The Art of Being Rebellious

WEDNESDAY, April 27, 2016 VOlUME Xi iSSUE NO.12 Qr2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

P 8 | FOOTBALL P 22| BASKETBALL IT’S LEKHWIYA VS JAISH ARMYMEN’S CUP OF JOY QATAR’S FIRST Lekhwiya face Jaish in the Qatar Cup El Jaish come back strongly in the last ENGLISH SPORTS final for the third successive season as two quarters to beat Al Gharafa in the WEEKLY they beat Rayyan and Sadd respectively. final and retain the Emir’s Cup.

PIECESPAGES 6-7

EXCITEMENT NOW JUST A TOUCH AWAY

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Good management is the art of solving problems constructively

ĈĈClub management in Qatar often year in the lower division, there were expectations factors to decide their fate. seeks ad hoc measures instead of of at least a four-way battle for the top honours. The loss to Lekhwiya has triggered a war of words permanent and long-term solutions But with Lekhwiya, El Jaish and Al Sadd failing to in the Rayyan camp, once again exposing the club put up a serious challenge, the resurgent Lions management’s unprofessional way of handling AST week, I had written about the lack of clinched the title with five rounds to go. things. While club president Sheikh Saoud bin professionalism in the country’s club man- Rayyan’s emergence as an all-conquering team Khalid Al Thani reportedly said the team wasn’t Lagement, which often seeks ad hoc measures raised visions of them extending their domination prepared for the match, indirectly pointing a fin- instead of permanent and long-term solutions. into the continental championship next season ger at Fossati, the Uruguayan refused to take it I mentioned specifically about non-payment of and thereby earn the country a better standing. lying down and retorted all he needed was just wages as a major issue, demoralising the players It also signalled the return of thousands of their 10 minutes to pack off! and negatively impacting their performance. passionate fans. But their failure to win any of Good management is all about getting things Qatar Stars League champions Al Rayyan’s defeat their matches after the league triumph and the done well in the short term while developing plans to Lekhwiya in the Qatar Cup semifinal has vindi- demoralising defeat to Lekhwiya at the Qatar Cup for the long term. But, unfortunately, it seems cated my stand. Yes, winning or losing is part of has disillusioned all of them. Rayyan’s management has lost the plot. the game, but the manner in which they played One may argue that after ensuring the league proved all isn’t well with them. title, Jorge Fossati opted to give his fringe players It wasn’t the Rayyan we saw until they clinched chances in their subsequent matches, resulting in the league shield. They were a pale shadow of their their inconsistent performance. I would agree to true selves, the heart and soul certainly missing. some extent, but a top team’s coach and manage- When Rayyan assembled a strong team and ment should make sure they do have adequate Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi came back into the top flight, after spending a bench strength and can’t depend on extraneous Editor-in-Chief

Qatar Sports Club’s No stopping Messi relegation painful INBOX Congrats to Barcelona’s star striker It was difficult to believe that Qatar Lionel Messi for completing 500 career Sports Club got relegated to the sec- goals (Doha Stadium Plus, April 20). Doha Stadium Plus Editor-in-Chief Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi P.O. Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar ond division ( , There’s no stopping the Argentinian, Tel: +974 44138065, Fax: +974 44138597 April 20). Your magazine rightly who has mesmerised his fans like Managing Editor Kumar Ravi WEDNESDAY, April 20, 2016 VOlUME Xi iSSUE NO.11 Qr2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com P 8 | FOOTBALL P 24 | VOLLEYBALL JAISH SUFFER DEFEAT RAYYAN RUNNERS-UP QATAR’S FIRST El Jaish suffer their first defeat in this Al Rayyan hold their nerve to beat pointed out the flaws in their Qatar no one else in the modern era. Only Senior Editor/Writer ENGLISH SPORTS season’s AFC Champions League, Al Ahli in a five-set thriller and finish Aswin Abraham losing to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli. runners-up in the Qatar League. WEEKLY Editorial: Tel: +974 44138522, Fax: +974 44138593 FOLLOW US Senior Sports Writer Stars League campaign, but I feel Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo N Ganesh e-mail: [email protected] Sports Writers the management wasn’t too seri- rivals his hegemony as the world’s Sajith B Warrier Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Mohammad Amin-ul Islam e-mail: [email protected] ous this time. best. We wish Messi best of luck.

Sarath Pookkat Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 There were problems galore right Roberto Sanchez, Doha. e-mail: [email protected] Photographers Mohan from releasing ace striker Hamdi FALLFROM GRACE Vinod Divakaran PAGES 6-7 Harbaoui followed by the sacking Bright future for rugby of Iraqi coach Radhi Shenaishil. If Fadi Al Assaad P 18 | BASKETBALL ‘We want to be the best team’ DSP EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Mohammed Dabboos P 20 | POSTER I can recollect, the Tunisian was in It was a different experience watching P 22 | RUGBY FERNANDO TORRES Perfect weather! Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 terrific form and scored at will, mak- the Qatar rugby team in action against Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko ing Qatar SC one of the strongest Iran during the Asia Championship P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Publishing and Distribution Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press sides last season. Division III West Central at the Aspire Joice Michael The club’s pride has been dented. Zone (Doha Stadium Plus, April 20). e-mail: [email protected] www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Shaheen Mohammed It’s one of the painful moments for Rugby has just made its entry, but Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] Abdul Naser M www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar fans, who now hope and pray they the kind of adulation the national regain composure and earn pro- players received after the match www.facebook.com/dohastadium www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar © Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of motion to the top flight. suggested the sport is here to stay. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. Adel Hussain, Doha. George Mathew, Doha. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 3

OutlookThe writer can be contacted at [email protected]

Good management is the art of solving problems constructively

Sarath Pookkat Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 There were problems galore right Roberto Sanchez, Doha. e-mail: [email protected] Photographers Mohan from releasing ace striker Hamdi FALLFROM GRACE Vinod Divakaran PAGES 6-7 Harbaoui followed by the sacking Bright future for rugby of Iraqi coach Radhi Shenaishil. If Fadi Al Assaad P 18 | BASKETBALL ‘We want to be the best team’ DSP EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Mohammed Dabboos P 20 | POSTER I can recollect, the Tunisian was in It was a different experience watching P 22 | RUGBY FERNANDO TORRES Perfect weather! A K BijuRaj UK £1, Europe €2 | Oman 200 Baisas | Bahrain 200 Fils | Egypt LE 2 | Lebanon 3,000 Livre | Kuwait 250 Fils | Morocco Dh 6 | UAEDh 5 | Yemen 75 Riyals | Sudan 1 Pound | KSA 2 Riyals | Jordan 500 Fils | Iraq $1 | Palestine $1 | Syria LS 20 terrific form and scored at will, mak- the Qatar rugby team in action against Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Graphic Designers Abhilash Chacko ing Qatar SC one of the strongest Iran during the Asia Championship Publishing and Distribution Gopakumar K Printed at ASPIRE Printing Press sides last season. Division III West Central at the Aspire Joice Michael The club’s pride has been dented. Zone (Doha Stadium Plus, April 20). www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus Technical support Shaheen Mohammed www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar It’s one of the painful moments for Rugby has just made its entry, but Abdul Naser M www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar fans, who now hope and pray they the kind of adulation the national regain composure and earn pro- players received after the match

© Stories and photographs appearing in this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of motion to the top flight. suggested the sport is here to stay. ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution. Adel Hussain, Doha. George Mathew, Doha. 4 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 5 Extra time

Through this case, I intend not only to defend my integrity and my image as an athlete, but also the values I’ve defended all my career. Rafael Nadal, after filing a defamation case against former French cabinet minister Roselyne Bachelot who alleged that the Spaniard had failed a drug test. BIG BLOW ABI EKOKU West Brom hold Tottenham as Leicester inch STAR OF THE WEEK closer to the English Premier League title. ššPiotr Malachowski

OTTENHAM Hotspur’s English EPL STANDINGS Premier League title hopes are Leicester 35 22 10 3 63 33 76

Tottenham 35 19 12 4 65 26 69 Heavyweights in DSP/Mohan Thanging by a thread after a 1-1 Man City 35 19 7 9 66 34 64 draw at home to West Bromwich Al- Arsenal 35 18 10 7 58 34 64 throw events at bion last Monday left Leicester City Man United 34 17 8 9 42 30 59 tantalisingly close to being crowned West Ham 34 14 14 6 57 43 56 Doha meeting champions of England for the first time. Liverpool 34 15 10 9 58 45 55 With three matches remain - Southampton 35 15 9 11 49 37 54 ORLD champions Piotr Chelsea 34 12 11 11 53 46 47 ing, Leicester have 76 points while Stoke 35 13 8 14 37 51 47 Malachowski, Christina Tottenham, the only side who can deny Everton 34 9 14 11 53 48 41 WSchwanitz and Katharina ‘Doha is now a them the title, are on 69. Watford 34 11 8 15 33 40 41 Molitor will lead their respective fields West Brom 35 10 11 14 32 43 41 at the Doha Diamond League meeting top destination’ Bournemouth 35 11 8 16 42 61 41 Swansea 35 10 10 15 34 49 40 on May 6. Tottenham dominated Crystal Palace 35 10 9 16 36 45 39 Malachowski will lead a podium reun- BI Ekoku is a former discus Sunderland 34 7 10 17 39 57 31 ion from the 2015 World Championships thrower and shot putter, who the opening period, Norwich 34 8 7 19 35 60 31 in discus, the only men’s throw event Arepresented Great Britain at the Newcastle 35 7 9 19 38 64 30 but they struck the on this year’s programme. 1990 Commonwealth Games. He was Aston Villa 35 3 7 25 25 69 16 woodwork three times. Schwanitz, meanwhile, will head the also a professional rugby league player. field in shot put and her German com- Ekoku played rugby for teams like after 72 minutes to deflate the home patriot Molitor in javelin throw. London Broncos RLFC (1993-95), Halifax Leicester can claim the title with a crowd and no doubt kickstart a party Malachowski, who also struck Olympic RLFC (1995-96) and Bradford Bulls in win at Manchester United on May 1, in the east Midlands. silver in 2008 as well as world silver in 1997-98. The 50-year-old recently vis- with Tottenham visiting London rivals Tottenham struck the woodwork 2009 and 2013, is no stranger to Doha, ited Doha as a guest speaker for the Chelsea the next day. three times on a frustrating night. winning here in 2012 and 2014, two of fourth block of Josoor Institute’s cer- Craig Dawson’s 32nd-minute own They dominated the opening period the three seasons in which he won the tificate and diploma programmes on goal put Tottenham in front as they and West Brom barely got out of their Diamond Race Trophy. He will take on ‘Major Events Management’. / Dylan Martinez / Dylan sought to cut Leicester’s lead back to own half in the opening 15 minutes. Belgian Philip Milanov and Pole Robert five points. West Brom were well organised, Urbanek, the silver and bronze med- ЂЂWas this your first visit to Doha?

REUTERS But Tottenham produced a nervy sec- however, and had managed to blunt allists last year. ЃЂNo. I had been to Doha five years ago

ššTottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane sports a dejected look ond-half display and Dawson redeemed Tottenham’s attack until the opener The field also includes Swede Daniel REUTERS/ Albert Gea as one of the guests during an event at after their drawn match against West Bromwich Albion. himself when he headed his side level arrived in unusual circumstances. Stahl, another 2015 World Championships the ASPIRE Academy. finalist, Zoltan Kovago of Hungary, the 2004 Olympic silver medallist, and ЂЂHow do you see Doha as a Benn Harradine of Australia, a for- sports destination? Vardy to miss mer Commonwealth champion with LUIS SUAREZ ЃЂIt has developed a lot in the last five Mahrez says no to PSG a 68.20M career best. years. I’ll always love to come back just United game Local attention will fall on Qatar’s for its amazing sports facilities. The pur- Ahmed Mohamed Dheeb, bronze med- UIS Suarez became the first La Liga home Andres Iniesta’s low cross in the second four-goal effort, his tally reads 53. pose of my visit was also to watch Qatar EICESTER City forward Riyad of PSG. It’s my town, but I don’t see EICESTER City striker Jamie Vardy allist at the 2014 Asian Games. player to score four goals for the 63rd before converting twice from the spot. “I feel privileged and proud to overtake during their pre-World Cup years. Mahrez is convinced his future myself going back,” said Mahrez. will miss his team’s match against Lsecond game in a row as Barcelona The prolific striker, who also scored four Ronaldo for what he did for Barca and in Llies in England and has ruled out “I don’t really want to go back to LManchester United on May 1 after hammered Sporting Gijon 6-0 last week. times and provided three assists in Barca’s world football, it’s a privilege to overtake a ЂЂWhat’s your favourite hangout a move to French champions Paris-Saint France. France does not really excite being banned for an additional game The Uruguayan moved ahead of Cristiano 8-0 midweek thrashing of Deportivo La football great like him,” said Suarez. place in Doha? Germain this summer. me, I love England.” for improper conduct. Jaish spikers to face Ronaldo as the league’s top scorer on Coruna, grabbed another goal in the 88th, The ex-Liverpool player also provided ЃЂIt has to be the ASPIRE Academy. It The 25-year-old has been one of the Leicester, who were 5,000-1 outsid- Vardy, the league’s second-high- 34 goals after netting four times, twice drilling in a pass from Messi. three assists in the demolition of has great infrastructure and everything English Premier League’s standout per- ers according to bookmakers to win est scorer with 22 goals, angrily con- Rayyan in cup final from the penalty spot, in the space of 25 The effort also helped him surpass Deportivo, becoming the first player in La a sportsperson needs. formers so far, with 17 goals and 11 the league at the start of the season, fronted referee Jon Moss after picking second-half minutes. Brazilian Ronaldo’s tally of 48 goals in a Liga history to be directly involved in assists in 34 league appearances this are now within touching distance of up a second yellow card for diving dur- L RAYYAN will take on El Jaish Suarez eased Barca nerves by tapping season (1996-97) for the club. Now, with his seven goals in a game. » e-mail: [email protected] season. a fairytale first title, needing only one ing Leicester’s 2-2 draw against West in the Qatar Cup volleyball “I’m not too excited about the prospect win from their last three games. Ham on April 17. Afinal at the Ali bin Hamad Al Vardy missed last week’s Attiyah Arena on Thursday. Inside 4-0 win over Swansea and will remain suspended at Rayyan booked their berth in the final Old Trafford, where Leicester - last Sunday when they defeated Police could wrap up their first-ever 24-26, 25-16, 27-25, 15-10 in the sec title with victory. ond of their best-of- three semifinals for Vardy, who was also a 2-0 victory. fined £10,000, will 16 30 Jaish and Arabi were tied 1-1 in the other be available for last-four encounter, but in the deciding the last two third play-off on Tuesday, the Armymen ties against shocked recently-crowned Qatar Everton and 14-25, 25-19, 25-27, 15-10 in ššRiyad Mahrez League champions Arabi 25-22, 28 Chelsea. DSP

a thriller. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 5

‘Doha is now a top destination’

BI Ekoku is a former discus thrower and shot putter, who Arepresented Great Britain at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. He was also a professional rugby league player. Ekoku played rugby for teams like London Broncos RLFC (1993-95), Halifax RLFC (1995-96) and Bradford Bulls in 1997-98. The 50-year-old recently vis- ited Doha as a guest speaker for the fourth block of Josoor Institute’s cer- tificate and diploma programmes on ‘Major Events Management’.

ЂЂWas this your first visit to Doha? ЃЂNo. I had been to Doha five years ago

REUTERS/ Albert Gea as one of the guests during an event at the ASPIRE Academy.

ЂЂHow do you see Doha as a sports destination? LUIS SUAREZ ЃЂIt has developed a lot in the last five years. I’ll always love to come back just for its amazing sports facilities. The pur- UIS Suarez became the first La Liga home Andres Iniesta’s low cross in the second four-goal effort, his tally reads 53. pose of my visit was also to watch Qatar player to score four goals for the 63rd before converting twice from the spot. “I feel privileged and proud to overtake during their pre-World Cup years. Lsecond game in a row as Barcelona The prolific striker, who also scored four Ronaldo for what he did for Barca and in hammered Sporting Gijon 6-0 last week. times and provided three assists in Barca’s world football, it’s a privilege to overtake a ЂЂWhat’s your favourite hangout The Uruguayan moved ahead of Cristiano 8-0 midweek thrashing of Deportivo La football great like him,” said Suarez. place in Doha? Ronaldo as the league’s top scorer on Coruna, grabbed another goal in the 88th, The ex-Liverpool player also provided ЃЂIt has to be the ASPIRE Academy. It 34 goals after netting four times, twice drilling in a pass from Messi. three assists in the demolition of has great infrastructure and everything from the penalty spot, in the space of 25 The effort also helped him surpass Deportivo, becoming the first player in La a sportsperson needs. second-half minutes. Brazilian Ronaldo’s tally of 48 goals in a Liga history to be directly involved in Suarez eased Barca nerves by tapping season (1996-97) for the club. Now, with his seven goals in a game. » e-mail: [email protected] Inside 16 30 28 6 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 7

Football Ĉ COVER STORY ‘Drawing more fans priority for clubs’

clubs with transparency measurements EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW in the licensing process. Also, clubs have MISSING PIECES been asked to have their own business Lack of competent management, passionate crowd and overall professionalism prevent the game in plans and audience and marketing strat- LUBS in the country should set egies so that they work independently in Qatar from flourishing in a big way, despite its impeccable infrastructure and support of the authorities. attracting more supporters to terms of their own professions. Cstadiums as their top priority, according to Qatar Stars League (QSL) ЂЂWhat’re the areas our clubs lag ĈĈQatar Stars League champs at players. who, in turn, refused to attend training There are others too, like Qatar Sports CEO Hani Taleb Ballan. behind? Al Rayyan lack foresight Who is responsible for Rayyan’s pre- sessions. It is quite apparent that there is Club (relegated this season after being Speaking to Doha Stadium Plus, Hani ЃЂWe confirm that Qatari clubs assume ĈĈMany people enter football sent predicament? Who triggered their a tightening of purse strings across the adjudged the best management last term), said the clubs had been asked to chalk their roles fully. However, technical perfor- administration for mileage downfall, something their rivals could board, following the slump in oil prices. Al Arabi and Al Wakrah, to name but a out their own business plans, and audi- mance is related to match results. not achieve on the field? Yet, it is hard to believe that a rich club few, who are not prompt when it comes ence and marketing strategies in order Rayyan have only themselves to blame like Rayyan, which reportedly spent a to salary payment. There are other clubs to be self-reliant in near future. ЂЂDo you think at least some and finger points to their management. huge sum on their crowning ceremony, where the issues are of different nature. clubs are spoiling the hard work N Ganesh In his pitch-side interview, outspoken have dearth of funds when it comes to Qatar was one of the first countries to ЂЂThe QSL was one among the of the QSL, with their shortsight- club president Sheikh Saoud bin Khalid paying wages. win the Asian Football Confederation’s first to get the Asian Football edness, whimsical attitude, lack Al Thani said the team was not “ready” While Fossati was candid enough (AFC) club licensing rights, which was a Confederation’s club licensing of seriousness or non-payment of for the game. And at the post-match Press to admit that off-the-field issues had recognition for the QSL’s efforts to bring rights. How much do you think wages in time? ROFESSIONALISM is all about conference, in an apparent reaction to affected his players’ mindset, the club’s in professionalism, but its clubs are yet Qatari clubs have improved in ЃЂWe work with all Qatari clubs through providing systems that last. When it, coach Jorge Fossati offered to quit. Football Head Ali Salem Afifa refused to to fully implement it. terms of professionalism since the controls and relevant committees to PAl Rayyan won the Qatar Stars Did it seem coming? Fossati said “yes”. divulge anything more, saying, “it would While the teams playing in the AFC then, especially with the support ensure the benefit of the QFA, and stay League (QSL) title in an exemplary style, In professional football, a club’s man- be settled soon”. Champions League are being scrutinised of the league body? away from personal problems of club staff, steamrollering their rivals and assum- agement structure and its different func- “Rayyan are not the only club suffer- and, if needed, corrected by the AFC, a ЃЂUndoubtedly, when the QSL was granted be it players, coaches or administrators. ing a colossal status, many were left ing from ‘mismanagement’ and ‘finan- vast majority of other clubs are yet to the AFC’s club licensing rights, it was a big We seek to overcome their obstacles and wondering at the ‘magic’ done by the cial turmoil’ in Qatar. The main problem fully develop into true professional units. step forward and an incentive for devel- try to prevent any problem that might’ve club management which succeeded A club’s management here is that most of these clubs thrive on A supervisor, marketing head, team oping clubs to reach and maintain high a negative impact on the reputation of not only in putting up a strong side, structure and its government funding and there is very manager and media officer are the key DSP/Mohan standards. We went through many dia- Qatar football. but also getting the most out of them. little business planning going into their four management officials at a club. While šЂLekhwiya’s Nam Tae-Hee is challenged by Al Rayyan’s Gonzalo Viera, left, and Mousa Haroun logues with club officials to get out with Their rivals did not have much clue different functions are running in a true professional manner,” some of them in Qatar are really compe- during their Qatar Cup semifinal. the best ideas or suggestions that can find ЂЂWill the QSL take any punitive about how to check the marauding Lions’ very important. said a senior journalist who wished to tent, some are gradually improving by our goals in terms of professionalism. measures against clubs which fail progress. But now within a few weeks, all remain anonymous. gaining experience. But there are many Actually, the new sports clubs law is a to adhere 100 per cent to the AFC that has changed. They had clinched the others who are far from professional. at a club because it guarantees them added to the pressure on management good example on the serious attempt of licensing rules? league title with five matches to spare, tions are very important. The players, “We need to do some introspection. plenty of mileage in the media. If you officials. the Qatar Football Association to confirm ЃЂAs I mentioned, all of our clubs have but have failed to win a single game in coach, support staff, the situation regard- How many football officials in Qatar have want to seek attention, especially of the Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha, the clubs’ independence and determine fully adhered to the points required, yet the competition since then. And there ing their contracts, environment, cul- a thorough knowledge of the game? How elite people, it’s the easy way out. I feel who joined Al Gharafa in January and their administrative functions, which’ll the match results make those points diffi- was more embarrassment for them last ture and tradition are all very crucial. many of them can be termed profes- they are a detriment to the development arrested their slump, said he had been enhance the participation of Qatari youth cult to be controlled due to the technical Sunday when they crashed out of the Stung by their relegation in the sea- sional? There are many who try to push of the game in the long run,” added the emphasising a lot on professionalism. in sports clubs. The issuance of new reg- performance which is variable. Qatar Cup, after a listless display against son before last, Rayyan management themselves into football administration journalist. “We’re working on that. A player needs ulations ensured a new mechanism to Lekhwiya, whom they had defeated 5-0 got down to serious business and Unfortunately, attention is mostly to eat well, train hard and attend team organise business/work in clubs. ЂЂWhat’re your current priorities not long ago in the league. planned their comeback into the focused on coaches, their strategies and meetings with right concentration. in enhancing the level of profes- Team meant everything to the passion- First Division. But now it seems tactics during discussions and debates in These’re only basic things and there’re ЂЂThere’re ongoing efforts to sionalism among Qatari clubs? ate Rayyan fans. They went jubilant on they lacked foresight and their much more. We know that changes take make the clubs fully self-reliant ЃЂClub officials must handle the audi- regaining the league shield after a two- model appears to be far from too much time,” said Caixinha. and out and out professional. How ence attraction and work to increase the decade gap, but they reacted to the lat- sustainable. Sometimes, it isn’t easy Slovak forward Vladimir Weiss, who much have you achieved? number of spectators as a priority through est defeat with anguish and anger. They They have been defaulting joined Gharafa from Lekhwiya, said, “I ЃЂThe QSL went for the new electronic developing and executing plans in total col- hurled water bottles and food packets on payment of salary to players to find motivation if think the attitude of the teams and play- system application for licence as per the laboration with the marketing and media there’re no supporters ers is fine. Sometimes it isn’t easy to find instructions of AFC, which provides the professionals at clubs. DSP at the stadiums. motivation if there’re no fans at the stadiums. I think football is played for the AFC CLUB LICENSING SYSTEM OBJECTIVES spectators first of all. Safeguarding the credibility and integrity of continental and national the local media. Finer points, like local “I’ve seen some of the past games club competitions. players’ attitude, lifestyle, whimsical in Qatar and I think there were a lot of firing and hiring of coaches, signing spectators. I don’t really understand why Allowing the development of benchmarking of clubs in financial, sporting, legal, personnel, administrative and infrastructure related criteria of foreign players without doing they don’t come anymore. Fans are very throughout Asia. much homework etc, are often important and if they’re there, then you’ll ignored. always be pushed hard to improve your Promoting continuous improvement of the standard of all aspects of A Qatar Sports Club player performance,” he said. football in Asia and to give continued priority to the training and care of young players in each club. was caught on camera smok- For all this to happen, the quality of ing past midnight at a shisha football needs to be improved and it Improving the quality of management and organisation within the clubs. joint on the eve of a league depends on many little things. Improving the financial capability of the clubs, increasing their match. It was also a poor It involves a lot of dedicated work on transparency and credibility, and placing the necessary importance on the reflection on Al Arabi play- the backstage. Football may be fun, but protection of creditors. ers’ punctuality when one its management is not. It demands total Improving clubs’ sporting infrastructure to provide various stakeholders of their training sessions professionalism. with well-equipped and safe stadiums. got delayed by 20 minutes If not, Qatar’s excellent infrastructure as several players came late. and incredible support by its leaders will Attitudes like this have only count for nothing. DSP šЂHani Taleb Ballan Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 7

