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HORSE RACING / HH THE EMIR’S SWORD FESTIVAL Leicester sack coach Ranieri, nine months Irish-bred Sovereign aft er stunning title triumph Debt collects feature ‘He stepped up two levels to Group 2. He hasn’t been as quick here as he has been in other years. He has had a little bit of break since he ran in France. But he has been a good traveller’

Reuters London

remier League champions Leicester City sacked Italian manager Claudio Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) general manager Nasser Sherida al-Kaabi with the winners of the Irish Sovereign Debt in the winners' enclosure after his win in the Irish Thoroughbred PRanieri late on Thursday, nine Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (Gr2) after Sovereign Debt won the 1600m race at the QREC yesterday. PICTURES: Juhaim Marketing Cup (Gr2). months after he clinched one of soccer’s most remarkable triumphs but with the team By Mikhil Bhat Jeryan Stud’s Second Life to victory, winner, but I hope to win more this now hovering above the relegation zone. Doha and in the process also picked up the meeting,” Ghazali said. And more he Ranieri’s side stunned the sporting world top prize of USD57,000. Over and did win. when they secured a maiden English top- above the prize money, the race also Al Shahania Stud’s Aziznefs won flight title last May, having begun the season avid Nicholls-trained Sov- involved a prize purse of USD100,000 the Purebred Arabian Handicap Tro- as 5000-1 outsiders, but have struggled to ereign Debt hit the racetrack for the top fi ve riders. phy for horses rated 80 & below, and repeat those heroics in the current cam- after a two-month break Having led from the start, al-Marri Al Jeryan Stud’s Almuheet took Pure- paign. They are currently 17th in the table, a and emerged a star on Day and Second Life came on to the home bred Arabian Sprint Cup, with Bentley point and a place above the bottom three, 2D of HH The Emir’s Sword Festival at stretch in the front with Injaaz Stud’s riding both the Ghazali wards to vic- having lost their past five league matches. the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Town Crier, with Rashid al-Marri tory. Ghazali’s now has fi ve wins at the They are the only side in the top four Eng- yesterday with a win in the Irish Thor- astride, in pursuit. Just then, the three-day festival this year. lish divisions without a league goal in 2017. oughbred Marketing Cup (Gr2). four-year-old fi lly went wide out to Eduardo Pedroza helmed Ibrahim “Leicester City Football Club has tonight Having stayed behind Injaaz Stud’s the outside rails, and once her jockey al-Malki-trained Topsy Turvy for a (Thursday) parted company with its first Bretherton, Sovereign Debt found his steadied her, he kept her there, even- comfortable win in the Class 3 Thor- team manager, Claudio Ranieri,” the club way at the head of the pack on the tually surging ahead for a two-and-a- oughbred Handicap Trophy for horses said in a statement. “Claudio, appointed home stretch, even as Aidan O’Brien’s half-length victory. rated 70-90. City manager in July 2015, led the Foxes to ward Cougar Mountain surged for- Muraqabah was the day’s fi rst winner The fi ve-year-old gelding, owned the greatest triumph in the club’s 133-year ward from the back under Donnacha for Jassim Ghazali and Harry Bentley, by Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim history last season, as we were crowned O’Brien. with the Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari- al-Thani, followed early leader Emaad champions of England for the first time. His At the post, the eight-year-old Dark status as the most successful Leicester City Angel gelding held on gamely for a The Purebred Arabian Handicap Trophy prize distribution ceremony after Al manager of all time is without question.” half-a-length victory. Jassim Ghaza- Shahania Stud's Aziznefs, trained by Jassim Ghazali, won the 1600m race under Trainer Alban de Mieulle receives the Gulf Cup trophy from Sultan Rashid Ranieri, in his first comments after his li’s Roman Legend, helmed by Harry Harry Bentley's ride. al-Khater after Umm Qarn's Farooq won the race. sacking, said he had dreamt of staying at Bentley, too made a bid but for the Leicester City "for always". second straight year had to settle for a Race 2: 1. Muraqabah (Harry Bentley), 2. "Yesterday my dream died," Ranieri top three-fi nish in the race. Tanja Bu Thaila (Alberto Sanna), 3. Zuzi said yesterday. "After the euphoria of “He stepped up two levels to Group (Faleh Bughanaim), 4. Mutawassal (Jean last season and being crowned Premier 2. He hasn’t been as quick here as Baptiste Hamel). Won by: Nk, ½, Hd. League champions all I dreamt of was he has been in other years. He has Time: 1:26.044. Owner: Khalifa bin Sheail staying with Leicester City, the club I love, had a little bit of break since he ran al-Kuwari. Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. for always. Sadly this was not to be." in France. But he is a good travel- Race 3: 1. Aziznefs (Harry Bentley), Ranieri thanked his wife Rosanna, his ler and we weren’t concerned at all 2. Al Fouz (JP Guillambert), 3. Haddaj family and his agents, Steve Kutner and about bringing him this far,” said Alex Dukhan (Gerald Avranche), 4. Al Sahra Franco Granello, for "bringing me the op- Greaves, former champion lady jockey (Gaetan Faucon). Won by: 2 ½, ½, ¾. portunity to become a champion". and Nicholls’ wife. Time: 1:45.488. Owner: Al Shahania Stud. The former Chelsea boss also added his Asked about bringing one of theirs Trainer: Jassim Ghazali. appreciation for backroom staff members to Doha for the fi rst time, she said, Race 4: 1. Topsy Turvy (Eduardo Pedro- Paolo Benetti and Andrea Azzalin, who “We have enjoyed it very much. We za), 2. Goldenfield (Adrie de Vries), 3. departed with him, but he declined to have done Dubai a few years, but it is Hall Of Mirrors (Adnan Hawa), 4. Stevie’s mention Craig Shakespeare, the assistant the fi rst time we have sent one here Wonder (Harry Bentley). Won by: ¾, Shd, who was rumoured to have fallen out and hopefully, we will be back.” Shd. Time: 1:55.309. Owner: Sheikh Faisal with him in recent weeks. Alban de Mieulle and Umm Qarn had bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani. Trainer: Ranieri, who arrived at the King Power a big race winner for the second straight Ibrahim al-Malki. Stadium in 2015, will go down as the most day with Gaetan Faucon riding Farooq Race 5: 1. Almuheet (Harry Bentley), important figure in Leicester's previously to an impressive win in the Gulf Cup, a 2. Mutazz (Marvin Suerland), 3. AJS unheralded history and he paid tribute to mile-long race for four-year-old and Qahir (Gerald Avranche), 4. Istibdad (JP everyone who accompanied him on the older Arabians bred in the GCC. Guillambert). Won by: ¾, 1 ¾, 1 ½. Time: club's incredible rags to riches rise. Having stayed behind Molheb Al 1:18.238. Owner: Al Jeryan Stud. Trainer: "Mostly I have to thank Leicester City Naif, Gerald Avranche astride, for the Young jockeys line up before their pony race at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. Jassim Ghazali. Football Club. The adventure was amazing bulk of the race, Faucon moved his Race 6: 1. Second Life (Abdulla al-Marri), and will live with me forever," Ranieri added. mount on the inside as soon as they owned fi lly winning the Local Thor- before taking the lead on the home Harry Bentley, in the lead. 2. Town Crier (Rashid al-Marri), 3. Stars N "Thank you to all the journalists and the hit the fi nal straight, and went fi rst oughbred Trophy in a close fi nish. stretch. Eventually, as the al-Malki On to the fi nal straight, Bronze Angels (Abdulla al-Adgham), 4. Nu Form media who came with us and enjoyed past the post. The win, the fi ve-year-old’s third ward went past the post fi rst, Hadi al- Maquette faced traffi c but jockey Fire (Saeed Hamad Juma). Won by: 2½, reporting on the greatest story in football. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa this season, was Muraqabah’s fourth Ramzani-schooled Goldenfi eld edged Gerald Avranche sneaked his mount 2½, Nk. Time: 1:25.415. Owner: Al Jeryan "My heartfelt thanks to everybody at the al-Thani-owned Najda was third from overall. out Ahmed Kobeissi’s Hall Of Mirrors through a gap a couple of furlongs Stud. Trainer: Mohamed al-Ramzani. club, all the players, the staff , everybody trainer Julian Smart, who is yet to open A close fi nish saw, Muraqabah beat for the second spot. from the post, and eventually came Race 7: 1. Farooq (Gaetan Faucon), 2. who was there and was part of what we his account at the three-day meeting. Stefano Ibido’s ward Tanja Bu Thaila In the fi rst race of the day, Bronze alongside Botanica, before edging her Molheb Al Naif (Gerald Avranche), 3. achieved. But mostly to the supporters. “He is a young horse and has qual- by a neck, while Qatari jockey Faleh Maquette, who has been in excellent out. Najda (Marco Monteriso), 4. Rassan (Pier You took me into your hearts from day ity. Also, he had less weight today Bughanaim guided Deborah Moun- form this season, scoring thrice coming Convertino). Won by: 1½, 1 ¾, ½. Time: one and loved me. (54kgs). I think he will be better next tain’s Zuzi to a third place. into yesterday’s mile-long run, notched 1:43.488. Owner: Umm Qarn. Trainer: "I love you too. No one can ever take season. But a mile is a very good dis- “We had a nice enough position at up yet another victory in a gripping fi n- RESULTS Alban de Mieulle. away what we together have achieved, and tance for him. He is one of the better the end. When she picked up, she was ish in the Class 3 Thoroughbred Fillies Race 1: 1. Bronze Maquette (Gerald Race 8: 1. Sovereign Debt (Andrew I hope you think about it and smile every locally-bred Arabians,” De Mieulle very game for me, and she kept going,” and Mares event. Avranche), 2. Botanica (Harry Bentley), 3. Mullen), 2. Cougar Mountain (Donnacha day the way I always will. It was a time of said after the race. Bentley said after the race. A slow start kept the Mohamed Lady Chantilly (JP Guillambert), 4. Regal- O’Brien), 3. Roman Legend (Harry Bent- wonderfulness and happiness that I will In the Thoroughbred Handicap “I think Harry won this race and Hussain-trained fi lly at the back of the ity (Almotasem al-Balushi). Won by: Shd, ley), 4. Diplomat (Adrie de Vries). Won never forget. It's been a pleasure and an (Qatari riders) event for horses rated not the horse because he got her into pack, with Lady Chantilly, under JP 1 ¾, ½. Time: 1:37.16. Owner: Al Thumama by: ½, ½, 1. Time: 1:35.286. Owner: Lady honour to be a champion with all of you." 56-75, Abdulla al-Marri guided Al a nice position for a nice fi nish. A good Guillambert, and Botanica, helmed by Stud. Trainer: Mohamed Hussein. O’Reilly. Trainer: David Nicholls. Gulf Times 2 Saturday, February 25, 2017 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT Thrilling win for Gaudiano at Emir’s Sword Showjumping Qatar’s Salman Mohammed al-Emadi came out on top in the CSI2* 130 cm class at the QEF arena

