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Friday, February 17, 2017 CRICKET Jumada I 20, 1438 AH Kohli, Smith inspire GULF TIMES new England captain Root SPORT Page 7 FOOTBALL Infantino plays down violence fears at 2018 World Cup in Russia

Reuters of this, the Russian government has Doha put in place an ID system which will help us when it comes to any poten- tial trouble. We need to be wary about IFA President Gianni Infantino spreading rumours about hooligans.” yesterday played down con- He was speaking ahead of a BBC cerns about possible violence documentary which claims to have at the 2018 World Cup in Rus- spoken to some of the Russian hooli- siaF despite several fl ashpoints involv- gans involved in the 2016 trouble. ing their supporters at the 2016 Euro- Infantino also reaffi rmed that he pean Championship in France. hoped to use video referees at the “I’m not concerned about trouble tournament. and violence in 2018. I have full confi - “The proposal on the table is about dence in Russian authorities, they are using video technology to help ref- taking this matter very, very seriously,” erees. I’m really hopeful that for the he said in Doha. World Cup in 2018 we can have a video More than 100 England fans were system to help the referee take the injured following clashes with Rus- right decisions,” he said. sian supporters in Marseille before The new assistant referee technol- their group game at Euro 2016, causing ogy was tried out at the 2016 Club UEFA to threaten the team with expul- World Cup in Japan. sion from the tournament. But Infantino played down sugges- There have been fears of more trou- tions that FIFA was about to scrap the ble at next year’s tournament. But off side rule, following controversial Infantino said the organisers were al- remarks by its technical director Mar- ready putting plans in place to curb co van Basten. any hooliganism. “We discuss and debate everything, “They have been in contact with the off side rule, sin bins as punish- UEFA and French organisers to learn ments, additional substitutions, but the lessons from France and this mat- these are discussions that are still far, HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Qatar Tennis Federation president Nasser Ghanem al-Khelaifi catch up on some tennis action at the Qatar Total ter is being taken in the utmost se- far, far away from any concrete pro- Open at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. riousness by all,” he said. “As part posals,” he said.

TENNIS / QATAR TOTAL OPEN Kerber crashes out aft er ‘I made too many mistakes in the important moments... loss to Russian teen it was, for sure, not my day’ By Sahan Bidappa and was leading 1-0 before rain forced them in- Doha doors. Third seed Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia got lucky as she escaped rain for the second suc- xactly a week after she landed in Doha, cessive day and booked her spot in the semi- Angelique Kerber fi nally hit the court fi nals. at the Khalifa International Tennis and The current WTA Finals champion ousted Squash Complex yesterday. It had been former World No.4 Samantha Stosur 7-5, 6-4, aE frustrating wait for the top seed as she waited fi nally breaking her drought against the Aus- for rain to relent to play her fi rst match. tralian. But the off -court frustration would carry on Cibulkova had lost all fi ve of her previous to the court as the German crashed out of the matches against Stosur – all in straight sets, but Qatar Total Open. It was an error-strewn per- the Slovak has made vast improvements since formance from Kerber, failing to get any sort of their last meeting in 2014. She hit 18 winners to momentum as she fell to Daria Kasatkina in the just 10 unforced errors and converted fi ve of the second round. eight break point opportunities throughout the The Russian teen won 6-4, 0-6, 6-4 to seal rain-aff ected match. her place in the quarter-fi nals. It was the second “She was fi ghting and really into the match,” time this year that Kasatkina has won against said Cibulkova after winning the 400th match the former World No.1 after beating her at the of her career. “It came down to a few points here Sydney International last month, 7-6, 6-2. and there; you can see from the scoreline that it Kerber, who lost her No. 1 ranking to Serena was very tight. The conditions are tough here, Williams after she failed to defend her Austral- but I’m happy to have got lucky this week so far.” ian Open crown last month, was looking at the “I tried to have a new tactic against Sam be- Middle East swing – here in Doha and next week cause I’d never beaten her before, and it was re- in Dubai to recapture her form. Germany’s Angelique Kerber ally working hard today. I have to say, I was play- But the 29-year-old moved gingerly yester- ing well,” the Slovak added. day and was clearly struggling with her move- thing for me right now. Then, of course, looking Up next for the World No.5 is Chinese Zhang ments. “I was not feeling the best today; I’m forward to doing well next week in Dubai,” she Shuai or second seed Karolina Pliskova of Czech trying to fi nd my rhythm,” Kerber said. “But she admitted. Republic. The last quarter-fi nal match was to (Kasatkina) plays good. I made too many mis- Kasatkina was playing Olympic champion take place last night but now will be played to- takes in the important moments. I think it was, Monica Puig last night in the quarters, before day morning. for sure, not my day.” rain brought a halt to the proceedings. Puig of Earlier, Pliskova had made it through to the The 32nd-ranked Kasatkina, on the other Puerto Rico was leading 2-1 in the decider after last eight, after beating France’s Caroline Garcia hand, is a rising star in the women’s game. The both players had taken a set each. After a lengthy 7-5, 6-4. Zhang on Wednesday had upset fi fth 19-year-old is in her second year on the tour and delay, play was suspended for the night, with seed Garbine Muguruza. will be fancying her chances of a maiden WTA the players scheduled to return today morning title. to complete their match. RESULTS Kerber missed six break point chances in the Meanwhile, former No.1 Caroline Wozniacki Quarter-finals fi rst set, and Kasatkina capitalised on it. But dumped her close friend and fourth seed Ag- 3-Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) beat Samantha Kerber bounced back, blanking the Russian in nieszka Radwanska of Poland out of the tourna- Stosur (Australia) 7-5 6-4 the second set to get herself back on level terms. ment with a straight-sets 7-5 6-3 win. Second round Seemingly in command heading into the de- Denmark’s Wozniacki, who has slipped to No. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) beat 4-Agnieszka cider, Kerber couldn’t get the momentum going 18, has looked in good rhythm so far in Doha and Radwanska (Poland) 7-5 6-3 and fell 6-4 in the third. It wasn’t easy for Ka- she was once again impressive yesterday. Darya Kasatkina (Russia) beat 1-Angelique Ker- satkina, who needed four set points to complete This was the 16th time the pair had faced off , ber (Germany) 6-4 0-6 6-4 the upset. Russia’s Daria Kasatkina hits a return to Germany’s Angelique Kerber during their Qatar Total Open with the Dane now leading 10-6 in the head- Samantha Stosur (Australia) beat 8-Barbora It meant that Kerber’s underwhelming start match at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURES: Noushad Thekkayil to-head. “We always have great matches. The Strycova (Czech Republic) 6-3 3-6 6-4 to the 2017 season only got worse, as she stands last two times we’ve played I’ve lost to her,” said 2-Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) beat Caro- at 4-4. And none of her four victories have been was keen to turn her fortunes in Dubai. not a big deal. I have to get ready again and feel Wozniacki. line Garcia (France) 7-5 6-4 over players ranked inside the top 50. “Of course, the weather, it can happen like good because, I was not feeling very good in the She was back on court in the evening for her Lauren Davis (US) beat 6-Elena Vesnina (Russia) Kerber was bewildered by her poor form and this,” she said. “We have to wait a lot, but this is last few days. I think this is the most important last-eight clash against qualifi er Lauren Davis 7-5 6-2 Gulf Times 2 Friday, February 17, 2017 FOOTBALL

