FOOTBALL | Page 2 SWIMMING | Page 9 Coach Blanc Japan star To Advertise here Call: 444 11 300, 444 66 621 warns PSG Kitajima fumes against being aft er failing to overconfi dent make Rio cut

Wednesday, April 6, 2016 GOLF Jumada II 28, 1437 AH From toasters to GULF TIMES green jackets, Day eyes Masters title SPORT Page 10

QOC chief attends GCC Olympic heads’ meeting

Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani (third from left) poses with top Olympic committee off icials from GCC countries at their meeting in Riyadh. QOC Secretary-General Dr Thani al-Kuwari (centre in second picture) also attended the meeting during which it was decided to establish a centre of arbitration to settle sports disputes occuring during events in the Gulf.

FOOTBALL/ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Lekhwiya bounce back with 4-0 rout of Al Nassr El Jaish’s three-match winning streak comes to an end as they are held goalless by Uzbekistan’s Nasaf in Karshi

AFC will focus on the next games and then Doha think about next stage.” The hosts had the fi rst eff ort of the game in the opening minute when atar giants Lekhwiya, who Turkmenistan international Gevorky- were struggling at the bot- an cut into the box from the right be- tom of Group B with no fore lashing a low shot from the edge wins from three matches, of the area straight at Ababacar. bouncedQ back into contention with El Jaish controlled much of the pos- a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia’s Al session in the ensuing 30 minutes but Nassr in the Asian Champions League failed to threaten the Nasaf goal with yesterday. their own Uzbekistan forward, Sardor After a goalless fi rst session, Le- Rashidov, fi ring over as the half-hour khwiya hit their stride in the second mark approached. half to overcome the visitors in Doha Bakhrom Abdurakhimov then re- and jump to joint second spot and stay ceived a short ball from Erkin Baydul- in the hunt for a spot in the knock- laev with his back to goal before turn- out phase of the lucrative continental ing and fi ring wide on the half-volley tournament. shortly after. Iran’s Zobahan, who defeated Uz- And as half-time neared, a mix up bekistan’s Bunyodkor in the day’s in the Nasaf defence between Mak- other Group B game, leapt to the top sud Karimov and Shukhrat Muk- of the standings with eight points hammadiev almost allowed forward from four matches to Abderrazzaq Hamedallah in but goal- Nam Tae-hee, Alain Dioko, Chico keeper Eldorbek Suyunov was out Flores and Mohammed Muntari all quickly to thwart the Moroccan. netted after a fi rst half in which Le- Nasaf then had the best chance of khwiya twice hit the woodwork as the game four minutes after the re- Djamal Belmadi’s team were unable to start, but Azamat Allaniyozov’s pow- fi nd a way onto the scoreboard despite erful header at the back post from dominating. Saydullo Rakhmatov’s deep cross from With 11 minutes on the clock, Dioko the left went straight at Ababacar. sent his side-foot eff ort over the bar The home side again came close when the goal was at his mercy while with 15 minutes remaining when Ahmed Maqsoud tried his luck from Gevorkyan broke down the right and long range in the 23rd minute for Le- cut into the penalty area before cross- khwiya. Lekhwiya’s Alain Dioko (C) celebrates scoring against Saudi arabia’s Al Nassr during their AFC Champions League match at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha ing low to substitute Bobir Abdixo- Four minutes later Ibrahim Ghaleb yesterday . At right, Lekhwiya’s Chico Flores (L) reacts after scoring his team’s third goal. likov, but the El Jaish custodian was would have put Al Nassr in front again on hand to block his near-post against the run of play had he shown failure to clear a corner, but the ball Mohammad broke forward before Meanwhile, El Jaish are within mained unbeaten in the continental eff ort. more composure just three yards from thumped against the crossbar. feeding the Congolese striker, who touching distance of the AFC Cham- competition ahead of their double And the lively Turkmen’s diving goal following Mohamad Hasan’s Lekhwiya continued to hold the stepped inside to slot a right foot shot pions League knockout phase after header with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli header at the back post in the fi nal downward header. upper hand in the second half and, into the corner. playing out a 0-0 draw with Uz- while Nasaf will twice face off against fi ve minutes was then easily gathered Dioko was released into the pen- within four minutes of the restart, Youssef Msakni became the third bekistan’s Nasaf in Group D. Al Jazira of the United Arab Emirates by Ababacar as Nasaf were unable to alty area 11 minutes before the inter- the home side fi nally claimed the goal Lekhwiya player to hit the woodwork The home side edged a fi rst half of as Group D is set to reach an exciting make their superior second-half pos- val as the Qataris hit on the break and their dominance deserved when Nam as time ran down and, with fi ve min- few opportunities at Karshi Central climax. “I am satisfi ed with our per- session count. the striker heeled the ball into Nam’s curled his free kick from the left to- utes remaining, Flores scored from six Stadium with captain Artur Gevorky- formance and result as Nasaf are a “The result was not good for us and path, only for the Korea Republic in- wards the top corner, and Al Nassr yards out after Mohammed Tresor’s an’s eff ort in the opening stages the strong team,” said El Jaish coach Sabri we couldn’t achieve the positive out- ternational to see his attempt come captain Hussain Abdulghani was un- low centre. And substitute Muntari closest they came to breaking the Lamouchi. come we wanted,” said Nasaf coach back off the post before bouncing to able to keep the ball from crossing the completed the rout three minutes deadlock. “We didn’t score a goal, but didn’t Ruzikul Berdiev. safety. line. from time – and just moments af- But despite controlling the game concede also. Nasaf did not have the “We had problems in our attacking Eight minutes later the Qataris were By the 70th minute Lekhwiya were ter coming on for Dioko – when he after the interval, Nasaf were unable players in their forward line to beat us. line today. We made a lot of mistakes shaking the woodwork again as Dioko further in front and this time it was rounded Abdullah al-Enazi to score to beat goalkeeper Khalifa Abubacar “Our plan was for victory, but the and our passing was not up to stand- looked set to capitalize on Al Nassr’s Dioko fi nding the target after Ismail from close range. in the El Jaish goal as the Qataris re- minimum target was to take point. We ard. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 6, 2016 FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW TIME TRAVEL Long distance travelled since last Coach Blanc warns meeting for PSG and PSG against Manchester City overconfi dence ‘What I see is that when the draw was made, everyone, including us, was satisfied to avoid the two ogres of European football in Bayern Munich and Barcelona’

File picture of Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

AFP “It was hardly the kind of oc- Paris casion that will tempt the likes of Lionel Messi, Iker Casillas or Kaka to consider life in the blue hen nouveaux riches half of Manchester.” Paris Saint-Ger- Well, City’s standing now is main and Manches- such that, with Pep Guardiola ter City meet at the taking over as coach next season, WParc des Princes in the fi rst leg of it is not stretching the imagina- their Champions League quar- tion too much to imagine Messi ter-fi nal on Wednesday, they will appearing at the Etihad Stadium do so as two of the ogres of the at some point in the future. modern game. Two of Europe’s fi nancial CREME DE LA CREME powerhouses thanks to their oil- That year they were an emerg- rich Middle Eastern owners, City ing force and ranked 19th in ana- are in the last eight for the fi rst lysts Deloitte’s Football Money time while PSG are there for the League, while PSG were nowhere fourth year in succession. to be seen. The stakes are high, and it will Indeed, before the clubs’ all be a far cry from the only pre- meeting, Le Parisien marvelled vious meeting of the teams, only that City’s budget for the January a little over seven years ago. transfer window would be twice On a cold December night in PSG’s entire budget for the year. 2008, PSG visited City’s East- The same Deloitte report for lands home for a UEFA Cup the 2014-15 season ranked both group stage tie that ended in an clubs in the top six, along with uninspiring 0-0 draw watched Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man- by 25,626 spectators. chester United and Bayern Mu- It was just a few months af- nich, established superpowers ter City had been taken over by who between them have won the Sheikh Mansour and the Abu Champions League fi ve times Dhabi United Group, and future since 2009 and been runners-up England goalkeeper Joe Hart, four times. Pablo Zabaleta and current cap- “Now we are in there with tain Vincent Kompany were all clubs who are as powerful as in their team that night, as was a us fi nancially, who have much Paris Saint-Germain’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) smiles during a training session yesterday in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, western Paris. teenage Daniel Sturridge. greater histories and who pos- None of that night’s PSG team sess players as talented as ours. AFP “What I see is that when the draw was Fixtures DI MARIA FIT remain at the club today—in- This is the ‘creme de la creme’,” Paris made, everyone, including us, was satis- PSG’s own prospects are not helped by stead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic they PSG coach Laurent Blanc told fi ed to avoid the two ogres of European (At 9:45pm Qatar Time) the absence due to injury of infl uential had Peguy Luyindula and Mateja France Info on Saturday. football at the moment in Bayern Munich Quarter-final, first leg Italian midfi elder Marco Verratti and Kezman up front, while there The challenge now for PSG aris Saint-Germain coach Lau- and Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain (France) v Javier Pastore, but former Manchester was no Thiago Silva in defence, and City — whose combined rev- rent Blanc has warned his much- “You could maybe include Real Ma- Manchester City (England) United star Angel Di Maria is fi t after but Sammy Traore and Gregory enues for last season were 944.3 fancied side that they must not drid in that, so once we avoided these picking up a knock playing for Argentina Bourillon were playing. million euros ($1.076 billion) — is be overconfi dent heading into three teams I feel like the media and all Wolfsburg (Germany) v last week and missing Saturday’s 4-1 win If the clubs—whose only Eu- to get to the fi nal themselves. theP fi rst leg of their Champions League the supporters thought, well it’s an easy against Nice. ropean silverware to date is one PSG’s explosion since their Real Madrid (Spain) quarter-fi nal against Manchester City at draw, but it is absolutely not. City travel fresh from a 4-0 win at Cup Winners’ Cup each—have takeover by Qatar Sports Invest- the Parc des Princes today. “The players mustn’t listen to anyone Bournemouth on Saturday in which Bel- become Champions League reg- ments in 2011 has been more The French champions are looking to saying that because those people don’t Samir Nasri to question how PSG would gian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne scored ulars, City were only in Europe in emphatic than City’s, with four reach the semi-fi nals of this competition understand anything about football. cope playing in the Premier League rath- on his return after injury. 2008-09 as England’s Fair Play straight French titles compared for the fi rst time in two decades but this “City’s project is sort of parallel to ours. er than in the less competitive environ- City coach Manuel Pellegrini must representatives. to two since 2008 for City. is their fourth season running in the last They have talented players in every area, ment of Ligue 1. decide whether to keep De Bruyne in his PSG, meanwhile, had come City can say that competition eight, while City have never before been great quality and quantity of players.” Blanc, however, insists the intensity of line-up, while Yaya Toure has a heel in- close to being relegated from is much fi ercer in the Premier at this stage. Those similar projects that Blanc talks English football does not give the coun- jury and Raheem Sterling and Vincent Ligue 1 the previous season but League, but they come into this That has led many observers to give about have seen extremely rich Middle try’s clubs an advantage in Europe. Kompany are also on the sidelines. did win the League Cup and lost tie as the outsiders, despite being a polished PSG side, deserved winners Eastern investors come into both clubs in “Even in France people wonder wheth- Goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has had a to champions Lyon in the French able to call on the likes of Sergio against Chelsea in the last 16, the label recent seasons, transforming them from er Ligue 1 does us no favours,” admitted calf problem, trained on Tuesday though Cup fi nal. Aguero, David Silva and Kevin De of favourites to beat Manuel Pellegrini’s also-rans into leading forces. Blanc. “Intensity is not everything. The and PSG will have to fi nd a way of stop- Both teams went on to reach Bruyne. men after they were relieved to avoid be- Qatar-owned PSG have become English are so intense that they play a ping City’s star man Sergio Aguero. the quarter-fi nals, City losing to That is testament to how far ing drawn against Barcelona, regular ri- France’s dominant club and made rapid lot. They get to February, March, April or “Kun is a magnifi cent player,” said Hamburg and PSG to Dynamo PSG have come in a short space vals in Europe in recent seasons. progress abroad since being taken over in May and they are tired. PSG defender Maxwell. “He has so many Kiev, but it was an instantly for- of times, but these two clubs are “All the little details are important in 2011, while City have won just two Pre- “We play in a diff erent league because qualities and is like Romario was for Bra- gettable encounter. the proof that anyone can emerge ties like these and the experience we have mier League titles since being bought by we are obliged to, and we want to, but zil, small and strong. “A half-full Eastlands was giv- and compete with the traditional accumulated in the last few years could the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008 and if the English have a very competitive “We need to make sure he doesn’t have en an example of European foot- continental giants, at least if they play a part,” Blanc told a press conference have toiled at times in Europe. league it doesn’t mean they have any space in which to make the diff erence,” ball at its most tedious,” said the can fi nd an investor sitting on at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. That led City’s French midfi elder guarantees of going far in Europe.” the defender added. British Daily Telegraph. vast Gulf oil reserves.

