Sergio Aguero

WEDNESDAY, April 20, 2016 VOlUME Xi iSSUE NO.11 Qr2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 8 | FOOTBALL P 24 | VOLLEYBALL JAISH SUFFER DEFEAT RAYYAN RUNNERS-UP QATAR’S FIRST El Jaish suffer their first defeat in this Al Rayyan hold their nerve to beat ENGLISH SPORTS season’s AFC Champions League, Al Ahli in a five-set thriller and finish WEEKLY losing to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli. runners-up in the Qatar League.

FALLFROM GRACE PAGES 6-7

P 18 | BASKETBALL ‘We want to be the best team’ DSP EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW P 20 | POSTER P 22 | RUGBY FERNANDO TORRES Perfect weather!

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

League won’t turn professional by simply signing foreigners

ĈĈCreating illusion of professionalism away due to non-payment of wages in time and It’s clear that some of our clubs aren’t strictly won’t do us any good in the long run their failure to sign another top striker reflected implementing these rules. Are we professional on their poor results. enough to punish them? The league won’t become HEN I look at the fall from grace of It’s an open secret in local football circle that professional in its true sense by simply signing Qatar Sports Club, fourth last season some clubs, like Qatar SC, Arabi, Wakrah and foreign managers and players. Wbut relegated to Second Division this even Rayyan, often default on timely payment I’m also disappointed with the attitude and time, I wonder how professional the Qatar Stars of wages and it’s obvious there’s a sense of dis- approach of some local players. There’re those League (QSL) clubs are! And strengthening my content among players. who regularly report late for training and oth- belief that all of them aren’t is Al Rayyan’s per- The AFC Club Licensing Regulations clearly ers who’re keen to attend only foreign camps. formance in the last five rounds. Perhaps, they state “the licence applicant (club) must prove They’re all often protected by their ‘godfather’ could earn the dubious distinction of being the that, in respect of contractual and legal obli- in the club, leaving the coach with little or no only team in recent memory not to have won a gations with its current and former employees authority to take disciplinary action. match since wrapping up the title. (all professional players according to applica- I believe we need to redefine our ‘profession- It was a matter of pride for us when the Asian ble FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer alism’. Creating an illusion of it won’t do us any Football Confederation (AFC) awarded the Club of Players) it has no payables overdue towards good in the long run. Licensing Regulations rights to the QSL a few sea- employees and social/tax authorities as at 31 sons ago. We were among the first two countries December preceding the season to be licensed, to receive this honour, Japan being the other. unless by the following 31 March they have been The main reason for Qatar SC’s poor perfor- fully settled, deferred by mutual agreement with mance this time was the failure of its manage- the creditor or are subject to a not obviously ment. It may be recalled that their key player last unfounded dispute submitted to a competent Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi season, Tunisian Hamdi Harbaoui, virtually ran authority”. Editor-in-Chief

Video referees will be are one of the best clubs and leav- a welcome addition ing them isn’t the best idea for him. INBOX Sure, the superstar will take a deci- Your cover story titled ‘Refiew’ Doha( sion by himself, but I suppose PSG Stadium Plus, April 13) made an inter- fans will miss Ibra if he decides to

Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar esting read. finish his career somewhere else Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 Referees are finding themselves because he’s an inseparable part Managing Editor Kumar Ravi WEDNESDAY, April 13, 2016 VOlUME Xi iSSUE NO.10 Qr2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com P 6 | FOOTBALL P 24 | RUGBY QATAR IN EASY GROUP GAME GAINING GROUND QATAR’S FIRST Qatar will start their final-round World The big response to the Qatar Sevens under real pressure in modern-day of the Parisian club. Senior Editor/Writer ENGLISH SPORTS Cup qualification with much hope League suggests the sport can become Aswin Abraham after being drawn into an easy group. popular in the country in near future. WEEKLY Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 FOLLOW US Senior Sports Writer football. Naturally, the Qatar Football Mariam Ryzhik, Dubai. N Ganesh e-mail: [email protected] Sports Writers Association’s (QFA) decision to bring Sajith B Warrier Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 in video assistant referees (VARs) Mohammad Amin-ul Islam e-mail: [email protected] REFIEW! Qatar’s medal hope Referees find themselves under scrutiny right through this season’s league Sarath Pookkat Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 championship even as Qatar plans to bring in more technology to assist to help them is a welcome news. them amid ongoing debates on its pros and cons. PAGES 8-11 e-mail: [email protected] Photographers Mohan Regarding the VARs, the QFA should It was indeed great to see the

Vinod Divakaran make it a point to spend enough Qatar handball team winning the

Fadi Al Assaad time while conducting the trials and International Tournament for Men at

P 20 | POSTER P 26 | MOTORSPORT Doha Stadium Plus, Mohammed Dabboos P 22 | BEACH VOLLEYBALL make sure it’s fool-proof before try- home ( April 13). DSP EXCLUSIVE MANNY Nasser wins INTERVIEW PACQUIAO Abu Dhabi Sandstorm in Qatar! Desert Challenge DSP Graphics/ Joice Michael Joice DSP Graphics/ Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 ing them out in official competitions. Qatar had proved their mettle early Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Ibrahim Mubarak, Doha. last year by finishing runners-up at P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Publishing and Distribution Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press the World Championship in Doha. Joice Michael They’ve a strong squad while coach e-mail: [email protected] www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Ibra should stay at PSG Technical support Shaheen Mohammed Valero Rivera has enough experi- Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] Abdul Naser M www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar In my opinion, Thiago Silva is ence on the big stage. right while talking about Zlatan The team looks a sure bet for win- Doha Stadium Plus, www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar © Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of Ibrahimovic ( ning a medal at the Rio Olympics. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. April 13) because Paris Saint-Germain Syed Hussain, Doha. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 3

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

League won’t turn professional by simply signing foreigners

Vinod Divakaran make it a point to spend enough Qatar handball team winning the

Fadi Al Assaad time while conducting the trials and International Tournament for Men at

P 20 | POSTER P 26 | MOTORSPORT Doha Stadium Plus, Mohammed Dabboos P 22 | BEACH VOLLEYBALL make sure it’s fool-proof before try- home ( April 13). DSP EXCLUSIVE MANNY Nasser wins INTERVIEW PACQUIAO Abu Dhabi Sandstorm in Qatar! Desert Challenge DSP Graphics/ Joice Michael Joice DSP Graphics/ A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 ing them out in official competitions. Qatar had proved their mettle early Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Ibrahim Mubarak, Doha. last year by finishing runners-up at Publishing and Distribution Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press the World Championship in Doha. Joice Michael They’ve a strong squad while coach www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Ibra should stay at PSG Technical support Shaheen Mohammed www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar Valero Rivera has enough experi- Abdul Naser M www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar In my opinion, Thiago Silva is ence on the big stage. right while talking about Zlatan The team looks a sure bet for win- Doha Stadium Plus, © Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of Ibrahimovic ( ning a medal at the Rio Olympics. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. April 13) because Paris Saint-Germain Syed Hussain, Doha. 4 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 5 Extra time

Inzy Pakistan’s I’ve nothing to apologise for. I didn’t show anyone a chief selector lack of respect. Journalists have also shown me a lack of respect. This is my style, I don’t care if you don’t like it. ORMER Pakistan cricket captain Barcelona coach Luis Enrique while being unapologetic for deriding a reporter Inzamam-ul Haq called for pa- who questioned the team’s fitness during their La Liga loss to Valencia. Ftience as he began his new role as chief selector and said there was no MASSIMO BUSACCA quick fix to solving the side’s problems. Pakistan rose to No.2 in Test rankings last year after series wins in Sri Lanka, STAR OF THE WEEK Bangladesh and by beating England in the UAE in November. They are currently ranked fourth in Tests, eighth in one-dayers and seventh in T20s. š However, they have failed to repli- šTottenham’s Harry Kane, right, celebrates with team-mates after scoring the first goal against Stoke City.

cate the success in limited-over for- DSP/Mohan mats recently and started 2016 with defeats in both 50-overs and Twenty20 series in New Zealand. “It’s the start, I don’t have a magic wand,” said Inzamam. “It’ll take time, there’ll be technical things and other problems too which we’ve to see. We’ve spurred on! Of personality, to be patient, don’t expect anything soon.” the best in the tournament. recognitions Pakistan won two of four matches Martyn Herman Their goal difference (+39) is 11 at the Asia Cup T20 tournament in better than the next best, which is ššAhmed Saif S A LEADING referee during Bangladesh before exiting the World Manchester City’s. his widely-accepted career, Twenty20 in India on the back of three Midfielder Alli’s seven assists for Kane AMassimo Busacca always came group-stage defeats. F ENGLISH Premier League (EPL) this season makes that route to goal Three Qataris in aside as a fearless and forthright man. The results prompted head coach titles were decided by statistics the most lethal in the division, ahead Perhaps, his self-confidence and deep Waqar Younis to resign and saw all- Ialone, then Tottenham Hotspur of the six assists Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil knockout stage knowledge of the game would have rounder Shahid Afridi lose the T20 cap- would already have one hand on the has supplied for Olivier Giroud and the helped him shape up his personality. taincy while the selection committee trophy rather than playing catch-up five Riyad Mahrez has set up for Vardy. ATAR’S Ali Al Obaidli, Ahmed And the job done well by the Swiss, was also dissolved by the Pakistan to Leicester City. Carragher reckons former Saif and Mohsin Al Abdulrah- who is now FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Cricket Board. Mauricio Pochettino’s side lead the Southampton manager Pochettino Qman qualified for the Round of got his share of recognitions as well. Inzamam, 46, quit his position as charts in pretty much every department should be praised for developing 32 at the Asian Snooker Championship Afghanistan head coach to take up his apart from the all-important points another exciting young side. on Tuesday. ЂЂWhat was the biggest moment new role with Pakistan. column where they trail Leicester by Al Obaidli will meet Mohammed of your refereeing career? five with four games to play. Shehab of the UAE while Saif will play ЃЂFor sure, it was the Champions League The 4-0 demolition of Stoke City last EPL STANDINGS Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh and Al Abdulrahman / Jason Cairnduff final in Rome in 2009, between Barcelona Leicester City 34 21 10 3 59 33 73 Monday away saw striker Harry Kane Tottenham 34 19 11 4 64 25 68 will fight it out with Alvin Barbero of and Manchester United. Champions

move two goals clear of Leicester’s Jamie Man City 34 18 7 9 62 34 61 the Philippines on Wednesday. REUTERS League final is the best dream you can Vardy in the race to win the coveted Arsenal 33 17 9 7 56 34 60 For hosts Qatar, Mohsen Bukshaisha have. Rome, huge stadium, big players, Golden Boot with 24. Dele Alli netted Man United 33 16 8 9 40 30 56 Abdulatif Alfawal, Mohanna Al Obaidli, very good game, only a few fouls and West Ham 33 13 14 6 54 42 53 the other goals. Southampton 34 14 9 11 45 35 51 Bashar Abdulmajeed and Khalid Al Salem problems, respect everywhere, etc. And As former Liverpool defender Jamie Liverpool 32 14 9 9 52 43 51 finished last in their respective groups. football won in the end. Carragher said, it is Tottenham’s team- Stoke 34 13 8 13 37 47 47 Top contender and last year’s runner- SERGIO AGUERO work which has given them a chance Chelsea 33 11 11 11 49 45 44 up Pankaj Advani of India was one of ЂЂDo you cherish a single inci- Everton 33 9 14 10 53 44 41 dent from that game? of reeling in Leicester. Watford 33 11 8 14 32 37 41 the first players to book their place in They have scored the most goals (64) Bournemouth 34 11 8 15 41 57 41 the knockout stage, winning all three ANCHESTER City’s star striker goal in the league. Fernandinho. ЃЂI was walking alongside Cristiano in the EPL and conceded the fewest (25). West Brom 33 10 10 13 31 40 40 matches in Group A without losing a Sergio Aguero dished out a Aguero’s run will give City hope when City manager Manuel Pellegrini said it Ronaldo (then playing for United) Spurs also lead the way in shots on Swansea 34 10 10 14 34 45 40 single frame. Advani had come second masterful performance and they meet Real Madrid in the Champions was “strange” Aguero has never been the through the tunnel on our way to the Cry Palace 34 10 9 15 36 43 39 M scored a hat-trick to rout Chelsea 3-0 at League semifinal. player of the year in England. target (234), chances created (449) and Norwich 34 8 7 19 35 60 31 behind Pakistan’s Hamza Akbar in the dressing room. His team had lost the goals from set pieces (17) while they Sunderland 33 7 9 17 39 57 30 last edition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. the Stamford Bridge. Against Chelsea, Aguero gleefully “It’s very strange that Sergio has played game 0-2. During that moment, he took have restricted opposing attacks to 102 Newcastle 34 7 8 19 36 62 29 The best-of-11-frame final will be The Argentinian, who has not been in buried a couple of counter-attacking so many years here and has never been off his shirt and presented it to me. A ššInzamam-ul Haq attempts on target all season, again Aston Villa 34 3 7 24 23 65 16 played on Saturday. DSP his usual sizzling form, also scored in their strikes either side of half-time before the best Premier League player here,” said player, who lost the game, accepting your 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on slotting home a penalty 10 minutes from Pellegrini. “We’ve very good players, but job as a referee was something noble. Tuesday and now has 22 Premier League the finish after the Blues goalkeeper without doubt Sergio is one of the best goals this season. It was his historic 100th Thibault Courtois was sent off for a foul on and so important.” » e-mail: [email protected] Nasser extends Sealine Rally lead Inside

ATAR’S Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and FIM World Championships. “We start in the dunes and can push a and Chilean duo of Jose Cornejo The Qatari driver and his French navi- little. We can control the race and push Qand Casale Catracchia won the gator Matthieu Baumel guided the Toyota more,” said Nasser. “Now the others have 345.89km second stage of the Sealine Hilux Overdrive to a second successive to catch us and they can make the mis- Cross-Country Rally in car, motorcycle stage win and have now established an take.” and quad category respectively, between overall lead of 7:56sec over Saudi Arabian Al Rajhi said, “Nasser was lucky. I had 10 28 30 Al Khararra and Sealine, on Tuesday. Yazeed Al Rajhi, driving the first of three a puncture and the car was sliding at the Nasser and Catracchia extended their Mini All4 Racings inside the top four. back for around 40km. I followed him outright leads while Australian Toby Price The pair were closely matched until and I saw dust. There were some stones topped the motorcycle overall standings when Al Rajhi lost time with a puncture and I stopped with a slow puncture. It in the five-day desert round of both FIA and navigational error. was frustrating.” DSP ššNasser Saleh Al Attiyah drives his car through the dunes. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 5

I’ve nothing to apologise for. I didn’t show anyone a lack of respect. Journalists have also shown me a lack of respect. This is my style, I don’t care if you don’t like it. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique while being unapologetic for deriding a reporter who questioned the team’s fitness during their La Liga loss to Valencia. MASSIMO BUSACCA STAR OF THE WEEK DSP/Mohan

Of personality, recognitions

S A LEADING referee during his widely-accepted career, AMassimo Busacca always came aside as a fearless and forthright man. Perhaps, his self-confidence and deep knowledge of the game would have helped him shape up his personality. And the job done well by the Swiss, who is now FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, got his share of recognitions as well.

ЂЂWhat was the biggest moment of your refereeing career? ЃЂFor sure, it was the Champions League / Jason Cairnduff final in Rome in 2009, between Barcelona and Manchester United. Champions

REUTERS League final is the best dream you can have. Rome, huge stadium, big players, very good game, only a few fouls and problems, respect everywhere, etc. And SERGIO AGUERO football won in the end. ЂЂDo you cherish a single incident from that game? ANCHESTER City’s star striker goal in the league. Fernandinho. ЃЂI was walking alongside Cristiano Sergio Aguero dished out a Aguero’s run will give City hope when City manager Manuel Pellegrini said it Ronaldo (then playing for United) Mmasterful performance and they meet Real Madrid in the Champions was “strange” Aguero has never been the through the tunnel on our way to the scored a hat-trick to rout Chelsea 3-0 at League semifinal. player of the year in England. dressing room. His team had lost the the Stamford Bridge. Against Chelsea, Aguero gleefully “It’s very strange that Sergio has played game 0-2. During that moment, he took The Argentinian, who has not been in buried a couple of counter-attacking so many years here and has never been off his shirt and presented it to me. A his usual sizzling form, also scored in their strikes either side of half-time before the best Premier League player here,” said player, who lost the game, accepting your 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on slotting home a penalty 10 minutes from Pellegrini. “We’ve very good players, but job as a referee was something noble. Tuesday and now has 22 Premier League the finish after the Blues goalkeeper without doubt Sergio is one of the best goals this season. It was his historic 100th Thibault Courtois was sent off for a foul on and so important.” » e-mail: [email protected] Inside 10 28 30 6 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 7

Football Ĉ COVER STORY

Mouhcine Iajour in the pre-season. salary for months. FROM QATAR SC CAMP The Moroccan failed to work in tan- The club brought back Lazaroni after dem with Harboaui, especially in early the sixth round, but the damage had matches, and there was a noticeable already been done as they had hit the lack of co-ordination in their ranks. rock bottom with just one point. Shenaishil used to weave his strategy They beat Mesaimeer 2-0 in the around the sharp Harbaoui, but with Brazilian’s first match in charge. But Iajour in, the Tunisian had his reasons it proved to be a false dawn as they I don’t think our fourth-place finish to get frustrated. suffered ignominious defeats against last season was based on a solid Adding further discomfiture, Iajour Al Rayyan (0-9) and Al Khor (0-5) in foundation, but more squandered sitters one after the other in successive weeks. due to luck. The club almost all matches. Ismail Benlamaalem, In a bid to stem the rot, the club man- management who had come in place of Halliche agement dropped Iajour and Moumouni needs to be more (who missed the first phase follow- Dagano (the free agent who had replaced professional. Young ing a knee surgery) at the centre of men, especially the defence, was never a match for former players, the Algerian. The club brought back should be added to it. Even as Qatar SC struggled to solve We can’t afford to have on-field problems, some off-the-field Lazaroni after the sixth round, but the damage long delay in the payment of player issues cropped up, the most destabilis- salaries as it’ll send wrong signals. Former champions Qatar Sports Club get relegated to the Second ing being the non-payment of salaries had already been done. in time, something the club manage- Saadoun Al Kuwari, former Board member. Division following their draw with Al Wakrah in the final round. ment has by now been infamous for. The frustration of Shenaishil and Harbaoui) during the January transfer his players, especially Harbaoui, grew and brought in Argentinians Emilio Poor management is one reason that ĈĈA series of poor up with Al Kharaitiyat on points (27), SC, who won the ‘best management steadily. It boiled over in the fourth- Vecchio and Ezequiel Carando. led to our relegation. I believe Qatar performances in the first Sebastiao Lazaroni’s men were rele- award’ last season. Iraqi coach Radhi round match against Umm Salal when The duo did succeed to galvanise the SC needs a strong leader phase costs them dear gated due to their inferior goal differ- Shenaishil had helped them to a series Shenaishil pulled out Harbaoui, cit- team to some extent as they added 18 who can act with ence (-20 as against -9). of impressive performances when they ing his poor attitude. Harbaoui left for points in the second phase, but then it courage and dignity. Qatar SC became the second team finished fourth last season and also Belgium and never came back while was too little too late as they finished He should inspire ššSheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani N Ganesh to go down through the relegation trap made it to the Emir’s Cup semifinal. the Qatar SC management could never agonisingly short of their survival target. players and build a Powerful Tunisian centre forward take legal action as he was not paid Qatar SC thus became the second long-term strategy Hamdi Harbaoui did the star turn for former champions, after Rayyan, to for the club. We Qatar SC brought back them, netting 21 goals and finishing be relegated during the last three sea- need good players and HEN champions fall, eve- Lazaroni as coach, but second in the scorer’s chart, behind Al sons. Looking back, they paid the price always look for the best ‘I assume full ryone sits up and takes no- the damage had already Ahli’s Congolese hitman Alain Dioko (25). for disturbing a winning combination. overseas stars. I believe the departure Wtice. Their capitulation is There were useful contributions It is now back to basics for the black- of Hamdi Harbaoui affected us a lot. alarming and prompts us to ponder been done by then. from South Korean midfielder Cho and-gold side, who are ironically nick- what all led to it. If Qatar Sports Club’s Young-Cheol and Algerian defender named “The Kings”, not at all befitting Abdulaziz Hassan, former player. fourth-place finish last season was Rafik Halliche too. Considering that their present predicament. DSP responsibility surprising, their relegation this time, door, after Mesaimeer ended up with they possessed only a limited bench to say the least, is disgraceful. an embarrassing tally of just six points strength, Qatar SC’s fourth-place fin- Qatar SC were in a must-win situ- from 26 rounds, raising several ques- ish last season was indeed creditable. ation against Al Wakrah in the final tions about the quality of Qatargas But they seemed to have gone a bit for our plight’ round, but could manage only a 1-1 League (Second Division). too ambitious as they parted ways with Lazaroni rues poor draw. Though it helped them catch It was indeed humiliating for Qatar Cho and opted for a second striker in ATAR Sports Club to the top flight stronger. For that, we President Sheikh Jas- need the support of everyone who first-phase show Qsim bin Hamad bin loves the club. I’m sure our fans will Nasser Al Thani owned up the continue to rally behind the team,” ATAR Sports Club coach that my staff too worked responsibility for the club’s said the official. Sebastiao Lazaroni I feel extremely sad that we got relegated, which , who took hard,” said Lazaroni, who relegation. Contrary to coach Sebastiao Qcharge last October from Radhi added that it was the first “I fully understand the feel- Lazaroni’s take that winning and los- is unprecedented. Everybody should share the Shenaishil, said they got relegated time that a team man- ings of our supporters after responsibility and it’s not the time for blame game. because of some poor performances aged by him had suffered the club is relegated to the We started poorly this time. Though we did well in the first phase. relegation. Second Division for the first in the second phase, a comeback was difficult. My “It’s true that we lost too many points Asked about the rea- time. I’ve listened to some of We never wanted to be contract with Qatar SC ends this season, but I don’t sons for the sad plight, the criticism made against the in this situation. But want to leave the club. Lazaroni, who had coached management and, as president things didn’t go in our Mohammed Omar, Qatar Sports Club captain. There was a seven-point the club twice before (from of the club, I accept that and take favour this season. 2008 to 2011 and 2012 to 2014) full responsibility for our current gap with Al Kharaitiyat, said, “There were many rea- plight,” said Sheikh Jassim. but we caught up sons that led to it. Player-injury “We never wanted to be in this ing was part of the game and there was with them. was one among them. There situation. But things didn’t go in no need for Qatar SC to be disheart- was a seven-point gap with Al our favour this season. We worked ened, Sheikh Jassim described the rel- Kharaitiyat, but we caught up with hard and tried for a turnaround, but egation as a disaster, adding that he in the first phase. Since January when them. Yet, we lost out on goal dif- lost out. I agree there were some would not resign but help the team. we changed some players, we suffered ference.” flaws in our campaign. But we’re “It’s a disaster. And what we need only one defeat and managed four “But winning and losing are part human beings and mistakes hap- at this moment is unity to get things wins and six draws. I tried to save the of the game. I don’t think there’s pen. What we can only promise is back to normal. It’s not our style to club and the players fought, but we any need for players to be disheart- that we’ll give our all in the Second abandon our club when it’s in crisis,” lost out. I should say at this moment ened.” DSP Division next season and come back Sheikh Jassim added. DSP Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 7

salary for months. FROM QATAR SC CAMP The club brought back Lazaroni after the sixth round, but the damage had already been done as they had hit the rock bottom with just one point. They beat Mesaimeer 2-0 in the Brazilian’s first match in charge. But it proved to be a false dawn as they I don’t think our fourth-place finish suffered ignominious defeats against last season was based on a solid Al Rayyan (0-9) and Al Khor (0-5) in foundation, but more successive weeks. due to luck. The club In a bid to stem the rot, the club man- management agement dropped Iajour and Moumouni needs to be more Dagano (the free agent who had replaced professional. Young men, especially former players, The club brought back should be added to it. Lazaroni after the sixth We can’t afford to have round, but the damage long delay in the payment of player salaries as it’ll send wrong signals. had already been done. Saadoun Al Kuwari, former Board member.