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOCUS Benzema makes Brilliant Bayern Madrid click, says Zidane aft er Real fi re on all cylinders down Napoli AFP a mouthwatering second leg on Madrid March 7 as Dries Mertens blazed over with the goal at his mercy and former Madrid winger Jose eal Madrid boss Zin- Maria Callejon had a goal ruled edine Zidane hailed the out for off side late on. impact of Karim Benze- However, Napoli boss Mau- to out-gun Arsenal ma after his compatriot rizio Sarri believes his side still liftedR the European champions have a chance of reaching the from the early blow of conceding quarter-fi nals for the fi rst time Bavarians’ treble-chasing campaign gets a big boost with a 5-1 win to beat Napoli 3-1 on Wednesday. in their history. Madrid are now on the brink of “Clearly Madrid played their a seventh successive Champions best game of the past three League quarter-fi nal as they aim months and we didn’t play our to become the fi rst team to re- best,” said Sarri. tain the trophy in the Champions “If we manage to play at our League era. best we are not that far away. We Lorenzo Insigne’s wonder may lose (in the second leg) but strike from 40 yards after just we can go for it.” eight minutes had given Napoli a “It is the fi rst game we have shock lead at the Bernabeu. lost in four months. We didn’t However, Zidane was reward- manage to express ourselves ed for keeping faith in Benzema 100%, but we can’t lose our con- despite fi erce criticism of late fi dence because we have the re- from the Spanish press as he turn game and league games to headed home his 51st Champions come. League goal to equalise before “We don’t have a great chance second-half strikes from Toni of turning it around but we have Kroos and Casemiro gave Madrid a chance.” a commanding lead. Even a pre-match pep talk “I am always happy with him, from former Napoli great Diego said Zidane. Maradona couldn’t inspire the “He needed that goal which Italians to victory. lately he didin’t get, but I am However, Sarri believes their happy not only for the goal but fast start more than justifi ed his also for how he played generally. decision to invite the Argentine He made the rest of the team play into the dressing room before better and his movement is very kick-off . good. “Diego spoke with us for 30 “The performances of Karim, seconds, but he is a legend so Cristiano (Ronaldo), James (Ro- clearly it had an impact. Our fi rst driguez) they all made the rest of 10-15 minutes were our best.” the team better.” Despite that early blow, Benzema’s goal also moved though, Madrid responded like him ahead of compatriot Thierry European champions to take Henry as top French scorer of all- control and Sarri lamented his time in the Champions League side’s distribution from the back proper. under Real’s intense pressing. “It was a great night. We all “It was diffi cult to mount played well, not just me,” Ben- counter-attacks because we gave zema told Spanish TV station the ball away so much,” he added. MEGA. “We were playing a very good “I am very happy and proud of team, the best team in the world. my work. There are a lot of sacri- The only thing is I feel we com- fi ces, but now I feel good. mitted more errors than normal. “I scored a goal and saw that “It is normal to suff er in this Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller (second from left) celebrates his goal with teammates during their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match against Arsenal at the fans were with me which is stadium, it is normal to commit Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on Wednesday. (Reuters) very good for my confi dence.” errors, but thanks to these type Napoli had chances to set up of games you improve.” Reuters with sections of fans growing increas- mentality. When it matters we are always desliga title but Ancelotti’s main goal Berlin ingly frustrated with the side’s lacklustre there... despite not having necessar- remains the Champions League after displays. ily played well this year so far,” the Dutch three consecutive semi-fi nal exits under Suddenly accustomed to narrow vic- winger said. former coach Pep Guardiola. reble-chasing Bayern Munich si- tories or disappointing draws in recent Bayern, aiming to reach the last eight Wednesday’s victory could not have lenced their critics in spectacular weeks, Ancelotti was forced to repeat- for a sixth successive season, produced a come at a better time with substitute fashion yesterday, dishing out edly call for patience by saying the team near fl awless second half, scoring three Thomas Mueller also contributing with a a humiliating 5-1 Champions needed to peak when the big games ar- times in a devastating 10-minute spell as welcome rare strike in an otherwise bar- TLeague triumph over Arsenal with their rived and not any earlier. they delivered a performance worthy of ren campaign. most complete performance yet under The Italian could not have wished for the fi ve-time European champions. The talismanic midfi elder, a crowd fa- Carlo Ancelotti. a more perfect example of showing up Their off ensive effi ciency was coupled vourite in Munich who netted 20 league The Bavarians may be seven points when it mattered on Wednesday as Bay- with a solid backline and attacking mid- goals last season, has scored just once in clear at the top of the Bundesliga but ern swatted aside a hapless Arsenal in fi elder Thiago Alcantara excelled in his the league and three times in Europe’s their position of strength has been built their round-of-16 fi rst leg encounter to playmaking role. elite club competition. more on a recent dip in form by second- all but ensure a quarter-fi nals berth. “I think this was probably our best “That was just the start for Thomas,” placed RB Leipzig than their own per- “If that was no answer (to our current game this season,” a beaming Ancelotti Ancelotti said. “I think that was the formances. form), then I don’t know what is,” Arjen said. “We played really well and this re- breakthrough for him. He deserved it. Low-scoring and underwhelming, Robben, who opened the scoring, told re- sult gives us a lot of confi dence.” Now we can look into the future with op- Bayern appeared to have shed their long- porters. The Bavarians are looking to win a timism. He will be very important for us standing air of domestic invincibility “I am a bit surprised but it is the Bayern record-extending fi fth consecutive Bun- in the coming games.”

BOTTOMLINE Benzema (left) celebrates his goal against Napoli. (Reuters)

Wounded Wenger’s future under Dresden wants to host Euro renewed scrutiny aft er humiliation 2024 games DPA Frankfurt Reuters mauling — that his players were “jaded Wenger’s next challenge could not London and lacking organisation” — refl ected his be more diff erent — an FA Cup tie next own managerial shortcomings, and al- Monday on a 3G pitch at non-league Sut- resden is the latest German city to put itself forward to most mirrored his remarks the last time ton United. host games at Euro 2024, various media reports said on s Arsene Wenger began the job his side were thumped, also 5-1, by the Once again, the cameras will be there Dyesterday, as Norway appeared to end the chance of a of re-energising his players af- same opponents 18 months earlier. to track Wenger’s every move on live TV, joint Nordic bid for the football championship. ter their mauling by Bayern Mu- The only support seemed to come from with acres of newsprint likely to be de- Germany is a confirmed bidder alongside Turkey, which put nich, English football wondered Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti. “This is voted to whether the clock is really tick- forward its candidacy on Wednesday to host the third biggest whetherA its longest-serving manager, football,” he said. “I think Arsene has a lot ing on his 20 years at the club. sporting event in the world. Former East German city Dresden whose contract is up at the end of the of experience, the experience to manage There is, of course, no right way for a will propose itself as a venue for a major football tournament for season, might be the real casualty of Ar- this moment, this result and look forward long-standing manager to quit. Brian the first time, German reports said. senal’s Champions League humiliation. to the next game. It’s only one game.” Clough’s Nottingham Forest were rel- Berlin, Nuremberg, Leipzig, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Bremen and The 67-year-old Frenchman was The trouble is, it isn’t. egated in his last season, when his battle Kaiserslautern have all put their names forward. Dusseldorf, stunned almost into silence after Six successive eliminations at the same with alcoholism became increasingly ob- Dortmund, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hanover, Cologne, Wednesday’s game, answering just three stage of the knockout phase do not sug- vious. Clough was 58 but never managed Moenchengladbach and Munich are all expected to be candi- questions in a press conference that last- gest coincidence and a tactically dis- again. dates, even though Munich will host matches in the continent- ed under three minutes. jointed Arsenal side were well beaten by A better template was off ered by Sir wide 2020 edition. Wenger is due to speak publicly again opponents below their best. Alex Ferguson, who retracted his fi rst re- The German football federation (DFB), which wants to rekindle today, by which time he will have had Arsenal’s two biggest stars Alexis tirement announcement in 2001 before the spirit of the hugely successful 2006 World Cup held in the time not only to digest the 5-1 defeat but Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, underper- eventually leaving Manchester United at country, has given possible venues a deadline of Friday to signal also the hostile reaction from pundits and formed in wildly contrasting fashion and the age of 71 after winning the title for the a “non-binding interest” in hosting Euro 2024 matches. former Arsenal players who lined up to did little to suggest either is worth the 13th time, in 2013. Germany is going ahead despite allegations the federation predict his demise when his contract ex- enhanced new contracts they seek. But with Arsenal already 10 points be- bought votes in the bidding for the 2006 World Cup. A joint bid pires this summer. While Ozil was anonymous, confi rm- hind leaders Chelsea, and with a tricky by Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland had been mooted but Such is Wenger’s standing at the club, ing the critical view that he goes miss- game at Liverpool next up, Wenger knows the Norwegian FA head appears to have kiboshed any chance of over which he has presided for 20 years, ing in the big games, Sanchez got visibly a fourth title on his watch is unlikely. a candidacy. he will eff ectively decide his own fate. agitated in chasing the ball, often on his So, with no side ever coming back from “We don’t have the stadiums for it,” Terje Svendsen told the NTB A new deal has been off ered but Ar- own. such a fi rst-leg Champions League defi - agency. Denmark is not giving up all hope yet though. “Now we senal legends Lee Dixon, Ian Wright and It was unclear whether his solo defi - cit, the best he can probably hope for is a have to assess whether there is a chance on Earth to meet the Bob Wilson all said they felt Wenger ance accorded to a game plan that he top-four fi nish and an FA Cup win, pre- requirements. It looks complicated to say the least,” Danish FA might decide to walk away. day night,” said Wilson. “He might say had just invented, or one put in place by cisely the same as they managed in 2014 boss Jesper Moller told the Ritzau news agency. The deadline “I doubt he will sleep very much be- enough is enough.” Wenger which his team mates were ig- and 2015. for bids to European governing body UEFA is March 3. UEFA will tween now and a horrible (FA Cup) game Critics were quick to point out that noring. Either way, it did not refl ect well Whether the fans will view that as decide the host nation in September 2018. on an artifi cial pitch at Sutton on Mon- Wenger’s explanation for the Munich on the manager at the heart of it all. progress remains to be seen. Gulf Times Friday, February 17, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