BOTTOMLINE El Clasico win buoys Bale for Wolfsburg tie

AFP sides and, with 13 goals to his credit this playing our football, playing well and “I said mentally this win (against Wolfsburg season, he is just four short of breaking being Real Madrid.” Barcelona) puts us in a great his record in a single European cam- Real’s top form is juxtaposed by position, but we have to keep paign. Wolfsburg’s recent results with the working hard. The win builds eal Madrid star Gareth Bale Madrid are in the quarter-fi nals for German Cup holders winless in their confi dence for the rest of the says their El Clasico win over the sixth time in a row, while Wolfsburg last three games since beating Gent at season Barcelona has given the Span- are in the knock-out stages for the fi rst home in the last 16. ish giants the perfect confi - time. “We need to show why we are in the denceR booster for Wednesday’s Cham- Real are on their best run of the sea- WOLFSBURG’S ‘BIGGEST GAME’ quarter-fi nals, the pressure is all on pions League quarter-fi nal, fi rst-leg, at son after ending arch rivals Barca’s They were thumped 3-0 at Bayer Real, but our performance has to be Wolfsburg. 39-game unbeaten run with their sixth Leverkusen last Friday, causing direc- better than it was at Leverkusen,” said Real used to have a terrible record succesive win and are in no mood to tor of sport Klaus Allofs to confess they Hecking. away to German opposition in Europe, suff er an upset in Wolfsburg. are not living up to the their Champions Wolfsburg need no extra motivation but their run to winning the 2014 fi nal, “I said mentally this win (against Bar- League status in Germany’s top fl ight. with Draxler a self-confessed Ronaldo when they claimed their tenth Euro- celona) puts us in a great position, but we Nevertheless, the hosts have a chance fan while forward Maximilian Arnold pean crown, changed all that. have to keep working hard,” said Bale. to pull off a shock victory in what coach dreamed of playing against Madrid as Having thrashed Schalke 6-1 in “The win builds confi dence for the Dieter Hecking has decribed as “the a child. Gelsenkirchen two years ago in the last rest of the season. biggest game in the club’s history”. Nevertheless, Wolfsburg will need to 16, they routed Bayern Munich 4-0 at “But there’s a long way to go in the “We are looking forward to the game, step up their performance to prevent the Allianz Arena in the semi-fi nals en Champions League and La Liga and we we have nothing to lose,” said Wolfsburg’s the dream tie against Madrid becoming route to beating Atletico Madrid in the still have to keep fi ghting all the way,” Germany midfi elder Julian Draxler. a real nightmare at home to Real. fi nal. he added with Real chasing an 11th Eu- “I think that’s a plus point for us. Zidane is expected to name the same This time around, Zinedine Zidane’s ropean crown. “We have already shown we can full-strength team which started at the Real are clear favourites for the quarter- Brazil midfi elder Casemiro said Real play well against top teams, but a lot of Camp Nou with French international fi nal fi rst leg at Wolfsburg’s Volkswagen will take nothing for granted at Wolfs- things must come together.” Raphael Varane the only injury absen- Arena, especially after Saturday’s 2-1 burg. Wolfsburg need to recapture the tee with a calf injury. victory when Cristiano Ronaldo scored “In this round, there are no easy form which led to their 3-2 win at home Wolfsburg are without left-back Se- their late winner at arch rivals Barce- teams,” said the 24-year-old. to Manchester United in the group bastian Jung who tore a knee ligament lona with 10 men. “Wolfsburg defend well, they have stages last December which eliminated against Gent and is out for the season Ronaldo has found the net in all six quick players in attack and we need to the Red Devils from the Champions while midfi elder Daniel Caligiuri has a knockout ties played against German File picture of Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale in action during the El Clasico. respect them, but we will respect them League. groin injury. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 6, 2016 3 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT New Chelsea boss Conte faces match-fixing sentence An Italian court yesterday over the aff air, reduced to four called for new Chelsea man- months on appeal. ager Antonio Conte to receive The new man at Stamford a six-month suspended prison Bridge is due to hear his fate sentence over match-fixing on whether he is hit with a Juve honour on allegations. criminal sentence in mid-May. The current Italy manager, Conte’s lawyers elected for a who will take over Chelsea fast-track trial in order to get it after Euro 2016, is accused of wrapped up before the Euro- sporting fraud. pean championships begin in The ‘Calcioscommesse’ (foot- France on June 10. ball-betting) probe maintains Tuesday’s development came that the 46-year-old former less than 24 hours after Conte line at Chelsea for Juventus boss failed to expose was appointed on a three-year an alleged rigged second- deal to take charge of Chelsea. division match in May 2011. He will succeed Guus Hiddink, The game involved Siena, appointed interim manager whom Conte managed at that after Jose Mourinho’s sacking time. in December. Conte, who denies any wrong- Conte took took over the Ital- doing, was also ordered to pay ian national team in August no-nonsense Conte an 8,000 euros ($9000) fine, 2014 and secured their Euro by Cremona court public pros- 2016 qualification. ecutor Roberto Di Martino. He guided Juventus to three Having Conte in the dressing room means it’s impossible for any of us to go out on The May 29, 2011 game straight Serie A titles from suspected of being fixed for 2012-14 before taking charge the pitch without being focused on the task at hand: Juventus goalkeeper Buff on betting purposes ended with of Italy. a 1-0 away win for Conte’s side The ‘Calcioscommesse’ scan- at Albinoleff e. dal broke in June 2011 and has Siena gained promotion to seen many well-known figures Serie A that season, with that from football serve bans for success earning Conte the match-fixing, such as former job at Juventus, the club he Italy internationals Giuseppe graced as a player for 13 years. Signori and Cristiano Doni. In 2012, when he was in Around 100 people are still charge of Juventus, Conte was awaiting trial accused with hit with a 10-month ban by various roles in the vast cor- the Italian football federation ruption scandal.

Napoli blow as Higuain gets four-match ban Napoli’s Argentina striker league title since Diego Mara- Gonzalo Higuain has been hit dona played his penultimate with a four-match ban follow- season at the club in 1990, ing his sending off in Sunday’s with seven games to play. 3-1 defeat to Udinese, a blow The disciplinary commission for his team who are battling sanctioned “an insulting term” with Juventus for the Serie A used against the referee as title. well as “a disrespectful gesture Higuain was shown his second when he faced him and laid his yellow card for kicking out at two hands on his chest”. defender Felipe, prompting It also evoked “aggressive be- the striker to launch a verbal haviour towards an opponent” tirade against the referee. The and pointed out that Higuain 28-year-old had to be pulled had “to be restrained by his away by team-mates as he teammates”. tried to angrily remonstrate Napoli, who are second with with Udinese players. Roma four points behind, are Higuain, the top Serie A already weakened for their scorer with 30 goals, will miss next game at Verona follow- upcoming games against Ve- ing suspensions of defender rona, Inter Milan, Bologna and Kalidou Koulibaly and striker Roma, severely damaging his Dries Mertens. side’s chances of a first Serie A Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri title in 26 years. will also be suspended for a Defeat left Napoli six points match after he was sent to the File picture of then Italy’s coach Antonio Conte gesturing during the UEFA Euro 2016 group H qualifying match between Italy and Malta. adrift of leaders Juventus, stands for dissent during the as they bid to snatch a first game. AFP charge of the Azzurri following their on the task at hand,” said Juventus goal- to a minimum as Conte has been learning London bungle in Brazil. keeper Gianluigi Buff on after a first sea- English for only the past year. It was regarded as a surprising move at son under Conte’s helm. Recently, former West Ham forward Greece given 10 days to reverse Cup the time for Conte after steering an un- If the same drive and commitment is Paolo Di Canio warned Conte: “Try to cancellation or face FIFA suspension ew Chelsea coach Antonio stoppable Juventus to three consecutive missing from his players, Conte is known learn the English mentality quickly. Conte is a no-nonsense op- league titles, and no one was surprised to erupt. In his autobiography, former Sometimes, when you say certain words FIFA handed Greece’s govern- which the EPO would face an erator who does not suff er fools when he answered the distant calling of Juventus midfi eld great Andrea Pirlo in a sentence they are interpreted in a dif- ment a 10-day deadline to automatic suspension of its gladly, but a tough reputa- club football. The fact it was Chelsea is a complained that Conte’s words “assault ferent way. reverse its decision to cancel membership,” said the letter Ntion built on three, success-laden years huge bonus and sets Conte up for his fi rst you”. He also lamented having chosen the “You have to learn the language quick- the Greek Cup or face an published on the EPO website. at Juventus is about to face the Premier foreign assignment. locker in front of the Juventus dressing ly and have a capable English guy at your international suspension from The ultimatum follows a League acid test. But if life has been sweet under Hid- room door, the usual target for the bot- side to help you.” football’s governing body. breakdown in talks held be- After months of speculation, Conte on dink, Chelsea’s players could be in for a tles of water Conte threw. Conte said he is “looking forward to FIFA sent a two-page letter to tween Kontonis, the EPO and a Monday confi rmed he would become the shock. As a former midfi elder and cap- Buff on was reportedly the target of a the day-to-day challenge of competing Deputy Minister for Sport Sta- FIFA delegation in Athens. long-term replacement for sacked Jose tain with Juventus, Conte’s commitment Conte tongue-lashing after he told the in the Premier League”, but the pressure vros Kontonis and the Hellenic Kontonis controversially can- Mourinho on a three-year deal that will was legendary and the trait has followed coach to cheekily “wait” while, before will be on the 46-year-old—who as a Football Federation (EPO) celled the cup after the first see him take over from Chelsea caretaker him throughout a successful coaching the last match of the season, he discussed player steered Juve to the 1996 Champi- demanding that Kontonis leg of the semi-final between manager Guus Hiddink in July. career that saw him lay the foundations the question of bonuses for the title they ons League title and fi ve Serie A crowns— change his ruling. PAOK Salonika and Olympia- Currently coach of Italy, Conte takes for a Juventus team that has since be- had won weeks earlier. in what will be a ‘renaissance’ season for The global body also ordered kos Piraeus was abandoned the Stamford Bridge reins after this sum- come a fairly serious player in the Cham- The Juve goalkeeper was hauled over the Blues. further talks to make changes due to a violent pitch invasion, mer’s Euro 2016 where the Azzurri will be pions League. the coals, the team got the message and Chelsea will now end the season with- to sports legislation planned with fans hurling flares and out to make amends for a fi rst-round exit went out to beat Cagliari 3-0. out a trophy and won’t qualify for the for May which contradicts missiles before being dis- at the 2014 World Cup. HARD TASKMASTER Comparisons to the ‘hairdryer treat- Champions League, with even a place in FIFA’s statutes on self-govern- persed by riot police. His move will provide one more rea- Although an emerging Juve side never ment’ of former Manchester United leg- Europe’s second-tier Europa League now ance of member associations. Kontonis declared his decision son for Blues fans to be watching Italy’s got past the last eight in the Champions end Sir Alex Ferguson are inevitable, but looking beyond them. “The FIFA Emergency Commit- was a “legal move” and has progress in France this summer. League under Conte, his infl uence—and after years under Mourinho, Chelsea’s But Conte added: “Chelsea and Eng- tee decided to set a deadline of insisted that no pronounce- But at Chelsea, Conte returns to his his ire—was felt. players—those who decide not to desert lish football are watched wherever you 15 April 2016 for the decision to ment will be made until the fi rst love of day-to-day football, which “Having Conte in the dressing room after failure to reach the Champions go, the fans are passionate and my ambi- (cancel) the 2015/2016 Greek EPO’s appeal is heard by the he missed dearly during a largely suc- means it’s impossible for any of us to go League—will be expected to adapt. tion is to have more success to follow the Cup to be reversed, failing Supreme Court on April 19. cessful but ultimately unhappy spell in out on the pitch without being focused Dialogue might initially have to be kept victories I enjoyed in Italy.”

BOTTOMLINE Five things on Conte’s to-do list at Chelsea

helsea confi rmed that Italy younger and less deferential team- Mourinho content to encourage those changes his own intense style to soothe coach Antonio Conte will take mates mean it would be wiser to sever tendencies, there is a growing belief the fragile Chelsea egos, especially charge at Stamford Bridge in ties with the polarising captain. Costa was allowed to run wild to the since Andrea Pirlo, who played under time for next season. Here AFP detriment of himself and his team. him at Juventus, described his compa- SportsC looks at fi ve things the former REBUILD THE EDEN PROJECT Costa’s bear with a sore head impres- triot like this: “Even when we’re win- Juventus boss must focus on to get the Rewind 12 months and Eden Hazard ap- sion has fuelled speculation that he is ning, Conte comes in and hurls (things) troubled EPL club back on track: peared to have the world at his feet as he unhappy in England and would relish a against the wall. His words assault you. prepared to accept two Footballer of the move in the close-season so, with Paris They crash through the doors of your RESOLVE TERRY’S FUTURE Year awards and a Premier League win- Saint Germain and his old club Atletico mind, often quite violently, and settle Hailed as “captain, leader, legend” on ners’ medal while being feted by Jose Madrid said to be ready to off er him deep within you.” the banner hung by adoring fans at Mourinho as the equal of superstars Li- an escape route, Conte must decide Stamford Bridge, John Terry’s creden- onel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. whether to cut his losses or try to reha- MAKE UP FOR A MISSPENT YOUTH tials as a Chelsea icon and a major in- Yet less than a year later, Hazard’s bilitate the serial off ender. With owner Roman Abramovich re- spiration behind their success are well form has mysteriously collapsed to portedly unhappy with Chelsea’s fail- established, yet Conte will be faced such an extent that many Chelsea CHANGE THE MOOD MUSIC ure to produce more homegrown tal- with the thorny problem of potentially fans would gladly wave farewell to the Regardless of who stays or goes, Conte ents despite his huge investment in ending that two-decade love aff air. 25-year-old Belgian if he is sold in the should already know he must rebuild the youth academy, Conte could earn The 35-year-old dropped a bomb- close-season. the squad’s shattered morale after what some early praise from his employer shell in January when he announced he Hazard’s perceived sulkiness during even the club were forced to admit was by unearthing a gem or two among the would be leaving at the end of the sea- this season’s collapse made him a tar- “palpable discord” between Mourinho youngsters learning their trade at the son because the club had told him he get for Mourinho loyalists, who point and the players in the fi nal months of club’s leafy Cobham headquarters. wouldn’t be given a contract extension. out he has scored just twice for Chel- his reign. Incredibly, John Terry remains the But Chelsea have since insisted Ter- sea, with his last Premier League goal Mourinho’s abrasive approach ir- last product of Chelsea’s youth system ry’s fate will be decided solely by the coming in May 2015, but it his lethargic Diego Costa ritated too many players and their re- to successfully establish himself as a new manager, leaving Conte to weigh performances that will be most alarm- sponse was to down tools, leading to his fi rst-team regular with the Blues. up the benefi ts of keeping a fi gure of ing for Conte as he contemplates how to sacking in December, but even the more Conte would be wise to try to make Terry’s experience and tenacity to cre- revitalise the talented playmaker. his debut season, he was already earn- While his predatory instincts are mild mannered Guus Hiddink, installed the most of promising midfi elder Ru- ate a smoother transition to the new ing a reputation as the unapologetically unquestionable, the Spain striker has as interim boss, has only been able to ben Loftus-Cheek, 20, and other more era, while also pondering whether his DEAL WITH COSTA snarling face of Jose Mourinho’s com- lost his focus time and again as he fi nds coax a small improvement in the qual- untested but highly-rated youngsters fading form and declining infl uence Although Diego Costa’s goals fi red bative team and if anything he has be- himself embroiled in needless fl ash- ity of the team’s performances. like Charly Musonda, Lewis Baker and in a dressing room now populated by Chelsea to the Premier League title in come more moody in year two. points and, with the arch provocateur It will be fascinating to see if Conte Dom Solanke. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 6, 2016 FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT QATAR STARS LEAGUE If we play our game, we can defeat Rayyan, Family deny any says Sadd’s Bounedjah