Harbaoui) during the January transfer and brought in Argentinians Emilio Poor management is one reason that Vecchio and Ezequiel Carando. led to our relegation. I believe Qatar The duo did succeed to galvanise the SC needs a strong leader team to some extent as they added 18 who can act with points in the second phase, but then it courage and dignity. was too little too late as they finished He should inspire ššSheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani agonisingly short of their survival target. players and build a Qatar SC thus became the second long-term strategy former champions, after Rayyan, to for the club. We be relegated during the last three sea- need good players and sons. Looking back, they paid the price always look for the best ‘I assume full for disturbing a winning combination. overseas stars. I believe the departure It is now back to basics for the black- of Hamdi Harbaoui affected us a lot. and-gold side, who are ironically nicknamed “The Kings”, not at all befitting Abdulaziz Hassan, former player. their present predicament. DSP responsibility Lazaroni rues poor for our plight’ ATAR Sports Club to the top flight stronger. For that, we President Sheikh Jas- need the support of everyone who first-phase show Qsim bin Hamad bin loves the club. I’m sure our fans will Nasser Al Thani owned up the continue to rally behind the team,” ATAR Sports Club coach that my staff too worked responsibility for the club’s said the official. Sebastiao Lazaroni, who took hard,” said Lazaroni, who relegation. Contrary to coach Sebastiao Qcharge last October from Radhi added that it was the first “I fully understand the feel- Lazaroni’s take that winning and los- Shenaishil, said they got relegated time that a team man- ings of our supporters after because of some poor performances aged by him had suffered the club is relegated to the in the first phase. relegation. Second Division for the first “It’s true that we lost too many points Asked about the rea- time. I’ve listened to some of We never wanted to be sons for the sad plight, the criticism made against the in this situation. But Lazaroni, who had coached management and, as president things didn’t go in our There was a seven-point the club twice before (from of the club, I accept that and take favour this season. 2008 to 2011 and 2012 to 2014) full responsibility for our current gap with Al Kharaitiyat, said, “There were many rea- plight,” said Sheikh Jassim. but we caught up sons that led to it. Player-injury “We never wanted to be in this ing was part of the game and there was with them. was one among them. There situation. But things didn’t go in no need for Qatar SC to be disheart- was a seven-point gap with Al our favour this season. We worked ened, Sheikh Jassim described the rel- Kharaitiyat, but we caught up with hard and tried for a turnaround, but egation as a disaster, adding that he in the first phase. Since January when them. Yet, we lost out on goal dif- lost out. I agree there were some would not resign but help the team. we changed some players, we suffered ference.” flaws in our campaign. But we’re “It’s a disaster. And what we need only one defeat and managed four “But winning and losing are part human beings and mistakes hap- at this moment is unity to get things wins and six draws. I tried to save the of the game. I don’t think there’s pen. What we can only promise is back to normal. It’s not our style to club and the players fought, but we any need for players to be disheart- that we’ll give our all in the Second abandon our club when it’s in crisis,” lost out. I should say at this moment ened.” DSP Division next season and come back Sheikh Jassim added. DSP 8 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 9 Football

QSL WEEK 26 | SHORT TAKES Champs Rayyan It’s Jaish vs Sadd and winless since Rayyan vs Lekhwiya winning title OLDERS Lekhwiya will take on Al Rayyan created history KICK-OFF league winners Al Rayyan in the All matches at Al Sadd by clinching the Qatar Stars Stadium. League title with five matches Hfirst semifinal of the Qatar Cup, to be played at the Al Sadd Stadium SEMIFINALS to spare, but they should feel Sunday, April 24 disappointed at not having on April 24. Al Rayyan vs Lekhwiya, managed a single victory since El Jaish and Al Sadd will face off in 5.15pm. AL KHARAITIYAT 2 UMM SALAL 3 El Jaish vs Al Sadd, then. They lost three matches the second semifinal at the same venue and drew two. Last week, they 8.15pm. Umm Salal survived a late fightback from later in the day. FINAL lost 2-3 to Al Ahli. a determined Kharaitiyat to win all three Al Sadd Stadium will also host the Friday, April 29 Though a lack of motivation points. Umm Salal took a three-goal AL GHARAFA 0 AL KHOR 1 DSP 7.15pm. for players having done cushion soon after the hour-mark, thanks final, to be played on April 29. exceptionally well until the to goals from Welinton (14th minute), Munir Khor shocked Gharafa. South Korean triumph could be one reason, El Hamdaoui (44th) and Ismail Mahmoud defender Heo Jae-Won struck the all- important goal in the 81st. Khor, who had the non-payment of salaries to (62nd). Yahia Kebe struck twice (67th and 89th) for Kharaitiyat, but a turnaround stared at relegation at one point, thus them in time could be another. looked impossible. finished 10th. It was the second straight Many of them even skipped defeat for Gharafa, who ended up ninth. training sessions. Rayyan coach Jorge Fossati preferred to dwell on the ššEl Jaish players celebrate a goal against Al Sadd. positives following their defeat against Ahli in the last match. “We missed six players due to injuries and suspensions. It’s true that we didn’t perform to our potential, but don’t forget that our players did a great job leading to our triumph with five rounds to go,” said Fossati. DSP LEKHWIYA 2 MESAIMEER 1 Former champions Lekhwiya came from Chance to meet Neymar! behind to defeat Mesaimeer. Erivelto Silva put Mesaimeer ahead in the ninth AL ARABI 1 AL SAILIYA 2 Second best while the cops rallied through goals from Mohammed Muntari (70th) and Ali Afif Sailiya defeated Al Arabi. Abdullah Hamad HE upcoming ‘Neymar Jr’s Five’ for honours. (87th). Lekhwiya finished fourth. put Sailiya ahead as early as the eighth tournament will give Qatari The players of the champion team El Jaish finish as Qatar Stars League runners-up after holding Al Sadd. minute while Yousef Ahmed equalised in the 17th. Majdi Siddiq restored Sailiya’s lead Tamateur footballers in the 16 will be Neymar’s guests for a match at eight minutes later. Sailiya finished seventh to 25 age group a chance to meet with the Camp Nou. Jaish thus finished with 48 points, one Mesaimeer 2-1. while Gianfranco Zola’s Arabi, who at one the Brazil star and be his guests for a Neymar Jr’s Five is the world’s first N Ganesh stage looked capable of finishing among above Sadd and 14 behind champions Umm Salal saw off Al Kharaitiyat 3-2 the top four, ended eighth. match involving his Barcelona side at and only football tournament with his Al Rayyan, who lost 2-3 to Al Ahli. while Gianfranco Zola’s Al Arabi, who the Camp Nou. signature on it. Jaish coach Sabri Lamouchi was happy looked good at the start of the second The qualifiers of the five-a-side tour- Interested players can register their with their show. phase, lost 1-2 to Al Sailiya and finished nament will be played from April 22 teams online by logging on to www. L JAISH, who started the season “We went into the match with a one- a disappointing eighth. to May 7 at Porto Arabia inside The neymarjrsfive.com. on a bright note but faded midway point lead over Sadd which was an advan- Elsewhere, Qatar SC were relegated Pearl. Sixteen teams will compete in the The Qatar qualifiers are organised Ethrough, came back strongly to tage. We couldn’t consistently perform following their 1-1 draw with Al Wakrah national final, scheduled for May 13. in collaboration with Instituto Projeto finish as runners-up in the Qatar Stars throughout, but we didn’t give up even while Al Khor shocked Al Gharafa 1-0. DSP The winners will represent Qatar Neymar Jr, The Pearl, Vodafone Qatar, League. In their last game, they held after falling behind against a strong oppo- AL SADD 2 EL JAISH 2 at the world final to be held in July United Development Company and Al Sadd 2-2. nent like Sadd,” said Lamouchi. in Brazil, where 44 countries will vie Shop & Ship. DSP Jaish finished second after playing out Moroccan forward Abderrazak “I hope our performance this season ššAl Ahli’s Ali Qadri challenges Al Rayyan’s TOP SCORERS a draw with Sadd. Moroccan forward Hamdallah put Jaish ahead in the 12th will’ve a big impact on our players. We Abderrazak Hamdallah El Jaish Abdulhamid Enad. 21 Abderrazak Hamdallah opened Jaish’s Rodrigo Tabata Al Rayyan minute. Though the Armymen fell behind should be able to win the league title in account in the 12th while Xavi Hernandez Meshal Abdullah Al Ahli AL AHLI 3 AL RAYYAN 2 1-2 to goals from Xavi Hernandez (56th) the coming season,” said the Frenchman. 18 equalised in the 56th. Though Baghdad Yahia Kebe Al Kharaitiyat FIFA boss Infantino Zenit dominate in Bounedjgah made it 2-1 for Sadd, Lucas and Baghdad Bounedjgah (58th), Brazilian Meanwhile, former champions Sergio Garcia Al Rayyan Ahli shocked recently-crowned champions Mendes drew parity in the 79th. Jaish thus Rayyan. The Lions went in front in the 41st defender Lucas Mendes drew parity in Lekhwiya completed the top four after 16 Mouhcine Iajour Al Ahli to reach Doha Aspire Tri-Series Sebastian Saez Al Wakrah Shamal progress finished with 48 points, one ahead of Sadd. minute through Rodrigo Tabata while the 79th. they rallied from a goal down to beat Meshal Abdullah equalised a minute later. in Emir’s Cup Firmino Mubele made it 2-1 for Ahli in the IFA President Gianni Infantino ENIT St Petersburg made a clean 55th minute while Sergio Garcia drew will arrive in 2022 World Cup hosts sweep of titles in the ASPIRE parity in the 61st. Mubele found his second Qatar on Wednesday for a three- L SHAMAL and Muaither pro- in the 73rd and it turned out to be the F ZAcademy Tri-Series tournament gressed to the second round winner as Ahli finished sixth. organised for Under-13, U-14 and U-15 Jaish’s winning run ends Aof Emir’s Cup last Monday. country since taking charge of teams recently. day visit. It will be his first tour of the Shamal defeated Markhiya 3-1 while the world governing body Hosts ASPIRE Academy and Greek side Muaither crushed Al Shahaniya 4-1. FINAL STANDINGS in February. Olympiacos were the other teams in the L JAISH’S winning streak in the Despite the defeat, Sabri Lamouchi’s In their next ties on Saturday, Shamal Al Rayyan 26 20 2 4 69 23 62 The Swiss is reach- tournament. The event gave Aspire play- El Jaish 26 14 6 6 48 29 48 ing Doha after a two- AFC Champions League came side was guaranteed top spot as Al Ain and Muaither will take on Al Wakrah Al Sadd 26 13 8 5 54 38 47 ers an opportunity to compete against day tour of 2018 World Eto an end when Saudi Arabia’s played out a 1-1 draw with Nasaf in the and Al Gharafa respectively. DSP Lekhwiya 26 14 2 10 60 41 44 stronger sides and gain exposure to Al Ahli drubbed them 4-1 in a Group other match in the group. DSP AL WAKRAH 1 QATAR SC 1 Umm Salal 26 10 11 5 39 34 41 Cup host nation Russia. different styles of play. D match at the Lekhwiya Stadium on RESULTS Al Ahli 26 10 7 9 42 40 37 He is scheduled to meet ASPIRE Academy Director of Football Al Shamal bt Markhiya 3-1 Former champions Qatar Sports Club Al Sailiya 26 11 3 12 40 46 36 members of the Qatari Tuesday. became the second side, after Mesaimeer, Robert Olabe said, “This is the first time COLLATED RESULTS Muaither bt Al Shahaniya 4-1 Al Arabi 26 10 5 11 33 37 35 government and Supreme Eslam Sarraj and Muhannad Asiri gave to be relegated when they settled for a Al Gharafa 26 9 7 10 33 37 34 in the tri-series tournament that our Gamba Osaka (JPN) lost to S Bluewings (KOR) 1-2 KICK-OFF draw with Wakrah. Mouhcine Moutouali Committee for Delivery and Legacy. Ahli a two-goal lead at half-time before Saturday, April 23 Al Khor 26 9 6 11 25 31 33 teams haven’t managed to win even Shanghai SIPG (CHN) bt Mel Victory (AUS) 3-1 put Wakrah ahead in the 53rd minute Abderrazaq Hamdallah cut the deficit Al Wakrah 26 9 3 14 34 45 30 Meanwhile, Infantino defended his one of the age categories. But for us, P Steelers (KOR) lost to G Evergrande (CHN) 0-2 Al Kharaitiyat vs Qatar SC, Al Arabi Stadium, 5.15pm. while Qatar SC equalised two minutes later Al Kharaitiyat 26 7 6 13 38 47 27 six minutes into the second session. Al Hilal (KSA) lost to Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRN) 0-2 Al Shamal vs Al Wakrah, Qatar SC Stadium, 5.15pm. through Ezequeil Carando. Though Qatar controversial plan to expand the World the progress of individual players and Nasaf (UZB) drew Al Ain (UAE) 1-1 Al Khor vs Mesaimeer, Qatar SC Stadium, 8pm. Qatar SC 26 6 9 11 31 51 27 ššEl Jaish’s Khaled Abdulrauf, left, tries to stop Al Ahli’s Motaz Hawsawi restored the lead while SC made some desperate attempts, they Cup to 40 teams, rejecting criticism the team spirit are much more important Ioannis Fetfatzidis. Sarraj scored his second to seal victory. El Jaish (QAT) lost to Al Ahli (KSA) 1-4 Muaither vs Al Gharafa, Al Arabi Stadium, 8pm. failed to find the target a second time. Mesaimeer 26 1 3 22 15 62 6 move would dilute quality. DSP than the final results.” DSP

8 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 9 Football

10 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 11 Football

Atletico sustain Zidane feels for RESULTS Atletico Madrid bt Granada 3-0 MEDIA SCAN Barcelona lost to Valencia 1-2 momentum by Benzema Malaga lost to Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Rayo Vallecano bt Villarreal 2-1 beating Granada EAL Madrid coach Zinedine Sevilla drew Deportivo Coruna 1-1 Zidane said Frenchman Karim Celta Vigo drew Real Betis 1-1 Eibar bt Real Sociedad 2-1 TLETICO Madrid eased to a RBenzema is “distraught” about Getafe lost to Real Madrid 1-5 3-0 home win over struggling being left out of the squad for this year’s Las Palmas drew Sporting Gijon 1-1 AGranada to provisionally move European Championship, the only Levante bt Espanyol 2-1 level on points with La Liga leaders major tournament to be played in his Barcelona last Sunday after Fernando home country during his career. STANDINGS Barcelona 33 24 4 5 88 29 76 Torres grabbed his fourth goal in as The 28-year-old Real striker, at the Atletico Madrid 33 24 4 5 57 16 76 many games. peak of his game, was told he would Real Madrid 33 23 6 4 98 30 75 Spain international Koke opened the not be included in the squad because Villarreal 33 17 9 7 42 28 60 scoring after 15 minutes and then teed of his alleged involvement in a black- Athletic Bilbao 33 16 6 11 51 40 54 up Torres for the second in the 59th mail scandal. Celta Vigo 33 15 8 10 46 53 53 Sevilla 33 13 10 10 46 40 49 while substitute Angel Correa rounded “I spoke to Karim about it after they Malaga 33 10 11 12 30 30 41 off the victory in the 83rd. made a decision not to call him up. I’m Eibar 33 11 8 14 45 49 41 Atletico started brightly with Koke not going to speak much about that Real Sociedad 33 11 8 14 41 44 41 blazing over the bar moments after because it’s not my place. All I can say Las Palmas 33 11 7 15 38 45 40 Valencia 33 10 10 13 38 40 40 Ronaldo sets kick-off. The midfielder proved more is the player is upset and distraught, Deportivo Coruna 33 7 17 9 42 48 38 unique record accurate minutes later, pouncing on he wanted to be there,” said Zidane. Real Betis 33 9 11 13 30 46 38 a loose ball after Torres’s effort was “We’ll know what a player he is and Espanyol 33 10 6 17 34 62 36 When Real Madrid striker Cristiano / Juan Medina blocked and drilling a shot into the net. what he can contribute. Everyone who Rayo Vallecano 33 8 10 15 45 65 34 Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes Granada 33 7 9 17 33 60 30 against Getafe at the Coliseum last Granada winger Ruben Rochina hit loves football will be disappointed. I Sporting Gijon 33 7 8 18 33 54 29 week, he became the only outfield REUTERS the post later in the half before Torres told him he’ll have an exciting end to Levante 33 7 7 19 30 56 28 player to have featured every minute ššKarim Benzema and Zinedine Zidane. eased Atletico’s nerves by notching the season,” said Zidane. Getafe 33 7 7 19 29 61 28 in the current league after 33 games. the second, latching onto a threaded Malaga player Rosales played all pass by Koke to lift the ball over goal- of every one of the 32 matches up keeper Andres Fernandez and into the to this round of games, but he was far corner. suspended against Athletic Bilbao last Sunday for accumulation of bookings, Argentinian forward Correa came on Real all over Getafe meaning Ronaldo was the only player to replace Atletico’s top scorer Antoine to have played every available minute Griezmann and made the most of his in the tournament. cameo appearance by racing onto a We still depend on ourselves. EAL Madrid moved to within It would be no surprise if Ronaldo pass from Saul Niguez down the left a point of La Liga leaders Bar- attempted to play every available Our margin for error has run Benzema opened the and tucking the ball into the far bot- REUTERS/Albert Gea Rcelona after Karim Benzema, minute remaining and set a record out and we’re aware of the tom corner. šĈValencia’s Santi Mina being challenged by Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic. Isco, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and scoring on 29 minutes for an outfield player in the league. challenge. He has played 2,970 minutes so far Cristiano Ronaldo all scored in a 5-1 by tapping home from with another 450 minutes still to be , Barcelona coach. Luis Enrique thrashing at struggling Getafe last week. close range. played in the five remaining matches Benzema opened the scoring on 29 against Villarreal, Rayo, Real Socieded, minutes by tapping home from close Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna. range and then laid on the pass for Isco League semifinal, resting Casemiro, The total minutes for the entire to double the lead in the 40th. Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric for league is 3,420. Bale got the third five minutes after Rodriguez, Isco and Raphael Varane. the restart, taking his league tally to 16 Zidane’s side took an early strangle- goals this season, his best since mov- hold and nearly took the lead after 15 ing to Madrid in 2013. minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo hit ALARM BELLS! Pablo Sarabia pulled one back for the post. Getafe in the 84th when he curled Instead, Benzema put them ahead, Barcelona’s chances of defending the title suffer a big setback as they the ball into the top corner from the volleying Rodriguez’s cross into the bot- Madrid legend Raul edge of the area, but Rodriguez added tom corner for his 22nd league goal of praises Zizou lose to Valencia at Camp Nou, their third successive defeat. another for Madrid, before Ronaldo the season, which surpassed his previ- tapped home. ous record of 21 goals in the 2011-2012 Former Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez has complimented Real coach Zinedine Zidane made campaign. The Frenchman played a ĈĈBarcelona are still on top Messi nets 500th Zinedine Zidane on the job he has for the first time since 2003, when they games, two at the Camp Nou and three three changes to the team that beat VfL one-two with Isco to allow the Spanish done during his first few months as ahead of Atletico on finished sixth in the standings. away, Barca will retain the league and career goal Wolfsburg 3-0 to reach the Champions midfielder to get the second. coach. Raul, who played two seasons head-to-head record An own goal by Barca midfielder Ivan they could also clinch a domestic dou- in Qatar with Al Rakitic put Valencia ahead and Santi ble by beating Sevilla in the King’s Cup Barcelona striker Lionel Sadd, noted that Mina added a second before Lionel final on May 22. Messi ended a five-game Barcelona could Richard Martin Messi pulled one back. Coach Luis Enrique tried to remain drought to register his 500th slip up at any time. Barcelona still lead the way due to positive after the shock defeat by Valencia, career goal against Valencia last Sunday. Speaking a team they had thrashed 7-0 in a King’s The Argentinian bagged during his Cup semifinal game just two months ago. 450 for club and 50 appointment as ARCELONA’S players returned Defender Gerard Pique also gave an international goals for his an ambassador from the international break at If Barca win their five optimistic message, saying the team country in competitive for the Bthe start of April confident of remaining league had played better against Valencia than games in his career. Academia Laureus foundation in achieving an unprecedented second games, they will retain in losses to Atletico, Real Sociedad and The five-time World Berlin, the Madrid legend said the Frenchman could not have done straight treble. the league title. Real Madrid. Player of the Year is the all-time top scorer much more in his first period in Little more than a fortnight later, they “We deserved a lot more, but we in La Liga ahead of charge. have been knocked out of the Champions leave here with our heads held high,” Cristiano Ronaldo, “We’ve to evaluate at the end of League by Atletico Madrid and seen a superior head-to-head record over said Pique. Telmo Zarra and the season, but right now we can’t their nine-point lead at the top of La Atletico, and they also have the upper “If we play like this, we’ll win the Hugo Sanchez. really ask any more of him. We’re

REUTERS/ Sergio Perez Liga eliminated. hand over third-placed Real Madrid league, I’m convinced. Although it’s a still in the hunt for both the league and in Europe,” said Spain’s leading šĈAtletico Madrid’s Koke reacts after scoring The 1-2 defeat at home to Valencia who are one point behind. step backwards, playing well will help REUTERS/ Sergio Perez š international goal scorer. against Granada. last Sunday was Barca’s third in a row If they win their five remaining league the team mentally,” he said. šReal Madrid’s Isco, right, celebrates his goal against Getafe with team-mate James Rodriguez. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 11

Zidane feels for RESULTS Atletico Madrid bt Granada 3-0 MEDIA SCAN Barcelona lost to Valencia 1-2 Benzema Malaga lost to Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Rayo Vallecano bt Villarreal 2-1 EAL Madrid coach Zinedine Sevilla drew Deportivo Coruna 1-1 Zidane said Frenchman Karim Celta Vigo drew Real Betis 1-1 Eibar bt Real Sociedad 2-1 RBenzema is “distraught” about Getafe lost to Real Madrid 1-5 being left out of the squad for this year’s Las Palmas drew Sporting Gijon 1-1 European Championship, the only Levante bt Espanyol 2-1 major tournament to be played in his home country during his career. STANDINGS Barcelona 33 24 4 5 88 29 76 The 28-year-old Real striker, at the Atletico Madrid 33 24 4 5 57 16 76 peak of his game, was told he would Real Madrid 33 23 6 4 98 30 75 not be included in the squad because Villarreal 33 17 9 7 42 28 60 of his alleged involvement in a black- Athletic Bilbao 33 16 6 11 51 40 54 mail scandal. Celta Vigo 33 15 8 10 46 53 53 Sevilla 33 13 10 10 46 40 49 “I spoke to Karim about it after they Malaga 33 10 11 12 30 30 41 made a decision not to call him up. I’m Eibar 33 11 8 14 45 49 41 not going to speak much about that Real Sociedad 33 11 8 14 41 44 41 because it’s not my place. All I can say Las Palmas 33 11 7 15 38 45 40 Valencia 33 10 10 13 38 40 40 Ronaldo sets is the player is upset and distraught, Deportivo Coruna 33 7 17 9 42 48 38 unique record he wanted to be there,” said Zidane. Real Betis 33 9 11 13 30 46 38 “We’ll know what a player he is and Espanyol 33 10 6 17 34 62 36 When Real Madrid striker Cristiano / Juan Medina what he can contribute. Everyone who Rayo Vallecano 33 8 10 15 45 65 34 Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes Granada 33 7 9 17 33 60 30 against Getafe at the Coliseum last loves football will be disappointed. I Sporting Gijon 33 7 8 18 33 54 29 week, he became the only outfield REUTERS told him he’ll have an exciting end to Levante 33 7 7 19 30 56 28 player to have featured every minute ššKarim Benzema and Zinedine Zidane. the season,” said Zidane. Getafe 33 7 7 19 29 61 28 in the current league after 33 games. Malaga player Rosales played all of every one of the 32 matches up to this round of games, but he was suspended against Athletic Bilbao last Sunday for accumulation of bookings, Real all over Getafe meaning Ronaldo was the only player to have played every available minute in the tournament. We still depend on ourselves. EAL Madrid moved to within It would be no surprise if Ronaldo a point of La Liga leaders Bar- attempted to play every available Our margin for error has run Benzema opened the Rcelona after Karim Benzema, minute remaining and set a record out and we’re aware of the Isco, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and scoring on 29 minutes for an outfield player in the league. challenge. He has played 2,970 minutes so far Cristiano Ronaldo all scored in a 5-1 by tapping home from with another 450 minutes still to be , Barcelona coach. Luis Enrique thrashing at struggling Getafe last week. close range. played in the five remaining matches Benzema opened the scoring on 29 against Villarreal, Rayo, Real Socieded, minutes by tapping home from close Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna. range and then laid on the pass for Isco League semifinal, resting Casemiro, The total minutes for the entire to double the lead in the 40th. Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric for league is 3,420. Bale got the third five minutes after Rodriguez, Isco and Raphael Varane. the restart, taking his league tally to 16 Zidane’s side took an early strangle- goals this season, his best since mov- hold and nearly took the lead after 15 ing to Madrid in 2013. minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo hit Pablo Sarabia pulled one back for the post. Getafe in the 84th when he curled Instead, Benzema put them ahead, the ball into the top corner from the volleying Rodriguez’s cross into the bot- Madrid legend Raul edge of the area, but Rodriguez added tom corner for his 22nd league goal of praises Zizou another for Madrid, before Ronaldo the season, which surpassed his previ- tapped home. ous record of 21 goals in the 2011-2012 Former Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez has complimented Real coach Zinedine Zidane made campaign. The Frenchman played a Messi nets 500th Zinedine Zidane on the job he has three changes to the team that beat VfL one-two with Isco to allow the Spanish done during his first few months as career goal Wolfsburg 3-0 to reach the Champions midfielder to get the second. coach. Raul, who played two seasons in Qatar with Al Barcelona striker Lionel Sadd, noted that Messi ended a five-game Barcelona could drought to register his 500th slip up at any career goal against Valencia time. last Sunday. Speaking The Argentinian bagged during his 450 for club and 50 appointment as international goals for his an ambassador country in competitive for the games in his career. Academia Laureus foundation in The five-time World Berlin, the Madrid legend said the Player of the Year is Frenchman could not have done the all-time top scorer much more in his first period in in La Liga ahead of charge. Cristiano Ronaldo, “We’ve to evaluate at the end of Telmo Zarra and the season, but right now we can’t Hugo Sanchez. really ask any more of him. We’re still in the hunt for both the league and in Europe,” said Spain’s leading REUTERS/ Sergio Perez ššReal Madrid’s Isco, right, celebrates his goal against Getafe with team-mate James Rodriguez. international goal scorer. 12 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 13 Football Aguero tricks as City blank Chelsea MEDIA SCAN

beating Paris Saint-Germain. Martinez Dylan Reuters/ A tense start Aguero took his season’s league tally ššManchester City’s Sergio Aguero scores his second goal against Chelsea. to the game saw to 21 goals with strikes in the 32nd and Allardyce at the centre of a 15-man touch-line shoving match and grab 54th minutes and an 80th-minute penalty corner to allow the Argentinian to cut Norwich’s Cameron Jerome who after Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois I’m sure he’s the best inside and open the scoring. Then De confronted his goalkeeping coach was sent off for upending Fernandinho. Bruyne produced another telling thrust Adrian Tucker. The scuffle had started The performance delighted City’s man- striker in the league, from his own half to again feed Aguero, after Norwich’s Robbie Brady had ager Manuel Pellegrini, who said, “I’m he makes a difference via Samir Nasri, as City overwhelmed pushed DeAndre Yedlin off the pitch sure he’s the best striker in the league, he playing every game. Chelsea with a series of clinical attacks. and into the advertising hoardings. makes a difference playing every game.” Courtois’s rash challenge on Equally influential in the victory was Fernandinho gave away the penalty midfielder Kevin de Bruyne who pro- The Belgian’s return from injury has which allowed Aguero, who had missed duced the sort of performance that has played a significant part in City’s recent from the spot against PSG, to complete