‘Drawing more fans priority for clubs’

clubs with transparency measurements EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW in the licensing process. Also, clubs have MISSING PIECES been asked to have their own business plans and audience and marketing strat- LUBS in the country should set egies so that they work independently in attracting more supporters to terms of their own professions. Cstadiums as their top priority, according to Qatar Stars League (QSL) ЂЂWhat’re the areas our clubs lag CEO Hani Taleb Ballan. behind? Speaking to Doha Stadium Plus, Hani ЃЂWe confirm that Qatari clubs assume said the clubs had been asked to chalk their roles fully. However, technical perfor- out their own business plans, and audi- mance is related to match results. ence and marketing strategies in order to be self-reliant in near future. ЂЂDo you think at least some clubs are spoiling the hard work ЂЂThe QSL was one among the of the QSL, with their shortsight- first to get the Asian Football edness, whimsical attitude, lack Confederation’s club licensing of seriousness or non-payment of rights. How much do you think wages in time? Qatari clubs have improved in ЃЂWe work with all Qatari clubs through terms of professionalism since the controls and relevant committees to then, especially with the support ensure the benefit of the QFA, and stay of the league body? away from personal problems of club staff, ЃЂUndoubtedly, when the QSL was granted be it players, coaches or administrators. the AFC’s club licensing rights, it was a big We seek to overcome their obstacles and step forward and an incentive for devel- try to prevent any problem that might’ve oping clubs to reach and maintain high a negative impact on the reputation of

DSP/Mohan standards. We went through many dia- Qatar football. šЂLekhwiya’s Nam Tae-Hee is challenged by Al Rayyan’s Gonzalo Viera, left, and Mousa Haroun logues with club officials to get out with during their Qatar Cup semifinal. the best ideas or suggestions that can find ЂЂWill the QSL take any punitive our goals in terms of professionalism. measures against clubs which fail Actually, the new sports clubs law is a to adhere 100 per cent to the AFC at a club because it guarantees them added to the pressure on management good example on the serious attempt of licensing rules? plenty of mileage in the media. If you officials. the Qatar Football Association to confirm ЃЂAs I mentioned, all of our clubs have want to seek attention, especially of the Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha, the clubs’ independence and determine fully adhered to the points required, yet elite people, it’s the easy way out. I feel who joined Al Gharafa in January and their administrative functions, which’ll the match results make those points diffi- they are a detriment to the development arrested their slump, said he had been enhance the participation of Qatari youth cult to be controlled due to the technical of the game in the long run,” added the emphasising a lot on professionalism. in sports clubs. The issuance of new reg- performance which is variable. journalist. “We’re working on that. A player needs ulations ensured a new mechanism to Unfortunately, attention is mostly to eat well, train hard and attend team organise business/work in clubs. ЂЂWhat’re your current priorities focused on coaches, their strategies and meetings with right concentration. in enhancing the level of profes- tactics during discussions and debates in These’re only basic things and there’re ЂЂThere’re ongoing efforts to sionalism among Qatari clubs? much more. We know that changes take make the clubs fully self-reliant ЃЂClub officials must handle the audi- too much time,” said Caixinha. and out and out professional. How ence attraction and work to increase the Sometimes, it isn’t easy Slovak forward Vladimir Weiss, who much have you achieved? number of spectators as a priority through joined Gharafa from Lekhwiya, said, “I ЃЂThe QSL went for the new electronic developing and executing plans in total col- to find motivation if think the attitude of the teams and play- system application for licence as per the laboration with the marketing and media there’re no supporters ers is fine. Sometimes it isn’t easy to find instructions of AFC, which provides the professionals at clubs. DSP at the stadiums. motivation if there’re no fans at the stadiums. I think football is played for the spectators first of all. the local media. Finer points, like local “I’ve seen some of the past games players’ attitude, lifestyle, whimsical in Qatar and I think there were a lot of firing and hiring of coaches, signing spectators. I don’t really understand why of foreign players without doing they don’t come anymore. Fans are very much homework etc, are often important and if they’re there, then you’ll ignored. always be pushed hard to improve your A Qatar Sports Club player performance,” he said. was caught on camera smok- For all this to happen, the quality of ing past midnight at a shisha football needs to be improved and it joint on the eve of a league depends on many little things. match. It was also a poor It involves a lot of dedicated work on reflection on Al Arabi play- the backstage. Football may be fun, but ers’ punctuality when one its management is not. It demands total of their training sessions professionalism. got delayed by 20 minutes If not, Qatar’s excellent infrastructure as several players came late. and incredible support by its leaders will Attitudes like this have only count for nothing. DSP šЂHani Taleb Ballan 8 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 9 Football

Kharaitiyat pile more misery on Qatar Sports Club

L KHARAITIYAT, who recently pushed Qatar Sports Club down Cops vs soldiers Ato the Qatargas League (Second Division) on goal difference, piled more Holders Lekhwiya face El Jaish in Qatar Cup title clash for the third successive misery on Sebastiao Lazaroni’s men by knocking them out of the Emir’s season as they beat Al Rayyan and Al Sadd respectively. Cup last week. Skilful left-winger Mahmoud Saad scored the all-important goal in the ĈĈStage set for an intriguing 26th minute. final as both teams have Qatar SC put up a dismal performance been in good form of late and, but for goalkeeper Mohammed Mubarak’s vigilance, the margin of šĈSaud Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi defeat would have been much bigger. N Ganesh Kharaitiyat will next meet Al Arabi. Meanwhile, Al Khor advanced at the Kuwait is next expense of another relegated team Mesaimeer, winning 2-1. HAMPIONS Lekhwiya will take Gulf Cup host Saud Nasser put Mesaimeer in front on El Jaish in the Qatar Cup title in the first half while Khor equalised Cclash at the Al Sadd Stadium HE next edition of the Gulf Cup through Park Hee-Do 11 minutes from on Friday. will be held in Kuwait from De- time. Lekhwiya defeated Qatar Stars League Tcember 15 to 29 this year. The Nayef Al Buraiki found the target from champions Al Rayyan 3-1 in the first decision was taken at a meeting of a Marco Antoniou corner deep into semifinal while Jaish got the better of general secretaries of the football as- the second half as Khor set up a third- Al Sadd 3-2. sociations of all six Gulf countries as round meeting with Al Ahli. It will be the third straight time the well as Iraq and Yemen in Doha last šĈLekhwiya’s Karim Boudiaf being challenged by FC Bunyodkar’s Shukurov Otabek. Seven-time winners Al Gharafa also two sides face off in the final of the Monday. progressed following a laboured 1-0 vic- tournament. It should be an intriguing If FIFA does not lift Kuwait’s ban due tory over recently-crowned Qatargas showdown as both teams have been to government interference in time, League (second division) champions in good form of late and have quali- then Qatar will host the event. A final Muaither. fied for the pre-quarterfinal of the AFC decision on it will be taken on June 7. Vladimir Weiss made the difference, Champions League. The Gulf Cup was last held in Doha in Cops march ahead netting in the 53rd minute. The Rayyan-Lekhwiya tie failed to live 2004, when Al Annabi reigned supreme. Elsewhere, Al Wakrah defeated Al up to its billing as the Lions misfired. The meeting also discussed the pos- Shamal 2-1 on penalties after regula- Ĉ They fell behind 0-3 to goals from Yousef sibility of setting up the Gulf Football ĈLekhwiya beat Bunyodkar have any problems with my players COLLATED RESULTS tion time ended goalless. DSP Federation to be based in Doha. in AFC Champions League about our performance because we Al Nasr (UAE) drew Lokomotiv (UZB) 1-1 Speaking to reporters, Qatar Football showed what we’re capable of for 65 Al Ittihad (KSA) bt Sepahan (IRN) 4-0 Bunyodkor (UZB) lost to Lekhwiya 0-2 Association Vice-President Saud EKHWIYA defeated Uzbekistan’s minutes,” said Lushchan. Lekhwiya are a great Zobahan (IRN) bt Al Nassr (KSA) 3-0 Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi said the eight FC Bunyodkar 2-0 in a Group B Meanwhile, holders Guangzhou team, but I believe my FC Tokyo (JPN) lost to Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) 0-3 nations would elect the body’s president Lmatch in Tashkent to progress to Evergrande crashed out after Group Jiangsu Suning (CHN) bt Binh Duong (VIE) 3-0 side is in a good shape to at its next meeting, the date and time the pre-quarterfinal of AFC Champions H rivals Sydney FC and Urawa Red FC Seoul (KOR) bt Buriram United (THA) 2-1 lift the Qatar Cup. of which will be announced later. DSP League last week. S Luneng (CHN) bt S Hiroshima (JPN) 1-0 Sydney FC (AUS) drew Urawa Reds (JPN) 0-0 Captain Karim Boudiaf struck in the 65th minute while lanky striker Qatar’s other team Jaish Msakni (49th minute), Mohammed Mohammed Muntari added another Sydney reached the last 16 for the first had already reached the Muntari (56th) and Nam Tae-Hee (75th). Intercontinental goal 12 minutes from time as Djamel time alongside Urawa while Evergrande Nathan Ribeiro pulled one back in the Belmadi’s men increased their tally pre-quarterfinal stage are left licking their wounds after their 85th, but it was too late to turn things Cup from June 24 to eight points. With Saudi Arabia’s Al after topping Group D. earliest exit from the competition. around. Nassr having lost to Iran’s Zobahan 0-3, Evergrande won their second Asian

In the second semifinal, Baghdad DSP/Mohan ATAR, in association with the Lekhwiya are ensured of the second title in three seasons last year and they Bounedjgah scored an own goal to gift šĈAl Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjgah challenges El Jaish’s Romarinho. Spanish futsal league, will or- place even though there is one more Diamonds played out a goalless draw. spent big in the off-season, but they Jaish the lead in the 32nd minute while Qganise the 15th edition of the round of matches to play. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chinese giants had will now have to watch as Sven-Goran

Hassan Al Haidous equalised three min- eight-team Intercontinental Cup at the Qatar’s other representative El Jaish beaten Pohang Steelers, but it proved Eriksson’s Shanghai SIPG, featuring DSP/Mohammed Dabboos RESULTS utes later. Speed Marine company Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena from had already reached the pre-quarter- futile as Sydney and Urawa secured former Evergrande stars Elkeson and šĈAl Kharaitiyat’s Mahmoud Saad, left, vies SEMIFINALS for the ball with Qatar SC’s Shaheen Ali. Romarinho (55th) and Abderrazak Lekhwiya bt Al Rayyan 3-1 June 24 to 29. final after topping Group D. the top two spots in the group with Dario Conca, lead the Chinese charge Hamdallah (72nd) then gave the El Jaish bt Al Sadd 3-2 backs Qatar Cup Spain’s Inter Movistar and FC Barcelona Zobahan, who lead the group with one match to spare. in the knockout stages. DSP Armymen a two-goal lead. Though Lassa, Brazil’s Carlos Barbosa and Magnus 11 points, have also progressed. RESULTS The Qatar Stars League signed Speed Marine, a Iranian defender Morteza Pouraliganji Futsal, Russia’s Dynamo Moscu FC and “Our target was to win. I’m happy Al Kharaitiyat bt Qatar SC 1-0 KICK-OFF company which specialises in quad bikes and Jet Al Khor bt Mesaimeer 2-1 headed from a Xavi Hernandez cor- FRIDAY, APRIL 29 Iran’s Tasisat Daryaei Futsal have con- with my team’s performance and the Our target was to win. I’m Skis, as a sponsor of the Qatar Cup last Sunday. Al Gharafa bt Muaither SC 1-0 Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, ner to pull one back in the 87th, Jaish FINAL Speaking at the signing ceremony, QSL CEO firmed participation. important victory,” said Lekhwiya coach happy with my team’s Al Wakrah bt Al Shamal 2-1 Al Sadd Stadium, 7.15pm. stood firm and trooped out winners. Hani Taleb Ballan said, “We’re happy to have While the Qatar League champions, Djamel Belmadi. “I don’t want to men- performance and the Goalless after regulation time, Wakrah win on penalties. Sabri Lamouchi has not won a title Speed Marine as a sponsor for the Qatar Cup. We to be decided on Wednesday, will rep- tion our opponents’ weaknesses because important victory. I don’t hope this is the start of a long relationship with since taking over Jaish midway through Striker Hamdallah was excited at resent the host nation, an eighth team it would be disrespectful to them. We want to mention our last season, but he expressed confidence. the possibility of lifting his first tro- the firm.” is yet to be decided. were better, but also lucky.” KICK-OFF Speed Marine Chairman Sheikh Jassim opponents’ weaknesses “I’m looking forward to the final. phy in Qatar. Intercontinental Futsal Cup is con- Bunyodkor coach Sergey Lushchan THURSDAY, APRIL 28 bin Nasser Al Thani said, “This deal is of great because it would be Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Arabi, Qatar SC Stadium, Lekhwiya are a great team with plenty “We’ve a tough opponent in the final. importance to us.” sidered as one of the best clubs tour- was not fully disappointed. disrespectful to them. We 5.15pm. of experience, but I believe my side is I hope we can win, the whole squad Meanwhile, leading outlet for premium nament in the world. Movistar Inter, “We played well for three quarters. were better, but also lucky. Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya, Al Arabi Stadium, 5.15pm. in a good shape to lift the Qatar Cup,” has put in plenty of efforts to come so brands Blue Salon was signed as a presenting who won five titles, are the most suc- Unfortunately after that, the game Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal, Qatar SC Stadium, 8pm. said Lamouchi. far,” he said. DSP partner. DSP cessful team. DSP changed and we lost the plot. I don’t Djamel Belmadi, Lekhwiya coach. Al Khor vs Al Ahli, Al Arabi Stadium, 8pm. 8 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 9 Football

Kharaitiyat pile more misery on Qatar Sports Club

Hassan Al Haidous equalised three min- eight-team Intercontinental Cup at the Qatar’s other representative El Jaish beaten Pohang Steelers, but it proved Eriksson’s Shanghai SIPG, featuring DSP/Mohammed Dabboos RESULTS utes later. Speed Marine company Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena from had already reached the pre-quarter- futile as Sydney and Urawa secured former Evergrande stars Elkeson and šĈAl Kharaitiyat’s Mahmoud Saad, left, vies SEMIFINALS for the ball with Qatar SC’s Shaheen Ali. Romarinho (55th) and Abderrazak Lekhwiya bt Al Rayyan 3-1 June 24 to 29. final after topping Group D. the top two spots in the group with Dario Conca, lead the Chinese charge Hamdallah (72nd) then gave the El Jaish bt Al Sadd 3-2 backs Qatar Cup Spain’s Inter Movistar and FC Barcelona Zobahan, who lead the group with one match to spare. in the knockout stages. DSP Armymen a two-goal lead. Though Lassa, Brazil’s Carlos Barbosa and Magnus 11 points, have also progressed. RESULTS The Qatar Stars League signed Speed Marine, a Iranian defender Morteza Pouraliganji Futsal, Russia’s Dynamo Moscu FC and “Our target was to win. I’m happy Al Kharaitiyat bt Qatar SC 1-0 KICK-OFF company which specialises in quad bikes and Jet Al Khor bt Mesaimeer 2-1 headed from a Xavi Hernandez cor- FRIDAY, APRIL 29 Iran’s Tasisat Daryaei Futsal have con- with my team’s performance and the Our target was to win. I’m Skis, as a sponsor of the Qatar Cup last Sunday. Al Gharafa bt Muaither SC 1-0 Lekhwiya vs El Jaish, ner to pull one back in the 87th, Jaish FINAL Speaking at the signing ceremony, QSL CEO firmed participation. important victory,” said Lekhwiya coach happy with my team’s Al Wakrah bt Al Shamal 2-1 Al Sadd Stadium, 7.15pm. stood firm and trooped out winners. Hani Taleb Ballan said, “We’re happy to have While the Qatar League champions, Djamel Belmadi. “I don’t want to men- performance and the Goalless after regulation time, Wakrah win on penalties. Sabri Lamouchi has not won a title Speed Marine as a sponsor for the Qatar Cup. We to be decided on Wednesday, will rep- tion our opponents’ weaknesses because important victory. I don’t hope this is the start of a long relationship with since taking over Jaish midway through Striker Hamdallah was excited at resent the host nation, an eighth team it would be disrespectful to them. We want to mention our last season, but he expressed confidence. the possibility of lifting his first tro- the firm.” is yet to be decided. were better, but also lucky.” KICK-OFF Speed Marine Chairman Sheikh Jassim opponents’ weaknesses “I’m looking forward to the final. phy in Qatar. Intercontinental Futsal Cup is con- Bunyodkor coach Sergey Lushchan THURSDAY, APRIL 28 bin Nasser Al Thani said, “This deal is of great because it would be Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Arabi, Qatar SC Stadium, Lekhwiya are a great team with plenty “We’ve a tough opponent in the final. importance to us.” sidered as one of the best clubs tour- was not fully disappointed. disrespectful to them. We 5.15pm. of experience, but I believe my side is I hope we can win, the whole squad Meanwhile, leading outlet for premium nament in the world. Movistar Inter, “We played well for three quarters. were better, but also lucky. Al Wakrah vs Al Sailiya, Al Arabi Stadium, 5.15pm. in a good shape to lift the Qatar Cup,” has put in plenty of efforts to come so brands Blue Salon was signed as a presenting who won five titles, are the most suc- Unfortunately after that, the game Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal, Qatar SC Stadium, 8pm. said Lamouchi. far,” he said. DSP partner. DSP cessful team. DSP changed and we lost the plot. I don’t Djamel Belmadi, Lekhwiya coach. Al Khor vs Al Ahli, Al Arabi Stadium, 8pm. 10 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 11 Football

ĈĈWorld Cup a chance to set the 2022 World Cup, responded quickly things right in labour sector by taking some corrective measures and appointing Impactt as a monitoring agency to look into the matter, Infantino N Ganesh announced that FIFA would soon set up its own oversight body. “We won’t just sit and wait. We’ll step qatar is on up our efforts in overseeing the steps URING his first visit to Qatar as taken by the Supreme Committee, to FIFA president, Gianni Infantino make sure all obligations are fulfilled,” Ddescribed himself as a pragmatic said Infantino. ššHassan Al Thawadi and concrete person, one who is not keen “I’ve proposed concretely an initiative, to dwell on the past, but determined to which they’ve also welcomed. This is the ‘Monitoring body chalk out the future course of action to creation of a new oversight body led by achieve his as well as the world govern- FIFA, including independent members is most welcome’ ing body’s goals. and key stakeholders, to follow up all right path! And unlike his predecessor Sepp Blatter, FIFA competitions. This body will vali- HE Supreme Committee for De- who always had a fascination for bring- date the quality and effectiveness of the livery and Legacy (SCDL) wel- FIFA President Gianni Infantino announces it would ing in the themes of social relevance in due diligence process. Tcomed FIFA’s decision to have his speeches, Infantino preferred to be “Transparency is always the key, so we’ll an independent body to look into work- set up an independent body to monitor the conditions precise and matter of fact. issue progress reports to this effect. FIFA ers’ conditions at the 2022 World Cup Most of his speech at last week’s Press has the primary responsibility to serve project sites. of workers at the 2022 World Cup project sites in Qatar. conference revolved around the con- the game. However, human rights issues “We welcome the approach of FIFA ditions of migrant workers at the 2022 in construction are a global challenge, to set up an independent monitoring World Cup project sites. And even while body, which will add to our independ- referring to the meetings he had with the ent monitor, Impactt, and oversee the š Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al There have been calls progress taking place on the ground,” šGianni Infantino with the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Thani and Prime Minister and Minister of said SCDL Secretary General Hassan Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser from various corners Al Thawadi. “It exemplifies the spirit bin Khalifa Al Thani during his two- to set right Qatar’s of what international tournaments can Forty-team event day visit, the Swiss highlighted sponsorship rules. and will achieve.” ‘We can all adapt to host the the discussion he had about Al Thawadi said Qatar was very much not before 2026 the country’s kafala (sponsor- on track to fulfil all its promises. winter World Cup in Qatar’ ship) system. and everybody has a shared responsi- “We’re on schedule to deliver on our IFA President Gianni Infantino It was also fitting that prior bility in this. We’re taking our role very promises, in terms of infrastructure, leg- IANNI Infantino, who reiter- 2022 in Qatar. I’ll dedicate all my work said the number of sides at the to his meeting with reporters, seriously and we’re committed to play- acy projects and other initiatives which ated that Qatar would host the and energy towards organising these F2022 World Cup finals would the 46-year-old watched ing our part,” said the official. showcase the breadth of vision we’ve GWorld Cup in 2022, added the events,” he said. continue to remain as 32, but expanding the Workers Cup semi- Infantino said the World Cup was an and the importance we put on 2022 in winter weather should provide optimal A winter World Cup will disrupt it to a 40-team affair could be discussed final and posed with the opportunity to set things right in the Qatar, the first World Cup in the Arab and conditions for players. European club football, particularly maybe in time for the 2026 edition. tournament trophy, which labour sector. Islamic world, and what it can achieve. Qatar’s credentials as the host were the Christmas fixtures in England, but “The decision to have a 40-team World was one of the most strik- “I’ve been following very closely the “Progress will be made on the ground, questioned following Amnesty’s recent Infantino said everybody needed to Cup finals rests with the FIFA council. ing images. discussions on human rights, particularly in terms of our social commitments and criticism about worker abuse at the adapt. We need to discuss it with all the stake- There have been frequent with regard to the World Cup in Qatar. workers’ welfare. We’re making sure that Khalifa International Stadium site, but “The World Cup in Qatar will take holders,” said Infantino. calls from various corners to I’ve been able to personally witness what this World Cup achieves its goals to act Infantino said there were no doubts in place from November 21 until December “We must open the finals to more set right Qatar’s sponsorship has been done and I’m confident we’re as a catalyst for positive change, not that regard. 18. Is it ideal? Well, from the European teams. We’re going to talk about this and exit permit rules, which give on the right track. only in Qatar, but also in the region,” “When it comes to the question of perspective, maybe not, but the world with everyone: players, the FIFA coun- room for exploitation. Human rights “An encouraging example of this is the said Al Thawadi. whether the World Cup will take place is more than Europe. cil. Not only do you give lots of teams group Amnesty International in a Supreme Committee’s responses to the He said it was great to show Qatar’s in Qatar in 2022 or not, I’ve to say, of “We recognised it when I was in UEFA. the possibility of taking part, but also report last month had alleged labour issues raised by Amnesty International vision document to FIFA President Gianni course, it’ll take place,” said Infantino. If for once in 150-year history of foot- to many of dreaming of a place in the abuses at the Khalifa International in its report, with many of those issues Infantino. “This is a decision that was taken ball, we change the calendar a little finals. Stadium site and criticised FIFA for already being tackled before it was pub- “We’ve been able to show him the vision six years ago. bit, we can adapt ourselves. “It’s my idea, it was in my manifesto. I its lack of action. lished. The hosting of the FIFA World which the Qatar 2022 Local Organising “There has been a lot of speculations, “The FIFA World Cup is the most believe it’s beneficial for football based Though the Supreme Committee Cup is an opportunity to set a bench- Committee and QFA have been commit- discussions and allegations. We’ve to important sports competition on on my experience and the changes I for Delivery and Legacy, the official mark in terms of sustainable and fair ted to, not only in terms of infrastruc- move on. earth and it has to be played in the made to the Euro Championship,” said body in charge of building and deliv- working conditions for all labourers in ture, but also on workers’ welfare and “My job is to help organise the best most acceptable conditions,” added Infantino. DSP ering all necessary infrastructure for Qatar,” he said. DSP the country’s commitment,” he said.DSP World Cup in 2018 in Russia and in the Swiss official. DSP

The World Cup will stay It was an honour to have him Sometimes, it’s in Qatar. It’ll be the first (Gianni Infantino) here with disheartening to get tournament of the Middle East us. We wish him all the trashed despite all the and Gulf region, an important best as president of FIFA. hard work we put in. part of the world. It’ll be a I look forward to working When the new FIFA World Cup not only of football, closely together with the president, somebody but inclusion, tolerance and world body in future and of his charisma, backs building bridges. It’ll be to continuously enhancing us so strongly, it gives important for all the messages our co-operation. a lot of confidence and that’ll be linked. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed boosts our morale. We’re Gianni Infantino, FIFA President. Al Thani, Qatar Football Association very happy with his reaction. President. šĈGianni Infantino Nasser Al Khater, SCDL Assistant Secretary with the Workers General (Tournament Affairs).

