assistant to his fellow Portuguese in almost all of his key their last-four tie on Tuesday. assignments including at Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Ibe was summoned into the action ear- Chelsea. ly and the winger fi red home left-footed Along with several other of Mourinho’s loyal backroom staff , in the fi rst half as Juergen Klopp’s side Morais left Chelsea in December after the sacking of the manager grabbed a narrow but potentially price- as a result of a dire first half to the season. less advantage ahead of the return leg on Morais, 50, signed a one-and-a-half year contract at a ceremony January 26. with Antalyaspor chairman Gultekin Gencer, the club said in a Liverpool’s hopes of a record-extend- statement on their website. ing ninth League Cup title were given a Antalyaspor were promoted to the Super Lig at the end of last stern examination in the second half as season but their current mid-season position of 11th is far from Stoke plied forward in search of an equal- suff icient to satisfy the team’s lofty ambitions. iser. However, a makeshift defence fea- “The first aim to lift our position in the league. This year the club is turing Lucas Leiva and Kolo Toure stood celebrating its 50th birthday. We need to present something new fi rm. to our fans as a gift,” said Morais. Klopp’s delight at victory was tem- Morais had also been linked with the vacant manager’s job at pered by yet more injury woe as Philippe Premier League side Swansea City. Coutinho and Dejan Lovren succumbed to hamstring problems in a high-paced fi rst half, while Toure was limping at the fi nish. SPOTLIGHT “It’s a strange feeling,” Liverpool’s German coach told Sky Sports. “I’m proud as it was a perfect reaction from the last game (a 2-0 defeat to West Ham ‘We’ll shoot United). “But of course we have two bad injuries and that’s why I’m not lucky tonight.” The eight-times winners were sharp ourselves’ if England and incisive as they pinned Stoke back in the early stages although they again looked to be lacking a killer instinct in fail at Euros: Dyke front of goal. It was substitute Ibe who broke the AFP deadlock for the visitors, putting the fi n- London ishing touch to a swift counter attack af- Liverpool’s Jordon Ibe celebrates after scoring a goal against Stoke City during their League Cup match on Tuesday. (Reuters) ter 37 minutes. Adam Lallana beat the off side trap At the other end, Liverpool had pen- Toure, who came in for Sakho against the end, so that was not the funniest ngland Football Asso- down the right fl ank and squared for Joe alty appeals turned down when Allen and Stoke, was limping with cramp towards thing in the world. ciation chairman Greg Allen, whose scuff ed shot fell into the Nathaniel Clyne were barged over in the the end, and Klopp is unsure if he will be “I don’t know if any of our central de- Dyke (pictured) declared path of Ibe who controlled the ball neatly box, while Ibe hit the side netting. fi t for Friday’s game. And teenager Joe fenders have a chance of being fi t. Sa- “We’ll all shoot ourselves” before dispatching his left-footed shot Gomez is a long-term casualty with se- kho, I don’t think so. Kolo said it’s only a ifE Roy Hodgson’s team fall at the low into the net. INJURY CRISIS TILTS KLOPP TOWARD rious knee ligament injury sustained in cramp. But I don’t know for him either.” group stage of Euro 2016. Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino was de- TRANSFER MARKET October. Klopp now has 11 members of his sen- England face Wales, Russia nied by a last-ditch tackle from Ryan Klopp has indicated that he may have to The Liverpool manager said: “In this ior squad unavailable, having seen them and Slovakia in the tournament Shawcross, but Stoke did fi nish the half enter the transfer market to buy a de- moment with no centre-back fi t, I would suff er 24 separate injuries between them in France from June 10, haunted with their best two chances as Marko Ar- fender as Liverpool’s injury crisis grows. say it is a situation where we have to since he took charge at Anfi eld in Octo- by the memory of the 2014 World nautovic headed wide and former Liver- Klopp faces the prospect of having think about going into the transfer mar- ber. Cup where they were eliminated