Reuters/ Darren Staples Reuters/ left many questioning why Chelsea let improved form and he was at the hub of his hat-trick. ššLeicester’s Jamie Vardy, left, is shown the red card by referee Jonathan Moss after receiving a second yellow for simulation. their former midfielder leave without most of their attacks, linking superbly Defeat left Chelsea looking ahead to a Real, Bayern having had the chance to prove him- with Aguero for the first two goals. new start under new manager Antonio keen on Kane Familiar failures self at Stamford Bridge. First, De Bruyne broke from a Chelsea Conte, who will join ahead of next season. Tottenham star Harry Kane is a hit Arsenal again transfer target for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, according to reports. The high-flying player has been in RSENAL manager Arsene Wenger Lescott slammed stellar form this season and his sharp- knows his side face a battle eyed approach has helped Spurs Ato clinch a top-four spot and for ‘weight off the mount a serious Champions League qualification after title challenge Hammer blow! Crystal Palace snatched a 1-1 draw at shoulders’ remark as they battle The Emirates last Sunday. with the Foxes Former Aston Villa striker Stan for top spot. But The Frenchman hoped for a Premier Leicester City’s Premiership title challenge suffers a dent after Collymore has lashed out at Jolean Tottenham could League triumph this season, but instead Lescott after the defender said their face a battle to his charges are scrapping for a place relegation from the Premier League keep Kane at leading scorer Jamie Vardy sees red in draw against West Ham United. š among Europe’s elite after slipping šManchester United’s Marcus Rashford exults after scoring against Aston Villa. was a “weight off the shoulders.” White Hart Lane behind Manchester City into fourth on “We showed a level of pride that this summer, with there’s probably not been enough of the ball on to his left-hand post before goal difference, with Manchester United Real and Bayern keeping tabs ahead it throughout the season,” the central Mike Collett it rolled across the line and hit the other four points behind. of contract negotiations. Kane put The sending-off changed Villa in ruins as Rashford defender, capped 26 times by England, pen to paper on a five-and-a-half year upright. “For us, it’ll be a fight until the end told the BBC after last week’s loss. deal just 14 months ago. the whole match, but Vardy put Leicester ahead after a light- to get a place in the top four,” Wenger “It’s about results so regardless of I judge my players, not ning counter-attack in the 18th minute said after Arsenal conceded a late goal strike ensures relegation how we played in patches today we EICESTER City stumbled on the referee. with a left-foot shot into the corner of against lowly Palace, adding that he was are relegated ... but now it’s confirmed their march towards the Premier the net before picking up his first book- in no mood to talk about the “dream” maybe it’s a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they LLeague title by dropping two ing for a late challenge on Kouyate. of a title. “If we can do more, we’ll do STON Villa were finally put out deserve, some performances. points in a 2-2 draw with West Ham second yellow card. His second yellow came early in the more. But let’s not dream.” of their misery last week when Former European Collymore, who spent three years at Spurs want Arteta to United despite a last-minute equaliser Leicester coach Claudio Ranieri praised second half when referee Jon Moss ruled Arsenal remain 13 points adrift of lead- Aone shot from Manchester Villa now works as a commentator and from Leonardo Ulloa at the King Power his side for saving a point. he dived looking for a foul and the match ers Leicester City with a game in hand United’s teenage striker Marcus Rashford champions Villa have presenter on radio station TalkSPORT, join coaching staff Stadium last Sunday. “The sending-off changed the whole gradually swung West Ham’s way. but Wenger is looking over his shoul- killed off any lingering hopes they had beaten United only once said relegation should not be regarded Tottenham manager Mauricio Leicester finished the match with 10 match, but I judge my players, not the They equalised through an 84th- der with five games remaining to of surviving in the Premier League. in the last 20 years. as a relief and that people would lose Pochettino wants Arsenal captain men after goal scorer Jamie Vardy was referee,” Ranieri said without comment- minute Andy Carroll penalty after Wes secure a Champions League spot. Former European champions Villa, their jobs at the club. Mikel Arteta to make the short “Today this is a senior international journey across sent off early in the second half for a ing on the red card. Morgan hauled down Winston Reid Things seemed to be going seven-time winners in England, have footballer in the modern north London to “This was our soul, we play every and looked to have won the game two to plan for Arsenal last Sunday been heading out of the top flight for in 1988, found their defence gaping era, now confirmed ŢšJamie Vardy join his coaching match with blood, heart and soul, it minutes later when Aaron Cresswell after they capped off a first half months after winning only three and again in the 32nd minute and although ‘maybe it’s a weight off staff, with the was magnificent,” added the Italian scored a stunning goal with a fierce in which they dominated pos- losing 23 of their 33 league matches Villa hit the woodwork in the second the shoulders.’ Why is it a Gunners now at whose team had won their last five shot from the edge of the box which session with a goal from Alexis before the visit to Old Trafford. half, the last rites had been delivered. weight off the shoulders the back of the games to close in on their first English dipped and swerved as it flew past Sanchez. Villa have beaten United only once The only crumb of comfort for Villa Joleon?” Collymore said queue of clubs top-flight title. Schmeichel. But Yannick Bolasie in the league in the last 20 years and and their angry fans is that they are not, on a radio programme. willing to give the “It should hang on Spaniard his first coaching role. West Ham almost scored in the But with only seconds of equalised for Palace with there was never much doubt that the statistically at least, the worst team your shoulders. Tottenham head coach Pochettino second minute when Leicester stoppage time remaining, a low drive that caught final nail in their long-prepared coffin since the Premier League replaced There’s the Villa faces competition from incoming keeper Kasper Schmeichel Leicester equalised when Ulloa out home keeper Petr would be drilled in. the old first division in 1992. Derby staff, there’s real Manchester City manager Pep saved a header from scored from the spot after Carroll Cech at his near post Rashford, who was not born the last County secured just one win and weight on their Guardiola to hand Arteta a coaching Cheikhou Kouyate, tipping fouled Jeffrey Schlupp. 10 minutes from time. time Villa played outside the top flight 11 points in 2008. shoulders.” position. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 13

Aguero tricks as City blank Chelsea MEDIA SCAN

Neil Robinson Allardyce loses his cool with Jerome Manager Sam Allardyce led the ERGIO Aguero was acclaimed as way with a show of fighting spirit as “the best striker in the Premier his Sunderland team registered a SLeague” by manager Manuel decisive 3-0 win over Norwich which Pellegrini after his hat-trick helped puts them just one point behind their Manchester City beat Chelsea 3-0 at relegation rivals Stamford Bridge last week. with a game in hand, after goals The win capped an excellent week for from Fabio Borini, City, who moved ahead of Arsenal into Jermain Defoe third place in the table and reached the and Duncan semifinal of the Champions League after Watmore. beating Paris Saint-Germain. Martinez Dylan Reuters/ A tense start Aguero took his season’s league tally ššManchester City’s Sergio Aguero scores his second goal against Chelsea. to the game saw to 21 goals with strikes in the 32nd and Allardyce at the centre of a 15-man touch-line shoving match and grab 54th minutes and an 80th-minute penalty corner to allow the Argentinian to cut Norwich’s Cameron Jerome who after Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois I’m sure he’s the best inside and open the scoring. Then De confronted his goalkeeping coach was sent off for upending Fernandinho. Bruyne produced another telling thrust Adrian Tucker. The scuffle had started The performance delighted City’s man- striker in the league, from his own half to again feed Aguero, after Norwich’s Robbie Brady had ager Manuel Pellegrini, who said, “I’m he makes a difference via Samir Nasri, as City overwhelmed pushed DeAndre Yedlin off the pitch sure he’s the best striker in the league, he playing every game. Chelsea with a series of clinical attacks. and into the advertising hoardings. makes a difference playing every game.” Courtois’s rash challenge on Equally influential in the victory was Fernandinho gave away the penalty midfielder Kevin de Bruyne who pro- The Belgian’s return from injury has which allowed Aguero, who had missed duced the sort of performance that has played a significant part in City’s recent from the spot against PSG, to complete left many questioning why Chelsea let improved form and he was at the hub of his hat-trick. their former midfielder leave without most of their attacks, linking superbly Defeat left Chelsea looking ahead to a Real, Bayern having had the chance to prove him- with Aguero for the first two goals. new start under new manager Antonio keen on Kane self at Stamford Bridge. First, De Bruyne broke from a Chelsea Conte, who will join ahead of next season. Tottenham star Harry Kane is a transfer target for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, according to reports. The high-flying player has been in Lescott slammed stellar form this season and his sharp- eyed approach has helped Spurs for ‘weight off the mount a serious title challenge shoulders’ remark as they battle with the Foxes Former Aston Villa striker Stan for top spot. But Collymore has lashed out at Jolean Tottenham could Lescott after the defender said their face a battle to relegation from the Premier League keep Kane at š šManchester United’s Marcus Rashford exults after scoring against Aston Villa. was a “weight off the shoulders.” White Hart Lane “We showed a level of pride that this summer, with there’s probably not been enough of Real and Bayern keeping tabs ahead it throughout the season,” the central of contract negotiations. Kane put Villa in ruins as Rashford defender, capped 26 times by England, pen to paper on a five-and-a-half year told the BBC after last week’s loss. deal just 14 months ago. “It’s about results so regardless of strike ensures relegation how we played in patches today we are relegated ... but now it’s confirmed maybe it’s a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they STON Villa were finally put out deserve, some performances. of their misery last week when Former European Collymore, who spent three years at Spurs want Arteta to Aone shot from Manchester Villa now works as a commentator and United’s teenage striker Marcus Rashford champions Villa have presenter on radio station TalkSPORT, join coaching staff killed off any lingering hopes they had beaten United only once said relegation should not be regarded Tottenham manager Mauricio of surviving in the Premier League. in the last 20 years. as a relief and that people would lose Pochettino wants Arsenal captain Former European champions Villa, their jobs at the club. Mikel Arteta to make the short “Today this is a senior international journey across seven-time winners in England, have footballer in the modern north London to been heading out of the top flight for in 1988, found their defence gaping era, now confirmed join his coaching months after winning only three and again in the 32nd minute and although ‘maybe it’s a weight off staff, with the losing 23 of their 33 league matches Villa hit the woodwork in the second the shoulders.’ Why is it a Gunners now at before the visit to Old Trafford. half, the last rites had been delivered. weight off the shoulders the back of the Villa have beaten United only once The only crumb of comfort for Villa Joleon?” Collymore said queue of clubs in the league in the last 20 years and and their angry fans is that they are not, on a radio programme. willing to give the “It should hang on Spaniard his first coaching role. there was never much doubt that the statistically at least, the worst team your shoulders. Tottenham head coach Pochettino final nail in their long-prepared coffin since the Premier League replaced There’s the Villa faces competition from incoming would be drilled in. the old first division in 1992. Derby staff, there’s real Manchester City manager Pep Rashford, who was not born the last County secured just one win and weight on their Guardiola to hand Arteta a coaching time Villa played outside the top flight 11 points in 2008. shoulders.” position. 14 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 15 Football

RESULTS SERIE A I regret I haven’t Atalanta Bergamo drew AS Roma 3-3 Fiorentina bt Sassuolo 3-1 done enough, Juventus bt Palermo 4-0 Lazio bt Empoli 2-0 Sampdoria lost to AC Milan 0-1 admits Blatter Udinese drew Chievo 0-0 Verona lost to Frosinone 1-2 ORMER FIFA president Sepp Blat- Bologna lost to Torino 0-1 ter acknowledged last week that Carpi bt Genoa 4-1 he failed to reform the scandal- Inter Milan bt Napoli 2-0 F BUNDESLIGA ridden world football organisation, but Mainz lost to Cologne 2-3 asserted he was not responsible for Borussia Dortmund bt Hamburg SV 3-0 corruption in its regional organisations. Bayer Leverkusen bt Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 ššParis Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic is all joy after finding the target against Caen. Bayern Munich bt Schalke 04 3-0 Blatter spoke to more than 400 peo- FC Augsburg bt VfB Stuttgart 1-0 ple at the University of Basel, where Hoffenheim bt Hertha Berlin 2-1 a student group has been preparing SV Darmstadt 98 bt FC Ingolstadt 04 2-0 proposals on how FIFA should address Werder Bremen bt VfL Wolfsburg 3-2 Hanover 96 bt Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0 Caened by Parisians! the scandal. LIGUE 1 “I regret I’ve not done enough to bring Monaco bt Oly Marseille 2-1 back FIFA on the right track,” Blatter Nantes lost to Montpellier HSC 0-2 LATAN Ibrahimovic scored told the meeting. But he insisted that Stade Rennes lost to En Avant Guingamp 0-3 twice as Paris Saint-Germain while he led FIFA, the actions of lead- ES Troyes AC bt Stade de Reims 2-1 Ibrahimovic opened FC Lorient drew Toulouse 1-1 Zrebounded from their Cham- ers of regional organisations did not GFC Ajaccio lost to Lille 2-4 pions League exit to Manchester City the scoring in the 12th fall under his purview. “Those things Girondins Bordeaux lost to Angers SCO 1-3 PSG bt Caen 6-0 with a 6-0 thrashing of Caen in Ligue minute when his shot they did within their confederations, Bastia lost to St Etienne 0-1 1 last week. evaded the goalkeeper. I don’t have any power to intervene Oly Lyon drew Nice 1-1 PSG, who wrapped up the Ligue 1 in their confederations.” title last month and are now 30 points STANDINGS clear of second-placed Olympique Lyon, long-range shot evaded goalkeeper SERIE A Juventus 33 25 4 4 62 17 79 suffered heartbreak in midweek when Remy Vercoutre. Napoli 33 21 7 5 66 29 70 City won the second leg of their quar- The strike was the Swedish front- AS Roma 33 18 11 4 70 36 65 terfinal 1-0 following a 2-2 draw at the man’s 31st of the Ligue 1 campaign, his Inter Milan 33 18 7 8 44 30 61 Parc des Princes. biggest haul in a single league season. Fiorentina 33 17 8 8 54 36 59 AC Milan 33 14 10 9 43 35 52 They responded emphatically, however, Matuidi added another in the sec- Sassuolo 33 12 12 9 41 38 48 with Blaise Matuidi, Edinson Cavani, ond minute of first-half stoppage time, Lazio 33 13 9 11 44 42 48 REUTERS/ Giorgio Perottino Angel Di Maria and Maxwell also get- before turning provider after the break šĈJuventus players celebrate their victory against Palermo in the Italian Serie A. Chievo Verona 33 12 9 12 38 40 45 Torino 33 11 9 13 42 44 42 ting on the scoresheet. as he duped Vercoutre with a cut-back, Genoa 33 11 7 15 38 41 40 The win moves Laurent Blanc’s side leaving Cavani to bury the ball into Empoli 33 10 9 14 36 45 39 on to 86 points and needing one more the open net. Bologna 33 10 7 16 31 38 37 win to equal the club’s all-time record Di Maria added insult to injury when Atalanta Bergamo 33 9 10 14 34 41 37 Sampdoria 33 9 9 15 46 50 36 total for a single season in the top flight. he sent a delicious chipped effort over Udinese 33 9 8 16 29 48 35 Top scorer Ibrahimovic opened the the advancing Vercoutre in the 52nd š Carpi 33 7 10 16 33 51 31 scoring in the 12th minute when his minute. šSepp Blatter Frosinone 33 8 6 19 31 61 30 Palermo 33 7 7 19 29 61 28 Verona 33 3 13 17 28 56 22 BUNDESLIGA Bayern Munich 30 25 3 2 72 14 78 Borussia Dortmund 30 22 5 3 72 30 71 JUVE TIGHTEN GRIP Bayer Leverkusen 30 15 6 9 47 33 51 Pulisic guides Dortmund to victory Hertha Berlin 30 14 7 9 40 36 49 Champions Juventus are nine points clear on top of the Serie A after registering a huge win over Palermo. B Moenchengladbach 30 14 3 13 59 47 45 Mainz 30 13 6 11 42 39 45 ORUSSIA Dortmund eased League quarterfinal elimination by Schalke 04 30 13 6 11 41 43 45 VfL Wolfsburg 30 10 9 11 42 41 39 past nine-man Hamburg SV Liverpool last week. ĈĈRoma’s Totti grabs late relationship with coach Luciano Spalletti, The game made it look FC Ingolstadt 04 30 10 9 11 27 33 39 B3-0 to keep their slim Bun- Hamburg had keeper Rene Adler equaliser in Atalanta draw but the 39-year-old demonstrated his like the challenge for the Cologne 30 9 10 11 32 39 37 desliga title hopes alive last Sunday sent off for bringing down a charg- Pogba added Juventus’ enduring class with an equaliser in SV Darmstadt 98 30 8 11 11 34 44 35 as they moved seven points behind ing Shinji Kagawa after the break. second in the 70th after Scudetto was over, but Hamburg SV 30 9 7 14 35 43 34 the 85th in a thrilling six-goal draw at that’s not the case. I won’t Hoffenheim 30 8 10 12 35 45 34 leaders Bayern Munich with four Hamburg played the final 13 min- the visitors failed to deal Atalanta. calculate our odds to win, FC Augsburg 30 8 9 13 38 48 33 games remaining. utes with nine men after Alvin Ekdal Ed Dove with a corner. Roma went 2-0 up inside the first VfB Stuttgart 30 9 6 15 46 60 33 American teenager Christian Pulisic also left the field injured with no sub- we just need to make Werder Bremen 30 8 7 15 42 61 31 half an hour after goals from Lucas became the fourth youngest player stitutions available. more points. Judging by Eintracht Frankfurt 30 6 9 15 29 49 27 Digne and Radja Nainggolan, before to score in the Bundesliga when the Dortmund’s numerical advantage the results, yes, this is the Hanover 96 30 6 3 21 26 54 21 Palermo keeper Stefano Sorrentino in Marco D’Alessandro halved the defi- LIGUE 1 meant the hosts only needed to play strongest Juventus team. UVENTUS moved nine points the 10th minute. cit in the 33rd. PSG 34 27 5 2 89 18 86 possession football as Hamburg sought Monaco 34 15 13 6 50 41 58 clear in Serie A by beating Palermo Pogba added a second in the 70th, Roma old boy Marco Borriello came We can improve with a to limit the damage. But Colombian group of excellent veterans Oly Lyon 34 16 8 10 55 35 56 Hamburg had keeper J4-0 last Sunday while Francesco finishing at the back post after the visi- back to haunt his former club with his Nice 34 15 9 10 51 38 54 Ramos struck again with his eighth Totti bagged a dramatic late equaliser tors failed to deal with a corner, before first goal for Atalanta as his excellent or very good youngsters. St Etienne 34 16 6 12 40 34 54 Rene Adler sent off goal of the campaign in the 86th. as AS Roma drew 3-3 at Atalanta. Cuadrado’s superb individual effort header evaded Wojciech Szczesny, and This team has an important Lille 34 13 13 8 37 27 52 for bringing down a The win lifted Dortmund to 71 future. Stade Rennes 34 13 12 9 50 45 51 With second-placed Napoli losing 0-2 and Padoin’s late finish underlined the he fired the home side ahead in the 50th. Angers SCO 34 13 10 11 38 33 49 charging Shinji Kagawa. points, seven adrift of Bayern who at Inter Milan, Juve tightened their grip home side’s dominance. Totti had the final say as he ham- Massimiliano Allegri, Caen 34 14 4 16 35 50 46 conquered Schalke 04 3-0. at the top and took a major step towards Davide Ballardini had returned to mered home Alessandro Florenzi’s Juventus coach. Nantes 34 11 11 12 30 37 44 European hopefuls Mainz 05 squan- a record fifth consecutive Italian title the Palermo hot seat last week, their cut back for the 301st goal of his FC Lorient 34 10 13 11 46 52 43 17-year-old drilled in from a tight dered a two-goal lead and a chance Bastia 34 12 7 15 31 38 43 with goals by Sami Khedira, Paul Pogba, eighth managerial change of the sea- glittering career. Girondins Bordeaux 34 10 13 11 42 53 43 angle in the 38th minute. to close on the Champions League Juan Cuadrado and Simone Padoin. son, but was unable to prompt a change Spalletti was sent to the stands En Avant Guingamp 34 11 9 14 42 49 42 “I can’t describe it and put it into spots, slumping to a 2-3 loss against Juventus moved up to 79 points with in fortunes for the relegation-threat- in the dying minutes of the draw, Oly Marseille 34 8 16 10 44 40 40 words,” said Pulisic. Cologne, who scored three times in Montpellier HSC 34 11 7 16 40 42 40 five games to play, Napoli have 70 and ened outfit, who dropped to 19th place which left his side four points clear Stade de Reims 34 9 9 16 38 50 36 Adrian Ramos added another goal six the second half to move up to 10th Roma are third on 65. on 28 points. of fourth-placed Inter Milan in the GFC Ajaccio 34 7 13 14 33 49 34 minutes later, shaking off two defend- on 37. REUTERS/ Wolfgang Rattay Rattay REUTERS/ Wolfgang Khedira controlled Pogba’s lofted ball Totti’s future at Roma is unresolved race for the final Champions League Toulouse 34 7 12 15 39 50 33 ššSchalke’s Roman Neustaedter challenges Borussia Dortmund’s ers to fire in as Dortmund looked to Mainz are sixth on 45, level with with his chest before flicking it past after a testing season and a strained qualifying berth. ES Troyes AC 34 3 8 23 24 73 17 Christian Pulisic. recover from their last-gasp Europa seventh-placed Schalke 04. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 15

