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Thursday, March 31, 2016 CRICKET Jumada II 22, 1437 AH India bank on spin GULF TIMES to blunt West Indian batting arsenal SPORT Page 2 CRICKET Roy’s belligerent knock steers England into fi nal New Zealand’s bowlers, who had shone in the team’s unbeaten run to the semis, were at the receiving end of some brutal hitting that kept the packed house in Delhi entertained

AFP SCORECARD New Delhi England opener Jason Roy New Zealand: A. Hales c Munro b Santner ...... 20 belts the New Zealand M. Guptill c Buttler b Willey ...... 15 J. Root not out ...... 27 pener Jason Roy’s 78 helped bowling in Delhi yesterday. K. Williamson c and b Ali ...... 32 E. Morgan lbw Sodhi ...... 0 England sail into cricket’s C. Munro c Ali b Plunkett...... 46 J. Buttler not out ...... 32 World Twenty20 fi nal with a C. Anderson c Jordan b Stokes ...... 28 Extras (lb 1, w1) ...... 2 crushing seven-wicket win R. Taylor c Morgan b Jordan ...... 6 Total (for 3 wickets, 17.1 overs) ...... 159 overO New Zealand in the last four in Did not bat: L. Ronchi c Willey b Stokes ...... 3 B. Stokes, M. Ali, C. New Delhi yesterday. G. Elliott not out ...... 4 Jordan, A. Rashid, D. Willey, L. Plunkett Chasing 154 for victory, England rode M. Santner c Jordan b Stokes ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-82 (Hales), 2-110 (Roy), on a brisk 82-run partnership between M. McClenaghan run out ...... 1 3-110 (Morgan) Roy and Alex Hales to canter home in Extras (b1, lb4, w6) ...... 11 Bowling: Anderson 1-0-16-0, Milne 17.1 overs after the bowlers had restrict- Total (for 8 wickets, 20 overs)...... 153 3-0-27-0, McClenaghan 3-0-24-0, Sant- ed a much-fancied New Zealand to 153 Did not bat: A. Milne, I. Sodhi ner 3.1-0-28-1, Sodhi 4-0-42-2, Elliott for eight. Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Guptill), 2-91 (Wil- 3-0-21-0 Roy rose to the occasion, smashing liamson), 3-107 (Munro), 4-134 (Taylor), England won by seven wickets four boundaries in the very fi rst over 5-139 (Ronchi), 6-139 (Anderson), 7-150 Toss: England against Corey Anderson to set the tone (Santner), 8-153 (McClenaghan) Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) for what turned out to be a perfect chase Bowling: Willey 2-0-17-1, Jordan 4-0- and Rod Tucker (AUS) for the 2010 champions. 24-1, Plunkett 4-0-38-1, Rashid 4-0-33-0, TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) New Zealand’s bowlers, who had Stokes 4-0-26-3, Ali 2-0-10-1 Match referee: David Boon (AUS) shone in the team’s unbeaten run to England: Reserve umpire: Joel Wilson (WIS) the semis, were at the receiving end of J. Roy b Sodhi ...... 78 some brutal hitting that kept the packed house at Feroz Shah Kotla entertained. The introduction of spin after six kett for three straight boundaries in the slice went straight into the safe hands of overs of powerplay did little to improve sixth over of the innings to set the pace Ali at third man. England’s fi elders con- the situation but Mitchell Santner gave and his reverse-hit for a six against Adil tinued to pouch their catches and Morgan the Kiwis their fi rst breakthrough when Rashid brought the house down. dived beautifully at extra cover to get rid he got Hales (20) out. But Morgan then juggled his bowlers of Ross Taylor off Chris Jordan. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi also tried to his hat-trick, and a composed Joe Root fi rst to restrict New Zealand after a poor Munro (46) and Williamson (32) around and off -spinner Moeen Ali’s in- The wickets quickly tumbled and bring some drama back into the game (27) then drove England to their second start. proved too hot to handle for England’s troduction in the 11th over soon saw the New Zealand’s run-rate, which had after picking the wickets of Roy and World T20 fi nal, with Buttler hitting a New Zealand lost opener Martin pacers as the duo took a special liking to back of Williamson. started impressively, plummeted. Eoin Morgan (0) to leave himself on a four and two sixes against Sodhi to fi n- Guptill early but Kane Williamson and Liam Plunkett and Stokes in the open- Plunkett did well in his second spell to Stokes was going for a hat-trick near hat-trick, but England made sure they ish things off in style. Colin Munro counter-attacked with a ing stages, both of whom came back deny the dangerous Munro, whose 32- the end after sending back Luke Ronchi stayed on course. Earlier, England’s bowlers responded 74-run partnership to lay a solid foun- well in their second spells. ball knock included seven boundaries and for three and the hard-hitting Ander- Jos Buttler (32), who denied Sodhi well to their captain’s decision to fi eld dation before the Kiwis faltered late on. Left-hander Munro smacked Plun- a six. He was denied his fi fty when a wild son for 28.

BOTTOMLINE Al Ahli’s Meshal wins player of the month award, Adam takes coaching honours

By Sports Reporter Doha

l Ahli striker Meshal Ab- dulla has been announced as the QSL player of the month for March. The player will Areceive the award at Al Ahli’s training ground. The Qatari international has been in fi ne form this month, scoring cru- cial goals against Umm Salal and local rivals Al Arabi helping the Brigadiers pull away from the QSL relegation zone. His record of four goals in three QSL games has helped him pick up the coveted trophy. Statistics from Prozone, The QSL’s statistical partner, show how Meshal Al Ahli coach Yousuf Adam led the way in the month of March. Firstly, the striker sprinted more to glory as he claimed his fi rst ever Perhaps more impressive is that the than many of his peers – on average QSL player of the month award. victories came over teams in a higher he clocked up 458m of sprinting per QSL Coach of the month- league position. match – which is signifi cantly higher Yousuf Adam In front of goal, Al Ahli scored nine than the QSL average of 329m for a Al Ahli’s head coach Yousuf Adam times in just three QSL games. Sta- striker. has been awarded the coach of the tistics from Prozone, QSL’s statistical Meshal is dangerous with the ball at month award for March. This is the partner show that Ahli had an average his feet and can threaten any defence fi rst time that a QSL head coach has of 7 shots on target per game. How- on his day. No wonder then that the goal was typifi ed with his brace in the It’s unsurprising then that the Al their target, with 1.7 of his shots hit- picked up the award. ever, the sides overall fi tness running veteran attacker drew the most fouls 4-2 victory over Umm Salal. His goals Ahli man excelled at goals in the pen- ting their mark again much higher The Brigadiers have put in impres- can be a measure of their success in from his opponents in March, being eff ectively assured Ahli of all three alty area. In March, he averaged an than the average tally of 0.98 for QSL sive performances during the month March. The side totaled 11,332 meters on the receiving end of 2.3 tackles, points against a spirited Umm Salal impressive 1.3 goals per game from strikers. of March picking up wins against Umm this month, more than the QSL average higher than the average of 2.21. outfi t. inside the box, signifi cantly higher So from sprinting, plenty of shots Salal and Al Arabi. Crucially these of 10,400 metres. Meshal scored some crucial goals in The result gave his side relief from than the QSL average of 0.4 shots. and crucially plenty of goals Meshal timely wins have helped Al Ahli pull Ahli are set to play bottom placed February, his hard running and eye for the QSL relegation zone. Importantly most of his eff orts found has fi red his side to safety, and himself away from the QSL relegation zone. Mesaimeer in round 24 of the QSL. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, March 31, 2016 CRICKET