the next 50 years, hopefully long pool fullback Glen Johnson drew a good no fi t centre-backs for Friday’s FA Cup ket. The Liverpool manager said that the at the group phase for the fi rst before.” save from Simon Mignolet. third-round trip to Exeter. “Two weeks ago we had three centre- injury troubles overshadowed what he time since 1958. England failed to win a match Stoke brought on striker Jonathan Walters Apart from Lovren, Coutinho and backs, that’s a good situation. At the start felt was a much better performance from Dyke stood by manager Hodg- in Brazil but they bounced back for the second half and piled men forward Toure, Martin Skrtel has already been of the season, we had fi ve. Now we have his players following the disappoint- son after the debacle in Brazil, to record victories in all 10 of but created few chances from a sustained ruled out until February, while Mamadou none. ing display they produced in losing 2-0 but said a repeat this year would their Euro 2016 qualifi ers. period of pressure, until the substitute Sakho missed the match at the Britannia “We now have three injured centre- at West Ham in the Premier League last mean heads would roll. Dyke also announced he will pulled an eff ort wide in stoppage time. Stadium with a knee problem. backs and the only fi t one got cramp near Saturday. “I think we’ll all shoot our- decide in the next few days selves if we don’t get out of the whether to stand for re-election group,” Dyke said. as FA chairman this summer. “We’ve got to get out of that His three-year term ends in July, Klopp signs Serbian midfi elder Grujic from Red Star Belgrade group. If we don’t, that really is but he would be allowed to serve bad news for English football.” one year of a new term before ex- Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic has fee, but they are believed to have paid loudest set of fans in Europe at Anfield. the squad that triumphed at last year’s The 68-year-old former BBC ceeding the job’s age limit of 70. become the first player to be signed by around £5.1 million ($7.5 million, 6.9 mil- “I also like the atmospheres at other Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand. director-general was speaking on “We will sort that out in the Liverpool under manager Jurgen Klopp, lion euros) to secure Grujic’s services. stadiums. The crowds are very good. I Klopp, who succeeded the sacked Tuesday night in London at the next few days whether I decide the Premier League club announced “I’m very excited and so proud to be like to play under pressure and that’s Brendan Rodgers in October, said: “We’re launch of a year of celebrations to stand again for another year,” yesterday. here and a member of Liverpool Foot- why I’ve come here—because it brings very pleased because Marko is a big tal- to commemorate the 50th anni- Dyke said. The 19-year-old Serbia Under-21 interna- ball Club. I can’t wait to get started, play out the best in me.” ent and we’ve seen him a lot of times. versary of England’s 1966 World Dyke was joined by England tional has signed a four-year contract, at Anfield and train at Melwood,” Grujic Grujic made his debut for Red Star aged “To describe him, I would say he’s a Cup success. World Cup-winning heroes Ge- but will return to selling club Red Star told the Liverpool website. 17 in 2013 and has netted five goals in 21 tall boy, but quick and good at techni- “The FA is the richest FA in the off Hurst, Gordon Banks, Mar- Belgrade for the remainder of the “I was thinking about my progress in my games in their current league cam- cal things. He can play passes and can world, the most income. The FA tin Peters and George Cohen at season before joining up with Liverpool next period and decided it was good for paign. dribble. But he is young, so he has to has to take some of the blame,” the event in Kensington’s Royal in July. me to come here and try to be the best I As well as representing Serbia at develop. He will do this, so everything Dyke said. “We should have won Garden Hotel, where the draw Liverpool did not disclose the transfer can. I want to play in front of one of the Under-21 level, he was a member of is OK.” a tournament in the last 50 years. for the 1966 fi nals was made 50 We haven’t. But we will win in years ago.