RESULTS SERIE A I regret I haven’t Atalanta Bergamo drew AS Roma 3-3 Fiorentina bt Sassuolo 3-1 done enough, Juventus bt Palermo 4-0 Lazio bt Empoli 2-0 Sampdoria lost to AC Milan 0-1 admits Blatter Udinese drew Chievo 0-0 Verona lost to Frosinone 1-2 ORMER FIFA president Sepp Blat- Bologna lost to Torino 0-1 ter acknowledged last week that Carpi bt Genoa 4-1 he failed to reform the scandal- Inter Milan bt Napoli 2-0 F BUNDESLIGA ridden world football organisation, but Mainz lost to Cologne 2-3 asserted he was not responsible for Borussia Dortmund bt Hamburg SV 3-0 corruption in its regional organisations. Bayer Leverkusen bt Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 ššParis Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic is all joy after finding the target against Caen. Bayern Munich bt Schalke 04 3-0 Blatter spoke to more than 400 peo- FC Augsburg bt VfB Stuttgart 1-0 ple at the University of Basel, where Hoffenheim bt Hertha Berlin 2-1 a student group has been preparing SV Darmstadt 98 bt FC Ingolstadt 04 2-0 proposals on how FIFA should address Werder Bremen bt VfL Wolfsburg 3-2 Hanover 96 bt Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0 Caened by Parisians! the scandal. LIGUE 1 “I regret I’ve not done enough to bring Monaco bt Oly Marseille 2-1 back FIFA on the right track,” Blatter Nantes lost to Montpellier HSC 0-2 LATAN Ibrahimovic scored told the meeting. But he insisted that Stade Rennes lost to En Avant Guingamp 0-3 twice as Paris Saint-Germain while he led FIFA, the actions of lead- ES Troyes AC bt Stade de Reims 2-1 Ibrahimovic opened FC Lorient drew Toulouse 1-1 Zrebounded from their Cham- ers of regional organisations did not GFC Ajaccio lost to Lille 2-4 pions League exit to Manchester City the scoring in the 12th fall under his purview. “Those things Girondins Bordeaux lost to Angers SCO 1-3 PSG bt Caen 6-0 with a 6-0 thrashing of Caen in Ligue minute when his shot they did within their confederations, Bastia lost to St Etienne 0-1 1 last week. evaded the goalkeeper. I don’t have any power to intervene Oly Lyon drew Nice 1-1 PSG, who wrapped up the Ligue 1 in their confederations.” title last month and are now 30 points STANDINGS clear of second-placed Olympique Lyon, long-range shot evaded goalkeeper SERIE A Juventus 33 25 4 4 62 17 79 suffered heartbreak in midweek when Remy Vercoutre. Napoli 33 21 7 5 66 29 70 City won the second leg of their quar- The strike was the Swedish front- AS Roma 33 18 11 4 70 36 65 terfinal 1-0 following a 2-2 draw at the man’s 31st of the Ligue 1 campaign, his Inter Milan 33 18 7 8 44 30 61 Parc des Princes. biggest haul in a single league season. Fiorentina 33 17 8 8 54 36 59 AC Milan 33 14 10 9 43 35 52 They responded emphatically, however, Matuidi added another in the sec- Sassuolo 33 12 12 9 41 38 48 with Blaise Matuidi, Edinson Cavani, ond minute of first-half stoppage time, Lazio 33 13 9 11 44 42 48 Angel Di Maria and Maxwell also get- before turning provider after the break Chievo Verona 33 12 9 12 38 40 45 Torino 33 11 9 13 42 44 42 ting on the scoresheet. as he duped Vercoutre with a cut-back, Genoa 33 11 7 15 38 41 40 The win moves Laurent Blanc’s side leaving Cavani to bury the ball into Empoli 33 10 9 14 36 45 39 on to 86 points and needing one more the open net. Bologna 33 10 7 16 31 38 37 win to equal the club’s all-time record Di Maria added insult to injury when Atalanta Bergamo 33 9 10 14 34 41 37 Sampdoria 33 9 9 15 46 50 36 total for a single season in the top flight. he sent a delicious chipped effort over Udinese 33 9 8 16 29 48 35 Top scorer Ibrahimovic opened the the advancing Vercoutre in the 52nd š Carpi 33 7 10 16 33 51 31 scoring in the 12th minute when his minute. šSepp Blatter Frosinone 33 8 6 19 31 61 30 Palermo 33 7 7 19 29 61 28 Verona 33 3 13 17 28 56 22 BUNDESLIGA Bayern Munich 30 25 3 2 72 14 78 Borussia Dortmund 30 22 5 3 72 30 71 Bayer Leverkusen 30 15 6 9 47 33 51 Pulisic guides Dortmund to victory Hertha Berlin 30 14 7 9 40 36 49 B Moenchengladbach 30 14 3 13 59 47 45 Mainz 30 13 6 11 42 39 45 ORUSSIA Dortmund eased League quarterfinal elimination by Schalke 04 30 13 6 11 41 43 45 VfL Wolfsburg 30 10 9 11 42 41 39 past nine-man Hamburg SV Liverpool last week. FC Ingolstadt 04 30 10 9 11 27 33 39 B3-0 to keep their slim Bun- Hamburg had keeper Rene Adler Cologne 30 9 10 11 32 39 37 desliga title hopes alive last Sunday sent off for bringing down a charg- SV Darmstadt 98 30 8 11 11 34 44 35 as they moved seven points behind ing Shinji Kagawa after the break. Hamburg SV 30 9 7 14 35 43 34 Hoffenheim 30 8 10 12 35 45 34 leaders Bayern Munich with four Hamburg played the final 13 min- FC Augsburg 30 8 9 13 38 48 33 games remaining. utes with nine men after Alvin Ekdal VfB Stuttgart 30 9 6 15 46 60 33 American teenager Christian Pulisic also left the field injured with no sub- Werder Bremen 30 8 7 15 42 61 31 Eintracht Frankfurt 30 6 9 15 29 49 27 became the fourth youngest player stitutions available. Hanover 96 30 6 3 21 26 54 21 to score in the Bundesliga when the Dortmund’s numerical advantage LIGUE 1 meant the hosts only needed to play PSG 34 27 5 2 89 18 86 possession football as Hamburg sought Monaco 34 15 13 6 50 41 58 to limit the damage. But Colombian Oly Lyon 34 16 8 10 55 35 56 Hamburg had keeper Nice 34 15 9 10 51 38 54 Ramos struck again with his eighth St Etienne 34 16 6 12 40 34 54 Rene Adler sent off goal of the campaign in the 86th. Lille 34 13 13 8 37 27 52 for bringing down a The win lifted Dortmund to 71 Stade Rennes 34 13 12 9 50 45 51 Angers SCO 34 13 10 11 38 33 49 charging Shinji Kagawa. points, seven adrift of Bayern who Caen 34 14 4 16 35 50 46 conquered Schalke 04 3-0. Nantes 34 11 11 12 30 37 44 European hopefuls Mainz 05 squan- FC Lorient 34 10 13 11 46 52 43 17-year-old drilled in from a tight dered a two-goal lead and a chance Bastia 34 12 7 15 31 38 43 Girondins Bordeaux 34 10 13 11 42 53 43 angle in the 38th minute. to close on the Champions League En Avant Guingamp 34 11 9 14 42 49 42 “I can’t describe it and put it into spots, slumping to a 2-3 loss against Oly Marseille 34 8 16 10 44 40 40 words,” said Pulisic. Cologne, who scored three times in Montpellier HSC 34 11 7 16 40 42 40 Stade de Reims 34 9 9 16 38 50 36 Adrian Ramos added another goal six the second half to move up to 10th GFC Ajaccio 34 7 13 14 33 49 34 minutes later, shaking off two defend- on 37. REUTERS/ Wolfgang Rattay Rattay REUTERS/ Wolfgang Toulouse 34 7 12 15 39 50 33 ššSchalke’s Roman Neustaedter challenges Borussia Dortmund’s ers to fire in as Dortmund looked to Mainz are sixth on 45, level with ES Troyes AC 34 3 8 23 24 73 17 Christian Pulisic. recover from their last-gasp Europa seventh-placed Schalke 04. 16 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 17 Football

SEMIFINAL FIXTURES VOICE OF THE VANQUISHED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIRST LEG April 26 Man City (ENG) vs Real Madrid (ESP) What now for PSG? Atletico Madrid (ESP) vs Bayern Munich April 27 (GER) SECOND LEG Bayern Munich (GER) vs Atletico Madrid ARIS Saint-Germain have some “What a fiasco” screamed the front May 3 (ESP) serious soul-searching to do after page headline on sports daily L’Equipe It’s evident that we’re in a May 4 Real Madrid (ESP) vs Man City (ENG) Ponce again coming up short in as the search for someone to blame The final will be at Milan’s San Siro Stadium on hole, we aren’t at our best at the Champions League as they exited began. May 28. the moment nor our most EUROPA LEAGUE the competition at the hands of Man- The question now is, what does the effective, especially if we take FIRST LEG chester City last week. future hold? Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) vs Sevilla (ESP) into account April 28 A 1-0 defeat in England saw PSG lose “The future? We’ve a season to fin- Villarreal (ESP) vs Liverpool (ENG) other moments 2-3 on aggregate as they became the ish. We’ve a French Cup semifinal to SECOND LEG of the season. Sevilla (ESP) vs Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) first team to lose in the quarterfinal of try to win and a League Cup final to May 5 There’s still a Liverpool (ENG) vs Villarreal (ESP) the Champions League in four consec- win,” said Blanc. The final will be at Basel, Switzerland, on May 18. utive seasons. lot left in the After losing twice to Barcelona and season and important things once on away goals to Chelsea in the PSG came up short the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy nearly previous three campaigns, this was sup- to play for. The thought of 30 years later, England conjured up posed to be the year Paris went one against a Man City side winning the Champions another sensational last-minute strike further and reached the semifinal for enduring a disappointing League again excited all Barca in extra time to see off a determined the first time since being taken over by season in England. fans, but it wasn’t to be. The Belgium side in the last 16. With just the Qatar Sports Investments in 2011. players are sad.

Reuters/ Darren Staples Reuters/ moments to go before the match ended Before the first leg against City, PSG Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach. ššLiverpool players’ joy knows no bounds after they pulled off a coup against Borussia Dortmund. on penalties, Paul Gascoigne floated coach Laurent Blanc had spoken of Once they have done that, the club in a free-kick towards substitute David his relief at avoiding “the two ogres of may be tempted to clear the decks and Platt, who hooked the ball into the net European football at the moment”, in freshen up the squad. Now is perhaps I’m disappointed and angry. I with a superb volley. Bayern Munich and Barcelona as well the time, with several leading players really believed we would win During the same tournament, Daniel as Real Madrid. soon out of contract. the quarterfinal Fonseca earned Uruguay a Round-of-16 Those three have become regulars The club have the means and the and qualify for berth with a 90th-minute winner against in the last four of Europe’s elite club desire to sign a new superstar, with the semifinal. South Korea, a finale not dissimilar competition in recent seasons and PSG Neymar apparently on their wish-list, But we fell short to that witnessed in Colombia’s final aspire to join them, but they came up and club president Nasser Ghanem Al over the two

group game against West Germany. short against a City side enduring a Kholaifi will surely be tempted to add Darren Staples Reuters/ It ain’t over Already through thanks to consecutive disappointing season in England and new faces while keeping the likes of legs. We weren’t clinical enough, triumphs, the Mannschaft thought they appearing in their first-ever Champions Angel di Maria, Thiago Silva and Marco ššFrom left, PSG’s Thiago Motta, Thiago Silva and Angel Di Maria had prevailed yet again when Pierre League quarterfinal. Verratti. look dejected following their loss to Manchester City. we weren’t efficient enough Littbarski struck in the 89th, only for and we paid the price by Freddy Rincon to equalise a minute later. failing to qualify. Continental competitions have pro- Laurent Blanc, PSG coach. duced a healthy stream of timely inter- ventions too, with no fewer than seven COACHES SPEAK till it’s over! goals recorded in added time at Euro We fought until the end 2008. As Liverpool script a dream comeback against Borussia Dortmund It’s a difficult draw. It didn’t matter which It’s a semifinal, so it’s going to (against Bayern Munich), so France come alive at death team we were paired with, I didn’t have a be a very difficult game. The I’ve to congratulate my players and our amazing The fashion perhaps began during preference. There’s no greater motivation. only thing that’s positive is that to book their place in the Europa League semifinal, www.fifa.com supporters. It was the Euro 2000 final between Italy and The motivation to play the semifinal is we’re playing the second leg at a great match. looks at some other stunning last-minute fightbacks. France, when the Azzurri held a 1-0 always unbelievable. The fans will home. That’s positive, but it’s lead with 93 minutes on the clock. Their enjoy the Champions League more the going to be a very difficult tie, a We faced a very supporters were already celebrating, further we go. It involves all best teams. brutal tie. powerful team S EVERY player and fan knows, Lovren with his cross in stoppage time ŢšDejan Lovren but Sylvain Wiltord forced them to re- that knows how Manuel Pellegrini Zinedine Zidane to dictate the pace until the final whistle rever- Just when it appeared to complete the comeback and bring cork their bottles after four minutes of Aberates around the stadium, to an end a magical European night. stoppage time, before David Trezeguet of the game. We promised Borussia Dortmund had anything is possible. Join www.fifa.com as it looks back at lashed in an extra-time golden goal. They (Bayern Munich) are a huge club, We’ve seen what kind of a special we would go eye to eye with Some of the most incredible chap- done just enough, the famous last-gasp goals and the play- Four years later, Les Bleus began Euro with great history and are very strong side Atletico are. For me, Barcelona Bayern and we did so. ters in the history of the game have game took a final turn. ers who scored them. 2004 much in the same way as they in these ties. They’re a very attacking remain the best team in Europe, Rui Vitoria, Benfica coach. been written by teams that refused to had ended the previous edition, with team with a coach with very clear regardless of whether they’re in let their heads drop. England’s moment of glory Zinedine Zidane hitting a 91st-min- ideas and they’ve always competed the semifinal or not, but in recent Liverpool advanced to the Europa another away goal for the German side England’s finest hour came 43 years ago ute equaliser against England from a to win this competition… The only years, Atletico twice managed It (defeat to Real Madrid) was League semifinal in dramatic fashion in the 57th minute. Due to the away as host nation of the 1966 World Cup, free-kick and securing his team three thing I can say is that this is a to beat them. That shows how a bit of a reflection of our last week. After managing a 1-1 draw goals rule, Liverpool knew they had a but not before late drama in normal points with a penalty two minutes later. wonderful opportunity for us. difficult this’ll be. at Signal Iduna Park in the first leg of mountain to climb, needing to score time during the final. Alf Ramsey’s men In South America, Argentina thought season. We seem to be making their quarterfinal, a successful show- three goals in the last half hour to keep led 2-1 with 89 minutes gone and they had wrapped up the 2004 Copa Diego Simeone Pep Guardiola mistakes at all the ing at one of Europe’s more intimidat- their European dreams alive. were readying themselves to lift America title until Brazil’s Adriano wrong times. ing arenas, the odds appeared to be in Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho the trophy when West German had his say. The Selecao striker Overall, it was Jurgen Klopp’s side’s favour going into then curled in a fiercely-driven shot on defender Wolfgang Weber lev- cancelled out Christian ‘Kily’ just like we had Barcelona are in a slump after exiting the Champions League at the the second leg. top of the penalty area in the 66th to bring elled the scores in the dying Gonzalez’s spot-kick opener Barcelona hands of Atletico Madrid, their coach Luis Enrique said last week. predicted it. We However, after just eight minutes at Liverpool back to within a goal on the seconds. with the last kick of the first half distraught Last season’s treble winners were firm favourites to become the needed a goal Anfield, Borussia Dortmund took a 2-0 night. Twelve minutes later, they were Determined to keep the during the final and struck again first team to retain the trophy and travelled to the Spanish capital and we didn’t get lead with goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan level when centre-back Mamadou Sakho famous silverware in London, during added time after Cesar after defeat with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, but they were outwitted and it. On the one hand, I’m proud and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. After headed in from a corner kick, giving his though, Geoff Hurst added to Delgardo had put the Albiceleste outfought by Diego Simeone’s side in a 0-2 loss. of the team’s outstanding run half-time, the game went into over- side 10 more minutes to find the winner. an earlier goal with an extra- back in front. There proved no way Barca had set a new Spanish record of 39 games without defeat in the competition, but on the drive. Divock Origi scored three minutes Just when it appeared Dortmund had time double, completing his back for Marcelo Bielsa’s crestfallen in all competitions this season, producing some of their best football under Luis Enrique to thrash Valencia 7-0 in a King’s Cup other we conceded silly goals. after the break to get the Anfield faithful done just enough, the game took a final hat-trick and putting the result troops who then succumbed on pen- š semifinal and hammer Celta Vigo 6-1 in February. šBarca’s Lionel Messi, left, and Neymar react believing again. But Marco Reus scored turn when James Milner found Dejan beyond doubt in the 120th. At alties. after their surprise defeat to Atletico Madrid. Klaus Allofs, Wolfsburg Sports Director. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 17

What now for PSG? VOICE OF THE VANQUISHED

ARIS Saint-Germain have some “What a fiasco” screamed the front serious soul-searching to do after page headline on sports daily L’Equipe It’s evident that we’re in a Ponce again coming up short in as the search for someone to blame hole, we aren’t at our best at the Champions League as they exited began. the moment nor our most the competition at the hands of Man- The question now is, what does the effective, especially if we take chester City last week. future hold? into account A 1-0 defeat in England saw PSG lose “The future? We’ve a season to fin- other moments 2-3 on aggregate as they became the ish. We’ve a French Cup semifinal to of the season. first team to lose in the quarterfinal of try to win and a League Cup final to the Champions League in four consec- win,” said Blanc. There’s still a utive seasons. lot left in the After losing twice to Barcelona and season and important things once on away goals to Chelsea in the PSG came up short previous three campaigns, this was sup- to play for. The thought of posed to be the year Paris went one against a Man City side winning the Champions further and reached the semifinal for enduring a disappointing League again excited all Barca the first time since being taken over by season in England. fans, but it wasn’t to be. The the Qatar Sports Investments in 2011. players are sad. Before the first leg against City, PSG Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach. coach Laurent Blanc had spoken of Once they have done that, the club his relief at avoiding “the two ogres of may be tempted to clear the decks and European football at the moment”, in freshen up the squad. Now is perhaps I’m disappointed and angry. I Bayern Munich and Barcelona as well the time, with several leading players really believed we would win as Real Madrid. soon out of contract. the quarterfinal Those three have become regulars The club have the means and the and qualify for in the last four of Europe’s elite club desire to sign a new superstar, with the semifinal. competition in recent seasons and PSG Neymar apparently on their wish-list, But we fell short aspire to join them, but they came up and club president Nasser Ghanem Al over the two

short against a City side enduring a Kholaifi will surely be tempted to add Darren Staples Reuters/ disappointing season in England and new faces while keeping the likes of legs. We weren’t clinical enough, appearing in their first-ever Champions Angel di Maria, Thiago Silva and Marco ššFrom left, PSG’s Thiago Motta, Thiago Silva and Angel Di Maria League quarterfinal. Verratti. look dejected following their loss to Manchester City. we weren’t efficient enough and we paid the price by failing to qualify. Laurent Blanc, PSG coach. COACHES SPEAK We fought until the end It’s a difficult draw. It didn’t matter which It’s a semifinal, so it’s going to (against Bayern Munich), so team we were paired with, I didn’t have a be a very difficult game. The I’ve to congratulate my players preference. There’s no greater motivation. only thing that’s positive is that and our amazing The motivation to play the semifinal is we’re playing the second leg at supporters. It was always unbelievable. The fans will home. That’s positive, but it’s a great match. enjoy the Champions League more the going to be a very difficult tie, a We faced a very further we go. It involves all best teams. brutal tie. powerful team that knows how Manuel Pellegrini Zinedine Zidane to dictate the pace of the game. We promised They (Bayern Munich) are a huge club, We’ve seen what kind of a special we would go eye to eye with with great history and are very strong side Atletico are. For me, Barcelona Bayern and we did so. in these ties. They’re a very attacking remain the best team in Europe, Rui Vitoria, Benfica coach. team with a coach with very clear regardless of whether they’re in ideas and they’ve always competed the semifinal or not, but in recent to win this competition… The only years, Atletico twice managed It (defeat to Real Madrid) was thing I can say is that this is a to beat them. That shows how a bit of a reflection of our wonderful opportunity for us. difficult this’ll be. season. We seem to be making Diego Simeone Pep Guardiola mistakes at all the wrong times. Overall, it was just like we had Barcelona are in a slump after exiting the Champions League at the Barcelona hands of Atletico Madrid, their coach Luis Enrique said last week. predicted it. We distraught Last season’s treble winners were firm favourites to become the needed a goal first team to retain the trophy and travelled to the Spanish capital and we didn’t get after defeat with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, but they were outwitted and it. On the one hand, I’m proud outfought by Diego Simeone’s side in a 0-2 loss. of the team’s outstanding run Barca had set a new Spanish record of 39 games without defeat in all competitions this season, producing some of their best in the competition, but on the football under Luis Enrique to thrash Valencia 7-0 in a King’s Cup other we conceded silly goals. š semifinal and hammer Celta Vigo 6-1 in February. šBarca’s Lionel Messi, left, and Neymar react after their surprise defeat to Atletico Madrid. Klaus Allofs, Wolfsburg Sports Director. 18 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 19 Basketball Will Al Gharafa upset ‘We want Jaish applecart? L GHARAFA beat last year’s runners-up Al Sadd 63-52 in Athe second of their best-of- three semifinals and qualified for their fourth Emir’s Cup final at the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall last week. to be the Gharafa will meet holders El Jaish, who beat Al Rayyan with an identical ššAbdulrahman Saad 2-0 margin, in Friday’s final. For Gharafa, point guard Kevin Galloway, with 15 points and 13 rebounds, forward Emmanuel Adako (15 points) Kosai all praise and swingman Hassino Ndoye (14) con- for young šĈAl Gharafa’s Kevin Galloway vies with Al Sadd’s Saeed Erfan Ali. tributed to the victory. best TEAM’ Sadd, who lost 57-75 in the first sem- Abdulrahman Al Gharafa’s long-serving coach Kosai Hatem stays confident of beating El Jaish in the Emir’s Cup final. L GHARAFA coach Kosai Hatem Jaish dashed the treble heaped praise on Abdulrah- Aman Saad for his outstanding ЂĈWhat are Gharafa’s chances hopes of Al Rayyan, who performance throughout the season. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW against Jaish in the final? won the Qatar League The 20-year-old may be young, but ЃĈI’m hopeful, we’ll do well. We already and Qatar Cup. he displayed a rare maturity that left ĈĈAl Gharafa endure a missed our chances in the league and an indelible impression. disappointing season Qatar Cup. This is our last opportunity. “Abdulrahman is quick and nim- We want to win the Emir’s Cup and end ifinal, matched Gharafa blow for blow ble-footed. He can launch fast coun- the season on a high. We’ve had some at the start of the second tie. However, ter-attacks. He’s a strong presence in great wins in the competition so far. We seven seconds before the interval, Ndoye defence as well. He’s young, but a great Mohammad Amin-ul Islam want to stay motivated. triggered a 12-point run at 30-28 that asset. The team’s success depends a lot lasted four minutes to shut out Sadd’s on him,” said Kosai. ЂĈWhat’s your target for next challenge. Abdulrahman scored 10 points in their season? For Sadd, Dante Nathanael Williams victory against Al Sadd in the second L GHARAFA love playing in the ЃĈGharafa are rated very high for the had a match-high 21 points and of best-of-three semifinals last week. Emir’s Cup final. Whenever last couple of years. We want to maintain Mohamed Deba Kone collected 14. “We’ve a good chance to win the Athey have made it to the title that and qualify for every final. That’ll Meanwhile, Jaish dashed the tre- Emir’s Cup. We’ve great players and clash of Qatar’s most prestigious club be our target. People say we’re the best ble hopes of Al Rayyan, who were on better co-ordination. But El Jaish, with competition, they have won it. Gharafa a high after winning the Qatar League their good mix of local and international emerged as champions after beating and Qatar Cup. However, Vernon Leon ššEl Jaish’s Vermon Leon Macklin, left, challenges Al Rayyan’s Lawrence Hill. players, can give us a tough fight,” said DSP/ Mohan Al Rayyan in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 We’ve had some great Macklin came up with 39 points and 14 Abdulrahman, who was introduced to while in 2013-14, as they made a clean- rebounds to set up an 87-75 victory in the game by his elder brother Abdullah. sweep of domestic titles, they got the wins in the competition the second match. Adamu Saaka (14) against the rivals’ 16 in the third quar- “I wanted to play for Sadd, but they so far. We want to RESULTS better of El Jaish in the final. and Ali Turki Ali (10) were the other ter to swing the match in their favour. BEST-OF-THREE SEMIFINALS had plenty of age-group players. It Kosai Hatem, who is at Gharafa’s helm stay motivated. main scorers for the Armymen, who For Rayyan, Lawrence Hill scored 17 Al Gharafa bt Al Sadd 63-52 took me three years before I made for the 10th season in a row, would want had won the first match 87-80. points, Tanguy Ngombo 14, Malek Al Gharafa bt Al Sadd 75-57 it to Gharafa’s Under-12 squad. I got to win their fourth title when his team Rayyan led by just two points at the Seleem Abdulla 12 and Mohamed El Jaish bt Al Rayyan 87-75 into the first team as a 16-year-old,” El Jaish bt Al Rayyan 87-80 again locks horns with Jaish on Friday. defensive side. We take pride in it and interval (35-33), but Jaish reeled off 33 as Hassan Mohamed 10. DSP he added. DSP “Our first aim was to reach the best- hope to continue with our good work. of-three semifinals. I was very happy We want to be the best. that we achieved it. Hopefully, we’ll be able to reclaim the title,” Hatem told ЂĈDo you think overseas play- Doha Stadium Plus in an exclu- ers are blocking the chances of Rayyan coach Stergios remains upbeat for next season sive interview. Qataris in local clubs? ЃĈIt’s a good idea to have foreigners play- ЂĈHow would you rate ing alongside Qatari players. They moti- L RAYYAN’S bid for a domestic Athens-based Ilisiakos in 2001 and Gharafa’s season? vate and help the local players groom treble ended in the Emir’s Cup I thank the team earned the third division side a pro- ЃĈIt was a mixed season. We and gain confidence. Their experience Asemifinal, where they lost to motion to the next stage. But his big- could’ve won at least one title before in the NBA and Europe counts a lot. Last El Jaish, but coach Koufos Stergios was management for gest success came with second division the Emir’s Cup. Technically, we’re a good year, the teams were allowed to sign three all praise for his players for a splendid trusting me and giving side AGO Rethymno Aegean, whom he side, but the players couldn’t deal with foreigners, but this time it was reduced season during which they won the me a free hand. guided to the top flight in his first year pressure in crunch games. In the Qatar to two. I didn’t see any change for the Qatar League and Qatar Cup. in charge in 2011. League, we failed to qualify for the final local players. “Winning and losing is part of the “There’re many differences here com- and ended up playing in the third-place For example, Abdulrahman Sadd was game. But we did well this season right players and I look forward to the pared to the other places where I’ve play-off. By that time, there wasn’t any a regular last year and he’s still play- and that’s what gives us a lot of satis- next season.” coached. But I’m enjoying it a lot and motivation left. We had another chance ing and making a lot of difference this faction,” Stergios told Doha Stadium Stergios, who is Rayyan’s first non- Doha is a nice place to be in,” added when we played Al Rayyan in the Qatar time too. It’s not about having two or Plus. “I thank the team management American coach in a long time, said he Stergios, who guided Rayyan to their

Cup final, but there too we missed sev- three foreigners, but quality players. Divakaran DSP/ Vinod for trusting me and giving me a free enjoyed his first stint outside Greece. maiden Arab Club Championship upon šĈKosai Hatem eral opportunities. This is good for the competition. DSP ššKoufos Stergios hand. I’m proud of my boys. We’ve the He started his coaching career with taking charge in 2014. DSP Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 19

Will Al Gharafa upset Jaish applecart?