PREVIEW REASON Unfancied Windies out to win back India bank on spin respect: Sammy to blunt West Indian batting arsenal ‘You can’t rely on one batsman, yes the others have contributed, but still at the same time, if we can do a bit more... I think we will feel the pressure slightly less’ West Indies captain Darren Sammy at a news conference. Reuters and, with the next World Twen- Reuters Mumbai ty20 scheduled in four years’ Mumbai time in Australia, the current campaign could be the swansong est Indies’s tumul- for a few of them. he second World Twenty20 tuous build-up to Sammy felt it had made the semi-fi nal is likely to hinge on the World Twen- players more focused. who emerges on top in the bat- ty20 has knit the “Looking at the calendar year tle between the big-hitting West Wplayers together and they will after this World Cup, I don’t see TIndian batsmen and India’s wily spinners have no better stage than today’s any T20 internationals sched- when the former champions clash at the semi-fi nal against India to ex- uled,” said the ever-smiling Wankhede Stadium today. press themselves, captain Darren Sammy. “It might be a while and India, the world’s top-ranked side in Sammy said yesterday. the next T20 World Cup is in four the shortest format, arrived at the sixth India, the world’s top-ranked years. edition of the tournament with 10 wins side in the format, came into the “We really put in our all in from 11 matches in 2016 and were con- sixth edition of the tournament this tournament and the guys in sidered overwhelming favourites by fans, having won 10 out of their 11 the dressing room are aware of opposing captains and bookmakers alike. matches in 2016 and were con- what’s at stake. But while an opening Super 10 stage sidered overwhelming favourites “The guys who predict the defeat to New Zealand, who reached the by fans, opposing captains and results and stuff I think say it’s semi-fi nals unbeaten, was a wake-up bookmakers alike. 80:20 in favour of India. So it call, the home side’s credentials came West Indies, the 2012 champi- feels like David versus Goliath into question in a one-run win over ons, on the other hand were busy but people tend to forget David Bangladesh, who lost three wickets in the sorting out a contractual dispute won the fi ght.” last three balls. with their board just weeks ahead West Indies’ top-order bat- Virat Kohli’s wide blade was then of the start and did not play a ting has shouldered the burden called on to see off a stiff challenge from single international Twenty20 of chasing down targets in their 50-over world champions Australia in a before arriving in India. fi rst three matches, which has winner-takes-all contest to reach the last “The issues before the tourna- been very pleasing for Sammy. four, his masterclass glossing over some ment, the lack of respect for our “The key word was responsi- major batting fl aws for the 2007 cham- T20 team... a lot has been said bility. It is one of the main words pions. about this team and we as a group we use in the dressing room. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma that brought us closer together,” Someone taking the responsibil- have failed to build a solid foundation for Sammy told reporters on the eve ity to bring the team home, not the hosts and their opening stands of fi ve, of the match. leave it for anyone,” the 32-year- 14, 42 and 23 have put pressure on the “We saw a lot was against us... old said. middle and lower order to provide a bulk we think it’s us against the world. “We’ve not played the perfect of the scoring. It’s only us in our own little circle game. We’re stressing on rota- Left-hander Suresh Raina’s scores of and that’s the way we have gone tion of strike and stuff . It’s clear one, zero, 30 and 10 have not been overly out and played. Tomorrow is no we’re a big boundary-hitting helpful either, and calls for the number bigger day to express that.” team and we look at the dot ball four batsman’s omission from the team A number of West Indies play- percentage (which) is 40-50 per- have only gained momentum. ers are in their 30s and play only cent for us. Maybe we could im- Yuvraj Singh has been ruled out with the shortest format of the game prove on that.” an ankle injury he picked up in the win India’s captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C) kicks a football during a training session yesterday at the Wankhede stadium. over Australia, opening the door for ei- ther Ajinkya Rahane to play at his home for his exceptional calmness and savvy Today’s Fixture powerful batsmen in Nagpur. ground or the recalled Manish Pandey to against Bangladesh as India stole victory. The 2012 champions rested Gayle for India replace injured Yuvraj with stake a claim in the starting side. 2nd Semi-Final that game and a hamstring injury to An- batsman Pandey “You can’t rely on one batsman, yes THIRD FINAL India v West Indies at Mumbai dre Fletcher, who has since been ruled the others have contributed, but still at A win today will take India to a third fi - 4:30pm Qatar Time out of the tournament and replaced by World Twenty20 hosts India that happened during the the same time, if we can do a bit more nal in the World Twenty20 under Dhoni Lendl Simmons, hampered their chase will be missing Yuvraj Singh game, when he was taking off with the bat at the top of the order and after they went down to South Asian further. for the rest of the tourna- and did his ankle a bit and I the middle overs, I think we will feel the rivals Sri Lanka in the last edition in the receiving end of Chris Gayle’s assault But the inability to chase down a mod- ment after the all-rounder believe it is a minor tear. We pressure slightly less,” India captain Ma- Bangladesh. when they failed to defend a score of 182. est 124 would have not gone unnoticed was ruled out with an ankle will miss him.” hendra Singh Dhoni said after the Aus- The strong form of his spinners and At the same ground, Afghanistan gave and skipper Darren Sammy is hoping it injury and replaced by middle Pandey, 26, will fancy his tralia triumph. accuracy of pacemen Ashish Nehra and South Africa a scare while chasing 209 was just a one-off and not a sign of in- order batsman Manish Pandey chances of playing when “Also, it will be good, because still we Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs will until they lost too many wickets in the consistency. yesterday. India take on 2012 champions feel we are batting at 65 percent, barring give Dhoni hope of taming the West In- second half of the innings on a surface “We have to leave this game in Nag- Yuvraj, who played a crucial West Indies in the second Virat (Kohli).” dies batsmen on a surface that has done off ering little respite for the bowlers at a pur,” Sammy said. “We’ll leave this game role in India’s triumph in semi-final at the Wankhede Dhoni faces the prospect of lifting a little to help the bowlers in three match- ground with relatively short boundaries. here and see it as the blip in the tourna- the inaugural edition of the Stadium today, although third World Cup for India after leading es. Afghanistan also infl icted the only Su- ment. tournament in 2007, twisted Ajinkya Rahane will also stake them in 2007 and again for the 50-overs South Africa saw a 230-run target per 10 defeat on West Indies with their “Now we have two knockouts to play. his ankle while batting during his claim for a place in the title in 2011, the wicketkeeper lauded chased down by England, who were on spinners fi nding a way to restrict their Two more steps.” Sunday’s six-wicket victory starting side. over Australia that secured Pandey, the first batsman India’s place in the last four. from his country to smash a BOTTOMLINE “It will have an impact, century in the Indian Premier because he has had his mo- League (IPL) Twenty20 com- ments,” India team director petition, has played only four Ravi Shastri said of Yuvraj, one-day internationals and a who also won the player of couple of T20 internationals. the tournament award in the “We have not decided yet, team’s 2011 50-overs World Manish has just joined the Clash of the titans! Kohli versus Cup success at home. party yesterday,” Shastri said, “I thought his three overs adding that they will also have were brilliant in the last game, to consider Yuvraj’s bowling that put the check and brakes duties. We will take a look at on the scoring and allowed us everything in the nets and Gayle in the T20 semi -fi nal to come back into the contest. then see what will be out best AFP “Unfortunately, it is an injury options for tomorrow.” Mumbai Shastri urges batsmen to bring ‘A’ hris Gayle is deter- game for semi-finals mined to grab the World Twenty20 limelight India’s top order bats- 50-overs champions Australia back from in-form Virat men have not performed on Sunday. KohliC when the West Indies and well enough at the World “You can’t depend on one or India clash in a mouthwatering Twenty20, with the excep- two players, you need six to semi-fi nal in Mumbai today. tion of Virat Kohli, and must seven players to step up. It has The destructive opener improve against a dangerous not happened really in this smashed an unbeaten century, West Indies side in today’s tournament, let’s hope tomor- which included 11 sixes, in the semi-final, team director Ravi row it’s a start.” West Indies’ opening win against Shastri said. West Indies, the 2012 cham- England but has only batted once “You need it (a performance) pions, boast powerful hitters since, making just four. in a big game like the semi- who can clear the relatively Kohli has been the star of finals,” Shastri told reporters shorter boundaries at the the tournament so far, expert- India’s Virat Kohli (L) waits to bat in the nets at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday. (Right) Chris Gayle hard at practice. yesterday. “I still believe we Wankhede Stadium, includ- ly guiding India through the have played to 70 percent of ing opener Chris Gayle who group stages with a half-century tournament and try and pick up “Chris Gayle would attack. on his way to proving himself as momentum but warned that our ability in this tournament smashed 11 sixes and five against Pakistan and 82 not out where I left off , get a big one for That’s the nature of T20 cricket. one of the greats of the game af- “anything was possible”. so there’s 30 percent where boundaries in an unbeaten in a crunch win over Australia. the team and put them in a win- And that’s the nature of Chris ter a lull in form. “India are the favourites. It is we can improve. 100 in their win against With the fl at wicket at Mum- ning position,” he added. Gayle. No names, just cricket “You have to give him the always going to be diffi cult to beat “So let’s hope it happens England. bai’s Wankhede Stadium a The 36-year-old described ball, beat it as hard as possible,” credit for really believing that them here. But the West Indies are tomorrow because in a semi- “They are one of the most dream for batsmen, the last-four Kohli, who is the top run-scorer Gayle added. he can be right up there with the ready for an upset,” he said. final you have to get your ‘A’ dangerous sides in this showdown between the hosts left in the tournament with 184, India’s coach Ravi Shastri said best and for putting in the hard The Windies preparations game.” format,” the former India all- and 2012 champions is set to be as a “world beater” but insisted his bowlers were aware of the yards because let me tell you were dealt a blow with the an- Kohli has scored most of the rounder said. a battle of the big-hitters. neither he nor the West Indies danger posed by Gayle but were know one trains harder than Vi- nouncement that Andre Fletch- runs for the world’s top- “They have got explosive “I am looking to show what were concerned about individ- determined to tame him. rat,” said Shastri. er, whose unbeaten 84 fi red his ranked team, with two half- players. They have got match Chris Gayle is,” Gayle warned ual players. “Bring it on. All our bowlers “Credit must be given to him team to victory over Sri Lanka, centuries in the tournament, winners. So we know what we ominously on Tuesday. “Chris Gayle will always be will target him,” said Shastri in his for putting in that much of hard had been ruled out the rest of the and almost single-handedly are up against. But we are up “I have only batted twice but positive. It does not matter eve-of-match press conference. work and believing in his own tournament with a hamstring guided India to victory in their and ready as well.” this (semi-fi nal) is a perfect op- which bowler is bowling against The former Indian allrounder ability.” injury. Fletcher has been re- steep run chase against Now to see what happens. portunity to actually start the Chris Gayle,” he said. meanwhile said that Kohli was Gayle believes India have the placed by Lendl Simmons. Gulf Times Thursday, March 31, 2016 3 CRICKET