Gulf Times 10 Thursday, January 7, 2016 FOOTBALL

Bayern Munich land in Doha

Bayern Munich landed in Doha for their mid-season training camp yesterday and got down straight to business in the evening. A total of 29 players have travelled to Qatar. (Twitter/@David_Alaba, @FCBayern)

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT FIFA judges extend Prince Ali blasts Valcke suspension by 45 days

AFP Paris

‘irresponsible’ IFA ethics judges agreed yesterday to extend sec- retary general Jerome Valcke’s (pictured) Ftemporary suspension for 45 He had previously been ac- more days, after investigators cused of being party to a poten- urged them to take more time tial $10-million (9.25-million- Blatter and Platini to weigh corruption allegations euros) bribe paid to former head against the organisation’s former of the North and Central Ameri- second-in-command. ca football governing body CON- ‘It would be a catastrophe for the organisation if things do not go on the right way’ “The adjudicatory chamber of CACAF, Jack Warner. the Ethics Committee chaired by Even if the adjudicatory AFP the practice of “awarding commercial Mr Hans-Joachim Eckert has de- chamber had not extended his London contracts without bids or via a secretive cided to extend the suspension of suspension, he would not have process”, as well as expanding the World Mr Jerome Valcke by 45 days,” it been able to return to work as he Cup from 2026. said in a statement. “The exten- has also been banned indefi nitely epp Blatter and Michel Platini The prince said the World Cup bid- sion of the suspension starts from by FIFA’s management, a penalty were “totally irresponsible” to ding process has to be cleaned up after today.” Valcke’s initial suspension that is separate from the ethics agree a payment that has brought the shadow cast over the 2018 and 2022 began in mid-September and of- committee suspension. ignominy to world football, ac- tournaments. fi cially expired at midnight. Valcke’s lawyer on Tuesday cordingS to Prince Ali bin al-Hussein He wants FIFA to hold a public vote, The investigatory chamber of blasted the FIFA investigators, (pictured), who hopes to take over FIFA rather than the secret ballots in 2010 that FIFA’s ethics committee had called insisting that his client “did ab- next month. awarded the 2018 tournament to Russia for the extension on Tuesday, re- solutely nothing wrong as any The Jordanian crown prince said the and the 2022 event to Qatar. Prince Ali says questing more time for evaluating independent and fair review of global governing body would be heading members should not be allowed to visit the evidence against Valcke. the facts would establish”. for a new “catastrophe” if it doesn’t elect candidate countries prior to the vote. Ultimately, they said, they “The Investigatory Chamber the right candidate to succeed Blatter in Prince Ali received 73 of the 209 votes want to see the suspended sec- of the FIFA Ethics Committee has the vote on February 26. from FIFA’s member associations in last retary general banned from foot- chosen to ignore Jerome Valcke’s Eight year bans against Blatter and year’s election, which Blatter won be- ball for nine years. exemplary conduct and extraordi- Platini have left the pair in disgrace and fore announcing he would step down four The investigators also called nary contributions during his long fi ghting to save their names. Prince Ali days later. for the 55-year-old Frenchman tenure as Secretary General,” Barry said however there was no way they could He would not disclose how many votes to pay a fi ne of 100,000 Swiss Berke added in a statement. avoid trouble over a two million Swiss he has been promised this time. But he francs ($99,000, 92,000 euros). He insisted that the demand francs ($2 million/1.8 million euro) pay- said he had “broad support from all the Valcke’s suspension followed for a nine-year-ban was “noth- ment approved by Blatter to Platini in sports business executives face US charg- is an incredibly important moment for diff erent regions in the world”. allegations of involvement in a ing more than a self-serving 2011. es over more than $200 million of bribes the future of the organisation. Prince Ali is president of the Jordan ticketing scam, in which he was public relations eff ort to wrongly The two football leaders said the pay- for television and marketing deals. “Everybody recognises that this is the Football Association, which pits him accused of selling Brazil World attack Mr. Valcke in a desperate ment was for work carried out by Platini Prince Ali faces opposition from last chance to get it right. We don’t want against AFC chief Salman, who is from Cup tickets on the black market attempt to try to prove that FIFA for FIFA between 1999 and 2002. Prince former FIFA offi cial Jerome Champagne, the situation where one year or two years Bahrain. at above their face value. can police itself.” Ali said it was the sort of dark practice UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, down the line, more scandals come out. Salman’s manifesto contains a propos- that had to be rooted out. South African tycoon Tokyo Sexwale and “But I’m determined that we save FIFA al to transform the presidency into a non- “In this day and age, to have an oral Asian Football Confederation president and do it from within. There are a lot of executive role, but Prince Ali vowed to be UPDATE agreement is totally irresponsible,” he Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifah. good people around the world who want a a “hands-on” leader. said. “You have to be open, it has to be But he insists that he is the right man to good, strong and solid FIFA, and I’m one “If you are the president of an organi- accountable. That’s just a normal way of clean up FIFA. of them.” sation, you have to take responsiblity for doing business.” Prince Ali’s revised 23-page manifesto that organisation,” he explained. “I don’t FIFA’s Hawit agrees The prince, a former FIFA vice-pres- FIFA FACING VOTE ‘CATASTROPHE’ includes a limit of two, four-year terms want this organisation to go to a new level ident, lost to Blatter in an election on “It would be a catastrophe for the or- for the president and full publication of irresponsibility.” May 30 but is standing again as cor- ganisation if things do not go on the right of the report by former US prosecutor He added: “Something that I’ve learnt, to US extradition: ruption scandals—including the Platini way,” he told reporters in London after Michael Garcia into bidding for the 2018 unfortunately, in FIFA and the football- payment—cripple football’s governing unveiling a new manifesto. and 2022 World Cups. ing world is that promises that are made body. “Having talked to national associations He also wants to make FIFA’s multi- beforehand are not often seen through. I Switzerland Thirty-nine football offi cials and across the world, they recognise that this billion dollar accounts public and end want to be the catalyst to change that.”