By Sports Reporter Doha

taly’s Emanuele Gaudiano and his eight-year-old Stallion Chalou com- bined to score a stunning win in the feature class of the HH The Emir’s ISword International Showjumping championship yesterday. In the CSI5* class, the 155c m Against the clock with jump off , Gaudiano and Chalou set off at a phenomenal pace, gal- loping to the fences to jump clear in 41.08 seconds at the Qatar Equestrian Federa- tion’s (QEF) outdoor arena. Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger came close to bettering the time in her 12-year- old Stallion Aris CMS, but the pair fell short by mere 0.11 seconds. Sprunger, who fi nished sixth at last year’s Rio Ol- Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani (left) with other Qatari riders. ympics, fi nished in 41.19 seconds for prize money of €12,360. Gaudiano’s ef- forts fetched him €15,450 and sets up him nicely for the today’s CSI5* Grand Prix, which carries a total pursue of €153,700. Turkey’s Derin Demirsoy took third place with Harry K, coming home in 42.93 secs for a prize of €9,270. Meanwhile, Abdelkebir Ouaddar con- tinued his love aff air with the event. The Moroccan had won last year in Doha and yesterday he once again emerged trium- phant. In the CSI5* 145 cm class, Ouadd- ar partnering his 15-year-old Stallion Cordano Sitte Z jumped clear in 62.27 seconds, to take a narrow win and €6,150 in prize money. Ouddar’s winning time was just .65 seconds better than second-placed Ab- dullah Mohd al-Marri of UAE. Al-Marri Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano and his eight-year-old Stallion Chalou in action during the HH The Emir’s Sword International Morocco’s Abdelkebir Ouaddar won in the CSI5* 145 cm class. and Ams Catch Me were impressive in Showjumping championship at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s outdoor arena yesterday. PICTURES: Lotfi Garsi their run, stopping the clock in 62.92 seconds, but had to settle for runner- di of Saudi Arabia was second in Dager- Me. 62.92 secs. €4,920 3. Mohammed Khalid al-Qashouti (Qatar) up spot. The third place went to Italy’s aad, while Binmahfouz (Saratoga Spring) 3. Emanuele Gaudiano (Italy) Caspar 232. Alegro 84. 47.35 secs. €1,500 Emanuele Gaudiano, who along with rounded-up the podium. 65.46 secs. €3,690 Caspar 232 timed 65.46 seconds. TODAY’S SCHEDULE Bander Binmahfouz of Saudi Arabia RESULTS CSI2*, Two phases, Art. 274.5.3, 130 cm - 10 am: CSI2* Table A, Against the clock FEI had a good day at offi ce as he won in one CSI5*, Table A, Against the clock with Prize money: €11,000 Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 135 cm | 1 Horse per athlete event and fi nished third in other in the jump off FEI Art. 238.2.2, 155 1. Salman Mohammed al-Emadi (Qatar) Zorro | 350 m/min | €12,000 CSI2* class. In the day’s opening event, 1. Emanuele Gaudiano (Italy) Chalou. Time: Z. Time: 26.13 secs. €2,750 12:30 am: CSI5* Table A, Against the clock Binmahfouz claimed the top prize in the 41.08 seconds. Prize money: €15,450 2. Abdullah Alghamdi (Saudi Arabia) Dager- FEI Art. 238.2.1 | Max. 155 cm | 1 Horse per 120 cm class with 16-year-old Bay Ure- 2. Janika Sprunger (Switzerland) Aris CMS. aad. 26.27 secs. €2,200 athlete | 350 m/min | €91,900 | LR (Group B) tte. The pair put in a strong perform- 41.19 secs. €12,360 3. Bander Binmahfouz. (Saudi Arabia) Sara- 2 pm: CSI5* GRAND PRIX | Two Rounds with ance and cleared their hurdles in 46.31 3. Derin Demirsoy (Turkey) Harry K. 42.93 toga Spring. 27.00 secs. €1,650 Jump Off FEI Art. 273.3.4.1 & 273.4.4 + 273.2.2 seconds. Qatar’s Jaber Rashid al-Amri secs. €9,270 + Annex VIII art.6 | Max. 160 cm | 1 Horse per (Canavaro De Muze E.T.) and Mohammed CSI2*, Accumulator with joker, Art. 269.5, athlete | 375 m/min | €153,700 | LR (Group A) Khalid al-Qashouti (Alegro 84) fi nished CSI5*, Speed & Handiness FEI Art. 263 – Ta- 120 cm - Prize money: €10,000 4 pm: National Future Riders Competition second and third respectively. In the 130 ble C 239, 145 cm - Prize money: €24,600 1. Bander Binmahfouz (Saudi Arabia) Urette. 6 pm: GRAND PRIX - Table A against the cm class, Qatar’s Salman Mohammed al- 1. Abdelkebir Ouaddar (Morocco) Cordano Time: 46.31secs. €2,500 clock with Jump Off . FEI Art. 238.2.2 | Max. Emadi and Zorro Z came out on top in a Sitte Z. Time: 62.27 secs. €6,150 2. Jaber Rashid al-Amri (Qatar) Canavaro De 145 cm | 1 Horse per athlete | 375 m/min | time of 26.13 seconds. Abdullah Algham- 2. Abdullah Mohd al-Marri (UAE) Ams Catch Muze (E.T.) 46.50 secs. €2,000 €24,600 | LR Qatar’s Salman Mohammed al-Emadi and Zorro Z en route to victory.

2017 Workers Cup football begins FOCUS Horizon Automobiles to sponsor HH The Emir’s Shalfa race orizon Automobiles, exclusive agents of Aston Martin in Qatar, has come on board as a sponsor with the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, sponsoringH today’s HH The Emir’s Shalfa and also the Qatari Apprentice Thoroughbred Handicap races. At a press conference, Ho- rizon Automobiles chairman Salman Abdul- lah Abdulghani, said: “I am proud to sponsor this kind of event in Qatar and especially an event which has the name of His Highness. It is a promotion of the Aston Martin brand in the Qatari market. It is already there, but to sponsor such an event will give the already big name a further boost.” The Emir’s Shalfa race is open to individual Qatari-owned Class 1 Thoroughbreds, who are three-year-old and older, and are rated 85 and above. Last year’s edition was won by Mahamat Abdelkarim Abuobakar scored five goals as Nakheel Landscapes trounced Bin Omran Jassim Ghazali trained Go Dan Go. The Qatari 8-0 in front of 5,900 spectators in the 2017 Workers Cup game, which followed the SC-sponsored Apprentice Thoroughbred Handicap event is tournament’s inauguration. SC ASG for Tournament Aff airs Nasser Al Khater was the chief open to Thoroughbreds rated 56-75. guest at the inauguration which witnessed a parade by captains from all 32 participating teams. Abdulghani added: “The contract is only The final of the 2017 edition tournament will be held on 31 March. PICTURES: Jayaram for a year now. But I don’t plan to be only in Kaabi said: “It is important to have alliances tomorrow is very important for us. Qatar. I am planning to associate with the Qa- with many sponsors because horse racing is a “We are trying our best to have lot more tar Goodwood Festival and the Qatar Prix de prestigious sport. Aston Martin is one of the sponsors. Hopefully in the years to come we l’Arc de Triomphe.” biggest companies, and it is a very exotic car. will see more interest from the private sector,” QREC general manager Nasser Sherida al- For us to have them sponsor the Shalfa race he added.

BOTTOMLINE Racing UK to broadcast Emir’s Sword By Sports Reporter of racing professionals and enthusiasts. to grow in the UK, and that is refl ected by a Doha The relationship between Qatar and the UK very strong British presence at Al Rayyan continues to grow. Al Kass have a deal in place on Saturday, headed by Sir Michael Stoute’s with Racecourse Media Group (RMG), parent Arab Spring. Racing UK is looking forward to he international reach of the The company of the Racing UK channel, which showcasing what Qatar racing has to off er to Emir’s Sword Festival 2017 continues enables the Qatari broadcaster to show all the the horsemen and race fans. to impress with Racing UK, one of the top action from the UK. In addition, RMG, the “Horseracing ties between the two coun- world’s most prominent horseracing distributors of all the racing from Meydan, tries are very strong. Many of the top races Tchannels, broadcasting the action today. has also enabled the Dubai World Cup fi xture which we will be showing this year on Rac- The UK-based channel will broadcast to- to be shown on Al Kass on March 25. ing UK enjoy Qatari sponsorship and we are day’s racing, alongside action from the Lon- Seb Vance, director of PR and Communica- delighted that they will be brought to Qatar’s don racecourse, Kempton Park, and Meydan, tions at RMG, who is in Qatar for the fi xture, TV audience through our partnership with Al the fl agship course in the UAE, to an audience said, “Interest in Qatar’s racing continues Kass.” Gulf Times Saturday, February 25, 2017 3 FOOTBALL

FOCUS Ranieri sacked again, but now has a golden legacy ‘After all that Claudio Ranieri has done for Leicester City, to sack him now is inexplicable, unforgivable and gut-wrenchingly sad’