DSP/Mohan Cup. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 11

ššHassan Al Thawadi ‘Monitoring body is most welcome’

HE Supreme Committee for De- livery and Legacy (SCDL) wel- Tcomed FIFA’s decision to have an independent body to look into workers’ conditions at the 2022 World Cup project sites. “We welcome the approach of FIFA to set up an independent monitoring body, which will add to our independent monitor, Impactt, and oversee the progress taking place on the ground,” ššGianni Infantino with the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. said SCDL Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi. “It exemplifies the spirit of what international tournaments can Forty-team event and will achieve.” ‘We can all adapt to host the Al Thawadi said Qatar was very much not before 2026 on track to fulfil all its promises. winter World Cup in Qatar’ “We’re on schedule to deliver on our IFA President Gianni Infantino promises, in terms of infrastructure, leg- IANNI Infantino, who reiter- 2022 in Qatar. I’ll dedicate all my work said the number of sides at the acy projects and other initiatives which ated that Qatar would host the and energy towards organising these F2022 World Cup finals would showcase the breadth of vision we’ve GWorld Cup in 2022, added the events,” he said. continue to remain as 32, but expanding and the importance we put on 2022 in winter weather should provide optimal A winter World Cup will disrupt it to a 40-team affair could be discussed Qatar, the first World Cup in the Arab and conditions for players. European club football, particularly maybe in time for the 2026 edition. Islamic world, and what it can achieve. Qatar’s credentials as the host were the Christmas fixtures in England, but “The decision to have a 40-team World “Progress will be made on the ground, questioned following Amnesty’s recent Infantino said everybody needed to Cup finals rests with the FIFA council. in terms of our social commitments and criticism about worker abuse at the adapt. We need to discuss it with all the stake- workers’ welfare. We’re making sure that Khalifa International Stadium site, but “The World Cup in Qatar will take holders,” said Infantino. this World Cup achieves its goals to act Infantino said there were no doubts in place from November 21 until December “We must open the finals to more as a catalyst for positive change, not that regard. 18. Is it ideal? Well, from the European teams. We’re going to talk about this only in Qatar, but also in the region,” “When it comes to the question of perspective, maybe not, but the world with everyone: players, the FIFA coun- said Al Thawadi. whether the World Cup will take place is more than Europe. cil. Not only do you give lots of teams He said it was great to show Qatar’s in Qatar in 2022 or not, I’ve to say, of “We recognised it when I was in UEFA. the possibility of taking part, but also vision document to FIFA President Gianni course, it’ll take place,” said Infantino. If for once in 150-year history of foot- to many of dreaming of a place in the Infantino. “This is a decision that was taken ball, we change the calendar a little finals. “We’ve been able to show him the vision six years ago. bit, we can adapt ourselves. “It’s my idea, it was in my manifesto. I which the Qatar 2022 Local Organising “There has been a lot of speculations, “The FIFA World Cup is the most believe it’s beneficial for football based Committee and QFA have been commit- discussions and allegations. We’ve to important sports competition on on my experience and the changes I ted to, not only in terms of infrastruc- move on. earth and it has to be played in the made to the Euro Championship,” said ture, but also on workers’ welfare and “My job is to help organise the best most acceptable conditions,” added Infantino. DSP the country’s commitment,” he said.DSP World Cup in 2018 in Russia and in the Swiss official. DSP

It was an honour to have him Sometimes, it’s (Gianni Infantino) here with disheartening to get us. We wish him all the trashed despite all the best as president of FIFA. hard work we put in. I look forward to working When the new FIFA closely together with the president, somebody world body in future and of his charisma, backs to continuously enhancing us so strongly, it gives our co-operation. a lot of confidence and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed boosts our morale. We’re Al Thani, Qatar Football Association very happy with his reaction. President. Nasser Al Khater, SCDL Assistant Secretary General (Tournament Affairs). 12 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 13 Football Palace to face United MEDIA SCAN in FA Cup title clash

RYSTAL Palace set up a repeat of the 1990 FA Cup final against CManchester United after Yan- nick Bolasie and Connor Wickham secured a 2-1 semifinal victory over LEADING LIGHT Watford at Wembley last Sunday. When you Riyad Mahrez becomes the first Leicester City After a poor run of form left them see the joy ššManchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho scores on the fringes of the English Premier The credit goes to my manager in the eyes and African player to win Professional Footballers past Stoke goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard. League relegation zone, Palace played of players, and the staff. Without them, with renewed confidence to deserv- I wouldn’t have received this it’s fantastic Association’s Player of the Year award. edly beat a lacklustre Watford side. to experience, award and I wouldn’t have They now have the chance to avenge Man City fire four but also for the fans. scored. It’s the team spirit. I their defeat by United 26 years ago, Professional players ĈĈTottenham’s Dele Alli is Meanwhile, Ranieri mused that, if he want to dedicate it to them. goals past Stoke when they lost a replay 1-0 after a thrill- Louis van Gaal, ‘live in a bubble’, Young Player of the Year Manchester United manager. had his wish, every one of his wonder- Riyad Mahrez ing 3-3 draw in the first game. says Mata ful squad would have been honoured ANCHESTER City’s 4-0 rout Palace manager Alan Pardew, whose as Player of the Year at the Professional of Stoke helped them cruise goal helped Palace beat Liverpool in the Manchester United’s Juan Mata has Ian Chadband Footballers’ Association awards night. Mback into third place and al- 1990 semifinal, said his team had been After Marouane Fellaini’s first-half admitted he and other professional footballers earn “silly” amounts of Yet, even at the heart of a side whose most guaranteed qualification for next worthy winners of a scrappy match. strike for United against his former club money and “live in a bubble”. trademark is its team spirit and collec- season’s Champions League. “Watford had five or 10 minutes when was cancelled out by Chris Smalling’s The Spaniard, who signed for tive ethos, the Italian coach recognised City boss Manuel Pellegrini left out they controlled the game and scored, 75th-minute own goal, Martial struck United from Chelsea for a reported EICESTER City forward Riyad Mah- the individual who has lit up his side Fernandinho, captain Vincent Kompany, but we dominated for 80 minutes and three minutes into stoppage time. £37m in 2014, is believed to earn rez was named Player of the Year most brightly is Mahrez. Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling in that’s a testament to our players men- David de Gea was as much the United around £150,000-per-week. Lby the Professional Footballers’ “He’s fantastic, Riyad is our light. When view of their Champions League clash tality,” said Pardew. hero as Martial, the Spain goalkeeper “Football is very well remunerated Association last Sunday. he switches on, wow, Leicester change against Real Madrid. Earlier, Anthony Martial snatched keeping out Romelu Lukaku’s 57th- at this level. It’s like we live in a bubble. Compared to the rest of The 25-year-old Algerian international, colour! That’s the truth,” said Ranieri. Yet, City strolled to a fourth win in a late winner to send Louis van Gaal’s minute spot kick with a superb div- society, we earn a ridiculous amount. the first Leicester player and also African It seemed appropriate on the day he five league games, thanks to goals from United into the final with a 2-1 victory ing save after Timothy Fosu-Mensah It’s unfathomable,” said Mata. “With to win the award, has scored 17 goals and was honoured by his fellow profes- Fernando, Sergio Aguero (penalty) and over Everton. had felled Ross Barkley. respect to the world of football, I earn made 11 assists in 34 league games to sionals, the Algeria forward should Kelechi Iheanacho (second-half double). a normal wage. But compared to 99.9 help Leicester move to the brink of their illustrate what Ranieri was say- Aguero was replaced past little more per cent of Spain and the rest of the first English top-flight title. than an hour after scoring his 23rd league world, I earn a silly amount.” Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele goal of the season. The Spain international also said he sympathised with critics of the Alli, 20, was named PFA Young Player of And playmaker David Silva was given It’s extra special modern game, who claim football the Year, with his team still chasing the 57 minutes to get up to speed after two because if the has become too commercialised, and leaders in a bid to win their first league matches out with his ongoing ankle criticised the attitude of some young title since 1961. players vote for me, problem. players who become arrogant after Mahrez finished ahead of fellow Leicester it’s because they’ve Fernando was replaced late on, but turning professional. players Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante, seen I’ve been great. should shake off a minor knock, with Spurs striker Harry Kane, Arsenal’s Mesut only Yaya Toure a slight doubt and requir- Ozil and West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet. ing a medical check after he suffered Mahrez praised the contribution of ing before flying to London for the cere- a thigh injury. his team-mates and manager Claudio mony where he became the first African The 19-year-old, who now has five Ranieri. to win the award. league goals in just four starts this sea- PSG want to recruit “The credit goes to my manager and Needing a touch of his magic against son, looks to have a bright future. the staff. Without them, I wouldn’t have lowly Swansea City, Mahrez produced Hazard from Chelsea received this award and I wouldn’t have some of the wizardry that has been such Paris Saint-Germain have made scored. It’s the team spirit. I want to dedi- a regular delight from him. their first move in an attempt to cate it to them,” said Mahrez, who joined Wenger doubts sign Chelsea star Leicester from French second-tier side Eden Hazard this Le Havre in January 2014. “It’s extra spe- ROLL OF HONOUR top-four finish summer. Last 10 PFA Players of the Year. The French cial because if the players vote for me 2016 Riyad Mahrez Leicester City giants have it’s because they’ve seen I’ve been great 2015 Eden Hazard Chelsea ANAGER Arsene Wenger has earmarked the this year.” 2014 Luis Suarez Liverpool admitted concern over Arse- Keogh Reuters/Eddie unsettled winger Mahrez also spoke of his pride at 2013 Gareth Bale Tottenham Hotspur Mnal’s hopes of qualifying for ššCrystal Palace’s Yannick Bolasie, left, and Watford’s Craig Cathcart battle for the ball. as one of their Robin van Persie Arsenal being the first African player to receive 2012 next season’s Champions League with a main targets Gareth Bale Tottenham Hotspur 2011 and have begun the award won last year by Chelsea play- 2010 Wayne Rooney Man United top-four league finish after last Sunday’s the process of maker Eden Hazard. 2009 Ryan Giggs Man United goalless draw against rel- Newcastle United coach Rafa Benitez received trying to set up “It’s an honour to be the first African, 2008 Cristiano Ronaldo Man United egation-threatened 2007 Cristiano Ronaldo Man United Benitez a raucous reception as he walked out at Anfield a £70m summer not the best but the first,” he added. Sunderland. where he remains a hero to Liverpool fans for agreement. The stalemate conjures conjuring the 2005 “Miracle of Istanbul”. Hazard last kept the north But little did anyone there expect he would then week insisted he was happy with life comeback inspire another stirring comeback, this time at the at Chelsea, but the feeling persists He’s fantastic. Riyad London side behind third-placed Manchester helm of Newcastle, who fought from two goals that the Belgium star would be is our light. When he City on goal difference, but did open a down to earn an invaluable 2-2 draw in their fight open to a move away from Stamford switches on, wow, against English Premier League relegation. Bridge. five-point gap over Manchester United, Leicester change colour! There had certainly been nothing to stir Real Madrid had long been in the who have a game in hand. That’s the truth. memories of that Champions League final revival market for the 25-year-old, but with “We care about that and we worry against AC Milan in Istanbul when Benitez’s Cristiano Ronaldo now likely to stay Claudio Ranieri, about it as well because it’s a fight,” said Liverpool came from three down to draw 3-3 and at the Bernabeu, Hazard has seen Leicester City manager. Wenger. eventually triumph on penalties. that option close off. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 13

Palace to face United MEDIA SCAN in FA Cup title clash

RYSTAL Palace set up a repeat of the 1990 FA Cup final against CManchester United after Yan- nick Bolasie and Connor Wickham secured a 2-1 semifinal victory over Watford at Wembley last Sunday. When you After a poor run of form left them see the joy ššManchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho scores on the fringes of the English Premier in the eyes past Stoke goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard. League relegation zone, Palace played of players, with renewed confidence to deserv- it’s fantastic edly beat a lacklustre Watford side. to experience, They now have the chance to avenge Man City fire four but also for the fans. their defeat by United 26 years ago, Professional players goals past Stoke when they lost a replay 1-0 after a thrill- Louis van Gaal, ‘live in a bubble’, Manchester United manager. ing 3-3 draw in the first game. says Mata ANCHESTER City’s 4-0 rout Palace manager Alan Pardew, whose of Stoke helped them cruise goal helped Palace beat Liverpool in the Manchester United’s Juan Mata has Mback into third place and al- 1990 semifinal, said his team had been After Marouane Fellaini’s first-half admitted he and other professional footballers earn “silly” amounts of most guaranteed qualification for next worthy winners of a scrappy match. strike for United against his former club money and “live in a bubble”. season’s Champions League. “Watford had five or 10 minutes when was cancelled out by Chris Smalling’s The Spaniard, who signed for City boss Manuel Pellegrini left out they controlled the game and scored, 75th-minute own goal, Martial struck United from Chelsea for a reported Fernandinho, captain Vincent Kompany, but we dominated for 80 minutes and three minutes into stoppage time. £37m in 2014, is believed to earn Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling in that’s a testament to our players men- David de Gea was as much the United around £150,000-per-week. view of their Champions League clash tality,” said Pardew. hero as Martial, the Spain goalkeeper “Football is very well remunerated against Real Madrid. Earlier, Anthony Martial snatched keeping out Romelu Lukaku’s 57th- at this level. It’s like we live in a bubble. Compared to the rest of Yet, City strolled to a fourth win in a late winner to send Louis van Gaal’s minute spot kick with a superb div- society, we earn a ridiculous amount. five league games, thanks to goals from United into the final with a 2-1 victory ing save after Timothy Fosu-Mensah It’s unfathomable,” said Mata. “With Fernando, Sergio Aguero (penalty) and over Everton. had felled Ross Barkley. respect to the world of football, I earn Kelechi Iheanacho (second-half double). a normal wage. But compared to 99.9 Aguero was replaced past little more per cent of Spain and the rest of the than an hour after scoring his 23rd league world, I earn a silly amount.” goal of the season. The Spain international also said he sympathised with critics of the And playmaker David Silva was given modern game, who claim football 57 minutes to get up to speed after two has become too commercialised, and matches out with his ongoing ankle criticised the attitude of some young problem. players who become arrogant after Fernando was replaced late on, but turning professional. should shake off a minor knock, with only Yaya Toure a slight doubt and requir- ing a medical check after he suffered a thigh injury. The 19-year-old, who now has five league goals in just four starts this sea- PSG want to recruit son, looks to have a bright future. Hazard from Chelsea Paris Saint-Germain have made their first move in an attempt to Wenger doubts sign Chelsea star Eden Hazard this top-four finish summer. The French giants have ANAGER Arsene Wenger has earmarked the admitted concern over Arse- Keogh Reuters/Eddie unsettled winger Mnal’s hopes of qualifying for ššCrystal Palace’s Yannick Bolasie, left, and Watford’s Craig Cathcart battle for the ball. as one of their next season’s Champions League with a main targets top-four league finish after last Sunday’s and have begun goalless draw against rel- the process of Newcastle United coach Rafa Benitez received trying to set up egation-threatened Benitez a raucous reception as he walked out at Anfield a £70m summer Sunderland. where he remains a hero to Liverpool fans for agreement. The stalemate conjures conjuring the 2005 “Miracle of Istanbul”. Hazard last kept the north But little did anyone there expect he would then week insisted he was happy with life London side behind comeback inspire another stirring comeback, this time at the at Chelsea, but the feeling persists third-placed Manchester helm of Newcastle, who fought from two goals that the Belgium star would be City on goal difference, but did open a down to earn an invaluable 2-2 draw in their fight open to a move away from Stamford against English Premier League relegation. Bridge. five-point gap over Manchester United, There had certainly been nothing to stir Real Madrid had long been in the who have a game in hand. memories of that Champions League final revival market for the 25-year-old, but with “We care about that and we worry against AC Milan in Istanbul when Benitez’s Cristiano Ronaldo now likely to stay about it as well because it’s a fight,” said Liverpool came from three down to draw 3-3 and at the Bernabeu, Hazard has seen Wenger. eventually triumph on penalties. that option close off. 14 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 15 Football

RESULTS Getafe drew Valencia 2-2 MEDIA SCAN Levante drew Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Sevilla bt Real Betis 2-0 Villarreal drew Sociedad 2-2 Atletico Madrid bt Malaga 1-0 Eibar drew Deportivo La Coruna 1-1 Barcelona bt Gijon 6-0 Vallecano lost to Real Madrid 2-3 Las Palmas bt Espanyol 4-0

STANDINGS Barcelona 35 26 4 5 102 29 82 super SUAREZ Atlelico Madrid 35 26 4 5 59 16 82 Real Madrid 35 25 6 4 104 32 81 Uruguayan hitman Luis Suarez dazzles with his second straight Villarreal 35 17 10 8 42 31 61 Athletic Bilbao 35 16 7 12 53 43 55 Celta Vigo 34 15 9 10 47 54 54 four-goal effort in holders Barcelona’s thrashing of Sporting Gijon. Sevilla 35 14 10 11 49 42 52 Vazquez lives up to Valencia 35 11 11 13 44 42 44 Las Palmas 35 12 7 16 42 46 43 expectations Ronaldo (31) as the top scorer with Malaga 35 10 12 13 31 32 42 Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez was Richard Martin Eibar 35 11 9 15 46 54 42 given a new opportunity against Rayo three games to go. Sociedad 35 11 9 15 42 46 42 Suarez now has 34 Vallecano and, like on other occasions, Suarez is also in line to claim the Real Betis 35 10 11 14 31 48 41 he seized it with both hands, scoring league goals this season, Golden Boot as Europe’s leading marks- Deportivo La Coruna 35 7 18 10 43 57 39 an equaliser. moving ahead of Real’s man, a prize he shared with Ronaldo Espanyol 35 10 7 18 35 67 37 Vallecano 35 8 11 16 48 69 35 He spent most of the match on UIS Suarez paid tribute to team- in 2013-14. De La Torre AFP/ Curto Cristiano Ronaldo (31). Granada 34 8 9 17 38 61 33 the left wing, and linked up well with šReal Madrid’s Gareth Bale heads the ball into the Rayo Vallecano goal. mates Lionel Messi and Andres However, he is more focused on fir- Sporting Gijon 35 8 8 19 35 61 32 š Marcelo for his third league goal in his LIniesta after the pair helped him ing Barca to the league title. Getafe 35 8 8 19 33 64 32 last four outings. His other goals came notch four goals for the second La Liga there, that’s why he has the big name “Being top scorer wasn’t my objective Levante 35 7 8 20 33 63 29 against Eibar and Villarreal. game in a row as Barcelona thumped he has. He has been a really important and now we’ve three games left, and Vazquez entered the game on 41 minutes, replacing Karim Benzema Sporting Gijon 6-0 last week. player for us.” with the help of my team-mates, if I can and his contribution radically The Uruguayan hitman became the Suarez netted four times, twice from do it I’ll welcome it, but the priority for Messi sends Barca Bale double inspires Real changed Madrid’s fortunes. The first-ever La Liga player to score four the penalty spot, in the space of 25 sec- the team is the league,” said Suarez. 24-year-old is squeezing the most out goals for the second successive match, ond-half minutes as Barca followed up Barcelona were awarded a third pen- shirt to NBA star of every opportunity he is given and keeping Barca top of the table on goal their midweek 8-0 rout of Deportivo alty late on and the Uruguayan gave ARETH Bale made up for the player Bebe setting up their first goal. showing that he is ready to take on an important role just as the season difference ahead of Atletico Madrid, La Coruna. the ball to Brazil forward Neymar to ARCELONA star Lionel Messi absence of Cristiano Ronaldo Real striker Karim He took on Danilo and Pepe before with Real Madrid one point adrift in “I’m a bit surprised to score eight convert from the spot, a move which fulfilled his promise to the NBA’s Gby scoring twice to inspire Real rolling the ball across for Embarba to enters its decisive stage. Benzema had to be third position. goals in four days,” said Suarez. impressed defender Gerard Pique. BMost Valuable Player Stephen Madrid to come from two goals down score from six yards out. Then a weak “Leo is the one who manages every- The former Liverpool forward now “He has proved for a long time that Curry for reaching 10 million followers and win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano. substituted in the 42nd header from Raphael Varane allowed thing. We’re eternally grateful to him,” has 34 league goals this season, mov- he’s generous,” said Pique. “We hope on social media network Instagram by Real managed to rally despite Ronaldo with a suspected injury. Miku to pounce. said Suarez. “Andres’s magic is always ing ahead of Real Madrid’s Cristiano he spends many more years here.” sending the Golden State Warriors talis- missing his first league game of the sea- Bale’s header lifted them before the man a Barcelona shirt with his name son with a muscle strain. break, but striker Karim Benzema had and No.10 emblazoned on the back. Real had found themselves two behind Real, who had not lost to Rayo Vallecano to be substituted in the 42nd with a sus- Curry is a long-time admirer of the within 14 minutes as Adrian Embarba since 1997 and had thrashed their city pected injury. five-time World Footballer of the Year and scored from close range in the seventh neighbours 10-2 earlier this season, The Frenchman was replaced by sent the Argentininian a signed Warriors minute before Rayo’s Venezuelan striker missed Ronaldo due to a strained muscle. Vazquez, who headed home Danilo’s number 30 shirt when Messi reached Miku pounced on more poor defend- Still, the visitors nearly got off to a dream cross at the far post and it was Bale who 30 million followers back in December. ing from the visitors. start as Bale hit the post in just the second had the final say, intercepting the ball “As I promised I would, I’m sending Bale started the revival, heading minute, but Rayo soon imposed them- and racing into the box down the left you my shirt to celebrate you reach- in from a 35th minute corner before selves, with former Manchester United flank to strike the winner. ing 10 million followers on Instagram,” Zinedine Zidane’s side drew level six Messi posted on his official Facebook minutes after the break through sub- page last Sunday. “It’s an honour for me stitute Lucas Vazquez. Bale is very happy to make the difference. to be able to share my jersey with you. Welshman Bale then completed the When we needed him, he was phenomenal. Barcelona create It’s always a pleasure to watch you play.” comeback nine minutes from time, col- He scored two, but even without speaking lecting a misplaced pass from a Rayo ‘spot-kick’ record! about the goals, he played very well. defender before powering the ball past The La Liga season has seen the goalkeeper Juan Carlos. Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid coach. record for a number of penalties awarded to a single team be broken Martinez joins as Luis Enrique’s Barcelona have reached the grand total of 19 spot- West Ham kicks after last week’s win against Sporting Gijon. EST Ham United have signed Atletico stay in hunt for title Referee Carlos Clos Gomez young Valencia striker Toni awarded Barcelona three penalties WMartinez, the English Pre- and the Catalan giants became mier League club said last week. TLETICO Madrid kept up ball on to the pitch, leading to the the first team to ever be awarded 19 penalties in a single La Liga The 18-year-old Spain Under-19 inter- their title hopes with a 1-0 coach being forced to watch the sec- campaign. national, who is yet to play for Valencia’s Ahome victory over Malaga, ond half from the stands. The record had previously stood first team, has signed a three-year con- but Diego Simeone could be facing Elsewhere, Villarreal’s poor run con- at 16 penalties which was set by tract which starts in July, but will begin a three-game touchline ban after be- tinued as they were held 0-0 at home by Real Betis in the 1986-1987 season. training with West Ham immediately. ing sent off at halftime when a ball Real Sociedad and Paco Alcacer’s late However Barcelona have moved way “For me, it’s a great opportunity to was thrown on to the pitch from the equaliser rescued a point for Valencia beyond that this year. be here and I hope to make the most of technical area. in a 2-2 draw at troubled Getafe. The match against Sporting also saw Barcelona awarded three spot- being at such a big club,” said Martinez. Substitute Angel Correa settled a Fourth-placed Villarreal are stum- kicks in a single match for the third “I joined West Ham because of the pro- difficult game for Atletico soon after bling towards the finishing line, missing time in the club’s history, with the gress the club is making. The decision coming off the bench, as his shot from the chance to pull away from Athletic previous two instances coming to come was made because it’s a bril- the edge of the area was deflected into Bilbao and Celta Vigo in fifth and sixth against Osasuna and Sabadell in REUTERS/ Juan Medina REUTERS/ Albert Gea liant opportunity to join an interest- ššAtletico Madrid’s Angel Correa, right, is ecstatic after the far corner in the 62nd minute. places following their third game with- the 1993-1994 and 1944-1945 seasons ššFrom left, Barcelona’s Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta celebrate a goal against Sporting Gijon. ing EPL side.” scoring against Malaga. Simeone said a ball boy lobbed the out a win. respectively. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 15