AFP The US justice department BOTTOMLINE Zurich has charged 39 individuals and two companies over graft within world football going back dec- lfredo Hawit, a FIFA ades, in a sweeping prosecution Brazil boss accused in FIFA scandal returns to work vice president arrested that has sparked an unprece- during a pre-dawn raid dented crisis at FIFA. in Zurich in December, A total of nine FIFA offi cials night. “It was agreed with Marco Polo Del agreedA yesterday to be extradited were arrested during two raids at Reuters Rio De Janeiro Nero that I would stay until Jan. 5.” to the United States, the Swiss the fi ve-star Baur au Lac hotel in In a short statement, the CBF added: justice ministry (FOJ) said. Zurich, on May 27 and Decem- “With Vicente standing down, the presi- When the transfer is carried ber 3, by Swiss police acting on razilian Football Confederation dent of the CBF Marco Polo Del Nero will out, Hawit, a 64-year-old Hon- US warrants. Jeff rey Webb of the (CBF) head Marco Polo Del Nero resume his activities.” duran national, will become the Cayman Islands, Brazilian Jose (pictured) returned to work yes- Del Nero took over in April 2015 from fi fth FIFA offi cial extradited by Maria Marin, Juan Angel Napout terday after completing a 45-day Jose Maria Marin. Switzerland to the US to face of Paraguay and Costa Rica’s Ed- leaveB of absence taken to fi ght charges he is Marin was arrested on similar charges corruption charges. uardo Li have already been trans- involved in soccer’s wide-ranging corrup- in May and is awaiting trial in New York. Prosecutors in New York have ferred to New York. tion scandal, the organisation said. His predecessor, Ricardo Teixeira, was accused Hawit of “accepting Three others—Julio Rocha of Del Nero was charged by US prosecu- named alongside Del Nero in the latest bribes totalling millions of dol- Nicaragua, British-born Costas tors on December 3 with participating in indictment in December. lars in connection with the sale Takkas and Venezuela’s Rafael schemes designed to solicit and receive They are just some of the 41 people to various sports marketing fi rms Esquivel—are still fi ghting extra- millions of dollars in bribes and kick- and entities charged in a scandal that has of marketing rights to football dition. backs to sell media and marketing rights decimated FIFA’s leadership, particularly tournaments in Latin America,” Eugenio Figueredo, the former for soccer tournaments and matches. in the Americas. the FOJ said in a statement. president of South American He denied the allegations but took a People from all 10 members of the South Hawit, who has been sus- confederation CONMEBOL, was leave of absence to defend himself, giving American Football Confederation have pended by FIFA from all foot- extradited to his home country of evidence to a Congressional enquiry in been indicted and the last three presidents ball activities, also served as the Uruguay after Switzerland gave Brazil but otherwise keeping a low profi le. of the Confederation of North, Central president the Confederation priority to Montevideo’s case His replacement during that period, America and Caribbean Association Foot- of North, Central America and against its own citizen. Marcus Antonio Vicente, stood down on ball region have also been accused. Caribbean Association Football Switzerland has also handed Tuesday and said his job was done. FIFA president Sepp Blatter was (CONCACAF). over an initial package of bank “I have completed my mission as in- banned for eight years last month for eth- He will be extradited within 10 documents to US prosecutors re- terim head of the CBF,” he said in a video ics violations, as was his one-time ally, days, accompanied by a US po- quested as evidence in the ongoing posted on the CBF’s website on Tuesday UEFA president Michel Platini. lice escort, the FOJ said. cases targeting top FIFA bosses. Gulf Times Thursday, January 7, 2016 11 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT QFA supports Schools and College Football League

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Qatar Football Association has provided support to Qa- tar Foundation’s ‘QF Schools and College Football League U-19’ by off ering generous cash prizes for the rst,fi second and third place winners. TThe fi rst, second, and third teams received cash prizes of QAR30,000, QAR20,000, and QAR10,000 respectively. The American Community School Doha (ACS) football team was crowned champion, while Mesaieed International School (MIS) and Sherborne Qatar School came in second and third place re- spectively. The ACS Doha football team will play an exciting match against QFA’s “School League” champion later this year, QFA announced. QFA’s “School League” kicked off on 23rd November, 2015 and brings together 20 Qatari high schools from across the country. QFA’s provision of prizes to the league demonstrates QFA’s CSR commitment to continuously support football initiatives at the community and youth levels, while focusing on the broader objec- tive of spreading football in Qatar and instilling its direct positive impact on the diff erent segments of the community. The action-packed tournament kicked-off on October 11 last year and ran until January 5, 2016. The competition took place on pitches three and four in Qatar Foundation’s Awsaj Recreation Centre and featured a total of eight teams playing competitive matches against each other, in aim to win the grand cash prize of QAR30,000. Matches were held every Tuesday at 3pm and 4:15pm.

QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE FOCUS President of Angers SCO visits Aspetar Al Gharafa and Al By Sports Reporter Said Chabane commented on Doha the visit saying: “I have heard a lot about Aspetar, and I have al- ways been curious to know more ast week, the President about the hospital. I learned of the French football quite a lot during today’s visit club Angers SCO, Said about its areas of expertise, the Chabane, visited Aspetar diff erent services it off ers to ath- Wakrah post wins L– the Orthopaedic and Sports letes pre, during or post compe- Medicine Hospital. During the tition, and the athlete screening By Sports Reporter visit, he was given a comprehen- processes available here.” Doha sive tour of the hospital’s facili- Angers SCO is an upcoming ties, and briefed about the serv- football club that has secured ices it provides to elite athletes under Chabane’s leadership its saro Adako scored 22 globally. spot in the premier French foot- points and Hassino Hospital offi cials presented ball league, Ligue 1, as it current- Ndoye chipped in with an overview of the hospital’s ly ranked third place. 18 as Al Gharafa scored history and the signifi cant de- The club has experienced un- aO 73-60 win over Al Arabi in the velopments it has achieved in precedented success that began Qatar Basketball League last the fi elds of sports medicine in 1957 when it reached the fi nal night. and research and discussed fu- match of the French cup against Gharafa, who led by just one ture collaboration with the club, Toulouse FC, and continued in point (15-14) after the fi rst quar- which currently competes in the 1992 when the club achieved ter, upped the ante later in the premier French football league, second place in the French match to eventually post a com- Ligue 1. League. fortable victory. Adako nailed two three point- ers from three attempts, while Hassino had fi ve assists to his credit. Mohamed Saad with 12 and Dwayne Galloway with 10 also excelled for the winners. For Al Arabi, Edward O’Brien top-scored with 19 points, while Moutasim Hamed had 13 and Narcellius Soyebo 10. In the second match of the day, Al Wakrah led from the start for a 114-94 win over Al Khor. Al Wakrah led 30-24 after the fi rst period and never looked back with Adamu Saaka scor- ing a game-high 35 points along with Ronald Rembert of Al Khor. Saaka scored 13 fi eld goals and drilled eight of his 13 free throws. Harold Boney Watson with 29 points and Souleye Ndour with 25 also excelled for the winners. Watson also had 11 assists to his credit. For Al Khor Rembert was ably supported by Charles Abouo and Alen Hadzibegovic who scored 27 and 20 points respectively. Action from the Qatar Basketball League match between Al Gharafa and Al Arabi yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar TK

TENNIS Stars greet fans at ExxonMobil Qatar stand

By Sports Reporter Doha

ne of the highlights for visitors of the Qa- tar ExxonMobil Open is the possibility of seeing their favorite players up close. Once again, ExxonMobil Qatar has made specialO arrangements for fans to meet beloved players at the company’s stand, located in the tour- nament’s Public Village. So far, Tomas Berdych, Dustin Brown and Jeremy Chardy have made appearances at the stand, where they were greeted by a long line of enthused fans waiting to meet them and get autographs. The stars posed with some of their admirers, and made sure they went away with signed tennis balls as a memento of what was an unforgettable experi- ence. As the tournament proceeds, many more of this year’s star-studded list of players are expected to drop in and meet their fans. ExxonMobil Qatar has been the title sponsor of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open for 22 years, in part- nership with the Qatar Tennis Federation. Since the start of their collaboration, the ExxonMobil Qatar stand has been one of the highlights of the tourna- ment and a much sought-after spot at its Public Village. Each year, the stand is carefully and creatively designed so that it is appealing to visitors of all ages. Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych (L) and Germany’s Dustin Brown at the ExxonMobil Qatar stand.

