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ATHLETICS / IAAF DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE Morris equals DL pole vault mark; Ogunode, Haroun third Barshim misses out on podium, while Qatar’s Abubaker Haydar Abdalla books ticket for Rio Olympics

By Satya Rath Doha

packed to the brim crowd, as many as 13 world leading per- formances, four meet records and a record-equalling feat Ain women’s pole vault marked the sea- son-opening Diamond League, the fi rst of the 14-meeting series at the Qatar Sports Club here yesterday. However, it was not a very satisfy- ing day for the local hopes, with high jump star Mutaz Essa Barshim leading the disappointment with a below-par jump. Sprinters Femi Ogunode and the up-and-coming Abdalelah Haroun too could only fi nish third in their respec- tive events. The evening’s highlight was Sandi Morris of US, who equalled the Dia- mond League record with her leap of 4.83 to win the women’s pole vault. The earlier mark was in the name of Greece’s Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou, set at last year’s Paris DL meeting. Morris did attempt a height of 4.93 in her fi nal at- tempt but failed. “I feel so good. I was feeling a bit tired and jet-legged. I landed here after a 20-hour fl ight and hardly had enough time to rest. So this performance in- deed feels incredible,” said Morris. The biggest draw of the evening, Barshim, proved to be the biggest dis- Sandi Morris of the United States equalled the Diamond League record with her appointment for the packed crowd as Qatar’s Abubaker Haydar Abdalla won the regional 800m race to book a ticket to Rio. PICTURES: Jayaram leap of 4.83 to win the women’s pole vault. (AFP) the Qatari, one of the country’s biggest medal hopes in Rio, bowed out from the competition after failing to clear the bar at 2.29m. After clearing 2.26 on his third at- tempt, Barshim failed to clear what should have been a comfortable height for him to continue with his winless streak in the Doha Diamond League American Erik Kynard, the Olympic silver medalist, took the top honours in high jump with a 2.33m clearance, fol- lowed by promising Chinese Guowei Zhang (2.31) with Marco Fassinotti of Italy coming third (2.29). Barshim, however, said he wasn’t disappointed. “It’s all part of the plan. This being the Olympic year, I am tak- ing things slow. Last year, I peaked early and by July I was practically dead. I am not going to repeat that mistake this year. The idea is to take things slow and Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim cleared 2.26m in the men’s high jump competition and said steady. I thank the fans for cheering me that he was taking things “slow” to peak in time for the Olympics. on. I promise not to disappoint them in In women’s 100m, Tori Bowie (second from left) of the United States won with a world leading and meet record timing of Rio,” the Qatari jumper, who won the low his personal best of 44.27, but he the fi rst time. The crowd and atmos- 10.80 to finish ahead of pre-race favourite Dafne Schippers (second from right) of the Netherlands, bronze in London 2012, said. didn’t sound overtly concerned. “It was phere was great.” It was also a disappointing showing not a bad race. I tried to chase LaShawn It was a Kenyan sweep in men’s of the season. I will go back home and Qatar’s Abubaker Haydar Abdalla won 110m Hurdles: 1. Omar McLeod (Jam) from Qatari sprinter Femi Ogunode, who but he was quite fast. Next stop for me 1500m with three-time world cham- just keep training hard. This is the Ol- the regional 800m race, not part of the 13.05; 2. Hansie Parchment (Jam) 13.10; could only fi nish third in men’s 200m will be the Eugene Diamond League,” pion Asbel Kiprop keeping his domi- ympic year and I want to peak by July.” Diamond League in Doha but serving 3. Orlando Ortega (ESP) 13.12 with a rather slow 20.10. Ameer Webb of said Haroun. nance intact with a world leading time Christian Taylor’s love aff air with as an Olympic qualifying race, with a Discus Throw: 1. Piotr Malachowski the USA won the race at 19.85, followed LaShawn said everything went as he of 3:32.15, followed by compatriots El- Doha continued as he won the triple personal best time of 1:45.28 to book (Pol) 68.03m; 2. Philip Milanov (Bel) by Panama’s Alonso Edward (20.06). had planned. “I executed the race as I ijah Motonei (3:33.67) and Silas Kipla- jump competition with a world leading a ticket to Rio. “I am so happy. I have 67.26m; 3. Victor Hogan (SA) 65.59m “This was my fi rst 200m race of wanted to. It was a bit humid today but gat (3:33.86). 17.23m leap, which came on his sixth qualifi ed for the Olympics and this is the season and I can’t say I am disap- the conditions were the same for eve- “I won’t read too much into this tim- attempt. It was well below the reigning also my personal best timing. I will WOMEN pointed. I made a mistake at the turn ryone. My focus is on the US Olympic ing as it’s just the start of the season Olympic champion’s personal best of train hard to improve further. It feels 100m: 1. Tori Bowie (USA) 10.80; 2. and that’s what cost me a better fi nish. Trials in July and I think I am on the and there’s a long way to go. I always 18.21 but was enough to take him past great to win before my home fans. Dafne Schippers (Ned) 10.83; 3. Veronica I am going to work on it now. I promise right track,” said the American. enjoy running in Doha. The crowd, as China’s Bin Dong (17.07) and Cuban Campbell-Brown (10.91) I shall push myself hard for a medal at The evening’s big upset came in always, was superb,” said 2008 Olym- Alexis Copello (16.98). RESULTS 400m Hurdles: 1. Eilidh Doyle (GBR) the Rio Olympics. I thank all my fans for women’s 100m when the up-and- pic champion Kiprop. “I love competiting in Doha, I love MEN 54.53; 2. Kemi Adekoya (Brn) 54.87; 3. being there and cheering me on,” said coming Tori Bowie, who won the In women’s shotput, Tia Brooks of the crowd, I love the atmosphere, and High Jump: 1. Erik Kynard (USA) 2.33m; Kaliese Spencer (Jam) 55.02 Ogunode, whose 200m personal best bronze at last year’s Beijing Worlds, US opened her outdoor season with a I am happy to win here again. This is 2. Guowei Zhang (Chn) 2.31m; 3. Marco Pole Vault: 1. Sandi Morris (USA) 4.83m; stands at 19.97. stunned the quality fi eld with a world personal best throw of 19.48m, in her where I got my fi rst 18-plus jump.” Fassinotti (Ita) 2.29m 2. Nicole Buchler (Sui) 4.78m; 3. Katerina It was also a not-so-happy outing leading and meet record timing of 10.80 third attempt, to win ahead of Hun- South African Caster Semenya won 400m: 1. LaShawn Merritt (US) 44.41; 2. Stefanidi (Gre) 4.73m for Qatar’s latest sprint prospect, the to fi nish ahead of pre-race favourite gary’s Anita Marton (19.22) and Emel the women’s 800m with a world lead- Machel Cedenio (TTO) 44.68; 3. Abdal- ShotPut: 1. Tia Brooks (USA) 19.48m; 19-year-old Abdalleleh Haroun, in the Dafne Schippers of the Netherlands, Dereli of Turkey (18.57). Brooks’ com- ing time of 1:58.26 to serve an early leleh Haroun (Qat) 44.81 2. Anita Marton (Hun) 19.22m; 3. Emel men’s 400m. Running his fi rst Dia- the reigning 200m world champion. patriot Michell Carter, the pre-event warning to her Olympic rivals. “My 1500m: 1. Asbel Kiprop (Ken) 3:32.15; 2. Dereli (Tur) 18.57m mond League race in his home city, Ha- Schippers came second at 10.83, fol- favourite, dropped out after her third next race will be in Rabat and I plan to Elijah Motonei Manangoi (Ken) 3:33.67; Triple Jump: 1. Caterine Ibarguen (Col) roun led for the better part of the race lowed by veteran Jamaican Veronica throw of 17.83. do three more races before the Olym- 3. Silas Kiplagat (3:33.86) 15.04m; 2. Yulimar Rojas (Ven) 14.92m; 3. before being overtaken by former Ol- Campbell-Brown at 10.91. “It feels great to start the season with pics. My training has been going on Triple Jump: 1. Christian Taylor (USA) Olga Rypakova (Kaz) 14.61m ympic and two-time world champion Bowie was ecstatic with her win. “I a win,” said Brooks, while adding that really well and I am feeling good with 17.23m; 2. Dong Bin (Chn) 17.07; 3. Alexis Javelin Throw: 1. Sunette Viljoen LaShawn Merritt of the US, and Trini- gave this race in Doha my everything. her target is to cross the 20m barrier. my body,” said Semenya, the reigning Copello (Cub) 16.98 (SA) 65.14m; 2. Kathryn Mitchell (Aus) dad and Tobago’s Machel Cedenio in This is the Olympic year and every win “It’s defi nitely possible. Everything has Olympic silver medalist. 3000m Steeplechase: 1. Conseslus 63.25m; 3. Lu Huihui (Chn) 62.42m the fi nal stretch. Merritt’s winning time adds to your confi dence. I think I am a been going on fi ne till now. I want to Reigning world champion Almaz Kipruto (Ken) 8:05.13; 2. Jairus Kipchoge 800m: 1. Caster Semenya (SA) 1:58.26; of 44.41 was well below his personal much better runner now than I was last peak at the Olympics.” Ayana won the women’s 3000m with Birech (Ken) 8:08.28; 3. Abraham Kibi- 2. Habitam Alemu (Eth) 1:59.14; 3. Eunice best of 43.65, while second-placed season, thanks to my coach,” she said. Carter didn’t sound much concerned a world leading time of 8:23.11 in the wott (Ken) 8.09.25 Jepkoech Sum (Ken) 1:59.74 Cedenio’s timing of 44.68 was his best Schippers rued her start. “I think though. “I was not at my best today. My evening’s fi nal race to make a perfect 200m: 1. Ameer Webb (USA) 19.85; 2. 3000m: 1. Almaz Ayana (Eth) 8:23.11; 2. of the season. I ran a perfect race but for my start. It timing was completely off . But I am not start to her outdoor season. Alonso Edward (Pan) 20.06; 3. Femi Mercy Cherono (Ken) 8:26.36; 3. Gelete Haroun’s timing of 44.81 too was be- was a great feeling racing in Doha for concerned because this is just the start In a side race earlier in the evening, Ogunode (Qat) 20.10 Burka (Eth) 8:28.49 Gulf Times 2 Saturday, May 7, 2016 SPORT

Sights from 2016 IAAF Diamond League Doha BOXING Khan hoping to ‘do a Leicester’ on Alvarez AFP Las Vegas

mir Khan is taking in- spiration from Leices- ter City’s remark- able Premier League titleA triumph as he prepares for a daunting battle with World Box- ing Council middleweight cham- pion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in Las Vegas today. The 29-year-old Khan will choosing to fi ght Alvarez. American high jumper Erik Kynard celebrates his win with the fans at Qatar Sports Club stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: Jayaram start as a massive underdog when “Initially I didn’t like the fi ght. he climbs into the ring to face But I hadn’t seen Amir. So when the hard-hitting Alvarez at the he came to camp I was surprised gambling haven’s sparkling new to see how much he had grown,” 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena. Hunter said. Khan, who normally fi ghts at “Middleweights can knock welterweight, is stepping up by out heavyweights. I don’t think two divisions to face Alvarez, the weight will be that much of a destructive puncher who has a factor. I think the weight might compiled an impressive 46-1 be a bit exaggerated in terms of record with 32 knockouts. Canelo’s eff ectiveness.” The world title showdown Khan’s corner will hope the is billed as a classic contrast of Briton’s mesmerizing hand styles, pitting the elusiveness and speed will give him the advantage speed of Khan (31-3, 19 knockouts) against Alvarez, whose only de- against the brute strength of the feat came against another fi ghter naturally bigger Alvarez. with similar skills, the now re- But in a week when the ex- tired Floyd Mayweather, in 2013. ploits of 5,000-1 shots Leices- The fi ght could hinge on ter have captivated the sporting whether Khan will be able to world, Khan believes he is able to stick and move for 12 rounds Qatar's Abdalleleh Haroun (second from right) finished third in the men's 400m event behind write another fairytale win. while simultaneously avoiding Qatar's Femi Ogunode arrives for the meet. American winner LaShawn Merritt (second from left) and Machel Cedenio (right). “I’m seen as the underdog in Alvarez’s heaviest body blows. this fi ght against Canelo but I Alvarez is confi dent he will be feel this is the year of the under- able to hunt down an opponent dog,” Khan said after arriving in who continues to face questions Las Vegas this week. about his chin after more than a “What Leicester City achieved decade as a professional. is absolutely amazing. You would “I’m very happy with the work have been called crazy if you that I’ve done—he’s a very fast, thought that Leicester would win elusive, tricky fi ghter. I know the the title at the start of the sea- work I’ve done and I’m confi dent son—it’s such an inspiring story. I can go in there and break him “I’m defi nitely going to use that down,” Alvarez said. to help me. I’m ready to shock the “He will be surprised. Many world and beat Canelo. I know I’m think it’s just about my power ready for this fi ght and want to get but when they get in the ring they in the ring right now.” realise that’s not all there is.” Yet the bullishness of the chal- Alvarez’s trainer Chepo Rey- lenger cannot mask the fact that noso acknowledged Khan’s even his trainer, the San Fran- trademark speed. “Yes, he’s cisco-based Virgil Hunter, was fast—but Saul also is not a tur- sceptical about the wisdom of tle,” Reynoso warned.

SPOTLIGHT

South Africa's Caster Semenya (left) won the women's 800m event ahead of Ethiopia's Habitam Alemu Kenyan Conseslus Kipruto (second from right) won the men's (centre) and Kenya's Eunice Jepkoech Sum (second from right). 3,000m steeplechase event. Sports event ban clouds S Africa’s tourism revival

