SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 SPORTS

2020 Games bidders locked in tight race ahead of vote

BUENOS AIRES: The race for three cities movement should they be chosen to tum up to that point. bid chief Hasan Arat told , which failed to land the 2016 hoping to land the 2020 summer succeed 2016 Rio de Janeiro as the next Protests may have subsided for now Reuters earlier this month. Olympics and is seen by some as having Olympics will go down to the wire after summer Games hosts. but with Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan “The protests are over in Turkey. a slight advantage over its rival bidders, two years of campaigning as Istanbul, Istanbul is pitching Games on two likely to travel to Argentina to back the There is no problem any more, this is may be advertising its bid as a solid Madrid and Tokyo grapple with their continents - the European and Asian bid, questions on discontent in the not a fundamental problem for Turkey. choice for the IOC, but the 2011 deadly own problems ahead of the Sept. 7 vote. parts of the metropolis - as Turkey, with country will be all but inevitable. On the doping side we are cleaning up, earthquake and subsequent nuclear dis- The International Olympic Committee its growing economy, hopes to become The escalating conflict in neighbour- there is zero tolerance. It is a very clear aster at Fukushima is still a top news will elect the winning bid at their ses- the first country with a majority Muslim ing Syria, and fears it could spill over in message for drug cheats in Turkey.” story. sion in , Argentina, next population to get the Olympics. the region, are not unfounded as the Spain has been in and out of reces- With highly radioactive water spilling month with no clear front runner in the ’s Tokyo, looking to host them United States contemplate a military sion since a decade-long property bub- into the ocean and Japan raising the campaign to host the world’s biggest for a second time after 1964, is branding intervention. ble burst in 2008 and, with unemploy- severity level of the latest leaks, it is and most expensive multi-sport event. its bid as a safe and solid choice amid Istanbul bid officials as well as the ment at around 27 percent, is expected news that Tokyo does not need days With bid leaders of the three cities financially turbulent times as it incorpo- IOC have played down these fears say- to remain in an economic slump for at before the vote. preparing for their final pitch in rates some venues from their first ing Turkey can handle the security situa- least another year. “As far as hosting the Games, the sit- Argentina, backed on site by political Games to its new proposal. tion and that protests have died down. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy also uation in Fukushima will not affect leaders and a string of celebrity sup- Madrid, campaigning for the third Turkish bid officials also argue the admitted a corruption scandal, which Tokyo,” said Tokyo governor Naoki Inose porters, senior IOC officials say the race straight time, is playing up its high per- Syrian border is a long way away from has undermined the authority of Spain’s last week. But with the current leak has never been so open. “It is not like centage of existing venues, placing Turkey’s largest city, wedged between ruling People’s Party (PP), has hit the being the fifth and worse since the dis- before when the decision has often sport at the very heart of their bid. the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, country’s image abroad. aster, it is difficult to predict how the sit- been made,” IOC Vice President and The choice the 100-plus IOC mem- bridging Europe and Asia. Rajoy was testifying about his uation will develop in the coming years. presidential hopeful said bers will make, however, is likely to also A string of positive doping cases involvement in the scandal which cen- An IOC evaluation report released in days ago. “This time I think the presenta- depend on non-related Games issues. among Turkish athletes has been a fur- tres on allegations his party collected June offered few clues on potential tion (in Buenos Aires) will be very Istanbul, making its fifth attempt in the ther hit for the bid, even if it does not millions of euros in cash donations frontrunners, with all three bids being important, crucial even.” last six votes, was rocked by violent anti- want to admit it. which were then distributed to senior “of high quality”, putting the decision Each of the three cities have long government demonstrations in June “What happened in Turkey with the PP figures, including himself. That is firmly into the hands of the IOC mem- highlighted their own assets and the that spread to much of the country, protests and doping is something that I unrelated to the Games in seven years’ bership, who will vote after that final — advantages they bring to the Olympic shaving off some of the bid’s momen- want to connect in a positive way,” time, Madrid officials will argue. crucial — presentation.—Reuters Istanbul hopes to bring Olympics to new area