MEDIA SCAN

Vazquez lives up to expectations Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez was given a new opportunity against Rayo Vallecano and, like on other occasions, he seized it with both hands, scoring an equaliser. He spent most of the match on AFP/ Curto De La Torre AFP/ Curto the left wing, and linked up well with ššReal Madrid’s Gareth Bale heads the ball into the Rayo Vallecano goal. Marcelo for his third league goal in his last four outings. His other goals came against Eibar and Villarreal. Vazquez entered the game on 41 minutes, replacing Karim Benzema and his contribution radically Bale double inspires Real changed Madrid’s fortunes. The 24-year-old is squeezing the most out of every opportunity he is given and ARETH Bale made up for the player Bebe setting up their first goal. showing that he is ready to take on an important role just as the season absence of Cristiano Ronaldo Real striker Karim He took on Danilo and Pepe before Gby scoring twice to inspire Real rolling the ball across for Embarba to enters its decisive stage. Madrid to come from two goals down Benzema had to be score from six yards out. Then a weak and win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano. substituted in the 42nd header from Raphael Varane allowed Real managed to rally despite Ronaldo with a suspected injury. Miku to pounce. missing his first league game of the sea- Bale’s header lifted them before the son with a muscle strain. break, but striker Karim Benzema had Real had found themselves two behind Real, who had not lost to Rayo Vallecano to be substituted in the 42nd with a sus- within 14 minutes as Adrian Embarba since 1997 and had thrashed their city pected injury. scored from close range in the seventh neighbours 10-2 earlier this season, The Frenchman was replaced by minute before Rayo’s Venezuelan striker missed Ronaldo due to a strained muscle. Vazquez, who headed home Danilo’s Miku pounced on more poor defend- Still, the visitors nearly got off to a dream cross at the far post and it was Bale who ing from the visitors. start as Bale hit the post in just the second had the final say, intercepting the ball Bale started the revival, heading minute, but Rayo soon imposed them- and racing into the box down the left in from a 35th minute corner before selves, with former Manchester United flank to strike the winner. Zinedine Zidane’s side drew level six minutes after the break through substitute Lucas Vazquez. Bale is very happy to make the difference. Welshman Bale then completed the When we needed him, he was phenomenal. Barcelona create comeback nine minutes from time, col- He scored two, but even without speaking lecting a misplaced pass from a Rayo ‘spot-kick’ record! about the goals, he played very well. defender before powering the ball past The La Liga season has seen the goalkeeper Juan Carlos. Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid coach. record for a number of penalties awarded to a single team be broken as Luis Enrique’s Barcelona have reached the grand total of 19 spot- kicks after last week’s win against Sporting Gijon. Atletico stay in hunt for title Referee Carlos Clos Gomez awarded Barcelona three penalties and the Catalan giants became TLETICO Madrid kept up ball on to the pitch, leading to the the first team to ever be awarded 19 penalties in a single La Liga their title hopes with a 1-0 coach being forced to watch the sec- campaign. Ahome victory over Malaga, ond half from the stands. The record had previously stood but Diego Simeone could be facing Elsewhere, Villarreal’s poor run con- at 16 penalties which was set by a three-game touchline ban after be- tinued as they were held 0-0 at home by Real Betis in the 1986-1987 season. ing sent off at halftime when a ball Real Sociedad and Paco Alcacer’s late However Barcelona have moved way was thrown on to the pitch from the equaliser rescued a point for Valencia beyond that this year. technical area. in a 2-2 draw at troubled Getafe. The match against Sporting also saw Barcelona awarded three spot- Substitute Angel Correa settled a Fourth-placed Villarreal are stum- kicks in a single match for the third difficult game for Atletico soon after bling towards the finishing line, missing time in the club’s history, with the coming off the bench, as his shot from the chance to pull away from Athletic previous two instances coming the edge of the area was deflected into Bilbao and Celta Vigo in fifth and sixth against Osasuna and Sabadell in REUTERS/ Juan Medina ššAtletico Madrid’s Angel Correa, right, is ecstatic after the far corner in the 62nd minute. places following their third game with- the 1993-1994 and 1944-1945 seasons scoring against Malaga. Simeone said a ball boy lobbed the out a win. respectively. 16 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 17 Football

ROLL OF RESULTS HONOUR SERIE A Last 10 Serie A Carpi bt Empoli 1-0 champions. Gladbach’s top-four AS Roma bt Napoli 1-0 2016 Juventus Verona bt AC Milan 2-1 2015 Juventus Atalanta bt Chievo 1-0 2014 Juventus CLUB RECORDS Bologna bt Genoa 2-0 2013 Juventus MOST APPEARANCES hopes receive boost Fiorentina lost to Juventus 1-2 2012 Juventus Alessandro Del Piero (705) Frosinone lost to Palermo 0-2 2011 AC Milan MOST GOALS Sampdoria bt Lazio 2-1 2010 Inter Milan Alessandro Del Piero (290) ORUSSIA Moenchengladbach play-off spot. Torino lost to Sassuolo 1-3 Inter Milan 2009 MOST MINUTES IN SERIE A beat struggling Hoffenheim 3-1 Leaders Bayern Munich beat Hertha Inter Milan bt Udinese 3-1 2008 Inter Milan WITHOUT CONCEDING A GOAL BUNDESLIGA 2007 Inter Milan Gianluigi Buffon (974) Blast Sunday to lift their hopes 2-0 and will secure a record fourth con- Borussia M’gladbach bt Hoffenheim 3-1 of a top-four Bundesliga finish and a secutive Bundesliga title with a home Frankfurt bt Mainz 2-1 spot in the Champions League quali- win against Gladbach next week. Cologne bt Darmstadt 4-1 fying rounds with three matches left A deflected effort by Arturo Vidal and Ingolstadt drew Hanover 2-2 Hertha Berlin lost to Bayern Munich 0-2 in the season. a 79th-minute goal from Douglas Costa Schalke lost to Leverkusen 2-3 Gladbach forward Andre Hahn fired were enough to give treble-chasing Stuttgart lost to Dortmund 0-3 in on the hour to ensure all three points Bayern victory in a lacklustre game Wolfsburg lost to Augsburg 0-2 after Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric against Hertha. Hamburg bt Werder Bremen 2-1 had pulled a goal back following the The Bavarians, who take on LIGUE 1 The club will now focus on Guingamp En Avant drew Caen 1-1 hosts’ 2-0 first-half lead. Atletico Madrid in the Champions improving the squad, bringing in Ajaccio bt Bastia 3-2 Fifth-placed Gladbach move up to 48 League semifinal on Wednesday, have Montpellier bt Troyes 4-1 young players with great technique. points, one behind Hertha Berlin who 81 points with three games to go. Oly Marseille drew Nantes 1-1 Next year, we must focus on are fourth. The top three teams qualify Bayern Munich, meanwhile, revealed Stade Rennes drew Monaco 1-1 winning the Champions League. It’s St Etienne bt Lorient 2-0 for the Champions League group stage that director of sport Matthias Sammer Toulouse lost to Oly Lyon 2-3 somewhat narrow-minded just to with the fourth advancing to the qual- missed their last two games on the bench Nice bt Stade Reims 2-0 focus on Serie A. ifying rounds. alongside coach Pep Guardiola after STANDINGS Hanover 96 were relegated without suffering from a brain disorder. Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus coach. SERIE A kicking a ball after Eintracht Frankfurt Dortmund struck twice in the first half Juventues 35 27 4 4 67 18 85 beat Mainz 05 2-1 thanks to Stefan Bell’s through Shinji Kagawa and American Napoli 35 22 7 6 72 30 73

REUTERS/ Stefano Rellandini REUTERS/ Stefano 84th-minute own goal. That condemned teenager Christian Pulisic. AS Roma 35 20 11 4 74 38 71 šĈJuventus players are all smiles after their victory over Fiorentina. Hanover to a bottom-two finish. Henrikh Mkhitaryan then grabbed Inter Milan 35 19 7 9 47 32 64 Fiorentina 35 17 8 10 56 40 59 Hanover are on 22 points, with his 11th league goal of the campaign

AFP/ Patrik Stollarz AC Milan 35 14 11 10 44 37 53 17th-placed Frankfurt on 30 and after the break to maintain his team’s ššMoenchengladbach’s Raffael, left, and Hoffenheim’s Tobias Sassuolo 35 13 13 9 44 39 52 Werder Bremen on 31 in the relegation slim title hopes on 74 points. Strobl battle for possession. Verona 35 13 9 13 43 42 48 Lazio 35 13 9 13 45 47 48 Genoa 35 12 7 16 39 43 43 Empoli 35 11 9 15 37 46 42 Torino 35 11 9 15 45 50 42 Monaco squander Atalanta Bergamo 35 10 11 14 37 43 41 PSG complete French double Sampdoria 35 10 10 15 48 51 40 Bologna 35 11 7 17 33 44 40 big opportunity Udinese 35 10 8 17 32 52 38 JUVE RULE ITALY NGEL Di Maria bagged the Carpi 35 8 11 16 34 51 35 ONACO missed the chance to winner as Qatar-owned Paris PSG were reduced to 10 Palermo 35 8 8 19 33 63 32 Juventus win their fifth successive Italian Serie A title after taking retake second place in Ligue ASaint-Germain beat Lille 2-1 to Frosinone 35 8 6 21 32 68 30 men when midfielder Verona 35 4 13 18 30 58 25 M1 when they drew 1-1 away at capture the French League Cup trophy Adrien Rabiot received a BUNDESLIGA an unassailable lead following Napoli’s loss to AS Roma. Stade Rennes and Marseille’s winless for the third year in succession, and for Bayern Munich 31 26 3 2 74 14 81 run continued as they were held 1-1 at a record sixth time, last week. second yellow card. Dortmund 31 23 5 3 75 30 74 home by Nantes last Sunday. The Argentina winger latched on to a Leverkusen 31 16 6 9 50 35 54 ĈĈJuventus beat Fiorentina in The 39-year-old Roma stalwart, in his Renne’s Giovanni Sio equalised in poor clearance by Adama Soumaoro in Hertha Berlin 31 14 7 10 40 38 49 JUVE IN NUMBERS B M’gladbach 31 15 3 13 62 48 48 last Sunday’s fixture 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup 24th season at the club and no longer the 80th minute as he appeared to con- the 74th-minute of the fiercely-fought ahead with a disputed goal late in the first Mainz 31 13 6 12 43 41 45 European Cup/Champions League able to command a place in the start- trol Jeremie Boga’s effort with his hand final at the Stade de France and rounded half, volleying home a punched clearance Schalke 31 13 6 12 43 46 45 2 UEFA Super Cup Cologne 31 10 10 11 36 40 40 Intercontinental Cup ing line-up, has made a recent habit and scored from point-blank range to goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to score. from Enyeama with Layvin Kursawa in Ingolstadt 31 10 10 11 29 35 40 Brian Homewood 3 UEFA Cup of coming on in the last few minutes cancel out Helder Costa’s 14th-min- PSG, who have already retained the an apparent offside position in the goal- Wolfsburg 31 10 9 12 42 43 39 7 Italian Super Cup and having a major impact on games. ute opener. Ligue 1 title, were reduced to 10 men keeper’s line of vision. Hamburg 31 10 7 14 37 44 37 10 Italian Cup Roma had more possession but The draw left Monaco in third on three minutes earlier when midfielder Lille, playing in their first final, equal- Augsburg 31 9 9 13 40 48 36 32 Italian league title Napoli, whose top scorer Gonzalo 61 points, two clear of fourth-placed Adrien Rabiot received a second yel- ised five minutes into the second period Darmstadt 31 8 11 12 35 48 35 UVENTUS won Serie A for the fifth Higuain returned after a three-match Chiellini is out Nice and level on points with fellow low card for a foul on Lille playmaker when left back Djibril Sidibe hit a free Hoffenheim 31 8 10 13 36 48 34 Stuttgart 31 9 6 16 46 63 33 season in a row without kicking a ban, carved out the better chances and with new injury Champions League hopefuls Olympique Soufiane Boufal. kick from 22M through the wall and past Werder Bremen 31 8 7 16 43 63 31 Jball last Monday after Napoli, the Jose Callejon had a first-half goal ruled Lyon, who won 3-2 at Toulouse and Midfielder Javier Pastore had put PSG a static Salvatore Sirigu in goal. Frankfurt 31 7 9 15 31 50 30 During the first half of Hanover 31 6 4 21 28 56 22 only team that could have caught up out by a hairline offside decision. Juventus defender Giorgio have a better goal difference. season, the lead changed LIGUE 1 with them, lost to AS Roma, with Radja Higuain, who has scored 30 goals this is set to spend more time Ten-man Marseille, held 1-1 by Nantes almost weekly, with four Chiellini PSG 34 27 5 2 89 18 86 Nainggolan netting the all-important season, nearly gave Napoli a first-half on the sidelines after suffering yet at the Velodrome, extended their club- Lyon 35 17 8 10 58 37 59 goal late into the game. teams taking turns. lead with a delightful piece of control another injury in training, the club record run of home matches without Monaco 35 15 14 6 51 42 59 Juventus, who have led the table since only to see his shot saved by Wojciech said on their official website (www. victory to 15 and remained just five Nice 35 16 9 10 53 38 57 beating Napoli 1-0 in February, were Szczesny. juventus.com). points above the relegation zone with St Etienne 35 17 6 12 42 34 57 The Italy international, Lille 34 13 13 8 37 27 52 left with an unassailable 12-point lead But, as their rivals faltered, Juventus, A Napoli goal looked imminent in the who missed last Sunday’s three matches left. Stade Rennes 35 13 13 9 51 46 52 with three games each left to play as who beat Fiorentina 2-1 last Sunday, put second half as Dries Mertens curled a 2-1 win over Fiorentina, Nantes went ahead after half an hour Angers 34 13 10 11 38 33 49 they clinched a record 32nd league title. together an astonishing run in which shot agonisingly wide and Antonio would be out for 15-20 days when Marseille defender Nicolas Nkoulou Caen 35 14 5 16 36 51 47 The match, played at a half-empty they took 73 of a possible 75 points Ruediger saved Roma by sliding in after sustaining a minor headed an own goal past goalkeeper Nantes 35 11 12 12 31 38 45 Montpellier 35 12 7 16 44 43 43 ligament injury to his Stadio Olimpico, was an anti-climatic to snare the title with games to spare. to take the ball off Marek Hamsik’s Steve Mandanda who had Leo Dubois’s Guingamp 35 11 10 14 43 50 43 right knee. The 31-year- end to a season which had at one stage The clash of Serie A’s two highest- foot just before an almost certain cross into the six-yard box covered. Lorient 35 10 13 12 46 54 43 promised to be one of the most excit- scoring sides was threatening to peter score. old has been out of Marseille, managed by interim boss Bastia 35 12 7 16 33 41 43 action for more than ing Italian title races for years. out into a tame goalless draw until Instead, Nainggolan slotted Franck Passi, equalised through Florian Bordeaux 34 10 13 11 42 53 43 two months this Marseille 35 8 17 10 45 41 41 During the first half of season, the lead Nainggolan slotted the ball home in the ball past Pepe Reina after season after being Thauvin from a pass by Javier Manquillo Ajaccio 35 8 13 14 36 51 37 had changed almost weekly with Roma, the 89th minute following a move started Mohamed Salah managed to find hit with thigh, four minutes into the second half, then Stade Reims 35 9 9 17 38 52 36

Napoli, Inter Milan and Fiorentina all with a delicate pass from Roma sub- the Belgian despite being sur- calf and knee had midfielder Alaixys Romao sent off Naegelen REUTERS/ Jacky Toulouse 35 7 12 16 41 53 33 taking turns at the top. stitute Francesco Totti. rounded by Napoli defenders. injuries. for kicking Yacine Bammou. ššParis Saint-Germain players with the French League Cup. Troyes 35 3 8 24 25 77 17 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 17

RESULTS SERIE A Carpi bt Empoli 1-0 Gladbach’s top-four AS Roma bt Napoli 1-0 Verona bt AC Milan 2-1 Atalanta bt Chievo 1-0 Bologna bt Genoa 2-0 hopes receive boost Fiorentina lost to Juventus 1-2 Frosinone lost to Palermo 0-2 Sampdoria bt Lazio 2-1 ORUSSIA Moenchengladbach play-off spot. Torino lost to Sassuolo 1-3 beat struggling Hoffenheim 3-1 Leaders Bayern Munich beat Hertha Inter Milan bt Udinese 3-1 BUNDESLIGA Blast Sunday to lift their hopes 2-0 and will secure a record fourth con- Borussia M’gladbach bt Hoffenheim 3-1 of a top-four Bundesliga finish and a secutive Bundesliga title with a home Frankfurt bt Mainz 2-1 spot in the Champions League quali- win against Gladbach next week. Cologne bt Darmstadt 4-1 fying rounds with three matches left A deflected effort by Arturo Vidal and Ingolstadt drew Hanover 2-2 Hertha Berlin lost to Bayern Munich 0-2 in the season. a 79th-minute goal from Douglas Costa Schalke lost to Leverkusen 2-3 Gladbach forward Andre Hahn fired were enough to give treble-chasing Stuttgart lost to Dortmund 0-3 in on the hour to ensure all three points Bayern victory in a lacklustre game Wolfsburg lost to Augsburg 0-2 after Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric against Hertha. Hamburg bt Werder Bremen 2-1 had pulled a goal back following the The Bavarians, who take on LIGUE 1 Guingamp En Avant drew Caen 1-1 hosts’ 2-0 first-half lead. Atletico Madrid in the Champions Ajaccio bt Bastia 3-2 Fifth-placed Gladbach move up to 48 League semifinal on Wednesday, have Montpellier bt Troyes 4-1 points, one behind Hertha Berlin who 81 points with three games to go. Oly Marseille drew Nantes 1-1 are fourth. The top three teams qualify Bayern Munich, meanwhile, revealed Stade Rennes drew Monaco 1-1 St Etienne bt Lorient 2-0 for the Champions League group stage that director of sport Matthias Sammer Toulouse lost to Oly Lyon 2-3 with the fourth advancing to the qual- missed their last two games on the bench Nice bt Stade Reims 2-0 ifying rounds. alongside coach Pep Guardiola after STANDINGS Hanover 96 were relegated without suffering from a brain disorder. SERIE A kicking a ball after Eintracht Frankfurt Dortmund struck twice in the first half Juventues 35 27 4 4 67 18 85 beat Mainz 05 2-1 thanks to Stefan Bell’s through Shinji Kagawa and American Napoli 35 22 7 6 72 30 73 84th-minute own goal. That condemned teenager Christian Pulisic. AS Roma 35 20 11 4 74 38 71 Hanover to a bottom-two finish. Henrikh Mkhitaryan then grabbed Inter Milan 35 19 7 9 47 32 64 Fiorentina 35 17 8 10 56 40 59 Hanover are on 22 points, with his 11th league goal of the campaign

had midfielder Alaixys Romao sent off Naegelen REUTERS/ Jacky Toulouse 35 7 12 16 41 53 33 for kicking Yacine Bammou. ššParis Saint-Germain players with the French League Cup. Troyes 35 3 8 24 25 77 17 18 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 19 Football