SPOTLIGHT Lanning leads Aussies into women’s World T20 final Captain Meg Lanning’s ag- Natalie Sciver had Alex gressive half century helped Blackwell trudging back to the holders Australia reach their dugout after hitting the stumps fourth consecutive women’s from deep midwicket, while World Twenty20 final yester- another direct hit from long-on Women seek day after beating traditional saw the back of Lanning. rivals England by five runs in England’s reply got off to a the first semi-final. healthy start as skipper Char- Put in to bat on a hot sunny lotte Edwards and Tammy afternoon in New Delhi, Aus- Beaumont put on a 67-run tralia posted a competitive 132 opening stand. for six after Lanning’s 50-ball Australia however kept their 55 before their bowlers then cool, and made the break- World T20 boost restricted England to 127 for through when leg-spinner seven. Kristen Beams took the prized Openers Alyssa Healy and wicket of Edwards (31). Elyse Villani laid a decent Beaumont (32) hung around platform for Lanning to build for a while before falling to on as England bowlers found medium-pacer Megan Schutt it hard to contain the steady in the 14th overs as the wheels flow of boundaries. started to come off the Eng- in equality battle Healy (25) and Villani (19) land chase. played useful cameos but Wicktkeeper-batswoman their departure slowed the Sarah Taylor did try to inject ‘Even though, we have a good side we are not getting the kind of support we Aussie charge at the Feroz life into the chase but her Shah Kotla stadium. departure for 21 was a major deserve. I’m sure the day will come, it’s not very far, when we will be treated equally’ Lanning then took control, blow to England’s chances starting off cautiously and of repeating their 2009 title- AFP then changing gear to give the winning prformance. Mumbai England bowlers a hard time. Down the order, Katherine Lanning, who led Australia Brunt did hit a boundary and to World T20 glory in 2014, a six to raise some hopes but rom poor pay to lack of training registered her eighth T20 fifty Schutt got her cleaned up to grounds and media coverage, and as she hit six boundaries. shut the doors on England. even sexual harassment, women England tried to claw their Australia will meet the win- cricketers have long faced in- way back into the game with ner of the second semi-final equalityF in a multi-billion dollar sport some sharp fielding, including between West Indies and New dominated by men. two run-outs from direct hits Zealand in the title showdown With both semi-fi nals and Sunday’s in the outfield. in Kolkata on Sunday. fi nal in Kolkata immediately preced- ing the men’s equivalents at the same grounds, players are hoping that success in the tournament—and in front of a glo- PAKISTAN bal TV audience—can inch them further towards parity. “We are hoping to win and hoping that will kickstart more interest in the Afridi issues video women’s team. So watch this space,” said New Zealand captain Suzie Bates who has racked up 171 runs at the tournament in apology for T20 fl op cricket-mad India. “It’s about changing people’s attitudes and getting the message across,” the vet- AFP eran of World T20s said of the struggles Islamabad facing the women. Cricketers say the sport has come a long way since the 1970s when women akistan’s under-fi re started playing professionally, and they captain Shahid Afridi have fought hard to have access to decent yesterday issued a video grounds on which to practise, funds for message to supporters equipment and qualifi ed coaches. Papologising for his team’s early The International Cricket Council’s exit from the World Twenty20, 2005 order for men’s and women’s na- but remained silent on his future tional governing bodies to merge was following calls for him to retire. hailed by many in the sport as a chance Afridi, nicknamed “Boom ladesh, and big losses to India, for the women to fl ourish. Boom” for his fi erce hitting, has New Zealand and Australia. But in India they were left to languish, suff ered a drop in form over the Like Afridi, head coach Waqar with the all-powerful Board of Control for past two years and he was una- Younis is also under intense Cricket in India (BCCI) reluctant to pro- ble to steer Pakistan through the scrutiny and he off ered to resign mote or develop their game or organise group stages of the tournament while off ering his own apology frequent international tours, according to in India. at a press conference on Tues- Indian sports journalist Neeru Bhatia. The 36-year-old has been day. “It was really pathetic at one point,” expected to make an announce- Afridi’s video met with a Bhatia, The Week magazine’s corre- ment on his future this week, mostly positive response by fans spondent, said, adding the BCCI started Australian cricketers take part in a practice session at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi. but instead he took to Facebook posting on his Facebook page. making amends, including introducing and Twitter to issue a one- “Great cricketer Boom boom contracts, after a recent change in lead- “It’s about changing people’s Bates tells of women being forced to the world’s top players, attracted solid minute apology to the cricket- Afridi ..i am Indian ..but I like ership. attitudes and getting the message choose between their jobs and cricket— television audiences and match attend- mad country. afridi as sportsman..come on In New Zealand and neighbouring across,” the veteran of World T20s with New Zealand paying a NZ$12,000 ances. And a similar Women’s Cricket Pointing to the star on his Pa- guys support them be with ur Australia, Bates said she has noticed a said of the struggles facing the (8,000 US dollars) annual retainer for its Super League is set to take off in England kistan jersey, he said: “For this team,” said user Narayan Ka- shift in attitudes in recent years towards women top players. later this year. star, and these colours, when wade. “what the men get the women get too”. “I think women’s cricket is defi nitely I come to a ground, I carry the Afridi has been a fan favour- For the fi rst time at this tournament, “Step by step, they (the cricket board) ‘DIFFICULT TO STOMACH’ building and I think it’s come so long (far) weight of my people’s hopes ite since he burst on the scene in for example, the White Ferns have single have solved it. It’s a good start for wom- She said she was appalled by the In- in such a short amount of time,” Austral- with me. 1996, striking a 37-ball century rooms, rather than sharing with team- en’s cricket,” Siriwardena told AFP. dian Wells tennis chief’s comments this ian pace bowler Holly Ferling said. “Today, I, Shahid Afridi, apol- against Sri Lanka in only his sec- mates to save costs. But their request for “Lots of offi cials are new after those month that women players owed their Bangladesh captain Jahanara Alam said ogise to the whole nation for not ond match to set a world record business-class seats was refused for their problems we had in the last two years. success to men, which ignited a furious TV coverage of her side’s matches would being able to fulfi l the hopes of that was unbeaten for 17 years. 17-hour fl ight from New Zealand to Du- Other countries were asking about it. It gender row in the sport. boost public support and perhaps attract myself and my team.” He became known as a bowl- bai, a luxury given to the men. was damaging for our image.” “I found that diffi cult to stomach, as I much-needed sponsors in her impov- The 2009 champions have ing all-rounder in the second In Sri Lanka, the team are trying to put In Pakistan, women reportedly raised think many women would,” she told AFP, erished country, whose male players, in been widely criticised by fans half of his career and was in- a sexual harassment scandal behind them similar allegations about selectors from saying women would shine brighter if comparison, are feted like rock stars. for a lacklustre performance at strumental in Pakistan’s early that skipper Shashikala Siriwardena a city club two years ago, prompting an they were given the same opportunities “Even though, we have a good side we the World T20 with just one vic- successes in Twenty20, includ- conceded had damaged their interna- investigation by the national cricket as men. are not getting the kind of support we de- tory, against unfancied Bang- ing their 2009 victory. tional image. board. But she points to the huge success of serve. We are not complaining but it’s not Sri Lankan cricket sacked three offi - For many, playing professional cricket the recent inaugural Big Bash T20 league, enough,” Alam said. cials last year following allegations that is tough fi nancially, compared to the men played in Australia prior to the men’s “(But) I’m sure the day will come, it’s NEW APPROACH women from the national team were be- who can earn six fi gures signing up for tournament of the same name, as evi- not very far, when we will be treated ing asked to perform sexual favours to glitzy tournaments such as the Indian dence of progress. equally.” keep their places. Premier League. The lucrative competition, featuring Let’s hope that day comes soon. Australia to switch BOTTOMLINE to Dukes ball to prepare for Ashes

Reuters Performance Pat Howard said in Starc back for West Indies tour a statement. Melbourne “We have been on record say- Reuters “It is extremely pleasing to “It is extremely pleasing to ing that we will look at ways to Melbourne have a bowler of his calibre back have a bowler of his calibre fter 15 years of fail- address this defi ciency and be- in the side.” back in the side” ing to win an Ashes lieve giving players greater expe- South Australia batsman test series in England, rience with the Dukes ball is one eft-arm fast bowler Travis Head has also been called India for test keeper Peter Nevill. Cricket Australia have way of doing just that. Mitchell Starc will return into the one-day squad for the Test off -spinner Nathan Lyon Adecided to give players more ex- “Some people might think from a broken foot dur- fi rst time after an impressive do- has also been given an opportu- perience with the Dukes cricket changing a brand of cricket ball ing Australia’s limited- mestic season, which included nity to prove his credentials in ball by using it in their domes- is a minor consideration, but as Lovers triangular series in the making his Twenty20 interna- the shorter forms of the game, tic fi rst class competition from we have seen from past Ashes West Indies in June. tional debut against India in Ad- with the 28-year-old having next year. campaigns in England, it can be Starc broke his foot during the elaide on January. played just 10 one-day interna- The England and Wales Crick- a signifi cant factor.” inaugural day-night test against Head scored a double cen- tionals in four years. et Board use the Dukes ball for Australia will host the next New Zealand in Adelaide last tury for South Australia in the Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, international matches, while Ashes series in late 2017/early November and missed the rest of domestic one-day competi- who impressed in the World Australia use the locally pro- 2018 before the sides return to Australia’s summer programme. tion, a century in the Twenty20 Twenty20 in India, has also been duced Kookaburra brand. England in 2019. He also used the enforced competition and was named the included to exploit the expected The balls behave diff erently The Dukes ball will be used break to have surgery on an an- fi rst class Player of the Year after turning wickets in the Caribbean. through the air and off the pitch, in the second part of Australia’s kle injury that had been bother- scoring 721 runs that included South Africa will also contest with Australia’s inability to play Sheffi eld Shield competition ing him for the past year. three centuries. the triangular tournament that the moving ball seen as one of from next year in order to prepare The 26-year-old began run- “Travis has put in some runs from June 3-26. the reasons why they have failed the team for their overseas tours. ning slowly at the end of last match-winning performances to win an Ashes series in England The Kookaburra ball will con- month and had been gradu- in all three formats of the game Australia team: Steve Smith since 2001. tinue to be used in the fi rst part of ally building his fi tness and was this summer,” Marsh said. (captain), David Warner (vice- Australian bowlers have also the season, when Australia typi- named in the squad for the tour- “He is an exciting young bats- captain), George Bailey, Nathan been unable to exploit the same cally host visiting teams from nament yesterday. man with a bright future and if Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, movement as their English November to February, though “Mitchell has progressed very he gets his opportunity I have no Aaron Finch, John Hastings, counterparts. “In recent times the test series are normally com- well in his rehab and the medical doubt he will make the most of it.” Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Australian teams travelling to pleted by early January. staff are confi dent he will be fi t Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, England haven’t adjusted well to In the last four Ashes tours in to play in this series,” chairman has also returned to the one-day Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Max- local conditions and the swing- England, the hosts have won 10 of selectors Rod Marsh said in a side after he was dumped for the well, Mitchell Starc, Matthew ing Dukes ball,” Cricket Aus- of the 20 games, while the tour- statement. File picture of Mitchell Starc of Australia. World Twenty20 tournament in Wade, Adam Zampa tralia’s General Manager of Team ists have clinched just four. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, March 31, 2016 FOOTBALL