By Sports Reporter Doha

SL online caught up Messi involvement with Al Sadd’s number 11 Baghdad Bounedjah to get his thoughts on thisQ week’s Qatar Clasico match against Al Rayyan. What are your expectations for the Qatar Classico? It’s going to be a tough game. in tax scheme We are playing the champions of Qatar and that represents a special challenge. Secondly this pions. Honestly I think we have ‘The Messi family wish to make it clear Lionel Messi has not carried out any of will be a huge game with plenty the team spirit to beat Al Rayyan. of fans in attendance, so I am ex- the acts of which he is accused in the stories and that the allegations of him pecting a lively atmosphere. What is your ambition this season with Al Sadd? having designed a tax evasion project are false and injurious...’ How do you feel ahead of this I think we have the personnel fi rst Qatar Classico for you? to win all the trophies we com- I am very excited to play in this pete in this season. I always look game. I was lucky enough to be in to do my best, and I feel that with Doha for the fi rst game, and I wit- the squad we have and our train- nessed a real spectacle. All of the ing team, we can do this. fans in full voice, this is the game you want to be a part of as a player. Is Sadd capable of winning both the Qatar Cup & Emir Cup titles? What are the strengths & Certainly, our aims are to fi n- weaknesses in each team? ish second in the league and then Each side has strengths and look to win both the Qatar Cup weakness, but as a team we are and Emir Cup competitions. just focusing on the win. We want to get all three points and Have you enjoyed your time in consolidate our place in second. the QSL this season? Yes! The Qatar Stars League Which player you fear in Al is very strong and competitive Rayyan? league, with plenty of excite- I am not afraid of any player in ment in the games. I have en- Al Rayyan and I don’t know lots joyed my football here, and that of them. Our role is just to focus is helped by the high quality of on the game and getting the win. players that are in Qatar. If we play our game, we will be able to defeat Al Rayyan. What is your evaluation of your performance with Al Sadd What do you think of the con- up till now? frontation between Al Sadd of- Personally I do not feel that I fense & Al Rayyan defense? am 100% after being injured for It’s going to be a battle! Al a period. However I am getting Rayyan has been good defensive- back to full sharpness and I am ly this season, this is one of the eager to prove to Al Sadd how reasons they are the QSL cham- good I can be in the future.

PREMIER LEAGUE Pochettino hopes Euro exit helps Barcelona’s Lionel Messi arrives for a training session ahead of his team’s Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

Reuters Reuters could not independently con- “In light of the above the Messi family case,” the statement added. Spurs hunt down Barcelona fi rm this. has instructed their current legal team ... A tax fraud case against Messi is to be His family issued a statement on Mon- to look into the prospect of bringing legal heard in a Barcelona court between May day denying allegations it said were pub- action against the media organisations 31 and June 3 after the World Player of the leaders Leicester arcelona forward Lionel Messi’s lished by various media organisations that who published the story.” Year and his father Jorge were accused by family have denied Spanish me- Messi had created a corporate structure Reuters could not immediately reach the tax offi ce in 2013 of defrauding the dia reports that arose following aimed at “setting up a tax fraud network”. Messi’s lawyers. Spanish state of 4.2 million euros ($4.5 the leak of the ‘Panama papers’ It added: “The Messi family wish to million) from 2007-09. thatB said he was involved in a tax evasion make it clear Lionel Messi has not carried BARCA BACKING Revenue was hidden using shell com- scheme. out any of the acts of which he is accused His club have given Messi’s family their panies in Uruguay, Belize, Switzerland Governments across the world began in- in the stories and that the allegations of backing. and the United Kingdom to avoid paying vestigating possible fi nancial wrongdoing him having designed a tax evasion project “Barcelona wishes to express the club tax, according to the prosecutor’s offi ce. by the rich and powerful on Monday after are false and injurious, as are those relat- trusts the arguments the Messi family Reuters was unable to determine if or a leak of four decades of documents from ing to the creation of a money laundering have made public and that from the mo- how this case relates to the details pro- a Panamanian law fi rm that specialised in network. ment the documents linking Leo Messi vided in the ‘Panama papers’. setting up off shore companies. “The Panamanian company referred with ‘the Panama papers’ were made Last October a Spanish court ordered The so-called ‘Panama papers’ re- to in said reports is a completely inactive public, Barcelona have shown their sup- that Messi and his father stand trial. The vealed the fi nancial arrangements of glo- company, which has never had any capi- port and solidarity to the player and all state attorney has proposed jail terms of bal political and public fi gures. tal or active current accounts, and which his family,” the European champions said up to 22 months if they are found guilty. While holding money in off shore com- dates from the old corporate structure set in a statement. Messi and his father, who has denied panies is not illegal, Messi, 28, was on up by the Messi family’s previous fi nan- “The club has put all its judicial, fi scal the accusations, paid fi ve million euros Sunday accused by Spanish newspaper El cial advisors, with the tax implications and administrative means at the dispo- to the tax authorities as a “corrective” File picture of Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino. Confi dencial of creating a company with for Lionel Messi having been settled at sition of the family should they need to measure after being formally charged in the aim of evading tax. the time. clarify their position and repute in this June 2013. Reuters but have eight days to prepare for London the visit of United. “We haven’t had many clear AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE weeks this season,” Pochettino ottenham Hotspur’s told the club’s website (www. clash with Manchester tottenhamhotspur.com). “We’ve United on Sunday will had a lot of midweek games show whether man- but... now we have a few days agerT Mauricio Pochettino made to recover and try to prepare for the right call when he sacrifi ced United. Muto leaves champs Evergrande progress in Europe to focus on “It’s important because we clinching Spurs’ fi rst Premier only really had one day to pre- League title in 55 years. pare for Liverpool. International Second in the table and seven weeks can be diffi cult ... but points adrift of leaders Leicester now we have six games left in six on brink of a shock exit City with six games left, Spurs weeks and time to prepare the AFP ropes on 52 minutes when he Results were knocked out of the Europa players. We will fi ght until the Saitama instinctively got his head to To- League by Borussia Dortmund end of the season.” moya Ugajin’s fi rst-time ball Group F 5-1 on aggregate after Pochettino across the box, following a cross FC Seoul (KOR) 0 Shandong rested key players in the last-16 HERRERA BACKS UNITED uki Muto’s second-half from Takahiro Sekine. Luneng (CHN) 0 stage. Meanwhile, United midfi elder winner left title-holders Zeng saved brilliantly from Buriram United (THA) 0 The Argentine made seven Ander Herrera backed his team Guangzhou Evergrande Sekine at close range but Tadan- Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 2 changes to his team for the fi rst to raise their game against Spurs, teetering on the brink of ari Lee was left thumping the (Miyayoshi 45, Shibasaki 87) leg in Germany, resting Eric citing their record against the aY shock AFC Champions League turf in exasperation when he Dier and leaving leading scorer top teams this season. exit as they went down 1-0 to passed up an open goal and in- Group H Harry Kane on the bench, along United beat Spurs in their Urawa Red Diamonds yesterday. stead tamely poked his shot at Sydney FC (AUS) 1 (Ninkovic with Mousa Dembele and Erik opening league game of the cam- Muto’s header seven minutes the goalkeeper. 51) Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0 Lamela. Spurs lost the game 3-0, paign, and have also recorded wins after half-time consigned Luiz Zeng also saved from Shinzo Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) eff ectively killing off their hopes over Arsenal, Manchester City and Felipe Scolari’s super-rich Chi- Koroki one-on-one to keep Ever- 1 (Muto 52) Guangzhou Ever- of progression to the quarter- Liverpool, as well as an away draw nese champions to their second grande in it but the visitors’ costly grande (CHN) 0 fi nals. at leaders Leicester City. defeat in four games and left strikeforce was fi nding little joy at They got over that disappoint- “When we play against a top them rooted to the bottom of the other end of the pitch. ment by putting three goals past team, I am not so worried about Group H. Urawa’s victory lifted them to Elsewhere, in Group F, free- Bournemouth in the league three our performance because we With two games to go, winless Japan’s Urawa Reds forward Yuki Muto celebrates his goal against second in Group H behind Syd- scoring FC Seoul lost their per- days after the second leg, but Po- usually do quite well,” the Span- Evergrande have just two points China’s Guangzhou Evergrande yesterday. ney FC, who moved to the verge fect record when they were held chettino’s hope that the absence iard told British media. so far, fi ve points off second of the knock-out stages with a to a 0-0 draw by China’s Shan- of European action would help “We have to prepare very place and a spot in the last 16, translated into heavy investment If not for some agile keeping by 1-0 home win over South Ko- dong Luneng, with Brazilian his players hunt down the Foxes good... because we watched with their title defence seem- in players by Chinese clubs. Zeng Cheng, the scoreline could rea’s Pohang Steelers. sharpshooter Adriano unable to were derailed by the internation- Tottenham’s game against Liv- ingly at an end. But the fi ve-time defending have been worse for a team fea- Milos Ninkovic grabbed the add to his nine goals so far. al break. erpool. I think they deserved to Evergrande, part-owned by Chinese Super League champi- turing ex-Tottenham Hotspur winner for Sydney, who now have And Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiro- Spurs had only a day to prepare win, they controlled the second- Internet giant Alibaba, are the ons looked anything but winners midfi elder Paulinho and former nine points from four games, in shima kept up their bid for the for their match against Liverpool half almost fully, so it is not go- poster-child for President Xi in a cauldron atmosphere as they Atletico Madrid striker Jackson the 51st minute and at the second knock-out stages when they last weekend and duly allowed ing to be easy. Jinping’s push to turn China faced Japan’s Urawa and their Martinez, their record signing. attempt after two Pohang players beat Thailand’s Buriram United Leicester to stretch their lead by “But when we play against top into a football power, which has massed ranks of fans in Saitama. Muto put Evergrande on the failed to clear the ball. 2-0 away. dropping two points at Anfi eld, teams I think we perform better.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 6, 2016 5 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Panesar back in Northants Bayliss backs Stokes to squad London: Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar will try to revive his career at the club where it all started after he was included in Northamptonshire’s squad recover from setback for the forthcoming county season. Panesar, 33, was released West Indies needed 19 to win but Brathwaite tore into Stokes with four successive sixes in T20 final by Essex at the end of last term after struggling to gain AFP a regular first-team place London following a series of off -field problems that included men- tal health concerns. revor Bayliss expects Ben Stokes to con- His time with Essex came tinue putting himself in pressure situa- after a spell at Sussex that tions despite his harrowing experience in ended following a bizarre the World Twenty20 fi nal. Stokes was the incident which saw Panesar fallT guy at Eden Gardens after taking the ball for the fined by police for urinating decisive fi nal over of the tournament. on nightclub bouncers in West Indies still needed 19 to win but Carlos Brighton in 2013. Brathwaite tore into Stokes with four successive Now though the Indian- sixes, leaving the Caribbean side jubilant and the origin Panesar hopes to be bowler crumpled in a heap. making headlines purely for It was immediately clear that Stokes, 24, would his cricket, with the undeni- not bear his burden lightly, as he stared disbeliev- ably talented left-armer hav- ing and vacant into the Kolkata night, but Bayliss, ing taken 167 wickets in 50 the England head coach, is confi dent there will be Tests for England, the last of no lasting damage. which was in Melbourne three A few hours later Stokes tweeted his thanks for years ago during a 5-0 Ashes the support he had received and the morning after whitewashing by Australia. Brathwaite himself off ered some consoling words. “Getting a chance to play As England fl ew out of India, Paul Collingwood at Northamptonshire’s, where posted a photo of him alongside a relaxed Stokes I first started to play my on the plane. Over the last 12 months, the form of cricket, it’s nice to be back Stokes has become central to England’s success home,” Panesar, who trained with key match-winning performances against with the county during the New Zealand, Australia and South Africa before English winter while recover- the World T20. Bayliss is in no doubt that he would ing from shoulder surgery, front up to a similar fi nal-over situation again. told Sky Sports on Monday. “He is one of those blokes – if we had a game “I’m really looking forward tomorrow, he’d put his hand up to bowl the last to it. I’ve done a lot of hard over again,” the Australian said. “No one is blam- work and in the next few ing Stokesy for anything. To be honest, he is the weeks I think I’ll be ready heart and soul of this team. If everyone put in half to go,” added Panesar, who as much as Stokesy does, we’d go a long way. played for Northamptonshire “You can’t fault Ben’s leadership in the team or from 2001-2009. the eff ort he puts in. It doesn’t matter whether he David Ripley, the North- is batting, bowling or fi elding, he gives you 100% amptonshire coach, said until there’s nothing in the tank. The more of those he had been impressed by type of cricketers we can produce, the better for Panesar’s commitment. England cricket.” “Monty has worked hard at Stokes, not for the fi rst time, found himself in his fitness which is progress- an angry exchange with the West Indies batsman ing,” Ripley said. Marlon Samuels as the drama reached its con- “He joined us on our pre- clusion. Samuels might have had the last laugh season tour to Barbados of this time, and stressed as much in an inelegant his own volition where he press conference, but Bayliss will not look to calm fitted in well with the rest of Stokes’s nature. “I think there is a bit of history be- the lads. He will now have to tween those two from the last England tour to the prove himself for selection,” West Indies,” he said. “Ben’s one of those players the former Northamptonshire that feeds off that. Some players sometimes say wicket-keeper added. things and they can’t really back it up. But Stokesy That point was empha- is one of those players … that’s what turns him on, sised by county captain Alex that’s what gets his juices fl owing and makes him Wakely, who said: “I would be as good as he is. “He’s not the only one around the very excited to have Monty as world. There are a number of other players who part of the squad as his Test do the same thing – almost create their own con- pedigree and experience will troversy, or whatever you want to call it, to psyche be really helpful to the rest of themselves up and get their head in the game. It the lads. brings the best out of him.” Ben Stokes (right) is comforted by team members after he bowled the final over and was hit for four sixes as England lost to West Indies in the final “We’ve all had some honest England outstripped all expectations to reach of the World Twenty20 at The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata. (AFP) conversations, but he is fitting the fi nal of the competition and come within a few in really well. He still has to balls of lifting the trophy. They arrived as a team coach heartened both by what he has seen on the “I think that support will carry on over into the chance. That’s how it panned out. prove his worth and Graeme still in the early stages of transition under Bayliss, fi eld and what he has heard from back home. players, the players will feel that and we’re look- “Obviously the fi nal was disappointing but I’m White is bowling very well at with limited tournament experience and several “We’ve had so many texts and emails already ing forward to the summer now, and feeling that extremely proud of the way they played through the moment so he still faces players who had never before set foot in India. saying that cricket is back on the front page al- support. We certainly set out at the start of the this last few weeks. As long as we keep playing some challenges to get a They never stopped believing they could achieve most, back in people’s minds where maybe in the tournament to play some good cricket and knew if good cricket and someone has to do something re- place on a team.” something remarkable, however, leaving their last year or two it hasn’t been,” he said. we did that we would give ourselves one hell of a markable to beat us, we’ll win a lot of games.”