Sampaoli on making Chile the Asian body out to develop Copa America champions… future generation of stars ‘BEING REBELLIOUS is AN I had taken a few things from Marcelo Bielsa’s philosophy. When we HE Asian Football Confedera- took the Chile job on, tion (AFC) will introduce new we tried to be as direct, TUnder-15 regional development aggressive and offensive tournaments as part of its efforts to as he was though we had to try and bring in a bring a more systematic pathway for bit of control. the continent’s future generation. INTEGRAL PART OF THINGS’ We started to defend The decision followed a recommen- a lot more with the ball, Argentinian Jorge Sampaoli tells and that eventually gave the team the confidence to dictate every game A proposal has been present, the opportunities for play- www.fifa.com about his journey from a and get on top of the made to ensure players ers in this age group are limited to opposition. in the U-15 age group are bank teller to a world-renowned coach. That’s how we qualification stages of the AFC U-16 nurtured a commitment given more exposure. Championship, held every two years. to the cause and got the The new regional event, which will be ĈĈSampaoli has no working in South America to gain players to really buy into held during the year of every AFC U-16 professional playing international recognition? things, and that made dation made by the AFC Technical finals, replaces the AFC U-14 Regional us competitive against experience ЃĈIt has all to do with the number of vot- Committee at its second meeting held Festival of Football. The committee meet- any side. ers in each region. Asia, Africa… there’re in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last week. ing, presided over by Deputy Chairman IBIA and fibula are possibly so many other places that’ve much closer The proposal was made to ensure Obaid Mubarak Obaid Al Shamsi of the among the few most feared links to European football. The idea of that players in the U-15 age group are UAE, also approved the introduction Twords in the sports world, a analysing our football is all a bit remote provided with the exposure to feature of Tutoring-the-Tutors programme. combination of seven syllables and 14 for them. Maybe if you beat Barcelona at arm? (It reads “I don’t listen and ЂЃIt has been three months since at the international level, paving the It aims to develop and transform the letters that can only mean one thing the Club World Cup, then you might get follow, because a lot of what’s you left the job. How do you way for a more structured and sustained continent’s most experienced coach when uttered by a doctor — bad news. people in Europe, Asia or Africa to sit up forbidden fills me with life,” a spend your time now? approach to talent development. At educators into specialist tutors. Jorge Sampaoli can vouch for that, and take notice of you. What we achieved lyric from the song Prohibido ЃЃI watch matches. It has been hard having broken bones in an injury that with Chile was very important, including (Forbidden) by Argentinian band to adjust actually because I had spent cut short his playing career before he the tours we went on and our good per- Callejeros). a lot of time linked to the game, with- even had a chance to grace Argentina’s formances against England, Germany, ЃЃAbsolutely. If I had listened to what out a break. But I’m watching a lot of top flight. He was 19 at the time, full of Brazil and Spain. That helped raise our people said, I wouldn’t have pitted my football, speaking to people and ana- High-level seminar puts rage, but with many dreams to pursue, profile. wits against all ex-players who’ve gone lysing different leagues. We don’t have dreams he would look to fulfil from the on to become coaches. I obviously didn’t a team to compete with, but we’re keep- dugout, in circumstances that were far ЂĈWhere were you when you have that much of a chance against the ing in the loop and waiting to see what women’s game in focus from ordinary for a budding coach. heard you had been nominated? whole football environment. But I didn’t the future brings. With no professional career behind ЃĈI was in Chile at the time. It was quite listen and I tried to get through to presi- him, the Casilda-born Sampaoli took a shock and I really couldn’t believe it. I dents and directors in a different way. Had SIAN Football Confederation’s delegates working in the women’s game felt very excited about it and it made me I listened to what people said, I would’ve Had I listened to what (AFC) Member Association from 39 Member Associations, with think of the difficult and traumatic situ- stayed in Casilda and worked in a bank. Arepresentatives and experts other confederation officials adding people said, I would’ve He’s the only coach ations I’ve been through in my career, But that’s what rebelling is all about: not from FIFA, UEFA, Confederation of a global perspective to the issues dis- and of my coaching team and everything letting people stop you from doing things, stayed in Casilda and African Football as well as North, Central cussed and solutions. from South America to we’ve done together. I thought about that not being told what to do. Our belief was worked in a bank. American and Caribbean Association FIFA and AFC Executive Committee receive a Ballon d’Or and the players, of course. I wouldn’t have that being rebellious was an integral part last week discussed the way forward for Member as well as AFC Women’s Football Gala nomination. got there without them. of things. That lyric stayed with me, and the women’s game on the continent. Committee Chairperson Moya Dodd that’s why I got it tattooed on me. ЂЃWhat worries you most about The two-day high-level seminar, held said, “The AFC has a great record in ЂĈUnlike other coaches who’ve a time like this? in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, attracted women’s football on and off the pitch. a job as a bank teller and also earned recognition, you haven’t ЂЃYou talk about handling the ЃЃWhat I dislike most of all is the uncer- Five of the world’s top 20 teams are worked in a civil registry to had a career as a professional dressing room, but what’s it like tainty, not knowing where I’m going to from Asia. Twenty per cent of the AFC fund his passion as an ama- footballer. How did you manage to share that space with players be or what project I’m going to sign up teur coach. Learning his trade to get your ideas across in envi- who are so young and successful for in near future. My name has come up ronment where people tend to and who come from such diverse in the lower leagues, he battled in a few rumours, but I know very well An important part of the against preconceptions and make snap judgements? backgrounds? that it’s just talk. The fact is that I don’t his lack of top-level experi- ЃĈI came at it from another angle. I knew ЃЃBy learning to share every situation know where I’m going to go. I hope the seminar was interactive ence, and came out a winner. what my chances were when I started with every one of them, but without gen- best option comes up though. workshops and debates, Now 56, the highly-regarded working towards my goal of making a eralising because, like I said, they’re all where ideas were shared. Copa America-winning coach career in international football, but I also different. By trying to make them under- ЂЃAfter everything you’ve been has established himself in the knew I didn’t have much of a reputation. stand that quite apart from all tempta- through in your life, can you elite, having also gone up against That’s why I made it a point of trying tions out there, there’s another parallel imagine coaching Argentina one ExCom members are women, which is Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola to get in players’ minds a little, letting temptation and that’s football — play- day? considerably more than at any other for the 2015 FIFA Men’s Football them know that I’m a football person ing, having fun and enjoying yourself. ЃЃI don’t know. That isn’t up to me. There confederation. However, other bod- Coach of the Year award and is 24 hours a day. Though I wasn’t part of a Given the comparisons, we try not to isn’t an Argentinian coach out there work- ies are stepping up their game and we currently pondering his future dressing room in the first division, I was compete with the temptations on the ing right now who would be able to say need to make sure we keep up in wom- having brought to an end his ten- at amateur level. I manage to transmit outside, but to make the players under- no if the national team came calling. en’s game.” ure with Chile. that whole essence of things, which has stand that taking centre stage, not being It’s the pinnacle for anyone. You’ve to The participants were provided with The one and only coach from South gone out of football a little. And now, I’m scared of losing and giving as good as be excited about the job the whole time, in-depth information about the different America to receive a Ballon d’Or Gala a coach grounded in nothing more than you get are also pretty tempting. With but you’ve also got to be consistent and AFC and FIFA programmes. An impor- nomination for his work there, Sampaoli my knowledge of football. Chile, they got the message quickly and stay focussed. There’re processes that tant part of the seminar was interactive spoke exclusively to www.fifa.com. though they might’ve felt differently off unfold and there’re cycles… You just don’t workshops and debates, where ideas for ЂĈIs that the reason behind the the pitch, they always played as if their know. If I ever get the chance though, I improvement and shared challenges šĈJorge Sampaoli ЂĈWhy is it difficult for anyone tattoo you’ve got on your left lives depended on it. couldn’t say no. šЃMoya Dodd in different regions were brought up. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 19

Sampaoli on making Chile the Asian body out to develop Copa America champions… future generation of stars I had taken a few things from Marcelo Bielsa’s philosophy. When we HE Asian Football Confedera- took the Chile job on, tion (AFC) will introduce new we tried to be as direct, TUnder-15 regional development aggressive and offensive tournaments as part of its efforts to as he was though we had to try and bring in a bring a more systematic pathway for bit of control. the continent’s future generation. We started to defend The decision followed a recommen- a lot more with the ball, and that eventually gave the team the confidence to dictate every game A proposal has been present, the opportunities for play- and get on top of the made to ensure players opposition. ers in this age group are limited to That’s how we in the U-15 age group are qualification stages of the AFC U-16 nurtured a commitment given more exposure. Championship, held every two years. to the cause and got the The new regional event, which will be players to really buy into held during the year of every AFC U-16 things, and that made dation made by the AFC Technical finals, replaces the AFC U-14 Regional us competitive against Committee at its second meeting held Festival of Football. The committee meet- any side. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last week. ing, presided over by Deputy Chairman The proposal was made to ensure Obaid Mubarak Obaid Al Shamsi of the that players in the U-15 age group are UAE, also approved the introduction provided with the exposure to feature of Tutoring-the-Tutors programme. arm? (It reads “I don’t listen and ЂЃIt has been three months since at the international level, paving the It aims to develop and transform the follow, because a lot of what’s you left the job. How do you way for a more structured and sustained continent’s most experienced coach forbidden fills me with life,” a spend your time now? approach to talent development. At educators into specialist tutors. lyric from the song Prohibido ЃЃI watch matches. It has been hard (Forbidden) by Argentinian band to adjust actually because I had spent Callejeros). a lot of time linked to the game, with- ЃЃAbsolutely. If I had listened to what out a break. But I’m watching a lot of people said, I wouldn’t have pitted my football, speaking to people and ana- High-level seminar puts wits against all ex-players who’ve gone lysing different leagues. We don’t have on to become coaches. I obviously didn’t a team to compete with, but we’re keep- have that much of a chance against the ing in the loop and waiting to see what women’s game in focus whole football environment. But I didn’t the future brings. listen and I tried to get through to presi- dents and directors in a different way. Had SIAN Football Confederation’s delegates working in the women’s game I listened to what people said, I would’ve Had I listened to what (AFC) Member Association from 39 Member Associations, with stayed in Casilda and worked in a bank. Arepresentatives and experts other confederation officials adding But that’s what rebelling is all about: not people said, I would’ve from FIFA, UEFA, Confederation of a global perspective to the issues dis- letting people stop you from doing things, stayed in Casilda and African Football as well as North, Central cussed and solutions. not being told what to do. Our belief was worked in a bank. American and Caribbean Association FIFA and AFC Executive Committee that being rebellious was an integral part last week discussed the way forward for Member as well as AFC Women’s Football of things. That lyric stayed with me, and the women’s game on the continent. Committee Chairperson Moya Dodd that’s why I got it tattooed on me. ЂЃWhat worries you most about The two-day high-level seminar, held said, “The AFC has a great record in a time like this? in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, attracted women’s football on and off the pitch. ЂЃYou talk about handling the ЃЃWhat I dislike most of all is the uncer- Five of the world’s top 20 teams are dressing room, but what’s it like tainty, not knowing where I’m going to from Asia. Twenty per cent of the AFC to share that space with players be or what project I’m going to sign up who are so young and successful for in near future. My name has come up and who come from such diverse in a few rumours, but I know very well An important part of the backgrounds? that it’s just talk. The fact is that I don’t ЃЃBy learning to share every situation know where I’m going to go. I hope the seminar was interactive with every one of them, but without gen- best option comes up though. workshops and debates, eralising because, like I said, they’re all where ideas were shared. different. By trying to make them under- ЂЃAfter everything you’ve been stand that quite apart from all tempta- through in your life, can you tions out there, there’s another parallel imagine coaching Argentina one ExCom members are women, which is temptation and that’s football — play- day? considerably more than at any other ing, having fun and enjoying yourself. ЃЃI don’t know. That isn’t up to me. There confederation. However, other bod- Given the comparisons, we try not to isn’t an Argentinian coach out there work- ies are stepping up their game and we compete with the temptations on the ing right now who would be able to say need to make sure we keep up in wom- outside, but to make the players under- no if the national team came calling. en’s game.” stand that taking centre stage, not being It’s the pinnacle for anyone. You’ve to The participants were provided with scared of losing and giving as good as be excited about the job the whole time, in-depth information about the different you get are also pretty tempting. With but you’ve also got to be consistent and AFC and FIFA programmes. An impor- Chile, they got the message quickly and stay focussed. There’re processes that tant part of the seminar was interactive though they might’ve felt differently off unfold and there’re cycles… You just don’t workshops and debates, where ideas for the pitch, they always played as if their know. If I ever get the chance though, I improvement and shared challenges lives depended on it. couldn’t say no. šЃMoya Dodd in different regions were brought up. ANTHONY MARTIAL

Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

AFP/ Ben Stansall AFP/ Ben Stansall 22 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 23

was the prize money El Jaish received for Basketball QR1m their efforts

We played as one unit. This helped us defend the title. It was a good feeling particularly after we CUP of couldn’t win the Qatar League and El Jaish come back strongly in Qatar Cup. ššKosai Hatem Vernon Leon the last two quarters to beat Macklin, El Jaish player. We were lacking Al Gharafa in the title clash š šCarlos Nunes in maturity: Kosai and retain the Emir’s Cup. L GHARAFA coach Kosai Hatem’s worst fears came true when ĈĈVernon Leon Macklin Ahis players could not absorb top-scores for Jaish JOY pressure in their crunch game against El Jaish. The Iraqi was apprehensive about his team’s failure to rise to the occasion as Mohammad Amin-ul Islam despite being a good side technically, Gharafa could not cope with pressure

Adamu Saaka had 15. Ali Turki Ali and DSP/Mohan at the Qatar League and Qatar Cup, Abilmona Fadi Hani contributed 12 ššMembers of El Jaish team with Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, fourth right, and other Qatar Basketball Federation officials on the podium. where they finished fourth and sec- CHANGE in coaching reins and 11 respectively. For Gharafa, for- ond respectively. just before the final brought ward Emmanuel Adako posted a match- “It was a close final. We played well in A El Jaish luck as they beat Al high figure of 22 and point guard Kevin defence, but our attack wasn’t strong. Gharafa 73-63 to retain the Emir’s Cup. Galloway (19 points and 12 rebounds) Hassino Ndoye had a bad day and, as a They thus ended the season on a high had the only double-double of the match. Brazilian federation chief hails Qatar result, we collapsed,” Kosai told Doha having failed to win the Qatar League Nevertheless, it hardly mattered as Stadium Plus. and Qatar Cup. they struggled to score in the third and Even Abdulrahman Saad, who is gen- Jaish uncorked a surprise when fourth quarters and Jaish took the match RAZILIAN basketball federa- football. But when I saw the huge pres- erally quick and had been the team’s they parted ways with Serbian coach away from them. tion head Carlos Nunes praised ence of fans, I was very happy. I thank mainstay, looked a bit out of sorts as Dragoslav Milovanovic and recruited Despite a slow start, Jaish regained Bthe efforts of Qatar Basketball the QBF for hosting such a big event. It’ll he could not break the Jaish defence. Hatem Mamlouk from Al Arabi. That confidence through guards Abilmona Federation (QBF) for developing the not only help build the sport’s image, Not winning the prestigious trophy proved to be a masterstroke as the Fadi Hani and Mansour Atif Elhadary. sport in a big way. but also attract a lot of juniors. That’s would rankle Gharafa’s long-serving Tunisian brought out the best in Jaish, Carlos was among the QBF’s guests very important for any country want- coach for a while, but he was hopeful who were trailing by a point after the first at the Emir’s Cup final. ing to excel in the sport,” he said. the team would bank on the positives two quarters at the Al Gharafa Indoor Jaish centre Vernon Leon “I was thrilled to see a full house Carlos also said the quality of the learnt during the season and move for- Hall last week. watching top teams in a grand final. game on display was very high. ward. DSP Mamlouk said he was very happy Macklin top-scored with It’s a good advertisement for the sport,” “Technically, both sides were supe- for being able to live up to the club’s 18 points while guard Carlos told Doha Stadium Plus. rior. Not surprisingly then, the final expectations. Adamu Saaka had 15. ššCarlos Nunes “I know Qatar is very passionate about was a close affair. DSP “It was a great win, particularly against a strong side. Personally, I’m very happy since I joined Jaish just before After the first two quarters when the the final and still managed to help them teams were more or less even, Jaish retain the title,” Mamlouk told Doha improved their scoring in the third. ‘Coach had great plan, Stadium Plus. Back-to-back three-pointers by Saaka This was the fourth clash of the season and Abilmona at 42-40 sent them eight between the sides, with Gharafa win- points clear and on the way to victory. we simply followed it’ ning twice in the league before Jaish Gharafa committed too many fouls in pulled it off in play-off. the last two quarters and that resulted in Jaish had lost to Al Rayyan in the Jaish taking the game away from them. L JAISH captain Abilmona Fadi Qatar Cup semifinal. Qatar Basketball Federation President Hani’s joy knew no bounds fol- We’re happy that we Jaish centre Vernon Leon Macklin Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Elowing their Emir’s Cup triumph. top-scored with 18 points while guard presented the trophy to Jaish. DSP “This was a top competition. Winning finished the season on it in back-to-back seasons was a great a high and retained the achievement. I thank God, my team- Emir’s Cup. mates and the new coach for the suc- It was a great win, cess,” Abilmona told Doha Stadium particularly against a Plus. “We couldn’t do particularly well in “We all stuck together and worked on strong side. Personally, the Qatar League and Qatar Cup. We’re some specifics to pull it off. The coach I’m very happy since happy that we finished the season on had a great plan and we simply fol- I joined Jaish just a high and retained the Emir’s Cup.” lowed it,” added Abilmona. before the final and still Jaish had lost to Gharafa in the 2013- Vernon Leon Macklin, who top-scored managed to help them 14 Emir’s Cup final. for Jaish, was also delighted with the retain the title. Abilmona, who had 11 points, was victory. one of the top performers. His quick “The title will motivate us to start Hatem Mamlouk, El Jaish coach. breaks proved a bit too much as Gharafa next season with a positive frame of DSP/Mohan struggled to stop him. mind,” he said. DSP ššEl Jaish’s Abilmona Fadi Hani, right, is challenged by Al Gharafa’s Salem Omar. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 23

was the prize money El Jaish received for QR1m their efforts

ššKosai Hatem

We were lacking ššCarlos Nunes in maturity: Kosai

L GHARAFA coach Kosai Hatem’s worst fears came true when Ahis players could not absorb pressure in their crunch game against El Jaish. The Iraqi was apprehensive about his team’s failure to rise to the occasion as despite being a good side technically, Gharafa could not cope with pressure

DSP/Mohan at the Qatar League and Qatar Cup, ššMembers of El Jaish team with Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, fourth right, and other Qatar Basketball Federation officials on the podium. where they finished fourth and second respectively. “It was a close final. We played well in defence, but our attack wasn’t strong. Hassino Ndoye had a bad day and, as a Brazilian federation chief hails Qatar result, we collapsed,” Kosai told Doha Stadium Plus. Even Abdulrahman Saad, who is gen- RAZILIAN basketball federa- football. But when I saw the huge pres- erally quick and had been the team’s tion head Carlos Nunes praised ence of fans, I was very happy. I thank mainstay, looked a bit out of sorts as Bthe efforts of Qatar Basketball the QBF for hosting such a big event. It’ll he could not break the Jaish defence. Federation (QBF) for developing the not only help build the sport’s image, Not winning the prestigious trophy sport in a big way. but also attract a lot of juniors. That’s would rankle Gharafa’s long-serving Carlos was among the QBF’s guests very important for any country want- coach for a while, but he was hopeful at the Emir’s Cup final. ing to excel in the sport,” he said. the team would bank on the positives “I was thrilled to see a full house Carlos also said the quality of the learnt during the season and move for- watching top teams in a grand final. game on display was very high. ward. DSP It’s a good advertisement for the sport,” “Technically, both sides were supe- Carlos told Doha Stadium Plus. rior. Not surprisingly then, the final ššCarlos Nunes “I know Qatar is very passionate about was a close affair. DSP ‘Coach had great plan, we simply followed it’

L JAISH captain Abilmona Fadi Hani’s joy knew no bounds fol- We’re happy that we Elowing their Emir’s Cup triumph. “This was a top competition. Winning finished the season on it in back-to-back seasons was a great a high and retained the achievement. I thank God, my team- Emir’s Cup. mates and the new coach for the success,” Abilmona told Doha Stadium Plus. “We couldn’t do particularly well in “We all stuck together and worked on the Qatar League and Qatar Cup. We’re some specifics to pull it off. The coach happy that we finished the season on had a great plan and we simply fol- a high and retained the Emir’s Cup.” lowed it,” added Abilmona. Jaish had lost to Gharafa in the 2013- Vernon Leon Macklin, who top-scored 14 Emir’s Cup final. for Jaish, was also delighted with the Abilmona, who had 11 points, was victory. one of the top performers. His quick “The title will motivate us to start breaks proved a bit too much as Gharafa next season with a positive frame of struggled to stop him. mind,” he said. DSP ššEl Jaish’s Abilmona Fadi Hani, right, is challenged by Al Gharafa’s Salem Omar. 24 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 25 Motorsport

It’s always a great feeling Time to take rest, says QMMF chief to win in front of your fans. We get great support wherever we race in the FTER the successful conclusion strategy, Al Mannai promised plenty world, but to race in your of a smashing season, it is time of surprises. Ato take some rest and plan for “Watch out for the next season. We’ll own country is always a very special feeling. future for Qatar Motor and Motorcycle have surprises aplenty,” he said. Federation President Abdulrahman Al Al Mannai lauded Nasser Saleh Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah Mannai and his team. Al Attiyah for his achievements, but It has been busy weeks in office for Dune bashing! Al Mannai, who took over the reins Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah storms to victory at the from Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah in Ever since Al Mannai the middle of the season. took over, international Sealine Rally to continue his perfect start to Motocross, MotoGP and Sealine Cross- Country Rallies were conducted in two events have happened the FIA Cross-Country World Cup title defence. months’ time and Al Mannai feels it is one after the other. time to plan for future. “Ever since I took over, international events have happened one after the he wants more people to follow his ĈĈThe ace Qatari driver wins cheer about. other. Now, it’s time to rest, relax and ilk. “Nasser is a role model. I would four of the five stages At the end of 1,650km of timed rac- plan for future,” he said. like to see more such people,” added ing in harsh desert conditions, Nasser Though he did not reveal the new Al Mannai. DSP ššAbdulrahman Al Mannai and Baumel, who were untouchable Sajith B Warrier in four of the five stages, celebrated an imperious win with a victory lap at the Losail International Circuit. “We did our best to control the race Chileans perfect in ATARI ace Nasser Saleh Al at every stage. If we needed to push Attiyah continued his perfect then we would push, but if we didn’t Qstart to the FIA Cross-Country need to push, then we concentrated handling challenges World Cup title defence with a victory in the Sealine Rally at home last week. Following his impressive triumph Nasser and Baumel ERNAN Garces and Juan Pablo last year,” said South Racing’s Managing at the recent Abu Dhabi Desert Latrach were thoroughly im- Director Scott Abraham. picked out the fastest Challenge, Nasser and his French Hpressive in their first-ever foray “It was a good race for the car. We co-driver Mathieu Baumel stormed path possible in the first into the Middle East cross-country had no mechanical problems along home in a Toyota Hilux to win the stage to take control. rallying and brought their DMAS South the way and Juan Pablo did a great Sealine rally for the fourth time in Racing Ford Ranger to an eighth-place job with the navigation. five years. ššThe podium finishers in the first race of finish at Qatar’s demanding Sealine “From our side, I want to thank the “It’s always a great feeling to win in on finding a good rhythm. Losail 600 Cup. Rally. front of your fans. We get great support “There were some really enjoyable Notorious for some of the most varied wherever we race in the world, but sections through the dunes at this race. Qatar’s Fadhel, and testing terrains on the planet and It was a good race for to race in your own country is always Navigation was sometimes tough, renowned for making the co-drivers a very special feeling,” said Nasser. but we made sure we found the road Omran shine work hard to overcome tricky naviga- the car. We had no Nasser and Baumel picked out the and didn’t take too many risks in this tion in a complex route road book, the mechanical problems fastest path possible in the first stage area,” Nasser added. DSP ATAR’S Fadhel Al Khater and event showed no mercy, but Chileans along the way. to take early control of the contest. A Palestinian Omran Karama took Garces and Latrach handled the chal- second successive stage win helped Qa double each in Losail 600 Cup lenges perfectly. RESULTS them extend the lead and dictate the 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Qatar Touring Car Championship Their Ford Ranger never missed a team, both at the race and in the work- Toyota Hilux (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel 15:15:51 pace. Overdrive (QTCC) respectively at the Losail Inter- beat and, save for a delay when they shop. It was a long, hard slog to prepare Despite opening the section amid (FRA) national Circuit last week. got stuck in some of the event’s tricky the car and they did a wonderful job. 2. Yazeed Al Rajhi (KSA)/ Mini All4 15:27:54 plenty of technical and navigational Timo Gottschalk (GER) Racing Fadhel started from pole in the first sand dunes, the duo was in conten- That showed in the result,” he said. challenges, another stage victory on 3. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/ Mini All4 race and controlled it throughout. Ali tion for the top 10 from the outset. Garces said, “I really enjoyed the 16:27:04 Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has no the bounce gave their fans plenty to Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) Racing Al Shammari chased him, but unfor- “Hernan got stronger as the rally went rally. It was very technical. We were Nasser time to rest as he gets ready for the third round of Middle East tunately he suffered a gear trouble and on. We must remember that the last always on the pace and I didn’t get ready for Rally Championship in Jordan had to retire. In the second race, Fadhel race he took part in was in September bored in the car,” DSP from May 5 to 7. finished ahead of Saoud Al Thani. Jordan The 12-time regional Fadhel leads the championship with 50 champion will be back behind points, followed by Abdullah Al Qubaisi Rally the wheel of a Skoda Fabia in (47) and Soud (42). the event, to be held under the patronage of Jordan Motorsport Omran, who is racing under Qatar’s Chairman Prince Feisal Al licence, was unstoppable in the QTCC. Hussein. In the first race, Qatar’s Abdulla Al “Jordan is a special place for Khulaifi took the lead over the first five me and I’m looking forward to laps, but Omran managed to overtake that event,” said Nasser. him in the sixth and stayed ahead until A city centre location will the chequered flag. deliver a high-profile launch for the rally, where Nasser is the The second race was more exciting defending champion. It will be as the starting grid was in reverse of the followed by two days of tough finishing order of race one. So Omran, driving through the Dead Sea who has 22 points, started from the back and Jordan Valley areas. DSP of the grid. In the second lap, Omran was posi- tioned third, but took lead in the third šĈNasser Saleh Al Attiyah, right, celebrates with Mathieu Baumel. and maintained it till the end. DSP ššHernan Garces and Juan Pablo Latrach, in a Ford Ranger, overcome the challenges. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 25