FA CUP FOCUS Giant-killers Sutton Three players among 18 on and Lincoln look to La Liga fi xing continue spree charges Reuters porate crime, document and account Madrid forgery and sporting fraud. ‘This is going to be like the World Cup final. It is as big as that for us’ Court papers said the Osasuna ex- ecutives “decided to use the money of DPA total of 18 people, including Club Atletico Osasuna to keep the club London three soccer players, are to at all costs in the First Division by pay- stand trial for match-fi xing, a ing certain amounts of money in cash judge in Pamplona ruled yes- to players of other teams with the aim utton United and Lincoln City terday.A of altering the result of the competi- will carry the fl ag for football’s Former Real Betis trio Xavier Torres, tion.” little men into this weekend’s Antonio Amaya Carazo and Jordi Midfi elder Torres, now with Sport- FA Cup fi fth round. The duo Figueras are accused of accepting pay- ing Gijon, Carazo, who joined Rayo fromS the fi fth-tier National League ments to rig results at the end of the Vallecano in 2016, and Figueras, who take on Premier League sides as Lin- 2013-14 La Liga season in an eff ort to now plays at Karlsruher SC in Bundes- coln travel to Burnley and Sutton host ensure Osasuna avoided relegation. liga 2, were all with Betis at the time. 12-times winners Arsenal. A court statement said there was ev- Among the 11 cleared are former It is the fi rst time two clubs from idence that former Osasuna executives Espanyol captain Sergio Garcia, ex- outside England’s top four divisions paid the players, then at Betis, 400,000 Osasuna skipper Francisco Punal have reached the last 16. “It’s a great euros ($427,000) to beat Osasuna’s ri- and current Osasuna coach Petar opportunity to test ourselves against vals Real Valladolid and 250,000 to lose Vasiljevic. a Premier League side,” Lincoln striker to Osasuna in their fi nal two matches of Several Espanyol players were inves- Matt Rhead told the Lincolnshire Echo the campaign. tigated after their 1-1 draw with Osasu- ahead of tomorrow’s game. Both results happened — Betis beat na on the penultimate matchday but “We’ve done really well in the FA Valladolid 4-3 and then lost 2-1 at Os- the judge said there was no evidence Cup games and you never know where asuna — but Pamplona-based Osasu- that the game had been fi xed. it’s going to end up. People have writ- na, Valladolid and Seville-based Betis The court statement added: “The ten us off for the last three FA Cup ties — who have all denied involvement in information has been passed on to so we’ve got nothing to fear.” match-fi xing — were all still relegated. the prosecutor and to the plaintiff s, Sutton face the bigger challenge Following a two-year investigation, Osasuna and the Spanish Football on Monday against Arsenal, who are the judge recommended that 18 of 29 League (LFP), so that within 20 days 105 places above them on the English people under suspicion, including six they present their written arguments football ladder. Two things in their former Osasuna executives, stand trial against the 18 investigated, for which favour could be the plastic pitch at on charges of misappropriation, cor- the process continues.” Gander Green Lane stadium and the Gunners reeling after a 5-1 Champions League thrashing by Bayern Munich SPOTLIGHT on Wednesday. “This is going to be like the World Sutton United’s Roarie Deacon takes part in a training session at the Borough Sports Ground in Sutton yesterday. Sutton Cup fi nal,” Sutton manager Paul United host Arsenal in a FA Cup fifth round match on Monday. (Reuters) Doswell said after last month’s draw. “It is as big as that for us. To imagine league to Wigan, manager Paul Lam- 22 from Laos, Arsenal will be coming to our stadium, bert challenged his side to respond our Gander Green Lane little fortress, against Premier League leaders Chel- is just incredible.” Sutton have gi- sea. “If you don’t know what you’re ant killing pedigree having famously going into on Saturday, you’ll never Cambodia get life beaten then top fl ight Coventry City in know,” he said. “They won’t need me 1989. National League leaders Lincoln to say what kind of game it’s going to have beaten Championship (second- be like or what kind of team they’re tier) sides the past two rounds and going to come up against. It’s a game bans for fi xing Burnley manager Sean Dyche knows where we will do what we can to try fi rst-hand the danger they pose. to go through – we’re going to have to AFP the AFC Solidarity Cup involving Laos “I’ve been on the other side of it, play incredibly well and they will have Kuala Lumpur in November. being the underdog as a player and to have an off -day but cup football can “(The players’) ongoing participa- manager,” he said. “I understand the happen.” tion provided a direct threat to the in- thought process. “We make a good The fi nal two games see top-fl ight wenty-two players and offi - tegrity of the competition,” the AFC atmosphere at Turf Moor but with it teams going against those from third- cials from Laos and Cambodia said at the time, adding that the sus- being a cup game and with the Lincoln tier League One as Middlesbrough have been handed life bans in pensions also related to “suspected fans coming it makes for a good game, host Oxford United and Premier one of Asian football’s biggest manipulation of multiple matches one we’re looking forward to without a League champions Leicester City visit Tmass punishments for match-fi xing. committed by the representative teams shadow of a doubt.” Millwall. The Asian Football Confederation of Laos since 2010”. There are plenty of other upset “We have to play at our best and said the action follows an investiga- Laos played three matches at the possibilities as the remaining six Pre- Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley during the media day yesterday. (Reuters) hope Leicester don’t – we have an tion that started in 2014, and that it will Solidarity Cup, beating Sri Lanka 2-1 mier League teams still alive also play opportunity to cause a giant killing,” seek to have the bans extended world- and Mongolia 3-0, and losing 4-1 to lower-division opponents. Four meet Rovers, Tottenham away to Fulham, ton Wanderers. Millwall boss Neill Harris said. “I want wide. Macau. Championship sides with holders Manchester City travelling to Hud- Wolves upset Liverpool in the fourth us to be competitive and embrace the “The (AFC) Disciplinary Commit- Poorly paid Asian footballers and Manchester United visiting Blackburn dersfi eld and Chelsea at Wolverhamp- round and after losing midweek in the occasion.” tee has issued a life ban from football- officials have long been vulnerable related activities to twenty-two indi- to advances from match-fixers seek- viduals from Laos and Cambodia for ing to manipulate games for betting BOTTOMLINE involvement in the manipulation of purposes, giving rise to a long list of matches involving the representative scandals. teams of Laos and the club side Lao Among the largest was China ban- Toyota FC,” a statement said late yes- ning 33 players and offi cials for life in Stunned Barca turn focus back on La Liga terday. 2013, following a three-year investi- “The AFC investigation into the ma- gation into notorious corruption in its nipulation of matches involving the domestic leagues. Reuters representative teams of the Lao Foot- In 2007, two Vietnamese footballers Barcelona ball Federation commenced in 2014 and were jailed and six others given sus- remains ongoing,” it added. pended sentences for rigging an un- Fifteen of those banned are current der-23 match against Myanmar at the arcelona captain Andres Ini- or former players of the Laos national 2005 Southeast Asian Games. esta is putting on a brave face side or Vientiane-based Lao Toyota FC, Last year’s AFC Champions League ahead of Sunday’s home game the AFC said. winners, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, against strugglers Leganes in Details of the games involved were have been banned from this year’s LaB Liga following his club’s devastat- not released, but four of the players had competition over a match-fi xing scan- ing Champions League defeat at Paris been provisionally suspended during dal relating to South Korea’s K-League. Saint Germain. Looking to at least pull level with leaders Real Madrid in the Spanish ti- tle race, defending champions Barca must get over the shock of a 4-0 defeat DFB imposes nationwide stadium in the fi rst leg of their last-16 game in bans on Dortmund supporters France. “We have to get up, dust ourselves The German football federation yesterday imposed nationwide stadium off and in the meantime not forget bans on 88 potentially violent Borussia Dortmund supporters. The 88 were about the other competition that among those stopped by police in two buses Saturday on their way to we’re in,” Iniesta told his club’s web- Dortmund’s Bundesliga away match at Darmstadt. Police seized pyrotech- site. nics, balaclavas, combat gear and drugs, and escorted the fans back home. Barca are in the King’s Cup fi nal The DFB said swift action, in close cooperation with the Dortmund club, was against Deportivo Alaves, the side necessary “as another clear signal against violence around football games”. they hammered 6-0 in La Liga last A week earlier Dortmund fans attacked visiting Leipzig fans, including week, and they are just a point adrift women and children, ahead of their game. Dortmund fans also displayed of Real, who host Espanyol tomorrow. discriminatory and insulting banners at the Leipzig game, and, after several However, Real have two games in other incidents in the past, were sanctioned by the DFB with having to play hand and they are also in a better frame Saturday’s game against Wolfsburg without spectators in the south stand. of mind after a 3-1 win over Napoli in the opening leg of their Champions League tie in Madrid on Wednesday. Manchester City fi ned for anti-doping Every point in La Liga will be valu- rule breach able for Barcelona, who will be with- out suspended midfi elder Sergio Bus- Manchester City have been fined 35,000 pounds ($43,662) and warned quets. about their future conduct after admitting a breach of anti-doping rules, Barca crashed in spectacular fash- the Football Association said in a statement yesterday. City were charged ion at PSG, a result that has put them take a heroic comeback,” Luis Enrique French forward Karim Benzema has in La Liga,” Benzema told his club’s with failing to ensure their anti-doping “club whereabouts” information was in danger of being knocked out of the told reporters. an extra bounce in his step after end- website. accurate. No further details were given. Regulation 14 of the FA anti-doping Champions League at the last-16 stage Leganes, winless since Nov. 21, are ing his month-long goal drought when Real coach Zinedine Zidane could regulations requires all clubs to provide, on request, training dates, start and for the fi rst time since 2007. just one place, and two points, clear of he ignited Real’s comeback against include Gareth Bale in the squad after finish times, where training is taking place and players’ overnight addresses. Tuesday’s defeat was the biggest the relegation zone. Napoli with his fi fth goal of the com- the Welsh forward recovered from an “It shall also be a breach of this Regulation 14 by the club if the informa- humiliation of Barcelona boss Luis European champions Real go up petition this season. ankle injury sustained in November. tion contained in such reports is either initially inaccurate or has not been Enrique’s coaching career. against an Espanyol side who won “We’re all very happy because we On Saturday, third-place Sevilla updated by the club as necessary to ensure it remains accurate,” the rules “There’s half the tie to go and I three in a row before Sunday’s home put in a good performance and we’re host Eibar while Atletico, who are stipulate. won’t lose hope, even though it will defeat to Real Sociedad. now looking to continue in this vein fourth, play at Sporting Gijon. Gulf Times 4 Friday, February 17, 2017 FOOTBALL