ISTANBUL : With the promise of mod- with the European Union, Egemen tion to clean up sports,” Arat said. “We projections, it will be $2 trillion by ern venues and the Olympics being Bagis, caused a storm earlier this are determined to go into the 2020 2020,” he said. staged on two continents, including month when he suggested that anti- Games with clean athletes. This is a In its evaluation report released in marathon runners crossing a bridge government protesters would be to zero-tolerance (for doping) step and June, the IOC pointed to Istanbul’s over the Bosporus from Asia to Europe, blame if Istanbul lost Turkey will not make any concessions infrastructure problems, insisting the Turkey insists Istanbul’s 2020 bid the bid - a charge the country’s on the issue.” risk of road congestion during the “shines like a diamond.” main opposition party said was an A recent multi-city sporting event in games “remains high.” It also noted that But the government’s crackdown attempt to “camouflage” any possible Turkey also did not help the case for Turkey shares a border with Syria, on anti-government protests in June, failure. Turkey’s international sporting the Olympics. FIFA has criticized Turkey which is currently engaged in a civil concerns over human rights, a slew of image has also been hit by a spate of for the record-low attendances at the war that is driving refugees into Turkey. recent doping scandals and the coun- doping cases in recent weeks. Earlier Under-20 World Cup in June and July “Syria is thousands of kilometers try’s inability to fill seats at football’s this month, the Turkish Athletics after noting that it was an opportunity from Istanbul and the games are seven Under-20 World Cup have taken away Federation suspended 31 track and for the country to show that it could fill years away,” Arat said, adding that the some of Istanbul’s luster. field athletes for two stadiums. Turkey, which has previously city was constantly improving trans- Bid leaders are, however, confident years each for doping violations. bid for the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 portation in the city. that Istanbul has a good chance of Two-time European 100-meter hurdles Olympics, has been pointing at its rela- Turkey is already undertaking a hosting the games on its fifth attempt champion Nevin Yanit has also been tive economic strength and is promis- series of massive projects, including because of its unique charms. suspended for two years while the fed- ing to build modern venues specifically the construction of a third bridge cross- “Istanbul is a truly magical city and I eration is investigating the case against suited to meet the needs of the 2020 ing the Bosporus, an underwater rail believe that it will be successful,” Hasan link also uniting the European and Arat, the chairman of Istanbul’s bidding Asian sides of the city, as well as KIEV: Ukraine’s Ganna Rizatdinova performs her ribbon program of the indi- committee, told The Associated Press. expanded metro and light rail lines. The vidual all-around final of the 32nd Rhythmic Gymnastics World He notes that Istanbul would take country is also constructing a six-run- Championship. —AFP the games to a new region in a city way third airport for the city to be built straddling both Asia and Europe and a by 2016. country that is considered a bridge “When Istanbul first bid there between cultures. Turkey would also be wasn’t even a metro in the city. Now Spain seeking lift with the first predominantly Muslim country there are new stations opening all the to host the games. time,” Arat said. “Istanbul is a city that presents a Istanbul has boasted an infrastruc- Madrid’s ‘austerity bid’ series of firsts to the world. For the first ture budget for the Olympics is $19.2 time the games would be staged in a billion - 10 times that of Madrid ($1.9 MADRID: For a sports-obsessed country everything, we are experiencing at the country with such a young population, billion) and much higher than Tokyo in the grip of a debilitating recession and moment Spain needs a boost, and this is for the first time the games would be ($4.9 billion). But officials concede that stained by allegations of political corrup- a brilliant opportunity.” staged on two continents at the same the figure seems large because $16.5 tion, winning the right to host the 2020 As a Madrid native, Molina Perez- time,” he said. billion of the money is already being Olympic Games in Madrid is exactly the Tome would feel a special pride in host- Istanbul, a city of about 15 million, is invested in city projects that will go tonic Spain needs. ing the Olympics. “There are times when competing against Madrid and Tokyo ahead whether or not the city gets At least that is what government and maybe you don’t have confidence in your for the games. The International games, leaving only $2.9 billion for spe- bid officials are arguing as they attempt country,” she said. “Many are leaving, and Olympic Committee will vote by secret cific Olympic needs. to convince