Reuters London EPL managerial comings & goings ven by the standards of modern soccer management mayhem, the Claudio Ranieri was not the vertiginous rise and equally stun- only one to get the sack. Here ning fall of Leicester City coach are all the managerial casual- ClaudioE Ranieri takes the breath away. ties in the English top-fl ight The Italian was sacked by the Premier League club on Thursday night less than so far in the 2016-17 season... 24 hours after his team battled to a cred- October 3: Swansea sack Italian Franc- itable 2-1 defeat in the fi rst leg of a Cham- esco Guidolin on his 61st birthday after pions League last 16 knockout game just over nine months in charge — hav- against European specialists Sevilla. ing saved them from relegation in the Leicester and the Champions League 2015/16 campaign — and appoint Ameri- in the same sentence is not something can Bob Bradley as his replacement. fans of the Midlands club would ever December 22: Crystal Palace sack Alan have thought about before last year, let Pardew months after he led them to with- alone a brilliant group stage campaign in minutes of lifting the FA Cup only to they swept through as winners with a lose to Manchester United in extra time. game to spare. However, only six wins in 36 matches in The club are three points, three the calendar year and one in their last places and millions of pounds better off 11 brought to an end the Englishman’s than they were at this stage of the Pre- tenure. Palace appointed Sam Allardyce mier League campaign two years ago. to replace Pardew on December 23. There is also the little matter of writ- ing one of the most amazing stories in December 27: Swansea end Bradley’s the history of world sport as they defi ed 85 day tenure, comprising just two wins odds of 5,000-1 to win the title and en- in 11 matches, and on January 3 name ter the lexicon of the English language as highly-regarded English coach Paul people now talk of “doing a Leicester”. Clement as his full-time replacement. So, of course, having had such amaz- January 3: Hull sack Mike Phelan after ing success after a century of mediocri- 82 days in his full-time role. He had ty, at the fi rst sign of trouble, the man- previously been caretaker manager ager had to go. since Steve Bruce resigned a few days “After all that Claudio Ranieri has before the beginning of the campaign. done for Leicester City, to sack him Portuguese coach Marco Silva was hired now is inexplicable, unforgivable and to save lowly Hull from relegation. gut-wrenchingly sad,” the club’s former February 23: With champions Leicester striker-turned pundit Gary Lineker said hovering precariously above the relega- in comments echoed across social media. tion zone after losing five successive Moving on is something Ranieri is league matches without scoring a goal, used to, of course, having led and now Ranieri paid the price. The Italian was un- left no fewer than 14 clubs — and one able to stem the tide and an embarrassing country — during his peripatetic 30- FA Cup loss at third tier Millwall served year coaching career. as the final blow to his reputation amid Not small clubs either as he has led reports of player unrest at his tactics and Napoli, Roma, Atletico Madrid, Ju- team selection. And less than 24 hours ventus, Inter Milan, Monaco and, of after Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League course, Chelsea, where he was and still defeat at Sevilla, Ranieri was gone. is universally loved by the fans. He led the Londoners to a second-place fi n- ish in the league, their best for 49 years, terms of location, it was less so in terms happy with another season of survival, of also-rans into a tight unit with un- Ranieri was a picture of Kiplingesque every corner of the soccer world. and the Champions League semi-fi nals. of trophies, with a smattering of do- with the club having climbed out of the quenchable spirit who played incisive calm, dealing with the impending, and Nobody expected a repeat this sea- New owner Roman Abramovich, mestic cups and lower-tier titles to Championship two years earlier. Little did counter-attacking football. rare, triumph in the same way that he son, and the fans were happy to con- however, decided he was not a big show for his eff orts. they know the lovable Italian was about to Journeymen like Jamie Vardy and had so often accepted its “twin impost- tinue enjoying more heady nights with enough name and Jose Mourinho ar- So, there was hardly dancing in the take them on the ride of their lives. Danny Drinkwater suddenly became er” of disaster. a deeply impressive fi rst Champions rived to develop the team Ranieri built streets of the East Midlands when he Leicester started strongly last season England internationals, while Riyad With every win came the question: League campaign. and reap the glorious returns. was appointed as Leicester boss to suc- and then defi ed the almost weekly pre- Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, barely no- “Can you win it”, followed by a smile, But City’s slide down the Premier More European wanderings, includ- ceed Nigel Pearson, who was sacked dictions that they would fall away. ticed as they plied their trade in the and his answer: “Why not?” League table spooked their Thai owners. ing a short spell as manager of Greece, despite engineering one of the all-time In much the same way Brian Clough French lower leagues, were catapulted But Leicester did not just win the Like so many before who have had a taste brought him yet more friends, but little great escapes in the last weeks of the turned second division Nottingham into the ‘world class’ bracket. Premier League, they cantered to the of the high life, the shadow of normality tangible success — the theme of his career. 2014-15 season. Forest into European champions almost As early season promise developed title, fi nishing an incredible 10 points meant the man they described as the club’s Although his CV was glittering in Most Leicester fans would have been 40 years ago, Ranieri fashioned a team into a top-of-the-table New Year, clear in a fairytale success toasted in “most successful manager” had to go. Mancini to replace Ranieri? Leicester owners axed Claudio Reuters riers having turned them into realistic pro- to save £100mn cash jackpot London motion contenders in the Championship. The German took over in November 2015 when AFP With a new £5bn ($6.2bn) televi- team were unable to go up in Huddersfield were 18th in the Championship London sion deal coming into force this the first season after relegation. ormer Manchester City manager and has slowly rebuilt them with limited fi- season, the prize for staying up has Against that backdrop, Ranieri’s Roberto Mancini is the bookmakers’ nances. Wagner is a close friend of Liverpool never been greater. Every Premier fate seems more understandable Ffavourite to replace compatriot Claudio boss Jurgen Klopp and would demand the eicester’s Thai owners League club in 2016-17 will pocket and makes it crucial that Leices- Ranieri as Leicester City manager after the time to make his mark on the squad at the ruthlessly sacked Claudio at least £100mn in prize money, ter’s supremos make the right Italian was sacked by the Premier League King Power Stadium. LRanieri less than a year and that’s not even taking into ac- appointment as his successor. champions late on Thursday. after he masterminded their count additional sponsorship deals Meanwhile in Thailand, the British bookmaker Sky Bet was off ering ROY HODGSON Premier League title triumph and matchday income. dismissal of Ranieri has caused odds of 6/4 on Mancini taking over relega- The former England manager is keen on a because relegation would cost The vast global appeal of the barely a ripple, where even tion-threatened Leicester, while William Hill Former Liverpool defender Jamie Car- return to the dug out and could be the man them over £100mn. Premier League combined with last season’s stunning Premier had the 2011-12 Premier League-winning ragher called the decision an “absolute joke”. to guide Leicester out of relegation trouble. Ranieri was axed on Thursday Leicester’s fairytale success had League title triumph for a locally- coach at 13/8. “I think a lot of people wouldn’t have He helped Fulham to survival in 2008 when night as the Srivaddhanaprabha made the previously unglamor- owned team failed to break “I am sorry for my friend Ranieri. He will wanted to see Leicester go down with Rani- they looked dead and buried although, at family lost patience with the ous club into a household name traditional club loyalties. remain in the history of Leicester City, in the eri as the manager but I think a lot of that 69, is four years older than Ranieri and the Leicester manager’s failure to across Asia. That lucrative spin- On the streets of capital Bang- heart of Leicester fans and all football lov- sympathy will go now,” he told Sky Sports. club may look for a more youthful approach halt the team’s shocking slide off s from that increased brand kok, it proved a challenge to find ers,” Mancini tweeted. “They were everyone’s second team but going forward. Saving Leicester would help towards the relegation zone. recognition might soon dry up anyone moved by the decision, or Mancini, who left Inter Milan last August, that’s well gone now... I’m devastated for him. restore his reputation, which was tarnished The genial Italian’s dismissal however if Leicester’s fixture list even a Leicester City supporter. “I won the Premier League with City in 2012. A lot of questions have got to be asked of by England’s wretched form at the 2014 was condemned in many next season includes clashes with don’t think Leicester City is part of Former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson the owners and of the players. I think they World Cup and their embarrassing Euro 2016 quarters as his fellow managers Burton and Barnsley rather than the conversation,” said 34-year- is second-favourite for the job, with Alan should have a statue of him there and I think exit against minnows Iceland. and pundits claimed Ranieri de- Manchester United and Chelsea. old off ice worker and Manchester Pardew, Guus Hiddink, Neil Lennon, Frank they should start that in the morning.” served to be treated with more Relegated clubs are however United fan Kulthida Wattana. de Boer and Gary Rowett the other leading FRANK DE BOER respect and should have been entitled to £65mn in ‘parachute “Thai people see them as an contenders. Five possible candidates Ranieri was plucked out of the blue to replace given time to turn the tide. payments’ from the Premier example of Thais succeeding on Ranieri is a hugely popular figure after Nigel Pearson in 2015 and De Boer is another But from a cold hearted busi- League over a period of four the world stage but in terms of leading 5,000-1 outsiders Leicester to the Leicester have started their search outsider who is available. The Dutchman ness perspective the bold move years. But, as many clubs rel- football, its not really anything”. title last season, even though the team is for a successor to Claudio Ranieri. was sacked in November after just 85 days makes sense. Leicester sit only egated from the top-flight have Leicester’s odds-defying suc- now just a point and a place away from Here are fi ve potential candidates to in charge at Inter Milan. He won four league one point above the bottom three found, if they don’t bounce back cess brought plenty of interest in relegation. take charge of the relegation-threat- titles in his six years at Ajax and was also Hol- with 13 games remaining after los- with an immediate promotion, the home country of owner and In England, well-known soccer commenta- ened reigning EPL champions... land’s assistant manager. He has been linked ing their last five league matches that money can quickly run out. King Power duty free magnate tors were quick to criticise Ranieri’s dismissal. recently with Glasgow giants Rangers. without scoring a single goal. Ranieri had guided Leicester Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Former England captain Gary Lineker said in ROBERTO MANCINI That dismal run had raised the to the title on the cheap with an with some Thais going as far as a BBC radio interview: “What he did last year The former Manchester City manager is NIGEL PEARSON incredible prospect of Leicester astutely assembled collection of adopting Leicester as their ‘sec- was extraordinary. I think the lack of gratitude available after leaving Inter Milan last year. The 53-year-old has already had two spells at becoming the first reigning Eng- journeyman and diamonds in the ond team’. However, most fans from the owners or whoever was involved in He spent a brief time on loan at the Foxes Leicester and is reported to be favoured by lish champions to be relegated rough. But, with several of Leices- remained reluctant to give up the decision beggars belief. You could explain in 2001, playing five times before leaving some Foxes players for another return to the since Manchester City in 1938. ter’s players said to have grown their historic loyalties in a coun- it in some ways as a panic decision, and for me to become Fiorentina manager after just a club. He was dismissed in June 2015, having Crashing out of the top-flight disillusioned this season, it would try where the Premier League a wrong decision. It’s very sad.” month at their old Filbert Street ground. The guided Leicester to a relegation escape by would be a huge blow to the be no surprise if there was a mass has considerably more followers Manchester United manager Jose Mour- Italian has Premier League pedigree, having winning seven of their last nine games to beat egos of Leicester’s owners, who exodus if the Foxes are relegated. than any other foreign sport. inho, who was sacked by Chelsea in December won the title with Manchester City in dra- the drop having looked certain to go down. revelled in attention of their That would increase the odds “Most Thai people support 2015, less than a year after winning the title, matic fashion back in 2012, but there would However, Pearson’s relationship with the own- against-the-odds title victory last of Leicester struggling for an either Manchester United or Liv- posted a message of support for Ranieri on be doubts over his suitability for Leicester’s ers broke down after a string of bizarre off -field May. But far more significantly, immediate return to the Premier erpool,” said Adisorn Pheungya, Instagram. “Champion of England and FIFA relegation scrap given his lack of experience antics and the sacking of his son James follow- dropping into the Championship League. Championship clubs a sports TV presenter. “Leicester Manager of the Year. Sacked. That’s the new with struggling teams. ing the emergence of an explicit video in Bang- carries such severe financial dam- earn just £3mn per year in televi- only came into the conversation football, Claudio. Keep smiling AMICO (friend). kok during a 2015 tour. A 2014 Championship age that they surely felt they had sion revenue and Leicester’s after King Power bought them. Nobody can delete the history you wrote,” DAVID WAGNER title win added to the 2009 League One crown little choice but to dismiss Ranieri owners would have to decide They boomed last year but now said Mourinho, whose last game in charge of The Huddersfield boss has earned many he won with the club in his first spell between just weeks after publicly giving whether they wanted to continue that they are struggling, no one Chelsea ended in defeat by Leicester. plaudits for the work he has done at the Ter- 2008 and 2010 before leaving for Hull. him their “unwavering” support. funding a promotion push if the is talking about them anymore.” Gulf Times 4 Saturday, February 25, 2017 FOOTBALL

EUROPA LEAGUE SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Tierney eyes Spurs suff er Gent Celtic treble blow, Lyon cruise ‘I am very disappointed. We started well and scored. The tie was open but we conceded a goal in one action in the first half. After that it was complicated. We played with energy. We were brave and created chances and scored the second, but we couldn’t get another’