OPINION FOCUS England team potential is Pakistan appoints Sarfraz ‘frightening’, says captain Morgan as new T20 captain

AFP AFP Kolkata England captain Eion Morgan Lahore is the elder statesman in a formidable batting line-up that roud skipper Eoin Morgan has features the likes of Joe Root akistan’s Cricket Board yesterday backed England to bounce back (left), Jason Roy and Jos Buttler announced Sarfraz Ahmed as new from the pain of defeat to the West who are all aged 25 and yet to captain of the T20 team after Shahid Indies in the fi nal of cricket’s World reach their prime. (AFP) Afridi stepped down following his PTwenty20, saying his young side’s potential Pside’s humiliating early exit from the World is “frightening”. Twenty20. Speaking after a dramatic last-over de- A statement on the PCB website described feat, Morgan said England would leave India Ahmed—who led the Quetta Gladiators to the with heads held high after coming so close to fi nal in Pakistan’s fi rst-ever franchise-based glory, only a year after their fi rst-round exit T20 league in February—as a “natural choice” in the 50-over World Cup. And as he assessed for the position. the prospects of what was one of the young- “I spoke to Sarfraz this morning and con- est teams to have ever played for England, veyed to him that he was our natural choice for Morgan predicted the best was yet to come. this position. His appointment is open-ended. “This is the beginning of something I hope I wish him good luck in his new role,” it quoted is going to be special,” Morgan told report- PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan as saying. ers at the Eden Gardens stadium. “We have Afridi resigned as captain on Sunday after a great amount of talent to work with. Let’s his team’s exit from the tournament’s group hope we can keep this group of players to- stage. Ahmed, a right-handed wicketkeeper- gether for a long time and look to the future.” batsman who has played 21 T20 internationals While eight of the West Indies starting encouraged by their skipper to play “brash and England to draw strength from adversity. and the same number of Test matches, as well XI are thirty-somethings, none of Morgan’s and aggressive” cricket. “He’ll learn from this and come back better as 58 one-day internationals, said he will in- team is over the age of 30 and all can expect to That ethos was again on show at Eden Gar- and stronger, as will this England side,” Hus- voke the team’s fi ghting spirit. be in contention for the next 50-over World dens when they refused to go into their shell sain wrote in the Daily Mail. “We will play good cricket,” the 28-year- Cup, which England are hosting in 2019. despite losing three wickets inside the fi rst “They weren’t quite good enough but, old told reporters after his appointment was The 29-year-old Morgan is the elder fi ve overs, with both Root and Buttler taking crikey, they’ve been fun to watch and they’re announced. He showered praise on the out- statesman in a formidable batting line-up the attack to the West Indies. playing proper, modern white-ball cricket. going captain Afridi, subject of some of the that features the likes of Joe Root, Jason Roy The match was lost in the fi nal over They’re certainly a side to invest in.” most scathing criticism in the wake of the and Jos Buttler who are all aged 25 and yet to when the normally reliable Ben Stokes was Michael Vaughan, another former England team’s performance in India. “I haven’t seen reach their prime. “I hope in the future we clattered for four sixes in a row by Carlos captain, also said fans could expect to “see a megastar like Afridi in my cricketing career. have a lot more success. Personally, I think Brathwaite. Morgan admitted that 24-year- them in more fi nals in the future”. He has served Pakistan cricket for 20 years,” we will,” said Morgan. old Stokes was devastated but said the team “They have all the ingredients with a Ahmed said. Head coach Waqar Younis re- “This side is at the very beginning of its was behind him all the way. dangerous combination at the top, power signed on Monday following Pakistan’s disas- progression. It’s actually frightening to think “We share everything we do, we stick to- throughout the order, bowlers who have trous performance in the World Twenty20. what we can do if we achieve our potential.” gether as a side. We share pain, we share the grown into the job and players who love the The 2009 champions were widely criticised Under Morgan’s captaincy, England have success,” added Morgan. Former England big stage,” he wrote in the Daily Telegraph. for a lacklustre performance in India, with just Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed has played shed their reputation for conservatism in skipper Nasser Hussain said Stokes would be “They are young enough to move on and be- one victory against unfancied Bangladesh and 21 T20 internationals and the same number of Test limited overs cricket and have instead been “absolutely distraught” but backed both him come stronger for this.” big losses to India, New Zealand and Australia. matches, as well as 58 ODIs. (AFP) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, April 6, 2016 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Five things we learned from World Twenty20 in India West Indies star Gayle failed to spark and instead left his team-mates to prove they were more than a one-man band

AFP Kolkata Time and again, West Indies found unsung heroes such as Andre Fletcher, Lendl Simmons and Carlos Brathwaite who came to rom high-scoring entertainers to low- the rescue when they were in trouble. (AFP) scoring thrillers and magical displays, World T20 in Indian produced several memorable moments. But here is a look atF fi ve things we learned after the West Indies’ dramatic victory Sunday in the fi nal against England in Kolkata: NEVER WRITE OFF THE WINDIES The conventional wisdom was: get Chris Gayle out early and the Windies will crumble. After his brilliant century in the opener against England, Gayle failed to spark and in- stead left his team-mates to prove they were more than a one-man band. Losing early wickets was a constant theme of the team’s journey to the fi nal, allowing their opponents regular sniff s at victory. But time and again, unsung heroes such as Andre Fletcher, Lendl Simmons and Carlos Brathwaite came to the rescue. Their fi nal triumph, when Brathwaite unleashed his power only at the very last, was the perfect retort to critics such as English commentator Mark Nicholas who said they were “short of brains”. ENGLAND REALLY HAVE CHANGED We had glimpses of England’s “fearless” makeo- ver last summer, without being convinced their new look would survive when the pressure was on in a major tournament. But despite losing their opener against the West Indies and conceding 230 runs in their next match against South Africa, they refused to be intimidated by any situation and instead stared down all-comers on their way to the fi - nal. Even while refl ecting on the “cruel” nature of the game after defeat in the fi nal, skipper Eoin Morgan signalled there would be no compro- mising his principles. “I don’t think the game is ever gone,” he declared. PRESSURE OF BEING HOSTS Batting legend Virender Sehwag said he was “99 percent certain” the hosts India would win the trophy after a run of 10 wins out of 11 in the build-up. But in the end Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men had a tournament to forget, beaten in their opener against New Zealand and only just edging past Bangladesh before losing in the semis to the Windies. Apart from player- of-the-tournament Virat Kohli, none of their SOUTH AFRICA STILL CHOKING a tense encounter with the West Indies, showed land and South Africa a bit of a scare. ICC chief executive David Richardson, how- front-line batsmen performed consistently and Skipper Faf du Plessis acknowledged on the eve they still tend to lose their nerve when it mat- But if Afghanistan are to continue their ever, has said that he believes the current format usually dependable bowlers such as Ravichan- of the tournament that South Africa’s reputa- ters most. progress, they need more time at cricket’s top of the World T20 has proven to be a success, dran Ashwin struggled. Playing on home turf tion as big-match chokers had become “a mon- table. With the next major international tour- and he will push for at least two more teams to may have its advantages but these were negated key on the back” that they would only shed by AFGHAN DESERVE MORE GAMES nament three years away, the game’s big names be added to the fi rst and second round in future by the added expectations that come with being winning the trophy. Failure to defend a formida- They were the only team to beat the West Indies, must fi nd space in their schedules for an inspi- competitions. Richardson made the comments hosts in such a cricket-mad nation. ble total against England, followed by defeat in albeit in a dead rubber, and they also gave Eng- rational team of exiles. ahead of Sunday’s fi nals in Kolkata.

FOR INDIAN TEST TEAM, SELECT FOCUS BOWLERS AS PER SERIES: ZAHEER Qatar cricket team returns New Delhi: Former India fast bowler Zaheer overs in T20 to bowling 18 overs a day in Test Khan feels that Indian Premier League should match scenario and looking to get wickets.” not be used as a yardstick to select bowlers for Ashish Nehra’s performance has been a the rigours of Test cricket and also ODIs as they revelation and Zaheer said that his former new aft er successful Singapore trip require diff erent skills set. ball partner’s show has motivated him to keep The 37-year-old, who has 311 Test and 282 training. However, watching Nehra make an Doha: Qatar national cricket ODI wickets, made it clear that for Test series international comeback at 37, Zaheer said that team, after an exceptional tour bowlers should be picked according to the he doesn’t regret his decision to retire. of Singapore, returned home to conditions and opposition, reported the Press “I am very happy with my decision and I am a warm welcome at the Hamad Trust of India. sticking to that. I am very happy to see Ashish International Airport on Sunday “I think it has to go format wise. T20 format Nehra do well. In fact, he has motivated me night. is hugely diff erent from ODI format and so is quite a lot to get back to training. I was very Amin Ul Islam, Head of the ODI diff erent from Test matches. I think when clear about walking away from international School Boys Cricket and Qatar you judge players in T20 format, it should be cricket. I am just happy to play this form of Cricket Association member, based only on T20 performances,” said Zaheer, cricket. You kind of give it back while guiding was present on the occasion to who would be playing his final IPL season for the youngsters. This is something that I enjoy,” receive the Qatar National Team the Delhi Daredevils. said Zaheer. players, who defeated Singapore One of the finest exponents of reverse swing Daredevils have been the perennial wooden who is WCL Division 3 of ICC, in bowling, Zaheer said that four overs in T20 is spooners in the IPL and the wily seamer said all the three Twenty20 Interna- completely diff erent from bowling “18 overs a that he knows how to “deliver in right areas tionals and two One-Day Inter- day” in Test match scenario. but can’t promise anything”. “I am not going to nationals matches. “In terms of higher level selection, it all promise anything. I will focus on the ‘delivery’, QCA President M A Shahid depends what kind of series we are playing. If just hit the right area and things should take lauded Qatar’s performance it’s a Test series we have to look at bowlers dif- care of itself,” a smiling Zaheer gave a tongue- in Singapore and commented: ferently. It is completely diff erent bowling four in-cheek reply. “Qatar showed their real po- tential against a higher-ranked Qatar cricket team were accorded a warm welcome when they arrived at the Hamad International Airport opponent and won all the fi ve on Sunday night from Singapore, where they won all the five matches they played. matches, which is quite credita- ble. This display should encour- heel Sheikh and Omran Hussain age our players to work harder so The offi cials who had ac- that they raise their performance companied the team on the tour level in the future series. I want were: Manzoor Ahmad (QCA to congratulate all the players General Secretary), Abdul Reh- and members of the support man (National Coach), Sham- staff for this success.” suddin (Coach), Mohd Jahangir The successful trip has not (Trainer) and Mohammad Asif, only helped Qatar improve its Team Coordinator. image, it will also gain them val- QCA General Secretary Ah- uable ranking points. Qatar Air- mad said: “The trip was won- ways, a long-time partner with derful for us. We won all the the QCA in the development of three T20 matches and both the the sport in Qatar, had spon- ODIs quite convincingly. All the sored the trip. players were determined to do The players who had well and they proved it on the represented Qatar were: Im- ground as well. He added that ran Ashraf, Mohammad Na- QCA’s vision is to reach initially deem, Ch. Iqbal, Awais Malik to the Asia Cup and World Cup (captain Twenty20), Inam Ul Twenty20. Haq (captain ODI), Taimoor Saj- “It was indeed a praiseworthy jad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Kha- team eff ort by the players and I lid Khatib, Mohammad Rizlan, hope the national team will con- Delhi Daredevils new captain Zaheer Khan at a pre-tournament press conference in New Delhi. Faisal Khan, Khurram Shehzad, tinue to raise its level in future Kamran Khan, Faiz Ullah , Ra- endeavours too,” added Ahmad. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 6, 2016 7 SPORT

NHL NBA Affl alo can increase value coming off Canucks top Kings bench, says Rambis