ERNAN Garces and Juan Pablo last year,” said South Racing’s Managing Latrach were thoroughly im- Director Scott Abraham. Hpressive in their first-ever foray “It was a good race for the car. We into the Middle East cross-country had no mechanical problems along rallying and brought their DMAS South the way and Juan Pablo did a great Racing Ford Ranger to an eighth-place job with the navigation. ššThe podium finishers in the first race of finish at Qatar’s demanding Sealine “From our side, I want to thank the Losail 600 Cup. Rally. Notorious for some of the most varied Qatar’s Fadhel, and testing terrains on the planet and It was a good race for renowned for making the co-drivers Omran shine work hard to overcome tricky naviga- the car. We had no tion in a complex route road book, the mechanical problems ATAR’S Fadhel Al Khater and event showed no mercy, but Chileans along the way. Palestinian Omran Karama took Garces and Latrach handled the chal- Qa double each in Losail 600 Cup lenges perfectly. and Qatar Touring Car Championship Their Ford Ranger never missed a team, both at the race and in the work- (QTCC) respectively at the Losail Inter- beat and, save for a delay when they shop. It was a long, hard slog to prepare national Circuit last week. got stuck in some of the event’s tricky the car and they did a wonderful job. Fadhel started from pole in the first sand dunes, the duo was in conten- That showed in the result,” he said. race and controlled it throughout. Ali tion for the top 10 from the outset. Garces said, “I really enjoyed the Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah has no Al Shammari chased him, but unfor- “Hernan got stronger as the rally went rally. It was very technical. We were Nasser time to rest as he gets ready for the third round of Middle East tunately he suffered a gear trouble and on. We must remember that the last always on the pace and I didn’t get ready for Rally Championship in Jordan had to retire. In the second race, Fadhel race he took part in was in September bored in the car,” DSP from May 5 to 7. finished ahead of Saoud Al Thani. Jordan The 12-time regional Fadhel leads the championship with 50 champion will be back behind points, followed by Abdullah Al Qubaisi Rally the wheel of a Skoda Fabia in (47) and Soud (42). the event, to be held under the patronage of Jordan Motorsport Omran, who is racing under Qatar’s Chairman Prince Feisal Al licence, was unstoppable in the QTCC. Hussein. In the first race, Qatar’s Abdulla Al “Jordan is a special place for Khulaifi took the lead over the first five me and I’m looking forward to laps, but Omran managed to overtake that event,” said Nasser. him in the sixth and stayed ahead until A city centre location will the chequered flag. deliver a high-profile launch for the rally, where Nasser is the The second race was more exciting defending champion. It will be as the starting grid was in reverse of the followed by two days of tough finishing order of race one. So Omran, driving through the Dead Sea who has 22 points, started from the back and Jordan Valley areas. DSP of the grid. In the second lap, Omran was posi- tioned third, but took lead in the third and maintained it till the end. DSP ššHernan Garces and Juan Pablo Latrach, in a Ford Ranger, overcome the challenges. 26 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 27 At a glance

‘Level of game in CHESS the Middle East Jazeera Academy increasing’ are champions

L JAZEERA Academy won SIAN Confederation of Bil- the Qatar Schools Sub-Junior liard Sports (ACBS) President AChampionships held at the Al AMubarak Hamad Al Khayareen Muntaza Independent Boys School said the level of game was high in the last week. Middle East. As many as 54 players, represent- Al Khayareen, who has been heading 25 schools, took part in the two- ing the ACBS since last year, is also the day competition. Executive Director of the Qatar Billiards Noor Al Khaleej International School and Snooker Federation. and Doha Modern Indian School came “I’ve been observing the steady pro- second and third respectively. gress of players from the Middle East Mohammed Al Hajji, Mariam Ardhaoui

DSP/ Mohan since I assumed charge of the Asian and Michael Khamatgaleev claimed ššThailand’s Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn in action at the 32nd Asian Snooker Championship. body last year. Just take this year’s Asian individual honours. Snooker Championship. We’ve had a Meanwhile, the Qatar Chess Association, player from the UAE reaching the final. hoping to tap the ever-increasing inter- CUE SPORTS That’s a sign of progress. Earlier this ššWinners of the rhythmic session for schoolchildren are all smiles as they pose with Qatar Gymnastics Federation officials. est among kids for rapid competitions, game was dominated by cueist from will organise an Under-16 tournament just one or two countries. Now the GYMNASTICS from Thursday till Saturday. number just keeps increasing,” said The matches on the first two days will Al Khayareen, after the 32nd edition be played at the Ladies Club in Aspire of the tournament. Zone while the final day’s action will be Though no players from Qatar could Giving kids the right direction at the Toyota Showroom in Abdulghani advance past the last 16, Al Khayareen Tower on the C Ring Road. DSP Crown of Thorn! was banking on the positives. “They did their best, with three of HE Qatar Gymnastics Federation part of future national squads,” QGF right direction,” he added. Thailand’s Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn beats the UAE’s Mohamed them advancing past the group phase. (QGF) conducted a rhythmic President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi told Doha While the country prepares to host There’s scope for improvement and I’m Tsession for schoolchildren at Stadium Plus. the 48th Artistic World Championships Sehab in the final to win the Asian Snooker Championship. sure they’ve learnt a lot after rubbing the Al Luqta Training Hall last week. “The huge presence of the kids was in 2018, the QGF’s efforts are praise- shoulders with some of the best play- As many as 120 aspiring gymnasts something that we were looking for. worthy. ers from Asia,” he added. DSP from various training centres attended We’re thrilled to know that the sport “Gymnastics has a good future. The boosted my confidence level. I hope to the programme. is being taken seriously by the school federation is serious to develop it. We’ve Sajith B Warrier Lertsattayathorn’s continue from here. This win will raise my “The idea to organise such events authorities and parents. Gymnastics is some good gymnasts, but we want to profile for sure,” added Lertsattayathorn, was to identify the talent. We want to a fitness sport. In such age-group ses- attract more youngsters to join our pro- ššWinners of the Qatar Schools Sub-junior Championship display success makes him the who kept his country’s proud history in develop gymnasts who can become a sions, our coaches will give the kids the grammes,” said Al Hitmi. DSP their medals and trophies. 11th different winner the tournament intact. NEW Asian champion is born from Thailand. In the last 31 editions of the cham- and he goes by the name Kritsa- pionship, Thai cueists have won the A nut Lertsattayathorn. title 15 times while Lertsattayathorn’s HORSERACING RESULTS WEDNESDAY The 27-year-old clinched the 32nd Asian break of the tournament. success makes him the 11th different Abeah (Yanis Aouabed) 1, AJS Al Maanagieh 2, Al Doctor 3. Won by: Hd, 2. Time: Race 1 Snooker Championship title defeating “I feel over the top. This is a break- winner from his country, and the first 1:19.64. Owned by: Saad Rabiah Saad Al Kaabi. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Dygham (Stephan Ladjadj) 1, Saif Brooq 2, Al Jalila 3. Won by: ¾, Hd. Time: 1:19.71. Race 2 the UAE’s Mohamed Sehab 6-2 in the through win in my career,” said since 2011. Rassan shows his class in easy win Trained by: Abdullah Al Jaber. Owned by: Abdullah Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. final at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Lertsattayathorn, speaking with the Lertsattayathorn had reached the quar- Al Jamaaheer (Alberto Sanna) 1, Al Wasmiya 2, Al Naif Never Mind 3. Won by: 3, Race 3 Federation Hall last week. help of a translator. terfinal at the World Amateurs in Egypt 3 ½. Time: 1:26.04. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Injaaz Stud. Al Qatari (Cedric Segeon) 1, Chandon Du Soleil 2, Al Sahm 3. Won by: In the process, the Thai cueist, who Nicknamed ‘Thorn’, Lertsattayathorn last year while in 2014, he had sensa- ASSIM bin Ali Al Attiyah-owned Race 4 Shd, ½. Time: 2:12.89. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Hassan Ali had nailed India’s top seed Pankaj Advani was in a class of his own at the QBSF tionally reached the semifinal at the Rassan (Amer-Sandytiki) stamped Abdulmalik. in the semifinal, sealed a two-year pro- throughout the tournament, where World Professional 6 Reds Championship his authority with a fluent victory Spongy (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, Bnedel 2, Power Play 3. Won by: 2 ½, ¾. Time: J Race 5 1:59.50. Trained by: Mohammed Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin fessional Tour card from International he beat Pakistan’s former champion in his hometown, eliminating heavy- at the Al Zubara Cup, a Local Purebred Sheail Al Kuwari. Polaris (Alberto Sanna) 1, Pipe Bomb 2, Succeed and Excel 3. Won by: 9, ½. Billiards and World Snooker Federation. Mohammad Asif in the quarterfinal. weights Ryan Day, Mark Davis and John Arabian Conditions race, last week. Race 6 Time: 1:10.25. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Injaaz Stud. DSP ššMubarak Hamad Al Khayareen He also picked up $1,750 for the maximum “To win against two great players has Higgins. Riding a copybook race, Jassim Lina Al Mels (JP Guillambert) 1, Fawwaz 2, Damas 3. Won by: 1 ½, 1 ¼. Time: Mohammed Al Ghazali-trained Rassan Race 7 2:20.41. Trained by: Mohammed Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin followed Umm Qarn’s Raedah till the Sheail Al Kuwari. Rassan (Richard Mullen) 1, Raedah 2, Al Marboush 3. Won by: 7, 1 ½. Time: Race 8 straight before striding clear for a com- 2:11.46. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Jassim bin Ali Al Attiyah. TABLE TENNIS fortable eighth career victory. THURSDAY Majdan (Pier Convertino) 1, Verracruz 2, TM Majid Texas 3, Daryan Al Naif 4. Won Raedah, who tried pillar-to-post tac- Race 1 by: 1, 1, 1. Time: 1:32.09. Trained by: Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Al Jeryan tics, was second ahead of Al Marboush Stud. and Seif Ennar. The winner clocked Ghzayel (Marvin Suerland), 2. King of Doha (Seb Sanders), 3. Christmas Aria Race 2 (Pier Convertino), 4. World Fair (Ali Al Showeikh). Won by: 1 3/4, 1/2, 2. Time: Al Sadd off to a strong start 2min, 11.46sec for the 1,900M trip. 1:36.53. Trained by: Zuhair Mohsen. Owned by: Ali Thamer Al Mehshadi.

Saad Rabiah Saad Al Kaabi-owned Juhaim Babu Photo/ Dubai Star (Darren Williams) 1, Charme Secret 2, Could Be 3, Soebroto 4. ššRassan en route to victory at the Al Zubara Cup. Race 3 Won by: Shd, Nk, 3/4. Time: 1:35.72. Trained by: Osama Al Dhafea. Owned by: Abeah (Majd Al Arab-Nespionne Al Osama Omar Al Dhafea. OLDERS Al Sadd started their “We had a difficult match against had a great start when they won both Maury) took her first win in three AJS Buraq (Brett Doyle) 1, Heytham 2, Lehwaila 3, Al Aayar 4. Won by: 1, 3/4, Hd. Race 4 Emir’s Cup campaign on a con- Rayyan. It was a close one. We’re their matches in Group B. starts with an exciting victory in the Time: 1:18.09. Trained by: Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Al Jeryan Stud. Djelamer (Gaetan Faucon) 1, Almuheet 2, Hagwa 3, Ainhoa Munjili 4. Won by: Hfident note last week, winning happy to prevail over them in the end,” Arabi, who defeated Al Gharafa and Al Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate. Ibrahim Jaber-owned and trained Dygham (Jaffer failed to catch up with the front-run- Race 5 1 3/4, Nk, 1 1/2. Time: 1:46.08. Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. Owned by: Khalifa both their matches to lead Group A. said Sadd’s Hungarian coach Ferenc Wakrah, looked set to book their sem- Al Malki-saddled Abeah (Yanis Aouabed ASF-Mahboobah ASF) went on a suc- ner, who kicked on gamely to record bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Attiyah. Erroneous (Alberto Sanna) 1, Beach Samba 2, Jazz 3, The Smart One 4. Won by: The four-time champions overcame Fischer. ifinal berth from the group along with astride) came with telling strides in the cessful start-to-finish mission in the his maiden win in four starts. Race 6 Nk, 1 1/2, Nk. Time: 1:35.73. Trained by: Jassim Ghazali. Owned by: Injaaz Stud. Al Rayyan 3-2 in their first match before “The boys have so far showed the Jaish, who won against Al Shamal and final stages of the race to overhaul AJS second division of the Purebred Arabian Injaaz Stud’s Al Jamaaheer (Hockney- Crafted (Cedric Segeon) 1, Nayef Dancer 2, Fadak 3, Trading Profit 4. Won by: cruising past Al Ahli 3-1 at the Qatar kind of form expected of them and Al Gharafa. Maanagieh. The winner clocked 1min, Maiden Plate. Jockey Stephen Ladjadj Inthemoodforlove) put in a dazzling Race 7 1/2, 1 1/4, 1 3/4. Time: 2:02.32. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. Table Tennis Association Training Centre. we’re determined to retain the title,” The top two teams from each group 19.64sec for the 1,200M trip. Al Doctor took Dygham to the front and made display to win the Local Thoroughbred Al Majh’Hoor (Marco Monteriso) 1, AJS Al Rayyan 2, Mayasa 3, Mekhbatt 4. Al Khor and Qatar Sports Club are he added. will qualify for Friday’s semifinals while was third ahead of Fhoud Al Shajaa. every post a winning one. Saif Brooq Handicap for horses rated 70 and Race 8: Won by: Shd, 3/4, Hd. Time: 2:03.77. Owned by: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin ššWaleed Nasser… Al Sadd’s spearhead. the other teams in the group. Last year’s runners-up Al Arabi too the final is on May 1. DSP Abdullah Sultan Ahmed Al posed a threat in the final furlong, but below. DSP Khalifa Al Thani. Trained by: Julian Smart. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 27

CHESS Jazeera Academy are champions

L JAZEERA Academy won the Qatar Schools Sub-Junior AChampionships held at the Al Muntaza Independent Boys School last week. As many as 54 players, represent- ing 25 schools, took part in the two- day competition. Noor Al Khaleej International School and Doha Modern Indian School came second and third respectively. Mohammed Al Hajji, Mariam Ardhaoui and Michael Khamatgaleev claimed individual honours. Meanwhile, the Qatar Chess Association, hoping to tap the ever-increasing inter- ššWinners of the rhythmic session for schoolchildren are all smiles as they pose with Qatar Gymnastics Federation officials. est among kids for rapid competitions, will organise an Under-16 tournament GYMNASTICS from Thursday till Saturday. The matches on the first two days will be played at the Ladies Club in Aspire Zone while the final day’s action will be Giving kids the right direction at the Toyota Showroom in Abdulghani Tower on the C Ring Road. DSP

HE Qatar Gymnastics Federation part of future national squads,” QGF right direction,” he added. (QGF) conducted a rhythmic President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi told Doha While the country prepares to host Tsession for schoolchildren at Stadium Plus. the 48th Artistic World Championships the Al Luqta Training Hall last week. “The huge presence of the kids was in 2018, the QGF’s efforts are praise- As many as 120 aspiring gymnasts something that we were looking for. worthy. from various training centres attended We’re thrilled to know that the sport “Gymnastics has a good future. The the programme. is being taken seriously by the school federation is serious to develop it. We’ve “The idea to organise such events authorities and parents. Gymnastics is some good gymnasts, but we want to was to identify the talent. We want to a fitness sport. In such age-group ses- attract more youngsters to join our pro- ššWinners of the Qatar Schools Sub-junior Championship display develop gymnasts who can become a sions, our coaches will give the kids the grammes,” said Al Hitmi. DSP their medals and trophies.

HORSERACING RESULTS WEDNESDAY Abeah (Yanis Aouabed) 1, AJS Al Maanagieh 2, Al Doctor 3. Won by: Hd, 2. Time: Race 1 1:19.64. Owned by: Saad Rabiah Saad Al Kaabi. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Dygham (Stephan Ladjadj) 1, Saif Brooq 2, Al Jalila 3. Won by: ¾, Hd. Time: 1:19.71. Race 2 Rassan shows his class in easy win Trained by: Abdullah Al Jaber. Owned by: Abdullah Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. Al Jamaaheer (Alberto Sanna) 1, Al Wasmiya 2, Al Naif Never Mind 3. Won by: 3, Race 3 3 ½. Time: 1:26.04. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Injaaz Stud. Al Qatari (Cedric Segeon) 1, Chandon Du Soleil 2, Al Sahm 3. Won by: ASSIM bin Ali Al Attiyah-owned Race 4 Shd, ½. Time: 2:12.89. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Hassan Ali Rassan (Amer-Sandytiki) stamped Abdulmalik. his authority with a fluent victory Spongy (Tadgh O’Shea) 1, Bnedel 2, Power Play 3. Won by: 2 ½, ¾. Time: J Race 5 1:59.50. Trained by: Mohammed Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin at the Al Zubara Cup, a Local Purebred Sheail Al Kuwari. Polaris (Alberto Sanna) 1, Pipe Bomb 2, Succeed and Excel 3. Won by: 9, ½. Arabian Conditions race, last week. Race 6 Time: 1:10.25. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Injaaz Stud. Riding a copybook race, Jassim Lina Al Mels (JP Guillambert) 1, Fawwaz 2, Damas 3. Won by: 1 ½, 1 ¼. Time: Mohammed Al Ghazali-trained Rassan Race 7 2:20.41. Trained by: Mohammed Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Khalifa bin followed Umm Qarn’s Raedah till the Sheail Al Kuwari. Rassan (Richard Mullen) 1, Raedah 2, Al Marboush 3. Won by: 7, 1 ½. Time: Race 8 straight before striding clear for a com- 2:11.46. Trained by: Jassim Al Ghazali. Owned by: Jassim bin Ali Al Attiyah. fortable eighth career victory. THURSDAY Majdan (Pier Convertino) 1, Verracruz 2, TM Majid Texas 3, Daryan Al Naif 4. Won Raedah, who tried pillar-to-post tac- Race 1 by: 1, 1, 1. Time: 1:32.09. Trained by: Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Al Jeryan tics, was second ahead of Al Marboush Stud. and Seif Ennar. The winner clocked Ghzayel (Marvin Suerland), 2. King of Doha (Seb Sanders), 3. Christmas Aria Race 2 (Pier Convertino), 4. World Fair (Ali Al Showeikh). Won by: 1 3/4, 1/2, 2. Time: 2min, 11.46sec for the 1,900M trip. 1:36.53. Trained by: Zuhair Mohsen. Owned by: Ali Thamer Al Mehshadi.

Saad Rabiah Saad Al Kaabi-owned Juhaim Babu Photo/ Dubai Star (Darren Williams) 1, Charme Secret 2, Could Be 3, Soebroto 4. ššRassan en route to victory at the Al Zubara Cup. Race 3 Won by: Shd, Nk, 3/4. Time: 1:35.72. Trained by: Osama Al Dhafea. Owned by: Abeah (Majd Al Arab-Nespionne Al Osama Omar Al Dhafea. Maury) took her first win in three AJS Buraq (Brett Doyle) 1, Heytham 2, Lehwaila 3, Al Aayar 4. Won by: 1, 3/4, Hd. Race 4 starts with an exciting victory in the Time: 1:18.09. Trained by: Mohannad Al Yaqout. Owned by: Al Jeryan Stud. Djelamer (Gaetan Faucon) 1, Almuheet 2, Hagwa 3, Ainhoa Munjili 4. Won by: Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate. Ibrahim Jaber-owned and trained Dygham (Jaffer failed to catch up with the front-run- Race 5 1 3/4, Nk, 1 1/2. Time: 1:46.08. Trained by: Alban de Mieulle. Owned by: Khalifa Al Malki-saddled Abeah (Yanis Aouabed ASF-Mahboobah ASF) went on a suc- ner, who kicked on gamely to record bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Attiyah. Erroneous (Alberto Sanna) 1, Beach Samba 2, Jazz 3, The Smart One 4. Won by: astride) came with telling strides in the cessful start-to-finish mission in the his maiden win in four starts. Race 6 Nk, 1 1/2, Nk. Time: 1:35.73. Trained by: Jassim Ghazali. Owned by: Injaaz Stud. final stages of the race to overhaul AJS second division of the Purebred Arabian Injaaz Stud’s Al Jamaaheer (Hockney- Crafted (Cedric Segeon) 1, Nayef Dancer 2, Fadak 3, Trading Profit 4. Won by: Maanagieh. The winner clocked 1min, Maiden Plate. Jockey Stephen Ladjadj Inthemoodforlove) put in a dazzling Race 7 1/2, 1 1/4, 1 3/4. Time: 2:02.32. Trained by: Ibrahim Al Malki. Owned by: Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki. 19.64sec for the 1,200M trip. Al Doctor took Dygham to the front and made display to win the Local Thoroughbred Al Majh’Hoor (Marco Monteriso) 1, AJS Al Rayyan 2, Mayasa 3, Mekhbatt 4. was third ahead of Fhoud Al Shajaa. every post a winning one. Saif Brooq Handicap for horses rated 70 and Race 8: Won by: Shd, 3/4, Hd. Time: 2:03.77. Owned by: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdullah Sultan Ahmed Al posed a threat in the final furlong, but below. DSP Khalifa Al Thani. Trained by: Julian Smart. 28 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29 At a glance