L GHARAFA beat last year’s runners-up Al Sadd 63-52 in Athe second of their best-of- three semifinals and qualified for their fourth Emir’s Cup final at the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall last week. Gharafa will meet holders El Jaish, who beat Al Rayyan with an identical ššAbdulrahman Saad 2-0 margin, in Friday’s final. For Gharafa, point guard Kevin Galloway, with 15 points and 13 rebounds, forward Emmanuel Adako (15 points) Kosai all praise and swingman Hassino Ndoye (14) con- for young tributed to the victory. Sadd, who lost 57-75 in the first sem- Abdulrahman

L GHARAFA coach Kosai Hatem Jaish dashed the treble heaped praise on Abdulrah- Aman Saad for his outstanding hopes of Al Rayyan, who performance throughout the season. won the Qatar League The 20-year-old may be young, but and Qatar Cup. he displayed a rare maturity that left an indelible impression. “Abdulrahman is quick and nim- ifinal, matched Gharafa blow for blow ble-footed. He can launch fast coun- at the start of the second tie. However, ter-attacks. He’s a strong presence in seven seconds before the interval, Ndoye defence as well. He’s young, but a great triggered a 12-point run at 30-28 that asset. The team’s success depends a lot lasted four minutes to shut out Sadd’s on him,” said Kosai. challenge. Abdulrahman scored 10 points in their For Sadd, Dante Nathanael Williams victory against Al Sadd in the second had a match-high 21 points and of best-of-three semifinals last week. Mohamed Deba Kone collected 14. “We’ve a good chance to win the Meanwhile, Jaish dashed the tre- Emir’s Cup. We’ve great players and ble hopes of Al Rayyan, who were on better co-ordination. But El Jaish, with a high after winning the Qatar League their good mix of local and international and Qatar Cup. However, Vernon Leon ššEl Jaish’s Vermon Leon Macklin, left, challenges Al Rayyan’s Lawrence Hill. players, can give us a tough fight,” said Macklin came up with 39 points and 14 Abdulrahman, who was introduced to rebounds to set up an 87-75 victory in the game by his elder brother Abdullah. the second match. Adamu Saaka (14) against the rivals’ 16 in the third quar- RESULTS “I wanted to play for Sadd, but they and Ali Turki Ali (10) were the other ter to swing the match in their favour. BEST-OF-THREE SEMIFINALS had plenty of age-group players. It main scorers for the Armymen, who For Rayyan, Lawrence Hill scored 17 Al Gharafa bt Al Sadd 63-52 took me three years before I made had won the first match 87-80. points, Tanguy Ngombo 14, Malek Al Gharafa bt Al Sadd 75-57 it to Gharafa’s Under-12 squad. I got Rayyan led by just two points at the Seleem Abdulla 12 and Mohamed El Jaish bt Al Rayyan 87-75 into the first team as a 16-year-old,” El Jaish bt Al Rayyan 87-80 interval (35-33), but Jaish reeled off 33 as Hassan Mohamed 10. DSP he added. DSP

Rayyan coach Stergios remains upbeat for next season

L RAYYAN’S bid for a domestic Athens-based Ilisiakos in 2001 and treble ended in the Emir’s Cup I thank the team earned the third division side a pro- Asemifinal, where they lost to motion to the next stage. But his big- El Jaish, but coach Koufos Stergios was management for gest success came with second division all praise for his players for a splendid trusting me and giving side AGO Rethymno Aegean, whom he season during which they won the me a free hand. guided to the top flight in his first year Qatar League and Qatar Cup. in charge in 2011. “Winning and losing is part of the “There’re many differences here com- game. But we did well this season right players and I look forward to the pared to the other places where I’ve and that’s what gives us a lot of satis- next season.” coached. But I’m enjoying it a lot and faction,” Stergios told Doha Stadium Stergios, who is Rayyan’s first non- Doha is a nice place to be in,” added Plus. “I thank the team management American coach in a long time, said he Stergios, who guided Rayyan to their

DSP/ Vinod Divakaran DSP/ Vinod for trusting me and giving me a free enjoyed his first stint outside Greece. maiden Arab Club Championship upon ššKoufos Stergios hand. I’m proud of my boys. We’ve the He started his coaching career with taking charge in 2014. DSP FERNANDO TORRES

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

AFP/ Javier Soriano AFP/ Javier Soriano 22 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 23 Rugby Perfect weather! Qatar captain Tom Weatherstone exudes confidence that the ongoing Asia 15s Championship, which also features Iran and Lebanon, can help the sport develop in the country.

an opportunity to be a part of the Qatar EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW national squad.

ЂЂCan we expect to see more Qataris in future? Mohammad Amin-ul Islam ЃЂAbdulaziz Al Dosari, Abdul Karem Al Mohannadi, Mubarak Al Malik, Talal Mujalli and Rakan Mutawaa are already in the team. This’ll help improve the sport’s ATAR captain Tom Weatherstone profile. Al Malik and Al Dosari are in the may not be an intimidating 15s since 2011. They’ve done a fantas- Qpresence, but he possesses tic job as part of the development work. enough experience and guile to guide They’ve also been helpful in recruiting the team. He exuded confidence that players and continue to motivate others the Asia 15s Championship, featuring to take up the sport. Qatar, Iran and Palestine, would help

the sport develop in the country. ЂЂHow can the sport be devel- DSP/Mohan He also hoped more Qataris would oped in the country? ššQatar and Iran players fight for possession. take up the sport in future. ЃЂIt can be spread through youth pro- Weatherstone, who plays for Doha grammes and by increasing awareness. Rugby Football Club (DRFC), spoke exclu- Rugby isn’t just about fitness and being sively to Doha Stadium Plus about how Qatar prove too good for Iran ŠЂTom the Asia Championship can shape the Weatherstone sport’s future in the country. Players from different ATAR started off well at the boost the players’ confidence as they Guale made it 18-0 with another try. ЂЂWhat’s the difference between backgrounds now have a Asia Championship Division look to win the tournament,” said Qatar Thomas Nolan and Featherstone also playing in sevens and 15s competi- chance to be a part of the QIII West Central, overcoming a captain Tom Featherstone. had a try each while Beard chipped in tions? Qatar national squad. physical Iranian side 35-12 in the open- with two penalty conversions. ЃЂIn sevens, you’ve to be really fast and fit ing match at the Aspire Zone last week. With less than 30 seconds before half- while 15s is a physical game where you’ve The hosts were relentless in attack The victory will boost time, Mehdi Ardekani took an intercep- more support of other players. Playing in physically strong. Anybody can play it. driving the ball through the forwards, tion and scored Iran’s first points while ššAaron Stockdale between the forwards and backs can be We’ve to send the message across that claiming 70 per cent of possession. They the players’ confidence Reza Bayat converted the try. quite difficult, but I’ve managed to do it. it isn’t dangerous. Like any other sport, took control early in the first half when as they look to win the After the break, substitute Sadegh My experience has helped me to play in you need to understand the rules. If you centre Mathew Uffindall trampled his tournament. Pakdaman gave the Iran bench more Sport’s future both versions. know them, you can lessen the level of way over the line. Though the conver- to cheer when he scored. injuries. Promotions and coaching pro- sion was unsuccessful, Paul Beard made Trailing by 11 points, Iran gave indica- bright in Qatar, ЂЂIn the past, the Qatar team grammes are other aspects. Recently, the up for it by converting another penalty Both sides showed plenty of energy, tions they would stage a comeback, but used to have players mostly from Qatar Rugby Federation carried out such to extend the lead to 8-0. but Qatar’s forward line was undoubtedly Kinsella dashed their hopes by cross- says Asia official the DRFC. Do you think there’s a activities at some schools. It’ll take a lit- “We’re happy with our performance a cut above their rivals. Huw Kinsella ing over for his second try to give Qatar change now? tle bit of process, but the end result will against a tough team. The victory will increased their lead to 13-0 while Robbie a 28-12 lead. DSP Asia Rugby Competition Consultant ЃЂThe national squads used to have be good. Aaron Stockdale said the sport’s future was bright in Qatar. players primarily from the DRFC. But Qatar were included in the HSBC Ђ with many clubs coming up, things have ЂCan you talk about Qatar Asian 5 Nations in 2011. With a become really good for the sport. Thanks team’s strength in the competi- blend of experienced players and to the sevens league, new teams have been tion? Mutawaa elated after aspiring youngsters, they made an formed. Getting new sides and players to ЃЂThe team’s forward pack is the strong impact on their debut at the Division appear for trials give us different ideas point. They’ve the experience of playing IV competition in Dubai, beating Lebanon and Jordan to win the series. and a bigger pool to choose from. Now, together in the local clubs. We hope to making Qatar debut “Qatar have been developing as DSP players from different backgrounds have win the tournament. a serious contender on the Asian circuit. The quality of their game was TAR winger Rakan Mutawaa was Asked about the difference between impressive. The tournament will give We’re delighted to organise the Asia elated after making his debut 7s and 15s, Mutawaa said, “In a 15s the side the right exposure,” said Sfor Qatar against Iran last week. match, the players have specialised Stockdale. “With the support of the Championship Division III West Central “It was an amazing feeling to play positions and can focus on their task Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatar competition. I thank the Rugby Federation, the team will do in front of home crowd and friends. while in sevens you don’t have time to Qatar Olympic Committee, well.” I’m proud to represent the country in think and you must play everywhere. In Aspire Zone Foundation Stockdale also praised the excellent a major international competition. 7s, you’ve a close team, but when you and all our sponsors for facilities in the country. I felt so emotional before the match play 15s, your family is bigger. “Doha is one of the best sports their support. that I just wanted to get out there and “There’re people who like challenges. destinations in the world. With the Yousef Al Kuwari, Qatar Rugby play,” US-born Mutawaa told Doha In two to three years, the sport will quality of facilities available, it’s just fantastic,” he added. DSP/Mohan Federation President. ššRakan Mutawaa Stadium Plus. develop here.” DSP DSP Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 23 DSP/Mohan ššQatar and Iran players fight for possession. Qatar prove too good for Iran

ATAR started off well at the boost the players’ confidence as they Guale made it 18-0 with another try. Asia Championship Division look to win the tournament,” said Qatar Thomas Nolan and Featherstone also QIII West Central, overcoming a captain Tom Featherstone. had a try each while Beard chipped in physical Iranian side 35-12 in the open- with two penalty conversions. ing match at the Aspire Zone last week. With less than 30 seconds before half- The hosts were relentless in attack The victory will boost time, Mehdi Ardekani took an intercep- driving the ball through the forwards, tion and scored Iran’s first points while ššAaron Stockdale claiming 70 per cent of possession. They the players’ confidence Reza Bayat converted the try. took control early in the first half when as they look to win the After the break, substitute Sadegh centre Mathew Uffindall trampled his tournament. Pakdaman gave the Iran bench more Sport’s future way over the line. Though the conver- to cheer when he scored. sion was unsuccessful, Paul Beard made Trailing by 11 points, Iran gave indica- bright in Qatar, up for it by converting another penalty Both sides showed plenty of energy, tions they would stage a comeback, but to extend the lead to 8-0. but Qatar’s forward line was undoubtedly Kinsella dashed their hopes by cross- says Asia official “We’re happy with our performance a cut above their rivals. Huw Kinsella ing over for his second try to give Qatar against a tough team. The victory will increased their lead to 13-0 while Robbie a 28-12 lead. DSP Asia Rugby Competition Consultant Aaron Stockdale said the sport’s future was bright in Qatar. Qatar were included in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations in 2011. With a blend of experienced players and Mutawaa elated after aspiring youngsters, they made an impact on their debut at the Division IV competition in Dubai, beating making Qatar debut Lebanon and Jordan to win the series. “Qatar have been developing as a serious contender on the Asian circuit. The quality of their game was TAR winger Rakan Mutawaa was Asked about the difference between impressive. The tournament will give elated after making his debut 7s and 15s, Mutawaa said, “In a 15s the side the right exposure,” said Sfor Qatar against Iran last week. match, the players have specialised Stockdale. “With the support of the “It was an amazing feeling to play positions and can focus on their task Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatar Rugby Federation, the team will do in front of home crowd and friends. while in sevens you don’t have time to well.” I’m proud to represent the country in think and you must play everywhere. In Stockdale also praised the excellent a major international competition. 7s, you’ve a close team, but when you facilities in the country. I felt so emotional before the match play 15s, your family is bigger. “Doha is one of the best sports that I just wanted to get out there and “There’re people who like challenges. destinations in the world. With the play,” US-born Mutawaa told Doha In two to three years, the sport will quality of facilities available, it’s just ššRakan Mutawaa Stadium Plus. develop here.” DSP fantastic,” he added. DSP 24 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 25 At a glance

VOLLEYBALL Four-team Qatar RESULTS WEDNESDAY Hijran (Gaetan Faucon) 1, Abeah 2, TM Cup from Friday Majid Texas 3, Al Fouz 4. Won by: Hd, 7, 1 3/4. Race 1 Time: 1:19.45. Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. The Qatar Cup and Emir’s Cup Owned by: Umm Qarn. tournaments will be held at the Ali bin Izghawa (Evert Pheiff er) 1, Al Maftoon 2, Hamad Al Attiyah Arena at Al Sadd. The Tortilla Jackson 3, Rome 4. Won by: 1, 3 1/2, Qatar Cup, to be played from April 22 Race 2 5. Time: 1:10.79. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin to 28, will see the top-four finishers in Jassim Al Thani. the Qatar League — Al Arabi, Al Rayyan, Derzkiy (Pier Convertino) 1, Tarek Al Mels Police and El Jaish — vying for honours. 2, Lehwaila 3, Fawwaz 4. Won by: 1, 2 1/2, 2 Race 3 All 11 league teams will be seen 1/2. Time: 1:59.48. Trained by: Hilal Kobeissi. in action in the coveted Emir’s Cup, Owned by: Al Jasra Stud. rayyan runners-up to be held from April 30 to May 13, Shaka Zulu (Evert Pheiff er) 1, Mutadhamen 2, Jazz 3, Erroneous 4. Won by: 2, 1 1/2, Shd. Race 4 even though its format is yet to be Time: 1:10.70. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Al Ahli stretch the Lions in a five-set thriller, but Igor Arbutina’s men hold their nerve to beat them. announced. DSP Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Topsy Turvy (Evert Pheiff er) 1, Cappuccino Delight 2, Al Nehayy 3, One More Roman 4. Race 5 Won by: 1 3/4, 2, 3. Time: 1:55.12. Trained by:

L RAYYAN, who were recently Babu Photo/Juhaim Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. dethroned as Qatar Stars League opponents for any team. šЂMarco Monterisso rides Zman Awal to victory. Aqdaar (Cedric Segeon) 1, My Sharona 2, Achampions by Al Arabi after a Chilworth Icon 3, Lupie 4. Won by: 1/2, 3/4, three-year reign, recovered quickly to ‘We’ll try our best to ЂЂWhat’re the chances of win- HORSERACING Race 6 Hd. Time: 1:03.39. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Saeed Ibrahim Saeed defeat Al Ahli and finish runners-up ning them? Al Malki. last week. ЃЂRayyan always play to win titles. We’ll Al Hareth (Richard Mullen) 1, Akram 2, Al Mazrooah 3, Zahrah 4. Won by: 5, 2 1/2, 1. Ahli stretched Igor Arbutina’s men try our best to lift the two cups. It’s too Race 7 win both cup events’ Zman Awal a class apart Time: 1:11.83. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. to the fifth set in a pulsating match tough to predict who’ll win them. I can Owned by: Mishal bin Ali Al Attiyah. that lasted close to two hours at the say that we’ll be in our best shape in time THURSDAY Al Arabi Indoor Hall. However, Rayyan finish as runners-up after losing for them. OHAMMED bin Hamad Khalifa Salem Fadgam Al Hajri and Sons’ Halak Saab (Marco Monteriso) 1, Waeed 2, Aflaton Bu Thaila 3, Mahbooba 4. Won by: 1, held their nerve to win 25-19, 22-25, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW the league title? Al Attiyah-owned Zman Awal Charme Secret (Air Chief Marshal- Race 1 2 ½, Hd. Time: 1:25.69. Trained by: Mohamed 25-16, 23-25, 15-11. ЃЂSecond place was our target after los- ЂЂHow do you look at the just- M(Dubawi-Pivotal Lady) came up Scarley Secret) was ridden brilliantly Hussain. Owned by: Ahmed Khalil Othman concluded league? Al Tamimi. Later, Arabi defeated Police 17-25, ing the title. After playing a big game with a brilliant run to emerge as victori- by Qatari jockey Yousef Al Hajri to an Charme Secret (Yousef Al Hajri) 1, Al Fouz 2, 25-17, 21-25, 25-22, 15-12 to end their N Ganesh against Arabi in the previous round, it ЃЂI think the Qatar League is now a high- ous in the Loyalty Cup-The Late Yousef exciting win in the Class 6 Thoroughbred Digital Rebellion 3, Atlantic Sea 4. Won by: campaign on a perfect note. Police was important for players to recover level competition. Since 2007, when I Al Romaihi, a Class 2 Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. Charme Secret raced to Race 2 1, 2 ½, 1 ¼. Time: 1:22.67. Trained by: Salem Al Hajri. Owned by: Salem Fadgam Al Hajri and El Jaish finished third and fourth physically in time. We had the pressure arrived in Qatar first, the competitive Conditions race for horses rated 80 to a handy second behind stable-mate & Sons. respectively. to win against Ahli. We played seriously 100 at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Atlantic until the home turn. The Qatari Gadab (Gaetan Faucon) 1, Chanson Du Soleil 2, Verracruz 3. Rawaa 4. Won by: ¾, Race 3 It looked Rayyan would have it easy at L RAYYAN coach Igor Arbutina until the end. I’m happy with our result. Club last week. Hd, 2. Time: 1:46.87. Trained by: Alban de the start when they raced to a 7-1 lead. does not need any introduction It’s too tough to predict Mohannad Al Yaqout-trained Zman Mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn. Ain Qatar volleyball. The soft- ЂЂLooking back, what cost you Awal was given a peach of a ride by Al Khattaf (JP Guillambert) 1, Bahia Du the title this season? who’ll win the cups. Barthas 2, Ainhoa Munjili 3, Saab 4. Won spoken Croat has almost a decade-long jockey Marco Monterisso, who timed Zman Awal, trained by Race 4 by; Shd, Nk, 3 ½. Time: 1:44.68. Trained by: experience in the Gulf nation, having ЃЂWe played in many competitions. We We’ll be in our best his challenge well. Crescent was a Mohannad Al Yaqout, Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Abdullah Police and El Jaish Mohamed Al Kuwari Sons. also managed its national team. had some changes to our squad. Also, we shape in time for them. close second ahead of Beach Samba was given a peach of a finished third and fourth Rijm (Marvin Suerland) 1, Dark Light 2, Under him, Rayyan looked good to had a bad performance against Police in and Victory Laurel. ride by Monterisso. Jubilante 3, Polaris 4. Won by: ½, Nk, ½. respectively as the Qatar add the Qatar League to last month’s a crucial game. All these cost us. Against Ahmed Khalil Othman Al Tamimi- Race 5 Time: 1:35.50. Trained by: Zuhair Mohsen. Owned by: Mubarak Abdulla MB Al League came to an end. Gulf triumph, but lost their crucial Arabi, we lost our most important player level has gone up. This year you could owned Halak Saab (Muthaaber-Hasina) Moadhi. match against arch-rivals Al Arabi in Dmitriy Ilinykh due to a thigh injury dur- see teams ranked eighth or ninth beat- edged Waeed to clinch the Local rider then alerted Charme Secret to Courtofversailles (Darren Williams) 1, the week before last. ing the match. Had we won that match, ing top teams. It shows that there’re no Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, run over the task on hand even as Al Fouz ral- Northern Water 2, Crisscrossed 3, Bnedel 4. Race 6 Won by: 1, 1 ½, Nk. Time: 2:02.22. Trained by: Russian spiker Dmitriy Ilinykh and The Lions, however, came back strongly the race for the title would’ve gone down easy games any more. 1,400M. Mohammed Hussain trained- lied strongly along the rails. Rashid Al Jehani. Owned by: Khalid Rashid Cassiano De Toni led from the front to defeat Al Ahli in the last round and to the wire. But Arabi deserved to triumph. I hope it gets better. Halak Saab (Marco Monteriso up) and It took a while for Charme Secret to Al Qashash Al Mohannadi. Crafted (Evert Pheiff er) 1, Power Play 2, Fast as Rayyan claimed the first set 25-19. finish runners-up in the 11-team com- They played consistently well through- Waeed (Pier Convertino astride) went find his foot, but once he did, Al Hajri’s 3, Rising Dawn 4. Won by: ¾, 2 ½, 1 ½. Time: Race 7 Unforced errors affected Rayyan’s petition. Arbutina said his team would out the season. Congratulations to them. ЂЂDo you believe that it’s reflect- stride for stride in the final furlong, but trainee flew home in the final stages 1:22.34. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned game in the second as they conceded raise a tough challenge in cup tour- ing on the national team as well? it was the former who got stronger at to win quite comfortably. by: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Ђ Ѓ Zman Awal (Marco Monteriso) 1, Crescent 2, a 7-5 lead. Though they tried to work naments. ЂWhat’re your plans for the ЂOf course. The national team is a the finish to win by a length, stopping Umm Qarn’s Gadab put in a dazzling Beach Samba 3, Victory Laurel 4. Won by: 1, their way back, Ahli, with some good In an exclusive interview with Doha Qatar Cup and Emir’s Cup? long-term programme. For the first the clock at 1min, 25.69sec. Aflaton display while shedding his maiden ranks Race 8 3/4, Hd. Time: 1:19.90. Trained by: Mohannad Stadium Plus ЃЂ Al Yaqout. Owned by: Mohamed bin spiking by Ibrahim Hindani, deserv- , Arbutina looks back at We’ve the possibility to add one more time, Qatar finished fourth at the Asian Bu Thaila was two-and-a-half lengths with a brilliant victory in the Purebred Hamad Khalifa Al Attiyah. edly took it. the league championship and spells foreign player for the two tournaments. Championship. We can see that the gap behind in third ahead of Mahbooba. Arabian Maiden Plate. DSP Rayyan came back to win the third out his plans for the road ahead. So we would be stronger. We already have with leading teams on the continent is

while the teams fought tooth and nail Dmitriy and, with a new overseas player DSP/Mohan narrowing. It’s important that Qatar con- in the fourth, which ended in Ahli’s ЂЂHow important was Rayyan to joining him, we’re going to be tough šЂIgor Arbutina tinues their good work. I’m optimistic. DSP favour. Rayyan raised their game in the BEACH VOLLEYBALL final set to pull it off 15-11.DSP Qatari pair finish fourth at Thailand event RESULTS Arabi crowned Al Rayyan bt Al Ahli 25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11 Al Arabi bt Police 17-25 25-17 21-25 25-22 15-12 ATARI pair of Julio Cesar Do Nas- league champs cimento and Ahmed Tijan finished FINAL STANDINGS Qfourth at the Satun Pak Bara Open Al Arabi, who won the Qatar League Read as played, won, lost, sets for, sets against, in Satun, Thailand. with a match to spare, were crowned points. In the bronze-medal match, Nascimento at a ceremony after their match against Al Arabi 20 19 1 59 12 54 Police at the Al Arabi Indoor Hall last Al Rayyan 20 15 5 51 23 46 and Tijan lost 21-18, 18-21, 10-15 to Australia’s week. Police 20 15 5 51 25 45 Joshua Court and Damien Schumann. Qatar Volleyball Association President El Jaish 20 14 6 49 24 45 Australia’s Isaac Kapa and Chris McHugh Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi gave away the Al Ahli 20 14 6 46 28 41 triumphed in the event, beating Kazakhstan’s Al Shamal 20 11 9 37 31 32 trophies in the presence of other officials. Alexandr Dyachenko and Alexy Sidorenko Qatar SC 20 7 13 31 46 22 Arabi were richer by QR300,000 while 19-21, 21-17, 19-17. Al Rayyan and Police, who finished Al Khor 20 6 14 27 48 17 Al Gharafa 20 5 15 21 52 13 second and third respectively, collected Nascimento and Tijan had lost to Kapa Al Sadd 20 3 17 20 53 11 QR200,000 and QR100,000. DSP and McHugh 17-21, 21-15, 15-17 in the Al Wakrah 20 1 19 7 57 4 šЂQatar’s Julio Cesar Do Nascimento, left, and Ahmed Tijan, right. semifinal. DSP Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 25