By Al Iannazzone I can bring at that position can Newsday help us.” This is a continuation of last week’s mini-drama when Affl alo our games remain in the was adamant that Rambis never for fi rst three-game Knicks’ season and in spoke to him about pulling him what has become a bi- from the starting lineup. zarre situation involving Rambis said they had “an ex- KurtF Rambis and Arron Affl alo. tensive conversation” last Tues- Following Sunday’s fi ve-point day in Dallas. Last Wednesday, loss to Indiana, Rambis intimat- Affl alo said they hadn’t had a ed that his decision to make Af- discussion. Affl alo fi nally ac- fl alo a backup might garner the knowledged Sunday that they winning streak veteran more interest and mon- did indeed talk. ey, if he opts out of his contract “We were able to meet then,” this summer. That seems to be a Affl alo said. “That’s between ‘It’s more execution than anything else. It’s just too much sloppy play on our part’ matter of when, not if, the way us. We talked about a myriad of this season is ending for Affl alo. things. Just move forward. You “I think him coming off the just move forward at this point bench adds nothing but value in the season and do your best Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller (R stops a shot to him,” Rambis said. “Whereas with it.” on net by Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toff oli during the some teams may not be look- It appears the Knicks would fi rst period at Rogers Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports ing at him — if he decides to opt like Affl alo to opt out to open out of his contract — teams that up more money for them in might have somebody at his po- free agency. They should have sition, they don’t think of him around $18 million and could be as coming off the bench, they closer to $25 million if Affl alo start to go, ‘OK, well, he’s got the walks. The Knicks will focus on right attitude, he’s going to come upgrading both backcourt posi- off the bench.’ And they can add tions this off season. some productivity for him.” Affl alo is third on the team in This isn’t what Affl alo signed scoring, averaging 13.1 points. up for when he inked a two-year, He scored 13 of his 15 in the $16-million contract last July fourth quarter Sunday, help- that contains the player opt-out ing the Knicks erase an 18-point clause. defi cit and take a two-point lead Affl alo planned to be the with 1:18 left. But they couldn’t starter every game, and was un- close out Indiana. der former coach Derek Fisher. “He was playing with the right Affl alo lost his starting shooting sort of Arron Affl alo attitude and guard job when he missed two intensity that we’ve all come games with an abdominal injury to enjoy when he’s playing like last month. He’s come off the that,” Rambis said. bench in 10 of the 11 games since Rambis has been looking for returning. Rambis, the interim Affl alo to be like that more of- coach, has been starting Sasha ten in his new role. Affl alo said Vujacic, who will be a free agent. he could be a go-to guy off the “Me going into my 10th year bench, but it doesn’t seem he and being 30 years old and hav- was prepared for that with the ing some experience in this Knicks. game, I think I have a good feel “I haven’t had a sixth-man for what I can bring to a team,” role before, but I took pride in Affl alo said. just being a versatile basketball “With that being said, I’ll be a player,” he said. “If the team 12th man, I’ll be a sixth man, I’ll called for that, I try to fi nd ways be a star player, I’ll be a second to make myself capable of get- option if I feel it’s in the best in- ting that job done. terest of the team. “So am I capable? Yes. Is it “Sometimes you can have a something I feel I can bring here diff erence of opinion in what’s or anywhere else. Or can I bring in the best interest of the team. more in a diff erent dynamic? I By Lisa Dillman son. They’ve lost six of their last RESULTS to the box after getting called ties off our mistakes. “It’s more I have no quarrels about any role still think so at this point of my Los Angeles Times eight games. for an illegal check to the head execution than anything else. on the team, if it’s in the best in- career. So from my standpoint, They have three games re- Toronto 3 Florida 4 of Alexandre Burrows. It’s just too much sloppy play on terest of the team, if I feel what you just move forward.” maining in the regular season to Vancouver 3 Los Angeles 2 The Kings were opportunis- our part. Just some penalties we heir third-period woes try to solve those issues. There’s St. Louis 5 Arizona 2 tic and pushed hard in the third just can’t take and put ourselves simply relocated for the also this: Steady defenseman NY Islanders 5 Tampa Bay 2 period, outshooting the Ca- where we have to kill a minute ARRON AFFLALO night, shifting to the Alec Martinez, who is on the Columbus 2 NY Rangers 4 nucks, 20-6. They had 42 shots and a half of fi ve on three.” last fi ve minutes of the trip, missed the game because on goal, in all. “We had enough Kings coach Darryl Sutter Tsecond period. of an unspecifi ed injury and is opportunities,” Kopitar said. accepted some accountabil- The Los Angeles Kings gave considered day to day. mark since Anze Kopitar had 34 “We’ve just got to score. That’s ity over what has transpired the up two goals in that span and They’ve been playing leap- in the 2009-10 season. This one just the bottom line. Tonight we last couple of weeks. couldn’t get one past Canucks frog with the Anaheim Ducks turned late in the second period had a good start. We get one and “We’ve got to get the top guys goalie Ryan Miller for the equal- for the last few days at the top of via a combination of ill-advised we’re doing just enough to let fi ring for sure, that’s my job and izer in the third period. Van- the Pacifi c Division. The Kings penalties and a costly giveaway them hang around and they get a their responsibility,” he said. couver managed to protect its trail the fi rst-place Ducks by a by Kings captain Dustin Brown, couple of opportunities and they “Our top guys are our captains lead and beat the Kings, 3-2, on point and are trying to hold off leading to Jared McCann’s go- score. and our best players and I think Monday at Rogers Arena, hand- the third-place San Jose Sharks, ahead goal, an unassisted break- “The next thing you know other than Jeff (Carter) and (Mi- ing them their fi fth straight loss who are three points behind away with 33 seconds left in the we’re behind and we’re chasing lan Lucic) and Tyler (Toff oli), on the road. The Canucks, long them and also have three games period. the lead and we all know that’s they have played really well, out of the playoff s, posted their left. The Ducks have four left. Earlier, the Canucks tied it, not the way to go.” but our other tops guys have third consecutive win The Kings had built a 2-1 lead 2-2, with 4:38 left in the second, Will and determination are not played very well since we All this adds up to an increas- Monday on a fi rst-period goal by as Jannik Hansen scored on a not the issues, he said. “The ef- (clinched) a playoff spot.” ing concern on two fronts for Tyler Toff oli and a second-peri- two-man advantage. fort is there,” Kopitar said. “It’s Toff oli downplayed his per- the Kings: hanging on to home od eff ort by winger Kyle Cliff ord. Kings center Vinny Lecavalier not like the guys are not trying sonal accomplishment, saying: ice in the fi rst round of the Toff oli’s goal was his 30th goal of had gone off for slashing Daniel hard. We’ve got to play smarter, “It’s whatever. As a team we’re playoff s and fi nding a higher the season, making him the fi rst Sedin and Kings defenseman a little bit tighter ... check better not playing the right way and we level in time for the postsea- Kings player to hit the 30-goal Brayden McNabb followed him and not give them opportuni- want to be winning right now.”

SPOTLIGHT Mutombo urges more Asians to follow Ming’s lead

AFP ture remains the biggest hurdle “The sky’s the limit,” he Singapore holding back Asian players from said. following Yao’s footsteps in the Mutombo, an eight-time NBA world’s top professional basket- All-Star and four-time NBA De- asketball legend ball league. fensive Player of the year, led the Dikembe Mutombo yes- “In Asian culture, people are league in blocked shots for fi ve terday hailed the induc- much (more) reserved about seasons in a row from 1993-94 tion of ‘best friend’ Yao opening up,” the Congolese told to 1997-98. MingB into the NBA Hall of Fame AFP. His sideways fi nger wag after and urged more Asians to follow “I would love to see more blocks became a trademark. the Chinese star’s lead. Asian players coming to the In an NBA career that spanned Mutombo said more Asian NBA. These are some things that 18 seasons from 1991 to 2009, players should leave their com- Yao and I have been discussing a Mutombo scored 11,729 points, fort zone and take risks just like lot, but for some reason so many grabbed 12,359 rebounds and Yao, who is among 10 members of them are just hesitant.” blocked 3,289 shots. of the class of 2016 to be en- “It took a lot of people to Since his retirement he has shrined in basketball’s Naismith convince Yao Ming to get out of travelled the world as the NBA’s Memorial Hall of Fame in Sep- China. Yao just didn’t come on global ambassador. He was on tember. his own. It was tough,” Mutombo transit at the airport in Brussels “Regarding my colleague and said. when Islamic State group mili- best friend Yao Ming—I call Former Houston Rockets star tants bombed it on March 22 but him Big Yao—I’m very excited,” Yao was the number one pick in escaped unscathed. the National Basketball Asso- the NBA draft in 2002 after lead- “Even before I came to Singa- ciation’s global ambassador told ing the Shanghai Sharks to the pore, I had so many emails from reporters in Singapore, where he Chinese title that same year. friends, colleagues and family was attending a meeting on pro- He was an eight-time NBA members who were saying ‘Why moting the sport among Asian All-Star (2003-2009, 2011) and are you still travelling? You just children. broke the record for most All- had a bad experience two weeks “He deserves it... I salute him Star votes, previously held by ago,’” he said. so much and I take my hat off for Michael Jordan in 2005. But he added: “Life has to go everything he gave to us. I can’t Despite the dearth of Asian on, just because one thing hap- wait to give him a big hug,” Mu- players in the NBA, Mutombo pens in your life today doesn’t tombo, 49, added. said there are still many “great mean that tomorrow you can’t Congolese American retired professional basketball player Dikembe Mutombo (L) anwers questions as Scott Levy (R) Managing Director for But Mutombo believes cul- talents” who could join. live your life like you used to.” NBA Asia listens during a media roundtable interview in Singapore yesterday. (AFP) Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, April 6, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT LeBron tops Power 100 list for 3rd straight year

Reuters “When you look at the count, 24 of Hockey League player at number six de- Toronto the 100 (athletes) are basketball play- spite a diffi cult year that saw him under ers and seven are in the top 25, including investigation by police on rape charges one and two. So you have the opportu- that were later dropped. eBron James and Stephen Curry nity to rise to the top of the list if you are NFL players occupied the next two grabbed the top spots on the a star basketball player.” spots with Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Horrow Sports/MVPindex The concept for the list was created Antonio Brown at number seven fol- Power 100 as the NBA dominat- in 2009. MVPindex joined last year lowed by Carolina Panthers quarterback Led the rankings released yesterday with to provide a social media component. Cam Newton. 24 players on the list that evaluates an On-fi eld results comprise 50 percent of Former world number on golfer Rory athlete’s brand and marketability. athletes power ranking while the other McIlroy and James Harden of the NBA’s It marked the third consecutive year half is based on off -fi eld attributes: pri- Houston Rockets closed out the top 10. that James, who plays for the Cleveland marily social media presence (including The most noticeable trend on the lat- Cavaliers, topped the list while Curry, reach, engagement, and conversation). est list was a strong move by the NBA who led the Golden State Warriors to The list focuses on long-established into the top 10 combined by a drop-off an NBA title last year, shot into second sports and the U.S. market specifi cally in NFL players considering quarter- place from 45th. with 44 of the 100 spots taken by NFL backs had occupied fi ve of the top 11 World number one tennis players No- and NBA players. spots in last year’s list. vak Djokovic and Serena Williams and Boxers and mixed martial arts fi ght- Tiger Woods, once a fi xture in the former NBA Most Valuable Player Kevin ers are included in the list while soccer top 10, failed to make the list after fall- Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder players are omitted as Horrow said it is ing steadily from second place two years rounded out the top fi ve. impossible to get a fair on-fi eld rank- ago to 76th last year. “Steph Curry made the biggest jump ing for them because of overlapping Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bry- on and off the court of any athlete we’ve international federations and national ant, who will retire at the end of the seen, frankly in any statistical analy- teams. current NBA season, also slid further sis,” said Rick Horrow, owner of Horrow Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick down the list as he dropped to 84th Sports Ventures. Kane, was the best-ranked National place compared to 36th place last year.