Reuters output and supports over 1.5 mil- Johannesburg lion jobs, and the World Travel and Tourism Council estimates it will contribute more than 380 weak rand and a gov- billion rand this year. ernment U-turn on re- A 25 percent fall in the rand in strictive visa rules are 2015 has also helped this process. helping South Africa’s South Africa’s tourism capital tourismA sector to stage a strong Cape Town is the lowest-priced recovery after a shaky 2015. of 32 long haul destinations sur- But a ban aff ecting the coun- veyed in this year’s UK Post Of- try’s international sports teams fi ce Holiday Money Report, and over their failure to fi eld more the third cheapest overall for black players risks setting the in- British tourists. dustry—an increasingly vital cog Ethiopia's Almaz Ayana won the women's 3,000m event. Kenya's Asbel Kiprop and Elijah Motonei Manangoi finished first and second respectively in men's 1,500m. in a struggling economy — back A SPORTING CHANCE? again. The favourable fi nances helped Foreign visitors dropped near- lure hundreds of cricket fans to ly 7 percent last year, partly due the city at the end of last year FOCUS to new visa regulations requiring to support the touring English children to travel with full birth team. certifi cates and visitors from “This ‘Barmy Army’ high- some countries, including China, lighted how much sport events to appear in person at a South and tournaments can boost Kipchoge heads Kenya’s Rio marathon African embassy, often requiring tourism in the short term,” Cape lengthy journeys. Town tourism CEO Enver Du- The government relaxed those miny said. rules in October, and Tourism “This fan ‘invasion’ coincided squad but record holder Kimetto out Minister Derek Hanekom said with the drop in the exchange on Tuesday that the industry, rate, so it was a surprise benefi t which was also hit by health fears to those travelling at the time.” Reuters “They have been given up to Tuesday sparked by an Ebola outbreak in But in a country that often Nairobi to confi rm availability in the team,” Ath- West Africa last spring, was on punches above its weight on the letics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei told the mend. international sporting stage, reporters at the AK headquarters in Nai- “More than ever before, gov- administrators are worried that liud Kipchoge, winner of the robi yesterday. ernments around the world are politics may compromise their last two London Marathons, has Kipchoge confi rmed his readiness to looking to tourism for economic ability to stage major events in been named in a preliminary represent Kenya in Rio. growth. South Africa is no diff er- future. Kenyan squad for the Rio Olym- “I really need that thing (Olympic ent,” Hanekom told parliament. Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula pics,E but there was no place for world gold). I am fi t and I will train normally “Tourism is recovering rap- said on April 25 that, because record holder Dennis Kimetto. because I have to remain fi t now and eve- idly from last year’s decline (and) their teams remain largely white London Marathon winner Jemima rything will fall in place,” Kipchoge, 31, 2016 promises to be a year of more than two decades after the Sumgong heads the women’s list for who won London in 2:03:05, the second- strong growth.” end of apartheid, the country’s Kenya, who will pick three men and three fastest time ever, told Reuters by phone Over 1 million tourists arrived cricket, rugby, athletics and women to send to Rio. from his base in Eldoret, about 350kms in South Africa in January, up 15 netball federations would not be World record holder Kimetto did not northwest of Nairobi. percent year on year, and the in- allowed to bid for international make the cut for the men, however, hav- Kipchoge and Keitany also won the crease was 18 percent in Febru- tournaments. ing failed this year to reproduce the form 2015/2016 World Marathon Majors over- ary. Arrivals from China, where The ban could scupper South that made him the only man ever to break all title after accumulating the most authorities now let agencies ap- Africa’s hopes of hosting the two hours and three minutes, which he the Chicago, Tokyo, Rome and Eindhov- Sumgong is joined on the women’s points in the series of big city marathons ply for visas on behalf of travel- 2023 rugby World Cup. did in Berlin in 2014. en marathons, Cyprian Kotut, a winner of side by Florence Kiplagat, who won the including the Tokyo, London, Boston, lers, doubled over the period. The Tourism Business Council Instead, Athletics Kenya named Kip- the Paris Marathon, and Martin Lel also Chicago marathon last October, Mary Chicago, Berlin and New York City races. In 2013, tourism’s direct con- says that, while redressing im- choge, Stanley Biwott, runner up in Lon- made the list. Keitany, who was second in London last Sumgong, 31, survived a big fall in last tribution to South Africa’s now balances created by decades of don last month, and Wesley Korir, who A member of the selection panel said month but won the same race in 2012, month’s London Marathon to win the ailing economy was 104 billion segregation under apartheid is won the Boston Marathon in 2012 and Kipchoge, Biwott and Korir—who is also a and Joyce Chepkirui. Kiplagat, Keitany race. She has also won in Rotterdam, Las rand, about 2.9 percent of GDP. important, this should not be at came fourth in the same race last month. member of parliament—would be on the and Sumgong are favourites to make the Vegas and has been runner-up in Boston, The sector now accounts for the expense of an economy seen Dickson Chumba, a previous winner of team, while the others would be reserves. trip to Rio. Chicago and New York. more than 9 percent of economic growing just 0.9 percent this year. Gulf Times Saturday, May 7, 2016 3 FOOTBALL

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT Ranieri urges no Fellaini ban adds Leicester let-up to Van Gaal ‘Inside me there are two people. One is a very aggressive, I want to win, I won the Premier League but now I want to win on Saturday’ selection

AFP FIXTURES London headache (1400 GMT unless stated) eicester City may be able to let AFP points behind fourth-placed their hair down now they have se- Today Manchester Manchester City, but Van Gaal’s cured one of sport’s most unlikely Aston Villa vs Newcastle, Bournemouth side do have a game in hand and triumphs in winning the Premier vs West Brom, Crystal Palace vs Stoke, third-placed Arsenal could do LLeague but manager Claudio Ranieri arouane Fellaini’s them a huge favour by winning Leicester vs Everton (1630 GMT), Nor- wants no let-up from his champions. wich vs Manchester United (1145 GMT), suspension for to- at Eastlands tomorrow. Fans at the King Power Stadium on Sunderland vs Chelsea, West Ham vs day’s trip to strug- Facing Norwich might bring Saturday will have Ranieri’s fellow Italian Swansea gling Norwich City back bad memories for Van Andrea Bocelli, one of the world’s leading Tomorrow hasM added to Louis van Gaal’s Gaal, who looked to be on the tenors, to serenade them before kick-off Liverpool vs Watford (1500 GMT), Man- problems as the Manchester verge of the sack after Alex and after the match skipper Wes Morgan chester City vs Arsenal (1500 GMT), United manager looks to se- Neil’s side won 2-1 in the re- will collect the Premier League trophy— Tottenham vs Southampton (1230 cure a place in the Champions verse fi xture at Old Traff ord in fi nal proof that the 5,000/1 pre-season GMT) League. Fellaini was charged December. outsiders have indeed clinched the title. with violent conduct by the “It is always diffi cult to play But in between they face Everton, with English Football Association for against a team fi ghting to main- the Merseyside club’s manager Roberto match where a full-time melee could yet elbowing Robert Huth after the tain their place in the Premier Martinez desperate for a win that will help see the FA take disciplinary action—be- Leicester City defender pulled League,” Van Gaal added. take the Toff ees into the top half of the hind them at home to manager Mauricio his hair during last Sunday’s 1-1 “That is no excuse, we have table and lessen the calls from angry fans Pochettinho’s former club Southampton. draw at Old Traff ord. to cope with that. They won at demanding the Spaniard be replaced at Spurs are at least assured of a Cham- The Belgium midfi elder’s Old Traff ord, so we have to take Goodison Park. pions League place, with two of their conduct has earned him a revenge. “Inside me there are two people. One is top four rivals going head-to-head when three-match ban, meaning he “It shall be a very tough a very aggressive, I want to win, I won the Manchester City face Arsenal tomorrow. will miss all of United’s remain- game, but in spite of that we Premier League but now I want to win on City will still be smarting from ing Premier League fi xtures, have to win.” Saturday,” said Ranieri. Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid although he could return for Norwich boss Neil drew posi- Martinez said he did not expect in the semi-fi nals of the Champions the FA Cup fi nal against Crystal tives form his side’s display at Leicester to ease up after several days League as manager Manuel Pellegrini’s Palace on May 22. Arsenal last weekend but a nar- of rejoicing that started when second- time at Eastlands—he will be replaced by With Fellaini absent at Car- row 1-0 defeat did nothing to placed Tottenham’s draw with Chelsea Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola next row Road and Van Gaal keen to ease their relegation concerns. on Monday meant they could no longer season—draws to a close. freshen up his team, the Dutch- With Newcastle United and catch the Foxes. Manchester United travel to relega- man is planning changes for the Sunderland—the other con- “I’m sure any sort of celebration could tion-threatened Norwich in a must-win trip for the Norwich clash. tenders in the three-way bat- aff ect you in the long term if you had to game for both sides. “We have to assess the tired- tle to avoid the two remaining face a diffi cult month. In a 90-minute United are four points off a top four ness of the players because relegation places—both picking game where the stadium is going to be place and manager Louis van Gaal is there’s an overload of matches, up points, Norwich dropped to an historic environment, I’m sure that convinced a debilitating pre-Christmas so maybe I have to rotate,” Van 19th place, two points adrift of can only be positive for the home team,” injury list damaged their chances this Gaal said. safety. Martinez said. term. “But now Fellaini is suspend- It was also Norwich’s third Leicester’s Robert Huth will miss to- “I can only say that in the end of No- ed so I have to change my line- successive defeat and, having day’s game after admitting a Football As- vember we had fi rst position, after that up. Every week you have some- moved clear of the danger zone sociation charge of violent conduct for we had a big decline. These are the facts,” thing that you don’t like, but I last month, they now appear pulling the hair of Manchester United’s Van Gaal said. “Also the injuries are a think we can manage.” to be on a downward slide that Marouane Fellaini in a 1-1 draw at Old fact.” Sunderland will continue their bid Fellaini has been largely un- could lead to an immediate re- Traff ord last weekend. to climb out of the bottom three at home distinguished during a United turn to the Championship. Fellaini, who reacted by striking Huth to Chelsea while Newcastle, just above season that is likely to rank as With three games remaining, with an elbow, was also banned for three the drop zone, travel to already relegated a disappointment even if they Norwich need a lift, but centre- games and will miss United’s end to the Aston Villa. beat Palace at Wembley. back Russell Martin remains Premier League season, although the Palace, still not mathematically safe The lack of a serious Premier confi dent they can survive. Belgian midfi elder will be available for from relegation, face Stoke at Selhurst League title challenge allied to “Newcastle have got two the FA Cup fi nal against Crystal Palace. Park. some uninspiring football is the games left. For Sunderland, Tottenham, who were last crowned Liverpool, fresh from reaching the Eu- reason for the disquiet among it’s a big ask for them to win all File photo of Leicester City’s Italian football manager Claudio Ranieri (L) being champions of England back in 1961, will ropa League fi nal after beating Villarreal the club’s supporters, and yet three of their games,” Martin cheered by crowds of waiting fans as he arrives for lunch at an Italian restaurant in look to put the crushing disappoint- at Anfi eld on Thursday, host Watford to- United are fi nishing the season said. the centre of Leicester on May 3. ment of their draw at Stamford Bridge—a morrow. strongly. “So we win on Saturday be- Van Gaal’s team have won six fore they have both played and out of eight matches since be- we go back above them both. SPL ing knocked out of the Europa It’s as simple as that. And that’s League at the quarter-fi nal what we have to go and do. stage by Liverpool and vic- “Win against Manchester tory in their fi nal three league United and we go back above Celtic want to clinch title in style, says Sviatchenko matches may just be enough to our rivals, it puts the pressure snatch fourth place. back on them and we’ll still have There is little room for error a game in hand over Newcas- AFP “It’s important to enjoy a victory to- situation to have 11 months apart from what helps us through and that’s what on that front, as United are four tle—just like Sunderland. Glasgow gether and sing and cheer together,” said winning the Danish championship and wins championships in the end.” Sviatchenko, signed from Midtjylland in be close to the Scottish. Elsewhere on Saturday, Hibernian January. “I came here and said I wanted to win host Raith Rovers at Easter Road in the eltic defender Erik Sviatch- “It’s our job to give the fans a per- something and to be remembered for be- second leg of their Premiership play-off enko has promised to clinch the formance but we have to be a unit. Eve- ing part of a team that wins something, quarter-fi nal tie. The Edinburgh side Scottish Premiership champi- ryone is together at Celtic so we’ll do our so quite quickly we have done that.” must overcome a 1-0 defi cit from the onship in style when they en- best to have a good game. Team-mate Leigh Griffi ths says while fi rst leg if they are to keep their dreams tertainC Aberdeen at Parkhead tomorrow. “It’s a good story that we will be the Celtic players have enjoyed watch- of reaching the top fl ight alive. The Glasgow giants all but secured their facing Aberdeen at the weekend and ing unfancied Leicester City win the fi fth title in a row with a 3-1 win over Hearts if we get the result we want it’ll be a Premier League title in England they are Fixtures (1400 GMT unless other- last weekend but the Dons’ 4-1 thrashing of good one.” Celtic have only won five keen that the same thing doesn’t happen wise stated) Motherwell temporarily suspended Celtic’s titles in a row twice before in their in Scotland. offi cial confi rmation as champions. 138-year history and the Danish de- “That’s why football is the best sport Today However, the Hoops hold a nine-point fender is keen to match the record set in the world, but we don’t want any un- Dundee vs Hamilton Academical, advantage with three games left and a by former managers Willie Maley and derdogs to win the league up here. We Hearts vs Ross County, Kilmarnock goal diff erence that is vastly superior to Jock Stein. want it to be us,” the Scottish striker vs Partick Thistle, Motherwell vs St Aberdeen’s, meaning the title is fi rmly in “To win fi ve titles in a row is unbeliev- said. Johnstone the Glasgow club’s grasp. able and it’s not something that happens “That’s the most important thing. Premiership play-off quarter-final, A point would be enough for Ronny everywhere every day, so people cherish Aberdeen ran us close again but, ulti- second leg Deila’s side against Aberdeen on Sunday that achievement and it’s important to mately, we’re going to be champions at Hibernian vs Raith Rovers (1130 GMT— and Danish defender Sviatchenko says talk about it because it’s a big thing for the end of the season. Raith lead 1-0 on aggregate) the players will put on a performance to the club,” Sviatchenko said. “I came as a “It’s all about team unity and our Tomorrow please the supporters. champion from Denmark and it’s a nice squad has a great team spirit. That’s Celtic vs Aberdeen (1130 GMT) Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

BOTTOMLINE Chelsea turn attention to lowly Sunderland

AFP into mass confrontations between the Oscar has already paid the price for “I like matches like that when they’re “It’s the biggest surprise apart from He certainly expects them to cope London two teams and both clubs were subse- his failure to secure more regular play- very hard and there is so much rivalry Leicester winning the league,” he said. much better than Tottenham did on quently charged by the Football Associ- ing time by being omitted from Brazil’s between the two teams. It allows me “You would not have said Leicester Monday when their draw against Chel- ation for failing to control their players. squad for this year’s Copa America, al- to fi nd my best form. It’s football at its would sustain what they were doing and sea cost them any chance of the title. fter ending Tottenham Hot- Now Newcastle United and Norwich though Willian, one of the few at Stam- best,” he said. you wouldn’t have said Chelsea would “You can see what pressure does. The spur’s Premier League title City—Sunderland’s rivals in the fi ght ford Bridge to impress this season, has “Recently I have rediscovered the keep going as they were. fi rst example is of Spurs losing control challenge on Monday, Chelsea to avoid relegation—will hope Chelsea been selected. pleasure to play. When you’re injured “Chelsea have now pulled away from under that pressure. Perhaps it is be- can have a major infl uence on maintain that level of desire when they Conte will also have noted Eden Haz- it’s hard to get that pleasure back. I the bottom, but it has been a poor season cause they are such a young team,” Al- Aevents at the other end of the table when visit the Stadium of Light. ard’s belated return to something ap- played 45 minutes and I gave my maxi- by their standards. That doesn’t mean lardyce said. they visit Sunderland today. Chelsea have only pride to play for af- proaching his best, with the Belgium mum. it will be easy for us though, especially “Maybe that’s why they lost the plot There was no doubting the motiva- ter a disastrous title defence and under- midfi elder scoring his fi rst league goals “It’s been a complicated season for when you see Eden Hazard’s perform- because you don’t normally see a Tot- tion of Guus Hiddink’s side in Monday’s whelming Champions League campaign. of the season against Bournemouth and Chelsea and for me. It hasn’t been like ance on Monday.” tenham team going around hacking a 2-2 draw against Tottenham, when they But with Antonio Conte waiting in the then immediately adding another when last season but we have three matches A full house is guaranteed for a game team like they did. were clearly driven to prevent their Lon- wings to take charge after he has taken he secured the draw that denied Spurs. left and we want to fi nish well by win- when all the pressure will be on third- “That’s the last thing we want to see don rivals becoming champions and in Italy to Euro 2016, a number of players Hazard admits he has endured a trou- ning all three.” bottom Sunderland, who are one point in our last three games, we want to see the process gift-wrapped the title for will be concerned they need to make an bled season but believes the intensity of Chelsea’s failure to mount another from safety with three games left, but controlled passion, desire, and commit- Leicester City. impression on the incoming coach be- the Tottenham game has helped him re- title challenge this season has stunned Allardyce is certain his players will be ment, but we don’t want to see us lose The explosive clash twice spilled over fore the transfer window opens. turn to form. Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce. able to handle the occasion. control. Gulf Times 4 Saturday, May 7, 2016 FOOTBALL