QSL Oliver Kahn says he is not interested in Bayern sports director job DPA, Munich: Former Bayern Max Eberl, out of respect for and German national team other clubs. goalkeeper Oliver Kahn said Last week, former Germany that he is not interested in defender Philipp Lahm, who filling Bayern Munich’s empty says he will retire from club High fi ve for sports director role. football at the end of this “The job of sports director season, also said he did not never was, never could be, want the job. an option for me,” Kahn said, speaking on German broad- caster ZDF, after Bayern’s 5-1 victory over Arsenal in the Champions League last 16. Bounedjah as “That’s why I’ve always been pretty relaxed about the whole thing,” Kahn said. The 47-year-old played for Germany’s most successful Bundesliga club from 1994 to 2008, and had recently been tipped by some German me- Sadd thrash Arabi dia outlets to take the job after Matthias Sammer gave up the A draw against Rayyan and an upset loss to Umm Salal saw Lekhwiya’s lead cut role last year. Club boss Karl-Heinz Rum- significantly, leaving the door open for Al Sadd to climb up the standings menigge told ZDF Wednesday that he did not want to com- By Sports Reporter ment on any possible candi- Doha dates for the role, including Baghdad Bouedjah is congratulated Borussia Moenchengladbach’s by his teammates, including Xavi, aghdad Bounedjah after one of his goals against Al Arabi scored fi ve goals as Al yesterday. Workers Cup opening postponed Sadd thrashed Al Arabi B7-0 to catch up with Doha: The opening round of played between Bin Omran Lekhwiya and set the stage for a the fifth edition of the Work- Trading and Contracting thrilling end to the Qatar Stars ers Cup has been postponed and Nakheel Landscapes. League yesterday. by a week because of bad Before the match there will A draw against Rayyan and an weather and will now begin be an opening ceremony upset loss to Umm Salal saw Le- on Friday, February 24. featuring live performances khwiya’s lead cut signifi cantly, Organised by the Qatar by artists from Ghana and leaving the door open for Al Sadd Stars League and sponsored Nepal. General admission to climb up the standings. by the Supreme Committee is free for all the matches And the Wolves grabbed the for Delivery and Legacy, of the Workers’ Cup. People opportunity with both hands at the tournament will feature are encouraged to attend the Al Sadd stadium, running more than 600 players and cheer on the 32 teams rampant as hapless Al Arabi suc- playing among 32 teams. taking part in the tourna- cumbed to one of their worst- The opening match will be ment. ever defeats Al Sadd opened the scor- ing in the fi fth minute, courtesy of Morteza Mohammed. Xavi SPOTLIGHT squared the ball to the Iranian international defender who scored with the ‘keeper Rajab Hamza off his line. PFA defends Just at the stroke of half time, Bounedjah scored his hat-trick to end the fi rst dementia response half at 4-0 he Professional Foot- A growing campaign to ballers’ Association has have dementia in defended its response to footballers recognised as Bounedjah added a second Tthe growing number of a long-term eff ect of head- goal in the 28th minute when he former players now suff ering from ing a ball has been led by received a fantastic pass inside dementia, after criticism that the the daughters of Jeff Astle, the box from Hassan Haydous. union, clubs and Football Asso- the former West Bromwich The Algerian got on the end of ciation are not doing enough to Albion striker of the 1960s the pass played the ball around help them. and 70s the keeper and walked the ball John Bramhall, the PFA’s dep- into the net to make it 2-0. uty chief executive, said that, on expert medical evidence that Then in the 37th minute, when the union is made aware of heading a heavy football for years Bounedjah scored another goal to a former player in need, it tries professionally probably contrib- make it 3-0. Compatriot Jugurtha to provide support “wherever we uted to the trauma Astle’s brain Hamroun squared the ball to the can”. However the cost of full- sustained, and he recorded a ver- Algerian striker who tapped it time residential care, which some dict of “death by industrial dis- home from close range to give his Just six minutes later, players with advanced dementia ease” . side a three goal advantage. Bounedjah scored his fi fth goal require, is beyond its resources Astle’s daughters, Dawn and Just at the stroke of half time, of the evening to take his sea- from its funding, principally by Claire, believed the inquest ver- Bounedjah scored his hat-trick son tally to 21 goals, tying him the Premier League, and it is not dict was a groundbreaking deter- to end the fi rst half at 4-0. The in the top scorer position along Khalfan Ibrahim (L) is clear that the game is responsible mination that would lead to an ac- twenty-fi ve-year-old scored with Yousef El Arabi of Le- congratulated by for providing such facilities. ceptance of responsibility by the from a penalty as he used the fa- khwiya. Hamza Sanhaji dived in Baghdad Bouedjah A growing campaign to have football authorities but a clear link mous Paneka technique to send to recover the ball from the de- after he scored Al dementia in footballers recog- between heading a ball and later the ball into the goal past goal- fender and laid it into the path of Sadd’s sixth goal. nised as a long-term eff ect of dementia has not yet been estab- keeper Hamza. Bounedjah, who lured the keeper heading a ball has been led by the lished by research. The goals kept on coming for towards him before smashing daughters of Jeff Astle, the former Dawn Astle has criticised the Al Sadd in the second half, par- the ball into the net. West Bromwich Albion striker of PFA and FA for the length of time ticularly for their star striker Al Arabi had a chance to score the 1960s and 70s, who died of taken to publish research com- Bounedjah. He scored his best goal a consolation goal in the eighty- dementia aged 59 in January 2002. missioned after the inquest, of the night after he hoodwinked sixth minute when they won a Four of the surviving team which followed a group of young the defence to send the ball into penalty. Luiz Antonio Jimenez members from England’s 1966 players and did not report until the near post to make it 5-0. stepped up for the penalty and World Cup winners are now re- last May, in the medical journal Substitute Khalfan Ibrahim skied the shot over the bar to ported to be suff ering from de- Brain Injury . also got his name on the board compound a miserable night for mentia or memory loss, including It concluded there was: “No as he headed in the ball to score Al Arabi. the former Manchester United signifi cant neurological, structur- Al Sadd’s sixth goal. Abdel Ka- After the 7-0 drubbing, Jesual- midfi elder Nobby Stiles. He sold al brain imaging or neuropsycho- rim Hassan crossed the ball to do Fereira’s men are on 50 points his football medals to pay for the logical change among a sample of his teammate who instinctively with Lekhwiya at the top, while Al necessary care, which is now full- young elite professional football- reacted by heading the ball into Arabi have to go back to the draw- time, his son Rob Stiles said. The ers over the fi rst fi ve years of their the empty net in the eightieth ing board as they are in the eighth coroner at the inquest into Astle’s professional career.” minute. position with 23 points. death, Andrew Haigh, concluded The Guardian

BOTTOMLINE Kharaitiyat upset Jaish, Rayyan rout Muaither

By Sports Reporter the 63rd minute, after 15 minutes of sus- ted an unmarked Garcia in the box. The Doha tained attacks during the second half. Spanish striker chested down his team- Poor marking by El Jaish’s Yasir Abu- mate’s cross and fi nished by scoring bakar allowed Al Kharaitiyat’s al-Ansari from a tight angle. l Kharaitiyat relied on two late to defl ect a corner kick easily into the net In the 21st minute, Garcia got his goals to post an upset 2-1 win from close range in the 63rd minute. name on the score sheet once again. over El Jaish in round 21 of the A minute later, Al Kharaitiyat grabbed An Al Rayyan corner was defl ected by AQatar Stars League yesterday. the lead when substitute Rachid – after Muaither keeper, Basel Zidane, into the El Jaish opened the scoring through getting a neat pass – fl icked home with path of Garcia, who smashed the ball striker Romarinho but Al Kharaitiyat his fi rst attempt with goalkeeper Mubar- into the goal from close range to end the hit back in the second half through Ab- ak al-Khater in no position stop the low fi rst half at 3-0. dulaziz al-Ansari and Rachid Tiberka- ball crashing into the net. The victory In the second half, Tabata scored a nine to complete the win. will see the Thunders temporarily jump brace to continue his team’s onslaught. El Jaish made a dream start to pro- out of the relegation zone. The two goals came in quick succes- ceedings in the 7th minute when quick- Meanwhile, Al Rayyan hammered fi ve sion as the Qatari international raised footed attacker Romarinho opened goals past Muaither in a one-sided aff air. his season tally to 13. In the 55th minute, the scoring for the visitors. After a neat Two goals each from Sergio Garcia and Tabata found some space in the box and dribble close to the Al Kharaitiyat box, Rodrigo Tabata and one from Sebastian struck the ball straight into the far cor- veteran Malian midfi elder Seydou Keita Soria helped the Lions cruise past the ner. Just three minutes later, the forward intelligently picked out Romarinho – Falcons. added another one as his free-kick sailed who slipped past two defenders before Sebastian Soria opened the scoring over the wall and into the bottom right slotting the ball past Al Kharaitiyat goal- with an early goal in the second minute corner to make it 5-0. keeper Ahmed Soufi ane with low shot to of the game. The Qatari international got The win takes Michael Laudrup’s men the right of the goalmouth. on the end of a defence-splitting pass to 44 points as they remain third on the In the 15th minute, Al Kharaitiyat’s al- Al Rayyan players celebrate during their match against Muaither yesterday. and sent the ball into the far side of the table. Philip Birol’s side languish in the Ansari – lurking inside the El Jaish’s box goal with a clinical strike. drop zone in 12th place with sixteen – was denied by the woodwork. Al An- fl ank – produced a deft defl ection from the crossbar, to register the Thunders’ In the second half Ahmad al-Ajlani’s Just two minutes later, Al Rayyan points. sari – after receiving a neat clip from the close range but his shot ricocheted off fi rst chance of the tie. side rallied and found an equaliser on scored another one when Tabata spot- Gulf Times Friday, February 17, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA SPOTLIGHT Green slams Knicks owner LeBron leads over Oakley spat

AFP anymore? That’s a slave men- Los Angeles tality. A slave-master mentality. That’s ridiculous. “It was all fi ne and dandy olden State Warri- when he was laying people out, Cavaliers to win ors star Draymond taking fi nes and all this stuff Green on Wednesday for your organization. But now, Gaccused New York all of a sudden, when he says Knicks owner James Dolan of a something that he feels, it’s a “slave master mentality” over problem. I disagree with that. I his handling of the Charles Oak- defi nitely think, like I said, that ley saga. that’s a slave-master mentality.” Dolan banned Knicks legend Oakley was banned after be- over the Pacers Oakley from attending NBA ing forcibly removed by security games at Madison Square Gar- at Madison Square Garden last ‘We’ve played some good ball. Obviously we know January wasn’t such a den following an altercation week. He was later charged with with security before eventually three misdemeanour counts of relenting this week. assault and one misdemeanour good month for us, but overall, for the season, we’re in a good place’ But the incident incensed count of trespassing. Green, who said the Knicks had Dolan also drew Green’s ire benefi ted from Oakley’s com- for subsequent remarks which bative approach as a player but suggested Oakley was battling taken exception to his outspo- alcohol problems – denied by ken criticism now he has retired. the Knicks forward. “The man is a legend. Treat “That’s not something that him as such,” Green said on his you say to the world. That’s not “Dray Day” podcast for the Un- classy at all,” Green said on his interrupted website. podcast. “First off . This is Charles Oak- “It’s not OK for you to go say ley. Why is he buying a ticket? to the world as a multibillion- “You doing it for me, it’s all dollar organization. How can good. You doing it against me you even pin that on someone? – you speaking out against my Just throw that out there. That’s organization – it’s not good grimy. I think that’s wrong.”