International Olympic the Games could provide an injection of ballot for the host city on Sept. 7 in The Istanbul bid does seem to have Committee (IOC) members the capital positivity and a sense of optimism about Argentina, after the three cities make strong popular backing at home with deserves to stage the world’s biggest and the future.” She also expects a significant their final presentations on the day of 83 percent support among the people most expensive sporting event instead of boost to the chain’s sales and is hopeful the vote. Turkish Prime Minister Recep of Istanbul, according to a poll con- Istanbul or Tokyo. the Olympics might help in their effort to Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to travel TURKEY: An undated handout picture from the Istanbul ducted by the IOC earlier this year, As ordinary Spaniards are forced to attract customers who want to watch to Buenos Aires to make Istanbul’s case. Olympic committee shows the logo for their bid to host the compared to 76 percent for Madrid swallow cuts in wages and benefits, sports other than soccer. But he will be doing it just months 2020 summer Olympics. Istanbul is up against Madrid and and 70 percent for Tokyo. spending is slashed on public services “Money of course is short at the after Istanbul burst on to the world’s Tokyo to be named host city for the Games. —AFP “We have to see how the Olympics such as health and education and unem- moment but it will provide a return that consciousness with images of police changes countries. Great Britain won a ployment hovers just below 30 percent, will be positive for the country and for us using tear gas on protesters in the Olympic 1,500-meter champion Asli Games. In June, Turkey staged the few medals in Atlanta (in 1996). But it Madrid has presented a bid characterised specifically in terms of sales. heart of the city. Cakir Alptekin. Others recently caught Olympic-like Mediterranean Games in won a record number of medals at as the “Austerity Games”. “As a sports-themed chain perhaps Unrest broke out in June after doping include eight Turkish the city of Mersin, building high-quality London 2012,” Arat said. “The timing is Local officials say that with much of the Games will have more of an impact police cracked down on a group of weightlifters. venues in a short period of time. The just perfect for Istanbul. We have a the infrastructure already in place, it will on us than other sectors. Hostelry is peaceful environmental protesters and Turkey puts a positive spin on the country stepped in to replace Greece, very young population and it is the be the first time the projected Games going through a tough time.” it quickly spread to other cities, turning development, arguing that it is a sign which bowed out of the games right time for them to be channeled budget of some $3.1 billion exceeds A few hundred metres away at the into an unprecedented mass protest that the country is serious about com- because of its steep economic crisis. toward sports.” Arat said plans for the investment of just under $2 billion in Ireland-themed James Joyce pub in Calle against Erdogan’s government. At least batting doping. Arat said Turkey had made consid- games include an opening ceremony projects linked to the hosting of the de Alcala, manager Matthew Loughney five people - four protesters and a “The fact that so many doping tests erable progress since 1992, when it first in a 70,000-capacity stadium with event but not directly related. says he is hoping a Madrid Olympics police officer - were killed in the are being conducted and athletes are declared its intention to host the seating for 10,000 athletes. Half a mil- That compares with Istanbul’s massive would replicate the success of last year’s protests and human rights groups have being exposed is having a positive games. “Turkey is not the same country lion more people would be able to non-Games budget of around $17 billion, Games in London. accused the country’s police of using impact on the Olympic world. It is a as in 1992. The GDP (gross domestic view it from areas along the Bosporus dwarfing expected Games expenditure Dubliner Loughney, 41, who com- excessive force. show of Turkey’s determination to product) was $151 billion, now it is Strait. Suzan Fraser reported from of $2.9 billion. Tokyo, which hosted the mutes between Britain and Spain, has Turkey’s minister in charge of ties stamp out doping and its determina- $789 billion. And according to OECD Ankara, Turkey.