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY FOCUS Vardy hopes Hodgson laments England goal spree helps lost momentum Leicester title bid ‘Tonight was a diff erent team to the one that played against France and Germany’ AFP London

amie Vardy (right) be- lieves his goal-scoring exploits with England will provide the ideal confiJ dence boost as he returns to the task of fi ring Leicester to the Premier League title. After terrorising Premier League de- fenders throughout a remark- able breakthrough season, Vardy transferred his talents to the in- ternational stage with his fi rst two goals for England against Germany and the Netherlands. The 29-year-old striker’s im- pressive displays likely cemented his place in Roy Hodgson’s squad for Euro 2016 and Vardy can now turn his attention to the fi nal weeks of Leicester’s astonishing bid to win their fi rst top-fl ight title. Claudio Ranieri’s team are fi ve points clear of second placed Tottenham with seven games re- maining and, with his confi dence sky-high, Vardy, who has 21 goals for club and country this term, can’t wait to take on Southamp- ton at the King Power Stadium on Sunday. “I feel brilliant per- sonally. The goals can only be same tempo is very disappoint- good for my confi dence,” Vardy ing,” he said. “But there are still said. “Going back to training this positive things for us to take from week off the back of scoring two the international week. Hopeful- goals, hopefully I’ll be scoring at ly we will work on that to put it the weekend.” into action at the Euros.” Vardy’s infl uential cameo While Vardy’s place in the England players appeal to Spanish referee Antonio Miguel Lahoz after the Netherlands scored their second goal during the friendly at Wembley Stadium in London. (AFP) and impudent fl icked fi nish in squad looks assured, he still England’s 3-2 friendly win over has to elbow his way past Harry AFP “I don’t know what I can say to change a fi rst start in 18 months for Liverpool Johan Cruyff , who died last week at the Germany added to the former Kane, Wayne Rooney, Danny London that pretty obvious fact. But tonight striker Daniel Sturridge. Vardy tapped in age of 68. non-league player’s incredible Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge (Tuesday) was a diff erent team to the one Kyle Walker’s cross in the 41st minute, Cruyff won both his fi rst European Cup rise to prominence, but he is de- for a coveted spot in the start- that played against France and Germany. but Janssen equalised from the penalty as a player with Ajax and his only Euro- termined not to let the increased ing line-up against Russia in the ngland manager Roy Hodgson “A lot of players were playing today spot following a handball by Danny Rose pean Cup as a manager with Barcelona at attention distract him. Euro opener on June 11. admitted that his team had lost who hadn’t played many games of late, so early in the second half and then teed up Wembley, in 1971 and 1992, and Blind felt “I’ve not seen the goal that “There’s massive competi- valuable momentum after losing the task for them was obviously a little bit substitute Narsingh for the 77th-minute that the ovation had been a fi tting tribute. many times to be honest with tion and that is only good for us. 2-1 to the Netherlands in their harder. But there are plenty of games to winner despite appearing to foul Phil Jag- “I think it was a great moment,” said you. I don’t really look at my It means everyone is going to be fiE nal game before he announces his Euro get our momentum back. “We have three ielka in the process. Blind, who played under Cruyff at Ajax. goals after I’ve scored,” Vardy trying that extra two or three 2016 squad. Hoping to build on Satur- further preparation games before we go to Hodgson complained about both deci- “The audience was fabulous and that’s said. “The missus messaged me percent, which is always impor- day’s rousing 3-2 win over world cham- France, so there’s plenty of opportunity sions, branding the second one “excep- what he deserved. He had great results to say it was all over Twitter but tant in games,” Vardy added. pions Germany in Berlin, England took a to regain momentum and learn lessons tionally harsh”, but conceded that even here, on this ground. “With Ajax in 1971, I like to stay relaxed if possible.” James Milner, who captained 1-0 lead in Tuesday’s friendly at Wembley from tonight’s defeat.” victory would not have masked the short- he won the fi rst (European) Cup and later Vardy admitted he was frus- England on Tuesday in the ab- through Jamie Vardy, only for a Vincent Hodgson, who names his Euro 2016 comings of a disjointed England display. with Barcelona he won the Champions trated that his close-range open- sence of the injured Wayne Janssen penalty and a disputed Luciano squad on May 12, added: “I think I will “I was more disappointed that we League. So it was very special.” er in Tuesday’s friendly against Rooney, told his team-mates Narsingh strike to give Holland victory. fi nd lots of positives from this week and didn’t reach the level of intensity or With Holland having failed to qualify the Netherlands didn’t prove their defeat to the Netherlands, England face a wait of two months be- things that I’m glad to have seen. creativity that we did on Saturday night for Euro 2016, Blind said that results such the springboard to victory as who failed to qualify for the Eu- fore their next three friendlies—at home “Going forward it will make us strong- (against Germany),” he said. as Tuesday’s win would help to convince the Dutch hit back to win 2-1 at ros, should serve as a warning to Turkey, Australia and Portugal—and er and make my task somewhat clearer “Our domination of the ball didn’t lead their supporters that they are on the right Wembley. But he remains con- they still have much work to do Hodgson said that they would need to use when it comes to choosing the players to enough goal chances, so that disap- path. “Of course we needed a good result, vinced Hodgson’s men are capa- before they can make an impact those games to re-build belief. “When- that I need to take with me to France.” pointed me most.” because we’re still disappointed that we ble of a good run at the European in France. “We will have learnt ever you have two very good victories and Hodgson made eight changes to the Victorious manager Danny Blind paid can’t go to France this summer,” he said. Championships in France. a lot as a group moving forward. then you lose a game, momentum is lost,” team that had vanquished Germany, tribute to the supporters at a sold-out “We needed this win for the group, for “We had a massive high at the It shows the consistency needed said Hodgson, whose side had won 2-0 at which included a debut for Leicester Wembley after they rose in unison dur- the staff , but also to get some good will weekend (against Germany) and if we are going to do well in the home to France in November. City midfi elder Danny Drinkwater and ing a minute’s applause for Dutch great back for the people of Holland.” losing without putting in the tournament,” Milner said.

SPOTLIGHT Coach Loew targets key areas France coach Deschamps for Germany before Euro 2016 Munich: Germany’s Joachim Loew has targeted the areas where the world champions delighted as Kante makes mark must improve for June’s European championships after AFP their shock defeat to Eng- Paris land and thrashing of Italy in friendlies. The Germans threw away a two-goal lead in losing rance coach Didier Deschamps was 3-2 to a spirited England side in delighted with N’Golo Kante’s per- Berlin on Saturday, but roared formance on his fi rst international back with a 4-1 thrashing of start in Tuesday’s 4-2 friendly win the disappointing Italians in againstF Russia. The all-action Leicester City Munich on Tuesday. player has been one of the stars of the season Toni Kroos, Mario Goetze, in England and needed just eight minutes Jonas Hector and Mesut Ozil on his fi rst start for his country to score the put Germany 4-0 up before opening goal in an impressive French victory. replacement Stephan El That followed his debut appearance as Shaarawy scored Italy’s late Mesut Ozil converts a penalty for Germany's fourth goal against a substitute in last Friday’s 3-2 win in the consolation goal. Italy in Munich on Tuesday. (Reuters) Netherlands and leaves the former Caen Loew knows what needs player, who celebrated his 25th birthday on to be done before Germany’s team has the feeling they can “I wanted to try something Tuesday, looking a certainty to make the opening Euro 2016 game beat Italy, but the game won’t out and we played with a back France squad for Euro 2016. “He is a little France’s N’Golo Kante against Ukraine in Lille in play an important role for the three (plus two wingbacks) so chap who is always smiling. The squad have celebrates after scoring Group C on June 12. European championships,” we could take risks with three done everything to help him settle in and he a goal against Russia in “Against England, we lost said Loew. “When things get centre-backs,” said Loew. has shown no complexes out on the fi eld,” an International our discipline and concentra- going, the Italians will certainly “It depends on how disci- said Deschamps after Tuesday’s game at the Friendly. (Reuters) tion, plus our conviction in the play very diff erently.” plined the midfield players Stade de France. “It is not easy on your fi rst final phase,” said Loew. Loew was relieved his side are—and Toni and Mesut did start but he did some very good things. “It was better against Italy, played for the full 90 minutes that exceptionally well, both in “It is interesting. It doesn’t mean those Andre-Pierre Gignac, now playing his club France have won seven times in eight but there were still things we against Italy, rather than the defence and on attack. who didn’t play don’t have qualities, but he football in Mexico, also scored as he showed friendly matches this season and are look- have to work on. 60 against England, when the “It was a risk, but these are has carried on at international level what he that he is a credible contender should Karim ing like genuine contenders to win the Euros, “The fact that we didn’t pull Three Lions netted three goals the sort of games where you has been doing with his club.” Benzema’s off -fi eld issues prevent him from which they open when they face Romania at out all the stops is understand- in the final half an hour. take them.” Curiously, another of the stars of the sea- making the fi nal squad. the Stade de France on June 10. able, but when the teams plays “We did better than against With captain Bastian Sch- son in England, West Ham United’s Dimitri Bayern Munich’s teenageer Kingsley Russia, who will face England, Wales and well, then we have options. England, because the team weinsteiger and defender Jer- Payet, also scored a goal on his birthday in Coman came off the bench to score France’s Slovakia in Group B when they return to “Nevertheless, there are a kept their concentration high ome Boateng to return from the game against Russia, in his case coming fi nal goal of the night and suddenly it is France for the fi nals, were disappointing for few areas such as our behav- for 90 minutes,” he said. injury in the coming weeks, off the bench to net a free-kick in the second worth wondering whether France even need much of Tuesday’s game despite coach Leo- iour in defence, our build-up “We had discussed staying Loew says things are looking half on the day he turned 29. Real Madrid star Benzema after they racked nid Slutsky sending out a strong team. play and our running patterns disciplined throughout, espe- up after the England blip. “It is a beautiful birthday present,” said up seven goals in two games over the last fi ve However, Slutsky was happier with their which we must improve on.” cially until the end.” “Things will get easier when Payet. “The free-kick was my fi rst touch. I days. “I was expecting that question,” said second-half display, when they got both Italy, who Germany have Loew experimented with everyone is in good shape, don’t know if I scored points tonight. I just Deschamps. “We need to talk about the play- of their goals courtesy of Alexander Koko- never beaten at a major tour- a 5-4-1 formation, using Real but that is highly dependent try to perform as well as possible. If I don’t go ers who were there. We will see about the rest rin and Yuri Zhirkov. “It was a game of two nament, are a possible quarter- Madrid’s Kroos and Ozil as two on what happens in the next to the Euros of course I will be disappointed, later. “I have diff erent profi les of players who halves. In the fi rst half, we were too timid and final opponent at Euro 2016, central attacking midfielders, few weeks,” said Loew, who is like any player.” can play in diff erent positions. The impor- then after the break I was satisfi ed with the but Loew says Tuesday night’s and the move paid off with set to name his 23-man squad The impact of these two players under- tant thing is that we remain dangerous going performance and the quality of our game,” he first win over the Azzurri for 21 Kroos scoring the first goal on May 17. “It was clear to see, lined the options available to Deschamps forward and keep scoring goals. We have a said. “I am still moderately optimistic for the years has little meaning. “Obvi- and Ozil converting a second- against Italy, that some players as he ponders his squad for the European team who like to get forward and who link up future. France are one of the favourites to win ously, it’s important that the half penalty. were fighting for their places.” Championship on home soil in June and July. well. There have been lots of positives.” the Euros.” Gulf Times Thursday, March 31, 2016 5 FOOTBALL