NFL Brady has no plans to retire

The Sports Xchange New York

ew England Patri- ots quarterback Tom Brady, with fi ve Su- Nper Bowl rings, made it clear — again — he has no plans to retire and wants to keep play- ing into his mid-40s. After telling Peter King of MMQB.com that his record- setting performance in Super Bowl LI wasn’t his best game ever despite the historic 25-point rally over the Atlanta Falcons, D’Angelo Russell (1) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball past Eric Bledsoe (2) of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena in the 39-year-old Brady believes Phoenix on Wednesday. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 110-108. he can maintain his level of play long past the age of any everyday Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ripped AFP Results Boston’s Isaiah Thomas scored 33 Rockets with 38 points, 12 rebounds and quarterback in NFL history. the NFL for threatening not to Washington points, matching John Havlicek’s 45-year- 12 assists. “I’d like to play until my mid- award future Super Bowls to OKLAHOMA CITY 116 NY Knicks 105 old Celtics record with a 40th consecutive Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo 40s,” Brady told King during a Houston or Dallas if the state’s PHOENIX 137 LA Lakers 101 20-point game, to spark the hosts to their scored 33 points and the Milwaukee Bucks two-hour interview on Sunday controversial bathroom bill is eBron James scored 31 points, Minnesota 112 DENVER 99 fourth win in a row, a 116-108 victory over held off a late rally to defeat host Brooklyn while in Montana on a family va- passed. Kyrie Irving added 26 and Kyle Ko- UTAH 111 Portland 88 Philadelphia. 129-125, infl icting the Nets’ 14th loss in a cation. Abbott, a Republican, told rver had 22 to spark defending NBA Miami 117 HOUSTON 109 Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook row and stretch their home losing skid to “Then I’ll make a decision. If conservative radio host Glenn champion Cleveland over the visit- New Orleans 95 MEMPHIS 91 scored 38 points, grabbed 14 rebounds 16 games. I’m still feeling like I’m feeling Beck that the NFL should stay ingL Indiana Pacers 113-104 on Wednesday. BOSTON 116 Philadelphia 108 and passed out 12 assists to power the Kyle Lowry scored 21 points and today, who knows? Now, those out of politics. In their fi nal game before Sunday’s 66th TORONTO 90 Charlotte 85 host Thunder over New York 116-105. sparked a Toronto rally from 17 points things can always change. You do “The NFL is walking on thin NBA All-Star Game, the Cavaliers won Milwaukee 129 BROOKLYN 125 Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 30 down to defeat visiting Charlotte 90-85. need long-term goals too. I know ice right here,” Abbott said their third game in a row and seventh in DETROIT 98 Dallas 91 points while Derrick Rose added 25 for Lowry’s 3-point play late in the fourth next year is not going to be my Tuesday on the show. “The NFL eight starts to stand 39-16 and atop the San Antonio 107 ORLANDO 79 New York. quarter gave the Raptors the lead for good. last year.” needs to concentrate on playing Eastern Conference. At 7-1 in February, CLEVELAND 113 Indiana 104 Detroit never trailed in a 98-91 victory New Orleans forward Solomon Hill football and get the heck out of the Cavs matched their win total from a over visiting Dallas, with Reggie Jackson scored a season-high 23 points to power the Let the game of tag begin in politics.” 7-8 January. scoring 22 points and Jon Leuer adding Pelicans past host Memphis 95-91. Vince the NFL. The window in which “We’ve played some good ball,” James thinking about it and trying to be bet- 20 points and eight rebounds. German Carter closed the Grizzlies within 92-91 on unrestricted free agents can The Chicago Bears re-signed said. “Obviously we know January wasn’t ter, and obviously I’m working on it every star Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points and 10 a 3-pointer in the fi nal minute, but Anthony be assigned the franchise tag off ensive lineman Eric Kush to a such a good month for us, but overall, for day.” rebounds to pace the Mavericks, who lost Davis sank a jumper and Langston Galloway by their current team offi cially two-year contract. the season, we’re in a good place.” Klay Thompson scored 35 points and both games against the Pistons in a season made a free throw to seal the victory. opened, with a deadline of March Kush, 27, was claimed off Korver came off the bench to become Kevin Durant added 21 as the Golden State for the fi rst time since the 1997-98 cam- Phoenix’s Eric Bledsoe had his third 1 at 3:59pm ET. NFL teams also waivers from the Los Angeles only the seventh NBA player with 2,000 improved the NBA’s best record to 47-9 by paign. career triple double with 25 points, 10 are permitted to utilize the tran- Rams after the 53-man roster career 3-point baskets. He made 6-of- routing visiting Sacramento 109-86. Miami’s Hassan Whiteside had 23 rebounds and 13 assists as the host Suns sition tag within the same two- cut downs just prior to the start 8 3-point shots, netting 13 points in the San Antonio, with the second-best points, 14 rebounds and fi ve blocked shots took their most lopsided win of the season week period. of the 2016 season, adding depth fourth quarter. record in the NBA behind Golden State, in powering the Heat over host Houston by routing the Los Angeles Lakers 137-101. Players given the franchise tag to the Bears’ off ensive line. He “It means something to me for sure,” never trailed in routing host Orlando 117-109. Miami never trailed as Dion It was Phoenix’s most lopsided victory are permitted to negotiate with started a career-high four games Korver said. “I’ve always taken a lot of 107-79 behind 23 points from LaMarcus Waiters added 23 points, nine rebounds over the Lakers in 240 all-time meetings, other clubs, unless the team uses out of eight contests with the pride in shooting and studying it and Aldridge and 22 by Kawhi Leonard. and seven assists. James Harden led the surpassing a 135-100 win in 1973. the “exclusive” franchise tag. Bears.

NHL BOTTOMLINE Trump declines ESPN invite Huberdeau’s OT goal to fi ll out NCAA bracket

The Sports Xchange cess because it was clear he was Washington a fan of the sport and the NCAA tournament, like millions of gives Panthers victory other Americans.” The Sports Xchange It with the fi fth shutout posted by the racketology in the Oval Trump’s main foray into the Chicago Blues in their last 10 road games, and back- Offi ce is ending un- sporting arena since he was up goalie Hutton has accounted for four of der President Donald elected has been his continued them. BTrump. support of New England Patri- onathan Huberdeau scored 1:38 into Ivan Barbashev and Jaden Schwartz The eight-year run of the ots coach Bill Belichick, quar- overtime to give the Florida Pan- scored for the Blues. president fi lling out an NCAA terback Tom Brady and owner thers a wild 6-5 win over the San Jose Flames 3, Flyers 1 Tournament bracket on live tel- Robert Kraft. Sharks on Wednesday night. Matthew Tkachuk scored once and set up evision will come to a halt after Before taking offi ce, Trump JHuberdeau scored his third goal of the the game-winning goal by TJ Brodie as Calgary Trump declined an invitation also attended the annual Army- season to give Florida its fi fth win in six beat Philadelphia. Flames goaltender Brian El- from ESPN to continue the tra- Navy football game in Decem- games while San Jose lost for the fi fth time in liott stopped 33 shots. Nick Cousins scored the dition. ber. six tries. James Reimer entered and stopped lone goal of the game for the Flyers. “We expressed our interest to While two of Obama’s brack- both shots he faced after Luongo made 29 Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings right wing the White House in continuing ets are now housed in the saves. Aleksander Barkov and Nick Bjugstad Gustav Nyquist was suspended for six games the presidential bracket. They Smithsonian’s National Mu- each scored twice for Florida. Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie by the National Hockey League on Wednes- have respectfully declined,” seum of American History, the Blue Jackets 5, Maple Leafs 2 Hamilton (27) collides with Philadelphia day for a high-sticking incident in a game an ESPN spokesman said in a new regime is not closing the Columbus jumped out to a four-goal lead Flyers center Brayden Schenn (10) during the Sunday at Minnesota. statement. door on having the president in the fi rst 30 minutes and went on to claim a second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. The 27-year-old Swede, who has helped Former president Barack “He wasn’t as dialled in to taking part in an ESPN broad- victory over Toronto. PICTURE: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports Detroit reach the Stanley Cup playoff s for Obama is a rabid basketball fan every player or team but had cast. Josh Anderson and Boone Jenner scored the past fi ve seasons, will forfeit $158,333 in and fi lled out brackets for both conversational knowledge to “We look forward to work- first-period goals for the Blue Jackets in the Maple Leafs’ goals. salary after spearing Wild defenseman Jared the men’s and women’s tour- off er his own analysis on the ing with ESPN on another op- fourth game of their season-long seven- Blues 2, Red Wings 0 Spurgeon in the face with his stick. naments with ESPN reporter NCAA tournament for the portunity in the near future,” game homestand. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Carter Hutton stopped 25 shots for his Nyquist will not be eligible to return until Andy Katz. He correctly se- men’s and women’s game,” Katz White House spokeswoman Nick Foligno added second-period goals. fourth shutout of the season as St. Louis the Red Wings play the Edmonton Oilers on lected North Carolina to win it noted of Obama’s participa- Hope Hicks said in an e-mail to Nazem Kadri was responsible for both posted a victory over Detroit. March 4. all in 2009. tion. “Baracketology was a suc- The Washington Post. Gulf Times 6 Friday, February 17, 2017 SPORT

TENNIS GOLF Rumford, Foster lead by a stroke Cilic, Goffi n made to in Super 6 event in Perth