BEACH VOLLEYBALL VOLLEYBALL Qatar duo third Wakrah take on in Indonesia Sadd in Emir’s ATAR duo of Julio Cesar Jr and Cup opener Ahmed Tejan finished third Qat the Asian Volleyball Con- L WAKRAH will take on Al Sadd federation Tour’s Palembang Open in in the opening match of the Indonesia last week. AEmir’s Cup on Saturday after Cesar Jr and Ahmed, who progressed the draw for Qatar’s most important from the group stage with an all-win domestic cup competition was made record, lost to Kazakhstan 16-21, 15-21 ššDr Mohammad Ghaith Al Kuwari presents a memento to Dr Tawfik bin Ahmad Khoja while Wellness and last week. in the semifinal. Recovery Centre (Naufar) Director General Dr Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Ali Al Maadeed looks on. Qatar League champions Al Arabi will In the bronze-medal play-off, they have the winners of the match between beat New Zealand 21-16, 16-21, 15-12. Qatar SC and Al Khor as their first oppo- šš Qatar players celebrate with the trophy after emerging as the Asia Championship Division 3 West Central winners. Cesar Jr and Ahmed have been in SPORTS MEDICINE nents in the tournament to be held at good form this season. They had fin- the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in ished fourth at the recent Satun Pak Al Sadd. RUGBY Bara Open in Thailand. “On the final two days of the Emir’s “It was a good outing for us. We’re Aspetar holds key Cup, the Communities Championships pleased with the way we got back into semifinals and final have been planned. the match. Cesar has always been a So we expect a massive number of great support. We won crucial points GCC conference spectators to come and support their and put a lot of pressure on some good teams. At the new venue, we can host teams. I’m also happy that I played well any number of fans,” said Qatar Volleyball in the tie-break set and contributed SPETAR, in partnership with Association General Secretary Yousef DSP my best in the important victory,” said the Health Ministers’ Council Participants discussed Kano. Ahmed. DSP Afor GCC States, organised the first regional Sports Medicine Confer- new ways to enhance SCHEDULE collaboration and Prefix denotes match number ence last week. 1. Al Wakrah vs Al Sadd, 4.30pm Qatar champions APRIL 30 The two-day event brought together sharing of information. 2. Al Ahli vs Al Shamal, 6.30pm Qatar survive Lebanon’s challenge to emerge as Asia Championship Division 3 West Central winners. experts and professionals in the field of MAY 1 3. Qatar SC vs Al Khor, 4.30pm sports medicine from across the region. 4. El Jaish vs winners of 2nd match, 4.30pm MAY 3 They made a range of presentations, among members of Olympic commit- 5. Al Rayyan vs winners of 1st match, while Paul Beard had one conversion Karim extended a four-point buffer ‘Lack of confidence, and took part in panel discussions and tees from the region in a range of disci- 6.30pm Mohammad Amin-ul Islam and penalty. (9-5) midway through the opening half workshops on modern approaches to plines including surgery, rehabilitation, 6. Police vs Al Gharafa, 4.30pm MAY 4 7. Al Arabi vs winners of 3rd match, For Lebanon, Martin Wahbe had one when Qatar infringed in their quarter. discipline cost us’ sports medicine and best practices in injury prevention and approaches to 6.30pm try while Karim Jammal came up with After some neat sets of play and wide their countries. enhancing sports performance.” BEST-OF-THREE SEMIFINALS one conversion and three penalties. passing, Qatar crossed over for their sec- Lebanon captain Karim Jammal gave Participants also discussed new ways Council director general Dr Tawfik 8. Winners of 4th match vs winners of full credit to Qatar while adding his 5th match, 4.30pm OSTS Qatar won the Asia Cham- The visitors led 6-0 after 10 minutes, ond try, courtesy of Uffindall. Beard’s to enhance collaboration and sharing bin Ahmad Khoja said, “This conference MAY 7 team’s lack of confidence and discipline 9. Winners of 6th match vs winners of pionship Division 3 West Central thanks to captain and goal-kicker Karim. conversion was successful, giving Qatar of information to support continued should serve as a springboard for gen- cost them the title. 7th match, 6.30pm Hafter beating Lebanon 25-19 in the lead (12-9) for the first time. “We made several and rapid progress at the regional and erating further interest in sports med- 10. Winners of 6th match vs winners of 7th match, 4.30pm the final at the Aspire Zone last week. Qatar continued to display courage international levels. icine in the region. There’s no doubt MAY 9 mistakes,” said Karim. 11. Winners of 4th match vs winners of The teams were tied 12-12 at the inter- and intent, and managed to impose “We also had three Aspetar Acting Director General Dr that Aspetar is ideally placed to assume 5th match, 6.30pm val, but Qatar broke free towards the Lebanon gave us a tough themselves on their opponents even yellow cards in the Mohammad Ghaith Al Kuwari said, responsibility for organising this con- 12. Winners of 4th match vs winners of end which proved 5th match, 4.30pm end and won comfortably. fight, but we never though they had to face stiff resist- “Organising this conference reflects ference, based on its extensive expertise MAY 11 13. Winners of 6th match vs winners of “It’s a great feeling to beat Lebanon gave up as we were ance. They even committed some to be a big factor. Aspetar’s profile as the GCC reference in sports medicine. Aspetar can play It was probably our 7th match, 6.30pm in front of home supporters. There was forced errors and gave away penal- centre in sports medicine. It also pro- a pioneering role in enhancing phys- MAY 13 Final, 6.30pm determined to win. lack of discipline that šš Ahmed Tejan, left, and Julio Cesar Jr. DSP a lot of pressure on us to win, but we ties, allowing Karim to lock the score cost us the match.” vides an ideal platform to share expertise ical activity in the community.” turned it into positive energy. Lebanon 12-12 at the break. Karim also praised Qatar’s gave us a tough fight, but we never gave However, an infringement by Mohammad The start of second half was fast and performance. up as we were determined to win,” Qatar Turk saw them being reduced to 14 men furious, with the visitors scoring their “They had good set plays and in the HANDBALL captain Tom Weatherstone told Doha and that helped Qatar exert pressure. first try through Wahbe while Karim line outs, their catch and drive were Stadium Plus. Beard pounced on a loose ball and stretched the lead to 19-12. However, impeccable. They peeled off easily and kept moving. They made us work harder Paul Beard, Mathew Uffindall, Malcom claimed his first try (6-5), but could the script changed then onwards and as they spread us out,” he added. DSP Reid and Jamie Frost had a try each not convert. it was Qatar all the way. DSP Jaish sign off in style

EWLY-CROWNED champions El FINAL STANDINGS Jaish ended their Qatar League Read as played, won, drawn, lost and points. ‘We want to be a part of World Rugby’ Ncampaign on a high, beating El Jaish 22 21 0 1 65 Lekhwiya 22 17 5 0 56 Al Khor 32-20. Al Rayyan 22 14 6 2 52 Jaish, who had triumphed with four Al Gharafa 22 12 4 6 52 ATAR Rugby Federation (QRF) many aspiring clubs and players to par- rounds to go, ended up with 65 points El Quiyada 22 13 6 3 51 President Yousef Al Kuwari ticipate in a full-fledged competition. from 22 games. Al Wakrah 22 10 10 2 44 Al Ahli 22 8 11 3 41 exuded confidence that the It’s a big news. The Camels I won the title, beating They won all but one of their matches, Q Al Arabi 22 8 12 2 40 sport would gain prominence in the victory made sure we’ve Hurricanes in the final recently. with the tie against Lekhwiya ending Qatar SC 22 6 14 2 36 country. put ourselves on the “We’ve huge ambitions. We want to in a stalemate. Al Sadd 22 6 14 2 36 “It was a very exciting year for us rugby map in Asia be a part of World Rugby as an associ- Qatar Handball Association President Al Shamal 22 2 18 2 28 and the best moment was winning the ate member. In the meantime, we’ve Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrab Al Shaabi Al Khor 22 2 19 1 27 Asian West Central competition. It’s a the sevens and we’ll continue to focus handed over the Qatar League shield big news. We’re very much excited. The told Doha Stadium Plus. on it. We’ll also send teams to play top to the Armymen. their 36-33 win over Qatar SC. Al Rayyan

victory made sure we’ve put ourselves The QRF started a 7s league early Asian tournaments, including Dubai Asian champions Lekhwiya emerged ended up third for the second time in DSP/Mohan ššYousef Al Kuwari on the rugby map in Asia,” Al Kuwari this year which opened up avenues for Sevens, next year,” added Al Kuwari. DSP as runners-up with 56 points following as many years with 52 points. DSP šš Triumphant El Jaish team members with Qatar Handball Association officials. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 29

HANDBALL Jaish sign off in style

Asian champions Lekhwiya emerged ended up third for the second time in DSP/Mohan as runners-up with 56 points following as many years with 52 points. DSP šš Triumphant El Jaish team members with Qatar Handball Association officials. 30 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 31 At a glance

TENNIS GOLF Tokyo 2020 Games Ice-cool Hoffman get new logo turns hot in Texas OKYO 2020 Olympic organis- ers last Monday announced a 48 match alerts Tnew logo nearly eight months HOLDING COURT! HARLEY Hoffman, ice-cool on after the original choice was scrapped received in 2016 the back nine, took advantage over a plagiarism scandal, but faced Cof a last-day collapse by fellow immediate criticism that it was ‘dull’. HE organisation tackling the Rafael Nadal wins the Barcelona Open to equal American Ricky Barnes to clinch his šš Brazil’s big hope... Neymar The new design, chosen from a short threat of match-fixing in ten- fourth PGA Tour victory by one shot list of four finalists unveiled earlier this Tnis has received 48 alerts this Guillermo Vilas’s record of 49 clay-court titles. at the Texas Open in San Antonio, US, month, features a circular indigo-col- year, mostly from the lower tiers of the last Sunday. OLYMPICS oured Japanese traditional chequered professional ranks. Two off the pace overnight, Hoffman pattern. A briefing note from the Tennis Integrity AFAEL Nadal maintained his Prix title and end her opponent’s sen- bucked a worrying recent trend of card- Below the design by Tokyo-based Unit (TIU) last week said 24 men’s matches ominous clay-court form by sational run. ing poor scores in final rounds as he Neymar to lead Brazil’s designer Asao Tokolo are the words on the Futures Tour and 10 women’s Rseizing back the Barcelona Open Siegemund, who had beaten Agnieszka closed with a three-under-par 69 on “Tokyo 2020” and under them the five matches from the entry-level ITF cir- title from Japan’s Kei Nishikori with a Radwanska, Roberta Vinci and Simona the challenging Oaks layout at TPC interlocking Olympic rings. cuit had aroused suspicion. 6-4, 7-5 victory last Sunday, matching Halep in her previous rounds, however, San Antonio. charge at Rio Games Guillermo Vilas’s record title haul on Compatriot Patrick Reed, who played the surface. with Hoffman in the final round, had One Grand Slam match A week after reclaiming the Monte Nadal, eyeing a 10th to settle for second place as he also OOTBALL superstar Neymar will from Athens on a circuitous tour through Carlo crown, the 29-year-old Spaniard signed off with a 69, narrowly miss- lead Brazil’s charge for gold med- Greece, eventually winding through triggered an alert while French Open title, had returned to another of his favourite ing eight-foot birdie putts on 16 and Fals at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics scores of Brazilian cities before arriv- there was one from the hunting grounds to end Nishikori’s not won back-to-back 17 before finishing up with a birdie at as the country seeks to forget its political ing at Rio’s Maracana Stadium for the WTA Tour as well. two-year hold on the trophy and take titles since 2013. the par-five 18th. and economic blues. August 5 opening ceremony. his tally in the Catalan capital to nine. Elsewhere, South Korea’s Lee Soo- The country of 200 million people is Brazil have never won the men’s Nadal, who will target a 10th French Min earned his first European Tour title counting on winning about 30 medals. Olympic football gold. But they have One Grand Slam match triggered an Open title next month, had not won had no answers for Kerber. after sealing a wire-to-wire victory at the That would put it in the top 10 sport- negotiated a deal with Barcelona so that alert and one from the WTA Tour, but back-to-back titles since 2013. Elsewhere, Cagla Buyukakcay capped weather-hit Shenzhen International ing powers for the first Olympics to be Neymar will play in the Olympics, but be there were none from the men’s ATP He now has 49 clay-court titles the a historic week by becoming the first last Monday. held in South America. rested for the Copa America Centennial Tour. The men’s Challenger circuit, one same as former Argentinian great Vilas. Turkish winner of a WTA tournament A bogey at the last did not prove costly The Olympic torch set off last week in the United States in June. Š rung below the main Tour, had seen 12. Meanwhile, world No.3 Angelique following a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over š Rafael as Lee finished with a 16-under 272, Nadal Alerts are forwarded to the TIU from the Kerber beat qualifier Laura Siegemund Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic in the celebrates with two strokes ahead of Joost Luiten and betting industry when there is “unusual 6-4, 6-0 to defend her Stuttgart Grand Istanbul Cup final. the trophy. Brandon Stone. India’s sports stars reacted with hit-and-run crash, was named by the or suspicious activity” around a match. Meanwhile, Haru Nomura of Japan Dismay at Khan’s dismay last Sunday after actor Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to survived windy conditions and a mid- Salman Khan was appointed goodwill boost public support for the team in a round meltdown to claim her second appointment ambassador for the country’s Olympic country obsessed with cricket. win of the season, a four-shot victory team in the Rio Games later this But many sportspersons, including CYCLING MOTORSPORT at Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in San year. Olympic wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and Francisco. Khan, who was cleared last year Olympian Milkha Singh questioned Dutchman Poels of killing a homeless man in a IOA’s move. supreme in Liege Rossi steals spotlight

EAM Sky claimed their first major TALIAN MotoGP great Valentino Spaniard Marc Marquez was third for MARATHON classic win when Dutchman Rossi enjoyed one of the most sat- Honda. TWout Poels prevailed in the Iisfying wins of an extraordinary After four of the season’s 18 races, Liege-Bastogne-Liege one-day race career by beating his Spanish rivals and the first in Europe, Marquez has Kipchoge, Sumgong win last Sunday, the fourth of five ‘Monu- with a dominant display at their home 82 points and Lorenzo 65. ments’ of the season. circuit last Sunday. Rossi is third with 58. The lanky Poels jumped away from a The 37-year-old Yamaha rider led LIUD Kipchoge produced the RESULTS group of four late attackers with 250M to every lap on the way to his 113th career second fastest run in marathon MEN RESULTS 1. Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) 2:03:05 go in a 248km ride from Liege, Belgium, victory, and record 87th in the top class. history to successfully defend šTim Peake runs on the International Space MOTOGP E š 2. Stanley Biwott (KEN) 2:03:51 Station’s treadmill in space. beating Swiss Michael Albasini (Orica- He had started on pole position and 1. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 45:28.834 his London Marathon title while his 3. Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) 2:06:36 GreenEDGE) and Portuguese former also set the fastest lap. 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) Yamaha at 2.386 Kenyan compatriot Jemima Sumgong 4. Ghirmay Ghebreslassie (ERI) 2:07:46 world champion Rui Costa (Lampre) Team-mate and reigning world cham- 3. Marc Marquez (ESP) Honda 7.087 showed remarkable courage after a fall 5. Wilson Kipsang (KEN) 2:07:52 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) Honda 10.351 who finished second and third. pion Jorge Lorenzo, who passed Rossi to win the women’s race last Sunday. WOMEN 5. Aleix Espargaro (ESP) Suzuki 14.143 1. Jemima Sumgong (KEN) 2:22:58 British astronaut for a matter of seconds on lap two WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP There was sheer brilliance from ele- 2. Tigist Tufa (ETH) 2:23:03 before being swiftly put back in his 1. Hayden Paddon (NZL) Hyundai 3:40:52.900 gant Kipchoge, who retained his crown 3. Florence Kiplagat (KEN) 2:23:39 makes history place, finished second for his 100th 2. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) VW at 14.300 in a course record 2hr, 3min and 5sec 4. Volha Mazuronak (BLR) 2:23:54 3. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) VW 1:05.200 5. Aselefech Mergia (ETH) 2:23:57 British astronaut Tim Peake became š Italian rider Valentino Rossi kisses the trophy after winning MotoGP podium. and looked faintly disappointed to fin- š 4. Daniel Sordo (ESP) Hyundai 1:17.100 the Spanish MotoGP. Championship leader and fellow ish an agonising eight seconds outside the first man to complete a marathon 5. Mads Ostberg (NOR) Ford 4:56.700 in space, running the classic 26.2 mile STANDINGS Dennis Kimetto’s landmark of 2:02:57. distance while strapped to a treadmill MOTOGP New York champion Stanley Biwott aboard the International Space 1. Marc Marquez (ESP) 82 also from Kenya, finished second, 46 sec- Station last Sunday. Hayden Paddon kept ace driver Sebastien Ogier at bay to 2. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) 65 onds behind while Ethiopian Kenenisa As part of the London Marathon, Paddon win the Rally of Argentina last Sunday for his first World 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) 58 the 44-year-old spaceman saw the Rally Championship success. 4. Dani Pedrosa (ESP) 40 Bekele came third in 2:06:36. city’s roads under his feet in real triumphs The Hyundai driver, tipped as a future world champion, Sumgong, 31, picked herself up after 5. Pol Espargaro (ESP) 36 time on an iPad as, 250 miles below kept his cool to clock the quickest time in the concluding banging her head on the ground when WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP him, more than 37,000 runners in Argentina power stage in El Condor to win his first WRC rally by 14sec, 1. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) 96 she was tripped at a water station 8km simultaneously pounded the streets. and the first by a New Zealander in WRC’s 43-year history. 2. Hayden Paddon (NZL) 57 from the finish and prevailed in a duel Peake covered the distance in Ogier, driving a Volkswagen Polo, leads the drivers’ 3. Mads Ostberg (NOR) 52 with last year’s winner, Ethiopia’s Tigist 3hr, 35min, 21sec, which was a world standings on 96 points, with Paddon moving up to 57 and 4. Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) 48 Tufa, for her first major marathon title šGreat Britain’s Prince Harry poses with away from the time recorded by the Norway’s Mads Ostberg on 52. 5. Daniel Sordo (ESP) 44 š ššWout Poels crosses the finish line first. ššCharley Hoffman since Rotterdam three years ago. Eliud Kipchoge and Jemima Sumgong. winner, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 31

GOLF Tokyo 2020 Games Ice-cool Hoffman get new logo turns hot in Texas OKYO 2020 Olympic organis- ers last Monday announced a Tnew logo nearly eight months HARLEY Hoffman, ice-cool on after the original choice was scrapped the back nine, took advantage over a plagiarism scandal, but faced Cof a last-day collapse by fellow immediate criticism that it was ‘dull’. American Ricky Barnes to clinch his šš Brazil’s big hope... Neymar The new design, chosen from a short fourth PGA Tour victory by one shot list of four finalists unveiled earlier this at the Texas Open in San Antonio, US, month, features a circular indigo-col- last Sunday. OLYMPICS oured Japanese traditional chequered Two off the pace overnight, Hoffman pattern. bucked a worrying recent trend of card- Below the design by Tokyo-based ing poor scores in final rounds as he Neymar to lead Brazil’s designer Asao Tokolo are the words closed with a three-under-par 69 on “Tokyo 2020” and under them the five the challenging Oaks layout at TPC interlocking Olympic rings. San Antonio. charge at Rio Games Compatriot Patrick Reed, who played with Hoffman in the final round, had to settle for second place as he also OOTBALL superstar Neymar will from Athens on a circuitous tour through signed off with a 69, narrowly miss- lead Brazil’s charge for gold med- Greece, eventually winding through ing eight-foot birdie putts on 16 and Fals at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics scores of Brazilian cities before arriv- 17 before finishing up with a birdie at as the country seeks to forget its political ing at Rio’s Maracana Stadium for the the par-five 18th. and economic blues. August 5 opening ceremony. Elsewhere, South Korea’s Lee Soo- The country of 200 million people is Brazil have never won the men’s Min earned his first European Tour title counting on winning about 30 medals. Olympic football gold. But they have after sealing a wire-to-wire victory at the That would put it in the top 10 sport- negotiated a deal with Barcelona so that weather-hit Shenzhen International ing powers for the first Olympics to be Neymar will play in the Olympics, but be last Monday. held in South America. rested for the Copa America Centennial A bogey at the last did not prove costly The Olympic torch set off last week in the United States in June. as Lee finished with a 16-under 272, two strokes ahead of Joost Luiten and Brandon Stone. India’s sports stars reacted with hit-and-run crash, was named by the Meanwhile, Haru Nomura of Japan Dismay at Khan’s dismay last Sunday after actor Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to survived windy conditions and a mid- Salman Khan was appointed goodwill boost public support for the team in a round meltdown to claim her second appointment ambassador for the country’s Olympic country obsessed with cricket. win of the season, a four-shot victory team in the Rio Games later this But many sportspersons, including at Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in San year. Olympic wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and Francisco. Khan, who was cleared last year Olympian Milkha Singh questioned of killing a homeless man in a IOA’s move.

MARATHON Kipchoge, Sumgong win

LIUD Kipchoge produced the RESULTS second fastest run in marathon MEN 1. Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) 2:03:05 Ehistory to successfully defend ššTim Peake runs on the International Space 2. Stanley Biwott (KEN) 2:03:51 Station’s treadmill in space. his London Marathon title while his 3. Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) 2:06:36 Kenyan compatriot Jemima Sumgong 4. Ghirmay Ghebreslassie (ERI) 2:07:46 showed remarkable courage after a fall 5. Wilson Kipsang (KEN) 2:07:52 WOMEN to win the women’s race last Sunday. 1. Jemima Sumgong (KEN) 2:22:58 British astronaut There was sheer brilliance from ele- 2. Tigist Tufa (ETH) 2:23:03 gant Kipchoge, who retained his crown 3. Florence Kiplagat (KEN) 2:23:39 makes history in a course record 2hr, 3min and 5sec 4. Volha Mazuronak (BLR) 2:23:54 5. Aselefech Mergia (ETH) 2:23:57 and looked faintly disappointed to fin- British astronaut Tim Peake became ish an agonising eight seconds outside the first man to complete a marathon in space, running the classic 26.2 mile Dennis Kimetto’s landmark of 2:02:57. distance while strapped to a treadmill New York champion Stanley Biwott aboard the International Space also from Kenya, finished second, 46 sec- Station last Sunday. onds behind while Ethiopian Kenenisa As part of the London Marathon, Bekele came third in 2:06:36. the 44-year-old spaceman saw the Sumgong, 31, picked herself up after city’s roads under his feet in real time on an iPad as, 250 miles below banging her head on the ground when him, more than 37,000 runners she was tripped at a water station 8km simultaneously pounded the streets. from the finish and prevailed in a duel Peake covered the distance in with last year’s winner, Ethiopia’s Tigist 3hr, 35min, 21sec, which was a world Tufa, for her first major marathon title ššGreat Britain’s Prince Harry poses with away from the time recorded by the ššCharley Hoffman since Rotterdam three years ago. Eliud Kipchoge and Jemima Sumgong. winner, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge. 32 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 33 Movers&Shakers Kaleidoscope