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Gary Neville sacked as Valencia coach Madrid: Gary Neville has been United player, 41, oversaw just sacked as coach of Valencia three wins in 16 league games Messi hits 50th goal, after just over four months in in charge. His last game at the charge, the struggling Spanish helm was a 2-0 home defeat club confirmed yesterday. to Celta Vigo just before the “Valencia Football Club have international break. today parted company with He has spent the last week Gary Neville as Head Coach,” with the England squad Valencia said in a statement for their friendly games in Brazil snatch draw published in English on their Germany and at home to the website. “After careful consid- Netherlands and had been due eration, the Club have decided to return to Spain to prepare for to make a change with the best this weekend’s crucial game at Barcelona superstar is only the second Argentine to reach a half century of goals interests of the Valencia CF in-form Las Palmas. moving forward this season. Neville, whose brother Phil We thank Gary for his work at was already part of the back- Valencia and wish him the best room staff at the Mestalla when in the future.” he took over in December, had Pako Ayestaran, previ- faced strong criticism in Spain ously an assistant coach at the for carrying on his England Mestalla, has been appointed duties and last week delayed as Neville’s replacement until meeting up with Roy Hodgson’s the end of the season, Valencia squad by several days in an added. Neville, who had been eff ort to show his commitment combining the job with his role to his club. as part of the England coach- Six-time Spanish champions ing team, leaves with Valencia Valencia risk being dragged languishing in 14th place in La into the relegation battle with Liga, six points clear of the rel- fixtures against Sevilla, Barce- egation zone with eight games lona, Villarreal and Real Madrid remaining. still to come before the end of The former Manchester the season.

FOCUS Villa part company with manager Garde

Reuters London

emi Garde (right) part- ed company with Aston Villa almost fi ve months after taking over as managerR on Tuesday having failed to turn around the Premier League club’s dismal season. The Frenchman, who replaced Tim Sherwood after a poor start lost 6-0 at home to Liverpool. to the campaign, managed only Villa said fi rst-team coach Eric two wins in the 20 league match- Black would take over as act- es he took charge of and lost the ing manager until the club fi nd last six. “Manager Remi Garde a full-time replacement. Garde’s Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) vies for the ball has today left Aston Villa Foot- departure follows the recent ex- with Bolivia’s Fernando Saucedo during the ball Club by mutual consent,” its of chief executive Tom Fox 2018 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers’ bottom club Villa said in a state- and sporting director Hendrik in Cordoba, Argentina, on Tuesday. (AFP) ment. “The club would like to Almstadt. place on record its sincere thanks to Remi for all his eff orts during MAN CITY’S DEMICHELIS AFP take on Real Madrid in the Clasico. Brazil, missing striker Neymar and de- day. Colombia produced their best dis- a diffi cult period and wish him CHARGED OVER BETTING Cordoba, Argentina Messi, meanwhile, was satisfi ed with fender David Luiz through suspension, play since reaching the quarter-fi nals of well in the future.” Manchester City centre-back yet another Argentina win, which sug- might even have grabbed a late winner at the 2014 World Cup to overwhelm the Ec- Former European champions Martin Demichelis has been gests their troubled start to qualifying— the death but Villar saved an Alves shot. It uadorans. AC Milan forward Carlos Bacca Villa, owned by American busi- charged with misconduct in re- ionel Messi scored his 50th in- which began with a shock 2-0 home de- was the second straight game that Para- scored either side of a Sebastian Perez nessman Randy Lerner for the lation to betting, England’s Foot- ternational goal as Argentina feat to Ecuador—is fi rmly in the rear view guay had conceded an injury-time equal- strike to help Jose Pekerman’s team take past decade, look almost certain ball Association announced. notched their third straight victo- mirror. “Beating Bolivia and Chile is what iser after Ecuador’s 2-2 draw last week. all three points. Colombia are now fi fth in to slip out of English football’s “It is alleged the player com- ry in South America’s 2018 World we wanted,” said Messi, referring to last However, manager Ramon Diaz re- the table with 10 points from fi ve games. top fl ight for the fi rst time since mitted 12 breaches of FA Rule LCup qualifying tournament, while Brazil week’s hard-fought win over the Chil- fused to sound downbeat despite miss- South American champions Chile mean- spending a season in the second E8 concerning football matches snatched a dramatic late draw against eans in Santiago. ing out on the win. “It shows we are ca- while suff ered an early shock in Venezuela tier in 1987-88. between 22 January 2016 and 28 Paraguay on Tuesday. Messi swept in an “We’ve come from a low position in the pable of matching these big teams,” Diaz after Romulo Otero fi red the home team They have managed only 16 January 2016,” the FA said in a emphatic spot-kick after half an hour to standings to a high one, but there is still a said. “The important thing is that we are into an early lead. Chile recovered, how- points from 31 matches and are statement. Argentina interna- help Argentina to a 2-0 win over Bolivia long way to go,” Messi added. growing as a team,” added the former Ar- ever, with two goals from Atalanta striker 12 points behind fourth-from- tional Demichelis, 35, has until at the Estadio Mario Kempes in Cordoba, Messi’s Barcelona teammate Dani Alves gentine international. Mauricio Pinilla before a brace from Bay- bottom Norwich City with only 1800 GMT on April 5 to respond lifting the two-time world champions to was the hero of Brazil’s 2-2 draw with bo- Paraguay qualifi ed for four consecutive ern Munich midfi elder Arturo Vidal com- seven games remaining. Former to the charge. third in the overall standings. gey team Paraguay in Asuncion. Paraguay World Cup tournaments between 1998 pleted a 4-1 victory. Olympique Lyon manager Garde, FA Rule E8 states that players The Barcelona superstar’s goalscor- looked to be on course for another famous and 2010, where they reached the quar- once a midfi elder with Arse- must not bet “either directly or ing exploits make him only the second victory to set alongside their Copa Amer- ter-fi nals, but missed out in 2014. SOUTH AMERICA 2018 WORLD CUP nal, signed a three-and-a-half indirectly, or instruct, permit, player in Argentine history to reach a half ica wins over Brazil in 2011 and 2015 after Uruguay lead the standings with 13 QUALIFYING RESULTS year contract in November and cause or enable any person to bet century of goals. The 28-year-old striker taking a 2-0 lead early in the second half points from six games after they followed At Asuncion: Paraguay 2 (Lezcano 40, Beni- managed a 0-0 draw with Man- on” any “result, progress or con- is now closing in on legendary scorer via goals from Dario Lezcano and Edgar up last Friday’s 2-2 draw in Brazil with a tez 49) Brazil 2 (Oliveira 79, Dani Alves 90+2) chester City in his fi rst match in duct of a match or competition” Gabriel Batistuta’s record of 56 goals, set Benitez. But a Ricardo Oliveira goal on 79 1-0 victory over Peru in Montevideo on At Cordoba, Argentina: Argentina 2 (Mercado charge of the Midlands club. in which they participate or over between 1991 and 2002. minutes gave Brazil a lifeline as the clock Tuesday. Paris Saint-Germain striker 20, Messi 30-pen) Bolivia 0 But that was one of the few which they have any infl uence. Messi now also needs only one more ticked down. Edinson Cavani scored the game’s only At Barranquilla, Colombia: Colombia 3 (Bacca positives as a mediocre squad Demichelis has made 29 ap- goal to reach 500 goals for club and coun- Deep into injury time, Chelsea forward goal after 51 minutes. 15, 67, Perez 48) Ecuador 1 (Arroyo 90) slipped further and further into pearances for City this season, try—raising the prospect that he could Willian fed Alves and the fullback surged Ecuador trail Uruguay on goal diff er- At Montevideo: Uruguay 1 (Cavani 51) Peru 0 trouble. His only league wins most recently in their 1-0 Pre- achieve that milestone with Barcelona into the area to curl his shot beyond Para- ence after being beaten 3-1 by Colombia At Barina, Venezuela: Venezuela 1 (Otero 9) came against Crystal Palace and mier League loss at home to this weekend when the Spanish giants guay goalkeeper Justo Villar. in the port city of Barranquilla on Tues- Chile 4 (Pinilla 33, 52, Vidal 72, 90+2) Norwich while in February Villa Manchester United.

DECLINE SPOTLIGHT Nigeria fret aft er US bounce back with Guatemala thrashing AFP ter the half-hour mark. Germany-based winger Columbus, Ohio Bobby Wood went on a jinking run wide out on the exit from left only to be brought down by a clumsy challenge from Cristian Jimenez, who was booked. he United States got their fl agging Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley stepped up AFCON 2018 World Cup qualifi cation cam- for the free-kick and curled in a superb ball for Ge- paign back on track on Tuesday with a off Cameron, who thumped home the header for Kaduna: Nigeria’s failure to 4-0 thrashing of Guatemala. A shock 2-0. It got better for the home fans within 20 sec- qualify for a second straight Af- T2-0 defeat to the Guatemalans last Friday had onds of the second half when the USA went 3-0 up rica Cup of Nations has sparked left Jurgen Klinsmann’s side facing a must-win with a goal created inadvertently by Zardes after fears about the country’s chanc- return fi xture in Columbus, where a defeat would he miscontrolled a pass from DeAndre Yedlin. es of featuring in the 2018 World have all but eliminated them from North, Central Zardes’ clumsy touch wrongfooted the Guate- Cup in Russia. America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) zone malan defense and Zusi pounced to tuck away the The Super Eagles failed to qualifi ers. low fi nish. The Americans continued to torment qualify for next year’s AFCON But the USA, who have appeared at every World the visitors and soon after having a goal wrong- on Tuesday night, after a 1-0 Cup fi nals since the 1990 tournament in Italy, nev- ly disallowed for off side went 4-0 ahead when defeat to Egypt in Alexandria er looked like being denied all three points as they Dempsey pounced on another blunder to tee up which followed last Friday’s 1-1 dominated from the opening minutes. US skipper substitute Jozy Altidore to crash home the fi nish. draw in Kaduna. The north Afri- Michael Bradley said the experienced heads in the The result vaulted the Americans over Gua- can side top the qualifying group American starting line-up, which contained sev- temala into second place in the standings in the with seven points, fi ve points eral fi gures from their successful 2014 World Cup four-team Group C, behind Trinidad and Tobago, clear of Nigeria, with both teams campaign, had been crucial. who defeated St. Vincent and the Grenadines 6-0 still having a fi nal group game “We’ve got a lot of guys who’ve played these on Tuesday. The top two teams in the group qual- against bottom side Tanzania. kind of games before and I think our experience ify for the fi nal round of competition to determine It will be the second con- and our commitment carried us through,” Bradley CONCACAF’s World Cup contingent. secutive tournament where the said. “It’s a great result and we’ll keep moving on. Elsewhere Tuesday, Mexico guaranteed their three-time African champions For me, the diff erence was the collective mentality, place in the fi nal round with a 2-0 win over Can- Nigeria will not feature in the the willingness of everyone to forget about every- Clint Dempsey (left) of the United States attempts to get past Carlos Castrillo and Rodrigo Saravia ada in Group A. The victory leaves Mexico with fi nals. Nigeria—who made the thing else and when that whistle blew, spill their (right) of Guatemala during the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier in Columbus, Ohio. (AFP) 12 points from four games, with two rounds left fi nals in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010 guts on the fi eld.” to play. Mexico are eight points clear of second and 2014 — likely face a tougher The crucial fi rst American goal came in the 12th Zardes’s run panicked Guatemala’s central de- who rifl ed home the fi nish. placed Honduras. battle to qualify when the draw is minute, when a long ball forward caused confu- fensive duo of Moises Hernandez and Rafael Mo- It was Dempsey’s 49th international goal, leav- In Group B, Costa Rica and Panama are favored staged in June, with a lowly FIFA sion as Los Angeles Galaxy striker Gyasi Zardes rales, who crashed into each other and allowed the ing him only eight behind Landon Donovan’s all- to progress. Costa Rica, 3-0 winners over Jamaica ranking and a dispirited team. darted forward. loose ball to fall into the path of Clint Dempsey, time US record. The second goal arrived just af- on Tuesday, lead Panama by three points. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, March 31, 2016 SPORT

NBA BASEBALL Richards to start regular-season Curry drops in 26 opener for Angels

By Pedro Moura Los Angeles Times

e would not say for how long, but Garrett Richards as Golden Warriors has known for some time he would be the Los Angeles Angels’ opening-day starter. That the news had not been made public was a function of manager Mike HScioscia’s desire to keep information secret as long as possible. Tuesday, as the Angels broke camp in Arizona and headed to Anaheim in preparation for the start of the regular sea- son, Scioscia fi nally said it with certainty: Richards will start Monday night against Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs at beat Wizards 102-94 Angel Stadium. “A lot of hard work went into getting to this point in my career,” Richards said. “It’s been a long journey, but it’s been a fun one. I’m going to enjoy it.” ‘To have a realistic shot at 73 in a season, we want to finish strong and hope to accomplish that’ Despite his beginnings as a wild right-hander at the Uni- versity of Oklahoma, the 27-year-old Richards is the Angels’ best starting pitcher. He has a 3.18 earned-run average over 58 starts the last two seasons. He hit 100 mph with his fast- Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates ball this spring, and developed a changeup he says he will use against the Washington Wizards during the second much more than before. Left-hander and fellow Oklahoma quarter at Oracle Arena. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports native Andrew Heaney will draw the second start Tuesday, matching up with Jon Lester. Scioscia declined to divulge the order of the Angels’ other starters. “With what we envision our rotation being and where guys are, it’s a good way to open it up,” Scioscia said. “The fi rst two guys, we feel really comfortable that they’re going to be an im- portant part of our rotation and get us off on the right foot.” Richards’ nod ends Jered Weaver’s run as the Angels’ opening- day starter. It lasted six seasons, and Weaver willingly ceded the role to Richards at the start of the spring, saying then that he “had a good run with it” and it was time to “pass the torch.” Asked whether Richards would be the opening-day choice on several occasions during camp, Scioscia skirted the ques- tions. Tuesday, he announced the starters for the exhibition Freeway Series against the Dodgers: Heaney on Thursday, left-hander Hector Santiago on Friday and right-hander Nick Tropeano, who will begin the season in triple A, on Sat- urday.Santiago seems likely to face Texas in the third game of the regular season, and right-hander Matt Shoemaker prob- ably will draw the fourth slot. The fi fth starter is likely to be Weaver, who remained in Arizona while other members of the opening-day roster headed to Anaheim. Weaver will pitch in a minor league game. Weaver has ex- perienced neck and shoulder issues this spring, and the An- gels could decide to put him on the disabled list to keep an extra relief pitcher or position player for the fi rst week of the regular season. Or they could keep Weaver on the opening- day roster and start him in the third or fourth game.

Clippers’ Chris Paul withdraws from Olympic team consideration

Chris Paul scanned the collection of NBA All-Stars, big enough to outfit three countries, and contemplated the pos- sibility of three Los Angeles Clippers as Olympians. “It would be unbelievable,” Paul said in August during USA DPA have to understand they’re still minute before holding on. Morris scored 24 points, Andre lyn Nets 105: Reserve Andrew Basketball’s minicamp in Las Vegas. “I remember even in Los Angeles talking about that Bulls team,” “It’s tough to close out teams, Drummond had 13 with 15 re- Nicholson led eight players in 2012 when me and Blake (Griff in) were practicing, trying to Curry explained. “To have a re- especially this late in the season,” bounds and the host Pistons cap- double fi gures with 24 points on get ready for this team, and we talked about how special it alistic shot at 73 in a season, we Curry concluded. Bradley Beal italized on the absence of Kevin 9-of-9 shooting, Aaron Gordon would be to actually play on one of these teams with one of t wasn’t their fi nest work but want to fi nish strong and hope to scored 17 points, and Markieff Durant to snap the Thunder’s had 20, and the Magic (31-43) your teammates. So to have an opportunity to play with two the league-best Golden State accomplish that.” Morris had 15 for the Wizards (36- season-high eight-game winning shot a sizzling 61.6 per cent from of them would be even better.” Warriors will take it, and Klay Thompson had a quiet 38), who dropped three games streak. the fi eld to rout the visiting Nets. Paul erased that possibility Monday when he told SI.com continue their march into the 16 points while Harrison Barnes behind Indiana for the eighth and The Pistons’ (40-35) sixth The Nets (21-53) were led by re- that he was withdrawing from consideration for the 2016 Irecord books. netted 14 with nine boards as fi nal spot in the Eastern Confer- victory in the last seven outings serve forward Thomas Robin- Olympics. The two-time gold medallist and 11-year NBA Reigning league MVP Stephen Golden State reduced its magic ence playoff race. pushed them into the seventh son’s 18 points. veteran intimated that fatigue was the overriding factor. Curry scored 26 points, Dray- number to four to clinch the top Elsewhere: spot in the Eastern Conference •Charlotte Hornets 100, “I feel my body telling me that I could use the time,” Paul mond Green had 15 with 16 re- seed in the post-season. •Houston Rockets 106, playoff chase. Russell Westbrook Philadelphia 76ers 85: French- said. bounds and nine assists, leading After struggling through the Cleveland Cavaliers 100: tossed in 24 points for playoff - man Nicolas Batum had his sec- Paul’s workload has increased appreciably in the three the Warriors to a 102-94 vic- most of the fi rst half, the Warri- James Harden had 18 of his 27 bound Oklahoma City (52-23), ond triple-double of the season months Griff in has sat out because of hand and quadriceps tory over the stubborn Washing- ors closed on a 12-0, with Curry points in the decisive 35-16 which rested starters Durant and with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 12 injuries, particularly during the month backup guard Austin ton Wizards. The win extended scoring eight to go ahead 49-46 fourth quarter, and the visiting Serge Ibaka. assists, and the visiting Hornets Rivers sat out because of a broken hand. their NBA-record home winning at the break. Rockets stormed from down 20 to •Chicago Bulls 98, Indiana (43-31) handed the league-worst Paul appeared to be all in on the Olympics last summer in streak to 54-36-0 this season at “We were stuck in mud for a stun the Cavaliers, who gave LeB- Pacers 96: Jimmy Butler buried Sixers their 10th straight loss and Las Vegas - “I’m here just like everybody else to show my Oracle Arena. while but we went small to get ron James the night off . the tie-breaking 17-foot jumper 23 in the last 24. Robert Coving- commitment and that I want to be a part of the trip next “We keep doing what we’re do- some energy and Steph got go- Michael Beasley scored 17 with 3.7 seconds left, and the ton led Philadelphia (9-66) with summer,” he said - and told SI.com that he wanted to give ing and fi ghting,” said Curry, who ing,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr points for Houston (37-38), visiting Bulls edged the Pacers to 18 points. an aff irmative response when his son, Chris, recently asked knocked down six 3-pointers in said. “I thought that was the key which moved a half game ahead stop a four-game slide. him if he would be part of the contingent headed to Rio de the Warriors’ 12th win in the last surge in the game.” of idle Dallas for the eighth and Montenegrin Nikola Mirotic RESULTS Janeiro. 13 games. Golden State led 74-72 be- fi nal playoff spot in the West. scored 28 points with seven tri- “Part of me wanted to say ‘Yes,’ because he’s never been The defending NBA Champs fore going on a 13-1 run bridg- Kyrie Irving netted 31 points, and ples, and Butler netted 14 as Chi- Chicago 98 Indiana 96 part of it,” Paul said. “But I told him, ‘I want to spend more (67-7) need to win six of their fi - ing the end of the third quarter Tristan Thompson had 16 with 10 cago (37-37) pulled within two Orlando 139 Brooklyn 105 time with you.’ “ nal eight games to break the all- and fourth to open up a 14-point rebounds for East-best Cleveland games of Indiana for the eighth Charlotte 100 Philadelphia 85 Paul’s withdrawal leaves Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, time mark of 72 regular-season cushion with 9:30 remaining. (55-22), which shot just 36 per and fi nal playoff spot in the East. Detroit 88 Oklahoma City 82 Mike Conley, John Wall, Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard victories owned by the 1995-96 Ahead by 19 with four min- cent in the stunner. Paul George led Indiana (39-35) Houston 106 Cleveland 100 as the final candidates at point guard. Griff in and Clippers Chicago Bulls. “Getting to 73 utes left, the Warriors’ margin •Detroit Pistons 88, Okla- with 20 points. Golden State 102 Washington 94 centre DeAndre Jordan are also among the 30 finalists. would be special because you was cut to 100-94 in the final homa City Thunder 82: Marcus •Orlando Magic 139, Brook-