BASEBALL BOXING Fury is jealous of Dodgers hand Padres my body, says Joshua

AFP worst opening day London orld heavyweight title con- tender Anthony Joshua yesterday accused British compatriot Tyson Fury, the WWBA and WBO champion, of being jeal- ous of his “beach body”. shutout loss in history Joshua, 26, faces American IBF cham- pion Charles Martin in London on Satur- day in a bid to win the belt that Fury was ‘He threw a very good game and once he got his momentum, he was diff icult to handle’ stripped of in December for refusing to fulfi l a mandatory fi ght. Fury last week branded Joshua “use- less” and predicted that he will lose to Martin because “this game is not all about body-building”. Joshua fi red back: “They’re hating on my beach body. They’re just hating, that’s what it is. If they want, I’ll give them some sessions. They can come train with me if they want. “I asked them to spar, they don’t want to spar. They don’t want to work, so they can stay there, but this is just how I am. I ain’t got no comments on his physique. This is just how I am. “There’s a lot of jealousy, a lot of nega- tivity, so that’s why I shut it down and just focus on myself.” Joshua, the 2012 Olympic gold med- allist, has won all 15 of his professional fi ghts to date by knockout. The burly Fury, 27, has a less impres- sive physique than Joshua, but pro- duced a cultured performance to out- point long-term heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in November. Fury and Klitschko are expected to fi ght in a rematch later this year.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw pitches during the fi ft h I’m not a racist, says inning against the San Diego Padres at England prop Marler Petco Park. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports England prop Joe Marler says he is not a racist despite calling Wales counter- part Samson Lee a “gypsy boy” during last month’s Six Nations match at Twickenham. AFP Award winner has not lost to the Pa- loss in 162 games. It was a lopsided Park. Shortstop Zack Cozart went Trumbo followed with his fourth hit Marler, who faces a World Rugby disci- Los Angeles dres since June 2013, winning in fi ve score and all that but the big thing is 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI of the game, a single to centre, which plinary hearing on Tuesday for making of his past seven outings at Petco with what happened today, is it’s just to become the fi rst Reds player with moved Davis to third. Wieters then the remark in England’s 25-21 win, said Park. Kershaw was touched for a clean a loss.” three hits on Opening Day since Barry lined his single to centre on the fi rst in a statement on Monday he would ac- layton Kershaw produced two-out single by John Jay in the third The Dodgers, who have not won Larkin in 2001. pitch. cept any punishment handed down. a pitching masterclass as inning and ultimately struck out nine, the World Series since 1988, have the Nationals 4, Braves 3 (10 in- Indians-Red Sox postponed “I’m not a racist. What I said to Samson the Los Angeles Dodgers walked one and retired the fi nal 13 highest payroll in Major League Base- nings): Daniel Murphy hit a home The Cleveland Indians game was out of order and wrong and I am launched their latest quest batters he faced. ball this season as they aim to end run and added an RBI double in the against the Boston Red Sox was post- sorry it was said,” he was quoted as forC a long-awaited World Series “We just kept adding on and adding their long wait for a title. top of the 10th inning to give Dusty poned due to a forecast of precipita- saying by British media. crown with a record 15-0 drubbing of on,” Kershaw said. “For me, it was just Elsewhere Baker a victory in his debut as Na- tion and wind chills in the teens. The “Whatever happens to me I will ac- the San Diego Padres on Monday. trying to have quick innings.” Giants 12, Brewers 3: Denard tionals manager. The Braves tied the game has been rescheduled for Tues- cept. I’m sorry to anyone who was Kershaw pitched seven innings of Green admitted Kershaw had asked Span drove fi ve runs, Matt Duff y sent score with a run in the bottom of the day at 1:10pm. The New York Yankees off ended. Saying it was ‘in the heat of one-hit ball as the Dodgers scored the questions of his team that they were in four and the Giants clubbed four ninth, and the Nationals won on an game against the Houston Astros was the moment’ isn’t an excuse but one biggest opening day shutout win in unable to answer. “He threw a very home runs, opening the 2016 season unearned run in the 10th after sec- postponed because of rain and wintry comment, one mistake, does not make baseball history. good game and once he got his mo- with a rout at Miller Park. San Fran- ond baseman Gordon Beckham threw weather. The game was rescheduled me a racist.” It was the heaviest opening defeat mentum, he was diffi cult to handle,” cisco had 15 hits against four Milwau- away a grounder hit by Ryan Zimmer- for Tuesday afternoon. Rugby’s governing body said Marler’s in the Padres’ 48-season history and Green said. The Dodgers eased into kee pitchers and broke the game wide man with one out. Murphy knocked RESULTS remark “amounts to misconduct and/ a dream debut for the Dodgers new a 3-0 lead after three innings. They open in the eighth, scoring fi ve runs him in with his double and Nationals San Francisco 12 Milwaukee 3 or a breach” of its code of conduct. manager Dave Roberts. The defeat piled on the agony for San Diego with on three consecutive home runs—by closer Jonathan Papelbon pitched a Baltimore 3 Minnesota 2 The Harlequins player apologised to represented a nightmare start for new a fi ve-run sixth. Joe Panik, Buster Posey and Hunter perfect 10th inning to record the save. Texas 3 Seattle 2 Scarlets player Lee, who is from the Padres manager Andy Green however. “I made a lot of mistakes and got Pence. Orioles 3, Twins 2: Matt Wieters Cincinnati 6 Philadelphia 2 traveller community, during the halft- “No one wants to come out and lay the ball up over the plate,” Padres Reds 6, Phillies 2: Joey Votto’s lined a single to center with two outs Washington 4 Atlanta 3(10 innings) ime break. England coach Eddie Jones an egg on Opening Day and get beat pitcher Tyson Ross said. “This is on two-run single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth that scored LA Dodgers 15 San Diego 0 reprimanded Marler while Lee and 15-0,” Green remarked glumly af- me. I didn’t execute my pitches. I’ve highlighted a fi ve-run eighth inning Chris Davis with the winning run. Toronto 5 Tampa Bay 3 Warren Gatland played down the com- ter the loss. The victory maintained got to get back to being a ground-ball on Opening Day before 43,683 fans, Davis began the game-winning Colorado 10 Arizona 5 ment as banter before the Wales coach Kershaw’s recent stranglehold over machine. It wasn’t a good result. “But the largest regular-season crowd in rally with a two-out walk off of right- Chicago Cubs 9 LA Angels 0 later apologised for saying that. San Diego. The three-time Cy Young in the grand scheme of things, it’s one the history of Great American Ball hander Kevin Jepsen (0-1). Mark Chicago W Sox 4 Oakland 3 Gulf Times Wednesday, April 6, 2016 9 SPORT

SWIMMING FOCUS Hackett ready to Japan superstar push for Rio aft er illness setback

Reuters Kitajima fumes Sydney ustralian swimmer Grant Hackett has ad- mitted that poor health earlier this year almost endedA the former world record holder’s hopes of competing at a fourth Olympic Games in Rio de aft er Rio opfl Janeiro. The 35-year-old Hackett re- tired from competition after the ' I need to go and cool my head and come back ready for the 200' 2008 Beijing Olympics before he returned to the pool 18 months ago in the hope of making the team for the Aug 5-21 Games. “I fi nished (2015) strongly world championships in Kazan. and was pleased with my fi tness Hackett, who turns 36 in May, and felt like I was making good was not the only swimmer mak- gains,” Hackett told reporters in ing a comeback in Adelaide with Adelaide, where he was fi nalising two-time 100m freestyle world preparations for the Australian champion James Magnussen re- national championships. turning after shoulder surgery “Then 2016, I hit a standstill forced him out of Kazan last year. with getting bronchitis and being Magnussen, however, broke 49 sick in the fi rst couple of months, seconds for the fi rst time since which was frustrating,” he added the shoulder reconstruction ahead of the April 7-14 meet that at the New South Wales state doubles as selection trials for championships last month. Rio. The 24-year-old London silver “I needed everything to go medallist clocked 48.85 seconds right in this preparation to come leading off his 4x100 relay team, here and race against these guys. which was a huge boost for his The competition at an Olympic confi dence according to national trials is stiff and it steps up that coach Jacco Verhaeren. level. “I saw his relief and rightfully “At my age, six years out of the so,” Verhaeren told Australian sport and only 18 months back Associated Press. “It showed into it, you have to put your bits that he is back on track. From his and pieces together perfectly.” trajectory from surgery to where The double 1,500 metres free- he is now, he must be very happy style Olympic champion, whose with his progression from suc- quest for a third successive gold cessful rehab.” was ended by Tunisia’s Oussama Magnussen, whose personal Mellouli in Beijing, has entered best is 47.10, needs to fi nish in the 100m, 200m and 400m free- the top-two to qualify for the style events in Adelaide. individual event for Rio, though He recognised, however, that he will be pushed by Cameron his best chance of making the McEvoy, who clocked a world Rio squad was as a member of the leading 47.56 in February and 4x200 freestyle team. He won a teenager Kyle Chalmers, who re- bronze in the event at last year’s corded 48.68 last month.

Japanese swimmer Kosuke Kitajima competes in the Japan national swimming championships in Tokyo. (AFP) Bolt to launch 2016 AFP “I’m speechless,” a dejected Kitajima erly up for that and swim more relaxed.” world champion Natsumi Hoshi, Ikee Tokyo told reporters after clocking 59.93 in the Koseki, who won Tuesday’s fi nal in melted hearts by sobbing uncontrollably campaign on May 14 Tokyo fi nal, a day after dipping under the 59.66, was equally blunt in his assess- during her poolside interview, complete- Rio standard in the semi-fi nals. ment despite the consolation of a na- ly unable to answer questions. Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt will run his first 100m of the 2016 apan swim king Kosuke Kitajima “It’s just so upsetting I couldn’t swim tional title. Japanese sensation Kosuke Hagino, al- season next month when he races in the Cayman Invitational was furious at himself yesterday my usual race. I was thinking too much “I don’t believe it,” he said. “That was ready assured of a place on the blocks in Meet, it was announced yesterday. after failing in his bid to qualify for and swam a negative race. It’s my own pathetic really.” the 400m medley and tipped to be one of The 29-year-old six-time Olympic gold medallist, who is building this summer’s Rio Olympics in the problem, I’m gutted. I need to go and The post-mortem began almost im- the stars of the Rio Games, qualifi ed fast- towards the defence of his titles in Rio de Janeiro in August, will men’sJ 100 metres breaststroke. cool my head and come back ready for the mediately as Kitajima’s long-term coach est for the men’s 200m freestyle fi nal in a run at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on May 14 in Grand The 33-year-old, who won double gold 200.” Norimasa Hirai said: “He showed unusu- time of 1:46.28. Cayman. “I am pleased to announce that I will be competing in in the 100 and 200m breaststroke at the Asia’s most decorated swimmer, Kita- al mental weakness. I can’t put my fi nger Asian champion Ryosuke Irie stormed the 100m at the Cayman International T&F meeting on May 14,” 2004 and 2008 Summer Games, had been jima and Japan’s new kid on the block Ko- on what went wrong.” into the men’s 100m backstroke fi nal in a Bolt said in a statement. expected to qualify for his fi fth Olympics. seki will look to bounce back in the 200m There were tears of joy earlier when quickest time of 53.31 while Kanako Wa- Bolt, the world record holder over 100m and 200m, has not raced But Kitajima cut a forlorn fi gure after on Friday. 15-year-old schoolgirl Rikako Ikee tanabe, world champion in the women’s since last August’s World Championships in Beijing, where he was losing his battle with Yasuhiro Koseki “Now I have to throw everything I have broke down after winning the women’s 200m breaststroke, raced into the fi nal of victorious in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. at the Japanese championships as both into the 200,” added Kitajima. “I guess I 100m butterfly and booked her place in the 100m in 1:07.03. “It will be my first international competition in 2016 and my missed out on the qualifying mark of don’t have to be so concerned about the Rio. The Japanese nationals double as the second time to run in Cayman,” Bolt added. “I always enjoy com- 59.63 seconds. pace in the 200. Hopefully I will be prop- After clocking 57.71 to stun 200m country’s Olympic qualifi ers. peting in the Caribbean and look forward to meeting my fans in Cayman.” The meet will also feature world 400m champion and Olympic 200m gold medallist Allyson Felix and 2011 world 100m cham- pion Carmelita Jeter. Gatlin coach to remain as US relay boss for Rio Felix is yet to decide which event she races at the meeting as she builds towards the Olympics and a likely crack at a 200m printer Justin Gatlin’s trainer will in 1999, never submitted an official Olympic Games, as previously approved and 400m double. Felix has won 21 gold, seven silver and three Sremain as US relay coach for the resignation, however, and USATF’s by USATF and the USOC.” bronze medals competing internationally for United States. The Rio Olympics after officials decided to high performance executive com- Mitchell, 50, has been the US relay race will be her first major event of 2016. delay implementing a new policy for mittee decided in March to delay the coach for men and women events since the job, USA Track & Field (USATF) said effective date of the change, USATF 2014. His hiring had been controversial on Monday. said on Monday. because of his 1998 positive test for the Kenya hopeful of dodging Dennis Mitchell had told Reuters in “Because Dennis Mitchell was selected banned hormone testosterone. February he stepped down from the as national relay coach and approved “The WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) WADA sanctions position after USATF added a provision by the USOC (US Olympic Committee) code indicates that when an individual that prohibits a person from being the under procedures that were put in place has completed their suspension, they Kenyan sports off icials are optimistic the country will be granted national relay coach if they coach some- on September 10, 2014, any new provi- are eligible to re-engage in the sport, more time to pass a robust anti-doping law and avoid a threat- one with a high likelihood of being part sions for the national relay coach policy, whether serving as an athlete, coach or ened Olympics ban. of the relay pool. if enacted, will take eff ect late 2016,” in another role,” Geer added. A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) deadline to tighten its Gatlin, the world silver medallist at both USATF spokeswoman Jill Geer said in a “USATF follows and supports this con- anti-doping law and provide funding for a proposed anti-doping 100 and 200 metres, is expected to be statement to Reuters. cept, which is consistent with the poli- agency expired yesterday with lawmakers having failed to pass a a key member of the US men’s 4x100m “As a result of the new timeline, Den- cies of other sports (both professional bill criminalising sports doping. Gatlin is expected to be a key member relay team at the Aug 5-21 Rio Games. nis Mitchell will continue to serve as leagues as well as and Olympic sports), The bill is intended to save Kenyan athletes from an Olympics ban of the 4x100m relay team in Rio. Mitchell, who served a doping ban national relay coach through the 2016 and with the US legal system.” threatened by International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president Sebastian Coe. “We have submitted all our documents to WADA as required,” sports minister Hassan Wario said yesterday. “Compliance re- BOTTOMLINE quired a raft of factors—about four key factors—with legalisation being a part of that,” he told the local Citizen TV channel. Wario said Kenya had fulfilled its requirements and he did not expect it to be declared non-compliant when the WADA board Russia’s Olympic champ suspended over doping: IAAF meets in Montreal, Canada, on May 12. “We are also in contact with key heads of IAAF and WADA espe- cially on the yet to be finalised anti-doping bill. So far we remain AFP federation sidelined from international Beijing because of her fi rst suspension. more positive tests for banned sub- optimistic,” Wario said. Moscow competition since November over state- The IAAF has since 2005 stored blood stance meldonium. Sports ministry off icial Gordon Oluoch said the government sponsored doping and widespread cor- samples taken for re-testing as anti-dop- Four Russian doping failures for mel- would be seeking a further extension from WADA after missing ruption. ing analysis techniques improve. World donium were announced in athletics last yesterday’s deadline and a previous one in February. ussian hammer thrower Tatyana Russia is now scrambling to get its athletics’ governing body has also raised month. “They know that we have had a delay because of the law-making Lysenko, the reigning Olympic house in order before an IAAF Council the statute of limitations from eight to 10 But a number of high-profi le Rus- process, and they will give us the necessary time for parliament champion and two-time former meeting in May which will likely decide years, a move made within the 2015 World sian sportspeople, including tennis star to discuss the bill before it is made into law,” Oluoch said. world gold medallist, has been whether their athletes will be allowed to Anti-Doping Code. Maria Sharapova, short-track speed Kenya’s Olympic chief Kipchoge Keino welcomed the move to provisionallyR suspended for doping, the compete at the Games in August. In August last year, the IAAF an- skater Semyon Yelistratov and swimmer seek more time and said he would travel to Lausanne, Switzer- IAAF announced yesterday. For Lysenko, a lengthy ban could be nounced it was taking action against 28 Yulia Yefi mova, have also tested positive land, on Tuesday to meet with International Olympic Committee Lysenko, now known under her mar- awaiting, the 32-year-old having already athletes, many suspected of being Rus- for meldonium after it was added to the (IOC) off icials over the matter. ried name of Tatyana Beloborodova, served a two-year ban after testing posi- sian, whose re-tested samples from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list WADA and IAAF have warned that Kenyan athletes will be banned tested positive after retesting of samples tive for a hormone blocker in 2007, short- 2005 and 2007 world championships had on January 1. from the Rio 2016 Olympics if the east African nation is declared taken at the 2005 world championships ly after she’d won the 2006 European come back positive. WADA says that more than 100 sus- non-compliant. in Helsinki, Russian media reported. gold having bagged a silver at the Helsinki The announcement on Lysenko comes pected positive tests have been recorded Keino said he would press the IOC to also ask WADA to give The IAAF, however, specifi ed neither worlds the previous year. at a sticky time for Russian sport in gen- since January 1. Kenya more time. “We have to accept that it has taken us too the date of the positive test nor for what She was awarded world silver in 2005 eral. The agency moved meldonium from long to pass the anti-doping laws, and therefore it was our own banned substance the hammer thrower after teammate Olga Kuzenkova tested Not only do track and field athletes its “monitored” to “prohibited” list “be- mistake and we cannot blame WADA or the IOC,” said Keino. “But tested positive. positive. face missing the Rio Olympics, but cause of evidence of its use by athletes we have to act now since Kenya cannot aff ord to miss competing The news comes as a further blow to Lysenko missed the 2007 worlds in more sports are threatened with com- with the intention of enhancing per- in the Olympics in Rio.” Russian athletics, with the country’s Osaka and the 2008 Olympic Games in ing under the spotlight in the wake of formance”. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, April 6, 2016 SPORT