Four-team Qatar RESULTS WEDNESDAY Hijran (Gaetan Faucon) 1, Abeah 2, TM Cup from Friday Majid Texas 3, Al Fouz 4. Won by: Hd, 7, 1 3/4. Race 1 Time: 1:19.45. Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. The Qatar Cup and Emir’s Cup Owned by: Umm Qarn. tournaments will be held at the Ali bin Izghawa (Evert Pheiff er) 1, Al Maftoon 2, Hamad Al Attiyah Arena at Al Sadd. The Tortilla Jackson 3, Rome 4. Won by: 1, 3 1/2, Qatar Cup, to be played from April 22 Race 2 5. Time: 1:10.79. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin to 28, will see the top-four finishers in Jassim Al Thani. the Qatar League — Al Arabi, Al Rayyan, Derzkiy (Pier Convertino) 1, Tarek Al Mels Police and El Jaish — vying for honours. 2, Lehwaila 3, Fawwaz 4. Won by: 1, 2 1/2, 2 Race 3 All 11 league teams will be seen 1/2. Time: 1:59.48. Trained by: Hilal Kobeissi. in action in the coveted Emir’s Cup, Owned by: Al Jasra Stud. to be held from April 30 to May 13, Shaka Zulu (Evert Pheiff er) 1, Mutadhamen 2, Jazz 3, Erroneous 4. Won by: 2, 1 1/2, Shd. Race 4 even though its format is yet to be Time: 1:10.70. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. announced. DSP Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Topsy Turvy (Evert Pheiff er) 1, Cappuccino Delight 2, Al Nehayy 3, One More Roman 4. Race 5 Won by: 1 3/4, 2, 3. Time: 1:55.12. Trained by:

Photo/Juhaim Babu Photo/Juhaim Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. opponents for any team. šЂMarco Monterisso rides Zman Awal to victory. Aqdaar (Cedric Segeon) 1, My Sharona 2, Chilworth Icon 3, Lupie 4. Won by: 1/2, 3/4, ЂЂWhat’re the chances of win- HORSERACING Race 6 Hd. Time: 1:03.39. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Saeed Ibrahim Saeed ning them? Al Malki. ЃЂRayyan always play to win titles. We’ll Al Hareth (Richard Mullen) 1, Akram 2, Al Mazrooah 3, Zahrah 4. Won by: 5, 2 1/2, 1. try our best to lift the two cups. It’s too Race 7 Zman Awal a class apart Time: 1:11.83. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. tough to predict who’ll win them. I can Owned by: Mishal bin Ali Al Attiyah. say that we’ll be in our best shape in time THURSDAY for them. OHAMMED bin Hamad Khalifa Salem Fadgam Al Hajri and Sons’ Halak Saab (Marco Monteriso) 1, Waeed 2, Aflaton Bu Thaila 3, Mahbooba 4. Won by: 1, Al Attiyah-owned Zman Awal Charme Secret (Air Chief Marshal- Race 1 2 ½, Hd. Time: 1:25.69. Trained by: Mohamed ЂЂHow do you look at the just- M(Dubawi-Pivotal Lady) came up Scarley Secret) was ridden brilliantly Hussain. Owned by: Ahmed Khalil Othman concluded league? Al Tamimi. with a brilliant run to emerge as victori- by Qatari jockey Yousef Al Hajri to an Charme Secret (Yousef Al Hajri) 1, Al Fouz 2, ЃЂI think the Qatar League is now a high- ous in the Loyalty Cup-The Late Yousef exciting win in the Class 6 Thoroughbred Digital Rebellion 3, Atlantic Sea 4. Won by: level competition. Since 2007, when I Al Romaihi, a Class 2 Thoroughbred Maiden Plate. Charme Secret raced to Race 2 1, 2 ½, 1 ¼. Time: 1:22.67. Trained by: Salem Al Hajri. Owned by: Salem Fadgam Al Hajri arrived in Qatar first, the competitive Conditions race for horses rated 80 to a handy second behind stable-mate & Sons. 100 at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Atlantic until the home turn. The Qatari Gadab (Gaetan Faucon) 1, Chanson Du Soleil 2, Verracruz 3. Rawaa 4. Won by: ¾, Race 3 Club last week. Hd, 2. Time: 1:46.87. Trained by: Alban de It’s too tough to predict Mohannad Al Yaqout-trained Zman Mieulle. Owned by: Umm Qarn. Awal was given a peach of a ride by Al Khattaf (JP Guillambert) 1, Bahia Du who’ll win the cups. Barthas 2, Ainhoa Munjili 3, Saab 4. Won jockey Marco Monterisso, who timed Zman Awal, trained by Race 4 by; Shd, Nk, 3 ½. Time: 1:44.68. Trained by: We’ll be in our best his challenge well. Crescent was a Mohannad Al Yaqout, Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Abdullah shape in time for them. close second ahead of Beach Samba Mohamed Al Kuwari Sons. was given a peach of a Rijm (Marvin Suerland) 1, Dark Light 2, and Victory Laurel. ride by Monterisso. Jubilante 3, Polaris 4. Won by: ½, Nk, ½. Ahmed Khalil Othman Al Tamimi- Race 5 Time: 1:35.50. Trained by: Zuhair Mohsen. Owned by: Mubarak Abdulla MB Al level has gone up. This year you could owned Halak Saab (Muthaaber-Hasina) Moadhi. see teams ranked eighth or ninth beat- edged Waeed to clinch the Local rider then alerted Charme Secret to Courtofversailles (Darren Williams) 1, ing top teams. It shows that there’re no Thoroughbred Maiden Plate, run over the task on hand even as Al Fouz ral- Northern Water 2, Crisscrossed 3, Bnedel 4. Race 6 Won by: 1, 1 ½, Nk. Time: 2:02.22. Trained by: easy games any more. 1,400M. Mohammed Hussain trained- lied strongly along the rails. Rashid Al Jehani. Owned by: Khalid Rashid I hope it gets better. Halak Saab (Marco Monteriso up) and It took a while for Charme Secret to Al Qashash Al Mohannadi. Crafted (Evert Pheiff er) 1, Power Play 2, Fast Waeed (Pier Convertino astride) went find his foot, but once he did, Al Hajri’s 3, Rising Dawn 4. Won by: ¾, 2 ½, 1 ½. Time: Race 7 ЂЂDo you believe that it’s reflect- stride for stride in the final furlong, but trainee flew home in the final stages 1:22.34. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned ing on the national team as well? it was the former who got stronger at to win quite comfortably. by: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Ѓ Zman Awal (Marco Monteriso) 1, Crescent 2, ЂOf course. The national team is a the finish to win by a length, stopping Umm Qarn’s Gadab put in a dazzling Beach Samba 3, Victory Laurel 4. Won by: 1, long-term programme. For the first the clock at 1min, 25.69sec. Aflaton display while shedding his maiden ranks Race 8 3/4, Hd. Time: 1:19.90. Trained by: Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Mohamed bin time, Qatar finished fourth at the Asian Bu Thaila was two-and-a-half lengths with a brilliant victory in the Purebred Hamad Khalifa Al Attiyah. Championship. We can see that the gap behind in third ahead of Mahbooba. Arabian Maiden Plate. DSP with leading teams on the continent is narrowing. It’s important that Qatar con- tinues their good work. I’m optimistic. DSP BEACH VOLLEYBALL Qatari pair finish fourth at Thailand event RESULTS Al Rayyan bt Al Ahli 25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11 Al Arabi bt Police 17-25 25-17 21-25 25-22 15-12 ATARI pair of Julio Cesar Do Nas- cimento and Ahmed Tijan finished FINAL STANDINGS Qfourth at the Satun Pak Bara Open Read as played, won, lost, sets for, sets against, in Satun, Thailand. points. In the bronze-medal match, Nascimento Al Arabi 20 19 1 59 12 54 Al Rayyan 20 15 5 51 23 46 and Tijan lost 21-18, 18-21, 10-15 to Australia’s Police 20 15 5 51 25 45 Joshua Court and Damien Schumann. El Jaish 20 14 6 49 24 45 Australia’s Isaac Kapa and Chris McHugh Al Ahli 20 14 6 46 28 41 triumphed in the event, beating Kazakhstan’s Al Shamal 20 11 9 37 31 32 Alexandr Dyachenko and Alexy Sidorenko Qatar SC 20 7 13 31 46 22 Al Khor 20 6 14 27 48 17 19-21, 21-17, 19-17. Al Gharafa 20 5 15 21 52 13 Nascimento and Tijan had lost to Kapa Al Sadd 20 3 17 20 53 11 and McHugh 17-21, 21-15, 15-17 in the Al Wakrah 20 1 19 7 57 4 šЂQatar’s Julio Cesar Do Nascimento, left, and Ahmed Tijan, right. semifinal. DSP 26 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 27 At a glance

ATHLETICS FOCUS ON ASPIRE Aquathon series’ final Ayana AND Cheruiyot race proves a big hit

ššMohammed Hanzab, left, with Piacenza Calcio 1919 officials. HE fourth and final race of the Adults had to run for 5km and then Aspire Zone Aquathon series swim 500M. For kids below eight, it was FOCUS ON QOC SPORTS SECURITY Twas held at the Hamad Aquatic 1.5km and 100M while for those aged to face off in doha Centre Olympic swimming pool and eight and above, it was 3km and 200M. Events galore in adjacent track. The series had started on October New initiative to More than 1,200 athletes belonging to 24, 2015. It formed a part of the Aspire Qatar this year ššLekhwiya’s Khalid Al Hashmi attempts to The world champions will meet at the Diamond League on May 6. 45 nationalities took part in the event, Zone’s efforts to encourage families to score against Al Shamal. protect values which ended with a massive final race participate in sport activities, in line ATAR is hosting close to 100 featuring more than 300 competitors with its vision to promote a healthy sports events this year. The ORLD champions Almaz of middle and long distance racing to champion Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya AVE the Dream, a global initia- of various age groups. lifestyle for everyone in Qatar. DSP QQatar Olympic Committee’s HANDBALL Ayana and Vivian Cheruiyot Doha,” said Qatar Athletics Federation and his young compatriot Jairus Birech, tive that aims to promote and (QOC) calendar, which was released Ware to meet in a scintillat- President Dahlan Al Hamad. who last year won his second succes- Sprotect the values and integrity last week, includes three World Cham- Gharafa suffer ing 3,000M clash on May 6 at the Doha The quality field also includes sive Diamond Race Trophy. of sport in young people, launched its pionships as well as the Association of Diamond League, the opening of the Ethiopians Senbere Teferi and Gelete Meanwhile, 2013 world champion new Community Affiliation Programme National Olympic Committees’ (ANOC) big setback 14-leg series. Burka, the 2015 World Championships and last year’s Worlds bronze medallist for clubs and academies in Milan, Italy, meeting. In what is sure to be one of the most Eunice Sum will command the spot- last week. While the UCI Road World Cycling anticipated early-season middle-dis- light in women’s 800M. The programme aims to establish a OLDERS Al Gharafa’s hopes of tance showdowns, the meeting’s longest The quality field also The 27-year-old Kenyan improved her global family which will commit to spread- ending up as runners-up behind race pits Ayana, 5,000M winner at the career best to 1:56.99 last season. This ing the core values of sport within its includes Ethiopians Details of the calendar Hrecently-crowned champions World Championships in Beijing last time, she will be gunning for a fourth communities and at the grass-roots level. HANDBALL El Jaish in the Qatar League suffered year, against Cheruiyot, who returned Senbere Teferi and straight Diamond Race Trophy and a Save the Dream is an initiative of the are available on Qatar a big jolt when they lost 21-26 to last from maternity leave last season to strike Gelete Burka. second successive victory in Doha. International Centre for Sport Security Olympic Committee’s Gharafa suffer big setback year’s third-place finishers Al Rayyan. Worlds gold in 10,000M. Among her chief rivals will be Caster (ICSS) and Qatar Olympic Committee, website www.olympic.qa. Lekhwiya, who scored an emphatic Ayana, 24, is the Ethiopian national Semenya of South Africa, the 2009 supported by telecom major Ooredoo. 36-22 victory over Al Shamal and later record holder in 3,000M, her 8:22.20sec silver medallists in 5,000 and 10,000M world champion and 2012 Olympic ICSS President and Save the Dream ššThe Aquathon aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among children. beat Al Sadd 28-24, climbed to second set last season giving her the 11th fast- respectively. Kenyan Viola Kibiwot, fourth silver medallist. Founder Mohammed Hanzab said, “This Championship will be held from October in standings. The cops, who won the est time. in Beijing last summer, will also be on Watch out also for Briton Shelayna new programme is an important ini- 9 to 16, the Qatar Bowling Federation will title in their debut season (2011-12), “With these two world champions the start line. Oskan-Clarke and Malika Akkaoui of tiative for Save the Dream, which will Aspetar, in association with the Health Ministers’ organise the World Singles Championship look set to better last year’s fifth-place meeting in the same race, we’ve again The men’s 3,000M steeplechase Morocco, both finalists at last year’s aim to reach out and make a real dif- Conference Council for GCC states, will organise the inaugural from December 2 to 9. World Chess standing this time around. shown our commitment to bring the best field will be led by two-time Olympic World Championships. DSP ference to the lives of young people as GCC Sports Medicine Conference at the Aspire Championships for men and women Meanwhile, the Qatar Women’s Sport well as local clubs, communities and to promote Zone’s Torch Ballroom on Saturday and Sunday. are scheduled from December 26 to 30 Committee will host the inaugural GCC broader society.” expertise The conference aims to strengthen ties between while the ANOC meeting will be held Girls Championship from April 22 to 28. During the launch, Piacenza Calcio GCC sports medicine providers. from November 13 to 17. From Qatar’s Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Besides hosts Qatar, Bahrain and the 1919 were announced as the first Italian Hospital Aspetar, Acting Director General Dr The domestic season is set to come UAE will also vie for honours at the club to sign up the initiative. They have Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Chief Medical Officer Dr to an end, with cup tournaments being event, organised under the auspices pledged their commitment to the pro- Scott Gillogly, and Head of Sports Injury and Illness played in all sports. Details of the cal- of the Qatar Olympic Committee and gramme by signing the Save the Dream Prevention Programme Roald Bahr will address the endar are available on the QOC web- Qatar Handball Association. DSP manifesto. DSP conference. DSP site www.olympic.qa. DSP

RESULTS El Quiyada bt Qatar SC 23-20 El Jaish bt Al Sadd 28-24 GYMNASTICS SQUASH Al Arabi bt Al Wakrah 29-28 Lekhwiya bt Al Shamal 36-22 Al Ahli bt Al Khor 28-23 Urzica to coach Aspire players impress at Luxembourg Open Al Rayyan bt Al Gharafa 26-21 Lekhwiya bt Al Sadd 28-24 Qatar’s juniors Al Rayyan bt El Quiyada 28-25 ššAlmaz Ayana ššVivian Cheruiyot OMANIA’S legendary pommel HE ASPIRE Academy’s Umair horse gymnast and Olympic Zaman emerged as Under-19 Rchampion Marius Urzica last Tcategory winner at the Luxem- TABLE TENNIS week signed a two-year deal with the bourg Open recently. Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) In the final, Umair overcame England’s ROLL OF to take over as the junior team coach. Isaac Rawcliffe 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 Sadd hope to retain Emir’s Cup HONOUR The team consists of Tameem Kareeb, and showcased his talent. Last 10 champions Abdulla Al Hareth, Hossam Abdulaziz Six ASPIRE Academy players — Umair, 2014-15 Al Sadd and Raslan Saoud. Ali Al Dossari, Waleed Zaman, Ahmad

ED by Chinese professional Wu and Al Shamal comprise Group B. 2013-14 Al Arabi Urzica competed in three Olympics, Al Meraikhi, Yousef Elsaka and Ibrahim Hao, Al Sadd will hope to retain Coached by Hungarian Ferenc Fischer, finishing on the podium each time on Al Darwish — competed in the tour- 2012-13 Al Sadd Lthe Emir’s Cup, which starts on Sadd are one of the most successful pommel horse (gold in Sydney 2000, nament, with Waleed and Yousef both Al Rayyan Wednesday. sides in the tournament’s history hav- 2011-12 silver in both Atlanta 1996 and Athens finishing fourth in the U-15 and U-13 Four-time champions Sadd are clubbed ing played in all finals since 2006-07. 2010-11 Al Arabi 2004) while contributing to the team category respectively. DSP with Al Rayyan, Qatar SC, Al Khor and Besides Wu, Waleed Nasser, Ahmed 2009-10 Al Rayyan bronze as well in the Greek capital. ASPIRE AT LUXEMBOURG OPEN Ahli in Group A. Qatar SC take on Khor Muthanna, Abdulrahman Al Najjar, 2008-09 Al Arabi His unique technique and style won Umair Zaman (U-19) Champion and Ahli meet Rayyan in the opening Jassim Al Sanadi and Salah Al Sanadi 2007-08 Al Sadd him recognition as one of the great- Ali Al Dosari (U-17) Eighth matches while Sadd’s first test is against are the other members of the squad. est exponents of the sport along with Waleed Zaman (U-15) Fourth 2006-07 Al Sadd

DSP Photo Rayyan on Friday. “All teams are tough, but we’ll try to Slovenian Miroslav Cerar and Hungarian Ahmad Al Meraikhi (U-15) Sixteenth 2005-06 Al Arabi ššAl Sadd have played in the last nine Emir’s Cup finals. Al Arabi, El Jaish, Al Wakrah, Al Gharafa retain the title,” said Fischer. DSP Zoltan Magyar. DSP ššThe ASPIRE Academy players with coaches. Yousef Elsaka (U-13) Fourth Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 27

FOCUS ON ASPIRE Aquathon series’ final race proves a big hit

GYMNASTICS SQUASH Urzica to coach Aspire players impress at Luxembourg Open Qatar’s juniors

OMANIA’S legendary pommel HE ASPIRE Academy’s Umair horse gymnast and Olympic Zaman emerged as Under-19 Rchampion Marius Urzica last Tcategory winner at the Luxem- week signed a two-year deal with the bourg Open recently. Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) In the final, Umair overcame England’s to take over as the junior team coach. Isaac Rawcliffe 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 The team consists of Tameem Kareeb, and showcased his talent. Abdulla Al Hareth, Hossam Abdulaziz Six ASPIRE Academy players — Umair, and Raslan Saoud. Ali Al Dossari, Waleed Zaman, Ahmad Urzica competed in three Olympics, Al Meraikhi, Yousef Elsaka and Ibrahim finishing on the podium each time on Al Darwish — competed in the tour- pommel horse (gold in Sydney 2000, nament, with Waleed and Yousef both silver in both Atlanta 1996 and Athens finishing fourth in the U-15 and U-13 2004) while contributing to the team category respectively. DSP bronze as well in the Greek capital. ASPIRE AT LUXEMBOURG OPEN His unique technique and style won Umair Zaman (U-19) Champion him recognition as one of the great- Ali Al Dosari (U-17) Eighth est exponents of the sport along with Waleed Zaman (U-15) Fourth Slovenian Miroslav Cerar and Hungarian Ahmad Al Meraikhi (U-15) Sixteenth Zoltan Magyar. DSP ššThe ASPIRE Academy players with coaches. Yousef Elsaka (U-13) Fourth 28 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29

regular-season matches points he scored in play-offs, third-most Bryant played, along with in NBA history behind Michael Jordan Basketball 1,346 220 play-off games 5,640 (5,987) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5,762)