NHL High-fl ying Dallas Stars defeat Predators 5-2

By Mike Heika But on the next shift, Stars 13 after giving up one to the has 44 ROW to 41 for St. Louis. The Dallas Morning News defenseman Alex Goligoski gave Predators Wednesday. With fi ve games remaining, that the puck to Nashville forward Oh yeah, and they rank sec- means the Blues are likely going Mike Fisher, and Fisher un- ond in shorthanded goals scored to need one more standing point he risk-reward of the leashed a wicked shot. Kari Le- with 10. to fi nish ahead in the seeding. Dallas Stars’ high-fl ying htonen tipped the shot with his The Stars are 27th in save per- The race to the end should system played out in a glove and the puck defl ected off centage at .902, but they have be exciting and could possibly 46-second microcosm of the crossbar just 34 seconds two goalies with 23 wins each _ prove productive. After all, the Tof the season Tuesday night. after the Faksa goal. the fi rst time in franchise history Stars still need to perfect the While critics wonder if a team Goligoski then corralled the to do that. madness that is their game. that ranks 22nd in the league in puck and found Jason Spezza in Lehtonen stopped 28 shots “I think it’s pretty good,” said goals against is a serious con- transition, and Spezza roofed a and is now 7-2-1 in his past 10 Spezza. tender in the playoff s, the Stars beautiful shot for his 30th goal decisions. That allowed Dallas “It wasn’t the prettiest game showed in a 5-2 win over Nash- of the season and the eventual to move to 46-22-9 (101 points). for us, but I think we’re doing a ville that they are certainly capa- game-winning goal at the 11:49 That’s the fi rst time the fran- lot of good things, and we’re get- ble of managing risk at both ends mark of the second period. chise has tallied 100 points in a ting good results because of it. of the ice. It was a perfect example of the season since 2006-07. We’re trending in the right di- With the Stars and Predators extremes that the Stars have put “It’s a good accomplishment, rection.” tied 1-1 in the second period, Dal- their fans through this season. not a lot of teams hit that, we And that’s a very positive sign las displayed its scoring depth. “I don’t think we played our should feel good about that,” at the end of the season. Antoine Roussel took off on a best. I don’t think we played said Goligoski, who had two as- counter-attack up the right wing. our worst, though,” Stars coach sists and was plus-5. “The team RESULTS The speedy forward blasted a Lindy Ruff said. has worked hard all year and we New Jersey 2 Boston 1 shot on Nashville goalie Pekka “We found a way to win when still have some time to add more Ny Islanders 2 Carolina 1 (SO) Rinne, and the rebound came we didn’t play our best. Some- points.” Pittsburgh 5 Buff alo 4 (SO) straight out to Radek Faksa driv- times, in 82 games, you have to The battle for the top seed in Montreal 4 Detroit 3 ing the net. do that.” the Central Division also rages Toronto 5 Florida 2 Faksa tapped it in for his third The season has sort of been on. St. Louis won and also has Minnesota 4 Chicago 1 goal of the season, and the Stars like that. 101 points, but the Stars have Dallas 5 Nashville 2 had a big moment in the game at The Stars lead the NHL in the fi rst tiebreaker - regula- St. Louis 3 Colorado 1 Nashville Predators center Mike Ribeiro (R) and Dallas Stars left wing Antoine Roussel exchange words the 11:03 mark. shorthanded goals allowed with tion and overtime wins. Dallas San Jose 4 Vancouver 1 during the second period at the American Airlines Center. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports Gulf Times Thursday, March 31, 2016 7 SPORT

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT Hackett’s Olympic tilt hit by illness Djokovic battles into AFP of the year I spent fi ve weeks Melbourne managing illness,” he told the broadsheet. “There’s a discon- nect between what my mind wimming legend Grant wants to do and what my body Hackett’s preparations can do. I think my competitive for a tilt at the Rio Olym- nature did take over a little bit pics have been upset by because I did overdo it.” quarters, Halep exits illness,S with the Australian now Despite the setback Hack- focused on the 4x200m relay ett, who retired in 2008 after after admitting his chances of winning the 1500m freestyle at ‘I kept my serves. But I made a lot of double faults and he had me under a lot of pressure’ making the 400m freestyle are both the 2000 Sydney and 2004 limited. Athens Olympics, and claiming The dual Olympic champion, four world titles in the event, is 35, came out of six years of trou- determined to be on the plane to bled retirement to try to make Brazil. the Games with the Australian But he has had to modify his trials taking place in Adelaide ambitions as he aims for a fourth next week. Olympic Games—he also won He had initially planned to silver in the 1500m at Beijing in challenge for an individual place 2008. in the 400m free but a bout of “I am not sure where my bronchitis in January meant he 400m will be at because I did missed three weeks of train- miss a big chunk of work and ing, while relapsing into the ill- that’s a worry, particularly when ness repeatedly, The Australian two of your rivals (Mack Horton newspaper reported. and David McKeon) are among “Out of the fi rst three months the best in the world,” he said.

‘Non-compliant Spain lagging behind’ The head of the Spanish Olympic Committee, Alejandro Blanco, has admitted Spain remains a “negative reference” when it comes to doping after failing to comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) code. Spain and Mexico were declared non-compliant ear- Timea Bacsinszky celebrates after match point against Simona Halep during the Miami lier this month, but WADA imposed the minimum sanction on Spain Open. Bacsinszky won 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports as a political deadlock in the country since December’s general elections has made a necessary law change impossible. Blanco, though, insists attitudes to doping in Spain must change having overseen Madrid’s bid for the 2020 Olympics severely undermined by the still ongoing Operation Puerto investigation into blood doping of cyclists. “It pains me that there are two countries that are non-compliant; Mexico and Spain,” Blanco said yesterday. “We can make excuses, but we continue to be a negative reference when it comes to doping and that can’t be. If every country bar two has modified their laws to the WADA code, how can we say we are diff erent? “We need to think that we have made a mistake, that we haven’t been ready, but we have to correct it. “We can’t continue due to errors being a negative reference when on the practical side, thanks to our sportsmen and women and their results, we are a positive reference.”

GOLF

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his win over Dominic Thiem of Austria Nick Kygrios of Australia reacts against Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia in their fourth round during the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Florida. (AFP) match during the Miami Open in Key Biscayne, Florida. (AFP) 2016 Australian

AFP ple of easy forehands to get sixth seed Kei Nishikori, who fi nalist will play for a berth in ting a ball tossed his way by a Miami the break back and get into the downed Spanish 17th seed Rob- the fi nal against Russian 15th ballperson into the stands. Masters scrapped match,” Djokovic said. “I stayed erto Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-4. seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, the On the next changeover, Kyr- tough when it was most needed. “I played really well,” 30-year-old two-time Grand gios told the umpire his action Reuters this scale, IMG today announced orld number one The important moments I tried Nishikori said. “I felt great out Slam winner who ousted top- wasn’t intentional and said a Melbourne that the Australian Masters will Novak Djokovic to make him play, make him there.” ranked defending champion star player such as 14-time not be played in 2016. “IMG will was struggling to run.” Up next for Nishikori, who Serena Williams in the third Grand Slam champion Rafael unveil its new plans for the event play his best, but Djokovic won his 11th Grand won his fourth consecutive round. Nadal would not have been ustralian golf celebrat- in the coming months.” Wheld fi rm when pressed to the Slam title two months ago at the Memphis crown last month, is Kuznetsova, the 2006 Miami called out for the same action. ed Jason Day’s return The A$750,000 ($574,000) brink Tuesday and battled into Australian Open and has also French 16th seed Gael Monfi ls, champion, beat Russian 30th “Anyone else, like Rafa did to the top of the world Masters was last held in No- the ATP and WTA Miami Open lifted Doha and Indian Wells who rallied past Bulgarian 26th seed Ekaterina Makarova 6-7 that, you would keep it cool,” rankings this week but vember at the Huntingdale Golf quarter-fi nals. trophies this year while Thiem seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-7 (5/7), (3/7), 6-4, 6-3. Kyrgios said. domesticallyA the sport strug- Club and won by Australian Pe- The two-time defending captured titles last month at 6-3, 6-3. “Just kept fi ghting,” Kuznet- “This game is biased as any- gles to hit the same heights with ter Senior, who, at 56, became champion outdueled Austrian Acapulco and Buenos Aires. “He is playing really well,” sova said. “I was feeling low thing. You all know it as well. a marquee event in Melbourne the oldest winner in the event’s 14th seed Dominic Thiem 6-3, The 28-year-old Serbian Nishikori said. “He is a fun in energy but I tried to hang in It’s biased as shit, this game. ditched yesterday. history. World number six Scott 6-4, stretching his Miami win made eight double faults and player to play against and we there.” What else has it got to hide? It’s The Australian Masters was fi nished fi fth behind Senior and streak to 13 matches to book 29 unforced errors against only will have a good match.” ruined. Absolutely ruined.” fi rst held in 1979 and has been his appearances in recent years a last-eight date Wednesday two aces and eight winners. Nishikori won their only Kyrgios rants on ‘biased’ After the match, Kyrgios said won in the past by major cham- had helped boost a tournament against Czech seventh seed To- “The second serve was not prior meeting in 2014 on Halle nature of ‘ruined’ sport only that he stood by the com- pions Tiger Woods, Bernhard which fell off the European Tour mas Berdych. working that well. That was grass. Australian Nick Kyrgios un- ments. Kyrgios, the youngest Langer, Greg Norman, Adam schedule in 2009. “Straight set win but far from due to the pressure he was im- “Kei is a good player, very leashed a tirade on tennis as a player ranked in the ATP top 30 Scott and Justin Rose but organ- Scott was meant to be joined easy. It was a tough match,” posing. I just didn’t have the consistent, and he has a win “biased” and “ruined” sport at 26th, will face Canadian 12th isers IMG said the event needed in the fi eld by multiple major Djokovic said. “I kept my rhythm,” Djokovic said. over me,” Monfi ls said. “It will Tuesday during his fourth- seed Milos Raonic today’s for a an overhaul and would not be winner Ernie Els last year but the serves. But I made a lot of dou- “Generally I don’t get to face be a great match.” round triumph at the ATP and semi-fi nal berth. staged this year. South African, currently ranked ble faults and he had me under a that many break points. I’ll try Only one of the world’s top 12 WTA Miami Open. Off to a career-best 13-3 start “As part of IMG’s ongoing 219 in the world, opted to stay lot of pressure.” not to get myself in those posi- women, second-ranked Angel- The 20-year-old from Can- that includes his fi rst ATP title evolution of its golf events busi- home with family. Djokovic, a fi ve-time Miami tions as much.” ique Kerber, is still playing af- berra defeated 51st-ranked last month at Marseille, Kyrgios ness, the company is in the proc- Meanwhile, the Australian winner overall, rescued 13 of 14 Berdych outlasted French ter Romanian fi fth seed Simona Russian Andrey Kuznetsov 7-6 has a track record of making ess of re-imagining its Austral- Open has been able to attract the break points, four of them in the 10th seed Richard Gasquet 6-4, Halep was ousted 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 (7/3), 6-3 to become the fi rst off -color remarks. ian Masters event to ensure the top names in the game, including last game of the fi rst set and four 3-6, 7-5, but has won only two by 19th-ranked Swiss Timea Aussie in the Miami quarter- Last year he drew al- delivery of a world-class expe- Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth more in a dramatic 14-minute of 24 meetings with Djoko- Bacsinszky. fi nals since Lleyton Hewitt’s most blanket condemnation rience,” David Rollo, vice presi- in recent years. The Masters void fi nal game before hitting a vic, having lost their past nine “To beat someone who fi ghts 2002 semi-fi nal run. throughout the tennis world dent and director of golf for IMG leaves 14 events on the 2016 PGA forehand winner on his fourth matches since a 2013 Rome as hard as she does, it’s some- But a dispute fl ared in the for lurid remarks about Stan Australia and New Zealand said Tour of Australasia calendar match-point opportunity. quarter-fi nal victory. thing amazing,” Bacsinszky fi rst set after chair umpire Ce- Wawrinka’s teenage girlfriend in a statement carried widely in this year with the seventh stop “I had some luck in that last They are the only top-10 men said. “I’m happy with it.” dric Mourier called a code vio- during a match against the Australian media. scheduled for Papua New Guinea game where he missed a cou- still playing except for Japanese The 2015 French Open semi- lation against Kyrgios for swat- Swiss star in Montreal. “To best execute a change of next month.

FOCUS QBA players excel in schools badminton meet

By Sports Reporter dulHakim Satham 21-7, 21-12. brilliant display before losing to Doha In the under-16 girls singles, Sreeyuktha of UAE in a closely Aditi Anil of QBA defeated her contested three-games 19-21, compatriot Sunidhi Shenoy in a 21-13, 21-19. atar Badminton Acad- closely fought thrilling 3-setter Advaith Raghav reached the emy (QBA) players 21-12, 16-21, 21-17. Later in the semi-fi nals in the under-13 Boys excelled in the First under-16 girls doubles Aditi Anil singles category but could not Doha Secondary paring with Sunidhi Shenoy beat play because of injury. SchoolQ Badminton Open Cham- fellow Academy stars Amnah Debutant Shaffi n Reyods of pionship which was held form Abouelseoud and Neha Shetty in QBA gave a good account of March 24 to 26. straight games 21-10, 21-12. himself and impressed the crowd Karthik Pramodkumar of Qa- In the match of the day, the before losing to Ahmed Qassim tar Badminton Academy won women’s doubles fi nals saw in a thrilling three-setter. the under-16 boys singles title Aditi and Sunidhi defeat third Qatar Badminton Academy defeating Anirudh Narayan also seeded Abel Villaren and Leslie mentors Pramod Kumar amd KO from QBA in straight games. Anne in a thrilling match. They George won the veteran doubles Karthik took the fi rst game, but took the fi rst game (21-16), but title by defeating Sunil Thomas Anirudh got injured later in the Abel and partner with their ex- and Zachariya MP in a straight match which made him retire. perience won the second set (15- game 21-14, 23-21. Earlier, Karthik Pramod de- 21). In the third and the deciding Prizes were distributed by Dr feated Mohd Gayuh in the semi- game, Aditi and Sunidhi hum- Saleh Abdullah the owner and fi nal 21-13, 21-11. Rohit Manoj of bled the experienced duo taking head of the Doha Independent QBA lost to Anirudh in second the game 21-15. Secondary School for Boys, in semi-fi nal 21-19, 21-12. Also, QBA’s Saadwi Shiral and the presence of Dr Salah Salem, In the Under-16 boys dou- Bhavya reached the semifi nal representative from the Min- bles QBA’s Chirag and Darsan stages in the under-13 girls sin- istry of Education and other lost to Ahmad Qassim and Ab- gles category. Saadwi produced a dignitaries. All the winners of the Doha Secondary School Badminton Open Championship pose with their trophies.

Thursday, March 31, 2016 GULF TIMES SPORT

FOOTBALL QFA organises gala ceremony to mark Emir Cup draw The event, which begins on April 18, is the closing tournament of Qatar’s football season

Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani (third from left) and other off icials at the draw yesterday.

Kids help out with the Emir Cup draw.

By Sports Reporter Doha

he Emir Cup 2016 Draw ceremony took place yesterday at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha to announce the dates and fi xtures for this Tyear’s edition. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of Qatar Football Association (QFA), Saoud al-Mohannadi, Vice Presi- dent of QFA, Mansoor al-Ansari, General Secretary of QFA, QFA Board Members, QFA’s partners offi cials of the 18 partici- pating clubs, and members of the media. The draw ceremony is the fi rst of many events taking place to celebrate the the Emir Cup. A spectacular ceremony was organised this year to commemorate the 44th edition of the tournament. Al Rayyan coach Jorge Fossati (top left) and his Al Arabi The Emir Cup consists of a total of six counterpart Gianfranco Zola (bottom) at the draw ceremony. rounds and will take place as follows: Round 1 on 18 April, Round 2 on 23 April, Round 3 on 28 April, Round 4 on 8 May, Round 5 on 13 May (Semi-fi nals), and Round 6 (Final) on 20 May. Commenting on the occasion, Mansoor al-Ansari, General Secretary of QFA said: “The Emir Cup is the most prominent championship in Qatar and is also the closing championship of the football sea- son. The draw fi xtures reveal that fans this year will witness strong confrontations between the top Qatari teams, setting up what is sure to be another exciting season onship. QFA is delighted for the long- Sports Club, Qatar Sports Club, and Al •Ooredoo - Off icial Telecommunication of football. We wish all the teams the best standing relationship it has built with its’ Sadd Sports Club. Sponsor of luck as we inaugurate a new edition of partners to stage a more unique Emir Cup, The partners of this year’s Emir Cup •AAB Toyota - Off icial Car the championship.” year after year.” include: •Al Kass - Off icial Broadcast Partner Al-Ansari added: “We would like to This year, the championship, which •Shell - Lead Partner •The Look Company - Branding Partner thank all our partners that help in con- will be held from April 18 to May 20, will •Sony/51 east - Off icial Partner •Aamal - Sponsor tributing to the success of the champi- take place across three stadiums: Al Arabi •Nike - Off icial Supplier•QNB - Strategic Partner •Qatar Airways - Off icial Exclusive Carrier

RODAT AL MAIDA CUP

Jockey Marvin Suerland (left) rides Mutazz to victory ahead of Rassan, ridden by Adrie de Vries, in the 1200m Rodat Al Maida Cup for Purebred Arabians on the dirt track at the QREC yesterday. Middle picture shows QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi presenting a memento to Minister of State HE Ali bin Saeed al-Khayareen. At right, Minister of State HE Ali bin Saeed al-Khayareen (right) presents trainer Abdullah al-Jaber with the trophy after Mutazz won the Rodat Al Maida Cup PICTURES: Juhaim