Gent players salute their fans after progressing to the last 16 of the Europa League at the expense AFP we have the chance to achieve of Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday. (AFP) Glasgow something like that. But we don’t want to get too far ahead of our- selves. I think the gaff er has made eltic defender Kieran it clear that it is always about Tierney is desperate to who is up next and if we can focus help his side to a domes- on that then the rest should take tic treble because the care of itself.” Cteenager is too young to remem- Celtic are 24 points clear at ber the Hoops’ last clean sweep. the top of the Scottish Premier- The 19-year-old hadn’t even ship and have won 20 consecu- started school when Martin tive league matches since Inver- O’Neill’s side swept all before ness became the only team to them as they claimed the Cham- take points off them this season pionship, League Cup and Scot- in a 2-2 draw at the Caledonian tish Cup in 2000-01. Stadium. The Hoops are unde- Fast forward 16 years and feated in 31 domestic matches Brendan Rodgers’ current crop of — smashing the previous club Celtic stars stand on the edge of record — and an unblemished the same achievement, with the looks like a realistic prospect for undefeated runaway league lead- the Glasgow giants. ers having already claimed the However, Tierney has his feet League Cup and booked a place in fi rmly on the ground as he con- the Scottish Cup quarter-fi nals. siders his side’s chances of fi n- Tierney is very familiar with ishing the season unbeaten. the exploits of the class of 2000 “I just think it is great to be in that contained club legends this position,” he said. “We don’t Henrik Larsson, Neil Lennon and really think about the lead at the Chris Sutton after growing up in top of the table or anything else. a Celtic-supporting family. “There is still quite a lot of And the left-back, just back football to be played this season. following a three-month injury It is nice to have the lead and it is lay-off , is excited at the prospect nice to have won the League Cup of emulating his heroes. already but there is an awful lot AFP gressing against Zenit St Petersburg ap- “I have to be honest and say of games on the horizon. London United draw Russian side Rostov in last 16 peared over after the Russians overturned that I don’t really remember the “The manager wants us to not a 2-0 fi rst-leg defi cit to lead 3-2 with sec- last time that Celtic won a tre- just keep the standard there but avourites Manchester United were the round. There is also an all-German onds remaining. ble as I was quite young,” Tier- to improve it and that is what we ottenham slumped to a shock Fdrawn to face modest Russian side Ros- pairing as Schalke 04 take on Borussia But Isaac Kiese Thelin’s decisive in- ney, whose side face Hamilton aim to do. Europa League exit as Gent’s 2-2 tov in the last-16 of the Europa League yes- Moenchengladbach, while two of the tervention earned Anderlecht an unlikely at Celtic Park today, said. “But “I just feel lucky to be a part draw at Wembley gave the unfan- terday. Jose Mourinho’s side beat French three remaining Belgian sides were also ticket to the last 16 to keep alive their at home we had all the DVDs and of it. The dream is to win a tre- cied Belgians a stunning 3-2 ag- club Saint-Etienne 4-0 on aggregate in the cast together as Genk drew Gent. dream of a fi rst continental honour since I always knew about the games ble, it is the same dream we have Tgregate success in the last 32 second leg their 1983 UEFA Cup triumph. It was the and what had happened. that every Celtic fan has but it is last 32. The English club will travel to Rus- Anderlecht landed Cypriots Apoel as on Thursday night. sia on Thursday, March 9, with the second Greek champions Olympiakos play Tur- 24-year-old Swedish international’s fi rst “It feels like a privilege to be in important we go about trying to Mauricio Pochettino’s side trailed 1-0 leg a week later on March 16. key’s Besiktas. Celta Vigo — La Liga’s sole goal for the club he joined last month on a position that we are now where achieve that the right way.” from the fi rst leg and they were unable to Mourinho said earlier this week he remaining representative in the second- loan from French Ligue 1 outfi t Bordeaux. overturn the defi cit despite twice leading wanted to avoid a Russian club as United tier European competition — host another Ajax had lifted the UEFA Cup the season on the night. face Chelsea in the FA Cup in between, Russian outfit, Krasnodar, as Dutch giants before Anderlecht and the Dutch giants Barcelona launch academy in China Christen Eriksen put Tottenham ahead but the draw in Nyon, Switzerland, was Ajax travel to FC Copenhagen. made it into the next round courtesy of de- before Gent levelled through Harry Kane’s greeted with delight in Rostov. fender Nick Viergever’s close-range fi nish onaldinho launched a Barcelona academy for about 1,000 stu- own-goal on the stroke of half-time. Tot- “We reacted with joy on seeing the Last 16 Draw in the 49th minute against Legia Warsaw. dents in China yesterday as the world’s most populous nation tenham midfi elder Dele Alli was sent off draw,” Rostov director Ali Uzdenov said. Celta Vigo (ESP) v Krasnodar (RUS); Apoel The only goal over the two legs put Ajax Rpursues its grand ambitions in the world’s most popular sport. for a horror challenge after the interval “The guys are ready to face any opponent, Nicosia (CYP) v Anderlecht (BEL); Schalke 04 through by the slimmest of margins. The former Barcelona and Brazil great and club president Josep and although Victor Wanyama restored Man United especially. These matches will (GER) v Borussia Mönchengladbach (GER); Also progressing were Roma, 4-1 on Maria Bartomeu met children and toured the site at the Mission Hills the hosts’ advantage, Jeremy Perbet’s late be the very special events for everyone in Lyon (FGRA) v Roma (ITA); Rostov (RUS) v aggregate despite Villarreal taking the golf complex on Hainan island, which will have seven pitches when strike was enough to seal Gent’s upset in Rostov, not just the football fans.” Manchester United (ENG); Olympiakos (GRE) second leg 1-0, Besiktas, APOEL and Ol- it opens later this year. The academy, which will also serve as a train- front of a new Europa League record at- Italian side AS Roma, also among the v Besiktas (TUR); Gent (BEL) v Genk (BEL); ympiakos. ing centre for China’s national team and top clubs, is one of tens of tendance of 80,465. competition favourites, drew French FC Copenhagen (DEN) v Ajax (NED) Lyon powered through with a crush- thousands of facilities expected in the coming years as China strives “I’m very disappointed. We started club Lyon which could be the clash of (1st leg on March 9; 2nd leg on March 16) ing 7-1 defeat of AZ Akmaar for an 11-2 to become a football superpower. well and scored. The tie was open but aggregate success with Nabil Fekir secur- The new facility will be the biggest of Barcelona’s 20-plus acad- we conceded a goal in one action in the ing a hat-trick. emies around the world, and the first directly managed by club staff . fi rst half. After that it was complicated,” for Tottenham, who had already en- illustrious fellow Belgians Anderlecht, On Wednesday, Manchester United It is still dwarfed by the Evergrande Football School in Guangdong, Pochettino said. “In the second half we dured defeats against Monaco and Bayer Ajax and Lyon also progressed. Among cruised into the last 16 with a 1-0 win at which has links with Barcelona’s Spanish rivals Real Madrid and more played with energy. We were brave and Leverkusen at their temporary European those joining the quartet were Roma, Be- Saint Etienne for a 4-0 aggregate suc- than 2,000 students, making it the world’s biggest academy. created chances and scored the second, home which played a major role in their siktas and Borussia Moenchengladbach. cess. Also surviving to live another day But Mission Hills vice-chairman Tenniel Chu said in November that but we couldn’t get another.” lacklustre elimination from the Champi- A last-minute header from Isaac Kiese in Europe’s second tier competition on the Barcelona academy will eventually grow to 30 pitches, alongside With White Hart Lane being rede- ons League group stage this season. Thelin squeezed Anderlecht through on Wednesday were Schalke and Russian an international school with a capacity of 5,000. veloped, it was more Wembley misery Along with unheralded Gent, their more away goals. Anderlecht’s hopes of pro- outfi t Krasnodar, who saw off Fenerbahce.

Hamburg next up in Bayern treble drive PREMIER LEAGUE AFP The Bayern forward line, who Two teams that might have Berlin hit eight goals past Hamburg in a been expected to challenge Bay- 2015 Bundesliga game, will look ern this season Wolfsburg and Hazard cautions Chelsea against over their shoulders as former Werder Bremen, clash Friday in ayern Munich (pic) central France international forward record setting form. defender Mats Hummels Franck Ribery resumed training Poor form that is, as both complacency, as Leicester face storm Bsays the club’s powerful after a seven weeks lay off . But An- clubs have set their own record position going into their Bundes- celotti will not rush Ribery back as low points tally for this stage of AFP would take them back into the top four. Jur- liga home tie with Hamburg this he wants him and Arjen Robben fit the season Wolfsburg on 22 and London gen Klopp’s fi fth placed team ended a run of weekend is a good measure of for the latter part of the season. Bremen 19. Schalke are on a run fi ve games without a win by beating Totten- coach Carlo Ancelotti’s ambitions Hamburg were once consid- in both Europe, after a midweek ham and Reds midfi elder Adam Lallana, who for the season. ered Bayern’s bogey team and win over PAOK in the Europa den Hazard has warned Chelsea not signed a new contract this week, is confi dent After Robert Lewandowski have gone four games unbeaten League and in the Bundesliga to lose their focus as the runaway of a strong fi nish to the season. last-gasp equaliser saved their going into today’s clash. and have won their last five Premier League leaders approach the “We have a world-class manager and 2017 unbeaten record in Berlin Elsewhere, Borussia Dort- games against Hoff enheim, who fi nal furlong in the title race, while coaching staff and because it’s Liverpool crisis-tornE champions Leicester face up to life there is that added X-factor of the supporters last weekend, Bayern are five mund travel to unpredictable they play tomorrow. points clear at the top, and 5-1 Freiburg without midfielders without sacked boss Claudio Ranieri. and what success would mean to them when up against Arsenal in the Cham- Andre Schuerrle and Mario Fixtures (all times GMT) Antonio Conte’s side are eight points we achieve it here,” Lallana said. pions League last 16. Goetze, who combined to score Playing Today: Bayern Munich clear at the top with just 13 games remaining Third placed Tottenham must beat Stoke at Unbeaten in 16 games against the World Cup winner over v Hamburg, Bayer Leverkusen and they have a golden opportunity to extend White Hart Lane tomorrow to keep alive their today’s visitors Hamburg, Hum- Argentina out in Brazil. v Mainz, Darmstadt v Augsburg, that lead when they host lowly Swansea today. to 17 because it is our place and we are ready to slender hopes of overhauling Chelsea. mels, who joined from Dortmund Third-placed Dortmund coach Freiburg v Borussia Dortmund, RB Second placed Manchester City are not deliver,” he added. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are 10 points last summer, says their position Thomas Tuchel has called for Leipzig v Cologne (1430), Hertha in action this weekend because their derby On Monday, Leicester will start the post adrift of their London rivals after winning of strength is a natural state of af- consistency and can usually Berlin v Eintracht Frankfort (1730) against Manchester United was postponed Ranieri era as the troubled champions host only one of their last four league matches. fairs. “We’re where we want to be, count on striker Pierre Emerick Playing Tomorrow: Ingolstadt v due to their rivals’ League Cup fi nal show- Liverpool in their fi rst match since the Ital- “When we start a game, if you only watch five points clear, that’s in keeping Aubameyang, who was off the Borussia Monchengladbach (1430), down with Southampton tomorrow. ian’s shock dismissal. 50 seconds, you don’t need to be a genius to with our ambitions, we want to score sheet last week in the 3-0 Schalke 04 v Hoff enheim (1630) That gives the Blues a chance to pull clear Ranieri was brutally axed on Thursday, know we may struggle and have some prob- win it all,” he said. hammering of Wolfsburg. (Qatar is three hours ahead of GMT) against a Swansea side who will be heavy un- just nine months after Leicester’s incredible lems in that game,” Pochettino grumbled. derdogs despite their impressive rise out of title triumph, because the club’s Thai owners “The problem is when you start not in a good the relegation zone under the management of feared relegation was an increasingly realistic way, it’s too diffi cult to change that perception former Chelsea assistant coach Paul Clement. prospect. The Foxes have lost their last fi ve and then you give a very good signal to the op- However, Chelsea showed a rare sign of league games without scoring a single goal, ponent that you are not focused on the game.” vulnerability in a 1-1 draw at Burnley in their plunging them to with one point of the rele- Sunderland manager David Moyes takes his previous league match and Belgium playmak- gation zone less than a year after the fairytale bottom of the table side back to his old club er Hazard insists his team can take nothing for success that captivated the world. Everton, while Crystal Palace face a crucial granted as they look to regain the title. A 2-1 midweek Champions League last clash with fellow strugglers Middlesbrough. “We just need to keep the same concentra- 16 fi rst leg loss in Sevilla, a defeat that could tion. It’s more diffi cult to play away because have been much heavier, was the last straw Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated) of the fans, but we are ready, we are profes- amid growing talk of player unrest at Ranieri’s Playing Today: Chelsea v Swansea, Crystal sional. We can deal with the pressure. Every- tactical tinkering. Assistant manager Craig Palace v Middlesbrough, Everton v Sunder- thing is going good,” Hazard said. Shakespeare and Mike Stowell have taken land, Hull v Burnley, Watford v West Ham “We know if we want to be champions, in caretaker charge ahead of Monday’s clash at (1730 GMT), West Brom v Bournemouth our home stadium we have to win most of our the King Power Stadium. Playing Tomorrow: Tottenham v Stoke (1330 GMT) games. We can’t say all 19 because we have al- Liverpool can’t aff ord any sympathy for Playing Monday: Leicester v Liverpool (2000 GMT) ready lost to Liverpool, but we have to win 16 Leicester’s plight as they aim for a win that (Qatar is three hours ahead of GMT) Gulf Times Saturday, February 25, 2017 5 SPORT

NBA ATHLETICS Warriors, Cavaliers IAAF green light for three return from All-Star Russian athletes AFP Monaco

hree Russian athletes were on break with wins Thursday given the green light to compete internationally un- MVP Curry and Durant dunk 35 points in third period to erase a 12-point der a neutral fl ag by athletics’ Tworld governing body the IAAF. halftime deficit as Warriors down Clippers for 10th straight time Pole vaulter Anzhelika Sidorova — European champion in 2014, sprinter Kristina Sivkova and hammer thrower Aleksei Sokirskii all met the “excep- tional eligibility criteria” to compete in international competition as neutral athletes, the IAAF said on the same day as the entry deadline for the March 3-5 European Indoor Championships in Belgrade. The trio join long jumper Darya Klishina and doping whistle-blow- er and former drugs cheat Yuliya Stepanova, who were previously de- clared eligible to compete. In this August 17, 2014, picture, Russia’s The Russian athletics federation Kristina Sivkova poses on the podium (RusAF) remains suspended from for the women’s 4x100m event at the competition because of widespread European Athletics Championships in state-sponsored doping, but individual Zurich. (AFP) athletes can compete as neutrals if they are proved to be drug-free. Russia has been barred from inter- “Their participation as neutral ath- national track and fi eld competition letes in international competition is — including the Rio Olympics — since still subject to acceptance by the indi- November 2015 following a damning vidual athlete and the organiser of the report alleging state-sponsored doping competition in question, in accordance in the country in Olympic sports over with the rules of that competition,” the several years. International Association of Athletics In his latest report released in De- Federations added in a statement. cember, Canadian doping investigator The IAAF has received a total of 48 Richard McLaren claimed that 1,000 applications from Russian athletes, Russians were involved in a doping 28 of which have been endorsed by system organised by the Russian sports RusAF. Six applications have also been ministry. LeBron James (second from declined whilst the remaining applica- Moscow denies any state role in dop- left) of the Cleveland Cavaliers tions, “many for competitions later in ing but Vitaly Mutko, who was pro- dives for a loose ball during the year, are currently under review”, it moted from sports minister to deputy the NBA game against New added. prime minister despite the doping con- York Knicks in Cleveland on IAAF President Sebastian Coe said: troversy, has pointed the fi nger at Rus- Thursday. (AFP) “The application process to compete sia’s athletics coaches. internationally as neutral athletes is The IAAF ban led to Russian athletes about our desire to support the hopes missing the Olympics in Rio last sum- AFP them in the third, making 17 of their 23 13 rebounds and handed out 15 assists PISTONS TOP HORNETS IN and aspirations of all clean athletes mer and world athletics’ governing Los Angeles shots, including nine of 15 from three- for the 48th regular-season triple- OVERTIME including Russian athletes who have body ruled to extend the punishment point range. double of his career. In Detroit, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope been failed by their national system. earlier this month, president Coe say- “It was a great quarter,” said War- Kyrie Irving led Cleveland with 23 scored 27 of his 33 points in the sec- “While prioritising applications ing that Russia could not be reintegrat- he Golden State Warriors ex- riors coach Steve Kerr, who was un- points, while Kyle Korver added 20 off ond half as the Pistons rallied from an based upon the entry deadlines of the ed into the sport before November. ploded for 50 points in the troubled by the three technical fouls the bench. 18-point second-half defi cit to bet the competitions concerned, the primary RusAF last month said it fully ap- third quarter Thursday to roar handed to the Warriors in the period. But coach Tyronn Lue was disap- Charlotte Hornets 114-108 in overtime. responsibility of the Doping Review proved and supported the IAAF deci- past the Los Angeles Clippers “It was an emotional quarter,” he pointed with a lackadaisical third- Tobias Harris added 25 points and Board must always be to safeguard the sion to give athletes a chance to com- T123-113 in their fi rst game after the said. “We didn’t have much fi re at all quarter eff ort that let the Knicks nar- pulled down seven rebounds for the integrity of competition.” pete as neutrals. NBA All-Star break. in the fi rst half and we weren’t com- row the defi cit, forcing him to play Pistons, who handed the Hornets their NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen petitive.” James late rather than rest him. fi fth straight defeat. Curry had 20 of his 35 points and Curry notched his 15th 30-point “We got up and then it got too easy Caldwell-Pope scored 11 points in Kevin Durant added 15 of his 25 in game of the season. He also contrib- for us and we started messing around,” the fi nal 2:17 of regulation and seven Kipsang eyes world record at the third period — when the Warriors uted seven rebounds and fi ve assists. Lue said. “These are the games, third more in overtime. His three-pointer erased a 12-point halftime defi cit and Durant, who left the court to have quarter you put a team away, we get with 18.2 seconds left in regulation new-look Tokyo marathon put themselves on the road to their X-rays on his left pinkie fi nger in the our rest. tied the game after the Pistons trailed 10th straight victory over their West- second quarter that proved negative, “Little disappointed about that, by 15 going into the fourth quarter. ern Conference rivals. pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds but it was a good win for us after the “Big shots by KCP helped us all The Warriors had scored just 18 and handed out seven assists as the break.” night and when he’s hot like that the points in the second quarter — 49 in Warriors improved their league-lead- The reigning champion Cavaliers only thing on our mind is to give him the fi rst half — as the Clippers seized ing record to 48-9. won their fourth straight and are 8-1 the basketball and let him make a play the initiative despite the absence of The reigning champion Cleveland in February. It was their 10th straight for us,” Harris said. injured point guard Chris Paul. Cavaliers also returned from the All- win over the Knicks. Paul’s stand-in, Austin Rivers, Star break with a victory. Making the defeat more painful, RESULTS scored 11 of his 19 points in the fi rst LeBron James recorded his sixth tri- Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis Golden State 123 LA Clippers 113 half. Jamal Crawford added 19 for Los ple-double of the season as the Cava- hurt his ankle and didn’t return for the Sacramento 116 Denver 100 Angeles and All-Star DeAndre Jordan liers maintained their mastery over second half. Houston 129 New Orleans 99 added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the New York Knicks with a 119-104 He fi nished with eight points in 16 Cleveland 119 NY Knicks 104 the Clippers. triumph. minutes before the injury, which was Detroit 114 Charlotte 108 (OT) But the Warriors overwhelmed James scored 18 points, pulled down diagnosed as a sprain. Portland 112 Orlando 103

Former world record holder Wilson Kipsang believes he can reclaim the NHL mark at this weekend’s Tokyo Marathon after a move of the finish line by race organisers resulted in a flatter course. The Kenyan set his then world record of two hours, three minutes and 23 seconds at the 2013 Berlin Marathon but his mark was shattered by compatriot Dennis Kipruto Kimetto, who lowered Kings unable to break a recurring habit, losing it to 2:02:57 in the same race the following year. “I don’t think it would be a surprise if I rewrote it (the world record),” Kipsang, a bronze medallist in the 2012 London Olympics, was quoted as saying by Kyodo news. The Kenyan By Kevin Baxter The Kings matched that in the fi nal added that he hoped to take seven seconds off the world record in Sunday’s Los Angeles Times (TNS) two minutes of the fi rst period with event, which was first held in 2007 and saw Kenya’s Dickson Chumba run a Gravel’s fi rst NHL goal. men’s race record of 2:05:42 in the Japanese capital three years ago. Adrian Kempe set up the power- he Los Angeles Kings have play score, collecting the rebound of practised almost every morn- a long Alec Martinez slap shot and Cowboys to face Cardinals in August ing since early October. slipping it between the legs of Boston Hall of Fame Game So Coach Darryl Sutter was defender Kevan Miller to Gravel, who Tasked before Thursday night’s game redirected the puck into the net from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will be able to watch his NFL team play against the Boston Bruins what he the edge of the right circle. Arizona in the annual Hall of Fame Game next August before taking his place could still be teaching the players six The assist was Kempe’s second in in the sporting shrine. The American Pro Football Hall of Fame announced months later. fi ve NHL games. Thursday that the Cowboys would face the Arizona Cardinals in the tradi- “Just reinforcing small details from Peter Cehlarik appeared to put Bos- tional opening contest of the NFL exhibition season on August 3 at Canton, prior games,” he said. “Or if you see a ton back in front seconds later with his Ohio. Two days later, Jones and former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner history of reoccurring things — good fi rst NHL goal. will be among seven people inducted into the Hall, entering alongside retired things, bad things. A lot of it now is But Sutter argued that the Bruins legends Morten Andersen, Terrell Davis, Jason Taylor, Kenny Easley and reinforcement.” were off side — and when the video LaDainian Tomlinson. The Cowboys will make their sixth appearance in the One thing that hasn’t been reoc- showed that he was right, the goal was Hall of Fame contest, owning a 2-3 record after winning their most recent curring for the Kings are victories, a taken off the board. trip 24-20 over Miami in 2013. The Cardinals are 1-2 with one drawn as they 4-1 loss to the Bruins at Staples Cen- Gravel also lost a goal midway prepare for a fifth appearance in the Canton contest, last taking part in 2012 tre leaving them with only two wins in through the second period when his when they lost 17-10 to New Orleans. their last eight games. shot from the blue line beat Boston They last won consecutive games goalie Anton Khudobin cleanly but three weeks ago, and with the latest caromed off the crossbar. Custis, fi rst black starting quarter- loss they dropped four points behind Peter Budaj (second from left) reacts to a goal from David Pastrnak of the Boston Khudobin, playing his 10th game of back, dies at 88 the Calgary Flames in the battle for Bruins during the NHL game in Los Angeles on Thursday. (AFP) the season and only his second since the Western Conference’s fi nal wild- Christmas, came in with two wins and Bernie Custis, the first black starting quarterback in professional football, card playoff spot. partment over the last month. power play in their last 37 chances. a .888 save percentage. died on Thursday aged 88, the Canadian Football League said. Custis made The Kings’ lone goal came from Pastrnak’s goal, which proved to be Boston scored its fi rst goal less than But he looked like Patrick Roy against history in 1951 when he started a game for the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Kevin Gravel, his fi rst in the NHL, the winner, came with Boston enjoy- fi ve minutes into the game. the Kings, repeatedly frustrating them paving a path for other African American quarterbacks to follow such as Hall while Boston got scores from Brad ing the man advantage less than fi ve The Kings’ Jake Muzzin lost the while stopping 27 shots on goal. of Famer Warren Moon, who played in Canada before going on to star in the Marchand, David Pastrnak, Dominic minutes into the second period. puck along the boards well inside the National Football League. “Trailblazers are rightly remembered for being the Moore and David Krejci, the last two With Kyle Cliff ord in the box for blue line and Marchand quickly broke RESULTS first,” CFL Commissioner Jeff rey Orridge said in a statement. “Bernie Custis, empty-netters in the fi nal 65 seconds. tripping, Pastrnak broke his stick on a the other way, covering more than half Boston 4 Los Angeles 1 the first black professional quarterback in the modern era starting with the Both teams scored power-play one-timer from the top of the left cir- the ice before beating Budaj with a Chicago 6 Arizona 3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1951, should be revered as well for being one of our goals, which is headline news in itself cle but the puck knuckled past Kings wrister from the right faceoff circle for Nashville 4 Colorado 2 best. A world class athlete, he excelled both as a quarterback and a running since Boston’s penalty kill has been goalie Peter Budaj for Pastrnak’s 26th his 26th goal. NY Rangers 2 Toronto 1 (SO) back. A true gentleman, he brought honour to our game and our league, and the best in the league this season while goal of the season — and only the sec- That came 3:16 after the opening NY Islanders 3 Montreal 0 provided us with a role model to emulate.” the Kings have led the NHL in that de- ond the Kings have given up on the faceoff . Calgary 3 Tampa Bay 2 Gulf Times 6 Saturday, February 25, 2017 SPORT

RUGBY / SIX NATIONS SUPER RUGBY Chiefs end losing streak to Highlanders, Te’o handed England Smith injured

Reuters aid and while he was able to walk Wellington off Otago Regional Stadium, he failed the concussion checks and start as Jones makes did not return. ames Lowe pounced on Neither side was particularly ‘Excited about seeing Te’o, two wayward passes while cohesive though the Chiefs’ de- Hika Elliot took advantage fensive line speed kept them George Ford and Owen Farrell of a day-dreaming de- in the game as the Highland- fenceJ to give the Waikato Chiefs ers seemed intent on playing at play together in the midfield’ a 24-15 victory over a wasteful a frenetic pace, at all costs, and four changes Otago Highlanders side who lost their error-rate was far too high. All Blacks fullback Ben Smith to a Their only fi rst half reward Reuters head injury yesterday. was three Sopoaga penalties, London Winger Lowe intercepted fi rst while Lowe’s two intercept tries half passes from All Blacks Aar- that were converted by Aaron on Smith and Waisake Naholo, Cruden gave the Chiefs a 14-9 en Te’o will make his fi rst inter- while hooker Elliot fi nished a lead at the break. national start after being named well-worked lineout move in the Elliot then worked a clever at outside centre for England in second as the Chiefs ended a six- move with scrumhalf Tawera Btomorrow’s Six Nations clash game losing streak to the High- Kerr-Barlow to catch a High- against Italy at Twickenham, one of four landers dating back to 2014. landers defence napping inside changes to the team who beat Wales two Flyhalf Lima Sopoaga slotted their own 22-metre area to give weeks ago. fi ve penalty goals for the home the visitors a 21-9 lead. Te’o looked impressive off the bench in side, who are likely to be with- Sopoaga reduced the defi - England’s tournament opening victories out co-captain Smith for at least cit with two penalties before over France, where he scored the match- next week’s clash with the Can- Cruden extended the lead again winning try, and Wales, and was handed a terbury Crusaders in Dunedin. with his only penalty to give the debut start by coach Eddie Jones yesterday Smith hit his head hard on the Chiefs a nine-point lead with 12 after earning fi ve caps as a replacement. ground when contesting a high minutes remaining. Jonny May returns on the right wing, kick with Chiefs’ fullback Dam- The Chiefs defence then con- Danny Care replaces Ben Youngs as start- ian McKenzie, who immediately tinued to hold fast in the fi nal few ing scrumhalf and James Haskell is re- signalled to referee Mike Fraser minutes, which silenced the pre- called at openside fl anker, completing his to halt the game. viously raucous crowd dominat- return to full fi tness after recovering from Medical staff rushed to Smith’s ed by Otago University students. toe surgery. Prop Mako Vunipola has returned from a lengthy knee injury-layoff for a place on OPINION the bench. There had been speculation that Owen Farrell could switch to his club position of fl yhalf but he remains at inside centre in a O’Neill calls for muscular midfi eld and will earn his 50th cap, having made his debut at the start of the 2012 Six Nations. fl awed Super series Te’o, 30, was born in New Zealand with a Samoan father and English mother. He moved to Australia as a teenager and to dump teams forged an impressive career in rugby league in the NRL, also playing interna- tionally for Samoa. AFP conference structure and fi xture In 2013 he switched codes, joining Irish Sydney schedule that means the Golden province Leinster, before moving again Lions and the Southern Kings of to English Premiership club Worcester at South Africa will not play against the start of this season. ormer Australian rugby any team from New Zealand dur- His powerful running and muscular chief John O’Neill has ing this regular season ball-carrying is in contrast to the silky called for Argentina and O’Neill said it was time for a Jonathan Joseph, Jones’ regular outside Japan to be dumped from serious rethink. centre, who was dropped from the squad theF troubled Super Rugby com- “What is the best competi- for Sunday’s game. petition, along with a South Af- tion structure that is ultimately “Ben Te’o at 13 gives us another way of rican side. and unambiguously in the best playing the game and we are excited about As the SANZAAR organisers interests of Australian rugby?” seeing him, George Ford and Owen Farrell England’s Ben Te’o kicks during a training session at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, Surrey, England, on Wednesday. (Reuters) grapple with a way forward for he asked. play together in the midfi eld,” Jones said the confusing 18-team, fi ve-na- “Personally, I would not have in a statement. against Wales, but James Haskell has the vious meetings by an average margin of Daly, 10-George Ford, 9-Danny Care; tion championship, former Aus- agreed with South Africa going “Ben Youngs has been outstanding for starting role on Sunday; he has come back almost 30 points. 8-Nathan Hughes, 7-James Haskell, tralian Rugby Union chairman to six teams. That’s a domestic us at number nine, but Danny Care gets to a much better level of fi tness and we The Italians were thumped by Wales 6-Maro Itoje, 5-Courtney Lawes, 4-Joe O’Neill says they must return to issue that they should have been the starting jersey this week. For the fi rst are sure his explosive actions will help us and Ireland in their opening home games Launchbury, 3-Dan Cole, 2-Dylan Hartley a 15-team format. told to sort out.” half he’ll give us a lot of speed and run- in the fi rst part of the game.” and have yet to score a second-half point (captain), 1-Joe Marler. Replacements: O’Neill said he fears the far- And he was vehemently ning at the base of the ruck as well as the England, on a 16-match winning streak in the championship this season. 16-Jamie George, 17-Mako Vunipola, fl ung competition, beset with against the suggestion that Aus- scrum. Ben will then come on and fi nish and targeting back-to-back grand slams, 18-Kyle Sinckler, 19-Tom Wood, 20-Jack problems over its unwieldy con- tralia should lose a franchise. the game. “Tom Wood has been great will expect a hefty bonus point win over England squad: 15-Mike Brown, 14-Jonny Cliff ord, 21-Ben Youngs, 22-Henry Slade, ference structure and exhaust- “I can’t possibly agree with for us at seven, and Jack Cliff ord did well Italy, a side they have beaten in all 22 pre- May, 13-Ben Te’o, 12-Owen Farrell, 11-Elliot 23-Jack Nowell. ing travel schedules, is losing its that. It is not the fault of the fi ve tribalism. Australian franchises that this Su- He has accused the organisers per 18 competition is a disaster. WINTER OLYMPICS of trying to please everyone, in- “You can ask questions how cluding World Rugby. the hell this 18-team competi- “It will take some very bold tion came into existence but the decision-making,” O’Neill told the hard cold question now is ‘what’s Daily Telegraph yesterday, implor- the solution?’.” ing Australian administrators to He said the current format stand strong against calls to axe across fi ve countries and 17 times Korea’s gold medal hopes for one of their own fi ve teams. zones with matches being played “Am I suggesting it’s an easy from Thursday to Sunday was solution? No, it’s not. But you fl awed. “Latitudinal competi- cannot continue with an 18-team tions — east/west competitions competition, which isn’t even a — do not work,” he said, suggest- Pyeongchang still on ice genuine competition.” ing Australia should even look at a O’Neill was referring to the better trans-Tasman option while Reuters Olympic title which truly revved up the competition’s convoluted four- including Pacifi c and Asian teams. Seoul country’s passion for winter sports. Figure skater Kim Yuna’s captivating performance in Vancouver brought the outh Korea invested heavily country to a standstill seven years ago Hungary’s Olympic dream ‘killed’ by across the winter sports spectrum and gave rise to a new generation of skat- to boost its medal chances at the ers, skiers and sliders. political upstarts, says PM Orban 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics but Her retirement after the 2014 Sochi ifS the ongoing Winter Asiad is anything to Games saw Korea bid farewell to one of Reuters in 2010 and began centralising go by, the cut-throat world of short track its few global sporting personalities but Budapest control in the hands of Fidesz. remains its best hope for gold next year. there is hope that one of her proteges, or Orban told the radio station Since short track speed skating de- ‘Yuna Kids’ as they have been dubbed, that a local referendum could buted as a medal sport at the 1992 Winter will be able to step into her skates one day. ungary had to with- have been won in favour of Olympics, Korean athletes have won 21 of Replacing the irreplaceable Yuna is draw its bid to host the the Olympics but that would the 48 golds up for grabs, their bravery, perhaps a forlorn hope, but Choi Da-bin’s H2024 Summer Olympic not have been enough in the blazing acceleration and ice-cool com- performance in winning the women’s Games to avoid a humiliating international race to host the posure giving them a razor-sharp edge short programme in Sapporo on Thurs- defeat in the race with Paris Games, where unity is needed. over their rivals. day proved South Korean fi gure skating and Los Angeles after a local Therefore, the bid had to be The Korean short track skaters have appears to have a future. political movement “killed the withdrawn in order to avoid in- impressed at the Winter Asiad in Sap- There are no sliding sports at the Asian Olympic dream”, Prime Min- evitable “shame” on Hungary, poro, winning fi ve of eight golds on of- Winter Games but South Korea has caught ister Viktor Orban told state he argued. fer, with two-time women’s overall world the eye at international bobsleigh and skel- radio yesterday. “There is a political organisa- champion Choi Min-jeong and Sochi eton competitions over the last year. The Momentum movement, a tion, which did not even hide 3,000 metres relay gold medallist Shim Hyundai Motor, South Korea’s biggest new force in Hungarian poli- that they want to primarily Suk-hee in top form. auto maker, gave the country’s sliders a tics, last week submitted a pe- form a party and enter the A Korean Sports and Olympic Com- boost by delivering a new state-of-the- tition with 266,000 signatures political arena....and were not mittee offi cial said that while the hosts art bobsleigh to the team in 2016, with of- demanding a referendum in even really interested in the hoped for medals across the board in fi cials touting design improvements that Budapest on an event seen Olympics and they went as far 2018, short track remained their bread make it more aerodynamic and easier to as symbolically important to as killing the Olympic dream,” and butter. handle. Orban. Momentum argued Orban told state radio in his “Our gold medal targets will be focused South Korea won gold medals in snow- that Hungary was not yet rich regular interview. on skating sports, with short track as our boarding and cross-country skiing in enough to host the Olympics. Momentum spokesman Gergo strongest event and then speed skating,” Sapporo, but it would be diffi cult to im- Although it does not yet reg- Papp said the prime minis- he said on Friday. agine them topping the podium in a year’s ister in polls, political analysts ter and his government, by “We have an overall target of eight gold, South Korean short track skaters Shim Suk-hee (left) and Choi Min-jeong (right) in time when the might of Europe and North say Momentum could win deciding to withdraw the bid, four silver and eight bronze medals for action during women’s 1000m final during the Asian Winter Games in Makomanai, America arrive in Pyeongchang. seats in a national election took away Hungarians’ chance Pyeongchang, but this may change.” Sapporo, Japan, on Wednesday. (Reuters) Likewise, the ultimate underdog men’s due in 2018 at the expense to vote on the Olympics in a South Korean speed skaters were also ice hockey team will need to produce both of Orban’s ruling right- referendum. “It is Viktor Orban among the medals in Sapporo, picking up Korea’s global standing in the sport, how- the dominant Dutch claimed eight titles. nothing short of another ‘miracle on ice’ wing populist Fidesz party and who killed a dream,” Papp six of the 14 golds. Lee Seung-hoon skat- ever, came at the World Single Distance if they are to have any success against opposition groups. said. “At last, Hungarian soci- ed off with four titles with his victories in Championships in Gangneung earlier this REPLACING THE IRREPLACEABLE heavy-hitters like Canada, Russia, Swe- No opposition group has had ety could have voted on an the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, mass start month, a test event for the 2018 Games. While short track and speed skating ac- den and the United States. such an impact on a major is- important issue, on a gigantic and team pursuit. Korea won just one gold with Kim Bo- count for all but one of South Korea’s 26 The Pyeongchang Olympics will be sue since Orban rose to power investment project.” Perhaps a more realistic showing of reum in the women’s mass start, while Winter Games gold medals, it is the other held from Feb. 9-25 next year. Gulf Times Saturday, February 25, 2017 7 SPORT

CRICKET SPOTLIGHT Morkel back for South African Tests O’Keefe, Smith AFP Johannesburg

ast bowler Morne Mor- kel has been included in South Africa’s squad for three Test matches in fl atten India on FNew Zealand starting on March 8. Morkel, 32, last played in an international match in June and since then has struggled with a persistent back injury which threatened to end his career. He was part of South Africa’s ers in batsman Theunis de Bru- Pune minefi eld Test tour of Australia in October yn and wicketkeeper Heinrich and November last year but his Klaasen. O’Keefe, who took six for 35, helped Australia bundle India out for 105 in the first innings injury fl ared up again after he De Bruyn was in the squad played in two warm-up match- for a home series against Sri es. Lanka earlier in the season but The tall fast bowler has un- did not play, while Klaasen, 25, dergone extensive rehabilitation replaces Dane Vilas as reserve and returned to action in a do- wicketkeeper after Vilas signed mestic one-day game last week. a Kolpak contract to play county “Morne Morkel has worked cricket in England. hard on his fi tness over the past Seven of the players are al- few months and we believe he ready in New Zealand for a one- is now 100 per cent fi t and fully day series. The other nine will able to compete for his place in depart today. the team,” said selection con- vener Linda Zondi. South African squad: Morkel, who achieved his Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Test-best fi gures of six for 23 Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen in Wellington on South Africa’s Cook, Theunis de Bruyn, Quin- previous Test tour of New Zea- ton de Kock (wkt), JP Duminy, land in 2011/12, is one of six fast Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen bowlers in the 16-man squad. (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Morne Left-armer Keshav Maharaj is Morkel, Chris Morris, Duanne the only specialist spinner. Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Vernon There are two uncapped play- Philander, Kagiso Rabada.

FOCUS British police make third arrest in Pak corruption probe

Reuters Board (PCB) and International London Cricket Council. The PCB suspended three players, including former test third man has been ar- opener Nasir Jamshed, as part of rested in relation to an the investigation. ongoing investigation Batsmen Sharjeel Khan and into possible corrup- Khalid Latif were also provision- tionA in Pakistani cricket, Brit- ally suspended this month and Australia’s Steve O’Keefe (C) celebrates after the dismissal of India’s Ajinkya Rahane during the second day of the first cricket Test match in Pune yesterday. ain’s National Crime Agency sent home from the Pakistan AFP PUNE SCOREC ARD Smith then steadied the innings with (NCA) has said. Super League (PSL) Twenty20 Pune, India Mitchell Marsh as the duo tackled the “Offi cers from the National tournament, which is being Australia 1st innings (overnight 256-9; M. Starc 57 W. Saha c Smith b O’Keefe ...... 0 spinners with aplomb. Crime Agency arrested a British played in Dubai. not out, J. Hazlewood 1 not out) R. Jadeja c Starc b O’Keefe ...... 2 But it was O’Keefe who stole the show man in his thirties this morning The PCB said at the time they ustralian spinner Steve O’Keefe D. Warner b U. Yadav ...... 38 J. Yadav st Wade b O’Keefe...... 2 earlier in the day with a blitz of wickets in the Sheffi eld area as part of were investigating whether an yesterday said he expected In- M. Renshaw c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 68 U. Yadav c Smith b O’Keefe ...... 4 after lunch that saw India’s middle and its investigation into the spot- international betting syndicate dia to come back fi ghting after S. Smith c Kohli b Ashwin ...... 27 I. Sharma not out ...... 2 lower order crumble as the hosts conceded fi xing of cricket matches,” the was trying to infl uence matches his career-best haul of 6-35 left S. Marsh c Kohli b J. Yadav ...... 16 Extras (nb1) ...... 1 a 155-run fi rst innings lead. NCA said in a statement on their in the PSL. Athe hosts on the ropes in the fi rst Test in P. Handscomb lbw b Jadeja ...... 22 Total (all out; 40.1) ...... 105 O’Keefe was largely ineff ective in the website. Three Pakistan players, Mo- Pune. M. Marsh lbw b Jadeja ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Vijay), 2-44 (Pujara), 3-44 morning session but then bamboozled the “He was bailed pending fur- hamed Amir, Salman Butt and An unbeaten half century from skip- M. Wade lbw b U. Yadav ...... 8 (Kohli), 4-94 (Rahul), 5-95 (Rahane), 6-95 (Saha), 7-95 Indians. ther inquiries.” Mohamed Asif, were jailed in per Steve Smith helped the tourists reach M. Starc c Jadeja b Ashwin ...... 61 (Ashwin), 8-98 (J. Yadav), 9-101 (Jadeja), 10-105 (U. “I probably went into my comfort The NCA arrested two other Britain in 2011 for conspiracy 143-4 at stumps on day two, which saw a S. O’Keefe c Saha b U. Yadav ...... 0 Yadav) zone like I bowl in Australia but then I men earlier this month as part charges relating to spot-fi xing total of 15 wickets fall at Pune’s Mahar- N. Lyon lbw b U. Yadav ...... 0 Bowling: Starc 9-2-38-2 (1nb), O’Keefe 13.1-2-35-6, worked with Sri (Sriram Sridharan, Aus- of the investigation, which they after ‘no balls’ were bowled to ashtra Cricket Association Stadium. J. Hazlewood not out ...... 1 Hazlewood 7-3-11-1, Lyon 11-2-21-1 tralia’s spin consultant) in the break and it said was being done in conjunc- order during a test against Eng- O’Keefe, whose six wickets came off Extras (lb6, nb9) ...... 15 Australia 2nd innings worked,” said O’Keefe. tion with the Pakistan Cricket land at Lord’s. just 24 balls, helped Australia bundle Total (all out; 94.5 overs) ...... 260 D. Warner lbw b Ahswin ...... 10 The 32-year-old’s stunning spell put India out for 105 in the afternoon ses- Fall of wickets: 1-82 (Warner), 1-82 (Renshaw S. Marsh lbw b Ashwin ...... 0 Australia fi rmly in charge in the opening sion before the visiting batsmen rammed retired not out), 2-119 (S. Marsh), 3-149 (Handscomb), S. Smith not out ...... 59 contest the four-Test series but it was a TENNIS home their advantage against the world’s 4-149 (Smith), 5-166 (M. Marsh), 6-190 (Wade), 7-196 P. Handscomb c Vijay b Ashwin ...... 19 day to forget for Indian captain Virat Kohli, top Test team. (Renshaw), 8-205 (O’Keefe), 9-205 (Lyon), 10-260 M. Renshaw c Sharma b J. Yadav ...... 31 who was dismissed for a rare duck. Smith was on 59 and Mitchell Marsh (M. Starc) M. Marsh not out ...... 21 Kohli, who has hit four double centuries on 21 was also at the crease as Australia Bowling: Sharma 11-0-27-0 (1nb), Ashwin 34.5-10- Extras (lb 3) ...... 3 since July, walked after just two deliver- Dubai semi-fi nal stretched their lead to 298 runs by the 63-3, J. Yadav 13-1-58-1 (1nb), Jadeja 24-4-74-2 (2nb), U. Total (4 wickets; 46 overs) ...... 143 ies for his fi rst duck in a Test since August close on a turning track at India’s newest Yadav 12-3-32-4 (1nb) Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Warner), 2-23 (S. Marsh), 3-61 2014. Test venue. India 1st innings (Handscomb), 4-113 (Renshaw) Paceman Mitchell Starc, who made a loss ends Kerber “It’s an exciting contest — even with M. Vijay c Wade b Hazlewood ...... 10 Bowling: Ashwin 16-3-68-3, Jadeja 17-6-26-0, U. gritty 61 in Australia’s fi rst innings score of 300 on the board, it’s still gettable.We L. Rahul c Warner b O’Keefe ...... 64 Yadav 5-0-13-0, J. Yadav 5-0-27-1, I. Sharma 3-0-6-0 260, took two wickets including the prized have seen two guys bat well. Like Steve C. Pujara c Wade b Starc ...... 6 Toss: Australia scalp of Kohli. number one dream Smith, you can get runs on it,” O’Keefe V. Kohli c Handscomb b Starc ...... 0 Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Nigel Indian opener Lokesh Rahul top-scored told reporters. A. Rahane c Handscomb b O’Keefe ...... 13 Llong (ENG) for the home side with 64 but hurt his AFP “I think they are going to get back R. Ashwin c Handscomb b Lyon ...... 1 TV umpire: Richard Illingworth (ENG) shoulder while going for a mistimed heave Dubai stronger and better in their second in- at long-off and only took to the fi eld two nings and they are going to put up a lot of overs before the end of play. fi ght as you would expect from this Indian went on to register his 21st Test half-cen- his fi rst innings knock on Thursday, once Indian coach Anil Kumble said the ngelique Kerber lost the unit. tury in his 51st match. again found it hard to cope with the heat as team’s performance was just “one bad chance to return to the “We have had a good day’s cricket but First innings top-scorer Matt Renshaw, he suff ered from bouts of dehydration. day”, stressing there was still lot of cricket top of the WTA rank- that’s all that is. We’ve still got a lot of who did not open the batting after being But the Indian fi elders were also left left in the match. ings, after losing 6-3, work to do if we going to win this match.” off the fi eld with nausea during most of feeling the heat as they dropped four “It was disappointing... once Rahul got A7-6 (7/3) to Elina Svitolina yester- Indian off -spinner Ravichandran Ash- India’s innings, hung on with Smith for a catches. out, we lost those four wickets in fi ve or six day in the Dubai Tennis Champi- win claimed three wickets, including 52-run partnership. Ishant Sharma fi nally clung on to a skier balls.That certainty pushed us back,” said onships semi-fi nals. openers David Warner and Shaun Marsh. Renshaw (31), who also had to tempo- at long-off after Renshaw mistimed a hit Kumble, adding that “dropped chances Had Kerber won the tourna- Smith, who was dropped three times, rarily retire ill with a stomach upset during off Jayant Yadav. also hurt the hosts” ment, she would have retaken the world number one spot she held after winning the US Open in Kerber: setback PSL September, until Serena Williams wrestled it back in claiming Aus- number one, currently 15th, took tralian Open glory last month. just 90 minutes to beat her Latvi- But Kerber, winner of two an opponent and move into the Grand Slams in 2016, fell victim to title match at the Aviation club. back problems during her match Wozniacki lost to Czech Karo- with Svitolina, who has now won lina Pliskova in the Doha fi nal last Kamran shines as Zalmi beat her last three meetings with the weekend. 29-year-old German. “It’s been a pretty good couple The top seed produced eight of weeks for me, I’m very happy double-faults and left the court with how I have been playing. for medical treatment when a set Very happy how I have managed Lahore Qalandars by 17 runs and a break down. to get through these two weeks,” Agencies ran Akmal hit his second fi fty as Pesha- addition of just fi ve runs. Zalmi recovered from their sluggish Her return produced some mo- Wozniacki said. Dubai war Zalmi set Lahore Qalandars 167 to The middle-order for the Qalandars start after losing Tamim Iqbal, their mentarily inspiring tennis, with “It’s been very tiring mentally. win. displayed a severe lack of understanding opener along with Akmal, early in the two bouts of light rain adding to The fact that I have just been Kamran, opening the batting for Zal- for Zalmi’s bowling and paid the price. game. complications. staying in there and keep grind- ahore Qalandars fell to a 17-run mi, struck nine 4s in his 58 off 40 balls to Umar Akmal made one and was again Zalmi had scored 78 for the loss of two It fi nally took a winning sec- ing, I’m kind of proud of that. defeat against Peshawar Zalmi guide his team to 166. Shakib Al Hasan caught leg before. wickets at the end of the 10th over. Akmal ond-set tiebreaker from Svitolina “She defi nitely was a tricky op- in the 16th match of the Pakistan also chipped in with 30 runs. Qalandars were given a target of 167 had steadied the innings but was stumped to end the drama, sending the ponent. I knew going into it that Super League yesterday. Qalandars faltered under the bowl- runs after Peshswar Zalmi’s innings end- off a ball by Yasir Shah. Akmal’s contri- challenger into a title showdown she was going to be diffi cult. She LLahore were off to a fl ying start but a ing blitz unleashed by Zalmi and lost six ed. For Zalmi, Afridi made a poor show- bution of 58 off 40 balls played a vital role against Caroline Wozniacki, who mixes the pace up. She really tries sensational collapse saw them lose six wickets in as many overs in their match. ing once again after he was run out, with in keeping the scoreboard ticking. reached her second fi nal in as to break your rhythm. I was really wickets for just fi ve runs to aid Zalmi’s The openers for Qalandars contributed Kamran Akmal remaining the highest Tamim contributed a mere fi ve runs many weeks, beating Anastasija pleased with how I was playing. I cause. 38 runs between them, but the four bats- scorer and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan before returning to the pavilion. He fell Sevastova 6-3, 6-4. tried to stay aggressive and tried Earlier, wicket-keeper batsman Kam- men who followed made a disappointing scoring the second highest at 30. far short of his average of 30.92 in T20s. Denmark’s former world to mix it up, as well.” Saturday, February 25, 2017 GULF TIMES SPORT

MOTOCROSS Defending champ Gajser grabs pole, Cairoli lurks Honda’s Gajser carried on where he had left off last season with a dominating performance in the qualifying race

By Joe Koraith Losail Defending champion Tim t’s perfectly set up. The Gajser in action during qualifying opening round of the 2017 for today's Motocross World FIM Motocross World Championship at Losail yesterday. Championship has the per- At right, Antonio Cairoli. Ifect recipe for a thrilling race. Defending champion Tim Gajser produced a strong per- formance in qualifying to grab pole position for today’s race. And in second place, we have motocross legend Antonio Cairo- li. In third place is Gautier Paulin. All three of them are race win- ners here in Qatar. Honda rider Gajser won both the races last season and went on to win the championship. KTM rider Cai- roli had won the inaugural race in Qatar and has shown an impres- sive return to form since the start of this year. Frenchman Paulin, a winner in 2014, will be eager to put in a strong challenge and up- set the two favourites. Honda’s Gajser carried on where he had left off last season with a dominating performance in the qualifying race. He took the lead right at the start and then quickly put in a sizeable gap be- tween him and Cairoli in second place. The Slovenian was lead- ing by as much as four seconds at one point during the race. And though Cairoli put in a strong burst of speed towards the end, to reduce the defi cit to less than half a second, Gajser was able to hold on for the win. “I had a really good race. I made a good start and led from the be- ginning. I was able to form some good lines and get some good speed. I made a couple of mis- takes which allowed Tony (Cai- roli) to close the gap but I am glad In MX2, it was Red Bull KTM Yamaha’s Benoit Paturel “I am not riding that great. I that I got the pole for tomorrow’s factory rider Pauls Jonass who didn’t take too long to overtake am not happy with it and will try race,” said Gajser yesterday. won the qualifying race yester- Bernardini and then the French- to improve tomorrow. But I have “It’s a good beginning for me. day and will get the hole shot for man and Jonass managed to cre- the pole for tomorrow and that’s Red Bull KTM I am looking forward to tomor- today’s race. At the start of the ate a fi ve-second gap to Jeremy a good start to the season,” added rider Pauls Jonass. row and I hope I do well,” added qualifying it was TM Racing’s Seewer in third place. And that’s the Latvian. the defending champion. This Samuel Bernardini who took a the order in which the trio fi n- On the changes made to the performance was despite the fact surprising lead. But by the sec- ished. track Jonass said: “The track is that Gajser wasn’t keeping too ond lap, Jonass was able to over- “I got a decent start and then good condition. well. Today’s races should pro- take the Italian and put himself made good use of it. I didn’t have "I’m hoping that tomorrow we duce an exciting fi nish especially fi rmly in the lead. the best starting position because get more lines at the corners be- between the top two riders. Also After that initial burst of speed, of a slow time during practice. cause that will mean more pass- with no rider having won the Qa- Bernardini kept getting overtaken But after the good start I was able ing and better racing,” said the tar MXGP twice, today will be the by riders and eventually went on to lead the race after the second KTM rider. All set for an exciting day when that could happen. to fi nish in 21st place. lap,” said Jonass yesterday. race day then.

QUALIFYING RESULTS

MXGP – Qualifying Race Classification (Top 10) MX2 – Qualifying Race – Classification (Top – 10) Pos. Rider No. Rider Name Country Motorcycle Pos. Rider No. Rider Name Country Motorcycle 1 243 Gajser, Tim SLO Honda 1 41 Jonass, Pauls LAT KTM 2 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA KTM 2 6 Paturel, Benoit FRA Yamaha 3 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA Husqvarna 3 91 Seewer, Jeremy SUI Suzuki 4 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS Honda 4 61 Prado Garcia, Jorge ESP KTM 5 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL Yamaha 5 96 Lawrence, Hunter AUS Suzuki 6 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI Yamaha 6 33 Lieber, Julien BEL 7 461 Febvre, Romain FRA Yamaha KTM 8 99 Anstie, Max GBR Husqvarna 7 19 Kjer Olsen, Thomas DEN Husqvarna 9 25 Desalle, Clement BEL Kawasaki 8 57 Sanayei, Darian USA Kawasaki 10 911 Tixier, Jordi FRA Kawasaki 9 64 Covington, Thomas USA Husqvarna 10 172 Van doninck, Brent BEL Yamaha

QATAR STARS LEAGUE Al Sadd back on top with 4-0 win over Khor

By Sports Reporter Al Sadd players Close to the half-hour mark, Welin- Doha celebrate one ton Souza produced a well-timed snap- Al Gharafa beat Al Rayyan 2-1 of their goals header from close range but Al Sadd against Al Khor goalkeeper Saad al-Dosari killed off the Former champions Al Gharafa yes- robust nature of the match continued. ootball giants Al Sadd thrashed in the QSL move by blocking the high ball. terday scored two second-half goals In the 36th minute, Al Gharafa’s Abdur Al Khor 4-0 yesterday to pick yesterday. In the 33rd minute, Al Khor’s Mouhs- to beat Al Rayyan 2-1 in the QSL at Al Razzaq attempted a scissor-kick but up three points in the Qatar sine Iajour eased past his marker Pedro Sadd Stadium. his airborne maneuver hit Al Rayyan’s Nathan Otavio opened the scoring Alaaeddin smack in the face, resulting Stars League and move to the before unleashing a powerful shot that for Al Rayyan but Al Gharafa hit back in a long stoppage in play. topF of the table ahead of Lekhwiya. was punched by Al Sadd goalkeeper. through Rashid Sumaila and Ab- Five minutes into the second half, Al Sadd now have 53 points from 22 Just minutes into the second half, dulghani Muneer in the second half. Al Gharafa’s Razzaq misfired from matches, the same as Lekhwiya, but are Xavi curled in a beautifully taken free- The match got off to a fast pace with close range when he failed to find the ahead on goal diff erence, with just four kick but Al Khor goalkeeper Djibril players from both sides engaging in target with only goalkeeper to beat rounds remaining. thwarted the move with a neat save. fierce battles for ball possession even Omar Bari. Playing a controlled game at Al Khor Close to the hour-mark, Al Sadd nearly though Al Rayyan started off without In the 55th minute, Al Gharafa pro- Stadium, Al Sadd opened through scored the second goal but Bounedjah’s key strikers Rodrigo Tabata and duced the equaliser through Sumaila Khalfan Ibrahim in the fi rst half be- lunge on a pass from al-Haydos missed Sebastian Soria. who slotted the ball into an open net fore jumping to a 2-0 lead when Pedro the target from close range. Early in the first half, Al Rayyan’s following a goal-line melee in the Al Miguel found the back of Al Khor net In the 65th minute, Al Sadd grabbed Abdulrahman al-Korbi was shown a Rayyan box. soon after after the hour-mark. their second goal; Pedro, stationed on yellow card for a reckless tackle on The goal prompted Al Rayyan coach Al Gharafa skipper Fahad al-Sham- Michael Laudrup to signal Tabata the edge of the Al Khor box, received a Algerian forward Baghdad mari in the 9th minute. In the 14th to get warmed up for a possible Bounedjah added Al Sadd’s third goal pass from Bounedjah and quickly slot- minute, Al Rayyan grabbed the lead substitution. late in the second half followed by a hamed blocked a fi erce close-range fi rst goal with a bit of good fortune in ted the ball past goalkeeper Djibril. with a well-timed move at Al Sadd Seconds later, Koh was benched by goal from substitute Hamza Sanhaji shot by Ibrahim Maged, killing what the 20th minute. A few minutes after conceding the Stadium. Laudrup and in walked Tabata to off the fi nal kick of the game in injury was Al Sadd’s fi rst real threat at Al Khor Barca legend and Al Sadd captain second goal, Al Khor’s Parou Babou Myongin Koh curled in a beautiful loud cheer from Al Rayyan faithful. time. goalmouth. Xavi spotted Hassan al-Haydos un- charged into Al Sadd box but his shot pass for Nathan who produced a In the 74th minute, Al Gharafa In the eighth minute, Haithem Mo- In the 19th minute, Al Sadd striker marked on the right fl ank and slipped in from close range was blocked by goal- great snap-header to deflect the ball jumped to a 2-1 lead, thanks to a slick hamed was tripped near the box by Al Ibrahim fi red a bullet from the edge of an easy ball to the star striker. keeper al-Dosari. past goalkeeper Hassan Ali. close-range deflection by Muneer. Sadd’s Pedro but the home team mis- the Al Khor box but his shot was de- Al-Haydos fi red a fast-paced shot to- In the 80th minute, Bounedjah In the 20th minute, Al Rayyan’s In the 79th minute, Tabata curled in fi red with their fi rst free-kick of the fl ected away for a corner by Baba Dji- ward the Al Khor goalmouth but the ball scored his 22nd goal of the season as he Sumaila was shown a yellow card by a beautifully taken free kick but was game. bril. ricocheted off the goalpost and hit Dji- defl ected a pass from al-Haydos into the referee for a rough sliding tackle well blocked by Al Gharafa goal- A minute later, Al Khor’s Sultan Mo- Seconds later, Al Sadd scored their bril’s leg before smashing into the net. the Al Khor net. on Al Rayyan’s Ahmed Alaaedin as the keeper Ali.