ACHIEVEMENT FIFA bans two South American scandal offi cials for life

AFP, Zurich: A FIFA tribunal yesterday issued lifetime bans against two South American football off icials who had already pleaded guilty to corruption off ences in US court. The ethics committee adjudicatory chamber barred Sergio Jadue Sevilla, Liverpool of Chile and Luis Bedoya of Colombia, both former senior FIFA of- ficials as well as vice presidents of the South American confedera- tion CONMEBOL, “for life from all football-related activities”, said a FIFA statement. FIFA’s in-house court launched a probe into both men on Decem- ber 4, the day after the pair admitted in a New York court that they had committed racketeering and wire fraud. They are among dozens of off icials and sport marketing execu- set up Europa tives within world football detained as part of an unprecedented scandal that has spurred a massive reform drive within FIFA. Both Jadue and Bedoya “asked for and received bribes from sports marketing companies in relation to the awarding of mar- keting rights” for major South American football tournaments, the League title clash FIFA statement said. FOCUS 'Wonderful night, brilliant game from my side. What a performance'

DPA Spanish race Berlin returns to spotlight olders Sevilla and Liverpool swept into the fi nal of the Europa League with convincing home aft er Euro drama wins yesterday. HSevilla defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 to reach a third consecutive fi nal while DPA “It would be great if we could fi ve-time European champions Liverpool Madrid silence the Camp Nou again. We overcame Villarreal 3-0 in the semi-fi nal still need a point to guarantee our second legs. safety, and Sunday would be a Sevilla booked their fi fth Europa League good day to get it.” fi nal in 11 seasons and are seeking a third fter three nights of Espanyol are 14th, fi ve points Europa League title in a row after a 5-3 ag- mostly successful Euro above the relegation zone. gregate win over Shakhtar. action for Spanish foot- All 10 games will be played at 5 Liverpool overcame a 1-0 fi rst-leg defi - ball — with only Villar- pm (1500 GMT) tomorrow, which cit to crush Villarreal at Anfi eld Road with Areal failing to reach the continen- will be a welcome change for Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana scor- tal fi nals — the spotlight returns many fans after a season in which ing decisive second-half goals. to La Liga with just two rounds of all matches have been played “Wonderful night, brilliant game from matches left. at diff erent times, from Friday my side. What a performance,” Liverpool Spain is enjoying the closest ti- night through to Monday night. manager Juergen Klopp said. tle race in Europe and the closest in “It will be like going back to “The fi rst half an hour was a big emo- La Liga for 32 years, with just one the good old days,” commented tion. It was great. The last 15 minutes of point separating Barcelona, Atleti- radio Marca. the fi rst half we lost patience. The second co Madrid and Real Madrid - with “With every game kicking off half plan was to keep going with the emo- six points left to play for. Barca at fi ve on Sunday, after a nice tional football but using the brain a bit and Atletico are tied on 85 points, siesta following the Sunday more and in the end brilliant.” with the Catalans on top due to the lunch...The radios will be shout- In Sevilla, the defending champi- head-to-head results system used ing out the goals and the changes ons took an early lead against Shakhtar as a tiebreaker in La Liga. Third- in the league standings, just like through France striker Kevin Gameiro in placed Real have 84 points. in the 1970s and 1980s.” the ninth minute when he capitalized on a While Atletico and Real have While Barca take on Espanyol, mistake by Maksym Malyshev. been expending a large part of Atletico visit Levante and Real Eduardo took a neat pass from Brazil- their energy reserves in reach- host Valencia. ian Marlos to side-foot level for Donetsk ing the Champions League fi nal, Atletico should have few prob- just before the break, but Gameiro struck Barcelona have been enjoying lems at Levante given that they shortly after the interval and Mariano Fer- a second straight restful week, are already relegated, with only reira fi red in a third just before the hour to preparing for Sunday’s derby at pride to play for now. put the tie beyond doubt. home to neighbours Espanyol. “We have to win our last two Spain were hoping for another all-Liga “Our plan is to win our last two games and hope that Barca slip fi nal in Basel, Switzerland on May 18 after games and retain the title,” Barca up somehow, that’s all we can Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid reached coach Luis Enrique said. do,” Atletico defender Filipe Luis the Champions League fi nal, but Villarreal “But we know it will not be said. had no answer to a dominant Liverpool. Liverpool players celebrate a goal by Daniel Sturridge during their UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg football match easy. Espanyol always play with a Interestingly, Real have not Liverpool, who had eliminated Borus- against Villarreal CF at Anfield in Liverpool on Thursday. lot of motivation against us.” beaten Valencia in the Bernabeu sia Dortmund in a thriller in the previous Indeed they do. They held Bar- for four years now. round, put the visitors under immediate Villarreal had a better spell after the 71st minute when Victor Ruiz was shown we knew they could get the away goal but ca to an ill-tempered 0-0 draw at Real coach Zinedine Zidane pressure which paid off with an own goal break but went further behind in the 63rd a second yellow card, and Lallana made credit to the lads,” Lallana said. home in January, amid accusa- will be tempted to rest Cristiano from Bruno Soriano in the seventh minute. minute when Sturridge took a pass from it three for the Reds from close range 10 “The lads deserved to be in the fi nal and tions of rough play and bad man- Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Keeper Alphonse Areola got his hand to a Roberto Firmino and found the net with minutes later after fi ne work down the hopefully we can win it. You have to show ners. Casemiro after their recent in- Nathaniel Clyne cross from the right which a shot off the keeper and the inside of the left from Firmino and a miscued Sturridge this competition respect and I feel we have What Barca will be keen to jury problems. went in off captain Soriano at the far post post. shot. done that.” avoid tomorrow is a repeat of Tomorrow will also have after Sturridge just failed to connect. Villarreal were down to 10 men in the “We knew it would be a diffi cult night, the astonishing events of May massive relegation significance, 2007, when Espanyol battled out with getafe hosting Sporting a controversial late 2-2 draw at Gijon, with lowly Granada vis- BOTTOMLINE the Camp Nou - with a memora- iting Sevilla, with Rayo Valle- ble equaliser from little Raul Ta- cano at Real Sociedad and with mudo - amid rumours of massive Deportivo La Coruna going to third-party payments, and thus Villarreal. Europa exploits set Liverpool benchmark: Klopp gifted the title to Real Madrid. The others games will be Eibar Actually, Espanyol striker vs Real Betis, Las Palmas vs Ath- Felipe Caicedo would love that to letic Bilbao and Celta Vigo vs AFP of the return fi xture at a raucous Anfi eld happen again. Malaga. London as Bruno turned Roberto Firmino’s cross into his own net. Sturridge, sliding in, had put the Vil- PROMOTION SHOOTOUT iverpool’s performances in this larreal captain under pressure and he season’s Europa League have il- would go on to put Liverpool ahead in the luminated a path for the team’s 63rd minute, fi nishing coolly from Firmi- future, manager Jurgen Klopp de- no’s scuff ed volley, before setting up Lal- Brighton confi dent Lclared after his side sank Villarreal bril- lana’s third. liantly to reach the fi nal. Klopp had left Sturridge on the bench Liverpool will face holders Sevilla in for Liverpool’s three previous games in ahead of £170mn Basel in May 18 after a Bruno Soriano own the tournament and he praised the inju- goal and eff orts from Daniel Sturridge ry-prone England international for seiz- and Adam Lallana at Anfi eld on Thursday ing his opportunity against Villarreal. Boro showdown secured a resounding 3-0 win and a 3-1 “Great game, great game,” said the aggregate success. German, who has already seen his side go AFP if they win. But with Brighton Liverpool had made an inauspicious down on penalties to Manchester City in London on a 13-match unbeaten run, start to their Europa League campaign this season’s League Cup fi nal. Hughton, who led Newcastle to when Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers “You’ll see now, when Daniel Sturridge promotion from the second tier in last October, but having now eliminated is fi t he’s an unbelievable, unbelievable righton manager Chris 2010, is convinced his team have Augsburg, Manchester United, Borussia striker. Everybody knows this. Hughton says his side enough fi re-power to triumph in Dortmund and Villarreal, they will play in “But even he needs players to play have nothing to fear as the winner-takes-all showdown. their fi rst European fi nal since 2007. with. I knew about his quality before I they prepare to face Mid- “We will be going there with a “To go to a fi nal you need a little a bit came here. Now I know it better. Great dlesbroughB in a Premier League winning mentality and we need of luck in decisive moments, but most of player. Good to have him here.” promotion shoot-out worth at to show enough quality,” Hughton the time you need outstanding perform- Villarreal coach Marcelino, whose least £170 million ($246 million) said. ances,” he told his post-match media side secured a Champions League play- today. “There’s no doubt Middles- conference. off place at the weekend, admitted that Hughton’s team are bidding to brough will be the favourites, “When I came here, the tournament Liverpool had been superior and lauded return to the top fl ight after a 33- but we’ve given ourselves every didn’t sound too nice for people. Three their “huge” intensity. year absence and the rewards are chance. We have been good away draws (actually two). It was a diffi cult But he criticised Hungarian referee bigger than ever due to the lucra- from home for the majority of the group. Viktor Kassai for his handling of a niggly tive new Premier League televi- season. It is a big task but not one “We came through with a nice game in game, in particular the decision to dis- sion deals that start next season. that is impossible.” Russia (beating Rubin Kazan 1-0). That miss centre-back Victor Ruiz after two Financial analysts at Deloitte’s If Brighton are promoted, it will was good. yellow cards in either half. Sports Business Group report that be their fi rst time among the elite “We felt really comfortable in this “We tried hard after the opening goal, teams promoted from the Cham- since 1982-83 — a campaign that tournament. We liked going to diff erent but it was tough against an opponent who pionship this term stand to make ended with relegation and defeat countries and adapting to diff erent cir- played with a huge amount of intensity,” £170 million, with a potential in the club’s only FA Cup fi nal ap- cumstances, diff erent temperatures. I like he said. £290 million on off er if they sur- pearance when they came within this in football. “It was on the margins of the rules at vive their fi rst season in the Pre- a Gordon Smith miskick of de- “The problem we had was around these times, but it was allowed. By the sending mier League. The odds are against feating Manchester United before games (there were) so many other games, off it was game over. Brighton cashing in on that jaw- losing in a replay. so we couldn’t really be focused on this. “You saw what happened. When the dropping prize as Hughton’s third Since then, the south-coast “In 2016 the team showed a lot of times referee was letting so much go, to see a placed team trail second placed club have bounced between the what they’re capable of and what they Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp reacts after his team's win over Villareal on player sent off for those two incidents, Middlesbrough on goal diff erence second, third and fourth tiers, could be capable of in the future. Thursday. you make your own opinions.” heading into the fi nal weekend. escaping relegation to the non- “That’s a really good sign. That’s more The disappointed Marcelino suggested That means Middlesbrough league on the last day of the 1996- important for me as a manager, but then, to have (it) all. Villarreal had procured a stoppage- that Klopp had celebrated Liverpool’s just need to draw in front of 97 season while enduring the when you perform in the right moments, “That’s what we try now (in the fi nal). time lead in last week’s fi rst leg through goals with more zealousness than he their home fans at the Riverside ignominy of having to sell their like we did tonight or against Dortmund Now we are there and it’s a great oppor- substitute Adrian Lopez’s strike, but their would have, which drew a stinging rebuke Stadium to secure promotion, Goldstone Ground due to fi nan- or against United or Augsburg, you want tunity and we will take it.” advantage lasted less than seven minutes from the Liverpool manager. while Brighton will only go up cial problems. Gulf Times Saturday, May 7, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

BUNDESLIGA SPOTLIGHT Indian club owners ‘shocked’ Bayern look to at ban verdicts

AFP Dattaraj Salgaocar, one of New Delhi Goa’s co-owners, even lodged a police complaint that he had been assaulted by Chennaiyin’s heal Euro hurt he owners of one of In- Brazilian international captain dia’s top football teams Elano who was subsequently ar- expressed “shock” yes- rested. terday at being fi ned But after watching video evi- $1.6T million and handed lengthy dence that showed Salgaoacar bans after last season’s play-off was actually the instigator fi nal ended with a punch-up and against Elano, the regulatory claims of match-fi xing. commission banned him for the with league title In a ruling announced late three seasons and imposed a Thursday, a regulatory commis- two-year ban on his co-owner sion also imposed a 15 point pen- Srinivas Dempo. With their dreams of winning the treble now gone, Bayern can still clinch the double alty on FC Goa, eff ectively scup- The commission said it found pering their chances of silverware no evidence to back up the as they also face Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup final in Berlin on May 21 when the next edition of the com- match-fi xing allegations as it petition kicks off in November. ordered Goa to pay a fi ne of 100 In their fi rst reaction, the million rupees (nearly $1.5 mil- team’s owners said yesterday lion) and a further $150,000 to that they were “considering all Chennaiyin FC. options” but held back from The statement from Salgao- confi rming they would appeal. car and Dempo said they were Goa had been leading last De- “surprised and shocked with cember’s ISL fi nal 2-1 until their the order”, especially as they opponents Chennaiyin grabbed believed that the case would an equaliser in the 90th minute be dealt with by a more senior and then scored again in the third body. minute of extra time to complete “We are studying the order a dramatic comeback victory in a and considering all options be- match that was played on Goa’s fore us,” the statement added. home ground. The ISL is a eight-team tour- The fi nal whistle sparked a nament that launched three melee on the pitch which then years ago, seeking to emulate the spread to the dugouts and the success of cricket’s Indian Pre- players’ tunnel, with the victors mier League (IPL). from Chennai accused of taunt- The fi rst two editions have ing their vanquished hosts. featured a combination of In- Goa refused to attend the tro- dian talent and ageing foreign phy presentation ceremony and stars such as Italian legend Ales- several team offi cials alleged that sandro Del Piero and the con- the outcome of the match had troversial French striker Nicolas been fi xed. Anelka.

LIGUE 1 Lyon, Monaco Disappointed Bayern Munich players leave the pitch after their UEFA Champions League meet in Champions semi-final, second-leg football match against Atletico Madrid in Munich on May 3. League decider

AFP Lyon were the runners-up Paris to Paris Saint-Germain AFP With 27 league goals this season, Ingolstadt’s defence has conceded and are assured of a European place next last season, while Monaco Munich Lewandowski is the league’s top scorer, just 37 goals this season—only Bayern, season—at least the Europa League—for came in third and ended two clear of nearest rival, Borussia Dort- Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have the fi rst time since 2009. yon can wrap up direct up missing out on the mund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. leaked fewer. But a 21st clean sheet Darmstadt are only two points from qualifi cation for next sea- Champions League group ep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich Bayern have won the league in each for Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer the relegation zone with big-name clubs son’s Champions League stage by losing to Valencia will try to heal their Champions of the last three seasons with games to would give the Germany shot-stopper Werder Bremen, Frankfurt and VfB Stutt- group stage with a win in a play-off League hurt with a win at Ingol- spare, but the destination of this season’s a new Bundesliga record. Second- gart all desperate to avoid the dreaded Lwhen they entertain Monaco on stadt today which would confi rm title has not been decided so late in the placed Borussia Dortmund are away drop. Just a point separates Bremen, who the penultimate weekend of the ter missing last week’s win against aP record fourth straight German league season since 2009/10. to relegation-threatened Eintracht are safe in 15th, from Stuttgart, who are Ligue 1 campaign today. Both Gazelec Ajaccio. title. Bayern could have had the title con- Frankfurt. second from bottom in 17th with Frank- sides are on course to fi nish in the Monaco have problems of their Atletico Madrid advanced to the fi rmed last Saturday with a win over Frankfurt are 16th in the table, a point furt in 16th. Bremen, who have won two top three in France but both are own, though, with Brazilian right- Champions League fi nal on away goals at Borussia Moenchengladbach, but were from safety with two games left, while of their last four games, are at mid-table desperate to avoid ending the sea- back Fabinho suspended and mid- Bayern’s expense on Tuesday despite los- held at home to a 1-1 draw. Dortmund are the only side unbeaten in Cologne, but only escaped the bottom son in third spot, and thus having fi eld duo Jeremy Toulalan and Joao ing the second leg of their semi-fi nal 2-1 Ingolstadt is 60 kilometres from Mu- the top fl ight in 2016. three with a 6-2 thrashing of VfB Stutt- to come through two qualifying Moutinho both struggling for fi t- in Munich having triumphed 1-0 in Spain nich and the hosts, who are currently Dortmund have won all four of their gart on Monday. rounds to make the Champions ness. last week. It was Bayern’s third consecu- ninth, are relishing facing their illustri- matches since losing 4-3 to Liverpool in Stuttgart, who have one win in their League proper. Lyon were the “This match is a fi nal, it will be tive Champions League exit at the semi- ous neighbours in their last home game the Europa League quarter-fi nals—their last ten games, are home to high-fl ying runners-up to Paris Saint-Ger- decisive,” admitted Monaco coach fi nal stage. With their dreams of win- this season. “I can imagine that a few only defeat this year. Mainz. main last season, while Monaco Leonardo Jardim, whose team will ning the treble now gone, Bayern can still fans only bought season tickets just so Borussia have scored a league-high 80 came in third and ended up miss- be supported in Lyon by Prince clinch the double as they also face Borus- they could come to this game,” said In- goals this season, fi ve more than Bayern, Fixtures (all times 1330 GMT) ing out on the Champions League Albert. sia Dortmund in the German Cup fi nal in golstadt’s assistant coach Michael Henke. and are one short of the club record of 81, Today group stage by losing to Valencia “We want to fi nish second and Berlin on May 21. “When you play an opponent like that, set in the 2012/13 season. Schalke vs Augsburg, Borussia in a play-off . qualify directly for the Champi- “We still have two major aims this sea- you only have a chance if you’re cheeky Hertha Berlin are winless in their last Moechengladbach vs Bayer Leverkusen, The two teams come into the ons League but they are a good son and I hope that we win the remaining and brave. six games and have lost all of their last Hamburg vs VfL Wolfsburg, VfB Stutt- weekend level on points, but team and are used to playing in big three games and can celebrate the Ger- “For our fans, and the last home game four as they prepare to host Darmstadt in gart vs Mainz, E. Frankfurt vs Borussia Lyon’s superior goal diff erence is matches.” man title and the German Cup,” said Bay- of the season, we’ll give it all we have.” their bid to climb back into the top four. Dortmund, Cologne vs Werder Bremen, such that a win in front of a near- If either team slips up, Saint- ern striker Robert Lewandowski. This will be Guardiola’s fi nal away The slide has seen the Berliners drop Hanover 96 vs Hoff enheim, Hertha Berlin 60,000 crowd at the Parc OL Etienne or Nice could yet snatch a “We’re still not champions yet, though, game in the Bundesliga before coaching from third to fi fth. vs Darmstadt, Ingolstadt vs Bayern would rule out Monaco catching podium place. but I hope we will be in Ingolstadt.” Manchester City next season. They can fi nish no lower than seventh Munich them on the fi nal day. The sides meet on the Cote Lyon have the momentum on d’Azur with Les Verts four points their side too, having closed the back in fourth and Nice another BOTTOMLINE gap after being 10 points behind point behind in fi fth. Monaco in late February. Both sides are looking to at least Bruno Genesio’s side have won seal Europa League qualifi cation seven and drawn two of their last but they are under pressure from ‘Get in the kitchen!’: life as a female football referee nine games, while Monaco have Lille, who sit sixth and are in good won just three times over the same form having gone eight league period. That has given Lyon the games unbeaten. AFP fans, Lixy Enriquez says. The male fans yell: “I want to chance to claim the prize of best Frederic Antonetti’s side en- Mexico City take home the assistant.” of the rest in France behind the tertain Guingamp in far northern The reception on the fi eld is not always better. utterly dominant Qatar-owned France but do so without Sofi ane When Virginia Tovar became the fi rst woman to ref- PSG, as OL’s outspoken president Boufal, who is out for the remain- rough tackle, the whistle blows and a foul is eree a top-league men’s match in Mexico in 2004, the Jean-Michel Aulas has been eager der of the campaign with a knee given. “Get back in the kitchen!” the player star player Cuauhtemoc Blanco reportedly yelled at her: to point out. problem. Champions PSG need yells at the referee. “Go and wash the dishes.” In Argentina, referee Salome “It is good to have a fi nal to the just a draw away to relegation- It’s one of the kinder things male players di Iorio says players have asked her to take down their French championship because threatened Gazelec Ajaccio to set a Ahave said to Melany Bermejo, one of the rare women ref- phone numbers when she gets out her notebook. Others Qatar is not part of France,” the new record for the most points in a erees in the macho world of Latin American football. just spit at her. ever-provocative Aulas said. Ligue 1 campaign. Shoved, spat at, insulted and flirted with on the The pressure of verbal abuse turns the job into a psy- “There will therefore be a Marco Verratti is a doubt due field, she and a handful of other women are neverthe- chological as well as a physical challenge. French title up for grabs. That is to a thigh injury as PSG come less close to the top of their profession in men’s foot- Peruvian FIFA female referee Melany Bermejo (L) “Some players do not want female referees and are not what we need to get in our heads up against a Gazelec side who lie ball games. arbitrates footballers a football match at a stadium in adapting to the idea,” Peruvian referee Johanna Vega says. and it will be marvellous for who- one point above the relegation “You have to make double the eff ort a man makes,” Lima on April 24. “I am very serious when I come onto the fi eld,” she ever wins. zone. says Lixy Enriquez, 42, an assistant referee in Mexico. adds. “You have to be a psychologist” to put up with “We know that if we play with If the Corsicans claim a shock Bermejo, a 37-year-old PE teacher, has served as ref- referees registered, according to FIFA’s data. the insults. Bernardo Corujo, president of the Venezue- the necessary mental strength to win, it could spell big trouble for eree at second-division masculine games in her native “For the time being, the women work mainly in wom- lan Referees’ Commission, reckons female referees are win the game, we will be in the the two teams below them, Reims Peru. Like most of her female counterparts around the en’s and youth football or in games with reserve teams, “stricter” than their male counterparts. Champions League,” added Aulas, and Toulouse. world, she has yet to break into the top league, where so or men’s games of indoor football,” said Carlos Coradina, But they have fought a strict, sometimes overtly dis- whose club are unbeaten at their Reims go to Marseille, while far women serve only as lineswomen or fourth offi cials. director of a referees’ training college in Argentina. criminatory, system. impressive new stadium since its Toulouse are at home to already There are exceptions. The president of the Peruvian Referees’ Commission, In Argentina, Florencia Romano went on hunger strike inauguration in January. demoted Troyes. In Uruguay, Claudia Umpierrez, 33, made her top- Julio Arevalo, denied the system was sexist. in 1996 to demand the right to be registered as a profes- “We will see if our players, as fl ight debut in February as a referee in men’s games. Anyone who passes the tests set for male referees by sional referee. well as being good footballers, Fixtures today (kick-off s In Venezuela, Emikar Caldera and Yersinia Correa FIFA and South American football governing body CON- The head of the Argentine Football Association at the are men with superior mental 1900 GMT) have been refereeing such games for three years. MEBOL can do the job, he said. time, Julio Grondona, said it was not “sensible” for a strength. We will also see if Bruno Lille vs Guingamp, Lyon vs Outside Latin America, Gladys Lengwe of Zambia is Those who want to referee men’s matches must be fi t woman to do the job. Romano ended up being accepted Genesio is capable of prepar- Monaco, Marseille vs Reims, among the very few women to have reached the top level enough to keep up with top male athletes charging up anyway. ing the team for the Champions Montpellier vs Rennes, Nice as a referee. In Ukraine, Kateryna Monzul is expected to and down the fi eld. “Male football is very fast and the For women who make the grade, the psychological League because this is a Champi- vs Saint-Etienne, Bordeaux vs do the same. World football body FIFA has 720 women players are very skilled,” says Loreto Toloza, 32, a female pressure can even turn to violence. ons League game.” Lorient, Nantes vs Caen, Bastia registered as referees for professional football games -- assistant referee in Chile. But when a woman does make “One player jumped on me when I gave a foul and he Lyon are set to be without vs Angers, Toulouse vs Troyes, 324 main referees and 396 assistants. the grade, an diff erent challenge begins. didn’t like it,” says Tatiana Guzman, a 28-year-old ref- Corentin Tolisso but Mathieu Val- Gazelec Ajaccio vs Paris Saint- But of 209 national federations, 60 have no female The worst insults from the stands come from women eree in Nicaragua. buena has returned to training af- Germain Gulf Times 6 Saturday, May 7, 2016 SPORT

MLB COYOTES NAME CHAYKA Moss hits longest left y HR NEW GM

Arizona: The Arizona Coyo- tes promoted John Chayka on Thursday, making the 26-year-old Canadian the in Busch history, again youngest general manager in National Hockey League history. Chayka had been Garcia pitched seven shutout innings as Cardinals scampered to a 4-0 victory against Phillies working as the club’s assist- ant general manager, since Reuters joining the club in 2015. Philadelphia “This is an exciting day for me and an exciting opportu- nity,” said Chayka, whose role randon Moss hit the longest was to specialise in analytics. home run by a left-handed The Coyotes also an- batter in Busch Stadium histo- nounced that Gary Drum- ry — 462 feet off the third deck mond will be president of inB right fi eld—and Jaime Garcia pitched hockey operations while seven shutout innings on Thursday, coach Dave Tippett will pacing the St. Louis Cardinals to a 4-0 double in the role of execu- victory against the Philadelphia Phillies tive vice president of hockey in the Major League Baseball. operations. Tippett was given Moss’ seventh homer is the fourth a new five-year contact. longest overall in Busch, which opened Drummond said Chayka in 2006. It came with two outs in the brings a youthful enthusiasm bottom of the fi rst against losing pitch- and a bright mind to the er Jerad Eickhoff and staked Garcia to a table. “We’re very pleased to quick 1-0 lead. The Moss homer is the name John as our new gener- fourth longest this season in the major al manager,” Drummond said. leagues. Garcia took a no-hitter into the “John is among the best and top of the fi fth before allowing singles to brightest minds in hockey. He Cameron Rupp and Tyler Goeddel but is knowledgeable and driven kept the shutout intact. and has an incredible passion for the game. “He brings INDIANS 9, TIGERS 4 an innovative approach to Trevor Bauer and four relievers com- assessing talent and looking bined on a fi ve-hitter and Michael at player development and Brantley had four hits as Cleveland combined with his strong completed a three-game sweep of De- analytics expertise, we feel troit at Progressive Field. that he’s the right choice for Cleveland banged out 16 hits, scor- the direction we want to go ing four runs in the fi rst inning, one in with our franchise.” Chayka the fourth and four in the eighth. The has been deeply involved Indians’ pitchers took it from there. In in all areas of the Coyotes’ the last two games of the series Indians hockey operations since join- pitchers held the Tigers, who rank sec- ing the franchise. ond in the American League in hitting, to a .159 batting average. JAGR SIGNS ONE-YEAR The Indians swept their second DEAL WITH FLORIDA three-game series this season against There seems to be no Detroit. Rookie Michael Fulmer gave up stopping the ageless Jaromir fi ve runs and 10 hits in fi ve innings to Jagr. On Thursday, the Florida take the loss in his second major league Panthers announced that the start for the Tigers. 44-year-old veteran signed a one-year contract extension REDS 9, BREWERS 5 for next season. Sportsnet Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips hit home reported the base value at runs to stake Cincinnati to a seven-run $4 million, with $1.5 million in lead in the second inning, and Alfredo St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Brandon Moss takes off after hitting a solo home run off starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff of Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at potential bonuses. Simon handled Milwaukee over 7 2/3 Busch Stadium during the MLB on Thursday. (USA TODAY Sports) Jagr, the NHL’s oldest ac- innings in a win at Great American Ball tive player, led the Panthers Park. This is the fi rst time Cincinnati gave Baltimore a victory over New York. to medium-deep center. Yelich’s third homer of the season but its third win in a row. this season with 66 points has won consecutive games since beat- Hyun Soo Kim started the winning his second in this series. The Marlins Encarnacion hit a three-run double in 79 games and moved ing Colorado on April 19-20. Alex Pres- rally for the Orioles with a leadoff in- MARLINS 4, DIAMONDBACKS 0 won 10 of their past 11 games for just the on the fi rst pitch he saw from Derek into third on the NHL career ley’s two-run homer with two outs in fi eld single against Johnny Barbato. Kim Adam Conley pitched 5 1/3 scoreless in- fi fth time in franchise history. Arizona Holland in the fi ve-run fi rst inning for points list. He also served as the eighth inning ended Simon’s night. went to third when Jonathan Schoop nings and the Miami bullpen kept up its has lost six games in a row. a three-run double. Encarnacion also a captain for the NHL All-Star Blake Wood relieved Simon and got the followed with a single to left-center. brilliant work of late to defeat Arizona, hit the fi rst pitch from Holland for a Game in January. In the Pan- fi nal out of the inning. Nolan Reimold then came on to sweeping the three-game series at Mar- BLUE JAYS 12, RANGERS 2 three-run home run in the third Hol- thers’ playoff series against pinch-run for Kim, and the Yankees lins Park. Christian Yelich hit a two-run Edwin Encarnacion drove in a season- land allowed 11 hits, three walks (one the New York Islanders, Jagr ORIOLES 1, YANKEES 0 brought in closer Andrew Miller. homer in the eighth for the Marlins to best six runs, J.A. Happ pitched seven intentional) and 11 runs in 2 2/3 innings wasn’t as eff ective. Pedro Alvarez’s 10th-inning sacrifi ce fl y Alvarez greeted Miller with a fl y ball help put the game out of reach. It was innings and Toronto defeated Texas for for the Rangers.

NHL FOCUS Fisher goal downs Sharks Eakin’s strike helps Stars

Reuters mas Hertl at point-blank range. against steady pressure. Nashville Earlier in the second overtime, the Sharks It took Nashville just 41 seconds to start even series with Blues killed a penalty on Joe Thornton. San Jose’s the scoring as Colin Wilson punched a back- Joe Pavelski had a potential game-winning hand home from the doorstep for his fourth Reuters ike Fisher ended the longest goal at 7:34 of the fi rst overtime waved off by postseason goal. Wilson tallied just six St. Louis game in Nashville Predators his- the referees. A replay review confi rmed the regular season goals, but has scored in fi ve tory with a rebound goal at 11:12 call, citing Pavelski for contacting Rinne. straight postseason games. of the third overtime early, giving Nashville outshot the Sharks 11-9 in the San Jose equalized at 3:08 on a wrister by ody Eakin scored just Mthem a 4-3 win over the San Jose Sharks to tie fi rst OT, almost ending it when Ryan Jo- Burns from the right faceoff circle. The Pred- under three minutes the Western Conference semifi nal at 2-2. hansen’s wrister from the slot beat Jones but ators regained the lead at 9:50 when Mike into overtime as the Fisher pounced on a shot by Mattias banged off the right goalpost—the fourth post Fisher pounced on the rebound of a James Dallas Stars evened Ekholm for his second goal of the nearly fi ve- or crossbar the Predators hit in the game. San Neal shot for his third playoff marker. theirC second round Western hour game as Nashville withstood a fi erce Jose appeared to steal momentum at 6:48 of The Sharks tied the game at 14:09 of the Conference series at two games San Jose attack during the overtime periods. the third period on Brent Burns’ second goal second period as their fi rst power play ended, each with a 3-2 win over the St. Pekka Rinne made 44 stops for the Preda- of the game, fi ve seconds into a power play. Joonas Donskoi scoring his third postseason Louis Blues on Thursday. tors and Martin Jones came up with 41 saves With Barret Jackman in the penalty box for goal with a wrister. Nashville coach Peter The Stars, who were blown for the Sharks. kneeing Chris Tierney, Burns ripped a point Laviolette challenged on the basis that Joel out in game three of the best- Game 5 is Saturday night in San Jose, with blast over Rinne. Ward was off side. of-seven series, responded Game 6 set for Monday night in Nashville. It was Burns’ fourth goal and 13th point After a long review, it was ruled that Ward with a spirited performance in The Sharks controlled the second overtime of the playoff s. However, Nashville forced legally tagged up when San Jose gained pos- game four in front of a crowd of with an 11-4 advantage in shots on goal, but overtime as James Neal roofed a wrister over session in the Predators’ defensive zone and 19,700 at St. Louis’ Scottrade they couldn’t capitalize on a late power play. Jones at 15:39 for his fourth goal of the posts- the goal stood, drawing the considerable ire Center arena. Rinne starred with a pair of huge stops on To- eason after the Sharks were unable to clear of a sellout crowd. “We were embarrassed,” Dallas coach Lindy Ruff said. “I said it’s time for us to man up. And I thought we did. I thought our leaders were our leaders, and we had some young guys who played extremely well.” Game fi ve is today in Dal- las. In Nashville, the Predators evened their second round se- ries with the San Jose Sharks at Cody Eakin of the Dallas Stars is tripped while controlling the puck 2-2 after Mike Fisher scored his against the St. Louis Blues during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup second goal of the game at 11:12 Playoff s in St. Louis, Missouri. (AFP) of the third overtime period for a 4-3 victory. a breakaway goal midway on a four-on-three advantage, It was the longest game in through the fi rst period. when Paul Stastny defl ected a Predators franchise history. St. Louis coach Ken Hitch- pass from Tarasenko past goal- Patrick Sharp fed a pass to cock said despite getting the tender Kari Lehtonen at 13:06 Eakin who beat goalie Brian El- early lead his team sat back of the second period. liott 2:58 into the extra session and didn’t play aggressively Neither coach was surprised for his fi rst goal of the playoff s. enough. that the game went to overtime. The Stars had lost their fi rst “We didn’t bury them when “It’s two awful good teams two overtime playoff contests, we had the chances in the fi rst going at it,” Hitchcock said. including the second game of period when we had all the Dallas captain Jamie Benn this NHL series. odd-man rushes and breaka- said this was the most impor- “I just had a little bit of room ways,” Hitchcock said. “Then tant game of the season for the and found a little hole,” Eakin we let them off the mat with Stars, who did not want to go said. “It just opened up.” those two quick goals. We back home trailing in the series The game didn’t start all didn’t extend the 1-0 lead.” three games to one. Mike Fisher of the Nashville Predators scores a goal past goalie Martin Jones of the San Jose Sharks during the first period of Game Four of the that well for Dallas as Blues’ The Blues tied the game 2-2 “Now we’ve got a whole new Western Conference second round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff s in Nashville, Tennessee. (AFP) Vladimir Tarasenko scored on their own power-play goal, series,” Benn said. Gulf Times Saturday, May 7, 2016 7 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Warriors’ Barnes remains stoic in the face of criticism Barnes has heard his name in trade rumours before, and has shrugged about them every time. Because he’s Barnes

By Tim Kawakami in Oakland “People are idiots,” Bogut said of Barnes’ crit- The Mercury News ics. “Everyone looks at it, ‘Oh, he only scored four points, he played bad.’ No, not necessarily. “His defense has gotten a lot better; he’s arrison Barnes is calm about his place starting to make the right play for us, with the on the Warriors, calm about any re- hockey assist, which we haven’t seen early in his cent shooting slump, calm about eve- career.” rything that might elicit the exact op- This was a strange season for Barnes, who Hposite reaction out of anybody else. started it by jointly announcing with the team He’s aware of it all. He hears what’s being that he had not agreed to an extension by the said. He measures it, he thinks about it. And November deadline, which meant that he in- mostly, he just stays calm. Even about the pros- tended to test the market this July. pect of his pending restricted free agency and Then Barnes struggled through an ankle inju- the Warriors chasing Kevin Durant this summer, ry that cost him 16 games in the fi rst half of the precisely to replace Barnes. season and didn’t have his normal explosion for Because Barnes has heard his name in trade weeks after returning. rumors before, and has shrugged about them Through it all, Barnes averaged a career-best every time. Because he’s Barnes. 11.7 points per game this season and, despite a “It was after my fi rst year, was that when late shooting slump, still made 46.6 percent of Dwight (Howard) was thinking about leaving?” his shots, better than his career average Barnes said on my podcast last week. “So it was The Barnes grumbling started again when he funny, (Andrew) Bogut texted me and asked me, shot less than 30 percent in the Houston series, ‘Are we going to L.A.? Because he was going to despite being mainly guarded by James Harden. come here ... “And last summer it was Kevin But Barnes has picked it up in the fi rst two Love thing, is he going to come here? So me and games of the Portland series, making 9 of his David Lee were joking about the fact that we 15 shots (including a fl ying one-handed dunk might have to buy winter coats. over a defender in Game 2) and grabbing 15 total “You always kind of take it with a grain of salt. rebounds.“Look if he’s on a bad team, he’s aver- We’re a great team. And this is a place where aging 20 a game, you know?” Bogut said. people want to play now ... You don’t really Kerr doesn’t put it that specifi cally, but he get too personal about it, or say, ‘Oh, my gosh, absolutely insists that Barnes’ value cannot be they’re looking at other players.’ Because that’s measured by his game-by-game fi eld-goal per- how business goes.” centage. Barnes blends in with the Warriors’ su- On this historic Warriors team, Barnes, who pertalents _ that’s part of his strength and also turns 24 at the end of this month, is the young- why Warriors fans aren’t always overjoyed by his est member of the main rotation and also the play. “Harrison’s not ever going to be as consist- single lightning rod for fervid debate. ent a shooter as Steph or Klay or Mo (Speights),” Is he an underrated piece of the Warriors’ Kerr said last week. “His shot’s going to come puzzle because he’s versatile enough to play big and go. “But Harrison’s value is so much more minutes at both forward positions and because than just his shooting. His versatility allows us he is so willing to defer to Stephen Curry, Dray- to play the lineups that we do.” mond Green and Klay Thompson? That’s the unique situation for Barnes: Some- Or is Barnes terribly overrated as he heads to times he can be good when he looks bad and he free agency — after reportedly turning down the can be less than good when he looks great. Warriors’ four-year, $64 million off er last sum- “It’s funny, there’ll be some games I’ll be mer — because he can be passive on off ense and shooting the ball well, I’ll be feeling good and because he probably will cost upward of $20 coach will look at me and be like, ‘Hey, man, we million a year this summer? need you to get some rebounds,’ “ Barnes said. I think the true answer falls safely in the mid- “And then there’ll be other games where I just dle; Barnes is very valuable to the Warriors for can’t throw it into the ocean and he’ll be like, very specifi c reasons, but it’s not wrong for ‘Hey, you’re playing fantastic right now.’ “ management to see if the team can make a ma- Maybe Warriors fans would like it better if jor upgrade after this playoff run. But Bogut, for Barnes wasn’t so unruffl ed by everything, and if his part, warns about making snap decisions if he demanded a larger part of the spotlight. But you don’t know what Barnes really does for the for right now, that’s also exactly why Barnes fi ts Warriors. so well and so calmly and with so much control. Golden State Warriors’ Harrison Barnes, who turns 24 at the end of this month, is the youngest member of the main rotation

NBA NFL ROUND-UP Raptors beat Heat in OT, square Seattle Seahawks put Lynch East Conference semi-fi nal at 1-1 on retirement list Agencies DPA Toronto won despite DeRozan and Lowry “We were conscious of knowing how the Seattle Los Angeles hitting a combined 16-of-46 fi eld goals. last overtime went,” DeRozan said. “We told “We can harp on the negative and beat our guys what we had to do this time around that drum to death all day but we’re find- to get a win. And that’s what we did.” arshawn Lynch ith All-Stars DeMar DeRozan ing other ways to win and that’s encour- Dragic scored 20 points, Dwyane Wade (right) was placed and Kyle Lowry struggling aging,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. and Joe Johnson added 17 apiece for the on the formal re- with their strokes, the Toronto “Hopefully, DeMar and Kyle will get their sloppy Heat, who committed 21 turnovers tirement list by the Raptors received a timely shot rhythm.” resulting in 24 Raptors points. Hassan Wh- MSeattle Seahawks on Thursday, Win the arm from their big man. Miami led 77-70 midway through the iteside fi nished with 13 points and as many marking the offi cial end of his Jonas Valanciunas had 11 of his 15 points fourth quarter but went cold and fell behind rebounds. all-star National Football League in the fourth quarter and overtime along before a Goran Dragic 3-pointer with 10.6 “I don’t think we did a good job at all career. Lynch, a nine-year vet- with 12 rebounds as the Raptors beat the seconds left in regulation sent the game into of executing in overtime,” said Wade. “I eran, previously announced his visiting Miami Heat 96-92 on Thursday overtime knotted at 86-apiece. thought our off ence was poor. In a sense, we intentions to retire after battling to knot their Eastern Conference semifi nal Unlike the opener when the Raptors went feel like we gave one up.” injuries last season. playoff series at one game apiece. scoreless for the fi rst 3:46, they opened the Wade is well aware the Heat blew a golden The soft-spoken American “It was just him being hungry going after extra fi ve-minute session on a 6-0 burst be- chance to steal both road games and grab a hinted at his pending retirement the ball,” DeRozan said of the Lithuanian hind baskets by DeRozan and Valanciunas, commanding 2-0 series lead. in February when he tweeted centre. “He’s defi nitely the reason why we and two Carroll free throws for a 92-86 lead. “We had an opportunity, that’s all you a picture of his green gridiron won the game tonight.” A Luol Deng dunk with 23.5 seconds left want,” he explained. “We put ourselves in shoes hanging from a high wire. DeMarre Carroll scored a game-high 21 got the Heat on the board 92-88. But two a great position. We needed to be locked in. Lynch, 30, joined the Sea- year, $50 million contract with physical, the team announced. points, DeRozan had 20 and Lowry netted 18 Corey Joseph free throws extended the Rap- We need to play better going home.” The hawks after a 2010 trade with the Washington Redskins. ------for the second-seeded Raptors, who rebounded tors’ lead to 94-88 with 22.1 ticks left, that best-of-seven series shifts to Miami for to- the Buff alo Bills. He started 77 Only Seattle Seahawks Jimmy The New York Giants released from Tuesday’s 102-96 game one overtime loss. wrapped up the victory. day’s Game 3. of 82 games for Seattle and ranks Graham is higher paid among tight end Jerome Cunningham fourth on the franchise list in NFL tight ends. Reed set fran- and safety G.J. Kinne, the team rushing yards (6,347) and rush- chise records for receptions and announced. Toronto Raptors’ Jonas Valanciunas (left) ing attempts (1,457), second in yards in 2015 but was not select------grabs a rebound in front of Miami Heat’s rushing touchdowns (57) and ed to the Pro Bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles have Dwyane Wade. (USA TODAY Sports) third in touchdowns (65). ------signed fi ve draft choices to four- With the Bills and Seahawks, Keenan Reynolds cleared one year contracts, the team an- he racked up 74 touchdowns and hurdle to the NFL when he was nounced. totalled 9,112 rushing yards on drafted by the Baltimore Ravens Running back Wendell Small- 2,144 carries. Seattle will keep in the sixth round of the 2016 wood, a fi fth-round pick from Lynch’s NFL rights if he changes draft last weekend. The next West Virginia, was the highest his mind about retirement. step, a waiver from the Naval drafted of Thursday’s signees. The Seahawks appear to be Academy, might not be far be------moving forward without him hind. The Atlanta Falcons announced as they selected three running “I thought it was terrifi c,” Ray they have agreed to terms with backs in last week’s entry draft. Mabus, secretary of the United 22 undrafted free agent rookies. ------States Navy, told the Dan Patrick Most notable among them is Johnny Manziel appeared in Dal- Show. “He’s a sterling individ- South Carolina running back las County court to face a charge ual. If I’m an NFL coach or GM, Brandon Wilds, who was rated of misdemeanor assault related that’s the type of person I want. as the No. 29 running back in the to family violence. The former I can’t think of a better ambas- draft and No. 400 prospect over- Texas A&M and Cleveland sador.” all by NFLDraftScout.com. Browns quarterback reported ------voluntarily and was booked and The Detroit Lions added veteran The Cleveland Browns agreed to released. He faces maximum wide receiver Andre Caldwell terms with 11 undrafted rook- penalties of one year in jail and to the roster, signing the unre- ies, including a pair of projected a $4,000 fi ne for alleged hitting stricted free agent to a one-year mid- to late-round picks in and dragging his ex-girlfriend to contract. former Oklahoma inside line- get her into a car against her will ------backer Dominique Alexander on Jan. 30. The Pittsburgh Steelers released and former Florida State de------off ensive tackle Mike Adams fensive tackle Nile Lawrence- Jordan Reed signed a fi ve- with the designation of failed Stample. Gulf Times 8 Saturday, May 7, 2016 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Cooper says Paralympians still Olympic snub face tattoo ban, main over Australian citizenship

AFP travelling on a New Zealand Sydney passport despite leaving the country of his birth in 2001 at Games less strict the age of 13. ew Zealand-born Wal- Cooper said he would now laby playmaker Quade turn his attention wholly on his Craig was disqualified at European Championships after failing to cover up tattoo Cooper said yesterday club’s bid to win the Top 14 title. he had been dumped “The club has been very accom- Nfrom the Australian sevens team modating with the sevens and Reuters Berlin not on form but simply because now knowing that sevens isn’t he didn’t have Australian citi- in the future, without being able zenship. to secure the passport and citi- lympic athletes with tattoos are Cooper was on Thursday zenship, I owe the club to play unlikely to be barred from the ruled out of competing with well and enjoy my time here, just Rio Games, the International the Australian Sevens team in focus on RCT and playing the fi - Olympic Committee said yes- the Olympics in August, coach nals and the future of the club,” terdayO after a Paralympic swimmer with Andy Friend saying the team had the 28-year-old said. his team logo inked onto his chest was not had enough time to work Cooper has had a tough time banned from a race. with the fl y-half, who plays for adjusting to Toulon, outspoken British gold medallist Josef Craig was French Top 14 side Toulon. club president Mourad Boudjel- disqualifi ed from a race at last week’s IPC But speaking yesterday, lal notably comparing his per- European Championships after failing to Auckland-born Cooper insinu- formances to Jonny Wilkinson as cover up the tattoo: the team’s lion’s head ated that it was more to do with going from “foie gras to pate”. design above the Olympic rings. a procedural matter than his But when asked whether he The International Paralympic Com- sevens form. “The situation is would like to stay on with Tou- mittee said he had breached a rule stating that it’s diffi cult with my pass- lon, the Wallaby said: “I hope so. “body advertisements are not allowed in port, having to be in Australia for I came here right at the end of any way whatsoever (this includes tattoos 90 days before I can get my citi- the season. It was very diffi cult and symbols).” zenship even though I’ve played to settle in as quick as I wanted It said Craig was displaying a logo of an 58 times for my country,” said to after the World Cup, with the event he was not competing in. The Para- Cooper, who was part of Aus- sevens. lympic Games are governed by a com- tralia’s squad in both the 2011 “I’m grateful to the club for pletely separate organisation from the and 2015 Rugby World Cups. being accommodating to allow IOC and have their own logo. “That’s the frustrating part me to pursue those goals. Now Many champion athletes, including for me, not being able to get the they’re fi nished and I have to put record gold medallists Michael Phelps, passport and citizenship stuff my focus into repaying the club Missy Franklin and Ryan Lochte, have Ol- sorted in time.” for the faith they’ve had in me so ympic tattoos, and the IPC’s ruling, three Under Olympic Games rules, far. Going into the future, I don’t months before Rio, raised fears of poten- Cooper would have to have Aus- have a crystal ball that I can pre- tial bans. tralian citizenship to be eligible dict what’s going to happen in But while any tattoos that advertise a to compete for the Wallabies the future, but I would love to product will need to be covered up - with sevens team. It was recently dis- continue on and also play some blank tape or patches - in Rio, athletes at covered that Cooper had been good football and enjoy it.” the main Games will be allowed to show others, an IOC spokesman said. “The president is always excited to see While any tattoos that advertise a product will need to be covered up - with blank tape or patches - in Rio, athletes at the main athletes with the Olympic Rings,” an IOC Games will be allowed to show others, an IOC spokesman said. (Reuters)

spokesman said. “Standing alone, the Ol- The two-time Olympian, who covered ympic Rings are a great expression of ap- up his tattoos during the 2012 Olympics, preciation of the Olympic Games and of sold nine inches on his arm for $21,800 on the Olympic values.” Friday to the head of T-Mobile US, a rival “We take a common sense approach of AT&T, an offi cial sponsor of the US Ol- to tattoos whatever they are,” he said. ympic and Paralympic teams. That would mean personal tattoos such Symmonds said the US Olympic Com- as the butterfl y-covered back of Russian mittee’s and the IOC’s rules banning synchronised swimmer Anastasia Davy- advertising in venues and promotion by dova at the 2012 London Games would athletes during the Games was “anti- be allowed. For Paralympians though, quated”. the rules are tougher and Craig will have “AT&T spends millions to be an offi cial to cover his tattoo. “The same rule would USOC sponsor. T-Mobile spends $21,800 apply at the Paralympics in Rio. He would for better exposure. Your ancient model have to cover it up as Craig did for the re- is broken USOC!,” Symmonds tweeted. mainder of the competition last week.” T-Mobile CEO John Legere said he had IPC spokesman Craig Spence said. not yet decided what to inscribe on the One athlete who will be forced to cov- runner’s arm. Quade Cooper er up if he qualifi es for the Olympics is “Now that I’ve purchased a spot on 2x American middle distance runner Nick Olympian, @NickSymmonds’ arm, help Symmonds, who sells space on his skin me decide what the tattoo should be of! Champion athletes, including record gold medallist Ryan Lochte have Olympic tattoos. for advertising. GO!,” he asked followers on Twitter.

DOPING Australia beat New Zealand Pound says Russia still has ‘credibility’ 16-0 in scrappy Test Sydney: A last-minute try by a late tackle by Sam Moa on Blake Ferguson capped off Thurston gifted the Australians Australia’s 16-0 victory over a penalty, with Cameron Smith New Zealand yesterday, with booting the goal. It took until issue ahead of Rio Olympics a depleted Kiwi side ending nearly the 80th minute for their two-year winning streak Ferguson to score the third try The Guardian against their trans-Tasman of the night and make it 16-0 London rivals. Australia managed to in the Kangaroos first outing keep the pressure on despite under new coach Mal Meninga. losing Fijian-born debutante Thurston described the he former World Anti-Doping Semi Radradra to the sin bin game as “very scrappy”, saying Agency president Dick Pound some six minutes into the the Australians had missed op- believes it will be “very hard” to game and used the first half portunities in the second half. trust any Russian athlete at the to set up their win in the low- Teammate Sam Thaiday also TOlympics this summer if the country scoring match. praised the New Zealanders’ succeeds in overturning its ban from in- Radradra was sent off for 10 defence in a match in which ternational competition. minutes for a professional foul Kiwi Adam Blair was placed on Pound’s comments were supported on Kevin Proctor, putting the report for a chicken wing tackle by the women’s world-record holder for Kangaroos one man down. midway through the second the marathon, Paula Radcliff e, who said Darius Boyd nonetheless half. A disappointed New Zea- she remains “very suspicious” of Rus- managed to crash over the line land captain Jesse Bromwich sian claims it has solved its doping prob- to score the first try of the night said his team had concentrated lems. “We’re all suspicious that they can at Newcastle’s Hunter Stadium too much on defence at the do what they need to do to assure us the before Radradra’s return. start of the game. entire team is clean to compete fairly in Johnathan Thurston missed Rio,” she said. the conversion but scored a CLERMONT, TOULON Pound chaired the independent com- penalty goal later in the half be- LOOK TO GET BACK mission that investigated claims of fore his teammate Greg Inglis TO WINNING WAYS systemic doping in Russian athletics, launched himself over the line Top 14 leaders Clermont and a process that started when whistle- to make it 10-0 at half time. title rivals Toulon will both be blowers told the German broadcaster Former World Anti-Doping Agency president Dick Pound accused Russia of “rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic” in March and The New Zealanders had anxious to return to winning ARD about the scale of Russia’s cheating still thinks there are elements of denial about the doping culture in the country. (AFP) won their last three outings ways as the French season in late 2014 and fi nished with the coun- against the Australians but it edges closer to the knock-out try being thrown out of the sport last fi x its problems. Speaking at the Sport of the International Olympic Committee of seeing Russian athletes lining up in was a depleted Kiwi side to stage this weekend. November. Resolutions Conference in London, the he would fi nd it diffi cult to say with com- events they have dominated in recent contest the annual Anzac Test. Clermont, bidding for just Since then a Wada “task force” has 74-year-old Canadian said: “When we plete conviction that any Russian athlete years, such as the women’s middle-dis- The visitors were missing big their second Top 14 crown been sent in to overhaul Russia’s anti- delivered our report back in November at Rio would be clean. tance races, knowing they may still be names such as Kieran Foran, after 2010, lead the way with doping system in an attempt to bring the we said they could get back in if they He said: “If I were IOC president and benefi ting from doping products they Manu Vatuvei and Isaac Luke 75 points from 22 games, with country back into the fold in time for the went full speed ahead to do the job prop- we let the Russians back in, are we abso- have only recently stopped using. while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck four matches left in the regular Olympics. A decision on its return will erly, but it’s up to them. lutely certain that every Russian athlete Radcliff e has raised this issue many and Shaun Kenny-Dowall were season. be made by the sport’s governing body, “There will be a lot pressure to get isn’t doping and everything has changed. times in the past and the 42-year-old out due to injury, putting Kiwi But the leaders have been the International Association of Athlet- them back in and from a system point of I think it’s very hard to say that.” Briton repeated her call for longer drug hopes on some Shaun Johnson showing signs of nerves with ics Federations (IAAF), at a meeting of its view, it would be nice to have everybody The former Olympic swimmer’s com- bans. But she also wants to widen the magic to win. their eight-game winning run 27-member council in Vienna on 17 June. at the Games. But whether that makes ments about the growing feeling that investigation into Russian athletics to The Kiwi defence line man- snapped by Racing 92 last But Pound, who this year suggested sense in terms of the changes they’ve Russia is winning the argument over re- include other sports and countries. “It’s aged to hold off the Australians weekend while Toulon’s woes Russia was just “rearranging deckchairs made remains to be seen. I think there’s instatement were backed up by the UK not fair that a Russian swimmer who for much of the second half continued with a 12-10 defeat to on the Titanic”, remains sceptical that still some elements of denial [in Russia].” Athletics chairman Ed Warner. probably had access to the same drugs is with the score unchanged until Toulouse. the country has acted quickly enough to Pound added that if he were in charge He voiced his unease at the thought there and an athlete isn’t,” she said. Gulf Times Saturday, May 7, 2016 9 SPORT

MOTOGP CYCLING / GIRO D’ITALIA Dumoulin Yamaha’s Lorenzo secures dream day in Giro’s celebrates birthday pink jersey

AFP “I did it. Luck was on my side Apeldoorn, The Netherlands today, the luck I didn’t have in (the Tour of) Romandie. To have it paid back here in the Nether- with Le Mans edge utchman Tom Dumou- lands is very special.” lin secured a dream Dumoulin’s victory is also a start to the 99th Giro boon for organisers as they look It’ wasn’t just one lap, we also had a good pace so it was a very good start’ d’Italia for his Giant- to foster enthusiasm for the race AlpecinD team yesterday after over three days in the lowlands of winning the opening stage time- northern Europe. trial to pull on the race leader’s He will start the second stage pink jersey. on Saturday—a mainly fl at Months after a training ride 190km race from Arnhem to Ni- crash decimated his team and jmegen—as the race leader and sent several of them to hospital, will be keen to keep the lead as Dumoulin fl ew over the mainly long as possible. fl at but technical 9.8 km course “I didn’t do my best TT but I in the Dutch town of Apeldoorn also didn’t do my worst,” added to win in 11min 3secs and hand Dumoulin. “I didn’t really do a his team their fi rst victory of the mistake, I would have liked to season. have been a bit faster but in the Earlier race leader Primoz end, the result is all that counts Roglic was pushed into second and I did it.” place by just fractions of a sec- Among the big losers on the ond, with Andrey Amador com- day were BMC’s Swiss specialist pleting the podium in third at Stefan Kung, who appeared to be 6secs off the pace. in contention for the stage win With the fi rst three stages of only to crash into the barriers the three-week Italian race held and require a change of bike late in the Netherlands, the pressure in the race. was on Dumoulin to perform as Former world time-trial he is a strong time-trialist and an champion Fabian Cancellara of outsider for overall victory. Switzerland had been hoping More pressure was added by to win the stage to achieve his the thousands of enthusiastic dream of fi nally wearing the pink fl ag-waving fans who lined the jersey in what is his retirement streets of the course, adding a year. massive party atmosphere to the But the Trek-Segafredo rider proceedings as the 200-strong could only fi nish in eighth place, fi eld of riders took to the course. at 16 secs adrift. But Dumoulin kept his com- Italian Vincenzo Nibali, the posure to snatch victory from 2013 champion who races for As- Slovenian rival Roglic, of the tana, is the overall race favourite Lotto team, and knew he had ahead of Spaniards Mikel Landa won the race opener after King (Sky) and Alejandro Valverde Willem-Alexander of the Neth- (Movistar). erlands came over to congratu- Although Nibali was 19secs late him as he was warming down slower than Dumoulin, he un- on his rollers. derlined his race form with Val- “It is a relief. I’m feeling sick in verde fi nishing 24secs behind my stomach now but at the same Dumoulin and Landa, a reput- time so happy,” Dumoulin told edly weaker time-trialist, fi nish- the Giro d’Italia organisers. ing 40secs off the winning pace.

Movistar Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo rides during a MotoGP free practice session for the French Grand Prix in Le Mans yesterday. (AFP)

AFP miserable practice session on Friday, fi n- “Today was demanding. We knew have time. I will try it tomorrow morning.” Le Mans, France ishing in 10th at 1.144sec off Lorenzo. this circuit would cause us to struggle a “I am very satisfi ed because from the bit, but we’re overcoming things fairly FRENCH GP PRACTICE TIMES beginning we started with a good setting well,” said two-time world champion MotoGP (top ten) efending world champion Jorge and I was relatively fast, quite comfort- Marquez. 1. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 1:32.830 Lorenzo celebrated his birthday ably,” said Lorenzo, who won at Le Mans “I have a good pace and I’m feeling 2. Andrea Iannone (Ducati) +0.339sec in style by dominating opening in 2009, 2010, 2012 and last year. good, although we’re losing some time 3. Marc Marquez (Honda) +0.483 practice for tomorrow’s French “In the afternoon we improved the bike on both of this circuit’s hard acceleration 4. Pol Espargaro (Yamaha Tech3) +0.576 GrandD Prix while Yamaha teammate Val- a little bit and we went even faster with points; it’s something that’s diffi cult to 5. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) +0.744 entino Rossi struggled in 10th place. quite a big diff erence, a couple of tenths, recover from afterwards.” 6. Aleix Espargaro (Suzuki) +0.765 Lorenzo, who turned 29 on Wednesday, to the rider in second place. Rossi was left to bemoan both sessions 7. Maverick Vinales (Suzuki) +0.783 clocked 1min 32.830sec with Italy’s And- “It wasn’t just one lap, we also had a where he was constantly struggling on 8. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) +0.918 rea Iannone 0.339sec behind on a Ducati good pace so it was a very good start to the a track where his last victory was eight 9. Hector Barbera (Ducati Avintia) +1.121 while the world champion’s Spanish weekend. Let’s see if tomorrow we can in- years ago. 10. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) +1.144 compatriot Marc Marquez, on a Honda, crease the pace a little bit more and prepare “We tried a lot of diff erent things for Moto2 (top three) was third fastest, 0.483sec off the pace. for the race to our best capabilities.” the setting because this morning I wasn’t 1. Johann Zarco (FRA/Kalex) 1:37.370 Lorenzo won the season opener in Qa- Marquez, a winner in France in 2014, fast enough, but unfortunately in the af- 2. Tom Lüthi (SUI/Kalex) +0.065 tar before current series leader Marquez has a 17-point lead over Lorenzo in the ternoon the situation was worse and we 3. Jonas Folger (GER/Kalex) +0.187 stormed to victory in Argentina and the championship and admitted Friday had didn’t fi nd the right way,” said the Italian. Moto3 (top three) United States. been a tough test for him and Honda “In fact, in the morning I was also quite 1. Brad Binder (RSA/KTM) 1:43.365 Dutch cyclist Tom Dumoulin of Giant - Alpecin competes during the Rossi, the nine-time world champion, teammate Dani Pedrosa who was eighth slow and for this reason I didn’t try the 2. Romano Fenati (ITA/KTM) +0.076 1st individual time trial stage of the 99th Giro d’Italia in Apeldoorn, the won last time out in Spain but endured a fastest overall. third tyre from Michelin, because we didn’t 3. Jules Danilo (FRA/Honda) +0.160 Netherlands, yesterday. (AFP)

FORMULA 1 Formula E electric series Red Bull and I are a ‘perfect match’: Verstappen cancels Moscow race A Formula E race scheduled for a question mark over them, Reuters very competitive and I am a very com- Moscow on June 4 has been however, with locals up in arms London petitive person so hopefully it’s a perfect cancelled due to “unforeseen over the use of Battersea Park match,” he said. circumstances” relating to road as the venue. “I will just take it quite relaxed and see closures, the electric motor Campaigners, who have set up a utch teenager Max Verstappen where it goes... It’s a great honour, a top racing series said yesterday. website savebatterseapark.com, believes he and Red Bull Racing team where every driver wants to drive.” Formula E said in a statement are contesting the legality of the can be a “perfect match” in For- Verstappen, whose father Jos raced in that the race, round nine of a local council’s agreement for mula One and sees no reason to Formula One with a reputation as a tough championship now reduced to the use of the park on the south entertainD any other off ers after his sudden competitor, was Rookie of the Year last 10, would not be replaced on bank of the River Thames. promotion from sister team Toro Rosso. season. the calendar. They have raised 20,680 Speaking in a Red Bull video after He also won awards for the FIA’s Personal- “We looked at a number pounds ($29,884) through visiting the Milton Keynes factory for ity of the Year, across all the governing body’s of alternative options as a crowd funding to finance the a seat fitting, the 18-year-old said he championships, and Action of the Year. replacement but were not able push for a judicial review. could not wait to get started at next His potential, with two fourth place to find a viable solution on that “For a so-called green event it week’s Spanish Grand Prix and felt no fi nishes in 2015 and a sixth already in specific date,” said chief execu- has perhaps the biggest car- extra pressure. Bahrain this year, has put the youngster tive Alejandro Agag. bon footprint of any event in The former world champions an- on the radar of rival teams such as Ferrari, “We explored all possibilities London this year,” the website nounced on Thursday that Verstappen who have Kimi Raikkonen out of contract including returning to Monaco says. “Car-racing in London was replacing Daniil Kvyat for the re- at the end of the year. but regrettably could not or- should take place in an appro- maining 17 races, with the Russian re- Kvyat’s demotion followed a nightmare ganise the change of venue on priate place, and not in a green turning to Toro Rosso. home race in Russia last weekend, and such short notice.” public park.” “I was always very happy at Red Bull. Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut The cancellation leaves three Formula E organisers say their So I never saw reason to change and of Marko said it would take the pressure off races, Berlin on May 21 and series, now in its second sea- course with this opportunity there is no Belgian-Dutch driver Max Verstappen (right) will replace Russian driver Daniil Kvyat at the Russian and also ease tensions within a double header in London son, represents “a vision for the reason to change,” said Verstappen. Red Bull while the latter has been dropped to Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso. (AFP) Toro Rosso. on July 2/3. The series has future of the motor industry” “I wouldn’t say (there’s) more pres- “There has been considerable un- already visited China, Malaysia, and promotes sustainability. sure,” added the youngster, who made his now but at the end you always try to do ian team mate Daniel Ricciardo, expected rest at Toro Rosso between Verstappen Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Carmakers BMW, Audi, Renault debut last season and is already talked of your best....so I don’t feel more pressure.” to feel at home. and (Spaniard Carlos) Sainz, so we have California and France. and Citroen are involved with as a future champion. The Dutchman, who lives in the same “I know what they (Red Bull) have done solved several internal problems,” he told The London races also have Formula E teams. “Of course you’re driving for a top team Monaco apartment block as new Austral- in the history of Formula One. They are motorsport-total.com. Gulf Times 10 Saturday, May 7, 2016 SPORT

TENNIS / MADRID MASTERS PGA TOUR / WELLS FARGO CHAMPIONSHIP Wheatcroft , Nadal, Murray set Loupe tied for lead, Lahiri a up Madrid semis shot behind Dominika Cibulkova celebrates her birthday with a place in final

Steve Wheatcroft lines up a birdie putt on the tenth green during the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday. (AFP)

AFP “Didn’t really know what it was. Charlotte, North Carolina It looked like a golf ball, some- thing was attached to it, later fi nding out it was an earplug. teve Wheatcroft and An- “So random. The guy tried to drew Loupe had to battle say it was a gift. I don’t know why the elements to shoot 65s you would give a gift of a golf ball and share the fi rst-round with an earplug attached to it.” Slead at the USPGA Tour’s Wells “It was one of those things,” Fargo Championship on Thurs- said McIlroy, who won by seven day. shots last year. “It was a golf ball Anirban Lahiri of India was with an ear plug stuck on it, so it one stroke behind after a 66. was sort of strange. Charlotte’s Kevin Chappell and South Af- fi nest (the police) sorted it out rica’s Dawie van de Walt were and got him off the property, another stroke back at 67. thankfully.” Not only were the delays due It wasn’t the only wayward to wind and rain diffi cult for the golf ball of the day for Fowler and players, but defending champion McIlroy. Fowler, the 2012 Wells Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler Fargo winner, shot a 71 to tie for had to avoid a golf ball with an 30th. McIlroy, a only two-time earplug attached thrown at them winner of the event, fi nished by a spectator on the sixth tee at with a 73 to tie for 75th. Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Joao Sousa of Portugal in their Madrid Masters quarter-final yesterday. (Reuters) the Quail Hollow Club in Char- McIlroy, ranked third in the lotte, North Carolina. world, struggled with a 40 on his AFP Kei Nishikori lies in wait for the win- Fowler was beginning his fi rst nine holes. Madrid ner in the semis after he came from a set swing on the par-three, 250- American Phil Mickelson down to beat Australian Nick Kyrgios 6-7 yard hole when the ball came fl y- carded a 69, good for a share of (6/8), 7-6 (7/1), 6-3. ing onto the tee box. The fan was ninth place. afael Nadal will face defending The world number six had to wait until caught by police and removed “I have been able to play well champion Andy Murray in the the fourth game of the fi nal set to fi nally from the course. here over the years, but just Madrid Masters semi-fi nals af- break the Kyrgios serve after the fi rst two Fowler was able to refocus and haven’t been able to break- ter extending his perfect start sets were shared in tie-breaks. par the hole. through and get a victory,” Mick- toR the European clay-court season to 13 Kyrgios then spurned three break back “I was getting ready to go up elson said. matches with a 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 win over points before Nishikori fi nally sealed vic- on the tee, and a ball fl ew over “But I will keep knocking on Joao Sousa yesterday. tory in just over two-and-a-half hours from the left side,” Fowler said. the door and hopefully keep giv- Murray continued his serene passage on court. ing myself a chance.” into the last four by sweeping past eighth Dominika Cibulkova celebrated her seed Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-2. 27th birthday by booking her place in the LEADING ROUND I SCORES Nadal is looking to break Argentine fi nal of the women’s Madrid Open as she 65 - Steve Wheatcroft (USA), legend Guillermo Vilas’s record for clay- routed American qualifi er Louisa Chirico Andrew Loupe (USA) court tournament wins with his 50th and 6-1, 6-1. Chirico was making her fi rst ap- 66 - Anirban Lahiri (IND) a fi fth title in Madrid this weekend. pearance in a WTA semi-fi nal and nerves 67 - Kevin Chappell (USA), Dawie However, to do so he will have to avenge seemed to get the better of the world Van der Walt (RSA) 67 Murray’s only ever victory over the 14- number 130 as Cibulkova roared into a 68 - Daniel Berger (USA), John time Grand Slam champion on clay in last Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova celebrates her victory over Louisa Chirico of the United 5-0 lead. Senden (AUS), Tim Wilkinson year’s Madrid fi nal. States in their semi-final in Madrid yesterday. (Reuters) The Slovakian was just as dominant (NZL) Nadal may also have the elements against in the second set as she won the last fi ve 69 - Retief Goosen (RSA), Brian him after struggling mightily against Sousa sure get to him when serving 3-4 down “I think he’s defi nitely playing bet- games to set up a fi nal meeting on Sat- Harman (USA), Boo Weekley after the roof was closed midway through in the decider as a double fault handed ter for sure, I also think I’m playing bet- urday with sixth seed Simona Halep or (USA), Daniel Summerhays (USA), the second set due to rain. Nadal the vital break and he served out to ter than I was this time last year,” added Australian Sam Stosur. Blayne Barber (USA), Martin The Spaniard had gotten off to a yingfl reach the last four. Murray. “I need to learn from the match I Piller (USA), Phil Mickelson (USA), start as he took the fi rst set for the loss of Murray was far more at ease with the played against him in last year’s fi nal and RESULTS Martin Laird (GBR) just 10 points. indoor conditions as he didn’t even face put in a good performance again tomor- Men (Quarter-finals) 70 - Chris Stroud (USA), James However, his momentum was disrupt- a break point for the second consecutive row. 2-Andy Murray (GBR) bt 8-Tomas Berdych Hahn (USA), Justin Rose (GBR), ed as the match was delayed for the roof match to extend his winning record over “A lot depends on the conditions. It is (CZE) 6-3, 6-2; 6-Kei Nishikori (JPN) bt Greg Owen (GBR), Ricky Barnes to be closed when persistent rain show- Berdych to 8-6. pretty diff erent to Monte Carlo, it is sup- Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/1), 6-3; (USA), Bobby Wyatt (USA), Paul ers in the Spanish capital returned with Nadal beat Murray on route to winning posed to rain here the next few days and 5-Rafael Nadal (ESP) bt Joao Sousa (POR) Casey (GBR), Alex Cejka (GER), Nadal leading 3-2 in the second. in Monte Carlo last month, but the Scot playing indoors changes things.” 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 Ian Poulter (GBR), William McGirt Sousa won four of the next fi ve games believes the forecast of more rain on Sat- World number one Novak Djokovic is Women (Semi-finals) (USA), Mark Hubbard (USA), Erik to level the match. urday could play a huge part in their lat- also in action later on Friday as he faces Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) bt Louisa India's Anirban Lahiri carded a Compton (USA), Scott Langley Yet, the world number 35 let the pres- est duel. big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic. Chirico (USA) 6-1, 6-1 66 in the first round. (AFP) (USA)

LPGA TOUR / YOKOHAMA CLASSIC Moon lands halfway lead in GS Caltex Maekyung Open Beck grabs fi rst round lead in Alabama Defending champion Moon Kyong-Jun from South Korea yester- day secured the halfway lead in the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in Seoul. AFP Beck finished with her lowest round Moon, whose victory last year was the first of his career, shot a Los Angeles of the season and took an opening four-under-par 68 at Namseoul Country Club to lead by two at the round lead for the first time in her ca- OneAsia event after the second round, with a nine-under-par 135. reer. Her round also was one shy of her His countryman Park Sang-Hyun fired a 70 for 137. aetitia Beck fought off diffi cult career best. Australian Michael Sim is in sole possession of third place after windy conditions to card a seven- “I think here on this golf course it’s coming in with a 69, while South Korea’s Lee Soo-Min carded 69 under 65 Thursday in the opening all putting because it’s a very score-able and is in fourth place with 139. round of the LPGA Tour’s Yoko- course and hitting a lot of greens, hit the Five off the lead were South Koreans Kim Bio and Kim Hyung- Lhama Classic. right part of the green and I think I was Sung along with compatriot Kim Kyung-Tae, who last weekend Beck, who missed the cut in her pre- doing well making putts, even though I beat Japan’s Daisuke Kataoka in a playoff at The Crowns for his vious three LPGA tournaments, took a did miss birdie opportunities,” Beck said. sixth title since winning the Singha Corporation Thailand Open two-stroke lead over American Annie “But I made good putts for birdies and last June. Park and Australian Lee Min-Jee. just kept going.” Kim Kyung-Tae shot a 69 while Bio returned a 71 and Hyung-Sung The fi rst Israeli to qualify for the LPGA Park fi nished the round with birdies on carded a 73. tour, Beck took the lead by completing a fi ve of the fi rst seven holes but also dou- bogey-free round at the Prattville, Alabama ble-bogeyed at No. 8. She also had birdies LEADING ROUND II SCORES course. She rolled in birdies on the fourth at No. 11 and 17 but bogeyed No. 15. 135 - Moon Kyong-Jun (KOR) and fi fth holes as well as at No. 16 and 17. Alejandra Llaneza of Mexico shot four- 137 - Park Sang-Hyun (KOR) “The conditions are great,” she said. under 68 for fourth while Morgan Pres- 138 - Michael SIM (AUS) “The greens are softer than what I played sel fi nished three-under 69, putting her 139 - Lee Soo-Min (KOR) last year. They were softer so we can at- in a three-way tie with Candie Kung and 140 - Kim Bio KIM (KOR), Kim Kyung-Tae (KOR), Kim Hyung-Sung tack more. So I think that’s why it’s a Vicky Hurst. (KOR) scoreable course, especially because we Michelle Wie shot a one-under 71 141 - Kim Sng-Yoon, Matthew Guyatt (AUS), Steve Jeff ress (AUS), can just go for it, especially with having while defending champion Kris Tamulis Laetitia Beck watches her tee shot on the eighth hole during the Yokohama Classic in Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA) short irons.” fi nished at four-over 76. Prattville, Alabama, on Thursday. (AFP) Gulf Times Saturday, May 7, 2016 11 CRICKET

CHANGE SRI LANKA'S TOUR OF ENGLAND Pakistan appoint Arthur as new coach Sri Lanka’s

AFP eign coach left his CV dented as they lost Lahore to South Africa at home and were routed Mathews no fan 4-0 in India before a win-less Champi- ons Trophy in England in 2013. akistan yesterday appointed He was unceremoniously sacked two South African Mickey Arthur weeks before the Ashes series started in of points system as head coach of their national England in June 2013, with two years to cricket team, replacing Waqar run on his contract, and replaced by Dar- YounisP who resigned after a disastrous ren Lehmann. ews said: “We don’t have Sanga AFP World Twenty20 last month. He later sued Cricket Australia for up London (Kumar Sangakkara) and Mahela Arthur “has confi rmed his acceptance to Aus$4 million (US3.7 million), claim- (Jayawardene) any more. of the post of Head Coach of the Pakistan ing there had been a deliberate campaign “But we’ve got to move on and National Cricket team” after a “detailed against him, before reaching a confi den- ri Lanka captain Angelo take up the challenge with who and transparent process”, the PCB said in tial agreement with the governing body. Mathews (pictured) we have in the squad and I believe a statement. He will be Pakistan’s fi fth foreign coach has questioned plans to we can still win if we play to our “The modalities vis-à-vis his contract following Richard Pybus (twice in 1999 introduce a points system potential. are being fi nalised. It is expected that and 2002-03), Bob Woolmer (2004-07), forS his side’s upcoming tour of “We’ve got some fearless play- Arthur will be able to join the PCB toward Geoff Lawson (2007-08) and Dav What- England. ers in our team. That can be a the end of this month,” the statement more (2012-14). The proposal is, as happens plus point for us.” continued. Arthur’s fi rst task will be to prepare his Under him South Africa won 13 con- Arthur also had a stint as Karachi fran- with the women’s Ashes, to ag- And there was plenty of “fear- Arthur, who turns 48 later this month, team for their upcoming tour of England, secutive one-day matches, equalling chise coach in the inaugural Pakistan Su- gregate the results of all the in- less” cricket on show when successfully coached his native South Af- where Pakistan plays four Tests, a Twen- Australia’s world record, the body said. per League in the United Arab Emirates ternational fi xtures this season Mathews struck a brilliant 160 in rica from 2005-2010 before migrating to ty20 and fi ve one-day internationals. Arthur’s tenure in his home country last year. between England and Sri Lanka. the second innings at Headingley Australia, where he remained coach for 19 He is faced with the diffi cult task of was good—winning 22 of the 45 Tests Pakistan’s head coach job is regarded as A similar scheme is envis- two years ago to set up his side’s months. lifting his players from their lowest-ever and lifting South Africa to series wins in one of the toughest in world cricket, with aged when Pakistan visit for the 100-run win. But he found his job in danger after world ranking of ninth in one-day cricket. England in 2008 (the fi rst in 40 years) and high turnover and volatile players. second half of the English sea- It looked as if tailender James Australia lost a Test series in India fol- But the PCB expressed faith in their Australia the same year, while his team Waqar’s tenure was marred by his dif- son, with the England and Wales Anderson was about to deny the lowed by a poor showing at the Champi- new coach, saying he has an outstand- remained unbeaten in away series be- ferences with Twenty20 captain Shahid Cricket Board (ECB) holding tourists victory until, with just ons Trophy in England, and was sacked ing record and led South Africa to world tween 2006 to the end of his stint. Afridi and indisciplined players Ahmed talks with their counterparts in one delivery in the match re- just before the 2013 Ashes. number one rankings across all formats. But his record as Australia’s fi rst for- Shehzad and Umar Akmal. Sri Lanka and Pakistan. maining, he fended at a short ball “I don’t like to move away from paceman Shaminda Eranga from the traditional game but and was caught close in. INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE whatever the administrators de- Afterwards a distraught An- cide we’ll have to go with and derson was in tears and Alastair move on,” Mathews told report- Cook later admitted he had ers at Lord’s yesterday after thought about standing down as former England captain Michael England Test skipper after the Vaughan labelled the proposal a defeat. needless “over-complication”. “That is one moment that we “We have to experience and see will always cherish for the rest of whether it’s good or bad,” added our lives,” said Mathews. Gujarat Lions suff er the 28-year-old all-rounder. “We’d never won a Test series “I don’t like to move away from in England before and to be able the traditions of the game. I like to do that as a team was fantastic. the good old fi ve days,” he said. If we can repeat that once again it Sri Lanka’s previous tour of will be ideal for us.” England in 2014 saw them win Sri Lanka have coach Graham series in all three formats—Tests, Ford back for a second stint with hat-trick of losses, one-day internationals and the national side after the South Twenty20. African cut short his time with The Test campaign was partic- Surrey to rejoin the islanders. ularly signifi cant for Sri Lanka as “It was a really tough decision it was the fi rst time they had won but nice to be back with the Sri a series, as opposed to a one-off Lankan boys and experience the Test, in England. wonderful fi ghting attitude that lose to Hyderabad After clinging on for a draw at they have and their passion for Lord’s, they won a thrilling sec- the game,” Ford said. ond and fi nal Test at Headingley “I think, fi rst and foremost we Hyderabad opener Dhawan remains unbeaten in 127-run chase off the penultimate ball of the are here to try to win the Test se- match. ries and I believe we can do that.” IANS But with England having both Hyderabad ‘FEARLESS’ won the Ashes at home and tri- Headingley is where this year’s umphed in a Test series in South three-Test series between Eng- Africa in recent months, Ford ex- unrisers Hyderabad infl icted the land and Sri Lanka will start on pects a tough contest. third consecutive loss on Gujarat May 17. “They (England) have played Lions with a fi ve-wicket victory to One major diff erence is that the fantastic cricket for a while now. jump to the fourth spot of the IPL tourists will be without batting They surprised some people in atS the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket greats Kumar Sangakkara and Ma- winning the Ashes convinc- Stadium here yesterday. hela Jayawardene, who have both ingly but that certainly sent out a Riding on some brilliant medium pace retired from international cricket message as to what a good team bowling from Mustafi zur Rahman (2 for although left-hander Sangakkara they are. They played very well in 17) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 for 28), is now playing for English county South Africa too. Hyderabad restricted the struggling Gu- side Surrey. “But there’s no better way to jarat to a paltry 126 for 6 in the league Between them the pair scored grow a young team than to play game. over 24,000 Test runs and Math- against a really good outfi t.” While chasing, Hyderabad opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan remained not out on 47 runs in 40 deliveries and saw the side home with fi ve wickets and an over to spare. With this win, Hyderabad now have fi ve victories from eight games, whereas second-placed Gujarat have now lost four games in 10 matches. Kolkata Knight Riders lead the standings with 12 points - ahead on net run rate, while Delhi Dare- devils have occupied the fourth spot with 10 points from eight matches. After being asked to bat, Gujarat, com- ing off two successive defeats, faced some immaculate bowling from Bhuvneshwar and Ashish Nehra. Gujarat were off to a poor start losing the key wicket of West Indian power-hitter Dwayne Smith. Both Bhuvneshwar and Nehra started with maiden overs from either end to sti- fl e Gujarat's opening duo of Smith and Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler Mustafizur Rahman (right) celebrates the wicket of Gujarat Lions batsman Ravindra Jadeja (not in Brendon McCullum (7). picture) with teammates Bhuvneshwar Kumar (left) and David Warner during the IPL match in Hyderabad yesterday. (AFP) Feeling the heat in the third over, Smith's attempt of a fl ash outside off only In reply, David Warner scored a 17-ball resulted in an outside edge to Mustafi zur 24 run cameo up front to get his team off Rahman at short third man. to a positive start. After right-arm pacer Spinner Shamsi handed South Africa Coming at No 3, skipper Suresh Raina Dhawal Kulkarni dismissed the home played some exquisite strokes off Kumar, captain, Gujarat put pressure on the Hy- call-up for Caribbean series including a six and a four off consecutive derabad batting line-up with another deliveries but succumbed on the last ball couple of quick wickets. Left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has been handed a first of the same over giving the pacer his sec- New Zealander Kane Williamson’s (6) call-up by South Africa’s One Day International squad for next ond wicket. The left-hander's 10-ball 20 wicket was picked up by Praveen Kumar, month’s triangular series against the West Indies and Australia. was laced with one four and two sixes. while Bravo removed Australian Moises The 26-year-old is one of three specialist spinners named on Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Henriques (16) as they reduced the hosts Friday, as South Africa anticipate slow pitches in the Caribbean. Karthik looked vulnerable from the start to 55/3 in 9.2 overs. “Tabraiz has certainly earned his call-up following outstand- and Bangladeshi pacer Mustafi zur did Dhawan played a proactive role in driv- ing form both in our domestic cricket and in some of the major not lose any time to send him back for a ing Hyderabad towards the chase. The domestic T20 leagues including the Caribbean Premier League,” golden duck. left-hander picked majority of his fours said convener of selectors Linda Zondi in a statement from Finding no support from the other end, towards the square of the wicket and Cricket South Africa. McCullum perished after facing 19 balls ticked ones and twos. “I am quite excited about the state of our spin bowling and the to leave the visitors reeling at 34 for 4 in Meanwhile Yuvraj Singh, making his variety we have. We are sending two wrist spinners to the Carib- the eighth over. debut for the Hyderabad franchise, fal- bean plus left-arm and right-arm finger spin options. Spin bowl- Australian Aaron Finch and West In- tered as he was caught by Sangwan of ing is becoming an increasingly important part of both limited dian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo (20) then Kulkarni. The stand between Dhawan overs formats and we are only just over a year away from the ICC rescued the innings with a 45-run stand and Yuvraj lasted for 26 runs as the hosts Champions Trophy Tournament in England,” Zondi said. for the fi fth wicket. But just when things reached 81 for 4 in 14 overs. Injury-plagued fast bowler Dale Steyn is being rested for the six started falling in line for the visitors, left- Deepak Hooda played a useful cameo matches in Guyana, St Kitts and Barbados with an eye on his arm seamer Barinder Sran struck by re- of 18 runs in 12 deliveries and when he got fitness for the test series against New Zealand in August plus moving Bravo. out - to Bravo. Australia and Sri Lanka later in the year. Ravindra Jadeja (18) then joined Finch, Dhawan and Naman Ojha crossed their He is replaced in the ODI squad by Wayne Parnell. who after being dropped on 31 by Warner team over the line with ease as they won Faf du Plessis has been included in the squad despite a broken at long off , went on to make an unbeaten by fi ve wickets. finger, suff ered in the Indian Premier League and which required 51. The left-right combo managed to take surgery earlier this week. He is expected to return to action for the Lions past the 100-run mark by the BRIEF SCORES: Gujarat Lions 126 for South Africa’s second match of the triangular series against 18th over before Mustafi zur broke the 27- Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Shikhar Dhawan scored an unbeaten 47. (AFP) 6 (Aaron Finch 51; Mustafizur 2 for 17, Australia in Guyana on June 7. run sixth wicket stand. Bhuvneshwar 2 for 28) lost to Sunrisers SQUAD: AB de Villiers (captain), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, With the visitors tottering at 106 for 6 was laced with three four and a six. tafi zur and Bhuvneshwar were the pick of Hyderabad 129 for 5 in 19 overs (Shikhar Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, in the 19th over, Praveen Kumar (6) and All the home bowlers maintained a the bowlers taking two wickets each while Dhawan not out 47; Dwayne Bravo 2 Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Finch took the Lions to 126 for 6 in their tight line to restrict the fl ow of runs and Sran and Henriques chipped in with one for 14, Dhawal Kulkarni 2 for 17) by five Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi. stipulated 20 overs. Finch's 42-ball knock pick wickets at regular intervals. Mus- wicket apiece. wickets.

Saturday, May 7, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

RALLYING Qatar ace Nasser al-Attiyah takes control in Jordan Abdulaziz al-Kuwari crashes out of second place in 10th special stage

By Our Correspondent “No problem. I fi nish the fi rst stage Dead Sea, Jordan leading Group N,” said sixth-placed Abdullah al-Kuwari. “When I see that the two asser Saleh al-Attiyah was at cars I am fi ghting with in the Mid- his clinical and devastating dle East went down (al-Nuami and best on the second day of the al-Attiyah), I slowed down because I Jordan Rally. The Qatari, who need to fi nish and get the points. Now hadN begun the day with a lead of 9.5 we have two cars from Jordan in front seconds, won all 10 special stages in the of us. They are not going for the whole Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas to take championship, so I must make sure that a convincing lead of 11min 16.4sec into I fi nish.” the fi nal eight timed tests today. Juma held a comfortable MERC 2 His partnership with French co- lead over Salem after the latter’s cata- driver Matthieu Baumel in a Skoda Fa- logue of problems: “In the fi rst stage bia R5 goes from strength-to-strength this morning I locked the brake and lost and the Doha-based driver remains some time and I was very cautious. No fi rmly on course for a 10th Jordan win. brakes at the end of that stage and I was “To be honest, I pushed hard on worried about losing them completely,” the super special on Thursday night said Salem. “I hit a rock in the next one to make a show for the spectators, but and I broke the skid pan under the car, then I managed to control the rally and so I drove carefully. I drove slowly in the my pace,” said the Qatari. “I know from water splash. The last fi ve stages were experience that these stages need to be the worst ones in my life.” respected and I was able to drive quick- The fi ve specials were repeated in the ly without making mistakes.” heat of the afternoon and al-Attiyah ex- The eagerly anticipated battle for tended his lead to 53.4 seconds through MERC 2 honours developed into a duel SS7 and to 1min 00.8sec in Syagha. between the Jordanian duo of Khaled al-Suwaidi dropped three minutes Juma and Husam Salem, after Khalifa through the opener and then failed to al-Attiyah rolled out of contention on reach the start of SS8, as Juma extended the fi rst stage of the morning and Rash- his lead over Salem to 1min 15.8sec and id al-Nuami crashed and lost a wheel. al-Rashed picked up three minutes of Juma, the defending local national time penalties for leaving service late. champion, took advantage of ongoing Al-Attiyah was relentless over the brake issues and caution by his local ri- closing stages and reached the end of val to reach the night halt with a lead of the leg with a massive lead of 11min 1min 23.4sec and a fi ne second overall. 16.4sec, after al-Kuwari launched his Salem was a solid third to give the host Skoda Fabia off the track in Bahath and nation two places on the provisional it came to a halt a long way from the podium. track on its wheels. Juma maintained A somewhat resigned Abdulaziz al- his composure to control the battle for Kuwari and his Irish navigator Killian MERC 2 honours. Duff y held second in their Skoda Fabia Today,the event timetable consists R5 until the 10th stage, when the Qatari of a further eight special stages, con- launched his car off the track and into sisting of two runs through the Rawda, retirement. Al-Attiyah and al-Kuwari Shuna, Karamah and Baptism Site spe- had been the class of the fi eld. A three- cials, split by a midday service and re- minute delay in SS7 pushed Khalid group at the Dead Sea. al-Suwaidi further behind the leading duo and the Qatari failed to start of the Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah in action on the second day of the Jordan Rally yesterday. He won all the 10 special stages to stay on course for a 10th win in Jordan. 2016 Jordan Rally – positions after eighth stage and retired. SS11 (unoff icial @ 16.07hrs): Once Khalifa al-Attiyah and al- Al-Attiyah had stunned his rivals rock, which broke the gear stick and was next up and the leading duo began “I wasn’t really pushing in there. 1. Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah (QAT)/Mat- Nuami hit trouble, Abdullah al-Kuwari with the pace and fi nesse he had shown forced him to incur additional penal- to pull clear of the chasing pack. Al-At- No problems, but I guess I was doing thieu Baumel (FRA) Skoda Fabia R5 took the decision to ease his pace to in the tricky little Abdali super special ties. Khalifa al-Attiyah then rolled his tiyah extended his lead to 21.5 seconds a bit of road sweeping and losing a bit 1hr 24min 41.4sec preserve championship points and the on Thursday afternoon. Not even the Subaru, although neither member of and then added a further 5.8 to that ad- of time,” confessed al-Attiyah. “This 2. Khaled Juma (JOR)/Faris al-Tal Qatari held third in MERC 2 and fourth Qatari had expected to take a 9.5-sec- the crew was injured. vantage in Rama. A terrifi c tussle was afternoon the stage surfaces will be (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII overall at the end of the day. ond lead into the opening gravel stage The carnage didn’t end there either: developing between Juma and Salem cleaner and we can maybe push a little 1hr 35min 57.8sec Kuwait’s Meshari al-Thefi ri over- of 16.85km. He set the target of 12min local hero Husam Salem lost valuable for MERC 2 spoils and 2.7 seconds sep- bit more.” 3. Husam Salem (JOR)/Nancy al- came early morning delays and climbed 03.3sec and duly extended that over- time with brake issues and Rodolphe arated the duo after SS4. Abdulaziz al-Kuwari said: “The gap Majali (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX to fi fth place. Ihab al-Shorafa was sixth, night lead over al-Kuwari to 19.4 sec- Asmar rolled, managed to get his car on Al-Attiyah safely negotiated Bahath is a lot, honestly. We lost 10 seconds 1hr 37min 21.2sec Lebanon’s Rodolphe Asmar and Jor- onds. to its wheels and reached the stage fi n- and Suwayma and reached the midday yesterday, but 31 today is still a lot in 4. Abdullah al-Kuwari (QAT)/Adel Hus- dan’s Asem Aref rounded off the eight But the drama was unfolding be- ish with the loss of nearly 20 minutes. service at the Dead Sea with a lead over fi ve stages. The super special was not a sein (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X survivors, but local girl Lina Hadadi hind the leading duo: Rashid al- “This stage was not ‘Panorama’ it was al-Kuwari of 41.1 seconds. Delays for stage to drive. I know the gaps are not 1hr 38min 12.4sec lost her seventh position after stopping Nuami broke a wheel and damaged paranoia,” joked local driver Ihab l- Salem meant that Juma reached the mid really big – two seconds and then fi ve 5. Meshari al-Thafiri (KWT)/Emad in the last stage of what developed into the bodywork, Meshari al-Thefi ri Shorafa. “I saw cars all over the place.” point in fourth with an MERC 2 lead of seconds on each stage. But, I was not Juma (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X a gruelling day at the Dead Sea. lost over fi ve minutes after hitting a The short Syagha special of 9.6km 1min 12.9sec. risking. I will try my best. It is not easy.” 1hr 45min 03.5sec

FOOTBALL/ EMIR CUP Kharaitiyat aim to upset QSL champs Rayyan

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Kharaitiyat will be eyeing an ‘upset’ win against Qatar Stars League (QSL) cham- pions Al Rayyan today when theA two sides clash in the Emir Cup quarter-fi nals. Al Kharaitiyat coach Amar Osim said at his press conference ahead of the match: “This is a diff erent game. I hope my players rise to the challenge and do well.” He added: “Everyone saw how well Al Rayyan played in the QSL sea- son. We will try to play our best foot- ball and I hope my players deliver the goods and show great spirit. “I think we played well in the previ- ous round when we beat Al Arabi. “We have been fairly competitive this event. Al Rayyan will come with full force but my players are motivated since this is the biggest football event in Qatar. If we play with heart and spir- it, we can do anything,” he said. Al Rayyan coach Jorge Fossati, who is having a tough time since winning the league, hoped his players will respond well to the challenge after missing out on the Qatar Cup. “We must start aggressively and Al Rayyan and Al Sadd coaches Jorge Fossati (L) and Jesualdo Ferreira speak to the press ahead of their Emir Cup quarter-final matches. continue in the same fashion. This is a huge event. We need a strong perform- with good players,” Fossati said. “We will make a fi nal assessment said: “We respect our opponents. It “The time has come to win big to fi nish with some silverware. “This is ance all the way. We did really well in “But we beat them twice in QSL. I when the season ends, not now,” he will be a tough challenge for us. But matches,” Caixinha said. “We have our an important stage of the tournament. QSL but this is another event and we have to say those were diffi cult wins. said. “This is not the time to talk about my team can get a good result.” He own way of playing and we must beat We have the desire to win. We need the need to play with same intensity,” said We respect them as a side. They have my contract with Al Rayyan,” he said. added: “Al Sadd have a great team and Al Sadd to reach semi-fi nals. right kind focus and I believe my play- the Uruguayan. done well. Al Gharafa, meanwhile, are aware of outstanding players like Xavi in their “The Al Gharafa fans are with us and ers are ready,” he said. He was under no illusions about Al “We need to focus on our game and the challenge that awaits them today ranks. We will try not to give them we must do well for them,” Caixinha He added: “Every game is diff erent Kharaitiyat’s ability to cause an upset. look what we need to do. This is not the when they take on former champions chances to create goal-scoring op- said. and every game needs diff erent han- “I hope we can pull this off and move time to talk about certain losses (like in Al Sadd in the second quarter-fi nal. portunities.” Caixinha said Al Gharafa Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who dling. We will be treating this game as on. Al Kharaitiyat are a dangerous side Qatar Cup last week). Al Gharafa coach Pedro Caixinha must rise to the challenge. has gone winless this season, is hoping the fi nal.” “Let the best team win.”