Reuters battle for Rotterdam Perth ustralian Brett Rumford and England’s Mark Foster each carded a six-under-par 66 to take a share of the lead in the open- ing round at the inaugural World Super 6 tournamentA in Perth yesterday. Twenty-one players were within two shots of the quarter-fi nals leaders at Perth’s Lake Karrinyup Country Club in the unique event, tri-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia, Asian Tour and European Tour. ‘It’s always tough to play a countryman and Borna has been doing well in his comeback’ The winner will be decided in Sunday’s match- play shootout after three rounds of strokeplay. A regular cut will take place today. Then the full fi eld will be whittled down to 24 players, who will compete in pairs in six-hole playoff s until only one remains. Perth-native Rumford lost his European Tour playing card last year but began the 2017 campaign by fi nishing fi fth at the Australian PGA Championship and was looking to continue his good form at home. Both Rumford and Foster mixed seven birdies with a dropped shot in their fi rst round to improve their chances of making it to Sunday’s matchplay. “It’s kind of irrelevant, isn’t it, it’s top 24. Top eight is a priority,” Rumford told reporters. “Would be nice to have that behind the fi rst round, but match play is a diff erent game. “So it’s a diff erent game and I think just getting your foot in the door is the number-one priority this week regardless of how you score. I think it’s going to be pretty exciting. I think it’s going to be great for the viewing, for the spectators.” World number 11 Alex Noren, the highest- ranked player in the fi eld, posted a two-over 74 for a share of the 114th place. British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen carded a 69 for tied 24th. Foster said he had spoken to Rumford’s caddie as he was “... I’ll have the same mentality tomorrow, and that is obviously to try and get in that 24, you know, which is an obvious statement as everybody here is.”

Lam fi res back at All Blacks coach Hansen

Connacht coach Pat Lam has fired back at his All Blacks counterpart Steve Hansen after being singled out for criticism and called an “ex-New Zealander” for his role in coaxing Steven Luatua to English club rugby next year. Lam, who was born in Auckland and played one game for the All Blacks and represented Samoa at three Rugby World Cups, takes over at Bristol next season. Luatua confirmed this week he would join Bristol on a two-year contract. The decision upset Hansen, who said he had not had an opportunity to discuss the move with the rangy loose forward. Only players contracted to New Zealand Rugby are eligible for the All Blacks. “He spoke briefly to Top seed Marin Cilic in action against his countryman Borna Coric in Rotterdam yesterday. (AFP) the contracts team, and he’s been tapped on the shoulder by Pat Lam which is disappointing too,” DPA ing in Rotterdam for the ninth time after winning the fi rst set quickly. pair of picture-perfect backhand compatriot Donald Young, who ad- Hansen told Fairfax Media this week. “If you’re Rotterdam but reached his last quarter-fi nal in Borna has proved himself as a next- passing shots. In the second round, vanced with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 triumph an ex-New Zealander you should be a bit mindful 2008. Czech fourth seed Tomas Ber- gen player.” defending champion Martin Kli- over American teen Reilly Opelka in about players’ careers.” Lam, whose parents are dych, the 2014 champion over Cilic Earlier Austria’s Dominic Thiem zan battled to a 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-1 the indoor hardcourt event. Samoan, took exception to Hansen’s comments arin Cilic and David at the Ahoy stadium, hammered battled into the second round on defeat of 2016 semi-fi nalist Philipp Bosnian Damir Dzumhur upset and said he had had the “privilege and honour” of Goffi n each needed Frenchman Richard Gasquet 7-6 Wednesday after Alexander Zverev’s Kohlschreiber while French sixth Belgian seventh seed Steve Darcis representing both New Zealand and Samoa. “I am three sets to reach the (7-4), 6-1 as he powered through in challenge fi zzled out in a racquet- seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga dismissed 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 in another second- not sure why Steve Hansen would unprecedent- quarter-fi nals of the comfortable straight sets. smashing tantrum. Gilles Muller 6-4, 6-2. round match. He will face American edly choose to single me out publicly and call me MRotterdam World Tennis yesterday Cilic beat younger countryman The German teenager lost 3-6, Frenchman Pierre-Hughes Her- Ryan Harrison – who eliminated US an ‘ex-New Zealander,’” Lam said in a statement as the seeded pair were tested in the Coric for the third time in as many 6-3, 6-4 after dominating in the bert advanced past qualifi er Evgeny third seed Sam Querrey 6-3, 6-1 -in to New Zealand media yesterday. “I am a proud way to victory. seasons after leading 5-0 in the fi rst fi rst set against second seed Thiem. Donskoy of Russia 6-2, 7-6 (7/4). another Friday quarter-fi nal. New Zealander and I’m also proud to be a Pacific Tp-seeded Cilic, who had won set in a match which evolved into a He ended up smashing a racquet In fi rst-round matchups, Geor- Islander. The only reason we don’t live in New just one match this season before struggle for the world number seven with fi ve heavy blows in the fi nal set Isner fires 26 aces to beat gia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili downed Zealand at the moment is I had an opportunity to starting the indoor week, outlasted in the following sets. after dropping serve. Nishioka at Memphis Australia’s Jordan Thompson 6-3, continue to coach rugby professionally in Ireland comeback candidate and fellow “I was playing extremely well, The meltdown did not help in US second seed John Isner blasted 6-0, and Kazakhstan’s Mikhail and support my family after being sacked by the Croatian Borna Coric 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. using every opportunity I had,” Ci- the end, with world number eight 26 aces on Wednesday in rallying to Kukushkin ousted German lucky NZRU and the Blues.” Lam coached the Auckland The third-seeded Belgian Gof- lis said. “It’s always tough to play a Thiem going through after one and defeat Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka loser Benjamin Becker 6-3, 6-4. Blues from 2009-12 before moving to Ireland’s Con- fi n put out the last Dutchman in the countryman and Borna has been do- three-quarter hours to next face 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 and advance to the Kukushkin will next face Bar- nacht in 2013, leading them to their first piece of sil- fi eld as he rallied to beat Robin Haase ing well in his comeback (from 2016 France’s Gilles Simon. ATP Memphis Open quarter-fi nals. bados qualifi er Darian King while verware last season when they won the Pro-12 title. 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in nearly two and a knee surgery). Richard Gasquet put out Viktor Isner took one hour and 49 min- Basilashvili meets Croatian top seed He said last December he was moving to Bristol. quarter hours. Haase was compet- “It was not an easy match, even Troicki 6-4, 6-2, ending with a utes to book a last-eight date with Ivo Karlovic.

SPOTLIGHT Bouchard pays off blind date bet at NBA game

AFP saying she was honoured to have That prompted TW1, a Twit- New York been included in the 2017 edition ter identity sporting a photo of of the annual Sports Illustrated a man in a Cleveland Cavaliers swimsuit issue. NBA jersey, to tweet Bouchard anadian tennis star Eug- She then tweeted: “Busy day with a longshot bid of his own. enie Bouchard paid off with @si_swimsuit and then to- “if patriots win we go on a her lost Super Bowl bet night... I’m going on a date” with date?” came the pitch. Wednesday by join- a winking emoji. “Sure,” Bouchard replied, al- ingC blind date John Goehrke at a though she shot down a sec- Brooklyn Nets NBA home game The Montreal-born blonde ond such suitor with merely against Milwaukee. predicted an Atlanta “C’mon...” Goehrke, a 20-year-old Uni- triumph on Twitter with the As the Patriots made their suc- versity of Missouri student and Falcons ahead 21-0 and her cessful fi ghtback, Bouchard was New England Patriots supporter, suitor pitched a date if the asked by another tweeter: “are won his dream date with Bou- Patriots rallied to win you getting nervous?!? Lol.” chard, who turns 23 on February “Umm...kinda...,” she replied, 25, thanks to the Patriots’ record- On Wednesday night, she adding later, “So...where do you setting rally to defeat the Atlanta tweeted a two-person selfi e pho- live?” Falcons in Super Bowl 51 earlier to with her date saying, “Just met When the Patriots won the this month. my ‘Super Bowl Twitter Date’ game, and their fi fth title with The Montreal-born blonde John. On our way to the @Brook- Brady as quarterback, Boucha- predicted an Atlanta triumph on lynNets game!” rd could only manage letters: Twitter with the Falcons ahead The two were sitting courtside, “Omfg.” 21-0 and her suitor pitched a date according to the New York Daily “Lesson learned,” Bouchard if the Patriots rallied to win. News. followed with later. “Never bet Bouchard agreed, only to then Bouchard was confi dent against Tom Brady.” see Tom Brady lead the Patriots enough in Atlanta’s victory on Realising she had become a big to a 34-28 comeback triumph. February 5 with a three-touch- deal in the Twitter-verse, Bou- Bouchard, ranked 44th in the down edge to start sending Twit- chard made it clear the next day WTA rankings after a third- ter messages predicting victory. she would payoff . round run at the Australian “I knew Atlanta would win “Lol it made a Twitter mo- Open, tweeted a photo of herself btw,” she tweeted, later adding, ment,” she tweeted. “And I will in a bikini Wednesday morning “Just predicted the future.” do it, I stay true to my word.” Genie Bouchard poses with her date during the NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Gulf Times Friday, February 17, 2017 7 SPORT

CRICKET MOTORSPORT QMMF celebrates Hussein’s victory Kohli, Smith inspire By Sports Reporter The Qatari driver claimed Doha victories in Portugal, Abu Dhabi and Spain during a suc- cessful campaign in the world’s atar Motor and Mo- toughest off -road champion- torcycle Federation ship. (QMMF) organised a President of QMMF Abdul- ceremony at Katara rahman al-Mannai expressed new captain Root toQ celebrate Qatari racer Adel his delight at the achievement Hussein Abdulla’s stunning of the Qatari racer, saying the performances in the FIA World win was a boost for Qatari ‘It’s a great opportunity to take that added responsibility and really motivate me to get better’ Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. sports. He said Qatari racers Hussein, who came sec- have proven their excellence ond in the unoffi cial standings with Nasser bin Saleh al-Atti- to Saudi Arabia’s Yasir Saei- yah winning the T1 category of dan, won his FIA appeal and the same competition. was crowned the 2016 FIA T2 Speaking on the occasion the World Champion. Qatari driver said he was de- The Hussein team protested lighted to win the World Cup the legality of his main rival’s on his fi rst try at the T2 catego- car at the Rally of Morocco in ry. He also thanked QMMF for October and the protest was their support and said the win upheld at a recent FIA Court of made him hungrier for success Appeal. in the future.