BRYANT FACT FILE NBA Draft 13th pick in 1996 Dear Kobe, Bryant bows out Los Angeles Lakers Teams (1996-current) in typical style 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, Thank you NBA titles 2010 NBA Most Valuable OS Angeles Lakers legend Kobe 2008 Player Thank you for your passion, commitment and Bryant delivered a Hollywood NBA Finals Most 2009, 2010 dedication to basketball. Lending as the curtain came down Valuable Player Thank you for showing us that 24 isn’t just the 1998 and consecutively on his glittering 20-year NBA career in NBA All-Star from 2000 to 2015 number on your jersey, but the number of hours in a blockbuster finale. NBA scoring champion 2006, 2007 a day you must devote to basketball to be the best. On a night of searing emotion at a Mamba Olympic gold medals 2008, 2012 Thank you for giving and giving and giving. packed Staples Center, the 37-year-old Thank you for pushing through even when your signed off with a mammoth 60 points, body was screaming “no,” but your mind and your including a final burst of scoring to heart kept saying “yes.” inspire a 101-96 comeback victory over For the games that you refused to lose and those Utah Jazz. that you always seemed destined to win. A galaxy of A-list celebrities, from Jack Thank you for your endless drive. Nicholson to David Beckham, roared For competing with ruthless ambition and their approval from courtside as Bryant playing with reverence and respect. exited with a perfectly-scripted final act. magic! BRYANT ON HIS… For showing us that there’s no such thing as “Man, I can’t believe how fast 20 years magic, but only hard work. went by, this is crazy,” Bryant told his Kobe Bryant, who retired after five NBA titles HYPER-COMPETITIVE STYLE Thank you for making us smile, laugh, yell, cry, adoring fans. Winning takes precedence jump out of our seats and chew on our jerseys. A sell-out crowd of 19,060 fans had with Los Angeles Lakers and a number of other over all. There’s no gray area. Thank you for playing the game the way it was packed into the Staples Center to watch No almost. meant to be played. Bryant lace up for the 1,566th and last laurels, triumphs through pain and controversy. Thank you for teaching us to believe in our- time. 81-POINT HAUL AGAINST selves even if nobody else does. “Tonight was trying to go out, playing TORONTO IN 2006 For 20 years, you gave our game all you had and hard and putting on a show as much as To sit here and say I grasp what we’re eternally grateful. I possibly could. It felt good to be able ĈĈBryant had announced in off controversy to become one of the happened would be lying. Not Thank you for loving basketball. to do that one last time,” Bryant said. November he would retire world’s most popular NBA stars. even in my dreams. Sincerely “The coolest thing is that my kids actu- at the end of this season Kobe Bean Bryant, the son of former National Basketball Association ally saw me play like I used to play.” NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, was CEREBRAL APPROACH TO born in Philadelphia in 1978 while his THE GAME Jerome Rasetti father played for the 76ers, the child These young guys are playing named for the Japanese beef seen on checkers. I’m out there playing BRYANT’S FIVE CAREER-DEFINING MOMENTS a menu and his father’s nickname as chess. a player. 2000-2002 reputation. In 2004, the case stumbled to bronze in 2004 OBE Bryant became one of the The elder Bryant played from 1984 WORK ETHIC Bryant and centre Shaquille was dropped by prosecutors at Athens. Bryant and his after the accuser refused star power was a major greatest legends in the history to 1991 in Italy, giving young Kobe a I can’t relate to lazy people. O’Neal combine to spark We don’t speak the same Los Angeles Lakers to three to testify. Bryant later attraction in China and Kof NBA over two decades with global worldview as he grew up dream- apologised, saying he together with LeBron James language. I don’t understand consecutive NBA titles. Los Angeles Lakers, fighting through ing of following his dad into the NBA. Lakers win their first title could see how there he helped the ‘Redeem pain and controversy to ensure his When his father retired as a player, the you. I don’t want to understand since 1988 by defeating was miscommunication. Team’ restore US pride and place among the sport’s icons. family moved back to the Philadelphia you. Indiana in the 2000 A separate civil lawsuit then defend the crown at Bryant ranks third on the NBA all- area and Kobe began his star turn at championship series, then between the two parties London. time scoring list, trailing only leader Lower Merion High School, where his DECLINING POWERS downed Philadelphia in was settled, but both sides refused to release details. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone, jersey number 33 was retired. He decided I’ve self-doubt. I’ve insecurity. the 2001 final and swept 2009-2010 New Jersey in 2002. Bryant and won NBA crowns with Lakers in at age 17 to jump directly from the prep I’ve fear of failure. I’ve nights Bryant won his fourth and when I show up at the arena became, at 23, the youngest January 22, 2006 fifth NBA crowns, leading 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010. ranks to the NBA, only the sixth player player in NBA history to win and I’m like, ‘My back hurts, my Bryant scored a career-high the Lakers past Orlando When the 37-year-old guard, a member and first guard to make such a leap. three crowns. 81 points in a victory against in 2009 and Lakers in a of the US Olympic gold-medal teams in At 18, Bryant became at the time the feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don’t Toronto Raptors, a Lakers dramatic seventh-game 2008 and 2012, announced in November youngest player or starter in an NBA have it. I just want to chill’. We 2003-2004 record and the second- showdown in 2010. he would retire at the end of the sea- game and the youngest winner of the all have self-doubt. You don’t Bryant was arrested after highest game total in NBA NBA Slam Dunk Contest. In 1998, deny it, but you also don’t being accused of a sexual history to the 100-point he became the youngest NBA All- capitulate to it. You embrace it. assault by a 19-year- game of Wilt Chamberlain in 1962. Star starter. In a 1999 campaign old hotel employee in Bryant jumped directly Colorado, where he was shortened by a labour dispute, KNACK OF DIVIDING having a knee operation. August 2008 and 2012 at age 17 from the prep Bryant started every game OPINION AS HE CONFIRMS ranks to NBA, only the Bryant admitted adultery Bryant helped the US for Lakers and signed a six- RETIREMENT but denied he forced the Olympic basketball team first guard to do so. year deal worth $70m. Some of you took me in. Some woman to have sex, the capture gold at Beijing and As the Michael Jordan of you didn’t. situation damaging his London after the Americans era ended in Chicago, son, it was the end to a saga that had Bulls coach Phil Jackson become painful to watch. wound up joining Lakers Slowed by age and numerous injuries, and with sharpshooter The important thing is to get into a routine! Bryant, nicknamed the Black Mamba, Bryant joining dominating was struggling with a weak supporting inside force Shaquille O’Neal, they Just a few hours after producing a Hollywood-style script to end his 20-year career in the cast at Lakers whom he twice led to the captured three NBA crowns in a row NBA with an astonishing 60-point display, Kobe Bryant was preparing to head back to the glory of multiple NBA crowns, but he from 2000-2002, returning the team gym to stay in tip-top shape. still had enough magic left in him to to glory days unseen since 1988. Aged 37, the five-time NBA champion is renowned for his extraordinary work ethic and though his competitive days with the Los Angeles Lakers are over, he was dazzle the packed Staples Center crowd In 2003, Lakers returned to the determined to stick to much of the same gym routine he has followed with such one last time as he scored 60 points in finals, but lost to Detroit. O’Neal was discipline. “I have to,” Bryant, said after engineering an exciting, come-from-behind 101-96

a 101-96 victory over the Utah Jazz. traded, Jackson departed and Bryant Robert Hanashiro

win over the Utah Jazz on his much anticipated league farewell. Gary A. Vasquez Through 2003 rape accusations signed a long-term contract, the “That’s a slippery slope. I’ve done some research from players post-career, and it goes, šĈLos Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant drives and insulting remarks that led to core of a team that would rebuild to the basket against Utah Jazz during his ‘Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.’ Then all of a sudden it’s, ‘Uh oh.’ The important thing is to REUTERS/ fines and apologies, Bryant shrugged around him. farewell match. get into a routine, to maintain discipline. REUTERS/ Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29

regular-season matches points he scored in play-offs, third-most Bryant played, along with in NBA history behind Michael Jordan 1,346 220 play-off games 5,640 (5,987) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5,762)

The important thing is to get into a routine!

Just a few hours after producing a Hollywood-style script to end his 20-year career in the NBA with an astonishing 60-point display, Kobe Bryant was preparing to head back to the gym to stay in tip-top shape. Aged 37, the five-time NBA champion is renowned for his extraordinary work ethic and though his competitive days with the Los Angeles Lakers are over, he was determined to stick to much of the same gym routine he has followed with such discipline. “I have to,” Bryant, said after engineering an exciting, come-from-behind 101-96 Robert Hanashiro

win over the Utah Jazz on his much anticipated league farewell. Gary A. Vasquez “That’s a slippery slope. I’ve done some research from players post-career, and it goes, ‘Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.’ Then all of a sudden it’s, ‘Uh oh.’ The important thing is to REUTERS/ get into a routine, to maintain discipline. REUTERS/ 30 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 31

Disgraced Paralympic gold medal-winning sprinter Oscar June sentencing Pistorius will be sentenced in June for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after his original for Pistorius conviction was upgraded from the lesser charge of manslaughter. The 29-year-old, known as ‘Blade Runner’ for the carbon fibre prosthetic blades he used to race, At a glance faces a minimum 15-year jail sentence and cannot appeal.

CYCLING GOLF Gasparotto wins Branden’s Graceful Amstel Gold race

TALIAN Enrico Gasparotto won the show at Heritage şşNico Rosberg was on song at the first Ardennes Classic of the season Chinese Grand Prix. Ilast Sunday, claiming victory in the Amstel Gold race for the second time. OUTH African Branden Grace closed with a superb five- The 2012 winner timed his attack to delivered a final-round master under-par 66. Vettel angry with MOTORSPORT perfection on the final Cauberg climb Sclass to clinch a long-expected Third-round leader Luke and then easily beat Dane Michael first victory on the PGA Tour by two Donald of England, striving ‘madman’ Kvyat Valgren in a sprint finish at the end of shots at the RBC Heritage in South to end a four-year title drought the 248.7km Dutch one-day classic. on the US circuit, carded a 71 to Sebastian Vettel and Daniil Kvyat On crossing the line, Gasparotto share second place with Scotland’s engaged in a verbal spat after last Sunday’s Chinese Formula One Grand paid tribute to his Belgian team-mate Luke Donald of England Russell Knox (67). It was Donald’s Prix as the four-time champion at Wanty, Antoine Demoitie, who died fourth runner-up spot at the event. blamed the Russian for pushing him three weeks ago during Gent-Wevelgem carded a 71 to share Meanwhile, Australia’s Minjee into a collision with team-mate Kimi Shanghai knight! in a collision with a motorbike during second place with Lee overcame a five-shot deficit in Raikkonen. a race at the end of March. Scotland’s Russell Knox. the final round to claim victory at The two Ferraris came together the LPGA’s Lotte Championship in at the first corner in the race after Nico Rosberg extends his World Championship lead with a dominant German Vettel was forced to go wide Hawaii. by Kvyat, who steamed up the inside victory in China, his third in as many races this season. Carolina, US, last Sunday. Lee’s combined 16-under was one in his Red Bull. The world No.14, who thrust himself better than South Korea’s Chun In-gee Both suffered damage in the into the limelight at the game’s highest (67) and overnight leader Katie Burnett incident and it put paid to their ICO Rosberg claimed a domi- the title each time. level with top-four finishes last year at (70), whose title hopes were dented chances of challenging Mercedes nant win in an action-packed Shanghai win was the 17th of Rosberg’s the US Open and PGA Championship, by a three-putt bogey at 16. pole-sitter Nico Rosberg for the win. NFormula One Chinese Grand career and extended his streak of race “You came like a torpedo,” Vettel, who finished second told third-placed Prix in Shanghai last Sunday to extend victories to six, dating back to last Kvyat before the podium ceremony. his championship lead over Mercedes November’s Mexican Grand Prix. I was really amped to get back to this place... “I was racing,” the 21-year-old team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who battled Only three other drivers have ever I like the type of golf you have to play on this responded before Vettel, who up to seventh with some feisty driving place and it’s worked this week. That last also called Kvyat a “madman” and after starting last. stretch of five holes, you can’t really force described his move as “suicidal” over Rosberg crossed the line a mammoth šşNico Rosberg the radio during the race, cut him off. Lewis Hamilton battled things. You just have to stay patient and 37.7sec ahead of German compatriot up to seventh with grind it, and that’s what I managed to do. Sebastian Vettel, who recovered after RESULTS ššEnrico Gasparotto is ecstatic as he crosses the finish line at the colliding with his Ferrari team-mate some feisty driving 1. Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 1:38:53.891 Amstel Gold Race cycling race. Branden Grace Kimi Raikkonen at the first corner, to after starting last. 2. Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari at 37.776 3. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) Red Bull 45.936 claim his third win from as many races 4. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Red Bull 52.688 this season. 5. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Ferrari 1:05.872 Rosberg now leads Hamilton by 36 put together a run of six or more wins STANDINGS BADMINTON MARATHON points in the standings and is firmly in in a row. Vettel managed nine with Red DRIVERS CONSTRUCTORS 1. Nico Rosberg (GER) 75 1. Mercedes 114 control of the championship. Bull in 2013 and Michael Schumacher 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 39 2. Ferrari 61 Ratchanok on Ethiopians reign He certainly has history on his side, seven with Ferrari in 2004. The other 3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 36 3. Red Bull 57 with the winner of the first three races was Italian Alberto Ascari in the 1950s. 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 33 4. Williams 29 top of the world in Boston event šşSebastian Vettel, left, and Daniil Kvyat. of the season having gone on to win Daniil Kvyat finished third. 5. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 28 5. Haas-Ferrari 18 HAILAND’S Ratchanok Intanon EMI Berhanu Hayle and At- came from behind to beat de- sede Baysa led an Ethiopian Tfending champion Sun Yu 18-21, Lclean sweep at the Boston TENNIS 21-11, 21-14 at the Singapore Open last Marathon last Monday with victory France to take on Czech Sunday, becoming the top female shut- in the men’s and women’s races of tler in world rankings in the process. the prestigious event. Nadal back to his best Republic in Fed Cup final It was the 21-year-old’s third succes- Hayle clinched victory in the sive Superseries win in as many weeks men’s race in a time of 2hr, 12min after her triumphs in India and Malaysia. šš Rangana Herath 44sec, coming home ahead of com- PANIARD Rafael Nadal ended to level at 4-4 before Monfils ETHERLANDS’ dream run in Ratchanok, the 2013 world cham- patriot and defending champion his four-year wait for a ninth wrestled back the initiative to the Fed Cup ended agonisingly pion, displaced Spain’s Carolina Marin Lelisa Desisa in second. SMonte Carlo Masters title by take the set. Nshort of the final when they as No.1. CRICKET Another Ethiopian, Yemane Adhane defeating Gael Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 Nadal dominated lost the deciding doubles rubber of a Indonesia’s Sony Dwi Kuncoro, the Tsegay was third in 2:14.02. last Sunday in his 100th career final. the final set, how- thrilling semifinal to go down 2-3 to 2004 Athens Olympic Games bronze Baysa meanwhile won a pulsat- Nadal won eight consecutive titles ever, break- France in Trelaze. medallist, beat Korean Son Wan-Ho Herath quits one-dayers ing women’s race, producing a late before losing the 2013 final to Novak ing Monfils, France have reached their first final to win the men’s title. charge over the final few miles to Djokovic and, after struggling for fit- who appeared since 2005 where they will be up against The unfancied Kuncoro, who stunned win in 2:29.19. ness in recent years, he demonstrated drained by his the Czech Republic, who also needed two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan in RI Lanka spinner Rangana Her- came at the 2014 World Twenty20, his return to form by overwhelming earlier exertions, a final doubles rubber to win 3-2 in the semifinal, won 21-16, 13-21, 21-14. ath retired from 50-over and where he took five wickets for just the home favourite in the third set to three times to win Switzerland. STwenty20 internationals last three runs as Sri Lanka successfully win his 28th Masters title. his first Masters Four-time champions Italy were week to carry on playing Test matches. defended a 120-run target in a must- Monfils, seeded 13th and looking to title since 2014 relegated from the World Group The 38-year-old took 74 wickets in 71 win match against New Zealand en become the tournament’s first French and his 48th for the first time in 18 years after One-Day Internationals and another route to the title. winner since Cedric Pioline, started clay crown. losing 0-4 in a play-off with 18 in 17 T20 matches for the island Meanwhile, England have attempted strongly, exchanging consecutive break Spain. Russia were also nation as he shouldered the burden a minor shake-up of the largely con- points with Nadal, before losing the relegated from the top of the slow bowling attack following ventional world of Test cricket by offer- first set 7-5. group for the first time the retirement of spin great Muttiah ing to use a points-based system to Monfils broke Nadal to take an early 2-1 in 18 years after going šşCzech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova, left, Muralitharan in 2011. determine the winner of their home lead in the second, but Nadal broke back down to Belarus 1-3. and Lucie Hradeck celebrate their win. ššRatchanok Intanon The left-arm spinner’s best effort series against Sri Lanka. ššLemi Berhanu Hayle Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 31

Disgraced Paralympic gold medal-winning sprinter Oscar June sentencing Pistorius will be sentenced in June for the 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after his original for Pistorius conviction was upgraded from the lesser charge of manslaughter. The 29-year-old, known as ‘Blade Runner’ for the carbon fibre prosthetic blades he used to race, faces a minimum 15-year jail sentence and cannot appeal.

CYCLING GOLF Gasparotto wins Branden’s Graceful Amstel Gold race

TALIAN Enrico Gasparotto won the show at Heritage first Ardennes Classic of the season Ilast Sunday, claiming victory in the Amstel Gold race for the second time. OUTH African Branden Grace closed with a superb five- The 2012 winner timed his attack to delivered a final-round master under-par 66. perfection on the final Cauberg climb Sclass to clinch a long-expected Third-round leader Luke and then easily beat Dane Michael first victory on the PGA Tour by two Donald of England, striving Valgren in a sprint finish at the end of shots at the RBC Heritage in South to end a four-year title drought the 248.7km Dutch one-day classic. on the US circuit, carded a 71 to On crossing the line, Gasparotto share second place with Scotland’s paid tribute to his Belgian team-mate Luke Donald of England Russell Knox (67). It was Donald’s at Wanty, Antoine Demoitie, who died fourth runner-up spot at the event. three weeks ago during Gent-Wevelgem carded a 71 to share Meanwhile, Australia’s Minjee in a collision with a motorbike during second place with Lee overcame a five-shot deficit in a race at the end of March. Scotland’s Russell Knox. the final round to claim victory at the LPGA’s Lotte Championship in Hawaii. Carolina, US, last Sunday. Lee’s combined 16-under was one The world No.14, who thrust himself better than South Korea’s Chun In-gee into the limelight at the game’s highest (67) and overnight leader Katie Burnett level with top-four finishes last year at (70), whose title hopes were dented the US Open and PGA Championship, by a three-putt bogey at 16.

I was really amped to get back to this place... I like the type of golf you have to play on this place and it’s worked this week. That last stretch of five holes, you can’t really force things. You just have to stay patient and grind it, and that’s what I managed to do. ššEnrico Gasparotto is ecstatic as he crosses the finish line at the Amstel Gold Race cycling race. Branden Grace

BADMINTON MARATHON Ratchanok on Ethiopians reign top of the world in Boston event

HAILAND’S Ratchanok Intanon EMI Berhanu Hayle and At- came from behind to beat de- sede Baysa led an Ethiopian Tfending champion Sun Yu 18-21, Lclean sweep at the Boston 21-11, 21-14 at the Singapore Open last Marathon last Monday with victory Sunday, becoming the top female shut- in the men’s and women’s races of tler in world rankings in the process. the prestigious event. It was the 21-year-old’s third succes- Hayle clinched victory in the sive Superseries win in as many weeks men’s race in a time of 2hr, 12min after her triumphs in India and Malaysia. šš Rangana Herath 44sec, coming home ahead of com- Ratchanok, the 2013 world cham- patriot and defending champion pion, displaced Spain’s Carolina Marin Lelisa Desisa in second. as No.1. CRICKET Another Ethiopian, Yemane Adhane Indonesia’s Sony Dwi Kuncoro, the Tsegay was third in 2:14.02. 2004 Athens Olympic Games bronze Baysa meanwhile won a pulsat- medallist, beat Korean Son Wan-Ho Herath quits one-dayers ing women’s race, producing a late to win the men’s title. charge over the final few miles to The unfancied Kuncoro, who stunned win in 2:29.19. two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan in RI Lanka spinner Rangana Her- came at the 2014 World Twenty20, the semifinal, won 21-16, 13-21, 21-14. ath retired from 50-over and where he took five wickets for just STwenty20 internationals last three runs as Sri Lanka successfully week to carry on playing Test matches. defended a 120-run target in a must- The 38-year-old took 74 wickets in 71 win match against New Zealand en One-Day Internationals and another route to the title. 18 in 17 T20 matches for the island Meanwhile, England have attempted nation as he shouldered the burden a minor shake-up of the largely con- of the slow bowling attack following ventional world of Test cricket by offer- the retirement of spin great Muttiah ing to use a points-based system to Muralitharan in 2011. determine the winner of their home ššRatchanok Intanon The left-arm spinner’s best effort series against Sri Lanka. ššLemi Berhanu Hayle 32 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 33 Movers&Shakers Kaleidoscope

Wisden honour PyeongChang for McCullum Footballer Drogba secures S-Oil deal

EW Zealand’s Brendon McCul- The PyeongChang Organising Committee for the 2018 Olympic lum and Kane Williamson, as to sue Daily Mail and Paralympic Winter Games Nwell as Australia captain Steven signed Smith, were chosen among the Wisden an official Almanack’s Five Cricketers of the Year VORY Coast footballer Didier Drogba his charity in Britain was not going to ššDipa Karmakar domestic last week. said last week he would take legal good causes. SLEEKER sponsor- The quintet is completed by the Iaction against Britain’s Daily Mail The newspaper reported that less than ship agreement with England duo of all-rounder Ben Stokes newspaper after it published allega- one per cent of over £1.7m raised by Karmakar does S-Oil Corporation. As a supplier for and Jonathan Bairstow. tions that most of the money raised by Drogba’s charity in the past five years PyeongChang 2018, S-Oil will enjoy In the personal gift of the editor of had gone to help children in the former India proud E-READER marketing rights, including the use cricket’s ‘bible’, which has been pub- Chelsea star’s homeland of Ivory Coast. of the Games’ intellectual properties, lished annually since 1864, a player It claimed that most of the donations IPA Karmakar will become the Pay or leave, emblem and its designation in pro- can only be named as a ‘Cricketer of to the Didier Drogba Foundation had first Indian woman to compete MAZON rolled out a Nook struggled to win motional activities, in South Korea. the Year’ once in his career. been spent on glitzy events for celebrity Din an Olympic gymnastics com- joggers told new Kindle e-reader customers. Australia’s Smith was included as he supporters or was sitting untouched in petition after she secured her place for Alast week, its eighth Amazon hopes to attract emerged as the leading scorer in the bank accounts. this year’s Rio Games in a test event. LOCAL authority in Britain and slimmest device in the readers to its high-end Kindle Ashes with a double century at Lord’s Only £14,115 of the cash raised in Despite the sport receiving little fund- told a joggers’ group to start series, with a charger that is with its longer lasting battery Under Armour and 143 at The Oval in their two wins, Britain was reportedly spent on good ing in India, Commonwealth and Asian Apaying for the upkeep of the built into its cover. and sleek design. backs Godolphin despite his side being beaten 2-3. causes, the paper said. Games medallist Karmakar gathered park they use for weekly organised The Kindle Oasis, which at The company said the new The 2016 edition also saw New Zealand But Drogba said the report had caused a total score of 52.698 points in the runs or stay away, sparking outrage $289.99 is the most expensive Kindle comes with a dual Dubai-based Godolphin, the rul- batsman Williamson being named as an “untold amount of damage”. final artistic qualifying event in Rio. from British champion runner Paula in the range, is now available battery system, meaning that ing Al Maktoum family’s private the Leading Cricketer in the World after “Despite sending legal letters and 67 The international gymnastics federa- Radcliffe. for orders and will start attaching the device to its thoroughbred his 2,692 international runs across the pages worth of documents advising the tion confirmed her spot in an official “We’ve had operational issues shipping on April 27. cover will start recharging it horseracing sta- formats in 2015 — the third-highest Daily Mail that their information was release, where she was listed among affecting other park users. This Since first launching the automatically. ble, announced a sponsorship annual aggregate ever. factually incorrect and libellous, they the individual qualifiers. has caused some friction,” said Kindle in 2007, Amazon has The Kindle Oasis weighs 4.6 deal with leading a representative of Stoke Gifford continued to roll out gadgets ounces and is 3.4mm at its McCullum, who retired this year, have decided to ignore the facts so I’m India have been absent from Olympic sportswear and was included as much for his bold cap- issuing legal proceedings against them,” gymnastics events since 1964 when six parish council, a suburb of Bristol in like its Fire tablets and most thinnest point. apparel company taincy as his aggressive batting, with his šš Didier Drogba the footballer said in a statement. male athletes competed. southwest England. recently Echo, a line of voice- “It’s the most advanced Under Armour. The brand will dynamic approach widely reckoned to The council voted six to four in activated speakers. Kindle we’ve ever built, thin supply kits to jockeys, trainers and have helped transform New Zealand. favour of a motion giving ‘parkrun’, The Kindle has emerged as and ultra lightweight. You can support staff, numbering more an organisation which stages free the most dominant e-reader lose yourself in the author’s than 1,500 people across four con- weekly 5km timed runs worldwide, in the market as Rakuten’s world,” said Amazon CEO Jeff tinents. ‘No bat-doctoring in table tennis’ until May 28 to start paying. Kobo and Barnes and Noble’s Bezos. “What we’ve asked ‘parkrun’ to do HINA’S world No.1 Ma Long before the start of each match, there’re is to contribute to the upkeep,” said played down claims that top umpires checking every bat,” the reign- the council representative, adding Ctable tennis players are illegally ing world champion said. that the runs had expanded from doctoring their bats, saying all paddles Germany’s former world No.1 Timo around 60 people a week a few Delta Airlines are checked before matches. Boll claimed about 80 per cent of inter- years ago to 300-400 including The 27-year-old dismissed the idea national players were doctoring their many from outside the village. signs Copa deal that players were “doping” their bats bats’ rubber surfaces to increase the Parkrun’s chief operating officer with special chemicals. acceleration of the ball, or “catapult Tom Williams said the decision US-based Delta Airlines agreed a šš Brendon McCullum “I don’t think this happens because effect”. šš Ma Long was unprecedented, saying, “We’re deal to become an official partner extremely disappointed.” of the Copa America Centenario, the centenary edition of the South American football championships. Delta will use Copa America intellectual property in its advertising and marketing, and will have the oppor- Armenia’s Rio Games medal Triple world champion Adam Jamaican sprinter Yohan tunity to promote its brand through prospect 20-year-old Andranik Peaty booked his place at the Blake declared himself “fit signage and advertising at games Karapetyan won gold in 77kg Rio Games by winning 100M and ready to run” at this year’s and media areas in the 10 tourna- at the European Weightlifting breaststroke at the British Rio de Janeiro Olympics after Say no to fast food! ment markets. Championships in Forde, Norway, Olympic trials in Glasgow in a clocking a world-leading last week. His countryman time of 58.41sec last week. The 9.95sec in his first 100M race Tigran Martirosyan took silver mark, though nowhere near the of the season last week. The EOPLE who eat a lot of fast to be used in food packaging and Romania’s Dumitru Captari 21-year-old’s own world record 2011 world champion, dogged food may be exposed to and food contact material,” said Mitsubishi powers bronze. Meanwhile, Bulgaria- of 57.92 that he set at the same by three years of hamstring higher amounts of certain lead author Ami R Zota of the born Azerbaijani Boyanka meet last year, was faster than problems, set the mark at the P chemicals in plastics that are department of environmental England Rugby Kostova retained her women’s August’s World Championships- Bahamas Invitational. believed to disrupt human and occupational health at the 58kg title. winning time of 58.52. Japanese car giant Mitsubishi hormones and possibly cause Milken Institute School of Public Motors became the new sponsor cancer, according to a US study. Health at George Washington of England’s Rugby Football Union, Researchers found that people University. replacing German Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Italian cyclist Luca Paolini Retired US women’s footballer who eat the most fast food Phthalates make plastics automaker BMW. The Malinga has been ruled out of was last week banned for 18 Abby Wambach pleaded guilty have up to 39 per cent more of like polyvinyl chloride more sponsorship begins this season’s Indian Premier months after testing positive to driving under the influence of at the start of next League (IPL) because of the for cocaine at last year’s Tour intoxicants last week, agreeing two industrial chemicals called flexible and are used in vinyl season. Under the lingering knee injury that also de France, the sport’s ruling to enter a diversion programme phthalates in their blood than flooring, adhesives, detergents, terms of agreement, sidelined him at the World body UCI announced. The that could see her conviction those who eat less or no fast lubricating oils and automotive the Mitsubishi logo Twenty20. The IPL’s highest all- suspension relates to the wiped out in a year. Wambach, food at all. plastics. People can be exposed will appear on the playing and train- time wicket-taker flew back to Sri 39-year-old’s failed dope test who helped the US women’s “We found a significant by eating and drinking foods ing kits of England’s Under-18 and Lanka from India, where he had for the recreational drug on team to the 2015 World Cup association suggesting that the and beverages that have been in U-20 teams. been with his Mumbai Indians July 7, 2015, which triggered title and retired as the world’s team, but had not played in any his sacking by Katusha. leading international goal- more fast food someone eats, contact with plastic containers, of their three matches. scorer, was arrested last week. the higher the levels of two according to the Centers for » Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment, particular phthalates known Disease Control and Prevention. www.csm.com, @FastTrack_ME Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 33 Kaleidoscope