Yuvraj eyes 2019 World Cup Fanzone backs Euro 2016

NDIA’S Yuvraj Singh has been in 2000. He was crucial for India during RECHARGE Online event platform Fanzone will be the official transport and fan and out of the team in recent years, their 2007 World Twenty20 victory in service provider of the European š Ibut the all-rounder believes he South Africa and was also player-of- šIbrahim Al Hussein Football Championship in France still has enough cricket in him to the-tournament in the team’s 50-over YOUR BATTERIES! in June. The company will provide look forward to the 2019 World Cup World Cup win on home soil in 2011. online transportation services that in England and Wales. But later in 2011 he was told he Refugee amputee will enable fans to plan their jour- The 34-year-old left-handed bats- had a golf ball-sized non-malignant ATIGUE afflicts everyone at one time or the other. Tiredness, experienced differently neys across host nation France as they follow their teams. It will offer man has seen it all in an international tumour in his lungs. It was later re- to carry torch by different people, from stress or lack of sleep usually subsides after a good night’s rest while other fatigue is more persistent and may be debilitating even after restful shared rides and public transport career that started as an 18-year-old in diagnosed as a cancerous condition F solutions. ššYuvraj Singh the 50-over ICC KnockOut Trophy in called “mediastinal seminoma”. SYRIAN amputee swimmer, sleep. Assuming your doctor has ruled out serious medical causes, the following are a granted asylum in Greece, few basic steps you can take to recharge your batteries. A will be a torch-bearer for the PACE YOURSELF pooped out. However, if you the form of energy that 2016 Rio Games and is to run with the have trouble sleeping at cells can burn, but taking Olympic flame through a refugee camp If you are a go-getter, Johnson finally you probably like to night, know that napping more of them does not in Athens on Tuesday. keep going, but don’t can make insomnia worse. supercharge your cells. crowned champ Liverpool drop Sakho Ibrahim Al Hussein crossed the Aegean If that is the case for you, risk overtaxing yourself. from Turkey to Greece on a rubber boat For example, instead of get moving instead. Get up FUEL UP WISELY Tokyo 2020 gets ICHARD Johnson was finally in 2014 after having lost part of his leg in burning through all your and walk around the block A sugary roll from the crowned British jump racing’s after failed dope test a bombing in Syria. He has since been ‘battery life’ in two hours, or just move around. bakery delivers plenty of more support Rchampion jockey after two dec- given asylum in Greece, the main route spread it out among calories, but your body ades of being the sport’s “nearly man”. into Europe from 2015 for more than a morning and afternoon SKIP SUPPLEMENTS tends to metabolise them Japanese food and drink company tasks, and evening activities The popular Englishman, one of the IVERPOOL sidelined France in- million people from conflict-wracked Iron only improves energy quickly, and then you can Kikkoman Corporation, known for its with rest and meals in end up with sinking blood finest riders of his generation, has been ternational defender Mamadou or poor countries in the Middle East, if you are clearly deficient, soy sauce brand, secured a spon- between. which a doctor can sugar and fatigue. You sorship deal with the local organis- striving for years to claim the most win- LSakho pending the result of a dop- Asia and Africa. will maintain a steadier check with a blood test. ing committee for the 2020 Tokyo ners in a season only to be deprived ing investigation that could rule him out Otherwise, you do not need energy level by eating lean Olympics. Kikkoman will be support- TAKE A WALK OR A NAP season after season by the great Tony of the European Championship in June. to take it as getting too protein and unrefined ing the Japanese teams at the 2016 McCoy. Sakho had failed a dope test following Yego hopes to There is nothing more much of it can be harmful. carbohydrates. Olympic and Paralympic Games In the first year since McCoy’s retire- the use of a fat-burning drug as an aid satisfying than a short Similarly, B vitamins help in Rio de Janeiro and 2018 Youth power nap when you are ment, 16-time runner-up Johnson finally to weight loss. Liverpool did not provide win in Rio Games the body convert food into » Harvard Medical School Olympics in Buenos Aires. received the deserved reward for his details of the substance, but said they enduring excellence after riding his had received a formal communication ULIUS Yego, the pioneering Ken- 235th winner of the season on the final from UEFA last week. A club statement yan thrower, said he believed he day of the campaign at Sandown Park said UEFA was “investigating a possible Jwill win the country’s first javelin in London’s suburbs. anti-doping rule violation by Sakho”. medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de To make his day just perfect it “The player is currently not sub- Janeiro this summer. was McCoy, winner of the title 20 ject to any playing suspension,” Yego became the first Kenyan ath- Sensor to spot years in succession, who was on Liverpool added. lete to win a Commonwealth Games hand to present the trophy to UEFA said the “adverse finding” gold in a field event in 2014, a feat he slightest touch his 38-year-old friend and rival. had been registered in a test car- then repeated at an even higher level Emirates Airlines “I know I wouldn’t have ried out at the Europa League in last year’s World Championships. achieved what I did with- round of 16 game against Man “Everybody thinks I should win a AUL Hawkins, the inventor of extends ICC deal out him driving me on,” United on March 17. medal in Rio. Even myself, I think I’ll do the Hawk-Eye ball-tracking said McCoy. it. I’ve a feeling that I’ll do it,” he said. Psystem, has developed a The International Cricket Council sensor capable of detecting the (ICC) and Emirates have agreed to slightest touch when a batsman renew their partnership for an additional seven years. The extension will nicks the ball and hopes to make it see the Dubai-based airline continue available to amateur players at all as a Global Partner for all ICC events levels. till 2023. Former pole vault world World middleweight boxing Nicaragua’s Roman Gonzalez The size of a small coin, the device champion Giuseppe Gibilisco champion Gennady Golovkin enhanced his reputation can be fixed easily to a bat and was one of five Italian athletes confirmed his status as the most as one of the world’s best cleared of evading doping tests devastating finisher, demolishing pound-for-pound fighters after linked to an app on the umpire’s smartphone. Vespa, stylish and Pressade powers by the country’s anti-doping American challenger Dominic easily defeating Puerto Rico’s tribunal last week. The other Wade inside two rounds to score McWilliams Arroyo to retain Umpires then attach the Tour de France athletes cleared were sprinter his 22nd consecutive knockout. his World Boxing Council smartphone to their coats and Jacques Riparelli, javelin thrower The 34-year-old Kazakh star flyweight crown. Two judges record each ball using the phone’s also trendy at 70 French fruit juice brand Pressade Roberto Bertolini, 400M runner delighted a packed house of scored it 119-109 in Gonzalez’s camera, giving them access to is the new official supplier of Tour Marco Francesco Vistalli and 16,353 fans at Los Angeles’s favor with the third card instant replays and, in the case of de France, the triple jumper Fabrizio Schembri. famous Forum sports arena with marked at 120-108. world’s premier lbw appeals, showing where the ESIGN classic and symbol Seventy years later, more than an explosive performance. multi-stage cycling ball had pitched and whether it of the “dolce vita”, the Vespa 18 million models have been race. Pressade, would have hit the stumps. Dturned 70 last week and sold and Piaggio’s objective which specialises Hawkins said he was close to Italy’s most celebrated scooter is of reinventing the family in organic ranges, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Former England batsman The Los Angeles Lakers fired making this system available for buzzing along nicely after tripling aeronautical company has been is endeavouring Chris Colabello has been Kevin Pietersen will miss coach Byron Scott last Sunday public use. Although the sensors sales in the last decade. realised. to push its ‘The suspended for 80 games the remainder of the Indian after he oversaw the two worst cost £25, he hoped they could be It was on a Vespa that Gregory With the company still dealing Tour de France is without pay after testing Premier League season due seasons in franchise history, 3,500km smiles’ sold more cheaply. Peck pursued Audrey Hepburn in with the damage done to its positive for a performance- to a calf injury. The 35-year-old clearing the way for a continued campaign during enhancing substance. Colabello faced only one ball in Rising rebuild after the retirement of The Hawk-Eye tracking system, Roman Holiday, the 1953 film that production facilities by World the three-week race said the phone call he got in Pune Supergiants’ match all-time great Kobe Bryant. “We unveiled in 2000 and based on helped make the name famous. War II bombing, Piaggio asked his starting at Mont mid-March informing him that against Royal Challengers would like to thank Byron for missile guidance technology, It was actually in Florence that engineer Corradino d’Ascanio to Saint-Michel on a banned substance was found Bangalore last week, but his hard work, dedication and predicts the path of the ball after the wasp-shaped two-wheeler create a motorcycle that would July 2. in his urine was the “scariest” of retired hurt after he damaged loyalty over the last two years,” his life. the muscle. said General Manager Mitch it has hit the batsman’s pad and was born, Enrico Piaggio having be both easy to produce from the Kupchak. it now forms part of international registered the patent in the materials at hand and inexpensive » Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment, cricket’s Decision Review System. Tuscan capital on April 23, 1946. for consumers. www.csm.com, @FastTrack_ME Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 33 Kaleidoscope

Fanzone backs Euro 2016 RECHARGE Online event platform Fanzone will be the official transport and fan service provider of the European Football Championship in France YOUR BATTERIES! in June. The company will provide online transportation services that will enable fans to plan their jour- ATIGUE afflicts everyone at one time or the other. Tiredness, experienced differently neys across host nation France as by different people, from stress or lack of sleep usually subsides after a good night’s they follow their teams. It will offer rest while other fatigue is more persistent and may be debilitating even after restful shared rides and public transport F solutions. sleep. Assuming your doctor has ruled out serious medical causes, the following are a few basic steps you can take to recharge your batteries.

PACE YOURSELF pooped out. However, if you the form of energy that If you are a go-getter, have trouble sleeping at cells can burn, but taking you probably like to night, know that napping more of them does not keep going, but don’t can make insomnia worse. supercharge your cells. risk overtaxing yourself. If that is the case for you, For example, instead of get moving instead. Get up FUEL UP WISELY Tokyo 2020 gets burning through all your and walk around the block A sugary roll from the ‘battery life’ in two hours, or just move around. bakery delivers plenty of more support spread it out among calories, but your body morning and afternoon SKIP SUPPLEMENTS tends to metabolise them Japanese food and drink company tasks, and evening activities Iron only improves energy quickly, and then you can Kikkoman Corporation, known for its with rest and meals in if you are clearly deficient, end up with sinking blood soy sauce brand, secured a spon- between. which a doctor can sugar and fatigue. You sorship deal with the local organis- check with a blood test. will maintain a steadier ing committee for the 2020 Tokyo Otherwise, you do not need energy level by eating lean Olympics. Kikkoman will be support- TAKE A WALK OR A NAP to take it as getting too protein and unrefined ing the Japanese teams at the 2016 There is nothing more much of it can be harmful. carbohydrates. Olympic and Paralympic Games satisfying than a short Similarly, B vitamins help in Rio de Janeiro and 2018 Youth power nap when you are the body convert food into » Harvard Medical School Olympics in Buenos Aires.

Sensor to spot slightest touch Emirates Airlines AUL Hawkins, the inventor of extends ICC deal the Hawk-Eye ball-tracking Psystem, has developed a The International Cricket Council sensor capable of detecting the (ICC) and Emirates have agreed to slightest touch when a batsman renew their partnership for an additional seven years. The extension will nicks the ball and hopes to make it see the Dubai-based airline continue available to amateur players at all as a Global Partner for all ICC events levels. till 2023. The size of a small coin, the device can be fixed easily to a bat and linked to an app on the umpire’s smartphone. Vespa, stylish and Pressade powers Umpires then attach the Tour de France smartphone to their coats and record each ball using the phone’s also trendy at 70 French fruit juice brand Pressade camera, giving them access to is the new official supplier of Tour instant replays and, in the case of de France, the world’s premier lbw appeals, showing where the ESIGN classic and symbol Seventy years later, more than multi-stage cycling ball had pitched and whether it of the “dolce vita”, the Vespa 18 million models have been race. Pressade, would have hit the stumps. Dturned 70 last week and sold and Piaggio’s objective which specialises Hawkins said he was close to Italy’s most celebrated scooter is of reinventing the family in organic ranges, making this system available for buzzing along nicely after tripling aeronautical company has been is endeavouring public use. Although the sensors sales in the last decade. realised. to push its ‘The cost £25, he hoped they could be It was on a Vespa that Gregory With the company still dealing Tour de France is 3,500km smiles’ sold more cheaply. Peck pursued Audrey Hepburn in with the damage done to its campaign during The Hawk-Eye tracking system, Roman Holiday, the 1953 film that production facilities by World the three-week race unveiled in 2000 and based on helped make the name famous. War II bombing, Piaggio asked his starting at Mont missile guidance technology, It was actually in Florence that engineer Corradino d’Ascanio to Saint-Michel on predicts the path of the ball after the wasp-shaped two-wheeler create a motorcycle that would July 2. it has hit the batsman’s pad and was born, Enrico Piaggio having be both easy to produce from the it now forms part of international registered the patent in the materials at hand and inexpensive » Courtesy CSM Sport & Entertainment, cricket’s Decision Review System. Tuscan capital on April 23, 1946. for consumers. www.csm.com, @FastTrack_ME 34 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 35

Spot shots Ĉ EMIR’S CUP BASKETBALL FINAL DSP photos/ Mohan DSP photos/ Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 35 DSP photos/ Mohan DSP photos/ 36 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW

Ĉ QATAR MONICA SELES The tennis star was stabbed 1993 on the back by a fan WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 TABLE TENNIS Emir’s Cup, semifinals, 8.30pm HANDBALL onwards at Qatar Table Tennis Qatar Cup, semifinals, El Jaish Association Training Centre. vs Al Rayyan and Lekhwiya vs Al Gharafa, 5pm onwards at SATURDAY, APRIL 30 Duhail Sports Hall. CHESS Under-16 Rapid Tournament, 3pm onwards at Al Abdulghani Tower at C Ring Road. VOLLEYBALL As Leicester City stand within Emir’s Cup matches, 4.30pm touching distance of a dream finish to and 6.30pm at Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. a fairytale season, it was only natural their conductor Riyad Mahrez got HORSERACING SUNDAY, MAY 1 Weekly races, 4pm onwards at selected by fellow-professionals as Qatar Racing and Equestrian TABLE TENNIS the Player of the Year. The Algerian, a Alfardan Automobiles Club. perfect blend of style and sharpness, Emir’s Cup final, 8.30pm at THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Qatar Table Tennis Association was the team’s fulcrum right from the Training Centre. start of the season and Twitter was CHESS delighted with his selection for the hosts PlayStation contests Under-16 Rapid Tournament, top award in England. 3pm onwards at Ladies Club, Aspire Zone (till Friday). Alfardan Automobiles’ MINI showroom, FOOTBALL located in Doha’s West Bay, hosted an Rio Ferdinand Emir’s Cup third round, Al ‘Interactive Tournaments Institution’ @rioferdy5 Kharaitiyat vs Al Arabi, 5.15pm Congrats to @Mahrez22 on winning PlayStation competition last week. As many at Qatar SC Stadium, Al as 120 fans of most popular console games Wakrah vs Al Sailiya, 5.15pm at #PFAawards player of the year.. competed against each other for a chance to Al Arabi Stadium, Al Gharafa Goals.. Assists.. Flair... Skills! Deserved vs Umm Salal, 8pm at Qatar winner! win a number of prizes. SC Stadium, Al Khor vs Al Ahli, “When we thought about this event, we 8pm at Al Arabi Stadium. didn’t hesitate to confirm our support to VOLLEYBALL Wes Morgan VOLLEYBALL all MINI fans and PlayStation gamers. The Emir’s Cup 4.30pm at Ali bin @Wes5L1nk showroom offered a great space to relax and Qatar Cup final, 6.30pm at Ali Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. Great night @PFA awards. bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. socialise,” said Alfardan Automobiles General TUESDAY, MAY 3 Congratulations again to @Mahrez22 Manager Ihab Allam. FRIDAY, APRIL 29 and @vardy7 on there awards VOLLEYBALL Hanan Khalil sent the details and #fullydeserved #lcfc ORMER world No.1 tennis player Monica Seles got the shock of FOOTBALL Emir’s Cup matches 4.30pm photographs. her life when a fan from the stand stabbed her in the back during Qatar Cup, final, 7.15pm at Al and 6.30pm at Ali bin Hamad David Ginola Al Attiyah Arena. Sadd Stadium. @teamginola Fa match in Hamburg, Germany, on April 30, 1993. Magique @Mahrez22! Bravo to all the Then a 19-year-old, Seles was rushed to the hospital with a wound PFA winners: @Dele_Alli @IzzyChr17 half an inch deep in her upper back. Her injuries were serious, but not Ĉ INTERNATIONAL @bmeado9 Ryan Giggs @vardy7, the life-threatening. Swim for a cause! Home Nations managers and... “She was very lucky. Neither the lungs nor the shoulder blades were 5 6 9 affected,” tournament doctor Peter Wind had said. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 Gary Lineker The Sharq Village & Spa will host an open water swimming @GaryLineker 2 7 There4 was immediate speculation that the attack was politically challenge in 500 and 1,000M on May 6. It will start at 8am. FOOTBALL Congratulations to @Mahrez22 on motivated because of Seles’s Serbian roots. She had also received death The event, to be held in collaboration with Qatar 7 1 2 5 Champions League semifinal winning the PFA player of the year threats in connection with the conflict in erstwhile Yugoslavia. But Charity, hopes to raise awareness of providing safe and first leg. award. He’s a magnificent footballer 7 Hamburg9 5 police had ruled out the theory and said her attacker was clean drinking water for the needy, said Sharq Village & SNOOKER and an absolute joy to watch. from East Germany and appeared mentally disturbed. Spa Recreation Manager Asela Jayaweera. 6 9 8 World Championship in Those interested may contact Jayaweera at 44256999 Sheffield (till May 2). or 50551570 for registration. It can also be done online at 3 5 www.sixsenses.com/spas/doha/welcome. TENNIS 8 2 Gokul sent the details. ATP at Estoril, Istanbul, Munich; WTA at Rabat and Prague (till GOLF 3 4 6 7 May 1). EPGA at China Open; USPGA 3 9 4 THURSDAY, APRIL 28 at Zurch Classic of New Orleans; LPGA at Volunteers of SUDOKU-522 CRICKET America Texas Shootout (till May 1). 5 6 9 IPL in India (till May 29). FRIDAY, APRIL 29 FOOTBALL Sudoku is a number- 2 7 4 Ђ ЂHow many times has Spanish tennis Europa League semifinals first CYCLING placing puzzle Solution-521 ace Rafael Nadal won the French Open? leg matches. Tour of Yorkshire (till May 1). based on a 9x9 7 1 2 5 SUNDAY, MAY 1 grid with several given numbers. 4 9 3 1 7 8 6 2 5 MOTORSPORT 7 9 5 The object is to 5 6 8 2 3 4 7 9 1 Russian Formula One Grand place the numbers Name Prix 1 to 9 in the empty 7 2 1 9 5 6 4 8 3 6 9 8 squares so that each SEND YOUR ANSWER TO MONDAY, MAY 2 1 3 9 6 4 5 2 7 8 row, each column 3 5 [email protected] Phone No TENNIS and each 3x3 box 2 7 5 8 1 9 3 6 4 ATP and WTA at Madrid (till contains the same and be the lucky winner to get May 8). 6 8 4 3 2 7 5 1 9 8 2 e-mail number only once. three months’ subscription of TUESDAY, MAY 3 3 4 2 7 8 1 9 5 6 3 4 6 7 DSP magazine for free. FOOTBALL 8 5 6 4 9 2 1 3 7 Champions League semifinal second leg. 9 1 7 5 6 3 8 4 2 3 9 4

4 9 3 1 7 8 6 2 5 5 6 8 2 3 4 7 9 1 7 2 1 9 5 6 4 8 3 1 3 9 6 4 5 2 7 8 2 7 5 8 1 9 3 6 4 6 8 4 3 2 7 5 1 9 3 4 2 7 8 1 9 5 6 8 5 6 4 9 2 1 3 7 9 1 7 5 6 3 8 4 2 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com 37

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SPORT THIS WEEK TOP TWEETS BLAST FROM THE PAST INSTAGLOW

MONICA SELES The tennis star was stabbed 1993 on the back by a fan

As Leicester City stand within touching distance of a dream finish to a fairytale season, it was only natural their conductor Riyad Mahrez got selected by fellow-professionals as the Player of the Year. The Algerian, a perfect blend of style and sharpness, was the team’s fulcrum right from the start of the season and Twitter was delighted with his selection for the top award in England.

Rio Ferdinand @rioferdy5 Congrats to @Mahrez22 on winning #PFAawards player of the year.. Goals.. Assists.. Flair... Skills! Deserved winner!

Wes Morgan @Wes5L1nk Great night @PFA awards. Congratulations again to @Mahrez22 and @vardy7 on there awards #fullydeserved #lcfc ORMER world No.1 tennis player Monica Seles got the shock of her life when a fan from the stand stabbed her in the back during David Ginola @teamginola Fa match in Hamburg, Germany, on April 30, 1993. Magique @Mahrez22! Bravo to all the Then a 19-year-old, Seles was rushed to the hospital with a wound PFA winners: @Dele_Alli @IzzyChr17 half an inch deep in her upper back. Her injuries were serious, but not @bmeado9 Ryan Giggs @vardy7, the life-threatening. Home Nations managers and... “She was very lucky. Neither the lungs nor the shoulder blades were 5 6 9 affected,” tournament doctor Peter Wind had said. Gary Lineker @GaryLineker 2 7 There4 was immediate speculation that the attack was politically motivated because of Seles’s Serbian roots. She had also received death Congratulations to @Mahrez22 7 on 1 2 5 winning the PFA player of the year threats in connection with the conflict in erstwhile Yugoslavia. But award. He’s a magnificent footballer 7 Hamburg9 5 police had ruled out the theory and said her attacker was and an absolute joy to watch. 6 9 from 8 East Germany and appeared mentally disturbed. 3 5 8 2 3 4 6 7 SUDOKU-522 3 9 4 5 6 9

Sudoku is a number- 2 7 4 placing puzzle Solution-521 based on a 9x9 7 1 2 5 grid with several given numbers. 4 9 3 1 7 8 6 2 5 7 9 5 The object is to 5 6 8 2 3 4 7 9 1 place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty 7 2 1 9 5 6 4 8 3 6 9 8 squares so that each 1 3 9 6 4 5 2 7 8 row, each column 3 5 and each 3x3 box 2 7 5 8 1 9 3 6 4 contains the same number only once. 6 8 4 3 2 7 5 1 9 8 2 3 4 2 7 8 1 9 5 6 3 4 6 7 8 5 6 4 9 2 1 3 7 9 1 7 5 6 3 8 4 2 3 9 4

4 9 3 1 7 8 6 2 5 5 6 8 2 3 4 7 9 1 7 2 1 9 5 6 4 8 3 1 3 9 6 4 5 2 7 8 2 7 5 8 1 9 3 6 4 6 8 4 3 2 7 5 1 9 3 4 2 7 8 1 9 5 6 8 5 6 4 9 2 1 3 7 9 1 7 5 6 3 8 4 2 38 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com Hearsay ALL SPORTS, ONE STADIUM

Qatar Cup to be expanded QSL plans revamp with PECULATION is rife in local lesser number of teams football fraternity about the Spossibility of increasing the HE Qatar Football Association is number of teams at planning to reduce the number the Qatar Cup from Tof teams in Qatar Stars League next season, with un- from 14 to 12, from the 2017-18 season yxyxyxyxyx yxy confirmed reports onwards. United to offload saying that the Qatar A major restructuring of the Second xy xy xyxyxxyy Football Association Division (Qatargas League) is also winger Depay is planning to make it on the anvil, with just six teams fig- yxyxyxy yxyxy an eight-team affair. uring in it and all of them having a NGLISH Premier League side At present, the chance to gain promotion, thus mak- Manchester United want to get tournament is open ing the tournament more meaning- Erid of Dutch winger Memphis only for the top four ful and exciting. Depay just a year after signing him teams in the Qatar Reserve teams of top-flight clubs from PSV Eindhoven last July for £25m. Stars League, but it will be delinked from the league and Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal is likely to involve the top eight sides. will have separate competition, sim- has sanctioned the summer departure It is expected that the increased num- ply to offer a platform for those play- of his 22-year-old countryman, having ber of teams would make the tourna- ers who do not get regular chances in run out of patience with him. ment more interesting. DSP the playing eleven. DSP Depay, given the famous No. 7 shirt once worn by George Best, Bryan Robson, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, has scored just two Premier League goals. He was the top scorer in the Eredivisie Barca target Schmeichel last season, hitting 22 goals as PSV won the title. Depay signed a four-year contract with United, but has looked Kasper EICESTER city goalkeeper County in League Two and Leeds in a shadow of the player Van Gaal took Publishers: ASPIRE Printing, Publishing and Distribution Schmeichel has emerged as a the Championship, but his class this to the World Cup in Brazil when he was P O Box: 24598, Doha, Qatar. Lshock target for La Liga leaders season shone the brightest. in charge of the Netherlands. Marketing & advertising: Tel: +974 44138566 Barcelona. It will still take a special offer to per- e-mail: [email protected] With Marc-Andre ter Stegen set to suade him to leave the King Power leave Camp Nou, the Spanish giants Stadium after his key role in Leicester’s Distribution: Tel: +974 44138535/36, Fax: +974 44138597 are targeting a new goalkeeper and title challenge and their Champions Hummels keen www.twitter.com/dohastadiumplus www.facebook.com/dohastadiumplusqatar www.flickr.com/photos/dohastadiumplusqatar e-mail: [email protected] Leicester star Schmeichel is in their League qualification for next season. sights in a £15m summer deal after his Ter Stegen is expected to leave to join Man City stunning form in the title race. Barcelona to land regular first-team Schmeichel, 29, worked his way football, with Manchester City and ORUSSIA Dortmund defender back to the Premier League via Notts Liverpool among possible destinations. Mats Hummels could be inter- Bested in a move to Manchester City, hinted German star’s father Her- mann, who is also his agent. TO OUR PUBLICATION Hummels has just over a year left to Mourinho to get £300m run on his current deal and Hermann said City were an attractive proposition. Subscribe Hermann, who had previously mooted Yes, send to me war chest at Old Trafford Bayern Munich as a possible destination for his son, feels City, with Bayern boss Name: ...... Pep Guardiola as the manager, may be Jose Mourinho ORTUGUESE will their next manager within the next two a temptation to Hummels if they come Company: ...... be given a war chest of £300m weeks after he signed a deal to replace up with an offer. Pwhen he takes over as the man- Louis van Gaal. Guardiola takes over at the Etihad Address: ...... ager of Manchester United. The Red United wanted to wait until the end Stadium in the summer and Hermann Tiger all set for Devils are poised to announce him as of the season to make an announce- said, “Manchester City could also be Telephone: ...... ment, but they have been forced to a very interesting option. They’ve not PGA Tour return bring it forward after news of Mourinho done so well this year, but they’re going Fax: ...... signing the contract leaked out in his to win the league next year.” PECULATION has been mount- native country. e-mail: ...... ing that former world No.1 Tiger United top brass reckon Mourinho is SWoods could make his PGA Tour the only boss in world football capable Payment can be made by cash, cheque or DD payable to Estad Al Doha. return within the next month. of taking on Pep Guardiola, who will The 14-time Major champion has been take charge of neighbours Manchester sidelined from competition since August City next season. as he continues his recovery from back Players linked with United include SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) surgeries, but has been ramping up his Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Edinson practice routine while at home in Florida. Cavani, Thomas Mueller, Paul Pogba SEND THIS TO Some suggest Woods could make his PGA and Raphael Varane. Tour return as early as the May 5-8 Wells Van Gaal ploughed through more The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus Fargo Championship, but his manager than £250m himself since replacing P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] Mark Steinberg said there was “nothing David Moyes in 2014, but many of his new to report” with regard to a timetable. signings flopped. ALL SPORTS, ONE STADIUM

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

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SIX MONTHS ONE YEAR QR 50 (26 ISSUES) QR 100 (52 ISSUES) SEND THIS TO The Distribution Manager, Doha Stadium Plus P O Box: 24598, Tel: +974 44138527/44138567, Fax:+974 44138592/44138597, e-mail: [email protected] WEDNESDAY, April 27, 2016 VOlUME Xi iSSUE NO.12 Qr2.00 www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com

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