RISE OF A STAR SPOTLIGHT Olympic gold winners to get From toasters to major exemptions

Reuters united in their support of the Ol- Augusta ympics. But some golfers, including former Masters champion Adam olf’s major champion- Scott of Australia, have been less green jackets, Day ships threw their sup- enthusiastic about the prospect port behind the sport’s of winning an Olympic medal, return to the Olympics ranking it well behind the four Gyesterday, off ering exemptions majors in importance. for men’s and women’s gold Payne, however, said he fully medal winners this year to all expects that national pride will grand slam events. surface when golf’s best fi nd Augusta National chairman themselves in the Olympic caul- eyes Masters title Billy Payne, who ran the 1996 dron while representing their Atlanta Games, told a news con- country. ference that the men’s gold med- “My experience has been The line in golf which separates the great from the merely very good is a fine one al winner in Rio de Janeiro, where when looking at the joy and the golf will make its return to the happiness of kids competing all based on success in major championships — and with a first-class victory finally in the Summer Games for the fi rst time across the board in various Ol- in more than a century, would get ympic endeavours, that there is bag, world number one Jason Day is approaching the Masters full of confidence an invitation to the 2017 Masters. nothing, nothing, more powerful The Royal and Ancient and than representing your country,” DPA With more than 3 million dollars Ladies Golf Union will off er declared Payne. Augusta banked in prize money from the similar one-year exemptions to “So I suspect that you will see fi rst quarter of the year, and two the men’s and women’s British that take over and totally capture titles, the time in 2011 when Day Opens while the PGA of America the enthusiasm of the players for ow many toasters can you buy contemplated quitting the game in and United States Golf Associa- golf. with 3,136,500 dollars? It is frustration seems a diff erent era tion followed suit with their two “I think what you feel now, unlikely Australian Jason Day fl agship events. and what you hear now, as some knows but golf’s world number is no longer a hopeful contender like With the LPGA Tour giving the of these individuals themselves oneH reached the top of the game having Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler or Dustin women’s gold medal winner in become part of the Olympics, started by playing for domestic appli- Johnson, he is a champion. He can walk Rio an automatic exemption into probably change their mind.” ances. a little taller and gets a little more respect the 2016 Evian Championship While the support of the major “It’s a very diffi cult game at times, from players and fans alike. and the 2017 ANA Inspiration, championships for the Olympics and especially as a professional, I go “I always wanted to win a major cham- all nine majors (four for men and was welcome, the gold medal from a junior and amateur that is, you pionship, but it was great to win the PGA fi ve for women) will be support- winners are likely to come from a know, we’re playing for toasters,” he said last year,” he explained. “And coming off ing the initiative. small group of players who have yesterday ahead of the opening round the form that I had in the second half of “We believe our game’s vis- already qualifi ed for berths in of the Masters tomorrow. “You’re really last year and then kind of, not so much ibility will be dramatically el- golf’s showcase events. playing for nothing other than pride and rolling into, but picking it back up at (the) evated by the global platform However, the four men reject- toasters. Arnold Palmer (tournament) then (the) that only the Olympics off er,” ed any suggestion that off ering “As a junior amateur, you’re playing Dell Match Play, the current form, I feel said Payne, speaking on the fi rst major exemptions as an incen- for so much fun. You’re always having good about my game. offi cial day of Masters practice. tive in Rio was an insignifi cant fun and you’re playing to win, because “I feel comfortable with where I’m at, “New audiences from all over gesture, seeing it instead as a there’s no money involved. Once you walking around the grounds, number one the world, some for the very fi rst positive move that will grow fur- turn professional, everything is based on in the world; it’s a good feeling.” time ever, will be exposed to our ther interest in the sport. results.” Day stressed he was not the favourite great sport and come to know “From our perspective, With more than 3 million dollars for the tournament and with a clutch of and appreciate the amazing ath- whether it’s someone that is in banked in prize money from the fi rst the world’s best players all in good form, letes and heroes in golf. the top rankings of the world or quarter of the year, and two titles, the he is welcoming what looks like being a “From this greater visibil- someone who is that Cinderella time in 2011 when Day contemplated sensational shoot-out. ity, we believe will evolve greater story, in both ways it’s a posi- quitting the game in frustration seems a “I want the best playing against the participation in our game, and it tive,” said Bevacqua. diff erent era. best, and fi ghting out for it. If I ended up will be a certain benefi ciary.” “It’s a positive for golf, it’s a “That day when I was sitting in the not ... if I end up not wearing the green Payne was joined on the podi- great story for golf and it’s cer- bus, I was sitting across the road in a bus. jacket at the end of Sunday but I have a um by R&A chief executive Mar- tainly a positive for the PGA (I) had my agent, my wife and a sports fantastic competitive match on Sunday tin Slumbers, PGA of America Championship, regardless of psychologist, and we’re just sitting there, against the best players in the world, CEO Pete Bevacqua and USGA who comes out of that fi eld, both and I’m like: ‘I just do not like the game that’s what I’m there for,” he said. chief executive Mike Davis, four on the men’s side and women’s right now’,” he said. “I enjoy and thrive off that competi- of the most powerful men in golf side.” “So we come to the conclusion of just tiveness. I would enjoy a (Jordan) Spieth, going and saying, this might be my last (Rory) McIlroy, Fowler, (Adam) Scott, Masters ever playing, I may as well enjoy (Bubba) Watson, (Phil) Mickelson Sun- CONFIDENT it. So I went out there and fi nished sec- day.” ond. And then I loved the game again.” It was a turning point but it took sev- Masters by the numbers eral attempts and numerous close calls More to come from for Day to become a major champion and $3,975 - Average price of a four-day tourna- he is now going in search of a fi rst green ment pass on the resale market (down 36 jacket at Augusta National. percent from 2015) me, says Scott “It’s a good feeling to be here, number $34.75 million - Estimated revenue from one in the world and coming off the back last year’s ticket sales of how I’ve been playing has been fantas- $250 - Cost of producing each green jacket tic,” he said. 1 -Months it takes to produce a gree jacket Whether golf’s insistence of judging $10,000 - Reportedly the annual dues for players based on their performance in members of Augusta National Golf Club four tournaments a year is fair is irrel- 90 - Percentage of golf carts used world- evant - it is simply how things are done wide that are produced in Georgia and everyone in the game accepts it. You 2016 - First year since 2007 that four-time can be a regular winner on tour, a Ryder Masters champion Arnold Palmer will not Cup great, not to mention a multi-mil- hit a ceremonial tee shot on Thursday lionaire but it is majors which defi ne your 4 - minutes of US television commercial career. time allowed per hour Therefore it is his performance at 14 million - Number of people watching Whistling Straits last year to claim the US TV coverage of Sunday’s final Masters Jason Day of Australia speaks to the media during a practice round at Augusta PGA Championship that lifts 28-year- round National Golf Club yesterday. old Day above several of his peers. He 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott answers questions during a press conference at Augusta National yesterday. PICTURE: Michael BOTTOMLINE Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

AFP win my second major champion- Augusta ship this week, and I’m driven to- wards doing that because I want to win a handful of majors in my inning the 2013 Mas- career.” At 35, though, Scott knows McIlroy ace sparks Masters ters may well turn out that he is no longer the new kid on to be the pinnacle of the block, having dropped out of Adam Scott’s career, the world top 10 last year as young Wthe Australian believes, but he re- guns Jordan Spieth, Australian mains hopeful of winning more countryman Jason Day and Rory roar as Grand Slam bid looms majors. McIlroy—all in their 20s—domi- Scott’s emotion-packed playoff nated the scene. “I need to get AFP thing intangible. Something opportunities to make birdie and triumph under the rain over Angel my skates on because it’s getting Augusta that especially if there’s multiple then there’s a lot of opportuni- Cabrera was a watershed moment tougher and tougher every year,” names up towards the top, you ties to make disasters, too.” both for himself and for Austral- he said. just feel like there’s something Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, ian sport. It was his fi rst, and to “But I’m in good shape. I think ory McIlroy didn’t let that’s going to happen and it just also seeking his fi rst major title, date only, major title and came it will just be another boost for the the Masters fi eld fi n- does. warns against rushing into any just 10 months after his heartbreak confi dence in my career to go on ish Monday’s open- “When you have the best shot at Augusta National. collapse to hand the 2012 British and try and achieve everything I’ve ing practice day before players in the world playing the “You’ve got to be patient,” he Open title to Ernie Els. ever wanted. sendingR the message that he will back nine at Augusta on Sunday, said. “It’s just the margins for And the victory ended 76 years “But it certainly seems like contend to complete a career the best comes out. I don’t know error are so small.” of Masters misery for Australians there are only a few players who Grand Slam this week at Augusta what it is about that side, but it A host of worldwide stars are at Augusta National, especially have been very dominant over 40 National. just brings the best, and some- expected to be among Sunday’s involving national icon Greg Nor- years old, and it’s probably go- The four-time major winner times the worst, out in every- back-nine contenders, includ- man, who fi nished second three ing to be harder, too, as the young from Northern Ireland fi red a body.” ing recent US PGA winners Ja- times. It was one of the greatest 20-somethings are better and bet- hole-in-one at the par-3 16th to Relax on focus for a single son Day and Adam Scott of Aus- achievements in the long, bejew- ter. That’s probably a trend that’s inspire cheers from the specta- shot and title hopes can vanish tralia, two-time Masters winner elled history of Australia sport and going to continue to happen. tors as loud as anything tourna- into the water or the pine trees, Bubba Watson of the United one which 35-year-old Scott says “My window might not be clos- ment play has inspired among as McIlroy knows all too well. States and Charl Schwartzel of he may never surpass. ing, but it’s not wide open, either.” the Georgia pines. “If you’re not mentally pre- South Africa, who birdied the “It’s hard for me to think that On the bright side for Scott is his “I don’t think I’ve ever heard pared for it, the pin placement is last four holes to win the 2011 anything I achieve will be bigger recent run of superb form, hav- a roar that loud in a practice Rory McIlroy during his practice round yesterday. there, the wind is here, you have Masters. than that moment in my career, ing made the diffi cult transition round,” McIlroy said. to land it there, yeah, it bites Defending champion Jordan but that doesn’t mean I’m not back to the traditional short-stick The 26-year-old used a 7-iron Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Ben mare back nine on Sunday. you,” Johnson said. Spieth got his fi rst in-depth striving to win other Masters tour- putter over the winter months. to connect from 170 yards and Hogan and Gene Sarazen. “What’s great about Augusta “Am I feeling comfortable? sense of the Augusta National naments or any other big champi- He chalked up back-to-back ensure he owned bragging rights He has captured the 2011 US National (is) we have really good I’m still not comfortable. There atmosphere as a Masters winner. onship,” Scott said at Augusta Na- wins in the WGC-Cadillac Cham- for the round over playing part- Open, the 2012 and 2014 PGA drama on the back nine on Sun- are certain things that are just “It’s a diff erent feeling on the tional on Tuesday. pionship and Honda Classic and ner Chris Wood of England. Championships and the 2014 day,” said reigning British Open diffi cult.” grounds having won the tour- “At some point, I would have with two second place fi nishes McIlroy is trying to win the British Open, but all of those champion and 2007 Masters Dustin Johnson, whose sixth- nament,” Spieth said. “It was said that I don’t want it to be the also in his last six events, he is back Masters to become sixth play- came after he led the 2011 Mas- winner Zach Johnson. place eff ort last year was his best a dream come true for me, so one major that I win. up to seventh in the world and seen er to complete a career Grand ters only to squander his chances “It’s an aura about it. It’s re- showing in six Masters starts, when I’m here, all that comes “I feel I’ve got the game to win as being among the favorites this Slam, joining Jack Nicklaus, for a green jacket with a night- ally hard to pinpoint. It’s some- agreed, saying, “There’s a lot of back to me. It’s really special.” other majors, and I’m looking to week. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 6, 2016 11 SPORT

FOCUS Carthage win Aspire Zone’s fi rst water polo competition

Aspire Zone Foundation recently organised a water polo competi- tion as a new sports event to add to its yearlong programme of activities that aims to promote a sports culture amongst mem- bers of the community and encourage them to adopt healthy Rugby Sevens lifestyles. The competition took place at the swimming pool of Aspire Dome. It was open to males aged 16-years-old and over, and witnessed strong displays of strength and endurance from 64 swimmers spread amongst eight teams, including members of the Qatar na- tional swimming team. Matches were split into two halves, each of which was eight minutes long. At the conclusion of the competition, the Carthage team won League fi nals fever the first place title, while swimmer Abdullah al-Shahrani won the award for best player, and the Orcas team the award for fair play. set for Saturday ‘...we have received commendations from all over, including Asia Rugby...’

By Sports Reporter Doha

fter eight weeks of exhilarat- ing actions, which saw seven teams sweating it out against each other every Saturday at the AspireA Zone Warm-up and purpose built rugby track, the stage is set for the fi nal showdown of the maiden Rugby Sevens League in Qatar. Each team played a staggering 14 matches including two byes during the Qatar Rugby Federation’s (QRF) organ- ised league which debuted on February 6. Overall, 84 matches were played in the build up to the fi nals with Camels 1 emerging top of the competition ladder with 56 standing points after maintain- ing an undefeated run throughout the contest. This result has automatically qualifi ed them for the Cup fi nals. Addressing a press conference, QRF president Yousef al-Kuwari said that the federation was impressed with the suc- cess of the maiden edition of the league. “It has been a wonderful experience so far and I appreciate the commitments of everybody including the QOC, the spon- sors led by Aspire and Woqod. Play- ers, offi cials and the media also need to be thanked. It has been an amazing two months of unquantifi able joy witnessing the sport getting wide acceptance in Qa- (From left) Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF) secretary general Ali al-Malki, QRF president Yousef al-Kuwari and senior co-ordinator tar,” al-Kuwari said. Samuel Rico address a press conference earlier this week. The event was also attended by the QRF secretary general Ali al-Malki and four sports in Qatar within the shortest team manager Eisa al-Yaqoub. time possible and I believe we are on the He added that the competition had right track,” he said. gained recognition from diff erent quar- Giving the breakdown of the overall ters including Asia Rugby, the governing statistics from the competition, Rico body of rugby union in Asia. “QRF’s Rug- said, “In all 287 tries were scored with by Sevens League is the fi rst of its kind in 1498 points made by the teams. There Asia and we have received commenda- was only one draw throughout the season tions from all over including Asia Rugby between Camels 2 and the Hurricanes 17- who have applauded the initiative. We 17 in their fi rst meet.” have started small and we plan to grow He added that two teams, Lions and Al bigger with time,” the QRF head said. Khor have the same standing points, 28 He added that the primary challenge each, going into the fi nal match-day. facing the federation is having its own The fi xture will start on Saturday with training facilities as well as its own dedi- the quarter-fi nals between Hurricanes cated fi eld of play. “Though we’ve taken and Al Khor, while Camels 2 will lock some giant strides within the short pe- horns with Lions. The winners of these riod of coming on board, one of our major matches will meet each other in a playoff priorities at the moment is getting our and for a chance to challenge the Camels own training facilities as well as an exclu- 1 for the Cup. The losers will be relegated sive rugby pitch. We are working in part- to the Plate fi nals while CNA-Q and the nership with the QOC to achieve this and Blue Falcons have booked themselves the it would be resolved soon as we receive Bowls fi nal. green lights in this direction,” al-Kuwari would see up to 14 teams participating as senior co-ordinator Samuel Rico said The Saturday fi nals fever will have added. well as organizing some age-grade com- that the emergence of the league has many side attractions and prizes, includ- He added that the federation is plan- petitions before the end of the year. brought spotlight on the sport in Qatar. ing an award for the best picture of the ning to ensure a much larger league which Speaking about the competition, QRF “We hope to make rugby one of the top fi nals. Gates open at 3pm.

CYCLING Sky’s Landa claims home Basque second stage Paris-Roubaix changes race time to let trains pass

AFP Last year’s incident took place Paris as the main peloton reached a level-crossing shortly at Waller crossing, 87km from the fi nish rganisers of the Paris- line. The lights had turned red Roubaix cycling clas- by the time the main peloton ap- sic said yesterday they proached, although the front end have changed the times of the bunch made it through be- Oof this weekend’s race to avoid fore the barriers were lowered, last year’s fi asco where riders just before the approach of a passed through a railway crossing high-speed TGV. after the barriers had come down. The SNCF company made Sunday’s ‘Hell of the North’ an offi cial complaint to French is the third of the year’s ‘Monu- prosecutors saying the action ment’ one-day classics and one had risked a deadly tragedy. of the most prestigious races on “It’s very complicated,” said cycling’s calendar. Gouvenou. “When we start to “We’ve decided to move the change the schedules to be com- start time to avoid repeating fortable on the Arenberg cross- what happened last year with a ing, we’re a lot less comfortable train passing at the same time as on the one that is 10km from the the peloton,” said race director fi nish line. We’re closer to a Nos- Thierry Gouvenou. tradamus prediction than sci- The start time at Compiègne ence.” in northern France has now “Compared to last year, the been set for 10:40 local time regulation of the International (08:40GMT) instead of 10:20 Cycling Union (UCI) have been (08:10) as initially planned. clarifi ed. It stipulates precisely “But if weather conditions what a closed level crossing is, are diffi cult we’ll start earlier at on the fi rst ring or fl ashing light Spaniard Mikel Landa won the second stage of the Tour of the Basque country on home soil yesterday to claim the overall lead by a second from Dutch rider Wilco 10:30,” he continued. signal, even if the barriers are not Kelderman. Team Sky’s Landa edged out Kelderman with a late burst on the 174.3km stage from Markina-Xemein to Garrastatxu, after they broke away from the chasing “If they are favourable it will lowered.” pack in the final two kilometres of a demanding 2.7km climb to the finish. Landa’s teammate Sergio Henao claimed third with Giro d’Italia champion Alberto Contador 11 be 10:50. A decision will be made In such cases, a new start will seconds back in fifth. Other race favourites Nairo Quintana and Fabio Aru also lost significant time on Landa as they finished 15 and 22 seconds behind respectively. The on Saturday afternoon after a be given to the peloton with the six-stage race continues today with a 193.5km ride from Vitoria-Gasteiz to Lesaka. PICTURE: Twitter/TeamSky meeting of the teams’ sporting discrepancies registered at the directors.” time of the stop.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOCUS Mixed day for home teams at Qatar Open beach volleyball Both the teams — Younousse and Pereira, and Nascimento and Tijan — won one of the two matches they played

Qatar’s Cherif Younousse (left) and Jeff erson Pereira beat Australia’s Bo Soderberg and Cole Durant 2-1. (Right) The second Qatar team of Julio Cesar Do Nascimento (right) and Ahmed Tijan (#2) in action against Italy’s Paolo and Matteo Ingrosso. PICTURES: Jayaram

By Sports Reporter against Norway’s Morten Kvamsdal At 26, Kvamsdal is the senior part- have qualifi ed in all of them,” Kvamsdal won against third seed Canadian pair of off to a fl yer at the Qatar Open, snatch- Doha and Christian Sandlie Sorum but lost ner and has featured on the World Tour said. Chaim Schalk/Ben Saxton (2-0) 18-21, ing the opening set against top seeds in straight sets 2-0 (18-21, 17-21) in 34 since 2010. Twenty-year-old Sorum “Hopefully we will improve this sea- 18-21 in the 34 minutes, but lost to 14th Gibb/Patterson 21-17. The Americans minutes. enjoyed a solid age-group career before son because the Continental Cup in seed Italian pair of Paolo Ingrosso and fought back in the second however, and t was a mixed day for Qatar teams In the fi rst match, the eighth-seeded joining the World Tour last year and Stavanger is our main goal and that is Matteo Ingrosso 2-0 (21-19, 21-18). claiming it 21-12, taking the match to a at the $75,000 FIVB Beach Volley- Jeff erson and Cherif, who won their fi rst made his debut at the Masters Series what we are playing for.” Earlier in the day, top seeds Jacob tie-break. ball Qatar Open which began yes- FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour gold event in Stavanger, alongside Runar Jeff erson/Cherif will take on un- Gibb and Casey Patterson of the USA The Americans then followed up that terday. medals at the Kish Island Open in Febru- Torsvik Sannarnes. beaten ninth-seed Italian pair of Paolo survived a three-set scare, coming back result with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) win over IAt the Beach Volleyball Academy ary, combined well to beat the Austral- Kvamsdal and Sorum are hoping to Nicolai and Daniele Lupo in their last from a set down to beat Germany’s Turkey’s Murat Giginoglu and Volkan courts of the Al Gharafa Sports Club, ians, but in the second game they failed to feature in the Norwegian-port city lat- pool game today. Armin Dollinger/Lorenz Schuemann Gogtepe. Qatar’s top-bet team of Jeff erson Perei- match qualifi ers Kvamsdal-Sorum. er in 2016, when it hosts the European The Italians defeated Kvamsdal-So- 2-1 (17-21, 21-12, 15-12) in their opening It was a similar story for Poland’s ra and Cherif Younousse defeated Aus- The Norwegians were playing in leg of the Continental Cup from June rum 2-0 in their fi rst match and later match of the main draw. Kadziola/Szalankiewicz against Latvi- tralian pair of Bo Soderberg and Cole only their fourth FIVB Beach Volleyball 22-26. defeated Australian pair Durant-Sod- The Germans, who had come in an pair Plavins/Regza with the former Durant 2-1 (19-21, 21-18, 19-17) in 49 World Tour tournament together, hav- “We are happy with our show here. erberg with the same margin. through the qualifi cation tournament, taking the fi rst 21-18 before slumping in minutes in their fi rst Pool H match. ing fi rst teamed up at the Antalya Open We qualifi ed in Kish as well and we The second Qatar team of Julio Ce- were seeded 32nd in the main draw. the second to a 21-14 loss to move the Later in the day, they returned to play in 2015. played four tournaments together and sar Do Nascimento-Ahmed Tijan also Germany’s Dollinger/Schumann got match to a decider.

BOTTOMLINE Al-Attiyah builds again on desert challenge lead

Agencies Veteran Dubai-based challenger Dave Mc- 5. Mikko Hirvonen / Michel Perin (FIN / FRA) Mini Abu Dhabi Bride maintained his ninth position in the open- All4 Racing 11:39.07 ing round of this year’s FIM Cross Country Ral- 6. Bryce Menzies / Andreas Schulz (USA / DEU) lies World Championship. Mini All4 Racing 11:40.17 atar’s Nasser al-Attiyah is edging Reaching the end of the Al Ain Water stage, 7. Sheikh Khalid al-Qassimi / Khalid Al Kendi closer to his second victory in the Abu al-Attiyah said: “It was a good day. I got into (ARE /ARE) Mini All4 Racing 11:54.55 Dhabi Desert Challenge, but Russia’s good rhythm early on. There are some sharp 8. Mathieu Serradori / Didier Haquette (FRA / Vladimir Vasilyev is refusing to give dunes but the Toyota worked really well, and the FAR) Buggy 11:56.21 upQ his pursuit of a third successive cars triumph navigation was perfect. 9. Mark Dabrowski / Jacek Czachor (POL / POL) in the event. Vasilyev, whose co-driver Zhiltsov was cele- 13:01.39 Partnered by French co-driver Mathieu brating his 51st birthday, said: “Today was a good 10. Nunzio Coff aro / Daniel Meneses (VEN / VEN) Baumel in a Toyota Hilux, al-Attiyah won yes- day for an Abu Dhabi race. We had a good rhythm 13:22.30 terday’s 280km Al Ain Water Stage, his third and not a bad result. We started four minutes af- stage win in a row, to extend his lead to 15 mins ter Nasser so couldn’t catch him, but we made no Bikes 19 secs from Vasilyev and Konstantin Zhiltsov mistakes, had no punctures, we didn’t get stuck. 1. Toby Price (AUS) KTM 450 Rally Factory 1 who climbed one place on the leg in their Mini No problems so we are very happy.” 11:35.07 All4Racing. Happy to have snatched back the bikes lead, 2. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Factory Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed al-Rajhi and Ger- Price said: “There’s more and more and more 1 11:36.04 man co-driver Timo Gotschalk in another Mini sand, but it was a good trip on the bike and I 3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL) Husqvarna 450 Rally slipped one place to third, and are another six caught the guys ahead. It was a long day but a Factory 1 11:36.22 minutes off the pace, although the nature of this great one, and I’m always having fun.” 4. Mohammed al-Balooshi (ARE) KTM 450 Rally demanding event means it would be wrong to Replica 12:04.33 discount any of the leading challengers with two LEADING POSITIONS AFTER AL AIN WATER 5. Txomin Arana Cobeaga (ESP) Husqvarna 450 days remaining. STAGE 3 (PROVISIONAL) Rally Replica 1 12:04.37 Poland’s Jakub Przygonski, Finn Mikko Hir- Qatar’s Nasser al-Attiyah in action during Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Cars 6. Laia Sanz (ESP) KTM 450 Rally Factory 1/3 vonen and American Bryce Menzies in three 1. Nasser al-Attiyah / Mathieu Baumel (QAT / 12:12.24 other Minis completed the top six in the second 24 hours earlier saw him plunge from conten- Dubai-based Sam Sunderland, is a slim 57 secs, FRA) Toyota Hilux 11:02.19 7. Jakub Piatek (POL) KTM 450 Rally Replica ¼ round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country tion and required the sweep team to return him with Chile’s Pablo Quintanilla just 18 seconds 2. Vladimir Vasilyev / Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS / 12:13.04 Rallies, as the previous day’s wind and rain was to the bivouac. further away on his Husqvarna. RUS) Mini All4 Racing 11:17.38 8. Pierre Alexandre Renet (FRA) 12:14.13 replaced by more typical desert weather. With the top three again riding virtually in The UAE’s Mohammed al-Balooshi maintained 3. Yazeed al-Rajhi / Timo Gotschalk (KSA / DEU) 9. David McBride (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1 It was a spectacularly much better day in the tandem for much of the stage, Australian fi rst his fourth position despite a crash on the stage, Mini All4 Racing 11:24.32 12:19.47 bikes category for Portugal’s Helder Rodrigues leg winner Toby Price reclaimed the overall lead, with Spain’s Txomin Arana Cobeaga and talented 4. Jakub Przygonski / Tom Colsoul (POL / BEL) 10. Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo (CHL) who won the stage after mechanical problems although his advantage over KTM teammate, lady rider Laia Sanz completing the top six. Mini All4 Racing 11:32.47 12:31.13