PyeongChang secures S-Oil deal

The PyeongChang Organising Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games signed an official domestic SLEEKER sponsorship agreement with S-Oil Corporation. As a supplier for PyeongChang 2018, S-Oil will enjoy E-READER marketing rights, including the use of the Games’ intellectual properties, Pay or leave, emblem and its designation in pro- MAZON rolled out a Nook struggled to win motional activities, in South Korea. joggers told new Kindle e-reader customers. Alast week, its eighth Amazon hopes to attract LOCAL authority in Britain and slimmest device in the readers to its high-end Kindle told a joggers’ group to start series, with a charger that is with its longer lasting battery Under Armour Apaying for the upkeep of the built into its cover. and sleek design. park they use for weekly organised The Kindle Oasis, which at The company said the new backs Godolphin runs or stay away, sparking outrage $289.99 is the most expensive Kindle comes with a dual Dubai-based Godolphin, the rul- from British champion runner Paula in the range, is now available battery system, meaning that ing Al Maktoum family’s private Radcliffe. for orders and will start attaching the device to its thoroughbred “We’ve had operational issues shipping on April 27. cover will start recharging it horseracing sta- affecting other park users. This Since first launching the automatically. ble, announced has caused some friction,” said Kindle in 2007, Amazon has The Kindle Oasis weighs 4.6 a sponsorship deal with leading a representative of Stoke Gifford continued to roll out gadgets ounces and is 3.4mm at its sportswear and parish council, a suburb of Bristol in like its Fire tablets and most thinnest point. apparel company southwest England. recently Echo, a line of voice- “It’s the most advanced Under Armour. The brand will The council voted six to four in activated speakers. Kindle we’ve ever built, thin supply kits to jockeys, trainers and favour of a motion giving ‘parkrun’, The Kindle has emerged as and ultra lightweight. You can support staff, numbering more an organisation which stages free the most dominant e-reader lose yourself in the author’s than 1,500 people across four con- weekly 5km timed runs worldwide, in the market as Rakuten’s world,” said Amazon CEO Jeff tinents. until May 28 to start paying. Kobo and Barnes and Noble’s Bezos. “What we’ve asked ‘parkrun’ to do is to contribute to the upkeep,” said the council representative, adding that the runs had expanded from around 60 people a week a few years ago to 300-400 including Delta Airlines many from outside the village. signs Copa deal Parkrun’s chief operating officer Tom Williams said the decision US-based Delta Airlines agreed a was unprecedented, saying, “We’re deal to become an official partner extremely disappointed.” of the Copa America Centenario, the centenary edition of the South American football championships. Delta will use Copa America intellectual property in its advertising and marketing, and will have the opportunity to promote its brand through signage and advertising at games and media areas in the 10 tourna- Say no to fast food! ment markets.

EOPLE who eat a lot of fast to be used in food packaging food may be exposed to and food contact material,” said Mitsubishi powers Phigher amounts of certain lead author Ami R Zota of the chemicals in plastics that are department of environmental England Rugby believed to disrupt human and occupational health at the Japanese car giant Mitsubishi hormones and possibly cause Milken Institute School of Public Motors became the new sponsor cancer, according to a US study. Health at George Washington of England’s Rugby Football Union, Researchers found that people University. replacing German who eat the most fast food Phthalates make plastics automaker BMW. The have up to 39 per cent more of like polyvinyl chloride more sponsorship begins two industrial chemicals called flexible and are used in vinyl at the start of next phthalates in their blood than flooring, adhesives, detergents, season. Under the terms of agreement, those who eat less or no fast lubricating oils and automotive the Mitsubishi logo food at all. plastics. People can be exposed will appear on the playing and train- “We found a significant by eating and drinking foods ing kits of England’s Under-18 and association suggesting that the and beverages that have been in U-20 teams. more fast food someone eats, contact with plastic containers, the higher the levels of two according to the Centers for » Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment, particular phthalates known Disease Control and Prevention. www.csm.com, @FastTrack_ME 34 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 35

Spot shots Ĉ LAUREUS AWARDS

ššIronman Jan Frodeno of Germany is ecstatic after accepting the World Action Sportsperson of the Year trophy.

ššWomen’s world No.1 tennis player Serena Williams is announced as the World Sportswoman of ššSerbian tennis star Novak Djokovic proudly displays his World Sportsman of the Year trophy. the Year. The American was not able to attend the ceremony.

Djokovic, Serena

win top honours ššDaniel Dias, who won the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award, poses with ššNew Zealand rugby team player Dan Carter accepts his World Comeback of the Year trophy via video link. the trophy which was presented to him in advance in Braganca Paulista, Brazil, last week.

World No.1 stars Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams completed a clean sweep for tennis as they won the Laureus Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year award respectively last Monday. At a glitzy ceremony in German capital Berlin, hosted by US actor Bill Murray, Serbia’s Djokovic beat Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain among others for the top men’s award at the annual ceremony. Djokovic and American Williams, who fought off competition from footballer Carli Lloyd, also from the US, and Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce among others, were rewarded for dominating their sports last year, with each winning three of the four Grands Slam. Both athletes picked up the top prize for the third time, with Williams having previously won it in 2003 and 2010 while Djokovic was also victorious in 2012 and 2015. Golfer Jordan Spieth won the Breakthrough of the Year award after capturing his first two Majors at the 2015 US Masters and US Open while New Zealand’s All Blacks were adjudged Team of the Year following their World Cup victory. There was some joy for the host nation as well, with triathlete Jan Frodeno grabbing the Action Sportsperson of the Year prize.

Dutch footballer and coach Johan Cruyff, who Laureus Academy Photos/ died of cancer last month, was posthumously ššRachel Muthoga of ‘Moving The Goalposts’ project is all smiles ššFormer Formula One world champion Niki Lauda, who is now the ššNew Zealand rugby team captain Richie McCaw, who accepted the World awarded the Spirit of Sport award. His son Jordi ššJordi Cruyff with the Spirit of Sport trophy after collecting it after receiving the Sport for Good Award from Laureus World Sports ššAmerican golfer Jordan Spieth with his World Breakthrough of Non-Executive Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, shows his Team of the Year trophy on behalf of All Blacks, poses with it. received it. on behalf of his late father Johan Cruyff. Academy member Luis Figo. the Year trophy in a video. Lifetime Achievement Award. Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 35

ššIronman Jan Frodeno of Germany is ecstatic after accepting the World Action Sportsperson of the Year trophy.

ššDaniel Dias, who won the World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award, poses with ššNew Zealand rugby team player Dan Carter accepts his World Comeback of the Year trophy via video link. the trophy which was presented to him in advance in Braganca Paulista, Brazil, last week. Photos/ Laureus Academy Photos/ ššRachel Muthoga of ‘Moving The Goalposts’ project is all smiles ššFormer Formula One world champion Niki Lauda, who is now the after receiving the Sport for Good Award from Laureus World Sports ššAmerican golfer Jordan Spieth with his World Breakthrough of Non-Executive Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, shows his Academy member Luis Figo. the Year trophy in a video. Lifetime Achievement Award. 36 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW Ĉ QATAR HILLSBOROUGH TRAGEDY 96 football fans killed in stampede 1989 during an English FA Cup match WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 SATURDAY, APRIL 23

HANDBALL FOOTBALL Qatar League, Al Wakrah vs Al Emir’s Cup, second round, Ahli, 5.30pm at Qatar Handball Al Kharaitiyat vs Qatar SC, Josoor Institute completes Association Hall, Al Arabi vs 5.15pm at Al Arabi Stadium, El Quiyada, 7pm at Qatar Al Shamal vs Al Wakrah, Handball Association Hall. 5.15pm at Qatar SC Stadium, Muaither vs Al Gharafa, 8pm management programmes HORSERACING at Al Arabi Stadium, Al Khor vs Weekly races, 4pm onwards at Mesaimeer, 8pm at Qatar SC The Josoor Institute, a centre Sports Management’ last week. University of Liverpool and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Stadium. Club. of excellence for sports and The conclusion ceremony Leeds Beckett University. The TABLE TENNIS Rafael Nadal showed a bit of his vintage form to beat Gael events industries inspired and of the 18-month programmes programmes are a part of TABLE TENNIS Emir’s Cup, Al Sadd vs Al developed by the Supreme was held at the Qatar Josoor’s commitment towards Emir’s Cup, Qatar SC vs Al Rayyan; Al Khor vs Al Ahli, Al Monfils and win his ninth Monte Committee for Delivery and National Convention Centre. building sustainable sports and Khor; Al Ahli vs Al Rayyan; Arabi vs Al Wakrah; Al Gharafa Carlo Masters title. The Spaniard, Legacy, successfully completed The certificate and diploma events industries in Qatar as well El Jaish vs Al Shamal; Al vs El Jaish, 6.30pm onwards at hampered by injuries, had been Qatar Table Tennis Association the fourth block of its flagship programmes consisted of six as Middle East and North Africa Wakrah vs Al Gharafa, 6.30pm having a wretched run in the recent onwards at Qatar Table Tennis Training Centre. certificate and diploma blocks and are designed and region. Association Training Centre. past, but he rolled back the years SUNDAY, APRIL 24 with a stupendous performance to programmes on ‘Major Events delivered in partnership with Carmen Rusinoiu sent the THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Management’ and ‘Football and the Georgetown University, details and photograph. FOOTBALL beat the Frenchman in three sets. The triumph will definitely boost his HANDBALL Qatar Cup, semifinal, Al Rayyan hopes at the French Open, where he Qatar League, Al Khor vs El vs Lekhwiya, 7.15pm at Al Sadd Jaish, 4pm, Al Shamal vs Al Stadium. is just one short of double figure in Rayyan, 5.30pm, Qatar SC vs MONDAY, APRIL 25 terms of titles. Skydive’s Tandem Lekhwiya, 5.30pm and Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa, 7pm at Qatar FOOTBALL Handball Association Hall. Qatar Cup, semifinal, El Jaish Jump from May 3 HORSERACING vs Al Sadd, 7.15pm at Al Sadd Infostrada Sports Stadium. Weekly races, 4pm onwards at @InfostradaGold For the first time in Qatar, adventure lovers will get a Qatar Racing and Equestrian TABLE TENNIS chance to experience the world’s most famous Tandem Club. Rafael Nadal emerges victorious in his 100th career singles final by Jump at the Al Khor airport from May 3 to 31. FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Emir’s Cup, Al Sadd vs Qatar During the event, organised by the Qatar Air Sports SC; Al Rayyan vs Al Khor; Al winning in Monte Carlo. He has won Arabi vs El Jaish; Al Gharafa vs 68 finals and lost 32 in singles. Committee and Skydive Qatar, all Qatari residents, who BASKETBALL Al Shamal, 6.30pm onwards at possess a good health and mind, can get a chance to Emir’s Cup Final, Al Gharafa vs Qatar Table Tennis Association fly off on an aircraft with a team of professional certified El Jaish, 6.30pm at Al Gharafa Training Centre. DavidLaw N APRIL 15, 1989, at least 96 football fans were killed at the Skydivers to jump from approximately 13,000 feet. Indoor Hall. TUESDAY, APRIL 26 @DavidLawTennis Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield during the FA Cup semifinal The running forehand winner down The jump with a professional instructor costs QR 1,899 for RUGBY Obetween Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. It was Britain’s HANDBALL the line from Nadal to finish it individuals including photos and a video footage of before, Asia Championship, Qatar worst-ever sports disaster. after and during the jump. Qatar League, El Quiyada vs Al brought back memories of his 2008 Ace footballer Xavi vs Lebanon, 6pm at Aspire The crush is said to have resulted from too many Liverpool fans Tickets are available online at skydiveqatar.com, Qatar Zone. Sadd, 4pm at Qatar Handball vintage. Association Complex Hall. being allowed into the back of an already-full stand at the Leppings to visit adidas store Foundation and Virgin Mega Stores. TABLE TENNIS Amira sent the details. TABLE TENNIS Yohan Blake Lane end of the ground. Emir’s Cup, Al Sadd vs Al @YohanBlake Al Sadd captain and former Barcelona Rayyan; Al Khor vs Al Ahli; Emir’s Cup, Al Sadd vs Al Khor; More than 2,000 Liverpool fans had not yet got into the stadium Big up Nadal you continue to inspire star Xavi Hernandez will visit the adidas Al Arabi vs Al Gharafa; Qatar SC vs Al Ahli; Al Arabi 9 1 when6 the match started at 3pm local time. Al Shamal vs Al Wakrah, vs Al Shamal; El Jaish vs Al me @RafaelNadal. store at Landmark Mall on Wednesday As fans rushed in, those already there were pushed forward and 6.30pm onwards at Qatar Wakrah, 6.30pm onwards at 6 2 4 9 1 to meet fans and celebrate the opening Table Tennis Association Qatar Table Tennis Association crushed against the high, wire-topped safety fences. RafaNadalFANS of the flagship HomeCourt. Training Centre. Training Centre. @RafaNadalFANS 1 However, it was more than five minutes into the match before what was Fans can enjoy the all-new adidas #Nadal Dedicates title to his happening became apparent to those not in the Leppings Lane stand. interactive concept store and get the 1 4 5 2 grandfather “Go per your padrinet” chance of a lifetime to meet the former Ĉ “It’s for you grandpa” 7 5 3 6 Spanish international. INTERNATIONAL Xavi will sign autographs and pose for 4 3 2 9 pictures with fans, with the first 30 fans getting the opportunity to meet him. FRIDAY, APRIL 22 9 Mohammed Hassan sent the details. MOTORSPORT 8 5 4 2 3 Rally of Argentina (till April 24). 7 3 4 SATURDAY, APRIL 23 SUDOKU-521 FOOTBALL 9 1 6 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 FA Cup semifinals. RUGBY UNION Sudoku is a number- 6 2 4 9 1 ЂЂWhich Formula One team does CRICKET European Champions Cup placing puzzle Solution-520 German driver Nico Rosberg represent? IPL in India (till May 29). semifinals. based on a 9x9 1 SNOOKER SUNDAY, APRIL 24 grid with several given numbers. 7 6 2 4 3 5 8 1 9 World Championship in 1 4 5 2 Sheffield (till May 2). ATHLETICS The object is to 3 1 4 8 9 7 2 6 5 London Marathon. place the numbers TENNIS 9 5 8 1 6 2 7 3 4 Name MONDAY, APRIL 25 1 to 9 in the empty 7 5 3 6 ATP at Barcelona and squares so that each SEND YOUR ANSWER TO Bucharest; WTA at Stuttgart 1 7 5 3 4 8 9 2 6 and Istanbul (till April 24). TENNIS row, each column 4 3 2 9 [email protected] Phone No ATP at Estoril, Istanbul, Munich; and each 3x3 box 2 3 9 6 5 1 4 8 7 THURSDAY, APRIL 21 WTA at Rabat and Prague (till contains the same and be the lucky winner to get May 1). 8 4 6 2 7 9 3 5 1 9 e-mail GOLF number only once. three months’ subscription of TUESDAY, APRIL 26 EPGA at Shenzhen 6 8 3 7 1 4 5 9 2 8 5 4 2 3 DSP magazine for free. International; USPGA at Texas Open, San Antonio; LPGA at FOOTBALL 5 2 7 9 8 6 1 4 3 Swinging Skirts. LPGA Classic, Champions League semifinal San Francisco (till April 24). first leg. 4 9 1 5 2 3 6 7 8 7 3 4

7 6 2 4 3 5 8 1 9 3 1 4 8 9 7 2 6 5 9 5 8 1 6 2 7 3 4 1 7 5 3 4 8 9 2 6 2 3 9 6 5 1 4 8 7 8 4 6 2 7 9 3 5 1 6 8 3 7 1 4 5 9 2 5 2 7 9 8 6 1 4 3 4 9 1 5 2 3 6 7 8 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW HILLSBOROUGH TRAGEDY 96 football fans killed in stampede 1989 during an English FA Cup match

Rafael Nadal showed a bit of his vintage form to beat Gael Monfils and win his ninth Monte Carlo Masters title. The Spaniard, hampered by injuries, had been having a wretched run in the recent past, but he rolled back the years with a stupendous performance to beat the Frenchman in three sets. The triumph will definitely boost his hopes at the French Open, where he is just one short of double figure in terms of titles.

Infostrada Sports @InfostradaGold Rafael Nadal emerges victorious in his 100th career singles final by winning in Monte Carlo. He has won 68 finals and lost 32 in singles.

DavidLaw N APRIL 15, 1989, at least 96 football fans were killed at the @DavidLawTennis Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield during the FA Cup semifinal The running forehand winner down Obetween Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. It was Britain’s the line from Nadal to finish it brought back memories of his 2008 worst-ever sports disaster. vintage. The crush is said to have resulted from too many Liverpool fans being allowed into the back of an already-full stand at the Leppings Yohan Blake Lane end of the ground. @YohanBlake More than 2,000 Liverpool fans had not yet got into the stadium Big up Nadal you continue to inspire9 1 when6 the match started at 3pm local time. me @RafaelNadal. As fans rushed in, those already there were pushed forward and 6 2 4 crushed 9 1against the high, wire-topped safety fences. RafaNadalFANS @RafaNadalFANS 1 However, it was more than five minutes into the match before what was #Nadal Dedicates title to his1 4 5 happening2 became apparent to those not in the Leppings Lane stand. grandfather “Go per your padrinet” “It’s for you grandpa” 7 5 3 6 4 3 2 9 9 8 5 4 2 3 SUDOKU-521 7 3 4 9 1 6

Sudoku is a number- 6 2 4 9 1 placing puzzle Solution-520 based on a 9x9 1 grid with several given numbers. 7 6 2 4 3 5 8 1 9 The object is to 3 1 4 8 9 7 2 6 5 1 4 5 2 place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty 9 5 8 1 6 2 7 3 4 7 5 3 6 squares so that each 1 7 5 3 4 8 9 2 6 row, each column 4 3 2 9 and each 3x3 box 2 3 9 6 5 1 4 8 7 contains the same number only once. 8 4 6 2 7 9 3 5 1 9 6 8 3 7 1 4 5 9 2 8 5 4 2 3 5 2 7 9 8 6 1 4 3 4 9 1 5 2 3 6 7 8 7 3 4

7 6 2 4 3 5 8 1 9 3 1 4 8 9 7 2 6 5 9 5 8 1 6 2 7 3 4 1 7 5 3 4 8 9 2 6 2 3 9 6 5 1 4 8 7 8 4 6 2 7 9 3 5 1 6 8 3 7 1 4 5 9 2 5 2 7 9 8 6 1 4 3 4 9 1 5 2 3 6 7 8 38 Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Hearsay

PSG silent over United eye top signings reports on the Special One

ARIS Saint-Germain last week to welcome Mourinho issued a terse “no comment” Pfollowing reports in England that the French champions had ap- ALL NGLISH Premier League side of his rebuilding plans when he takes proached Jose Mourinho to become Manchester United are ready over from Louis van Gaal. theiryxyxyxyxyx new manager. yxy Eto make big-money moves in Mourinho has already started plan- xyPSG xy chairman xyxyxxyy Nasser Ghanem Al the transfer market to welcome Jose ning for next season in the expecta- Kholaifi was understood to have insti- SPORTS, Mourinho, who is being touted as tion he will be taking control of United gatedyxyxyxy the approach toyxyxy Mourinho imme- their new manager. this summer. diately after PSG’s Champions League Benfica’s Renato Sanches and Paris Highly-rated midfielder Sanches is exit at the hands of Manchester City Saint-Germain’s star striker Zlatan high on his list, with United leading last week, “having grown frustrated at ONE Ibrahimovic are in the sights of the a host of top European clubs in the the club’s lack of progress in Europe Old Trafford board as it looks to give race for the £40m star. under Laurent Blanc”. Mourinho a squad ready to challenge And a deal for Ibrahimovic is on the PSG were not answering phone calls for the league title. cards with the Swede is keen to link when contacted, but sent a text mes- STADIUM Mourinho has also indicated he wants up again with Mourinho after their sage stating “No comment” when asked Everton defender John Stones as part time together at Inter. about the Mourinho report.

Chelsea desperate Vidal wants Arsenal’s for Atletico striker Sanchez at Bayern Griezmann Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal urged his Chile Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution NGLISH Premier League holders team-mate Alexis Sanchez to complete a transfer to the German champions. P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Chelsea, who will relinquish their Sanchez has scored 39 goals in 88 appearances Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Etitle in a few weeks, are refusing since joining the Gunners from Barcelona in 2014 e-mail: [email protected] to give up on signing Atletico Madrid but many top European sides are interested in marksman Antoine Griezmann. snapping up the 27-year-old. Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 The 25-year-old Frenchman has 29 Vidal, who arrived at Bayern last summer, is www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] goals in 46 appearances for his club in keen for Sanchez to join him at the Allianz Arena all competitions this season. following speculation his compatriot is a target for the Bundesliga outfit. Chelsea have a big handicap that they “Hopefully,” Vidal said when asked whether he EPL side Liverpool gear will not be taking part in next season’s believes the rumours to be true. “We’ve played Champions League after suffering a big together since playing for the Under-20s, so it collapse in the first half of the season, would be nice to play with him again!” up for UAE takeover but despite that they are set to offer Griezmann a lucrative deal in a bid to TO OUR PUBLICATION tempt him away from Spain. MEMBER of the Abu Dhabi He is estimated to be worth more Griezmann’s goals have helped Atletico royal family has set his sights than £30bn and is wealthier than challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid A on snapping up Liverpool his half-brother Shaikh Mansour, Subscribe Yes, send Doha Stadium Plus to me for the La Liga title and also reach the and has more than £700m in the bank who has turned City into two-time last four of the Champions League. waiting to complete the deal. Shaikh league champions since buying the Chelsea are set to free up their wage Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of club in 2008. Name: ...... bill this summer by allowing the likes the UAE royal family already owns Liverpool are valued at around £650m of Falcao, Pato and Loic Remy to leave, Manchester City. and are currently owned by American Company: ...... but they remain hopeful that Diego Although the identity of the bidder sports investment company Fenway Costa will stay. remains a secret, one likely candidate Sports Group, who bought the club Address: ...... is UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin for £300m in October, 2010. But since Zayed Al Nahyan himself. then, their value has soared. Telephone: ......

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Payment can be made by cash, cheque or DD payable to Estad Al Doha. NGLISH striker Harry Kane has player to score 20 or more top-flight evoked renewed interest from goals in consecutive seasons since EReal Madrid and Bayern Munich Martin Chivers, who achieved the feat after spearheading Tottenham’s title between 1971-73. SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) challenge. He is happy at Tottenham and has Kane is the current top scorer in the no thoughts of playing elsewhere, but SEND THIS TO Premier League with 24 goals, after net- reports in Spain and Germany say that ting 31 times in all competitions last both Real and Bayern have asked to be The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus term. kept informed of his plans. The 22-year- P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] Kane, named PFA Young Player of old signed a five-and-a-half-year deal the Year in 2015, is the first Tottenham 14 months ago. ALL yxyxyxyxyx yxy xy xy xyxyxxyy SPORTS, yxyxyxy yxyxy ONE STADIUM

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P 18 | BASKETBALL ‘We want to be the best team’ DSP EXCLUSIVE Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. INTERVIEW Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 P 20 | POSTER e-mail: [email protected] P 22 | RUGBY FERNANDO Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 e-mail: [email protected] TORRES Perfect weather! www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar