Making the Right Move

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2016 VOLUME XI ISSUE NO.14 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 8 | FOOTBALL P 26 | MOTORSPORT ROARING LIONS NASSER HAS IT EASY QATAR’S FIRST Qatar Stars League champions Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah easily ENGLISH SPORTS Rayyan blank Kharaitiyat to reach wins the third round of Middle East WEEKLY the Emir’s Cup semifinal in style. Rally Championship in Jordan.

ASPIRE, PERSPIRE,

INSPIRE!PAGES 16-19

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Produce the right platform for our natural talents

ĈĈWe can’t simply churn out We can’t simply churn out champions at a fixed talents in this country. We’ve to chart out the right champions at a fixed frequency frequency. And it’s all the more difficult in our course for them, considering their aptitude, skill, country as we’ve a very small population and con- potential and the possibility of winning a medal HEN selectors pick teams for certain sequently a much smaller talent pool compared at top-level competitions. competitions, they often choose ‘horses to many others. When almost 90 per cent of the There’s no need for us to divert resources to Wfor courses’, implying they identify the kids who’re into sports opt for football, do we’ve those sports where we don’t have many players. right player for a particular role. enough children to take up other disciplines? After football and athletics, I think we need to In our case, we need to go for the opposite — Absolutely no. focus on those disciplines, already mentioned develop the right ‘courses for horses.’ It seems I’m happy to note the ASPIRE Academy’s think above, which are culturally linked with our peo- the ASPIRE Academy, entrusted with the oner- tank is reviewing what’re the sports we can excel in. ple, and may be on motor sports too, though it ous task of producing world champions, is mov- Its focus will be more on those disciplines where isn’t on the Olympic menu. ing towards this strategy. Qataris have historical and cultural links, but at Let’s not bite off more than we can chew. It’s almost 12 years since the academy came into the same time, with potential to win medals. Remember, jack of all trades is a master of none! existence and from a layman’s perspective, there’s As a result of this, there’ll be more focus on sports very little to show to its credit. But for the discern- like modern pentathlon, comprising fencing, 200M ing, it isn’t true. A little over a decade is nothing freestyle swimming, show jumping, pistol shoot- in the history of an institution of this kind. Look ing and 3,200M cross-country run. This is what at some of the famous academies in the world, I meant by, ‘developing right courses for horses’. Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi they’re all more than 50-60 years old. We’ve to produce the right platform for natural Editor-in-Chief

Atletico Madrid Stadium Plus, May 4). It might’ve prove a gritty side been the most unlikely triumph in INBOX the Premier League era. That Atletico Madrid reached their Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez second Champions League final have undoubtedly been standout

Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar in three seasons speaks volumes performers, but the fact is that they Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 about their consistent performance played as a well-knit unit under the Managing Editor Kumar Ravi WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016 VOLUME XI ISSUE NO.13 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com P 8 | FOOTBALL P 18 | ATHLETICS MISSION SUCCESS ROYAL BATTLES Doha QATAR’S FIRST Sabri Lamouchi-coached Jaish turn Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim and determination to do well ( wise guidance of Claudio Ranieri. Senior Editor/Writer ENGLISH SPORTS the tables on Lekhwiya to win their is to fight with a bunch of world-beaters Aswin Abraham second Qatar Cup in three seasons. at the Doha Diamond League meet. WEEKLY Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 FOLLOW US Senior Sports Writer Stadium Plus, May 4). An interesting aspect of their game N Ganesh e-mail: [email protected] Sports Writers Argentinian coach Diego Simeone is that they played more long balls Sajith B Warrier Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Mohammad Amin-ul Islam e-mail: [email protected] has moulded Atletico into a gritty this season than all but two sides

Sarath Pookkat Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 side capable of winning even the in the big five leagues of Europe. PAGES 22-23 e-mail: [email protected] Photographers Mohan European competition. Despite los- Thomas Daniel, Doha. DSP EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW P 24 | TABLE TENNIS Vinod Divakaran Call to develop ing the second leg to Bayern Munich, young players

P 26 | volleyball Fadi Al Assaad Rayyan supreme they could advance on away goals. at Qatar Cup Red-hot Rosberg

Mohammed Dabboos P 20 | POSTER It’ll be a mouth-watering clash DIAMOND LEAGUE TOP GUNS 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 when Atletico face Real in an all- Nico Rosberg is more than making Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Madrid final on May 28. up for having spent one full Formula P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Publishing and Distribution Pedro Lopez, Doha. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press One season in the shadow of his Joice Michael Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton e-mail: [email protected] www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Shaheen Mohammed (Doha Stadium Plus, May 4). Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar Leicester fairytale e-mail: [email protected] Abdul Naser M www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar The German has scored seven wins It was indeed a fairytale when rank in a row and looks set to clinch the 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 outsiders Leicester City emerged as world title. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. champions of English football (Doha Roland Gomez, Doha. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 3

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Produce the right platform for our natural talents

P 26 | volleyball Fadi Al Assaad Rayyan supreme they could advance on away goals. at Qatar Cup Red-hot Rosberg

Mohammed Dabboos P 20 | POSTER It’ll be a mouth-watering clash DIAMOND LEAGUE TOP GUNS 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 when Atletico face Real in an all- Nico Rosberg is more than making Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko Madrid final on May 28. up for having spent one full Formula Publishing and Distribution Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press Pedro Lopez, Doha. One season in the shadow of his Joice Michael Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Shaheen Mohammed www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar Leicester fairytale (Doha Stadium Plus, May 4). Abdul Naser M www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar The German has scored seven wins It was indeed a fairytale when rank in a row and looks set to clinch the

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of outsiders Leicester City emerged as world title. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. champions of English football (Doha Roland Gomez, Doha. 4 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 5 Extra time

We’ve a vision and target which is to host the Olympic Games one day. All facilities are going to be ready for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We’ve plans to bid for the Summer Games, possibly in 2028. Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General. NASSER AL ATTIYAH CLEAN SWEEP STAR OF THE WEEK Jaish complete a hat-trick of domestic handball titles by winning the Emir’s Cup, defeating Gharafa.

ĈĈLeft-back Juan Del Arco

was Jaish’s star performer DSP/Mohan while Darko Stanic was solid in the goal

Sajith B Warrier ‘Shooting helps

L JAISH once again proved they me chase dreams’ are a cut above the rest in Qatar Ehandball by winning the Emir’s RESH from a record-breaking Cup for the third year in a row. 63rd Middle East Rally Cham- Their 21-16 victory against Al Gharafa Fpionship leg victory in Jordan, in the final at the Qatar Handball Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah is pursuing his Association Hall on Tuesday also helped long-cherished dream of an Olympic

them complete a domestic treble fol- DSP/Mohan gold medal in skeet shooting. Known lowing success in the Qatar League and šĈMembers of the El Jaish team celebrate the triumph. to be a jovial character, the Qatari spoke Qatar Cup. about his other interests.

Stanic stood like a rock in the goal. Ahmed Abdel was their best player, but ЂЂGiven a choice, what would you prefer. Rallying or shooting? We’ve proved our bench “Since majority of our players are he lacked support. ROLL OF Qatar internationals, rarely have I had “We failed to gel as a team when it HONOUR ЃЂI feel each sport helps the other. is strong and three Last 10 Emir’s Cup the luxury of fielding a full-strength mattered the most. The close-fought handball champions. Shooting helps my concentration in rally- titles in a season bears team. However, we’ve proved that our semifinal win against Lekhwiya had 2016 El Jaish ing while rallying gives me the strength to testimony to this. bench is strong and three titles in a sea- almost drained our players of energy. 2015 El Jaish do well as a shooter. Mentally, shooting is son bear testimony to this,” said Jaish’s Hats off to Jaish, they’re deserving win- 2014 El Jaish more demanding, while rallying is much Al Sadd Spanish coach Toni Gerona. ners,” said Gharafa’s Tunisian coach 2013 harder physically. But Olympics is some- 2012 El Jaish The winners, who led 9-8 at the half- For Gharafa, who edged Asian cham- Shawki Kasim. DSP 2011 Al Ahli REUTERS/ Andrea Comas thing really special and that way shooting way mark, upped the ante in the sec- pions Lekhwiya 21-20 in the semifi- 2010 Al Rayyan helps me more in chasing my dreams. ond session and looked unstoppable nal, it turned out to be a disappoint- RESULTS 2009 Al Rayyan 2008 Al Ahli as Gharafa were made to play catch-up. ing season. First they abdicated the FINAL El Jaish bt Al Gharafa 21-16 ЂЂWhat’s your favourite pastime? 2007 Al Sadd El Jaish bt Al Rayyan 28-27 ЃЂ Left-back Juan Del Arco was the league crown to Jaish, then failed to SEMIFINALS Fishing and horse riding are two of my Armymen’s star performer while Darko make it to the Qatar Cup’s last four. Pivot Al Gharafa bt Lekhwiya 21-20 SIMONA HALEP favourite hobbies. Last year after winning the Pharaons Rally, I rode a horse across the backdrop of the Egyptian Pyramids N A BIG morale booster ahead of the year and her 12th career title. face a top 10 player en route to the title. and it was a wonderful feeling. ensuing French Open, Simona Halep “Day by day, I played a better game. That The 24-year-old won seven of the first West Ham go hammer and tongs! Iwon the Madrid Masters, beating helped me a lot improve mentally and to eight points on her way to opening up a ЂЂYour preferred choice of cuisine… Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 6-4 in be more confident,” said Halep, who did 5-1 lead. ЃЂHaving travelled a lot, I’m used to dif- the final. not drop a single set in the tournament. In the second set, Cibulkova had her ferent types of food and culture. However, EST Ham bade farewell to for the top four, but Antonio headed in STANDINGS Halep stormed through the first set in After an inconsistent season, Halep chance to break back in a marathon Italian pasta and Argentinian steak are the Upton Park after 112 Dimitri Payet’s cross before Reid beat Leicester 37 23 11 3 67 35 80 half-an-hour and needed just one break looked close to the form that made her 16-point fourth game, but Halep held on two of my favourite items. Tottenham 37 19 13 5 68 30 70 in the first game of the second to win her world No.2 last year and made the most and then served out convincingly for the Wyears with a pulsating 3-2 keeper David de Gea from close range. Arsenal 37 19 11 7 61 36 68 victory over Manchester United to leave United must now beat Bournemouth Man City 37 19 8 10 70 40 65 first tournament since Indian Wells last of a depleted field as she did not have to match with an ace. » e-mail: sajith @dohastadiumplusqatar.com the visitors’ top-four hopes in tatters in their final game on May 15 and Man United 37 18 9 10 46 34 63 West Ham 37 16 14 7 64 49 62 on Tuesday. hope Manchester City lose at Swansea Southampton 37 17 9 11 55 40 60 On an emotionally-charged night City. Liverpool 36 16 10 10 61 48 58 Inside in east London, it looked as though Earlier, United’s team bus was attacked Chelsea 36 12 12 12 57 51 48 Stoke City 37 13 9 15 39 54 48 Anthony Martial’s double had ruined by bottle-throwing home fans, caus- Swansea City 37 12 10 15 41 51 46 the Hammers’ party, but late headed ing a 45-minute delay to the kickoff. Everton 36 10 14 12 56 52 44 goals from Michail Antonio and Winston Huge crowds, many without tickets, Watford 36 12 8 16 36 44 44 Crystal Palace 37 11 9 17 38 47 42 Reid secured the win that almost took had congregated outside the stadium West Brom 37 10 12 15 33 47 42 the roof off the old stadium. for the sell-out Premier League clash. Bournemouth 37 11 9 17 44 64 42 West Ham went ahead in the 10th United’s team coach became bogged Sunderland 36 8 11 17 43 60 35 12 22 30 Newcastle 37 8 10 19 39 64 34 minute when Diafra Sakho swept the down within sight of the stadium in Norwich 36 8 7 21 35 62 31 ball home. Green Street where West Ham fans Aston Villa 37 3 8 26 27 72 17 Martial turned the game on its head began pelting the windows with bot- 1-3: Champions League, 4: Champions League AFP/ Glyn Kirk preliminary round, 5: Europa League, 6: Europa šĈWest Ham United’s Diafra Sakho gets the ball past Manchester with two cool finishes in the 51st and tles and glasses while a smoke canis- League preliminary round, 7: Europa League United’s Ander Herrera, right, and Marcos Rojo. 72nd minutes and United were heading ter was also set off adding to the chaos. depending on domestic cup, 18-20: Relegation. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 5

‘Shooting helps me chase dreams’

RESH from a record-breaking 63rd Middle East Rally Cham- Fpionship leg victory in Jordan, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah is pursuing his long-cherished dream of an Olympic gold medal in skeet shooting. Known to be a jovial character, the Qatari spoke about his other interests.

ЂЂGiven a choice, what would you prefer. Rallying or shooting? ЃЂI feel each sport helps the other. Shooting helps my concentration in rallying while rallying gives me the strength to do well as a shooter. Mentally, shooting is more demanding, while rallying is much harder physically. But Olympics is some-

REUTERS/ Andrea Comas REUTERS/ Andrea Comas thing really special and that way shooting helps me more in chasing my dreams.

ЂЂWhat’s your favourite pastime? ЃЂFishing and horse riding are two of my SIMONA HALEP favourite hobbies. Last year after winning the Pharaons Rally, I rode a horse across the backdrop of the Egyptian Pyramids N A BIG morale booster ahead of the year and her 12th career title. face a top 10 player en route to the title. and it was a wonderful feeling. ensuing French Open, Simona Halep “Day by day, I played a better game. That The 24-year-old won seven of the first Iwon the Madrid Masters, beating helped me a lot improve mentally and to eight points on her way to opening up a ЂЂYour preferred choice of cuisine… Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 6-4 in be more confident,” said Halep, who did 5-1 lead. ЃЂHaving travelled a lot, I’m used to dif- the final. not drop a single set in the tournament. In the second set, Cibulkova had her ferent types of food and culture. However, Halep stormed through the first set in After an inconsistent season, Halep chance to break back in a marathon Italian pasta and Argentinian steak are half-an-hour and needed just one break looked close to the form that made her 16-point fourth game, but Halep held on two of my favourite items. in the first game of the second to win her world No.2 last year and made the most and then served out convincingly for the first tournament since Indian Wells last of a depleted field as she did not have to match with an ace. » e-mail: sajith @dohastadiumplusqatar.com Inside 12 22 30 6 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 7 Football Taleb Group supreme at Fourth Workers Cup

ALEB Group claimed the Fourth Ambassadors and Heads of Mission Workers Cup with a 3-1 penalty of Bangladesh, Germany, India, Nepal, dream movE Tshoot-out victory over Gulf Con- Sri Lanka, the UK and USA as well as tracting Company at the Al Ahli Stadium renowned coach Bora Milutinovic were last week. The game was goalless at the also present at the felicitation ceremony. Promising forward Akram Afif is set to make history as the first end of regulation time. Hani congratulated the winners. Taleb Group received the trophy from “The QSL is proud to have played Qatari player to feature in La Liga after signing for Villarreal. Supreme Committee for Delivery and such a big part in the continued success Legacy Secretary General Hassan Al of the Workers Cup. The event demon- ššTaleb Group players hoist the trophy as Bora Milutinovic, second left, Hani Taleb Ballan, third left, Hassan Al Thawadi and Qatar Stars League (QSL) strates the importance of sport across teams in Spain. I hope I can learn a lot Thawadi, fourth left, and other officials applaud. CEO Hani Taleb Ballan. all communities,” said Hani. DSP N Ganesh of things in the next years from the players and the coaches at the club. I know some of the players in the team. The city is very nice, so I hope that I can do Three foreigners FINAL STANDINGS ALENTED forward Akram Afif will something for the team,” said Akram, GROUP A become the first Qatari player whose brother Ali plays for Lekhwiya. leave Kharaitiyat FC Bunyodkar hold Lokomotiv (UZB) 6 2 4 0 6 3 10 Tto feature in the Spanish La Liga Akram already has some experience Al Nasr (UAE) 6 2 3 1 5 4 9 after Villarreal signed him on last week. in Spain as he has trained in the youth L KHARAITIYAT will release Al Ittihad (KSA) 6 2 3 1 9 4 9 The ASPIRE Academy product, who team of Sevilla in 2012. Some valid tips their three overseas players Lekhwiya goalless Foolad Sepahan (IRN) 6 1 0 5 2 11 3 was instrumental in Qatar winning A— Hassan Abdel Fattah, Yahia GROUP B the Asian Under-19 Championship in Kebe and Issiar Dia — at the end of the Zobahan (IRN) 6 4 2 0 12 2 14 Myanmar in 2014 and finishing fourth Playing in the Champions season, the club said last week. EKHWIYA and FC Bunyodkar side finished on top of Group D. The Lekhwiya (QAT) 6 2 3 1 7 2 9 at the continental U-23 tournament at League is an objective However, Kharaitiyat, who finished played out a goalless draw in double-leg pre-quarterfinal will be Al Nassr (KSA) 6 1 2 3 5 14 5 home in January, was playing on loan 12th in the Qatar Stars League, retained Ltheir final Group B match of the held on May 17 and 25. Bunyodkor (UZB) 6 0 3 3 5 11 3 for me, but first I want at KAS Eupen from Al Sadd. He had coach Amar Osim and Brazilian defender AFC Champions League last week. “We gave chance to some of our GROUP C helped the Belgian club win promo- to help Villarreal. Domingos Nascimento for the next The cops were assured of a run - young players to gain experience,” Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRN) 6 4 0 2 10 3 12 tion to the top flight last week. season. ners-up finish going into the fixture said Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi. Al Hilal (KSA) 6 3 2 1 10 7 11 “It’s a dream come true for me to Meanwhile, Kharaitiyat will hold their at the Lekhwiya Stadium last week “Some of them played for the first time Pakhtakor (UZB) 6 3 1 2 10 9 10 become the first Qatari player in La from Spanish great Xavi Hernandez, pre-season camp in Slovakia. The details in the competition, but overall our per- Al Jazira (UAE) 6 0 1 5 2 13 1 Liga,” said Akram. currently with Sadd, also helped him of the tour will be decided later. DSP formance was solid,” added Belmadi. GROUP D “I hope I can be one of the best play- enhance his skills. Meanwhile, China’s world-leading El Jaish (QAT) 6 3 1 2 6 8 10 Scolari’s Evergrande Al Ain (UAE) 6 3 1 2 8 6 10 ers in the league and eventually help “Xavi is a big player and he gives me transfer splurge has left two teams Al Ahli (KSA) 6 3 0 3 10 7 9 the Qatar national team. Playing in the advice about how I can improve,” he said. were particularly poor red-faced after holders Guangzhou Nasaf (UZB) 6 1 2 3 4 7 5 Champions League is an objective for ASPIRE Academy Director General as they were eliminated Evergrande and Jiangsu Suning crashed GROUP E me, but first I want to help Villarreal, Ivan Bravo was delighted. with a game to spare. out in the group stage. Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 6 3 1 2 13 9 10 that’s the most important thing. “I’m very happy for him. I think this Just months after they repeatedly FC Tokyo (JPN) 6 3 1 2 8 8 10 “I’m very happy to sign for Villarreal, country should be happier,” Bravo told smashed Asia’s transfer record to hire Jiangsu FC (CHN) 6 2 3 1 10 7 9 Doha Stadium Plus DSP they’re a big team and one of the best . and they finished with nine points top players, the two sides flopped in Becamex Binh Duong (VIE) 6 1 1 4 6 13 4 while Bunyodkar ended their cam- the regional competition, a route to GROUP F paign winless. a coveted FIFA Club World Cup spot. FC Seoul (KOR) 6 4 1 1 17 5 13 Lekhwiya, who bounced their way Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Evergrande were Shandong Luneng (CHN) 6 3 2 1 7 2 11 DSP/ Mohan Gharafa extend ššHassan Al Thawadi and Dr Robert M back into the tournament after losing particularly poor as they were eliminated Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 6 3 0 3 9 1 9 Groves shake hands after signing the deal. their opener against Iran’s Zobahan, with a game to spare. Both Chinese Buriram United (THA) 6 0 1 5 1 16 1 Caixinha deal will take on El Jaish after the Qatari clubs exited with just two wins. DSP GROUP G Shanghai SIPG (CHN) 6 4 0 2 10 8 12 EDRO Caixinha will remain as Josoor signs deal Melbourne Victory (AUS) 6 2 3 1 7 7 9 Al Gharafa coach for one more Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 6 2 3 1 7 4 9 Pyear after the club extended his with Georgetown Gamba Osaka (JPN) 6 0 2 4 4 9 2 contract last week. GROUP H The Portuguese did an impressive OSOOR Institute, a centre of Sydney FC (AUS) 6 3 1 2 4 4 10 job in a short period, helping Gharafa excellence for sports and events Urawa Reds (JPN) 6 2 3 1 6 4 9 finish ninth in the Qatar Stars League Jindustries inspired and devel- G Evergrande (CHN) 6 2 2 2 6 5 8 and made Al Sadd sweat before los- oped by the Supreme Committee for Pohang Steelers (KOR) 6 1 2 3 2 5 5 ing 2-3 in the Emir’s Cup quarterfinal Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), last week last week. signed Georgetown University as its COLLATED RESULTS The former Santos Laguna coach academic partner. Sepahan (IRN) lost to Al Ittihad (KSA) 0-2 replaced Pericles Chamusca at the helm SCDL Secretary General Hassan Al Lokomotiv (UZB) drew Al Nasr (UAE) 0-0 of Cheeetahs in January after they lost Thawadi and Georgetown University Al Nassr (KSA) lost to Zobahan (IRN) 0-3 a series of matches and looked clueless. Executive Vice-President Dr Robert M Lekhwiya (QAT) drew Bunyodkor (UZB) 0-0 Caixinha tweaked the team with min- Groves signed the deal. J Motors (KOR) drew Jiangsu Suning (CHN) 2-2 imum changes to the squad. The deal will see the varsity and Josoor Binh Duong (VIE) lost to FC Tokyo (JPN) 1-2 “Pedro helped us achieve a good collaborating on workshops and pro- Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) bt FC Seoul (KOR) 2-1 overall level and some very important grammes. Buriram Utd (THA) drew S Luneng (CHN) 0-0 results. We’re keen to extend our best Al Thawadi said, “Since Josoor was support to him when he resumes his opened in 2013, more than 1,800 del- mission next season,” the club said on şšPedro egates from across the region have KICK-OFF

ššAkram Afif its website. DSP Caixinha attended its workshops and pro - DSP/ Fadi Al Assaad TUESDAY, MAY 17 š Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, Lekhwiya Stadium, 7.15pm. DSP/Vinod Divakaran DSP/Vinod grammes.” DSP šFC Bunyodkar’s Chaker Zouaghi, left, and Lekhwiya’s Luiz Martin vie for the ball. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 7

Taleb Group supreme at Fourth Workers Cup

ALEB Group claimed the Fourth Ambassadors and Heads of Mission Workers Cup with a 3-1 penalty of Bangladesh, Germany, India, Nepal, Tshoot-out victory over Gulf Con- Sri Lanka, the UK and USA as well as tracting Company at the Al Ahli Stadium renowned coach Bora Milutinovic were last week. The game was goalless at the also present at the felicitation ceremony. end of regulation time. Hani congratulated the winners. Taleb Group received the trophy from “The QSL is proud to have played Supreme Committee for Delivery and such a big part in the continued success Legacy Secretary General Hassan Al of the Workers Cup. The event demon- ššTaleb Group players hoist the trophy as Bora Milutinovic, second left, Hani Taleb Ballan, third left, Hassan Al Thawadi and Qatar Stars League (QSL) strates the importance of sport across Thawadi, fourth left, and other officials applaud. CEO Hani Taleb Ballan. all communities,” said Hani. DSP

Three foreigners FINAL STANDINGS GROUP A leave Kharaitiyat FC Bunyodkar hold Lokomotiv (UZB) 6 2 4 0 6 3 10 Al Nasr (UAE) 6 2 3 1 5 4 9 L KHARAITIYAT will release Al Ittihad (KSA) 6 2 3 1 9 4 9 their three overseas players Lekhwiya goalless Foolad Sepahan (IRN) 6 1 0 5 2 11 3 A— Hassan Abdel Fattah, Yahia GROUP B Kebe and Issiar Dia — at the end of the Zobahan (IRN) 6 4 2 0 12 2 14 season, the club said last week. EKHWIYA and FC Bunyodkar side finished on top of Group D. The Lekhwiya (QAT) 6 2 3 1 7 2 9 However, Kharaitiyat, who finished played out a goalless draw in double-leg pre-quarterfinal will be Al Nassr (KSA) 6 1 2 3 5 14 5 12th in the Qatar Stars League, retained Ltheir final Group B match of the held on May 17 and 25. Bunyodkor (UZB) 6 0 3 3 5 11 3 coach Amar Osim and Brazilian defender AFC Champions League last week. “We gave chance to some of our GROUP C Domingos Nascimento for the next The cops were assured of a run - young players to gain experience,” Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRN) 6 4 0 2 10 3 12 season. ners-up finish going into the fixture said Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi. Al Hilal (KSA) 6 3 2 1 10 7 11 Meanwhile, Kharaitiyat will hold their at the Lekhwiya Stadium last week “Some of them played for the first time Pakhtakor (UZB) 6 3 1 2 10 9 10 pre-season camp in Slovakia. The details in the competition, but overall our per- Al Jazira (UAE) 6 0 1 5 2 13 1 of the tour will be decided later. DSP formance was solid,” added Belmadi. GROUP D Meanwhile, China’s world-leading El Jaish (QAT) 6 3 1 2 6 8 10 Scolari’s Evergrande Al Ain (UAE) 6 3 1 2 8 6 10 transfer splurge has left two teams Al Ahli (KSA) 6 3 0 3 10 7 9 were particularly poor red-faced after holders Guangzhou Nasaf (UZB) 6 1 2 3 4 7 5 as they were eliminated Evergrande and Jiangsu Suning crashed GROUP E with a game to spare. out in the group stage. Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 6 3 1 2 13 9 10 Just months after they repeatedly FC Tokyo (JPN) 6 3 1 2 8 8 10 smashed Asia’s transfer record to hire Jiangsu FC (CHN) 6 2 3 1 10 7 9 and they finished with nine points top players, the two sides flopped in Becamex Binh Duong (VIE) 6 1 1 4 6 13 4 while Bunyodkar ended their cam- the regional competition, a route to GROUP F paign winless. a coveted FIFA Club World Cup spot. FC Seoul (KOR) 6 4 1 1 17 5 13 Lekhwiya, who bounced their way Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Evergrande were Shandong Luneng (CHN) 6 3 2 1 7 2 11 DSP/ Mohan ššHassan Al Thawadi and Dr Robert M back into the tournament after losing particularly poor as they were eliminated Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) 6 3 0 3 9 1 9 Groves shake hands after signing the deal. their opener against Iran’s Zobahan, with a game to spare. Both Chinese Buriram United (THA) 6 0 1 5 1 16 1 will take on El Jaish after the Qatari clubs exited with just two wins. DSP GROUP G Shanghai SIPG (CHN) 6 4 0 2 10 8 12 Josoor signs deal Melbourne Victory (AUS) 6 2 3 1 7 7 9 Suwon Bluewings (KOR) 6 2 3 1 7 4 9 with Georgetown Gamba Osaka (JPN) 6 0 2 4 4 9 2 GROUP H OSOOR Institute, a centre of Sydney FC (AUS) 6 3 1 2 4 4 10 excellence for sports and events Urawa Reds (JPN) 6 2 3 1 6 4 9 Jindustries inspired and devel- G Evergrande (CHN) 6 2 2 2 6 5 8 oped by the Supreme Committee for Pohang Steelers (KOR) 6 1 2 3 2 5 5 Delivery and Legacy (SCDL), last week signed Georgetown University as its COLLATED RESULTS academic partner. Sepahan (IRN) lost to Al Ittihad (KSA) 0-2 SCDL Secretary General Hassan Al Lokomotiv (UZB) drew Al Nasr (UAE) 0-0 Thawadi and Georgetown University Al Nassr (KSA) lost to Zobahan (IRN) 0-3 Executive Vice-President Dr Robert M Lekhwiya (QAT) drew Bunyodkor (UZB) 0-0 Groves signed the deal. J Motors (KOR) drew Jiangsu Suning (CHN) 2-2 The deal will see the varsity and Josoor Binh Duong (VIE) lost to FC Tokyo (JPN) 1-2 collaborating on workshops and pro- Sanfrecce Hiroshima (JPN) bt FC Seoul (KOR) 2-1 grammes. Buriram Utd (THA) drew S Luneng (CHN) 0-0 Al Thawadi said, “Since Josoor was opened in 2013, more than 1,800 del- egates from across the region have KICK-OFF

attended its workshops and pro - DSP/ Fadi Al Assaad TUESDAY, MAY 17 grammes.” DSP ššFC Bunyodkar’s Chaker Zouaghi, left, and Lekhwiya’s Luiz Martin vie for the ball. Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, Lekhwiya Stadium, 7.15pm. 8 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 9 Football Al Sadd prevail over Al Gharafa

OLDERS Al Sadd struggled to beat Al Gharafa 3-2 and set up Ha semifinal with Qatar Stars League champions Al Rayyan on Friday. ššNathan Ribeiro Algerian international Baghdad LIONS ROAR AGAIN Bounedjgah struck a brace (ninth and Qatar Stars League champions Al Rayyan rout Al Kharaitiyat in style to reach the Emir’s Cup semifinal. 64th minutes) and Hassan Al Haidous ‘Nathan, Pascua scored from a free-kick in the 39th for Sadd. Mustafa Abdi (41st) and Vladimir the Qatar Cup final, the victory was a good enough for Mohammad Amin-ul Islam morale booster. Qatar natl team’ It came as a huge relief for Rayyan There’s pressure on the coach Jorge Fossati, who came out of Al Rayyan coach Jorge Fossati said the dugout to celebrate each of their players, but they must their defender Nathan Ribeiro and put their focus and ATAR Stars League (QSL) cham- goals. The 63-year-old is well aware of midfielder Ulises Pascua could play pions Al Rayyan cruised into the pressure-cooker situation await- for the Qatar national team. energy on the game. Qthe Emir’s Cup semifinal, beating him should Rayyan fail to win the The Uruguayan was all praise for the ing Al Kharaitiyat 3-0 at the Al Arabi season-ending tournament. performances of Brazil-born Nathan ššAl Gharafa’s Mustafa Abdi, right, tries to stop Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjgah. Stadium last week. The Uruguayan was happy with the and Argentina-born Pascua against Weiss (75th) found the target for Gharafa. Captain Rodrigo Tabata opened the team’s performance against Kharaitiyat Al Kharaitiyat in the Emir’s Cup The victory was fine, but Sadd will quarterfinal. scoring in the 45th minute. Sergio Garcia and exuded confidence that such solid- “As Rayyan coach, I can say they’re have plenty to worry about their frag- coach Jesualdo Ferreira. There’s pressure on the players, but they increased the lead seven minutes later ity will help them against Sadd. good and recommend them. It’s my ile defence. “It’s good we’ve qualified for the last must put their focus and energy on while Sebastian Soria scored the third “I believe that every match is impor- humble opinion that they can be They might find it difficult in the semi- four. We haven’t won a title this season. the game,” added the Portuguese. DSP in the 72nd to round off an impres- tant. The next game against Sadd too included in the national team,” said final against Al Rayyan, who have smart sive win. will be an important one. It’ll be a new Fossati. finishers in Sebastian Soria, Rodrigo The 2013 winners will face holders match and we’ll have to start from the “In the Qatar Stars League, we Tabata and Sergio Garcia. Al Sadd in the first semifinal on Friday scratch,” said Fossati. couldn’t use both Nathan and Pascua “We couldn’t play to our potential. together as they’re yet to get the full We couldn’t play to our potential. We didn’t have in what promises to be a cracker of a “The back-line did a wonderful job We didn’t have the desired mental status of a local player from the Qatar the desired mental level to match Gharafa. The match. while the midfielders and the forwards Football Association. I could field level to match Gharafa. We wanted to team didn’t show seriousness even though we The other semifinal will pit El Jaish, had a great understanding. We hope they win, but the team didn’t show serious- only either of them, but thanks to won the match. who recently won the Qatar Cup, against come good in the next match as well. the modifications done for the Emir’s ness. This is something we must over- Lekhwiya. Sadd are a strong side and we need to Cup, we used both,” he added. DSP come before the semifinal,” said Sadd Jesualdo Ferreira, Al Sadd coach. For Rayyan, whose QSL triumph lost play to our potential,” he added. some sheen after a series of negative Rayyan are yet to beat Sadd this season, results towards the end of their league losing 1-2 in the QSL first-phase match campaign and their failure to reach while the second one ended 2-2. DSP Trophy tour starts visiting schools

The backline did a wonderful job while the midfielders HE students at the Al Hekma Education Teacher Nahida Al Zaghlool. and forwards had a great International Kindergarten We extend our gratitude The students also got a chance to take Tand Saoud bin Abdulrahman photographs with the prestigious cup. understanding. We hope they šš Ulises Pascua Kindergarten were the first who got to the QFA for its efforts “We extend our gratitude to the QFA also come good in the next game. DSP/Mohammed Dabboos a chance to see the Emir’s Cup as the in engaging all segments for its efforts in engaging all segments ššAl Rayyan players celebrate a goal against Al Kharaitiyat. Jorge Fossati, Al Rayyan coach. Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) of the communities. of the communities during the tour- trophy tour started visiting schools nament. We’re proud to be a part of it last week. and hope to host it next year as well,” Fans have gala The Emir’s Cup tour has always been “We thank the QFA for bringing the said Saoud bin Abdulrahman school time at Emir’s of great interest to the schoolchildren trophy to our school. It was a lovely ges- Vice-Principal Najwa Al Yazeedi. Romarinho hat-trick as the QFA wants the kids to get a feel ture from them. It gave a bundle of joy The trophy tour will stop at various Cup promotions of the excitement. to the kids,” said Al Hikma’s Physical schools before the final on May 20. DSP sees El Jaish through HE Qatar Football Association organised several activities at Grab your tickets Tthe Souq Waqif last week to en- RAZILIAN striker Romarinho his second and Jaish’s third goal with a gage fans as a part of the Emir’s Cup for Emir’s Cup! scored a hat-trick in the space of solo effort before completing his hat-trick promotions. Bsix minutes to guide El Jaish to in the 57th. Mubele reduced the deficit in Activities included those at an outlet, The tickets for the Emir’s Cup a 4-2 win over Al Ahli in the Emir’s Cup the 82nd, but it was a mere consolation. where fans could get their face painted semifinals are priced at QR50 and QR10 for the VIP and regular quarterfinal at the Lekhwiya Stadium Earlier, Lekhwiya had to rely on a strike in the colours of their favorite clubs. category respectively. Tickets last Sunday. by Youssef Msakni in the 87th to beat Al A photo booth print station provided can also be purchased on the Ahli had shot ahead in the 15th min- Sailiya at the Lekhwiya Stadium. fans with a chance to dress up in foot- match day from 3pm onwards at ute through Congolese Ndombe Mubele, Having missed out on Qatar Stars ball props, click and share pictures on the venue, from the booth near but Jaish equalised when Ali Sanad fired League and Qatar Cup titles, Lekhwiya Emir’s Cup social media #EmirCup. the spectators’ entrance close to home from close just before the break. coach Djamel Belmadi would be eying Futchi rebounder, which combines the VIP parking at the Al Sadd Sabri Lamouchi-coached Jaish then a final berth, but for that they will once fun with skill development, was also Stadium. DSP attacked in hordes which made life dif- again have to cross Jaish in the semifi- a big draw while a juggler performed KICK-OFF ficult for Ahli. Romarinho proved to be nal, with the Qatar Cup defeat still fresh football tricks. FRIDAY, MAY 13 at his lethal best as the Brazilian beat in their mind. Activities will continue at the Villaggio Both matches at Al Sadd Stadium. Ahli keeper Ahmed Sufiyan in the 51st Jaish defeated the cops 2-1 in the Qatar DSP/Fadi Al Assaad Mall on Thursday and Friday, and at Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd, 5.30pm. to give the Armymen the lead. Cup final recently and Belmadi would be ššEl Jaish’s Romarinho, left, is challenged by Al Ahli’s Mojahed the Gulf Mall on May 19, a day before Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, 8pm. Two minutes later, Romarinho scored hoping to avenge that loss. DSP Abdullah. the final. DSP ššAl Hekma International Kindergarten students with the Emir’s Cup. 8 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 9 Football Al Sadd prevail over Al Gharafa

The backline did a wonderful job while the midfielders HE students at the Al Hekma Education Teacher Nahida Al Zaghlool. and forwards had a great International Kindergarten We extend our gratitude The students also got a chance to take Tand Saoud bin Abdulrahman photographs with the prestigious cup. understanding. We hope they šš Ulises Pascua Kindergarten were the first who got to the QFA for its efforts “We extend our gratitude to the QFA also come good in the next game. DSP/Mohammed Dabboos a chance to see the Emir’s Cup as the in engaging all segments for its efforts in engaging all segments ššAl Rayyan players celebrate a goal against Al Kharaitiyat. Jorge Fossati, Al Rayyan coach. Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) of the communities. of the communities during the tour- trophy tour started visiting schools nament. We’re proud to be a part of it last week. and hope to host it next year as well,” Fans have gala The Emir’s Cup tour has always been “We thank the QFA for bringing the said Saoud bin Abdulrahman school time at Emir’s of great interest to the schoolchildren trophy to our school. It was a lovely ges- Vice-Principal Najwa Al Yazeedi. Romarinho hat-trick as the QFA wants the kids to get a feel ture from them. It gave a bundle of joy The trophy tour will stop at various Cup promotions of the excitement. to the kids,” said Al Hikma’s Physical schools before the final on May 20. DSP sees El Jaish through HE Qatar Football Association organised several activities at Grab your tickets Tthe Souq Waqif last week to en- RAZILIAN striker Romarinho his second and Jaish’s third goal with a gage fans as a part of the Emir’s Cup for Emir’s Cup! scored a hat-trick in the space of solo effort before completing his hat-trick promotions. Bsix minutes to guide El Jaish to in the 57th. Mubele reduced the deficit in Activities included those at an outlet, The tickets for the Emir’s Cup a 4-2 win over Al Ahli in the Emir’s Cup the 82nd, but it was a mere consolation. where fans could get their face painted semifinals are priced at QR50 and QR10 for the VIP and regular quarterfinal at the Lekhwiya Stadium Earlier, Lekhwiya had to rely on a strike in the colours of their favorite clubs. category respectively. Tickets last Sunday. by Youssef Msakni in the 87th to beat Al A photo booth print station provided can also be purchased on the Ahli had shot ahead in the 15th min- Sailiya at the Lekhwiya Stadium. fans with a chance to dress up in foot- match day from 3pm onwards at ute through Congolese Ndombe Mubele, Having missed out on Qatar Stars ball props, click and share pictures on the venue, from the booth near but Jaish equalised when Ali Sanad fired League and Qatar Cup titles, Lekhwiya Emir’s Cup social media #EmirCup. the spectators’ entrance close to home from close just before the break. coach Djamel Belmadi would be eying Futchi rebounder, which combines the VIP parking at the Al Sadd Sabri Lamouchi-coached Jaish then a final berth, but for that they will once fun with skill development, was also Stadium. DSP attacked in hordes which made life dif- again have to cross Jaish in the semifi- a big draw while a juggler performed KICK-OFF ficult for Ahli. Romarinho proved to be nal, with the Qatar Cup defeat still fresh football tricks. FRIDAY, MAY 13 at his lethal best as the Brazilian beat in their mind. Activities will continue at the Villaggio Both matches at Al Sadd Stadium. Ahli keeper Ahmed Sufiyan in the 51st Jaish defeated the cops 2-1 in the Qatar DSP/Fadi Al Assaad Mall on Thursday and Friday, and at Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd, 5.30pm. to give the Armymen the lead. Cup final recently and Belmadi would be ššEl Jaish’s Romarinho, left, is challenged by Al Ahli’s Mojahed the Gulf Mall on May 19, a day before Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, 8pm. Two minutes later, Romarinho scored hoping to avenge that loss. DSP Abdullah. the final. DSP ššAl Hekma International Kindergarten students with the Emir’s Cup. 10 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 11 Football MEDIA SCAN

Terry’s Chelsea career seems over

John Terry may have played his last game for Chelsea after being sent off against Incapacity! Sunderland. The centre- Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini’s home farewell ends back, is out of contract and it in disappointment after they are held by Arsenal. looks unlikely that his deal will be renewed by / Carl Recine new boss Antonio ĈĈPellegrini is a coach who It was the sort of dignified address the manager for more than just the that was expected from Pellegrini, but trophies he brought to the Etihad. Conte. And in the fifth minute won a Premiership and two of added time, Terry was given nothing could conceal his dismay at “Significantly, he has ensured that REUTERS League Cups in his three marching orders for a clumsy foul and another performance which tended these achievements have been reached years in charge šĈJamie Vardy celebrates after scoring he will now miss Chelsea’s remaining Leicester City’s third goal against Everton. to sum up his 2016 team, brilliant in by playing a style of attacking, entertain- two games. The news was a big blow patches before fizzling out like a spent ing football, that we can all be proud to fans who had planned a leaving firework. of,” wrote Al Mubarak. “But beyond bash against Leicester at Stamford Ian Chadband these achievements he has continu- Bridge. ously contributed in every aspect of Leicester mark the club’s operations and is rightly held coronation in For me, it has been in the highest regard by all those who ANCHESTER City manager three wonderful, have collaborated with him.” great style Manuel Pellegrini said a fond unforgettable years. MEtihad Stadium farewell to the Thanks to the fans. REMIER League champions Arsenal plan double supporters last Sunday, but it was hardly Leicester City beat Everton 3-1 deal for Mahrez, Kante the feel-good, celebratory goodbye that at the King Power Stadium last P / Darren Staples he or the fans craved. While a season that promised week as a Jamie Vardy double com- The Gunners want both N’Golo Kante After being held to a 2-2 draw by so much for City seemed to be pleted a perfect coronation for Claudio and Riyad Mahrez this summer in a single move. Arsenal most of the disheartened dying on its feet, Pellegrini took Ranieri’s miracle men. REUTERS PFA Player of the Year Mahrez is ššLeicester City manager Claudio Ranieri shares the joy with players at the coronation ceremony. home faithful had departed by the time the opportunity to remind peo- The 5,000-1 pre-season outsiders said to be valued at the King Power Pellegrini took to the microphone after ple about some of the scintil- were given a guard of honour by Everton Stadium at £40m. his final home game in charge. lating football his side has pro- and serenaded by opera singer Andrea Meanwhile, “Not winning this game is not the way duced under his stewardship. Bocelli during emotional pre-match cel- Kante’s release we wanted to finish the season. We want “In my time here we’ve ebrations, having clinched the title for clause in his to qualify for next year’s Champions improved a lot in the the first time in their 132-year history Stay with me, here you contract could see him depart for League,” said the Chilean, who took them Champions League. Also, for recently when closest rivals Tottenham a cheaper fee of to a Premier League and two League me, it’s been about our style Hotspur were held 2-2 by Chelsea. just £20m. Cup wins in his three years in charge. of play. There’ve been a lot Vardy converted Andy King’s cross But Arsenal, The stands had largely emptied when of positive things,” he said. in the fifth minute before King added are the king: Ranieri who are keen on both talented Pellegrini told the supporters, “For me This was echoed by a second in the 33rd. stars following Leicester’s title- it’s been three wonderful, unforgetta- City’s chairman Khaldoon England striker Vardy then bagged a winning campaign, want to ble years. Thanks to the fans for all, I’ll Al Mubarak who used the 65th-minute penalty after being brought EICESTER City manager Claudio something good in these few years. raid the Foxes having held discussions over the pair. never forget you. Don’t change because notes in the match down by James Pennington before firing Ranieri has urged his players If somebody comes to If you go away, you don’t know what this team needs you and I’m sure next programme to another spot-kick wildly over the bar. Lto stick around for next season will happen. Here you are the king,” year you’ll do well in all competitions. praise Kevin Mirallas pulled a late goal back after helping the club to a remarkable me and says ‘I’d like to he added. Thank you all.” for the visitors. English Premier League triumph. go’ then go because I But if somebody comes to me and “I always knew I would win a title,” The likes of Riyad Mahrez and want only happy players. says ‘I’d like to go’ then go because I manager Ranieri said after capturing N’Golo Kante have become house- want only happy players with me.” his first major league crown in a 30-year hold names, but their elevated pro- The manager also played down specu- career that has embraced 16 jobs. “I file has already led to speculation that us another year,” Ranieri said. lation over his own future, with Leicester De Boer’s agent just never thought it would be here.” they could be snapped up by more tra- “They know the Champions League reportedly prepared to improve terms drops Everton hints Captain Wes Morgan said it had been ditional powers over the close season. is very difficult. Then after this next on the three-year deal he signed when “unbelievable” to raise the Premier But Ranieri urged them to stay on for experience they can go. If they ask me joining the club last July. Ajax Amsterdam coach Frank de League trophy in front of the ecstatic Leicester’s maiden Champions League something, I say ‘stay with me’. I will “I’ve three years,” he said. “Why do Boer, who missed out on the Dutch First Division title to PSV last Sunday, Leicester fans at King Power Stadium. campaign. suggest to everybody this is a fantas- I have to sign a new contract? It’s not has just a year left “I had to hold back the tears, I held “If they’re intelligent, they stay with tic club, we won the title, we can do my job, my job is to go on the pitch.” It was not the way we wanted to finish on his contract them back and lifted it up — it was and appears the season. We wanted to qualify for the best feeling in the world,” he said. increasingly likely the final of the Champions League Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said, EPL TOP SCORERS Celtic beat their closest challengers Aberdeen 3-2 last Sunday to to leave for a new challenge. and win our game today, for the next “This is what dreams are made of. It’s 25 Harry Kane Tottenham Celtic secure the Scottish League title for the fifth year in a row. Champions League. But for me they were what you dreamed of as a kid”. Jamie Vardy Leicester Winger Patrick Roberts struck twice in the first 20 minutes and And De Boer’s 24 representative, three wonderful years of working, three Vardy, the second highest scorer in Sergio Aguero Manchester win fifth Mikael Lustig added the third for Celtic four minutes after half-time. 18 Romelu Lukaku Everton Niall McGinn and Andrew Considine pulled two goals back Guido Albers, has unforgettable years. So all I can say to the the Premier League this season with 17 Riyad Mahrez Leicester Scottish for the visitors, but Celtic hung on to move 12 points ahead of fuelled speculation fans is thanks for all. I’ll never forget you. 24 goals, was overjoyed. 15 Jermain Defoe Sunderland Aberdeen in the table with two games left. that his client could replace under- “I don’t think I can put it into words,” 14 Odion Ighalo Watford pressure Roberto Martinez at Everton Manuel Pellegrini, Manchester City manager. title in a It was the 47th Scottish league title in Celtic’s history, seven Olivier Giroud Arsenal or move to Spain in the summer. he said. “It’s been a long and hard pro- 13 behind their arch-rivals Rangers who will return to the top flight cess to get here today. Nothing could Alexis Sanchez Arsenal next season after four years in the lower divisions following the “He would love to join a club like 12 Diego Costa Chelsea row spoil this celebration,” added Vardy. club’s liquidation in 2012. Everton or Valencia,” Albers said. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 11

MEDIA SCAN

Terry’s Chelsea career seems over

John Terry may have played his last game for Chelsea after being sent off against Sunderland. The centre- back, is out of contract and it looks unlikely that his deal will be renewed by new boss Antonio Conte. And in the fifth minute of added time, Terry was given marching orders for a clumsy foul and he will now miss Chelsea’s remaining two games. The news was a big blow to fans who had planned a leaving bash against Leicester at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal plan double deal for Mahrez, Kante / Darren Staples The Gunners want both N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez this summer in a single move. REUTERS REUTERS PFA Player of the Year Mahrez is ššLeicester City manager Claudio Ranieri shares the joy with players at the coronation ceremony. said to be valued at the King Power Stadium at £40m. Meanwhile, Kante’s release clause in his Stay with me, here you contract could see him depart for a cheaper fee of just £20m. But Arsenal, are the king: Ranieri who are keen on both talented stars following Leicester’s title- winning campaign, want to EICESTER City manager Claudio something good in these few years. raid the Foxes having held discussions over the pair. Ranieri has urged his players If somebody comes to If you go away, you don’t know what Lto stick around for next season will happen. Here you are the king,” after helping the club to a remarkable me and says ‘I’d like to he added. English Premier League triumph. go’ then go because I But if somebody comes to me and The likes of Riyad Mahrez and want only happy players. says ‘I’d like to go’ then go because I N’Golo Kante have become house- want only happy players with me.” hold names, but their elevated pro- The manager also played down specu- file has already led to speculation that us another year,” Ranieri said. lation over his own future, with Leicester De Boer’s agent they could be snapped up by more tra- “They know the Champions League reportedly prepared to improve terms drops Everton hints ditional powers over the close season. is very difficult. Then after this next on the three-year deal he signed when But Ranieri urged them to stay on for experience they can go. If they ask me joining the club last July. Ajax Amsterdam coach Frank de Leicester’s maiden Champions League something, I say ‘stay with me’. I will “I’ve three years,” he said. “Why do Boer, who missed out on the Dutch First Division title to PSV last Sunday, campaign. suggest to everybody this is a fantas- I have to sign a new contract? It’s not has just a year left “If they’re intelligent, they stay with tic club, we won the title, we can do my job, my job is to go on the pitch.” on his contract and appears increasingly likely EPL TOP SCORERS Celtic beat their closest challengers Aberdeen 3-2 last Sunday to to leave for a new challenge. 25 Harry Kane Tottenham Celtic secure the Scottish League title for the fifth year in a row. Jamie Vardy Leicester Winger Patrick Roberts struck twice in the first 20 minutes and And De Boer’s 24 Sergio Aguero Manchester win fifth Mikael Lustig added the third for Celtic four minutes after half-time. representative, 18 Romelu Lukaku Everton Niall McGinn and Andrew Considine pulled two goals back Guido Albers, has 17 Riyad Mahrez Leicester Scottish for the visitors, but Celtic hung on to move 12 points ahead of fuelled speculation 15 Jermain Defoe Sunderland Aberdeen in the table with two games left. that his client could replace under- 14 Odion Ighalo Watford title in a It was the 47th Scottish league title in Celtic’s history, seven pressure Roberto Martinez at Everton Olivier Giroud Arsenal or move to Spain in the summer. 13 behind their arch-rivals Rangers who will return to the top flight Alexis Sanchez Arsenal next season after four years in the lower divisions following the “He would love to join a club like Diego Costa Chelsea row 12 club’s liquidation in 2012. Everton or Valencia,” Albers said. 12 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 13 Football

RESULTS MEDIA SCAN Celta Vigo bt Malaga 1-0 Eibar drew Real Betis 1-1 Brazil cup heartbreak Barcelona bt Espanyol 5-0 Getafe drew Sporting Gijon 1-1 Las Palmas drew Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Levante bt Atletico Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid bt Valencia 3-2 still looms over Spain Ben Arfa travels Sociedad bt Vallecano 2-1 to Barcelona to Sevilla lost to Granada 1-4 Villarreal lost to Deportivo Coruna 0-2 HE shadow of their disappointing for Spain’s first game in France against negotiate transfer 2014 World Cup campaign still the Czech Republic on June 13 is by STANDINGS Hatem Ben Arfa travelled from Thangs over Spain as they prepare no means certain, especially when it Barcelona 37 28 4 5 109 29 88 Paris to Catalonia last Monday to Real Madrid 37 27 6 4 108 34 87 to defend their European Championship comes to choosing a centre forward. visit Barcelona’s club facilities and Atletico Madrid 37 27 4 6 61 18 85 crown in France next month, according Del Bosque has a wealth of options continue negotiating his transfer Villarreal 37 18 10 9 44 33 64 to coach Vicente del Bosque. in Paco Alcacer, Alvaro Morata, Aritz from Nice. Celta Vigo 37 17 9 11 51 57 60 Although they finished top of their Aduriz and Diego Costa. Luis Enrique is keen to add to Athletic Bilbao 37 17 8 12 55 44 59 qualifying group for Euro 2016, Spain He must also confront the question his attacking options next season Sevilla 37 14 10 13 50 47 52 alongside the MSN (Lionel Messi, Malaga 37 11 12 14 34 34 45 failed to sparkle against relatively weak of his goalkeeper and whether he starts Luis Suarez and Sociedad 37 12 9 16 44 48 45 opposition and have won just two out captain Iker Casillas, who has endured Neymar) and the Las Palmas 37 12 8 17 44 49 44 of seven friendlies since the World Cup. an error-ridden campaign with FC 29-year old striker Valencia 37 11 11 15 46 47 44 “The origin of everything is Brazil Porto, or David de Gea, recently named — who’s a free Eibar 37 11 10 16 47 57 43 Deportivo Coruna 37 8 18 11 45 59 42 and that disappointment,” Del Bosque Manchester United’s player of the sea- agent — is one of Real Betis 37 10 12 15 32 51 42 said. “But if you isolate that and look son for the third successive year. those players in Espanyol 37 11 7 19 36 72 40 at our qualifying campaign, we lost mind. This was Granada 37 10 9 18 46 66 39 one game and won nine. Then we had reportedly the Getafe 37 9 9 19 36 65 36 games with tough sides and although second time Ben Sporting Gijon 37 9 9 19 38 62 36 There’re questions to Arfa has travelled to Barcelona. Vallecano 37 8 11 18 49 72 35 we lost to Holland, we beat England, Representatives of the former Levante 37 8 8 21 36 67 32 and when we’ve lost it’s been by the answer and we’ve firm Newcastle United player have already minimum, we’ve been very close.” criteria but we need to held a meeting with the Blaugrana Despite the failings in Brazil, where be a bit flexible. to reach an agreement. Ben Arfa, who has also represented Hull Spain’s record run of three successive tournament wins came to an abrupt halt City on loan, has rediscovered his COACHES SPEAK qualities in Ligue 1, scoring 17 goals in as a 1-5 thrashing by the Netherlands “There are questions to answer in 32 games. and a 0-2 defeat to Chile sent them every position and we’ve firm crite- These’re moments of the highest tension packing at the group stage, Del Bosque ria but we also need to be a bit flex- for all the players and all the teams and has overseen only a partial process of ible,” he said. we’re managing it in the best way possible. renewal. Del Bosque justified his faith in We’ve to finish it off in Granada and win While Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez Casillas and Ramos by emphasising this league because for the number of and David Villa have retired from interna- the importance of having a balanced ššLuiz Suarez, centre, celebrates with Lionel Messi after scoring against Espanyol. weeks we’ve been top we deserve it. We tional football and Fernando Torres has squad of experienced hands and hun- Casillas aims dart know the difficulty that exists. We believe been phased out, the core of the squad gry youngsters. at Real Madrid as in how we’re playing. We’re remains, including Sergio Ramos, Iker “I really believe in the veterans who’ve going to play for a league of Casillas and Andres Iniesta, ever present spent a long time with us and we trust Arbeloa bids bye 38 games in one match. figures from the Euro 2008 triumph. the newcomers who give the squad The starting 11 Del Bosque will pick an impulse and fresh blood,” he said. Iker Casillas had words of praise for Luis Enrique, Barcelona. his former Real Madrid team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa after the full-back said goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu last Sunday, although the Spanish goalkeeper made it clear he would have liked a similar send-off. “Every Real Madrid player deserves I’m always positive. Now we’re second, this kind of send-off, with their team- there’s one game to go and anything can mates, with the fans,” Casillas, who happen. In football, you never left the club last GLORY BECKONS know what can happen. We summer. Barcelona thrash Espanyol and move closer to retaining the La Liga ruled out for offside and Messi had a need to be aware of that, Casillas’s strong penalty appeal turned down. exit caused give our all until the end Messi laid on the pass for Suarez controversy in title as Atletico Madrid exit the race with defeat at Levante. and see what happens. Madrid from the to smash in the second in the 52nd The first part is our part. It first moment, minute and the Uruguayan headed won’t be an easy game and July 12, when he magnificent finish. in a third to move on to 37 goals for we know that. The objective appeared in a Richard Martin Luis Suarez stretched the hosts’ lead the league season, one more than the Real Madrid moved into we had fixed was to get into second and Press conference on his own, teary- with two goals in the second half before entire Espanyol team. eyed, to say goodbye to the fans now there’s just one match left to go top. Rafinha and Neymar completed the rout. second in the table on Brazilian midfielder Rafinha pounced without any type of homage from the 87 points after a 3-2 win Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid. club. Atletico took the lead at Levante in the on an embarrassing error by goalkeeper As the criticism poured in, though, ARCELONA closed in on the first minute through Fernando Torres, against Valencia. Pau Lopez to score his first goal since the club reacted and the next day La Liga title by thrashing local but the relegated home side fought back, returning from a serious knee injury. organised an event which was Brivals Espanyol 5-0 last Sunday equalising through Victor Casadesus Neymar added the fifth by tapping in There aren’t any excuses. We’re attended by the president and his as Atletico Madrid dropped out of the before Giuseppe Rossi grabbed the who was later sent off, pulled one back Suarez’s low cross following a scooped ending a fantastic season and board. There was also a photo call race after losing 1-2 at Levante and Real winner in stoppage time. for Valencia after half-time. pass from Dani Alves. we’re one game away from with Casillas and the 19 trophies he Madrid beat Valencia 3-2. Real were without goalkeeper Keylor Ronaldo added his second a few min- Barca will clinch the title this week if won during his 16 seasons. competing with Barcelona Despite that, Florentino Perez was Barcelona top the standings on 88 Navas, defender Dani Carvajal, mid- utes later before Andre Gomes scored a they win at Granada, who ensured their and Real Madrid. That still questioned for the way the club points, Real moved into second on 87 fielder Luka Modric and winger Gareth sumptuous consolation goal for Valencia. survival in the top flight by thrashing makes me happy because said goodbye to a legend like Casillas. and Atletico have 85 with one game Bale through injury, but went ahead, Barca knew any slip-up could prove Europa League and King’s Cup finalists in other years we were out of The goalkeeper, meanwhile, remaining. thanks to a thunderous low finish from fatal to their title hopes, but Messi’s bril- Sevilla 4-1 away from home. it with 10 games remaining. insisted that he wanted to “give Barca went ahead in the eighth min- Cristiano Ronaldo in the 26th. liant curled free-kick got them off to an After Atletico’s late collapse, Real We were a little bit short. thanks” to Arbeloa “for everything he ute when Lionel Messi curled a 22M Karim Benzema scored the second ideal start although they were aggrieved are the only team that can catch has done for the club.” free-kick into the top corner with a before the break, but Rodrigo Moreno, when Ivan Rakitic had a goal harshly Barca. Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid. ššVicente del Bosque Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 13

RESULTS Celta Vigo bt Malaga 1-0 Eibar drew Real Betis 1-1 Brazil cup heartbreak Barcelona bt Espanyol 5-0 Getafe drew Sporting Gijon 1-1 Las Palmas drew Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Levante bt Atletico Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid bt Valencia 3-2 still looms over Spain Sociedad bt Vallecano 2-1 Sevilla lost to Granada 1-4 Villarreal lost to Deportivo Coruna 0-2 HE shadow of their disappointing for Spain’s first game in France against 2014 World Cup campaign still the Czech Republic on June 13 is by STANDINGS Thangs over Spain as they prepare no means certain, especially when it Barcelona 37 28 4 5 109 29 88 Real Madrid 37 27 6 4 108 34 87 to defend their European Championship comes to choosing a centre forward. Atletico Madrid 37 27 4 6 61 18 85 crown in France next month, according Del Bosque has a wealth of options Villarreal 37 18 10 9 44 33 64 to coach Vicente del Bosque. in Paco Alcacer, Alvaro Morata, Aritz Celta Vigo 37 17 9 11 51 57 60 Although they finished top of their Aduriz and Diego Costa. Athletic Bilbao 37 17 8 12 55 44 59 qualifying group for Euro 2016, Spain He must also confront the question Sevilla 37 14 10 13 50 47 52 Malaga 37 11 12 14 34 34 45 failed to sparkle against relatively weak of his goalkeeper and whether he starts Sociedad 37 12 9 16 44 48 45 opposition and have won just two out captain Iker Casillas, who has endured Las Palmas 37 12 8 17 44 49 44 of seven friendlies since the World Cup. an error-ridden campaign with FC Valencia 37 11 11 15 46 47 44 “The origin of everything is Brazil Porto, or David de Gea, recently named Eibar 37 11 10 16 47 57 43 Deportivo Coruna 37 8 18 11 45 59 42 and that disappointment,” Del Bosque Manchester United’s player of the sea- Real Betis 37 10 12 15 32 51 42 said. “But if you isolate that and look son for the third successive year. Espanyol 37 11 7 19 36 72 40 at our qualifying campaign, we lost Granada 37 10 9 18 46 66 39 one game and won nine. Then we had Getafe 37 9 9 19 36 65 36 games with tough sides and although Sporting Gijon 37 9 9 19 38 62 36 There’re questions to Vallecano 37 8 11 18 49 72 35 we lost to Holland, we beat England, Levante 37 8 8 21 36 67 32 and when we’ve lost it’s been by the answer and we’ve firm minimum, we’ve been very close.” criteria but we need to Despite the failings in Brazil, where be a bit flexible. Spain’s record run of three successive tournament wins came to an abrupt halt COACHES SPEAK as a 1-5 thrashing by the Netherlands “There are questions to answer in and a 0-2 defeat to Chile sent them every position and we’ve firm crite- These’re moments of the highest tension packing at the group stage, Del Bosque ria but we also need to be a bit flex- for all the players and all the teams and has overseen only a partial process of ible,” he said. we’re managing it in the best way possible. renewal. Del Bosque justified his faith in We’ve to finish it off in Granada and win While Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez Casillas and Ramos by emphasising this league because for the number of and David Villa have retired from interna- the importance of having a balanced weeks we’ve been top we deserve it. We tional football and Fernando Torres has squad of experienced hands and hun- know the difficulty that exists. We believe been phased out, the core of the squad gry youngsters. in how we’re playing. We’re remains, including Sergio Ramos, Iker “I really believe in the veterans who’ve going to play for a league of Casillas and Andres Iniesta, ever present spent a long time with us and we trust 38 games in one match. figures from the Euro 2008 triumph. the newcomers who give the squad The starting 11 Del Bosque will pick an impulse and fresh blood,” he said. Luis Enrique, Barcelona.

I’m always positive. Now we’re second, there’s one game to go and anything can GLORY BECKONS happen. In football, you never know what can happen. We ruled out for offside and Messi had a need to be aware of that, strong penalty appeal turned down. give our all until the end Messi laid on the pass for Suarez and see what happens. to smash in the second in the 52nd The first part is our part. It minute and the Uruguayan headed won’t be an easy game and in a third to move on to 37 goals for we know that. The objective the league season, one more than the we had fixed was to get into second and entire Espanyol team. now there’s just one match left to go top. Brazilian midfielder Rafinha pounced on an embarrassing error by goalkeeper Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid. Pau Lopez to score his first goal since returning from a serious knee injury. Neymar added the fifth by tapping in There aren’t any excuses. We’re Suarez’s low cross following a scooped ending a fantastic season and pass from Dani Alves. we’re one game away from Barca will clinch the title this week if competing with Barcelona they win at Granada, who ensured their and Real Madrid. That survival in the top flight by thrashing makes me happy because Europa League and King’s Cup finalists in other years we were out of Sevilla 4-1 away from home. it with 10 games remaining. After Atletico’s late collapse, Real We were a little bit short. are the only team that can catch Barca. Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid. ššVicente del Bosque 14 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 15 Football

RESULTS SERIE A AS Roma bt Chievo 3-0 Perfect farewell at Bayern Atalanta drew Udinese 1-1 Carpi lost to Lazio 1-3 Fiorentina drew Palermo 0-0 Frosinone lost to Sassuolo 0-1 EP Guardiola’s time at Bayern in Germany with the treble, a dream off, with Bayern racing to the quickest Sampdoria lost to Genoa 0-3 Munich may be remembered for dashed by Bayern’s Champions League ever Bundesliga title in his first season Torino lost to Napoli 1-2 Phis failure to secure European exit to Atletico Madrid recently. and winning the German Cup. Verona bt Juventus 2-1 success, but the Spaniard will still be Guardiola, who led Barcelona to 14 The Bavarians were similarly dom- Bologna lost to AC Milan 0-1 Inter Milan bt Empoli 2-1 guaranteed a warm send-off after lead- trophies in four years, has turned the inant in his second season under the BUNDESLIGA ing them to a record fourth straight Bundesliga into a one-horse race during Spaniard, retaining their league title Cologne drew Werder Bremen 0-0 Bundesliga title last week. his three seasons in charge while also and again reaching the Champions M’gladbach bt Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Bayern’s 2-1 win at Ingolstadt wrapped reaching three consecutive Champions League’s last four. Frankfurt bt Borussia Dortmund 1-0 up a 26th German crown for Bayern. League semifinals. He enjoyed unprecedented profes- Ingolstadt lost to Bayern Munich 1-2 Hamburg lost to Wolfsburg 0-1 It was Guardiola’s third straight title The 45-year-old arrived to succeed sional freedom at Bayern, a club dom- Hanover 96 bt Hoffenheim 1-0 since he joined them in 2013 and he Jupp Heynckes, with a clear mandate inated by strong characters including Hertha lost to Darmstadt 1-2 can still add to his haul of domestic of clinching the Champions League former president Uli Hoeness and CEO Schalke drew Augsburg 1-1 silverware when Bayern face Borussia which Bayern had won as part of a tre- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Stuttgart lost to Mainz 1-3 LIGUE 1 Dortmund in the German Cup final ble-winning 2012-13 season a month Guardiola was never afraid of sacrific- Nantes lost to Caen 1-2 on May 21. before his arrival. ing individual qualities in favour of the Ajaccio lost to PSG 0-4 He would, however, have hoped Guardiola quickly got to work, pick- team, with attacking midfielder Mario Bordeaux bt Lorient 3-0 to crown his third and final season ing up from where Heynckes had left Goetze the most prominent victim. ššPep Guardiola Lille drew Guingamp 0-0 Montpellier bt Rennes 2-0 Nice bt St Etienne 2-0 Lyon bt Monaco 6-1 Marseille bt Reims 1-0 Bastia bt Angers 1-0 26 Toulouse bt Troyes 1-0 German Bundesliga titles Bayern Munich STANDINGS SERIE A have won Juventus 37 28 4 5 70 20 88 Napoli 37 24 7 6 76 32 79 AS Roma 37 22 11 4 80 40 77 ROLL OF HONOUR Inter Milan 37 20 7 10 49 35 67 Last 10 Bundesliga champions Fiorentina 37 17 10 10 56 40 61 FALLEN IDOL Sassuolo 37 15 13 9 46 39 58 2016 Bayern Munich Embattled Michel Platini quits as UEFA chief after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upholds his ban. AC Milan 37 15 12 10 48 40 57 2015 Bayern Munich Lazio 37 15 9 13 50 48 54 2014 Bayern Munich Chievo 37 13 10 14 43 45 49 2013 Bayern Munich Genoa 37 13 7 17 44 46 46 Platini, one of the French football any document established at the time Torino 37 12 9 16 51 53 45 2012 Borussia Dortmund Keir Radnedge legends, had been suspended for eight of the contractual relations and did not CAS DECISION HIGHLIGHTS Empoli 37 11 10 16 38 48 43 years from all football activities by FIFA’s correlate with the alleged unpaid part 2011 Borussia Dortmund Atalanta 37 10 12 15 39 46 42 The CAS Panel noted the 2010 Bayern Munich Bologna 37 11 8 18 33 45 41 Ethics Committee last December over of his salary.” Sampdoria 37 10 10 17 48 56 40 existence of a valid employment 2009 VfL Wolfsburg his acceptance of a SFr2m ‘disloyal pay- The CAS statement added that Platini Udinese 37 10 9 18 34 58 39 contract between Michel Platini 2008 Bayern Munich EFA must look for a new presi- ment’ from FIFA, on the authority of benefited from the extension of a pen- Palermo 37 9 9 19 35 63 36 and FIFA, signed in 1999 and 2007 VfB Stuttgart Carpi 37 8 11 18 35 56 35 dent after Michel Platini lost his president Sepp Blatter. sion plan to which he was not entitled including an annual salary of ššBayern Munich team members acknowledge the fans after winning the title. Frosinone 37 8 7 22 35 72 31 Ufight at sport’s supreme court The 60-year-old and Blatter claimed and that his behaviour was not ethi- 300,000 Swiss francs. Such Verona 37 5 13 19 32 60 28 to overturn a suspension imposed for the payment, made in 2011, was for cal or loyal. contract was performed by the BUNDESLIGA breaching FIFA’s ethics code. The suspension, cut first to six years parties and terminated in 2002 Bayern Munich 33 27 4 2 77 16 85 when Platini became a member Borussia Dortmund 33 24 5 4 80 32 77 The Court of Arbitration for Sport by FIFA’s own appeal committee, pre- Bayer Leverkusen 33 17 6 10 53 38 57 of the FIFA Executive Committee. (CAS), in Lausanne, trimmed Platini’s vented Platini from standing for the Monaco hit for a six! M’gladbach 33 16 4 13 65 50 52 The CAS statement said It was not until February 1, 2011, sentence from six years to four, but FIFA presidency in succession to Blatter, Mainz 33 14 7 12 46 42 49 that Platini benefited — four months prior to the FIFA Berlin 33 14 7 12 42 42 49 maintained the finding against him who was duly succeeded instead by from the extension of a presidential elections and at Schalke 33 14 7 12 47 48 49 over charges arising out of an issue Gianni Infantino, who had been Platini’s a moment when Sepp Blatter LEXANDRE Lacazette grabbed the last four years. Wolfsburg 33 11 9 13 44 48 42 of financial misconduct imposed by pension plan. General Secretary at UEFA. and Mohammed bin Hammam a hat-trick as second-placed The Swede becomes the first man Cologne 33 10 12 11 36 40 42 were both still candidates to the Ingolstadt 33 10 10 13 31 39 40 FIFA. His fine was similarly cut to 60,000 Platini, still seeking to clear his name AOlympique Lyon virtually se- ever to win the UNFP award three times FC Augsburg 33 9 11 13 41 49 38 election — that FIFA paid the ššLuca Toni Swiss francs. and return to the UEFA leadership, duly cured qualification for next season’s after another stellar season. Hamburg 33 10 8 15 37 45 38 He has the right to appeal to the Swiss work the Frenchman had undertaken appealed to CAS, protesting his inno- amount of SFr 2,000,000 in favour Champions League with a 6-1 demoli- Hosts Lyon went ahead in the third Darmstadt 98 33 9 11 13 38 51 38 of Platini. Federal Court, but indicated in a state- for FIFA nine years earlier by a verbal cence of charges which he considered tion of 10-man Monaco. minute, thanks to a low cross-shot from Hoffenheim 33 9 10 14 38 50 37 Toni ends career Frankfurt 33 9 9 15 34 51 36 ment that he considered CAS his last agreement. to have politically motivated. Though Platini justified it as With one game left in Ligue 1, Lyon Rachid Ghezzal and Lacazette made it Werder Bremen 33 9 8 16 49 65 35 practical option and that he would be However, the CAS panel said it was Platini’s disgrace is all the more greater back pay, the Panel, however, was have 65 points to third-placed Monaco’s 2-0 when he latched on to a cross by with a goal Stuttgart 33 9 6 18 49 72 33 stepping down as head of European “not convinced by the legitimacy of because of the enduring memories of not convinced by the legitimacy 62 and also possess a much better goal Sergi Darder. Hanover 33 7 4 22 30 59 25 of the payment, which was only LIGUE 1 football’s governing body. the payment which was not based on his magical playing career. recognised by Platini and Blatter. difference of plus-27 compared to plus- UCA Toni marked his final match PSG 36 29 5 2 97 18 92 five. before retirement with a goal Olympique Lyon 37 19 8 10 66 39 65 Consequently, the CAS Monaco, who were 0-2 down after Las relegated Hellas Verona beat Monaco 37 16 14 7 55 50 62 arbitrators unanimously Nice 37 17 9 11 55 39 60 TIMELINE eight minutes, had Lacina Traore sent off Juventus 2-1, handing the Serie A determined that Platini obtained St Etienne 37 17 7 13 42 36 58 an undue advantage in breach in the 23rd minute for a second book- champions their first league defeat Lille 37 14 15 8 38 27 57 1972 1984 1992 1998 2007 2015 2016 able offence. since October. Rennes 37 13 13 11 51 52 52 of Article 20 of the FIFA Code of Caen 37 15 6 16 38 52 51 Starts his career The attacking Resigns as coach Turns himself Becomes UEFA Is handed an The 60-year- Ethics. Champions Paris Saint-Germain have Elsewhere, Francesco Totti came off Angers 37 13 11 13 38 35 50 in his home midfielder of the France into an president, a role eight-year ban old’s appeal 92 points after Edinson Cavani’s treble the bench to make his 600th league Montpellier 37 14 7 16 49 45 49 Based on such findings, the country with leads France to national team accomplished he would keep from all football to the Court of Bordeaux 36 12 13 11 49 55 49 CAS Panel considered that the led them to a 4-0 victory at Gazelec appearance for third-placed AS Roma Nancy, going on the European after his side administrator for more than activity by FIFA, Arbitration for Nantes 37 12 12 13 33 40 48 suspension imposed by FIFA on Ajaccio. Zlatan Ibrahimovic also net- as they sank Chievo 3-0 to move up to to also play for Championship bows out in the and politician. eight years. later reduced Sport against his Olympique Marseille 37 10 17 10 47 41 47 Platini was nevertheless too severe ted his 35th league goal of the season 77 points. Toni reaffirmed his intention Bastia 37 13 8 16 34 41 47 Saint-Etienne title, and first round of the He is joint head to six years, for ban only sees and therefore decided to reduce Guingamp 37 11 11 15 45 53 44 and Juventus. also wins his Euros, ending a of the organising a conflict of the duration cut in added time. to quit after Verona’s final home game, such suspension to four years, Lorient 37 10 13 14 46 58 43 second of three four-year spell in committee for interest over a to four years. The 34-year-old was also named the and he marked the occasion by scor- which corresponds to the duration Toulouse 37 8 13 16 42 53 37 consecutive charge. the World Cup in suspect $2m Announces his Ligue 1 Player of the Year, after he won ing a 43rd-minute penalty. Ajaccio 37 8 13 16 37 57 37 of a presidential term. ššOlympique Lyon’s Alexandre Ballon d’Or France and won payment. resignation from the vote of his fellow professionals in Lacazette, left, celebrates with Sergi “This goodbye is one of the most fan- Reims 37 9 9 19 40 56 36 awards. by the hosts. UEFA presidency. the French game for the third time in Darder after scoring against Monaco. tastic,” said Toti. Troyes 37 3 8 26 27 82 17 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 15

Focus on Aspire Ĉ COVER STORY Tradition, medals to decide priority sports

EEPING in mind Qatar’s limitations as well as strengths as a ASPIRE, Kcountry and having accordingly worked out its chances of winning a medal at the Asian Games and Olym- pics, the ASPIRE Academy is planning to redesign its scholarship programme next year by bracketing a few sports disciplines as top priority. While football and athletics are sure PERSPIRE, to feature in the list as the most popu- šЂMarkus Egger

We should always go compete at the international level,” said Director General Ivan Bravo. for the Asian or World “Our objective shouldn’t be the GCC, Championships or the we should always go for the Asian or Olympic medals. World Championships or the Olympics. It’s better to put your eggs in a couple INSPIRE! of baskets than in 20, because it dilutes ASPIRE Academy Director General Ivan Bravo speaks about the challenges involved in lar and sought-after ones, fencing and your chances. That doesn’t mean that modern pentathlon (comprising fenc- we’ll ignore a special talent from other developing world-class talents in a small country like Qatar and the road ahead. ing, 200M freestyle swimming, show disciplines,” he said. jumping, combined pistol shooting Director of Strategy Markus Egger and 3,200M cross-country run) could added. to rejoice. “the sunk cost”. be elevated. Another sport likely to “We’ve a few limitations, like the small EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW N Ganesh While the academy strives to raise the This country needs a place like Aspire be included is motorsport, which the size of the country and talent pool, bar on itself, Director General Ivan Bravo for a simple reason — it’s too small. We Qatari youngsters are passionate about. some cultural barriers and tradition. spoke to Doha Stadium Plus about the can’t compete with the world’s best “Given Qatar’s small population, But we’ve world-class facilities and ĈĈProducing champions is an road ahead and challenges involved. with a small club here, another there. the question is should we spend resources. These’re our unique advan- incredibly long and difficult S THE ASPIRE Academy gets We need to pool, and see that we get so much time and human effort in tages and we’re trying to achieve a bal-

process ready to parade its latest batch ЂĈYour thoughts while looking at the best out of everybody under one DSP/A K BijuRaj sports where we don’t have enough ance between our merits and demer- the academy... šIvan Bravo DSP ĈĈThe society does not Aof enthusiastic graduates, of- roof and strive for success. Ђ athletes and where we’re not going to its,” said Egger.

DSP/Mohan Ѓ understand the dedication ficially bringing down curtains on ĈEverybody always talks about the Ђ needed to achieve it one of its most productive years in investment and asks whether it has paid ĈHow difficult is the task? terms of performances and results, off. Once you build something, you must ЃĈWhat’s still difficult in this country is its stakeholders have enough reasons forget about the infrastructure. It’s called the duplicity of efforts. Do we need to build more venues? We’ve enough venues. we won’t have our champion. When peo- It may be true in terms of that spe- last year’s World Men’s Handball Do we need all sports? We’ve a very ple go in different directions with vari- cific objective. But it means a lot to be Championship... small population and we’re asking the ous ideas, the pyramid collapses. in the semifinal of the Asian champion- ЃЂIt’s a fantastic case of immediate suc- kids to get into athletics, basketball, The academy is 12 years old. That ship, playing with an average age two cess. But it’s a different model. Qatar handball and so on. means our oldest graduates are about years younger and beating the likes brought the best coach in the world and Unless a kid is into four-five disci- 25 years. In almost all sports, you hit let him be the one to decide who from plines, we don’t have enough of them your peak at 28. When you look at a where should play in the team to make to play all sports. Qatar needs to study. country of this size, seeing guys going to When you see our it competitive from day one. They won. Singapore concentrates on badminton the Olympics at 19, or our team playing The way we want to build the Qatar and table tennis, and everybody there the Asian Under-23 championship with facilities, you would say national football team is different. Get believes they can win. an average age of 21, you can see we’re we should be producing the talents under 12, expose them to pushing our young athletes really hard. champions. situations as in other countries and ЂЂBuilding champions is a long let them compete with other nations process... ЂЂWhy should you do that? at some point. ЃЂWhen you see our facilities, you would ЃЂIt’s the only way through which a small of Iran, Syria and China, and playing With most kids in the country play- say we should be producing champi- country like Qatar can succeed, com- head to head with South Korea. And if ing football, you’ve the possibility to ons. But it’s an incredibly long and dif- peting with the likes of Spain. We try to you ask us are we happy where we’re do it. But in handball, you can’t. ficult process. It takes seven-eight years accelerate that process. If you talk about going, I would say absolutely. of work by Aspire, and later five-six years our U-23 team which didn’t qualify for ЂЂWhat’re the challenges? at clubs and federations. Unless every- the Olympics, the conversation is that ЂЂQatar, greatly aided by natu- ЃЂWe struggle because of the culture body aligns in stepping up the process, we’re a failure. ralisation rules, won silver at and educational system. The society 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Founded with the goal to identify Venue for gymnastics, badminton, Aspire Football Dreams was kicked Set up an academy in Senegal. Launched Aspire Football Dreams’ Academy graduate Mutaz Essa Academy product Abdulla Al The Qatar U-19 team, comprising The total number of fulltime ASPIRE Academy school gets the and develop best young Qatari boxing, cycling, kabaddi, rhythmic off in Africa, involving screening Also the first batch graduated from Nigeria project with 100 centres, Barshim won bronze medal in high Tamimi won the ‘Best Asian Junior mostly academy boys, won the student-athletes rose to 230. Council of International Schools athletes. The first batch comprised gymnastics, trampoline, wrestling 430,000 young footballers from Doha Academy. across 36 states in that country. jump at the London Olympics. Player’ award from the Asian Asian Football Championship and accreditation. 31 footballers, aged 12 to 18. and other disciplines during the seven countries. Squash Federation. qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Asian Games. Cup in New Zealand. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 17

Tradition, medals to decide priority sports

EEPING in mind Qatar’s limitations as well as strengths as a Kcountry and having accordingly worked out its chances of winning a medal at the Asian Games and Olym- pics, the ASPIRE Academy is planning to redesign its scholarship programme next year by bracketing a few sports disciplines as top priority. While football and athletics are sure to feature in the list as the most popu- šЂMarkus Egger

DSP/A K BijuRaj sports where we don’t have enough ance between our merits and demer- šЂIvan Bravo athletes and where we’re not going to its,” said Egger. DSP

build more venues? We’ve enough venues. we won’t have our champion. When peo- It may be true in terms of that spe- last year’s World Men’s Handball Do we need all sports? We’ve a very ple go in different directions with vari- cific objective. But it means a lot to be Championship... small population and we’re asking the ous ideas, the pyramid collapses. in the semifinal of the Asian champion- ЃЂIt’s a fantastic case of immediate suc- kids to get into athletics, basketball, The academy is 12 years old. That ship, playing with an average age two cess. But it’s a different model. Qatar handball and so on. means our oldest graduates are about years younger and beating the likes brought the best coach in the world and Unless a kid is into four-five disci- 25 years. In almost all sports, you hit let him be the one to decide who from plines, we don’t have enough of them your peak at 28. When you look at a where should play in the team to make to play all sports. Qatar needs to study. country of this size, seeing guys going to When you see our it competitive from day one. They won. Singapore concentrates on badminton the Olympics at 19, or our team playing The way we want to build the Qatar and table tennis, and everybody there the Asian Under-23 championship with facilities, you would say national football team is different. Get believes they can win. an average age of 21, you can see we’re we should be producing the talents under 12, expose them to pushing our young athletes really hard. champions. situations as in other countries and ЂЂBuilding champions is a long let them compete with other nations process... ЂЂWhy should you do that? at some point. ЃЂWhen you see our facilities, you would ЃЂIt’s the only way through which a small of Iran, Syria and China, and playing With most kids in the country play- say we should be producing champi- country like Qatar can succeed, com- head to head with South Korea. And if ing football, you’ve the possibility to ons. But it’s an incredibly long and dif- peting with the likes of Spain. We try to you ask us are we happy where we’re do it. But in handball, you can’t. ficult process. It takes seven-eight years accelerate that process. If you talk about going, I would say absolutely. of work by Aspire, and later five-six years our U-23 team which didn’t qualify for ЂЂWhat’re the challenges? at clubs and federations. Unless every- the Olympics, the conversation is that ЂЂQatar, greatly aided by natu- ЃЂWe struggle because of the culture body aligns in stepping up the process, we’re a failure. ralisation rules, won silver at and educational system. The society 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Academy graduate Mutaz Essa Academy product Abdulla Al The Qatar U-19 team, comprising The total number of fulltime ASPIRE Academy school gets the Barshim won bronze medal in high Tamimi won the ‘Best Asian Junior mostly academy boys, won the student-athletes rose to 230. Council of International Schools jump at the London Olympics. Player’ award from the Asian Asian Football Championship and accreditation. Squash Federation. qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. 18 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 19

Focus on Aspire Ĉ COVER STORY

doesn’t fully understand the dedi- coaching? cation that’s needed to achieve the ЃЂIn a lot of people, the pride to see their highest level. If you’re an athlete aiming young adults flourish has increased. I We enable the country to build to compete in the Olympics, then you don’t think they spend time analysing might’ve to train six days a week, seven how systematic training needs to be. hours a day. Everything else becomes sec- Everybody is too busy. its way forward, says Olabe ondary — social life, leisure or studies. The country must stand behind the ЂЂOn a scale of one to 10, where athlete and provide everything to make do you place Aspire? SPIRE Academy’s Director of growing and its boys were playing a Ѓ him a champion. His family should ЂI think we’re only starting. If we want Football Roberto Olabe is a The academy is a tool. big role in achieving the national goal. become happy that he’s focusing on something to happen faster, then struc- Ahappy man, but he is hungry “We’re progressing step by step. The the sport so that he has a guaranteed tural changes to the way our stakehold- for more success. We help the country country has almost consolidated its future. Also, he should be recognised ers relate to each other are important. It was virtually the Aspire team that build its way from a position in the region and continent. socially as somebody who has brought The difficulty in sports is that, had we won the 2014 AFC Under-19 champi- football perspective. Our Under-19 boys are the current Asian honour to the country. Until we’ve that gone to the Olympics, people would’ve onship in Qatar’s colours and qualified champions. But we can’t rest on the mentality in place, we can’t ask a boy to forgotten it in four months and start for the FIFA Under-20 Championship laurels, we need to keep working hard. go on a mission in the next 10 years of asking why don’t we win the World Cup. in New Zealand. And many players all stakeholders, including the national “Our scouting and assessment strate- his life. Just like the Chinese do. What In sports, success lasts only one day. from the team also figured in the Asian federation and the clubs. gies are one of the best in the world. We doesn’t work is a magic trick, saying ‘I When Aspire goes to the next chap- Under-23 competition, where Qatar “The academy is a tool. We help the also have other projects, like owning a want to be a champion, but I’ll train ter and the country becomes more finished fourth, missing a berth at the country build its way forward from a couple of clubs in Europe, to facilitate only for two hours a day’ or ‘I want to mature in the way it interprets sports, Rio Olympics only by a whisker. football perspective. I’m happy to say our boys get a higher level. There’s a huge be with my friends in the desert one it’ll look back and realise how diffi- Olabe said he was happy to see the we work together with various clubs and improvement in the profile of some day and Aspire the next day’. cult it was to materialise some of our progress of Qatar’s various national the Qatar Football Association and we’ve of our players, who’ve already made a

achievements. DSP/Mohan teams, especially that of different age a common goal — to put the national mark even in Europe. It’s important to

ЂЂAre you feeling any sort of šЂAli Salem Afifa groups, and added that the strategy of teams in the elite groups,” said Olabe. stay ambitious and that’s the only way DSP Photo pressure? ЂЂIs the slump in oil prices a the academy was to work together with The Spaniard said the academy was we can progress,” he concluded. DSP ššRoberto Olabe ЃЂNo, not at all. Let’s take this gener- worry for Aspire and its opera- ation of players who featured at the tions, especially abroad? Asian U-23 tournament. They started ЃЂWe’ve been affected and the budget Opportunities galore their process a few years ago. They’ve has been slashed. We’ve a lot less done an amazing job in different tour- resources than before. Aspire has been ‘We’re visiting all naments, despite being the youngest running on a small budget compared for sportspersons schools in Qatar teams in all of them. to many other projects in the country, but it has been cut significantly. We’re to spot talents’ trying to be very frugal in the way we ATIENCE, persistence and per- different perception about the academy. If this generation isn’t use funds. We don’t want to touch the severance are the true keys to “They’ve realised the potential and VER since sports has grown into money we’ve been using for the specific Pthe ASPIRE Academy’s success, are keen to send their boys to the acad- a big industry, there has been a the best-prepared one, programme of players. If you squeeze according its Deputy Director Ali Salem emy. And year after year, the new batch Elot of scientific researches and then I would feel the that out, you can’t compete with the Afifa, a former national footballer. feels more comfortable,” he added. studies going on to get that extra edge in pressure. rest of the world. Looking back at the 12 years of acad- Afifa felt the Qatari society had also competition. It is no wonder that sports emy’s existence, Afifa said, “Yes we’ve started appreciating the achievements science has also evolved over a period ЂЂWhy aren’t the Qatari sport- produced quite a few world-class ath- of sportsmen and this positive change of time and today it is a vital factor in Ahmed Moen came back from Europe spersons becoming role mod- letes. Two of our boys (Abubaker Hyder supporting an athlete to improve his and joined El Jaish, and he got the MVP els for the country’s youngsters? Abdallah and Ashraf Amjad Mohammed) performance. award at the Qatar Cup recently because Talal Mansoor won gold med- are bound for Rio Olympics. It’ll be the There’re plenty of ASPIRE Academy Director of Sports he has developed a work ethic out- als at three successive Asian second Games for Mutaz Essa Barshim. Science Tim Cable said his department side, which this country doesn’t have. Games... We’ve been able to develop continen- opportunities for played a key role in talent identifica- Then the next set of boys is coming ЃЂBecause Talal didn’t become a hero tal champions too. I think the people sportsmen to excel at tion, development of skills, conditioning up and we need to replicate the pro- of the country. of this country have started believing different levels. DSP/A K BijuRaj and improved performance of athletes. cess. If this generation isn’t the best- A champion should’ve the recog- in us.” ššGirls practise various sports at the ASPIRE Academy. “We visit all schools in Qatar during prepared one, then I would feel the nition, financial security and social Elaborating on the impact of the October-December and test all 11-year pressure. But I can say that this is the status because that’s when everybody academy in the society, Afifa said it has inspired more parents to let their old boys. We measure their endurance, best in the history of Qatar football. will look up to him. took quite some time for them to con- children follow sports as a career. speed, power, strength and body com- Villarreal signing Akram Afif shouldn’t If that happens, the parents will vince the Qatari parents to believe in “In the beginning, it was different, position. There’re around 4,500 boys in be underestimated because they’ve embrace sports. If that’s not there, they’ll their project, but added that now many but now our people started appreci- Aspire to start resident this age group. We’ve different levels of seen him in Europe. They wouldn’t have second thoughts. You can’t ask of them were confident and keen to ating the achievements of sportsmen. testing and assessment before we finally have come to see him at Al Sadd. It’s somebody to sacrifice a child’s career. send their children to pursue a future They’re the country’s ambassadors. select our trainees,” explained Cable. something good for the senior national There needs to be mandate in Qatar’s in sports. There’re plenty of opportunities for “We’ve innovative technologies and team. These boys are so hungry that schooling system, which currently “It has taken us some time. People sportsmen to excel at different levels,. programme for women methodologies to support the athletes they’ll be pushing the current play- is way behind the rest of the world were initially very apprehensive and “Some of our graduates are already and I’m happy to say that some of them ers out of the senior national team. in terms of defining physical edu- worried about the level of education working as sports professionals or occu- are developed by us, within the Academy,” cation. If you still instil the belief at our school, but slowly but stead- pying higher positions, both in public to a different location. Cable concluded. DSP ЂЂYou joined Aspire almost five N Ganesh in kids that physical education is ily we’ve been able to get closer to the and private sectors. I think this has given We’ll be happy to “We’re working to see that another years ago. What were your ideas one of the most important subjects society. We invited the parents to visit more confidence to both parents and part of Aspire takes care of our prom- in remodelling the academy? and develop the habit, they’ll become us. We also made our senior students children to take up sports seriously. support because we’ve ising girls. We haven’t set a time frame ЃЂWe’re custodians only for a short natural lovers of sports. If you to speak about their experience. Now I’m sure we’re marching forward”, he the knowhow and yet. We currently have girls coming period of time. It was important to know do that, the next gen- most of the Qatari families have a said. DSP HE ASPIRE Academy is ready coaches. to the academy, and practise various the vision in order to leverage all good eration will under- to develop women athletes in sports and go back home. The Qatar stuff that’ve been going on here. So when stand that sport is Telite sports by launching its own Women’s Sport Committee and Ladies A champion should’ve the I go sooner or later, whoever comes next a vital component recognition, financial security resident programme. women are getting good results. As it Club are taking care of our female tal- says ‘okay, we can use some of the foun- of life. It changes “In any society, women’s sports is decides to produce champions, we’ll ents and there’re also activities at var- and social status because dation that has been put in place’. the whole dynam- as important as men’s. More women be happy to support because we’ve the ious schools. We’ll see how it goes in that’s when everybody will ics. The Ministry are pursuing higher studies and join- knowhow and coaches,” said Director the future. There’re many events we ЂЂHave you noticed any visible of Education look up to him. ing the workforce in Qatar. The fed- General Ivan Bravo. can concentrate on without disturbing change in the perception of local should take the Ivan Bravo, ASPIRE Academy Director erations are pushing girls to perform. Deputy Director General Ali Salem Afifa the cultural sensitivities of our nation,” population towards scientific lead role. DSP General. The country should also be proud that said it might take its girls’ programme said Ali. DSP ššTim Cable Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 19

We enable the country to build its way forward, says Olabe

SPIRE Academy’s Director of growing and its boys were playing a Football Roberto Olabe is a The academy is a tool. big role in achieving the national goal. Ahappy man, but he is hungry “We’re progressing step by step. The for more success. We help the country country has almost consolidated its It was virtually the Aspire team that build its way from a position in the region and continent. won the 2014 AFC Under-19 champi- football perspective. Our Under-19 boys are the current Asian onship in Qatar’s colours and qualified champions. But we can’t rest on the for the FIFA Under-20 Championship laurels, we need to keep working hard. in New Zealand. And many players all stakeholders, including the national “Our scouting and assessment strate- from the team also figured in the Asian federation and the clubs. gies are one of the best in the world. We Under-23 competition, where Qatar “The academy is a tool. We help the also have other projects, like owning a finished fourth, missing a berth at the country build its way forward from a couple of clubs in Europe, to facilitate Rio Olympics only by a whisker. football perspective. I’m happy to say our boys get a higher level. There’s a huge Olabe said he was happy to see the we work together with various clubs and improvement in the profile of some progress of Qatar’s various national the Qatar Football Association and we’ve of our players, who’ve already made a teams, especially that of different age a common goal — to put the national mark even in Europe. It’s important to

groups, and added that the strategy of teams in the elite groups,” said Olabe. stay ambitious and that’s the only way DSP Photo the academy was to work together with The Spaniard said the academy was we can progress,” he concluded. DSP ššRoberto Olabe

‘We’re visiting all schools in Qatar to spot talents’

VER since sports has grown into a big industry, there has been a Elot of scientific researches and studies going on to get that extra edge in competition. It is no wonder that sports science has also evolved over a period of time and today it is a vital factor in supporting an athlete to improve his performance. ASPIRE Academy Director of Sports Science Tim Cable said his department played a key role in talent identifica- tion, development of skills, conditioning

DSP/A K BijuRaj and improved performance of athletes. ššGirls practise various sports at the ASPIRE Academy. “We visit all schools in Qatar during October-December and test all 11-year old boys. We measure their endurance, speed, power, strength and body com- position. There’re around 4,500 boys in Aspire to start resident this age group. We’ve different levels of testing and assessment before we finally select our trainees,” explained Cable. “We’ve innovative technologies and programme for women methodologies to support the athletes and I’m happy to say that some of them are developed by us, within the Academy,” to a different location. Cable concluded. DSP N Ganesh We’ll be happy to “We’re working to see that another part of Aspire takes care of our prom- support because we’ve ising girls. We haven’t set a time frame the knowhow and yet. We currently have girls coming HE ASPIRE Academy is ready coaches. to the academy, and practise various to develop women athletes in sports and go back home. The Qatar Telite sports by launching its own Women’s Sport Committee and Ladies resident programme. women are getting good results. As it Club are taking care of our female tal- “In any society, women’s sports is decides to produce champions, we’ll ents and there’re also activities at var- as important as men’s. More women be happy to support because we’ve the ious schools. We’ll see how it goes in are pursuing higher studies and join- knowhow and coaches,” said Director the future. There’re many events we ing the workforce in Qatar. The fed- General Ivan Bravo. can concentrate on without disturbing erations are pushing girls to perform. Deputy Director General Ali Salem Afifa the cultural sensitivities of our nation,” The country should also be proud that said it might take its girls’ programme said Ali. DSP ššTim Cable LEICESTER CITY

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

22 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 23

We’ve all witnessed the way the IAAF Doha Diamond League, a prestigious event held in Qatar since 2010, has progressed over the years. We’ve set high standards in organising such an important and prestigious meet. Athletics Dahlan Al Hamad, Qatar Athletics Federation President.

RESULTS MEN 110M HURDLES Kiprop, Semenya 1. Omar McLeod (JAM) 13.05 (WL) 2. Hansle Parchment (JAM) 13.10 3. Orlando Ortega (ESP) 13.12 200M send strong signals 1. Ameer Webb (USA) 19.85sec (MR) 2. Alonso Edward (PAN) 20.06 3. Femi Ogunode (QAT) 20.10 400M 1. Lashawn Merrit (USA) 44.41 N Ganesh 2. Machel Cedenio (TRI) 44.68 3. Abdelleleh Haroun (QAT) 44.81 PACING 1,500M 1. Asbel Kiprop (KEN) 3:32.15 (WL) 2. Elijah Manangoi (KEN) 3:33.67 3. Silas Kiplagat (KEN) 3:33.86 HAMPION performers Asbel 3,000M STEEPLECHASE Kiprop, Caster Semenya and 1. Conseslus Kipruto (KEN) 8:05.13 (WL) 2. Birech Jairus Kipchoge (KEN) 8:08.28 CSandi Morris came up with 3. Abraham Kibiwott (KEN) 8:09.25 splendid performances at last week’s TRIPLE JUMP Doha Diamond League to send strong 1. Christian Taylor (USA) 17.23M (WL) 2. Dong Bin (CHN) 17.07 signals to their rivals ahead of the Rio 3. Alexis Copello (CUB) 16.98 Olympics, but many others like Mutaz ššUS pole vaulter Sandi Morris set the HIGH JUMP Essa Barshim were not too concerned only championship record in Doha. 1. Erik Kynard (USA) 2.33 (WL) 2. Zhang Gouwei (CHN) 2.31 FOR RIO about missing out on the podium, ad- 3. Marco Fassinotti (ITA) 2.29 mitting that they had not peaked yet. DISCUS THROW Qatari’s Mutaz Essa Barshim remains confident 1. Piotr Malachowski (POL) 68.03 (WL) All is not expected to go well at a sea- and the race went exactly as I had planned. 2. Philip Milanov (BEL) 67.26 of peaking in time for the Olympics despite his son opener, yet with the Rio Olympic I was more than 1.5sec faster than Elijah 3. Victor Hogan (RSA) 65.59 Games set to begin in less than three (Motonei Manangoi). The crowd in Doha WOMEN 100M unimpressive performance at Diamond League. months, leading athletes are keeping was simply superb and I always enjoy 1. Tori Bowie (USA) 10.80 (WL, MR) racing here,” said Kiprop. 2. Dafne Schippers (NED) 10.83 Jamaica’s Omar McLeod extended his 3. Veronica Campbell-Brown (JAM) 10.91 400M HURDLES Zhang cleared 2.31 to claim silver and fine form at the recent Drake Relays in Three-time world 1,500M 1. Eilidh Doyle (GBR) 54.53 (WL) Sarath Pookkat Italian Marco Fassinotti took bronze Iowa, the US, to the Qatari capital and 2. Kemi Adekoya (BRN) 54.87 with a 2.29 attempt, it is no cause to champion Kiprop was won the 110M hurdles in 13.05sec, bet- 3. Kaliese Spencer (JAM) 55.02 the most dominant 800M worry, not yet. tering year’s fastest mark set by him at 1. Caster Semenya (RSA) 1:58.26 (WL) Mutaz has five jumps over 2.40 while among the winners. Iowa by .03sec. 2. Habitam Alemu (ETH) 1:59.14 UTAZ Essa Barshim thought for his attempt of 2.43 at the Brussels meet American LaShawn Merritt won the 3. Eunice Jepkoech Sum (KEN) 1:59.74 3,000M a moment that he had cleared in 2014 places him second among the 400M by almost half-a-second, finish- 1. Almaz Ayana (ETH) 8:23.11 (WL) Mthe height, but as he steadied all-time greats in the sport, after leg- one eye on Rio. No world records were ing in 44.41sec, while his compatriot 2. Mercy Cherono (KEN) 8:26.36 himself on the mat and looked above, endary Cuban Javier Sotomayor whose set at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium, Eric Kynard too had it relatively easy 3. Gelete Burka (ETH) 8:28.49 TRIPLE JUMP he saw the bar slowly falling down world mark of 2.45 remains uncon- where Kenyan and American athletes in high jump, triumphing with a world- 1. Caterine Ibarguen (COL) 15.04 (WL, MR) after agonisingly staying there for a quered even after two decades. ruled the roost, watched by a noisy, leading mark of 2.33M. 2. Yulimar Rojas (VEN) 14.92 3. Olga Rypakova (KAZ) 14.61 brief moment. The 25-year-old, whose sole focus near-capacity crowd, comprising mostly South Africa’s Caster Semenya did SHOT PUT It was his third attempt to clear 2.29M this year is on Olympics, said he would African expatriates. Pole vaulter Morris not push herself to the limit still won 1. Tia Brooks (USA) 19.48 and the chance was gone. He would soon resume his preparations for Rio. set the only Diamond League record, the 800M easily in 1:58.26sec, to set the 2. Anita Marton (HUN) 19.22 3. Emel Dereli (TUR) 18.57 have to wait for at least another year to “I’ll skip a lot of competitions this clearing 4.83M. world’s best time of the year. JAVELIN THROW record his first Doha Diamond League year, including Shanghai. Maybe, the Kenya’s three-time world 1,500M cham- “I’m just quite happy with anything 1. Sunette Viljoen (RSA) 65.14 victory. next competition for me would be the pion Kiprop was the most dominant under two minutes,” said Semenya. 2. Kathryn Mitchell (AUS) 63.25 3. Lu Huihui (CHN) 62.42 Not that the ace Qatari high jumper among winners, finishing nearly 10M American Tori Bowie capitalised on POLE VAULT was overly worried. clear of a strong field, easing up and her fine start, which she said as the best 1. Sandi Morris (USA) 4.83 (WL, CR, MR) He would have definitely been hap- even waving to the crowd towards the of her career, beating Dafne Schippers 2. Nicole Buchler (SUI) 4.78 Mutaz would have been 3. Katerina Stefanidi (GRE) 4.73 pier had he started off the outdoor sea- end to win in 3:32:15sec. and favourite Veronica Campbell-Brown DSP/Mohan happier had he started (WL: World’s leading mark, CR: Championship son with a victory, but Mutaz said he “I’m very happy with my performance to emerge as winner in 100M. DSP ššAsbel Kiprop... way ahead. record and MR: Meet record). did not read too much into his unim- off the outdoor season pressive show. with a victory. “I’m not at all disappointed with my performance,” Mutaz told Doha Stadium Plus after the competition at the Qatar Birmingham Diamond League (on June Qatar’s Haroun shines in strong field Sports Club Stadium last week. 5),” he said. “I’ll soon go back to Poland “This being an Olympic year, I’m and resume my training.” taking things a bit slowly. Last year, I While Kynard and Zhang put in the BDALLELEH Haroun showed a Rio Olympics. peaked early and by July I was practi- most effort to urge the crowd to pro- lot of promise as Qatar bagged Nineteen-year-old Haroun, who cally dead. I’m not going to repeat that vide them with added motivation — Athree bronze medals at the Dia- bagged silver in 400M at the World mistake. This year, we started at a dif- they got the dividends as well — Mutaz mond League series opener last week. Indoor Championships in Portland, ferent pace. It doesn’t look good at the was working on his own most of the Quartermiler Haroun came third the US, in March, was not satisfied. moment, but we’ve to do it because time. He said he does not always feel (44.81sec) and later anchored the “I wasn’t fully happy with my result,” this year we’ve the Olympics and that’s the need for that extra help from the 4x400M relay team — also compris- said Haroun. “It was tough against the target. crowd. ing Abderrahman Samba, Musaab LaShawn Merrit. He started well and “I think 2.26M during a hard train- “It’s just something to motivate your- Abdulrahman Balla and Abubaker has more experience at this level. I’m ing period is a good result,” Mutaz said, self. Some athletes do it, some don’t Hayder Abdallah — to a third-place looking forward to the Rio Games. It adding he would ideally like to be in need to. For me, it’s all about how I finish (3:03.91). It was, however, a non- wasn’t too bad a beginning for me. I his peak form by July end. “Now is too feel at that moment,” he said. Diamond League race. Qatar’s only other want to prepare for the Eugene Diamond early for the Olympics. Maybe the end of Mutaz might not be a master at engag- bronze medal came through Asian 200M League (May 27 and 28).” July or beginning of August, that’s when ing the crowd as his recent results are record holder Femi Seun Ogunode, who Femi said he was confident of improv- we want to hopefully peak this year.” nothing to be thrilled about, but the clocked 20.10sec. ing his timing. Even though Mutaz finished seventh, fact that he has been there and done The host nation had more to cheer “This was my first 200M race of the

where American Erik Kynard won gold would definitely give him an edge at DSP/Mohan ššQatar’s Abdalleleh Haroun, left, and Abubaker as Abdalla won the regional 800M race season and I can’t say I was disap- with a mark of 2.33, Chinese Guowei the Rio Games. DSP ššQatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim in action at the Doha Diamond League. Hayder Abdallah. in 1:45.28, thereby qualifying for the pointed,” said Femi. DSP ššFemi Seun Ogunode Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 23

We’ve all witnessed the way the IAAF Doha Diamond League, a prestigious event held in Qatar since 2010, has progressed over the years. We’ve set high standards in organising such an important and prestigious meet. Dahlan Al Hamad, Qatar Athletics Federation President.

BDALLELEH Haroun showed a Rio Olympics. lot of promise as Qatar bagged Nineteen-year-old Haroun, who Athree bronze medals at the Dia- bagged silver in 400M at the World mond League series opener last week. Indoor Championships in Portland, Quartermiler Haroun came third the US, in March, was not satisfied. (44.81sec) and later anchored the “I wasn’t fully happy with my result,” 4x400M relay team — also compris- said Haroun. “It was tough against ing Abderrahman Samba, Musaab LaShawn Merrit. He started well and Abdulrahman Balla and Abubaker has more experience at this level. I’m Hayder Abdallah — to a third-place looking forward to the Rio Games. It finish (3:03.91). It was, however, a non- wasn’t too bad a beginning for me. I Diamond League race. Qatar’s only other want to prepare for the Eugene Diamond bronze medal came through Asian 200M League (May 27 and 28).” record holder Femi Seun Ogunode, who Femi said he was confident of improv- clocked 20.10sec. ing his timing. The host nation had more to cheer “This was my first 200M race of the ššQatar’s Abdalleleh Haroun, left, and Abubaker as Abdalla won the regional 800M race season and I can’t say I was disap- Hayder Abdallah. in 1:45.28, thereby qualifying for the pointed,” said Femi. DSP ššFemi Seun Ogunode 24 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 25 Athletics We’re never going to die, says Coe aries tackles hurdles N Ganesh

THLETICS is described as the mother of all sports, but the Aincreasing reluctance of youngsters to embrace it has led to a visible disconnect, with questions being asked on his own Merritt! whether it is dying a slow death. “We’re never going to die. We’re a strong London Olympic 110M hurdles champion and world record holder Aries Merritt, recovering from a sport,” said International Association of If I win (at Rio Olympics), Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) President kidney transplant surgery done eight months ago, pursues gold at the forthcoming Rio Olympic Games. it would just be a movie Sebastian Coe as he faced queries about for sure. Even if I make the sport’s future in the build-up to the

the team it’ll still be a Diamond League series’ first meeting DSP/Mohan ĈĈMerritt finishes sixth “People go through things in life that huge story, no one in in Doha last week. ššSebastian Coe talks at a Press conference in Doha. despite a terrible start they’ve to go through. It’s just a part history has ever had a The former champion middle-dis- kidney transplant and ĈĈSays surgery has changed of their journey. And me having a distance runner repeatedly stressed the his attitude towards life ease was part of my journey,” said the competed in the same need for track-and-field sport to cater top six finishers collected points unlike Qatar can host 30-year-old, sounding philosophical. calendar year. to the youth even though his answers three before), and a first stop in Africa The disease has taught him to enjoy were mundane, clearly hinting that in the Moroccan capital of Rabat later Aries Meritt Olympics, hints every moment of life. things are only in the planning stage. this month. Sarath Pookkat “I try to live life to the fullest now. “We can be much better. I don’t think The IAAF is working with its market- IAAF chief Coe Before, I was young and I was running we’ve kept up with many other sports ing arm IMG to provide the best enter- well. And I really didn’t think about in the way we’ve accessed younger peo- tainment, with Coe saying that tradi- International Association of Athletics this life I’ve been living. This travel- ple. I’ve seen other sports using social tional broadcast was only one of the Federations President Sebastian Coe E WAS raised by a champion ling from place to place and getting media in a more powerful way. diverse platforms to reach out to the said Doha could host the Olympic mother and he grew up with to see different culture and experi- 12.80 “Athletics, which was born in antiq- young audience. Games. “We’ve consistently turned Ha sister who proved to be a ence different food. seconds is the world uity, has prospered in thousands of “We’ve to understand the changing up to conferences to talk about guardian angel. No wonder, Aries “I was like, ‘Oh, I was going here, I record in 110M hurdles set years because of its ability to evolve. globalisation, and using sport to Merritt can smile despite darkness was going there’, but now when I go, by Merritt at the Brussels If we remodel carefully to a new era, impact and imprint on the lives of almost engulfing his life in the form I’m always like, ‘I need to enjoy the fact Diamond League our sports can be successful,” said Coe. The IAAF is working. Our young people,” said Coe. of a kidney disease. that I’m able to do this because it was He alluded to some radical changes, “And we’ve to make sure where London Olympic 110M hurdles cham- almost taken away from me.’ So I’ve a meeting in 2012 but how to go about it in the multi-disci- activities are athletics, possible giving those countries that pion and world record holder Merritt greater sense of respect for my craft. pline event, where say the Kenyans dom- but our business is want to stage the Games to do exactly what we’ve been, for the last had to go for a transplant surgery in “My doctors told me it would take inate long distance races and Jamaicans entertainment. 30 or 40 years, encouraging them to September, just days after he won a a year to fully recover from this sur- sprint categories, in a respect- do.” bronze at the World Championships ful manner should be a really Asked about concerns over with a barely-functioning kidney. tricky task. landscape. The IAAF is working. Our Doha’s summer weather, Coe said there were other considerations, And here he was, continuing his Every time I look at my The Diamond League activities are athletics, but our business recovery in Doha just eight months was launched with the aim is entertainment which is an important including commercial aspects and infrastructure, to take into account after the surgery, and very much in mom, I get inspired of ensuring maximum reach concept for all of us to recognise,” he said. because she always before awarding the hosting right. pursuit of his goal of retaining his when the IAAF tried to capsule About the possibility of making ath- Qatar, which will host the World Olympic gold at Rio. believes in me. mostly spectator-friendly disci- letics competitions more compact, Coe Athletics Championships in 2019, had He finished sixth despite getting off plines into a three-hour time- said, “I’m not going to run a commen- unsuccessfully bid for the 2016 and to a terrible start and he was happy frame. It was spruced up further tary here particularly when our reform 2020 Olympic Games. It has made with his constant improvement. gery, but it’s only eight months and this season with increased prize group has come up with quite radical clear its intention of bidding for the “I hit the first hurdle and lost my I’m out here running. So I’m really money, new points system (where thoughts”. DSP Summer Games again. DSP rhythm after that. Had I not hit that, I happy with where I’m right now and would’ve done better. Every time I run my body feels good. I just have to add I’m going to get sharper and sharper,” some pace,” he said. Merritt told Doha Stadium Plus soon But all this would not have been pos- after the race. sible had it not been for his caring sis- It’s all about passion, says Kynard “I’m where I need to be right now. I ter LaToya, who gave him her kidney ran 13.37sec here and it wasn’t a smooth without a second thought, and loving race at all. Hitting that hurdle destroyed mother Linda Hubbard, whom Merrit WO days before the Doha Di- thumping victory in 1,500M. “My performance wasn’t very good, my rhythm, but I did a really good considers as his greatest inspiration. amond League, high jumper “I always try to engage the crowd and but I’m satisfied with the silver, my form job after that. There’s still a lot more “My mom is my role model. She’s TErik Kynard had talked about have fun,” said Kynard after the victory. wasn’t steady after the World Indoor work to be done,” said Merritt, whose a very strong woman. She’s a single the importance of getting the crowd “For me actually, I get the spectators Championships and I still can’t adjust world record stands at 12.80. “Every mom and she raised myself and my involved in the competition and, at involved to get myself up, then I calm to my new shoes. I hope I can restore time I run, I’m pretty sure it’s going sister all by herself. Every time I look at the season’s first meeting, he showed myself down and focus on the jump. It’s my form gradually,” said Zhang. to be a season’s best for me. I’m con- her I get inspired, because she always exactly how it is done. never easy to set a mood for me. It’s all Olympic bronze medallist Robbie fident that I would be able to muster believes in me no matter what,” said The fun-loving American engaged the about passion. If I’m frustrated, you’ll Grabarz and Canadian Derek Drouin, my prowess when the time needs.” Merritt. “No matter what I was going spectators and made them clap to his see frustration, if I’m happy, you’ll see who finished fourth and fifth respec- But it was all grim and gloomy not through, even when I couldn’t run any- tune as he cleared all but one height happiness and If I’m enthused you’ll tively in Doha, had also spoken about so long ago when he was diagnosed more, she believed that I’d be back and in his first chance. And the only time enthusiasm.” the need to make the sport more spec- as having a weird-sounding genetic that I should, at some point of time, he failed to do so, at 2.33M which won And perhaps, it was no coincidence tator-friendly, with the Briton even disorder, Collapsing Focal Segmental break my own world record again. My him the gold on his second attempt, that Chinese Guowei Zhang, who drew as suggesting that placing premium seats DSP/Mohan DSP/Mohan Glomerulosclerosis, and a kidney trans- mom is my No.1 fan and without her was when the crowd was too preoc- much applause for his crazy celebratory next to the jumping pit could be an šĈAries Merritt competes at the Doha Diamond League. plant became the only option. I don’t know where I would be.” DSP ššErik Kynard salutes the crowd after winning gold in high jump. cupied in celebrating Asbel Kiprop’s dance steps as for his jumps, won silver. option. DSP Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 25

We’re never going to die, says Coe

N Ganesh

THLETICS is described as the mother of all sports, but the Aincreasing reluctance of youngsters to embrace it has led to a visible disconnect, with questions being asked whether it is dying a slow death. “We’re never going to die. We’re a strong sport,” said International Association of If I win (at Rio Olympics), Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) President it would just be a movie Sebastian Coe as he faced queries about for sure. Even if I make the sport’s future in the build-up to the

the team it’ll still be a Diamond League series’ first meeting DSP/Mohan huge story, no one in in Doha last week. ššSebastian Coe talks at a Press conference in Doha. history has ever had a The former champion middle-dis- kidney transplant and tance runner repeatedly stressed the competed in the same need for track-and-field sport to cater top six finishers collected points unlike Qatar can host calendar year. to the youth even though his answers three before), and a first stop in Africa were mundane, clearly hinting that in the Moroccan capital of Rabat later Aries Meritt Olympics, hints things are only in the planning stage. this month. “We can be much better. I don’t think The IAAF is working with its market- IAAF chief Coe we’ve kept up with many other sports ing arm IMG to provide the best enter- in the way we’ve accessed younger peo- tainment, with Coe saying that tradi- International Association of Athletics ple. I’ve seen other sports using social tional broadcast was only one of the Federations President Sebastian Coe media in a more powerful way. diverse platforms to reach out to the said Doha could host the Olympic 12.80 “Athletics, which was born in antiq- young audience. Games. “We’ve consistently turned seconds is the world uity, has prospered in thousands of “We’ve to understand the changing up to conferences to talk about record in 110M hurdles set years because of its ability to evolve. globalisation, and using sport to by Merritt at the Brussels If we remodel carefully to a new era, impact and imprint on the lives of Diamond League our sports can be successful,” said Coe. The IAAF is working. Our young people,” said Coe. He alluded to some radical changes, “And we’ve to make sure where meeting in 2012 but how to go about it in the multi-disci- activities are athletics, possible giving those countries that pline event, where say the Kenyans dom- but our business is want to stage the Games to do exactly what we’ve been, for the last inate long distance races and Jamaicans entertainment. 30 or 40 years, encouraging them to sprint categories, in a respect- do.” ful manner should be a really Asked about concerns over tricky task. landscape. The IAAF is working. Our Doha’s summer weather, Coe said The Diamond League activities are athletics, but our business there were other considerations, was launched with the aim is entertainment which is an important including commercial aspects and infrastructure, to take into account of ensuring maximum reach concept for all of us to recognise,” he said. before awarding the hosting right. when the IAAF tried to capsule About the possibility of making ath- Qatar, which will host the World mostly spectator-friendly disci- letics competitions more compact, Coe Athletics Championships in 2019, had plines into a three-hour time- said, “I’m not going to run a commen- unsuccessfully bid for the 2016 and frame. It was spruced up further tary here particularly when our reform 2020 Olympic Games. It has made this season with increased prize group has come up with quite radical clear its intention of bidding for the money, new points system (where thoughts”. DSP Summer Games again. DSP It’s all about passion, says Kynard

WO days before the Doha Di- thumping victory in 1,500M. “My performance wasn’t very good, amond League, high jumper “I always try to engage the crowd and but I’m satisfied with the silver, my form TErik Kynard had talked about have fun,” said Kynard after the victory. wasn’t steady after the World Indoor the importance of getting the crowd “For me actually, I get the spectators Championships and I still can’t adjust involved in the competition and, at involved to get myself up, then I calm to my new shoes. I hope I can restore the season’s first meeting, he showed myself down and focus on the jump. It’s my form gradually,” said Zhang. exactly how it is done. never easy to set a mood for me. It’s all Olympic bronze medallist Robbie The fun-loving American engaged the about passion. If I’m frustrated, you’ll Grabarz and Canadian Derek Drouin, spectators and made them clap to his see frustration, if I’m happy, you’ll see who finished fourth and fifth respec- tune as he cleared all but one height happiness and If I’m enthused you’ll tively in Doha, had also spoken about in his first chance. And the only time enthusiasm.” the need to make the sport more spec- he failed to do so, at 2.33M which won And perhaps, it was no coincidence tator-friendly, with the Briton even him the gold on his second attempt, that Chinese Guowei Zhang, who drew as suggesting that placing premium seats

DSP/Mohan was when the crowd was too preoc- much applause for his crazy celebratory next to the jumping pit could be an ššErik Kynard salutes the crowd after winning gold in high jump. cupied in celebrating Asbel Kiprop’s dance steps as for his jumps, won silver. option. DSP 26 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 27 At a glance

Abdulaziz happy with second Fadhel supreme at place in Jordan Losail 600 Cup For Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, it was a good comeback at the Rally of Jordan. After crashing heavily in the 10th super special stage on ATAR’S Fadhel Al Khater was title in the inaugural Qatar Touring Car the penultimate day, the Qatari crowned the champion of the Championship. He had an aggregate resumed on the final day as fifth Qinaugural Losail 600 Cup Series of 38 points. Italy’s Peter Devido fin- overall before fighting his way last week. ished a close second with 37 points back to second position. Fadhel finished third in Race 1 and while Qatar’s Mansour Al Hajri brought It was the second podium in as many weeks for the 36-year- won Race 2 as he tallied 91 points in up the last spot on the podium with old following his third-place the three rounds of championship held 29 points. finish at the recent World under the aegis of Losail Circuit Sports Qatar’s Abdulla Al Khelaifi, who won Rally Championship’s support Club (LCSC). both races of the final round, category in Argentina. Soud Al Thani and promising rider ended up fourth with 26 “We were cruising before the Abdulla Al Qubaisi finished second points. accident on the second day and third respectively with 71 and Qatar Motor and afternoon. The super special ššNasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Matthieu Baumel are all joy after the victory. wasn’t a good one to drive. I 58 points. Motorcycle Federation broke the two wheels on the “It was a great honour to com- President MOTORSPORT left and steered the car off the pete in this championship. I’m very Abdulrahman Al mountain so that we didn’t roll happy with my first title and I’m Mannai, and LCSC and had done less damage. We already looking forward to race again Vice -Chairman changed all equipment after next season,” said Al Khater. and Secretary the crash and our mechanics Meanwhile, Palestinian driver Omran General Khalid Al did a great job to help us start on the final day. And to jump Karama, who finished third in both Remaihi awarded š from fifth to second was a major šFadhel Al Khater in action at the Losail International Circuit. races of the final round, clinched the the winners. DSP Easy for NASSER positive,” said Abdulaziz. DSP HORSERACING RESULTS WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Khor Al Adaid (Darren Williams) 1, Kehaila 2, Al Doctor The ace Qatari registers his 10th victory in Jordan. Waeed (Adnan Hawa) 1, Mahbooba 2, Al Jazeera 3, Sky 3, Namroud 4. Won by: 2 1/2, 3/4, 2. Time: 1:33.26. Trained Race 1 Metro 4. Won by: 5, Shd, ½. Time: 1:13.76. Trained by: Majed by: Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Sulaiti. Owned by: Essa Seifeddine. Owned by: Rashid Mubarak Aljafali Al Naimi. Jalwa Al Jazeera wins Mohamed Al Sulaiti. N YET another virtuoso performance important that I came here with a focus World Fair (Cedric Segeon) 1, Atlantic Sea 2, Tortilla Jackson RESULTS Croara (Alberto Sanna) 1, Apicus 2, Rose Zafonic 3, Media 1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah 3, Rome 4. Won by: ½, ½, 2. Time: 1:05.89. Trained by: which underlined his credentials Skoda to win the rally and claim maximum Race 2 Book 4. Won by: 1, 1 1/2, 3/4. Time: 1:24.42. Trained by: (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Mohamed bin Hamad as No.1 driver in the region, Nasser Fabia R5 2:42.02.2sec points. I was able to control the race Stefano Ibido. Owned by: Abdulhadi Mana Al Hajri. I (FRA) Khalifa Al Attiyah. Saleh Al Attiyah cantered home to an from the very start and set my own pace,” Club Breeders Trophy Mowhoubat Al Zaidy (Marvin Suerland) 1, Marj Eyoun 2, 2. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari Skoda Al Jalila (Cedric Segeon) 1, Secret Angel 2, Shizam CS 3, a t 1 8 : 1 8 . 4 s e c Heytham 3, Al Aayar 4. Won by: 1 ¾, ¾, ¾. Time: 1:17.65. easy win in the third round of the Mid- (QAT)/Killian Duffy (IRL) Fabia R5 said Nasser, who has now won all three Race 3 Al Majdah 4. Won by: 5, 1/2, 1 1/4. Time: 1:18.97. Trained by: Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Mitsubishi Abduljabar Ali. Owned by: Rashid Mohamed RA Al Athba. dle East Rally Championship (MERC) 3. Abdullah Al Kuwari MERC rounds this season. Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Lancer 7:40.9sec (QAT)/Adel Hussein (QAT) in Jordan last week. Evo X The 12-time regional champion is N A FITTING finale to the season, atthe Al Areesh Cup, a Purebred Arabian Meqdam Al Zaidy (Stephan Ladjadj) 1, Lina Al Mels 2, Al Uraiq Secret (Cedric Segeon) 1, Asaaf 2, Musaiter Bu Thaila Mujahidah 3, Fawwaz 4. Won by: 2, 5, 1 1/2. Time: 1:45.22. 3, Sobheya 4. Won by: 3 ½, ¾, Nk. Time: 1:13.76. Trained by: Standings not officially released pending the out- Race 4 Nasser and his French co-driver in no mood to relent and is eyeing an Hassan Ali Hassan Al Matwi’s Jalwa Conditions race, run over 2,000M. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin come of fuel samples taken at the Kuwait Rally. Matthieu Baumel in a Skoda Fabia R5 unprecedented 100 MERC leg wins. IAl Jazeera (Majd Al Arab-Sarah De Mohanad Al Yaqout-saddled AJS Al Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Jassim Al Thani. Opera Baron (JP Guillambert) 1, Gerrard’s Quest 2, Binzart finished a staggering 18min, 18.4sec “Whoever wants to compete outside Faust) edged AJS Gannas in the Club Rayyan (Marco Monterisso astride) AJS Al Rayyan (Marco Monteriso) 1, Mayasa 2, Al Marboush 3, Cameraman 4. Won by: Nk, 1, Dh. Time: 1:53.62. Trained Race 5 3, Bahia Du Barthas 4. Won by: 1 1/4, Hd, 3/4. Time: 2:15.16. ahead of Abdulaziz Al Kuwari and his in the World Championship needs to Breeders Trophy, a Purebred Arabian came up with a brilliant run to over- by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin Sheail Al Trained by: Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Al Jeryan Stud. Irish navigator Killian Duffy. 63rd in MERC career. With Abdulaziz first beat Nasser in the Middle East,” race for three-year-olds at the Qatar haul the frontrunners and win quite Kuwari. Zman Awal (Marco Monteriso) 1, Bronze Maquette 2, Tautira Qatari duo of Abdullah Al Kuwari crashing heavily in the 10th super special he said. Racing and Equestrian Club last week. comfortably. Injaaz Stud’s Mayasa fin- Izzthatright (Richard Mullen) 1, My Sharona 2, Qatar Light 3, Rasheeda 4. Won by: 3, Nk, Nk. Time: 1:22.30. Trained by: Race 6 3, Chilworth Icon 4. Won by: 1 1/2, Nk, Shd. Time: 1:10.17. and Adel Hussein finished third in a stage, Nasser was not at all challenged The MERC goes into the summer AJS Gannas was on a start-to-finished pipped stablemate Al Marboush Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Mohamed bin Hamad Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Injaaz Stud. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. in the 198th event in MERC history. break and will resume with the Rally ish mission and led all the way until for the runner-up berth. The winner Khalifa Al Attiyah. Nasser was rarely made to work hard “Jordan is a special place for me and of Lebanon, to be held from September caught on the last stride by Jalwa Al clocked 2:15.16. Al Hareth (Richard Mullen) 1, Al Mazrooah 2, Jalwa Al Jazeera (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, AJS Gannas 2, AJS Mezna Footprintinthesand 3, Sraab 4. Won by: 5, 1/2, Shd. Time: 3, Mannaa Al Naif 4. Won by: Shd, 2 1/2, 5. Time: 1:33.72. Race 7 for his 10th victory in Jordan a record I like coming here every year. It was 2 to 4. DSP ššAbdulaziz Al Kuwari Jazeera. Jockey Tadgh O’Shea was astride Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al 1:23.86. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Mishal bin Trained by: Hassan Al Matwi. Owned by: Hassan Ali Hassan the winner, who stopped the clock at Thani-owned Al Uraiq Secret (Sakhees Ali Al Attiyah. Al Matwi. 1:33.72sec for the seven-furlong trip in a thrilling finish. AJS Mezna was third ahead of Mannaa Al Naif. AJS Gannas was on a QMMF-backed cars for Formula 4 UAE event Mohammed bin Hamad Khalifa Al Attiyah-owned Zman Awal (Dubwi- start-to-finish mission Pivotal Lady) trounced the opposi- until caught by Jalwa Al HE Qatar Motor and Motorcycle “Establishing this team will also bol- tion en route to an emphatic victory Jazeera. Federation (QMMF) will enter This is an initial ster our relationship with our neigh- in the Al Ghariya Cup, a Class 2 race Tits drivers in the recently-an- bouring GCC clubs and federations and for Thoroughbreds Fillies and Mares, nounced FIA Formula 4 UAE Champi- investment to build a will give us the experience and knowl- run over 1,400M. Secret-Warm Breeze) put in a dazzling onship. The exciting new single-seater strong platform for road edge to develop stronger champion- Mohanad Al Yaqout-schooled Zman display to annex the Umm Bab Cup, a race series will be fought over 18 rounds racing within Qatar. ships in the future that will support Awal (Marco Monteriso up) raced in Local Thoroughbred Conditions race, and six races in the UAE from October, the development of local talent and the rear until the home turn and, when run over 1,200M. 2016, to March, 2017. the sport itself within Qatar and the asked for an effort, the Dubawi progeny Ibrahim Al Malki-saddled Al Uraiq The championship, promoted by the will attract other young Qataris to get region,” Al Mannai added. DSP sported a pair of wings and sped away to Secret (Cedric Segeon up) zipped past Automobile Touring Club of the United into, not only road racing, but also the win handsomely. Bonze Maquette was his opponents in a final flourish to score Arab Emirates, is licensed by the FIA single-seater category,” said QMMF FIA FORMULA 4 CALENDAR second ahead of Tautira and Rasheeda. a facile victory in his just second career and open to all drivers over the age of President Abdulrahman Al Mannai. October 28-29 Rounds 1-3 Yas Marina Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Al Rayyan (Amer- start and gave his connections a back- November 18-19 Rounds 4-6 D u b a i A u t o d r o m e 15 from the FIA MENA region. The QMMF-backed cars will face fierce December 16-17 Rounds 7-9 Yas Marina Mangaline Du Loup), which had gone to-back double. Asaaf was three-and- “This is an initial investment to build competition in the inaugural round at January 27-28 Rounds 10-12 D u b a i A u t o d r o m e down by a short head to Al Majh’Hoor a-half lengths behind in second while Photo/Juhaim Babu Photo/Juhaim DSP/ Mohan a strong platform for road racing within the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on February 10-11 Rounds 13-15 Yas Marina in the Al Huwaila Cup, avenged the Musaiter Bu Thaila and Sobheya com- ššAbdulrahman Al Mannai Qatar and the GCC. We’re hoping this October 28-29. March 10-11 Rounds 16-18 Yas Marina defeat with a brilliant performance pleted the frame. DSP ššTadgh O’Shea rides Jalwa Al Jazeera to victory. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 27

Fadhel supreme at Losail 600 Cup

ATAR’S Fadhel Al Khater was title in the inaugural Qatar Touring Car crowned the champion of the Championship. He had an aggregate Qinaugural Losail 600 Cup Series of 38 points. Italy’s Peter Devido fin- last week. ished a close second with 37 points Fadhel finished third in Race 1 and while Qatar’s Mansour Al Hajri brought won Race 2 as he tallied 91 points in up the last spot on the podium with the three rounds of championship held 29 points. under the aegis of Losail Circuit Sports Qatar’s Abdulla Al Khelaifi, who won Club (LCSC). both races of the final round, Soud Al Thani and promising rider ended up fourth with 26 Abdulla Al Qubaisi finished second points. and third respectively with 71 and Qatar Motor and 58 points. Motorcycle Federation “It was a great honour to com- President pete in this championship. I’m very Abdulrahman Al happy with my first title and I’m Mannai, and LCSC already looking forward to race again Vice -Chairman next season,” said Al Khater. and Secretary Meanwhile, Palestinian driver Omran General Khalid Al Karama, who finished third in both Remaihi awarded ššFadhel Al Khater in action at the Losail International Circuit. races of the final round, clinched the the winners. DSP

HORSERACING RESULTS WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Khor Al Adaid (Darren Williams) 1, Kehaila 2, Al Doctor Waeed (Adnan Hawa) 1, Mahbooba 2, Al Jazeera 3, Sky 3, Namroud 4. Won by: 2 1/2, 3/4, 2. Time: 1:33.26. Trained Race 1 Metro 4. Won by: 5, Shd, ½. Time: 1:13.76. Trained by: Majed by: Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Sulaiti. Owned by: Essa Seifeddine. Owned by: Rashid Mubarak Aljafali Al Naimi. Jalwa Al Jazeera wins Mohamed Al Sulaiti. World Fair (Cedric Segeon) 1, Atlantic Sea 2, Tortilla Jackson Croara (Alberto Sanna) 1, Apicus 2, Rose Zafonic 3, Media 3, Rome 4. Won by: ½, ½, 2. Time: 1:05.89. Trained by: Race 2 Book 4. Won by: 1, 1 1/2, 3/4. Time: 1:24.42. Trained by: Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Mohamed bin Hamad Stefano Ibido. Owned by: Abdulhadi Mana Al Hajri. Khalifa Al Attiyah. Club Breeders Trophy Mowhoubat Al Zaidy (Marvin Suerland) 1, Marj Eyoun 2, Al Jalila (Cedric Segeon) 1, Secret Angel 2, Shizam CS 3, Heytham 3, Al Aayar 4. Won by: 1 ¾, ¾, ¾. Time: 1:17.65. Race 3 Al Majdah 4. Won by: 5, 1/2, 1 1/4. Time: 1:18.97. Trained by: Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Abduljabar Ali. Owned by: Rashid Mohamed RA Al Athba. Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. N A FITTING finale to the season, atthe Al Areesh Cup, a Purebred Arabian Meqdam Al Zaidy (Stephan Ladjadj) 1, Lina Al Mels 2, Al Uraiq Secret (Cedric Segeon) 1, Asaaf 2, Musaiter Bu Thaila Mujahidah 3, Fawwaz 4. Won by: 2, 5, 1 1/2. Time: 1:45.22. 3, Sobheya 4. Won by: 3 ½, ¾, Nk. Time: 1:13.76. Trained by: Race 4 Hassan Ali Hassan Al Matwi’s Jalwa Conditions race, run over 2,000M. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin IAl Jazeera (Majd Al Arab-Sarah De Mohanad Al Yaqout-saddled AJS Al Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani. Jassim Al Thani. Opera Baron (JP Guillambert) 1, Gerrard’s Quest 2, Binzart Faust) edged AJS Gannas in the Club Rayyan (Marco Monterisso astride) AJS Al Rayyan (Marco Monteriso) 1, Mayasa 2, Al Marboush 3, Cameraman 4. Won by: Nk, 1, Dh. Time: 1:53.62. Trained Race 5 3, Bahia Du Barthas 4. Won by: 1 1/4, Hd, 3/4. Time: 2:15.16. Breeders Trophy, a Purebred Arabian came up with a brilliant run to over- by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin Sheail Al Trained by: Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Al Jeryan Stud. race for three-year-olds at the Qatar haul the frontrunners and win quite Kuwari. Zman Awal (Marco Monteriso) 1, Bronze Maquette 2, Tautira Racing and Equestrian Club last week. comfortably. Injaaz Stud’s Mayasa fin- Izzthatright (Richard Mullen) 1, My Sharona 2, Qatar Light 3, Rasheeda 4. Won by: 3, Nk, Nk. Time: 1:22.30. Trained by: Race 6 3, Chilworth Icon 4. Won by: 1 1/2, Nk, Shd. Time: 1:10.17. AJS Gannas was on a start-to-finished pipped stablemate Al Marboush Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Mohamed bin Hamad Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Injaaz Stud. ish mission and led all the way until for the runner-up berth. The winner Khalifa Al Attiyah. caught on the last stride by Jalwa Al clocked 2:15.16. Al Hareth (Richard Mullen) 1, Al Mazrooah 2, Jalwa Al Jazeera (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, AJS Gannas 2, AJS Mezna Footprintinthesand 3, Sraab 4. Won by: 5, 1/2, Shd. Time: 3, Mannaa Al Naif 4. Won by: Shd, 2 1/2, 5. Time: 1:33.72. Race 7 Jazeera. Jockey Tadgh O’Shea was astride Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al 1:23.86. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Mishal bin Trained by: Hassan Al Matwi. Owned by: Hassan Ali Hassan the winner, who stopped the clock at Thani-owned Al Uraiq Secret (Sakhees Ali Al Attiyah. Al Matwi. 1:33.72sec for the seven-furlong trip in a thrilling finish. AJS Mezna was third ahead of Mannaa Al Naif. Mohammed bin Hamad Khalifa Al AJS Gannas was on a Attiyah-owned Zman Awal (Dubwi- start-to-finish mission Pivotal Lady) trounced the opposi- until caught by Jalwa Al tion en route to an emphatic victory Jazeera. in the Al Ghariya Cup, a Class 2 race for Thoroughbreds Fillies and Mares, run over 1,400M. Secret-Warm Breeze) put in a dazzling Mohanad Al Yaqout-schooled Zman display to annex the Umm Bab Cup, a Awal (Marco Monteriso up) raced in Local Thoroughbred Conditions race, the rear until the home turn and, when run over 1,200M. asked for an effort, the Dubawi progeny Ibrahim Al Malki-saddled Al Uraiq sported a pair of wings and sped away to Secret (Cedric Segeon up) zipped past win handsomely. Bonze Maquette was his opponents in a final flourish to score second ahead of Tautira and Rasheeda. a facile victory in his just second career Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Al Rayyan (Amer- start and gave his connections a back- Mangaline Du Loup), which had gone to-back double. Asaaf was three-and- down by a short head to Al Majh’Hoor a-half lengths behind in second while

in the Al Huwaila Cup, avenged the Musaiter Bu Thaila and Sobheya com- Babu Photo/Juhaim defeat with a brilliant performance pleted the frame. DSP ššTadgh O’Shea rides Jalwa Al Jazeera to victory. 28 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29 At a glance

CHESS BASKETBALL VOLLEYBALL Top coaches impressed by Holders Arabi beat Police to Aspire model storm into Emir’s Cup final HIRTY top coaches from the Mid- dle East and North Africa, who Tattended the Qatar Basketball L ARABI stayed in line for the professional, Silmar Antonio de Almeida Right move Association’s three-day course con- Emir’s Cup title defence after In the final to be held on of Brazil, crumbled in the wake of Arabi ducted by Pascal Meurs from Belgium Abeating Police in straight sets onslaught. Friday, Al Arabi will take Qatar’s first GM Mohammed Al Medaikhi speaks about and Menderes Gumusdal from Turkey, in the best-of-three semifinals. In the final to be held on Friday, Arabi ššCherif Younousse, right, and Jefferson Pereira. visited the ASPIRE Academy last week. Arabi, who had won 25-17, 25-18, on either arch-rivals Al will take on either arch-rivals Al Rayyan sacrificing his career for the game’s development. The first advanced-level course held in 25-21 in the first match at the Ali bin Rayyan or El Jaish. or El Jaish. Qatar also attracted national and senior Hamad Al Attiyah arena, followed it Qatar Cup champions Rayyan beat BEACH VOLLEYBALL club coaches — 70 men and women. up with a 25-20, 25-17, 25-20 victory Jaish 25-21, 12-25, 22-25, 25-18, 17-15 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW During the tour of Aspire, Meurs last Monday. campaigner Ibrahim Saeed was also in the first of their semifinals. However, described its facilities as world-class. Italian national player Ivan Zaytsev at his best. the Armymen won the second 25-20, Qatar to field He also commended the way Qatar was the architect of Arabi’s victory with For Police, Cuban professional Williams 20-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-8. The decider two teams at was approaching sports development. his stellar smashes while seasoned Diaz was the saving grace. Their other will be played on Wednesday. DSP Mohammad Amin-ul Islam “It’s my second time in Qatar and I’m Antalya Open pleased to be back. It’s good that these coaches are able to see these amazing ATAR will field two teams in facilities at the Aspire and the sports the FIVB World Tour Antalya ATAR’S first Grandmaster programmes being run here as it only QOpen beginning in Turkey on Mohammed Al Medaikhi is serves to encourage and motivate them,” Wednesday. Qalso an excellent organiser. As said Meurs. DSP Apart from the leading pair of Cherif Qatar Chess Association (QCA) General Younousse and Jefferson Pereira, a B Secretary, his goal is to help promote team, comprising Julio Cesar Junior and the game. Ahmed Tijan, will be seen in action at By engaging himself as an administra- TENNIS the FIVB World Tour event, to be hosted tor, Al Medaikhi admitted he may have by Turkey for the fifth time. lost touch with the game as a player, but The Antalya Open is a 32-team event. said his sacrifice had helped the sport Shanan brothers The qualifying tournament to deter- gain a firm foothold in the country. mine the final eight in the main draw DSP Photo competing in The quiet and unassuming Al Medaikhi šЂMohammed Al Medaikhi started on Tuesday. is serious about reaching out to school- Tunisian events It will be followed by two days of children who, he thinks, can spread the round-robin pool play, with the top game. He is aware the game’s popu- soon launch other programmes as well. ATAR’S Mousa Shanan and his three teams from the eight pools advanc- larity is yet to match that in China or We’re really grateful younger brother Mubarak will ing to the single-elimination knockout India, but exuded confidence. ЂЂDo you think Qatar should Qcompete in three ITF Futures rounds in the competition. In an exclusive interview with Doha to the QOC for helping have some chess clubs? tournaments in Hammamet after being Meanwhile, Qatar Volleyball Stadium Plus, Al Medaikhi spoke us organise the World ЃЂOf course. I support the idea of hav- given wild-card entries by the Tunisian Association Executive Director Ahmed Al about the QCA’s future goals and the Championships. ing clubs. I had also thought about hav- Tennis Federation. Sheebani has been named as a Technical upcoming FIDE World Rapid and Blitz ing club competitions, but I was preoc- The first of the clay-court tourna- Supervisor for the event, making him

Championships in Doha. cupied with so many things that it didn’t ments began at the Sentido Phenicia DSP/ Mohan the first Arab to occupy the top posi- concerned, they’ve been the backbone materialise. Hopefully, by next year we’ll Tennis Club last Monday. ššAl Arabi’s Ivan Zaytsev smashes against Police. tion at the event. DSP ЂЂWho’re the top players for the of most international events. We’re really see the formation of some clubs. The other two $10,000 prize-money World Rapid and Blitz event? grateful to the QOC for helping us organ- events will start on May 16 and May ЃЂIt’ll be held from December 25 to 31. ise the World Championships. ЂЂThe game’s future in Qatar... 23 respectively. It’ll be a great moment for us as Qatar However, we didn’t get much help ЃЂThe future is promising. We just need The Qatari pair, coached by former GYMNASTICS will be hosting a world-chess event during the last two editions of Qatar to find talented players who’re ready to Moroccan star Younes El Aynaoui, for the first time. Top players includ- Masters. This year, we’re still trying to devote their time to the sport. The QCA will then move to France for a training world champion Magnus Carlsen, get some sponsors. We’ll do our best. I’m is doing its best to develop the game at ing camp from May 28 to June 10. They Sergei Karjakin, Viswanathan Anand and hopeful we’ll get one, but the competi- schools where the students are taught will compete in four local clay-court Indonesian artistic competitors camp in Doha Vladimir Kramnik will be seen in action. tion may not have top players this time. by our coaches. tournaments. In all, we expect around 400 players. It’s The training camp will coincide with going to be an exciting tournament. ЂЂHow does the QCA encourage ЂЂYou’ve stopped playing. Do you the year’s second Grand Slam French EMBERS of the Indonesian women’s participation? think it’s a loss for the sport? Open, which will provide the Qatari artistic team were thoroughly Our goal is to promote ЂЂCan you explain the Qatar ЃЂWe’ve a training centre for the girls. We ЃЂYes, I’ve been inactive for a couple of players with the opportunity Mimpressed with facilities at the Olympic Committee’s (QOC) also have a national women’s team which years now. I like to play, but I also like to to watch some of the best play- Qatar Gymnastics Federation’s (QGF) the Qatar Olympic support to the QCA? regularly participates in big events. I think see the game’s development. I accepted ers in action. training centre at Al Luqta, where they Committee’s idea of ЃЂThe QOC has been very supportive chess is one of the first sports in Qatar this challenge and I think I’ve done my “I benefited immensely from attended a week-long training camp. sports tourism. of all sports. As far as financial help is where women started participating. We’ll job well so far. DSP the recent ITF Futures “Our goal is to promote the Qatar tournaments organ- Olympic Committee’s idea of sports ised by the Qatar Tennis tourism by allowing foreign teams is a beautiful city with excellent training Busy days The next couple of months are going The teams will also compete at the Federation. I hope to do to use our infrastructure” said QGF facilities. We thank the QGF for invit- to be action-packed for Qatar team as Abu Dhabi Festival from August 21 to well in Tunisia and work President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi. “Doha ing us.” players prepare for the biennial Chess 29. The tournament will have Masters, my way up in the ITF is an international sports hub and has He expressed hope that the stint would ahead for Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Open and junior categories,” said Qatar rankings,” said Mousa. one of the world’s best infrastructure. help the four-member team. September 1 to 15. Chess Association General Secretary Qatar team “Prior to the top FIDE event, the men’s Mohammed Al Medaikhi. “We’re also The Qatari duo will It’s a favourite destination for the top “Doha will host the FIG World and women’s teams will take part in the sending a team to the Cup of Eurasia in also compete in the Asia/ athletes. That’s why we invited the Championships in 2018. It was a great Arab Championships and some open Almaty, Kazakhstan, next month,” Oceania Group Davis Cup Indonesian gymnasts to train here.” opportunity for us to get a feel of the tournaments as part of their preparations. he added. DSP fixtures in June. DSP Their coach Sepri Haryadi said, “Doha facilities,” he added. DSP ššMembers of the Indonesian artistic team at the Al Luqta Gymnasium Hall. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29

VOLLEYBALL Holders Arabi beat Police to storm into Emir’s Cup final

L ARABI stayed in line for the professional, Silmar Antonio de Almeida Emir’s Cup title defence after In the final to be held on of Brazil, crumbled in the wake of Arabi Abeating Police in straight sets onslaught. in the best-of-three semifinals. Friday, Al Arabi will take In the final to be held on Friday, Arabi ššCherif Younousse, right, and Jefferson Pereira. Arabi, who had won 25-17, 25-18, on either arch-rivals Al will take on either arch-rivals Al Rayyan 25-21 in the first match at the Ali bin Rayyan or El Jaish. or El Jaish. Hamad Al Attiyah arena, followed it Qatar Cup champions Rayyan beat BEACH VOLLEYBALL up with a 25-20, 25-17, 25-20 victory Jaish 25-21, 12-25, 22-25, 25-18, 17-15 last Monday. campaigner Ibrahim Saeed was also in the first of their semifinals. However, Italian national player Ivan Zaytsev at his best. the Armymen won the second 25-20, Qatar to field was the architect of Arabi’s victory with For Police, Cuban professional Williams 20-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-8. The decider two teams at DSP his stellar smashes while seasoned Diaz was the saving grace. Their other will be played on Wednesday. Antalya Open

ATAR will field two teams in the FIVB World Tour Antalya QOpen beginning in Turkey on Wednesday. Apart from the leading pair of Cherif Younousse and Jefferson Pereira, a B team, comprising Julio Cesar Junior and Ahmed Tijan, will be seen in action at the FIVB World Tour event, to be hosted by Turkey for the fifth time. The Antalya Open is a 32-team event. The qualifying tournament to deter- mine the final eight in the main draw started on Tuesday. It will be followed by two days of round-robin pool play, with the top three teams from the eight pools advanc- ing to the single-elimination knockout rounds in the competition. Meanwhile, Qatar Volleyball Association Executive Director Ahmed Al Sheebani has been named as a Technical Supervisor for the event, making him

DSP/ Mohan the first Arab to occupy the top posi- ššAl Arabi’s Ivan Zaytsev smashes against Police. tion at the event. DSP

GYMNASTICS Indonesian artistic competitors camp in Doha

EMBERS of the Indonesian artistic team were thoroughly Our goal is to promote Mimpressed with facilities at the Qatar Gymnastics Federation’s (QGF) the Qatar Olympic training centre at Al Luqta, where they Committee’s idea of attended a week-long training camp. sports tourism. “Our goal is to promote the Qatar Olympic Committee’s idea of sports tourism by allowing foreign teams is a beautiful city with excellent training to use our infrastructure” said QGF facilities. We thank the QGF for invit- President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi. “Doha ing us.” is an international sports hub and has He expressed hope that the stint would one of the world’s best infrastructure. help the four-member team. It’s a favourite destination for the top “Doha will host the FIG World athletes. That’s why we invited the Championships in 2018. It was a great Indonesian gymnasts to train here.” opportunity for us to get a feel of the Their coach Sepri Haryadi said, “Doha facilities,” he added. DSP ššMembers of the Indonesian artistic team at the Al Luqta Gymnasium Hall. 30 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 31 At a glance

GOLF Hahn puts his best

şşNovak Djokovic returns during foot forward, finally š the final against šJustin Gatlin Andy Murray. ORMER shoe salesman James a living. It’s crazy to call myself a two- Hahn put his best foot forward time PGA Tour champion,” said Hahn. ATHLETICS Fto win the Wells Fargo Cham- Meanwhile, South Korea’s Jeunghun pionship in a play-off against fellow Wang claimed a maiden European Tour Gatlin sounds American Roberto Castro in North title with a thrilling play-off win at the Tomic, the king Carolina. Trophee Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco. early warning South Korean-born Hahn, who had of excuses! missed the cut in his previous eight MERICAN Justin Gatlin roared starts, broke out of his slump in style, The South Korea-born to a 100M victory in the Golden ROUBLED star Bernard Tomic sinking a four-foot par putt to win at AGrand Prix at Kawasaki, Japan, was slammed by Australia’s media the first extra hole. golfer sank a four-foot as track and field’s pantomime villain TENNIS Tas ‘the king of the excuse’ with ‘a Castro made Hahn’s task considera- par putt to win at the kicked off his preparations for this heart the size of a peanut’ after his latest bly easier by pulling his drive into the first extra hole. summer’s Rio Olympics. on-court antics at the Rome Masters. creek left of the fairway. Floored by Jamaican sprint king Usain Tomic, who made headlines when Hahn, who won the Northern Trust Bolt in the 100 and 200M at last year’s he turned his racquet the wrong way Open in 2015, said he had started to The 20-year-old held an 18-foot putt World Championships, Gatlin clocked to face a match point in the Madrid question his future after his recent run on the 72nd hole to force extra holes a time of 10.02sec into a slight head- Masters first round against Fabio Fognini, of poor form. after Spain’s Nacho Elvira had also bird- wind in his first test of the season. lasted just eight minutes in his open- “Eight straights missed cuts is tough. ied the last. “Definitely it’s given me motivation, Madrid Master! ing clash in Rome. You start questioning yourself, are you Elsewhere, Ariya Jutanugarn of but also it’s made me smarter and wiser,” The Aussie retired after a medical good enough? Will it ever happen again? Thailand claimed a one-stroke victory said Gatlin after finishing well clear Novak Djokovic seals his record 29th Masters title in the Spanish capital. timeout when he was leading French And then you start thinking into the at the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic of Japan’s Ryota Yamagata (10.21) and opponent Benoit Paire 2-1, saying he ššJames Hahn future, as far as selling shoes again for in Alabama. Ramon Gittens of Barbados (10.26). had been “feeling bad all night”. ORLD No.1 Novak Djokovic in the world rankings to Roger Federer, Pete Sampras,” he said. The 23-year-old has a catalogue of beat defending champion knocked out crowd favourite Rafael In the women’s final, Halep stormed lax commitment in matches, which WAndy Murray 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 Nadal in the semifinal, but Djokovic through the first set in half an hour and has earned him the tag of ‘Tomic the MOTORSPORT in the Madrid Open to capture a record proved a more formidable opponent, needed just one break in the first game Tank Engine’, and he was savaged in 29th Masters crown while Romania’s breaking him three times in the open- of the second to win her first tourna- the Australian press. Simona Halep sealed her first title in ing set. ment since Indian Wells last year. “Desire, passion, fight and a strong Lorenzo takes over 14 months with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Murray hit back in the second, but Victory moved Halep up from sev- work ethic — all qualities you’d like to Dominika Cibulkova in the women’s had no answer in the third as Djokovic enth to fifth in the latest world rank- see in your emerging and established final. repeated his 2011 Madrid Open triumph. ings released last Monday, while it is tennis stars,” the Herald Sun said in The Serb collected his fifth title of 2016, Djokovic also collected his 64th career also a timely boost ahead of the French an opinion piece. lead from Marquez after winning the Qatar ExxonMobil title, equalling greats Pete Sampras and Open which starts on May 22. “Instead, we’re treated to tantrums, Open, Australian Open, in which he Bjorn Borg. “The most important thing is that I arrogance, moods and at times utterly ššSaul Alvarez celebrates his win. also defeated Murray in the final, Indian “It’s obviously very flattering to be played well. It was amazing on court. shocking attempts at justifying contin- AMAHA’S triple MotoGP world Wells and Miami Open. alongside such legends of the sport, I just want to keep that feeling for long ual brattish behaviour. champion Jorge Lorenzo won Murray, who also lost second place players that I looked up to, especially time,” said Halep. Ya crash-strewn French Grand BOXING Prix from pole position to wrest the overall lead from fellow-Spaniard Marc Marquez after the Honda rider slid out. Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal is convinced that none of his rivals are Knockout punch! Nadal lashes taking performance-enhancing drugs and believes that people who Italian great Valentino Rossi clinched have accused him of doping have ‘personal problems’. the Yamaha 1-2, 10.654sec behind, with out at doping The Spaniard is suing former French cabinet minister Roselyne Spaniard Maverick Vinales — tipped AUL ‘Canelo’ Alvarez landed a “I’m okay everyone, that’s boxing for accusers Bachelot after she alleged that he had failed a drugs test. He used an to replace Lorenzo next season — tak- devastating right hook to knock you, congrats to @Canelo monster punch, interview with El Mundo published to defend himself and other top ing his first top-flight podium finish Sout Amir Khan in the sixth round much love to all the fans!” tweeted Khan, players. on a Suzuki. and claim the World Boxing Council who moved up two weight divisions to “I’ve total confidence that all my rivals are totally clean,” he said. šşBernard Tomic The third place at Le Mans’ Bugatti middleweight title clash in Las Vegas. take on Alvarez. circuit was Suzuki’s first podium since After even opening rounds, Mexican Alvarez said he proved he was much Italian Loris Capirossi’s in the Czech Alvarez closed it at 2:37 in the sixth when more than just raw power. Republic in 2008. he feigned a left jab before delivering a “Like I said from the beginning, I knew Lorenzo, who celebrated his 29th rattling hook to knock his British oppo- he was very fast and knew it would be HORSERACING birthday recently led from start to fin- nent cold. competitive in the beginning,” he said. ish, now has 90 points from five races ššJorge Lorenzo Khan, 29, came to his senses well after Meanwhile, Britain’s Anthony Crolla with Marquez on 85 after rejoining and the bout had been decided and was retained his World Boxing Association Nyquist lives up to favourite tag finishing 13th. taken to the hospital. He later tweeted lightweight title with a knockout win Rossi, who started on the third row RESULTS out a photo assuring he was fine. against Ismael Barroso in Manchester. 1. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) Yamaha 43:51.2 after winning the previous race in Spain, 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha at 10.65 AVOURITE Nyquist ran a perfect unbeaten record to 8-0 with a smooth finished second followed by Gun Runner. is third with 78 points. 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP) Suzuki 14.17 race to extend his unbeaten re- trip under jockey Mario Gutierrez. “He’s amazing,” said Gutierrez. “You “The race was so long. I wanted to 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) Honda 18.71 Floyd Mayweather continues to stoke the fire of a possible return Fcord, winning the 142nd Kentucky Nyquist pulled away from Gun Runner get this 2-year-old baby with thoughts keep the high pace and not lose the 5. Pol Espargaro (ESP) Yamaha 24.93 Mayweather to the ring after the retired multi-division champion dropped Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, down the stretch and then held off a of getting into the Kentucky Derby,” he concentration. That’s why I didn’t close STANDINGS 1. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 90 hints of a potential bout against outspoken Irish mixed-martial and spark talk of a second consecutive closing charge by Exaggerator to win said. “Everything has translated into the throttle and kept pushing. Finally 2. Marc Marquez (ESP) 85 might return arts fighter Conor McGregor. Triple Crown. the first leg of US thoroughbred rac- reality. There’re no words for it.” when Dovizioso and Marquez crashed, 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) 78 With a recent report claiming the two headliners were Nyquist, who had won a record $3.3m ing’s Triple Crown series for 3-year-olds. “He’s such a special horse, you can see I could breathe a little bit more,” said 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) 53 to the ring discussing a fight, Mayweather advanced the speculation on the 5. Maverick Vinales (ESP) 49 šşMario Gutierrez rides Nyquist to victory in Kentucky Derby. heading into the Derby, extended his Exaggerator, the second choice, it in his eye,” said trainer Doug O’Neill. Lorenzo. sidelines of the Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan clash in Las Vegas. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 31

GOLF Hahn puts his best foot forward, finally ššJustin Gatlin

ORMER shoe salesman James a living. It’s crazy to call myself a two- Hahn put his best foot forward time PGA Tour champion,” said Hahn. ATHLETICS Fto win the Wells Fargo Cham- Meanwhile, South Korea’s Jeunghun pionship in a play-off against fellow Wang claimed a maiden European Tour Gatlin sounds American Roberto Castro in North title with a thrilling play-off win at the Carolina. Trophee Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco. early warning South Korean-born Hahn, who had missed the cut in his previous eight MERICAN Justin Gatlin roared starts, broke out of his slump in style, The South Korea-born to a 100M victory in the Golden sinking a four-foot par putt to win at AGrand Prix at Kawasaki, Japan, the first extra hole. golfer sank a four-foot as track and field’s pantomime villain Castro made Hahn’s task considera- par putt to win at the kicked off his preparations for this bly easier by pulling his drive into the first extra hole. summer’s Rio Olympics. creek left of the fairway. Floored by Jamaican sprint king Usain Hahn, who won the Northern Trust Bolt in the 100 and 200M at last year’s Open in 2015, said he had started to The 20-year-old held an 18-foot putt World Championships, Gatlin clocked question his future after his recent run on the 72nd hole to force extra holes a time of 10.02sec into a slight head- of poor form. after Spain’s Nacho Elvira had also bird- wind in his first test of the season. “Eight straights missed cuts is tough. ied the last. “Definitely it’s given me motivation, You start questioning yourself, are you Elsewhere, Ariya Jutanugarn of but also it’s made me smarter and wiser,” good enough? Will it ever happen again? Thailand claimed a one-stroke victory said Gatlin after finishing well clear And then you start thinking into the at the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic of Japan’s Ryota Yamagata (10.21) and ššJames Hahn future, as far as selling shoes again for in Alabama. Ramon Gittens of Barbados (10.26).

MOTORSPORT Lorenzo takes over lead from Marquez ššSaul Alvarez celebrates his win. AMAHA’S triple MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo won Ya crash-strewn French Grand BOXING Prix from pole position to wrest the overall lead from fellow-Spaniard Marc Marquez after the Honda rider slid out. Knockout punch! Italian great Valentino Rossi clinched the Yamaha 1-2, 10.654sec behind, with Spaniard Maverick Vinales — tipped AUL ‘Canelo’ Alvarez landed a “I’m okay everyone, that’s boxing for to replace Lorenzo next season — tak- devastating right hook to knock you, congrats to @Canelo monster punch, ing his first top-flight podium finish Sout Amir Khan in the sixth round much love to all the fans!” tweeted Khan, on a Suzuki. and claim the World Boxing Council who moved up two weight divisions to The third place at Le Mans’ Bugatti middleweight title clash in Las Vegas. take on Alvarez. circuit was Suzuki’s first podium since After even opening rounds, Mexican Alvarez said he proved he was much Italian Loris Capirossi’s in the Czech Alvarez closed it at 2:37 in the sixth when more than just raw power. Republic in 2008. he feigned a left jab before delivering a “Like I said from the beginning, I knew Lorenzo, who celebrated his 29th rattling hook to knock his British oppo- he was very fast and knew it would be birthday recently led from start to fin- nent cold. competitive in the beginning,” he said. ish, now has 90 points from five races ššJorge Lorenzo Khan, 29, came to his senses well after Meanwhile, Britain’s Anthony Crolla with Marquez on 85 after rejoining and the bout had been decided and was retained his World Boxing Association finishing 13th. taken to the hospital. He later tweeted lightweight title with a knockout win Rossi, who started on the third row RESULTS out a photo assuring he was fine. against Ismael Barroso in Manchester. 1. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) Yamaha 43:51.2 after winning the previous race in Spain, 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha at 10.65 is third with 78 points. 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP) Suzuki 14.17 “The race was so long. I wanted to 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) Honda 18.71 Floyd Mayweather continues to stoke the fire of a possible return keep the high pace and not lose the 5. Pol Espargaro (ESP) Yamaha 24.93 Mayweather to the ring after the retired multi-division champion dropped concentration. That’s why I didn’t close STANDINGS 1. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 90 hints of a potential bout against outspoken Irish mixed-martial the throttle and kept pushing. Finally 2. Marc Marquez (ESP) 85 might return arts fighter Conor McGregor. when Dovizioso and Marquez crashed, 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) 78 With a recent report claiming the two headliners were I could breathe a little bit more,” said 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) 53 to the ring discussing a fight, Mayweather advanced the speculation on the 5. Maverick Vinales (ESP) 49 Lorenzo. sidelines of the Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan clash in Las Vegas. 32 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 33 Movers&Shakers Kaleidoscope Arthur is new Man City in deal ššMichael Phelps TRICKS Pakistan coach with PAK Lighting Phelps becomes English Premier League football side Manchester City strengthened their AKISTAN last week appointed that Arthur will be able to join the PCB father of boy commercial presence in China by South African Mickey Arthur towards the end of this month,” the signing up a deal with PAK Lighting. Pas head coach of their national statement continued. ICHAEL Phelps became a OF THE The lighting company will conduct cricket team, replacing Waqar Younis Arthur, who turns 48 later this month, father last week when his fi- various fan activities, beginning with the club’s pre-season tour of who resigned after a disastrous World successfully coached his native South Mancee Nicole Johnson gave China in summer. PAK Lighting has Twenty20 last month. Africa from 2005-2010 before migrat- birth to a boy, the Olympic swimming provided products for major events Arthur “has confirmed his accept- ing to Australia, where he remained champion announced on Instagram. including the 2008 Olympic Games ance of the post of Head Coach of the coach for 19 months. Three months before the Rio Olympics, in Beijing and 2010 Asian Games in Pakistan National Cricket team” after Arthur’s first task will be to prepare where he hopes to add to his record TRADE! Guangzhou. a “detailed and transparent process”, his team for their upcoming tour of haul of 18 gold medals, Phelps posted the PCB said in a statement. England, where Pakistan play four a photo of himself cradling the baby. ĈĈPuma unveils latest edition World Cup moment in 1998 when he “PUMA has done it again and set the “The modalities vis-a-vis his con- Tests, one Twenty20 and five One-Day Phelps, 30, is training for the United of dual-coloured Tricks decided on a whim to lace up two dif- style this summer with their signature ššMickey Arthur tract are being finalised. It’s expected Internationals. States Olympic trials that will be held football boots ferent-coloured — red and yellow — bold two-colour boots! I’m really proud Macron supports from June 26 to July 3. Puma King boots. As Song said, “you to be representing Spain in the Euros Stoke City He retired after the 2012 London UMA last week unveiled the lat- must be bold” to wear two different this summer and looking forward to Olympics, but announced a come- est edition of its dual-coloured colours on each foot and that is what standing out in these boots through the Italian sportswear manufacturer A cheeky response back less than two years later. PTricks, which would be worn PUMA Tricks represents. tournament! There’re exciting weeks Macron will replace New Balance Murray, Mauresmo part ways by stars such as Sergio Aguero, Marco The evoPOWER 1.3 boot keeps the ahead!” as technical kit supplier of English Premier League side Stoke City in the Nick of time! Reus, Cesc Fabregas, Marco Verratti principles of barefoot kicking at its core, The new Tricks evoPOWER 1.3, from next season. The five-year deal and Olivier Giroud. The striking pink with increased flexibility resulting in evoSPEED SL and evoSPEED 1.5 along is considered as the biggest in the F TENNIS player Nick Kyrgios has NDY Murray and his coach Footballer dies and yellow evoPOWER and evoSPEED more kicking power. The evoSPEED is with the Tricks evoTRG apparel, ball club’s history. been chastened by a warning about Amelie Mauresmo have agreed boots are sure to turn heads. light and responsive to improve speed and evoPOWER gloves are now avail- Ihis future behaviour from Australia’s Ato end their two-year working on the pitch The two-coloured boot concept is and maneuverability. able in Puma stores and key retailers chef de mission for the Rio Olympics, relationship, the British world No.3 said. inspired by Cameroonian Rigobert Song’s Spanish midfielder Fabregas said, across the region. he is not showing it. Twice Grand Slam winner Murray AMEROON international Patrick Kyrgios was told by chef de mis- lost the Madrid Open final to Novak Ekeng died after collapsing on sion Kitty Chiller last week that his Djokovic last Sunday. Cthe pitch playing a first division behaviour must improve if he wanted “I’ve learnt a lot from Amelie over match with his Romanian side Dinamo Your phones not to represent the country at the the past two years,” said Murray. “She Bucharest last week. Joma to dress up Rio Olympic Games. has been a calming influence in the The 26-year-old midfielder fell to good for babies The talented and hugely-con- team and we’ll miss having her around.” the ground without any contact with Swansea City fident Kyrgios hit back with some The partnership between the two another player in the 70th minute of ARENTS who turn to smart- šAndy Murray with Amelie Mauresmo. English Premier League side š phones and tablets to break cheeky humour from the Madrid Wimbledon champions — Murray won the game against Viitorul, just seven Swansea City signed a new deal Open, where he hit a stunning the men’s singles in 2013 and French for- minutes after coming on as a substitute. P up the tedium of caring for an with leading sports goods manufac- lob between his legs on his mer world No.1 Mauresmo triumphed at Yet, the pair have enjoyed plenty of Ekeng, who joined the Romanian infant around the clock may be teaching turer Joma for the upcoming sea- way to defeat at the hands of the All England Club in 2006 — seemed a success with the 36-year-old Mauresmo club in January, was rushed to hospi- their babies to have a short attention son. Joma, ranked among the top Kei Nishikori in the quar- surprise alliance when it was announced helping guide the Scot to seven titles tal where staff were unable to resus- span, a study suggests. 10 sports companies in the world, Vice Media to tie will become the club’s exclusive terfinal. after the 2014 French Open. and to two Australian Open finals. citate him. That is because when parents stop technical sportswear and footwear focusing on playtime with their baby up with ESPN sponsor. The renowned company, to concentrate on other things like which has a major sporting pres- tiny screens, their infants may mimic AST-GROWING, youth-focused ence in over 70 countries, will pro- this behaviour by also focusing on Vice Media has reached a deal to vide the Swans with a new home toys and other objects for shorter Fproduce short-form programmes and away kit, footwear, training and Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono England batsman Joe Root Elaine Thompson clocked periods of time. about athletes and the world of sports leisurewear for their sixth season in won last Sunday’s Prague has signed a new contract with a sizzling wind-assisted In other words, babies learn to with ESPN, the two groups announced the Premier League. The new deal marathon, with his compatriot Yorkshire that will keep him with 10.71sec to win the 100M at ends a five-year association with focus better when their parents last week. Lucy Karimi taking the women’s the English county champions the Jamaica International last adidas. race. Cherono timed 2hr, 7min, until the end of 2019. The week, sending out a warning are not distracted, said lead study Vice and ESPN, a sports cable 24sec to beat compatriot Felix 25-year-old is currently ranked to her sprint rivals ahead author Chen Yu, a brain science channel controlled by Disney’s ABC Kipchirchir Kandie who won in the second-best batsman in the of August’s Rio Olympics. researcher at the Indiana University network, said the tie-up would pro- 2015, by 50sec. Among women, world and is a mainstay of the American English Gardner was in Bloomington, the US. duce programmes for both ESPN Karimi posted a time of 2:24:46 England team in all formats. As second in 10.85 with the fast- and Viceland, a television channel with Kenyan Purity Cherotich such, his appearances for his finishing Michelle-Lee Ahye of launched in February by Vice with Rionoripo 14sec back in second. native county are few and far Trinidad and Tobago third in Lucozade backs between. 10.98. A&E Networks. Connect easy through Twitter The deal will allow Vice and London Marathon ESPN to collaborate on “brand new NEW Connect tab on Twitter sync their address books to connect short-form series” that “will take UK’s No.1 sports drink Lucozade Memphis Grizzlies, swept in Belgium defender England’s Vincent Alex Oxlade- Inc’s mobile app makes it easier with friends and family with the tab, audiences around the world to Sport renewed its contract as the the first round of the NBA Kompany will miss next month’s Chamberlain will miss the for people to find accounts to he said. The feature is available in look at dominant athletes, fasci- official sports drink partner of the play-offs by San Antonio European Championship in Euro 2016 finals in France after A Virgin Money London Marathon. The Spurs, sacked France because of injury. “I’ll miss suffering a new knee injury follow, the social network said last week Twitter’s latest app on Apple iPhones nating characters and champion- Dave Joerger three-year deal will see continued last week after three the Euros,” the Manchester City which will sideline him for as it launched the new feature to attract or smartphones running on Android. ship events that reside outside the exposure for Lucozade Sport as the seasons as head coach. captain said on his Facebook up to two months. Although more users. Twitter has been striv- mainstream,” according to a joint official partner across all its sports Joerger, who took over as account. “That’s very sad news.” the 22-year-old had recovered The tab suggests a list of accounts ing to improve its statement. performance products, including head coach of Grizzlies in Kompany, 30, was substituted from his original knee injury, he based on those already followed, as interface as its growth Additionally, Vice and ESPN are Lucozade Sport, Lucozade Sport Lite June of 2013, took the team after 10 minutes of City’s suffered a setback last Monday well as popular ones in the area, prod- has lagged those of developing a short-form animated and Lucozade Sport Elite ranges. to the play-offs in each of Champions League semifinal morning ahead of an Under-21s his three seasons. second-leg defeat by Real match last week, Gunners boss uct manager Ricardo Castro said in a social media rivals series and each will air some pro- Madrid recently. Arsene Wenger confirmed. blog post on the company’s website. Facebook and grammes from the other under the » Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment, Users can choose to automatically Google. agreement. www.csm.com, @FastTrack_ME Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 33 Kaleidoscope

TRICKS Man City in deal with PAK Lighting

English Premier League football side Manchester City strengthened their commercial presence in China by signing up a deal with PAK Lighting. OF THE The lighting company will conduct various fan activities, beginning with the club’s pre-season tour of China in summer. PAK Lighting has provided products for major events including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 2010 Asian Games in TRADE! Guangzhou.

ĈĈPuma unveils latest edition World Cup moment in 1998 when he “PUMA has done it again and set the of dual-coloured Tricks decided on a whim to lace up two dif- style this summer with their signature football boots ferent-coloured — red and yellow — bold two-colour boots! I’m really proud Macron supports Puma King boots. As Song said, “you to be representing Spain in the Euros Stoke City UMA last week unveiled the lat- must be bold” to wear two different this summer and looking forward to est edition of its dual-coloured colours on each foot and that is what standing out in these boots through the Italian sportswear manufacturer PTricks, which would be worn PUMA Tricks represents. tournament! There’re exciting weeks Macron will replace New Balance by stars such as Sergio Aguero, Marco The evoPOWER 1.3 boot keeps the ahead!” as technical kit supplier of English Premier League side Stoke City Reus, Cesc Fabregas, Marco Verratti principles of barefoot kicking at its core, The new Tricks evoPOWER 1.3, from next season. The five-year deal and Olivier Giroud. The striking pink with increased flexibility resulting in evoSPEED SL and evoSPEED 1.5 along is considered as the biggest in the and yellow evoPOWER and evoSPEED more kicking power. The evoSPEED is with the Tricks evoTRG apparel, ball club’s history. boots are sure to turn heads. light and responsive to improve speed and evoPOWER gloves are now avail- The two-coloured boot concept is and maneuverability. able in Puma stores and key retailers inspired by Cameroonian Rigobert Song’s Spanish midfielder Fabregas said, across the region.

Your phones not Joma to dress up good for babies Swansea City ARENTS who turn to smart- English Premier League side phones and tablets to break Swansea City signed a new deal P up the tedium of caring for an with leading sports goods manufac- infant around the clock may be teaching turer Joma for the upcoming sea- their babies to have a short attention son. Joma, ranked among the top span, a study suggests. Vice Media to tie 10 sports companies in the world, That is because when parents stop will become the club’s exclusive technical sportswear and footwear focusing on playtime with their baby up with ESPN sponsor. The renowned company, to concentrate on other things like which has a major sporting pres- tiny screens, their infants may mimic AST-GROWING, youth-focused ence in over 70 countries, will pro- this behaviour by also focusing on Vice Media has reached a deal to vide the Swans with a new home toys and other objects for shorter Fproduce short-form programmes and away kit, footwear, training and periods of time. about athletes and the world of sports leisurewear for their sixth season in In other words, babies learn to with ESPN, the two groups announced the Premier League. The new deal ends a five-year association with focus better when their parents last week. adidas. are not distracted, said lead study Vice and ESPN, a sports cable author Chen Yu, a brain science channel controlled by Disney’s ABC researcher at the Indiana University network, said the tie-up would pro- in Bloomington, the US. duce programmes for both ESPN and Viceland, a television channel launched in February by Vice with A&E Networks. Lucozade backs Connect easy through Twitter The deal will allow Vice and London Marathon ESPN to collaborate on “brand new NEW Connect tab on Twitter sync their address books to connect short-form series” that “will take UK’s No.1 sports drink Lucozade Inc’s mobile app makes it easier with friends and family with the tab, audiences around the world to Sport renewed its contract as the Afor people to find accounts to he said. The feature is available in look at dominant athletes, fasci- official sports drink partner of the follow, the social network said last week Twitter’s latest app on Apple iPhones nating characters and champion- Virgin Money London Marathon. The as it launched the new feature to attract or smartphones running on Android. ship events that reside outside the three-year deal will see continued exposure for Lucozade Sport as the more users. Twitter has been striv- mainstream,” according to a joint official partner across all its sports The tab suggests a list of accounts ing to improve its statement. performance products, including based on those already followed, as interface as its growth Additionally, Vice and ESPN are Lucozade Sport, Lucozade Sport Lite well as popular ones in the area, prod- has lagged those of developing a short-form animated and Lucozade Sport Elite ranges. uct manager Ricardo Castro said in a social media rivals series and each will air some pro- blog post on the company’s website. Facebook and grammes from the other under the » Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment, Users can choose to automatically Google. agreement. www.csm.com, @FastTrack_ME 34 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 35

Spot shots Ĉ DOHA MEET DSP/ Mohan Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 35 DSP/ Mohan 36 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW Ĉ QATAR RUSSIAN OLYMPIC GAMES SQUAD FRIDAY, MAY 13 1984 Withdraw from Los Angeles event FOOTBALL Emir’s Cup semifinals, Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd, 5.30pm at Al Sadd Stadium; Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, 8pm at Al Sadd Stadium. VOLLEYBALL Emir’s Cup final, 6.30pm at Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. TUESDAY, MAY 17 Michel Platini last Monday quit as QALCO starts with victory FOOTBALL head of European football body AFC Champions League UEFA after the Court of Arbitration pre-quarterfinal, Lekhwiya vs for Sport upheld his ban. Even Qatar Lubricants Co (QALCO) out their opponents for a paltry Cricket Association’s Head of El Jaish, Lekhwiya Stadium, though his suspension was reduced beat Pallonji by 37 runs in the 71. QALCO is the title sponsor of Domestic Affairs Gul Khan and 7.15pm. from six years to four, the former opening match of the inaugural the tournament, which features Qatar Veterans League Director European Championship winner Mohamed Shamlan Memorial eight teams each in Division 1 M I Farid attended a ceremony, and midfield maestro was left with tournament at the MIC Cricket and 2 and will conclude on where the sponsorship deal was Ĉ no other choice. Sarcasm was the Complex in Mesaieed last week. May 26. signed. INTERNATIONAL general feeling on Twitter, but there QALCO, who batted first, made Earlier, QALCO Managing Naveed Muneer sent the was the odd sympathetic tone as 108 in 15 overs, before bowling Director Fawad Rana, Qatar details and photograph. well. WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 FRIDAY, MAY 13

CRICKET IPL in India (till May 29). Paddy Power CYCLING @paddypower AAB Toyota crowned Platini quits as UEFA President Tour of Italy (till May 29). after ban from football was upheld. volleyball champions SWIMMING Similar to that time I dumped my European Aquatics girlfriend just after she kicked me Championships, London (till out. AAB Toyota beat FIVBA Lions 25-23, 25-22, 26-24 to May 22). clinch the inaugural Philippines Community Volleyball Tournament recently. The event, which began on March TENNIS Graeme Dixon 11 at the Qatar Volleyball Association Hall, was played in ATP and WTA at Rome (till @GraemeDixon_ N MAY 8, 1984, more than a month before the opening cer- Sunday). Wonders if Michel Platini will have the round-robin format and drew a big response from the RUGBY UNION emony of the Los Angeles Olympics, the erstwhile USSR to pay back his disloyal payment? @ large Filipino expatriate population in the country. THURSDAY, MAY 12 European Challenge Cup final, Oboycotted the event. UEFA football. Harris sent the details and photograph. Lyon; World Sevens Series in The Soviets blamed the commercialisation of the Games and a lack Paris (till Sunday). of security measures, which amounted to a violation of the Olympic SportsJOE.ie Losail circuit opens SATURDAY, MAY 14 @SportsJOEdotie Charter. ATHLETICS Michel Platini turning his back on a Bulgaria, erstwhile East Germany and Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, gate to karting Shanghai Diamond League. life of buffets and finally resigns as Vietnam, Laos, Afghanistan, Hungary, Poland, Cuba, South Yemen, Uefa president. Yeah, we thought The Losail Circuit Sports Club will open its 9 8 North Korea, Ethiopia, Angola, Iran and Albania were the other nations SUNDAY, MAY 15 that had already happened too. Mini Moto outdoor karting track for public 4 1 5 who 9withdrew from the Olympics. on Thursday. MOTORSPORT The Soviet Union accused the United States of using the games “for Michael Oti Adjei The track adjacent to the MotoGP circuit Spanish Formula One Grand 9 3 2 @OtiAdjei political purposes” and “stirring up anti-Soviet propaganda” and of hopes to encourage more nationals and Prix The sympathetic tone in articles6 1 7 2 having a “cavalier attitude to the security of Russian athletes”. expatriates to participate in weekend MONDAY, MAY 16 about Platini is intriguing. Seems The boycott was a retaliation by the Soviet Union after the USA and activities, which will be held till the end of GOLF corruption is only a major problem 60 other countries did not take part at the 1980 Moscow Olympics in Ramadan. Registration can be done at the EPGA and Asia Tour at TENNIS depending on the actors #tv3sports. venue. Enthusiasts aged 15 or above can Mauritius Open; USPGA at ATP at Geneva and Nice; WTA 7 protest8 1 of3 the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. participate in karting. Players Championship, Ponte at Strasbourg and Nuremberg Vedra Beach (till Sunday). (till May 21). 5 3 9 Neus Ramos sent the details and photograph. 9 2 5 8 SUDOKU-524 6 5 NO ONE 9 8 Sudoku is a number- 4 1 5 9 ЂЂHow many editions of the Olympic Solution-523 COVERS placing puzzle Games have Qatar competed in? based on a 9x9 9 3 2 grid with several 8 2 1 4 7 9 3 6 5 given numbers. QATAR The object is to 6 9 7 5 3 2 4 1 8 6 1 7 2 place the numbers Name 1 to 9 in the empty 3 5 4 8 1 6 9 7 2 SEND YOUR ANSWER TO SPORTS squares so that each 1 8 2 7 5 3 6 4 9 row, each column 7 8 1 3 [email protected] Phone No and each 3x3 box 4 3 9 6 2 8 1 5 7 BETTER contains the same 5 7 6 1 9 4 2 8 3 and be the lucky winner to get 5 3 9 e-mail number only once. three months’ subscription of 9 6 5 2 4 7 8 3 1 9 2 5 8 DSP magazine for free. 7 4 3 9 8 1 5 2 6 2 1 8 3 6 5 7 9 4 6 5

8 2 1 4 7 9 3 6 5 6 9 7 5 3 2 4 1 8 3 5 4 8 1 6 9 7 2 1 8 2 7 5 3 6 4 9 4 3 9 6 2 8 1 5 7 5 7 6 1 9 4 2 8 3 9 6 5 2 4 7 8 3 1 7 4 3 9 8 1 5 2 6 2 1 8 3 6 5 7 9 4 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW

RUSSIAN OLYMPIC GAMES SQUAD 1984 Withdraw from Los Angeles event

Michel Platini last Monday quit as head of European football body UEFA after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld his ban. Even though his suspension was reduced from six years to four, the former European Championship winner and midfield maestro was left with no other choice. Sarcasm was the general feeling on Twitter, but there was the odd sympathetic tone as well.

Paddy Power @paddypower Platini quits as UEFA President after ban from football was upheld. Similar to that time I dumped my girlfriend just after she kicked me out.

Graeme Dixon @GraemeDixon_ N MAY 8, 1984, more than a month before the opening cer- Wonders if Michel Platini will have emony of the Los Angeles Olympics, the erstwhile USSR to pay back his disloyal payment? @ Oboycotted the event. UEFA football. The Soviets blamed the commercialisation of the Games and a lack of security measures, which amounted to a violation of the Olympic SportsJOE.ie @SportsJOEdotie Charter. Michel Platini turning his back on a Bulgaria, erstwhile East Germany and Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, life of buffets and finally resigns as Vietnam, Laos, Afghanistan, Hungary, Poland, Cuba, South Yemen, Uefa president. Yeah, we thought9 8 North Korea, Ethiopia, Angola, Iran and Albania were the other nations that had already happened too. 4 1 5 who 9withdrew from the Olympics. The Soviet Union accused the United States of using the games “for Michael Oti Adjei 9 3 2 @OtiAdjei political purposes” and “stirring up anti-Soviet propaganda” and of The sympathetic tone in articles6 1 7 2 having a “cavalier attitude to the security of Russian athletes”. The boycott was a retaliation by the Soviet Union after the USA and about Platini is intriguing. Seems corruption is only a major problem 60 other countries did not take part at the 1980 Moscow Olympics in depending on the actors #tv3sports. 7 protest8 1 of3 the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. 5 3 9 9 2 5 8 SUDOKU-524 6 5 9 8

Sudoku is a number- 4 1 5 9 placing puzzle Solution-523 based on a 9x9 9 3 2 grid with several 8 2 1 4 7 9 3 6 5 given numbers. The object is to 6 9 7 5 3 2 4 1 8 6 1 7 2 place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty 3 5 4 8 1 6 9 7 2 squares so that each 1 8 2 7 5 3 6 4 9 row, each column 7 8 1 3 and each 3x3 box 4 3 9 6 2 8 1 5 7 contains the same number only once. 5 7 6 1 9 4 2 8 3 5 3 9 9 6 5 2 4 7 8 3 1 9 2 5 8 7 4 3 9 8 1 5 2 6 2 1 8 3 6 5 7 9 4 6 5

8 2 1 4 7 9 3 6 5 6 9 7 5 3 2 4 1 8 3 5 4 8 1 6 9 7 2 1 8 2 7 5 3 6 4 9 4 3 9 6 2 8 1 5 7 5 7 6 1 9 4 2 8 3 9 6 5 2 4 7 8 3 1 7 4 3 9 8 1 5 2 6 2 1 8 3 6 5 7 9 4 38 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Hearsay London to soon host an F1 race

ONDON could host a Formula electric-powered cars travelling at up ALL One race as early as next year, to 140mph were held in Battersea yxyxyxyxyx yxy Laccording to Bernie Ecclestone. Park last year. The Formula One boss said it would However, plans for a Formula One xy xy xyxyxxyy be “fantastic” to have a race in the race in the capital have been held up Gerrard keen on middle of the capital. as secondary legislation is required yxyxyxy yxyxy SPORTS, A proposed London Grand Prix, to allow councils to close roads for returning to including sections past Hyde Park high-speed road races. and Buckingham Palace, has previ- A spokesman for the Department for Liverpool ously been sketched out. Transport said this would be addressed ONE Races in the Formula E, which uses in “due course”. ORMER Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has reiterated his inten- Ftion to return to Anfield ‘sooner Hammers eye rather than later’ despite currently en- STADIUM joying himself in Major League Soccer. Benteke and Gerrard, who was also the former Terry bound for China England captain, left Anfield last sum- Batshuayi mer after a 17-year-long spell with his boyhood club, which saw him win the NGLISH Premier League side ENTRE-BACK John Terry is set to Champions League, UEFA Cup (now West Ham are poised to make a become one of the highest-paid known as Europa League), two FA Cups E£25m move for Liverpool striker Cplayers in the world by moving and three League Cups. Christian Benteke. to China on a £12m-a-year deal. Gerrard signed for LA Galaxy upon The Hammers have also reportedly The 35-year-old is out of contract at leaving Merseyside and, although he Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution tabled a £24m offer for Marseille striker Stamford Bridge this summer and it looks insists he is ‘happy’ in the United States, P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. and Benteke’s fellow Belgium interna- unlikely that his deal will be renewed he hopes to return to his hometown in Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 tional Michy Batshuayi. by new boss Antonio Conte. the near future. e-mail: [email protected] West Ham Chairman David Sullivan And Terry is reportedly close to agree- “I’ll be going home at some point. had said in March that he was keen to ing a bumper payday with a move to I don’t want to start any unnecessary Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 pursue a deal if Benteke could com- the Chinese Super League. rumours. I’m really happy where I’m at www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] promise on his wages. Chinese outfits are enjoying a state- the moment. But I’m sure somewhere Sullivan said last Monday, “We put in backed spending spree and would be down the line I’ll represent Liverpool,” a bid today for £24m for a player, and willing to shell out on him due to his he said at a question-and-answer ses- other bids will be going in. We’re going huge popularity in the country. sion with Galaxy fans. to make a £20-25m bid for a player in The defender had gone on a one-man “I miss my friends and my family. England this week. So whatever hap- promotional trip — the JT Captain China I miss a bit of cold weather. I spent pens we’ll bring a top striker in.” Tour — last summer and had been to 35 years in Liverpool. Liverpool’s my He added, “It’s a statement of intent. Shanghai in March. home, it always will be. This is my sec- TO OUR PUBLICATION We’ll spend between £30m and £50m Terry’s former England boss Sven- ond home for a short period of time. on transfers. But you’ve got to build it Goran Eriksson wants the defender at Sooner rather than later, I’ll return to up gradually. You can’t compete with his club Shanghai SIPG. where I’m comfortable with my peo- Subscribe the likes of Man United overnight.” ple — and that’s Liverpool,” he added. Yes, send to me

Name: ...... Walcott all set to Milan eye Ibrahimovic Company: ...... join West Ham Address: ......

RSENAL winger Theo Walcott WEDISH striker Zlatan Ibrahi- Telephone: ...... is on the verge of agreeing a movic, who is out of contract at Asummer move to West Ham. SParis Saint-Germain at the end Fax: ...... Chelsea have also shown an interest of the season, said he would reveal his in the 27-year-old, but Walcott, who next move soon and hinted at joining e-mail: ...... is ready to leave Arsenal at the end of a club in the English Premier League. the season, is keen on helping West The 34-year-old has been linked with Payment can be made by cash, cheque or DD payable to Estad Al Doha. Ham mark their move to the Olympic Manchester United if his former Stadium by mounting a serious top- Inter manager Jose Mourinho four challenge in the English Premier takes over at Old Trafford this sum- League next season. mer. Ibrahimovic is also linked with SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) Arsenal are understood to be willing to his former club AC Milan. let Walcott end his 10-year stay so long “It depends on others, not just me. SEND THIS TO as they can get a fee of around £20m What I want is to play, as for where for his services. And the Hammers are that’s, we’ll see. Soon you’ll know eve- The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus willing to meet the demands of Gunners rything and all this speculation will P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] believing Walcott is exactly the kind of be over. I’ve a good relationship with player they need for the next season. Milan,” said Ibrahimovic. ALL yxyxyxyxyx yxy xy xy xyxyxxyy yxyxyxy yxyxy SPORTS, ONE STADIUM

Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 e-mail: [email protected] Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected]

Subscribe TO OUR PUBLICATION Yes, send to me

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Company: ......

Address: ......

Telephone: ......

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e-mail: ......

Payment can be made by cash, cheque or DD payable to Estad Al Doha.

SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) SEND THIS TO The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2016 VOLUME XI ISSUE NO.14 QR2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 8 | FOOTBALL P 26 | MOTORSPORT WE WON’T LET YOU ROARING LIONS NASSER HAS IT EASY QATAR’S FIRST Qatar Stars League champions Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah easily ENGLISH SPORTS Rayyan blank Kharaitiyat to reach wins the third round of Middle East GET AWAY FROM THE GAME WEEKLY the Emir’s Cup semifinal in style. Rally Championship in Jordan.

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