Allison joins Mercedes as technical director Former Ferrari technical director James Allison will take on a similar role at Mercedes from March 1, the reigning Formula One world champions said yesterday. Allison replaces Paddy Lowe, who helped lead Mercedes to three successive driver and constructor world championships, and the Briton will report directly to motorsport head Toto Wolff , the team said in a statement. “I am very excited to be getting back to work after this time away from the sport,” said the 48-year-old, who has won world champi- onships with both Ferrari and Renault. “It’s a massive privilege to be given the trust of a position in England’s newly-announced cricket Test captain Joe Root poses at Headingly stadium in Leeds. (AFP) a team that has done so spectacularly well in the past three seasons,” added Allison who quit Ferrari last July for personal AFP The corresponding fi gures for to getting my teeth into it and team forward, and you want to against South Africa and the reasons. Leeds, United Kingdom Smith are equally stark, at 71 and putting my mark on things.” contribute to winning games of West Indies, England’s packed “I am really looking forward to playing my part in helping Mer- 53 respectively. cricket. “We’ve seen with a lot schedule continues with the de- cedes go from strength to strength in the coming years.” “That excites me,” said Root at ‘Biggest honour’ of captains that it’s had a re- fence of the Ashes in Australia in oe Root hopes becoming a his Headingley home ground on Root insisted he had no hesi- ally positive eff ect on their game November. Williams hire former Ferrari aerodynamicist Test captain will take his Wednesday. tation in accepting the captain- generally. There’s no reason why But an undaunted Root said of Former Ferrari chief aerodynamicist Dirk De Beer is joining Wil- batting to the “next level”, “It’s a great motivator to make cy when it was off ered to him that wouldn’t happen to Joe for his promotion to captain: “It’s a liams on March 1 to head the aero department, the Formula One just as it’s done for India’s sure I do everything I can to get by England and Wales Cricket the next 18 months. And it’s 18 good opportunity to give some- team said yesterday. ViratJ Kohli and Australia’s Steve my batting in the best place pos- Board director Andrew Strauss. very important months for both thing back to the game that has “His knowledge and technical expertise will undoubtedly be a Smith. sible and set the example for the “I think it’s the biggest honour him and the England team.” given me so much. great asset to the team in our continued push to restore Williams Root was confi rmed as Eng- rest of the guys in the team.” in the game, simple as that,” he Root has plenty of time to ease “I’m very lucky to have inher- to the front of the grid,” said deputy team principal Claire land’s new Test skipper, follow- Root added: “You look at said. Meanwhile Strauss, Cook’s himself into his new role as Eng- ited an exciting team with a great Williams. ing Alastair Cook’s resignation, other guys who’ve taken similar predecessor as England captain, land’s next Test is not until they blend of experience, raw talent The South African worked previously at Sauber, Renault and despite the likes of former Test roles like Virat and Steve Smith forecast an initial upsurge in face South Africa at Lord’s in and a core group of players who Lotus before joining Ferrari in 2013. His departure from the Italian spinner Graeme Swann saying it and they’ve gone on to bigger the form of Root, a regular in all July, with their focus for the time have played 20-30 games and are team was announced last season. could adversely aff ect his bat- and better things and taken their three international formats. being on limited overs cricket, ready to take some more respon- Former champions Williams finished fifth overall last season but ting. game to the next level. I don’t see “When you get to the end of including June’s Champions sibility.” are undergoing a technical revamp following the departure of The 26-year-old Yorkshire- why I can’t look at it in the same a captaincy career, you look at Trophy on home soil. He added: “I’d like to be a engineering head Pat Symonds. Canadian rookie Lance Stroll and man already boasts an impres- light. Alastair Cook and talk about For a team that prides itself on captain that wins, tough to play Brazilian veteran Felipe Massa are the 2017 drivers. sive batting average of nearly 53 “It’s a great opportunity to him feeling a bit drained,” said its Test results, 2016 was a tough against, and I like to hope we’ll Former Mercedes technical head Paddy Lowe is expected to join, in his 53 Tests to date. take that added responsibil- Strauss. year for England. play cricket that is enjoyable to once his ‘gardening leave’ from the world champions is com- Yet Kohli averages over 67 as ity and really motivate me to get “The opposite is also true. They lost eight Tests in all, watch. pleted. captain of the India side now top better. Early on in your captaincy ca- culminating in a 4-0 series loss “It should be entertaining Test Aerodynamics is in the spotlight this season with the introduction of the world Test rankings com- “Every kid dreams of be- reer, it’s incredibly energising. in India — Cook’s fi nal campaign cricket and that’s something I of new regulations that will see cars cornering faster on much pared to a shade above 41 when a ing England captain one day... “You walk a bit taller, you as captain. want to get across to the team bigger tyres. player in the ranks. I’m just really looking forward are passionate about taking the After this year’s home series and the people watching.”

SAILING Pearl-Qatar supports maritime legacy with SATT

By Sports Reporter including returning teams EFG tensions will be mounting when Doha Bank Monaco, Bienne Voile and the crews slip anchor and head Team Averda, whilst newcom- back out to the Straits of Hor- ers Team Andelasia di Torres join muz. This fi nal opportunity to ith Sailing Arabia the fray to see what the GCC has earn off shore points is bound to – The Tour 2017 to off er. lead to a highly tactical exercise. (SATT) hitting the Amidst those crews are some Olympic Dutch sailor An- water this week, the of the most highly regarded nemieke Bes, skipper of DB WGCC prepares for two weeks of sailors of the modern era with Schenker’s all women team and unmissable action as crews from the likes of Tour de France de stepping in for returning cham- around the world set sail in the Voile winner Thierry Douillard, pion Denise ‘Dee’ Caff ari, is no Arabian Gulf. youthful champion Marcel Her- stranger to racing in exotic loca- As the only annual event in the rera and world-record setter tions. world to off er a mix of inshore Omani Fahad al-Hasni skipper- She is excited, though she says and off shore competition, the ing crews in this years’ race. competition this year will be stakes are high for the eight skip- Six-time SATT participant fi erce: “The race is always a great pers and their crews, but for the and Team Renaissance skip- experience to be in the Ara- organisers, Oman Sail, the 763nm per Fahad al-Hasni, who has an bian Gulf and compete against race off ers the chance to roll out seven-strong team of Omanis the best in the world. The team the red carpet for the teams and onboard, says there is plenty of changes every year and so it’s their supporters to highlight the challenges on the combination not just about growing on our region’s vast array of natural and up-and-down wind route but previous years, but being able cultural assets. With stops in that makes it even more inter- to challenge ourselves anew. We iconic destinations such as Mus- esting: “We defi nitely had an obviously do our best but overall cat, Sohar, Abu Dhabi, Doha and advantage because we under- Pearl-Qatar to host penultimate in-port race on February 25. it’s just great to be here and show Dubai, SATT is one of the most stand the waters, we know the women what they can do.” prestigious sailing events in the conditions, especially with the Mouj Muscat on February 14 set SATT will welcome the fl eet of its pleasant waters, safe beach- earning an award at the prize- The 2017 EFG Sailing Arabia – calendar, promising picturesque Musandam Peninsula which can the scene when the SATT skip- identical Farr 30’s to the shores es, world-class equipment and giving later in the day. The Tour is the seventh edition coastlines, iconic ports and in- be unpredictable and the upwind pers were introduced for the of Qatar at The Pearl-Qatar, on award-winning marina infra- As the penultimate stop for of the race, which combines long tense racing action. battle from Abu Dhabi to Qatar. fi rst time against a backdrop of February 22. structure. the gruelling two-week race, The off shore legs with high action Since its inception in 2011, We are all focused on pushing Oman’s premier lifestyle destina- Designed and engineered to be The fi rst of the three in-ports Pearl-Qatar will play host to the in-port racing at venues along SATT has been fundamental in our abilities to the limit and test- tion before receiving a fl ag from an everlasting icon in Qatar, The will be the annual CEO Chal- eight crews for a demanding in- the 763nm course. The race got promoting the profi le of sailing ing ourselves on the water, but the guest of honour, Sayyid Badr Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island lenge Race where the heads of port race before kicking off the underway at the Al Mouj Marina in the region, with both interna- also we want to have fun – that is al-Busaidi, Secretary General of in the heart of Doha’s West Bay some of the region’s leading longest off shore challenge of 203 in Muscat on February 14 and tional and regional crews taking why we sail.” the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, is an obvious destination for companies race as guests on nautical miles (nm) to the fi nale fi nishes with a prize-giving cel- part in the previous six editions, The opening ceremony at Al ahead of the fi rst in-port race. water-sports enthusiasts, with board the boats, with the winner in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, ebration in Dubai on March 1.