Thursday, January 7, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Injaaz Stud’s My Sharona sprints to Al Mafi ar Cup win Trainer Jassim al-Ghazali finishes with three winners on the day, including My Sharona and Al Shaqab’s Thahab

By Sports Reporter Doha

assim al-Ghazali picked up three wins in the seven-race card, including the feature, Al Mafi ar Cup – Thoroughbred Sprint, at the Qatar Racing and Eques- trianJ Club yesterday. The kilometre-long sprint on the dirt track was always going to see some quick action and Injaaz Stud’s My Sharona, who was racing for the fi rst time this season, ran impressively in the lead from pillar to post to pick up her fi rst vic- tory since a Thoroughbred Conditions event in February last year. This was jockey JP Guillambert’s second vic- tory with the six-year-old mare. Another al-Ghazali charge, Sandbetwee- nourtoes, winner of the Al Wajba Cup three weeks ago, picked up some speed in the last fur- long but could only fi nish second, ahead of Ma- jed Seifeddine-schooled Qatar Light. The Qatari star trainer also saw a one-two in the Class 5 Thoroughbred Graduation Plate, with Marvin Suerland riding Al Shaqab Racing’s Thahab to his second straight win this season and Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah’s colt The Smart One fi nishing second with Richard Mullen at the helm. Hassan Ali Abdulmalik’s Beach Samba com- pleted the top three. Al Shahania Stud’s grey colt Sowah was the fi rst winner of the day for al-Ghazali when he picked up a fi ve-length victory over Noora bint Sheail al-Kuwari-owned Tarek Al Mels, schooled by al-Ghazali’s son Mohamed, in the four-horse Purebred Arabian Handicap event. Among French trainer Alban de Mieulle’s two winners on the day was Umm Qarn’s Taima. Jockey Gaetan Faucon’s ride Taima picked up her second career victory yesterday, having shed her maiden status in November 2015. The fi ve- year-old mare won the Local Purebred Arabian Restricted Handicap event yesterday, ahead of Ali Thamer al-Mehshadi’s Al Qassam and Bader Y A al-Baloshi’s Heytham. De Mieulle-schooled Mutawassal, owned by Patrice Nicolet, picked up his third career win. Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah’s fi lly Al Saba was Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club general ridden to second place by Adrie de Vries, while manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi with the Stephan Ladjadj was at the helm of third-placed winners of Al Mafiar Cup at the QREC yesterday. Al Jamaaheer. (Right) Jockey JP Guillambert rides My Sharona Seifeddine found success on the day with to victory in the Al Mafiar Cup. PICTURES: Juhaim Mubarak Saeed Aljafai al-Naimi’s colt Front Run in the Class 5 Thoroughbred Handicap event. Mohamed Nasser al-Ramzani’s Christmas Aria (Tadgh O’Shea), 3. Ankor Class (Yanis Aouabed), and Al Majd Stud’s Cappuccino Delight fi nished 4. Al Taweel (Pier Convertino). Won by: 5, 1.5, second and third respectively. 3.5. Owner: Al Shahania Stud. Trainer: Jassim In the fi rst race of the day, HH Sheikh Mo- al-Ghazali. hamed bin Khalifa al-Thani’s Aeenah shed her Race 4: 1. Front Run (Pier Convertino), 2. maiden status when champion jockey Harry Christmas Aria (Marvin Suerland), 3. Cappuccino Bentley rode Julian Smart’s charge to a victory Delight (Richard Mullen), 4. Protect (Stephan in the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate. Sendeed Ladjadj). Won by: 0.75, 0.5, 3. Owner: Mubarak Al Galayel and Bayan fi nished second and third Saeed Aljafai al-Naimi. Trainer: Majed Seifeddine. respectively. Race 5: 1. Taima (Gaetan Faucon), 2. Al Qassam (Adrie de Vries), 3. Heytham (Ali al-Showeikh), 4. RESULTS Ras Al Qimmah (Harry Bentley). Won by: 1.5, 0.75, Race 1: 1. Aeenah (Harry Bentley), 2. Sendeed Al 5. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Galayel (Tadgh o’Shea), 3. Bayan (Marvin Suer- Race 6: 1. Thahab (Marvin Suerland), 2. The land), 4. Taous De Monlau (Evert Pheiff er). Won Smart One (Richard Mullen), 3. Beach Samba by: 2.5, 0.5, 3.5. Owner: HH Sheikh Mohammed (Adrie de Vries), 4. Arriana (Cedric Segeon). Won bin Khalifa al-Thani. Trainer: Julian Smart. by: Nk, 1.5, 2.5. Owner: Al Shaqab Racing. Trainer: Race 2: 1. Mutawassal (Jean Baptiste Hamel), Jassim al-Ghazali. 2. Al Saba (Adrie de Vries), 3. Al Jamaaheer Race 7: 1. My Sharona (JP Guillambert), 2. (Stephan Ladjadj), 4. Katara IV (Marvin Su- Sandbetweenourtoes (Harry Bentley), 3. Qatar erland). Won by: 2.5, 2.5, 2.5. Owner: Patrice Light (Pier Convertino), 4. Collect Art (Stephan Nicolet. Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Ladjadj). Won by: 1.25, 0.25, 1.75. Owner: Injaaz Race 3: 1. Sowah (Harry Bentley), 2. Tarek Al Mels Stud. Trainer: Jassim al-Ghazali.

DAKAR 2016 Peterhansel wins stage four, al-Attiyah third overall

AFP Jujuy, Argentina

tephane Peterhansel kept afl oat his bid for a 12th Dakar Rally crown when leading a Peugeot clean sweep in yes- Sterday’s fourth stage around Jujuy in Argentina. The marathon event’s all-time most successful competitor held off team- mates Carlos Sainz and Sebastien Loeb by 11sec and 27sec at the end of the 429 kilometre stage. This was the veteran Frenchman’s 66th stage win, a record tally split equally between cars and bikes. The 50-year-old from Alsace made his Dakar debut in 1988, winning the fi rst of his six overall victories on two wheels back in 1991 and taking his 11th victory behind the wheel of a Mini in 2013. “It’s the fi rst Dakar special I win for Peugeot, it’s nice,” said Peterhansel. Peugeot driver Stephane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean Paul Cottret compete during the fourth stage of the Dakar 2016 Paulo Goncalves (right) was handed the win in Stage 4 after Joan Barreda Bort “We worked hard all year, but aren’t too around Jujuy, in Argentina, yesterday. (AFP) (left) was docked five minutes for speeding for the second day running. (Reuters) proud yet because we know we weren’t able to carry out all the tests we wanted, promising Dakar debut, remained atop men’s skeet shooting event at the Lon- prived of success for speeding for the of his Portuguese compatriot Ruben clear of Benavides, with Barreda now and it’s just the third day of racing. the overall standings with Peterhansel don 2012 Olympics, refl ected after his second day running. Faria (Husqvarna) with Argentina’s third, at 3min 3sec. Today’s fi fth stage “We had a good special, with no nav- in second at 4min 48sec. fourth place: “It ain’t easy. Barreda crossed the line clear of his Kevin Benavides in third. of the marathon two-week rally is a 327 igational mistakes and a high pace from Defending Dakar champion, Qatar’s “I did my best to attack, but you just Portuguese teammate Paulo Goncalves “It was a good day, bringing the bike kilometre ride from Jujuy to Uyuni with the beginning. Our work is paying off .” Nasser al-Attiyah (Mini) is third at can’t keep up with the Peugeots.” only to be docked fi ve minutes and de- home in one piece was crucial. I’m hap- the crossing into Bolivia coming with a World rally legend Loeb, with two 11min 9sec. Spain’s Joan Barreda Bort won the moted to fourth. py for me and Honda,” said Goncalves. steep increase in altitude to 4,500 me- stage wins in the bag already on his Al-Attiyah, who won bronze in the motorcycling section only to be de- Goncalves was handed the win ahead He tops the overall times, 2min 17sec tres - the highest point in this route.