—AP Games in 1964, is also planning to incor- been advertising Madrid’s bid in the porate existing venues and has estimat- pub’s front windows and believes the ed a non-Games budget of around $4.4 Iberian nation sorely needs the kind of Clermont destroy Toulouse billion compared to $3.4 billion for the fillip the 2012 Olympics gave to the UK. actual event. Madrid’s strategy, their third “Spain could do with a bit of a psycho- Olympic bid in a row after failed attempts logical boost, it really could, because it’s a PARIS: Clermont stretched their unbeaten home Australian finally opened the scoring in the 16th collapse. Beauxis made amends with a deft grub- for the 2012 and 2016 editions, requires a great country, it’s just going through an record to 61 matches with a bonus-point 38-19 minute. Toulouse’s Lionel Beauxis responded ber kick collected by Maxime Medard for an easy delicate balancing act. On the one hand incredibly difficult time,” he told Reuters victory over 19-time champions Toulouse in the almost immediately after Yannick Nyanga soared five-pointer under the posts he also converted. struggling Spanish tax payers, and partic- over a cup of tea. However, he said he Top 14 yesterday. high at the re-start to win back possession and James notched up a second penalty to keep ularly residents of the capital, must be had mixed feelings about spending so Guided by Australian playmaker Brock James, eventually a penalty. Clermont in the game at 10-6 and Bardy crossed persuaded that the long-term benefits of much money on a sports event at a time Clermont outgunned by four tries to one a Clermont flanker Julien Bardy was then yellow soon after following some good build-up work hosting the Olympics outweigh the eco- when many Spaniards were suffering Toulouse side that looked decidedly frail up front. carded after a ruck infringement as Toulouse cen- from the flanker himself and centre Wesley Fofana. nomic cost. financially. It was a perfect response after a humbling 30-19 tre Yann David was hauled down after a 60-metre A Sitiveni Sivivatu break almost saw fellow At the same time, IOC members must “One part of me would like Madrid to defeat by Top 14 newcomers Oyonnax last week- interception. But Beauxis could only drag the Clermont winger Napolioni Nalaga cross in the be convinced that a Madrid Olympics will win because it will give great motivation. end. James and Ludovic Radosavljevic each missed penalty wide, as Toulouse tighthead prop Yohan corner and half-time couldn’t come quick enough be a resounding success-something like “But then the other side is that there are early penalty chances for Clermont, before the Montes followed Bardy to the bin after a scrum for a beleaguered Toulouse. the Barcelona Games in 1992 — despite these huge cuts happening. It’s really dif- Beauxis pulled the scores level with an early the drive to keep a lid on spending. ficult to justify. second-half penalty, however, as Bardy was denied Madrid-born Veronica Molina Perez- “I saw the positivity the Olympics by a great tackle by Medard at the other end. Tome, head of marketing for the nation- brought to the U.K. but then when you Clermont’s veteran lock Nathan Hines won the wide Marca Sports Cafe chain, says she have so many people suffering here it’s resulting line-out, the ball falling kindly for has sympathy with her compatriots who horrendous. God knows where we’re Thomas Domingo to cross in the corner, James on are angry that the Games would suck in going to end up.” target with the conversion. cash which could be used to fund hospi- Theresa Zabell, CEO of international Beauxis pulled back two smart penalties to peg tals and schools. At the same time, she relations for the Madrid bid and an the home side’s lead back to a single point. believes an event like the Olympics will Olympic sailing champion in 1992 and James hit one of his own and then a drop-goal help pull Spain out of its current slump, 1996, is clear about why the city and the to calm nerves with Toulouse’s depleted pack in both economic and psychological country needs the 2020 Games. under increasing pressure. terms. “What is most exciting about being Julien Bonnaire and Wesley Fofana put the “I understand them but I don’t agree,” here is what it could mean for the future,” icing on the Clermont cake when they were both the 31-year-old told Reuters at the chain’s she said in Buenos Aires on Thursday, on hand to finish off sweeping cross-field moves central Madrid branch on Paseo de where the winner will be announced on and help ensure their team’s formidable home Recoletos, as a host of television screens Sept. 7. “It could mean an improvement record continued unabated. showing sports events flickered nearby. “I in the lives of a great number of people In Friday’s match, Stade Francais marked their don’t agree because this is an investment and that is a huge motivation,” she return to the refurbished Jean Bouin stadium with and investments almost always pay off at added. a crushing 38-3 victory over Biarritz. some point,” she added. “Spain needs more youth employ- After three years of playing their home fixtures “Maybe it’s not the best time to be ment and having the Games here in 2020 across the city at the Charlety stadium, tries from diverting cash from other areas but the will open up fantastic opportunities for Pierre Rabadan, Julien Arias, Jonathan Danty and money will come back. “Considering young people.”—Reuters FRANCE: Clermont-Ferrand’s French fullback Jean Marc Buttin (right) vies in this file Waisea Vuidravuwalu propelled Stade to a com- photo.—AFP manding win in their home opener.—AFP