Friday, February 17, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

HORSE RACING Black Beach steps up well to clinch Wathnan Cup Trainer Jassim Ghazali has three winners in a packed 10-race card, Ibrahim al-Malki and Bustawi Ismail win two each

By Sports Reporter Doha

halifa bin Sheail al- Kuwari’s Black Beach stepped up well win- ning the 1900m KWathnan Cup, a Class 2 race for Thoroughbreds, on the dirt track at the Qatar Racing and Eques- trian Club yesterday. The win was Champion Train- er Jassim Ghazali’s third on the day, having already won with Hussain Ali Bukanan’s Emaad and Shadow Game, also owned by Leading Owner al-Kuwari, earlier in the evening. Rains over the last few days made the going sloppy on the track. Pier Convertino had Black Beach, a dual winner on the sur- face last season but in 1200m sprints, stay on the outside be- hind early leaders — Al Shaqab Racing’s Baitha Alga and Mubar- ak al-Khayarin-trained Spongy. On the home straight, Spongy’s run weakened while early pace left Ibrahim al-Malki-trained Baitha Alga exposed even as Black Beach and Mohamed al-Ram- zani-trained Karraar, ridden by Alberto Sanna, made their move. At the post, Black Beach won Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) vice-chief steward Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi (fifth from right) and head of Media Saad Mubarak al-Hajri (second from right) with the winners of the Wathnan Cup after Black by three-fourths of a length, Beach won the 1900m race at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim while Qatari jockey Faleh Bugha- naim guided Baitha Alga to third had one winner on the day in Al owned Amal Al Zaeem won the bin Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: place behind Karraar. Fouz. The four-year-old colt had Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate Ibrahim al-Malki. In the penultimate race of resumed his winning ways having event for fi llies and mares, while Race 4: 1. Kraftwork (Almotasem the day, Emaad won the Class narrowly won a 1200m handicap Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah-owned al-Balushi), 2. Founder (Andrew 3 Thoroughbred Handicap for on this surface last week, and Kraftwork registered his fi rst Elliot), 3. Almasah (Gaetan horses rated 81-95 under Marvin yesterday he beat Mohammed career win in the Class 6 Thor- Faucon), 4. AG Magnum (Adnan Suerland’s ride while al-Malki’s Riyaz-schooled Lastchancelucas oughbred Maiden Plate event. Hawa). Won by: 1 ¼, ½, ¾. Owner: charge First To Post fi nished by a little less than two lengths. Umm Qarn’s Kamila won the Jassim bin Ali al-Attiyah. Trainer: runner-up, ahead of Convertino- Two lengths down, Hadi al- Division 2 Purebred Arabian Bustawi Ismail. helmed Generalship. Ramzani-trained Cueca, ridden Maiden Plate event for fi llies and Race 5: 1. Al Qassam (Gerald Ghazali had a one-two in the by Lukasek, fi nished in the top mares, while Sheikh Faisal bin Avranche), 2. Al Mazyounah Class 4 Thoroughbred Classi- three for the seventh time this Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani’s Al (Xavier Ziani), 3. Taima (Gaetan fi ed Stakes event for horses rated season. Uraiq Weapon made a winning Faucon), 4. Ali Baba (Pier Con- 66-80 with Shadow Game edg- After a good second over the debut in the Local Thoroughbred vertino). Won by: 5, ¾, Nk. Owner: ing out Dubawi Hundred for his same distance from a low draw Maiden Plate event for three- Ali Thamer al-Mehshadi. Trainer: fourth victory overall and second last time round over a month year-olds. Zuhair Mohsen. in Qatar this season. ago, Zuhair Mohsen’s Al Qassam Race 6: 1. Al Fouz (Harry Ridden by JP Guillambert in produced a dominant perform- RESULTS Bentley), 2. Lastchancelucas the silks of al-Kuwari, Shadow ance under Gerald Avranche to Race 1: 1. Kamila (Jean Baptiste (Yousef al-Hajri), 3. Cueca (Tomas Game beat Mansoor Ibrahim al- win the Local Purebred Arabian Hamel), 2. Sahara Sand (Faleh Lukasek), 4. Disco Inferno Mahmood-owned Dubawi colt Handicap event for horses rated Bughanaim), 3. Shohrat Al (Xavier Ziani). Won by: 1 1/2, 2, by a neck. 80 & below. Jazeera (Rashid al-Marri), 4. Al 2 1/2. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail Xavier Ziani was at the helm of Staying right behind Injaaz Mufajaah (Harry Bentley). Won al-Kuwari. Trainer: Mohammed third-placed One More Roman Stud’s Ali Baba and Umm Qarn’s by: 1 ¾, 4, 3. Owner: Umm Qarn. Jassim Ghazali. for trainer Mohammed Riyaz. Taima, Avranche had Ali Thamer Trainer: Alban de Mieulle. Race 7: 1. Shadow Game (JP Al-Malki had two winners on al-Mehshadi’s colt move through Race 2: 1. Amal Al Zaeem (Al- Guillambert), 2. Dubawi Hundred the day with Hassan Ali Abdul- a gap between the early leaders motasem al-Balushi) , 2. Sahabat (Harry Bentley), 3. One More Ro- malik-owned Sky Metro taking on the home straight and pull Kheir (Harry Bentley), 3. Anwaar man (Xavier Ziani), 4. Laafiraaq the Local Thorougbred Handicap away for a brilliant fi ve-length (Gerald Avranche), 4. Fhatima (Jean Baptiste Hamel). Won by: event for horses rated 80 & below victory. Hassan al-Matwi’s Al (Pier Convertino). Won by: 3 ½, Nk, 6, 1 1/2. Owner: Khalifa bin comfortably, and Al Uraiq Weap- Mazyounah fi nished second 3, 4. Owner: Khalifa bin Ali al- Sheail al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim on shedding his maiden status on ahead of Taima in third. Attiyah. Trainer: Bustawi Ismail. Mohammed Ghazali. Jockey Pier Convertino rides Black Beach to victory in the Wathnan Cup at the QREC yesterday. his debut earlier in the evening. In the maiden races that kicked Race 3: 1. Al Uraiq Weapon (Edu- Race 8: 1. Sky Metro (Tomas Tomas Lukasek rode the six- off the day, two wards of Bustawi ardo Pedroza), 2. Al Watan (JP Lukasek), 2. Al Mayeda (Al- Trainer: Ibrahim al-Malki. Baptiste Hamel). Won by: 1, 1 1/2, Sanna), 3. Baitha Alga (Faleh year-old mare to a three-length Ismail shed their maiden status Guillambert), 3. Queen Maouya berto Sanna), 3. Tarablas (Saleem Race 9: 1. Emaad (Marvin Suer- Nk. Owner: Hussain Ali Bukanan. Bughanaim), 4. Upholland (Harry victory over another al-Malki under Almotasem al-Balushi’s (Rashid al-Marri), 4. Deen (Marco Golam), 4. Daleem (Eduardo land), 2. First To Post (Eduardo Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. Bentley). Won by: 3/4, 2, 3 1/2. ward Tarablas. ride. Monteriso). Won by: 7, 7, Hd. Pedroza). Won by: 3, 1 1/4, 1. Pedroza), 3. Generalship (Pier Race 10: 1. Black Beach (Pier Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail al- Younger Ghazali, Mohammed, Khalifa bin Ali al-Attiyah Owner: Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad Owner: Hassan Ali Abdulmalik. Convertino), 4. Djaouad (Jean Convertino), 2. Karraar (Alberto Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali.

SHOOTING USA’s Wallace claims Qatar Open Trap gold

By Yash Mudgal pressed with the facilities here. the eventual winner in the fi - Doha The range is very good and the nal round, in which six shooters targets were also perfect today,” qualifi ed, to fi nish second. said the 2012 Lindenwood Uni- On a day where two young asey Wallace of the USA versity graduate. shooters grabbed the spotlight, made a golden start to the Talking about the level of the it was veteran Hamad Alkendi of season as he won the Trap shooters in the competition UAE, who took the bronze. gold under trying condi- he said: “The competition was The 47-year-old fi nished tionsC at the Qatar Open Shotgun tough as all the shooters were of with a score of 32 in the fi nal to Championship yesterday. top quality, but I kept my cool to take the third place, while Piotr At the Lusail Shooting Range, emerge as the winner.” Kowalczyk of Poland, who led at Wallace shot 10 out of 10 in the The Colorado Springs resident the start with perfect 13 shots, fi nal round against young and received $7,000 in prize money came fourth followed by Thomas upcoming Russian shooter Ni- for yesterday’s win. Ward of Great Britian and Talal kita Egorov, who missed his fi rst “It is always good to win the al-Rashidi of Kuwait. four shots, to win the gold under gold and get some extra bucks as According to the new ISSF clouds and a light drizzle. prize money,” the USA star said rules the shotgun fi nals are Wallace was introduced to with a cheeky smile. changed from the current sem- shotgun shooting at the age of 11 Wallace will be going to India ifi nal-medal match format to a after he was forced in to a wheel- for the fi rst ISSF World Cup of progressive elimination fi nal. chair for almost two years after the year, which begins on Febru- The trap fi nalists were shoot- breaking his hips in an accident. ary 23. Ahead of the tournament, ing in qualifi cation rank order, The 27-year-old was happy to which is being held in New Delhi, with the qualifi cation ranking open his medal account in 2017. the win should serve as a confi - deciding ties for 6th, 5th, 4th “It was my fi rst outing in dence-booster. and 3rd places. All fi nalists have Doha. The conditions were a bit “I am feeling more confi dent to shoot 25 targets with elimina- tough; it was tough to aim the for the New Delhi World Cup tions or medal ronds occurring target as clouds got really dark after today’s win. I hope to carry after 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 targets. there and, in the end, the wind the winning touch to the World Double Trap fi nalists will picked up. But I am very de- Cup.” shoot 15 doubles with elimina- lighted with the win in the very Egorov, the 21-year-old Rus- tions taking place after 15, 20, 25, fi rst tournament of the season,” sian, who came through the 30 and 40 doubles. Wallace said after topping the junior ranks of the national The Double Trap fi nal will be USA’s Casey Wallace (centre) won the men’s Trap gold ahead of Russia’s Nikita Egorovat (left) and UAE’s Hamad Alkendi at the Lusail Shooting fi eld of 33 athletes. “I am im- team, shot four targets less than held tomorrow. Range yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar TK